APRIL 2, 2017 FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT ST. MARY OF EGYPT Our venerable father Titus the Wonderworker WELCOME TO ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL Cathedral Website: www.stnickspgh.org Email: church@stnickspgh.org CLERGY: Rev. Fr. Christopher Bender and Rev. Dn. Robert Lykos Father s Cell - 724-630-3483; Father s E-mail - frchbender@verizon.net PROTOPSALTIS: Dr. Nick Giannoukakis CHANTER: Steve Andrews CHOIR DIRECTOR: Steve Andrews ORGANIST: Anna Kovalevska ALTAR BOY CAPTAINS: Nicholas Hages & Andreas Paljug Today s hymns: please see page 2 Epistle: Hebrews 9:11-14 (p.143) Gospel: Mark 10:32-45 (p. 144) THIS WEEK AT ST NICHOLAS: Monday, April 3: 8-10 p.m. Open Volleyball Wed., April 5: 6 p.m. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy; 6:30 p.m. Adult Greek school; 7:30 p.m. Orthodoxy 101 Class Thurs., April 6: 11 a.m. Living Orthodoxy Sat., April 8: 8:45 a.m. Lazarus Saturday Orthros; 10 a.m. Divine Liturgy; 11:30 a.m. Church school Breakfast/Palm Making SIXTY CLUB NEWS: 2017 dues are $10 per person. Please make checks payable to St. Nicholas Sixty Club & contact Virginia Fekaris with any questions. SAVE THE DATE - June 11 th We are currently planning a program on First Aid and C.P.R. Watch the Sunday bulletins for details. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Greek School (A Note from Maria Stamoolis) We would like to thank everyone who supported the Greek school last week for the Celebration of Evangelismos and Greek Independence. We thank Christina Hammerling for donating and making the pasta and salads and Marcie McGuire, John Frentzos and Bill Copetas for cooking the delicious luncheon. The children did a great job with their poems and songs. Special recognition goes to the actors and actresses - Mia Velisaris, Mina Andrews, Vasilis Benos, Alex Copetas, Themis Balouris and the narrator Marianna Christos for doing an excellent job performing the Miracle of St. Menas in 1826. Again thank you for supporting our Greek Language school and keeping it continuously running for more than 100 years. JUST IN Each year, at the St. Photios Awards Banquet, two of the faithful who have offered exceptional service to the entire Metropolis over many years are honored with the Metropolis St. Photios Award. This week, we learned that two of our own have be chosen by His Eminence Metropolitan Savas for this honor: CONGRATULATIONS to lifelong members MARIA STAMOOLIS & DR. JAMES KYROS. They join Virginia Fekaris & James Machin, who are our parish s honorees for this year. It is not too late to make reservations, if you would like to attend & support all our honorees. Please see the form sent in this bulletin, or in the monthly Newsletter. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5th Annual Greek Language Festival On April 22, Greek Language students from the Metropolis will participate in a Quiz Bowl, musical and drama performances, dancing, and an art exhibit. There will be food, crafts, games, and fun. All material for the Quiz Bowl can be downloaded. This Metropolis event will take place at St. Nicholas from 11 a.m. 3 p.m. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Holy Week/Easter Flower Donations We are deeply grateful to all of those who have so generously offered to sponsor flowers for the most sacred season of Holy Week and Pascha, covering every item on our annual list. Further donations in support of beautifying our church at this holy time of year are, of course, greatly appreciated! And of course, all donations are tax deductible.
APRIL 2, 2017 FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT ST. MARY OF EGYPT Our venerable father Titus the Wonderworker Tone 8 Orthros Gospel 8 SPECIAL HYMNS OF THE DAY: The first hymn chanted at the Small Entrance is the Resurrection Apolytikion in this week s tone (Tone 8, p. 172). After the procession with the Gospel the usual Eisodikon (Entrance Hymn) is chanted: Come let us worship and fall down before Christ. Save us O Son of God, who arose from the dead. We sing to you, Alleluia. Δεῦτε προσκυνήσωμεν καὶ προσπέσωμεν Χριστῷ. Σῶσον ἡμᾶς Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ νεκρῶν, ψάλλοντάς σοι Ἀλληλούϊα. After the Entrance Hymn the Priest reenters the Sanctuary, and the Resurrection hymn is repeated. This is followed by the hymn for the saint of the Day (Mary of Egypt): Ἐν σοὶ Μῆτερ ἀκριβῶς διεσώθη τὸ κατ' εἰκόνα λαβοῦσα γὰρ τὸν σταυρόν, ἠκολούθησας τῷ Χριστῷ, καὶ πράττουσα ἐδίδασκες ὑπερορᾶν μὲν σαρκὸς παρέρχεται γάρ, ἐπιμελεῖσθαι δὲ ψυχῆς, πράγματος ἀθανάτου διὸ καὶ μετὰ Ἀγγέλων συναγάλλεται Ὁσία Μαρία τὸ πνεῦμά σου. In you, O Mother, is preserved undistorted what was made in the image of God; for taking up the cross, you followed Christ and by example taught that we should overlook the flesh, since it passes away, and instead look after the soul, since it is immortal. And therefore, O devout Mary, your spirit rejoices with the angels. Following this, we chant the Hymn for our Church s Patron Saint, St. Nicholas (Tone 4): Κανόνα πίστεως καὶ εἰκόνα πραότητος, ἐγκρατείας Διδάσκαλον, ἀνέδειξέ σε τῇ ποίμνῃ σου, ἡ τῶν πραγμάτων ἀλήθεια διὰ τοῦτο ἐκτήσω τῇ ταπεινώσει τὰ ὑψηλά, τῇ πτωχείᾳ τὰ πλούσια, Πάτερ Ἱεράρχα Νικόλαε πρέσβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν. The truth of things have revealed you to your flock as a rule of faith, an icon of meekness, and a teacher of temperance; for this cause you have achieved the heights by humility, riches by poverty. O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved. Finally, the Seasonal Kontakion is heard: Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία, πρὸς τὸν Ποιητὴν ἀμετάθετε, μὴ παρίδῃς, ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλὰ πρόφθασον, ὡς ἀγαθή, εἰς τὴν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν, τῶν πιστῶς κραυγαζόντων σοι Τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καὶ σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προστατεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε, τῶν τιμώντων σε. O Protection of Christians beyond reproach, mediator to the Creator immovable, O despise not the pleading voices of those in sin, but hasten, O good one, to the help of all of us who in faith cry out to you: speed up your intercession, and press on your supplication, O Theotokos who always protects all those who honor you. Epistle Reading: Hebrews 9: 11-14 (p. 143) Gospel: Mark 10: 32-45 (p. 144) After the Gospel reading, return to page 12 of the Divine Liturgy Book for the rest of the service.
GOYA NEWS: Pastichio Sale: Frozen & ready to cook, 9x12 pans, only $30 a pan, and are available after church. To place an order, contact Alea Melacrinos at goya.pastichiosale@gmail.com +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Keeping up with Philoptochos Celebrating 85 years of Philanthropy, Fellowship & Faith in Action! Palm Sunday Luncheon Save the date, Sunday, April 9, 2017, in the Cathedral Room (Large Hall) for the annual Palm Sunday Luncheon. It is a nice way to start off Holy Week, by breaking bread together as a family. Attention All Bread Bakers, Wrappers & Bow Makers! - Please reserve Wednesday, April 5 th for the annual Philoptochos Easter Bread Baking session. Everyone is welcome to come any time after 9 a.m. and join us in the Cathedral s Kitchen for Fun & Fellowship. As always, any amount of time you can offer to help us in this important project helps our Philoptochos to continue to help those in need. Any questions, please contact Nikki Lykos at 412-897-8208. A Philoptochos Board Meeting will be held, Tuesday, April 18, 2016, 7 p.m. in the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral Conference Room. Following the meeting, we will be preparing the Mother s Day/Father s Day Mailing. COMMUNITY OUTREACH - Philoptochos will be packing backpacks for FOCUS Backpack Feeding Program Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at 6 p.m. - VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED! SPANAKOPITA LOGS - Philoptochos has a limited quantity of our delicious Spanakopita Logs available for sale. ONLY $9 PER LOG; GET YOURS TODAY! MEMBERSHIP DRIVE - It s that time of year again, the Philoptochos Membership Drive! The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society has held fast to the tradition of philanthropy and we have strengthened the sense of love and compassion for all individuals that are in need. Philoptochos is a connection with other women who share the same feeling and who desire to share their thoughts and talents. PLEASE JOIN or RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP TODAY! It s easy. Just complete the membership form and send it in or visit us at our table. Men are welcomed to join, too! HOMEBOUND VISITATIONS - The St. Nicholas parishioners who are homebound are looking forward to our annual Easter visit. We will be giving each person a potted flower. If you are interested in visiting one our homebound, please contact Mary Peterson at (412) 337-6759. FOOD BANK - The Food Bank supports several of our parishioners and continues to need your support. You can donate by making a check payable to the St. Nicholas Philoptochos Food Bank or through The United Way by designating the St. Nicholas Food Bank through your employers United Way contribution. Just designate #3288. Questions: contact Elaine Andrianos at 412-731-4334 or Denise Daugherty at 412-508-1326. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ From the Church School Desk: You Are the Voice of Christ in a Changing World. Attention parents and grandparents: Please join your child or grandchild in worshiping during the Divine Liturgy, receive Holy Communion together then attend Church School to see firsthand what your children are learning, on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral s Church School Open House! Upcoming dates to remember Communion Breakfast & Palm Making, Sat., April 8, 2017, (St. Lazarus Day), Following the Divine Liturgy Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017, Following the Agape Service As always, thanks for sharing your children with us every Sunday. Yours in Christ, Miss Michelle +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Holy Cross Ladies Philoptochos Society invites you to an AFTERNOON TEA on Sunday, May 20, 2017 at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Community Center, 123 Gilkeson Road, Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228. Doors open at Noon and there will be tea sandwiches, fresh fruit, cookies, pastries and various teas will be served. There will also be a silent auction, door prized and fashions by Trendy Trousseau. Tickets are $15. Contact Pam Lagios at 412-276-4616 or Mary Zotis at 412-835-238 1 for tickets no later than May 12 th. All ages are welcome and hats are optional.
2017 Stewardship Pledge Cards are in the Narthex (Just ask a member of Parish Council) Christian Stewardship is about becoming good caretakers of all that God has given us. It is by offering our gifts back of TIME, Talent and treasure to God that we will be able to continue to enjoy Church life and be happy in Church ministries. If you have already submitted your 2017 Stewardship Commitment, THANK YOU! If not, please take the time to make your financial Stewardship Commitment today and complete the talent portion of the card to enable OUR Community to grow and carry on the mission of our faith. HELP US REACH/EXCEED OUR GOAL Total Pledged Stewards Total Amount Pledged Average Pledge 2017 STEWARDSHIP 149 (GOAL 300) $105,210.00 (GOAL $175,000.00) $706.11 As the Father Has Sent Me, So I Send You John 20:21 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral Church School Open House Sunday, April 2, 2017 Join your Child or Grandchild for Church Worship, Holy Communion & Church School! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please join us for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt Easter Sunday, April 16th, 2017, Following the Agape Service If you wish to help, please bring one dozen pre-filled plastic eggs on Sunday and drop them off in the Narthex before Church. ALL PARISHIONERS are welcome to join the fun! There will be coffee, juice, bagels, fruit and donuts after the service! Questions: Call Michelle Kotsagrelos (412) 680-1416
FOOD FESTIVAL: ELEVEN DOWN AND ONLY TWO MORE!! Join us in St. Nick's kitchen tomorrow, Monday, April 3 starting at 9 a.m. to help assemble 180 pans of our delicious festival Tiropita. Enjoy the fun, camaraderie and sense of accomplishment! Your time and talent is greatly appreciated! We are so grateful to everyone who has helped us reach this point! Tiropita Monday, April 3 Diples Monday, April 24 Much help is needed the week of the festival, Sunday, May 7 - Saturday, May 13. Lines open at 11 a.m. and run continuously thru to the dinner hour and beyond. Lunches are particularly difficult to staff with so many people working during the day. Please check your schedule for times you can serve throughout the week. Any time and all time will be appreciated! ********************************************************************** ECCLESIASTICAL MUSIC MINISTRY AT THE CATHEDRAL You are cordially invited! Come and learn Byzantine chant from a world-class instructor, or join our choir and learn to sing the unique and beautiful arrangements composed by our founding choir director! Our Cathedral is graced by two music ministries grounded in tradition that we hope you will consider participating in: The first is rooted at the Analogion (the Chanter Bookstand). Our Analogion Ministry, blessed by the volunteer service of Dr. Nick Giannoukakis, invites and welcomes anyone with some musical ability, especially the younger generation, to join and learn the beautiful and 1200 year-old tradition of Byzantine hymnology and chant. Those who faithfully adhere to the ministry will not only have an opportunity to grow musically, but more importantly, will solidify their understanding of Greek, gain an appreciation for the structure of the services, and a better insight into our Orthodox faith and its theology through a comprehension of the hymns. With the exception of the summer months (June-August), the Ministry will focus on the Sunday Orthros and the occasional Vespers, in addition to the evening services of Lent and Holy Week. Between June and early September, the Ministry will also focus on the Holy and Divine Liturgy. Dr. Giannoukakis, who was distinguished and tonsured as Protopsaltis by Metropolitan Maximos in 1998, and noted to be among the "who is who" of Byzantine Chanters in a historical compendium published in Greece in 1994, is also the only chanter in our Metropolis to hold a certificate and diploma in Byzantine Music from a Greek Music Conservatory. Dr. Giannoukakis, personally-trained by renowned and respected Greek chanters (Constantin Lagouros, Georgios Syrkas, Emmanuel Hatzimarkos), offers music to the highest possible standards of the Great Church of Christ (the Ecumenical Patriarchate) and has successfully trained young and old individuals for more than 25 years. To learn more, and to consider participating, contact Dr. Giannoukakis at ngn1@andrew.cmu.edu or at ngiann1@pitt.edu. All educational materials are complimentary. The second is rooted in the rich polyphonic innovations of the late Rudolph Agraphiotis who in the early 1900s, first composed the lyrical Liturgy conducted in our church to this day. Some of the choir members are among those who came together to constitute the first choir directed by Mr. Agraphiotis. Today, the choir is in the very capable hands of Mr. Steve Andrews who directs it as another of our Cathedral's volunteers. The choir can be heard during the Divine Liturgy for most of the year's Sunday services as well as at the services for Holy Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The Choir invites and welcomes anyone with some musical ability, especially the younger generation, to join. To learn more, and to consider participating, contact Mr. Steve Andrews at beyondfromwithin@comcast.net. Why not join both ministries? As it is written: "He who delights in the Lord, and walks in the Light will not stumble" (From the Doxastikon of the Orthros of the 5th Sunday of Lent). ********************************************************************** ATTENTION: ALL CHURCH SCHOOL STUDENTS Communion Breakfast & Palm Making - Saturday, April 8th, 2017 (Following the Divine Liturgy in the Small Hall) ***Remember there is Church school on Palm Sunday, April 9th, 2017!
Anastasi CELELBRATION April 16, 2017 After the Midnight Resurrection Service, Please join Philoptochos for a Paschal meal as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord. Meal follows the Anastasi services in the Cathedral Room. A Free-Will offering is being accepted by the Philoptochos Society to offset expenses. For More information, call Michelle Kotsagrelos at 412-680-1416 Food Festival Ad Book Our April 14 th deadline is fast approaching. All proceeds from the ad book directly benefit our Church's Building Fund. Thank you to those who have already placed your Ad or Patron Listing!
Attention All Seamstresses JOY is making new dance costumes for the 18 girls in this year s group. We are looking for volunteers to assist with cutting and sewing the dresses and aprons for the costumes. Also, as the HOPE group has grown in number, we need to make a few additional costumes like those that were made last year. Any and all help is greatly appreciated by our children (and their parents)!!! If you are able to assist with cutting and/or sewing, please contact Nikki Lykos (412-897-8208) or Tulla Velisaris (412-889-1648).