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St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-10-25
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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

Our Patron Saint

This coming Monday we celebrate the Patronal Feast Day of our parish, St. Demetrios. We continually ask for his protection and intercession on behalf of our parish, as would any parish through her patron saint. We do so with good reason because we know he is a great intercessor and miracle worker through the ages.

He was a Greek martyr (ca 270-306 AD) from Thessaloniki; a Christian soldier in the Emperor’s Roman Legion. We know much about St. Demetrios: his life, his imprisonment, his Christian witness, and his martyrdom. Beyond his life, though, we also have written accounts of miracles attributed to St. Demetrios coming to us primarily from two ancient books called “The Miracles of Saint Demetrius.”

The first book was written by Archbishop John II of Thessaloniki sometime in the early seventh century. It is a collection of sermons telling of fifteen occasions on which St. Demetrios intervened on behalf of the city of Thessaloniki. One of the miracles recorded is of salvation from a siege of Thessaloniki by a Slavic army. In this account, St. Demetrios appeared to the protectors of the city in the guise of a Thessalonian soldier, as we see him depicted in our iconography. An excerpt from this book reads:

“[the Slav Army] silently approached the city walls.  It was then that the praiseworthy martyr, Demetrius, aided [the city] for the first time, confusing them during that night so that they spent many hours about the fortress of the praiseworthy Matron martyr, thinking that they had arrived at the city itself.”

The second book of miracles was written by someone else towards the end of the seventh century. The author appears to be an eyewitness and uses eyewitness testimonies of the events, like the Slavic and Azar invasions, and an earthquake that shook the city in those years.

There are numerous other personal accounts of miraculous healings that stem from the myrrh that flowed from his relics over the years. As such, St. Demetrios was and remains one of the most popular saints of the Orthodox Church world-wide.

Join us for our Feast Day celebration at Great Vespers on Sunday evening and Divine Liturgy on Monday Morning. The Great Vespers will be a concelebration of the area Orthodox priests and deacons and chanters. The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Fr. David Hostetler.


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Upcoming Divine Services and Holy Days

St. Demetrios the Great Martyr

Our parish nameday is just over one week away. Services are as follows.

Sunday, October 25th.

Great Vespers with Artoklasia. 5:00 p.m. Area Orthodox clergy, chanters and laity are invited to participate.

(Sunday Morning services as usual)

Monday, October 26th.

Orthros, 8:45 a.m.

Divine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m.

Fr. David Hostetler will be the celebrant.


In Person Worship Services

The Church is open. We are taking all the necessary procautions. We hope you feel comfortable enough to join us. Your Parish Council will be on hand to assist you in doing your part in maintaining the protocols listed below.

  • Please arrive early and register prior to entering the sanctuary. 
  • If you have been exposed to anyone who has contracted the Coronavirus, please stay home and watch our services via YouTube.
  • Wash or sanitize your hands before entering the sanctuary. 
  • Please wear a mask. Masks will be required. Bring one from home, but if you do not have one, one will be provided for you.
  • Maintain a minimum of 6 feet social distancing while in the services. Only immediate families will be able to sit together.
  • When receiving Holy Communion, open your mouth wide and tilt your head back so that communion may be dropped into your mouth without touching. 
  • Antidoron will be given out using plastic baggies.
  • Reverence but do not kiss any icons or the hand of the priest. Do not shake any hands or hug your friends and do not congregate outside following the liturgy. 

YouTube SERVICES

Click HERE to view the Sunday services on YouTube. Orthros, 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy, 10 a.m.

CHURCH OPEN FOR PRAYER

The Church will be open between 6 and 7 p.m. every Wednesday for personal prayer and meditation. All are welcome.


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Announcements

NOTICE OF PARISH ASSEMBLY

Please be advised that there will be a very important Parish Assembly following Church services on Sunday, November 8, 2020. The agenda is enclosed below in the "From Your Parish Council" section of this e-bulletin.

We will take appropriate safety precautions in regard to the Coronavirus and ask that you comply with safe protocols: social distancing of 6 feet, wear masks at all times indoors, and hand sanitizing. The assembly will be held in the main ballroom of the Hellenic Center.

All stewards in good standing of the parish are eligible to vote. If you are not current in your stewardship pledge, or have not yet made your pledge, you may become current on or before Sunday, November 8. We wish to encourage everyone and exclude no one from participating in the governance of the parish.

Thank you all for your participation and support.


ORTHODOX STUDY GROUP THURSDAYS

Orthodox Study Group will meet THURSDAY evenings  via Zoom at 7 p.m. 


Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85443892141?pwd=U283M1VRcUhCTXFRM0d5WXJIeGxuUT09

Meeting ID: 854 4389 2141
Passcode: 315679


VIRTUAL SUNDAY SCHOOL

We will not have in-person Sunday School classes at this time. However, parents, you are encouraged to "home school" your children in matters of the faith. In reality, this is a great opportunity to spend time with your children and learn more about the Faith together. Below is an excellent resource: https://tending-the-garden.com/virtualsundayschool/  


STEWARDSHIP OFFERINGS

Although Church services are available now, we are still in need of your weekly stewardship offerings, perhaps more now that ever. With limited attendance, our collections are way down. In addition, please complete a stewardship card so we can plan for remainder of 2020.

You can continue to give through our web page www.stdemva.com or send your weekly offering checks by mail. We have PayPal for your convenience.


HELP FOR OUR PARISHIONERS

If you or a loved one needs help with grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or other needs that do not involve personal contact please call Tom Coghill at 757-784-6410. Also, volunteers are needed to help.


SOUND SYSTEM

Now that we have returned to our beloved Church to worship together. Many of you are again well aware that our sound system is not the best. The parish Council has investigated and have a reasonable bid to upgrade and improve the system. As this is "off budget" we would like to raise the money from donations. $2005.00 has already been donated. About $ 3,000 more is needed. If you are among those who cannot hear Father's sermons, or want to help others who have a hard time hearing, you might wish to contribute to this cause. Please send your donation earmarked for SOUND SYSTEM to the Church Office. And thank you.


Senior Care Resources

Our mission at PayingForSeniorCare.com is to help the elderly and their families fully understand the cost of long term care and the programs that can provide financial support. We have an online database of tools, references, and articles that cover topics like available care options, and free resources that are available in Williamsburg. You can review our guides here: 

Shop Amazon Smile for St. Demetrios

During this pandemic, more people are shopping on line. You can help St. Demetrios by doing so. Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church whenever you shop on AmazonSmile. Same products, same prices, same service, but we get a donation. Click the link below to learn more.

https://smile.amazon.com/ch/20-4454773


Visit us on Facebook

GO FUND ME PAGE

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.  


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FROM YOUR PARISH COUNCIL

 

AGENDA – PARISH ASSEMBLY, NOV. 8, 2020

12:00 p.m. in the Hellenic Center

1. Election of the Chairman of the Parish Assembly.

2. Appointment of the Secretary by the Chairman.

3. Pastoral Comments -- Fr. Gianulis

4. President's Report -- Tom Coghill

5. Treasurer's Report

Presentation of the 2021 Budget -- Maria Reed

6. Election of Parish Council extension as per Archdiocese Clergy Laity Congress ADDENDUM D (approved by Chancellor Fr. Dean Moralis)

  “Due to the limitations resulting from the Covid-19 virus, which may impede full compliance with Article 25 of these Regulations, 2020 elections for Parish Council memberships may be postponed for twelve months at the discretion of any Metropolitan for any parish within his jurisdiction.  In 2021 elections, parishioners elected to positions so affected shall be entitled to a two year term of service.”

 

7. Proposed amendment to local by - laws

Proposed Amendment to Parish By-Laws

Section 7.4 of the Parish By-Laws of St. Demetrios Orthodox Church limits service on the Parish Council to two (2) consecutive terms.

Pursuant to Sections 12.1 - 12.3 of the Parish By-Laws, the Parish Council has approved the following amendment to Section 7.4 of the By-Laws to permit members of the Council to serve three (3) consecutive terms of two (2) years.  This amendment is consistent with Article 27, Section 2 of the Uniform Parish Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, which contemplates that certain Parish Officers (President and Treasurer) may serve for six (6) consecutive years without special permission of the Diocese Heirarch.

In recognition of the difficulty in obtaining and retaining Parish leadership, the Council recommends adoption of this amendment to provide continuity on the Council by members who have demonstrated dedication and knowledge in the leadership and administration of the Parish that is now limited to only four (4) years of successive service. Parishioners retain the right to nominate and elect current or new Council Members every two years as their terms expire.

Amended Section 7.4 (with proposed change underlined):

       7.4  A Parishioner shall be limited to serving a maximum of three (3) consecutive terms on the Parish Council and may reapply after a one (1) year absence.

 

8.  DRIVE THROUGH GREEK FESTIVAL REPORT & DISCUSSION

9.  Election of Board of Elections

9.  Election of the Board of Auditors 

10. For the Good of the Parish

11. Concluding Prayer and Adjournment

_______________________________________________________________

Updated Church Needs List

The St. Demetrios "needs" list below is grouped by similar needs. The first goup, Council Action, are needs that require Council action, but individuals can volunteer to assist the Council with these needs. The second group, Maintenance, are single action items, recurring maintenance, and the funding of mainentance. In this group individuals can volunteer and or provide funding for these items to accomplish them. The third and final group, Volunteers, are generally single action items or funding and do not involve the Council or the maintenance program.
Please consider all of these categories and if you have an interest in volunteering or funding please see Tom Coghill or Michael Thompson. You can also sign up on the bulletin board outside of the narthex of the church. Just write your name and preferred contact method phone and or email to the right of the line(s) you are interested in and you will be contacted. Thank you for your consideration of these items which will benefit our Church, just another way to express your stewardship for St. Demetrios.

1. Council Action:
* 2021 Annual Budget
* Draft business plans for Church and Williamsburg Hellenic Center
* Establish a Capital Maintenance & Replacement Budget
* Establish a maintence committee:
* 2021 Stewardship Plan
* Form a committee to reduce our capital debt of $1,990,000
* Form an audit committee
* Create Greek Festival budget spreadsheet with account codes
* Computer equipment for office
* Renegotiate Cox phone and internet expenses

2. Capital Maintenance & Replacement Plan:
* Contribute to roof repair - replacement fund
* Contribute to HVAC replacement/repair fund
* Contribute to lawn maintenance equipment fund
* Contribute to kitchen range hood fire suppression system repair fund
* Make drywall repairs and paint as needed
* Clean black mold from ceilings in Sanctuary after roof leaks are repaired
* Contribute to termite - wasp control fund
* Change HVAC filters
* Apply sealant to balcony door threshold
* Remove and replace termite damaged baseboard in hallway between ballroom and kitchen doors
* Repair lights at street sign
* Parking lot repair - resurfacing fund
* Replacing interior light fixtures with LEDs
* Window replacement fund
* Repair or replace non-working exterior light fixtures
* Clean out gutters and repair leaks

3. Volunteers:
* Serve on the Parish Council
* Clean the Sanctuary and other areas of the building
* Lawn maintenance team
* Fill kitchen and restroom floor drain traps with water monthly
* Donate postage stamps
* Tighten loose lock cylinders on doors
* Bring non-perishable food items to church for Williamsburg Food Bank
* Contribute to replacement sound system fund
* Hellenic Center event set-up and take down

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Ninth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them: "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him: "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them: "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe."

Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said: "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

Ninth Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 20:19-31

Οὔσης ὀψίας τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ τῇ μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων, καὶ τῶν θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων ὅπου ἦσαν οἱ μαθηταὶ συνηγμένοι διὰ τὸν φόβον τῶν Ἰουδαίων, ἦλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς καὶ ἔστη εἰς τὸ μέσον, καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν. Καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἔδειξεν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας καὶ τὴν πλευρὰν αὐτοῦ. Ἐχάρησαν οὖν οἱ μαθηταὶ ἰδόντες τὸν Κύριον. Εἶπεν οὖν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς πάλιν· Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν. Καθὼς ἀπέσταλκέ με ὁ πατήρ, κἀγὼ πέμπω ὑμᾶς. Καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἐνεφύσησε καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· Λάβετε Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον· ἄν τινων ἀφῆτε τὰς ἁμαρτίας, ἀφίενται αὐτοῖς, ἄν τινων κρατῆτε, κεκράτηνται.

Θωμᾶς δὲ εἷς ἐκ τῶν δώδεκα, ὁ λεγόμενος Δίδυμος, οὐκ ἦν μετ᾽ αὐτῶν ὅτε ἦλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς. Ἔλεγον οὖν αὐτῷ οἱ ἄλλοι μαθηταί· Ἐωράκαμεν τὸν Κύριον. Ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Ἐὰν μὴ ἴδω ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν αὐτοῦ τὸν τύπον τῶν ἥλων, καὶ βάλω τὸν δάκτυλόν μου εἰς τὸν τύπον τῶν ἥλων, καὶ βάλω τὴν χεῖρά μου εἰς τὴν πλευρὰν αὐτοῦ, οὐ μὴ πιστεύσω. Καὶ μεθ᾽ ἡμέρας ὀκτὼ πάλιν ἦσαν ἔσω οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ Θωμᾶς μετ᾽ αὐτῶν. Ἔρχεται ὁ Ἰησοῦς τῶν θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων, καὶ ἔστη εἰς τὸ μέσον καὶ εἶπεν· Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν. Εἶτα λέγει τῷ Θωμᾷ· Φέρε τὸν δάκτυλόν σου ὧδε καὶ ἴδε τὰς χεῖράς μου, καὶ φέρε τὴν χεῖρά σου καὶ βάλε εἰς τὴν πλευράν μου, καὶ μὴ γίνου ἄπιστος, ἀλλὰ πιστός. Καὶ ἀπεκρίθη Θωμᾶς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Ὁ Κύριός μου καὶ ὁ Θεός μου. Λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Ὅτι ἑώρακάς με, πεπίστευκας· μακάριοι οἱ μὴ ἰδόντες καὶ πιστεύσαντες. Πολλὰ μὲν οὖν καὶ ἄλλα σημεῖα ἐποίησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐνώπιον τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ, ἃ οὐκ ἔστι γεγραμμένα ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τούτῳ· ταῦτα δὲ γέγραπται ἵνα πιστεύσητε ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἐστιν ὁ Χριστὸς ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ ἵνα πιστεύοντες ζωὴν ἔχητε ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Third Tone. Psalm 46.6,1.
Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse: Clap your hands, all you nations.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 1:11-19.

Brethren, I would have you know that the gospel which was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother.

Προκείμενον. Third Tone. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 46.6,1.
Ψάλατε τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν, ψάλατε.
Στίχ. Πάντα τὰ ἔθνη κροτήσατε χεῖρας.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Γαλάτας 1:11-19.

Ἀδελφοί, γνωρίζω δὲ ὑμῖν, ἀδελφοί, τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τὸ εὐαγγελισθὲν ὑπʼ ἐμοῦ, ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν κατὰ ἄνθρωπον. Οὐδὲ γὰρ ἐγὼ παρὰ ἀνθρώπου παρέλαβον αὐτό, οὔτε ἐδιδάχθην, ἀλλὰ διʼ ἀποκαλύψεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Ἠκούσατε γὰρ τὴν ἐμὴν ἀναστροφήν ποτε ἐν τῷ Ἰουδαϊσμῷ, ὅτι καθʼ ὑπερβολὴν ἐδίωκον τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ θεοῦ, καὶ ἐπόρθουν αὐτήν· καὶ προέκοπτον ἐν τῷ Ἰουδαϊσμῷ ὑπὲρ πολλοὺς συνηλικιώτας ἐν τῷ γένει μου, περισσοτέρως ζηλωτὴς ὑπάρχων τῶν πατρικῶν μου παραδόσεων. Ὅτε δὲ εὐδόκησεν ὁ θεὸς ὁ ἀφορίσας με ἐκ κοιλίας μητρός μου καὶ καλέσας διὰ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ, ἀποκαλύψαι τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ ἐν ἐμοὶ ἵνα εὐαγγελίζωμαι αὐτὸν ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, εὐθέως οὐ προσανεθέμην σαρκὶ καὶ αἵματι· οὐδὲ ἀνῆλθον εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα πρὸς τοὺς πρὸ ἐμοῦ ἀποστόλους, ἀλλὰ ἀπῆλθον εἰς Ἀραβίαν, καὶ πάλιν ὑπέστρεψα εἰς Δαμασκόν. Ἔπειτα μετὰ ἔτη τρία ἀνῆλθον εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα ἱστορῆσαι Πέτρον, καὶ ἐπέμεινα πρὸς αὐτὸν ἡμέρας δεκαπέντε. Ἕτερον δὲ τῶν ἀποστόλων οὐκ εἶδον, εἰ μὴ Ἰάκωβον τὸν ἀδελφὸν τοῦ κυρίου.


Gospel Reading

6th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 8:26-39

At that time, as Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, there met him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech you, do not torment me." For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the desert.) Jesus then asked him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion"; for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them leave. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. When the herdsmen saw what happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked him to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but he sent him away, saying, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

6th Sunday of Luke
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 8:26-39

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἐλθόντι τῷ Ἰησοῦ εἰς τὴν χώραν τῶν Γαδαρηνῶν, ἥτις ἐστὶν ἀντίπερα τῆς Γαλιλαίας. ἐξελθόντι δὲ αὐτῷ ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν ὑπήντησεν αὐτῷ ἀνήρ τις ἐκ τῆς πόλεως, ὃς εἶχε δαιμόνια ἐκ χρόνων ἱκανῶν, καὶ ἱμάτιον οὐκ ἐνεδιδύσκετο καὶ ἐν οἰκίᾳ οὐκ ἔμενεν, ἀλλ᾿ ἐν τοῖς μνήμασιν. ἰδὼν δὲ τὸν ᾿Ιησοῦν καὶ ἀνακράξας προσέπεσεν αὐτῷ καὶ φωνῇ μεγάλῃ εἶπε· τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί, ᾿Ιησοῦ, υἱὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ὑψίστου; δέομαί σου, μή με βασανίσῃς. παρήγγειλε γὰρ τῷ πνεύματι τῷ ἀκαθάρτῳ ἐξελθεῖν ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου. πολλοῖς γὰρ χρόνοις συνηρπάκει αὐτόν, καὶ ἐδεσμεῖτο ἁλύσεσι καὶ πέδαις φυλασσόμενος, καὶ διαρρήσσων τὰ δεσμὰ ἠλαύνετο ὑπὸ τοῦ δαίμονος εἰς τὰς ἐρήμους. ἐπηρώτησε δὲ αὐτὸν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς λέγων· τί σοί ἐστιν ὄνομα; ὁ δὲ εἶπε· λεγεών· ὅτι δαιμόνια πολλὰ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς αὐτόν· καὶ παρεκάλει αὐτὸν ἵνα μὴ ἐπιτάξῃ αὐτοῖς εἰς τὴν ἄβυσσον ἀπελθεῖν. ἦν δὲ ἐκεῖ ἀγέλη χοίρων ἱκανῶν βοσκομένων ἐν τῷ ὄρει· καὶ παρεκάλουν αὐτὸν ἵνα ἐπιτρέψῃ αὐτοῖς εἰς ἐκείνους εἰσελθεῖν· καὶ ἐπέτρεψεν αὐτοῖς. ἐξελθόντα δὲ τὰ δαιμόνια ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου εἰσῆλθον εἰς τοὺς χοίρους, καὶ ὥρμησεν ἡ ἀγέλη κατὰ τοῦ κρημνοῦ εἰς τὴν λίμνην καὶ ἀπεπνίγη. ἰδόντες δὲ οἱ βόσκοντες τὸ γεγενημένον ἔφυγον, καὶ ἀπήγγειλαν εἰς τὴν πόλιν καὶ εἰς τοὺς ἀγρούς. ἐξῆλθον δὲ ἰδεῖν τὸ γεγονός, καὶ ἦλθον πρὸς τὸν ᾿Ιησοῦν καὶ εὗρον καθήμενον τὸν ἄνθρωπον, ἀφ᾿ οὗ τὰ δαιμόνια ἐξεληλύθει, ἱματισμένον καὶ σωφρονοῦντα παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τοῦ ᾿Ιησοῦ, καὶ ἐφοβήθησαν. ἀπήγγειλαν δὲ αὐτοῖς οἱ ἰδόντες πῶς ἐσώθη ὁ δαιμονισθείς. καὶ ἠρώτησαν αὐτὸν ἅπαν τὸ πλῆθος τῆς περιχώρου τῶν Γαδαρηνῶν ἀπελθεῖν ἀπ᾿ αὐτῶν, ὅτι φόβῳ μεγάλῳ συνείχοντο. αὐτὸς δὲ ἐμβὰς εἰς τὸ πλοῖον ὑπέστρεψεν. ἐδέετο δὲ αὐτοῦ ὁ ἀνήρ, ἀφ᾿ οὗ ἐξεληλύθει τὰ δαιμόνια, εἶναι σὺν αὐτῷ· ἀπέλυσε δὲ αὐτὸν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς λέγων· ὑπόστρεφε εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου καὶ διηγοῦ ὅσα ἐποίησέ σοι ὁ Θεός. καὶ ἀπῆλθε καθ᾿ ὅλην τὴν πόλιν κηρύσσων ὅσα ἐποίησεν αὐτῷ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς.


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Saints and Feasts

October 25

Chrysaphios (or Chrysaphos) the Martyr


October 25

The Holy Martyrs Marcian and Martyrius the Notaries

These Martyrs were disciples of Saint Paul the Confessor (see Nov. 6). Martyrius was a subdeacon, Marcian a chanter and reader. They were beheaded by the Arians in the year 346. Miracles were wrought at their tomb, and demons were cast out; Saint John Chrysostom began the building of the church in their honour in Constantinople, and it was completed by patriarch Sisinius.


October 25

Martyr Chrysanthe


Tabitha
October 25

Tabitha, who was raised from the dead by Peter the Apostle


Nestor_and_demetrios
October 26

The Holy Great Martyr Demetrius the Myrrh-streamer


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Tone

Let the heavens rejoice; let the earth be glad, for the Lord has shown the mighty power of His arm. He trampled down death by death and became the firstborn of the dead. From the depths of Hades, He delivered us and granted to the world great mercy.
Εὐφραινέσθω τὰ οὐράνια, ἀγαλλιάσθω τὰ ἐπίγεια, ὅτι ἐποίησε κράτος, ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ, ὁ Κύριος, ἐπάτησε τῷ θανάτῳ τὸν θάνατον, πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν ἐγένετο, ἐκ κοιλίας ᾅδου ἐρρύσατο ἡμᾶς, καὶ παρέσχε τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for Martyrs Marcian and Martyrius in the Fourth Tone

Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.
Οι Μάρτυρές σου, Κύριε, εν τή αθλήσει αυτών, στεφάνους εκομίσαντο τής αφθαρσίας, εκ σού τού Θεού ημών, σχόντες γάρ τήν ισχύν σου, τούς τυράννους καθείλον, έθραυσαν καί δαιμόνων, τά ανίσχυρα θράση. Αυτών ταίς ικεσίαις, Χριστέ ο Θεός, σώσον τάς ψυχάς ημών.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Tone

The protection of Christians unshameable, intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering, do not turn from the prayerful cries of those who are in sin; instead, come to us, for you are good; your loving help bring unto us, who are crying in faith to you: Hasten to intercession and speed now to supplication as a protection for all time, Theotokos, for those who honor you.
Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία πρὸς τὸν Ποιητὴν ἀμετάθετε. Μὴ παρίδῃς ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλὰ πρόφθασον, ὡς ἀγαθή, εἰς τὴν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν, τῶν πιστῶς κραυγαζόντων σοι· Τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καὶ σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προστατεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε, τῶν τιμώντων σε.
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Wisdom of the Fathers

For if we, going about on the earth which is familiar and well known to us, being encompassed with a body, when we are journeying in a strange road, know not which way to go unless we have some one to lead us; how should the soul, being rent away from the body, and having gone out from all her accustomed region, know where to walk without one to show her the way?
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 28 on Matthew 8, 4th Century

Some say, 'Why do they [demons] possess people?' I answer those who wish to have this explained that the reason of these things is very deep. Somewhere one of His saints addressed God by saying, 'Your judgments are a vast abyss.' As long as we bear this in mind, we will perhaps not miss the mark.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Commentary on Luke, Homily 44. (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture; vol 3: Luke, Intervarsity Press)

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St. Demetrios Parish Calendar

  • St. Demetrios Parish Calender

    October 25 to November 22, 2020

    SUN
    MON
    TUE
    WED
    THU
    FRI
    SAT
    25
    9:00AM Orthros
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy
    5:00PM Great Vespers St. Demetrios
    26
    St. Demetrios
    8:45AM Orthros
    9:30AM Divine Liturgy
    27
    28
    29
    7:00PM Orthodox Study Group
    30
    31
    1
    NOV
    9:00AM Orthros
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy
    2
    3
    4
    5
    7:00PM Orthodox Study Group
    6
    7
    8
    9:00AM Orthros
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy
    12:00PM PARISH ASSEMBLY
    9
    10
    6:30PM VETERANS DAY SERVICE
    11
    12
    7:00PM Orthodox Study Group
    13
    14
    15
    9:00AM Orthros
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy
    6:00PM Holy Unction
    16
    6:30PM Parish Council Mtg.
    17
    18
    19
    7:00PM Orthodox Study Group
    20
    21
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Flyers -- For the Good of the Community

    VETERANS DAY SERVICE

    VETERANS DAY SERVICE

    Join your priests of Hampton Roads Orthodox Churches for an Artoklasia and Memorial Service in honor of all who have served. Tuesday, November 10th, 6:30 p.m. at Annunciation Cathedral. See the enclosed flyer.


    MANUEL MISSION NEWSLETTER

    MANUEL MISSION NEWSLETTER

    Fall 2020 Newsletter from Deacon Thomas and Elizabeth Manuel


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