Announcements

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES CONTINUE

There is no Sunday School scheduled today. We will resume the class rotations beginning Sunday, December 6,. Please check the Weekly Calendar below for the rotation. 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 COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Parish Council elections are scheduled for Sunday, December 13, 2020.

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.

MAINTENANCE HELP WANTED

Recently Jimmy Demetri has retired as our church maintenance manager and we thank him for his time and talent in keeping our church building operating smoothly. Thank you Jimmy, and Congratulations! Please contact Marc Gulezian (978-649-3387) if you have interest in helping the church with its maintenance needs. We are looking to organize a group of people to be on the Maintenance Crew to coordinate service with vendors and would appreciate hearing from you! Thanks in advance!

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): 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, 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
40 Day Memorial for Valerie Finneran
1 Year Memorial for Esther Kokas
4 Year Memorial for Peter Kokas
Monthly Trisagion
Last Day to drop off Adopt A Child/Family Gift Cards

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12
St. Spyridon - Liturgy, 9:30 am

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 ELEVENTH SUNDAY OF LUKE
Orthros, 8:30 am
Liturgy, 9:30 am
Sunday School Group 2
Parish Council Elections

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16
Bible Study (online), 10:00 am

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 SUNDAY BEFORE NATIVITY
Orthros, 8:30 am
Liturgy, 9:30 am
Sunday School Group 3

TODAY’S PARISH COUNCIL: Costas Tsioulis, Olivia Sintros & Chuck Nestor

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 4:1-7.

Brethren, I, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.

Gospel Reading

13th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 18:18-27

At that time, a ruler came to Jesus and asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.' " And he said, "All these I have observed from my youth." And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus looking at him said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" But he said, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

From on high you descended, O merciful Lord. You accepted the cross and three days in the tomb to free us from the bondage of sin, O our life and resurrection. Glory to you, O Lord.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Mode

On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.

Wisdom of the Fathers

Take heed, then, often to come together to give thanks to God, and show forth His praise. For when ye assemble frequently in the same place, the powers of Satan are destroyed, and the destruction at which he aims is prevented by the unity of your faith.

St. Ignatius of Antioch

Epistle to the Ephesians Ch. 13, 2nd century

It is only when in the darkness of this world we discern that Christ has already "filled all things with Himself" that these things, whatever they may be, are revealed and given to us full of meaning and beauty. A Christian is one who, wherever he looks, finds Christ and rejoices in Him.

Fr. Alexander Schmemann

For the Life of the World, p. 113, 20th century

Saints and Feasts

November 29

Paramonus, Philumenus, and their 370 Companion Martyrs in Bithynia

Saint Paramonus contested for piety's sake during the reign of Decius, in the year 250. A ruler named Aquilinus, seeking relief from a bodily malady, visited a certain therapeutic hot spring. He brought with him captive Christians from Nicomedia, and commanded them to offer sacrifice in the temple of Isis. When they refused, he had them all slaughtered, to the number of 370. Saint Paramonus, beholding their murder, boldly cried out against such an act of ungodliness. When Aquilinus heard this, he sent men to take the Saint. Some smote him with spears, others pierced his tongue and body with sharp reeds, until he died.

Saint Philumenus' contest in martyrdom took place during the reign of Aurelian, in the year 270. Coming from Lycaonia, he was conveying a load of wheat into Galatia when he was denounced as a Christian to Felix, Governor of Ancyra. Nails were driven into his hands, feet, and head, and he was commanded to run. While running in the road, he fell and gave up his holy soul into the hands of God.

November 30

Andrew the First- Called Apostle

This Saint was from Bethsaida of Galilee; he was the son of Jonas and the brother of Peter, the chief of the Apostles. He had first been a disciple of John the Baptist; afterwards, on hearing the Baptist's witness concerning Jesus, when he pointed Him out with his finger and said, "Behold the Lamb of God, Which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1.29,36), he straightway followed Christ, and became His first disciple; wherefore he is called the First-called of the Apostles. After the Ascension of the Saviour, he preached in various lands; and having suffered many things for His Name's sake, he died in Patras of Achaia, where he was crucified on a cross in the shape of an "X," the first letter of "Christ" in Greek; this cross is also the symbol of Saint Andrew.

December 01

Nahum the Prophet

The Prophet Nahum had Elkesaeus (Elkosh) as his homeland, and was from the tribe of Symeon; he is seventh in order among the twelve Minor Prophets He prophesied during the time of Hezekias, after the destruction of Samaria (721 years before Christ), but before the ten tribes were taken into captivity; he prophesied against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. His name means "comforter." His book of prophecy is divided into three chapters.

December 02

Habakkuk the Prophet

This Prophet, whose name means "loving embrace," is eighth in order of the minor Prophets. His homeland and tribe are not recorded in the Divine Scriptures; according to some, he was of the tribe of Symeon. He prophesied in the years of Joachim, who is also called Jechonias, before the Babylonian captivity of the Jewish People, which took place 599 years before Christ. When Nabuchodonosor came to take the Israelites captive, Habakkuk fled to Ostrakine, and after Jerusalem was destroyed and the Chaldeans departed, Habakkuk returned and cultivated his field. Once he made some pottage and was about to take it to the reapers in the field. An Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and carried him with the pottage to Babylon to feed Daniel in the lions' den, then brought him back to Judea (Bel and the Dragon, 33-39): His book of prophecy is divided into three chapters; the third chapter is also used as the Fourth Ode of the Psalter. His holy relics were found in Palestine during the reign of Emperor Theodosius the Great, through a revelation to Zebennus, Bishop of Eleutheropolis (Sozomen, Eccl. Hist., Book VII, 29).

December 03

The Holy Prophet Sophonias (Zephaniah)

This Prophet, who is ninth in order among the minor Prophets, was the son of Chusi (Cushi), from the tribe of Levi, or according to some, the great-grandson of King Hezekias. He prophesied in the years of Josias, who reigned in the years 641-610 before Christ. His book of prophecy is divided into three chapters. His name means "Yah is darkness."

December 04

Barbara the Great Martyr

Saint Barbara was from Heliopolis of Phoenicia and lived during the reign of Maximian.

She was the daughter of a certain idolater named Dioscorus. When Barbara came of age, she was enlightened in her pure heart and secretly believed in the Holy Trinity. About this time Dioscorus began building a bath-house; before it was finished he was required to go away to attend to certain matters, and in his absence Barbara directed the workmen to build a third window in addition to the two her Father had commanded. She also inscribed the sign of the Cross with her finger upon the marble of the bath-house, leaving the saving sign cut as deeply into the marble as if it had been done with an iron tool. (When the Synaxarion of Saint Barbara was written, the marble of the bath-house and the cross inscribed by Saint Barbara were still preserved, and many healings were worked there.) When Dioscorus returned, he asked why the third window had been added; Barbara began to declare to him the mystery of the Trinity. Because she refused to renounce her faith, Dioscorus tortured Barbara inhumanely, and after subjecting her to many sufferings he beheaded her with his own hands, in the year 290.

December 05

Sabbas the Sanctified

This Saint was born in 439 in Moutalaska, a small village of Cappadocia. He entered the arena of the monastic life from childhood and was under that master trainer of monastics, Euthymius, the Great, the teacher of the desert. He became the spiritual Father of many monks and an instructor for the monasteries in Palestine, and was appointed leader (archimandrite) of the desert-dwellers of Palestine by the Patriarch of Jerusalem. In his old age he went to Constantinople, to the Emperors Anastasius and Saint Justinian the Great, in behalf of the Orthodox Faith and the dogmas of the Council of Chalcedon. Having lived ninety-four years, he reposed in 533. The Typicon for the ecclesiastical services had its beginning in the monastery established by this righteous one.

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