Sunday Divine Liturgy 10:00am V. Rev. Father Maximos Politis, Priest
Υπάρχουν στιγμές στη ζωή μας που μπορεί να νιώθουμε ότι έχουμε αδικηθεί. Μπορεί να νιώθουμε αδικία γιατί δεν μας τίμησαν ή δεν πήραμε μια προαγωγή που αξίζαμε. Ή, γιατί μας συκοφάντησαν ή, ακόμα, γιατί οι κόποι μας δεν έφεραν το επιθυμητό αποτέλεσμα. Και τότε νιώθουμε ότι η αδικία μας πνίγει και ότι χάνουμε τον έλεγχο της ζωής μας. Αυτό μας φέρνει θυμό, διάθεση εκδίκησης, θλίψη ή τέλος, αν το αίσθημα παρατείνεται, κατάθλιψη. Αυτά όλα όμως ισχύουν για εμάς. Ας δούμε πώς τα βλέπει ο άνθρωπος του Θεού, ή πώς θα έπρεπε να τα βλέπουμε όλοι εμείς που θέλουμε να μπούμε σε αυτό το δρόμο, να μαθητεύσουμε στους Αγίους και τους Πατέρες μας.
Ο Θεός είναι Φιλάνθρωπος, Παντοδύναμος και δεν υπάρχει τίποτα που να γίνεται ερήμην του. Και χρησιμοποιεί ανθρώπους του περιβάλλοντός μας ή και καταστάσεις για να μας βοηθήσει να μάθουμε το μάθημά μας. Ο Άγιος Ιγνάτιος ο Θεοφόρος Επίσκοπος Αντιοχείας συνελήφθη και στάλθηκε στη Ρώμη με σκοπό να τον δώσουν τροφή στα θηρία. Όταν έφτασε εκεί, ο Άγιος όχι μόνο δεν έκανε κάτι για να γλιτώσει το μαρτύριο αλλά έστειλε μια επιστολή στους Χριστιανούς της Ρώμης στην οποία μεταξύ των άλλων έλεγε:
“...Μη με λυπηθείτε, λοιπόν, αλλ’ αφήστε να με φάνε τα θηρία, γιατί είμαι σιτάρι του Θεού και πρέπει να μ’ αλέσουν τα δόντια των θηρίων, για να βρεθώ στον Χριστό άρτος καθαρός και άγιος. Θα παρακαλούσα να κολακεύσετε τα θηρία να φάνε όλο το σώμα μου, γιατί τότε θα θεωρούμαι αληθινός μαθητής του Χριστού, όταν δεν δει πλέον ο κόσμος το σώμα μου. Τώρα αρχίζω να είμαι μαθητής Χριστού…”
Σήμερα δεν υπάρχουν θηρία και διώκτες. Ή, μήπως υπάρχουν; Αν δούμε ότι όλα αυτά, δηλαδή τις αδικίες και τις θλίψεις, τα επιτρέπει ο Θεός για να γίνουμε μαθητές Του, σύμφωνα με τον Άγιο Ιγνάτιο, τότε είναι σίγουρο ότι εμείς θα υποφέρουμε λιγότερο, αφού πιστεύουμε ότι αν και εμείς δεν έχουμε τον έλεγχο της κατάστασης, ο Θεός τον έχει ο οποίος βλέπει την υπομονή μας ως εκούσιο μαρτύριο.
Injustice under Christ’s light
There are times in our lives when we may feel wronged. We may feel wronged because we were not honored or we did not get the promotion we deserved. Or, because they slandered us or, even, because our efforts did not bring the desired result. And then we feel that injustice is drowning us and that we are losing control of our lives. This brings us anger, revenge, sadness or finally, if the feeling is prolonged, depression. But all this applies to us. Let us see how the man of God sees them, or how all of us who want to enter this path, to learn from our Saints and Fathers, should see them.
God is a loving one, is Almighty and there is nothing that can be done unknowingly to Him. And it uses people around us or situations to help us learn our lesson. Saint Ignatius Theophorus (the God-bearing) Bishop of Antioch, was arrested and sent to Rome to be thrown to the wild beasts. When he arrived there, the Saint not only did nothing to escape martyrdom but sent a letter to the Christians of Rome in which he said, among other things:
"... Do not feel sorry for me, but let the beasts eat me, for I am the grain of God, and the teeth of the beasts must grind me, that I may be found in Christ a pure bread and holy. I would ask you to flatter the beasts to eat my whole body, because then I will be considered a true disciple of Christ, when the world no longer sees my body. Now I begin to be a disciple of Christ… ”
Today there are no beasts and persecutors. Or, do they exist? If we see that all these, that is, injustices and sorrows, God allows us, so that we become His disciples, according to St. Ignatius, then it is certain that we will suffer less, since we believe that although we do not have control over the situation , God has it and sees our patience as voluntary martyrdom.
“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 who is fastly recovering from surgery; 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.
Stewardship:
We enter our spiritual home not to be entertained, but to be a part of a community of believers. We receive Jesus Christ in Holy Communion. As we pray, worship and serve together, we become His Body. To be truly a member of the Church as Body of Christ requires our presence and our engagement with one another -- in worship, study and service to others. We grow spiritually as a family. We give sacrificially as we acknowledge that all we have comes from God.
The stewardship theme for this year is "Our Church, Our Spiritual Home" and it bears repeating as we work toward reaching the stewardship goals that fully support the needs of our parish. The Stewardship segment of our weekly bulletin will now include some additional information regarding our progress. This information will include the number of families that are active stewards, the total amount pledged and the amount contributed to date. Please note that the total amount pledged is twenty five percent below what we have budgeted for stewardship income, which makes staying focused on our goals even more important.
To be stewards of the Gospel, we need to be stewards of our parish. We are called to apply our abilities and resources to the tasks that God places before us. If we do this humbly and prayerfully, the body of Christ will function to its full potential.
To all who faithfully contribute to their stewardship commitment, thank you.
Update St. Francis House:
If are not able to help right now? Please look to help us another day -- we help deliver dinners the 2nd Monday of every month.
Online: Please visit us online at http://www.facebook.com/holytrinityoutreach Blessings in Christ, Richard
Re-Opening Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Bookstore: We are blessed to announce the reopening of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church bookstore and gift shop on September 11, 2022. As we pray for those who have fallen asleep in the Lord during the tragedy of 9/11, we are reminded of the love of God for us through His Body, the Church. Subdeacon Michael Fotianos and his lovely wife Ingrid, who are leaving our Parish after many years, have given their lives to the Church. We have all been deeply enriched as a result. In their honor, the bookstore/gift shop will be aptly called the “Michael and Ingrid Fotianos Bookstore.” Axios! In Christ! Paula Marchman Lekas and Melissa Kauttu Strange
Parish Council 9/11 Memorial Luncheon Ministries Fundraiser September 11, 2022: Celebrating - The Dedication and Naming of the Parish Bookstore Gift Shop Ministry! Menu: Nick Kelley’s Famous Pasta & Meat Sauce, Bill Lulias’ Famous Spinach and Kale Salad; Phenomenal Baklava by Stella Bigelow (Suggested donation $10.00)
Calling All Men and Boys (6 years and Older): Have you noticed your head chanter, Nick Lekas, hustling between the chanters stand and the altar to help Father Maximos during a service? On occasion, it has been others in the congregation who saw the need and were moved to help. This happens because we lack altar help on a consistent basis.
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. https://www.staugustinegreekfestival.com/
Saint Phanourios:
All are invited to offer a Phanouropita in honor of St. Phanourios on this Sunday, August 28. The holy, glorious and right-victorious Great-martyr Phanourios is commemorated on August 27th. St. Phanourios is known for assisting the faithful in revealing lost objects, directing or revealing actions that should be taken, restoring health and similar situations. He is honored by the faithful through a symbolic cake, called the "Phanouropita," which can be brought to the church, at any time, for a blessing.
Coffee Hour Volunteers Needed!
We need volunteers to host coffee hour. You can do it solo or share the responsibility withsomeone 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]
Holy Services and Events Schedule - Orthros 9 a.m. & Divine Liturgy 10 a.m.
August
27 Great-martyr Phanourios commemorated
28 Offer a Phanouropita in honor of St. Phanourios
29 Beheading of St. John the Baptist (strict fast)
29 DEADLNE for Newsletter article submission is by or before Monday, August 29th to church office Holy3goc@gmail.com
September
1 Ecclesiastical New Year
8 Nativity of the Theotokos
11 Parish Council 9/11 Memorial & Luncheon Ministries Fundraiser following Liturgy Suggested donation $10
DEADLINE for sponsoring our 2023 CHURCH WALL CALENDARS! Suggested donation $500.
14 Exaltation of the Holy Cross
19 Parish Council 6:30 p.m.
Budget Planning
Stewardship Drive
October
7-9 Annual Greek Festival
17 Parish Council 6:30 p.m.
26 St. Demetrios
Stewardship Drive
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.
Philanthropy – Fellowship – Faith in Action We invite you to join Philoptochos & help us achieve our mission!
Honorees are Parish Members who exemplify the true Orthodox Christian way of life by their deep faith, commitment, dedication and service to the Church and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on their respective Parish level.
2022 Stewardship Pledge from
Re-Opening Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Bookstore: We are blessed to announce the reopening of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church bookstore and gift shop on September 11, 2022. As we pray for those who have fallen asleep in the Lord during the tragedy of 9/11, we are reminded of the love of God for us through His Body, the Church. Subdeacon Michael Fotianos and his lovely wife Ingrid, who are leaving our Parish after many years, have given their lives to the Church. We have all been deeply enriched as a result. In their honor, the bookstore/gift shop will be aptly called the “Michael and Ingrid Fotianos Bookstore.” Axios! In Christ! Paula Marchman Lekas and Melissa Kauttu Strange
Immerse yourself in authentic Greek culture and heritage Oct 7, 8 and 9, 2022 Oct 7th : 4pm to 7 pm (pan pick-up only) Oct 8th: 11 am to 8 pm Oct 9: None to 4pm FREE EVENT, OPEN T THE PUBLIC
Blessed are You, O Christ our God; You made wise men of poor fishermen by sending down upon them Your Holy Spirit, and through them You caught the whole world, O Lover of mankind, glory to You.
Εύλογητός εἶ Χριστὲ ὁ Θεος ἡμῶν ὁ πανσόφους τοὺς ἁλιεῖς ἁναδείξας καταπέμψας αὐτοῖς τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον καὶ δι᾽ αὐτῶν τῆν οἰκουμένην σαγηνεύσας φιλάνθρωπε δόξα Σοι
Saint Moses, who is also called Moses the Black, was a slave, but because of his evil life, his master cast him out, and he became a ruthless thief, dissolute in all his ways. Later, however, coming to repentance, he converted, and took up the monastic life under Saint Isidore of Scete. He gave himself over to prayer and the mortification of the carnal mind with such diligence that he later became a priest of exemplary virtue. He was revered by all for his lofty ascetical life and for his great humility. Once the Fathers in Scete asked Moses to come to an assembly to judge the fault of a certain brother, but he refused. When they insisted, he took a basket which had a hole in it, filled it with sand, and carried it on his shoulders. When the Fathers saw him coming they asked him what the basket might mean. He answered, "My sins run out behind me, and I do not see them, and I am come this day to judge failings which are not mine." When a barbarian tribe was coming to Scete, Moses, conscious that he himself had slain other men when he was a thief, awaited them and was willingly slain by them with six other monks, at the end of the fourth century. He was a contemporary of Saint Arsenius the Great (see May 8).
Prokeimenon. 2nd Tone. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.
The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 9:2-12.
Brethren, you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to our food and drink? Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a wife, as the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the crop. If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? If others share this rightful claim upon you, do not we still more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.
11th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 18:23-35
The Lord said this parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the torturers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."