Publish-header
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2023-02-12
Bulletin Contents
Prodson
Organization Icon
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

Me_and_athan

A Short “Church” History of Valentine’s Day

Saint Valentine was a 3rd-century Roman saint, commemorated in Western Christianity on February 14 and in Eastern Orthodoxy on July 6. There are a couple of other martyrs also named Valentine (or Valentinus) in the annals of Church History: the martyr Valentine of Bulgaria and the Hieromartyr Valentine, Bishop of Umbria. Very little is known of the latter, and he is sometimes confused with St. Valentine of Rome, who is the one whose name is most likely  associated with Valentine’s Day.  What we do know is that he was a priest or bishop in Rome and that he was buried at the Via Flaminia.

It appears that none of these saints, not even the one commemorated on February 14th, had anything to do with the notion of romantic love.  That occurred later when Geoffrey Chaucer, the 14th century English poet, wrote in Parlement of Foules: “For it was on Valentine's Day, when every bird comes there to choose its mate.”

Of course, it is unlikely that birds were mating on February 14th since this would occur much later in the Spring.  So, Chaucer may have been referring to one of the other saints named Valentine or Valentinus. Who knows?  Nonetheless, this single line from his poem and the idea of birds mating on Valentine's Day began spreading among many European poets around this time. This coinciding with the rise of the concept of courting and romantic love, which was heretofore was an unheard of concept.

Over time and through these poems, the idea spread that February 14—Valentine's Day—was a day devoted to romantic love, and that lovers began sending letters of affection on this day. The oldest surviving Valentine letter is a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans, in the 15th century.

The tradition of sharing Valentine's Day cards became exceedingly popular during the 19th century, when the price of sending letters dropped and printers began mass producing greeting cards. In the late 19th century and into the 20th century, the celebration of Valentine's Day spread outside of the English-speaking world and is today widely celebrated as a day of romance in practically every country around the globe.

The practice has nothing to do with any Church activity or commemoration.  Still, sending your wife or husband a nice, sentimental note or gift is not a bad thing. wouldn’t you agree?


BACK TO TOP

Upcoming Divine Services and Holy Days

Paraklesis

The OCF Regional College Retreat will begin on Friday, February 24th. Fr. David Subu will be the retreat leader. Come hear Fr. Subu's message. He will be with us to celebrate Paraklesis at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to the service.


SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY GREAT VESPERS

We are the host community this year for the annual Hamton Roads and Richmond area Orthodox Churches Great Vespers. Priests, Deacons and chanters will be joining us. Altar servers and children are welcome to join the procession of icons. Let us have a great turnout and show our warm St. Demetrios hospitality!

Great Vespers at 5:00 p.m.

Reception to follow. (see below)


Ψυχοσαββατο (Saturday of the Souls)

Saturday, February 18th  "Saturday of the Souls." Ψυχοσαββατο

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

Memorial Service, 10:45 a.m.

Please submit names of departed loved ones for Father Gianulis to commemorate. Names can be deposited in the recepticle in the anteroom.


BACK TO TOP

Announcements

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Announces Earthquake Relief Fund

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America announces the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Earthquake Relief Fund, a fundraising effort by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to provide humanitarian aid to the victims of the recent earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.  To learn more, click HERE.


SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY RECEPTION

Please help us in sharing the hospitality of St. Demetrios to all our neighboring Orthodox Churches who will be visiting us on March 5 at 5 PM for the Pan Orthodox Great Vesper service. 
 
Bring a lent-friendly (no meat or dairy) pot luck dish of any type – your choice – to share at a reception following Vesper services. We look forward to breaking bread together.”

Legion Men's Group Meeting

Our Legion meeting is this Saturday February 11th at 10:00 am at Golden Corral. Please remember we are sponsoring the Fish Fry this year, see the flyer below. We still need, each Friday, volunteers and dessert donations.
Please share the flyer with friends, neighbors, and co workers.


COFFEE FELLOWSHIP

Please consider hosting our Sunday Coffee Fellowship after the Divine Liturgy. It is most appreciated. To sign up, simply follow the link: Coffee Hour.

Remember, part of the volunteering is to set up, clean up afterwards, and bring the paper goods needed. 


THE LADIES GROUP OF SAINT DEMETRIOS

The Ladies of St. Demetrios cordially invites all parish ladies to a VALENTINE’S SOCIAL “DUTCH LUNCH” at Sal’s By Victor, 1242 Richmond Road, this Monday, February 13 at 12:30.
 
Hope to see you there!

Donations for FISH

WHAT DOES FISH NEED MOST NOW?

Updated: 02/02/2023

  • Mayonnaise - small jars

  • POTS and PANS. All sizes are needed including non-stick skillets, frying pans, and Corning Ware. Also small appliances including coffee makers, toasters, crock pots, George Foreman-style grills.

  • Children's jackets/coats, sizes 6 to 12

  • Children’s school shoes and boots

  • Beef stew

  • Grape jelly

  • Canned pastas (such as ravioli)

  • Baking products (cornbread, brownies)
  • Bubble wrap to protect fragile items

  • Paper grocery bags (clean)

  • Shampoo and laundry detergent

  • Toothbrushes & toothpaste

  • Men's jeans (new or gently used)

  • Men and women's white socks

  • Feminine products 


ORTHODOXY 101 VIA ZOOM

Orthodox Study Group on Thursdays from 7 - 8 p.m. via Zoom. Tim Sofis is leading a series on the Great Feast Days of the Lord and Theotokos. The study lasts one hour from the comfort of your home and everyone is welcome to log in. Follow the link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85073829647?pwd=TDMxZHZ5UitqaVA0cFgycjFYQnYyUT09

Meeting ID: 850 7382 9647

Passcode: 833515


GREEK LANGUAGE CLASSES

Although we do not have a Greek School per se, we are offering Greek Language classes for children and adults. For more information, contact Demetra Demetriou at demetrademetriou7@hotmail.com


Visit us on Facebook

2023 METROPOLITAN IAKOVOS MEMORIAL GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY CONTEST

St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine 2023 METROPOLITAN IAKOVOS MEMORIAL GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY CONTEST

Are you a young writer interested in exploring Greek immigrant experiences? The St. Photios National Shrine has proudly announced its annual essay contest and theme.

Most Americans treasure an immigrant story as it is a precious thread in the legacy of most families. There is a curiosity as to why the immigrant left their homeland, and we wonder what opportunity presented itself for a change. What did it feel like for our ancestors to leave their homeland? We want to know what was met upon arrival in the New World and what course their lives took.

Essay contest theme: In an essay of 950-1,050 words, compare and contrast the immigrant story of Ioannis Ioannopolis (Juan Genopoly), one of the Greek Colonists of 1768, with the immigrant story of a family member or a personal friend. Participants must be between the ages of 13-19. Maximum word count: 950-1050. Essay must be submitted in the Greek Language.

The winners will be selected by the committee; the winners will share the monetary prize of $1,000. ▪ All participants will receive a certificate. ▪ All essays become the property of the St. Photios National Shrine and may be used for various publicity purposes, always with the byline of the author. ▪ Submit essays NO LATER THAN March 3, 2023, via email to: Polexeni Maouris Hillier, Executive Director of the St. Photios National Shrine at info@stphotios.com Winners will be announced on Monday, March 19, 2023


YOUR PRIEST IS AS CLOSE AS YOUR TELEPHONE

Father Gianulis wants to be with you when you are hospitalized, even if you believe it is minor. However, 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. He 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.

Remember in Prayer for Health

 

Peter and Beverly Daikos

Sonny Halioris

Athanasia Jouvanis

John Kaminarides

Jim Kokolis

Georgia Mamangakis and Barney Barnes

Bill and Nancy Marakos

John and Connie Pavlides

Nick Vlattas

Gus Zacharopoulos

 


BACK TO TOP

FLYERS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST

    Sunday of Orthodoxy Great Vespers

    Sunday of Orthodoxy Great Vespers

    This year, St. Demetrios will be the host parish for the annual pan-Orthodox Great Vespers Service on Sunday, March 5th beginning at 5 p.m. A reception will follow. Let's have a good turnout as the hosts of this great celebration!


    WILLIAM & MARY SPRING RETREAT

    WILLIAM & MARY SPRING RETREAT

    Once again, William & Mary Orthodox Christian Fellowship is host to the regional pre-Lenten Retreat. See the enclosed flyer. The retreat begins with Paraklesis at 7 p.m. at St. Demetrios to which everyone is invited! Please come and support our local college OCF.


    Lenten Speaker Series

    Lenten Speaker Series

    For your edification. Join us for the Lenten Speaker Series each week during Great Lent.


    FRIDAY FISH FRY

    FRIDAY FISH FRY

    Fridays, beginning February 17, 4:30 -7:00 p.m.


BACK TO TOP

FROM YOUR PARISH COUNCIL

 
 
STEWARDSHIP UPDATE
 

We are continuing to add Stewards of St. Demetrios, with 35 stewardship forms received totaling $81,781.00. Our goal for 2023 is 100 stewards raising $200,000.00. 

A stewardship form reminds us to prayerfully focus on our giving to support St. Demetrios Church, our Spiritual Home.

Stewardship forms also serve a very practical purpose to support the Parish Council in making well-informed planning and financial decisions in 2023, as well as, providing needed support for a long-term loan to replace the our current short term loan of approximately $1.5 million.

And last, but not least, stewardship forms ensure our personal information such as phone numbers, home address, e-mail contacts, and family information are current. 

Please remember to complete and return your 2023 Stewardship Form. Mail or bring your stewardship form on Sunday or fill one out during coffee. Also remind friends and family to complete their form. 

Thank you for your effort and support of St. Demetrios!

BACK TO TOP

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.

Second Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 16:1-8

Διαγενομένου τοῦ Σαββάτου, Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ καὶ Μαρία ἡ τοῦ Ἰακώβου καὶ Σαλώμη ἠγόρασαν ἀρώματα, ἵνα ἐλθοῦσαι ἀλείψωσιν τὸν Ἰησοῦν. Καὶ λίαν πρωῒ τῇ μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων ἔρχονται ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον ἀνατείλαντος τοῦ ἡλίου. Καὶ ἔλεγον πρὸς ἑαυτάς· Τίς ἀποκυλίσει ἡμῖν τὸν λίθον ἐκ τῆς θύρας τοῦ μνημείου; καὶ ἀναβλέψασαι θεωροῦσιν ὅτι ἀποκεκύλισται ὁ λίθος· ἦν γὰρ μέγας σφόδρα. Καὶ εἰσελθοῦσαι εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, εἶδον νεανίσκον καθήμενον ἐν τοῖς δεξιοῖς, περιβεβλημένον στολήν λευκήν, καὶ ἐξεθαμβήθησαν· ὁ δὲ λέγει αὐταῖς· Μὴ ἐκθαμβεῖσθε, Ἰησοῦν ζητεῖτε τὸν Ναζαρηνὸν τὸν ἐσταυρωμένον, ἠγέρθη, οὐκ ἔστιν ᾧδε· ἴδε, ὁ τόπος ὅπου ἔθηκαν αὐτόν, ἀλλ' ὑπάγετε, εἴπατε τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ καὶ τῷ Πέτρῳ, ὅτι προάγει ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν· ἐκεῖ αὐτὸν ὄψεσθε, καθὼς εἶπεν ὑμῖν. Καὶ ἐξελθοῦσαι ταχὺ ἔφυγον ἀπὸ τοῦ μνημείου, εἶχε δὲ αὐτὰς τρόμος καὶ ἔκστασις, καὶ οὐδενὶ οὐδὲν εἶπον· ἐφοβοῦντο γάρ.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Second Tone. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 6:12-20.

Brethren, "all things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything. "Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food" -- and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, "The two shall become one flesh." But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun immorality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body and in your spirit which belong to God.

Προκείμενον. Second Tone. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 117.14,18.
Ἰσχύς μου καὶ ὕμνησίς μου ὁ Κύριος.
Στίχ. Παιδεύων ἐπαίδευσέ με ὁ Κύριος.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Κορινθίους α' 6:12-20.

Ἀδελφοί, πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν, ἀλλʼ οὐ πάντα συμφέρει· πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν, ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἐγὼ ἐξουσιασθήσομαι ὑπό τινος. Τὰ βρώματα τῇ κοιλίᾳ, καὶ ἡ κοιλία τοῖς βρώμασιν· ὁ δὲ θεὸς καὶ ταύτην καὶ ταῦτα καταργήσει. Τὸ δὲ σῶμα οὐ τῇ πορνείᾳ, ἀλλὰ τῷ κυρίῳ, καὶ ὁ κύριος τῷ σώματι· ὁ δὲ θεὸς καὶ τὸν κύριον ἤγειρεν καὶ ἡμᾶς ἐξεγερεῖ διὰ τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ. Οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι τὰ σώματα ὑμῶν μέλη Χριστοῦ ἐστιν; Ἄρας οὖν τὰ μέλη τοῦ Χριστοῦ ποιήσω πόρνης μέλη; Μὴ γένοιτο. Οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ὁ κολλώμενος τῇ πόρνῃ ἓν σῶμά ἐστιν; Ἔσονται γάρ, φησίν, οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν. Ὁ δὲ κολλώμενος τῷ κυρίῳ ἓν πνεῦμά ἐστιν. Φεύγετε τὴν πορνείαν. Πᾶν ἁμάρτημα ὃ ἐὰν ποιήσῃ ἄνθρωπος ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν· ὁ δὲ πορνεύων εἰς τὸ ἴδιον σῶμα ἁμαρτάνει. Ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι τὸ σῶμα ὑμῶν ναὸς τοῦ ἐν ὑμῖν ἁγίου πνεύματός ἐστιν, οὗ ἔχετε ἀπὸ θεοῦ; Καὶ οὐκ ἐστὲ ἑαυτῶν, ἠγοράσθητε γὰρ τιμῆς· δοξάσατε δὴ τὸν θεὸν ἐν τῷ σώματι ὑμῶν, καὶ ἐν τῷ πνεύματι ὑμῶν, ἅτινά ἐστιν τοῦ θεοῦ.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Prodigal Son
The Reading is from Luke 15:11-32

The Lord said this parable: "There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.' And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his belly with the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.' But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, 'Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!' And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"

Sunday of the Prodigal Son
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 15:11-32

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τήν παραβολὴν ταύτην· Ἄνθρωπός τις εἶχε δύο υἱούς. καὶ εἶπεν ὁ νεώτερος αὐτῶν τῷ πατρί· πάτερ, δός μοι τὸ ἐπιβάλλον μέρος τῆς οὐσίας. καὶ διεῖλεν αὐτοῖς τὸν βίον. καὶ μετ᾿ οὐ πολλὰς ἡμέρας συναγαγὼν ἅπαντα ὁ νεώτερος υἱὸς ἀπεδήμησεν εἰς χώραν μακράν, καὶ ἐκεῖ διεσκόρπισε τὴν οὐσίαν αὐτοῦ ζῶν ἀσώτως. δαπανήσαντος δὲ αὐτοῦ πάντα ἐγένετο λιμὸς ἰσχυρὸς κατὰ τὴν χώραν ἐκείνην, καὶ αὐτὸς ἤρξατο ὑστερεῖσθαι. καὶ πορευθεὶς ἐκολλήθη ἑνὶ τῶν πολιτῶν τῆς χώρας ἐκείνης, καὶ ἔπεμψεν αὐτὸν εἰς τοὺς ἀγροὺς αὐτοῦ βόσκειν χοίρους. καὶ ἐπεθύμει γεμίσαι τὴν κοιλίαν αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν κερατίων ὧν ἤσθιον οἱ χοῖροι, καὶ οὐδεὶς ἐδίδου αὐτῷ. εἰς ἑαυτὸν δὲ ἐλθὼν εἶπε· πόσοι μίσθιοι τοῦ πατρός μου περισσεύουσιν ἄρτων, ἐγὼ δὲ λιμῷ ἀπόλλυμαι! ἀναστὰς πορεύσομαι πρὸς τὸν πατέρα μου καὶ ἐρῶ αὐτῷ· πάτερ, ἥμαρτον εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ ἐνώπιόν σου. οὐκέτι εἰμὶ ἄξιος κληθῆναι υἱός σου· ποίησόν με ὡς ἕνα τῶν μισθίων σου. καὶ ἀναστὰς ἦλθε πρὸς τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ. ἔτι δὲ αὐτοῦ μακρὰν ἀπέχοντος εἶδεν αὐτὸν ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐσπλαγχνίσθη, καὶ δραμὼν ἐπέπεσεν ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ καὶ κατεφίλησεν αὐτόν. εἶπε δὲ αὐτῷ ὁ υἱός· πάτερ, ἥμαρτον εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ ἐνώπιόν σου, καὶ οὐκέτι εἰμὶ ἄξιος κληθῆναι υἱός σου. εἶπε δὲ ὁ πατὴρ πρὸς τοὺς δούλους αὐτοῦ· ἐξενέγκατε τὴν στολὴν τὴν πρώτην καὶ ἐνδύσατε αὐτόν, καὶ δότε δακτύλιον εἰς τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ καὶ ὑποδήματα εἰς τοὺς πόδας, καὶ ἐνέγκαντες τὸν μόσχον τὸν σιτευτὸν θύσατε, καὶ φαγόντες εὐφρανθῶμεν, ὅτι οὗτος ὁ υἱός μου νεκρὸς ἦν καὶ ἀνέζησε, καὶ ἀπολωλὼς ἦν καὶ εὑρέθη. καὶ ἤρξαντο εὐφραίνεσθαι. ῏Ην δὲ ὁ υἱὸς αὐτοῦ ὁ πρεσβύτερος ἐν ἀγρῷ· καὶ ὡς ἐρχόμενος ἤγγισε τῇ οἰκίᾳ, ἤκουσε συμφωνίας καὶ χορῶν, καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος ἕνα τῶν παίδων ἐπυνθάνετο τί εἴη ταῦτα. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὅτι ὁ ἀδελφός σου ἥκει καὶ ἔθυσεν ὁ πατήρ σου τὸν μόσχον τὸν σιτευτόν, ὅτι ὑγιαίνοντα αὐτὸν ἀπέλαβεν. ὠργίσθη δὲ καὶ οὐκ ἤθελεν εἰσελθεῖν. ὁ οὖν πατὴρ αὐτοῦ ἐξελθὼν παρεκάλει αὐτόν. ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπε τῷ πατρί· ἰδοὺ τοσαῦτα ἔτη δουλεύω σοι καὶ οὐδέποτε ἐντολήν σου παρῆλθον, καὶ ἐμοὶ οὐδέποτε ἔδωκας ἔριφον ἵνα μετὰ τῶν φίλων μου εὐφρανθῶ· ὅτε δὲ ὁ υἱός σου οὗτος, ὁ καταφαγών σου τὸν βίον μετὰ πορνῶν, ἦλθεν, ἔθυσας αὐτῷ τὸν μόσχον τὸν σιτευτόν. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· τέκνον, σὺ πάντοτε μετ᾿ ἐμοῦ εἶ, καὶ πάντα τὰ ἐμὰ σά ἐστιν· εὐφρανθῆναι δὲ καὶ χαρῆναι ἔδει, ὅτι ὁ ἀδελφός σου οὗτος νεκρὸς ἦν καὶ ἀνέζησε, καὶ ἀπολωλὼς ἦν καὶ εὑρέθη.


BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

Prodson
February 12

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Through the parable of today's Gospel, our Saviour has set forth three things for us: the condition of the sinner, the rule of repentance, and the greatness of God's compassion. The divine Fathers have put this reading the week after the parable of the Publican and Pharisee so that, seeing in the person of the Prodigal Son our own wretched condition -- inasmuch as we are sunken in sin, far from God and His Mysteries -- we might at last come to our senses and make haste to return to Him by repentance during these holy days of the Fast.

Furthermore, those who have wrought many great iniquities, and have persisted in them for a long time, oftentimes fall into despair, thinking that there can no longer be any forgiveness for them; and so being without hope, they fall every day into the same and even worse iniquities. Therefore, the divine Fathers, that they might root out the passion of despair from the hearts of such people, and rouse them to the deeds of virtue, have set the present parable at the forecourts of the Fast, to show them the surpassing goodness of God's compassion, and to teach them that there is no sin -- no matter how great it may be -- that can overcome at any time His love for man.


February 12

Meletius, Archbishop of Antioch

This holy Father, who was from Melitene of Armenia, was a blameless man, just, reverent, sincere, and most gentle. Consecrated Bishop of Sebastia in 357, he was later banished from his throne and departed for Beroea of Syria (this is the present-day Aleppo). After the Arian bishop of Antioch had been deposed, the Orthodox and the Arians each strove to have a man of like mind with themselves become the next Bishop of Antioch. Meletius was highly esteemed by all, and since the Arians believed him to share their own opinion, they had him raised to the throne of Antioch. As soon as he had taken the helm of the Church of Antioch, however, he began preaching the Son's consubstantiality with the Father. At this, the archdeacon, an Arian, put his hand over the bishop's mouth; Meletius then extended three fingers towards the people, closed them, and extended one only, showing by signs the equality and unity of the Trinity. The embarrassed archdeacon then seized his hand, but released his mouth, and Meletius spoke out even more forcibly in defense of the Council of Nicaea. Shortly after, he was banished by the Arian Emperor Constantius, son of Saint Constantine the Great. After the passage of time, he was recalled to his throne, but was banished again the third time by Valens. It was Saint Meletius who ordained Saint John Chrysostom reader and deacon in Antioch (see Nov. 13). He lived until the Second Ecumenical Council in 381 (which was convoked against Macedonius, Patriarch of Constantinople, the enemy of the Holy Spirit), over which he presided, being held in great honor as a zealot of the Faith and a venerable elder hierarch.

Some time before, when the Emperor Gratian had made the Spanish General Theodosius commander-in-chief of his armies in the war against the barbarians, Theodosius had a dream in which he saw Meletius, whom he had never met, putting upon him the imperial robe and crown. Because of Theodosius's victories, Gratian made him Emperor of the East in Valens' stead in 379. When, as Emperor, Saint Theodosius the Great convoked the Second Ecumenical Council in Constantinople two years later, he forbade that anyone should tell him who Meletius was; and as soon as he saw him, he recognized him, ran to him with joy, embraced him before all the other bishops, and told him of his dream.

While at the Council, Saint Meletius fell ill and reposed a short while after. Saint Gregory of Nyssa, among others, gave a moving oration at his funeral; bewailing the loss of him whom all loved as a father, he said, "Where is that sweet serenity of his eyes? Where that bright smile upon his lips? Where that kind right hand, with fingers outstretched to accompany the benediction of the mouth?" (PG 46:8-6). And he lamented, "Our Elias has been caught up, and no Elisseus is left behind in his place." (ibid., 860). The holy relics of Saint Meletius were returned to Antioch and were buried beside Saint Babylas the Martyr (see Sept. 4), in the Church dedicated to the Martyr which Meletius, in his zeal for the Martyr's glory, had helped build with his own hands.


February 12

Christos the New Martyr


February 12

Meletios of Ypseni


February 12

Antonius, Archbishop of Constantinople


BACK TO TOP

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Tone

When You descended unto death, O Lord who yourself are immortal Life, then did You mortify Hades by the lightning flash of Your Divinity. Also when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the Powers of the heavens were crying out: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory be to You.
Ὅτε κατῆλθες πρὸς τὸν θάνατον, ἡ Ζωὴ ἡ ἀθάνατος, τότε τὸν ᾅδην ἐνέκρωσας τῇ ἀστραπῇ τῆς Θεότητος, ὅτε δὲ καὶ τοὺς τεθνεῶτας ἐκ τῶν καταχθονίων ἀνέστησας, πᾶσαι αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν ἐπουρανίων ἐκραύγαζον·Ζωοδότα Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν δόξα σοι.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Tone

O Father, foolishly I ran away from Your glory, and in sin, squandered the riches You gave me. Wherefore, I cry out to You with the voice of the Prodigal, "I have sinned before You Compassionate Father. Receive me in repentance and take me as one of Your hired servants."
Τῆς πατρῴας, δόξης σου, ἀποσκιρτήσας ἀφρόνως, ἐν κακοῖς ἐσκόρπισα, ὅν μοι παρέδωκας πλοῦτον· ὅθεν σοι τὴν τοῦ Ἀσώτου, φωνὴν κραυγάζω· Ἥμαρτον ἐνώπιόν σου Πάτερ οἰκτίρμον, δέξαι με μετανοοῦντα, καὶ ποίησόν με, ὡς ἕνα τῶν μισθίων σου.
BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

Thank God every day with your whole heart for having given to you life according to His image and likeness - an intelligently free and immortal life...Thank Him also for again daily bestowing life upon you, who have fallen an innumerable multitude of times, by your own free will, through sins, from life unto death, and that He does so as soon as you only say from your whole heart: 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before Thee!' (Luke 15:18).
St. John of Kronstadt
My Life in Christ: Part 1; Holy Trinity Monastery pgs. 104-105, 19th century

One alone is righteous in works, words and thoughts. But many are made righteous in faith, grace and repentance.
St. Mark the Ascetic
No Righteousness by Works no. 109, The Philokalia Vol. 1 pg. 134, 5th century

Repentance lifts a man up. Mourning knocks at heaven's gate. Holy humility opens it. This I say, and I worship a Trinity in Unity and a Unity in Trinity.
St. John Climacus
Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 25:On Humility; Paulist Press pg. 221, 6th century

The moon as it waxes and wanes illustrates the condition of man sometimes he does what is right, sometimes he sins and then through repentance returns to a holy life. The intellect of one who sins is not destroyed, just as the physical size of the moon does not diminish, but only its light. Through repentance a man regains his true splendour, just as the moon after the period of waning clothes itself once more in its full light.
St. John of Karpathos
Texts for the Monks of India no. 4, Philokalia Vol. 1 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg, 299

BACK TO TOP

St. Demetrios Parish Calendar

  • St. Demetrios

    February 12 to March 12, 2023

    SUN
    MON
    TUE
    WED
    THU
    FRI
    SAT
    12
    9:00AM Orthros
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy
    13
    14
    15
    7:00PM OCF
    16
    7:00PM Orthodoxy 101 Zoom Study Group
    17
    4:30PM Fish Fry
    18
    Saturday of the Souls
    9:00AM Orthros
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy
    10:45AM Memorial Service
    19
    9:00AM Orthros
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy
    20
    21
    22
    7:00PM OCF
    23
    7:00PM Orthodoxy 101 Zoom Study Group
    24
    4:30PM Fish Fry
    7:00PM PARAKLESIS
    7:00PM OCF PRE-LENTEN RETREAT
    25
    OCF PRE-LENTEN RETREAT
    26
    9:00AM Orthros
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy
    27
    Great Lent Begins
    6:00PM Parish Council Mtg.
    28
    1
    MAR
    5:30PM Presanctified Liturgy
    6:30PM Lenten Pot Luck Supper
    7:00PM OCF
    2
    3
    4:30PM Fish Fry
    7:00PM Salutations to the Theotokos
    4
    Miracle of the Kolliva Memorial
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy
    10:45AM Memorial Service
    5
    9:00AM Orthros
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy
    5:00PM Sunday of Orthodoxy Great Vespers
    6
    7
    8
    5:30PM Presanctified Liturgy
    6:30PM Lenten Pot Luck Supper
    7:00PM OCF
    9
    10
    4:30PM Fish Fry
    7:00PM Salutations to the Theotokos
    8:00PM Speaker Series: Fr. Jim Katinas HCHC
    11
    10:00AM Legion Breakfast Meeting
BACK TO TOP