NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS SUNDAY BEFORE HOLY CROSS SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2013

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1 NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS SUNDAY BEFORE HOLY CROSS SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2013 Sts. Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Greek Orthodox Church Rev. Fr. Barnabas Powell, Proistamenos Jimmy Smith, Psaltis 3074 Bethelview Road Cumming GA (770) cell (770) We are an intentional Orthodox Christian Community for North Georgia!

2 WORSHIP Festal - Eleventh Eothinon/Tone Second We are so very glad you have joined us today, and we pray you will be inspired and encouraged by your time with us. The Orthodox worship service is an ancient and timeless expression of how people have loved, served and worshipped God for many centuries, but it may be a bit of a different experience for you. Please feel free to use a service book or not and simply allow the words of the service to wash over you. The central act of our worship culminates in people receiving communion. This is a very special time for us all and we have some specific beliefs about our communion together. This is why we never impose this service on those who are not prepared or are not baptized Orthodox. This service may raise questions in your mind. Please feel free to ask Fr. Barnabas or Fr. Paul anything you wish after the service. At the end of the service EVERYONE is invited to come forward and receive a portion of the blessed bread from Fr. Barnabas. No one should leave church hungry! Know you are welcome and we are glad you are here. May God bless you and your family. Apolytikion in honor of Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Having contended on Lesvos for the sake of Christ God, you have sanctified the island since the discovery of your sacred relics, O blessed ones; wherefore we honor you, O Godbearing Raphael, together with Nicholas and virgin Irene, as our divine protectors and intercessors with the Lord. Schedule for the Week September 11th, Wednesday - 6:30 p.m. Vespers September 14th, Saturday - 5 p.m. Great Vespers Parish Council On Duty Today - Harald Hagen & Kosta Bozzuto Ushering Ministry - GOYA Welcoming Ministry - Sharon Tyre Fellowship Ministry - Parish Council ACOLYTES Jacob Atkins, Zachery Bethune, Mike & Peter Jordanopolos, Thomas Miller, Evan & Mitchell Roussey, Mike Trainor, Alex & Niko Tzevelekos and Christos Zourzoukis SENIOR ACOLYTES Mike Manos, Dean Pryles WELCOME TO BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY LEN VANERSTROM WILL BE RECEIVED AS A CATECHUMEN TODAY.

3 TODAY WE REMEMBER The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary Reading: According to the ancient tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was born of barren and aged parents, Joachim and Anna, about the year 16 or 17 before the birth of Christ. Joachim was descended from the royal line of David, of the tribe of Judah. Anna was of the priestly tribe of Levi, a daughter of the priest Matthan and Mary, his wife. Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone: Your birth, O Theotokos, brought joy to the whole world, for from you dawned the sun of righteousness, Christ our God. Freeing us from the curse, He gave us His blessings. Abolishing death, He granted us eternal life. Kontakion in the Fourth Tone: In your holy birth, Immaculate One, Joachim and Anna were rid of the shame of childlessness; Adam and Eve of the corruption of death. And so your people, free of the guilt of their sins, celebrate crying: "The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, who nourishes our life." Sunday before Holy Cross Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Tone: When Thou didst descend unto death, O Life Immortal, then didst Thou slay Hades with the lightning of Thy Divinity. And when Thou didst also raise the dead out of the nethermost depths, all the powers in the Heavens cried out: O Life-giver, Christ our God, glory be to Thee. Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone: In your holy birth, Immaculate One, Joachim and Anna were rid of the shame of childlessness; Adam and Eve of the corruption of death. And so your people, free of the guilt of their sins, celebrate crying: "The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, who nourishes our life." We Also Remember Sophronios of Iberia Please pray for those faithful who are currently in need of our most fervent intercessions: Andrew, Angie, Bill, Bill, Carrie, Demetra, Diane, Dina, Donna, Elaine, Elizabeth, Christina, George, Gus, Heidi, Igli, James, Jerry, Joe, Maria, Michael, Oni, Patsy, Paul, Peter, Staikoula, Taki, Tara, Violeta, John & Sheila Consos, Archie & Florence Lytle, Katherine & Sam Yalanzon

4 EPISTLE Reading The Reading is from St. Paul s Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18 Prokeimenon. Mode Plagal 2. Psalm 27.9,1 O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance. Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God. BRETHREN, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and not only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen. ΑΩ Ἀδελφοί, ἴδετε πηλίκοις ὑμῖν γράμμασιν ἔγραψα τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί. Ὅσοι θέλουσιν εὐπροσωπῆσαι ἐν σαρκί, οὗτοι ἀναγκάζουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, μόνον ἵνα μὴ τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ διώκωνται. Οὐδὲ γὰρ οἱ περιτετμημένοι αὐτοὶ νόμον φυλάσσουσιν, ἀλλὰ θέλουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, ἵνα ἐν τῇ ὑμετέρᾳ σαρκὶ καυχήσωνται. Ἐμοὶ δὲ μὴ γένοιτο καυχᾶσθαι εἰ μὴ ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ διʼ οὗ ἐμοὶ κόσμος ἐσταύρωται, κἀγὼ τῷ κόσμῳ. Ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ οὔτε περιτομή τι ἰσχύει, οὔτε ἀκροβυστία, ἀλλὰ καινὴ κτίσις. Καὶ ὅσοι τῷ κανόνι τούτῳ στοιχήσουσιν, εἰρήνη ἐπʼ αὐτούς, καὶ ἔλεος, καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰσραὴλ τοῦ θεοῦ. Τοῦ λοιποῦ, κόπους μοι μηδεὶς παρεχέτω ἐγὼ γὰρ τὰ στίγματα τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματί μου βαστάζω. Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί. Ἀμήν.

5 GOSPEL READING The Reading is from John 3:13-17 The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him." Α Ω Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀναβέβηκεν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν εἰ μὴ ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς, ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ὁ ὤν ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ. καὶ καθὼς Μωϋσῆς ὕψωσε τὸν ὄφιν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οὕτως ὑψωθῆναι δεῖ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. Οὕτω γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ' ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ κόσμος δι' αὐτοῦ

6 ANNOUNCEMENTS Father Barnabas is available to hear confession every Wednesday either before or after Vespers and by appointment. Please call or the church office to request a time to meet with Father and avail yourself to this healing divine mystery of the Church. Please call the Church office for more information (770) Sts. RNI Choir Practice Immediately following Divine Liturgy in the Chapel Contact Marie Chapman for more information or mommystargater@comcast.net Sts. RNI Bookstore News Your purchases through Amazon helps us raise money! We have a new e-store on Amazon for the Sts. RNI Bookstore. This is an Amazon webstore that we put items into categories like books, cds, jewelry, food, etc. and we get paid 10% on all sales through our store. If someone from the church wants to buy something on Amazon, they need to click through our link for us to get credit. Also, if anyone wants a book, cd, etc., not on our list, they need to let us know & we can add it to the site. Use the link: For more information or to add items, contact Aftan Romanczak at aromanczak@hotmail.com

7 ANNOUNCEMENTS PUBLIC PARTICIPATION MEETING Monday, September 16th, 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary This meeting is for the residents in the surrounding community to meet with the project team to discuss the Fellowship Hall (white house) Project. Parishioners are welcome to attend as well. For more information, contact the church office at officeadmin.org or speak with Rusty Waldron (c ) who is the Project Manager Prosforo Baking Prosforo will be made on Tuesday, September 24th, and Tuesday, October 29th, at the Blue House beginning at 9 a.m. All who would like to come and help are welcome. Contact Stamatia Hagen at mamma2maria@gmail.com Visitors Welcome Dina Sarandis resides at The Oaks on Post Road and welcomes visits from fellow parishioners. Dina says THANK YOU to those who have visited her and wants you to know that she has really enjoyed the company. She looks forward to more visitors. John & Sheila Consos are now residing in Dunwoody 4355 Georgetown Sq., Unit 442 and would enjoy phone calls (770/ ) &/or visits. If you know of someone who would like a visit, please contact Helen McCart at or the Church Office.

8 CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION Sunday School September 8th THROUGH May 18, 2014 A focus on Sacraments and Feasts; Scripture and Bible Stories; Saints and Orthodox Spirituality in communion with our teachers and our children. Septemer 8th Church School begins! Registration forms are in the Narthex. Pre-K through High School Students need to sign up. ATTENTION ALL PARENTS OF CHURCH SCHOOL CHILDREN & TEENS There will be a Parent Meeting on Sunday, Sept. 15th, after the Divine Liturgy. Please grab a cup of coffee/snack and join us in the Sanctuary for 30 minutes. Church School Teachers are needed in 3-5 grade as well as High School If interested, please contact Quay Farr (quayfarr@bellsouth.net) or Donna Smith (missmagnoliasmoxie@gmail.com) Children & Youth Choir Practice - will meet in the Youth Room after receiving the Holy Eucharist. REGISTER FOR GREEK SCHOOL Contact Smara Wolff for information on Greek School registration for Fall smara.wolff@gmail.com or Classes begin week of September 8th. Registration forms in Narthex or from Smara Wolff. November 16th, Saturday - Greek School Koulourakia Baking - $2/child Sundays - Oct. 27, Nov. 24, Dec p.m. Greek Moving Gathering

9 ADULT EDUCATION Sts. RNI Scripture Study Program Wednesday Mornings 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday Evenings 6:45 to 8:00 p.m. The Epistle to the Hebrews September 4-October 9; January 8-22; April 30-May 21 Suggested Donation: $10 Walking Through the Nativity November 6-December 25 Suggested Donation: $15 Walking Through Holy Week February 5-April 10 Suggested Donation: $20 SATURDAY NIGHT BOOK CLUB 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Church & Blue House) September 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2013 Book: God and You: Person to Person October 5, 12 & 26, 2013 Book: Beginning to Pray THE WAY DVD Series 6:30-8 p.m. - Youth Room Thursday, September 26 - Why did Jesus Come to Us? Thursday, October 24th - Salvation in Christ LIFE & FAMILY EDUCATION Wednesday Evening, September 18th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Sts. RNI Family Spaghetti Dinner, Vespers & Education

10 PHILOPTOCHOS 2013 Membership Drive is underway. ALL are welcome to join. Philoptochos is not just a ladies organization anymore! GENERAL MEETING - Thursday, September 19th, 6:30 p.m. Covered Dish Supper/General Meeting At the home of Ginny Kostulakos 7030 Summit Ridge Chase, Cumming RSVP to Ginny at or wordscan49@att.net PHILOPTOCHOS COOKBOOK PROJECT The Sts. RNI Philoptochos is assembling a Greek Recipe Cookbook that it plans to publish & sell as a fund raiser. We would appreciate if you would share with us your favorite Greek recipes - regular or nistisimo (fasting). Please submit your recipes by September 1st to: Ginny Kostulakos (officeadmin@stsrni.org) or to Helen McCart (filiatra3@comcast.net). If you have any background for the recipe such as who originated it (your mom, yiayia, papou, best friend); special details as to how you prepare it (special pan size, measuring technique, etc.), what part of Greece it comes from or is popular in, please share that with us as well. We want ours to come out as good as yours! Handwritten/typed recipes are also welcome. Don t forget to put your name with the recipe (& a contact number for the committee if we have questions) so you get credit for your contribution. RECIPES ARE STILL BEING ACCEPTED. THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE ALREADY SUBMITTED.

11 PHILOPTOCHOS Philoptochos Raffle Fundraiser Philoptochos is looking for prizes for their Festival Raffle Project. This year 80% of profit will go to Philoptochos Charities & Commitments and 20% to the renovation of our new White House. We are looking for gift cards to restaurant, spa, movies or retail stores; Atlanta Symphoney/Fox Theater show tickets; sporting event tickets; gift baskets from hair salon/spa or nail salon; new home décor items. Also, VISA or AMEX gift cards. If you have a credit card that earns reward points, the points can be redeemed for gift cards starting as low as $25. This would not be any actual COST to you. Donations from businesses will be acknowledged on the tickets & signage. To donate contact Anne Trainor ( or annetrainor@bellsouth.net) or Julie Chokos ( or julchokos@aol.com) INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY PROJECT International Literacy Day, which is observed worldwide on September 8th, is sponsored by the International Reading Association and the United Nations. In observance of this day and as part of our Community Outreach, the Sts. RNI Philoptochos will be collecting new and gently used children s books, which will then be donated to the Media Center at the Sawnee Elementary School. We encourage all our parishioners to participate in this worthy project. A collection box will be in the Narthex & on the Philoptochos table on Back-to-Church Sunday.

12 ANNOUNCEMENTS AN INVITATION from MARIETTA PRIME TIMERS The Prime Timers (Senior Organization) of Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, Marietta, have extended an invitation to the parishioners of Sts. RNI to join them on a bus trip to the Biltmore Estate on November 12-13, Lodging will be at the Hampton Inn. Cost of $150/person includes lodging, double occupancy, transportation and all meals except for lunch on Nov. 13th. (A flyer is on a table in the Narthex.) For more information contact Connie Stratigos ( or cs121033@juno.com or Renee Hammond ( ) Reservations (with check) go to Dorothy Botni 3019 Walker Dr., Marietta FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY Our Fellowship Hour Donation Campaign has begun. A suggested donation of $25/family helps cover the cost of the weekly Fellowship Hour. Checks should be made payable to Sts. RNI G.O. Church with Fellowship on the memo line. We hope you have enjoyed the refreshments provided over the past year and will continue to support the Fellowship Committee s efforts to serve you each Sunday. Thank you for your support of this Ministry. GREEK DANCING Andrea Mancil has volunteered to be the instructor for Greek dance again this year. There will be four groups: 3-6 yrs; 7-11 yrs; yrs; and 21+. There are 8 Sundays til Festival. Practices will be on Sunday directly after church. There will also be a practice one evening during the week. Please contact Andrea ( or asmancil@gmail.com) to sign up or for more information. Dancing is fun & good exercise. It also gives us a chance to share with our community at the festival the music & dance of our Greek heritage.

13 COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM Kroger is now offering a Community Rewards Program in our area to help bring funds to organizations simply by their membership registering their Kroger Plus card online and then shopping. Each time you use your Kroger Plus card a donation is made to our Church and the Church will receive a reward check on a quarterly basis. Register your Kroger Plus Card online at Krogercommunityrewards.com Be sure to have your Kroger Plus card handy and register your card with: Eastern Orthodox Community of Northern GA, Inc as your organization of choice. That s all there is to it! The more you shop at Kroger using your Kroger Plus Card the more donations Kroger will make to our Church account. Don t have a Kroger Plus card? They are available at Kroger Customer Service Counter. If you use your phone number when you are checking out instead of having the Kroger Plus card scanned, call , select option 4 to get your Kroger Plus card number and then proceed to register your card number at the above website. If you have any questions about this new fundraiser, please contact Ginny Kostulakos at or officeadmin@stsrni.org P.S. Sts. RNI is officially registered as a 501(C)(3) under the name of Eastern Orthodox Community of Northern GA, Inc.

14 GREEK FEST 2013 SAVE THE DATES Friday, October 18th 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, October 19th 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, October 20th 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. We also need help: Thursday, October 17th Set Up Monday, October 18th Clean Up We would like to add a Box Lunch on Friday from Noon to 3 p.m. Chairperson Needed Ask how you can become a steward of this wonderful event. Questions, concerns and to volunteer to help plan the Festival should be directed to Johnny Melts or johnnymelts@gmail.com OR see him in person after Church services. NEW FESTIVAL EVENT Sts. Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Inaugural Toga Trot 5K Grab your Toga and your running shoes and come out to a great morning. October 19, 2013 at 9:00am Register now for $25 and you are guaranteed a long-sleeved shirt in your size. Race day registration will be $30. Packet pickup will be available the morning of the race and Friday night at the Greek Festival. Scan the QR code above to register! For more information: Or speak with Liz & Chris Foxhall

15 GREEK FEST 2013 BAKING Beginning Friday, September 13th, we will be baking at The Blue House beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, October 4th South Forsyth High School Galatoboureko Monday, October 7th South Forsyth High School (Product to be Announced) More dates will be announced as they are set up. Thanks for your help! Donations of ingredients for baklava, galatoboureko, koulourakia, kourimbiedas, pastichio, kefteda, etc. are welcome or monetary donations to help defray festival expenses. See Johnny Melts or Sophia Bethune

16 To date the 98 families below have returned Stewardship Commitment Cards for Nicholas & Varvara Alexiou Jim & Angie Andropoulos Sarante & Julie Athenson Richard & Sophia Bethune Anthony & Mary Birozes Renee Birozes Katherine Blanos James & Jennifer Bochis Joseph & Barbara Bonelli-Selwa Jordan & Lisa Boston Helen Bouboulis Kosta & Carolyn Bozzuto Sean & Maria Carney David & Marie Chapman Grace Chihlas Julie Chokos Connie Condos John & Sheila Consos Giles & Emily Christie Dan & Alyssa Douglas John & Beth Doulgerakis Quay & Trissie Farr Chris & Liz Foxhall Valerie Galanis Robert & Carey Gilbert Robert & Jennifer Guano Harald & Stamatia Hagen Christine Hatcher Harriet Howell Alan & Julia Jenkins Mark & Jennie Johnson Eleni Jordan Panagiotis & Elizabeth Jordanopoulos Vasilios & Mary Kaloudis James Kanellos Maria Kardomateas Theodoros & Aphrodite Kazazakis- Levendakis Dennis & Ginny Kostulakos Alex & Melpo Levantis Earnest & Elizabeth Livaditis Leon & Francis Lopez Archie & Florence Lytle Connie Machoudy Harry & Tina Maheras Bill & Margaret Manos Emanuel Manos Bill & Audrey Marianes John Martin George Matthews Al & Helen McCart John & Becky Melts Bill & Mary Milam Matt & Athena Miller Nikolaos Moissiadis Patricia Morris Peter & Jamie Nunn Nicolas & Teddie Panos Constantinos & Evelyn Pantazopoulos Lazaros & Christina Papadopoulos Gregory Pappas Gus Pappas John & Evon Patrick Sts. RNI Philoptochos Gus Plakiotis Ioanna Plakiotis Mihai & Heidi Popa Father & Presvytera Powell Pam Powers Katherine Prattes Vic & Suzi Pryles Paul & Gigi Ray Marina Raymond David & Mary Roberts Athan & Cheri Romanczak Jimmy & Pat Roney Andrew & Lorez Roussey Dina Sarandis Taka & Kathy Shoji Eric & Donna Smith Eugenia Smith Estelle Sofikitis George & Anna Sofikitis Dennis & Laura Sparks James Stockdill Koko & Carol Tadros Steven & Thalia Thompson Ed & Anne Trainor Brian & Jennifer Tubbs Sharon Tyre Greg Tzevelekos George Tzortzinakis Plutarch & Tina Vamvakias Rusty & Christine Waldron Tim & Diane Walters Steve & Smara Wolff Sam & Katherine Yalanzon George & Thalia Zazanis-Bruno John & Mildred Zourzoukis