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St. Nicholas Church
Publish Date: 2018-09-30
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St. Nicholas Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (910) 392-4444
  • Fax:
  • (910) 392-4905
  • Street Address:

  • 608 South College Road

  • Wilmington, NC 28403


Contact Information




Services Schedule

Orthros/Matins:  Sunday 8:00AM

Divine Liturgy:  Sunday 9:30AM

 


Past Bulletins


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Seventh Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 20:1-10

Τῇ δὲ μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ ἔρχεται πρωῒ σκοτίας ἔτι οὔσης εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ βλέπει τὸν λίθον ἠρμένον ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου. τρέχει οὖν καὶ ἔρχεται πρὸς Σίμωνα Πέτρον καὶ πρὸς τὸν ἄλλον μαθητὴν ὃν ἐφίλει ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς, καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· ἦραν τὸν Κύριον ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου, καὶ οὐκ οἴδαμεν ποῦ ἔθηκαν αὐτόν. ἐξῆλθεν οὖν ὁ Πέτρος καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς καὶ ἤρχοντο εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον. ἔτρεχον δὲ οἱ δύο ὁμοῦ· καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς προέδραμε τάχιον τοῦ Πέτρου καὶ ἦλθε πρῶτος εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ παρακύψας βλέπει κείμενα τὰ ὀθόνια, οὐ μέντοι εἰσῆλθεν. ἔρχεται οὖν Σίμων Πέτρος ἀκολουθῶν αὐτῷ, καὶ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον καὶ θεωρεῖ τὰ ὀθόνια κείμενα, καὶ τὸ σουδάριον, ὃ ἦν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς αὐτοῦ, οὐ μετὰ τῶν ὀθονίων κείμενον, ἀλλὰ χωρὶς ἐντετυλιγμένον εἰς ἕνα τόπον. τότε οὖν εἰσῆλθε καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς ὁ ἐλθὼν πρῶτος εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ εἶδε καὶ ἐπίστευσεν· οὐδέπω γὰρ ᾔδεισαν τὴν γραφὴν ὅτι δεῖ αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῆναι. ἀπῆλθον οὖν πάλιν πρὸς ἑαυτοὺς οἱ μαθηταί.

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

Προκείμενον. First Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 32.22,1.
Γένοιτο, Κύριε, τὸ ἔλεός σου ἐφ' ἡμᾶς.
Στίχ. Ἀγαλλιᾶσθε δίκαιοι ἐν Κυρίῳ

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Κορινθίους β' 9:6-11.

Ἀδελφοί, ὁ σπείρων φειδομένως, φειδομένως καὶ θερίσει· καὶ ὁ σπείρων ἐπʼ εὐλογίαις, ἐπʼ εὐλογίαις καὶ θερίσει. Ἕκαστος καθὼς προαιρεῖται τῇ καρδίᾳ· μὴ ἐκ λύπης ἢ ἐξ ἀνάγκης· ἱλαρὸν γὰρ δότην ἀγαπᾷ ὁ θεός. Δυνατὸς δὲ ὁ θεὸς πᾶσαν χάριν περισσεῦσαι εἰς ὑμᾶς, ἵνα ἐν παντὶ πάντοτε πᾶσαν αὐτάρκειαν ἔχοντες περισσεύητε εἰς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθόν· καθὼς γέγραπται, Ἐσκόρπισεν, ἔδωκεν τοῖς πένησιν· ἡ δικαιοσύνη αὐτοῦ μένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα. Ὁ δὲ ἐπιχορηγῶν σπέρμα τῷ σπείροντι, καὶ ἄρτον εἰς βρῶσιν χορηγήσαι, καὶ πληθύναι τὸν σπόρον ὑμῶν, καὶ αὐξήσαι τὰ γενήματα τῆς δικαιοσύνης ὑμῶν· ἐν παντὶ πλουτιζόμενοι εἰς πᾶσαν ἁπλότητα, ἥτις κατεργάζεται διʼ ἡμῶν εὐχαριστίαν τῷ θεῷ.

Prokeimenon. First Mode. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 9:6-11.

Brethren, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.


Gospel Reading

2nd Sunday of Luke
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 6:31-36

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· καθὼς θέλετε ἵνα ποιῶσιν ὑμῖν οἱ ἄνθρωποι, ποιεῖτε αὐτοῖς ὁμοίως. καὶ εἰ ἀγαπᾶτε τοὺς ἀγαπῶντας ὑμᾶς, ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστί; καὶ γὰρ οἱ ἁμαρτωλοὶ τοὺς ἀγαπῶντας αὐτοὺς ἀγαπῶσι. καὶ ἐὰν ἀγαθοποιῆτε τοὺς ἀγαθοποιοῦντας ὑμᾶς, ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστί; καὶ γὰρ οἱ ἁμαρτωλοὶ τὸ αὐτὸ ποιοῦσι. καὶ ἐὰν δανείζητε παρ᾿ ὧν ἐλπίζετε ἀπολαβεῖν, ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστί; καὶ γὰρ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἁμαρτωλοῖς δανείζουσιν ἵνα ἀπολάβωσι τὰ ἴσα. πλὴν ἀγαπᾶτε τοὺς ἐχθροὺς ὑμῶν καὶ ἀγαθοποιεῖτε καὶ δανείζετε μηδὲν ἀπελπίζοντες, καὶ ἔσται ὁ μισθὸς ὑμῶν πολύς, καὶ ἔσεσθε υἱοὶ ὑψίστου, ὅτι αὐτὸς χρηστός ἐστιν ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀχαρίστους καὶ πονηρούς. Γίνεσθε οὖν οἰκτίρμονες, καθὼς καὶ ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν οἰκτίρμων ἐστί.

2nd Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 6:31-36

The Lord said, "As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Mode

The stone had been secured with a seal by the Judeans, * and a guard of soldiers was watching Your immaculate body. * You rose on the third day, O Lord * and Savior, granting life unto the world. * For this reason were the powers of heaven crying out to You, O Life-giver: * Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ; * glory to Your eternal rule; * glory to Your dispensation, only One who loves mankind.
Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων, καὶ στρατιωτῶν φυλασσόντων τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα, ἀνέστης τριήμερος Σωτήρ, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὴν ζωήν. Διὰ τοῦτο αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν ἐβόων σοι Ζωοδότα· Δόξα τῇ ἀναστάσει σου Χριστέ, δόξα τῇ Βασιλείᾳ σου, δόξα τῇ οἰκονομίᾳ σου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε.

Apolytikion for Gregory the Illuminator in the Fourth Mode

Καί τρόπων μέτοχος, καί θρόνων διάδοχος, τών Αποστόλων γενόμενος, τήν πράξιν εύρες Θεόπνευστε, εις θεωρίας επίβασιν, διά τούτο τόν λόγον τής αληθείας ορθοτομών, καί τή πίστει ενήθλησας μέχρις αίματος, Ιερομάρτυς Γρηγόριε, πρέσβευε Χριστώ τώ Θεώ, σωθήναι τάς ψυχάς ημών.
As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O Hieromartyr Gregory. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία πρὸς τὸν Ποιητὴν ἀμετάθετε. Μὴ παρίδῃς ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλὰ πρόφθασον, ὡς ἀγαθή, εἰς τὴν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν, τῶν πιστῶς κραυγαζόντων σοι· Τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καὶ σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προστατεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε, τῶν τιμώντων σε.
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.
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This Week at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

 

 

Saturday, September 29

7PM Hellenic Culture Special

 

Sunday, September 30

2nd Sunday of Luke

8AM - Orthros

9AM - Helena Kratsa Baptism

10AM- Divine Liturgy

11:30AM - Baptismal Luncheon 

 

Monday, October 1

7PM Parish Council Meeting

 

Tuesday, October 2

11:45AM Forever Young CANCELLED

 

Wednesday, October 3

10AM Orthodox Coffee Hour

 

Thursday, October 4

7PM Catechism Class

 

Friday, October 5

5PM Greek School

5PM Bible Study

Connect Conference Atlanta, GA 10/ 5-7

 

Saturday, October 6

St. Thomas the Apostle

3PM Sanctuary & Fellowship Hall reserved

6PM Great Vespers

 

Sunday, October 7

3rd Sunday of Luke

8:30am Orthros/Divine Liturgy

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS: Nicolleta Rallis Sydykov and Azi Sydykov for the birth of their daughter Despina Alymkan named after her two wonderful grandmothers.  She was born at 5:23PM on September 16, 2018 in New York, NY.  May God shower all the best blessings on Despina’s new life! May her parents, grandparents, friends and family enjoy her every moment!  Na sas zisi!!!

 

Sundays luncheon will be hosted by Anita & Caleb Kratsa in celebration of their Daughter Helena’s Baptism immediately following Divine Liturgy in the fellowship hall!!



Parish Council Members on Pangari Duty today: 

 Daphne Snow and Peter Manolukas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Parish News & Updates

PARISH NEWS & NOTES

 

**NEW**UPDATE: FOREVER YOUNG...will be meeting on Tuesday, October 9 at 11:45. Please stay tuned for the location.  

 

**NEW**UPDATE:  FAMILY SPIRITUAL RETREAT...due to the hurricane, we are currently assessing our Family Spiritual retreat plans. We have cancelled the October 13th date.  Please stay tuned for email or bulletin notices with informaiton of restructured planns for St. Nicholas' 4th Annual Regional Family Spiritual retreat at Caamp Kirkwood in Watha, NC.

 

**NEW**ST. NICHOLAS LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS ...Our membership meeting had to be postponed due to Hurricane Florence. We will reschedule soon, but in the meantime we would like to sponsor a food drive for our charity, Nourish NC.  Nourish provides food for needy families in New Hanover County in cooperation with the NHC school system. They have been delivering food during school closures and are in urgent need of the following items:

-Pasta & pasta sauce (no glass please!)

-Peanut Butter & Jelly

-16-20 oz Cereals

-Hearty Soups/Stews

-Pork & Beans/Chili with Meat

We will be collecting through Sunday, October 14th. A box will be in the Hellenic Center for you to place your donations. Items previously listed are still welcome. They are also always in need of volunteers to sort food.  You can sign up to volunteer on their website www.nourishnc.org.  Thank you for your support.

 

**NEW**UPDATE: GREEK SCHOOL will start again on Friday, October 5 AT 5PM.  There will be classes for all ages and levels.  We invite all members of our community to participate in this essential program to begin or continue your education in the Greek language.  **The language of the Holy Bible**

 

**NEW** UPDATE...ORTHODOX COFFEE HOUROur annual adult gathering will begin on Wednesday, October 3 at the church.  We will meet for coffee, fellowship, sharing of joys and concerns at 10:00 am.  Our study will begin promptly at 10:30 am. This fall, Rick Reynolds will be leading a book study, “Christ in the Psalms” - By Patrick Henry Reardon. A hard copy of the book will be available for purchase or you can purchase a kindle version. Irene Voneiff and Debra Rallis will begin the study with a reflection from Sister Vassa Larin.  All are invited to attend and we hope to see many new faces, as well as previous attendees.

 

**NEW**GREEK BIBLE STUDY...Join Father Jon for a 10-week session to study in English the Original Greek text of St. John's gospel written on the Island of Patmos starting October 5 each Friday evening at 5PM. 

 

OFFICE UPDATE: Stella McTaggart will be out of the office from September 20 – October 17. The office will be opened from 10AM – 4PM Monday-Friday while Stella is out of the office. Please email Georgia Marmaras at admin@stnicholaswilmington.org  or call the office at 392-4444.

 

SAVE THE DATE…PHILOPTOCHOS SPONSORED TAVERNA NIGHT on Saturday, October 27, 2018 starting 7:30PM.  Live Greek Music, Heavy hor d’oevres/Cash bar, Great silent auction items in time for holiday giving This will support our many charities, including Nourish NC, NC Diaper Bank, Local Homeless Teens, IOCC, and OCMC.

 

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Parish News and Updates (Continued)

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE ILL, RECOVERING AND/OR HOMEBOUND...Angelo Angeledes, Shelby Biancaniello (daughter of Sue Lawler), Bobby Bobon (brother of Sue Lawler), Stavros Chantiles, Anthony Constandy (father of Elisabeth Baynard), Sherry Demas, Nicholas Devoles, Constantine Dukas, Constantine Efthymiou (Father of Barbara Harris), Sue Fokakis (Autumn Care), Demitra George, Stephanie & Georgiana JeanHarrill (daughter andgranddaughter of Pat and Marisa Gallaher), Nick Karloutsos (Silver Stream), George Kanes (brother-in-law of Barbara Harris), Dan Kirkby (brother of Matthew), Nikolaos Kotsinis, Olga Mancuso, Diane Keritsis Mayorga (mother of Sia Mayorga), Calvin McGowan, Mary Compos Marmaras (Cypress Pointe), Eleni Mitsis (mother of Effie Davis), Maria Padgett-Velaetis, Koula Poulos, Peter Saffo (brother of Kay Skandalakis),Pat Skinner-Darby, Charity Skinner-Darby (daughter of Pat), Tom Souflas, Peggy Stephano, Helen Vurnakes, Vasilios Vogiatzis, MaryAnn Wall.  

 

Please contact the church office to add/remove someone from the list.

 

LIVE STREAMING OF SERVICES... Please be reminded of the live streaming of our services at St. Nicholas that can be seen on our website directly at www.stnicholaswilmington.org/LiveStreaming.html. In case you would like to set your mobile devices up with the pertinent app please contact Alexandros Theodoropoulos at communications@stnicholaswilmington.org

 

ONLINE GIVING... We have an online giving system in place on our website that can be used for conveniently making donations towards stewardship pledges. The pertinent donation buttons are located on the left pane of the homepage at www.stnicholaswilmington.org as well as on the Stewardship page of our website at www.stnicholaswilmington.org/Stewardship.html .

 

General Fund Operating Expenses versus Income

 

Expenses

Income

Difference

January

 $37,995.11

 $19,386.32

 -$18,608.79

February

 $25,635.51

 $19,855.87

-$5,779.64

March

 $26,290.76

 $26,811.13

 $520.37

April

 $20,786.00

 $34,989.75

 $14,203.75

May

 $31,598.95

 $29,959.88

-$1,639.07

June

 $31,591.26

 $16,609.00

-$14,982.26

Year to Date

   $173,897.59  

   $147,611.95  

   -$26,285.64  

 

 

Stewardship

 

Received

Goal

Difference

January

$16,475.32

$24,196.28

-$7,720.96

February

$15,634.20

$24,196.28

-$8,562.08

March

$21,383.00

$24,196.28

-$2,813.28

April

$15,687.60

$24,196.28

-$8,508.68

May

$24,863.58

$24,196.28

$667.30

June

$13,810.00

$24,196.28

-$10,386.28

Year to Date

 $107,853.70  

     $145,177.68  

   -$37,323.98  

 

 

During Divine Liturgy each Sunday throughout the year we have a staffed nursery with attendant available for the use of our youngest members from birth to age 5. If your child needs a wiggle break or a place to listen to the Divine Liturgy in a different environment, please feel free to use this provided Service.

 

We can provide hearing assistance systems. If you would like to use the system while you are attending Liturgical Services in person, please see an attendant at the pangari stand.

 

We welcome you to worship with us, whether you are an Orthodox Christian or this is your first visit to an Orthodox Church, we are pleased to have you with us.  Although Holy Communion and other Sacraments are offered only to Baptized and Chrismated (confirmed) Orthodox Christians in good standing with the church, ALL are invited to receive the Antidoron (blessed bread) from the priest at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. The Antidoron is not sacramental, but it is reminiscent of the agape feast that followed worship in the ancient Christian Church.

 

WELCOME VISITORS! Please complete a Visitor’s Card before you leave Church and drop it in the offering tray, give it to one of our parishioners after Divine Liturgy, or mail it back to the church office.  We would love to get to know you!

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Bulletin Inserts

    Journey to Greece

    Journey to Greece

    Please join us for a presentation by Katerina Katsikis on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at St. Nicholas Hellenic Center called Journey to Greece. Come find out about this unforgettable learning experience for new and returning college age students which has been specially designed to immerse students in Greek society and culture. This program has been offered since 2006 by AHEPA and Webster University.


    St. John's Gospel

    St. John's Gospel

    Join Father Jon for 10-week session to study in English the original Greek text of St. John's Gospel written on the Island of Patmos. Starting October 5, 2018 Each Friday evening at 5PM!


    Greek Taverna Night 2018

    Greek Taverna Night 2018

    Please help us promote our Greek Taverna Night on Saturday October 27, 2018. We will have Live Greek Music. We will also have our Silent Auction! Proceeds will benefit Nourish NC, NC Diaper Bank, Local Homeless Teens, IOCC, OCMC. We are excited about this event and hope to make it an annual one! Tell all your friends about it!


    2018 Ladies Philoptochos Silent Auction

    2018 Ladies Philoptochos Silent Auction

    Greek Festival Silent Auction to be held at Greek Taverna Night 10/27/18


    Philoptochos in partnership with Nourish NC

    Philoptochos in partnership with Nourish NC

    Look for the Bin in the Hellenic Center - We will continue to collect items thru October 14th.


    Faith Forum

    Faith Forum

    MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MARCH 9, 2019 FROM NOON TO 5PM AT ST. NEKTARIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH IN CHARLOTTE, NC


    Connect October 5-7, 2018

    Connect October 5-7, 2018

    A message from Fr. Paul Lundberg: Dear and Reverend Fathers, Following the success of last fall's Connect Conference in Atlanta, the team of young adults who organized it has been working hard to prepare for another one. As we are in the midst of our final efforts for publicity, I write to ask for your help with spreading the word to your parishes. Below you’ll find text and attachments to use in your usual communication channels—weekly bulletins, email, social media, etc. I would be sincerely thankful if you would share this information with your parishes over the coming weeks, until mid-September. We hope to have a large representation of local young adults from the Southeast at this year’s conference. Respectfully, Fr. Paul Lundberg


    Arrival of the Panagia Vimatarissa Icon September 29 2018

    Arrival of the Panagia Vimatarissa Icon September 29 2018

    Beginning at 11:00 AM, this rare and joyous occasion will take the form of a procession with the icon of the Theotokos into our new Panagia Chapel, led by His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, along with the Monks of Vatopaidi, the clergy of the Metropolis of Atlanta, and a parade group created especially for the event! Together, we will all have the opportunity to venerate the miraculous icon of our Lady, offer glory to our God and Creator, thanking those who made this day possible, and enjoying the fellowship of our Metropolis of Atlanta family. His Eminence hopes to see as many parishioners there as possible.


    Stewardship Pledges 2018

    Stewardship Pledges 2018

    January 2018 - June 11, 2018


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Saints and Feasts

18_lukewriting
September 30

2nd Sunday of Luke


Allsaint
September 30

Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop of Armenia

This Saint, a Parthian by race, was the son of Anak. He was born about the year 240 and was taught the Faith of Christ in Caesarea of Cappadocia. He entered the service of Tiridates, King of Armenia, but when discovered to be a Christian, he was subjected to many horrible torments at the King's hands, then was cast into a pit of mire with poisonous serpents and left to die. By the power of God, however, he abode there unharmed for fourteen years, his needs provided by a certain widow, until he was made known by revelation and set free. He converted to piety innumerable multitudes of Armenians, including Tiridates himself, and was consecrated bishop by Leontius, Archbishop of Caesarea, to shepherd the vast flock he had gained for Christ. He spent the last part of his life in retirement in the ascetical discipline, and reposed in peace about the year 325. Saint Gregory is honoured as the Illuminator of Armenia.


Pokrov
October 01

The Holy Protection of the Theotokos

The Feast of the Protection commemorates the appearance of the most holy Theotokos in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople in the early sixth century, as recorded in the life of Saint Andrew the Fool for Christ's sake. While the multitudes of the faithful were gathered in church, Epiphanius, the friend of Saint Andrew, through the Saint's prayers, beheld the Virgin Mary above the faithful and spreading out her veil over them, signifying her unceasing protection of all Christians. Because of this we keep a yearly feast of gratitude, imploring our Lady never to cease sheltering us in her mighty prayers.

In the Greek tradition, this feast is celebrated on October 28, while in the Slavic tradition, this feast is celebrated on October 1.


Ananias
October 01

Ananias, Apostle of the 70

Saint Ananias, whose name means "God is gracious," was from Damascus, where by divine revelation he was commanded to baptize the Apostle Paul (Acts 9: 10-17). He completed the course of martyrdom when he was stoned to death during the proconsulate of Lucian.


Romanosmelodist
October 01

Romanos the Melodist

Saint Romanos flourished during the reign of Anastasius (491-518). He was from Emesa of Syria, and apparently was born of Jewish parents, for a hymn written in his honour in Greek says he was "of Hebrew stock," and it has furthermore been noted that he uses many Semitic idioms in his writings. He was baptized an Orthodox Christian, and at some time became a deacon in the Church of Beirut. He was the first composer of the kontakia, the foremost of which is that of the feast of Christ's Nativity, On this day the Virgin .... In composing many of his kontakia. Saint Romanos was inspired by the hymns of Saint Ephraim of Syria.


Thomas
October 06

The Holy and Glorious Apostle Thomas

The name Thomas means, "twin." He was one of the Twelve, a Galilean by birth. Sophroneus (not the famous Patriarch of Jerusalem [7th Century, celebrated March 11], but a friend of Jerome's), quoted also by Jerome, says that Saint Thomas preached to the Parthians, Pesians, Medes, Hyrcanians, Bactrians, and neighbouring nations. According to Heracleon, the Apostle died a natural death; according to other accounts, he was martyred at Meliapur His tomb was known by Saint John Chrysostom to be at Edessa in Syria, to which city his holy relics may have been translated from India in the fourth century.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

The sign that thou lovest God, is this, that thou lovest thy fellow; and if thou hatest thy fellow, thy hatred is towards God. For it is blasphemy if thou prayest before God while thou art wroth. For thy heart also convicts thee, that in vain thou multipliest words: thy conscience rightly judges that in thy prayers thou profitest nought.
St. Ephraim the Syrian
ON ADMONITION AND REPENTANCE.

Let us then, bearing in mind all the things which have been said, show forth great love even towards our enemies; and let us ease away that ridiculous custom, to which many of the more thoughtless give way, waiting for those that meet them to address them first.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 18 on Matthew 5, 4th Century

Why do we judge our neighbors? Because we shun knowing ourselves. Someone busy trying to understand himself has no time to notice the shortcomings of others. Judge yourself - and you will stop judging others. Judge a poor deed, but do not judge the doer. It is necessary to consider yourself the most sinful of all, and to forgive your neighbor every poor deed.
St. Seraphim of Sarov
Unknown, 19th century

Christians ... should strive in all things and ought not to pass judgment of any kind on anyone, not on the prostitute nor on sinners nor on disorderly persons. But they should look upon all persons with a single mind and a pure eye so that it may be for such a person almost a natural and fixed attitude never to despise or judge or abhor anyone or to divide people and put them into boxes ... For this is purity of heart, that, when you see the sinner and the weak, you have compassion and show mercy to them.
St. Makarios the Great
Homilies 5.8, 4th century

There are three things that impel us towards what is holy: natural instincts, angelic powers and probity of intention. Natural instincts impel us when, for example, we do to others what we would wish them to do to us (cf. Luke 6:31), or when we see someone suffering deprivation or in need and naturally feel compassion. Angelic powers impel us when, being ourselves impelled to something worthwhile, we find we are providentially helped and guided. We are impelled by probity of intention when, discriminating between good and evil, we choose the good.
St. Maximos the Confessor
Second Century on Love no. 32, Philokalia Vol. 2 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 71, 7th century

'But I say to you,' the Lord says, 'love your enemies; do good to those who hate you, pray for those who persecute you.' Why did he command these things? So that he might free you from hatred, sadness, anger and grudges, and might grant you the greatest possession of all, perfect love, which is impossible to possess except by the one you loves all equally in imitation of God.
St. Maximos the Confessor
Unknown, 7th century

Every work which does not have love as its beginning and root is nothing.
St. John Chrysostom
Unknown, 4th century

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Metropolis of Atlanta News

Monasticism's Benefits to the Church and Society

09/04/2018

Metropolitan Alexios speaks with Pemptousia on the benefit of monasticism to the Church and to society.

Actor Jonathan Jackson Offers His Emmy Award to Vatopaidi Monastery

09/04/2018

Emmy Award-winning actor and devout Orthodox Christian Jonathan Jackson offered one of his 5 Emmy Awards to the Athonite Monastery of Vatopaidi during the Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.

The Theotokos: Mother of God, Person and Intercessor

09/12/2018

Metropolitan Alexios speaks about the person of the Theotokos, the Mother of God, in the life of the Church.

Hurricane Florence Threatens Metropolis of Atlanta

09/11/2018

At the present moment, Hurricane Florence has been updated to a Category 4 storm, and its 140 mile-an-hour winds are expected to make landfall on the border of North and South Carolina sometime late Thursday night, or early Friday morning.

Spreading the Gospel Message through Contemporary Digital Media

09/11/2018

Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta speaks of the importance of using digital media to spread the message of Gospel.

His Eminence Blesses the Expansion of Holy Trinity Cathedral (New Orleans) Montessori School

09/13/2018

On September 10th 2018, His Eminence visited the Montessori School of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in New Orleans to bless and participate in the schools expansion.

Travel Tips for the Reception of the Panagia Vimatarissa (Saturday, 9/29/19 - 11 AM)

09/26/2018

In an effort to ensure that this Saturday’s upcoming reception of the Panagia Vimatarissa icon proceeds as smoothly as possible, we are asking that all who are planning to attend please arrive promptly at 10:30 AM, so that the procession can begin at its scheduled time of 11:00 AM. To that end, we ask that travelers keep a few things in mind.
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Assembly of Bishops News

Fast Questions and Fast Answers about American Orthodox Bishops

09/25/2018

Based on questions that American Orthodox hierarchs often receive from clergy and parishioners, this essay offers readers plenty of interesting facts about their lives as Bishops, as well as who they are as people.
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