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Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2022-09-11
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Exaltation
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Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (561) 833-6387
  • Fax:
  • (561) 833-6391
  • Street Address:

  • 110 Southern Blvd.

  • West Palm Beach, FL 33405


Contact Information




Services Schedule

Sunday Services:

  8:30 am     Orthros

  9:45 am     Divine Liturgy

 

Sunday School Classes: 

11:15 am     After Holy Communion


Past Bulletins


This Week and Upcoming Events

Christ is in our midst!  He is and ever shall be!

 Our services are streamed live on the internet.
at our Saint Catherine website - www.stcatherine-wpb.org
 

Join us for Orthodox Divine Liturgy every Sunday at 9:45 a.m.

  

Light a candle and offer a prayer at Saint Catherine (click above).  The online form sends the names of your family and friends direct to Father Andrew at the altar; prayers are offered during the Proskomidi in preparation for the Divine Liturgy!

  

September 11, 2022
Afterfeast of the Nativity of the Theotokos
Theodora the Martyr of Alexandria
Euphrosynos the Cook
Demetrios & Evanthea the Martyrs & their son Demetrianos

 

COVID-19 protocol:  Parishioners and guests may wear a mask if they desire in our Church and Hellenic Cultural Center.  All are advised not to enter if exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.  Everyone should also follow the CDC guidelines quarantining if they recently been with someone who is COVID positive or experiencing symptoms.

Links to the service text:  Links to the service texts are through the Digital Chant Stand of our Archdiocese.  For optimal viewing select the "GR-EN Text/Music" link for Matins (Orthros) and Divine Liturgy. Apps may be downloaded for your phone or tablet.  Link to the Digital Chant Stand 

Holy Communion:  When the faithful approach the Holy Chalice, they should stand with respect before the priest and say their baptismal/chrismation name.  After the name is uttered, the faithful should open their mouth to receive Holy Communion.  When the spoon goes into the mouth, the faithful should close their mouth and make sure that they swallow the consecrated Bread and Wine.  Every person who stands before the Holy Chalice, should not have any contact with the red communion cloth, before, during, or after receiving Holy Communion.  The red communion cloth is to be placed under each person’s chin by those who are assisting the clergy.  Under no circumstances should the red communion cloth be used as a table napkin to wipe the mouth, nor should one who has received Holy Communion touch it at all. 

Coffee and Fellowship:  We invite all to join us for coffee and fellowship in our Hellenic Cultural Center after the Divine Liturgy.

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This Week
Sunday, September 11  Sunday Before the Holy Cross
      8:30 am  Orthros
      9:45 am  Divine Liturgy
      Grandparents Day Coffee Hour 

Tuesday, September 13
      AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope Meetings

Thursday, September 15
    10:00 am  Philoptochos Koulourakia Baking

 

Highlights of Upcoming Services and Events
Sunday, September 18  Sunday After the Holy Cross
      8:30 am  Orthros
      9:45 am  Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, September 20  Philoptochos
    10:00 am  Board Meeting
    12:00 pm  Meeting

Wednesday, September 21   
      7:00 pm  Discover Orthodoxy

Thursday, September 22   
      7:00 pm  Parish Council Meeting

 

2022 Stewardship:  We appreciate our stewards  our Saint Catherine family.  Your Stewardship gift reflects your appreciation for God's many blessings.  

As of August 5th, Stewardship gifts have been received from 219 individual/families totaling $169,512.  Many of the donations represent fulfillment of their total pledge for 2022 while many others have begun their weekly, monthly or other scheduled donation.  We are so thankful to these stewards.

Have you sent in your 2022 Stewardship Commitment Form?  Forms are available in the Narthex of the church, in the Hellenic Cultural Center and online.  Click here for the 2022 Stewardship Program and Commitment Form.  

The Donate buttons here and on our website lead to our online giving site.  Again, thank you for your support!


Youth Safety Resources:  We’re committed to connecting young people with Jesus Christ. To do that, we need to create ministry environments that are safe and health. For more on how you can help, please visit our Youth Safety website: goarch.org/safety.

 

YouTube Logo  Many of our Divine Liturgies have been recorded and can be viewed at www.youtube.com.  Subscribe to our YouTube channel; you will be notified when we begin a live stream.

Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church (Services from 2020 until now)

Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church (Selected services from 2015-2019)

  

Shop with Amazon, donate to Saint Catherine

Amazon Smile is a program that allows for 0.5% of your eligible Amazon purchase to be donated to our Saint Catherine Church (No Added Cost To You). To sign-up visit Sign up for Amazon Smile and press "Select" next to our church name.  Then remember to log in to "smile.amazon.com" when you shop.

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Event Flyers

    Grandparents' Day Coffee Hour

    Grandparents' Day Coffee Hour

    Please join our Sunday School for Coffee Hour honoring all grandparents and designated grandparents this Sunday, September 11th immediately following the Divine Liturgy.


    South Florida Glendi 2022

    South Florida Glendi 2022

    The First South Florida Conference Glendi to benefit our Metropolis' Diakonia Retreat Center, home of Saint Stephen's Summer Camp.... Saturday, October 1st.


    5th ANNUAL HUMS RETREAT

    5th ANNUAL HUMS RETREAT

    Diakonia Retreat Center- 455 Quail Ridge Road- Salem, SC 29676/ Space is reserved in the order fees are received; Fee for the retreat is $125/person and $150/couple; Please make your check payable to: Holy Unmercenaries Medical Society Checks can be mailed to: Holy Unmercenaries Medical Society c/o St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church 5108 Kuykendall Road Charlotte, NC 28270 Registration deadline is September 30, 2022 Please RSVP to Teresa at: teresa_jacob@icloud.com


    Forged: An Interactive Book on the Orthodox Faith for Young Men

    Forged: An Interactive Book on the Orthodox Faith for Young Men

    The writers of Forged understand that our young people require both guidance in their faith and strengthening that faith in a world that is often at odds with Orthodox Christian spirituality. What does it mean to be a man? How do I conduct myself in relationships, and in friendship? What is a healthy perspective concerning technology? Using this workbook our young men will have the opportunity to consider these subjects, within the Orthodox Christian style of life. Forged uses a structure that appeals to a young man’s creative sense of adventure and problem-solving, and these lessons are reinforced through journaling, activities and discussion topics that can be utilized in group settings.


    What's New on Engage Orthodoxy

    What's New on Engage Orthodoxy

    Engage Orthodoxy is a beautiful website created by FLM to provide resources and inspiration for our Orthodox family. EO hosts several blogs written by Orthodox authors on timely topics. In addition to blogs, EO has launched a podcast aimed at Orthodox homeschool families of teens. Check out our newest posts and listen to our podcast at www.engageorthodoxy.net


    Ukraine Relief Fund

    Ukraine Relief Fund

    “We join our spirit to the spirit of His All-Holiness and exhort all our Faithful: offer prayers and tangible support for all the Ukrainian People, those of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and those of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchate, those of the Ukrainian Catholic and Jewish communities, and all who find themselves in the dire circumstances of war.”


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Second Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:1-8

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back - it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, He is not here; see the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter that He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him, as He told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Second Tone. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18.

Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.


Gospel Reading

Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from John 3:13-17

The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."


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Wisdom of the Fathers

Our Redeemer and Maker, Who was Son of God before the ages, became Son of Man at the end of ages. Thus the One Who, through the power of His divinity, had created us to enjoy the happiness of everlasting life, might Himself restore us, through the weakness of our humanity, to recover the life we had lost.
St. Bede the Venerable
Homilies on the Gospels, 2.18. 7th Century. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: John 1-10. Intervarsity Press, 2006, p. 126.

For since Nicodemus had said, "We know that Thou art a teacher come from God," on this very point He sets him right, all but saying, "Think Me not a teacher in such manner as were the many of the prophets who were of earth, for I have come from heaven (but) now. None of the prophets hath ascended up thither, but I dwell there."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

Here Christ speaks concisely, because His discourse was directed to Nicodemus, but still in a more significant manner ... He shows the great strength of His love ... He, the immortal, who is without beginning, the Infinite Majesty, they but dust and ashes, full of ten thousand sins, who, ungrateful, have at all times offended Him; and these He "loved."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

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Saints and Feasts

Exaltation
September 11

Sunday before Holy Cross


Allsaint
September 11

Afterfeast of the Nativity of the Theotokos


Theodoraalexandria
September 11

Theodora of Alexandria

This saint lived in the fifth century. Out of remorse for the adultery that she committed with another man, she fled from her husband's house, renamed herself Theodore, clothed herself as a man, and pretending to be a eunuch, entered a monastery of men. Her identity as a woman was discovered only after her death.


Euphrosynoscook
September 11

Euphrosynos the Cook


Evanthia
September 11

Demetrios & Evanthea the Martyrs & their son Demetrianos


Allsaint
September 12

Apodosis of the Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary


Allsaint
September 12

Autonomos the Martyr

This saint was a bishop in Italy. Fleeing from the persecution of Diocletian in 298, he came to Bithynia, where he went from place to place converting many from the idols to the true God. Because of this, one day as he was celebrating the Divine Liturgy in the Church of the Archangels, they who worshipped wood and stones fell upon him and beat him to death with staves and stones.


15_elevation
September 13

The Forefeast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross


Allsaint
September 13

The Consecration of the Church of the Holy Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre)

The church that is honoured far above all others is that of the Holy Resurrection, which Saint Constantine the Great constructed at the place of Golgotha, where our Saviour was crucified and buried. For a long time this place had been purposely buried beneath the earth by the Jews and heathen; furthermore, during the reign of Hadrian (117-138), a temple dedicated to Aphrodite was built over the site so that this sacred place might be even further desecrated and fall into utter oblivion. It was here that the Cross was hidden. However, at the command of the pious Emperor Constantine, excavations were made and the tokens of the saving Passion were found. It was here, then, that the very great and magnificent temple named in honour of Christ God's Resurrection-the Anastasis-was built under the supervision of the blessed Helen, while Dracilian was Eparch of Palestine and Macarius was Archbishop of Jerusalem. It was the latter, also, who exalted the venerable Cross and performed the consecration of this temple in the year 336.


Allsaint
September 13

Cornelius the Centurion & Martyr

Saint Cornelius was a Roman by race, a pagan by religion, a centurion in rank, an inhabitant of Caesarea of Palestine, a man pious and God-fearing who gave many alms to the people and prayed continually unto God. In accordance with an angelic vision granted to him, he sent to Joppa that they might bring the Apostle Peter. Saint Peter catechized him in the Faith of Christ and baptized all his household (Acts, ch.10). This became the beginning and the first fruits of the calling of the nations. It is said that, after this, he became a bishop, as some say, of Caesarea; but others say of Scepsis, which is not far from Troas; and that he died as a martyr.


Exaltation
September 14

The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross

Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the cross, about the year 325. A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been suffered. The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation. At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, "Lord have mercy." It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country (see Jan. 22, Saint Anastasius the Persian). Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place.

Rest from labour. A Fast is observed today, whatever day of the week it may be.


02_elevation
September 15

Afterfeast of the Holy Cross


Nikitas
September 15

Nikitas the Great Martyr

This Saint was of high birth among the Goths beyond the Danube River. He was taken by Athanaric, pagan ruler of the Goths, and after being tortured, was burned to death for his confession of Christ. According to some, this took place during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great; according to others, under the Emperor Gratian.


Bessarion
September 15

Bessarion of Larissa


Exaltation
September 16

Afterfeast of the Holy Cross


Euthemia
September 16

Euphemia the Great Martyr

Saint Euphemia was from Chalcedon and lived in virginity. According to some, she suffered martyrdom during the reign of Diocletian, in 303; according to others, in 307. Her sacred relics are preserved in the Patriarchate in Constantinople.


Allsaint
September 16

Ninian the Enlightener of Scotland

Saint Ninian was born in Cumberland in Britain around the year 360, about a half century after the Emperor Constantius Chlorus died in the British city of York, and his son Constantine, who was with him when he died, was proclaimed Emperor. Ninian was born of Christian parents of noble lineage, at a time when paganism was still strong in his native land. As a young man he went to Rome, where he spent many years in study and ascetical struggles. At Rome, Saint Ninian was consecrated some time after the death of Pope Damasus in 384, and was sent back to his native island about the end of the fourth century. On his return journey, it is likely that he passed through Tours and met Saint Martin; what is certain is that many churches and cells associated with Saint Ninian, including his own cathedral in Whithorn, were named in honour of Saint Martin. When Saint Ninian returned to Cumberland, he established monasteries that fostered both the life of prayer and missionary labours. By his preaching, his godly life, and his miracles, he ministered to his own countrymen, the Britons, and also converted many of the pagan Picts, who inhabited the northern regions (in today's Scotland). He reposed in peace at his see of Whithorn in Galloway in 432.

15_elevation
September 17

Afterfeast of the Holy Cross


Sophia
September 17

Sophia & her three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love

These Saints were from Italy and contested for the Faith about the year 126, during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian. Faith was twelve years old, Hope, ten, and Love, nine; each was tormented and then beheaded, from the eldest to the youngest. Their mother Sophia mourned at their grave for three days, where she also fell asleep in peace; because of her courageous endurance in the face of her daughters' sufferings, she is also counted a martyr. The name Sophia means "wisdom" in Greek; as for her daughters' names, Faith, Hope, and Love (Charity), they are Pistis, Elpis, and Agape in Greek, and Vera, Nadezhda, and Lyubov in Russian.


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Messages from our Metropolis of Atlanta

 Metropolitan Alexios' Message

My Beloved Ones,

This Sunday marks the solemn occasion of the 21st anniversary of the events of 9/11. Most need no reminder of this tragedy; but as the years pass, there is a generation of young people for whom this date is a historical event.

On Wednesday, we will observe another occasion, but this one is full of hope and triumph: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. After St. Constantine legalized Christianity, his blessed mother, St. Helen, made it her goal to find the earthly relics of Christ, including the True Cross. Arriving at Golgotha in the year 325, she found the former execution place now a site for trash. In all the destruction, many would have felt overwhelmed and discouraged; emotions which those who remember Ground Zero will understand.

However, just as so many of the courageous first responders risked their health to help recover and rebuild after 9/11, so too did St. Helen search with her senses, and with her heart. Soon, she saw and smelled the kingly plant known as basil, and three crosses were uncovered. A sick woman was brought before the True Cross of Christ and the crosses of the two thieves. She venerated the first and the second, with no change; but when she kissed the third, she was instantly healed. Similarly, when a funeral procession passed, the True Cross of Christ was able to raise the man from the dead.

For many, the veneration of the Cross of Christ poses a question: how can an instrument of death be worthy of devotion? St. Paul recognized this when he wrote “…we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 23-24). Indeed, it is only when we understand that God turned human reasoning upside down, that we begin to understand His mission: He who came into the world as a poor child, chose to end death not with an army of angels and men, but instead by His own death.

The reality of sin and evil was perhaps never clearer than on 9/11. Two decades later, we remember the fear and sadness that day inspired. We also remember, though, the sense of hope and brotherly love that came in the days, weeks, months that followed; especially when we think of how New York City rebuilt, including our Archdiocese’s own remembrance, the blessed St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox National Shrine. As we commemorate the passing of another anniversary, praying for the souls of the victims and their families, may we seek to find comfort in the shade of Christ’s Cross, remembering that after the Crucifixion came our Lord’s glorious Resurrection, promising the ultimate victory of light over darkness, life over death, proving, once and for all, “…the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

+ALEXIOS 
Metropolitan of Atlanta

  

On Youth Safety Protocols

From Father George Tsahakis, Chancellor:  On behalf of His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios and Monica Gjerde, our Metropolis Youth Coordinator, I commend you for working to achieve the ongoing safety and protection of our youth.  Please review the following:

  

 

Login in to Armatus Administration to see your Parish Summary Now!*
https://armatus2.praesidiuminc.com/armatusUser/login

In closing, we understand this effort requires 100 percent compliance.  The parish I serve, St. Christopher Church is 100 percent compliant with the above protocol.  If your parish is at 100 percent, email me so I can add you to the listing for His Eminence's review.  He is both supportive and has completed his background check, the 2-part Youth Safety and 1-part youth worker regulations online training.  This is an ongoing responsibility for all our clergy and their youth workers... we support your efforts to guide your parish to 100 percent compliance. Thank you.

*If you misplaced your password, contact your Parish Youth Safety Admin to get it.

For information on Policies for the Safety of Youth and Children, please click https://atlmetropolis.org/policies-for-the-safety-of-youth-and-children!

Please remember that all parishes must comply and sign their parish contracts to host any youth ministry programs or events on the parish level (Sunday School) or to participate on a District or Metropolis Level Events (Retreats, WYR & HDF).

 

Journey of Marriage (Pre-Marital Seminar)

All couples marrying in the Metropolis must attend a Metropolis-sponsored Journey of Marriage seminar prior to their wedding. The couple will present their certificate of completion to their parish priest after the seminar.

To see the full list of seminars in our Metropolis for 2022 & 2023 and to register, please visit:
https://atlmetropolis.org/pre-marital-seminars-journey-of-marriage

Registration is online.  Materials costs are included in the registration.  The seminars are currently being conducted by Zoom meeting.

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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Ionian Village Pilgrimage

09/07/2022

Ionian Village pilgrimage

Chrysostom Academy Opens in Pennsylvania

09/07/2022

On September 1st, 2022 during the inaugural Divine Liturgy at Chrysostom Academy in Bethlehem, a truly rare event occurred.

Pittsburgh Metropolis YAL Conference

09/07/2022

Calling all Young Adults 18-35! We're a little over a month out and spots are filling up.

Virginia Beach Philoptochos Helps Ukraine

09/06/2022

The Philoptochos members of St. Nicholas Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia wanted to assist Archbishop Elpidophoros’ fundraising efforts for our sisters and brothers in Ukraine.

Oxford Press Publishes Groundbreaking Book on the Bible in Orthodox Christianity

08/03/2022

Boston— A groundbreaking new text with a foreword by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America has been published by Rev. Dr. Eugen J. Pentiuc, the Archbishop Demetrios Professor of Biblical Studies and Christian Origins at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.

New Books Available on Orthodox Marketplace

06/02/2022

Three new valuable guides for the Orthodox faithful are now available on Orthodox Marketplace.

2022 Directory Now Available Online

01/28/2022

The 2022 Directory of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is now available online at www.goarch.org/directory. The Directory can also be downloaded from the website as a pdf and used as a digital book on tablets, smart phones and other digital reading devices.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Launches New Orthodox Marketplace

09/09/2021

Orthodox Marketplace of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America launched a new store on Wednesday September 7, 2021. The new platform (still at www.orthodoxmarketplace.com ) has many updated features from the previous platform, improving the user interface and enhancing the marketing capabilities of the store.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Acquires Popular Byzantine Chant Resource “AGES Initiatives”

08/31/2021

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has acquired certain assets of the respected AGES Initiatives organization, which has provided digital music for Byzantine Chant utilizing both Byzantine and Western notations and translations of liturgical texts for Orthodox churches around the world since 2012. In that time, AGES Initiatives has developed a full suite of digital texts designed to facilitate the study of Byzantine chant in a variety of languages for those at church, at home, or in the classroom.
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