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Transfiguration of Our Saviour Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2021-11-07
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Allsaint
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Transfiguration of Our Saviour Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (978) 458-4321
  • 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

JOIN US FOR COFFEE FELLOWSHIP

We welcome everyone for Coffee Fellowship today, and every Sunday, in the Fellowship Hall following services.  If you have children in the Sunday School, please wait for them in Coffee Fellowship.  They will be dismissed when their class is completed.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

While Sunday School classes continue in person each week, we welcome students who have not yet participated this year to join in.  All are welcome.  The teachers have worked hard to put together some wonderful lessons and are excited to teach our children about the faith and share the love of Christ with them.

PARISH ASSEMBLY – NOVEMBER 7

Today following services, we will hold our annual fall Parish Assembly.  We welcome everyone to join us for lunch and the meeting.  We thank Mama’s Italian Restaurant for providing the meal. The meeting should last only 45 minutes to an hour.

OUR CONGRATULATIONS
 
We extend our congratulations to John Thibault who was inducted into the Archon of the Ecumenical Throne class of 2020 & 2021 with the title, Exarchos.  This is indeed a great honor for John, but also for the Transfiguration parish.  The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate not only support the Patriarchate, but advocate for religious freedom and the Orthodox faith throughout the world.  For more information on the Archons go to archons.org

PHILOPTOCHOS GENERAL MEETING

Our next Philoptochos General meeting takes place on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 9:30am.  A delicious Brunch will be served.  For this meeting we encourage you to bring men’s/women’s crew socks for the homeless for this meeting’s outreach effort. Many thanks in advance.

PHILOPTOCHOS 68TH VIRTUAL ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TEA FUNDRAISER

You are cordially invited to participate in this year’s Philoptochos 68th Virtual Christmas Tea Fundraiser taken place on Sunday, December 5, 2021. All proceeds will benefit our annual outreach ministries, as well as several additional charities impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Let’s share our Christian value in the true spirit of giving by helping others in wake of this unprecedented pandemic. With many 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 after church at noon on Sunday, December 5, 2021. 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 at 978-505-1764 or ekdobi@verizon.net for the form, or give online directly at philoptochos-tea-2021.eventbrite.com.

GOYA APPLE PIE SALES

You can now place your order for the annual GOYA Apple Pie Sale.  These delicious apple pies will be available for pick-up on Sunday, November 21 following liturgy.  You can order your pies, baked, unbaked, and sugarless.  Each homemade pie is just $15.  Perfect for Thanksgiving.  Please see the GOYAns at the lobby table following services. See the Flyer below.

CHOIR NEEDS YOU

We are excited to have a wonderful group participating in the choir.  We have some who are brand new to choir and some who have sung for many years.  Please join us, no experience necessary. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our director, Stephanie Gulezian, at stephaniegulezian@gmail.com, our organist, Marc Gulezian, at mgulezian22@gmail.com or come up to the loft and follow along with us.

COVID PROTOCOLS REMINDER

As we continue to gather for worship, we ask that you follow the current CDC and state guidelines.  Those who are vaccinated, masks are optional.  Those who are not fully vaccinated are strongly encouraged to continue mask usage to help protect themselves and others, especially our children.  Children 2 years and older are strongly encouraged to wear masks.  You are welcome to seat yourself as you enter the church.  As you move around the facility, please keep social distancing in mind.

If you are not feeling well, please stay at home.  If you have taken a COVID test and are waiting for the results, please stay home until you receive your negative test result.

We are excited to welcome you back for worship as you feel comfortable.  We are also excited to begin reinstalling many of our ministries and events.  Please offer your assistance as we begin the process of ramping up our calendar.

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.

WATCH SERVICES ONLINE

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

  

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 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: In Loving Memory of Marcus Jorge Oslan.  May his memory be eternal.  All our love Dana, DePaula & Laurie Eliopoulos

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Weekly Inserts

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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 7  SEVENTH SUNDAY OF LUKE
†Orthros, 8:30 am
†Liturgy, 9:30 am
3 Year Memorial for Thomas George Gianacakes
Monthly Trisagion
Coffee Fellowship and light lunch following Liturgy
Parish Assembly following Liturgy
End of Daylight Savings Time

Monday, November 8
Archangels - Liturgy, 9:30 am
Saint Nektarios – Great Vespers at St. George GOC, 6:00 pm

Wednesday, Nobember 10
Bible Study (online), 10:00 am
Parish Council Meeting, 6:30 pm

Thursday, November 11
Veterans Day - Office Closed

Saturday, November 13
Philoptochos General Meeting and Brunch, 9:30 am

Sunday, November 14 EIGHTH SUNDAY OF LUKE 
†Orthros, 8:30 am
†Liturgy, 9:30 am
Coffee Fellowship following Liturgy

Wednesday, November 17
Bible Study (online), 10:00 am

TODAY’S PARISH COUNCIL: Nick Kouloungis, Carl Maib & Marc Gulezian

UPCOMING EVENTS         

November 21
Entrance of the Theotokos
IOCC Bake Sale
GOYA Apple Pie order pickup

November 25
Thanksgiving

November 28
Thirteenth Sunday of Luke

December 1
Bible Study (online), 10:00 am

                                         

 

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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 1:11-19.

Brethren, I would have you know that the gospel which was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother.


Gospel Reading

7th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 8:41-56

At that time, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus' feet he besought him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As he went, the people pressed round him. And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years and had spent all her living upon physicians and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, "Who was it that touched me?" When all denied it, Peter and those who were with him said, "Master, the multitudes surround you and press upon you!" But Jesus said, "Some one touched me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from me." And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." While he was still speaking, a man from the ruler's house came and said, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more." But Jesus on hearing this answered him, "Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well." And when he came to the house, he permitted no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but he said, "Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, "Child, arise." And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.


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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 33 Martyrs of Militene in the Fourth Mode

Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

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

He puts an end to the woman's fear ... He sets her right, in respect of her thinking to be hid ... He exhibits her faith to all, so as to provoke the rest also to emulation ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 31 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

At the same time both signifying that it is easy for Him to raise the dead ... and also teaching us not to fear death; for that it is not death, but is henceforth become a sleep.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 31 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
November 07

Lazarus the Wonderworker

Our righteous Father Lazarus was born in 967 in Magnesia of Asia Minor, and passed through various regions of the East, visiting monasteries. He was tonsured a monk, and then ordained priest, at the Monastery of Mar Sabbas in Palestine. In 1005 he returned to his homeland, and beginning in the year 1012, he built the monasteries that are on Mount Galesion. He raised up a pillar, on which he lived as a stylite for many years, enduring unspeakable hardships for the love of Christ, and reposed in the Lord in deep old age in the year 1053, during the reign of Constantine Monomachus (1042-1055).


Archangl
November 08

Synaxis of the Archangel Michael & the other Bodiless Powers: Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salaphiel, Jegudiel, & Barachiel

All the Angels, according to the Apostle Paul, are ministering spirits, - sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation - (Heb. 1:14). God set them as overseers of every nation and people, and guides to that which is profitable (Deut. 32:8); and while one Angel is appointed to oversee each nation as a whole, one is also appointed to protect each Christian individually. He commands them to guard them that hope on Him, that nothing should harm them, neither should any evil draw nigh to their dwelling (Ps. 90:10-12). In the Heavens they always behold the face of God, sending up to Him the thrice-holy hymn and interceding with Him in our behalf, seeing they rejoice over one sinner that repents (Esaias 6:2-3; Matt. 18:10; Luke 15:7). In a word, they have served God in so many ways for our benefit, that the pages of Holy Scripture are filled with the histories thereof. It is for these reasons that the Orthodox Catholic Church, wisely honouring these divine ministers, our protectors and guardians, celebrates today the present Synaxis that is, our coming together in assembly for their common feast to chant their praises, especially for the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, who are mentioned in the Scriptures by name. The name Michael means "Who is like God?" and Gabriel means "God is mighty." The number of Angels is not defined in the divine Scriptures, where Daniel says that thousands of thousands ministered before Him, and ten thousands of ten thousands attended upon Him -(Dan. 7:10). But all of them are divided into nine orders which are called Thrones, Cherubim, Seraphim, Dominions, Powers, Authorities, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.


Nektario
November 09

Nektarius the Wonderworker, Metropolitan of Pentapolis

Saint Nektarius was born in Selyvria of Thrace on October 1, 1846. After putting himself through school in Constantinople with much hard labour, he became a monk on Chios in 1876, receiving the monastic name of Lazarus; because of his virtue, a year later he was ordained deacon, receiving the new name of Nektarius. Under the patronage of Patriarch Sophronius of Alexandria, Nektarius went to Athens to study in 1882; completing his theological studies in 1885, he went to Alexandria, where Patriarch Sophronius ordained him priest on March 23, 1886 in the Cathedral of Saint Sabbas, and in August of the same year, in the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, made him Archimandrite. Archimandrite Nektarius showed much zeal both for preaching the word of God, and for the beauty of God's house. He greatly beautified the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, and years later, when Nektarius was in Athens, Saint Nicholas appeared to him in a dream, embracing him and telling him he was going to exalt him very high.

On January 15, 1889, in the same Church of Saint Nicholas, Nektarius was consecrated Metropolitan of the Pentapolis in eastern Libya, which was under the jurisdiction of Alexandria. Although Nektarius' swift ascent through the degrees of ecclesiastical office did not affect his modesty and childlike innocence, it aroused the envy of lesser men, who convinced the elderly Sophronius that Nektarius had it in his heart to become Patriarch. Since the people loved Nektarius, the Patriarch was troubled by the slanders. On May 3, 1890, Sophronius relieved Metropolitan Nektarius of his duties; in July of the same year, he commanded Nektarius to leave Egypt.

Without seeking to avenge or even to defend himself, the innocent Metropolitan left for Athens, where he found that accusations of immorality had arrived before him. Because his good name had been soiled, he was unable to find a position worthy of a bishop, and in February of 1891 accepted the position of provincial preacher in Euboia; then, in 1894, he was appointed dean of the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School in Athens. Through his eloquent sermons his unwearying labours to educate fitting men for the priesthood, his generous alms deeds despite his own poverty, and the holiness, meekness, and fatherly love that were manifest in him, he became a shining light and a spiritual guide to many. At the request of certain pious women, in 1904 he began the building of his convent of the Holy Trinity on the island of Aegina while yet dean of the Rizarios School; finding later that his presence there was needed, he took up his residence on Aegina in 1908, where he spent the last years of his life, devoting himself to the direction of his convent and to very intense prayer; he was sometimes seen lifted above the ground while rapt in prayer. He became the protector of all Aegina, through his prayers delivering the island from drought, healing the sick, and casting out demons. Here also he endured wicked slanders with singular patience, forgiving his false accusers and not seeking to avenge himself. Although he had already worked wonders in life, an innumerable multitude of miracles have been wrought after his repose in 1920 through his holy relics, which for many years remained incorrupt. There is hardly a malady that has not been cured through his prayers; but Saint Nektarius is especially renowned for his healings of cancer for sufferers in all parts of the world.


Allsaint
November 10

Erastus, Olympas, Rodion, Sosipater, Quartus, and Tertios, Apostles of the 70

Of these Saints, Olympas and Rodion became disciples of Peter, the chief Apostle, and came to Rome, where they were beheaded by Nero. The others reposed in peace, having become bishops: Sosipater of Iconium, Quartus of Beirut, and Erastus of Paneas, or Paneias (which was also called Caesarea of Philippi); Saint Erastus had been chamberlain of the city of Corinth (Rom.16:23).


Menas
November 11

Menas of Egypt

Saint Menas, who had Egypt as his fatherland, contested in Cotyaeion of Phrygia in 296 during the reign of Diocletian and Maximian. A soldier distinguished for his valour in war, he renounced his rank and withdrew to devote himself to ascetical struggles and prayer in the mountains. Filled with zeal and more than human courage, he presented himself in the midst of a pagan festival in Cotyaeion and declared himself to be a Christian. After terrible torments which he endured with astonishing courage, he was beheaded. His martyrium in Egypt became a place of universal pilgrimage; evidence of ancient journeys to his shrine have been found as far away as Ireland. The glory and refuge of the Christians of Egypt, he has been revealed to be a worker of great miracles and a swift defender for all who call on him with faith; besides all else, he is also invoked for help in finding lost objects.


Johnmerciful
November 12

John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria

Saint John was born in 555 on the island of Cyprus in the city of Amathus; his father, Epiphanius, was a ruler of Cyprus. The Saint was consecrated Archbishop of Alexandria in 608. A man of exemplary uprightness, in his zeal for Orthodoxy he strove mightily to fight the many heresies among the Christians in Egypt; but above all, he was famous for his singular generosity, humility, and sympathy towards all, especially the poor. His mercy was so great that the report of it reached the Persian invaders of Jerusalem, who desired to see him because of it. Saint John reposed in 619, at the age of sixty-four.


Johnchry
November 13

John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople

This greatest and most beloved of all Christian orators was born in Antioch the Great in the year 344 or 347; his pious parents were called Secundus and Anthusa. After his mother was widowed at the age of twenty, she devoted herself to bringing up John and his elder sister in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. John received his literary training under Anthragathius the philosopher, and Libanius the sophist, who was the greatest Greek scholar and rhetorician of his day. Libanius was a pagan, and when asked before his death whom he wished to have for his successor, he said, "John, had not the Christians stolen him from us." With such a training, and with such gifts as he had by nature, John had before him a brilliant career as a rhetorician. But through the good example of his godly mother Anthusa and of the holy Bishop Meletius of Antioch (see Feb. 12), by whom he was ordained reader about the year 370, he chose instead to dedicate himself to God. From the years 374 to 381 he lived the monastic life in the hermitages that were near Antioch. His extreme asceticism undermined his health, compelling him to return to Antioch, where Saint Meletius ordained him deacon about the year 381. Saint Meletius was called to Constantinople later that year to preside over the Second Ecumenical Council, during which he fell asleep in the Lord. In 386 Bishop Flavian ordained John presbyter of the Church of Antioch. Upon his elevation to the priesthood his career as a public preacher began, and his exceptional oratorical gifts were made manifest through his many sermons and commentaries. They are distinguished by their eloquence and the remarkable ease with which rich imagery and scriptural allusions are multiplied; by their depth of insight into the meaning of Scripture and the workings of God's providence; and, not least of all, by their earnestness and moral force, which issue from the heart of a blameless and guileless man who lived first what he preached to others. Because of his fame, he was chosen to succeed Saint Nectarius as Patriarch of Constantinople. He was taken away by stealth, to avoid the opposition of the people, and consecrated Patriarch of Constantinople on February 28, 398, by Theophilus, Patriarch of Alexandria, who was to prove his mortal enemy.

At that time the Emperor of the East was Arcadius, who had had Saint Arsenius the Great as his tutor (see May 8); Arcadius was a man of weak character, and much under the influence of his wife Eudoxia. The zealous and upright Chrysostom's unsparing censures of the lax morals in the imperial city stung the vain Eudoxia; through Theophilus' plottings and her collaboration, Saint John was banished to Pontus in 403. The people were in an uproar, and the following night an earthquake shook the city; this so frightened the Empress Eudoxia that she begged Arcadius to call Chrysostom back. While his return was triumphant, his reconciliation with the Empress did not last long. When she had a silver statue of herself erected in the forum before the Church of the Holy Wisdom (Saint Sophia) in September of 403, and had it dedicated with much unseemly revelry, Saint John thundered against her, and she could not forgive him. In June of 404 he was exiled to Cucusus, on the borders of Cilicia and Armenia. From here he exchanged letters with Pope Innocent of Rome, who sent bishops and priests to Constantinople requesting that a council be held. Saint John's enemies, dreading his return, prevailed upon the Emperor to see an insult in this, and had John taken to a more remote place of banishment called Pityus near the Caucasus. The journey was filled with bitter sufferings for the aged bishop, both because of the harshness of the elements and the cruelty of one of his 310 guards. He did not reach Pityus, but gave up his soul to the Lord near Comana in Pontus, at the chapel of the Martyr Basiliscus (see May 22), who had appeared to him shortly before, foretelling the day of his death, which came to pass on September 14, 407. His last words were "Glory be to God for all things." His holy relics were brought from Comana to Constantinople thirty-one years later by the Emperor Theodosius the Younger and Saint Pulcheria his sister, the children of Arcadius and Eudoxia, with fervent supplications that the sin of their parents against him be forgiven; this return of his holy relics is celebrated on January 27.

Saint John was surnamed Chrysostom ("Golden-mouth") because of his eloquence. He made exhaustive commentaries on the divine Scriptures and was the author of more works than any other Church Father, leaving us complete commentaries on the Book of Genesis, the Gospels of Saints Matthew and John, the Acts, and all the Epistles of Saint Paul. His extant works are 1,447 sermons and 240 epistles. Twenty-two teachers of the Church have written homilies of praise in his honour. Besides his feasts today and on January 27, he is celebrated as one of the Three Hierarchs on January 30, together with Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory the Theologian.

It should be noted that, because September 14 is the Exaltation of the Cross, the Saint's memory has been transferred to this day.


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