Saints and Feasts

March 24

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.

His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.

March 25

Annunciation of the Theotokos

Six months after John the Forerunner's conception, the Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth, a town of Galilee, unto Mary the Virgin, who had come forth from the Temple a mature maiden (see Nov. 21). According to the tradition handed down by the Fathers, she had been betrothed to Joseph four months. On coming to Joseph's house, the Archangel declared: "Rejoice, thou Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." After some consideration, and turmoil of soul, and fear because of this greeting, the Virgin, when she had finally obtained full assurance concerning God's unsearchable condescension and the ineffable dispensation that was to take place through her, and believing that all things are possible to the Most High, answered in humility: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." And at this, the Holy Spirit came upon her, and the power of the Most High overshadowed her all-blameless womb, and the Son and Word of God, Who existed before the ages, was conceived past speech and understanding, and became flesh in her immaculate body (Luke 1:26-38).

Bearing in her womb the Uncontainable One, the blessed Virgin went with haste from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea, where Zacharias had his dwelling; for she desired to find Elizabeth her kinswoman and rejoice together with her, because, as she had learned from the Archangel, Elizabeth had conceived in her old age. Furthermore, she wished to tell her of the great things that the Mighty One had been well-pleased to bring to pass in her, and she greeted Elizabeth and drew nigh to her. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, she felt her six-month-old babe, Saint John the Baptist, prophesied of the dawning of the spiritual Sun. Immediately, the aged Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and recognized her as the Mother of her Lord, and with a great voice blessed her and the Fruit that she held within herself. The Virgin also, moved by a supernatural rejoicing in the spirit, glorified her God and Savior, saying: "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour," and the rest, as the divine Luke hath recorded (1:39-55)

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode

When You descended unto death, O Lord who yourself are immortal Life, then did You mortify Hades by the lightning flash of Your Divinity. Also when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the Powers of the heavens were crying out: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory be to You.

Apolytikion of Forefeast of the Annunciation in the Fourth Tone

Today is the prelude of universal joy; let us keep the forefeast in gladness. For, behold, Gabriel cometh with fear and wonder unto the Virgin, bringing her the good tidings: Rejoice, thou who art full of grace; the Lord is with thee.

Apolytikion of Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone

O Gregory the Miracle Worker, light of Orthodoxy, support and teacher of the Church, comeliness of Monastics, invincible defender of theologians, the pride of Thessalonica, and preacher of grace, intercede forever that our souls may be saved.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

At the great Archangel's voice, O Theotokos, the All-holy Spirit came upon thee and thou didst conceive Him that is one in essence and throne with God the Father, O Adam's recovery.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Second Mode. 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 Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3.

"IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

Wisdom of the Fathers

Now Matthew indeed saith, that "they brought him," but the others, that they also broke up the roof, and let him down. And they put the sick man before Christ, saying nothing, but committing the whole to Him.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

For though in the beginning He Himself went about, and did not require so much faith of them that came unto Him; yet in this case they both approached Him, and had faith required on their part. For, "Seeing," it is said, "their faith;" that is, the faith of them that had let the man down.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

Ministry News

TODAY there will be 10-year memorial service for Athanasios Tsistinas, beloved husband of Theodora Tsistinas, father/father-in-law of Evangeline and Jim Kubu, and grandfather of Stephanie and Anthony.

TODAY there will be a 1-year memorial service for Judge Nicholas Tsoucalas, beloved uncle of Evangeline Kubu.

TODAY Fellowship Hour is sponsored by the Kubu and Tsistinas families.

Don’t forget our Spring General Assembly TODAY after Church!

Church Calendar:

Weekly Lenten Services

Great Compline Services, Mondays, 5:30 pm - April 1, 15 (no service March 25 or April 8 due to Greek Independence celebrations - see below)

9^thHour/Presanctified Liturgies, Wednesdays, 6:30 pm - March 27, Apr 3, 10, 17

Great Compline Services, Thursdays, 7 pm, – March 28, April 4, 11, 18

9^thHour/Presanctified Liturgies, Fridays, 8 am - March 29, Apr 5, 12, 19

Salutations to the Virgin Mary, Fridays, 7 pm - March 29, April 5, 12

Evangelismos - Annunciation Feastday, Monday, March 25: 9 am Orthros / Divine Liturgy

Greek School Greek Independence Day celebration on March 25 from 5 to 7 pm. All are invited!

Metropolis of NJ - Greek Independence Day Celebration with Evzones, Cathedral of St. John The Theologian, Tenafly, NJ, Monday, April 8 at 6 pm (Greek School Cancelled that day)

Philoptochos News: The Philoptochos is taking orders for Easter tsourekia to be delivered the week before Easter, cost $17, checks made payable to "St. Anna Philoptochos"

On Sunday, March 31, the Ladies Philoptochos will host a pot luck luncheon to benefit the Holy Cross College. Please let Margaret Panageas know if you are able to contribute a Lenten dish. Thank you.

Education: Sunday School and Greek School students will receive envelopes to earn coins for St Basil Academy as a voluntary almsgiving project. St Basil Academy is the Archdiocese home for children in need located in Garrison, NY. Let your child know about St Basil and how even coins can make a difference. Envelopes will be collected by Palm Sunday. Any questions please see Aimee Douvris or Maria Sfondouris. Thank you for having your children be a part of this mission.

Don’t forget our Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival next Sunday March 31after Church. Additional information and the list of this year’s topics can be found at www.goarch.org.

HOLY WEEK SERVICES

Sunday, April 21: Palm Sunday – 9 am

Bridegroom Service – 7 pm

Monday, April 22: Presanctified Liturgy – 9 am

Bridegroom Service – 7 pm

Tuesday, April 23: Presanctified Liturgy – 9 am

Bridegroom Service - 7 pm

Wednesday, April 24: Presanctified Liturgy – 9 am

Holy Unction Sacrament – 3:30 pm

Holy Unction Sacrament – 7 pm

Thursday, April 25: Holy Thursday Liturgy (St. Basil)– 9 am

Service of Holy Passion (12 Gospels)– 7 pm

Friday, April 26: Holy and Great Hours – 8:30 am

Apokathelosis – 3 pm

Lamentations Service – 7 pm

Saturday, April 27: Liturgy of St. Basil– 9 am

Resurrection Service – 11:15 pm

Sunday, April 28: Agape Vespers Service – 10 am

PC Corner: 2nd Annual Bistro: Our second Annual Bistro event is scheduled for Saturday May 18 and Sunday May 19. If you will not be available that weekend you can participate in the food preparation and other activities. All of our food and sweets are homemade. The food preparation schedule is shown below. Please register for the days you can assist. We will start at 6:30pm on the following dates:

March 21- Pastitsio April 16 - Galatoboureko

April 5 – Spanakopita May 7 - Baklava

The week of the event starting on Tuesday May 14 we will start the preparation of the remaining items.

Security: As previously communicated, the PC has evaluated gaps in the security system and has approved an upgrade to the system to allow easier access and better security for the Church and facilities. The PC will schedule a meeting and will invite all parishioners, the heads of all ministries, and anyone else who has access to the church to participate in that discussion.

Iconography:The Iconographer should be in our Church sometime in May to complete the remaining North and South walls and the original iconography plan. The wooden artifacts will be delivered in August-September. We are also working with a sign vendor to finalize the design of our monument sign at the entry of the driveway.

Archdiocese Scholarship and Fellowship programs: Applications available at www.goarch.org.For more information, email scholarships@goarch.orgor call 212-774-0283. Deadline: May 3, 2019.

“The Freedom of Orthodoxy”Lenten RetreatSaturday, March 30 at St George, Ocean, 10am –3pm. Guest Speaker: Fr. Barnabas Powell. Contact: George Moutis: 732-233-7987 or gmoutis@scinj.com.

Bulletin Inserts

Great Lent Encyclical

Great Lent Encyclical from His Eminence Archbishop Evangelos

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: 60 Pledges totaling $85,950 for an average of $1,433 and $42,469 received to date. We also have 11 families who have contributed $5,020 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. If the remaining 106, 2018 stewards give at the same level as last year we could exceed our budget and reach a record high number of stewards.

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

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