Be Strong & Brave (8-26-2018)

   Who remembers the slogan “Live Strong”? This was started by the former champion cyclist Lance Armstrong in 1997 in response to surviving his battle with cancer. It became a foundation with the mission to improve the lives other cancer survivors. Armstrong resigned from the foundation in 2012 after his admission to doping. Livestrong.com is a registered trademark of the foundation and is still a huge brand that offers all sorts of education advice about diet, fitness and health.

   However, “Live Strong” didn’t really start with Lance Armstrong. It started 2,000 years ago when the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christian community in Corinth saying, “¹³Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” (v.13). We just heard that in today’s Epistle reading (1Corinthians 16:13-24)from the 13^th Sunday of Matthew. Since the beginning of mankind, physical strength has been admired and often necessary for survival. But when St. Paul joins strength (krataiousthe) with bravery (andizesthe), the emphasis turns from physical strength to a power of character. Bravery and courage are also desirable personal qualities. Today our nation mourns the death of Senator John McCain of Arizona. More than his 36 years in public office, people admire him for his five and half years as prisoner of war in North Vietnam, undergoing torture and refusing an offer of repatriation. That took bravery and courage. I know that first hand because my first cousin was also a prisoner of the same war for five years.

   As Christians, how can we become brave and strong? How can we develop strength of character? As St. Paul said, “watch, stand fast in the faith” (v.13). Faith implies that it all starts with God, with faith in Him. God is great! Almost all Eastern Orthodox churches are covered by a dome. Inside the dome Jesus Christ is depicted in the icon called the ‘Pantokrator’ which literally means “the One who holds all things.” Panto- ‘all/everything’ and krator – to hold. Krator has the same root as ‘krataiousthe’ translated as “be strong” in today’s verse. That’s why, in the Scriptures, Pantokrator is translated as ‘All-Mighty.’ God is might and strong!

   After Jesus was born, we hear that, “And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him (Luke 1:80, 2:40). But even before Christ became incarnate, many countless Israelites demonstrated strength and courage with faith in God. Think of Daniel in the Lions’ Den and the Three Holy Children of Babylon, and especially the Maccabean martyrs Solomonia and her seven young sons (Mac 2). As she was forced to watch them be killed, instead of telling them to forsake their loyalty to God for survival, she encourages them to remain faithful knowing that it will ensure their death. I often think of our modern martyrs, especially in Libya, Egypt and Syria at the hands of ISIS and I wonder if I could be so brave with faith in Christ?

   The faith, bravery and courage of these Old Testament persons is summed up by the Prophet King David the Psalmist when he writes:

¹In You, O LORD, I put my trust; Let me never be put to shame. ²Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape; Incline Your ear to me, and save me. ³Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress. (Psalm 71:1-3). ¹⁴Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! (Psalm 27:14). ²⁴Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD (Psalm 31:24). David’s father King Solomon wrote: ²⁶In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge. (Proverbs 14:26)

   In the New Testament, the John the Baptist demonstrated faith and strength in pointing out the adultery of King Herod and enduring martyrdom by beheading (which we’ll commemorate this Wednesday August 29^th) at the behest of Herod’s mistress Herodias. Of course, Jesus is the prime example of strong faith. He trusted God the Father all the way through His torturous passion and death on the Cross. In addition, the Myrrh-bearing women, including Jesus’ mother the Virgin Mary were very brave, going to anoint the Body of Christ, while most of the other disciples, including the Apostles, cowered in fear, hiding in the upper room. ⁴³Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus (Mark 15:43). After His Resurrection, Christ encouraged the Apostles to go unto all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Trinity (Mt.28). By the descent and power of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles fulfilled the command of Christ. All of them, except John the Evangelist, died a martyr’s death.

   So, we Christians have numerous examples to follow. But how? How does this happen. As we close today, I offer again the words of the Apostle Paul. First, in his second letter to the Corinthians, he explains:

   ⁷And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. ⁸Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. ⁹And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2Corinthians 12:7-10)

   Second, we do not know what the thorn in Paul’s flesh. It could have been an illness; it could have been a person—a persecuting enemy; but we know it caused a great deal of suffering. Paul helps frame the meaning of suffering when he writes to Christians in Rome:

¹Therefore, having been justified by faith,we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ²through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation producesperseverance; ⁴and perseverance,character; and character, hope. ⁵Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:1-5)

   Jesus is telling each one of us: My strength is made perfect in your weakness! When you are weak, then I will be strong for you! My brothers and sisters in Christ, have hope! Be brave and be strong! Amen!

ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

 Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Presbyter

1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105, (651) 222-6220, www.stgeorgegoc.org

September 2, 2018                                                                               14^th SUNDAY OF MATTHEW

TODAY’S EVENTS: Greek Dance practice, 6:30pm.

Epistle Reader: Stephen Kanavati                                       Prosfora: anonymous

Fellowship: Joanne & Demetri Halatsis                               Head Greeters: Diane Anastos & Dan Simon

Monday       09-03     Labor Day Holiday – office closed

Tuesday      09-04     Catechism Class- Intro to Orthodoxy with Father Richard Andrews               7:00PM

Thursday     09-06     Prison Ministry leaders meeting at St. Mary’s GOC in Minneapolis              12:00PM

Saturday     09-08     ORTHROS (8:00am) &DIVINE LITURGY – NATIVITY OF THEOTOKOS           9:00AM

Sunday        09-09     ORTHROS (8:15am) &DIVINE LITURGY- SUNDAY BEFORE HOLY CROSS      9:30AM

                                      Philoptochos meeting                                                                           12:00PM

Wednesday 09-12     Listening Tour Event with Metropolitan Nathanael                                       6:00PM

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Blessed New Year! The Indiction or Ecclesiastical/Church New Year began yesterday September 1^st, the day that Jesus began His 3-year earthly ministry. The first major feast day of the new year is the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. September 1^st is also designated by Patriarch Bartholomew as the Day of Protection of our Natural Environment. Use this calendar transition as another opportunity for personal spiritual renewal.

https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/roadsfromemmaus/2014/12/14/14-new-years-resolutions-orthodox-christians/

https://www.goarch.org/-/message-of-ecumenical-patriarch-bartholomew-for-the-indiction-and-the-day-of-the-protection-of-the-environment-2018-

Baptized into Christ- On August 25^th Joseph Zubulake, son of Nick Zubulake and Natasha Kennedy, was baptized and chrismated. Godparent is Nouna Deena Zubulake. Congratulations to all!

Exterior Restoration- began on August 24 and will continue for about three weeks. Brick, block and tuckpointing will be repaired or replaced as needed. This project will cost $113,000. All parish council members and many others have already pledged financial support. Please join us in this important work. Thank you!

Metropolitan Nathanael in Twin Cities: on Wednesday September 12^th as part of his listening tour throughout the Metropolis of Chicago. Our parish will host. 6pm Meet and Greet, 7-9pm Talk with Questions and Answers. Please rsvp online https://midwesttour.squarespace.com. If interested in helping host, please contact office.

Intro to Orthodoxy: a 12-week class on the basics of Eastern Orthodox Christianity will be held this Fall on Tuesday evenings 7-9pm beginning Tuesday, September 4^th. The class is open to everyone, especially inquirers and those interested in converting to Orthodoxy. Classes are held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Saint Paul, MN. See insert for details; register online atwww.meocca.org.

St. Paul Classic Parking Ban: on Sunday, September 9, 2018 until 1:00pm. No parking allowed on north side of Summit Ave due to the Bike Tour; cars parked in posted no parking zones will be tagged and towed.

Youth: Sunday School begins on September 16^th; registration is open. Please fill out a registration form or go to our website to register online. We are also looking for adults to assist with youth activities. If you are interested, please contact Nathaniel Kostick.

Lebanese Festival: at St. Maron Catholic Church, 602 University Ave. NE, Minneapolis on Saturday, September 15, 1-8pm and Sunday, September 16, 11am-6pm. Fun for all ages; free admission, plus food, games, live music and dance. See posting in social hall or visit www.stmaron.com for more info.

Wisdom from the Church Fathers: Please put this commandment into practice: Cultivate love towards Jesus Christ to such an extent that, when you pronounce His name, tears fall from your eyes. Your heart must really be aflame. Then He will become your teacher. He will be your Guide, Brother, Father and your Elder.                  St. Elder Amphilochios Makris of Patmos (+1970)

Annual Church Picnic: will be held on Sunday, September 16 at Hidden Falls Park, off of Mississippi River Blvd in St. Paul (https://www.stpaul.gov/facilities/hidden-falls-regional-park), following liturgy.

MCP Fundraising Gala: Sunday, September 16, 4-7pm on the terrace of the Stillwater Public Library, 224 3^rd Street N, Stillwater. Tickets for the Lyn Olson Medical Crisis Program Annual Fundraising Gala are on sale for $30 in the bookstore on Sundays, in church office on weekdays or at www.lomcp.com.

Romanian Festival: Saturday, September 15, 12-7pm and Sunday, September 16, 12-5pm at St. Mary Romanian Orthodox Church, 854 Wodbridge St, St Paul, MN 55117, features wonderful Romanian food, dancing, live music, delicious pastries, church tours, kids activities and FUN!! For more info, call 651-488-5669, or visit www.saintmarymn.org.

Church Fathers Speak: If you believe in Christ, have hope in Him, love Him with all your soul and heart. Whatever you seek from Him with faith and is to your benefit He will give to you. Seek above all the kingdom of Heaven. When love Him and do His commandments, He too will love you and you will be united with Him. “God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him. St. Arsenios of Paros (+1877)

Festival Lawn Signs: thanks to all who advertised the Greek Festival with lawn signs! Please return them to the church office so that we can place in storage for next year.

Sunday Fellowship Hour: If you have not served, not served recently, or would like to serve, please call Naomi Tsantir at 612-781-6485 to schedule. You can be paired up too. "Many hands make less work for all"

Summer Cash Flow: please continue to make stewardship contributions throughout the summer so that we don’t have to use our savings to pay our bills. Please don’t wait until the end of the year to fulfill your pledge.

Patristic Wisdom: As long as the soul loves its body it cannot love God because the Lord said: “He that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal” (John 12:25).            St. Sarah of the Nile (5^th cent.)

Pan-Orthodox Ladies Tea: 2:30pm, October 6, 2018 at Holy Trinity Church, Archangel Michael Hall. Vespers follow at 5pm. Contact Matuska Vera Proctor with questions at 651.324.2705 or vsproctor@gmail.com.

60^th Anniversary Celebration: Transfiguration GOC parish in Sioux Falls is celebrating their 60^th anniversary with a Grand Banquet on October 6^th, and a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 7^th.For more information, see posting in social hall or visit transfigurationgoc.org

Metropolis Clergy Laity: the Twin Cities has been chosen to host the next Metropolis Clergy Laity September 25-29, 2019. The St. George and St. Mary Church communities will co-host. Stay tuned for more details!

Welcome Visitors Thank you for joining with us in prayer and fellowship. The worship of the Orthodox Church is deeply rooted in and very similar to that of the early Christian Church. Unique sensory stimuli and mystery are elements that go back even to the liturgy of the Jewish temple. Everything in an Orthodox Christian church communicates the majestic presence of God the Holy Trinity with His Saints. It is literally heaven on earth. It is a sad consequence of the divisions in Christianity that we cannot extend a general invitation to receive Holy Communion. Visitors are invited to receive the blessed bread (antithoron) at the conclusion of the liturgy. We pray and work for the reconciliation and unity of all Christians. If you are interested in learning more about Orthodoxy, please contact Fr. Rick at fatherrick@stgeorgegoc.org. We are proud of our Greek heritage, but one does not have to be of Greek descent, nor speak Greek to be a Greek Orthodox Christian.

Note to Orthodox about Holy Communion: Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ is one of the most Holy experiences for a Christian in order to be granted the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. We are never worthy to partake of Divine Nature. Yet, it is essential that we prepare ourselves for this sacred Communion by constant prayer, reading the Scriptures, regular fasting and periodic Confession. At a minimum, we should fast all morning before Communion, arrive at the beginning of Liturgy, and come for Confession at least once a year. In addition, we should not have separated ourselves from the Church through serious sin. Otherwise, please refrain from Communion to avoid “judgment…not discerning the Lord’s body” (1Cor. 11:29). Contact Fr. Rick for pastoral guidance.

Glad Tidings deadline: The 10th of each month. Glad Tidings email: gladtidings@stgeorgegoc.org  Sunday Bulletin Deadline: Wednesday Noon each week.  Email: office@stgeorgegoc.org