The New Ecclesiastical Year ~ A Message from Fr. Robert

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1 September Phillips Road, Tallahassee, Florida (850) Rev. Fr. Robert J. O Loughlin The New Ecclesiastical Year ~ A Message from Fr. Robert It is hard to believe that a new school year has begun. The Church also begins its liturgical year at this time. On September 1, the Orthodox Church begins its Church calendar year as it incorporates the various feast days and services. The purpose of the Church year is to bring the teaching of the Gospel and some of the main events of Christian church history into some order. Through the prayers and Liturgy of the Church, it is intended for us to experience and recall the mystery of Christ. Through the various feasts of the year, we allow the Holy Spirit to manifest within the community and to remember the promise of our Lord I am with you always (Matthew 28:20). We are to experience again the life of Christ and are stimulated to unite ourselves to Christ, in His birth, His growth, suffering and death to His Resurrection. The liturgical year renews the events and feasts of the Church and allows us to live in prayer with the Holy Spirit. The year commemorates not only the life events of Christ but also the saints that lived their life in Christ. The saints are the spiritual models who can inspire and teach us how they were imitators of Christ. They can assist us in remembering who we are and who we can become with their faith, courage and endurance. The Church has established twelve Great Feasts besides Pascha which is referred to as the greatest Feast and the Feast of Feasts. There are eight Feasts of our Lord, Jesus Christ: 1. The Exaltation of the Cross (September 14) 2. Christmas (December 25) 3. Theophany (January 6) 4. The Meeting of our Lord in the Temple (February 2) 5. Palm Sunday 6. The Ascension (40 days after Pascha) 7. Pentecost (50 days after Pascha) 8. The Transfiguration of our Lord (August 6) There are also four Feasts of the Theotokos: 1. The Birth of the Theotokos (September 8) 2. The Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple (November 21) 3. The Annunciation (March 25) 4. The Dormition of the Theotokos (August 15) Besides these Great Feasts, some of the saints are commemorated each day and also each day of the week remembers a special occasion: Sunday commemorates the Resurrection of Christ and referred to as a little Pascha Monday is dedicated to the archangels and angels Tuesday is dedicated to the memory of St. John the Baptist Wednesday commemorates the Theotokos and the day Judas betrayed Christ Thursday is dedicated to the Holy Apostles and Church Fathers Friday is remembered for the day Christ was crucified Saturday is dedicated to the holy martyrs and for those departed from this world The Church provides us with a liturgical calendar to offer us opportunities with a framework and support for our spiritual growth towards Christ. The liturgical life is a means to incorporate ourselves into striving in our journey to reach our ultimate goal of the Kingdom of God. Wishing you a blessed Liturgical Year, Fr. Robert

2 Page 2 If an emergency or special need should arise, please contact Fr. Rob immediately at CHOIR NEWS For all who would like to join our choir ministry, please see or call Corinne Lapointe (choir director) at (850) Revised Save the Date! Saturday evening November 12th Community gathering and fellowship In the Hellenic Center Our next ECHO Sundays are September 4th and October 2nd. Please drop off your nonperishable food donations into the bins located in the Hellenic Center and Patmos Hall. Congratulations to Mark and Bonnie Burrell on their Chrismation into the Orthodox Church and their sponsors Billy and Julie Nolas Guidelines for Respectful Worship Probably the most important duty that we each have as worshippers attending church services is to do all that is in our power to see that a proper decorum and atmosphere is maintained so that all of the congregation is able to pray sincerely, peacefully and meaningfully. It is with this fact in mind that we have set forth the following guidelines: Upon entering the Church, at all times, but especially during services an individual should remember that he or she is in the House of God. Reverence and good manners are required so as not to disturb those who are already engaged in prayer, but, even more importantly, as an expression of sincere faith and awareness of the presence of the Lord. No irrelevant conversations should take place, either in the Narthex or in any part of the Church. According to actual church service procedures, each and every member of the congregation is required to be seated in the pews at the beginning of the service. It is only by leniency that anyone is allowed to enter the Church once the services have begun. Thus it behooves us not to take undue advantage of this leniency. There are several parts of the service during which no one should be moving about. Wherever a person happens to be at these moments, he or she should stop and stand reverently, until the proper time to proceed. These parts of the service are: 1. The Procession of the Priest and Altar Boys with the Gospel; 2. The reading of the Gospel; 3. The Cherubic Hymn and the Great Procession of the Priest and Altar Boys with the Holy Gifts; 4. The recitation of the Nicene Creed (in which the entire congregation should participate); 5. The prayers of offering Take, eat and the prayers of the consecration of the Holy Gifts; 6. The Sermon; 7. Any special services (memorial services, processions, prayers). One basic rule to follow is that, whenever the Priest is facing the people or outside of the altar, either with the censer or giving the blessing, everyone should stand wherever they are. DEPARTMENT OF OUTREACH & EVANGELISM 83 Saint Basil Road Garrison, NY telephone 646/ Outreach@goarch.orgwww.outreach.goarch.org

3 4 11 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Orthros 9:30 am & 10:30 am Orthros 9:30 am & 10:30 am AHEPA Luncheon 5 12 Office Closed In observance of Labor Day Parish Council Mtg. 5:30 pm Exaltation of the Holy Cross 9:00 am 1 Beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year Nativity of the Theotokos 9:00 am Great Vespers 5:00 pm Page 3 Philoptochos Membership Brunch GOYA Outing to Wild Adventures 18 Orthros 9:30 am & 10:30 am Church School Begins 25 Orthros 9:30 am & 10:30 am Church School Falling Asleep of St. John the Theologian 9:00 am Newcomers/ Inquirers Class 6:00 pm Orthodox Life Class 6:00 pm s = Fish Allowed Pangari Schedule for September *Denotes a 9:30 start time 09/04 - Perrigan*/Branch/Poulos (c) 09/11 - Joanos*/Eudy/Fetzko (c) 09/18 - Branch*/Perrigan/Mathes (c) 09/25 - Gorb*/Atayants/Eudy (c) 10/02 - Poulos*/Fetzko/Branch (c) 22 Philoptochos 5:30 pm Kool Beanz St. John the Divine Jacksonville, FL 100 year Celebration Calendar Symbol Key + = Strict Fast = Wine and Oil allowed = Dairy & eggs allowed = Father Away September 2016

4 Page 4 Church School The first day of Church School is Sunday, Sept. 18th Students will meet their teachers, Fr. Rob will bless the classrooms, students and teachers, and ice-cream sundaes will be served. Saturday Sept 17th Outing to Wild Adventures Sunday September 25th - Youth Sunday Take or Receive? As Orthodox Christians we know that the Sacrament of Holy Communion plays an extremely important role in our spiritual lives. If we take a moment to think about our participation in this sacrament, we should realize that we do not take communion, but instead, we receive it. At first it may seem that there really isn t any difference between taking and receiving. This difference can be more clearly seen, however, if we recognize that the Eucharist is a gift. We wouldn t speak of taking a birthday present from someone, but rather, we would receive it from them. Holy Communion is a gift that Christ, through sacrificing Himself, has given to us. It is the precious body and blood of our Savior which He presents to us as an expression of His incredible love for us. Christ gives part of Himself to us as a gift so that we can grow closer to Him. As Orthodox Christians we work toward becoming one with God. Having the body and blood of Jesus Christ within us helps us to achieve this goal. It allows us to move toward salvation in the Kingdom of Heaven. Knowing these things we can see how important it is for us to receive communion. Further, if we are prepared to receive, we must also act appropriately when we approach the chalice. This is not a time for daydreaming or joking around, but a moment of respect and prayer. During the Liturgy the priest says, With the fear of God, faith, and love, draw near. Hearing these words we must keep in mind our fear of God s great power, our faith in Jesus Christ, and our love for one another. When we attend the it is essential that we are aware of what is taking place. Christ is giving us the greatest gift the world has ever known. He is sharing Himself with us so that we can attain eternal life with Him. Holy Communion is not something that we simply can take, but instead it is the gift of life that we are called to receive from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries

5 Page 5 AHEPA Luncheon Sunday, September 11th For the observance for the Elevation of the Cross and beginning the new school year! ADULTS. $10.00 For STUDENTS and CHILDREN is FREE Chicken Kabob over Rice Pilaf & Greek Salad Bread, Coffee, Tea and Dessert ST. JOHN THE DIVINE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH CENTENNIAL WEEKEND - September 24th - 26th His Eminence Geron Archbishop Demetrios of America, His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, Reverend Dr. Nicholas Louh, Reverend Dr. Milton Magos and our church family invite you to celebrate 100 years of ministry in Jacksonville. Along with our esteemed guests, we also welcome Keynote Speaker and Greek Orthodox sister-in Christ, the reigning Miss America, Betty Cantrell. To purchase tickets - please go to our website StJohntheDivine100.com 2016 Greek Festival Oct. 21st & 22nd Baking Dates 9:00 am start time Baklava - September 15th, 16th, and 17th Paximadia - September 21st Kourambiedes - September 24th Galatoboureko - October 8th Rice Pudding - October 19th Please note: Baking dates and times are subject to change. BOOTH/TASK KITCHEN - FOODS - SUPPLIES KITCHEN - SOUVLAKI A'LA CART - GREEK FRIES - SOUVLAKI DINNER TICKETS DINNERS EXPEDITING DIRECTIONAL & VENUE SIGNAGE GRECIAN DELIGHT & ATM GYRO KAFENIO - Outside KAFENIO - Inside PASTRIES PEPSI WAGON TAVERNA - Outside TAVERNA - Inside SET UP TEAM SANITATION SUVENIRS/INFO DESK/VENDORS PERMITING & COMPLIENCE PUBLICITY & MARKETING VOLUNTEERS' REGISTRATION FACILITATORS 2016 GREEK FESTIVAL OCTOBER 21ST & 22ND BOOTH & TASK ASSIGNMENTS CHAIR Richard Allen Johnnie Patronis Nick Joanos & Stephanie Joanos White Dorothy Downing Electra Bustle & Pete Koikos George & Helen Buzyna Becky Pettijohn, Joanna & Don Erikson Manny Joanos Tommy Kiger & Jonathan Truong Jorge Gorb & Lara Ilin Mary & Vicky Gavalas Sara Hill Athena & Bob Gill James & Sophie Garland Jeff Phipps Jeff Phipps & Jimmy Branch Stamie Joanos Catherine Branch Vicki Catsimpiris & Pete Koikos Catherine Branch & Stamie Joanos Pete Koikos, Glen Perrigan & Richard Allen Our sincere appreciation to all who have come and helped in last two months. There is a lot more baking to be done over the next few weeks. Please come out and volunteer any time you can give in the making of our famous pastries. Also, please remember to sign up for volunteering with Catherine Branch for Friday and Saturday, October 21 and 22. We hope to see you at our next baking! OPA!

6 Page 6 SEPTEMBER hmogphil@comcast.net Visit us also On Holy Mother of God Philoptochos Society of Tallahassee, Florida We would like to invite those of you who are interested in becoming members our sisterhood to come, learn and find joy in the work you will be doing as you become a part of this exciting philanthropic arm of our Church. We want to make Philoptochos a rewarding and more fulfilling experience for you as the giver and for those who are the receiver of the benefits of our endeavors. Our example can also inspire and excite those who are to follow us in the future our children and grandchildren. This is a challenge worth taking by all of us. On Our Calendar for September Philoptochos Membership Brunch: Sunday, September 25 following First Meeting of the Year: Thursday, September 22-5:30 pm at Kool Beanz At 921 Thomasville Rd. On Facebook: Kool Beanz Café Thursday, October 6, Philoptochos Meeting in the Patmos Hall Conference room The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross September 14th Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the cross, about the year 325. A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been suffered. The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation. At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, "Lord have mercy." It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country (see Jan. 22, Saint Anastasius the Persian). Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place. Rest from labour. A Fast is observed today, whatever day of the week it may be.

7 Page 7 If you have any questions, please contact the Parish Council Treasurer, Glen Perrigan at pappaglen@gmail.com or (850) Andris, Steve & Jackie Andros, James Angel, Dwight & Kimberly Arbulu, Roberto & Marianne Atayants, Armen & Irina Grigoryan Balogh, Andrew & Cynthia Barkas, Chris & Patty Belcher, Mark & Deborah Branch, Harold & Catherine Brown, Lawrence & Angelina Kuleshova Burmester, Mike & Rodomandi Burrell, Mark & Bonnie Butler, Jeff & Koulla Myers Buzyna, George & Helen Calamas, James Camechis, Pat & Johnnie Catsimpiris, George & Vicki Chikas, Dena Collier, Michael & Karen Collins, Catherine & Frank Costa, Barbara Coumanis, George Cox, Emerald H. Downing, Dorothy Drzewiecki, Alexander & Meredith Hinshelwood Drzewiecki, Gary & Olibia Edge, Justin & Jennifer Lowery Enis, Carl & Angela Drzewiecki Eudy, Michael & Lynette Evans, Maryelen Fetzko, Ronnie Frankeberger, Gil & Margarita Futch, Scott & Tiffany Garland, James & Sophie Gavalas, Janet Gavalas, Mike & Vicky Gavalas, Victor & Mary Gill, Bob & Athena Gonatos, Michael & Cheryl Gorb, Jorge & Carol Hadoulis, Peter & Kathy Harris, Larry & Christina Hodges, Maria Hristov, Boyan & Qi Shi Hughes, Chrisie & Steve Ilin, Yuri & Larisa Jaroszynski, Jan & Svitlana Kalinska Joanos, Emanuel & Laura Joanos, George & Tonya Joanos, Margarita Joanos, Nick & Tina Joanos, Theo & Mary Anne Joanos, Stamatia Joanos, Zachery & Lucia Johnson, Alexandra Costa Katopodis, John & Evi Kiger, Russell & Amber Klonis, Nikolaos & Mary Koikos, George & Karen Koikos, Jimmy & Anastasia Koikos, Pete & Zografia Langston, Sophia Lapointe, Leonard & Corinne Lockwood, Yvonne Lupsha, Alan & Bianca Manias, Stelios Mantzanas, Catherine Markovich, Martin & Elizabeth Mathes, George & Connie Mathes, George & Katy Mayernick, Fr. Paul & Presv. Joan Mayernick, Nicholas & Rachel McMillan, Norman & Cynthia Michas, Andrew & Frances Milatos, Emmanuel Mookas, Tom & Debbie Nick, Leon & Alexandra Nolas, Billy & Julie Nolas, Helen O'Loughlin, Fr. Robert & Presv. Joy Papageorge, Mike & Sally Pappas, Nicholas A. Parmer, Keith & Nia Patronis, Johnnie & Mari Perrigan, Glen & Dianne Pappachristou Pevnitskaya, Svetlana Phipps, Jeffrey & Mary Mathes Poulos, Andrew & Angie Price, Burton & Roie Psikogios, Michael Rabbath, Claude & Nina Biadulina Reeves, Corinna Richardson, John & Destin Stewart Rozes, George & Anna Sgouros, Stephanie & Vincent Speed, Ian Stavrojohn, Evonne Stratis, Nick Talantis, Kathleen Tsiklistas, John & Helen Valentine, Tom & Angela Vlandis, John & Katherine C. Vajagich, Morris & Milka Vrynios, Pete & Jennifer Webb, Dorothy Deanna Wernke, Deborah & Michael Worden, William and Stacy Keith Wynot, Ed and Colleen Smith 2017 Ecclesiastical Calendars If you would like to Sponsor the 2017 Ecclesiastical Calendar, please call the church office, , as soon as possible. Thank you.

8 Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church 1645 Phillips Road Tallahassee, Florida Return Service Requested Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church 1645 Phillips Road Tallahassee, FL Office: Hall: Fr. Rob s Cell: The Elevevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross Celebrated September 14 Website: Addresses: Father Rob: fr.robert@comcast.net Church Secretary: hmog@comcast.net Secretary Hours: Mon./Wed./Fri. 9am-2pm