March Volume 10, Issue 3

Transcription

1 March 2015 Volume 10, Issue 3

2 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 900 6th Street Sioux City, Iowa Church Office Rev. Fr. Dimitri Tobias, Proistamenos Telephone: Office Fax: Parish Council President: John Vlahoulis Sundays: Weekdays: Esperinos: Thursdays: Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. For Major Feasts 6:00 p.m. Worship Hours: Paraklisis Service 6:00 p.m. (EXCEPT DURING GREAT LENT) 1st of Every Month: Agiasmos Service 8:30 a.m. unless there is a service, in which case it will take place 30 minutes prior to Orthros Mondays: LENTEN WORSHIP BEGINNING FEBRUARY 23rd Great Compline 6:00 p.m. Wednesdays: Fridays: Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts 6:00 p.m. 9th Hour prior 5:30 p.m. Salutations to the Theotokos 6:00 p.m. Sunday School: (During School Year) Following Holy Communion St. Basil s Students (Adult Education): Thursdays from 6:30 7:30 p.m. Greek School: (During School Year) Wednesdays from 5:00 6:00 p.m. Greek Dance: (During School Year) Wednesdays from 6:00 6:30 p.m. Bible Study: Thursdays from 8:30 9:30 a.m. Blessed Darkness (Adult Education): Tuesdays from 6:30 8:00 p.m. March 2015 Page 2

3 Table of Contents Registry Page 4 Father s Message Page 5-6 President s Message Page 7-8 Philoptochos Page 9 Stewardship Page 10 Ministries Page Services Page Wish List Page 15 Church & Metropolis News Page 16 Parish Priest/ Editor: Parish Council President: Office Director Philoptochos President: Book Store: Sunday School Director: Greek Dance Director: Youth Directors: Stewardship: O.P.A. Patriarchs: We Knead You: Church Staff Rev. Fr. Dimitri Tobias John Vlahoulis Mary Sharp Mary Baryo Kiki Karras & Dr. Fotene Karantinos Shanda Antonopoulos Leah Baryo Dean & Amy Karras Dr. Kosta Antonopoulos Shanda Antonopoulos Afrodity Segos Janet Antonopoulos Calendar Page 17 Posters Page 18 Pictures Page 19 Coffee Hour/Prosforo Page 20 ABRAHAM S PANTRY: Please donate! Foods from Abraham s Pantry are distributed to the local Food Pantries to feed the poor. Check the expiration Date!!! Abraham served the best he had. If we would not eat it, why should we expect someone else to risk getting sick? March 2015 Page 3

4 Registry and Vital Statistics Baptisms: Chrismations: Weddings: Να ζή σετε! Να εί στε ευτυχίσμε νοί! Funerals On Saturday, February 28th, Rev. Fr. Constantine was laid to pious rest in Memorial Park. His Grace Bishop DEMETRIOS of Mokisos officiated. ζωή σε σας We Welcome the following new families to the Parish! Now is the time to reach out to your loved ones who have fallen away for whatever reason and bring them back to Church. Now is the time to share your faith with others! Together we must grow. Together we must build the Body of Christ. Invite someone to a service, to a Bible Study, to a Church Event. We have one of the friendliest communities in the Archdiocese. Let us go out so that they will know we are Christians by our Love. March 2015 Page 4

5 My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Father Dimitri s Message In the wake of the passing of Rev. Fr. Constantine Balomenos, I wish to speak briefly on the majesty of the priesthood. The priesthood is not like any other profession. One can be adequate in most professions and get by. The mistakes of most normal professions do not have quite the same lasting ramifications as the mistakes of a priest. Truly the mistakes of doctors or teachers can have long lasting ramifications, but the mistakes of a priest last well into eternity. For this reason, the judgment of a priest by the Most High God is excessively severe when compared to a layman. It is a frightening prospect. Frightening enough that St. John Chrysostom in his work On the Priesthood stated to his friend Saint Basil the Great in regard to his fear of becoming a priest, For I fear lest if I took the flock in hand when it was in good condition and well nourished, and then wasted it through my unskilfulness, I should provoke against myself the God who so loved the flock as to give Himself up for their salvation and ransom. This is not mere humility, and this from one of the greatest hierarchs of history. This is a fact. Every priest walks about with an executioner s axe perpetually at the ready to cut him down. Chrysostom states, But how dire is the destruction, and how terrible the fire which such a leader brings upon his own wretched head for every soul which is thus lost. Worse, on the back of every priest appears a target of the enemy, the devil. Temptations, spiritual combat, and suffering all increase for the priest when he accepts ordination. He faces greater struggles than a normal lay person in his spiritual life because the enemy knows that if he can take down the priest, he can scatter the sheep. St. John Chrysostom states that in the care of sheep, the wolves will leave the shepherd alone having acquired the sheep, but those foul demons that prey on those in the care of a priest will not spare the priest, rather they will set upon him all the more to destroy him. And if they cannot destroy him within his soul, these demons will set others within communities to slander the priest, and lie to render him powerless. Within the person of St. Nectarios we see this. Lies followed him, causing him to lose his throne as a bishop, to lose his ability to preach even as an itinerant preacher in Greece, and to lose his home numerous times. Even to his death and beyond, this, the most miraculous saint of the 21st century, endured these lies. But the God of truth revealed his sanctity. After all, nothing that is hidden will remain hidden (Luke 8:17). The truth about every man will see the light. So why do it? For Father Constantine, he shared with me, it was because of deep love affair with the Church. She was like a drug and he could not get enough. He also felt compelled to serve his fellow man. The priest is clothed from on high with the Grace of God to do this service. His very make-up as a human being changes upon his ordination. In that moment the priest simultaneously lives in the midst of the living and the dead. He is in-between, both dead and alive. For this reason the priest can intercede for the dead. He is vested by the power of the Holy Spirit. With his right hand, he can absolve sins. With his right hand, he can bring down the Holy Spirit to change bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. His mere presence sanctifies a room and his prayers can bring blessing on households. The power of the priest is even fearful to angels. Because the priest is the physical manifestation of God s Grace in the parish, he is shielded from possession. Curses and the like have no affect on the priest. In fact, the opposite happens. Any who speak ill of the priest s priesthood render their prayers worthless before God because regardless of the quality of the priest, the Grace of God still rests upon him. However, this is a double-edged sword. A priest must never grow angry with anyone as his mere thoughts of anger can send legions of angels against the person, harming him or her. Woe to the priest who does this as he will be judged terribly for bringing the wrath of God on someone who did not deserve it. March 2015 Page 5

6 The priest is hyper-aware of Whom he serves and how his service affects the flock. It is to his Master the priest reports and will have to give account. To the day of his death a priest should seek to reconcile and love all whom God has given to him to love. I believe Fr. Constantine loved greatly and I believe he forgave any who ever wronged him in any of the many parishes he served. While he was not your average priest, unique almost to a fault, in death Fr. Constantine is what all priests will be: only a priest. His love of life, his family, his legacies mean nothing at this moment. Only his priesthood matters. For this reason, the Aer (the covering for the Chalice and Patton) covers his face in the casket. There is no Fr. Constantine anymore. Only the Priest and what he lived his life to promote: The Gospel. I, with all of you, will greatly miss Fr. B. Though he would never insist on it being known, it is important we understand the hidden, special life he lived as an Orthodox Priest. May his memory be eternal! May the Lord our God have mercy on us! And let us all pray for our clergy. While they pray constantly for us, they also are always in need of prayers. I remain your servant in Christ, Please visit our website! Listen to classes, sermons, reflections online Fr. Dimitri Tobias, Proistamenos CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2015 CHAMPION Of the Annual AHEPA CHILI COOK-OFF Mr. Christopher Margeas March 2015 Page 6

7 President s Message Greetings, As I write this part of my President s Letter, we are departing Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Our Joy Youth Group has been competing in the annual Western Region Family Basketball Tournament the weekend of Feb The church of Sts. Constantine & Helen graciously hosted this year s event. Congratulations are in order for the Spartans of Holy Trinity! The team, with Coach Dean Karras and Assistant Coach Jordan Schultz had a very impressive display of Greek Orthodox Christian Sportsmanship at this year s tournament. Bringing home a Championship Trophy are Spartan team members Anesa Davenport, Niko Karras, Sophia Karras, George Tsibanos, Shewitt Mekonnen, Charlie Margeas, and Taylor Reuter. Also joining the Spartan team roster were George and Gianna Miedl from St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Omaha, Ne. We should all be very proud of our Joy Youth Group. Congratulations Spartans!! This past month, the Stewardship Team has been busy collecting Stewardship Commitment Cards from YOU, our Stewards. The fruits of their labors are beginning to show as the cards keep coming in. If you haven t already, please remember to fill out a Stewardship Commitment Card as soon as you are able. The health of Holy Trinity depends on each and every one of us offering our Time, Talent, and Treasure! Our Building and Grounds Committee, under the direction of Mr. Costa Tsibanos, continues to work on bids for the projects of insulating the attic, outside light repair, and Church Hall floor repair. These projects should be getting started in the very near future. On Feb 23 rd, the faithful of Holy Trinity began the journey of Great Lent. That evening, Fr. Dimitri offered the Great Compline service. Following services, the annual Koulouma Dinner was held in the Church Hall. The Koulouma Dinner is a Lenten Potluck offered by the faithful of Holy Trinity. It offers us a great opportunity to begin the journey of Great Lent clean and in strength by worshipping TOGETHER and eating the right things TOGETHER as a Parish Family. Thank you to all who attended and to those who offered their Lenten recipes! Throughout Great Lent, in addition to the many ministry opportunities available, Fr. Dimitri will be offering Great Compline services on Monday evenings and Salutations to the Theotokos on Friday evenings. On Wednesday evenings the Service of the Presanctified Gifts will be offered. These services will be alternating between Holy Trinity and our sister church, St. Thomas. Please check your Koinonia calendar for location of each of these Wednesday services. This IS truly a great opportunity for our two churches to come together during this very important time of the year. Great Lent is a perfect time to be Orthodox! There are so many chances for spiritual growth and renewal. The month of March also holds a time for our General Assembly. This will take place on March 15th following the Divine Liturgy. All Stewards in good standing have a voice in what happens at Holy Trinity. If you should have ANY concerns, this is the opportunity to bring them up. Our hearts are heavy upon hearing of the falling asleep of Fr. Constantine Balomenos. Fr. B. served this community for many years. He baptized and even married many Stewards who are still here at Holy Trinity to this day. Our condolences to his family. May his memory be eternal! As your Parish Council President, I make myself available to each of you should you have any concerns. Please feel free to contact me at If I do not answer, please leave a message. I WILL return your call. I look forward to seeing you in church! John Vlahoulis 2015, Parish Council President March 2015 Page 7

8 Fr. Dimitri & Mary Tobias Dr. & Dr. Kosta Antonopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Periklis Antonopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Tony Antonopoulos Mr. & Mrs. John Baryo Mrs. Leah Baryo Mr. & Mrs. Sid Baumert Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Bikakis Mr. & Mrs. Dimitri Bostinelos Mr. & Mrs. John Bostinelos Mr. & Mrs. Greg Boucher Mr. & Mrs. John Chioros Mr. & Mrs. Vassilaki Emanuel Stewardship Time-Talent-Treasure Holy Trinity 2015 Stewards Mr. & Mrs. Rick Jones Mr. & Mrs. Dean Karras Mr. & Mrs. Alex Karras Mrs. Stella Kasotakis Mr. & Mrs. Dave Kjos Mrs. Bessie Klimiades Mr. & Mrs. George Klimiades Mrs. Anna Kounas Mr. & Mrs. Chris Kounas Mr. & Mrs. Harry Kouris Mr. John Lazaris Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Margeas Mrs. Daisy Margeas Mr. & Mrs. Steve Margeas Mr. & Mrs. Tim Margellos Mr. & Mrs. Ted Mihelakakis Mr. & Mrs. Dale Milbrodt Mr. & Mrs. George Paradise Mr. & Mrs. Michael Paradise Mrs. Maria Rigas Mr. & Mrs. Roger Schultz Mr. & Mrs. Zachary Schultz Mrs. Nancy Selleris Mr. & Mrs. Richard Sharp Mr. & Mrs. Spero Siganos Mrs. Anna Theros Mr. & Mrs. Costa Tsiobanos Mr. & Mrs. George Tsiobanos Mrs. Joan Vlahoulis Mr. John Vlahoulis According to the Bible, a Steward is one who manages the gifts entrusted to him for the perpetuation of the Lord s work. Stewardship is an important part of our Orthodox faith and is part of a total commitment to Christ. It is part of a Christian lifestyle that is expected by God as a loving way to give back to God for thanks of what He has given us in life. We thank you, our God, and praise your glorious Name for all things come from you and we have only given back what is yours already. Chronicles 29:13-14 We should live and practice the teachings of Jesus Christ and the actions in our daily lives confirm our beliefs in our faith. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese refers to the three T's of stewardship being Time, Talents, and Treasures to the glory of God. We all are busy with the numerous things in our lives, it is important that we do not forget our Lord and all that He does for us. It is important for all of us to give our Time, Talent and treasures to keep His presence shining in our lives. Dr. Kosta Antonopoulos Stewardship Chair March 2015 Page 8

9 Philoptochos News At our recent Philoptochos meeting held Feb. 8th, the membership agreed to do what we could in the rebuilding effort of the St. Nicholas Church which was destroyed during the September 11th attacks in NYC. Each Philoptochos Chapter has been asked to contribute to the rebuilding effort. Various ways to raise donations were suggested. We began this undertaking by auctioning a Vasilopita for the cause last month. The March meeting of Philoptochos will be on Sunday, March 8th this month, rather than the first Sunday, and our annual Stavroproskinsios/Veneration of The Holy Cross Luncheon will be Sunday, March 15th. Hope to see you all there. Our National President, Ms. Logus has presented 3 Challenges to Chapters in her first major address. She discussed the mission of Philoptochos and what it means. She clearly distinguished charity, which is giving, from philanthropy, which is doing. She went on to give several examples of the giving we do as a group, but then challenged us all to add tangible acts of Philanthropy to our exemplary history of giving. In reviewing her report, It came to me that we, here in Sioux City, have in some way already began what she is suggesting. We only need to expand and enhance our processes. President Logus called on Chapters to partner with organizations in their communities in joint projects, thereby involving the entire community in tangible, hands-on philanthropy. We have several worthwhile projects that several of our members are currently involved in, so perhaps we can take on a bigger role to make a difference in our local community. Secondly, she wants to expand and enhance the communication network within the Philoptochos. A goal of producing monthly educational webinars has been established. And I thought, gee we have a monthly spot in the Koinonia to keep everyone in the loop! And thirdly, we are being challenged to grow and develop our membership. A Leadership Institute is being established to provide instructional seminars, discussion groups and field trips so to better inform and engage our future leaders. I see this as our biggest area of improvement to be made. We need to grow our membership and who better to attract, but the Millenials in our presence. We all need to do what we can to help lessen the pain, loss and suffering of others. By working together, we have the opportunity to do so! -Mary Baryo Philoptochos President March 2015 Page 9

10 February 22 Forgiveness Sunday Orthros begins at 9:00 a.m. The Holy Fathers have appointed the commemoration of Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight here, on the eve of the holy Forty-day Fast, demonstrating to us not by simple words, but by actual deeds, how beneficial fasting is for man, and how harmful and destructive are insatiety and the transgressing of the divine commandments. For the first commandment that God gave to man was that of fasting, which the first-fashioned received but did not keep; and not only did they not become gods, as they had imagined, but they lost even that blessed life which they had, and they fell into corruption and death, and transmitted these and innumerable other evils to all of mankind. The God-bearing Fathers set these things before us today, that by bringing to mind what we have fallen from, and what we have suffered because of the insatiety and disobedience of the first-fashioned, we might be diligent to return again to that ancient bliss and glory by means of fasting and obedience to all the divine commands. Taking occasion from today's Gospel (Matt. 6:14-21) to begin the Fast unencumbered by enmity, we also ask forgiveness this day, first from God, then from one another and all creation. Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal of the Second Tone O Master, Prudence, Guide of Wisdom, Instruction to the foolish and Defender of the poor, strengthen my heart and grant it discernment. Give me words, Word of the Father, for behold, I shall not keep my lips from crying out to You, "O Merciful One, have mercy on me who has fallen." March 1 Sunday of Orthodoxy Orthros begins at 9:00 a.m. For more than one hundred years the Church of Christ was troubled by the persecution of the Iconoclasts of evil belief, beginning in the reign of Leo the Isaurian ( ) and ending in the reign of Theophilus ( ). After Theophilus's death, his widow the Empress Theodora (celebrated Feb. 11), together with the Patriarch Methodius (June 14), established Orthodoxy anew. This ever-memorable Queen venerated the icon of the Mother of God in the presence of the Patriarch Methodius and the other confessors and righteous men, and openly cried out these holy words: "If anyone does not offer relative worship to the holy icons, not adoring them as though they were gods, but venerating them out of love as images of the archetype, let him be anathema." Then with common prayer and fasting during the whole first week of the Forty-day Fast, she asked God's forgiveness for her husband. After this, on the first Sunday of the Fast, she and her son, Michael the Emperor, made a procession with all the clergy and people and restored the holy icons, and again adorned the Church of Christ with them. This is the holy deed that all we the Orthodox commemorate today, and we call this radiant and venerable day the Sunday of Orthodoxy, that is, the triumph of true doctrine over heresy. Apolytikion in the Second Tone O Christ our God, begging forgiveness of our sins, we venerate Your Pure Image, O Good One. Of your own will you condescended to ascend upon the Cross in the flesh and deliver those You created from the bondage of the enemy. Wherefore, thankfully, we cry out, "When You came to save the world, Your filled all things with joy, O Our Savior." March 2015 Page 10

11 YOUTH CORNER Congratulations to our young Champions. More than their stellar victory, I am extremely proud of their performance as Christian Athletes. Their patience, forgiveness and sportsmanship with each other and with their opponents showed us all their faith and good upbringing. I am also happy with the show of support from our community for our children. HO-LY TRIN-I-TY CLAP, CLAP, CLAP-CLAP-CLAP! March 2015 Page 11

12 Spring Adult Education Opportunities! 6 Weeks of Classes (February 9 March 20) Join One or All of these Classes to Enrich Your Faith! Tuesdays: Olive Garden Faith Group 12:30 p.m. Meets at the Olive Garden in Singing Hills for Lunch and answer any religious questions in a fun environment. Blessed Darkness 6:30 p.m. Meets at the Holy Trinity to discuss Wounded by Love, a book by St. Porphyrios. Wednesdays: Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Lectures 6:00 p.m. alternating at both Churches Beginning the week of Feb. 25th, pot-luck Lenten Dinners and Lectures will be offered following the Liturgy. ST, HT, ST, 3-18 & HT, ST Thursdays: Bible Study 8:30 a.m. (When there is no Liturgy) Meets at Holy Trinity. The Universal Letters of St. John will be read and analyzed. St. Basil s Students 6:30 p.m. Meets at the St. Thomas. The History of the Orthodox Church will be presented. Fridays: Cyber Ministry 12:00 p.m. New Discussion Threads will be posted by Friday. Check back during the week to join in! We will be discussing Our Thoughts Determine our Lives by Elder Thaddeus (available on Kindle). March 2015 Page 12

13 March 8 Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas Orthros begins at 9:00 a.m. March 15 Sunday of the Holy Cross Orthros begins at 9:00 a.m. This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today. Apolytikion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone O Gregory the Miracle Worker, light of Orthodoxy, support and teacher of the Church, comeliness of Monastics, invincible defender of theologians, the pride of Thessalonica, and preacher of grace, intercede forever that our souls may be saved. 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. Apolytikion in the First Tone Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting our rulers to prevail over adversaries, and protecting Your commonwealth by Your Cross. March 2015 Page 13

14 March 25 The Annunciation Easperinos on the 24th begins at 6:00 p.m. Orthros on the 25th begins at 9:00 a.m. Six months after John the Forerunner's conception, the Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth, a town of Galilee, unto Mary the Virgin, who had come forth from the Temple a mature maiden (see Nov. 21). According to the tradition handed down by the Fathers, she had been betrothed to Joseph four months. On coming to Joseph's house, the Archangel declared: "Rejoice, thou Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." After some consideration, and turmoil of soul, and fear because of this greeting, the Virgin, when she had finally obtained full assurance concerning God's unsearchable condescension and the ineffable dispensation that was to take place through her, and believing that all things are possible to the Most High, answered in humility: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." And at this, the Holy Spirit came upon her, and the power of the Most High overshadowed her all -blameless womb, and the Son and Word of God, Who existed before the ages, was conceived past speech and understanding, and became flesh in her immaculate body (Luke 1:26-38). Bearing in her womb the Uncontainable One, the blessed Virgin went with haste from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea, where Zacharias had his dwelling; for she desired to find Elizabeth her kinswoman and rejoice together with her, because, as she had learned from the Archangel, Elizabeth had conceived in her old age. Furthermore, she wished to tell her of the great things that the Mighty One had been wellpleased to bring to pass in her, and she greeted Elizabeth and drew nigh to her. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, she felt her six-month-old babe, Saint John the Baptist, prophesied of the dawning of the spiritual Sun. Immediately, the aged Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and recognized her as the Mother of her Lord, and with a great voice blessed her and the Fruit that she held within herself. The Virgin also, moved by a supernatural rejoicing in the spirit, glorified her God and Savior, saying: "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour," and the rest, as the divine Luke hath recorded (1:39-55) Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone Today marks the crowning of our salvation and the revelation of the mystery before all ages. For the Son of God becomes the son of the Virgin, and Gabriel proclaims the grace. Wherefore, we also cry out with him, "Hail, O full of grace, the Lord is with you." Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!" March 29 Sunday of St. John Climacus (The Ladder of Divine Ascent) Orthros begins at 9:00 a.m. The memory of this Saint is celebrated on March 30, where his biography may be found. He is celebrated today because his book, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, is a sure guide to the ascetic life, written by a great man of prayer experienced in all forms of the monastic polity; it teaches the seeker after salvation how to lay a sound foundation for his struggles, how to detect and war against each of the passions, how to avoid the snares laid by the demons, and how to rise from the rudimental virtues to the heights of Godlike love and humility. It is held in such high esteem that it is universally read in its entirety in monasteries during the Great Fast. Apolytikion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone With the rivers of your tears, you have made the barren desert fertile. Through sighs of sorrow from deep within you, your labors have borne fruit a hundredfold. By your miracles you have become a light, shining upon the world. O John, our Holy Father, pray to Christ our God, to save our souls. March 2015 Page 14

15 Confession with Fr. Christodoulos Monday, March 30 th March 31 st Tuesday, Wednesday, April 1 st Call Fr. Dimitri Tobias to make an appointment on one of these three days. Pray and think and your confession over several days. Ask God to help you perceive your sins and to make a thorough confession of them. Sometime before the sacrament of Holy Confession, offer selected prayers from the following Confessional Prayers, Psalm 51 or the following prayer of repentance: Prayer of Repentance O Lord my God, I confess that I have sinned against You in thought, word and deed. I have also omitted to do what Your holy law requires of me. But now with repentance and contrition I turn again to Your love and mercy. I entreat You to forgive me all my transgression and to cleanse me from all my sins. Lord, fill my heart with the light of Your truth. Strengthen my will by Your grace. Teach me both to desire and to do only what pleases You. Amen. Now, without justification or self-pity, make a prayerful examinations of your conscience regarding all things. As a help, reflect on your life in the light of the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes. Take pencil and paper and specify your sins so that, at the time of the sacrament, you will be able to make a thorough confession from the list, without confusion or lapse of memory. The Ten Commandments I am the Lord your God, and you shall have no other gods before me. Has God been the source, center and hope of my life? Have I put myself, others or things before God? Have I failed to trust in God's existence, love and mercy? Have I failed to pray to God, to worship Him and to thank Him for His blessings? Have I tried to serve God and keep His commandments faithfully? Have I murmured or complained against God in adversity? Have I praised and glorified God through my words and deeds? You shall not make for yourself a graven image in order to worship it. Have I valued anyone or anything above God? Have I given to anyone or anything the love, honor and worship that belongs to God alone? Have I made and idol of any person, idea, occupation, or thing? You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. Have I blasphemed God's holy name in any way? Have I sworn a false oath? Have I broken any solemn vow or promise? Have I entered into an agreement, promise or contract against God's law? Have I cursed or used foul language? Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Have I worshiped regularly on Sundays and major feast days and have I helped others to do the same? Have I worked unnecessarily on Sundays or major feast days or caused others to do so? Have I spent the Lord's Day in a wholesome and edifying ways? Honor your father and mother Have I loved and respected my parents as I should? Have I neglected them or failed to help them? Have I disobeyed them, deceived them or caused them pain by my words or deeds? Have I treated all my family members with patience and love? Thou shall not kill. Have I caused the harm, injury or death of anyone? Have I wished my own or anyone's harm or death? Have I been cruel to animals or destroyed any life unnecessarily? You shall not commit adultery. Have I committed any immoral acts alone or with others? Have I caused others to commit immoral acts? Have I committed immoral acts in my heart? You shall not steal. Have I taken anything that was not mine from anyone or from anywhere? Have I cheated anyone? Have I caused others to steal or cheat? Have I tried to find the owners of lost things I have found? Have I damaged or destroyed anything that belonged to another? Have I defrauded anyone of rightful wages? Have I paid my debts? Have I given to the poor and to philanthropic causes in proportion to my means? You shall not bear false witness. Have I given false testimony against anyone? Have I spoken evil, told lies or spread rumors about anyone? Have I disclosed to anyone the sins and faults of another? Have I made careless statements or done March 2015 Page 15

16 anything else to harm the name and reputation of another? Have I engaged in idle gossip? You shall not covet. Have I looked with envy jealousy or hatred toward the possession talents or achievements of others? Have I desired the downfall or loss of others out of evil intent that I might benefit? Have I grieved that God has bestowed greater blessings on others than on me? The Beatitudes Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Have I truly recognized my complete dependence on God? Have I been proud arrogant and self-righteous in my ways? Have I been selfish, possessive and selfseeking? Have I sought after status power and wealth? Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Have I endured difficulties and afflictions with faith and patience? Have I felt sadness for the sufferings of the poor, the hungry, and addicted; the sick, the lonely and the sinful of the world? Have I truly been sorrowful for my sins and faults? Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Have I tried to serve or rather to dominate others at home, school, work, office, Church and elsewhere? Have I nursed against anyone? Have I been resentful, bitter, unforgiving or insulting and abusive to others? Have I loved my enemies? Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Have I truly yearned for God's will to be done in all things? Have I worked for justice in my family, society and the world in ways with in my reach? Have I tried to cultivate a righteous life through prayer, fasting, worship, receiving Holy Communion and deeds of love toward others? Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Have I shown compassion and help toward the poor, hungry, lonely and needy around me? Have I tried to understand and forgive others? Have I been indifferent judgmental or legalistic? Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Have I loved goodness, purity and holiness? Have I succumbed to evil motives and intentions? Have I given way to impure thoughts, words or deeds? Have I been guilty of bias and prejudice? Have I been hypocritical, pretentious or self-indulgent to sinful passions? Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Do I have God's peace in my heart? Have I been unfairly angry, aggressive or impatient? Have I worked for peace at home, work, Church and in society? Have I been irritable, polemical, or divisive? Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Have I complained when persecuted for God's sake? Have I prayed for my persecutors? Have I failed to defend anyone in the truth for fear of humiliation or persecution? Have I had the courage to stand up for what is right despite criticism, ridicule or persecution? Blessed are you when they revile you and persecute you on my account; rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven Is the joy of Christ in my heart even in trying moments? Have I been pessimistic despondent or despairing? Have I truly delighted in the promise of God's treasures in heaven? March 2015 Page 16

17 Sunday, March 22nd following the Divine Liturgy! Come bring your special recipes and let us enjoy one of the tastiest meals Great Lent has to offer! Philoptochos Stavroproskiniseos Luncheon & General Assembly Sunday, March 15th Join us as we celebrate the midpoint of the Holy Fast in a Luncheon honoring the Holy Cross and also participate in the leadership of our Parish in the General Assembly. Every voice is important! March 2015 Page 17

18 29 9:00 am Sunday Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 11:30 am Choir Practice 30 Fr. Christodoulos 6:00 pm Compline 31 Fr. Christodoulos 9:00 am Office Hours FAKES Cook-OFF 9:00 am Sunday Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 11:30 am Choir Practice :00 pm Great Compline 24 9:00 am Office Hours 6:00 pm Esperinos of the Annunciation 25 9:00 am Office Hours 9:00 am Orthros of the Annunciation 10:00 am Divine Liturgy of the Annunciation 4:30 pm Healthy Body Healthy Soul 5:30 pm Greek Dance Practice Visitations 9:00 am Office Hours 6:00 pm The Akathist Hymn 5:00 pm Byzantine Music Class 28 11:30 am Choir Practice 15 GENERAL ASSEMBLY Stavroproskiniseos Luncheon 9:00 am Sunday Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 16 6:00 pm Great Compline 17 9:00 am Office Hours 12:30 pm Olive Garden Faith Group 6:30 pm Blessed Darkness 18 9:00 am Office Hours 4:30 pm Healthy Body Healthy Soul 5:30 pm Greek Dance Practice 6:00 pm Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 19 8:30 am Bible Study 9:30 am Healthy Body Healthy Soul 5:00 pm Byzantine Music Class 20 Visitations 6:00 pm Salutations to the Theotokos 21 GOYA fun activity 8 Teachers Meeting Philoptochos Monthly Meeting Daylight Saving Time starts 9:00 am Sunday Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 11:30 am Choir Practice :00 pm Great Compline 9:00 am Office Hours 12:30 pm Olive Garden Faith Group 6:30 pm Blessed Darkness 11 9:00 am Office Hours 4:30 pm Healthy Body Healthy Soul 5:30 pm Greek Dance Practice 6:00 pm Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 12 Spring Cleaning 8:30 am Bible Study 9:30 am Healthy Body Healthy Soul 13 Visitations 6:00 pm Salutations to the Theotokos 1 AGIASMOS 8:30 am Agiasmos Service 9:00 am Sunday Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 11:30 am Choir Practice 2 3 6:00 pm Great Compline 9:00 am Office Hours 7:00 pm Parish Council Meeting Group 12:30 pm Olive Garden Faith 6:30 pm Blessed Darkness 4 9:00 am Office Hours 4:30 pm Healthy Body Healthy Soul 5:30 pm Greek Dance Practice 6:00 pm Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 5 8:30 am Bible Study 9:30 am Healthy Body Healthy Soul 5:00 pm Byzantine Music Class 6 Visitations 6:00 pm Salutations to the Theotokos March 2015 Page Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Holy Trinity GOC February 2015

19 Parish News March 12 - March 15 - March 22 - SPRING CLEANING (GOYA Outreach Project) GENERAL ASSEMBLY Philoptochos Stavroproskiniseos Luncheon FAKES COOK-OFF March 30-April 1 - March 30- April 4 - Confessions with Rev. Fr. Christodoulos Margellos Great Compline and Lecture offered by Rev. Fr. Christodoulos Margellos Saturday of Lazarus Palm Cross Workshop Metropolis News March 2015 Page 19

20 Prosforo to be offered by the following Families on the following Dates: We need Coffee Hour Sponsors! Does a loved one have a name day, birthday, anniversary, memorial coming up? Why not honor that loved one by sponsoring the Coffee Hour in his/her/their honor? Check the Coffee Hour Section of the Website to see open days. Sun March 1 Sun March 8 Sun March 15 Sun March 22 Sun March 29 Coffee Hour: Frank and Joanne Giganti for the 40 day memorial of her mother. Coffee Hour: Stavroproskiniseos Luncheon FAKES COOK-OFF Coffee Hour: