Announcements

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES CONTINUE

We continue with the Sunday School class rotation during the month of November. Please check the Weekly Calendar below for the rotation. The Sunday School staff is very excited to welcome the students each week and look forward to seeing them this month.

Please understand that the primary reason for creating different groupings is to help maintain appropriate spacing in church for services. This is our plan thru December. Like with public schools we may have to make modifications as time goes on so stay tuned!

PARISH ASSEMBLY

The Fall Parish Assembly will be held today, Sunday, November 15th, following Divine Liturgy. The Assembly will take place in the church proper. If you are unable to physically attend and would like to participate via zoom conference meeting, please contact the parish office to get the registration information.

PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Parish Council elections are scheduled for Sunday, December 13, 2020. More information will be conveyed to the parish following the Parish Assembly.

ADOPT A CHILD/FAMILY PROGRAM

Your generosity in the past has made Christmas special for 75 children/family members. Due to the COVID 19 restrictions, Community Teamwork, Inc. has requested the giving be in the form of $25.00 gift cards to either Walmart, Target, or Amazon. Our goal is 75 gift cards.

Gift cards and/or monetary donations in any amount may be mailed or brought to church on Sundays on or before Sunday, December 6. Donations may be made payable to Ladies Philoptochos Society with Adopt a Child/ Family in the memo section.

For further information, please contact one of the chairpersons: Sandra Gulezian at gulezians@gmail.com or Deb Sevigny at 603-860-0743 debsevigny@comcast.net.

PHILOPTOCHOS 67TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TEA FUNDRAISER

Though the uncertainty of the pandemic has interrupted our traditional event, we cordially invite you to participate in this year’s Philoptochos Christmas Tea Fundraiser with a donation of $50. All proceeds will benefit our annual ministries, as well as several additional charities impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. In the true spirit of giving, we can share our Christian values by helping others to pick up the pieces of their lives in the wake of this unprecedented pandemic. Thanks to the generosity of our loyal Raffle patrons, three cash gift cards in the amounts of $250, $300, and a grand prize of $500 will be awarded as part of this year’s Fundraiser. One complimentary raffle ticket is included for each $50 donation. The raffle will be drawn at noon on Sunday, December 6, 2020. We invite you to tune in to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/TransGOC to watch the drawing in real time!

Please contact Ellen Dobi, Philoptochos President, at 978-505-1764 or ekdobi@verizon.net for the form, or give online directly at philoptochos-tea.eventbrite.com.

WEEKLY WORSHIP

There is an uptick in COVID-19 cases in our community. The Transfiguration parish having carefully prepared to receive her faithful for services continues to welcome you to participate in person. Even with the increase in cases we believe we are well prepared and have put into place protocols that will help keep all healthy. We continue to use social distancing protocols that keep seating limited. We ask that you follow the direction of the ushers. Everyone must wear a mask. These protocols have been established to help protect and keep safe all who gather for worship.

So far, everything has gone smoothly and we thank everyone for their continued cooperation. We caution those who have underlying conditions to exercise caution in making the decision to participate. If you are hesitant to attend in person on Sundays, maybe a weekday service when scheduled would be a good option.

If you would like more information or have any questions about attending services, 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.

PARISH OFFICE IS REMOTE

Our parish office is currently open but is primarily remote Monday through Friday from 9 am to 2 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.

WATCH ONLINE

We continue to live stream services of our parish. The services can be found on the internet by logging on to www.youtube.com/TransGOC or www.facebook.com/transchurch. A weekly list of services can be found on our website www.transchurch.org and on the calendar below. Recorded services from our parish can be found on www.YouTube.com/transGOC . If you are unable to watch live, you can watch the service at a later time. For those who do not have internet and are Comcast customers, you may be able to watch some services on local cable access television. Please consult your local listings for times.

HELP ONLINE

Many still do not feel comfortable physically attending services, but would still like to light a candle or support the parish. Your continued generosity is greatly appreciated. We encourage your continued use of our secure online giving platform for single or repeating donations, https://transchurch.churchgiving.com. Of course, you are still welcome to mail in a check to make your donation. 1) To light a vigil candle, please contact 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 for you. Donation: $10. As with all donations, you can mail in a check or you can make a donation online.

2) You are able to make your stewardship, offering basket, candle, memorial, special event, or general donations by using our secure website. Your donations help support the ministries of the parish. Although you may not be in the church building, essential ministries of the parish continue.

3) The Parish Council is exploring a more permanent source for live streaming services. We hope to continue this ministry, but to do so will 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.

TRANSFIGURATION HOSTS BLOOD DRIVES

Since April, the Transfiguration parish has teamed up with the Red Cross and is hosting blood drives. During the pandemic, the Red Cross has had difficulty finding places to host blood drives because so many facilities are closed, but the need for blood is ongoing. If you are interested in donating go to redcrossblood.org and put in the church’s zip code, 01854, in the search bar. The next and last blood drive of the year at Transfiguration is Thursday, December 31st. Please sign up online to donate.

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 Peter E. Katsoulas

†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, NOVEMBER 15 EIGHTH SUNDAY OF LUKE
Orthros, 8:30 am
Liturgy, 9:30 am
Sunday School Group 3
40 Day Baby Blessing for Elias Tsouprakos
Parish Assembly

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Bible Study (online), 10:00 am

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21
Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos - Liturgy, 9:30 am

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22 NINTH SUNDAY OF LUKE
Orthros, 8:30 am
Liturgy, 9:30 am
Sunday School GOYAns

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25
St. Catherine - Liturgy, 9:30 am

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29 THIRTEENTH SUNDAY OF LUKE
Orthros, 8:30 am
Liturgy, 9:30 am

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Feast of St. Andrew - Liturgy, 9:30 am

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3
Bible Study (online), 10:00 am

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 TENTH SUNDAY OF LUKE
Orthros, 8:30 am
Liturgy, 9:30 am
Sunday School Group 1
1 Year Memorial for Esther Kokas
4 Year Meorial for Peter Kokas

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9
Bible Study (online), 10:00 am

TODAY’S PARISH COUNCIL: Stephanie Dubay, Michael Fokas & Jimmy Demetri

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

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 Letter to the Ephesians 2:4-10.

Brethren, God who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God: not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Gospel Reading

8th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 10:25-37

At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live."

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Mode

The angelic powers appeared at your tomb, the soldiers guarding it became as dead men, and Mary stood at your grave seeking, seeking your most pure body. But you made hell a captive; you were untouched by its might. You came to the virgin and granted life. O Lord, who rose from the dead, glory to you.

Apolytikion for Martyrs Gouria, Shamuna, and Habib in the Plagal First Mode

Since Thou hast given us the miracles of Thy holy Martyrs as an invincible battlement, by their entreaties, scatter the counsels of the heathen, O Christ our God, and strengthen the faith of Orthodox Christians, since Thou alone art good and the Friend of man.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Behold the temple of the Savior, his precious bridal chamber. Behold the virginal and sacred vessel of God's glory. Today she enters into the house of the Lord, bearing within her the grace of the Holy Spirit. For this, the angels exclaim: She is indeed the heavenly tabernacle.

Wisdom of the Fathers

The example of the good Samaritan shows that we must not abandon those in whom even the faintest amount of faith is still alive.

St. Ambrose of Milan

Two Books of St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Concerning Repentance, Chapter 11

But you cannot be a neighbour unless you have compassion on him; for no one can be called a neighbour unless he have healed, not killed, another. But if you wish to be called a neighbour, Christ says to you: "Go and do likewise."

St. Ambrose of Milan

Two Books of St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Concerning Repentance, Chapter 11

Saints and Feasts

November 15

Guria, Shamuna, and Habib, Martyrs and Confessors of Edessa

Of these most illustrious Martyrs of the city of Edessa in Syria, Guria and Shamuna contested during the reign of Diocletian, in 288; after many tortures, they were cast into prison, then beheaded. Saint Habib, a deacon, contested in the days of Licinius, in the year 316, and was burned alive; he was buried with Saints Guria and Shamuna. The three have one common feast, and it is always together that they are portrayed in icons and invoked by the faithful. On account of a renowned miracle they worked, they are invoked for help in marital difficulties. A certain Goth had come with the Roman army to Edessa and was quartered in the house of a pious widow named Sophia. The Goth asked Sophia for the hand of her daughter, Euphemia; after resisting for a long time, Sophia at last agreed. When it was time for the army to return home, Sophia made the Goth vow by the power in the holy Martyrs Shamuna, Guria, and Habib, to keep Euphemia as the apple of his eye. As he was nearing his home, however, the treacherous man revealed to Euphemia that he already had a wife. Euphemia was compelled to serve the Goths wife, who dealt with her mercilessly. After extreme sufferings, which included being sealed alive in a tomb and left there to die, Euphemia was miraculously conveyed to Edessa, to the very shrine of the holy Martyrs whose surety they had taken, and was reunited with her mother through their holy prayers.

November 16

Matthew the Apostle & Evangelist

This Apostle, who was also called Levi, was the son of Alphaeus and had Galilee as his homeland. A publican before being called by Christ, he became one of the Twelve Apostles, and an Evangelist. While still in Palestine, he wrote his Gospel first in Hebrew, being also the first of all to write the Gospel. When he is depicted in icons, there is portrayed next to him the likeness of a man, one of the symbolic living creatures mentioned by Ezekiel (1.10), which, as Saint Irenaeus writes, is a symbol of our Saviour's Incarnation.

November 17

Gregory the Wonderworker & Bishop of Neo-Caesarea

Saint Gregory was born in Neocaesarea of Pontus to parents who were not Christians. He studied in Athens, in Alexandria, in Beirut, and finally for five years in Caesarea of Palestine under Origen, by whom he was also instructed in the Faith of Christ. Then, in the year 240, he became bishop of his own city, wherein he found only seventeen Christians. By the time the Saint reposed about the year 265, there were only seventeen unbelievers left there. Virtually the whole duration of his episcopacy was a time of continual, marvellous wonders worked by him. Because of this, he received the surname "Wonderworker"; even the enemies of the truth called him a second Moses (see Saint Basil the Great's On the Holy Spirit, ch. 29).

November 18

Plato the Great Martyr of Ancyra

Saint Plato contested in martyrdom in 266, when Agrippinus was proconsul. He was from the city of Ancyra in the province of Galatia.

November 19

Obadiah the Prophet

The Divine Scriptures do not tell us with any certainty when the Prophet Obadiah lived nor what was his homeland. Thus, some say that he is that Obadiah who was Ahab's steward, who, because of Jezebel's wrath, hid one hundred prophets in a cave and fed them with bread and water (III Kings 18:4), and that he later became a disciple of Elias the Prophet about 903 B.C. But others surmise from the words of the same prophetical book that he is somewhat later than Joel (celebrated on Oct. 19). He is also called Obdiu, or Abdiu, or Obadiah; his name means "servant of God." His book of prophecy, which consists of only one chapter, is ranked fourth among the minor Prophets.

November 20

Gregory the Righteous of Decapolis

Saint Gregory who was from Irenopolis of the Decapolis of Asia Minor, was the son of Sergius and Mary. He became a monk as a young man, and after struggling for many years in virtue and prayer under obedience to a wise spiritual father, he was informed by revelation that it was the will of God for him to live, like the Patriarch Abraham, with no certain dwelling, moving from place to place. His journeyings took him to Ephesus, Constantinople, Corinth, Rome, Sicily, Thessalonica, and again to Constantinople, where, after many labours in defence of Orthodoxy against Iconoclasm, he reposed in peace in the first half of the ninth century. He had two disciples, one of whom was Saint Joseph the Hymnographer (see Apr. 3), who wrote the Menaion service for Saint Gregory, his father in Christ.

November 21

The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

According to the tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was brought to the Temple at three years of age, where she was consecrated to God and spent her days until she was fourteen or fifteen years old; and then, as a mature maiden, by the common counsel of the priests (since her parents had reposed some three years before), she was betrothed to Joseph.

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