March 27, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

Transcription

1 Sunday Bulletin March 27, 2016 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Hillcrest Road, Dallas, Texas Office Fax Reverend Father Christopher Constantinides Reverend Father Peter Kostakis Reverend Father John Essa Reverend Deacon Mark Pakes Reverend Deacon Athanasios Clint Sharpley Reverend Deacon Christopher Stern

2 COMMUNION ETIQUETTE If you are either baptized and or confirmed as an Orthodox Christian and have spiritually prepared to receive Holy Communion, please come up from the middle aisle of the Church with reverence and humility, row by row, in a QUIET and ORDERLY fashion, and depart as directed. Please remain seated in your pews until a council member indicates your row should go forward. If you are standing in the back of the nave, please wait until all seated parishioners have gone forward and a council member indicates you should go ahead. In receiving Communion, you should place the cloth under your chin, recite your CHRISTIAN NAME, and wipe your mouth after receiving. Women, please remove your lipstick prior to receiving Communion. THANK YOU! PRAYERS FOR OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN We are currently updating the list of active service members. Please submit the name of the person/s you would like added to this prayer list. 2

3 Sunday, March 7,, 716 Hymns at the Small Entrance RESURRECTIONAL HYMN, SECOND TONE GREEN BOOK, PAGE 81 WHEN YOU DESCENDED ENTRANCE HYMN, SECOND TONE Come let us bow down to Christ and worship Him the Son of God. Save us O Son of God, who did arise from the dead. We sing to You, alleluia! RESURRECTIONAL HYMN, SECOND TONE GREEN BOOK, PAGE 81 WHEN YOU DESCENDED HYMN FOR ST. GREGORY PALAMAS, PLAGAL FOURTH TONE Illuminating light of Orthodoxy, support and teacher of the Church, the beauty of monastics, the invincible defender of theologians: Gregory, the miracle-worker, the boast of Thessalonika, preacher of grace, supplicate always that our souls may be saved. HYMN FOR THE CHURCH, PLAGAL FOURTH TONE GREEN BOOK, PAGE 115 O BLESSED ARE YOU KONTAKION, PLAGAL FOURTH TONE GREEN BOOK, PAGE 98 TO YOU AS CHAMPION 3

4 Epistle Reading St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3 "IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation? Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him. Gospel Reading Mark 2:1-12 At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the 4

5 paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"i say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!" Mar. 27 Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas; Paul, Bishop of Corinth; The Holy Matrona of Thessalonica Mar. 28 Hilarion the New; Herodion the Apostle of the 70; Stephen the Wonderworker Mar. 29 Mar. 30 Mar. 31 April 1 April 2 Daily Commemoration of Saints Mark, Bishop of Arethusa; Martyr Cyril the Deacon and those with him; The Holy Martyrs Jonas and Barachesius; Eustathios the Confessor, Bishop of Bithynia John Climacus the Righteous, author of The Divine Ladder of Ascent; Sosthenes Apollos, Cephas, Caesar, & Epaphroditos, the Apostles of the 70; Zacharias the New Martyr The Holy Hieromartyr Hypatius, Bishop of Gangra; Innocent, Enlightener of Siberia & Alaska; Akakios the Confessor; Theophilos the Martyr and those with him Mary of Egypt; Gerontios & Vasilides the Martyrs; Euthemios of Suzdal Titus the Wonderworker; Theodora the Virginmartyr of Palestine; Amphianos & Aedesios the Martyrs of Lycia 5

6 Calendar of Events Sunday, Mar. 27 Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas 8:15 a.m. Orthros 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy (S) Catechetical School after Holy Communion (Community Center). Adult Catechetical Class immediately following Divine Liturgy. Coffee/Bake Sale hosted by the Maids of Athena (Community Center) following Divine Liturgy. 12:30-1:30 p.m. HTHD Practice (Gym) Jr. GOYA 1:30-2:30 p.m. HTHD Practice (Gym) Sr. GOYA 6 p.m. Pan Orthodox Vespers (St. Mary s Romanian Orthodox Church, Colleyville) Monday, Mar a.m. - 2 p.m. Yarn Guild (BR) 6 p.m. Great Compline (C) 7 p.m. HT Adult Greek School (GS Room) Tuesday, Mar. 29 1:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Pickleball (Gym) 5-8:30 p.m. HT Greek School (GS Rooms) 7-8 p.m. Adult Evening Bible Study (BR) 7-8:30 p.m. Choir Practice (Downstairs) Wednesday, Mar :30 p.m. HT Greek School (GS Rooms) 6 p.m. Presanctified Liturgy (C) 7 p.m. Lenten Meal (A) 7:30 p.m. Faith Enrichment (BR) Thursday, Mar :45 a.m p.m. Adult Bible Study (BR) 5-6:30 p.m. HT Greek School (GS Rooms) 7 p.m. Pickleball (Gym) Friday, April 1 7 p.m. 3rd Salutations to the Virgin Mary (S) 6

7 Saturday, April 2 9 a.m p.m. Marriage Seminar (A,D) 5 p.m. Great Vespers (C) Sunday, April 3 Sunday of the Holy Cross 8:15 a.m. Orthros 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy (S) Catechetical School after Holy Communion (Community Center). NO Adult Catechetical Class TODAY. Greek School Greek Independence Day Celebration (Community Center) immediately following Divine Liturgy. 6 p.m. Pan Orthodox Vespers (St. John the Baptist, Euless) Great Lenten Dinners Following Presanctified Liturgy (Wednesday Evenings) March 30 April 6 April 13 April 20 3rd Lenten Dinner (Stacia Gialamas & Angela Papas) 4th Lenten Dinner (Forrest & Susan Boaz) 5th Lenten Dinner (GOYA) 6th Lenten Dinner (Nick & Julie Dimoulakis) Thank You to all our Lenten Meal Volunteers! Parish Council Schedule March 27 Ari Rigopoulos, Christina Hochleutner, Jim Chappel, Bill Zaemes, Peter Hronas April 3 Tasos Kaiafas, Wade Stephens, Alin Voicu, Mary Ann Trapalis, Fotis Papanicolaou, Mary LeBrecht 7

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9 S.A.L.T. Euless Church Tour/Pan Orthodox Vespers WHAT? We are meeting with the other DFW Orthodox young adult groups at the Pan Orthodox Vespers service at St. John the Baptist in Euless. Fr. Vasili, along with Presvytera Mirela (who actually designed St. John s), will give us a special tour of this beautiful new church before the service. A Lenten dinner will be served there in the hall afterwards. A great way to meet young adults from other area parishes... I've had many requests for this! A huge thank you to our friends at the Euless Church for hosting us all! WHERE? St. John the Baptist 303 Cullum Dr, Euless, TX WHEN? Sunday, April 3, The tour starts at 5:15 p.m. and Vespers start at 6 p.m. Dinner following. 9

10 Please note there is NO Luncheon on April 19th. 10

11 MAIDS OF ATHENA ATHENA CONSTANCE CHAPTER #112 Join our Sisterhood! Are you between the ages of 14 and 28 with an interest in Hellenism, education, philanthropy and friendship? The Maids of Athena is an international philanthropic and fraternal organization. It is the Junior Auxiliary to the Daughters of Penelope. Founded in 1930, our Sisterhood quickly grew among young Greek women and today claims Chapters across the US and Canada.The Maids strive to achieve the ideals of Athena, as well as promote the Principles of our Order: Sisterhood, Service, Citizenship, Hellenism, Family and Arete. NEW MEMBER INITIATION SUNDAY, April 10th ~12:00 PM Contact Vice President Daniella Karant (817) to find out more information! Follow our chapter on Instagram & Twitter: moa_dtown. 11

12 Message from Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage To: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Wanted to inform you that the 3 boxes/packages arrived at our office today. Thank you so much for the snuggly blankets! I know the boys are going to love them! The colors are perfect and the size is perfect as well! What a blessing! Also, the colorful crosses are so beautiful! Thank you and your parish for such a thoughtful and beautiful donation to our boys! God continue to bless you abundantly! In Christ I Live, Janet Johnson Office Administrator P.O. Box Chula Vista, CA office@projectmexico.org Bus: Fax: Fr. Peter blessing the blankets before they were shipped to St. Innocent Orphanage. 12

13 Oratorical Festival Our Parish held its St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival on Sunday, March 6th. Participants included: Junior Division: Zoe Dolmas Senior Division: Anne-Marie Banoub Marina Banoub Lewis Dolmas Demi Tomasides First Place Winners were Demi Tomasides, Senior Division and Zoe Dolmas, Junior Division. They will represent our community at the Metropolis Oratorical Festival which will be held on April 8-10 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Boulder, Colorado. Judges for this year s Oratorical Festival were Bonnie Kallis, Presvytera Mirela Tudora and Marlene Treavor. From left to right: Anne-Marie Banoub, Marina Banoub, Lewis Dolmas, Demi Tomasides, Zoe Dolmas From left to right: Bonnie Kallis, Marlene Treavor, Presvytera Mirela Tudora 13

14 Join Philoptochos in our Lenten Philanthropic Project Shoes for Orphan Souls Donate new shoes, socks and shoelaces during Great and Holy Lent for the benefit of orphans worldwide. Purchase new athletic shoes, socks and shoelaces (adult size 4 through 12). Enclose a note of encouragement with your donation. Drop off your donation at one of the collection boxes in either the Narthex or the ALS Community Center (across from the office) FAQs How many pairs of shoes, socks and shoelaces should I donate? Count the number of your children and/or grandchildren and purchase shoes in their honor. Where do I purchase these items? You can purchase your donation at Wal-Mart, Payless, Target or your favorite shoe store. Can I make a cash donation? Yes, make your check out to Philoptochos with Shoes for Orphan Souls on the memo line. How do I learn more about Shoes for Orphan Souls? Visit Who do I contact for more information? Call Nancy Hebert at

15 IMPORTANT PARISH ANNOUNCEMENT Holy Trinity Men s Ministry Iron sharpens iron, and a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17 Holy Trinity has initiated a new ministry, the Men s Ministry program, a spiritual community of men of Holy Trinity. Men have gender-related needs and responsibilities that are best developed and nurtured in context with other men. Our Men s Ministry program will provide Christ-centered, spiritual environments and programs unique to men, which will encourage them to help one another to more strongly realize their Orthodox Christian responsibilities as husbands, fathers and friends. There will be retreats, small group settings, service opportunities and sporting activities that will promote open, trustful and supporting environments for men to bond and address their unique issues in today s society. Men, whether married or single, will find this Ministry a great opportunity to bond with other men and to realize your full potential as Orthodox Christians. The first retreat will take place at Holy Trinity during Great Lent on Saturday, April 16, Please place that date on your calendars. More specific information will be forthcoming. The MM is guided and supported by Fr. Chris, the Clergy of Holy Trinity, and dedicated men of our Parish, who together comprise the leadership: Andy Atalis John Christon Gary Collett Matt Fossey Stephen Konstans John Lucas Larry Nichols Steven Pakes Fr. Christopher Constantinides Fr. Peter Kostakis Dn. Mark Pakes Dn. Christopher Stern Dn. Athanasios Sharpley 15

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17 Message from the Parish Council The new site has been up for a while and people are liking it. Check it out today if you haven't. Just a reminder: Change your bookmarks and other shortcuts to go to the new site. For a short time the old site will send you to the new one but make the change so you can keep getting the great info. We are sure that you will like the more modern design, and we hope that you will find the new site to be a better source of information about our church, its ministries, organizations, and activities. Some of the features we think you will particularly appreciate are: A modern, responsive design that looks good on a wide range of devices. A front-page Parish News column with the latest information on our activities and events. More and richer content about the Orthodox Church, for personal study and to further our church s evangelical mission. A Photo Gallery to preserve and share memories of past festivals, holidays, and other events. An Online Pledge Card where you can make your stewardship commitment each year. The new website has been in the works for quite some time. The project began under Chris Canellos s presidency, and Jim Chappel did much of the early exploratory work. We are also very grateful to the Archdiocese s Department of Internet Ministries the new site was built using Archdiocese tools and is being hosted on Archdiocese servers, all at minimal cost. We would value your input on the new website. If you have comments or suggestions, please us at pcfeedback@holytrinity.info. (Eventually, as we complete the transition phase, we will update our church addresses to reflect the new holytrinitydallas.org domain.) In Christ s Service, Your Parish Council 17

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20 Pan Orthodox Vespers (Sundays at 6 p.m. with Lenten Meal following Vespers) March 27 April 3 April 10 April 17 St. Mary s Romanian Orthodox Church, Colleyville St. John the Baptist, Euless Sts. Constantine & Helen, Carrollton St. Seraphim Cathedral, Dallas Holy Trinity Greek School George Nikolopoulos Endowment Scholarship The George Nikolopoulos Endowment Scholarship Applications are now available for the Academic school year. Deadline for submission is May 31st. Information for applicants and applications are available on the Greek School website at ( Please submit completed applications and supporting documents to the Holy Trinity Greek School, Attention: Presvytera Alexandra Poulos. For questions, feel free to contact Billy Karant at wkarant@gmail.com. 20

21 ATTENTION High School Seniors and College Undergraduates Applications for St. Barbara s Philoptochos Educational Assistance Funds for are now available. These funds are open to students who are: active members and attendants of our Holy Trinity parish currently attending or have applied and been accepted to a twoyear or four-year undergraduate program at a public, in state (Texas) college or university or vocational/technical school. One application makes you eligible for either the St. Barbara s chapter Educational Assistance Funds or the Alpha Omega fund created by an anonymous benefactor and administered by Philoptochos. There is one common application for both funds, and the eligibility criteria are the same for both funds. The two highest ranking applicants will receive the Alpha Omega award and the next highest ranking applicant will receive the St. Barbara s Philoptochos award. Request an application by to pat.antoniou26@gmail.com. If you have questions, please contact Pat Antoniou at Please put Attention: Scholarship Fund on the envelope when you submit your application. DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS: MAY 31,

22 ATTENTION COLLEGE STUDENTS AHEPA SCHOLARSHIPS 2016 APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE There are three scholarship applications available from AHEPA for college students. To get your application for the National, District 16 and Local Chapter 20, follow these instructions: For the National AHEPA applications go to: Under Programs, click on Scholarship Program, Application and print the application. Applications are due March 31, 2016 For the District 16 AHEPA applications go to: Applications are due June 3, 2016 For the Local Chapter 20 applications, send an to An application will be ed to you. Applications are due May 31, 2016 If you have any questions please contact Bill Lane at

23 Weekly Bulletin 2015 Stewardship Report as of 3/23/16 Contributions received 1/1/15 to 3/23/ Stewardship Number of $ 2016 $ Contributed to % of 2016 Pledge Pledges Pledges Pledges 2016 Stewardship Contributed No Change to Pledge 373 $435,235 Decreased Pledge 133 $151,166 Increased Pledge 178 $307,990 New Pledges 17 $12,900 TOTAL # of Pledges 701 $907,291 $252, % Jim Dolmas Harry Yianitsas 2016 Parish Council President 2016 Stewardship Chairman Holy Trinity Bookstore The Holy Trinity Bookstore Welcomes You! We now have available THE ORTHODOX STUDY BIBLE in soft leather! It would make a very nice gift for any occasion. Also, THE WAY OF THE PILGRIM and THE NAMES OF JESUS are books we think everyone will surely enjoy. Other good books to consider reading are HEAVENLY BANQUET and THE POCKET PSALTER handbook which is new to the Bookstore. We have several outstanding children s books as well: PICTURES OF GOD, FROM GOD TO YOU and THE HIDDEN GARDEN! There are always new gift items to discover, and in addition to these items we have key chains, komboskini's for your car and home, wedding crown holders, Kantili, komboskini bracelets and much more. Don t miss the handmade byzantine jewelry from Gallery Byzantium in sterling silver and gold. We also have colorful ribbon crosses that are quite unique and beautiful. And, if you can t decide, we have Gift Certificates! Come in and browse around, you ll be glad you did! Your Bookstore Team: Mary Zotos, Betty Boyd, Alin Voicu and Kristi Cimino Sundays after Divine Liturgy until 12:30 p.m. & Wednesdays 1-3 p.m. 23

24 Taxes vs. Stewardship By Harry Yianitsas, 2016 Stewardship Chairman In celebration of the approaching tax filing deadline, let s look at taxes vs stewardship: From Wikipedia: A tax (from the Latin taxo; "rate") is a financial charge or other levy imposed upon a taxpayer (an individual or legal entity) by a state or the functional equivalent of a state to fund various public expenditures. A failure to pay, or evasion of or resistance to taxation, is usually punishable by law. (Hence, the IRS) Stewardship was originally made up of the tasks of a domestic steward, from stiġ (house, hall) and weard, (ward, guard, guardian, keeper). Stewardship in the beginning referred to the household servant s duties for bringing food and drink to the castle s dining hall. In business, it has been used by CEOs to denote the concept that "as a steward, you try to leave the company in better shape for your successor than it was handed over to you by your predecessor. In Jewish and Christian traditions, stewardship refers to the way time, talents, material possessions, or wealth are given for the service of God. At first glance, it looks like taxes and stewardship have a bit in common. Many would say, Yep, they both cost me money! They take up my time! But, in fact, they are more different than similar. Consider this: Do we have a choice in paying our taxes? Do we have a choice in paying our stewardship? Who decides if and how much? Do we pay taxes before or after we receive our paycheck? How about our stewardship? Do we have much of a voice in what our taxes are used for? How about stewardship? As we consider these questions, we realize that taxes are legally required by all of us. We have little to no freedom in the collection or use of our tax dollars, but we still pay them. Curiously, when we are given more freedom to contribute our time, talent, and treasure to our church, we have trouble doing so. Why? Ohhhh, now I know why taxes aren t voluntary! Consider this: Our wonderful local, state, and federal governments operate as smoothly as they do with the tax dollars we are legally bound to pay. Are we willing to be taxed at a higher rate to improve it? What kind of stewards are our state and federal representatives? Our beautiful Holy Trinity community, Metropolis, and national Orthodox Church operate as they do with the voluntary contributions of your time, talent, and treasureyour stewardship. That is an awesome thing to consider! We would not have our church without the stewardship, the voluntary giving, of ourselves. Amazingly, many great efforts are realized simply by people freely giving (not taxed) of themselves part of what God has given them. Which works better, taxes or stewardship? Thank you to all stewards who have submitted their 2016 Stewardship cards. If you have not submitted a card for 2016, please do it today. The new Stewardship Policy asks ALL stewards to complete a new card for In addition, please consider fulfilling your pledge month by month or more frequently. Our church budget runs much more smoothly when pledges come in evenly throughout the year.