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Transfiguration of Our Saviour Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2018-10-28
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Agiaskepi
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Transfiguration of Our Saviour Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (978) 458-4321
  • Fax:
  • (978) 458-8726
  • Street Address:

  • 25 Fr. John Sarantos Way

  • Lowell, MA 01854
  • Mailing Address:

  • 25 Fr. John Sarantos Way

  • Lowell, MA 01854


Contact Information






Services Schedule

Sunday Schedule:

Orthros: 8:30 a.m.
Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m.

Bible Study:

Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.


Past Bulletins


Announcements

FELLOWSHIP HOUR

Join us today for our Sunday School Open House and Super Duper Coffee Hour! Everyone is invited to participate in this great Fellowship Hour. A free will offering would be appreciated.

ADVENT CAMP MOVED TO DECEMBER

Advent Camp originally scheduled for November 3rd will be re-scheduled for December.

PARISH COUNCIL NOMINATIONS WELCOME

Nominations for the 2019-2020 term of the Parish Council are now being accepted. Any parishioner in good standing interested in being nominated must contact the Parish office to request an official nomination form and return the completed form to the office by 1:00pm on Friday, November 2, 2018. Elections will be held on December 9, 2018.

PHILOPTOCHOS

On the Feast of Sts. Cosmos and Damian, November 4, all Philoptochos members are invited to sit together in memory of the sisters we have lost. We will hold baksets for donations for our commitment to the Ecumenical Patriarchate following Liturgy.

PARISH ASSEMBLY

Please remember to keep a note on your calendar for Sunday, November 4. The fall Parish Assembly will take place after services.

THE 65th BENEFIT TEA RAFFLE IS LOOKING FOR PATRONS

Our Tea raffle committee would love to have more parishioners contribute to our biggest Philoptochos fundraiser of the year. If you have any of the following, we would love to gift it as a raffle prize and give you the credit in our program: sports tickets to a Bruins or Celtics Game; theater tickets; a restaurant gift certificate; a professional service that you could provide as a raffle gift; any gift cards or even a cash donation to help us purchase other raffle gifts for the table. Any of these items would be so appreciated to help us make a successful 65th Benefit Tea.

Please text Ann (978-375-9460) or Soula (978-551-0169) if you are willing to contribute. Thank you!

PHILOPTOCHOS

Philoptochos General Meeting: The next meeting will be held on Thursday, November 7, beginning at 6:30pm. After a brief business meeting, Nancy Lane will help us to create a seasonal decoration. In order to have enough materials on hand, please let Nancy know if you will be coming: Dclane7@verizon.net or 978-256-7472.

VETERANS DAY – NOVEMBER 11th

We would like to recognize our veterans. If you or a family member is a veteran, please call the Church office to give us the name. This luncheon will be the Stewardship Appreciation Luncheon honoring our veterans.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

♥ Consider donating $10.00 Market Basket cards. There is always a need. Please place any food donations in the green container in the lobby.

♥ Please remember to keep the books coming for the 2018-2019 school year! 

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Weekly Calendar

Sunday, October 28  SEVENTH SUNDAY OF LUKE
†Orthros, 8:30am
†Liturgy, 9:30am
1-Year Memorial for Georgia Kontoulis
Sunday School Open House and Super Duper Coffee Hour 

Wednesday, October 31     
Kafenion, 10:00am

Sunday, November 4  FIFTH SUNDAY OF LUKE
†Orthros, 8:30am
†Liturgy, 9:30am
Monthly Trisagion
5-Year Memorial for James Wilson
CTI Christmas gift collection begins
Parish Assembly following Liturgy                                                                                                                               

TODAY’S PARISH COUNCIL: Patricia Mahoney, Bill Arvanites & Amanda Apostolou

TODAY’S GREETER: Kendall and Emmy Sintros

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 6                            
Parish Council Meeting, 6:30pm

November 7                            
Bible Study, 10:00am
Kafenion, 10:00am
Philoptochos Meeting, 6:30pm

November 8                            
Archangels-Liturg, 9:30am

November 10                          
LTLC dinner, 5:15pm-6:30pm

November 11                          
Veterans Day                      
Stewards Appreciation Lunch

November 13                          
John Chrysostom – Liturgy, 9:30am

November 13                          
Vespers for St. Philip the Apostle in Nashua

November 14                          
No Bible Study
Kafenion, 10:00am                    
Liturgy for St. Philip the Apostle in Nashua

November 21                          
Entrance of the Theotokos-Liturgy, 9:30am

November 22                          
Thanksgiving Day – office closed

November 27                          
Community Kitchen, 11:30am-12:30pm

November 29                          
Vespers for St. Andrew at the Metropolis of Boston

November 30                          
St. Andrew – Liturgy, 9:30am 

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Let us worship the Word, O ye faithful, praising Him that with the Father and the Spirit is co-beginningless God, Who was born of a pure Virgin that we all be saved; for He was pleased to mount the Cross in the flesh that He assumed, accepting thus to endure death. And by His glorious rising, He also willed to resurrect the dead.

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.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal First Mode. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18.

Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.


Gospel Reading

7th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 8:41-56

At that time, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus' feet he besought him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As he went, the people pressed round him. And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years and had spent all her living upon physicians and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, "Who was it that touched me?" When all denied it, Peter and those who were with him said, "Master, the multitudes surround you and press upon you!" But Jesus said, "Some one touched me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from me." And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." While he was still speaking, a man from the ruler's house came and said, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more." But Jesus on hearing this answered him, "Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well." And when he came to the house, he permitted no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but he said, "Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, "Child, arise." And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.


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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

At the same time both signifying that it is easy for Him to raise the dead ... and also teaching us not to fear death; for that it is not death, but is henceforth become a sleep.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 31 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

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

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Saints and Feasts

Agiaskepi
October 28

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 tenth 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.


Allsaint
October 29

Anastasia the Martyr of Rome

Saint Anastasia, who was young in age and lived in a convent, was seized by the impious. Confessing Christ openly and with boldness and enduring manifold torments, she was beheaded in the year 256, during the reign of Valerian.


Zenobia
October 30

The Holy Martyrs Zenobius and His Sister Zenobia

These Saints were from Aegae in Cilicia, brought up in piety by their parents. Zenobius was a physician, and healed many freely by the power of God; because of his virtue he was consecrated Bishop of Aegae. With his sister he was taken by Lysias the Governor, and after many tortures they were beheaded, about the year 290, during the reign of Diocletian.


Allsaint
October 31

Amplias, Apelles, Stachys, Urban, Aristobulus & Narcissus of the 70

Of these holy Apostles, Stachys became the first Bishop of Byzantium, consecrated by the Apostle Andrew. Having shepherded his people for sixteen years, he reposed in the Lord. As for the others, each one shone forth in the episcopal see appointed to him: Apelles, Bishop of Heraclea; Amplias, Bishop of Odyssopolis; Urban, Bishop of Macedonia; Narcissus, Bishop of Athens; and Aristobulus, Bishop of Britain.


Unmercenaries
November 01

Cosmas and Damian the Holy Unmercenaries of Asia, and their mother Theodota

These Saints were from Asia (that is, Asia Minor). After the death of their father, their Christ-loving mother Theodota reared them in piety and in all manner of virtue, and had them instructed in every science, especially that of medicine. This became their vocation, and they went about healing every illness and malady, bestowing healing freely on both men and beasts alike; because of this, they are called "Unmercenaries." And thus, having completed the course of their life, they reposed in peace.


Allsaint
November 02

The Holy Martyrs Acindynus, Pegasius, Aphthonius, Elpidephorus, and Anempodistus

These Martyrs contested in Persia about the year 330, in the reign of Sapor (Shapur) II, King of Persia (325-379). Acindynus, Pegasius, and Anempodistus, Persian Christians, confessed Christ before the King, and were put to many torments. Aphthonius and Elpidephorus, drawn to the Faith of Christ through the Martyrs, were beheaded with another 7,000. Saints Acindynus, Pegasius, and Anempodistus were at last burned to death. Two churches were dedicated in their honour in Constantinople. As is often the case in church hymns, there is a play on the meanings of the Saints' names here. Acindynus means "unimperilled"; Pegasius is derived from pegazo--"to gush forth"; Aphthonius is derived from aphthonos-"abundant"; Elpidephorus means "hope-bearing"; Anempodistus means "unhindered." These are all Greek translations of their Persian names.


Allsaint
November 03

Dedication of the Temple of the Holy Great Martyr George in Lydda

The consecration of the Church of Saint George in Lydda of Palestine took place during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great. See also April 23.


Allsaint
November 04

Joannicius the Great

Saint Joannicius was born in Bithynia about the year 740. His father was named Myritrikes and his mother Anastaso When he had reached maturity, he excelled in soldiery and was counted worthy of royal honours for his bravery. He had been brought up an iconoclast, but while yet a soldier, he was converted to Orthodoxy by a certain holy elder. He later forsook all things and departed for Mount Olympus, where he spent the remainder of his life in asceticism. Becoming great in virtue, he reposed in the Lord in the year 834, having lived some ninety-four years. To this Saint is ascribed the brief prayer, "My hope is the Father . . . ."


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