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Transfiguration of Our Saviour Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-04-05
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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

WATCH ONLINE

For the past two weeks, we have been unable to hold services. Starting this weekend, we will live stream services on the Transfiguration Facebook page. Even if you do not have a Facebook account, you can access the video here. Scroll down to the Video section and click on the image of the service. If a Facebook sign-in window pops up and you do not have a Facebook account, just click the ‘not now’ button to continue.

VIGIL CANDLE

As we pray for strength and comfort during this stressful time, please know that vigil candles are available and will be lit for you on Sunday(s) at your request. Please contact Pat Mahoney (pmahoney7@comcast.net or 978 436 0998). Donation $10.00 each.

SCHOLARSHIP

Scholarship applications are now available on-line at transchurch.org/news/scholarships for graduating high school seniors planning on attending college in the fall. Further questions contact Pat Mahoney (pmahoney7@comcast.net) or 978-436-0998. The due date for applications is May 1ST. 

TIME TO PASS THE BASKET 

Weekly at the end of Liturgy we pass the offering basket. Your donations help support the ministries of the parish. Although we may not be in the church building, the work of the parish continues. In fact, we have had to invest our energies into new ways of communicating and reaching out to one another which may help us in the long run, but requires and investment of energies now.

Our office is open remotely. You won’t be able to come in to the office, but with a phone call you can get your questions answered. It may take a little longer to provide you with information, but we will strive to do so in a timely fashion.

That being said, although for the time being, we will be unable to gather for worship all together, we still need to pass the offering basket. If you are able, please send your offering by mail or you can go online to make a donation. You can make your donation by credit card, debit card, or have funds withdrawn from your checking account. Your information on this site is safe and secure. Go to https://transchurch.churchgiving.com/ and set up your personal login. You can make weekly offerings, special offerings or stewardship offerings all with the click of a button. These can be set up as one-time donations or recurring donations. It is after all, Time to Pass the Basket! Thank you in advance for your kindness and commitment.

HELLENIC WOMEN’S CLUB, INC. SCHOLARSHIP

The Hellenic Women's Club, Inc., EOK, is offering scholarships to young women of Greek descent pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Each scholarship, in the amount of $5,000, will be awarded based on academic achievement, leadership and community service. 
The application deadline is June 30, 2020.

For more details and application materials, visit The Hellenic Women’s Club’s website: www.hellenicwomensclub.org

To access EOK Scholarship Application materials on the website: click on the What We Do tab at the top of the Homepage and then click on the EOK Scholarships tab section.

OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES

During this time of crisis, we need to take care of one another, friends, family, and stranger. If you, or anyone you know, is having difficulties because of the COVID-19 crisis, please let us know. We know that there are those who would never think of asking facing financial difficulties.  We will help as we are able.

To enable us to offer help, if you are able, we welcome your donations. You can send a donation to the church or go online and donate. Go to www.transchurch.churchgiving.com, sign in and click on the Outreach Donation button and make your one-time or recurring donation.  Large or small, your donation can make a difference. Thank you in advance.

STEWARDSHIP PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, our God, accept our offerings as You accepted the gifts of Your people throughout the ages.  We offer these gifts to Your glory, for the support of the ministries of Your holy Church, for the alleviation of suffering and hunger, and for the proclamation of Your Gospel to the whole world.

Grant us Your blessing, Lord our Savior, that we may always be faithful stewards, continuing to share the gifts you have given us, by the power of Your grace, mercy and love.  May Your name be glorified forever.  Amen. 

 

Trinity votive candles (To Sponsor a Candle please call the Church Office.) 

Vigil Light at the Side Altar (Icon of the Theotokos): In Loving Memory of Sophia Karamonlis - The Karamanolis Family

Vigil Light at the Icon of Christ: In Loving Memory of Deborah Victoria Skrekas and George Skrekas

†Vigil Light at the Icon of Christ (second): For the safety and wellbeing of Chris Paul Tsioulis and all of the nurses, doctors and health care professionals during this unprecedented pandemic.

Vigil Light at the Theotokos: In Loving Memory of Ioannis "John" Zaralidis from his family

Vigil Light at the Icon of the Forerunner: For the Good Health of Matthew Apostolou and the men and women of the armed forces. – Apostolou Family

Vigil Light at the Foot of the Holy Cross: In Loving Memory of Kathleen and Charles Mullan

 

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Weekly Calendar

Beginning with the Akathist Hymn on Friday, April 3, we will be live streaming services through our Facebook page whenever possible - https://www.facebook.com/transchurch/ Please see the online calendar for the full schedule.

Sunday, April 5  SUNDAY OF SAINT MARY OF EGYPT
Liturgy (online), 9:30 am

Saturday, April 11  SATURDAY OF LAZARUS
Liturgy (online), 9:30 am

SUNDAY, APRIL 12  PALM SUNDAY
†Orthros & Liturgy (online) 9:00 am
Nymphios (online), 6:00 pm

MONDAY, APRIL 13  HOLY MONDAY
Nymphios (online), 6:00 pm

TUESDAY, APRIL 14  HOLY TUESDAY
Nymphios (online), 6:00 pm

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15  HOLY WEDNESDAY
Unction (online), 3:00 pm

THURSDAY, APRIL 16  HOLY THURSDAY
†Vesperal Liturgy (online), 9:30 am
12 Gospels (online), 6:00 pm

FRIDAY, APRIL 17  HOLY FRIDAY
Royal Hours (online), 10:00 am
Apokathilosis (online), 3:00 pm
Lamentations (online), 6:00 pm

SATURDAY, APRIL 18   HOLY SATURDAY
Vesperal Liturgy (online) 9:30 am

SUNDAY, APRIL 19 PASCHA
Resurrection Service, 12:00 am Midnight
With Orthros & Liturgy following (online)
Agape Service (online), 12:00 pm Noon

*Please check for other live streaming Lenten Services at https://www.goarch.org/live-broadcasts throughout the week.

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

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 Letter to the Hebrews 9:11-14.

BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from Mark 10:32-45

At that time, Jesus took his twelve disciples, and he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant of James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Mode

Although your tomb was sealed with a stone, O Savior, and your most pure body was guarded by the soldiers, you rose on the third day giving life to all the world. Therefore O giver of life, the powers of heaven praise you: Glory to your resurrection, O Christ. Glory to your kingdom. Glory to your saving wisdom. O only lover of mankind.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Mary of Egypt in the Plagal Fourth Mode

The image of God, was faithfully preserved in you, O Mother. For you took up the Cross and followed Christ. By Your actions you taught us to look beyond the flesh for it passes, rather to be concerned about the soul which is immortal. Wherefore, O Holy Mary, your soul rejoices with the angels.

Apolytikion of the Church

When You were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, You showed Your disciples Your glory as far as they could bear.  So now, for us sinners also, let this same eternal light shine forth through the prayers of the Theotokos.  O Giver of Light, glory to You.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

O unfailing protection of Christians, and our faithful advocate before the Creator: though we are sinners, do not ignore our entreaty; but in your goodness, grant your timely help to us who appeal to you in faith. Quickly make intercession; on our behalf make speedy supplication, O Theotokos, for you always protect those who honor you.
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Wisdom of the Fathers

But let no man be troubled at the apostles being in such an imperfect state. For not yet was the cross accomplished, not yet the grace of the Spirit given. But if thou wouldest learn their virtue, notice them after these things, and thou wilt see them superior to every passion.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

For with this object He reveals their deficiencies, that after these things thou mightest know what manner of men they became by grace. ... No one shall sit on His right hand nor on His left.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

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Saints and Feasts

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April 05

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed.


Allsaint
April 05

Monk-Martyrs Claudius, Diodore, Victor, Victorinus, and those with them

Of these Martyrs, Saint Claudius died when his arms and legs were severed; Saint Diodore was burned alive; Saints Victor, Victorinus, and Nicephorus were crushed to death by a large boulder; Saint Serapion was burned alive; Saint Pappias was cast into the sea. According to some accounts, they contested in Corinth under Decius in 251; according to others, in Diospolis in Egypt under Numerian in 284.


Allsaint
April 06

Eutychius, Patriarch of Constantinople

Born in Theia Kome of Phrygia, Eutychius was the son of illustrious parents, from whom he received a pious upbringing. He studied in Constantinople, and became a monk in a certain monastery of Amasia. In 552 he was chosen Patriarch of New Rome, but was exiled in 565 as a result of the machinations of the Origenists. In 577 he was restored to his throne and reposed on April 6, 582.


Allsaint
April 07

Calliopus and Akylina the Martyrs

The holy Martyr Calliopius was from Perga in Pamphylia, brought up in piety by his godly mother Theocleia. When the persecution of Maximian broke out, Saint Calliopius presented himself of his own accord before the Governor Maximus in Pompeiopolis of Galatia. After he had suffered many torments, his mother visited him in prison and encouraged him in his martyrdom. After this, his thrice-blessed mother, upon learning that he was to be crucified on Holy and Great Thursday, bribed the tyrants to defer it one day, that he might imitate the Lord's Crucifixion on the same day that He suffered it. The holy Martyr Calliopius received the crown of martyrdom on Holy and Great Friday in the year 304, being crucified upside down.


Allsaint
April 08

The Holy Apostles of the Seventy Herodion, Agabus, Rufus, Asyncritus, Phlegon, and Hermes

The Apostle Herodion, whom Saint Paul mentions in his Epistle to the Romans (16:11) and calls his "kinsman," was ordained presbyter and then Bishop of New Patras, where he was slain by Jews and pagans. Saint Agabus is mentioned in Acts 21:10-11, where he prophesied Saint Paul's arrest in Jerusalem at the hands of the Jewish leaders. In Acts 11:27-28 it is mentioned also that this Saint foretold the great famine that would come to pass in the time of Claudius Caesar. Having preached the Gospel throughout various regions, he departed to the Lord. The Apostle Rufus became Bishop of Thebes in Greece. The Apostles Asyncritus and Phlegon preached Christ in many places, suffered many afflictions at the hands of the pagans and Jews, and departed unto the Lord. The Apostle Hermes is mentioned with them in the Epistle to the Romans (16:13-14).


Allsaint
April 09

The Holy Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea

This holy Martyr was from the parts of Cappadocia, and lived a blameless life with his wife. During the reign of Julian the Apostate, this blessed one was filled with divine zeal and, with other Christians, destroyed the pagan temple dedicated to Fortune. Because of this he received the crown of martyrdom by beheading in the year 362.


Allsaint
April 10

Terence and his Companions beheaded at Carthage

These Saints were from Africa, and they all contested during the reign of Decius, in 251. After many torments, they were beheaded at the command of Fortunatus the Governor.


Antipas
April 11

Antipas, Bishop of Pergamum

Saint Antipas was a contemporary of the holy Apostles, by whom he was made Bishop of Pergamum. He contested during the reign of Domitian, when he was cast, as it is said, into a bronze bull that had been heated exceedingly. The Evangelist John writes of him in the Book of Revelation, and says (as it were from the mouth of Christ, Who says to the Angel [that is, the Bishop] of the Church of Pergamum): "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is; and thou holdest fast My Name, and hast not denied My Faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful Martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth" (Rev. 2:13). The faithful pray to this Saint for ailments of the teeth.


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