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St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2023-03-19
Bulletin Contents
Message from Fr. Gianulis
Upcoming Divine Services and Holy Days
Announcements
FROM YOUR PARISH COUNCIL
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Saints and Feasts
Hymns of the Day
Wisdom of the Fathers
FLYERS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
St. Demetrios Parish Calendar
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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

Church Office Michael Thompson
Parish Council

churchoffice@stdemva.com | (757) 220-4284

Presiding Priest Fr. Milton Gianulis


frmilt@stdemva.com | 757-220-0994

Athanasios "Tom" Jouvanis
Parish Council President

"Jouvanis" <tajouvanis@aol.com> | 757-283-4216

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

Take Up Your Cross and Follow

“If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34)

We will hear these words of our Lord Jesus Christ this Sunday in the gospel lesson of the Divine Liturgy. It is our call to discipleship, to be followers of Christ.

These words are recorded in three of the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  Only in Luke, however, is there a slight but significant difference. One word: “daily.” “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me daily.” (Luke 9:23)

Christ also said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35-35)

Jesus sacrificed and suffered on the cross because He loves us. The cross implies sacrifice. To truly love requires sacrifice. 

He calls us to follow, but in so doing, to take up our cross and follow. This means to sacrifice as a show of love for Him and for one another. Daily. We are not Christians just once a week, on Sunday. We are Christians every day and our call is to take up our cross daily. Loving in our relationships and sacrificial in our giving.

This Sunday, we commemorate the Veneration of the Holy Cross. Our focus as we continue the journey through Great Lent should not be on what we have “given up” but rather on the love and sacrifice of Christ on the Cross for us and on our call to follow in love and sacrifice.

Our faith is in Jesus Christ, who was crucified for our salvation. He denied Himself and took up His Cross, but He also challenged us to take up our crosses as well. In other words, His is a call to sacrificial love, sacrificial giving, sacrificial commitment, and sacrificial devotion to Him. Luke adds: “daily.”


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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. 

This Friday, our special guest, Lou Zagami of IOCC, will be speaking to us after the service. Please come. If you are working in the Fish Fry, please try to come even if toward the end of the service and feel free to 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.


CONFESSIONS

Father Gianulis will be available to hear your confession from 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Or, by appointment.


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.

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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.  
 
Image ResultAfter 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 have confirmation that the Marquis de Laffayette (Mark Schneider) will be joining us for our event. Meet at 12:30PM on March 25 near the fire pit/picnic area on Duke of Gloucester Street to celebrate Greek Independence Day.  It would be great fun for those of our young ones who have Greek costumes to wear in celebration of their heritage. Please, come join us and start a new tradition.  

IOCC PRESENTATION FRIDAY

Mr. Lou Zagami of the International Orthodox Christian Charities will be speaking after the Salutations service this Friday, March 17. Please come and hear of the tremendous work IOCC is doing.


From Our Sunday School

  • 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. 
  • On April 8th, Lazarus Saturday, we will have a pancake breakfast hosted by our Sunday School after liturgy. Following this, there will be community palm folding. Please join us for fellowship, and to learn how to fold the palm crosses.
  • Don’t forget to bring your children to the Easter egg hunt hosted by our Sunday School, on Pascha Sunday (April 16) directly after the Agape Vespers Service. 

“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. Proceeds will go to the flower fund for Great Lent, Holy Week, Epitaphios, and Easter lillies.
 
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.


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

Updates on Orthodox Church news items can be found on Facebook:

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


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

Leslie Wright

Gus Zacharopoulos

 


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FROM YOUR PARISH COUNCIL

 
Dear Fellow Parishioners
 
I wanted to take the opportunity to update you on a couple of upcoming items for fellowship and building our St. Demetrios Parish.
 
1.  Greek Independence Day Celebration.  Our location for our gathering is set in Colonial Williamsburg.  After liturgy on Saturday, March 25th, we are going to gather in the Farmers Market area of Colonial Williamsburg at 12:30 p.m. to commemorate Greek Independence Day and its importance to freedom-loving peoples around the world.  It is a great opportunity for fellowship and for increasing our visibility in the community.  More information is available in the attached flyer.  Please join us.  
 
2.  Greek Festival.  We kicked off festival planning this past week.  Maria Reed and I are co-chairing the festival.  The festival will be from June 8 through 11.  Thursday, June 8th, we are opening for dinner at 4pm.  The festival is our number one outreach and fundraising event of the year.  Please volunteer.  Denny Zacharopoulos and Tom Coghill will be coordinating volunteers and matching them to the various assignments.  We have an ambitious plan for the festival and we are hopeful that through the generous spirit of the parish, we will prevail in making the festival a big success.  
 
3.  Festival Cooking.  We are starting cooking for the festival next week and will focus on a specific item each week.  The first cooking session is March 23rd at 9 a.m. in the Hellenic Center kitchen. We will be preparing spanakopita.  Please come and help.  The more hands the quicker we can all get done.  
 
Thank you all for your support and your generosity and may God bless the parish of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.
 
Athanasios (Tom) Jouvanis
Parish Council President
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Seventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:1-10

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying and the napkin, which had been on His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that He must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Seventh Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 20:1-10

Τῇ μιᾷ τῶν Σαββάτων Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ ἔρχεται πρωῒ σκοτίας ἔτι οὔσης, εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον· καὶ βλέπει τὸν λίθον ἠρμένον ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου. Τρέχει οὖν, καὶ ἔρχεται πρὸς Σίμωνα Πέτρον, καὶ πρὸς τὸν ἄλλον μαθητήν, ὃν ἐφίλει ὁ Ἰησοῦς, καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· ᾞραν τὸν Κύριον ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου, καὶ οὐκ οἴδαμεν ποῦ ἔθηκαν αὐτόν. Ἐξῆλθεν οὖν ὁ Πέτρος καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητής, καὶ ἤρχοντο εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον. Ἔτρεχον δὲ οἱ δύο ὁμοῦ· καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς προέδραμε τάχιον τοῦ Πέτρου, καὶ ἦλθε πρῶτος εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ παρακύψας, βλέπει κείμενα τὰ ὀθόνια· οὐ μέντοι εἰσῆλθεν. Ἔρχεται οὖν Σίμων Πέτρος ἀκολουθῶν αὐτῷ, καὶ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ θεωρεῖ τὰ ὀθόνια κείμενα· καὶ τὸ σουδάριον, ὃ ἦν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς αὐτοῦ, οὐ μετὰ τῶν ὀθονίων κείμενον, ἀλλὰ χωρὶς ἐντετυλιγμένον εἰς ἕνα τόπον. Τότε οὖν εἰσῆλθε καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς ὁ ἐλθὼν πρῶτος εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ εἶδε, καὶ ἐπίστευσεν. Οὐδέπω γὰρ ᾔδεισαν τὴν Γραφήν, ὅτι δεῖ αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῆναι. Ἀπῆλθον οὖν πάλιν πρὸς ἑαυτοὺς οἱ μαθηταί.

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 4:14-16; 5:1-6.

BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

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 4:14-16, 5:1-6.

Ἀδελφοί, ἔχοντες οὖν ἀρχιερέα μέγαν, διεληλυθότα τοὺς οὐρανούς, Ἰησοῦν τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ θεοῦ, κρατῶμεν τῆς ὁμολογίας. Οὐ γὰρ ἔχομεν ἀρχιερέα μὴ δυνάμενον συμπαθῆσαι ταῖς ἀσθενείαις ἡμῶν, πεπειραμένον δὲ κατὰ πάντα καθʼ ὁμοιότητα, χωρὶς ἁμαρτίας. Προσερχώμεθα οὖν μετὰ παρρησίας τῷ θρόνῳ τῆς χάριτος, ἵνα λάβωμεν ἔλεον, καὶ χάριν εὕρωμεν εἰς εὔκαιρον βοήθειαν. Πᾶς γὰρ ἀρχιερεύς, ἐξ ἀνθρώπων λαμβανόμενος, ὑπὲρ ἀνθρώπων καθίσταται τὰ πρὸς τὸν θεόν, ἵνα προσφέρῃ δῶρά τε καὶ θυσίας ὑπὲρ ἁμαρτιῶν· μετριοπαθεῖν δυνάμενος τοῖς ἀγνοοῦσιν καὶ πλανωμένοις, ἐπεὶ καὶ αὐτὸς περίκειται ἀσθένειαν· καὶ διὰ ταύτην ὀφείλει, καθὼς περὶ τοῦ λαοῦ, οὕτως καὶ περὶ ἑαυτοῦ, προσφέρειν ὑπὲρ ἁμαρτιῶν. Καὶ οὐχ ἑαυτῷ τις λαμβάνει τὴν τιμήν, ἀλλὰ καλούμενος ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ, καθάπερ καὶ Ἀαρών. Οὕτως καὶ ὁ Χριστὸς οὐχ ἑαυτὸν ἐδόξασεν γενηθῆναι ἀρχιερέα, ἀλλʼ ὁ λαλήσας πρὸς αὐτόν, Υἱός μου εἶ σύ, ἐγὼ σήμερον γεγέννηκά σε. Καθὼς καὶ ἐν ἑτέρῳ λέγει, Σὺ ἱερεὺς εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισεδέκ.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

Sunday of the Holy Cross
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 8:34-38, 9:1

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· Εἴ τις θέλει ὀπίσω μου ἐλθεῖν, ἀπαρνησάσθω ἑαυτὸν καὶ ἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι. ὃς γὰρ ἂν θέλῃ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ σῶσαι, ἀπολέσει αὐτήν· ὃς δ᾿ ἂν ἀπολέσῃ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ψυχὴν ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ καὶ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, οὗτος σώσει αὐτήν. τί γὰρ ὠφελήσει ἄνθρωπον ἐὰν κερδήσῃ τὸν κόσμον ὅλον, καὶ ζημιωθῇ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ; ἢ τί δώσει ἄνθρωπος ἀντάλλαγμα τῆς ψυχῆς αὐτοῦ; ὃς γὰρ ἐὰν ἐπαισχυνθῇ με καὶ τοὺς ἐμοὺς λόγους ἐν τῇ γενεᾷ ταύτῃ τῇ μοιχαλίδι καὶ ἁμαρτωλῷ, καὶ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐπαισχυνθήσεται αὐτὸν ὅταν ἔλθῃ ἐν τῇ δόξῃ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἀγγέλων τῶν ἁγίων. Καὶ ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι εἰσί τινες τῶν ὧδε ἑστηκότων, οἵτινες οὐ μὴ γεύσωνται θανάτου ἕως ἂν ἴδωσι τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐληλυθυῖαν ἐν δυνάμει.

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Saints and Feasts

03_calvary
March 19

Sunday of the Holy Cross

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.

Chrysanthos
March 19

The Holy Martyrs Chrysanthus and Daria

Saint Chrysanthus, who was from Alexandria, had been instructed in the Faith of Christ by a certain bishop. His father, who was a senator by rank and a pagan, had him shut up in prison for many days; then, seeing the unchanging disposition of his mind, he commanded that a certain young woman named Daria be brought from Athens. She was a very beautiful and learned maiden, and also an idolater, and Chrysanthus' father wedded him to her so that he might be drawn away from the Faith of Christ because of his love for her. Instead of this however, Chrysanthus drew Daria unto piety, and both of them boldly proclaimed Christ and received the crown of martyrdom in 283, during the reign of Numerian, when they were buried alive in a pit of mire.

March 19

Demetrios the New Martyr

In 1564, Demetrios Tornaras was martyred for refusing to convert to Islam. He kept company with Muslims and believed he was their friend, but when they wished that he convert to Islam, he would not deny Christ. They accused him of insulting Islam and compelled him to choose. Accept Islam or suffer death. He chose not to abbandon his faith in Jesus Christ.

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Tone

By means of Your Cross, O Lord, You abolished death. * To the robber You opened Paradise. * The lamentation of the myrrhbearing women You transformed, * and You gave Your Apostles the order to proclaim to all * that You had risen, O Christ our God, * and granted the world Your great mercy.
Κατέλυσας τῷ Σταυρῷ σου τὸν θάνατον, ἠνέῳξας τῷ Λῃστῇ τὸν Παράδεισον, τῶν Μυροφόρων τὸν θρῆνον μετέβαλες, καὶ τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις κηρύττειν ἐπέταξας, ὅτι ἀνέστης Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, παρέχων τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for Sun. of the Holy Cross in the First Tone

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy, and by Your Cross protecting Your commonwealth.
Σώσον Κύριε τόν λαόν σου καί ευλόγησον τήν κληρονομίαν σου, νίκας τοίς Βασιλεύσι κατά βαρβάρων δωρούμενος καί τό σόν φυλάττων διά τού Σταυρού σου πολίτευμα.

Apolytikion for the Church in the Third Tone

The world has found in you a great champion in time of peril, as you emerged the victor in routing the barbarians. For as you brought to naught the boasts of Lyaios, imparting courage to Nestor in the stadium, in like manner, holy one, great Martyr Demetrios, invoke Christ God for us, that He may grant us His great mercy.

Μέγαν εύρατο εv τοίς κιvδύvοις, σέ υπέρμαχοv η οικουμένη, Αθλοφόρε τά έθνη τροπούμενον. Ως ούν Λυαίου καθείλες τήν έπαρσιν, εν τώ σταδίω θαρρύvας τόν Νέστορα, ούτως Άγιε, Μεγαλομάρτυς Δημήτριε, Χριστόν τόν Θεόν ικέτευε, δωρήσασθαι ημίν τό μέγα έλεος.

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.

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:

  • Resurrectional Apolytikion in Grave Tone © Fr. Seraphim Dedes
  • Resurrectional Apolytikion in Grave Tone © Greek Standard Text
  • Apolytikion for Sun. of the Holy Cross in the First Tone © Department of Religious Education
  • Apolytikion for Sun. of the Holy Cross in the First Tone © Greek Standard Text
  • Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone © Department of Religious Education
  • Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone © Greek Standard Text
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    Wisdom of the Fathers

    The key to knowledge is the humility of Christ. The door of the Kingdom of Heaven is open, not to those who only know in their learned minds the mysteries of faith and the commandments of their Creator, but to those who have progressed far enough to live by them.
    St. Bede the Venerable
    Unknown, 8th century

    To deny oneself means to give up one's bad habits; to root out of the heart all that ties us to the world; not to cherish bad thoughts and desires; to suppress every evil thought; to avoid occasions of sin; not to desire or to do anything out of self-love, but to do everything out of love for God. To deny oneself, according to St. Paul means "to be dead to sin. . . but alive to God."
    St. Innocent of Alaska
    The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 147, 19th Century

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    St. Demetrios Parish Calendar

    • St. Demetrios

      March 19 to April 16, 2023

      SUN
      MON
      TUE
      WED
      THU
      FRI
      SAT
      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 )
      9
      PALM SUNDAY
      9:00AM Orthros
      10:00AM Divine Liturgy
      10
      HOLY MONDAY
      6:00PM CONFESSIONS
      7:00PM Orthros of the Bridegroom
      11
      HOLY TUESDAY
      6:00PM CONFESSIONS
      7:00PM Orthros of the Bridegroom
      12
      HOLY WEDNESDAY
      7:00PM Holy Unction
      13
      HOLY THURSDAY
      9:30AM Divine Liturgy - Last Supper
      7:00PM Passion Service
      14
      Good Friday
      3:00PM Great Vespers (Apokathilosis)
      7:00PM Lamentations
      15
      GREAT SATURDAY
      9:30AM Liturgy of St. Basil
      10:00PM Resurrection Orthros
      11:00PM Paschal Proclamation & Liturgy
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