Most Holy Theotokos, Save Us!

As we approach the “Fifteen Days of August” dedicated to the All-Holy Mother of God, we should remember that we each have an intercessor before God. For fifteen days, the Church blesses us with the opportunity to come together as an Orthodox Christian Family and offer our prayers to God and sing hymns in honor of His All-Holy Mother. I invite you to make the time each evening, and join your Orthodox Christian Family in Church. I also invite you to submit names of family and friends to be included in the prayers offered each night in the Church. There are forms available in the Narthex. Paraklesis begins most evenings at 6pm, except for every Saturday, and on August 5th and August 14th, when we will pray the Great Vespers service. Join your voice with our voices and pray for the health and salvation of the world.

 August 1st at 6pm we will offer a special service of Holy Unction combined with Paraklesis.

To the Theotokos, let us run now most fervently,

As sinners and lowly ones,

Let us fall down in repentance,

Crying from the depths of our soul:

Lady, come and help us,

Have compassion upon us;

Hasten now for we are lost

In the host of our errors;

Do not turn your servants away,

For you alone are a hope to us.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

O Theotokos, we shall never be silent.

Of your mighty acts, all we the unworthy;

Had you not stood to intercede for us

Who would have delivered us,

From the numerous perils?

Who would have preserved us all

Until now with our freedom?

O Lady, we shall not depart from you;

For you always save your servants,

From all tribulation.

Greetings in Christ,

 As many of you have now seen pictures and videos on facebook, and last Sundays’ Bulletin, Friday the 22nd completed the Chariots of Fire Day Camp! This program has proven itself successful in engaging the children of St. Nicholas, in learning about the Prophet Elias through lessons and crafts. Experiencing the Liturgical life of the Church outside of Sunday or a major Feast of the Church by attending Divine Liturgy for the Prophet Elias on Wednesday the 18th, and Divine Liturgy for St. Mary Magdalene on Friday the 22nd.  Engaging in the preparation and offering of traditional gifts which are offered by the faithful to the Church to be used in prayer. Those Gifts being the Prosphora to be used at the Proscomidi in the consecration of the Holy Gifts, and for Antidoron. Koliva to pray for our departed loved ones as a community, and beeswax candles which we use as instruments for our prayers. They experienced and began learning the Apolytikia of Prophet Elias and of St. Mary Magdalene. And finally they played games actively and energetically together, culminating in Fridays’ “Fun in the Sun” featuring two giant water slides, sprinklers, water balloons, and refreshments. In my experience of the week, I saw the children of this parish brightly shining, soaking up the experience like sponges!

I thank whole-heartedly the Day Camp Committee, parents, and GOYAns who volunteered their time, and talents to the Day Camp. Without whom it would not have been possible to plan, and execute such a dynamic, growing, vital ministry.

After the resounding success of the Lazarus Saturday Day Camp, and the overwhelming support for the Prophet Elias Day Camp, The Day Camp Committee with full support is planning more, much more! I hope that you keep your eyes and ears open in anticipation of these Day Camps for the spiritual, and communal growth and development of our Church.

 The Boy Scouts had their annual Camp-In Friday the 22nd. They spent time together in fellowship, had snacks, played games, talked, and enjoyed themselves in general. On Tuesday the 2nd of August, they will have their Court of Honor, where they receive awards and commendations for activities completed, and goals achieved. 

 As we approach the beginning of the school year, and GOYA will kick off again, it will be vital to this year's experience of the ministry to have all of the Goyans contact information updated in the Parish Directory. For the next few Sundays I will station myself in the FT Hall during Coffee Hour with my laptop, ready to update information in the PD system. The Information I require Is their name, phone number, phone carrier (ex. AT&T, T-Mobile) email, age, and grade. Please find me near the rear entrance during Coffee Hour so I can complete this task with you. If you are unable to stay at coffee hour or wait long, please feel free to write it on a piece of paper, or email it to me. If you have any questions, please let me know. 

  *THE DEADLINE IS MONDAY 5PM FOR ALL BULLETIN INFORMATION*

Memorials

Mike Karaphillis - 40 day

Linda Kouremetis - 1 year

Andromachi Koutsouradis - 10 years

Avjerini - 15 years 

   All ministries wishing to sign up and host the Sunday Coffee Hour please contact Chris Palaidis at 727-808-3895.

                              Memorial & Artoklasia Service Planning