WORSHIP & LITURGY SERMON SERIES

10. THE READINGS- EPISTLE & GOSPEL (11-30-2003; 12-9-2018)

   The reading of the Holy Scriptures is the culmination and very heart of the Liturgy of the Word. The reading of Scripture in the context of worship, like many other parts of the liturgy, traces its origins directly to the Synagogue and Temple worship of ancient Israel. The Epistle reading is preceded by the Prokeimenon, the short verse chanted by the reader. In the early Church, an entire Psalm was read or chanted. The Epistle and Gospel readings are selected for each day of the year, including Sundays, according to a highly defined lectionary system based on two major intersecting cycles of the Church year that dates back to the 8^th century. The first is the Paschal cycle and it begins with the Prologue of John and the first chapter in the Book of Acts on the Feast of our Lord’s Resurrection. The second cycle is based on the calendar year of fixed commemorations for major feasts and saints’ days. The cycle concludes with the readings in the solemn services of Holy Week.

   The system of Epistle Readings, except for Sundays, major feasts and saints’ days, nearly follow the sequence of books in the New Testament, starting with the Book of Acts, which is more accurately titled the “Acts of the Apostles” because it traces the history of the first thirty years of the Church after the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Then it proceeds through the Apostle Paul’s 13 letters starting with Romans and Corinthians and ending with the Book of Hebrews. Paul’s letters were instructive exhortations, and sometimes corrective rebukes, to the early Christian communities of the Mediterranean world. The cycle ends with the General Epistles of Apostles James, Peter and John, who were the closest disciples to our Lord Jesus Christ. They are called ‘general’ because they are not addressed to a specific person or community. Notice that the epistle cycle does not end with Book of Revelation. This is the only book of the Bible that is not read publicly in worship. That is because it is highly symbolic and easily misinterpreted. Thus, the people who try to predict the Second Coming of Christ and the end of the world today are nothing new. That’s been going on for centuries. The Epistles are read by faithful persons, both male and female, who have received training and a blessing from the priest to fulfill this most important duty in the life of the Church. After concluding, the reader receives a blessing from the priest or bishop who says, “Peace be with you the reader.”

   Typically, during the Epistle reading, the priest or bishop reads the Prayer of the Gospel. Thus, it is not often heard by the faithful, so I will read it aloud now. Listen carefully to the words.

   “Shine within our hearts loving Master, the pure light of Your divine knowledge and open the eyes of our minds that we may comprehend the message of Your Gospel. Instill in us also reverence for You blessed commandments, so that having conquered all sinful desires, we may pursue a spiritual life, thinking and doing all those things that are pleasing to You. For You Christ our God, are the light of our souls and bodies and to You we give glory together with Your Father who is without beginning and Your all holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.”

   The prayer reveals and emphasizes and important disposition for us followers of Christ in relationship to Him as God. We are to be open and receptive to His light, which is revealed in His words from the subsequent Gospel reading. His grace will cause us to understand, and the newly gained knowledge and wisdom should motivate us to righteous action seeking holiness following His commandments. In the morning Gospel reading of today’s Orthros (#6 Luke 24:36-53), it says the risen Christ “opened the mind” of the disciples “to comprehend the Scriptures (v.45). This emphasizes that the Word of God is understood, not by our rationale intellect but by God’s action and revelation.

   As the acolytes process with their candles to the solea, and the deacon or priest makes ready, the three-fold Alleluia’s are now sung. In other traditions, they are preceded by Psalm verses much like the antiphons and the Epistle. As we said last week, the presence of candles signifies the light of Christ—the Holy Spirit—which illumines the path to God.

   The priest says, “Wisdom, let us arise, let us hear the Holy Gospel. Peace be with you all,” This declaration by the priest, who is truly the icon of Christ, is taken from the very words of Christ Himself when he appeared to the disciples after the Resurrection. St. John records that Christ appeared to them and said, “Peace be unto you…” (John 20:21). The peace given is from Jesus Christ, which we should not only desire but in fact require to hear and understand. The people respond by standing to be fully at attention and honor the mystical presence of our Savior in His words that are about to be read.

   As stated earlier, the lectionary determines the actual Gospel reading. After Pascha the lectionary takes us through the Gospel of John for eight weeks until Pentecost, the Gospel of Matthew until the Feast of the Holy Cross in September, the Gospel of Luke through Triodion, and the Gospel of Mark through Great and Holy Lent. Thus, four times per year, we walk with Jesus listening to His life-giving instructions and witnessing His miracles. Each time we stop short of the passion and resurrection narrative. Those are read from all four Evangelists during Holy Week.

   To emphasize its importance, the Gospel lesson is always read last in a series of readings. Just like the highest-ranking clergy generally walk at the end of any procession. It also demonstrates the general scriptural principle that the first shall be last. We must remember that dignity of office carries with it the dignity of service to others, which in turn bears the requirement of humility. After the Gospel reading is complete, the faithful exclaim, “Glory to You O Lord, glory to You.” It is also exclaimed before the Gospel reading to underline our reverence and respect for it.

   From the early times, following the reading of the Gospel, there has been a spoken interpretation of the Epistle or Gospel or both. This also follows from the Jewish synagogue practice. Preaching the Gospel is one of the most fundamental duties of the Christian ministry. Jesus Himself took many opportunities to do this (see Mark 6:2-4; Luke 4:16-30). Similarly, in the middle of the second century, Justin Martyr indicates that immediately after the readings, the celebrant gives a speech exhorting all the people to imitate those things with which the lesson is concerned. Whether the priest or bishop is a great, mediocre or poor homilist, if he has sought to do his best to actualize the saving words of St. Paul and our Lord Jesus, and if the faithful have done their best to receive these words, then the Holy Spirit will help complete what is lacking in both the speaker and the listener to effect synergistic learning, growth and maturation for both and the community as a whole. 

   In conclusion, we have completed our journey through the Liturgy of the Word. The Church fully understands the power of language, how it can shape and form the minds of people and subsequently their actions. In today’s Gospel reading from the Tenth Sunday of Luke (13:10-17), Jesus healed the woman with a spirit of infirmity, not with medication, not with the touch of His hand, but with His words, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity” (v.12). Words have great power and the words of our Lord have the greatest power of all. We who habitually come late and miss the Liturgy of the Word, we who miss or dismiss the Epistle, Gospel and Homily, we are like the ruler of the synagogue whom Jesus called a ‘hypocrite’ (v.15) because we, pronounce ourselves Christian and Orthodox but deny the power of God’s word regardless of who it comes through. The Word of God is equally as powerful, and it is a necessary predicate to receiving, later in the liturgy His Body and Blood. 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 16, 2018                                                                                                      11^TH SUNDAY OF LUKE

TODAY’S EVENTS: Children’s Christmas Program 11:30am; Maker’s Mall gift delivery, 12pm.

Epistle Reader: Stephen Kanavati                                       Prosfora: anonymous

Fellowship: Joanna Tzenis & Dean Natto family,             Head Greeters: Joe Weiser, Yodahe Gamada

                       Connie & Mike Tzenis

Monday       12-17     Office closed through Tuesday, December 18

Thursday     12-20     DIVINE LITURGY – ST. IGNATIOS THE GODBEARER                                            9:00AM

                                   Glad Tidings mailing – volunteers needed                                                         11:00AM

Saturday      12-22    DIVINE LITURGY – ST. ANASTASIA PHARMOKALYTRIA                                        9:00AM

                                  VESPERS                                                                                                            5:00PM

Sunday        12-23     ORTHROS (8:15am) &DIVINE LITURGY – SUNDAY BEFORE NATIVITY                    9:30AM

Monday       12-24     Office closed through December 25 for Christmas holiday

                                   ROYAL HOURS (8:00am) & VESPERAL LITURGY                                                 10:00AM

Tuesday       12-25     ORTHROS (9:00am) & DIVINE LITURGY – NATIVITY OF CHRIST                         10:00AM

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Nativity Services: As we enter the final week of Advent, we encourage everyone to make plans to attend worship services on Christmas Eve and/or Day unless traveling out of town both days. Give glory to Him!

Office Closed Notice: the parish office will be closed on December 17, 18, 24, 25 and January 1.

Memory Eternal- Marlene Nelson fell asleep in the Lord on Dec.12^th. Funeral service will be Thursday Dec.20^th 12 noon preceded by a visitation at 11am. Interment will be at St. Mary OCA Cathedral Cemetery. May God grant her eternal rest and strength and hope to her loving husband Don and rest of family.

Think About It: God’s love for the biggest sinner is greater than the love of the holiest man for God.   Elder Arsenie Boca of Romania (+1989)

Stewardship Update: we need to raise $61,468 before Dec.31^st to fulfill our 2018 stewardship commitments. This will help us avoid drawing from our savings and investments to support our ministries and programs. 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!

Roselawn Cemetery Lots:  lot prices typically increase 5% every year. There is still time to get 15% discount off 2018 list prices. Discounted prices are: $6,120.00 for a Monument Lot (2 graves); $3,655.00 for a Flat Lot A (2 graves); $2,125.00 for a Flat Lot B (1 grave). Single graves have limited availability. Contact church today!

Blessing of Waters: Please mark your calendars for the third annual Pan-Orthodox Theophany Blessing of the Waters service on Saturday January 5^th at 1pm, at Hidden Falls Regional Park on Mississippi River, 1313 Hidden Falls Drive, St Paul, MN 55116.

Exterior Restoration- Brick, block and tuckpointing have been completed. Cost of project is $118,647. We have raised over $63,000 from our parishioners and friends. Please join us in this important work. Thank you!

Youth Minister Position Open: applications are now being accepted for this part time position. To apply, email a resume, cover letter and two references to Fr. Rick at fatherrick@stgeorgegoc.org.

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.

New Youth Advisors: Several youth advisors have volunteered for various age groups to organize events and work with parents and children to increase participation. GOYA Anastasia Mastrogiorgis and Phyllis Kapetanakis will lead junior high and high school (7-12 grades). JOY Maria Paraschou and Katherine Cabieses will lead elementary ages (K-6 grades). HOPE: Lerah McCullough and Joanna Tzenis will lead preschool ages.

Patristic Wisdom: Only one thing in life is necessary: to be with Jesus. The man who remains with Jesus is rich, even if he is materially poor. Whoever desires the earthly more than the heavenly loses both the earthly and the heavenly. Whoever seeks the heavenly is Lord of the whole world.   St. Ignatius Brianchininov (+1867)

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 today, $50 at the door. See posting in social hall for more details and to reserve your seats.

2019 Iconography Workshops: 3 different sessions led by Deb Korluka of Icon Art Studios, Inc. are scheduled for Jan 4-Feb 7, Feb 21-Mar 28, and Mar 9-April 16. Classes are held at St. Mary’s GOC or the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. See posting in social hall for costs and subjects. Inquiries and registration: akorluka@aol.com or 612.889.5868.

Basketball Practices: Sundays, Jan 6-Feb 3 from 12:30-2:30pm at Saint Paul Academy lower school, 1150 Goodrich Ave. Coaches: GOYA Boys- Milam Paraschou & George Mastrogiorgis, JOY Coed- Elena Condos, Women- Anastasia Mastrogiorgis, Men- Luke Simon. Contact Milam or George with questions. All family participants are encouraged to register for the tournament and book hotels as soon as possible. We look forward to another great family basketball tournament in Milwaukee, WI on the weekend of February 8-10.

Wisdom from the Fathers: It is not difficult to get rid of material things if you so desire; but only with great effort will you be able to get rid of thoughts about them.               St. Thalassios the Libyan (7^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.

Metropolis of Chicago Strategic Planning Update: see insert for new Metropolis Why Statement, Mission Statement, Vision Statement and Strategic Areas of Focus. If interested and willing to work hard, you can register to help in one of the areas by registering here: http://chicago.goarch.org/strategic-planning/

Church Fathers Speak: Let no one accuse poverty as being the cause of innumerable evils for the Lord Jesus said, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Lk.6:20). Let us therefore follow after poverty. The great disease among mankind is the tyranny of wealth. Let us renounce wealth for there is nothing richer than he who chooses poverty of his own accord.            St. John Chrysostom (+407)

Note from Treasurer: as we near the end of the fiscal year, don’t forget to include designations on checks when making contributions to the church. A few words on the memo line noting the purpose of the check (e.g. xmas flowers, 2018 stewardship, 2019 stewardship) is extremely helpful for bookkeeping, thank you!

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