Saints and Feasts

February 17

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today

The Pharisees were an ancient and outstanding sect among the Jews known for their diligent observance of the outward matters of the Law. Although, according to the word of our Lord, they "did all their works to be seen of men" (Matt. 23:5), and were hypocrites (ibid. 23: 13, 14, 15, etc.), because of the apparent holiness of their lives they were thought by all to be righteous, and separate from others, which is what the name Pharisee means. On the other hand, Publicans, collectors of the royal taxes, committed many injustices and extortions for filthy lucre's sake, and all held them to be sinners and unjust. It was therefore according to common opinion that the Lord Jesus in His parable signified a virtuous person by a Pharisee, and a sinner by a Publican, to teach His disciples the harm of pride and the profit of humble-mindedness.

Since the chief weapon for virtue is humility, and the greatest hindrance to it is pride, the divine Fathers have set these three weeks before the Forty-day Fast as a preparation for the spiritual struggles of virtue. This present week they have called Harbinger, since it declares that the Fast is approaching; and they set humility as the foundation for all our spiritual labors by appointing that the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee be read today, even before the Fast begins, to teach, through the vaunting of the Pharisee, that the foul smoke of self-esteem and the stench of boasting drives away the grace of the Spirit, strips man of all his virtue, and casts him into the pits of Hades; and, through the repentance and contrite prayer of the Publican, that humility confers upon the sinner forgiveness of all his wicked deeds and raises him up to the greatest heights.

All foods are allowed the week that follows this Sunday.

February 17

Theodore the Tyro, Great Martyr

Saint Theodore who was from Amasia of Pontus, contested during the reign of Maximian (286-305). He was called Tyro, from the Latin Tiro, because he was a newly enlisted recruit. When it was reported that he was a Christian, he boldly confessed Christ; the ruler, hoping that he would repent, gave him time to consider the matter more completely and then give answer. Theodore gave answer by setting fire to the temple of Cybele, the "mother of the gods," and for this he suffered a martyr's death by fire. See also the First Saturday of the Fast.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Let us worship the Word who is unoriginate * with the Father and the Spirit, and from a Virgin was born * for our salvation, O believers, and let us sing His praise. * For in His goodness He was pleased * to ascend the Cross in the flesh, and to undergo death, * and to raise up those who had died, * by His glorious Resurrection.

Apolytikion for St. Anna (Dec. 9) in the Fourth Mode

Today the bonds of childlessness are loosed; for God hearkened to Joachim and Anna. And though it was beyond hope, He clearly promised them that they should bear a divine child, from whom was born the Uncircumscribable One Himself Who became a mortal, and through an Angel commanded them to cry unto her: Rejoice, thou who art full of grace, the Lord is with thee."

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Let us flee from the boasting of the Pharisee and learn through our own sighs of sorrow the humility of the Publican. Let us cry out to the Savior, "Have mercy on us, for through You alone are we reconciled."

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal First Mode. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 3:10-15.

TIMOTHY, my son, you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions, my sufferings, what befell me at Antioch, at lconion, and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today
The Reading is from Luke 18:10-14

The Lord said this parable, "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Wisdom of the Fathers

It is possible for those who have come back again after repentance to shine with much lustre, and oftentimes more than those who have never fallen at all, I have demonstrated from the divine writings. Thus at least both the publicans and the harlots inherit the kingdom of Heaven, thus many of the last are placed before the first.

St. John Chrysostom

AN EXHORTATION TO THEODORE AFTER HIS FALL, 4th Century

When lately we made mention of the Pharisee and the publican, and hypothetically yoked two chariots out of virtue and vice; we pointed out each truth, how great is the gain of humbleness of mind, and how great the damage of pride.

St. John Chrysostom

CONCERNING LOWLINESS OF MIND., 4th Century

Ministry News

TODAY we will celebrate the 40 Day Blessing of baby Nikolas Weekley son of Sophia and David Weekley born January 5, 2019. Congratulations!

TODAY Fellowship Hour is sponsored by the Sacalis family.

A prayerful plea to all members of my loving family to help my niece, Mary Schiller, defray some of the cost of her lung transplant by contributing to a fund set up in her name at: www.gofundme.com/help-mary-gianos-schiller-breathe-a-sigh-of-relief. Contributions can also be given to me in the form of checks payable to Mark Schiller. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Irene Gianos

Church Calendar:

Please contact Fr. Anastasios before March 1 if you would like your home or business blessed.

Look Ahead

February 24: Godparents Sunday

Monday, March 11: Clean Monday (Kathara Deuftera)

Saturdays of Souls: March 2, 9, 16

Great and Holy Pascha: April 28

Trivia Night On Friday, March 1, we are excited to be hosting our first ever “Trivia Night” which will be one of our core fundraising events for the year. This unique event presents the opportunity to invite friends and family to share in an evening of fun and friendly competition. The evening is based on tables/teams of 8 competing in answering various Trivia questions for a chance to win 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes. We will also be incorporating a Wine Pull/Raffle and 50/50 Raffle to add to the evening’s festivities. Participants are encouraged to bring their own appetizers/snacks while desserts, coffee, soda and water will be offered at no charge. A cash bar will be available which will include wine and beer. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Registration is easy…sign up at http://stannagoc.org/news/trivia-nightto participate in an evening of great fun and laughter to benefit St Anna Greek Orthodox Church Ministries and Operating Fund.

St John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival: It’s time to start thinking about the 2019 SJCOF. The Festival is a great way for our teens to explore a deeper knowledge of their Orthodox faith, think critically about current issues, and then speak to a gentle and loving audience. The Junior Division is for Grades 7-9 and the Senior Division is for Grades 10-12. There are awards and scholarships for national finalists. Our Church Festival is Sunday, March 31 after church. Additional information and the list of this year’s topics can be found at the www.goarch.org web page at the following link: https://www.goarch.org/-/2019-st-john-chrysostom-oratorical-festival-topics?inheritRedirect=true

Archdiocese Scholarship and Fellowship programs: Applications are now available by visiting www.goarch.org.For more information, email scholarships@goarch.orgor call 212-774-0283. The deadline for submitting all applications is May 3, 2019.

Philoptochos News:

Easter flowers: There will be a preliminary flower meeting to discuss preparations to decorate the church and kouvouklion for Easter. The meeting will be THURSDAY FEBRUARY 21 at 6:30 pm in the church conference room. Please let Zoi Kaldes (zozoka2@aol.com) or Aimee Douvris (aimeedouvris@gmail.com) know if you can attend or are interested in helping out. Light refreshments will be served.

Registration: Time to renew your 2019 Philoptochos Membership. Please see a Philoptochos Board member for information and check your email for renewal forms.

“Called to be Free” (Galatians 5:13): The Freedom of Orthodoxy”Lenten Retreatwill be offered on Saturday, March 30 at St George Greek Orthodox Church in Ocean, NJ from 10 am – 3pm. Guest Speaker: Fr. Barnabas Powell. Contact: George Moutis: 732-233-7987 or gmoutis@scinj.com.

2019 Dates:Please mark your calendar with these important 2019 dates. Please see any PC member if you are interested in helping.

March 1 - Trivia night

March 24 - Spring General Assembly

May 18-19 - Bistro

Sept 6-7-8 - OPA

Nov 3 - Fall General Assembly

Nov 16-17 - Eat & Shop

Fellowship Hour: Please sign up outside the office or contact John Giannouris at (610) 680-7507 or john.giannouris@comcast.netif you are interested in sponsoring Fellowship Hour. Thank you.

Bulletin Inserts

St. Anna Trivia Night

Come one, come all ! Our 1st Annual Trivia Night - bring your family and friends!

Lenten Retreat - March 30

Ocean, NJ

Stewardship

Stewardship is the sharing of the talents and treasures that God has provided for us. An Orthodox Christian Steward is an active participant in the life of the Church. The parish encourages all who accept the Orthodox Faith to become practicing Stewards.

2019 Stewardship Drive: 47 Pledges totaling $75,150 for an average of $1,599 and $34,519 received to date. We also have 10 families who have contributed $4,015 to date but have not submitted a stewardship card. It is important that all families complete a stewardship card to be considered a steward. Current Stewardship List and other stewardship information is posted in bulletin board by water cooler.

We need everyone’s participation to exceed this year’s stewardship pledge target of $170,000.

…Remember a rich man is not one who has much, but one who gives much

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