Publish-header
Transfiguration of Our Saviour Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2021-04-04
Bulletin Contents
03_calvary
Organization Icon
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

LENTEN WORSHIP

We welcome our faithful on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for special Lenten services.  On Mondays we will gather for Compline service at 6:30pm.  On Wednesdays we will gather for Pre-sanctified Liturgy at 6 pm, and on Fridays we offer the Salutations service at 6:30 pm.  Please consult the parish calendar for days and times.  This year make a special effort to participate in at least one of each of these services during this Great Lent.  During these challenging times the calm of worship will help us deal the anxiety, loneliness, and despair that has filled our lives. All services will be live-streamed on www.YouTube.com/transgoc.

SPECIAL PROCESSION TODAY

Today, on the Third Sunday of Lent, we commemorate the Veneration of the Holy Cross.  The Holy Cross is held high before us to encourage us as we find ourselves at the midpoint of Great Lent.  We look upon the Holy Cross for strength in the coming days and as a reminder of what Christ offers to us through His sacrifice as an expression of His love for us.  We are also reminded that because of this sacrifice we greet the joy and saving grace of Christ’s Resurrection.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

The Parish Council has scheduled the Spring Parish Assembly for Sunday, April 11 following services.  As we did last fall, you will be able to attend in person or virtually.  The agenda and more information has been mailed out.

THE THREE-LEGGED STOOL

Often, the image of a three-legged stool is used to help us understand three important aspects of Great Lent, prayer, works of charity, and fasting.  Just as each leg of the stool is equally important and provides stability, these three ‘spiritual legs’ provide stability for our spiritual well-being.  Too often our sole focus during Great Lent is fasting, but fasting without the works of charity and prayer, is a diet.  All three of these are important and require our attention and use.  
Especially during this time, it is important for us to find comfort and solace.  We are longing for our Lord’s loving embrace and these three spiritual tools open our hearts to Christ.

SCHOLARSHIP

Scholarship applications are available on-line (transchurch.org) for graduating high school seniors planning on attending college in the fall.  For further questions contact Pat Mahoney (pmahoney7@comcast.net) or 978-436-0998.  The deadline for applications is May 1st.

PHILOPTOCHOS SPECIAL LENTEN PROJECT

The three aspects of Great Lent are prayer, fasting, and works of charity. We pray that you will join the Philoptochos Society in our charity project this year.

Since we have not been able to provide monthly meals to the House of Hope since the start of the pandemic, we would like to provide them with some of the items that they need at this time: New/gently used children’s clothing, size 2T through 14/16; Size 6 diapers; and Baby wipes.

Or if you prefer, you may purchase an snacks and other items from their Amazon wish list or donate an Amazon gift card.

Please bring your donations to church during scheduled services on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, or Sundays through Sunday, April 25th. 

Please email Cindy Rios at cerios331@gmail.com if you have any questions. 

Thank you for your support!

SEEKING AGAPE SERVICE READERS

On Easter Sunday, May 2, we celebrate the Agape Vesper Service.  During this service we offer the Gospel reading in as many languages as possible.  This reminds us that the proclamation of Christ’s resurrection was made throughout the whole world.  If you read a language other than Greek and English and would like to participate at the service by reading the Gospel, please speak with Fr. Tom.  We welcome your participation.

CHECK OUT OUR INSERTS AND FLYERS

Weekly, in the section following the announcements you will find inserts and flyers about special events and ministries.  Please make sure to check out this section.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS

Our parish office is currently open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 2 pm. Generally, the office is open in person. On Wednesday, it is open remotely. Even though we are open in person, if you need to come to the office, for your safety, please call and set up an appointment.

WATCH SERVICES ONLINE

We continue to live stream services through YouTube at www.youtube.come/transgoc.  A weekly listing of services can be found on our website www.transchurch.org and listed on the calendar found in this bulletin.

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, weekly basket offering, 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.

 

 

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

Vigil Light at the Side Altar (Icon of the Theotokos): In Memory of those who have died during the pandemic and for the health of those recovering.  - Chuck and Amelia Karayianis

Vigil Light at the Side Altar (Icon of the Theotokos) 2nd: In loving memory of Sophia Karamanolis on the 10 year anniversary – Demetrios Karamonlis

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:  In Loving Memory of John C. Anton

Vigil Light at the Foot of the Holy Cross:  Heavenly Father we thank you for the blessings †Irene and Demetrios Manelas

 

BACK TO TOP

Weekly Inserts

BACK TO TOP

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, April 4  SUNDAY OF THE HOLY CROSS
†Orthros, 8:30 am
†Liturgy, 9:30 am
Monthly Trisagion

Monday, April 5
Compline, 6:30 pm

Wednesday, April 7
Bible Study (online), 10:00 am
Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, 6:00 pm

Friday, April 9
Salutations Service, 6:30 pm

Sunday, April 11  SUNDAY OF ST. JOHN CLIMACUS
†Orthros, 8:30 am
†Liturgy, 9:30 am
40 Day Memorial for Marina Cote
Parish Assembly

Monday, April 12
Compline, 6:30 pm

Wednesday, April 14
Bible Study (online), 10:00 am
Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, 6:00 pm

Friday, April 16
Akathist Hymn, 6:30

 

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

 

UPCOMING EVENTS                                                     

 

April 18
1 Year Memorial for Efstratios Gavriil
1 Year Memorial for Anthi Gavrill

April 19
Compline, 6:30

April 21
Bible Study (online), 10:00 am
Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, 6:00 pm

April 24
Saturday of Lazuras
†Orthros, 8:30 am
†Liturgy, 9:30 am

April 25
Palm Sunday
†Orthros, 8:30 am
†Liturgy, 9:30 am
Bridegroom Service, 6:30 pm

April 26
Holy Monday    
Bridegroom Service, 6:30pm

April 27
Holy Tuesday     
Bridegroom Service (Hymn of Kassiani), 6:30pm

April 28
Holy Wednesday
Holy Unction Service, 3:00pm (Children Encouraged to Attend)
Bridegroom Service & Anointing with Holy Unction, 6:30pm

April 29
Holy Thursday     
Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil, 9:30am
Service of the Holy Passion (The 12 Gospels), 6:30pm

April 30
Holy Friday          
Service of the Royal Hours, 9:00am
Apokathilosis Service (Burial Service), 3:00pm
Lamentations, 6:30pm

May 1
Holy Saturday     
Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil, 9:30am (Children Encouraged to Attend)
Paschal Vigil, 11:15pm

Sunday, May 2
PASCHA
Resurrection Service, Orthros, and Divine Liturgy, 12:00am
Agape Vespers, 11:30am

 

BACK TO TOP

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 Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6.

BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."


Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."


BACK TO TOP

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode

When you descended into death, Life immortal, you vanquished the pow'r of hell by your resplendent divinity and when you raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers cried out triumphantly: O giver of life, Christ our God, glory to you.

Apolytikion for Sun. of the Holy Cross in the First Mode

Save, O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance. Give vict'ry to those who battle evil and protect us all by your holy cross.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Victorious Lady, mighty champion, defending us, we, your servants, now inscribe to you this hymn of thanks, for you rescued us from suff'ring and tribulation. Theotokos, with your power that can never fail, keep us safe from ev'ry danger our whole life long, that we may cry to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

And see how He also makes His discourse unexceptionable: not saying at all, "whether you will, or no, you must suffer this," but how? "If any man will come after me."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century

"I force not, I compel not, but each one I make lord of his own choice; wherefore also I say, 'If any man will.' For to good things do I call you, not to things evil, or burdensome; not to punishment and vengeance, that I should have to compel.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century

BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

03_calvary
April 04

Sunday of the Holy Cross

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.


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.


BACK TO TOP