Sunday before Holy Cross

Saints RAPHAEL, NICHOLAS, & IRENE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Rev. Fr. Barnabas Powell, Proistamenos 3074 Bethelview Road, Cumming GA 30040 (770) 781-5250 www.stsrni.org officeadmin@stsrni.org facebook.com/sts Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Greek Orthodox Church Read our daily devotionals at www.faithencouraged.org September 9, 2018 Sunday before Holy Cross Current Sts Raphael Nicholas & Irene Greek Orthodox Church Cumming, Georgia Today is Fast Free No fasting restrictions

Welcome to all visitors who are worshiping with us this morning. Please join us for Coffee Hour afterwards in the Parish Life Center ( PLC ). Reminder: If there is ever a luncheon prepared for donations to the church and you wish not to participate, the coffee and treats table is always available to everyone without a donation. Fellowship is the main focus of this time together! Visitors Meet & Greet with Father Barnabas TODAY, September 9, 2018 Sunday before the Holy Cross 9:00 a.m. Orthos 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy Students will go to the Sunday School classes after they are served communion or blessing. WELCOME BACK MR. DENNIS. We missed you! Appointments with Father Barnabas: Fr. Barnabas will be hearing confessions every Saturday from 4-5 pm before Great Vespers. He will also hear confessions by appointment. Please contact the church office to schedule an appointment. Administrative Office Hours: Monday Friday; 10 a.m. 4:00 p.m. *Are you interested in being a part of the Orthodox Church? If so, the Journey to Fullness classes will resume in the Fall at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights. Please call the church office if you are interested in attending. Visit the Gift Shop at the PLC for Inspiration and Gifts Friendly Reminder: The Orthodox Church practices closed communion. This means only Orthodox Christians who have properly prepared to receive the Eucharist should approach the Chalice at communion. If you have any questions, please see Fr. Barnabas after service. Parish Council Ushers For Today: Kosta Bozzuto and Anne Trainor Coffee Hour: the Donkar Family Welcome: Michelle Boyd Parish Council of 2018: Kosta Bozzuto, President; Rusty Waldron, Vice President; Len Vanerstrom, Secretary; David Chapman, Treasurer; Sandy Athenson, David Boyd, John Donkar, Tasso Kefalas, Helen McCart, Greg Pappas, Anne Trainor, and Plutarch Vamvakias Acolytes: Jacob and Jimmy Atkinson, Zackery Bethune, David Druffner, Spiro Kefalas, Aristotle & Alexander Theofilis, Alex & Niko Tzevelekos, Christos Zourzoukis, Senior Acolytes: Johnny Melts Please say a special prayer for the following Individuals: Ruth, Al, Ana S., Ashley, Ava, Austin Cohen, Bruce, Carrie, Elizabeth, Estelle S., Fred, Greg, Gus P., Jim, Katherine, Kim, Perry, A. Harris, John Havins; D. Jeffrey, Jo, Lockie G., Mariann, Maria, Marilyn, Mary M., Mr. Moss, Nicole, A. Papandreou, Shawn, Mary S., Victor, Patsy, Joanne, Walter, Vasilios R. Foxhall, and S. & K. Yalanzon. Mary Samaltanos is now in Long Term Care at Cumming Health and Rehab Center, 2775 Castleberry Road, Cumming, GA 30041 Phone (770) 781-2300. Please take a moment to visit her or send her a card.

Sunday before Holy Cross On this day we also commemorate: The Holy & Righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna; Severian the Martyr of Sebastia; and Theophanes the Confessor Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom Apolytikion for St. Raphael in the Fourth Tone Because of the finding of your holy relics, wise one, * the Island of Lesvos has been filled fully with the grace, * which God richly gave to you. * You, O devout martyr Raphael, paradoxically * appeared to many people, and you grant cures and healings. * And therefore we the faithful rejoice in all your miracles. Apolytikion for St. Raphael in the First Tone To the offspring of Ithaca, the pride and joy of Lesvos, * monastic martyrs glory, let us offer to Raphael our songs of praise; * for lately he appeared, and pours out cures and healings to us all. * Inexplicably he appears to believers, both in dreams and awake, who cry: * Glory to Christ who gave you His might. * Glory to Him who gave you miracles. * Glory to Him who through you fulfills our prayerful requests. 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. Singers and Chanters: Richard Bethune, Tabitha Bethune, Anthony Birozes, David Boyd, Lynne Lucher, and Jimmy Smith Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal of the Second Tone When the angelic powers appeared at Your grave, the soldiers guarding it feared and became as dead. And standing by the sepulcher was Mary who was seeking Your immaculate body. You devastated Hades, not afflicted by it. You went to meet the virgin, and granted eternal life. You resurrected from the dead. O Lord, glory to You. Apolytikion of the Feast in the Fourth Tone Your Nativity, O Theotokos, imparted joy to the entire earth, for out of you has risen the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God. He nullified the curse and instead gave His blessing; and causing death to be neutralized, He granted us eternal life. Apolytikion for the Ancestors of God in the Second Tone As we celebrate the memory of Your righteous Ancestors, through them we importune You, O Lord, that You save our souls. Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone Both Joachim and Anna from their sterility's stigma, and Adam and Eve from their mortality's ruin have been set free, O immaculate Maid, by your holy nativity. For this do your people hold celebration, redeemed from the guilt of transgression as they cry to you, "The barren one bears the Theotokos, the nourisher of our Life."

EPISTLE READING 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. The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18 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 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. Προκείμενον. Ήχος πλ. β'. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 27.9,1 Σῶσον, Κύριε τὸν λαὸν σου καὶ εὐλόγησον τὴν κληρονομίαν σου. Στίχ. Πρὸς σἐ, Κύριε, κεκράξομαι ὁ Θεός μου. Πρὸς Γαλάτας 6:11-18 τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα είναι απο 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.

THE GOSPEL READING The Gospel According to John 3:13-17 The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. 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." Ἐκ τοῦ Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 3:13-17 Εὐαγγελίου τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα 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.

PRAYERS BEFORE HOLY COMMUNION I believe and confess, Lord, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. I also believe that this is truly Your pure Body and that this is truly Your precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to You, have mercy upon me, and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, in knowledge or in ignorance. And make me worthy, without condemnation, to partake of Your pure Mysteries for the remission of sins and for eternal life. Amen. How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your saints? If I should dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my vesture will condemn me, since it is not a wedding garment; and being bound up, I shall be cast out by the angels. Cleanse, O Lord, the filth of my soul, and save me, as You are the one Who loves mankind. In Your love, Lord, cleanse my soul, and save me. Master Who loves mankind, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these Holy Gifts be to my judgment because I am unworthy, but rather for the purification and sanctification of both soul and body and the pledge of the life and Kingdom to come. It is good for me to cleave unto God and to place in Him the hope of my salvation. O Son of God, receive me today as a partaker of Your mystical supper. For I will not speak of the mystery to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas. But like the thief, I confess to You: Remember me, Lord, in Your Kingdom.

PARISH NEWS Sunday School Students, please remember to bring in your stewardship/time and talents cards. Good Morning Folks, Family Promise: Come on out and support your fastest parishioners take on the rest of the bed racers on Saturday September 15!! You can also support the 3 Great Saints bed by making a donation on the link below and click to support 2018 Beds. We look forward to a great time at this fun event for the family while supporting this great cause! https://www.fpforsyth.org/copy-of-family-festival-bed-race Also there is a need for help if you can on the 15 th below. Can you spare a couple of hours to help make this a great event for our community? We need many volunteers to make this event a success! This year, the Family Festival & Bed Race is taking place at Cumming Elementary School on Saturday, September 15 (11 am - 4pm). We are looking forward to this being our biggest event yet with the additional of games, bounce houses and more! It is truly a Family FESTIVAL! To make it a success, we need many hands! If you are able to help out, please use the sign up genius at the following link. If those particular shifts do not work and/or if you would like to help out the day before with preparation, please contact Tina at tina@fpforsyth.org. Thanks in advance for any time you are able to give! Link to Sign Up Genius: http:// https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0b4eafae2caaf94-family Greek Festival Volunteers please sign up at http://www.cumminggreekfestival.com/volunteer or on our website under Greek Festival. Festival is October 19 through October 21. Philoptochos General Meeting & Luncheon has been moved to Saturday-SEPTEMBER 15 at 11:30 to 1:30 pm. It will be held at the Lake Astoria Club House. We will be doing the Accessory Swap that we did at our Spring Luncheon. Please plan on attending and having a nice lunch and some fun exchanging accessories. Please RSVP to athenavlahos@yahoo.com By September 12th, 2018 DANCERS for the Greek Festival!!!!! Practices are starting. If your child/student would like to be involved, please text Evie Tzevelekos at 404-422-2856. The groups are Palamakia ages 5-7; Opa ages 8-11; Glendi ages 12-17. Festival baking has started. There is a schedule for baking for the month of September on the table in the Parish Life Center. Please contact Helen McCart at helenmccart49@gmail.com for more information. We need advertisers for the Greek Festival Program. Contact John Patrick at johnpatrick618@yahoo.com if you have any contacts who will purchase ads. We have started the Journey to Fullness classes with Father Barnabas. If you are interested in learning more about the Orthodox faith, please join us on Wednesday nights after service in the Parish Life Center. We have started the Book of Revelation Bible Study Class held in the PLC on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. Please join Father Barnabas for this study.

On September 29th 2018, the Metropolis of Atlanta will be blessed with a special event in our spiritual lives as we receive the miraculous Panagia Vimatarissa icon from the Monastery of Vatopaidi on Mount Athos. Beginning at 11:00 AM, this rare and joyous occasion will take the form of a procession with the icon of the Theotokos into our new Panagia Chapel, (Salem, SC) led by His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, along with the Monks of Vatopaidi, the clergy of the Metropolis of Atlanta, and a parade group created especially for the event! Together, we will all have the opportunity to venerate the miraculous icon of our Lady, offer glory to our God and Creator, thanking those who made this day possible, and enjoying the fellowship of our Metropolis of Atlanta family. His Eminence hopes to see as many parishioners there as possible, and to that end, asks that you please RSVP to Ethel Gjerde. You will not want to miss out on what will surely be a momentous and spiritually joyous event! For questions and additional information, please call Ethel Gjerde, 404-634-9345. Financial Review: For the week of 8/28/2018 to 9/06/2018 OPERATING ACCOUNT Income = $11,019.35 Expenses = $4,210.17 Income last 4 weeks = $24,285.02 Expenses last 4 weeks = $26,424.90 MORTGAGE ACCOUNT Months of mortgage payments on deposit = 1.6 (Thank you to the Estate of John Consos for a generous donation.) Save These Dates September 29 th The Arrival of the Miraculous Icon of the Panagia Vimaarissa Procession begins at 11:00 a.m. at the Diakonia Retreat Center, 455 Quail Ridge Road, Salem, SC 29676 October 4 th Festival Baking at South Forsyth High School in their Culinary Department starting at 8:30 a.m. Report to the Front Desk and they will give you a pass and directions to the Class Room and Kitchen. Sts RNI Greek Festival October 19-21

CALENDAR for September 2018 *All classes or meetings are held in the Parish Life Center (PLC) unless otherwise noted* Date Time Event Sept 9 - Sun 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. Sunday before Holy Cross BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY Orthos Liturgy Sunday School Classes will be meeting today Faith Encouraged Live at Ancient Faith Radio Sept 10 - Mon 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Meeting PLC Sept 12 - Wed Sept 13- Thur Sept 14 - Fri Sept 15 Sat Sept 16 Sun 10:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 6:30p.m. 11:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:00 p.m. Bible Study Class The Book of Revelation Small Paraklesis Service Journey to Fullness Class (after service) 9 th Hour Prayer Liturgy Exaltation of the Holy Cross Philoptochos General Meeting & Luncheon. It will be held at the Lake Astoria Club House. Please RSVP to athenavlahos@yahoo.com By September 12th, 2018. Great Vespers Sunday after Holy Cross Orthos Liturgy Sept 17 Mon 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Meeting PLC Sept 19 Wed 10:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m. Bible Study Class The Book of Revelation Small Paraklesis Service Journey to Fullness Class (after service) Sept 20 Thur 7:00 p.m. Depression/Bipolar Support Group meeting Sept 21 Fri 6:00 p.m. Wedding Rehearsal Sept 22 Sat Sept 23 Sun Noon 5:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. Wedding Great Vespers 1 st Sunday of Luke Orthos Liturgy Faith Encouraged Live at Ancient Faith Radio

Sept 24 Mon 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Meeting PLC Sept 26 - Wed Sept 27 Thur Sept 28 Fri Sept 29 - Sat Sept 30 - Sun 10:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. 5:00 9:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Falling Asleep of St. John the Theologian Bible Study Class The Book of Revelation Small Paraklesis Service Journey to Fullness Class (after service) Father Barnabas Out of Town Scout Troop Adult Only Meeting Father Barnabas Out of Town Father Barnabas Out of Town Panagia Vimatarissa icon from the Monastery of Vatopaidi on Mount Athos at the Cathedral No Service Tonight at Sts RNI PLC reserved 2nd Sunday of Luke Orthos Liturgy

Stewardship Commitment for 2018 (115 as of 9/7/2018) Go to StsRNI.org website under Giving and fill out your Stewardship Card online Apesos, Thomas Athenson, Sandy & Julie Avery, Tori Baglivo, Thomas & Valerie Barnard, Stephen & Deane Lytle Bauer, Ken ( Ted ) & Kim Bethune, Richard & Sophia Birozes, Anthony Birozes, Mabel Birozes, Renee Bowen, Deborah Bozzuto, Konstantinos & Carolyn Boyd, David & Michelle Brown, Dan & Sophia Brueggen, Geoff & Elise Buzyna, George & Helen Catapano, Athena Chapman, David & Marie Chason, Russell & Chyrisse Christy, Rick & Jan Condos, Connie Crosio, Russell & Stephanie Dimitrakakis, John & Alexis Donkar, George & Alexis Donkar, John & Athena Foxhall, Chris & Liz Galway, Cameron & Peggy Gaspar, Bill & Margaret Gilbert, Rob & Carey Guano, Robert & Jennifer Hagen, Harald & Stamatia Harrell, Justin & Christina Hauge, Michael Hayes, Ann Costakis Henning, Robert (Paul) & Ana Hutka, Steven & Linda Jackson, Reed & Stephanie Johnson, Brent & Nichole Johnson, Jennie Kaloudis, Vasilis & Maria Varthis Kanellas, James Kazozakis Theodore & Soula Levendakis Kefalas, Spiros Kefalas, Tasso & Laura Kefalas, Thalia Kelly, Terry & Tammy (Olga) Klock, Jacqueline Koulouris, Maria Koulouris, Stanley & Suzanne Ladies Philoptochos Society of Sts RNI Levantis, Alex & Melpo Lopez, Frances Lucher, David & Lynne Lucido, Michael & Aristea Lytle, Archie and Florence Maheras, Tina Maniatis, Dimitris & Vasiliki Manolakis, Yianna Marianes, Bill & Audrey Martin, John & Valerie Marvos, R. Todd & E. Ann McCart, Al & Helen Melts, Johnny & Becky Milam, Bill & Mary Miller, Matthew & Anthanasia Moissiadis, Nikolaos & Argentina Olszowy, Steve & Noreen Oster, Scott & Maria Panos, Nicholas & Theodora Pantazopoulos Constantinos & Evelyn Papadakis, Evan & Nicki Pappas, Gus Pappas, Gregory & Mary Kizer Pappas, Thomas & Lillian Patrick, John & Evon Perry, Michele Midge Ponton, Larry & Marilyn Popa, Mihai & Heidi Powell, Fr. Barnabas & Pres. Connie Powers, Pam Pryles, Vic & Suzi Ralston, Luke & Liz Ridjaneck, Melissa & Nick Smith Robison, John & Cathy Robinson, Paula Ryan, Chad & Joanne Sarmir, W. Jay & Carol Singleton, Kurt & Jen Sofikitis, George & Anna Sofikitis, Estelle

Sparks, Dennis & Laura Sparks II, Dennis Sparks, Jacob Sts. RNI Goya Tadros, Koko & Carol Tanis, Jack & Georgi Taylor, Patrick & Holli Theofolis, Gary & Barbara Thompson, Steve & Thalia Thompson, Craig & Michelle Trainor, Edward & Anne Trainor, Michael Tubbs, Brian & Jennifer Tyre, James & Sharon Tzevelekos, Greg & Evie *Uhl, John and Natalie Stadnick- Vamvakias, Plutarch & Augustina Vanerstrom, Len & Marina Voutas, Chrisoula Waldron, Rusty & Christine Walters, Diane Wilson, Jake & Katherine Yalanzon, Sam & Katherine Zazanis, George & Thalia Bruno Zourzoukis, John & Mildred *new name since last week SUNDAY SCHOOL STEWARDSHIP Guano, Juliana Guano, Nate Koulouris, Bella Larkin, Alli Powell, Katherine