FATHER DEMETRI TSIGAS cell phone: Orthros: 8:45 AM Divine Liturgy: 10:00 AM Fellowship Hour: Noon

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1 SAINT KATHERINE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 5965 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, Florida Church Phone: (321) fax (321) Church hall: (321) website: FATHER DEMETRI TSIGAS cell phone: Orthros: 8:45 AM Divine Liturgy: 10:00 AM Fellowship Hour: Noon Church office hours: Mon. through Fri. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. / Sat. closed & Sun. closed during Liturgy ~ VISION & MISSION STATEMENT ~ Our Vision (dream) is to be a growing, loving, united Orthodox Christian family open to all. Our Mission (job) is to grow our faith in Christ through love and respect, with humility and forgiveness. Sunday, February 26, rd Morning Gospel - 3rd Mode FORGIVENESS SUNDAY CHEESEFARE SUNDAY Porphyrios, Bishop of Gaza (+420) Martyrs Photini the Samaritan Woman; her sisters - Photo, Photis, Paraskevi & Kyriaki; & her sons Joses & Photinos Sebastian the Duke Martyr John the Craftsman (+1575) ~ Welcome to Our Guests ~ We are delighted that you are with us today. Please keep in mind that according to the Holy Canons and teachings of the Orthodox Church, you must be a baptized and chrismated member of the Orthodox faith in good standing in order to receive Holy Communion. You are welcome to receive a portion of the blessed bread (antidoron) distributed at the end of the Divine Liturgy. Please join us for coffee hour following services.

2 Divine Liturgy of St. John the Chrysostom Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἀναστάσιμον Ήχος Γ - σ Εὐφραινέσθω τὰ οὐράνια, ἀγαλλιάσθω τὰ ἐπίγεια, ὅτι ἐποίησε κράτος, ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ, ὁ Κύριος ἐπάτησε τῷ θανάτῳ τὸν θάνατον πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν ἐγένετο ἐκ κοιλίας ᾅδου ἐρρύσατο ἡμᾶς, καὶ παρέσχε τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. Resurrectional Apolytikion 3 rd Mode p 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 form the depths of hell and has granted to all the world His great mercy. Ἀπολυτίκιον τής Άγίας Αικατερίνης - Ήχος Πλ. Α Τήν πανεύφημον νύμφην Χριστού υμνήσωμεν * Αικατερίναν τήν θείαν καί πολιούχον Σινά * τήν βοήθειαν ημών καί αντίληψιν ότι εφίμωσε λαμπρώς * τούς κομψούς τών ασεβών * τού Πνεύματος τή δυνάμει καί ως Μάρτυς Κυρίου στεφθείσα * αιτείται πάσι τό μέγα έλεος. Apolytikion of St. Katherine - Plagal 1st Mode The all-blessed bride of Christ let us extol in song * Katerina the divine and protector of Sinai * our assistance and unfailing firm support; * for she did muzzle brilliantly * the ungodly clever men by the power of the Spirit. And now as a crowned Martyr * the great mercy she pleads for all of us. Κοντάκιον - Ήχος Δ - p. 264 Τῆς σοφίας ὁδηγέ, φρονήσεως χορηγέ, τῶν ἀφρόνων παιδευτά, καὶ πτωχῶν ὑπερασπιστά, στήριξον, συνέτισον τὴν καρδίαν μου, Δέσποτα, σὺ δίδου μοι λόγον, ὁ τοῦ Πατρὸς Λόγος ἰδοὺ γὰρ τὰ χείλη μου, οὐ μὴ κωλύσω ἐν τῷ κράζειν σοι Ἐλεῆμον, ἐλέησόν με τὸν παραπεσόντα. Kontakion - 4 th Mode p. 265 O You who are the source of all wisdom & discernment, instructor of the ignorant and champion of the poor; strengthen my heart O Master, and grant me understanding. O word of the Father, bring words to my lips, that nothing would keep me from crying out to you: In Your compassion have mercy on me, for I have fallen. 2

3 The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4 BRETHREN, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for God is able to make him stand. The Reading is from The Gospel of Matthew 6:1-21 The Lord said, "Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. "Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. "And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: Our Father who is in heaven, May Your name held as Holy, May Your Kingdom come, May Your Will be done, as it is in heaven, so also on earth, Give us Spiritual Bread this day, Forgive us our debts of sin as we forgive others their debts of sin against us. Keep us from being lead into temptation, And deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, for ever. Amen." Please turn your cell phones & pagers off or on vibrate before entering Church 3

4 The Lord said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. "And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Please pray for our: Brevard County, State of Florida & America Spiritual Leaders: Patriarch Bartholomew; Archbishop Demetrios; Metropolitan Alexios; & Fr. Demetri Civil Leaders: President Donald J. Trump, US Congress & Supreme Court; Governor Rick Scott; all our civil authorities and our armed forces. Parish Leadership: Parish Council, Philoptochos, Chanters, Choir, Sunday & Greek School teachers & students, Youth & Dance Group leaders and children. Those who are sick, awaiting surgery, recovering from surgery, in need of prayers and/ or shut in: Alexandra Diamond,, Mae Charos, Theresa Sempepos, Peter & Dorothy Pappademetriou, Bill & Ellen Werner, Olga, Despina Kalimnios, Nazieh & Yvonne Yacoub, Savannah & Zander Kelly, Vada Ganakos, Mirsini Sirounis, Suzanne Orosz, Faye Nicholas, John & JoAnne Macheras, John Cominos, Van Katehakis, Angela DeCosta, Marlaine & Jim Manus, Ann Prieston, George & Sue Kanazeh, Joseph, Jay & John Paul Figari, Jan & Mary, James Petersen, David & Ashley, James Pappas, Bill Kokotis, Leah Thomas, Mary & Pete Faines, Robert & Vel, Katie, Jamie, George & Steven, Kiki & Howard D, Georgia & Vasili, Brandon Gilsenan, Bob Dearmin, Aurelia Bocanu, Peter & JoAnn Zuras, Tom & Yvette, Kris & Jonathan, Athena Giglio, Peter, Alice & Jim Zavitsanos, Michael Cora & family, Irene Decker, Harry Paris, Samuel Smith, Fred Catalano, Costa, Anastasia, Maggie & Andromahi Theodorou, Peter Katsoulas, Despina Grant, Zoey Villiotis. For those expecting: Nicole & Anthony Schultz For those with new babies: Those preparing for Baptism: Isabell Pugh, Demetri Nicholas Those serving in the Military: Joseph Abadiotakis, Jr., Elias Panayiotis Maldonado, Nicholas Tsamoutales, Yanni Tshontikidis, Harold David Ballard, Samuel Joseph III, Nicholas Cannaverde, Travis Hunter, Ethan Macheras, Matthew Ryan Stinnett, James Christian Figari. For the protection of Christians who are being persecuted for their faith. For the protection and freedom of the kidnapped Metropolitan Boulos Yazigi and Archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim, both of Aleppo, Syria. Those preparing for Marriage: 4

5 College Students: Arianna Bendlin, Michael Courey, Telly & Tony Galanopoulos, Alyssa Giglio, Alyssa, Marianthi & Callia Karas, Kimberley & Dana Marie Koines, Jennifer & Andrew Loso, Tommy Panouses, Catherine Psarakis, George & Jessica Saad, Catie & Sydney Sergis, Costas & Alex Stathis, Elizabeth Gaherty, Brandon Arena, Melanie Niarhos, Ronnie Rickard, Leah & Austen Thomas, Theodora Bendlin, Joseph Daniel Figari. (If you know of anyone that should be added to this list, please call the Church office.) ~ Today ~ ANNUAL GREEK FESTIVAL! Vespers & Forgiveness Service 6 pm ~ Upcoming Liturgies & Events ~ Mon., Feb. 27th - LENT BEGINS Wed., Mar. 1st - Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 6 pm followed by Lenten Series, Journey to Fullness & Foundations of Freedom see p. 14 & 15 for more info Fri., Mar. 3rd - Salutations to the Theotokos - 6 pm Sun., Mar. 5th - Sunday of Orthodoxy, bring your icons from home for the Procession following Liturgy Wed., Mar. 8th - Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 6 pm followed by Lenten Series, Journey to Fullness & Foundations of Freedom see p. 14 & 15 for more info Thurs., Mar. 9th - ZOE trip to Exploration Tower - see p. 15 for more details. Fri., Mar. 10th - Salutations to the Theotokos - 6 pm Sun., March 12th - Daylight Saving Time Begins - Turn your clocks forward 1 hour Before you go to bed Saturday night. Wed., Mar. 15th - Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 6 pm followed by Lenten Series, Journey to Fullness & Foundations of Freedom see p. 14 & 15 for more info Fri., Mar. 17th - Salutations to the Theotokos - 6 pm Sun., Mar. 19th - Sunday of the Holy Cross - Fasolatha sponsored by Philoptochos 5

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7 SUNDAY SCHOOL REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 19 ~ Vision Statement ~ To be a community of engaged and educated young Orthodox Christians. ~ Mission Statement ~ To encourage and foster spiritual growth of young people in our Orthodox Faith. 5th - 6th Grades - Daphne Courey & Anastasia Theodorou In our lesson titled The Church is Made of Living Stones, we talked about how we come together to help at events like at our Greek Festival so that we can support our church. St. Peter tells us that Jesus is the cornerstone and the living Stone of the church. We can t build the Church without the strong foundation of Christ. St. Peter also invites us to become living stones to grow and build a strong spiritual house, our church, where we join together as followers of Christ. The class also enjoyed a demonstration where each student was given a toothpick that they could easily break in half by itself. When we took another toothpick and braced it tight against a strong metal nail, the toothpick would not break. Likewise by ourselves we have little strength but when we stay close to Jesus, we are strong in faith because of the power of our Mighty God. Attendance: 9 Orthodox Life/High School - Bill Orosz & Warren Baker We discussed the meaning of Meatfare / Judgment Sunday, by tradition our last day for eating meat before Holy Pascha. We discussed today s Gospel the parable of the Last Judgment as the higher standard that we Orthodox must live by to truly be a follower of Christ we are called to see Him in everyone and to serve them. We also discussed our individual preparation for Great Lent and brain-stormed ways that we could grow in spirituality through Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. Several suggestions were to increase the amount of time we spend with the Lord in daily Prayer (and to include St. Ephraim s Prayer during Great Lent); to be more faithful in our daily Scripture reading and reflection; to attend Pre Sanctified Liturgies; to discover and share an Orthodox Lenten book (such as Great Lent: Journey to Pascha, The Lenten Spring) to prepare ourselves for Confession; to improve our observance of Orthodox fasting guidelines; to maintain our focus and not to become discouraged in pursuing our goals (a friend to encourage us and to hold us accountable was offered as a good idea). In summary, the purpose of our acts of piety and prayer should aleays be to serve Christ and others. Attendance: 10 7

8 GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY * Tel: (212) Fax: (212) communications@goarch.org Contact: PRESS OFFICE Stavros Papagermanos pressoffice@goarch.org Date: February 26, 2017 ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE Prot. No. 118 CATECHETICAL ENCYCLICAL ON THE OPENING OF GREAT LENT + B A R T H O L O M E W By God s Mercy Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch To the Plenitude of the Church May the Grace and Peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Together with our Prayer, Blessing and Forgiveness be with you Beloved brothers and children in the Lord, With the grace and loving kindness of God, tomorrow we enter the arena of Holy and Great Lent, the most suitable period for the soul our own soul to turn toward the Lord. This period is one of constant contrition before the mystery of God that daily unfolds before us, the mystery of our salvation. This is why the opportunity granted to us with the Sacred Fast has a special characteristic: the renewal and vigilance of the soul that is called for during this time filled with divine exhortation and sanctity to become aware of the ephemeral and material, while gradually being transferred to the eternal and spiritual. Symbolically and summarily, the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete addresses its author as well as every soul troubled and distressed by the temptations and distractions of this life. Conscious of the burden carried by a soul wounded by sin, St. Andrew cries out with anguish: My soul, my soul, arise; why do you sleep? This cry leads to the realization of vanity and the inexpressible 8

9 fear of death: The end is near and [my soul] will be troubled. Before the unexpected end of life that comes like a thief in the night, the illumined Cretan poet invites himself and every soul suffering and consumed by the fear of insecurity to awaken in order that Christ our God, who is ever present and fills all things, may take care of us. The Orthodox patristic teaching calls each of us, during this period of struggle, to recognize who we are, where we are, and where we are headed. We are called to realize the vanity of this temporary life and repent for all that we have hitherto done in knowledge or in ignorance, in word or deed, in action and in all our senses contrary to the Gospel of Christ and the law of grace. Only then shall we find mercy and grace; and only then will the Lord, who knows hearts and minds as well as the innermost secrets and thoughts of human beings, take care of us and forgive our unjust thoughts that lead us to vain and useless deeds. The struggle that lies before us culminates in vigilance, renewal and repentance. Through repentance, namely by coming to know our condition, and through confession, our life is crowned with forgiveness of sins, communion of the Holy Spirit, and fullness of the heavenly kingdom. This renewal is identified with the conscience of the repentant soul (see 2 Cor and Rom. 2.15) and is a gift of God. Brothers and children in the Lord, We Orthodox Christians are called to live the period of Holy and Great Lent as a time of conscientious renewal and vigilance, as an eternal moment of our Orthodox identity. That is to say, we are called to live and experience Christ Himself, to love and experience ecclesiastically and spiritually. For it is only through our life in Christ that we have the possibility to renew our conscience and ascend to the level of true freedom and the infallible criteria for our consolation and salvation. At the opening of this blessed period, the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Great Church of Christ spiritually visit every Orthodox Christian soul that labors without consolation and is laden by the values and pleasures of the flesh and this world; we travel with and pray to the King of kings and Lord of lords, who comes to be slaughtered and given as food to the faithful : O Lord, deem worthy all Orthodox faithful in peace and contrition of heart, that they may journey through this sacred period and the arena that opens up before us, granting grace and strength to all, that they may reach their goal and courageously walk 9

10 the way to the festive day of Your Resurrection in order that they may be crowned with joy and ceaselessly give praise. (Poem of Theodore, Triodion) We bless all of you paternally, beloved and faithful children of the Mother Church. And united with you in prayer and intercession, we invoke upon all the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, through the intercessions of our Lady Theotokos, the holy angels and all the saints, so that all of us may be worthy of our calling to live as Orthodox Christians and thus enjoy the delight and glory of our Lord s Resurrection. To Him belong the might, thanksgiving, honor, power and glory, to the ages of ages. Amen. Holy and Great Lent Bartholomew of Constantinople Your fervent supplicant before God IF THERE IS AN ICON ON THE CALENDAR AND A LITURGY IS NOT LISTED, PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE AND REQUEST THAT LITURGY BE SERVED ON THAT PARTICULAR DAY. PLEASE GIVE AT LEAST 2 WEEKS NOTICE. PLEASE BE SURE BEFORE ANY MINISTRY DECIDES TO HAVE AN EVENT OR NEEDS ANY OF OUR FACILITIES, PLEASE CHECK ON LINE FIRST AND THEN CONFIRM WITH THE CHURCH OFFICE. Check our on line calendar for updates on Liturgies & events. 10

11 MESSAGE FROM HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN ALEXIOS My Beloved Ones, This coming Sunday we will experience the end of the first part of the Triodion. The past weeks have given us the necessary spiritual exercises to help us on the upcoming 40 day journey: humility, repentance and compassion. This weekend, before we cross into Lent, we are meant to be reminded of forgiveness: seeking our Father s forgiveness, and offering our repentance to our brothers and sisters. In the Gospel of this Forgiveness Sunday, Christ will remind us that, If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6:14-15). This Forgiveness Sunday, represents the closing of a door in more than one way, for the Church Fathers also mark this day as the commemoration of Adam and Eve s expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The first part of the Triodion closes, just as the doors of Paradise are closed to Adam and Eve. Our penitential tears are meant to mirror their own. The root of Adam and Eve s departure from Paradise can be traced back to their disobedience to our Creator, as they specifically did not heed His command to fast from the fruit of the Tree. We, however, have been given the example of our Lord and Savior, who fasted for 40 days in the desert prior to the beginning of His ministry; and who, also in this Sunday s Gospel, counsels us not to bemoan our fasting, but to anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you (Matthew 6:16-18). Some people view this Lenten period, with its tears and fasting, as a time of sadness. And while the Lenten period is meant to be a time of sober reflection, I believe the more appropriate term is χαρμολύπη, which translates to, a kind of joyful-sorrow. My brothers and sisters, unlike Adam and Eve, our tears are not meant to last. Our Lenten journey will take us, through Christ s saving Crucifixion and Resurrection, back to the doors of Paradise only now they are open to everyone! We need only to take our spiritual exercises with us to help us reach the destination. We must fast and pray with humility; we must seek our Father s forgiveness and grant forgiveness to our brother and sister without reservation, and we must show compassion to the least among us. Armed with 11

12 these tools, we will be well-prepared for the awesome and spiritually rich journey that awaits us. Καλή Σαρακοστή! +ALEXIOS Metropolitan of Atlanta FROM THE CHANCELLOR S DESK Growing up, my family and I always enjoyed reading the advice column by Pauline Phillips, known affectionately to the nation by her pen name Abigail Van Buren. In her Dear Abby columns, she wrote short, clever, sharp, and witty words of wisdom. As we are just a couple of days away from beginning Great and Holy Lent, I wanted to share a poem she once published that first appeared as a full-page ad in The Wall Street Journal. May it remind us always to avoid falling prey to the sin of gossip. NOBODY S FRIEND My name is Gossip. I have no respect for justice. I maim without killing. I break hearts and ruin lives. I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age. The more I am quoted, the more I am believed. My victims are helpless. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face. To track me down is impossible. The harder you try, the more elusive I become. I am nobody s friend. Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same. I topple governments and wreck marriages. I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartaches and indigestion. I make innocent people cry in their pillows. Even my name hisses. I am called Gossip. I make headlines and headaches. Before you repeat a story, ask yourself: Is it true? Is it harmless? Is it necessary? If it isn t, don t repeat it. +Fr. George Tsahakis Chancellor 12

13 ZOE Hi to all our ZOE friends seems reasonable. The March 9th meeting will be an outing to 'Exploration Tower' in Port Canaveral at the price of $ tax for seniors. You will be on your own for transportation. The museum-like tour is handson and the view from the Tower by floors, is truly scenic. There may be a price break for over 20 attending but $4.00 stated from their website, Afterwards lunch will be at Zachary's Restaurant in Cape Canaveral, not far from the Tower. More info on all as the time gets closer, we will need a headcount for the Tower and restaurant well ahead of time. April will be a 'NO meeting' month since preparation for Easter/Pascha will be in order and families will be busy. More info down the road, but May and June will end on high notes for another exciting year for our ZOE get-togethers... Call Tresa Roman at or Christine Balba at cell # or Elaine Roman at with any questions... ZOE... here's to LIFE!!! 13

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17 If any parishioners, families, group of families, koumbari or friends would like to host a fellowship hour following Sunday Liturgy please contact : Church office Or - admin@saint-katherine.org Available dates: March 5, 12 & 26 FASTING This is a wonderful opportunity to extend our Christian hospitality with one another and any guests or visitors who attend our services. Duties: Set up the two coffee pots in hall Provide a simple snack, Clean up Message from the Parish Council: Approaching to Receive Holy Communion & Antidoron The distribution of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ is perhaps the holiest moment in the Divine Liturgy. For Holy Communion and Antidoron, we should approach in an orderly, pious and respectful manner. Ushers will guide the congregation to approach row by row from front to back. Please follow the direction of the ushers. We encourage Sunday School children, teachers and their families to sit in the first few rows at the front left of the nave so that they can see what is happening in the service and get to Sunday School quickly. Priest Office Hours Fr. Demetri has designated Noon - 3 PM, Tuesday through Thursday as his office hours. If you want to meet with him (during office hours or any other time) please call his cell phone ( ) to make an appointment. Note that Father is often needed elsewhere even during these designate times. Call and schedule an appointment so that you are not disappointed. 17

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20 STEWARDSHIP PRAYER In the name of Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Amen. Lord Jesus Christ our God, accept our offerings as You have 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 STEWARDSHIP 79 Stewards Pledging 100,190. Average Stewardship per family $1, STEWARDSHIP FORMS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE NARTHEX OR ONLINE ON OUR WEBSITE [For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34 THE JESUS PRAYER Κύριε Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, Υἱέ Θεοῦ, ἐλέησόν με τὸν ἁμαρτωλόν. (τὴν ἁμαρτωλόν if prayed by a female) Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.