Welcome to our Parish

Welcome to St. John Chrysostome Greek Orthodox Church

We are a thriving community of 65 families, working to share the Orthodox Faith with the South Florida area. We try to balance our lives with both corporate and personal prayer, philanthropic works to our greater community and common meals together. Our goal is the progression towards the kingdom of God in this life, in loving our fellow man and seeing Christ in the person sitting next to us.

We are pleased that you have joined us today for worship. To receive Communion in the Orthodox Church, one must be Baptized and/or Chrismated in the Orthodox Faith. The Orthodox Church understands Holy Communion as the sign of unity. If you are interested in learning more about the Orthodox Faith, please contact Father Andrew. Whether you are an Orthodox Christian or not, please come forward at the dismissal to receive the blessed bread which is offered to everyone as you leave. May Christ's blessings be with all of you.

IF YOU WISH TO HELP SAINT JOHN'S, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DO SO AS YOUR HEART DICTATES AFTER PERSONAL PRAYER AND REFLECTION, ACCORDING TO THE BLESSINGS WHICH GOD HAS BEWTOWED UPON YOU.

I am sure you realize that the current pandemic has created a reduction in our income. We require $10.5-12,000 to meet our monthly expenses, including the mortgage and priest. Any extra help you can provide at this time will be greatly appreciated.

The Parish Leadership (Parish Council and Priest) thanks you in advance for your love, thoughtfulness and continued generosity.

***IF YOU HAVEN'T HAD A CHANCE TO DO THAT YET, PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO COMPLETE YOU STWARDSHIP PLEDGE, THE SUNDAY TRAY OFFEREINGS AND CANDLE MONEY AND SEND THEM TO THE CHURCH.

Saints and Feasts

July 26

Paraskeve the Righteous Martyr of Rome

Saint Paraskeve, who was from a certain village near Rome, was born to pious parents, Agatho and Politia. Since she was born on a Friday (in Greek, Paraskeve), she was given this name, which means "preparation" or "preparedness" (compare Matt. 27:62, Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54, and John 19:31, where 'Friday' is called "the day of the preparation"). From childhood she was instructed in the sacred letters and devoted herself to the study of the divine Scriptures, while leading a monastic life and guiding many to the Faith of Christ. During the reign of the Emperor Antoninus Pius, she was apprehended because she was a Christian and was urged to worship the idols, but she answered with the words of Jeremias: "Let the gods that have not made heaven and the earth perish from off the earth" (Jer. 10:11). Because of this she endured exceedingly painful torments, and was beheaded in the year 140. The faithful pray to her for the healing of eye ailments.

July 27

Panteleimon the Great Martyr & Healer

This Saint, who had Nicomedia as his homeland, was the son of Eustorgius and Eubula. His father was an idolater, but his mother was a Christian from her ancestors. It was through her that he was instructed in piety, and still later, he was catechized in the Faith of Christ by Saint Hermolaus (see July 26) and baptized by him. Being proficient in the physician's vocation, he practiced it in a philanthropic manner, healing every illness more by the grace of Christ than by medicines. Thus, although his parents had named him Pantoleon ("in all things a lion"), because of the compassion he showed for the souls and bodies of all, he was worthily renamed Panteleimon, meaning "all-merciful." On one occasion, when he restored the sight of a certain blind man by calling on the Divine Name, he enlightened also the eyes of this man's soul to the knowledge of the truth. This also became the cause for the martyrdom of him who had been blind, since when he was asked by whom and in what manner his eyes had been opened, in imitation of that blind man of the Gospel he confessed with boldness both who the physician was and the manner of his healing. For this he was put to death immediately. Panteleimon was arrested also, and having endured many wounds, he was finally beheaded in the year 305, during the reign of Maximian. Saint Panteleimon is one of the Holy Unmercenaries, and is held in special honor among them, even as Saint George is among the Martyrs.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Mode

When the angelic powers appeared at Your grave, the soldiers guarding it feared and became as dead. And standing by the sepulcher was Mary who was seeking Your immaculate body. You devastated Hades, not afflicted by it. You went to meet the virgin, and granted eternal life. You resurrected from the dead. O Lord, glory to You.

Apolytikion for Martyr Paraskeve in the First Mode

Showing a diligence befitting thy calling, O namesake of preparedness, thou hast gained, as thy dwelling, a faith worthy of thy name, O prizewinning Paraskeve. Hence, thou pourest forth healings and intercedest for our souls.

Apolytikion for the Church in the First Mode

St. John Chrysostom, Patron Saint of the Church - Apolytikion.
The grace that from your mouth shone forth like a torch illumined the universe. It deposited in the world the treasures of the absence of avarice. It showed us the height that is attained by humility. Now you instruct us by your words, Father John Chrysostom. Intercede with Christ God, the Word Himself, entreating Him to save our souls.

Ἡ τοῦ στόματός σου καθάπερ πυρσὸς ἐκλάμψασα χάρις, τὴν οἰκουμένην ἐφώτισεν, ἀφιλαργυρίας τῶ κόσμω θησαυροὺς ἐναπέθετο, τὸ ὕψος ἡμῖν τῆς ταπεινοφροσύνης ὑπέδειξεν. Ἀλλὰ σοὶς λόγοις παιδεύων, Πάτερ, Ἰωάννη Χρυσόστομε, πρέσβευετῶ Λόγῳ Χριστῷ τῶ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.

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.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 67.35,26.
God is wonderful among his saints.
Verse: Bless God in the congregations.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 3:23-29; 4:1-5.

Brethren, before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no better than a slave, though he is the owner of all the estate; but he is under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; when we were children, we were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe. But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

Gospel Reading

7th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 9:27-35

At that time, as Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons."

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.

Wisdom of the Fathers

He puts an end to the woman's fear ... He sets her right, in respect of her thinking to be hid ... He exhibits her faith to all, so as to provoke the rest also to emulation ...

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 31 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

And then at last He for His part lays His hand upon them, saying, "According to your faith be it unto you." And this He does to confirm their faith, and to show that they are participators in the good work ...

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 32 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

St John's Prayer Circle

Please pray for our brothers and sisters in our Community and their families, and all those who are in need of our prayers.

Joel, William (Bill), Evangelos, Harry, Mirsini, Peter, Helen, Eleni, Becky, Melissa Gray, (family friend of Fr. Andrew), Mary D’Jay, Presbytera Helen, Fr. Constantine, Fr. Demetri Tsigas (Melbourne Priest), Savas, Kosta, Demetrios, Mary, Evangelia, Kyriakos (Charley), Danny, Peter, Kay, Linda, Chris, Diana, Tom and Family, Nick K, Maggie, Helen, Gena Mildner, Joanna, Constantina, Mimi, Virginia, Apostolos, Sophie, Joshua, Despina, Thomas, Jan, Aristides, Lucas, Baby Paul, Leona, Mary, Toula, Eleni, Phylitsa, George Edward, Efrosini, George, Stella, Phyllis, Irene, Georgia, Marcia, Sheila and Maureen, Laura, Sophia.

Hagia Sophia: The Violation of a Symbol (July 24th, Day of Mourning for the Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Constantinople)

And if all this sounds unrealistic or taken straight out from a science fiction script, then think again, because something along those lines happened a few days ago when the Erdogan government decided to turn Hagia Sophia into a mosque, claiming that as such it will not only be preserved, but will also be better protected. After all, as some Turkish officials have pointed out, this was precisely what their Ottoman ancestors had also done, "saving" the magnificent Church from "withering away" (according to the same officials). When, you may ask, did this happen? Well, a mere 6 centuries ago – quite recently in other words! As if the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, the industrial revolution and an unprecedented scientific and technological revolution have not taken place in between. But what am I saying? Aren't they all fraudulent Judeo-Christian conspiracies from which modern Muslim Turkey must "cleanse" itself? The questions are purely rhetorical...

It is quite clear that no logical or plausible excuse could justify the violation of a symbol - because this is exactly what the decision for the conversion of Hagia Sophia amounts to. This is not just contempt for history or UNESCO or an international treaty: it is a violation. Hagia Sophia is not just any church, it is a symbol. It is an emblem of a long historical period, of an entire civilization, just like the Taj Mahal, St. Peter’s, the Parthenon, the Masjid Al-Haram, the Rumi Mausoleum; and turning it into a mosque is an attack on this civilization. But more importantly, it is also an attack against what the modern world now considers its achievements, such as respect for diversity.

What is the purpose of all this? That the Erdogan government confirms, after 6 long centuries, the fall of Constantinople? Does it really feel it needs to? Or to demonstrate perhaps the Islamic domination of the thousand-year-old Christian Eastern Roman Empire? Both incentives lead to a dangerous slippery slope. They add fuel to the fire of nationalism and religious fundamentalism. Is this what the Turkish Government needs right now? Does it need to play to the gallery of those who fantasize about new conquests and throwing enemies into the sea? Or of those who envision the flag of Islam flying in Rome, Cordoba, Vienna and elsewhere? Is this the Turkey it visualises, or the Islam it aspires to lead?

In any case, to every man according to his deeds. Let us bear in mind, however, that symbols, even if damaged, always find ways to retain their shine and magic. If a Greek government in the future decided to turn the Parthenon into a Christian Church, one can be sure that it would not be the Parthenon that would be ridiculed …

In a nutshell, it is obviously a sovereign decision by the Turkish leadership to decide which direction it wants the country to take. But it is also a basic obligation of all others to protect ourselves from policies and actions that threaten to take us back to the distant past.

Liturgical Services

ALL SUNDAY SERVICES 9– 11:15 AM

JULY & AUGUST (1st-15th) SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES

July 26th, Sunday, Saint Paraskevi, Orthros & Divine Liturgy, 9-11:15AM

July 27th, Monday, Saint Panteleimon, Divine Liturgy, 10AM

Aug. 2nd, Sunday, Orthros and Divine Liturgy, 9-11:15AM

Aug. 3rd, Monday, Paraklisis to VIrgin Mary for health of the living, 6PM (submit names of living)

Aug. 5th, Wednes., Vespers for Transfiguration of our Savior (Metamorphosis), 6pm

Tradition of the Blessing of Grapes will take place.

Aug. 6th, Thurs., Orthros & Divine Liturgy for Transfiguration of our Savior, 9-11:15AM (This is the 48th Anniversay of Father Andrew's Ordination to the priesthood which took place at theTransfiguration Church in Lowell, Massachusetts.)

Aug. 9th, Sunday, Orthros & Divine Liturgy, 9-11:15AM

Aug. 10th, Monday, Paraklisis, 6PM

Aug. 13th, Thurs. Parish Council Meeting, 4PM

Aug. 14th, Friday, Great Vespers for the Falling Asleep of the VIrgin Mary, 6PM

Aug. 15th, Sat., Orthros and Divine Liturgy for the Falling Asleep of the Virgin Mary, 9-11:30AM

HOLY COMMUNION

We had been given some pastoral discretion from the Ecumenical Patriarchate regarding how we may administer Holy Communion.

OOPS...After many comments by Hierarchs around the world, including the US, the Patriarchal Synod had rescinded the "pastor's discretion" regarding how we administer Holy Communion during this PANDEMIC. DIscretion is now ONLY exercised by the ruling bishop. AND all Metropolitans in the US with the exception of Archbishop Elpidoforos, do not allow multiple spoons.

Therefore, we will continue to administer Holy Communion as we had been doing, with a single spoon. You will come up to the Chalice, keeping your 6 feet distancing ( there will be tape on the floor to assist you. You should not touch the spoon or the cloth. You will tilt your head back and Father Andrew will tip the spoon to empty the Body and Blood of Christ from the spoon into your mouth.

Those who are unable to come up to the Chalice, should remain in their seats and I will come down to you, as has been our custom.

Any questions? Contact Father Andrew at 561-818-6215 or frdrew1947@gmail.com

STEWARDSHIP PLEDGED MEMBERS (As of Sunday, July 12th)

We should have at least 75 pledged member families on our list. We do not, as of the date listed above. So, if your name does not appear here, it means we have not received a Stewardship Pledge from you. Please check your records verify that your financial committment to Saint John's is up to date.

Alexandrou, Anna & Lazarus
Alpha Contracting
Bakas, Pericles & Panagiota (Toula)
Bourlas, Manuel
Chryssiadis, Katherine
Chryssiadis, Mary & Mark Teplitz
Coury, Katherine
Dakis,Voula
Dionisopoulos, Nick & Athanasia (Mimi)
Doukas, John & Mersini
Fitzer, Pamela (Tseklenis) & Peter
Hanan, Donna
Ioannides, Linda
Ioannides, Nina Marie
Karamatsoukas, Nicholas & Celeste
King, Stephanie
Kokenos, Nicholas & Frosso
Kokenos, Pericles
Koltis, Denise & Sotiri Dushas
Kouklamanis, Nick & Anastasia

Koumas, Chrysanthe
Kuzemka, Nick & Carole
Kyriakos, Eva (Presvytera)
Laskaris, John & Joanna
Lefco, Evelyn & Michael
Lena, Joanne
Lichas, Mary
Loizos, Helen
Mahalares, Father Andrew
Malliaroudakis, George & Doria
Manos, George
Menexis, Michael and Doris
Mihaltse, William & Diana
Monsma, Joel & Constance
Moulis, Peter & Helene
Moulis, Stephanie
Nakos, Peter & Anastasia (Annie)
Neamonitis, Nicholas & Thomae
Nickas, Aristides (Steve) & Barbara

Palaskas, Konstantinos & Diana

Papadopoulos, Demetrios & Vie
Pappaconstantinou, Cynthia
Pappas, Steve & Rose Marie (Posie)
Pantazopoulos, Anthony & Katherine
Parasco, Odessefs & Mary
Petrides, Pat (Kyriaki)
Reams, Bill & Jodie
Shenas, Steven & Kelly
Siggelakis, Nikitas and Leona
Siggelakis, TJ & Jennifer
Soffokitis, Costa
Soupios, Val & Barbara
Tambakis, John and JoAnn
Theodorakis, Marika
Tosi, Lawrence (Larry)
Tsefterides, Christos & Saadia
Tsouchlis, John & Smaragda (Maggie)
Tzellas, Chris

Vovou, Angie
Wilshire, Maria & Alfr
Zafiropoulos, Despina (Debbie)
Zafiropoulos, John & Maria
Zaimes, George & Dena

General Information

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