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St. Andrew Church
Publish Date: 2019-10-20
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Gadarene
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St. Andrew Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (973) 584-0388
  • Fax:
  • (973) 584-3573
  • Street Address:

  • 1447 Sussex Turnpike

  • Randolph, NJ 07869-1830
  • Mailing Address:

  • 1447 Sussex Turnpike

  • Randolph, NJ 07869-1830


Contact Information






Services Schedule

On Sunday we celebrate

Orthros at 8:45 am & Divine Liturgy at 10am

Weekday Orthros and Liturgies begin at 8am 

 

 


Past Bulletins


Services at St. Andrew

Friday 10/18 +St. Luke the Evangelist  +Orthros at 8am and Divine Liturgy at 9am

BAPTISMS: 

On Friday, October 18th at 5pm Denos and Daniela (Genoble) Vourderis will baptize their son.

On Saturday October 19th at 1pm Brett and Katrina (Geannakopoulos) Prisco will baptize their son.

 October 20, 2019 +  6th Sunday of Luke  

+Orthros at 8:45am and Divine Liturgyat 10am 

MEMORIALS on Sunday  

A 40 Day Memorial service will be held for the repose of the soul of +Ioannis ΙωάννουLivas, beloved brother of Jim (Irene) Livas, and father to Eliana Livas.

A One Year Memorial Service will be held for the repose of the soul of +Athanasios Αθανασίου Papathanasiou, beloved father of: Loukas Papathanasiou, Stefanos Papathanasiou, Kristal Hyer, and Georgia Siemion.

An Annual Memorial Service will be held for repose of the soul of +George Γεωργίου Lewis, beloved husband of Kay Lewis, father of Georgia (Benjamin) Haglund and Elenitsa Lewis and grandfather of Eleanor and George Haglund.

May their memory be eternal.      Αιώνια η μνήμη αυτών.

Wednesday 10/23 +Orthros at 8am and Divine Liturgy at 9am  +St. James (Iakovos) the Apostle, brother of Our Lord

FUNERAL SERVICE Thursday, October 24th time TBA we will have a Funeral service at Saint Andrew for the repose of the soul of our ever memorable sister   +Lygeri (Lois) Marin, beloved mother of Keith (Holly) and Chuck (Eileen) Marin. Our sicerest condolencers to her family. May God rest her soul. 

Saturday 10/26 +Orthros at 8am and Divine Liturgy at 9am +St. Demetrios The Holy Great Martyr & Myrrh-streamer

WEDDING: On Saturday, October 26th at 3:00pm Michael Tirondola will wed Christine Drake of Hopatcong, NJ. 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

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Announcements

This week at Saint Andrew

Cub Scouts Meeting Friday, October 18 at 7pm in Room 102 & Gym 

GYRO SALE: Saturday, October 19: to help benefit our St. Andrew! Please let us know if you are able to help for a couple of hours. Contact the office or Nick Monokandilos. Join us in making this fundraiser a success. Tell your friends, neighbors, family to come enjoy our great tasting food! Look for our menu under News-Flyers.. . Thank you! 

Coffee hour on Sunday is hosted by GOYA Bagels donated by ALPHA BAGELS)

Council Of Ministries Meeting on Sunday at 12:30pm in Room 203: Discussion with the leaders of Saint Andrew on our vision and direction of our church.

Free at our candle stand for the next 2 weeks!   The Amazing Life of Papa-Dimitri, The Man of God: Our holy Church displays a cloud of martyrs, confessors, and saints, known and unknown heroes of our faith. They were people like us, who with God’s grace and their personal labors, reached the heights of holiness.  Even in our godless times, God has His friends. One such hero of our faith is Papa-Dimitri Gagastathis, (1902 - 1975) a man of great faith and prayer, whose feet touched the earth, but whose head reached the heavens. This is a must read for our time…

Orthodoxy and other Christian confessions….what are the differences? This pluralistic world is often confusing when discussing matters of our faith. Often we find ourselves wondering since we have the “same God” and the “same Bible,” are there really differences or when we do see differences we ask ourselves: why does it matter? Join us Thursdays from 7-8:30 pm as we explore this idea through comparison and contrast in in light of commentary from the Church Fathers….and if you don’t know what a Church Father is…come and find out! Thursdays: 10/10, 10/17, 10/24 & 11/7.

Little Angels Playgroup:  Please join us every Friday at 10-11am for Little Angels playgroup. Each week we will teach your child basic Greek with fun activities, songs, and active play. It’s a great way to connect with other Moms and families in the St. Andrew community and build lifelong friendships for both you and your children. Great for any age, infant to 3 years old. Grandparents and caretakers are welcome. For more information contact Athina Vella at (973) 879-7095 or at amv1823@gmail.com.   

Trunk or Treat 10/26/19 @6-9pm : All children and parents of the Saint Andrew community are invited to our annual Trunk or Treat followed by a Halloween Movie on Friday, Oct 25 from 6-9pm RAIN OR SHINE (will be in the gym if it rains) at the Saint Andrew Community Center, and parking lot. All children are encouraged to come in costume.  Don’t forget to bring your treat bags! CARS & CANDY NEEDED! PLEASE NO CANDY WITH NUTS!!!  (Snacks and drinks will be provided) In order to make this event successful we need your help. All cars must be decorated and ready by 6:30pm.  A prize will be awarded to the most creative looking car! RSVP THROUGH SIGN UP GENIUS IF YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING

Call for participants to Mazi class: If your child is between 2 1/2-4 years old and you are interested in signing up for afternoon Μαζί με τη Μαμά Greek instruction please reach out to Athina Vella at (973) 879-7095 or at amv1823@gmail.com. We are trying to assemble a group class.  

UPCOMING EVENTS 

Coat Drive: We are asking if you have a gently used coat to donate that you bring it to the church by Monday, October 28 so we can donate in time for the coat drive.  The Market Street Mission will hold their Annual Coat Drive on Saturday November 2nd 10am -1pm at the Morristown Green, in Morristown NJ.

Fashion Show and Luncheon : Daughters of Penelope will host a Fashion Show and Luncheon on Saturday, November 2nd at 11am-3pm at the Meadow Wood on Route 10 in Randolph NJ.  Proceeds to benefit Charitable Works of the DOP. For Tickets and information please contact: Eleni Boyadjis (609) 304-3714 / eboyadjis@aol.com, Julie Ioannou  (201) 602-1359 / jioannou18@yahoo.com, Yiota Louca  973) 615- 3215 /  prlouca@yahoo.com

TOYS FOR TOTS :  We will be collecting unwrapped toys for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation up until Friday 12/13/19 

Newborn Baby Clothing Drive: please bring unwrapped baby clothes to church before 12/15/19 so we can deliver to Newark University Hospital

Caregiver Workshop: Please join us for our Caregiver Workshop on November 3rd at 12:45 following services. Joanna Adu, Esq. will be our speaker. Joanna will cover various aspects of Estate Planning. Do you have a will? Should you set up a trust for your heirs? Do you want to make sure your assets are protected? Have you begun your Extended Care Planning? These and many more topics will be covered. Bring your questions and join us.

Sunday Coffee Hour Hosts    

October: 10/20 GOYA, 10/27 PTA *(note change of dates) 

November: 11/3 Philoptochos 11/10 PTA, 11/17 DOP, 11/24 GOYA * (11/29 Fri. Vespers, 11/30 Sat St. Andrew Day

December: 12/1 Philoptochos*, 12/8 PTA*, 12/15 DOP*, 12/22 GOYA*, 12/29 Bakaliko
                                  *Lenten refreshments/deserts during Advent Lent please

BAGELS for Sunday Coffee hour are donated by ALFA BAGELS located on Route 10 in Randolph, NJ. We thank them for their generosity and continued support. 

Stewardship Update  10/11/19:

We would like to thank everyone who submitted their 2019 Christian Stewardship Commitment. 236 families have sent in their pledges Totaling  $213,010

Total Operating Budget 2019 $ 800, 000

Stewardship Income $350,000 | $213,010 committed to date)

Fundraising Income $450,000

Balanced Budget $800,000.

If you have not already made your commitment to Saint Andrew church, we ask that you prayerfully consider your blessings and submit your 2019 pledge today.

Online Giving SystemWeShare click on link and follow instructions   https://standrewgonj.churchgiving.com/ws/opportunities/ our website/ or call the office

We’d like to be able to better communicate with everyone on social media where appropriate.

Please Like Us / Follow Us on our church Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Religious-Organization/St-Andrew-Greek-Orthodox-Church-Randolph-NJ-758987230951158/ 

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Fr. John's Message

 

 

 

 

Prayer Team  

BE AT PEACE 

Be at peace among yourselves.

I Thessalonians 5:1

Wednesday, October 16

 Part VIII - Finding Peace in Authentic Relationships

 

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may be cheered by news of you. I have no one like him, who will be genuinely anxious for your welfare. They all look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2:19-21

Good morning Prayer Team!

 

It seems that the idea of an authentic relationship is becoming more and more rare in today’s world. We seem to live in a very superficial society, just check out the tabloid magazines at the supermarket check-out line. And this affects us having authentic relationships with Christ and with one another.  

 

This reflection is about what it means to have an authentic relationship. Being at peace is dependent, at least in some part, to the relationships we establish, with others and most especially with Christ. Relationships that are inauthentic contribute to chaos and internal conflict. Relationships that are authentic contribute to being at peace, with oneself and with others.  

 

The word “authentic” means “genuine”, “original,” and “true.” The first example of “authentic” that comes to mind is uniform jerseys of sports teams. I’m a big sports fan, as you all know by now. I bought recently an “authentic” jersey of the Tampa Bay Lightning. “Authentic” means it is the exact replica jersey of what is worn by the hockey players. I also have a T-shirt that says “Tampa Bay Lightning” on the front, and have the number and name of a player on the back. This is a Tampa Bay Lightning product, but it is not an “authentic” jersey. It is nice, even comfortable to wear, but it is not authentic.  

 

The word “relationship” means how we exist in comparison with someone else. A “close” relationship means that we share lots of things with someone. An “honest” relationship means that we are not afraid to tell the truth to someone. A “superficial” relationship means that there might be a surface level or appearance of closeness but beneath the “surface” or outward appearance, there is no closeness or honesty.  

 

Now, having an “authentic” jersey doesn’t make me more or less of a fan, it’s honestly not that important. Having an “authentic relationship” on the other hand is very important. Authenticity is vital to an honest and deep relationship. And that goes for a relationship with Christ, or with another person. In an authentic relationship, there are things like respect, communication, a genuine desire, trust, love, and vulnerability.  

 

In Genesis 2, we see the picture painted of Adam and Eve walking with the Lord in the cool mist of the Garden of Eden. This relationship was authentic. Adam and Eve loved each other, they loved the Lord, there was no envy or jealousy, or pretense, or anything else that was negative. It was an authentic and pure relationship. Then Adam and Eve went away from the Lord, they committed a sin, and they severed themselves from the authentic relationship with the Lord. Where they had been naked and unashamed, they were now ashamed and covered themselves. Where they had been open and honest, they now lied and were deceitful.  

 

Christ showed us the way to an authentic relationship—love, sacrifice, vulnerability. This is how He made His relationship with us. This is how He showed us to make our relationships with Him and with one another. Somewhere deep down in each of us, and I truly believe this, is a desire for an authentic relationship with Christ and with one another. The problem is that there are layers of sin, doubt, anger, etc. that cover over this place of authenticity. And there is a fear of removing the layers, fear of what we’d find beneath them. Yet, if we all made the collective decision to remove the things that cover up authenticity, we’d again capture the Paradise enjoyed by Adam and Eve with each other and with the Lord. So, this is one of life’s challenges, to build authentic relationships.  

Authentic relationships help us to be at peace. We don’t have enough authenticity—in close relationships like marriage and with children, in relationships with close friends, and in relationships with co-workers that we are with every day. I encourage you to examine your relationships with others and with the Lord and reflect on whether they are authentic or inauthentic, the barriers that keep relationships from being authentic, and how to bring more authenticity to them. 

Lord, thank You for the gifts You have so richly poured out upon me. Thank You for the people that I know, (list names of your family and friends). Help us to work together toward more authentic relationships, with one another, and most especially with You. Open my mind and my heart to desire more genuineness and honesty in my relationships. Give me courage as I look within myself. And give me courage to explore with my family and friends how to deepen bonds of love and friendship. Amen.

Reflect on the word “Authentic” and whether that is a word that you’d apply towards your relationships with Christ and with others. Why is that, or isn’t that a good word to describe your relationships?

+Fr. Stavros

 
 
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News - Flyers - Registrations - Other

    GYRO Saturday

    GYRO Saturday

    October 19 at 11am-6pm MENU | GYRO SALE to help benefit St. Andrew! Please let us know if you are able to help for a couple of hours. Contact the office or Nick Monokandilos. Join us in making this fundraiser a success. Tell your friends, neighbors, family to come enjoy our great tasting food!


    Church Schedule

    Church Schedule

    October 20-27


    Council Of Ministries

    Council Of Ministries

    Sunday 10/20/19 at 12:30pm Meeting in Room 203


    Trunk Or Treat

    Trunk Or Treat

    Sponsored by St. Andrew PTA, HOPE & JOY. Join us on Friday, October 25 at 6pm Rain Or Shine.


    DOP Fashion Show

    DOP Fashion Show

    Daughters of Penelope Fashion Show, Luncheon & Designer Raffles held at Meadow Wood Manor Randolph - Nov 2nd - 11am-3pm


    Concert

    Concert

    Byzantine Choir: Saturday Oct 26 at Tom's River


    PLAY GROUP - FRIDAYS

    PLAY GROUP - FRIDAYS

    Friday at 10-11am for Little Angels Playgroup (LAP). Each week we will teach your child basic Greek with fun activities, songs, and active play.


    Emergency List

    Emergency List

    Natural Disaster Supply List


    TOYS FOR TOTS

    TOYS FOR TOTS

    Bring unwrapped TOYS to Church | Last day for TOYS FOR TOTS drop-off: Friday 12/13/19


    NEWBORN BABY clothing

    NEWBORN BABY clothing

    Please bring in unwrapped clothing by 12/15/19


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Prayer List

If you would like us to remember you or your loved one in our prayers, please contact the office. 973-584-0388

Names will be kept on this list for approximately 3 months. Please resubmit Names if needed.   Fr. John will pray for the Names above during the Proskomide “Offering of gifts” during the first part of the Divine Liturgy when our priest prepares the mystical gifts of bread and wine. Please keep these names in your prayers as well.

Nikki, Afrodite, Cassandra, Aristea, Konstantinos, George, Mary, Holly, Gary, Roye, Cristos, Panagiota, Anna, Panagiotis, John, Nicos, Hannah, Christos, Theoseva, George, Genevieve, Christine, Anna, Louis, Marilyn, Suriana, Antonios, John, Maria, Dimitry Elias, Evangelia, George, Lois, Kyriaki, John, Rose, Evmorfia, Fr. Demetri, Prz Spyridoula, Eugenia, Constantinos, Eftychia, Kyzoula, Lukas, Athanasios, Angeliki, Christian, Olga, Efthimia, Demitra, Antonia, Anna Christina, Ronnie, Stephanie, Lukas, Zoe, Spyridoula, Maria, Eugenia, Alexa, Eleni, Vasiliki, Rosemary, Corinne, Sophia, Stavroula, Konstantinos, Anastasia, Pamela, Brian, Brandon, Irene, Eleutherios, Panayioti, William, Kyriaki, Panayiota, Beatrice, Demetrios, Andreas, Ioanna, Marykate, John, Konstantinos, Barbara, Despina, Eleni, Bonnie, Richard, Mary, Petros, Demosthenes, Norma, Beatrice, Geoffrey, Theonimfi, Alexandra, Kathy, John, Reggie, Shannon

Prayer for a Sick Person:

Heavenly Father, physician of our souls and bodies, who have sent Your only-begotten Son and our Lord Jesus Christ to heal every sickness and infirmity, visit and heal (me) Your servant from all physical and spiritual ailments through the grace of Your Christ. Grant (me) patience in this sickness, strength of body and spirit, and recovery of health.  Lord, You have taught us through Your word to pray for each other that we may be healed.  I pray that You heal (me) as Your servant and grant (me) the gift of complete health. For You are the source of healing and to You I give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen

 

 
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

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.

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.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. First Mode. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 9:6-11.

Brethren, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

Προκείμενον. First Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 32.22,1.
Γένοιτο, Κύριε, τὸ ἔλεός σου ἐφ' ἡμᾶς.
Στίχ. Ἀγαλλιᾶσθε δίκαιοι ἐν Κυρίῳ

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Κορινθίους β' 9:6-11.

Ἀδελφοί, ὁ σπείρων φειδομένως, φειδομένως καὶ θερίσει· καὶ ὁ σπείρων ἐπʼ εὐλογίαις, ἐπʼ εὐλογίαις καὶ θερίσει. Ἕκαστος καθὼς προαιρεῖται τῇ καρδίᾳ· μὴ ἐκ λύπης ἢ ἐξ ἀνάγκης· ἱλαρὸν γὰρ δότην ἀγαπᾷ ὁ θεός. Δυνατὸς δὲ ὁ θεὸς πᾶσαν χάριν περισσεῦσαι εἰς ὑμᾶς, ἵνα ἐν παντὶ πάντοτε πᾶσαν αὐτάρκειαν ἔχοντες περισσεύητε εἰς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθόν· καθὼς γέγραπται, Ἐσκόρπισεν, ἔδωκεν τοῖς πένησιν· ἡ δικαιοσύνη αὐτοῦ μένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα. Ὁ δὲ ἐπιχορηγῶν σπέρμα τῷ σπείροντι, καὶ ἄρτον εἰς βρῶσιν χορηγήσαι, καὶ πληθύναι τὸν σπόρον ὑμῶν, καὶ αὐξήσαι τὰ γενήματα τῆς δικαιοσύνης ὑμῶν· ἐν παντὶ πλουτιζόμενοι εἰς πᾶσαν ἁπλότητα, ἥτις κατεργάζεται διʼ ἡμῶν εὐχαριστίαν τῷ θεῷ.


Gospel Reading

6th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 8:26-39

At that time, as Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, there met him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech you, do not torment me." For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the desert.) Jesus then asked him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion"; for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them leave. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. When the herdsmen saw what happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked him to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but he sent him away, saying, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

6th Sunday of Luke
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 8:26-39

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἐλθόντι τῷ Ἰησοῦ εἰς τὴν χώραν τῶν Γαδαρηνῶν, ἥτις ἐστὶν ἀντίπερα τῆς Γαλιλαίας. ἐξελθόντι δὲ αὐτῷ ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν ὑπήντησεν αὐτῷ ἀνήρ τις ἐκ τῆς πόλεως, ὃς εἶχε δαιμόνια ἐκ χρόνων ἱκανῶν, καὶ ἱμάτιον οὐκ ἐνεδιδύσκετο καὶ ἐν οἰκίᾳ οὐκ ἔμενεν, ἀλλ᾿ ἐν τοῖς μνήμασιν. ἰδὼν δὲ τὸν ᾿Ιησοῦν καὶ ἀνακράξας προσέπεσεν αὐτῷ καὶ φωνῇ μεγάλῃ εἶπε· τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί, ᾿Ιησοῦ, υἱὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ὑψίστου; δέομαί σου, μή με βασανίσῃς. παρήγγειλε γὰρ τῷ πνεύματι τῷ ἀκαθάρτῳ ἐξελθεῖν ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου. πολλοῖς γὰρ χρόνοις συνηρπάκει αὐτόν, καὶ ἐδεσμεῖτο ἁλύσεσι καὶ πέδαις φυλασσόμενος, καὶ διαρρήσσων τὰ δεσμὰ ἠλαύνετο ὑπὸ τοῦ δαίμονος εἰς τὰς ἐρήμους. ἐπηρώτησε δὲ αὐτὸν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς λέγων· τί σοί ἐστιν ὄνομα; ὁ δὲ εἶπε· λεγεών· ὅτι δαιμόνια πολλὰ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς αὐτόν· καὶ παρεκάλει αὐτὸν ἵνα μὴ ἐπιτάξῃ αὐτοῖς εἰς τὴν ἄβυσσον ἀπελθεῖν. ἦν δὲ ἐκεῖ ἀγέλη χοίρων ἱκανῶν βοσκομένων ἐν τῷ ὄρει· καὶ παρεκάλουν αὐτὸν ἵνα ἐπιτρέψῃ αὐτοῖς εἰς ἐκείνους εἰσελθεῖν· καὶ ἐπέτρεψεν αὐτοῖς. ἐξελθόντα δὲ τὰ δαιμόνια ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου εἰσῆλθον εἰς τοὺς χοίρους, καὶ ὥρμησεν ἡ ἀγέλη κατὰ τοῦ κρημνοῦ εἰς τὴν λίμνην καὶ ἀπεπνίγη. ἰδόντες δὲ οἱ βόσκοντες τὸ γεγενημένον ἔφυγον, καὶ ἀπήγγειλαν εἰς τὴν πόλιν καὶ εἰς τοὺς ἀγρούς. ἐξῆλθον δὲ ἰδεῖν τὸ γεγονός, καὶ ἦλθον πρὸς τὸν ᾿Ιησοῦν καὶ εὗρον καθήμενον τὸν ἄνθρωπον, ἀφ᾿ οὗ τὰ δαιμόνια ἐξεληλύθει, ἱματισμένον καὶ σωφρονοῦντα παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τοῦ ᾿Ιησοῦ, καὶ ἐφοβήθησαν. ἀπήγγειλαν δὲ αὐτοῖς οἱ ἰδόντες πῶς ἐσώθη ὁ δαιμονισθείς. καὶ ἠρώτησαν αὐτὸν ἅπαν τὸ πλῆθος τῆς περιχώρου τῶν Γαδαρηνῶν ἀπελθεῖν ἀπ᾿ αὐτῶν, ὅτι φόβῳ μεγάλῳ συνείχοντο. αὐτὸς δὲ ἐμβὰς εἰς τὸ πλοῖον ὑπέστρεψεν. ἐδέετο δὲ αὐτοῦ ὁ ἀνήρ, ἀφ᾿ οὗ ἐξεληλύθει τὰ δαιμόνια, εἶναι σὺν αὐτῷ· ἀπέλυσε δὲ αὐτὸν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς λέγων· ὑπόστρεφε εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου καὶ διηγοῦ ὅσα ἐποίησέ σοι ὁ Θεός. καὶ ἀπῆλθε καθ᾿ ὅλην τὴν πόλιν κηρύσσων ὅσα ἐποίησεν αὐτῷ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς.


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Saints and Feasts

Gadarene
October 20

6th Sunday of Luke


Artemios
October 20

Artemius the Great Martyr of Antioch

Saint Artemius lived during the years of Saint Constantine the Great, and was appointed by him to be Governor of Alexandria; later, he was honoured with the rank of patrician. During the reign of Julian the Apostate, in the year 361, Artemius appeared before the Emperor and censured him for his apostasy. For this, he endured many torments and was finally beheaded.


Allsaint
October 20

Andronicus the Righteous Martyr


Iakovbro
October 23

James (Iakovos) the Apostle, brother of Our Lord

According to some, this Saint was a son of Joseph the Betrothed, born of the wife that the latter had before he was betrothed to the Ever-virgin. Hence he was the brother of the Lord, Who was also thought to be the son of Joseph (Matt. 13: 55). But some say that he was a nephew of Joseph, and the son of his brother Cleopas, who was also called Alphaeus and Mary his wife, who was the first cousin of the Theotokos. But even according to this genealogy, he was still called, according to the idiom of the Scriptures, the Lord's brother because of their kinship.

This Iakovos is called the Less (Mark 15:40) by the Evangelists to distinguish him from Iakovos, the son of Zebedee, who was called the Great. He became the first Bishop of Jerusalem, elevated to this episcopal rank by the Apostles, according to Eusebius (Eccl. Hist., Book II: 23), and was called Obliah, that is, the Just, because of his great holiness and righteousness. Having ascended the crest of the Temple on the day of the Passover at the prompting of all, he bore testimony from there concerning his belief in Jesus, and he proclaimed with a great voice that Jesus sits at the right hand of the great power of God and shall come again upon the clouds of heaven. On hearing this testimony, many of those present cried, "Hosanna to the Son of David." But the Scribes and Pharisees cried, "So, even the just one hath been led astray," and at the command of Ananias the high priest, the Apostle was cast down headlong from thence, then was stoned, and while he prayed for his slayers, his head was crushed by the wooden club wielded by a certain scribe. The first of the Catholic (General) Epistles written to the Jews in the Diaspora who believed in Christ was written by this Iakovos.


Demetrio
October 26

The Holy Great Martyr Demetrius the Myrrh-streamer

Saint Demetrius was a Thessalonian, a most pious son of pious and noble parents, and a teacher of the Faith of Christ. When Maximian first came to Thessalonica in 290, he raised the Saint to the rank of Duke of Thessaly. But when it was discovered that the Saint was a Christian, he was arrested and kept bound in a bath-house. While the games were under way in the city, Maximian was a spectator there. A certain friend of his, a barbarian who was a notable wrestler, Lyaeus by name, waxing haughty because of the height and strength of his body, boasted in the stadium and challenged the citizens to a contest with him. All that fought with him were defeated. Seeing this, a certain youth named Nestor, aquaintance of Demetrius', came to the Saint in the bath-house and asked his blessing to fight Lyaeus single-handed. Receiving this blessing and sealing himself with the sign of the precious Cross, he presented himself in the stadium, and said, "O God of Demetrius, help me!" and straightway he engaged Lyaeus in combat and smote him with a mortal blow to the heart, leaving the former boaster lifeless upon the earth. Maximian was sorely grieved over this, and when he learned who was the cause of this defeat, he commanded straightway and Demetrius was pierced with lances while he was yet in the bath-house, As for Nestor, Maximian commanded that he be slain with his own sword.


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Mode

When the stone had been sealed by the Jews and the soldiers were guarding Thine immaculate Body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Saviour, granting life unto the world. Wherefore, the powers of the Heavens cried out to Thee, O Lifegiver: Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ. Glory to Thy Kingdom. Glory to Thy dispensation, O only Friend of man.
Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων, καὶ στρατιωτῶν φυλασσόντων τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα, ἀνέστης τριήμερος Σωτήρ, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὴν ζωήν. Διὰ τοῦτο αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν ἐβόων σοι Ζωοδότα· Δόξα τῇ ἀναστάσει σου Χριστέ, δόξα τῇ Βασιλείᾳ σου, δόξα τῇ οἰκονομίᾳ σου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε.

Apolytikion for Great Martyr Artemius in the Fourth Mode

Thy Martyr, O Lord, in his courageous contest for Thee received the prize of the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since he possessed Thy strength, he cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.
Ο Μάρτυς σου Κύριε, έν τή αθλήσει αυτού, τό στέφος εκομίσατο τής αφθαρσίας, εκ σού τού Θεού ημών, έχων γάρ τήν ισχύν σου, τούς τυράννους καθείλεν, έθραυσε καί δαιμόνων, τά ανίσχυρα θράση, αυτού ταίς ικεσίαις Χριστέ, σώσον τάς ψυχάς ημών.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.
Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία πρὸς τὸν Ποιητὴν ἀμετάθετε. Μὴ παρίδῃς ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλὰ πρόφθασον, ὡς ἀγαθή, εἰς τὴν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν, τῶν πιστῶς κραυγαζόντων σοι· Τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καὶ σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προστατεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε, τῶν τιμώντων σε.
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Wisdom of the Fathers

For if we, going about on the earth which is familiar and well known to us, being encompassed with a body, when we are journeying in a strange road, know not which way to go unless we have some one to lead us; how should the soul, being rent away from the body, and having gone out from all her accustomed region, know where to walk without one to show her the way?
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 28 on Matthew 8, 4th Century

Some say, 'Why do they [demons] possess people?' I answer those who wish to have this explained that the reason of these things is very deep. Somewhere one of His saints addressed God by saying, 'Your judgments are a vast abyss.' As long as we bear this in mind, we will perhaps not miss the mark.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Commentary on Luke, Homily 44. (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture; vol 3: Luke, Intervarsity Press)

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