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. Plagal Second Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 27.9,1.
Σῶσον, Κύριε τὸν λαὸν σου καὶ εὐλόγησον τὴν κληρονομίαν σου.
Στίχ. Πρὸς σἐ, Κύριε, κεκράξομαι ὁ Θεός μου.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Τιμόθεον β' 4:5-8.

Τέκνον Τιμόθεε, νῆφε ἐν πᾶσιν, κακοπάθησον, ἔργον ποίησον εὐαγγελιστοῦ, τὴν διακονίαν σου πληροφόρησον. Ἐγὼ γὰρ ἤδη σπένδομαι, καὶ ὁ καιρὸς τῆς ἐμῆς ἀναλύσεως ἐφέστηκεν. Τὸν ἀγῶνα τὸν καλὸν ἠγώνισμαι, τὸν δρόμον τετέλεκα, τὴν πίστιν τετήρηκα· λοιπόν, ἀπόκειταί μοι ὁ τῆς δικαιοσύνης στέφανος, ὃν ἀποδώσει μοι ὁ κύριος ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ, ὁ δίκαιος κριτής· οὐ μόνον δὲ ἐμοί, ἀλλὰ καὶ πάσιν τοῖς ἠγαπηκόσιν τὴν ἐπιφάνειαν αὐτοῦ.

Prokeimenon. Plagal Second Mode. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 4:5-8.

TIMOTHY, my son, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry.

For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Gospel Reading

Sunday before Epiphany
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 1:1-8

᾿Αρχὴ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ᾿Ιησοῦ Χριστοῦ, υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ. ῾Ως γέγραπται ἐν τοῖς προφήταις, ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω τὸν ἄγγελόν μου πρὸ προσώπου σου, ὃς κατασκευάσει τὴν ὁδόν σου ἔμπροσθέν σου· φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου, εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ, ἐγένετο ᾿Ιωάννης βαπτίζων ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ καὶ κηρύσσων βάπτισμα μετανοίας εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν. Καὶ ἐξεπορεύετο πρὸς αὐτὸν πᾶσα ἡ ᾿Ιουδαία χώρα καὶ οἱ ῾Ιεροσολυμῖται, καὶ ἐβαπτίζοντο πάντες ἐν τῷ ᾿Ιορδάνῃ ποταμῷ ὑπ᾿ αὐτοῦ ἐξομολογούμενοι τὰς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῶν. Ἦν δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιωάννης ἐνδεδυμένος τρίχας καμήλου καὶ ζώνην δερματίνην περὶ τὴν ὀσφὺν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐσθίων ἀκρίδας καὶ μέλι ἄγριον. Καὶ ἐκήρυσσε λέγων· ἔρχεται ὁ ἰσχυρότερός μου ὀπίσω μου, οὗ οὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανὸς κύψας λῦσαι τὸν ἱμάντα τῶν ὑποδημάτων αὐτοῦ· ἐγὼ μὲν ἐβάπτισα ὑμᾶς ἐν ὕδατι, αὐτὸς δὲ βαπτίσει ὑμᾶς ἐν Πνεύματι ῾Αγίῳ.

Sunday before Epiphany
The Reading is from Mark 1:1-8

The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophets, 'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who shall prepare your way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.' John was baptizing in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, "After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

Saints and Feasts

January 05

The Holy Martyrs Theopemptus and Theonas

When the persecution of Diocletian broke out in 290, Saint Theopemptus, a bishop, was taken for his confession of Christ, and convicted Diocletian to his face for his error and ungodliness. Remaining unhurt after cruel tortures, he was given poison to drink, which had been prepared by a sorcerer named Theonas. Protected by divine grace from this also, he drew Theonas to Christ, and after other torments, was beheaded. Saint Theonas was cast into a pit and buried alive.

January 05

Righteous Syncletike of Alexandria

Saint Syncletike was from Alexandria in Egypt. She lived eighty-three years in virginity and asceticism, and became the leader and teacher of many nuns. What Saint Anthony the Great was to men, she became to women: a model of mortification of the flesh, of patience in afflictions, and of wise instruction; for this, she is known a "Amma," a title corresponding to "Abba." Towards the end of her long life, she was stricken with an exceedingly painful disease, which she endured with faith and magnanimity. She reposed in the middle of the fourth century. It is said of Saint Syncletike that she was the virgin who hid Saint Athanasius from the Arians for more than a year in the environs of Alexandria, and it is to Saint Athanasius that her life is ascribed (PG 18:1488-1557).

January 06

The Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

About the beginning of our Lord's thirtieth year, John the Forerunner, who was some six months older than Our Saviour according to the flesh, and had lived in the wilderness since his childhood, received a command from God and came into the parts of the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance unto the remission of sins. Then our Saviour also came from Galilee to the Jordan, and sought and received baptism though He was the Master and John was but a servant. Whereupon, there came to pass those marvellous deeds, great and beyond nature: the Heavens were opened, the Spirit descended in the form of a dove upon Him that was being baptized and the voice was heard from the Heavens hearing witness that this was the beloved Son of God, now baptized as a man (Matt. 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:1-22). From these events the Divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ and the great mystery of the Trinity were demonstrated. It is also from this that the present feast is called "Theophany," that is, the divine manifestation, God's appearance among men. On this venerable day the sacred mystery of Christian baptism was inaugurated; henceforth also began the saving preaching of the Kingdom of the Heavens.

January 07

Synaxis of John the Holy Glorious Prophet, Baptist, & Forerunner

Today we celebrate the Synaxis in honour of the most sacred Forerunner, since he ministered at the Mystery of the Divine Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rest from labour. Fish allowed.

January 08

Domnica the Righteous of Constantinople

Saint Domnica was from Carthage. During the reign of the Emperor Theodosius the Great, she came with four other virgins to Constantinople, where she was baptized by Nectarius, the Patriarch of Constantinople. She remained in Constantinople and became known for her extreme asceticism, the miracles that she worked, and the grace of prophecy that adorned her. She lived until the days of the Emperors Leo and Zeno, reposing in peace about the year 474.

January 10

Gregory of Nyssa

Saint Gregory, the younger brother of Basil the Great, illustrious in speech and a zealot for the Orthodox Faith, was born in 331. His brother Basil was encouraged by their elder sister Macrina to prefer the service of God to a secular career (see July 19); Saint Gregory was moved in a similar way by his godly mother Emily, who, when Gregory was still a young man, implored him to attend a service in honor of the holy Forty Martyrs at her retreat at Annesi on the River Iris. Saint Gregory came at his mother's bidding, but being wearied with the journey, and feeling little zeal, he fell asleep during the service. The Forty Martyrs then appeared to him in a dream, threatening him and reproaching him for his slothfulness. After this he repented and became very diligent in the service of God.

Gregory became bishop in 372, and because of his Orthodoxy he was exiled in 374 by Valens, who was of one mind with the Arians. After the death of Valens in 378, Gregory was recalled to his throne by the Emperor Gratian. He attended the Local Council of Antioch, which sent him to visit the churches of Arabia and Palestine, which had been defiled and ravaged by Arianism. He attended the Second Ecumenical Council, which was assembled in Constantinople in 381. Having lived some sixty years and left behind many remarkable writings, he reposed about the year 395. The acts of the Seventh Ecumenical Council call him 'Father of Fathers."

January 12

Tatiana the Martyr of Rome

Saint Tatiana was the daughter of a most distinguished consul of Rome. She became a deaconess of the Church, and for her confession of the Faith of Christ, she endured many torments. As she was suffering, angels punished her tormentors with the same torments they inflicted on her, until they cried out that they could no longer endure the scourges invisibly brought upon them. She was beheaded during the reign of Alexander Severus (111-135).

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Mode

When the women Disciples of the Lord had learned from the Angel the joyful message of the Resurrection and had rejected the ancestral decision, they cried aloud to the Apostles triumphantly: Death has been despoiled, Christ God has risen, granting His great mercy to the world.

Τὸ φαιδρὸν τῆς Ἀναστάσεως κήρυγμα, ἐκ τοῦ Ἀγγέλου μαθοῦσαι αἱ τοῦ Κυρίου Μαθήτριαι, καὶ τὴν προγονικὴν ἀπόφασιν ἀπορρίψασαι, τοῖς Ἀποστόλοις καυχώμεναι ἔλεγον· Ἐσκύλευται ὁ θάνατος, ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ὁ Θεός, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for Eve of Epiphany in the Fourth Mode

River Jordan was turned back by Elisseus' mantle once, when the fiery man of zeal Elias had been taken up; then were its waters divided hither and thither. The running streams became dry passage unto him, truly as a sign and type of Baptism, whereby we pass to the other side of the shifting stream of this fleeting life. Christ hath appeared in the Jordan River, to sanctify the waters.

Ἀπεστρέφετο ποτέ, ὁ Ἰορδάνης ποταμός, τὴ μηλωτὴ Ἐλισαιέ, ἀναληφθέντος Ἡλιοῦ, καὶ διηρεῖτο τὰ ὕδατα ἔνθεν καὶ ἔνθεν, καὶ γέγονεν αὐτῷ, ξηρὰ ὁδὸς ἡ ὑγρά, εἰς τύπον ἀληθῶς τοῦ Βαπτίσματος, δι' οὗ ἡμεῖς τὴν ῥέουσαν, τοῦ βίου διαπερῶμεν διάβασιν, Χριστὸς ἐφάνη, ἐν Ἰορδάνῃ, ἁγιᾶσαι τὰ ὕδατα.

Apolytikion for Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker in the First Mode

Κανόνα πίστεως καὶ εἰκόνα πραότητος, ἐγκρατείας Διδάσκαλον, ἀνέδειξέ σε τῇ ποίμνῃ σου, ἡ τῶν πραγμάτων ἀλήθεια· διὰ τοῦτο ἐκτήσω τῇ ταπεινώσει τὰ ὑψηλά, τῇ πτωχείᾳ τὰ πλούσια. Πάτερ Ἱεράρχα Νικόλαε, πρέσβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν

The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith, an icon of meekness and a teacher of Temperance; for this cause thou hast achieved the Heights by humility, Riches by poverty. O Father and Hierarch, Nicholas, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.

Kanóna písteos ke ikóna praótitos, engratías didáskalon, anédixe se pímni sou, i ton pragmáton alíthia;dia toúto ektíso ti tapinόsi ta ipsilá, ti ptohía ta ploúsia. Páter Ierárcha Nikólae, présveve Hristó to Theó, sothíne tas psihás imón.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

In the running waters of the Jordan River, on this day the Lord of all crieth to John: Be not afraid and hesitate not to baptize Me, for I am come to save Adam, the first-formed man.

Ἐν τοῖς ῥείθροις σήμερον τοῦ Ἰορδάνου, γεγονῶς ὁ Κύριος, τῶ Ἰωάννη ἐκβοᾷ. Μὴ δειλιάσης βαπτίσαι με, σῶσαι γὰρ ἥκω, Ἀδὰμ τὸν πρωτόπλαστον.

This Week at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

Sunday, January 5

Eve of Theophany

8:45 AMOrthros |10:00 AM DivineLiturgy|Blessing of the Waters

Parish Council Oath of Office

No Sunday School

11:30 AM Vasilopita Sunday/Auction

Monday, January 6

Theophany of our Lord

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy & Blessing of the Waters

7 PM Choir Rehearsal

Tuesday, January 7

Synaxis of St. John the Forerunner

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

10:30 PM Baptism

11:45 AM Forever Young – Olympia Restaurant

6:30 PM – Adult Dancing

7 PM Parish Council Meeting

Wednesday, January 8

10 AM Synaxis Orthodox Discussion Group

Friday, January 10

4:00 PM Greek School

Saturday, January 11

9 AM Baptism (off campus)

10:30 AM Theophany/Cross-dive

Bluewater Grill

Sunday, January 12

8:45 AMOrthros |10:00 AM DivineLiturgy

11 AM Sunday School

Youth Dance Groups Sponsor Coffee Hour

12:30 PM Dance Practice

Parish Council Members on Pangari Duty on Sunday: Barbara Harris and Tony Saffo

Next week: Cameron Calhoun and Melissa Kirkby

Sunday's Fellowship hour will be hosted by Philoptochos

Parish News & Updates

PARISH NEWS AND NOTES

**ON SUNDAY** VASILOPITA SUNDAY…Please join our Saint Nicholas Family for the annual Vasilopita Auction hosted by Philoptochos immediately following the Divine Liturgy in the Fellowship Hall. The refreshments are complimentary, and we invite everyone to celebrate the start of the New Year together.

**NEW**JOY ICE SKATING…SAVE THE DATE…will be meeting at the Wilmington Ice House at 7201 Ogden Business Ln, Wilmington, NC 28411, on January 25, 2020, at 10 AM. Please contact Renee Psilos for more information and to RSVP.

**NEW**JANUARY NEWSLETTER…Due to the Holiday season, and in the interest of distributing as efficiently as possible, we have sent the January issue of our monthly newsletter digitally via email this week. Furthermore, a link to this issue of the newsletter will be included in the bottom of every weekly email blast for the duration of the month. For your convenience, there are also printed copies available in the narthex for those who are interested in receiving a physical version.

EPIPHANY HOUSE BLESSINGS…If you desire to have our house blessed by Fr. Steven for Epiphany, please call the office (910) 392-4444 during the next coming weeks to schedule a date and time.

FOREVER YOUNG…TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2020 at the Olympia Restaurant on 5629 Oleander Drive at 11:45 AM. Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

2020 ECCLESIASTICAL CALENDARS…The 2020 Calendars have arrived. You may find them in the Narthex. Please take (1) per Family.

2020 THEOPHANY CELEBRATION LUNCH TICKETS…LAST CHANCE…NO TICKETS SOLD AT THE DOOR!!… Available for sale today in the fellowship hall after Divine Liturgy. The Theophany Celebration lunch will be on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at Blue Water Grill in Wrightsville Beach. Adults/Divers are $20 – Students $12 and 4 & under Free. Please see Koula Fragos or Benjalee Pittman to register your divers and buy your tickets.

We are also asking for all those who have been baptized or Chrismated at St. Nicholas in the last 75 years, to please submit a photo of your baptism to Koula Fragos (fragos.koula@gmail.com) or bring in a copy to the office.

Parish News and Updates (Continued)

Please pray for those who are ill, recovering, and/or homebound:

Konstantina Alimaras (sister to Stacey Papalitskas), Angelo Angeledes, Bobby Bobon (brother of Sue Lawler), Stavros Chantiles, Anthony Constandy (father of Elisabeth Baynard), Sherry Demas, Nicholas & Margie Devoles, Constantine Dukas, Sue Fokakis (Autumn Care), Demitra George, Mary Gianoplus, Nick Karloutsos (Silver Stream), Emanuel Koklanaris, Llambra Koklanaris, Nikolaos Kotsinis, Olga Mancuso, Calvin McGowan, Mary Compos Marmaras (Cypress Pointe), Maria Padgett-Velaetis, Irene Voneiff, Anne Bakalis Pinkston, Dorothy Radomsky, Peter W. Saffo, Pat Skinner, Tom Souflas, Peggy Stephanou, Vasilios Vogiatzis, Mary Ann Wall

Please contact the church office to add/remove someone from the list. The names will stay on our prayer list for 40 days unless we’re called to remove.

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

BOOKSTORE...Please remember to visit our wonderful bookstore on your way to Coffee Hour on Sundays.

STAFFED NURSERY...During Divine Liturgy each Sunday throughout the year we have a staffed nursery with an attendant available for the use of our youngest members from birth to age 5. We believe that Christians of ALL ages are welcome to worship in the sanctuary, including young children. But, if your child needs a wiggle break, please feel free to use this provided Service.

HEARING ASSISTANCE 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.

ANTIDORON... We welcome you to worship with us today whether you are already an Orthodox Christian, or this is your first visit to an Orthodox Church we are pleased to have you with us. Please be aware that Holy Communion is reserved for those already Baptized and Chrismated in the Orthodox Church. However, ALL are invited to receive the Antidoron (Holy Bread) from the priest at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy and join us for coffee hour in the fellowship hall next door. Communion and other Sacraments are offered to those already in the Orthodox Church.

Bulletin Inserts

THIS SUNDAY...St. Nicholas Ladies Philoptochos Annual Vasilopita Auction

Please join the Ladies Philoptochos in the annual Vasilopita Auction THIS Sunday, January 5, 2020, immediately following the Divine Liturgy.

Cross Dive and Theophania Celebration

Available for sale on Sunday in the fellowship hall after Divine Liturgy. The Theophany Celebration lunch will be on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at Blue Water Grill in Wrightsville Beach. Adults/Divers are $20 – Students $12 and 4 & under Free. Please see Koula Fragos or Benjalee Pittman to register your divers and buy your tickets. We are also asking for all those who have been baptized or Chrismated at St. Nicholas in the last 75 years, please send a photo of your baptism to Koula Fragos (fragos.koula@gmail.com) or bring in a copy to the office.

75th Anniversary Gala - St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church - SAVE THE DATE!

We are very excited to announce our 75th Gala for the 75th Anniversary of our beloved St. Nicholas GOC. The GALA will be at The Hotel Ballast at 301 North Water Street in Wilmington, NC o October 24, 2020, starting at 7 PM for Cocktails and Reception and 8 PM for Dinner and Dancing. For any inquiries, please call Maria Stasios at 910-233-4011 or Koula Katsikis at 910-297-3141. "75 Years Established & Commited in Christ" - Proverbs 16:3

2020 Oratorical Festival

The Parish Festival date is March 8, 2020, and the Parish Chairperson Kim Dandulakis at 910-798-9726 can be contacted with any questions.

Philoptochos 2019 Poinsettias

Christ is Born...Glorify Him!! The Beautiful Poinsettias for 2019 were Donated by the Families listed!

Wisdom of the Fathers

For in a contest there is much labor needed--and after the contest victory falls to some, to others disgrace. Is the palm ever given or the crown granted before the course is finished? ... Therefore no one can receive a reward, unless he has striven lawfully; nor is the victory a glorious one, unless the contest also has been toilsome.

St. Ambrose of Milan

Chapter 15, Three Books on the Duties of the Clergy, 4th century

It is the sole and peculiar property of the Substance that transcends all, to be able to bestow on men the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and make those that draw near unto It partakers of the divine nature.

St. Cyril of Alexandria

Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke, Homily 10., 4th Century

Repentance is the renewal of baptism and is a contract with God for a fresh start in life.

St. John Climacus

Ladder of Divine Ascent Step 5:On Penitence, Paulist Press pg. 121, 6th century

'And He is the expectation of the nations' ... Therefore it is said to Moses, 'Remove the sandals from your feet' (Exo. 3:5). Otherwise Moses, who was chosen as leader of the people, might be thought to be the bridegroom of the Church.

St. Ambrose of Milan

Seven Exegetical Works, 4.22, 4th Century

But this exists in Christ, not as a thing received, nor by communication from another, but as His own, and as belonging to His substance, for He baptizes in the Holy Spirit.

St. Cyril of Alexandria

Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke, Homily 10., 4th Century

The Word, therefore, that became man is, as it appears, God, and the fruit of the Father's substance ...Yes! We too affirm, without fear of contradiction, that the Word being God as of His own fullness bestows the Holy Spirit on such as are worthy;

St. Cyril of Alexandria

Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke, Homily 10., 4th Century

Everyone that preaches true faith and good works, what does he do but prepare the way of the Lord so that He may come into the hearts of his hearers, and may make straight the path for God, forming right dispositions within them by the words of his exhortations?

St. Gregory the Great

On the Mystical Church, P. G. 76 (cols 1159-1170) in Toal, I:89, Sixth Century

Do you see that both by the words of the Prophet Isaiah and by his own preaching this one thing is manifested alone: that not only had he come making a way and making ready beforehand, not bestowing the gift which was the remission, but he prepared besides the souls who were about to receive the God of all?

St. John Chrysostom

Commentary on St. Matthew, P. G. 57:142, (col. 187), Fourth Century AD

Metropolis of Atlanta News

Candlelight Service and Christmas Concert

12/24/2019

https://atlmetropolis.org/news/candlelight-service-and-christmas-concert

Click here to view the Candlelight Service and Christmas Concert, jointly held by the communities of the Annunciation Cathedral and St. John the Wonderworker.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Gov. Cuomo and Archbishop Elpidophoros Announce Construction to resume on St Nicholas

01/02/2020

NEW YORK – Earlier today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo officially welcomed Archbishop Elpidophoros of America to New York and announced plans to resume the rebuilding of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center. This was the Governor's first meeting with His Eminence since the Archbishop was elected by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as Archbishop of America to succeed Archbishop Demetrios in May. The project will be driven by a new non-profit organization with an independent, 13-member board - the Friends of St. Nicholas. The new entity has been formed to ensure that the sacred space is completed as expeditiously as possible and can begin welcoming visitors from around the world. The Friends of St. Nicholas will aim to resume construction with a two-year target to complete the church

https://www.goarch.org/-/gov-cuomo-and-archbishop-elpidophoros-announce-construction-to-resume-on-st-nicholas

Archiepiscopal Encyclical for the feast of Saint Basil and the New Year

12/30/2019

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, On this first day of the year of our Lord 2020, I greet you in His love with a heart filled with joy and peace. Our Incarnate Savior is with us, guiding us in His divine will, granting us wisdom, filling our hearts with hope in His eternal promises, and leading us in our sacred ministry to share the Gospel of salvation.

https://www.goarch.org/-/archiepiscopal-encyclical-for-the-feast-of-saint-basil-and-the-new-year

Archbishop Elpidophoros Stands with Jewish Community in the face of Rising Anti-Semitism

12/30/2019

NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America has joined with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and the major faith leaders of New York State in condemning the recent attacks on the Jewish Community of New York, and in particular, the horrific attack at a Synagogue in the Hasidic town of Monsey, on Saturday, December 28. That statement reads as follows:

https://www.goarch.org/-/archbishop-elpidophoros-stands-with-jewish-community-in-the-face-of-rising-anti-semitism

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