SERMON SERIES:  WORSHIP AND THE DIVINE LITURGY

8. A LITTLE BACK & FORTH – THE ANTIPHONS (11-16-2003; 11-25-2018)

   The following words have a certain connotation and meaning: antibiotic, antidepressant, antitrust, antithetical, antibacterial, and antiseptic. Not only do they start with the prefix ‘anti’ but that prefix means they are the opposite or opposed to the word the prefix modifies. But in Orthodox Christianity, the prefix ‘anti’ doesn’t necessarily have an adversarial meaning. In other words, ‘antibacterial’ implies that bacteria are bad and they must be opposed, fought and killed. In the Church, that is true with the word ‘antiChrist’ but it does not apply to the word ‘Antiphon’ which is the today’s topic, number eight, in our ongoing series on Worship and Liturgy.

   I gained a new appreciation for the prefix ‘anti’ when we visited Greece twenty-five years ago working for the Ionian Village Camp program. During one of our many trips to see ancient churches and classical sites, we had to cross the Gulf of Corinth to go from the Peleponnesos to the northern half of Greece. Back then there was only the ferry boat, now there is the large bridge but on one side was the little town of Rion and on the other side of the gulf was another little town—Antirion. Now, they were not named because one was bad and the other was good, or vice versa. Rather, it was because they just stood across a body of water from one another.

   The same is true for Pascha and AntiPascha. One is the Sunday of the Resurrection and the other is the next Sunday, also known for St. Thomas. They stand on opposite ends of Bright-Renewal week. And the same is true for the part of the Divine Liturgy that we call the ‘Antiphons.’ Antiphon literally means opposite or alternating voices because for much of Church history there were two choirs, instead of one, chanting these parts. I first witnessed this when I began attending chapel services during seminary. There were two choirs for every Vespers, Orthros and the first half of the Divine Liturgy, one choir on one side of the solea and the other on the opposite side. At the Cherubic Hymn of the Great Entrance, the two choirs joined together. (Greek dictionary: Antiphonisis- answer to a speech; Antiphonon- a response; Anti- instead of, for, against; Phone- voice, cry, scream, sound. Biblical Greek: Anti- opposite).

   We spent the last two weeks talking about the Great Litany. At the end of it, the priest recites the prayer of the first Antiphon while the people sing the very first hymn of the Liturgy: “By the prayers (intercessions) of the Theotokos, Savior save us.” When say, “Most Holy Theotokos, save us,” we are not substituting her for Jesus Christ. Rather, we are asking for her to pray to Christ for us.

   Some people confuse how the Orthodox relate to Mary, the Mother of God. They may say we view her as a Co-Redemptress with Christ. This is not accurate. Christ the Lord saves us, but the Theotokos can help. When we say, “by the intercessions/prayers of the Theotokos”, it would be like calling 911 in an emergency. The police, firemen, paramedics, doctors and nurses do the actual work to save a life, but the person who made the phone call initiates the help and the Virgin Mary is the best dispatcher who can facilitate the resources necessary to connect us with our life-saving physician--Jesus Christ.

   This hymn ‘Tais presvies..’ is usually sung three times preceded by psalm verses called ‘stichoi.’ Then, the second antiphon prayer is read while the people chant, “Save us o Son of God, who rose from the dead, we sing to you, Alleluia,” also three times.

   The tradition of the antiphons goes back to the ancient Church when the faithful assembled outside the church waiting for the beginning of the Liturgy. They would take turns singing the Psalms. Now, we only chant one verse from a Psalm before each of the short hymns. The antiphonal verses were probably in place by the 4^th or 5^th century.

   During the Antiphons, we encounter not only the first hymns, but also the first actual prayers of the Liturgy. The priest can read them quietly during the hymn singing or read them out loud beforehand. The prayers are instructive in that they tell us who God is, who we are, and how we should relate to Him. I’m going to read them slowly with particular emphasis to help us understand them better.

Prayer of First Antiphon: “Lord our God whose power is beyond compare and glory is beyond understanding; whose mercy is boundless and love for us is ineffable: Master look upon us and upon this holy house in Your compassion. Grant to us and to those who pray with us Your abundant mercy.”

Prayer of Second Antiphon:  “Lord our God save Your people and bless Your inheritance; protect the whole body of Your Church; sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house; glorify them in return by Your divine power and do not forsake us who hope in You.”

Prayer of Third Antiphon: “Lord, You have given us grace to offer these common prayers with one heart. You have promised to grant the requests of two or three gathered in Your name. Fulfill now the petitions of Your servants for our benefit, giving us the knowledge of Your truth in this world and granting to us eternal life in the world to come.”

   Immediately after the third singing of “Save us of Son of God…” the we sing the following hymn: “Only begotten Son and Word of God, Immortal One, Who did humble yourself by taking flesh by the Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary. Without change did You become man and were crucified Christ our God but conquered death by Your death. As one of the Holy Trinity and being glorified together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, save us.” This hymn might have originally been a prayer. It was probably written by the Byzantine emperor Justinian dating from the 6^th century and provides a striking summary of the redemptive work of Christ. Memorize it and share it with friends.

   The third antiphon also varies from tradition to tradition. In the Russian Church, the Beatitudes (Makarismoi) are sung regularly. In the Greek Church, the Troparion of the Resurrection on Sundays or the Typica (Psalm 102 or 145) are chanted with Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. These of course clearly articulate how Christians should live in relationship to each other and the world around them. Even though they were written by the Prophet King David hundreds of years before Christ, he Psalms encapsulate the whole of one’s life in Christ.

   The antiphons also provide the first opportunity for variety in the Liturgy. Some may say it’s the same thing every Liturgy. However, there are differences between Sunday and weekday liturgies. During the weekday liturgies, we sing in the second antiphonal hymn, “…Save us O Son of God, among the saints glorified…” There are also differences from Sunday to Sunday depending on the festal period. The psalm verses (stichoi) today were different because we are celebrating the Apodosis (or the completion) of the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple. The Apodosis of a Feast is almost like celebrating the Feast itself.

   In conclusion, let us remember the Apodosis of the Eisodos tis Theotokou, and imitate the little three-year-old Virgin Mary who eagerly entered the Temple escorted by the temple maidens, welcomed by the priests, brought by her parents Joachim and Anna. Let us also remember St. Katherine the Great Martyr whom we also commemorate on November 25^th. And let us imitate her who is called “All-Wise” (‘Pansophous’ in Greek) becoming knowledgeable in our faith and worship. Finally, understanding the Antiphons of the Divine Liturgy, we also remember that just because certain people sit on the south side of the nave does not mean that they are anti-north, or the northerners are anti-south. 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

December 2, 2018                                                                                                        14^TH SUNDAY OF LUKE

TODAY’S EVENTS: Parish Assembly meeting & Christmas Program Rehearsal 12pm.

Epistle Reader: Stephen Kanavati                                                      Prosfora: Rita Kanavati

Fellowship: Dimitra & Dimitri Kaniamos & Parish Council                     Head Greeter: Diane Anastos

Monday       12-03     Loaves & Fishes at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church                                             4:30PM

Tuesday       12-04    Catechism Class “Conclusion- Orthodoxy in America, Jurisdictions, Q&A”           7:00PM

Thursday     12-06     DIVINE LITURGY – ST. NICHOLAS                                                                 9:00AM

                                   Prison Ministry leadersmeeting at St. Mary’s GOC in Minneapolis                    12:00PM

Saturday      12-08     IOCC Homefront Workshop at St. Mary’s GOC, Minneapolis                              9:00AM

                                   Prison Ministry Reunion Breakfast                                                               10:00AM

                                   Young Adult League event at St. George Antiochian                                       3:00PM

                                   VESPERS                                                                                                      5:00PM

                                   Advent Concert at St. Mary OCA in NE Minneapolis                                        7:00PM

Sunday         12-09     ORTHROS (8:15am) &DIVINE LITURGY – 10^th SUNDAY OF LUKE                    9:30AM

                                    Parish Council elections                                                                               12:00PM

                                    Parish luncheon hosted by Welcome & Outreach                                           12:00PM

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Parish Assembly Today: please join us after liturgy for our semi-annual meeting to hear reports on several different ministries and to discuss and approve our 2019 budget. We need 40 parishioners for a quorum.

Advent Fast: began Wednesday, November 15^th and continues for 40 days until the Nativity of our Lord. The Church instructs us to fast from all meat and dairy products, although fish is allowed any day except Wednesdays and Fridays (until Dec.12). Fasting periods are a good time for spiritual self-examination and the Sacrament of Confession. Please contact Fr. Rick to make an appointment. Blessed Advent!

Youth Christmas Program- rehearsal today after Sunday School and next Sunday Dec.9^th. Program will take place on Sunday. Dec. 16^th. All children are welcome. Parents encouraged to help. Thank you!

Think About It: Prayer is exhaling the spirit of man and inhaling the Spirit of God.                Edwin Keith

Loaves & Fishes Tomorrow: Monday, December 3rd at 4:30 pm at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, 15 Winifred Street. We cook and serve dinner for the poor and underprivileged. Please arrive at St. Matthews by 4:30pm to help prep and serve the meal. We serve between 5-6 pm and cleanup is complete by 7pm. Everyone is welcome! More info? George Mastrogiorgis, gmastrogiorgis@yahoo.com (917-445-4839).

Summit Avenue West Listening Session: this Tuesday, Dec 4 from 5:30- 6:30pm, Summit Hill West local historic district residents are invited to an informal open house/listening session with the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) at 1524 Summit Avenue, St. Paul. HPC was established in 1976 to preserve, protect, promote and enhance the cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history of St. Paul.

Union Depot Annual Holiday Bake Sale: support Missions & Benevolence this Saturday, Dec 8 in downtown St. Paul, 10am – 5pm. Along with top Twin Cities bakeries, M&B will offer their own Greek baked goods; all profits donated to their sponsorship of the Mobile Medical Clinic.

2018 Parish Christmas Card: please participate using enclosed form and $20 minimum donation. Give to a Philoptochos member or the church office no later than next Sunday, December 9.Thank you.

Exterior Restoration- Brick, block and tuckpointing have been completed. Cost of project is $118,647. We have raised over $60,000 from our parishioners and friends. Please join us in this important work. Thank you!

Parish Council Elections: next Sunday, Dec 9^th. Candidates are Stephen Arsenault, Diane Anastos, Petko Ivanov, Stephen Kanavati, John Simon, and Lily Zahariades. Requests for an absentee ballot must be made by Monday, December 3^rd. Absentee ballots must be received in the mail or in person by Saturday, December 8^th. Please contact a Board of Elections member to receive an absentee ballot. If you request an absentee ballot, you must use an absentee ballot to vote and will not be able to vote in person on Election Day, December 9, 2018.

Church Fathers Speak: True fasting lies in rejecting evil, holding one’s tongue, suppressing one’s hatred, and banishing one’s lust, evil words, lying and betrayal of vows.      St. Basil the Great (+379)

IOCC Homefront Workshop on Saturday December 8^th, 9am-12pm, at St. Mary Greek Orthodox Church. To help educate leaders about parish emergency, disaster preparedness and response. RSVP by Dec.3^rd to julie@stmarysgoc.org. For more info, dchristopulos@iocc.org or 612-308-5407.

Youth Minister Position Open: applications are now being accepted for this part time position. To apply, email a resume, cover letter and contact info of two references to Fr. Rick at fatherrick@stgeorgegoc.org, with “Youth Minister Application” in subject line.

Stewardship Update: Please be sure to fulfill your commitments for 2018 now before the busy holiday season. Please give generously as God has blessed you. 2019 pledge cards, brochure and letters were mailed recently. Our theme is All things are possible to the one who believes in Christ” (Mark 9:23). Thanks for your support!

 Patristic Wisdom: He who is unable to trust that God will provide him with temporal goods, is unable to trust that He will provide him with eternal goods.                                           St. Isaiah of Scetis (+5^th cent.)

New Sunday School Director! Thank you to Miss Aida Abebe for graciously volunteering to lead our religious education program, working with our current teachers: Lerah McCullough (PreK), Carol Alexis (K-1), Lama Ghazi (2-3), Stephen Kanavati (4-5-6), Anastasia Mastrogiorgis (7-9) and Nick Kanavati & Vicky Paraschou (10-12). Please support Aida and the teachers by frequently bringing your children to liturgy and Sunday school.

St. Mary's OCA Annual Advent Concert: Saturday, December 8 at 7pm, join us for an evening of Orthodox liturgical hymns and traditional carols that celebrate and prepare the Church for the Nativity of Christ. Presented by the choir of St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, 1629 5^th Street NE, Minneapolis. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.stmarysoca.org or call 612-781-7667.

AHEPA Christmas Party: Saturday, December 29^th, 5:30pm at St. Mary’s GOC in Minneapolis. Enjoy buffet dinner by Gyropolis, music and dancing. Early bird price is $35 per person if received by December 16, $50 at the door. See insert or posting in social hall for more details and to reserve your seats.

Wisdom from the Fathers: A humble person who lives a spiritual life, when he reads the Holy Scriptures, will relate all things to himself and not to others.                                         St. Mark the Ascetic (+5^th cent.)

2019 Basketball Tourney: hosted by Annunciation Church, Milwaukee, February 8-10. Early team registration for Men, Women, Boys, Girls & JOY teams is $300 until Dec 15; $400 afterwards. For Player Registration, click here. Meal registration is separate click here.: Early Bird Weekend Package is $90/adult, $55/child until Jan 14; afterwards $110/adult, $60/child until Jan 28. Rooms $119/night at the Brookfield Hotel, 375 South Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005, 262-364-1100 or here. Questions? Email 2019greekbball@gmail.com.

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