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.
Today, my brothers and sisters in Christ, I would like to return to a subject that has been sensitive to many of us. Nonetheless, I feel called upon to offer some simple advise on receiving Holy Communion. It is my priestly responsibility to do so.
I have been taught: “Early is on Time; On Time is Late.” With that in mind, I always try to arrive prior to the start of any event—the opposite of “Greek Time.” We chuckle about Greek time, but really, it is nothing less than an excuse. It may be socially acceptable in certain circumstances, but should never be used to justify our arrival so late to Church on Sundays. The excuse really is not one that should ever be used when we have been invited by the Lord Himself to his dinner, the Mystical Supper of Holy Communion.
I am not without understanding and empathy for those with children who struggle to get everyone out of the house on time. Nonetheless, our effort shoud definitely be to try our best to arrive on time when it comes to our participation in the sacrament of Holy Communion. We have been invited—invited by the Lord—to His house for a meal He prepared with his life. We are here to receive His body and blood, and we should not arrive just before dessert is served. The composite whole of the Divine Liturgy is a great banquet in which we are nourished and satisfied by our active participation. We are truly feasting on the Lord. As it says in the Psalms, and as we sing in one of our liturgy communion hymns: “Taste and see how good the Lord is.”
St. Paul, in 1st Corinthians says this about the body and the blood of Christ: “This do...for as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” However, in the same Epistle, he also dictates that we should not receive in an unworthily manner. He goes on to say, “But let every man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.”
So, we see, there is an element of preparation for receiving Holy Communion. Fasting, prayer, love for one another are ways in which we prepare. It is not about making ourselves worthy—for none is worthy—but about examining ourselves and properly preparing. St. John Chrysostom also teaches that we can receive whenever Holy Communion is offered if by “maintaining our own earlier preparedness...” In other words, there are some fundamental things necessary for us in order to approach the chalice properly prepared.
Fundamentally, we attend the whole of the Divine Liturgy. We are not simply dropping in for a quick bite, like at a fast food restaurant, but are participating in the Mystical Supper. The different parts of the Liturgy all build us to the climax of holy Communion. If we are not present in the whole Divine Liturgy, have we really participated in the Lord’s Supper?
In terms of practical advice, I would say that if we are not in Church from the scripture readings, we really are not participating in enough of the Liturgy and not prepared to receive Holy Communion. Part of preparation is planning ahead—planning drives your time; so arrive in time to get settled, hear the scripture lessons and the sermon which follows, then participate in the Divine Liturgy and receive Holy Communion.
On Sunday, September 8th, we will celebrate a water blessing service (Aghiasmos) at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy for the beginning of the Church School and Ecclesiastical Year.
Please have the children of the Sunday School sit in the reserved pews front left in the sanctuary. We will start with an Aghiasmos (Water Blessing Service) after the Divine Liturgy, then the children will go to the classrooms. Father Gianulis will meet thim in the Vlahakis Education Center to bless the classrooms.
Sunday services will be held as scheduled this Sunday and Father Gianulis will celebrate the Divine Liturgy. However, on Monday morning, he and Presbytera Connie depart for a long anticipated trip to Italy and Greece. They look forward to their return on October 3rd.
On the Sundays of Father's absence (September 15, 22 and 29), Fr. Bill Bartz will be the guest celebrant. Fr. Bill recently retired as the Presiding Priest of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Indianapolis and is a retired Navy Chaplain. We know you will show him your warm, St. Demetrios welcome and hospitality.
Please note that during Father Gianulis' absence, there will be no Sunday bulletin or e-bulletin.
There will be a procession of the Holy Cross on Sunday, September 15th. Traditionally, a tray is decorated with the cross and basil. If you have basil you could contribute, please bring it to the church next Sunday at 9 a.m. and give it to Charlie Stayton. Thank you.
We had a great turnout and discussion last Wednesday. Join us this week as David Pearson leads the study on the main themes of the Daily Cycle of Services in the Greek Orthodox Church. We meet from 7 - 8 p.m. unless otherwise specified. In September, All are welcome!
The First Forty Days of college are a critical time for students. Help us ensure they are connected to OCF and to the local parish. Please submit names and contact information of all students who are or will be attending a college or university here or elsewhere. Please send names, email, phone numbers and the institution to Fr. Gianulis at frmdg@stdemva.com
We now have a Go Fund Me page for St. Demetrios. Help spread the word on it, share it with friends and boost it if you can. That can be on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc.
Have you visited us on Facebook? Like us at
Thank you to Presbytera Connie for keeping the page up to date, relevant and interesting.
The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
The Reading is from Luke 1:39-49, 56
In those days, Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."
And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name." And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.
The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 1:39-49, 56
Ἐν ταῖς ἡμέρας ἐκείνας, ἀναστᾶσα δὲ Μαριὰμ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις ἐπορεύθη εἰς τὴν ὀρεινὴν μετὰ σπουδῆς εἰς πόλιν ᾿Ιούδα, καὶ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον Ζαχαρίου καὶ ἠσπάσατο τὴν ᾿Ελισάβετ. καὶ ἐγένετο ὡς ἤκουσεν ἡ ᾿Ελισάβετ τὸν ἀσπασμὸν τῆς Μαρίας, ἐσκίρτησε τὸ βρέφος ἐν τῇ κοιλίᾳ αὐτῆς· καὶ ἐπλήσθη Πνεύματος ῾Αγίου ἡ ᾿Ελισάβετ καὶ ἀνεφώνησε φωνῇ μεγάλῃ καὶ εἶπεν· εὐλογημένη σὺ ἐν γυναιξὶ καὶ εὐλογημένος ὁ καρπὸς τῆς κοιλίας σου. καὶ πόθεν μοι τοῦτο ἵνα ἔλθῃ ἡ μήτηρ τοῦ Κυρίου μου πρός με; ἰδοὺ γὰρ ὡς ἐγένετο ἡ φωνὴ τοῦ ἀσπασμοῦ σου εἰς τὰ ὦτά μου, ἐσκίρτησε τὸ βρέφος ἐν ἀγαλλιάσει ἐν τῇ κοιλίᾳ μου. καὶ μακαρία ἡ πιστεύσασα ὅτι ἔσται τελείωσις τοῖς λελαλημένοις αὐτῇ παρὰ Κυρίου. Καὶ εἶπε Μαριάμ· Μεγαλύνει ἡ ψυχή μου τὸν Κύριον καὶ ἠγαλλίασε τὸ πνεῦμά μου ἐπὶ τῷ Θεῷ τῷ σωτῆρί μου, ὅτι ἐπέβλεψεν ἐπὶ τὴν ταπείνωσιν τῆς δούλης αὐτοῦ. ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν μακαριοῦσί με πᾶσαι αἱ γενεαί· ὅτι ἐποίησέ μοι μεγαλεῖα ὁ δυνατὸς καὶ ἅγιον τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ. ῎Εμεινε δὲ Μαριὰμ σὺν αὐτῇ ὡσεὶ μῆνας τρεῖς καὶ ὑπέστρεψεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτῆς.
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.
Sunday before Holy Cross
Πρὸς Γαλάτας 6:11-18
Ἀδελφοί, ἴδετε πηλίκοις ὑμῖν γράμμασιν ἔγραψα τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί. Ὅσοι θέλουσιν εὐπροσωπῆσαι ἐν σαρκί, οὗτοι ἀναγκάζουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, μόνον ἵνα μὴ τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ διώκωνται. Οὐδὲ γὰρ οἱ περιτετμημένοι αὐτοὶ νόμον φυλάσσουσιν, ἀλλὰ θέλουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, ἵνα ἐν τῇ ὑμετέρᾳ σαρκὶ καυχήσωνται. Ἐμοὶ δὲ μὴ γένοιτο καυχᾶσθαι εἰ μὴ ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ· διʼ οὗ ἐμοὶ κόσμος ἐσταύρωται, κἀγὼ τῷ κόσμῳ. Ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ οὔτε περιτομή τι ἰσχύει, οὔτε ἀκροβυστία, ἀλλὰ καινὴ κτίσις. Καὶ ὅσοι τῷ κανόνι τούτῳ στοιχήσουσιν, εἰρήνη ἐπʼ αὐτούς, καὶ ἔλεος, καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰσραὴλ τοῦ θεοῦ. Τοῦ λοιποῦ, κόπους μοι μηδεὶς παρεχέτω· ἐγὼ γὰρ τὰ στίγματα τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματί μου βαστάζω. Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί. Ἀμήν.
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."
Sunday before Holy Cross
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 3:13-17
Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀναβέβηκεν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν εἰ μὴ ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς, ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ὁ ὤν ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ. καὶ καθὼς Μωϋσῆς ὕψωσε τὸν ὄφιν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οὕτως ὑψωθῆναι δεῖ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. Οὕτω γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ' ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ κόσμος δι' αὐτοῦ.
According to the ancient tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was born of barren and aged parents, Joachim and Anna, about the year 16 or 17 before the birth of Christ. Joachim was descended from the royal line of David, of the tribe of Judah. Anna was of the priestly tribe of Levi, a daughter of the priest Matthan and Mary, his wife.
The translations of hymns are under copyright and used by permission. All rights reserved. These works may not be further reproduced, in print or on other websites or in any other form, without the prior written authorization of the copyright holder:
Attached flyer for the Greek Genealogy day-long conference hosted by St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church on Saturday 19 October. Saturday will focus on those with ancestors from Greece, Cyprus and Asia Minor. There is an additional day the following Wednesday that will be Greek specific.