Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church

Transcription

1 Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church 800 Westridge Road, Greensboro, NC Rev. Father Sarantis Loulakis Emergency Mobile: Office Phone: Fax: The Seven Ecumenical Councils & Their Principal Doctrines The First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (AD 325) This Council, the first Ecumenical Council of the Catholic and Apostolic Church, was held in order to bring out the true teaching of the Church as opposed by the heresy of Arius. It formally presented the teaching of the Church declaring the divinity of God the Son to be one substance and one nature with that of God the Father. There were twenty canons drawn up, in which the time of celebrating Easter was clarified. From this Council we have the Nicene Creed. The First Ecumenical Council of Constantinople (AD 381) Again the true faith was maintained against the Arians along with the Apollinarian and Macedonian heresies, which denied the Godhead of the Holy Spirit, the dogma of the Church was again stated and the words inserted into the Nicene Creed declaring the truth that the Holy Spirit proceeded from the Father through (Not "and") the Son. The Ecumenical Council of Ephesus (AD 431) The third General Council of the Church defined the universal dogma that the Blessed Virgin is the Mother of God and presented the teaching of the truth of one divine person in Christ. The Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon (AD 451) Held twenty years after the third General Council, this was to answer the Monophysite heresy and affirm the doctrine of two natures in Christ, human and divine. The Second Ecumenical Council of Constantinople (AD 553) This Council is sometimes referred to as the Council of the Three Chapters. It reaffirmed the dogmas stated by the third and forth General Councils. The Third Ecumenical Council of Constantinople (AD ) This Council gave the definition of two wills in Christ as the true teaching against the Monothelite heresy which claimed only one will. The Second Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (AD 757) Here was defined the veneration due to holy images, that we give honor only to those they represent and not to the image itself as such. It also gave twenty-two canons regarding the clergy. Our mission is to become Disciples of Christ, through thought, word and deed, humbly submitting to the will of the Father, while seeking the Holy Spirit to achieve Salvation. Our Vision with the Grace of God, is to provide a loving community where all belong to Christ, through worship, sanctification, education, witness, compassion and fellowship. Bulletin for Sunday, July 15, 2018 Holy Fathers of the 4th Council

2 WELCOME TO ALL VISITORS: For those visiting an Orthodox Church for the first time, we welcome you and thank you for praying with us. When it comes time for the receiving of the Holy Communion from the Chalice, please be aware that Holy Communion is a sign of unity of faith and it is only offered to Baptized or Chrismated Orthodox Christians. All present are welcome, however, to partake of the antidoro (blessed bread) which is distributed at the end of the service. If you are interested in learning more about the Orthodox Faith, please see Father Sarantis after the service. UPCOMING SERVICES Sunday July 15 Holy Fathers.....Orthros 8:45am / Div. Liturgy 10am Wednesday, July Chanting Practice 4:30pm / Great Vespers 6pm Friday, July 20 Elias the Prophet... Orthros 8:45am / Div. Liturgy 10am Sunday July 22 Mary Magdalene....Orthros 8:45am / Div. Liturgy 10am Wednesday, July Chanting Practice 4:30pm / Paraklesis 6pm Sunday July 29 Martyr Kallinikos...Orthros 8:45am / Div. Liturgy 10am MEMORIAL SERVICE TODAY A 5-Year Memorial Service will be chanted today for Helen Bartis. FELLOWSHIP HOUR Today is sponsored by Bill & Barbara Vaughan in memory of Barbara s mother, Helen Bartis. UPCOMING EVENTS High School Dancers Organizational Meeting & 1st Practice Today after Services There will be a High School Dancers Organizational meeting and first dance practice today after services. Subsequent practice dates and times will be discussed. Anyone who cannot attend may contact Barbara Vaughan at or at bartisvaughan@earthlink.net Vacation Church School Tuesday August 7 through Thursday, August 9, am-12noon Ages 4 years to rising 6th Graders Urban Ministry ~ Monday, August 20, 5pm

3 Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council 3rd Antiphon: The Hymn of the Day Tone 6: (Pg. 100 in the green hymnal) (Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάµεις ) Angelic powers appeared at Your tomb and those guarding it became like dead. And at Your grave Mary was standing seeking Your most pure body. You pundered Hades, not being tempted by it. You encountered the virgin granting life. O Lord, who rose from the dead, glory to You! Eisodikon (Hymn of the Entrance): Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ. Save us, O Son of God risen from the dead, we sing to you: Alleluia. Resurrection Apolytikion Tone 6: (Pg. 101 in the green hymnal) (Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάµεις ) Angelic powers appeared at Your tomb and those guarding it became like dead. And at Your grave Mary was standing seeking Your most pure body. You pundered Hades, not being tempted by it. You encountered the virgin, granting life. O Lord, who rose from the dead, glory to You! Hymn for the Holy Fathers Tone 8: (Ὑπερδεδοξασµένος εἶ, Χριστὲ...) Supremely blessed are You, O Christ our God. You established the holy Fathers upon the earth as beacons, and through them You have guided us all to the true Faith, O greatly merciful One, glory be to You. The Hymn of the Church Tone 1: ) In giving birth you remained a virgin and in your Dormition you did not forsake this world, O Theotokos. For as the Mother of Life you have yourself passed into life, and by your prayers you deliver our souls from death. Kontakion of the Feast Tone 2: (page 111 in the green hymnal) (Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν...) The protection of Christians unshameable, intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering, do not turn from the prayerful cries of those who are in sin, instead come to us, for you are good; your loving help bring unto us, who are crying in faith to you. Hasten to intercession and speed now to supplication as a protection for all time, Theotokos for those who honor you.

4 Epistle Reading: Titus 3:8-15 Titus, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is selfcondemned. When I send Artemas or Tychicos to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful. All who are with me send greeting to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. Gospel Reading: Matt. 5:14-19 The Lord said to his disciples, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." ***The Ushers will dismiss the congregation row by row for receiving the Holy Communion***

5 INVITATION TO CHANTING REHEARSAL OPEN TO ALL Please join us every Wednesday at 4:30pm in the church for chanting rehearsal for the upcoming Sunday s Divine Liturgy. We have been blessed with a new Divine Liturgy Hymnal. The chanting group has already implemented the new music. Practices will continue weekly on Wednesdays at 4:30pm, you will be notified in advance of any changes. We are hoping that each and every one will take advantage of, and be part of, this ministry. We pray that you will join us as we value your participation. Come chant and be joyful! Welcoming Committee The Welcoming Committee is looking for wonderful, welcoming volunteers to greet the many visitors and prospective new members that our parish has been blessed to have come through our doors lately. Even if you can just volunteer once every several months... we need you! Please contact Maria Mandaleris, or smlmando@gmail.com, if you are willing to help in this area. INVITATION from the 50-Plus (50+) Group We are taking a break and will meet again in September. On Monday, September 10, 1:30 pm, Village Tavern, 1903 Westridge Rd. IN TIMES OF ILLNESS "Come, O blessed of my father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was sick and you visited me." (Matt. 25:31-46). When a member of our Parish is ill and has been hospitalized or may be recuperating at home, the immediate family of the ill person should contact Father Sarantis at (516) or call the church office. It is beneficial to both the body and the soul when our priest prays for us when we are HANDLING THE HOLY BREAD (ANTIDORON) At the end of the Divine Liturgy, it is customary to receive a piece of holy bread or antidoron. While antidoron is not Holy Communion, it is blessed bread and as such should be eaten carefully so that crumbs do not fall. Both adults and children should always remember to eat the antidoron with respect. Leaving Church without receiving antidoron and the final blessing from the priest is foreign to our Orthodox culture.

6 Save the Dates!!! 2018 Annual Greek Festival September Services in Preparation of the Name Day Celebration of the Dormition of the Theotokos Dormition Fast begins on August 1st Wednesday, August 1, Paraklesis 7pm Thursday, August 2, Paraklesis 7pm Friday, August 3, Paraklesis 7pm Sunday, August 5, Vespers of the Transfiguration Monday, August 6, Matins 8:45am Liturgy 10am; Paraklesis 7pm Tuesday, August 7, Paraklesis 7pm Wednesday, August 8, Paraklesis 7pm Thursday, August 9, Paraklesis 7pm Friday, August 10, Paraklesis 7pm Monday, August 13, Paraklesis 7pm Tuesday, August 14, Vespers of the Dormition 7pm; Reception following Wednesday 15, Matins 8:45am Liturgy 10am SUPPORT OUR CHURCH BECOME A STEWARD IN 2018! We encourage you to share your time, talents, and treasure as active stewards of the Church. Please take the time to prayerfully submit a Stewardship Pledge Card and to contribute to the financial needs of our Church. For more information, contact the Church office at (336) Thank you to ALL of families and individuals who have submitted pledges of financial support for our Church in We encourage all of our Church members and friends to become active stewards.

7 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 Good Deeds of Light: Be respectful and faithful, forgive from the heart, be a peacemaker, resisting arguments, avoid blaming and complaining about others, be humble, welcoming, be prayerful for others, doing your best for the children s spiritual and natural growth, being happy for others progress in life, being attentive and sensitive to others, resisting arguments, fellowship.some of the fruits of the Holy Spirit at work in our hearts. Let us shine the light of good deeds for the glory of the Lord. Ladies Philoptochos Whenever you are coming to church you may bring your donations for our Annual Back to School Supplies for Children in Need project. Many stores are now displaying school supplies and are having back to school sales. The supplies will be distributed to Smith High School and the Newcomers School for the neediest students, whose parents cannot afford to purchase basic school supplies. The following items are the most needed and are from the Guilford County Schools required supply list; crayons, pencils, colored pencils, pencil top erasers, scissors, glue sticks, spiral or composition notebooks, folders with prongs, one inch 3 ring binder, and wide rule or college rule paper. Collection boxes are on a table in the Fellowship Hall. Your support of this project will allow children less fortunate to have the necessary supplies to insure a successful start this school year. Also, remember that your help is needed for our summer Food Bank donations that are being collected for the Out of the Garden Food and Backpack Program, which provides healthy meals every weekend during the school year to students and their families who struggle financially. Please remember to bring non-perishable food items whenever you come to church. Suggested items are canned fruit, vegetables, soups, meats, pasta sauces, pasta, rice, cereal, oatmeal, peanut butter, crackers, jelly, powdered milk. Please NO GLASS JARS and always check expiration dates! With your support we will help this most worthy program stock their shelves when school begins in late August.

8 Welcome all who are visiting at the Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church. Please join us in the Parish Hall for coffee and refreshments after the service. Please fill out a visitor card and place it in the offering tray or hand it to a parish council member in the Narthex. Any council member would be happy to meet with you and tell you more about life at this church. Please leave a phone number if you wish to be contacted.