Η λύπη, το ανάλογο του Ιωνά.

Στην προφητεία του Ιωνά για την καταστροφή της Νινευί διαβάζουμε ότι όταν Θεός είδε την μετάνοια των κατοίκων της πόλης άλλαξε την απόφασή Του και δεν την κατέστρεψε. Ο Ιωνάς όμως που είχε προφητεύσει την καταστροφή, αντί να χαρεί λυπήθηκε γιατί η προφητεία του δεν αποδείχτηκε αληθινή. Και είπε στον Θεό ότι η λύπη του τον έφερε κοντά στον θάνατο και ότι θα προτιμούσε να πεθάνει. Πόσο διαφορετικά σκέφτεται ο άνθρωπος και πώς σκέφτεται ο Θεός! Ο άνθρωπος έχει τα σχέδια και το θέλημά του και όταν αυτά δεν  πραγματοποιούνται τότε αυτός στεναχωριέται. Πολλές φορές εκεί εντοπίζεται η αιτία της λύπης του, όπως έγινε με τον Ιωνά. Οι άνθρωποι, τα ζώα, ολόκληρη η πόλη γλίτωσαν από την καταστροφή. Πόσο καλό είναι αυτό και τι αιτία μεγάλης χαράς! Ο Ιωνάς όμως λυπάται. Εάν σκεφτόταν όπως ο Θεός θα έπρεπε και αυτός να χαρεί αν και η κατάσταση δεν εξελίχθηκε όπως προφήτευσε. Αυτό ακριβώς συμβαίνει με τον Πιστό. Αγωνίζεται να βαδίζει τον δρόμο του Θεού αλλά είναι έτοιμος να αλλάξει την πορεία αν Εκείνος του το δείξει.  Ακόμα και στα μικρά, ασήμαντα, καθημερινά θέματα και στις σχέσεις με τους συνανθρώπους. Πόση λύπη θα φύγει από την ψυχή αν μάθει να παραιτείται από το θέλημά του! Είη το όνομα Κυρίου ευλογημένο.

Sadness, the Jonah’s analogue

In the prophecy of Jonah about the destruction of Nineveh we read that when God saw the repentance of the inhabitants of the city he changed His decision and did not destroy it. But Jonah, who had prophesied the destruction, instead of rejoicing, got sad that his prophecy did not come true. And he told God that his sorrow brought him close to death and that he would rather die. How differently man thinks and how God thinks! Man has his plans and will and when they are not realized then he is sad. Many times the cause of his sorrow is found there, as happened with Jonah. People, animals, the whole city survived the disaster. How good this is and what a cause for great joy! But Jonah is sorry. If he thought like the God, he should be happy too, even though the situation did not turn out as he had predicted. This is exactly what happens with the Faithful. He struggles to walk the path of God but is ready to change course if He shows it to him. Even in small, insignificant, everyday issues and in relationships with fellow human beings. How much sorrow will leave the soul if he learns to give up his will! Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Special Prayer Requests:

“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people….  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

We pray for mercy, life, peace, and healing of all parishioners -prayers for the family and friends of Mikae Gaetanos.  Prayers for Gary Peterson; Michael Colburn; Chris Bersu; Michael and Ingrid Fotianos; Ruza Basimamovic; Chresanthe Lemieux; Zoe Kauttu; Maryann Bolt; James Day; Margaret, James, Kyriake; Joseph, Alex Aclim; Jane Anderson; Gwen H.; and Thanos Nikolopoulos.  Remember also our missionary families: Fr. Stephanos, Pr. Alexandria, Moses & Athan Ritsi serving in Albania.  Congrats to Nick & Toni Lekas on their new grandson, Nathaniel Andreas Lekas born to Andreas and Elizabeth Lekas on March 9. God grant him many years!

Thank you for your prayers …. We would like to thank you for your prayers, love, and support during Gary’s recent health issues.  We can’t put into words how much we appreciate all of you!  The flowers you sent are beautiful and brightened up our day. Our family and we have been given a tremendous blessing with Gods help, and the love and support of our family, friends, and all of our church community. God bless you all and thank you so much for everything!  Your brother and sister in Christ, Gary and Fotini Peterson

"Our Church, Our Spiritual Home"

Summer plans may take us away from our day-to-day activities - especially if we plan to travel. 

Remember, you don't have to be in church to be "in" church!  Holy Trinity offers online services, continues with worship and hospitality, and welcomes summer guests. 

Please remember how important your financial support is to the care of our parish and make arrangements to continue monthly stewardship donations during the summer months. 

Thank you.

St. Francis House:
1. Bulk Lunch Meat and Cheese Needed:
A kitchen manager said they are in desperate need of lunch meat and cheeses, please help deliver to their location, especially with the critical lunches.
2. Volunteers Needed: Due to COVID, St. Francis House is still doing drop-off meals, which we drop off, always at 70 Washington Street front door at 5 p.m. If you would like to help prepare a meal, they accept anything and are very grateful for all donations.
If you're able to help, please let Richard know at church, 904-347-9189 or dickbilleter@gmail.com. Richard can let the kitchen manager know.
3.  Future Meals: Please look to help us -- we help deliver dinners the 2nd Monday of every month. Online: Please visit us online at http://www.facebook/holytrinityoutreach.com

Greek Festival:

The annual Holy Trinity Greek Festival is October 7-9, 2022.  Our popular festival will begin with "Friday to go" with pre-orders only.  Saturday and Sunday will include music, dance and on-site dining. 

We need volunteers to host coffee hour.  You can do it solo or share the responsibility with someone else.  Please sign up at:  www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CA5AB2AA0FFC34-sunday, email Stefanie Burke at holy3goc.hostess@gmail.com; call 904/671-4566; or speak to Stefanie after church and she can sign you up.  Thank you in advance for considering offering this hospitality to our parish family and guests.

 [Using the SignUpGenius link:  click the blue box that says SIGN UP; then the brown box at the bottom    of the page that says SUBMIT AND SIGN UP - this will take you to the next screen; and click on SIGN UP NOW]

June

20-30 Apostles Fast

24      Detsis Wedding Rehearsal

25      Detsis/Armendariz Wedding

26       St. Photios Shrine - Greek Landing Day - 3 pm-5 pm

29     Apostles Peter & Paul

30     Synaxis of the Twelve Apostles

• Our “Light a Candle & Say a Prayer” ministry lets you to light a candle during divine services.  Your request will be forwarded to a Council member in the Narthex to light your candle.  If  you wish to provide names of loved ones to be prayed for, those will be provided to Fr. Maximos.

Giving by Check:  Please be sure to include a notation on the memo line to allows us to identify your intentions (i.e. stewardship, candles, trays, memorials, etc.).

Weekly Offering:  The Lord's day is to be the time for a weekly offering for the support of His cause.  Make your offering today and enable our Church to continue to enhance the spiritual growth of the Orthodox Christians entrusted to our care.  Your offering can be made at the collection basket as you exit the service.

Parish Office:

Please call (904 829-0504) or email (holy3goc@gmail.com) the parish office to update your contact information.  Also, if you know of anyone who doesn’t receive parish emails but would like to, please encourage them to contact the parish office with their contact information.

• NOTE:  If you would like Faye Peterson or Angela Lekos to prepare the Koliva for a memorial, remember there is a fee, usually $100 for time, supplies, etc. for the preparation.

• If you have a request for a special service such as a memorial, please email the church office at holy3goc@gmail.com or call 904 829-0504 (if you do not have access to email) in advance of requested date with details.

• If you would like any of the following, please contact Fr. Maximos  via email at fathermaximusa7@gmail.com or text him at 347 500-8176: 
• To receive a phone message from Father Maximos about services, special events or other subjects.
• To arrange an appointment for a House Blessing.
• To offer Holy Communion to someone in need at a hospital, nursing home, in hospice care, or at home.       

•  The normal deadline for the Church bulletin e-mail articles is before 12pm on Wednesday weekly.

• If you want your announcements on the master calendar, please remember to e-mail them to the office at holy3goc@gmail.com.

Weekly Photo:   https://www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityGOC/photos/a.214784738566511/5538925019485763