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St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2023-03-12
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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

Me_and_athan

OUR LENTEN JOURNEY

Jesus said, “The Kingdom of Heaven is within you.” And, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

The 7-week period of Great Lent provides an ideal time to look within ourselves to discover a deeper faith in God and purify our hearts. Christ is the light of the world who can illumine our minds, help us purify our hearts, reconnect to His precepts, and thus become ourselves a light by which others can see Christ’s light. Here are a few ways to grow in Christ during Great Lent:

  • Observe the Fast according to your faith and best ability. The guidelines are on your Orthodox wall calendars.
  • Read the Bible daily.
  • Pray every day and participate in the Lenten services.
  • Visit a shut in or hospitalized friend.
  • Go to confession (offered each week before Presanctified Liturgy or Salutations).
  • Forgive one another, especially anyone with whom you have had a misunderstanding, no matter who is to blame. You ask forgiveness first.
  • Receive Holy Communion often after sincere sorrow for your sins and proper preparation.
  • Support Missions. Come hear our Lenten Speakers. March 17: International Christian Charities (IOCC) and April 2: Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC).
  • Do acts of charity and kindness. Be cheerful about it, for "God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Cor. 9:7)
  • Work for the good of the Church right here at St. Demetrios.

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Upcoming Divine Services and Holy Days

Salutations to the Theotokos

The Salutations to the Theotokos will be sung on Fridays during Great Lent, every Friday in the month of March, at 7:00 p.m. It is a service of praise to the Blessed Mother of God. 

If you are working in the Fish Fry, please try to come even if toward the end of the service and come as you are.


PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY DURING GREAT LENT

Presanctified Liturgy will be celebrated on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. throughout Great Lent. A Lenten Pot Luck dinner and fellowship will follow in the parish hall. Bring a lenten plate to share, but know that everyone will be welcome to the supper even if you were unable to bring something to share. Come, fellowship first with the Lord's gift of His Body and Blood, and then with His community of believers.


FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION

 

Great Vespers and Salutations, Friday March 24th at 7:00 p.m.

Orthros and Divine Liturgy, Saturday March 25th beginning at 9:00 a.m.


HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

April 9, Palm Sunday, The Entry Into Jerusalem. Orthros, 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy, 10 a.m.

April 10, Holy Monday. Orthros of the Bridegroom, 7 p.m.

April 11, Holy Tuesday.  Orthros of the Bridegroom, 7 p.m.

April 12, Holy Wednesday.  The Sacrament of Holy Unction, 7 p.m.

April 13, Holy Thursday. Divine Liturgy of St. Basil - Institution of the Last Supper, 9:30 a.m.

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

April 14, Good Friday. Great Vespers — the Descent from the Cross, 3 p.m.

Lamentation Service, 7 p.m.

April 15, Great Saturday. Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, 9:30 a.m.

"Midnight" Resurrection Service – Paschal Proclamation, 11 p.m. followed by Orthros and the Divine Liturgy.  

April 16,  Pascha (Easter Sunday).  Agape Vespers, 11 a.m.

__________________________________________________________________________

09 Απριλίου, Κυριακὴ τῶν Βαΐων..   Ο Όρθρος, 9 πμ. Θεία Λειτουργία, 10 πμ.

10 Απριλίου, Μεγάλη Δευτέρα.  Ο Όρθρος του Νυμφίου, 7 μμ.

11 Απριλίου, Μεγάλη Τρίτη.  Ο Όρθρος του Νυμφίου, 7 μμ.

12 Απριλίου, Μεγάλη Τετάρτη.  Μέγα Ευχέλαιον, 7 μμ.

13 Απριλίου, Μεγάλη Πέμπτη.   Η Θεία Λειτουργία του Αγ. Βασιλείου (Ο Μυστικός Δείπνος), 9:30 πμ      

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

14 Απριλίου, Μεγαλη Παρασκευή.  Ο Μέγας Εσπερινός (Αποκαθήλωσης), 3 μμ.

      Ο Επιτάφιος Θρήνος, 7 μμ.

15 Απριλίου, Μέγα Σάββατο.  Η Θεία Λειτουργία του Αγ. Βασιλείου (Πρώτη Ανάσταση), 9:30 πμ.

      Η Ανάστασis,  Ο Όρθρος, Θεία Λειτουργία, 11 μμ.

16 Απριλίου, Κυριακή του Πάσχα. Ο Μέγας Εσπερινός της Αγάπης,  11 πμ.   


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Announcements

Greek Independence Day Celebration

You don't have to be Greek to celebrate a national victory over tyrany and oppression. March 25th is such a special day for all of us as we celebrate both the Feast of the Annunciation and Greek Independence Day.  
 
After liturgy, let's all go and gather in Colonial Williamsburg where we will commemorate the day, similar to what we did last summer in praying for the freedom of Ukraine. We hope to have a prominent Colonial Williamsburg Nation Builder help us celebrate and proclaim the importance of Greek Independence to freedom loving peoples around the world.  We plan on having festivities at the CW starting at noon and last for about an hour.  It would be great fun for those of our young ones who have Greek costumes to wear them in celebration of their heritage. Please, come join us and start a new tradition.  

LENTEN SPEAKERS

Please note the following revisions to our speaker series.

  • Fr. Jim Katinas from Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology will not be speaking after the Salutations Service on Friday, March 10th. We will pass a special tray for our Seminary on Sunday, March 19, The Veneration of the Holy Cross Sunday.
  • Mr. Lou Zagami of the International Orthodox Christian Charities will be speaking after the Salutations service on Friday, March 17 as planned. Please mark your calendars and plan to come and hear of the tremendous work IOCC is doing.
  • Fr. Chris Rowe from Orthodox Christian Mission Center will not speak after the Salutations Service on Friday, March 31, but will be celebrating the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, April 2, and making a presentation on Missions following the service.

CHOIR PRACTICE

Choir members and all who want to join in the singing of the Lamentations on Good Friday: we will practice 30 min after the potluck on Wednesday, March 15th.  


Sunday School Lenten Project

The children of St. Demetrios Sunday school have embarked on a lenten mission to help those affected by the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria. We are reaching out to ask for your support and help. Located in the bookstore is a box where we are collecting monetary donations for the cause. In addition, some of the students have chosen to use their talents by making bracelets. These can be purchased in the bookstore for a donation. We thank you for your generosity. 

“Kandalia” - Luminaries to Light our Path

Let us light the processional pathway for the EPITAPHION on HOLY and GREAT FRIDAY evening.  Please consider purchasing a KANDALIA /LUMINARY in memory of, in honor of, or for the health of your loved ones. Your loved one's names will be written on the luminary and placed along the processional pathway of the Epitaphion on Good Friday. Those names will also be commemorated in the Divine Liturgy on Holy Saturday morning.
 
$10/Each LUMINARY - One individual name or one family name per LUMINARY.
 
To place your order:  Please see the order form flyer below and return to Linda Jouvanis during Coffee Hour. Please make checks payable to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.  All orders must be received by PALM SUNDAY, April 9th. THANK YOU!

OUR ORTHODOX BOOKSTORE

As we begin our Lenten journey, the bookstore has a good selection of publications to help feed our hearts and minds in our journey to Pascha. Please stop by to see what is available and we can also custom order books.


Legion Men's Group Meeting

Our Legion meeting is this Saturday, March 11th at 10:00 a.m. 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 Fish Fry flyer with friends, neighbors, and co workers. (see below)


AED TRAINING

In case you have not noticed, we have an automated external defibrillator (AED) situated in a good spot between the sanctuary and the Hellenic Center for emergencies. However, we all need to know how to use it.

York County is offering AED training for St. Demetrios Church. No one needs medical or other experience. The classes will be in the daytime or evening. We need to get a list of those interested and a preference for day or evening class. Please let Mike Thompson know your or anyone else’s interest by email at churchoffice@stdemva.com


TSOUREKI, BAKLAVA & KOURABIEDES

The LADIES OF ST. DEMETRIOS are taking orders for TSOUREKI, BAKLAVA & KOURABIEDES.  To place your order:  Please fill out the order form on the flyer below and submit it to Linda Jouvanis.  Please make checks payable to Ladies of St. Demetrios. 
 
THE LAST DAY FOR ORDER PICK-UP IS FRIDAY, MARCH 31.  THANK YOU!

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. No coffee fellowship this Sunday due to set up for the Great Vespers reception.


CAMP GOOD SHEPHERD - VIRGINIA 2023 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

 
When? Sunday, July 9th - Saturday, July 15th
 
Where? CGS - VA takes place at Camp Piankatank (1586 Stampers Bay Rd, Hartfield, VA 23071) about 30 minutes north of Glouster point on the middle peninsula, or about 1.5 hours from Annunciation, Norfolk or 1.5 hours from Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Richmond. The camp is a stunning property located right along the Piankatank River. 
 
Ages? Completed 5th grade/11 years old through 12th grade
 
Who? Camp is for kids who have completed 5th grade through 12th grade. Campers will be placed in cabins with trained and certified counselors, with campers of their own age and gender.
 
Do you need to be from Virginia? Of course not! That just happens to be our name and where we are based!
 
Cost per camper? $450 for families sending one camper, $425 for families sending two campers and $400 for families sending three or more campers. If you are a family sending multiple campers, please email cgsvirginia@gmail.com before you start to register, with the names of your campers so we can send you the coupons for the discounted price. 
 
Camping? Well, more like "glamping" (glamour camping). The children stay in air-conditioned cabins according to gender/age. They are supervised by a staff of well trained and loving young adult orthodox Christians. There is a nurse on staff as well as a number of local clergy from the Virginia area. Campers eat cafeteria style 3 times a day all together as well as additional snacks. No one goes hungry. 
 
How do we register? Please use the link below to register your camper(s). Deadline for registration is Friday, July 1st at 6:00pm, however, we are anticipating many registrations this year, so register soon to ensure your camper(s) have a spot! You will need to log into a Google account to register, you will also need pictures or PDFs of immunization records and insurance card to complete the form so have those handy.
 
Questions? Email cgsvirginia@gmail.com or speak to Fr. Thomas Manuel
 
 

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 


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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leslie Wright - Riverside Regional Medical Center

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

 


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FROM YOUR PARISH COUNCIL

 
 
Dear Fellow Parishioners 
 
I wanted to share these highlights from this past Monday's monthly parish council meeting.    
 
1.  Roof Status: The investigation is underway.  The contractor should complete their assessment and provide a report identifying our issues by the end of March. 
 
2.  Greek Independence Day celebration.  We are working with Colonial Williamsburg on a location for March 25th to commemorate the day.  Save the date.   
 
3.  Palm Sunday luncheon.   We will be having a traditional "plaki" style fish meal on Palm Sunday after liturgy.  Tickets will go on sale soon.  
 
4.  Resurrection Service Meal.  We plan on having a light pot-luck meal after the Anastasi Service.  Future e-bulletins will provide ideas on what you can bring. 
 
5.  Spring Festival.   The parish council voted in favor of a four-day festival (June 8, 9, 10, & 11).  We are beginning detailed planning to confirm the feasibility of the decision.  It is our hope that by having a four-day festival we may only need a single festival to support our finances.
 
6.  Spring General Assembly.   The meeting is scheduled for April 23 after Divine Liturgy.    
 
Thank you and God bless the parish of St. Demetrios of Williamsburg, VA.  
 
Athanasios (Tom) Jouvanis 
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Sixth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:36-53

At that time, having risen from the dead, Jesus went up and stood among His disciples and said to them, "Peace be with you." But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. And He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; handle Me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, He said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave Him a piece of broiled fish [and some honeycomb], and He took it and ate before them. Then He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled." Then He opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name in all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands, He blessed them. While He blessed them, He parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the Temple blessing God.

Sixth Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 24:36-53

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἀναστὰς ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐκ νεκρῶν ἔστη ἐν μέσῳ τῶν Μαθητῶν, καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν. Πτοηθέντες δὲ καὶ ἔμφοβοι γενόμενοι, ἐδόκουν πνεῦμα θεωρεῖν. Καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Τί τεταραγμένοι ἐστέ, καὶ διατὶ διαλογισμοὶ ἀναβαίνουσιν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν; ἴδετε τὰς χεῖράς μου καὶ τοὺς πόδας μου, ὅτι αὐτὸς ἐγώ εἰμι, ψηλαφήσατέ με καὶ ἴδετε, ὅτι πνεῦμα σάρκα καὶ ὀστέα οὐκ ἔχει, καθὼς ἐμὲ θεωρεῖτε ἔχοντα. Καὶ τοῦτο εἰπών, ἐπέδειξεν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας καὶ τοὺς πόδας. Ἒτι δὲ ἀπιστούντων αὐτῶν ἀπὸ τῆς χαρᾶς, καὶ θαυμαζόντων, εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Ἔχετέ τι βρώσιμον ἐνθάδε; Οἱ δὲ ἐπέδωκαν αὐτῷ ἰχθύος ὀπτοῦ μέρος, καὶ ἀπὸ μελισσίου κηρίου. Καὶ λαβών, ἐνώπιον αὐτῶν ἔφαγεν. Εἶπε δὲ αὐτοῖς· Οὗτοι οἱ λόγοι, οὓς ἐλάλησα πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἔτι ὢν σὺν ὑμῖν, ὅτι δεῖ πληρωθῆναι πάντα τὰ γεγραμμένα ἐν τῷ νόμῳ Μωσέως καὶ Προφήταις καὶ Ψαλμοῖς περὶ ἐμοῦ. Τότε διήνοιξεν αὐτῶν τὸν νοῦν, τοῦ συνιέναι τὰς Γραφάς· καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Ὃτι οὕτω γέγραπται, καὶ οὕτως εἴδει παθεῖν τὸν Χριστόν, καὶ ἀναστῆναι ἐκ νεκρῶν τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ, καὶ κηρυχθῆναι ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ μετάνοιαν καὶ ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, ἀρξάμενον ἀπὸ Ἱερουσαλήμ. Ὑμεῖς δέ ἐστε μάρτυρες τούτων. Καὶ ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ πατρός μου ἐφ' ὑμᾶς· ὑμεῖς δὲ καθίσατε ἐν τῇ πόλει Ἱερουσαλήμ, ἕως οὗ ἐνδύσησθε δύναμιν ἐξ ὕψους. Ἐξήγαγε δὲ αὐτοὺς ἔξω εἰς Βηθανίαν, καὶ ἐπάρας τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ, εὐλόγησεν αὐτούς. Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ εὐλογεῖν αὐτόν αὐτούς, διέστη ἀπ' αὐτῶν, καὶ ἀνεφέρετο εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν. Καὶ αὐτοὶ, προσκυνήσαντες αὐτόν, ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς Ἱερουσαλὴμ μετὰ χαρᾶς μεγάλης. Καὶ ἦσαν διαπαντός ἐν τῷ Ἱερῷ, αἰνοῦντες καὶ εὐλογοῦντες τὸν Θεόν. Ἀμήν.


Epistle Reading

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

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3.

IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.

Προκείμενον. Plagal Second Tone. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 27.9,1.
Σῶσον, Κύριε τὸν λαὸν σου καὶ εὐλόγησον τὴν κληρονομίαν σου.
Στίχ. Πρὸς σἐ, Κύριε, κεκράξομαι ὁ Θεός μου.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 1:10-14, 2:1-3.

Κατʼ ἀρχάς, Κύριε, τὴν γῆν ἐθεμελίωσας, καὶ ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν σού εἰσιν οἱ οὐρανοί· αὐτοὶ ἀπολοῦνται, σὺ δὲ διαμένεις· καὶ πάντες ὡς ἱμάτιον παλαιωθήσονται, καὶ ὡσεὶ περιβόλαιον ἑλίξεις αὐτοὺς, καὶ ἀλλαγήσονται· σὺ δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς εἶ, καὶ τὰ ἔτη σου οὐκ ἐκλείψουσιν. Πρὸς τίνα δὲ τῶν ἀγγέλων εἴρηκέν ποτε, Κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου, ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου; Οὐχὶ πάντες εἰσὶν λειτουργικὰ πνεύματα, εἰς διακονίαν ἀποστελλόμενα διὰ τοὺς μέλλοντας κληρονομεῖν σωτηρίαν; Διὰ τοῦτο δεῖ περισσοτέρως ἡμᾶς προσέχειν τοῖς ἀκουσθεῖσιν, μήποτε παραρρυῶμεν. Εἰ γὰρ ὁ διʼ ἀγγέλων λαληθεὶς λόγος ἐγένετο βέβαιος, καὶ πᾶσα παράβασις καὶ παρακοὴ ἔλαβεν ἔνδικον μισθαποδοσίαν, πῶς ἡμεῖς ἐκφευξόμεθα τηλικαύτης ἀμελήσαντες σωτηρίας; Ἥτις, ἀρχὴν λαβοῦσα λαλεῖσθαι διὰ τοῦ κυρίου, ὑπὸ τῶν ἀκουσάντων εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐβεβαιώθη.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 2:1-12

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, εἰσῆλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἰς εἰς Καπερναοὺμ δι᾿ ἡμερῶν καὶ ἠκούσθη ὅτι εἰς οἶκόν ἐστι. καὶ εὐθέως συνήχθησαν πολλοί, ὥστε μηκέτι χωρεῖν μηδὲ τὰ πρὸς τὴν θύραν· καὶ ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς τὸν λόγον. καὶ ἔρχονται πρὸς αὐτὸν παραλυτικὸν φέροντες, αἰρόμενον ὑπὸ τεσσάρων· καὶ μὴ δυνάμενοι προσεγγίσαι αὐτῷ διὰ τὸν ὄχλον, ἀπεστέγασαν τὴν στέγην ὅπου ἦν, καὶ ἐξορύξαντες χαλῶσι τὸν κράβαττον, ἐφ᾿ ᾧ ὁ παραλυτικὸς κατέκειτο. ἰδὼν δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τὴν πίστιν αὐτῶν λέγει τῷ παραλυτικῷ· τέκνον, ἀφέωνταί σοι αἱ ἁμαρτίαι σου. ἦσαν δέ τινες τῶν γραμματέων ἐκεῖ καθήμενοι καὶ διαλογιζόμενοι ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν· τί οὗτος οὕτω λαλεῖ βλασφημίας; τίς δύναται ἀφιέναι ἁμαρτίας εἰ μὴ εἷς ὁ Θεός; καὶ εὐθέως ἐπιγνοὺς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τῷ πνεύματι αὐτοῦ ὅτι οὕτως αὐτοὶ διαλογίζονται ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τί ταῦτα διαλογίζεσθε ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν; τί ἐστιν εὐκοπώτερον, εἰπεῖν τῷ παραλυτικῷ, ἀφέωνταί σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι, ἢ εἰπεῖν, ἔγειρε καὶ ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου καὶ περιπάτει; ἵνα δὲ εἰδῆτε ὅτι ἐξουσίαν ἔχει ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἀφιέναι ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἁμαρτίας - λέγει τῷ παραλυτικῷ· σοὶ λέγω, ἔγειρε καὶ ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου καὶ ὕπαγε εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου. καὶ ἠγέρθη εὐθέως, καὶ ἄρας τὸν κράβαττον ἐξῆλθεν ἐναντίον πάντων, ὥστε ἐξίστασθαι πάντας καὶ δοξάζειν τὸν Θεὸν λέγοντας ὅτι οὐδέποτε οὕτως εἴδομεν.


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Saints and Feasts

02_palamas2
March 12

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.

His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.


Symeonnewspious
March 12

Symeon the New Theologian

Saint Symeon became a monk of the Studite Monastery as a young man, under the guidance of the elder Symeon the Pious. Afterwards he struggled at the Monastery of Saint Mamas in Constantinople, of which he became abbot. After enduring many trials and afflictions in his life of piety, he reposed in 1022. Marvelling at the heights of prayer and holiness to which he attained, and the loftiness of the teachings of his life and writings, the church calls him "the New Theologian." Only to two others, John the Evangelist and Gregory, Patriarch of Constantinople, has the church given the name "Theologian." Saint Symeon reposed on March 12, but since this always falls in the Great Fast, his feast is kept today.


Gregory_dialogos
March 12

Gregory Dialogos, Bishop of Rome

Saint Gregory was born in Rome to noble and wealthy parents about the year 540. While the Saint was still young, his father died. However, his mother, Sylvia, saw to it that her child received a good education in both secular and spiritual learning. He became Prefect of Rome and sought to please God even while in the world; later, he took up the monastic life; afterwards he was appointed Archdeacon of Rome, then, in 579, apocrisiarius (representative or Papal legate) to Constantinople, where he lived for nearly seven years. He returned to Rome in 585 and was elected Pope in 590. He is renowned especially for his writings and great almsgiving, and also because, on his initiative, missionary work began among the Anglo-Saxon people. It is also from him that Gregorian Chant takes its name; the chanting he had heard at Constantinople had deeply impressed him, and he imported many elements of it into the ecclesiastical chant of Rome. He served as Bishop of that city from 590 to 604.


March 12

Paul Aurelian, Bishop of Brittany


March 12

Phineas, grandson of Prophet Aaron


March 12

Theophanes the Confessor

Saint Theophanes, who was born in 760, was the son of illustrious parents. Assenting to their demand, he married and became a member of the Emperor's ceremonial bodyguard. Later, with the consent of his wife, he forsook the world. Indeed, both of them embraced the monastic life, struggling in the monastic houses they themselves had established. He died on March 12, 815, on the island of Samothrace, whereto, because of his confession of the Orthodox Faith, he had been exiled by Leo the Armenian, the Iconoclast Emperor.


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Tone

When the angelic powers appeared at Your grave, the soldiers guarding it feared and became as dead. And standing by the sepulcher was Mary who was seeking Your immaculate body. You devastated Hades, not afflicted by it. You went to meet the virgin, and granted eternal life. You resurrected from the dead. O Lord, glory to You.
Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου, καὶ οἱ φυλάσσοντες ἀπενεκρώθησαν, καὶ ἵστατο Μαρία ἐν τῷ τάφῳ, ζητοῦσα τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα. Ἐσκύλευσας τὸν ᾍδην, μὴ πειρασθεὶς ὑπ' αὐτοῦ, ὑπήντησας τῇ Παρθένῳ, δωρούμενος τὴν ζωήν, ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ των νεκρῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal Fourth Tone

O Gregory the Miracle Worker, light of Orthodoxy, support and teacher of the Church, comeliness of Monastics, invincible defender of theologians, the pride of Thessalonica, and preacher of grace, intercede forever that our souls may be saved.
Ὀρθοδοξίας ὁ φωστὴρ, Ἐκκλησίας τὸ στήριγμα καὶ διδάσκαλε, τῶν μοναστῶν ἡ καλλονὴ, τῶν θεολόγων ὑπέρμαχος ἀπροσμάχητος· Γρηγόριε θαυματουργὲ Θεσσαλονίκης τὸ καύχημα κήρυξ τῆς χάριτος· ἱκέτευε διὰ παντός, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Tone

To you, defender and commander in a time of war, I, your City, offer gratitude for victory, for you rescued me from suff'rings, O Theotokos. Since the power you possess is unassailable, from all dangers I entreat you to deliver me, that I may cry to you: Rejoice, O unwedded Bride.
Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοὶ ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε, Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοί, Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.
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Wisdom of the Fathers

When you seek healing, take heed to your conscience. Do what it says, and you will find profit.
St. Symeon the New Theologian
Discourses: XXII sect. 2; Paulist Press pg. 244, 11th century

Take up your bed. Carry the very mat that once carried you. Change places, so that what was the proof of your sickness may now give testimony to your soundness. Your bed of pain becomes the sign of healing, its very weight the measure of the strength that has been restored to you.
St. Peter Chrysologus
Homily 50.6. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol. 2: Mark. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 27.

Now Matthew indeed saith, that "they brought him," but the others, that they also broke up the roof, and let him down. And they put the sick man before Christ, saying nothing, but committing the whole to Him.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

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St. Demetrios Parish Calendar

  • St. Demetrios

    March 12 to April 10, 2023

    SUN
    MON
    TUE
    WED
    THU
    FRI
    SAT
    12
    9:00AM Orthros
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy
    13
    14
    15
    4:30PM CONFESSIONS
    5:30PM Presanctified Liturgy
    6:30PM Lenten Pot Luck Supper
    7:00PM OCF
    7:30PM Choir Practice
    16
    17
    REGIONAL GOYA RETREAT
    4:30PM Fish Fry
    4:30PM Confessions
    7:00PM Salutations to the Theotokos
    8:00PM Speaker Series: Mr. Lou Zagami IOCC
    18
    REGIONAL GOYA RETREAT
    19
    VENERATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
    9:00AM Orthros
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy
    20
    21
    22
    4:30PM CONFESSIONS
    5:30PM Presanctified Liturgy
    6:30PM Lenten Pot Luck Supper
    7:00PM OCF
    23
    24
    4:30PM Fish Fry
    4:30PM Confessions
    7:00PM Great Vespers & Salutations
    25
    ANNUNCIATION
    9:00AM Orthros
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy
    12:30PM Greek Independence Day Event in CW
    26
    9:00AM Orthros
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy
    27
    6:00PM Parish Council Mtg.
    28
    29
    4:30PM CONFESSIONS
    5:30PM Presanctified Liturgy
    6:30PM Lenten Pot Luck Supper
    7:00PM OCF
    30
    31
    4:30PM Fish Fry
    4:30PM Confessions
    7:00PM The Akathist Hymn
    1
    APR
    Regional Oratorical Festival
    10:00AM Legion Breakfast Meeting
    2
    9:00AM Orthros
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy
    12:00PM OCMC Presentation
    3
    4
    5
    4:30PM CONFESSIONS
    5:30PM Presanctified Liturgy
    6:30PM Lenten Pot Luck Supper
    7:00PM OCF
    6
    7
    4:30PM Fish Fry
    4:30PM Confessions
    8
    LAZARUS
    9:00AM Orthros
    10:00AM Divine Liturgy
    11:00AM Palm Folding (Sunday School )
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