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St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-04-07
Bulletin Contents
Message from Fr. Gianulis
Upcoming Divine Services and Holy Days
Announcements
ARCHEPISCOPAL ENCYCLICAL
FROM YOUR PARISH COUNCIL
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Saints and Feasts
Hymns of the Day
Wisdom of the Fathers
St. Demetrios Parish Calendar
FLYERS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
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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

PARISH COUNCIL 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

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At Your Crucifixion

This Sunday is the commemoration of The Veneration of the Holy Cross. I thought that this week, almost midway through Great Lent, we ought to reflect on the crucifixion and our relationship with the Crucified One.

From M. Newton:   

“And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns and put it on his head.” (John 19:2)

Am I a thorn? Do I penetrate your temple with my closed mind?

“He, bearing his own cross went forth…” (John 19:17)

Am I the cross? Am I the dead weight You chose to bear even as I resist?

“…they crucified Him…” (John 19:18)

Am I the nail in Your hand? Do I hold it fast so You may not lead me? Am I the nail in Your feet? Do I hold them fast – not to make footsteps that I may follow?

“But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side…(John 19:18)

Am I the spear? Do I pierce You each time I reject Your love that pours forth freely? I weep… Daily I crucify You. I rejoice… Daily You forgive.

“Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:24)


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Upcoming Divine Services and Holy Days

Salutations to the Theotokos

The Salutations to the Theotokos is sung on the first five Fridays of Great Lent.

This Friday and for the remaining Salutations services, we begin at 6:00 p.m. 


PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY DURING GREAT LENT

The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts will be read every Wednesday during Great Lent at 5:30 p.m. Lenten potluck supper to follow.


CONFESSIONS

Confessions will be heard throughout Great Lent prior to the Presanctified Liturgies on Wednesdays from 4 p.m., and following the Salutations Service at 7 p.m. Confessions will not be heard following the Presanctified Liturgies.

 


HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

April 27, Saturday of Lazarus

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

April 28, Palm Sunday, The Entry into Jerusalem.      

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

April 29, Holy Monday.  

Orthros of the Bridegroom, 6 p.m.

April 30, Holy Tuesday. 

Orthros of the Bridegroom, 6 p.m.

May 1, Holy Wednesday.  

The Sacrament of Holy Unction, 6 p.m.

May 2, Holy Thursday.  

Institution of the Last Supper, St. Basil’s Liturgy, 9 a.m.

Orthros of the Passion (12 Gospels), 6 p.m.

May 3, Good Friday

Great Vespers — the Descent from the Cross, 3 p.m.

       Lamentation Service, 6 p.m.

May 4, Great Saturday.    

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, 9 a.m.

Resurrection Service, 10:30 p.m.

Paschal Proclamation, 11 p.m. followed by Orthros and the Divine Liturgy.  

May 5, Pascha (Easter Sunday), Agape Vespers, 11 a.m.

 

27 Απριλίου, Σάββατο του Λαζάρου

Ο Όρθρος, 9 πμ. Θεία Λειτουργία, 10 πμ.

28 Απριλίου, Κυριακή τῶν Βαΐων

Ο Όρθρος, 9 πμ. Θεία Λειτουργία, 10 πμ.

29 Απριλίου, Μεγάλη Δευτέρα 

Ο Όρθρος του Νυμφίου, 6 μμ.

30 Απριλίου, Μεγάλη Τρίτη

Ο Όρθρος του Νυμφίου, 6 μμ.

1 Μαΐου, Μεγάλη Τετάρτη  

Μέγα Ευχέλαιόν, 6 μμ.

2 Μαΐου, Μεγάλη Πέμπτη  

Η Θεία Λειτουργία του Αγ. Βασιλείου (Ο Μυστικός Δείπνος), 9 πμ      

     Ο Πάθος του Χριστού (τα 12 Ευαγγέλια), 6 μμ.

3 Μαΐου, Μεγάλη Παρασκευή         

Ο Μέγας Εσπερινός (Αποκαθήλωσης), 3 μμ.

     Ο Επιτάφιος Θρήνος, 6 μμ.

4 Μαΐου, Μέγα Σάββατο

      Η Θεία Λειτουργία του Αγ. Βασιλείου (Πρώτη Ανάσταση), 9 πμ.

      Η Ανάστασήs – 11 μμ. μετά Ο Όρθρος, Θεία Λειτουργία

5 Μαΐου, Κυριακή του Πάσχα

Ο Μέγας Εσπερινός της Αγάπης,  11 πμ.   


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Announcements

SPECIAL TRAY FOR OUR SEMINARY

Please not that on this coming Sunday, the Veneration of the Holy Cross, a collection will be taken in support of our seminary, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Theirs is a vital mission to educate and train our future Church leaders and priests for service in the Church in America. Your support is deeply appreciated.

See also the enclosed encyclical from the Synod of Bishops of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.


Festival Kick-off Meeting

Everyone is invited to come, offer suggestions, and help plan and coordinate this years Greek Festival:  Sunday, April 7th after Divine Liturgy.


Thank You for a Great Fish Fry Season

We would like to express our gratitude to all those who worked so hard to make this season's Fish Fry a great success. There were many who helped and everyone's efforts are appreciated, whether as a runner, order taker, cook, cashier, or whatever capacity. I think it is important that we mention just a few who stood over the fryers each and every week: namely John Palantzis and his kitchen team, to include Jim Maurakis and Jody Michoud. There were many others. Thank you all!


COULD YOU OFFER A ROOM?

Two individuals who have signed up for the George Kordis Iconography Class that will be held at the College of William & Mary, one young lady, a missionary doctor in Guatamala, and the other a young man from Cleveland are hoping for a room for the week. Both are Greek Orthodox and vetted. The dates are June 9-15. If you are able to help either of them out, please contact Fr. Gianulis.


LENTEN POT-LUCK SUPPERS

Join us every Wednesday evening following the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. Bring a lenten meal to share, meaning no meat, fish or dairy, and learn how many great foods can be offered while maintaining the fast.


FROM OUR BOOK STORE

As we continue our Lenten journey, the bookstore has a good selection of publications to help feed our hearts and minds in our journey to Pascha. Come and see the Pascha candles, eggs and other items. Also, you can custom order books.


HOLY WEEK & EASTER FLOWERS

Donations for Holy Week and Pascha flowers are now being accepted with appreciation. :  Sunday, April 7th after Divine Liturgy. All flower donations, including those for the Epitaphio, should be given directly to the Church.


COFFEE FELLOWSHIP

We have updated plan for Coffee Fellowship. Please see the flyer enclosed below to sign up and get on a team!


Mount Athos Exhibit

The Mount Athos Foundation of America and the Mount Athos Center of Thessaloniki exhibit Mount Athos: The Ark of Orthodoxy will be on display at St. Demetrios from March 03 through April.

PANTOKRATOROS

The exhibit features one panel for each of the twenty Athonite monasteries. Additional panels reflecting life on the Holy Mountain include narratives on its history and institutions, art, architecture, natural environment, and spiritual life.

The exhibition’s panels and accompanying book feature dramatic photography taken at each of the monasteries, and narratives explaining their vast and impressive histories. Monasteries such as Great Lavra, Vatopedi, Iveron, Zographou, Xenophontos, and Esphigmenou have histories dating back over 1,000 years. Spiritually, Mount Athos is a community of persons dedicated to the uninterrupted worship of God through ascetical practice, where the daily spiritual and material life of the monks unfolds with the liturgical life at its epicenter. Writers from Byzantine times to today have praised both the natural beauty of the location and the virtuous life of the ascetics, viewing it as the ideal place for asceticism, as an ideal realm of God on Earth.

Open Sundays from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, March 3rd – April 28th Wednesday from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm March 6th – April 31st Friday from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm March 8th – 29th, or by appointment at churchoffice@stdemva.com


CAMP GOOD SHEPHERD - VIRGINIA

We have a wonderful Greek Orthodox Youth Camp in the area, at Camp Piankatank in Hartfield, VA. It is growing and we are now offering two weeks. Week 1: July 7-13 (Completed 5th Grade - 8th Grade) Week 2: July 14-20 (Completed 9th Grade - 12th Grade)
 
The Registration Fee is $500 but Fr. Milton has scholarship funds available. Just speak to him.
 
Registration is now open. Please see the flyer below and follow the link REGISTER FOR CAMP. 
 

Help Needed. You Could Save a Life.

A member of our Greek American Community from Hampton Roads has been diagnosed with myelofibrosis, cancer of the bone marrow and is still in need of a stem cell transplant. Thousands of patients with diseases like sickle cell anemia and cancers like leukemia need a stem cell transplant to survive. Many patients don’t have a fully matched donor in their family and that’s when they turn to Be the Match® National Registry to find a “match” who is willing to donate.
 
The chances of finding a match are higher when looking at donors of the same ethnicity. 90% of stem cell donations are now collected through blood donations and not bone marrow donations. To join the registry, all that is required is a health survey and a cheek swab. Only persons between 18 - 40 years old are eligible to join the registry. This can be done at either an in-person event or by mail.  Please contact Elaine Jansen by phone (757) 810-5206 or email ekj30@verizon.net for more information and for help to join the registry. There is also information set out in the anteroom of the church. Donate Blood Stem Cells | Be The Match. 

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

George Canavos

Peter and Beverly Daikos

Sonny Halioris

Athanasia Jouvanis

John Kaminarides

Jim Kokolis

Nikki Mageris

Nancy Marakos

John and Connie Pavlides

Nick Vlattas

 


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ARCHEPISCOPAL ENCYCLICAL

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FROM YOUR PARISH COUNCIL

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Dear Fellow Parishioners,
 
This year's annual Greek Festival is scheduled for Thursday, June 6th through Sunday, June 9th.  Preparations for the festival have started in support our primary fundraising event.  Here are some key dates and times.
 
1.  Festival Kick-off Meeting:  Sunday, April 7th after Divine Liturgy.
2.  April 9th (Tuesday) at 10am.  The Ladies of St. Demetrios have organized spanakopita preparation.
3.  April 15th (Monday) after 5pm.  We need a group of men to prepare the ground meat for pastitio and moussaka assembly later in the week.
4.  April 16th & April 17th (Tuesday & Wednesday) at 10am:  Moussaka and pastitio preparation.
5.  Subsequent Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10am:  Block these out for food preparation to be determined as we progress through spring.  We will definitely take off Holy Week:  April 27th through May 5th.  
 
Last year's festival was very successful with our highest sales and net income in recent memory with over $100K in net income.  We hope to build upon last year and increase sales and net income by 15% this year.  
 
We are able to achieve this level of success because parishioners prepare nearly all of the food and many of the ingredients are donated, especially the pastries which are prepared and donated by the Ladies of St. Demetrios.  Our parishioner-made food has an added benefit.  Our food is fresh and has a homemade authentic quality to it. Our parish enjoys an excellent reputation for our cooking as witnessed by the success of our Fish Fries these past weeks.    
 
There are plenty opportunities to help your church in our festival preparations.  If you like to join the festival planning committee, please come to our April 7th meeting.  If you like to help in food preparation, please come to one or more of the sessions and learn the secrets to our signature dishes.  You don't have to be a cook.  We will put you to work.  The more hands the quicker the work gets done and it is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow parishioners.
 
Thank you for your support and God bless the parish of St. Demetrios of Williamsburg Virginia.  
 
Athanasios (Tom) Jouvanis
Festival Chair
Parish Council President
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eleventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:14-25

At that time, Jesus revealed himself to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. And he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me." Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

Eleventh Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 21:14-25

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἐφανέρωσεν ἑαυτὸν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ, ἐγερθεὶς ἐκ νεκρῶν, καὶ λέγει τῷ Σίμωνι Πέτρῳ· Σίμων Ἰωνᾶ, ἀγαπᾶς με πλέον τούτων; Λέγει αὐτῷ· Ναὶ Κύριε, σὺ οἶδας ὅτι φιλῶ σε. Λέγει αὐτῷ· Βόσκε τὰ ἀρνία μου. Λέγει αὐτῷ πάλιν δεύτερον· Σίμων Ἰωνᾶ ἀγαπᾶς με; Λέγει αὐτῷ· Ναί, Κύριε, σὺ οἶδας ὅτι φιλῶ σε. Λέγει αὐτῷ· Ποίμαινε τὰ πρόβατά μου. Λέγει αὐτῷ τὸ τρίτον· Σίμων Ἰωνᾶ, φιλεῖς με; ἐλυπήθη ὁ Πέτρος, ὅτι εἶπεν αὐτῷ τὸ τρίτον, φιλεῖς με; Καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Κύριε, σὺ πάντα οἶδας, σὺ γινώσκεις ὅτι φιλῶ σε. Λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς. Βόσκε τὰ πρόβατά μου. Ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω σοι, ὅτε ἦς νεώτερος, ἐζώννυες σεαυτόν, καὶ περιεπάτεις ὅπου ἤθελες, ὅταν δὲ γηράσῃς, ἐκτενεῖς τὰς χεῖράς σου, καὶ ἄλλος σε ζώσει, καὶ οἴσει ὅπου οὐ θέλεις. Τοῦτο δὲ εἶπε, σημαίνων ποίῳ θανάτῳ δοξάσει τὸν Θεόν. Καὶ τοῦτο εἰπών, λέγει αὐτῷ· Ἀκολούθει μοι. Ἐπιστραφεὶς δὲ ὁ Πέτρος βλέπει τὸν μαθητὴν ὃν ἠγάπα ὁ Ἰησοῦς, ἀκολουθοῦντα, ὃς καὶ ἀνέπεσεν ἐν τῷ δείπνῳ ἐπὶ τὸ στῆθος αὐτοῦ καὶ εἶπε· Κύριε, τίς ἐστιν ὁ παραδιδούς σε; τοῦτον ἰδὼν ὁ Πέτρος λέγει τῷ Ἰησοῦ· Κύριε, οὗτος δὲ τί; λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Ἐὰν αὐτὸν θέλω μένειν ἕως ἔρχομαι, τί πρὸς σέ; σύ μοι ἀκολούθει μοι. Ἐξῆλθεν οὖν ὁ λόγος οὗτος εἰς τοὺς ἀδελφούς. Ὃτι ὁ μαθητὴς ἐκεῖνος οὐκ ἀποθνῄσκει, καὶ οὐκ εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς, ὅτι οὐκ ἀποθνήσκει· ἀλλ' ἐὰν αὐτὸν θέλω μένειν ἕως ἔρχομαι, τί πρὸς σὲ; Οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ μαθητὴς ὁ μαρτυρῶν περὶ τούτων, καὶ γράψας ταῦτα, καὶ οἴδαμεν ὅτι ἀληθής ἐστιν ἡ μαρτυρία αὐτοῦ. Ἔστι δὲ καὶ ἄλλα πολλὰ ὅσα ἐποίησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς, ἅτινα ἐὰν γράφηται καθ' ἕν, οὐδὲ αὐτὸν οἶμαι τὸν κόσμον χωρῆσαι τὰ γραφόμενα βιβλία. 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 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

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April 07

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.

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April 07

Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and Enlightener of North America

Born in 1865 in the region of Pskov, our Father among the Saints Tikhon was tonsured a monk in 1891 and ordained to the priesthood in the same year. In 1897 he was consecrated Bishop of Lublin, and a year later appointed Bishop of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, with his see extending to all of North America from 1900 onwards. He did much to unite the Orthodox Christians of a great many ethnic backgrounds in North America, so that there was indeed one flock under one shepherd. In 1907 he was made Archbishop of Yaroslavl and Rostov, and in 1913, Archbishop of Lithuania.

In 1917, when he was Metropolitan of Moscow, he was elected to be the first Patriarch of Russia in over 200 years, in times that could not have been more difficult. After the Revolution of 1917, the persecution of the Russian Church by the atheist government grew more bold and more fierce with every year. By nature a meek and peace-loving man, Tikhon sought to determine, while giving only to God that which is God's, what could be given to Caesar to preserve peace and avoid the shedding of blood. At his departure on the feast of the Annunciation in 1925, Saint Tikhon made the sign of the Cross thrice, pronouncing the words, "Glory to Thee, O God!" Because of the many unspeakable sufferings he endures as Patriarch, he is honoured as a Confessor.

Note: St. Tikhon's repose was on the Feast of the Annunciation according to the Old Calendar (March 25), but on the New Calendar his repose falls on April 7.

April 07

Calliopus and Akylina the Martyrs

The holy Martyr Calliopius was from Perga in Pamphylia, brought up in piety by his godly mother Theocleia. When the persecution of Maximian broke out, Saint Calliopius presented himself of his own accord before the Governor Maximus in Pompeiopolis of Galatia. After he had suffered many torments, his mother visited him in prison and encouraged him in his martyrdom. After this, his thrice-blessed mother, upon learning that he was to be crucified on Holy and Great Thursday, bribed the tyrants to defer it one day, that he might imitate the Lord's Crucifixion on the same day that He suffered it. The holy Martyr Calliopius received the crown of martyrdom on Holy and Great Friday in the year 304, being crucified upside down.

April 07

George, Bishop of Mytilene

The righteous George struggled in behalf of the holy icons, and reposed in peace about the year 821.

April 07

Gerasimos the God-Bearer of Byzantium

April 07

Righteous Father Savvas the New of Kalymnos

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Tone

Let the heavens sing for joy, and let everything on earth be glad. * For with His Arm the Lord has worked power. * He trampled death under foot by means of death; * and He became the firstborn from the dead. * From the maw of Hades He delivered us; * and He granted the world His 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 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 Third Tone © Fr. Seraphim Dedes
  • Resurrectional Apolytikion in Third 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

    Winter passes and spring approaches. You can regard this as a resurrection of all nature which died by frost: bless Him Who thus appointed it....The trees which in winter nearly all look alike under the snow, blossom in spring. So shall it be with our bodies when they rise again. Now we do not clearly distinguish between good and evil, but in the resurrection all things will be clear.
    St. Tikhon of Voronezh
    Unknown, 20th century

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    St. Demetrios Parish Calendar

    • PARISH CALENDAR

      April 7 to May 5, 2024

      SUN
      MON
      TUE
      WED
      THU
      FRI
      SAT
      7
      9:00AM Orthros
      10:00AM Divine Liturgy
      8
      9
      10
      4:00PM Confessions
      5:30PM Presanctified Liturgy
      6:30PM Lenten Pot Luck Fellowship
      7:00PM OCF
      11
      12
      6:00PM Salutations to the Theotokos
      7:00PM Confessions
      13
      10:00AM Legion Breakfast Meeting
      14
      9:00AM Orthros
      10:00AM Divine Liturgy
      15
      5:00PM Festival Prep-Mousaka and Pasitsio
      16
      10:00AM Festival Prep-Mousaka and Pasitsio
      17
      10:00AM Festival Prep-Mousaka and Pasitsio
      4:00PM Confessions
      5:30PM Presanctified Liturgy
      6:30PM Lenten Pot Luck Fellowship
      7:00PM OCF
      18
      19
      6:00PM Salutations to the Theotokos
      7:00PM Confessions
      20
      21
      9:00AM Orthros
      10:00AM Divine Liturgy
      22
      6:00PM Parish Council Mtg.
      23
      10:00AM Festival Preparation
      24
      4:00PM Confessions
      5:30PM Presanctified Liturgy
      6:30PM Lenten Pot Luck Fellowship
      7:00PM OCF
      25
      10:00AM Festival Preparation
      10:00AM Festival Prep
      26
      27
      Saturday of Lazarus
      9:00AM Orthros
      10:00AM Divine Liturgy
      11:30AM Wood Baptism & Chrismation
      28
      PALM SUNDAY
      9:00AM Orthros
      10:00AM Divine Liturgy
      29
      6:00PM Orthros of the Bridegroom
      7:00PM Confessions
      30
      6:00PM Orthros of the Bridegroom
      7:00PM Confessions
      1
      MAY
      6:00PM Holy Unction Service
      7:00PM OCF
      2
      9:00AM Divine Liturgy (Last Supper)
      10:00AM Festival Prep
      6:00PM Passion Service (12 Gospels)
      3
      Good Friday
      3:00PM Apokathilosis (Descent from the Cross Vespers)
      6:00PM Lamentations Service
      4
      Holy Saturday
      9:00AM Divine Liturgy (Proti Anastasi)
      10:30PM Orthros of Pascha
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