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St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-04-21
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Allsaint
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St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • 757-220-0994
  • Street Address:

  • 4900 Mooretown Road

  • Williamsburg, VA 23188


Contact Information






Services Schedule

Sunday Services -- Kuriakh:

Orthros, 8:45 a.m.

Divine Liturgy, 10:00 a.m.

OrqroV, 0845 pm.

Q. Leitourgia, 1000 pm.

 

Weekday Holy Days (as scheduled):

Orthros, 8:45 a.m.

Divine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m.

KaqhmerineV EorteV:

OrqroV, 0845 pm.

Q. Leitourgia, 0930 pm.

 


Past Bulletins


Message from Fr. Gianulis

DAY BY DAY THROUGH HOLY WEEK

1. On Palm Sunday, we commemorate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem riding on a donkey to the shouts of Hosanna, and thus fulfilling the prophecy of Zacharias (Zechariah 9:9). On Sunday evening, we commemorate the Patriarch Joseph who forgave his brothers who has sold him into slavery. Because he was betrayed by his brothers, and in his forgiveness of them, Joseph prefigures Jesus Christ.

2. Monday is the day on which he walked into the Jerusalem Temple overturning tables where money exchange occurred. Roman drachmas were being exchanged for Jewish shekels. Roman coins were not allowed in the Temple because of the depiction of the image of Caesar. The Temple authorities were using this as a means to cheat the people and make a profit in the midst of the Temple grounds. We also remember on this day that Jesus cursed the fig tree because it did not bear fruit (Matthew 21:18-19).  There is a clear correlation between the money changers and the fig tree that bore no fruit.

3. On Tuesday Jesus taught in parables, warned the people against the Pharisees, and predicted the destruction of the Temple. We commemorate the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). Five were wise and prepared for the coming of the bridegroom; and five were not. The bridegroom represents Christ, and we the young maidens. Are we prepared to meet Christ when He comes “in the middle of the night”? 

4. On Wednesday, the fourth day, we commemorate the penitent woman who anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped them with her hair. On this evening, in remembrance of her, we are ourselves anointed with Holy Unction, the Sacrament of Healing.

5. On Thursday we commemorate the Last Supper. In an upper room, Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with his disciples, but he gave it new meaning. No longer would his followers merely remember the Exodus from Egypt in the breaking of bread. They would remember his broken body and shed blood. 

Later that evening in the Garden of Gethsemane he agonized in prayer at what lay ahead for him. We stand vigil with Him in the service of the Twelve Gospel readings, the Holy Passion Orthros. 

6. On Friday, following betrayal, arrest, imprisonment, desertion, false trials, denial, condemnation, beatings and sentencing, Jesus carried his own cross to "The Place of the Skull" (Golgotha), where he was crucified with two other prisoners. In the afternoon Vespers service, we reenact the taking of Jesus Christ from the cross by Joseph Arimathea and Nicodemus. In the evening, we sing the Lamentations and carry his body in solemn procession as if in His funeral service.

7. On Saturday, Jesus lay dead in a tomb bought by a rich man named Joseph. We commemorate His descent into Hades, the realm of death, where He freed all those righteous souls there for He is “the God of the living and the dead.” 

8. On Sunday, his Passion was over, the stone had been rolled away. Jesus was alive. He appeared to Mary, to Peter, to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and to the 11 disciples gathered in a locked room. His resurrection was established as a fact. Christ is risen! Truly, He has risen!


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Upcoming Divine Services and Holy Days

Holy Week and Pascha Schedule

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April 20, Saturday of Lazarus

      Orthros, 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy, 10 a.m. 

      Church Palm Folding to follow

April 21, Palm Sunday (Entry into Jerusalem)

      Orthros, 8:45 a.m.  Divine Liturgy, 10 a.m.

April 22, Holy Monday

      Orthros of the Bridegroom, 7 p.m.

 April 23, Holy Tuesday

       Orthros of the Bridegroom, 7 p.m.

April 24, Holy Wednesday

      The Sacrament of Holy Unction, 7 p.m.

April 25, Holy Thursday

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, 10 a.m.

Orthros of the Passion (12 Gospels), 7 p.m.

April 26, Good Friday

Great Vespers—the Descent from the Cross, 3 p.m.

Lamentation Service, 7 p.m.

April 27, Holy Saturday

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, 10 a.m.

Resurrection Orthros, 11 p.m. Paschal Proclamation of the Holy Gospel, 12 p.m. followed by the Divine Liturgy. 

April 28,  Easter Sunday

     Great Vespers of AGAPE, 11 a.m. 

____________________________________________________________

20 Απριλίου, Σάββατο του Λαζάρου

       Ο Όρθρος, 9 πμ. Θεια Λειτουργία, 10 πμ.

21 Απριλίου, Κυριακή των Βαΐων

        Ο Όρθρος, 9 πμ. Θεια Λειτουργία, 10 πμ.

22 Απριλίου, Μεγάλη Δευτέρα

        Ο Όρθρος του Νυμφίου, 7 μμ.

23 Απριλίου, Μεγάλη Τρίτη

       Ο Όρθρος του Νυμφίου, 7 μμ.

24 Απριλίου, Μεγάλη Τετάρτη

       Μέγα Ευχέλαιον, 7 μμ.

25 Απριλίου, Μεγάλη Πέμπτη

        Η Θεία Λειτουργία του Αγ. Βασιλείου, 10 πμ.

        Ο Όρθρος του Πάθος του Χριστού (τα 12 Ευαγγέλια), 7 μμ.

26 Απριλίου, Μεγαλη Παρασκευή

        Ο Μέγας Εσπερινός (Αποκαθήλωσης), 3 μμ.

        Ο Επιτάφιος Θρήνος, 7 μμ.

27 Απριλίου, Μέγα Σάββατο

        Η Θεία Λειτουργία του Αγ. Βασιλείου, 10 πμ—Πρώτη Ανάσταση, 9 πμ.

          Όρθρος της Αναστάσεως, 11 μμ, Η Ανάσταση, 12 μμ.

          Θεία Λειτουργία, 1230 πμ.

28 Απριλίου, Κυριακή του Πάσχα 

         Ο Μέγας Εσπερινός της Αγάπης, 11 πμ.


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Announcements

PALM SUNDAY LUNCHEON

Come enjoy great food and good fellowship this Sunday for our traditional Palm Sunday meal. It is only $12 per plate. All proceeds support the needs and ministry of St. Demetrios and everyone is encouraged to attend. Friends and neighbors welcome too.


FLOWERS FOR THE EPITAPHIOS & EASTER

During the holy season of Great Lent, we gratefully accept contributions for flowers for the decoration of the sepulchre of Christ of Good Friday. Please make a notation on your check or envelop for "Lenten Flowers."

Also, if anyone wishes to donate for Easter lilies in honor of or in memory of a family member, may do so by contacting Argie Maurakis or Athena Canavos.  Each lily is a $20 donation.  

Thank you.


FOREIGN LANGUAGE READERS

During the beautiful Great Vespers service, commonly called the AGAPE Vespers, the Holy Gospel is read in various foreign language readers. We have some, but welcome anyone who would like to be part of the service. Contact Fr. Gianulis and let him know your language and he will let you know what to do.

The AGAPE Vespers is on Easter Sunday at 11 a.m.


FRIDAY FISH FRIES

This Friday, April 19, is the last fish fry for the time being. Please note, this is an offering for the greater Williamsburg community -- a fundraiser. Please tell your friends, spread the word, distribute flyers, and come out and support, and if you are willing to help, contact Elpitha Paparis at 757-784-6027.


Greek Festival Flyers Available

The Williamsburg Greek Festival will be on May 17 - 19. Help get the word out. We have placed flyers for the upcoming Greek Festival in the narthex. If everyone takes a few and places them where you work, where you shop, or where you dine, that would be a tremendous help and support.


EASTER BREAD SALES

Please consider purchasing Easter Bread (Tsoureki). Very suitable for gift giving or home Easter dinner. $10 per loaf. Contact Elpitha Paparis to place an order. 784-6027


Seeking Material Donations

Want to help the parish in a unique way, consider material donations of the following items, which will save cost in our upkeep of the Church grounds.

  • Sacks of weed and feed
  • Sacks of Fertilizer 
  • Sacks of lime
  • Gas powered leaf blower
  • Gas powered weed eater
  • Mulch
  • Overhead door installation for the dumpster shed

And for the sanctuary:

  • A persian style runner, 12' x 3'
  • Altar table clothes

COFFEE FELLOWSHIP

This Sunday:  No coffee fellowship due to the luncheon. However, iff you would like to host a future coffee fellowship after Sunday services, contact Elpida Paparis at 784-6027. 


"I was sick and you visited me..." Matthew 25:36

Ethel Kanelos: Riverside Doctor's Hospital


Our Deepest Sympathies

...to the family and friends of Alexander Pasquier, who fell asleep in the Lord on April 11. 

May his memory be eternal.


Your Priest is as Close as Your Telephone

...but he is not a mind reader.  If you are sick and hospitalized, or have any other pastoral or sacramental need, do not hesitate to call him.  Fr. Gianulis can always be reached by calling the church phone number, 220-0994.  If he is not in, leave a message and it will be delivered to his cell phone.


Visit us on Facebook

Have you visited us on Facebook? Like us at 

https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=saint%20demetrios%20greek%20orthodox%20church%20-%20williamsburg%20va.

Thank you to Presbytera Connie for keeping the page up to date, relevant and interesting. 


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Palm Sunday
The Reading is from Matthew 21:1-11; 15-17

At that time, when Jesus drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If any one says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them,' and he will send them immediately." This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,

"Tell the daughter of Zion,
Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble and mounted on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their garments on them, and he sat thereon. Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" And when he entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, "Who is this?" And the crowds said, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee." But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were indignant; and they said to him, "Do you hear what they are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read,

'Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings,
you have brought perfect praise'?"

And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there.

Palm Sunday
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 21:1-11, 15-17

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ὅτε ἤγγισαν εἰς ῾Ιεροσόλυμα καὶ ἦλθον εἰς Βηθσφαγῆ πρὸς τὸ ὄρος τῶν ἐλαιῶν, τότε ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ἀπέστειλε δύο μαθητὰςλέγων αὐτοῖς· πορεύθητε εἰς τὴν κώμην τὴν ἀπέναντι ὑμῶν, καὶ εὐθέως εὑρήσετε ὄνον δεδεμένην καὶ πῶλον μετ᾿ αὐτῆς· λύσαντες ἀγάγετέ μοι. καὶ ἐάν τις ὑμῖν εἴπῃ τι, ἐρεῖτε ὅτι ὁ Κύριος αὐτῶν χρείαν ἔχει· εὐθέως δὲ ἀποστέλλει αὐτούς. τοῦτο δὲ ὅλον γέγονεν ἵνα πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος· εἴπατε τῇ θυγατρὶ Σιών, ἰδοὺ ὁ βασιλεύς σου ἔρχεταί σοιπραῢς καὶ ἐπιβεβηκὼς ἐπὶ ὄνονκαὶ πῶλον υἱὸν ὑποζυγίου. πορευθέντες δὲ οἱ μαθηταὶ καὶ ποιήσαντες καθὼς προσέταξεν αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς, ἤγαγον τὴν ὄνον καὶ τὸν πῶλον, καὶ ἐπέθηκαν ἐπάνω αὐτῶν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐπεκάθισεν ἐπάνω αὐτῶν. ὁ δὲ πλεῖστος ὄχλος ἔστρωσαν ἑαυτῶν τὰ ἱμάτια ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ, ἄλλοι δὲ ἔκοπτον κλάδους ἀπὸ τῶν δένδρων καὶ ἐστρώννυον ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ. οἱ δὲ ὄχλοι οἱ προάγοντες καὶ οἱ ἀκολουθοῦντες ἔκραζον λέγοντες· ὡσαννὰ τῷ υἱῷ Δαυΐδ· εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου· ὡσαννὰ ἐν τοῖς ὑψίστοις. καὶ εἰσελθόντος αὐτοῦ εἰς ῾Ιεροσόλυμα ἐσείσθη πᾶσα ἡ πόλις λέγουσα· τίς ἐστιν οὗτος; οἱ δὲ ὄχλοι ἔλεγον· οὗτός ἔστιν ᾿Ιησοῦς ὁ προφήτης ὁ ἀπὸ Ναζαρὲτ τῆς Γαλιλαίας. ἰδόντες δὲ οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς καὶ οἱ γραμματεῖς τὰ θαυμάσια ἃ ἐποίησε καὶ τοὺς παῖδας κράζοντας ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ καὶ λέγοντας, ὡσαννὰ τῷ υἱῷ Δαυΐδ, ἠγανάκτησανκαὶ εἶπον αὐτῷ· ἀκούεις τί οὗτοι λέγουσιν; ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς λέγει αὐτοῖς· ναί· οὐδέποτε ἀνέγνωτε ὅτι ἐκ στόματος νηπίων καὶ θηλαζόντων κατηρτίσω αἶνον; καὶ καταλιπὼν αὐτοὺς ἐξῆλθεν ἔξω τῆς πόλεως εἰς Βηθανίαν καὶ ηὐλίσθη ἐκεῖ.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Tone. Psalm 117.26,1.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Verse: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians 4:4-9.

BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.

Προκείμενον. Fourth Tone. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 117.26,1.
Εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου.
Στίχ. Στίχ. Ἐξομολογεῖσθε τῷ Κυρίῳ ὅτι ἀγαθὸς, ὅτι εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Φιλιππησίους 4:4-9.

Ἀδελφοί, χαίρετε ἐν κυρίῳ πάντοτε· πάλιν ἐρῶ, χαίρετε. Τὸ ἐπιεικὲς ὑμῶν γνωσθήτω πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις. Ὁ κύριος ἐγγύς. Μηδὲν μεριμνᾶτε, ἀλλʼ ἐν παντὶ τῇ προσευχῇ καὶ τῇ δεήσει μετὰ εὐχαριστίας τὰ αἰτήματα ὑμῶν γνωριζέσθω πρὸς τὸν θεόν. Καὶ ἡ εἰρήνη τοῦ θεοῦ ἡ ὑπερέχουσα πάντα νοῦν, φρουρήσει τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν καὶ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ. Τὸ λοιπόν, ἀδελφοί, ὅσα ἐστὶν ἀληθῆ, ὅσα σεμνά, ὅσα δίκαια, ὅσα ἁγνά, ὅσα προσφιλῆ, ὅσα εὔφημα, εἴ τις ἀρετὴ καὶ εἴ τις ἔπαινος, ταῦτα λογίζεσθε. Ἃ καὶ ἐμάθετε καὶ παρελάβετε καὶ ἠκούσατε καὶ εἴδετε ἐν ἐμοί, ταῦτα πράσσετε· καὶ ὁ θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης ἔσται μεθʼ ὑμῶν.


Gospel Reading

Palm Sunday
The Reading is from John 12:1-18

Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazaros was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me."

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazaros, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazaros also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazaros out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.

Palm Sunday
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 12:1-18

Πρὸ ἓξ ἡμερῶν τοῦ πάσχα ἦλθεν Ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἰς Βηθανίαν, ὅπου ἦν Λάζαρος ὁ τεθνηκώς, ὃν ἤγειρεν ἐκ νεκρῶν. ἐποίησαν οὖν αὐτῷ δεῖπνον ἐκεῖ, καὶ ἡ Μάρθα διηκόνει· ὁ δὲ Λάζαρος εἷς ἦν τῶν ἀνακειμένων σὺν αὐτῷ. ἡ οὖν Μαρία, λαβοῦσα λίτραν μύρου νάρδου πιστικῆς πολυτίμου, ἤλειψε τοὺς πόδας τοῦ ᾿Ιησοῦ καὶ ἐξέμαξε ταῖς θριξὶν αὐτῆς τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ· ἡ δὲ οἰκία ἐπληρώθη ἐκ τῆς ὀσμῆς τοῦ μύρου. λέγει οὖν εἷς ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ, ᾿Ιούδας Σίμωνος ᾿Ισκαριώτης, ὁ μέλλων αὐτὸν παραδιδόναι· διατί τοῦτο τὸ μύρον οὐκ ἐπράθη τριακοσίων δηναρίων καὶ ἐδόθη πτωχοῖς; εἶπε δὲ τοῦτο οὐχ ὅτι περὶ τῶν πτωχῶν ἔμελεν αὐτῷ, ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι κλέπτης ἦν, καὶ τὸ γλωσσόκομον εἶχε καὶ τὰ βαλλόμενα ἐβάσταζεν. εἶπεν οὖν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· ἄφες αὐτήν, εἰς τὴν ἡμέραν τοῦ ἐνταφιασμοῦ μου τετήρηκεν αὐτό. τοὺς πτωχοὺς γὰρ πάντοτε ἔχετε μεθ᾽ ἑαυτῶν, ἐμὲ δὲ οὐ πάντοτε ἔχετε.

῎Εγνω οὖν ὄχλος πολὺς ἐκ τῶν ᾿Ιουδαίων ὅτι ἐκεῖ ἐστι, καὶ ἦλθον οὐ διὰ τὸν ᾿Ιησοῦν μόνον, ἀλλ᾽ ἵνα καὶ τὸν Λάζαρον ἴδωσιν ὃν ἤγειρεν ἐκ νεκρῶν. ἐβουλεύσαντο δὲ οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς ἵνα καὶ τὸν Λάζαρον ἀποκτείνωσιν, ὅτι πολλοὶ δι᾽ αὐτὸν ὑπῆγον τῶν ᾿Ιουδαίων καὶ ἐπίστευον εἰς τὸν ᾿Ιησοῦν.

Τῇ ἐπαύριον ὄχλος πολὺς ὁ ἐλθὼν εἰς τὴν ἑορτήν, ἀκούσαντες ὅτι ἔρχεται ᾿Ιησοῦς εἰς ῾Ιεροσόλυμα, ἔλαβον τὰ βαΐα τῶν φοινίκων καὶ ἐξῆλθον εἰς ὑπάντησιν αὐτῷ, καὶ ἔκραζον· ὡσαννά, εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου, ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῦ ᾿Ισραήλ. εὑρὼν δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ὀνάριον ἐκάθισεν ἐπ᾽ αὐτό, καθώς ἐστι γεγραμμένον· μὴ φοβοῦ, θύγατερ Σιών· ἰδοὺ ὁ βασιλεύς σου ἔρχεται καθήμενος ἐπὶ πῶλον ὄνου.

Ταῦτα δὲ οὐκ ἔγνωσαν οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ τὸ πρῶτον, ἀλλ᾽ ὅτε ἐδοξάσθη ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς, τότε ἐμνήσθησαν ὅτι ταῦτα ἦν ἐπ᾽ αὐτῷ γεγραμμένα, καὶ ταῦτα ἐποίησαν αὐτῷ. ᾿Εμαρτύρει οὖν ὁ ὄχλος ὁ ὢν μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ ὅτε τὸν Λάζαρον ἐφώνησεν ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου καὶ ἤγειρεν αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν. διὰ τοῦτο καὶ ὑπήντησεν αὐτῷ ὁ ὄχλος, ὅτι ἤκουσαν τοῦτο αὐτὸν πεποιηκέναι τὸ σημεῖον.


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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
April 21

The Holy Hieromartyr Januarius and Those With Him

These Martyrs contested for piety's sake in Campania of Italy, during the reign of Diocletian (284-305), when Timothy was Proconsul. Saint Januarius was the Bishop of Benevento in Campania; he was arrested and taken to Nola, where he was cast into a burning furnace, from which he came forth unharmed; at Puteoli, together with Proculus, Sosius, and Faustus the deacons, Desiderius, reader of the Church of Benevento, and Eurychius and Acutius, nobles from Puteoli, he was cast to wild beasts, which as they came near the Saints, fell affectionately at their feet. Finally they were all beheaded, about the year 305.


Allsaint
April 21

Our Holy Father Maximian, Patriarch of Constantinople


Allsaint
April 21

Theodore the Holy Martyr & his mother Philippa of Perge


Allsaint
April 21

Alexandra the Martyr

Martyr Alexandra, the Empress and wife of Emperor Diocletion, was so impressed by the courage and martyrdom of St George that she became a Christian and fell under the same persecution. She also was condemned to be beheaded but when she arrived at the place of execution she asked to be allowed to sit down. Her request was granted. She sat down and died quietly before the executioners could carry out their task. Her feast day is 21 April.


Allsaint
April 21

Anastasios the Monk of Sinai


Palmsunday
April 21

Palm Sunday

On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the Law, the Lord came from Bethany to Jerusalem. Sending two of His disciples to bring Him a foal of an ass, He sat thereon and entered into the city. When the multitude there heard that Jesus was coming, they straightway took up the branches of palm trees in their hands, and went forth to meet Him. Others spread their garments on the ground, and yet others cut branches from the trees and strewed them in the way that Jesus was to pass; and all of them together, especially the children, went before and after Him, crying out: "Hosanna: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel" (John 12:13). This is the radiant and glorious festival of our Lord's entry into Jerusalem that we celebrate today.

The branches of the palm trees symbolize Christ's victory over the devil and death. The word Hosanna means "Save, I pray," or "Save, now." The foal of an ass, and Jesus' sitting thereon, and the fact that this animal was untamed and considered unclean according to the Law, signified the former uncleanness and wildness of the nations, and their subjection thereafter to the holy Law of the Gospel.


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Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the First Tone

O Christ our God, before Your Passion, You raised Lazarus from the dead to confirm the common Resurrection for all. Therefore, we carry the symbols of victory as did the youths, and we cry out to You, the victor over death, "Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. "
Τὴν κοινὴν Ἀνάστασιν πρὸ τοῦ σοῦ Πάθους πιστούμενος, ἐκ νεκρῶν ἤγειρας τὸν Λάζαρον, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός· ὅθεν καὶ ἡμεῖς ὡς οἱ Παῖδες, τὰ τῆς νίκης σύμβολα φέροντες, σοὶ τῷ Νικητῇ τοῦ θανάτου βοῶμεν· Ὡσαννὰ ἐν τοῖς ὑψίστοις, εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος, ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου.

Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the Fourth Tone

O Christ, Our God, we have been Buried with You through Baptism, and by Your Resurrection made worthy of Life immortal. Praising You, we cry out, "Hosanna in the highest, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord."
Συνταφέντες σοι διὰ τοῦ Βαπτίσματος, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, τῆς ἀθανάτου ζωῆς ἠξιώθημεν τῇ Ἀναστάσει σου, καὶ ἀνυμνοῦντες κράζομεν· Ὡσαννὰ ἐν τοῖς ὑψίστοις, εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος, ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Second Tone

In Heaven, He is seated upon a Throne and on earth He rides upon a foal. O Christ our God, accept the praise of the Angels and the hymn of the Children who cry out to You, "Blessed are You who comes to recall Adam."
Τῷ θρόνῳ ἐν οὐρανῷ, τῷ πώλῳ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἐποχούμενος Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, τῶν Ἀγγέλων τὴν αἴνεσιν, καὶ τῶν Παίδων ἀνύμνησιν προσεδέξω βοώντων σοι· Εὐλογημένος εἶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος, τὸν Ἀδὰμ ἀνακαλέσασθαι.
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Wisdom of the Fathers

But observe the wisdom of the Evangelist, how he is not ashamed to parade their former ignorance. That it was written they knew, that it was written of Him they knew not. For it would have offended them if He being a King were about to suffer such things, and be so betrayed.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p.245., 4th Century

Besides, they could not at once have taken in the knowledge of the Kingdom of which He spake; for another Evangelist saith, that they thought the words were spoken of a kingdom of this world. (Matt. xx. 21.)
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p.245., 4th Century

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St. Demetrios Parish Calendar

  • St. Demetrios Parish Calender

    April 21 to May 19, 2019

    SUN
    MON
    TUE
    WED
    THU
    FRI
    SAT
    21
    PALM SUNDAY
    9:00AM Orthros
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy
    11:15AM Church School
    22
    7:00PM Orthros of the Bridegroom
    23
    7:00PM Orthros of the Bridegroom
    24
    7:00PM Holy Unction
    25
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy--Commemoration of the Last Supper
    7:00PM Orthros of the Passion of Christ
    26
    10:00AM Royal Hours
    3:00PM Vespers--Descent from the Cross
    7:00PM Orthros of Lamentations
    27
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy
    11:00PM Orthros of the Resurrection
    28
    Easter Sunday
    11:00AM Agape Vespers
    29
    4:30PM Greek School
    30
    4:30PM Greek School
    1
    MAY
    4:30PM Greek School
    7:00PM Orthodox Study Group
    2
    12:00PM HART
    4:30PM Greek School
    3
    4
    5
    9:00AM Orthros
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy
    11:15AM Church School
    6
    4:30PM Greek School
    7
    4:30PM Greek School
    8
    4:30PM Greek School
    7:00PM Adult Religious Education
    9
    4:30PM Greek School
    5:30PM Parish Council
    10
    11
    12
    9:00AM Orthros
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy
    11:15AM Church School
    13
    NJ Metropolis Clergy Laity Conference
    4:30PM Greek School
    14
    4:30PM Greek School
    15
    4:30PM Greek School
    7:00PM Orthodox Study Group
    16
    4:30PM Greek School
    17
    Greek Festival
    18
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