Announcements

REOPENING FOR WORSHIP

Though we are not completely open for worship, we are able to gather for Liturgy with limited seating based on social distancing precautions. The parish is following protocols to help protect and keep safe all that gather for worship.

If you would like any more information or have any questions about the reopening, do not hesitate to contact the parish office or Fr. Tom by phone or email. You can find the reopening protocol and information on our website. Please share this information with those you know who do not use email or are not on our contact list.

WATCH ONLINE

Though our parish is open for worship, we will continue to live stream the services. You can go directly to www.youtube.com/TransGOC or www.facebook.com/transchurch to participate. A weekly list of services can be found on our website www.transchurch.org.

For those who do not have internet and are Comcast customers, you can watch services on local cable access television. Please consult your local listings for times.

OUR LIFE ONLINE

Though the church will be open for worship, many will not feel comfortable attending, but would still like to light a candle or support the parish. We thank everyone for his or her continued generosity and encourage your continued use of our secure online giving platform.

1) Lighting a vigil candle. Please contact the Pat Mahoney (pmahoney7@comcast.net or 978 436 0998) or the church office (info@transchurch.org or 978-458-4321). Pat will make sure that your vigil candle is lit. Donation: $10. As with all donations, you can still mail in a check or you can make a donation online at www.transchurch.churchgiving.com . This site keeps your information safe and secure.

2) Making your donations. We welcome all of your donations online. You are able to make your stewardship, offering basket, candle, memorial, or general donations by using the website above. Your donations help support the ministries of the parish. Although you may not be in the church building, the essential ministries of the parish continue.

3) Many have found comfort in being able to participate in the worship of our parish during this extraordinary time. Even though we have opened the parish for worship we hope to continue this ministry. We would need to invest in some new technology. If you are interested in supporting this ministry financially or participating in the production aspect, please speak with Fr. Tom.

PARISH OFFICE IS REMOTE

Our parish office is currently open remotely Tuesday through Friday from 9 am to 1 pm. If you need to come to the office, please call and set up an appointment. It may take a little longer to provide you with some of the information, but we will strive to do so in a timely fashion.

‘TRANSFIGURATION ANGELS’ HELP OTHERS

We are coming up on the 10th and final week of the Transfiguration Angels Initiative. During the past 9 weeks, on and off, 53 households have participated in the Transfiguration Angels Initiative. This Sunday evening Fr. Tom will send out the last email with a target charity. Even if you have not participated before, you are welcome to join in. Working together we will be able to make an impact on others lives and at the same time open our hearts to the love of our Resurrected Lord.

Donations made by the Transfiguration Angels so far consist of: Week 1 to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, week 2 to the Merrimack Valley Catholic Charities, week 3 to Life Connections, week 4 to St. Paul's Soup Kitchen, week 5 Dracut Food Pantry, week 6 The Wish Project, week 7 Living Waters Center of Hope, week 8 The Central Food Ministry, and week 9 The Salvation Army. Be sure to watch for the Sunday email from Fr. Tom to see what the final week will be.

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): Available

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

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

†Vigil Light at the Icon of the Forerunner: Available

†Vigil Light at the Foot of the Holy Cross: Available

Weekly Calendar

We will be live streaming services through our YouTube channel whenever possible - www.youtube.com/TransGOC Please see the online calendar for the full schedule.

SUNDAY, JULY 5 FOURTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW
Orthros, 8:30 am
Liturgy, 9:30 am

MONDAY JULY 6
Office Closed

SUNDAY, JULY 12 FIFTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW
Orthros, 8:30 am
Liturgy, 9:30 am
Monthly Trisagion

MONDAY JULY 13
Office Closed

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

PLEASE NOTE: THE SUMMER OFFICE HOURS – MONDAYS IN JULY AND AUGUST WILL BE CLOSED. TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY THE OFFICE WILL BE OPENED 9:00AM TO 1:00PM.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Third Mode. Psalm 46.6,1.
Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse: Clap your hands, all you nations.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-2.

Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Gospel Reading

4th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 8:5-13

At that time, as Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, beseeching him and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, in terrible distress." And he said to him, "I will come and heal him." But the centurion answered him, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard him, he marveled, and said to those who followed him, "Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth." And to the centurion Jesus said, "Go; be it done for you as you have believed." And the servant was healed at that very moment.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Mode

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord has shown the mighty power of his arm. He has trampled down death by death, becoming the first born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of hell and has granted to all the world his great mercy.

Apolytikion for Athanasius of Athos in the Third Mode

The Angels' ranks were awed by thy life in the flesh, how, though corporeal, and clad with earthly clay, thou didst set forth with courage to invisible wars and wrestlings and didst boldly smite the hordes of the demons with mortal wounds. Wherefore, Christ rewarded thee with abundant gifts in return. Entreat Him that our souls find salvation, O most renowned Father Athanasius.

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.

Wisdom of the Fathers

Patience is a labor that does not crush the soul. It never wavers under interruptions, good or bad...Patience sets a boundary to the daily onslaught of suffering...Patience comes from hope and mourning, and indeed to lack those is to be a slave of despondency.

St. John Climacus

Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 27: On Stillness; Paulist Press pg.271, 6th century

Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance, suppresses anger, restrains pride and envy, draws down the Holy Spirit into the soul and raises man to heaven.

St. Ephraim the Syrian

Unknown, 4th century

Saints and Feasts

July 05

Athanasius of Mount Athos

Saint Athanasius had Trebizond for his homeland. He first entered the monastic life on the mountain called Kymaeos or Kyminas, which is in Mysia of Bithynia, then he went to Mount Athos and founded a large monastery, which is known as the Great Lavra. He became so renowned for his virtue that from Rome, Calabria, Georgia, and elsewhere, rulers, men of wealth and nobility, abbots, and even bishops came to him and were subject to him. When the time for his departure was at hand, God revealed to him how it would take place, so that he was able to instruct his spiritual children not to be troubled when it should come to pass. A new church was being built for the sake of the many who came to him, and only the dome had not been finished. Together with six of the brethren, the Saint went to the top of the church to help the workmen. The dome collapsed, and they fell. Five were killed at once, and the Saint died three hours later. His holy body remained incorrupt and he worked many miracles after his death. He reposed about the end of the tenth century.

July 06

Siso?s the Great

This Saint, great and renowned among the ascetics of Egypt, lived in the fourth century in Scete of Nitria. After the death of Saint Anthony the Great, he left Scete to live in Saint Anthony's cave; he said of this, "Thus in the cave of a lion, a fox makes his dwelling." When Sisoës was at the end of his long life of labours, as the Fathers were gathered about him, his face began to shine, and he said, "Behold, Abba Anthony is come"; then, "Behold, the choir of the Prophets is come"; his face shone yet more bright, and he said, "Behold, the choir of the Apostles is come." The light of his countenance increased, and he seemed to be talking with someone. The Fathers asked him of this; in his humility, he said he was asking the Angels for time to repent. Finally his face became as bright as the sun, so that the Fathers were filled with fear. He said, "Behold, the Lord is come, and He says, 'Bring Me the vessel of the desert,'" and as he gave up his soul into the hands of God, there was as it were a flash of lightning, and the whole dwelling was filled with a sweet fragrance.

July 07

Kyriake the Great Martyr

Saint Kyriake was the daughter of Christian parents, Dorotheus and Eusebia. She was given her name because she was born on Sunday, the day of the Lord (in Greek, Kyriake). She contested in Nicomedia during the reign of Diocletian, in the year 300. After many bitter torments she was condemned to suffer beheading, but being granted time to pray first, she made her prayer and gave up her holy soul in peace.

July 08

The Holy Great Martyr Procopius

The holy Martyr Procopius was born of a pious father named Christopher, but his mother Theodosia was an idolater. After Christopher's death, she presented Neanias - for this was the Saint's name before - to Diocletian, who was at Antioch in Syria. Diocletian made him Duke of Alexandria, and sent him there to punish the Christians. On the way to Alexandria, our Lord spoke to Neanias as once He had to Saul, and turned this new persecutor to faith in Him. Neanias turned back to Scythopolis, and preached Christ. He was betrayed by his own mother, and was arrested and tormented in Caesarea of Palestine. While he was in prison, the Lord appeared to him again and gave him the new name of Procopius (which is derived from the Greek word meaning "progress, advancement"). He was brought out of prison and taken to worship the idols, but at his prayer, the idols fell; many then believed in Christ and suffered martyrdom, among them certain soldiers, twelve women of senatorial rank, and the Saint's own mother, Theodosia. Saint Procopius, after further torments and imprisonment, was beheaded about the year 290.

July 09

The Holy Hieromartyr Pancratius, Bishop of Tauromenium in Sicily

This Saint, who was a contemporary of the Apostles, had Antioch as his homeland, where he was guided to the Faith of Christ by Peter, the Chief of the Apostles. Later, he came to Sicily, where he brought many to the Faith, and was finally put to death by the pagans.

July 10

45 Holy Martyrs of Nikopolis, Armenia

The Forty-five Martyrs of Nikopolis contested during the reign of Licinius, in the year 315. After many torments, they were burnt alive.

July 11

Euphemia the Great Martyr

In 451, during the reign of the Sovereigns Marcian and Pulcheria, the Fourth Ecumenical Council was convoked in Chalcedon against Eutyches and those of like mind with him. After much debate, the Fathers who were the defenders of Orthodoxy, being 630 in number, agreed among themselves and with those who were of contrary mind, to write their respective definitions of faith in separate books, and to ask God to confirm the truth in this matter. When they had prepared these texts, they placed the two tomes in the case that held Saint Euphemia's relics, sealed it, and departed. After three days of night-long supplications, they opened the reliquary in the presence of the Emperor, and found the tome of the heretics under the feet of the Martyr, and that of the Orthodox in her right hand. (For her life, see Sept. 16.)

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