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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2021-03-14
Bulletin Contents
Parish News & Events
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Saints and Feasts
Wisdom of the Fathers
Eden
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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (919) 781-4548
  • Fax:
  • (919) 781-4568
  • Street Address:

  • 5000 Lead Mine Road

  • Raleigh, NC 27612

Contact Information

Proistamenos Fr. Paul N. Christy


HTRaleighFr@gmail.com | 919-781-4548

Deacon Gavrilo Milkovich


deacongavrilo@gmail.com | 919-781-4548

Manager Parish Office

htraleighoffice@gmail.com | 919-781-4548

Services Schedule

Orthros/ Matins: Sunday: 8:30 a.m.


Liturgy: Sunday: 10:00 a.m. ;  Weekday: Please see Parish Newsletter.


Vespers: See Parish Bulletin.


Bible Study: Please see Sunday Bulletin for details.


Other Parish Info: Book Club, please see Sunday Bulletin for details.

Past Bulletins


Parish News & Events

 

 

 

 

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

 

Raleigh, NC 

 

REMINDER: The clocks spring forward one hour this Sunday! 

 

FORGIVENESS SUNDAY

 

MARCH 14, 2021

 

We invite you to join us this Sunday to celebrate the Divine Liturgy whether in person or virtually. We also extend a special welcome to all newcomers.  

 

MEMORY ETERNAL 

This Sunday following the Divine Liturgy, Father Paul will offer a 6-year memorial prayer in beloved memory of Nicholas Terezis, loving husband, father, and Papou, on behalf of Diana Terezis and the Klemes Family. May the Lord rest his soul in the land of the living, in the company of His Saints. 

 

ATTEND LITURGY VIRTUALLY OR IN PERSON 

Online Registration is required! 

Due to the continued impact of COVID-19 and the decision to practice precaution for everyone, we are maintaining, but slightly increasing, the number of attendees at any given service to 70 parishioners.  While we have increased the attendance to 70 parishioners/visitors, we ask that everyone remain diligent in social distancing and wearing masks. We request that facemasks be worn regardless of vaccine status.  Instructions for registering to attend in person are provided below.  For all who do not attend in-person, please join in with us through our live-streamed service at: www.holytrinityraleigh.org. 

Reminder: If for some reason, you cannot attend service after signing up, PLEASE remove your name(s) from the signup at the website. 

Please arrive early to Sunday service, before 9:45, giving time for check in. When attending the service, please wear a mask at all times, sign in upon entering, allow your temperature to be taken, and maintain proper distance with those attending.   

Check in will include answering the COVID-19 questions below. 

If you answer “yes” to any of the following COVID-19 questions, we ask that you not sign up for a church service at this time. 

  1. Do you have any of the following symptoms that are new or worsening: cough, congestion, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, fever or feeling feverish, chills, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea?
  2. Have you had close contact with a person with confirmed COVID-19 in the last 21 days?
  3. Have you tested positive in the last 21 days for COVID-19? 

If you have any difficulty signing up, please email: htgocrsignup@gmail.com 

 

SIGN UP FOR SERVICES 

Please click here to register for Liturgy, 2ND SATURDAY OF SOULS 

Saturday, March 13 at 9:30 A.M. 

You may email a list of your departed loved ones to at Fr Paul at htraleighfr@gmail.com 

 

Please click here to register for Liturgy, FORGIVENESS SUNDAY 

Sunday, March 14 at 10:00 A.M. 

 

Please click here to register for GENERAL ASSEMBLY (ZOOM) 

Sunday, March 14 at 12:30 P.M. 

 

Please click here to register for FORGIVENESS VESPERS SERVICE 

Sunday, March 14 at 5:00 P.M. 

 

Please click here to register for 1ST PRE-SANCTIFIED LITURGY 

Wednesday, March 17 at 6:00 P.M. 

 

Please click here to register for 1ST SALUTATIONS TO THE THEOTOKOS 

Friday, March 19 at 6:30 P.M. 

 

Please click here to register for 3RD SATURDAY OF SOULS 

Saturday, March 20 at 9:30 A.M.

 

You may email a list of your departed loved ones to at Fr Paul at htraleighfr@gmail.com

 

 Please click here to register for Liturgy, SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY 

Sunday, March 21 at 10:00 A.M. 

 

Please click here to register for DIVINE LITURGY OF ANNUNCIATION 

Thursday, March 25 at 9:30 A.M. 

 

Please click here to register for 2ND SALUTATIONS TO THE THEOTOKOS 

Friday, March 26 at 6:30 P.M. 

 

Please click here to register for Liturgy, SUNDAY OF ST. GREGORY PALAMAS 

Sunday, March 28 at 10:00 A.M. 

 

SPRING GENERAL ASSEMBLY 

Plan to join us this Sunday. 

The Spring General Assembly will be held on Sunday, March 14th at 12:30 p.m. (after the Divine Liturgy). All stewards will receive a 2021 information packet, through USPS mail this week, to review in preparation for this meeting.  This meeting will be held virtually, through Zoom, to make things as safe and comfortable as possible for everyone due to the ongoing Coronavirus issues. You must sign up at: https://forms.gle/njoPAMf2ra68rK767, to attend this virtual General Assembly Session.  All registered attendees will be emailed a Zoom link in advance of the meeting.  

Please remember in accordance with the Uniform Parish Regulations (UPR) of the Archdiocese, as well as our local parish by-laws, only those members who are in good standing with their current sacramental and stewardship obligations (filled out a 2021 stewardship form) may voice their opinions and vote: 

1. You must have been a Steward of the Church at least three months; 

2. You must have returned a completed stewardship pledge card for the current year, pledging your fair share in financial support to the Parish; and 

3. You must have fulfilled your previous year’s pledge (unless you are a new member). 

 

2021 VIRTUAL LENTEN SERIES 

COMING THIS WEEK! 

The first of six consecutive virtual Lenten Lectures begins Tuesday, March 16 at 7:00 pm via Zoom, with our former Pastoral Assistant, Robert Shand.  He will speak “On Obedience”.  

To attend this Zoom meeting, beginning at 6:55 p.m., please click this link:
https://goarch.zoom.us/j/93194281058  

Here is the Lenten Series line up for the weeks to follow: 

  • Fr Micah Hirschy – March 23, “On Joyful Sorrow”
  • Fr Michael Platanis - March 30, “On Detachment”
  • Fr Robert Lawrence – April 6, “On Discernment”
  • Fr Hieromonk Polycarp Strosnider – April 13, “On Fear”
  • Fr Demetri Kangelaris – April 20, “On Vainglory/Humbling Ourselves”
  • The link will be provided each week here in the bulletin 

Please plan to attend these excellent sessions! 

 

2021 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN UPDATE 

Our 2021 Stewardship Campaign is off to a strong, momentous start.  Thanks to those of you who have already submitted your commitment forms and pledges for this year. THANK YOU for being a vital partner in this critical ministry, especially during these uncertain and challenging times! 

 

THE STEWARDSHIP WEB PAGE (http://www.holytrinityraleigh.org/community/parish-ministries/stewardship-ministry/), on the church website (http://www.holytrinityraleigh.org/) 

is now completely updated with 2021 campaign materials. We are thrilled to share that the link is now ACTIVE to submit your 2021 Commitment Cards online. For those of you who would like to handle your stewardship completely remotely, please click on the box that is titled Submit 2021 Stewardship Commitment Form Online – on either the church home page or stewardship page (links above), and it will take you to a Google Document to capture all the information that is on the paper commitment card we sent out over the holidays. This active link can also be accessed by going directly to:(https://forms.gle/wMYzun2vQciEmrew6).  

Now that this new feature is enabled, members can turn in their commitment cards electronically and then, go into online giving portal, Abundant Giving, (https://abundant.co/holytrinityraleigh/give), to set up their pledge and payment schedule online for the pledge component of their stewardship for the 2021 campaign. 

Outside of this new online submit/online process, you can still submit your commitment card and pledge support via the same following methods: 

*MAIL your stewardship commitment card with pledge amount to Judy’s attention: 

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox  Church, 5000 Lead Mine Road, Raleigh, NC 27612 

*EMAIL your scanned commitment card with pledge amount to Judy:htraleighoffice@gmail.com 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the 2021 campaign, the new online commitment card submission process, or your stewardship in general, please contact Angela Georgallis, Stewardship Co-Chair, at 919-339-3169 or acgeorgallis@gmail.com. 

 

MESSAGE FROM PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT 

You are always welcome to attend! 

The March Parish Council meeting will be on Wednesday, March 17th at 7 pm.  Due to COVID-19, we are currently meeting virtually using Zoom.  All stewards and parishioners of Holy Trinity are welcome to attend any of these meetings. The discussion for this meeting will include an update to the 2021 YTD financial results as well as a discussion on the Capital Planning for the new sanctuary and church facilities led by George Pappas.  For those who desire to attend virtually, please contact Jim Klemes at  

jim.klemes@allwaysshred.com for details. 

 

PASCHA MAILING 

All parishioners should receive a Pascha packet via US mail this coming week.  The contents of the packet are: The Spring Dialogist, Bulletin for Holy Week and Great Holy Pascha, Tri-Fold of Lenten Series, Pascha Offering Envelope, and a bamboo cross. 

We share a special thanks and appreciation to Francesca Panagos and Jeanette Wilson for their help in compiling this mailing.  

 

AHEPA NEXT SUNDAY 

On Sunday, March 21st following Divine Liturgy, please join the Brothers of AHEPA Sir Walter Raleigh Chapter #10 in commemorating the bicentennial of Greek Independence with a short historical video and a poem recital by Iasonas and Violetta Stratis.  ZITO I ELLAS! 

 

2021 HOLY TRINITY SCHOLARSHIPS  

The 2021 scholarship application is now available on holytrinityraleigh.org under “Resources”. High school seniors, college and graduate students are eligible to apply. Completed applications must be received in the church office by April 9. If you have a question about the scholarship process, please contact Penny Gallins at pgb0728@gmail.com. Thank you to the Holy Trinity families who sponsor scholarships! 

 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE RUSSOS FAMILY 

Nick Russos, a lifelong member of our community, will celebrate his 100th birthday on April 15th.  Due to Coronavirus, we are unable to celebrate with our Church family.  Please help us make this birthday special by sending your cards to: 

Nick Russos 

C/O Harry Russos 

2208 Brisbayne Circle 

Raleigh NC 27615 

 

DONATIONS FOR EASTER FLOWERS 

If you would like to donate money for Easter flowers this year, there will be a form to complete in the church office beginning this Sunday.  Please make checks out to: HTGOC Easter Flowers.  If you have any questions, please contact: Elham Flaherty at (704) 408-5463 

Thanks in advance for your donations. 

 

BOOKSTORE NEWS 

Copies of the “Service of the Akathist Hymn to the Most Holy Theotokos” are available for purchase.  If you would like to purchase one, please see Judy in the office with a check for $14.50 made out to: Holy Trinity Bookstore or a Parish Council member following the Divine Liturgy.  For questions, contact: Tamara at tamcosta@aol.com 

 

LOST AND FOUND 

If you have attended or visited the church recently, you may have forgotten your coat, sweater, scarf, or umbrella.  Please check the “Lost & Found” in the back hallway to pick up what you left behind.  Thank you! 

 

SERVICES AT HOLY TRINITY 

Registrations to attend in-person are required.   

Maximum capacity seventy (70) people per service 

 

SATURDAY MARCH 13TH, 2021 

2ND SATURDAY OF SOULS 

9:30 A.M. LITURGY 

 (BROADCAST BEGINS AT 9:15 A.M., DOXOLOGY AT 9:20 A.M.) 

Please click here to register for Liturgy Saturday, March 13 at 9:30 A.M.

 

You may email a list of your departed loved ones to at Fr Paul at htraleighfr@gmail.com 

 

SUNDAY MARCH 14TH, 2021 

FORGIVENESS SUNDAY 

10:00 A.M. LITURGY 

 (BROADCAST BEGINS AT 9:45 A.M., DOXOLOGY AT 9:50 A.M.) 

Please click here to register for Liturgy Sunday, March 14 at 10:00 A.M. 

 

SUNDAY MARCH 14TH, 2021 

VIRTUAL SPRING GENERAL ASSEMBLY 

Please click here to register for GENERAL ASSEMBLY (ZOOM) 

Sunday, March 14 at 12:30 P.M. 

 

SUNDAY MARCH 14TH, 2021 

FORGIVENESS VESPERS SERVICE FOLLOWED BY LITURGY 

5:00 P.M. LITURGY 

 (BROADCAST BEGINS AT 4:55 P.M.) 

Please click here to register for Liturgy Sunday, March 14 at 5:00 P.M. 

 

WEDNESDAY MARCH 17TH, 2021 

FIRST PRE-SANCTIFIED LITURGY 

6:00 P.M. LITURGY 

 (BROADCAST BEGINS AT 5:55 P.M.) 

Please click here to register for Liturgy Wednesday, March 17 at 6:00 P.M. 

 

FRIDAY MARCH 19TH, 2021 

FIRST SALUTATIONS TO THE THEOTOKOS 

6:30 P.M. SERVICE 

 (BROADCAST BEGINS AT 6:25 P.M.) 

Please click here to register for Service Friday, March 19 at 6:30 P.M. 

 

SATURDAY MARCH 20TH, 2021 

3RD SATURDAY OF SOULS 

9:30 A.M. LITURGY 

 (BROADCAST BEGINS AT 9:15 A.M., DOXOLOGY AT 9:20 A.M.) 

Please click here to register for Liturgy Saturday, March 20 at 9:30 A.M.

 

You may email a list of your departed loved ones to Fr Paul at htraleighfr@gmail.com. 

 

SUNDAY MARCH 21ST , 2021 

SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY 

10:00 A.M. LITURGY 

 (BROADCAST BEGINS AT 9:45 A.M., DOXOLOGY AT 9:50 A.M.) 

Please click here to register for Liturgy Sunday, March 21 at 10:00 A.M. 

 

THURSDAY MARCH 25TH, 2021 

DIVINE LITURGY OF ANNUNCIATION

 9:30 A.M. LITURGY 

 (BROADCAST BEGINS AT 9:15 A.M., DOXOLOGY AT 9:20 A.M.) 

Please click here to register for Liturgy Thursday, March 25 at 9:30 A.M. 

 

FRIDAY MARCH 26TH, 2021 

SECOND SALUTATIONS TO THE THEOTOKOS 

6:30 P.M. SERVICE 

 (BROADCAST BEGINS AT 6:25 P.M.) 

Please click here to register for Service Friday, March 26 at 6:30 P.M. 

 

SUNDAY MARCH 28TH , 2021 

SUNDAY OF ST. GREGORY PALAMAS 

10:00 A.M. LITURGY 

 (BROADCAST BEGINS AT 9:45 A.M., DOXOLOGY AT 9:50 A.M.) 

Please click here to register for Liturgy Sunday, March 28 at 10:00 A.M. 

 

 

 

May God bless each of you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Mode

Thou didst abolish death by Thy Cross; Thou didst open Paradise to the thief; Thou didst transform the myrrh-bearers' lamentation, and didst bid Thine Apostles to preach that Thou art risen, O Christ God, granting great mercy to the world.
Κατέλυσας τῷ Σταυρῷ σου τὸν θάνατον, ἠνέῳξας τῷ Λῃστῇ τὸν Παράδεισον, τῶν Μυροφόρων τὸν θρῆνον μετέβαλες, καὶ τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις κηρύττειν ἐπέταξας, ὅτι ἀνέστης Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, παρέχων τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Second Mode

O Master, Prudence, Guide of Wisdom, Instruction to the foolish and Defender of the poor, strengthen my heart and grant it discernment. Give me words, Word of the Father, for behold, I shall not keep my lips from crying out to You, "O Merciful One, have mercy on me who has fallen."
Τῆς σοφίας ὁδηγέ, φρονήσεως χορηγέ, τῶν ἀφρόνων παιδευτά, καὶ πτωχῶν ὑπερασπιστά, στήριξον, συνέτισον τὴν καρδίαν μου Δέσποτα. Σὺ δίδου μοι λόγον, ὁ τοῦ Πατρός Λόγος· ἰδοὺ γὰρ τὰ χείλη μου, οὐ μὴ κωλύσω ἐν τῷ κράζειν σοι· Ἐλεῆμον, ἐλέησόν με τὸν παραπεσόντα.

The translations of hymns are under copyright and used by permission. All rights reserved. These works may not be further reproduced, in print or on other websites or in any other form, without the prior written authorization of the copyright holder:

  • Resurrectional Apolytikion in Grave Tone © Greek Standard Text
  • Resurrectional Apolytikion in Grave Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
  • Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal of the Second Tone © Greek Standard Text
  • Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal of the Second Tone © Narthex Press
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    Gospel and Epistle Readings

    Matins Gospel Reading

    Seventh Orthros Gospel
    Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 20:1-10

    Τῇ δὲ μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ ἔρχεται πρωῒ σκοτίας ἔτι οὔσης εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ βλέπει τὸν λίθον ἠρμένον ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου. τρέχει οὖν καὶ ἔρχεται πρὸς Σίμωνα Πέτρον καὶ πρὸς τὸν ἄλλον μαθητὴν ὃν ἐφίλει ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς, καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· ἦραν τὸν Κύριον ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου, καὶ οὐκ οἴδαμεν ποῦ ἔθηκαν αὐτόν. ἐξῆλθεν οὖν ὁ Πέτρος καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς καὶ ἤρχοντο εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον. ἔτρεχον δὲ οἱ δύο ὁμοῦ· καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς προέδραμε τάχιον τοῦ Πέτρου καὶ ἦλθε πρῶτος εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ παρακύψας βλέπει κείμενα τὰ ὀθόνια, οὐ μέντοι εἰσῆλθεν. ἔρχεται οὖν Σίμων Πέτρος ἀκολουθῶν αὐτῷ, καὶ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον καὶ θεωρεῖ τὰ ὀθόνια κείμενα, καὶ τὸ σουδάριον, ὃ ἦν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς αὐτοῦ, οὐ μετὰ τῶν ὀθονίων κείμενον, ἀλλὰ χωρὶς ἐντετυλιγμένον εἰς ἕνα τόπον. τότε οὖν εἰσῆλθε καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς ὁ ἐλθὼν πρῶτος εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ εἶδε καὶ ἐπίστευσεν· οὐδέπω γὰρ ᾔδεισαν τὴν γραφὴν ὅτι δεῖ αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῆναι. ἀπῆλθον οὖν πάλιν πρὸς ἑαυτοὺς οἱ μαθηταί.

    Seventh Orthros Gospel
    The Reading is from John 20:1-10

    On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

    Epistle Reading

    Προκείμενον. Plagal Fourth Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 75.11,1.
    Εὔξασθε καὶ ἀπόδοτε Κυρίῳ τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν.
    Στίχ. Γνωστὸς ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ ὁ Θεός, ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ μέγα τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ.

    τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς ῾Ρωμαίους 13:11-14, 14:1-4.

    Ἀδελφοί, νῦν ἐγγύτερον ἡμῶν ἡ σωτηρία ἢ ὅτε ἐπιστεύσαμεν. Ἡ νὺξ προέκοψεν, ἡ δὲ ἡμέρα ἤγγικεν· ἀποθώμεθα οὖν τὰ ἔργα τοῦ σκότους, καί ἐνδυσώμεθα τὰ ὅπλα τοῦ φωτός. Ὡς ἐν ἡμέρᾳ, εὐσχημόνως περιπατήσωμεν, μὴ κώμοις καὶ μέθαις, μὴ κοίταις καὶ ἀσελγείαις, μὴ ἔριδι καὶ ζήλῳ. Ἀλλʼ ἐνδύσασθε τὸν κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, καὶ τῆς σαρκὸς πρόνοιαν μὴ ποιεῖσθε, εἰς ἐπιθυμίας. Τὸν δὲ ἀσθενοῦντα τῇ πίστει προσλαμβάνεσθε, μὴ εἰς διακρίσεις διαλογισμῶν. Ὃς μὲν πιστεύει φαγεῖν πάντα, ὁ δὲ ἀσθενῶν λάχανα ἐσθίει. Ὁ ἐσθίων τὸν μὴ ἐσθίοντα μὴ ἐξουθενείτω, καὶ ὁ μὴ ἐσθίων τὸν ἐσθίοντα μὴ κρινέτω· ὁ θεὸς γὰρ αὐτὸν προσελάβετο. Σὺ τίς εἶ ὁ κρίνων ἀλλότριον οἰκέτην; Τῷ ἰδίῳ κυρίῳ στήκει ἢ πίπτει. Σταθήσεται δέ· δυνατὸς γάρ ἐστιν ὁ θεὸς στῆσαι αὐτόν.

    Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.
    Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
    Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

    The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4.

    Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

    As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for God is able to make him stand.

    Gospel Reading

    Forgiveness Sunday
    Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 6:14-21

    Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· ᾿Εὰν γὰρ ἀφῆτε τοῖς ἀνθρώποις τὰ παραπτώματα αὐτῶν, ἀφήσει καὶ ὑμῖν ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ οὐράνιος· ἐὰν δὲ μὴ ἀφῆτε τοῖς ἀνθρώποις τὰ παραπτώματα αὐτῶν, οὐδὲ ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ἀφήσει τὰ παραπτώματα ὑμῶν. ῞Οταν δὲ νηστεύητε, μὴ γίνεσθε ὥσπερ οἱ ὑποκριταὶ σκυθρωποί· ἀφανίζουσι γὰρ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν ὅπως φανῶσι τοῖς ἀνθρώποις νηστεύοντες· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι ἀπέχουσι τὸν μισθὸν αὐτῶν. σὺ δὲ νηστεύων ἄλειψαί σου τὴν κεφαλὴν καὶ τὸ πρόσωπόν σου νίψαι,ὅπως μὴ φανῇς τοῖς ἀνθρώποις νηστεύων, ἀλλὰ τῷ πατρί σου τῷ ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ, καὶ ὁ πατήρ σου ὁ βλέπων ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ ἀποδώσει σοι ἐν τῷ φανερῷ. Μὴ θησαυρίζετε ὑμῖν θησαυροὺς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ὅπου σὴς καὶ βρῶσις ἀφανίζει, καὶ ὅπου κλέπται διορύσσουσι καὶ κλέπτουσι· θησαυρίζετε δὲ ὑμῖν θησαυροὺς ἐν οὐρανῷ, ὅπου οὔτε σὴς οὔτε βρῶσις ἀφανίζει, καὶ ὅπου κλέπται οὐ διορύσσουσιν οὐδὲ κλέπτουσιν· ὅπου γάρ ἐστιν ὁ θησαυρὸς ὑμῶν, ἐκεῖ ἔσται καὶ ἡ καρδία ὑμῶν.

    Forgiveness Sunday
    The Reading is from Matthew 6:14-21

    The Lord said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

    "And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

    "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

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    Saints and Feasts

    Eden
    March 14

    Forgiveness Sunday

    The Holy Fathers have appointed the commemoration of Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight here, on the eve of the holy Forty-day Fast, demonstrating to us not by simple words, but by actual deeds, how beneficial fasting is for man, and how harmful and destructive are insatiety and the transgressing of the divine commandments. For the first commandment that God gave to man was that of fasting, which the first-fashioned received but did not keep; and not only did they not become gods, as they had imagined, but they lost even that blessed life which they had, and they fell into corruption and death, and transmitted these and innumerable other evils to all of mankind. The God-bearing Fathers set these things before us today, that by bringing to mind what we have fallen from, and what we have suffered because of the insatiety and disobedience of the first-fashioned, we might be diligent to return again to that ancient bliss and glory by means of fasting and obedience to all the divine commands. Taking occasion from today's Gospel (Matt. 6:14-21) to begin the Fast unencumbered by enmity, we also ask forgiveness this day, first from God, then from one another and all creation.

    Benedict
    March 14

    Benedict the Righteous of Nursia

    This Saint, whose name means "blessed," was born in 480 in Nursia, a small town about seventy miles northeast of Rome. He struggled in asceticism from his youth in deserted regions, where his example drew many who desired to emulate him. Hence, he ascended Mount Cassino in Campania and built a monastery there. The Rule that he gave his monks, which was inspired by the writings of Saint John Cassian, Saint Basil the Great, and other Fathers, became a pattern for monasticism in the West; because of this, he is often called the first teacher of monks in the West. He reposed in 547.

    Allsaint
    March 15

    Holy Apostle Aristobulos of the Seventy, Bishop of Britain

    Saint Aristobulos, the brother of Saint Barnabas, was ordained to be bishop in Britain by the Apostle Paul, who mentions him in his epistle to the Romans (16:10). He suffered many afflictions at the hands of the pagans, but also brought many to Christ. Having established the Church there, he finally reposed in peace.

    Allsaint
    March 15

    Agapius the Martyr & His Companions

    The holy Martyrs contested for piety's sake during the reign of Diocletian (284-305), when Urban was Governor of Caesarea of Palestine. When Urban had commanded that together with a heathen festival, certain condemned Christians be publicly cast to wild beasts, Timolaus, a native of Pontus, Dionysius of Tripolis in Phoenicia, Romulus of Diospolis, Plesius (or Paisius) and Alexander from Egypt, and another Alexander from Gaza, tied their own hands and presented themselves to Urban when the exhibition was about to begin, professing their faith in Christ; they were immediately cast into prison. A few days later Agapios and Dionysius also presented themselves. All were beheaded together at Caesarea. Their martyrdom is recorded by Eusebius (Eccl. Hist.,Book VIII, ch.3, called The Martyrs of Palestine).

    Allsaint
    March 16

    Sabine the Martyr of Egypt

    The holy Martyr Sabine was from Hermopolis in Egypt, and was known for his zeal and piety. During the persecution of Diocletian, he concealed himself with other Christians in a small dwelling outside the city. But when he was discovered, and professed his faith in Christ, he was taken before Arian the Governor, and after he had been tortured he was drowned in the river. Concerning Arian the Governor, See also December 14.

    Alexismanofgod
    March 17

    Alexis the Man of God

    Saint Alexis was born in old Rome of illustrious parents named Euphemianus and Aglais, and at their request was joined to a young woman in marriage. However, he did not remain with her even for one day, but fled to Edessa, where he lived for eighteen years. He returned to Rome in the guise of a beggar and sat at the gates of his father's house, unknown to all and mocked by his own servants. His identity was revealed only after his death by a paper that he had on his person, which he himself had written a little before his repose. The pious Emperor Honorius honoured him with a solemn burial. The title "Man of God" was given to him from heaven in a vision to the Bishop of Rome on the day of the Saint's repose.

    Christodulos
    March 16

    Christodulus the Wonderworker of Patmos

    Saint Christodulus, who was from the region of Nicaea of Bithynia, was the son of Theodore and Anna, and was given the name John. He assumed the monastic habit in his youth and was renamed Christodulus ("slave of Christ" in Greek). At first, he lived the ascetical life in various places, then he received permission and monetary aid from the Emperor Alexis I Comnenus (reigned 1081-1118), and built on the island of Patmos a church and monastery named in honour of Saint John the Evangelist. These buildings stand to this day. However, when the Arabs attacked that place, he fled with his disciples and went to Euboia (Euripus), where also he completed the course of his life about the end of the eleventh century on the 16th of March. The disciples of this righteous man took his sacred incorrupt remains and transferred them to his own monastery, where they repose to this day for the sanctification of those who have recourse to them with faith.

    Allsaint
    March 17

    Patrick the Enlightener of Ireland

    Saint Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish, was seized from his native Britain by Irish marauders when he was sixteen years old. Though the son of a deacon and a grandson of a priest, it was not until his captivity that he sought out the Lord with his whole heart. In his Confession, the testament he wrote towards the end of his life, he says, "After I came to Ireland - every day I had to tend sheep, and many times a day I prayed - the love of God and His fear came to me more and more, and my faith was strengthened. And my spirit was so moved that in a single day I would say as many as a hundred prayers, and almost as many at night, and this even when I was staying in the woods and on the mountain; and I would rise for prayer before daylight, through snow, through frost, through rain, and I felt no harm." After six years of slavery in Ireland, he was guided by God to make his escape, and afterwards struggled in the monastic life at Auxerre in Gaul, under the guidance of the holy Bishop Germanus. Many years later he was ordained bishop and sent to Ireland once again, about the year 432, to convert the Irish to Christ. His arduous labours bore so much fruit that within seven years, three bishops were sent from Gaul to help him shepherd his flock, "my brethren and sons whom I have baptized in the Lord - so many thousands of people," he says in his Confession. His apostolic work was not accomplished without much "weariness and painfulness," long journeys through difficult country, and many perils; he says his very life was in danger twelve times. When he came to Ireland as its enlightener, it was a pagan country; when he ended his earthly life some thirty years later, about 461, the Faith of Christ was established in every corner.

    Allsaint
    March 18

    Cyril, Patriarch of Jerusalem

    This Saint was born in 315, and succeeded Maximus as Archbishop of Jerusalem in 350. He was zealous for the Orthodox Faith, and was a defender of the poor. He was exiled three times by the Arian Emperors Constantius and Valens. But after their death, he was recalled to his throne; he reposed in peace in 386. Of his writings, the most prominent are his catechetical lectures, which are considered the most ancient systematic summary of Christian teaching. Before Saint Cyril, there had been two dioceses, one of Jerusalem, and one of Holy Sion; under Saint Cyril, they were united into one bishopric. See also May 7.

    Chrysanthos
    March 19

    The Holy Martyrs Chrysanthus and Daria

    Saint Chrysanthus, who was from Alexandria, had been instructed in the Faith of Christ by a certain bishop. His father, who was a senator by rank and a pagan, had him shut up in prison for many days; then, seeing the unchanging disposition of his mind, he commanded that a certain young woman named Daria be brought from Athens. She was a very beautiful and learned maiden, and also an idolater, and Chrysanthus' father wedded him to her so that he might be drawn away from the Faith of Christ because of his love for her. Instead of this however, Chrysanthus drew Daria unto piety, and both of them boldly proclaimed Christ and received the crown of martyrdom in 283, during the reign of Numerian, when they were buried alive in a pit of mire.

    Allsaint
    March 20

    Righteous Fathers slain at the Monastery of St. Savas

    The Righteous Martyrs were put to death by the barbarians during the reign of Emperor Heraclius, when Saint Modestus was Patriarch of Jerusalem (632-634).

    Allsaint
    March 20

    Cuthbert the Wonderworker, Bishop of Lindisfarne

    Saint Cuthbert was born in Britain about the year 635, and became a monk in his youth at the monastery of Melrose by the River Tweed. After many years of struggle as a true priest of Christ, in the service both of his own brethren and of the neglected Christians of isolated country villages, he became a solitary on Farne Island in 676. After eight years as a hermit, he was constrained to leave his quiet to become Bishop of Lindisfarne, in which office he served for almost two years. He returned to his hermitage two months before he reposed in peace in 687. Because of the miracles he wrought both during his life and at his tomb after his death, he is called the "Wonderworker of Britain." The whole English people honoured him, and kings were both benefactors to his shrine and suppliants of his prayers. Eleven years after his death, his holy relics were revealed to be incorrupt; when his body was translated from Lindisfarne to Durham Cathedral in August of 1104, his body was still found to be untouched by decay, giving off "an odour of sweetest fragrancy," and "from the flexibility of its joints representing a person asleep rather than dead." Finally, when the most impious Henry VIII desecrated his shrine, opening it to despoil it of its valuables, his body was again found incorrupt, and was buried in 1542. It is believed that after this the holy relics of Saint Cuthbert were hidden to preserve them from further desecration.

    Allsaint
    March 20

    Photini the Samaritan Woman

    Saint Photini lived in 1st century Palestine and was the woman that Christ met at the well in Samaria as recorded in the Gospel according to John (4:4-26). After her encounter with Christ, she and her whole family were baptized by the Apostles and became evangelists of the early Church. Photini and her children eventually were summoned before the emperor Nero and instructed to renounce their faith in Christ. They reused to do so, accepting rather to suffer various tortures. After many efforts to force her to surrender to idolatry, the emperor ordered that she be thrown down a well. Photini gave up her life in the year 66.

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    March 21

    Sunday of Orthodoxy

    For more than one hundred years the Church of Christ was troubled by the persecution of the Iconoclasts of evil belief, beginning in the reign of Leo the Isaurian (717-741) and ending in the reign of Theophilus (829-842). After Theophilus's death, his widow the Empress Theodora (celebrated Feb. 11), together with the Patriarch Methodius (June 14), established Orthodoxy anew. This ever-memorable Queen venerated the icon of the Mother of God in the presence of the Patriarch Methodius and the other confessors and righteous men, and openly cried out these holy words: "If anyone does not offer relative worship to the holy icons, not adoring them as though they were gods, but venerating them out of love as images of the archetype, let him be anathema." Then with common prayer and fasting during the whole first week of the Forty-day Fast, she asked God's forgiveness for her husband. After this, on the first Sunday of the Fast, she and her son, Michael the Emperor, made a procession with all the clergy and people and restored the holy icons, and again adorned the Church of Christ with them. This is the holy deed that all we the Orthodox commemorate today, and we call this radiant and venerable day the Sunday of Orthodoxy, that is, the triumph of true doctrine over heresy.

    Allsaint
    March 21

    James the Confessor

    This Saint took up the monastic life from his youth in the Monastery of Studium, where he became a disciple of Saint Theodore the Studite. Later he became bishop and suffered many afflictions and torments at the hands of the Iconoclasts. Saint Theodore composed a homily in honour of this Saint James (PG 99, 1353-1356).

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    Wisdom of the Fathers

    Here it were well to sigh aloud, and to wail bitterly: for not only do we imitate the hypocrites, but we have even surpassed them.
    St. John Chrysostom
    Homily 20 on Matthew 6, 4th Century

    For I know, yea I know many, not merely fasting and making a display of it, but neglecting to fast, and yet wearing the masks of them that fast, and cloaking themselves with an excuse worse than their sin.
    St. John Chrysostom
    Homily 20 on Matthew 6, 4th Century

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