THIRD SUNDAY OF LUKE October 7th, 2012 Sts. Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Greek Orthodox Church Rev. Fr. Barnabas Powell, Proistamenos Jimmy Smith, Psaltis 3074 Bethelview Road Cumming GA 30040 (770) 781-5250 cell (770) 861-3544 www.stsrni.org We are an intentional Orthodox Christian Community for North Georgia!
WORSHIP Seventh Gospel/Tone - First 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. Prosforo: Is lovingly offered by the Prosforo Ministry Volunteers Schedule for the Week Wednesday, Oct. 10th - 6:30 p.m. Vespers Saturday, Oct. 13th 5 p.m. Great Vespers Parish Council On Duty Today - John Patrick & Paul Ray Welcoming Ministry - Florence Lytle - Ushering Ministry - GOYA ACOLYTES Zachery Bethune, James Blane, Nathan Frazier, Dean Pryles, Nicholas Pryles, Mike Manos, Giovanni Ray, Tommy Roberts, Luke Sulyma, Mike Trainor, Connor Walters, Roney Walters, Thomas Miller and Christos Zourzoukis STS. RNI YOUTH CHOIR Tabitha Bethune, Jessica Catapano, Maria Hagen, Christina Pryles & Laramie Smith Father Barnabas will be attending the Metropolis Clergy Syndesmos Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday this week. In case of emergency, please contact Fr. Paul Stoll on 678-353-4906.
TODAY WE REMEMBER 3rd Sunday of Luke Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Tone: The stone had been secured with a seal by the Judeans, * and a guard of soldiers was watching Your immaculate body. * You rose on the third day, O Lord * and Savior, granting life unto the world. * For this reason were the powers of heaven crying out to You, O Life-giver: * Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ; * glory to Your eternal rule; * glory to Your dispensation, only One who loves mankind. Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Tone: O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee. Resurrectional Kontakion in the First Tone: As God, Thou didst arise from the tomb in glory, and Thou didst raise the world together with Thyself. And mortal nature praised Thee as God, and death was obliterated. And Adam danceth for joy, O Master, and Eve, now freed from her fetters, rejoiceth as she crieth out: Thou, O Christ, dost grant resurrection unto all. We Also Remember Sergius & Bacchus the Great Martyrs of Syria Polychronios the Martyr Julian the Presbyter & Caesarius the Deacon John the Hermit of Crete Please pray for those faithful who are currently in need of our most fervent intercessions: Andrew, Archie, Bill, Bill, Carrie, Demetra, Dina, Donna, Efthymios, Elaine, Elizabeth, Christina, Gus, Heidi, Igli, James, Jerry, Joe, John, Maria, Michael, Nomiki, Oni, Paul, Sarah, Taki, Tara and Violeta Remember Our Military Connor Walters (son of Diane & Tim Walters, grandson of Jimmy & Pat Roney) is in basic training at the Marine Corps Base in Paris Island, SC. Cards & letters, along with your prayers, from home would be welcome. RCT Walters, CP 4975 3rd BN, LIMA CO, PLT 3072 P.O. Box 16345 MCRD Paris Island, SC 29905-6345
Epistle Reading The Reading is from St. Paul s 2nd Letter to the Corinthians 9:6-11 The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 3:10-15 BRETHREN, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. Α Ω Ἀδελφοί, ὁ σπείρων φειδομένως, φειδομένως καὶ θερίσει καὶ ὁ σπείρων ἐπʼ εὐλογίαις, ἐπʼ εὐλογίαις καὶ θερίσει. Ἕκαστος καθὼς προαιρεῖται τῇ καρδίᾳ μὴ ἐκ λύπης ἢ ἐξ ἀνάγκης ἱλαρὸν γὰρ δότην ἀγαπᾷ ὁ θεός. Δυνατὸς δὲ ὁ θεὸς πᾶσαν χάριν περισσεῦσαι εἰς ὑμᾶς, ἵνα ἐν παντὶ πάντοτε πᾶσαν αὐτάρκειαν ἔχοντες περισσεύητε εἰς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθόν καθὼς γέγραπται, Ἐσκόρπισεν, ἔδωκεν τοῖς πένησιν ἡ δικαιοσύνη αὐτοῦ μένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα. Ὁ δὲ ἐπιχορηγῶν σπέρμα τῷ σπείροντι, καὶ ἄρτον εἰς βρῶσιν χορηγήσαι, καὶ πληθύναι τὸν σπόρον ὑμῶν, καὶ αὐξήσαι τὰ γενήματα τῆς δικαιοσύνης ὑμῶν ἐν παντὶ πλουτιζόμενοι εἰς πᾶσαν ἁπλότητα, ἥτις κατεργάζεται διʼ ἡμῶν εὐχαριστίαν τῷ θεῷ.
Gospel Reading The Reading is from Luke 7:11-16 At that time, Jesus went to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people!" Α Ω Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἐπορεύετο εἰς πόλιν καλουμένην Ναΐν καὶ συνεπορεύοντο αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἱκανοὶ καὶ ὄχλος πολύς.ὡς δὲ ἤγγισε τῇ πύλῃ τῆς πόλεως, καὶ ἰδοὺ ἐξεκομίζετο τεθνηκὼς υἱὸς μονογενὴς τῇ μητρὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ αὕτη ἦν χήρα, καὶ ὄχλος τῆς πόλεως ἱκανὸς ἦν σὺν αὐτῇ.καὶ ἰδὼν αὐτὴν ὁ Κύριος ἐσπλαγχνίσθη ἐπ αὐτῇ καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῇ μὴ κλαῖε καὶ προσελθὼν ἥψατο τῆς σοροῦ, οἱ δὲ βαστάζοντες ἔστησαν, καὶ εἶπε νεανίσκε, σοὶ λέγω, ἐγέρθητι.καὶ ἀνεκάθισεν ὁ νεκρὸς καὶ ἤρξατο λαλεῖν, καὶ ἔδωκεν αὐτὸν τῇ μητρὶ αὐτοῦ.ἔλαβε δὲ φόβος πάντας καὶ ἐδόξαζον τὸν Θεόν, λέγοντες ὅτι προφήτης μέγας ἐγήγερται ἐν ἡμῖν, καὶ ὅτι ἐπεσκέψατο ὁ Θεὸς τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ.καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ὁ λόγος οὗτος ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ Ιουδαίᾳ περὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐν πάσῃ τῇ περιχώρῳ.
ANNOUNCEMENTS Wisdom from the Fathers" This is the way we should see Christ. He is our friend, our brother; He is whatever is good and beautiful. He is everything. Yet, He is still a friend and He shouts it out, You re my friends, don t you understand that? We re brothers. I m not I don t hold hell in my hands. I am not threatening you. I love you. I want you to enjoy life together with me. Elder Porphyrios WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY - THIS WEEK The Wednesday morning Bible Study will meet Wednesday, October 10th, at 10 a.m. continuing with the study of the Gospel of John.. The Wednesday evening class A Step-by-Step Look at the Divine Liturgy will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 10th, following 6:30 p.m. Vespers. Father Barnabas will be available to hear confession every Wednesday either before or after Vespers and by appointment. Please call or email the church office to request a time to meet with Father and avail yourself to this healing divine mystery of the Church. September is Stewardship Catch-up Month During the summer months income drops at our beloved Sts RNI and yet our monthly expenses continue. So, this Sunday and every Sunday in September, we are encouraging everyone to get "caught up" on their giving to our parish. We are asking three things: 1) If you haven t thought about your 2012 Pledge, NOW is the time! (Pledge Cards are available in the Narthex or ask a Parish Council Member). 2) Please catch up on your giving if you have fallen behind. 3) Please be generous! We appreciate your continued support!
ANNOUNCEMENTS PanOrthodox Women s Retreat Saturday October 20, 2012 St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church 925 Beaver Ruin Rd. Norcross GA A Christian Ending to Our Lives Retreat Leaders: Mat. Elizabeth and Dn Mark Barna Authors of A Christian Ending 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy followed by retreat presentations How can a Christian community redeem the process of death and burial to more fully realize the grace and love of God within our church family and witness to it in the wider community? The vast majority of people die at home or in the hospital. As difficult as it is, this is an opportunity, our last opportunity, to show true Christian charity and love to our deceased brother or sister in Christ. In these sessions Mat. Elizabeth and Deacon Mark will discuss practical steps believing Christians can take to ease the passing of our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. What is death? How should Christians think about it? What can we do to prepare legally, practically and spiritually for the one event all people have in common, our death. Alzheimer s disease and other types of dementia are epidemic in our society. Many of us are faced with the prospect of caring for parents or spouses with dementia. What are the options for care? Mat. Elizabeth and Dn. Mark will share with us their experience of caring for three elderly parents in their home for seven years. How does one make the decision to care for a loved one at home? What can we expect and how should we handle it. In the end, what can Christians do to ease the passing of a loved one suffering from this terrible, debilitating disease? A death in the Church is a death in the family. When a loved one dies we have many options available to us. One of those options is to handle the funeral and burial in the same way that Christians have done since the very beginning. In the State of Georgia it is perfectly legal for churches and families to bury their own dead without the assistance of a professional funeral director. In this final session, Deacon Mark and Mat. Elizabeth will share their experiences and the procedures they have used many times to care for the bodies of deceased family, friends and complete strangers from the moment of death until sealing the grave. To reserve your place please contact Anya Gill at anyagill@yahoo.com or call 404-218-358 Please bring a pot luck dish to share. Cost: Free will offering.
We are Called to Bear Fruit At the Last Supper, as we read in Chapter 15 of the Gospel of John, Jesus instructed His disciples, I Am the Vine; you are the branches. He was telling us that the purpose of our abiding in Him is that we may bear fruit for God in the world. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit (John 15:8). Just as the vine bears fruit only through its branches, so Jesus has chosen to work in the world through us. We are the members of His body the branches through which the Vine must bear fruit. We bear fruit when we serve and support God and His Church.
What is Christian Stewardship? Christian Stewardship is learning how to be a responsible and concerned caretaker of Christ s Church; it is learning how to enjoy Church life and be happy in Church work., for in Her dwells the fullness of the Spirit of God. our active commitment to use all our time, talent and treasure for the benefit of humankind in grateful acknowledgment of Christ s redeeming love. caring for the needs of others. offering one s self to God as He offered Himself to us. what a person does after saying I believe, as proof of that belief. devotion and service to God and His Church as persons, as families, as diocese/metropolis, as national Church and as Church universal. Williams & McKibben in Oriented Leadership
ANNOUNCEMENTS Dear Faithful: Our festival is right around the corner, and our community gets to put our best foot forward to share our faith and family with our wider community. In the last few years we have watched as our young families have really grown at Sts. RNI and I need to ask these moms and dads for a special favor. We need six (6) parents to volunteer for the children's area for our festival this year. These six parents will be assisted by others in making the children's area safe, fun, and a blessing to the entire festival team. This Sunday, please see Athena Catapano and add your name to the list of volunteers to help in the children's area. I would consider it a personal favor and it will be a blessing for you and the children we will minister to during our community's largest outreach effort of the year. Thank you and God bless you for your ministry here at the parish. Fr. Barnabas The next lunch at The Place hosted by Philoptochos is Wednesday, October 24th. Panagia Chapter Philoptochos Society Presents Holy Trans Radio Mystery Dinner Theater 11:00 P.M. Parish Life Center Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church 3431 Trickum Rd., Marietta, GA $35.00 per person (Includes appetizers, dinner, dessert, non- alcoholic beverage) Cash Bar Valuable Prize Drawings Limited Seating Purchase tickets by October 21, 2012 Proceeds to benefit: Philoptochos Social Services, HTGOC (our parish) Seminarians Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis Institute at Shepherd For more information, contact:pat Koutouzis: 404-542- 1924 or Linda Lopos: 678-445- 3556
ANNOUNCEMENTS Greek Dance for Teens Thanks to Andrea Mancil for volunteering to teach our middle and high school teens Greek Dance. These lessons will begin Sunday, September 9th, following Divine Liturgy out on the lawn. The focus will be to get the teens ready to dance at our Greek Festival. All middle and high school youth are encourage & welcome to join these classes. Contact Mrs. Suzi Pryles for more information. ATTENTION H.S. School Students St. Photios Foundation 2012 Seventh Annual Essay Contest This essay contest is open to high school students. There is no entry fee. A 1,000 word essay needs to be submitted by November 9th, 2012 comparing & contrasting the immigration story of the Greeks who came to America in 1768 and a person you know either a family member or friend. What commonalities impressed you as you learned their stories? For more information see the Announcement on the bulletin board in the hallway between the Narthex and Sunday School rooms. FESTIVAL BAKING Tuesday, October 9th 10 a.m. @ The Place of Forsyth We are assembling and baking pastichio. Contact Helen McCart 404-642-2415 for more information. Thank YOU Thank you : Eleni Jordan, Helen McCart, Sophia Bethune, Teddie Panos, Marie Chapman, Johnny Melts, David Roberts, Grace Chihlas, Stamatia Hagen, Evangelia (Stamatia s mom), Laramie & Jesse Smith for coming to help with the tiropita and diples on Friday. What a wonderful & productive day! Ginny Kostulakos (Please forgive me if I ve forgotten anyone definitely not intentional.)
ANNOUNCEMENTS Sts. RNI Choir Practice NEW DAY/NEW TIME Today - SUNDAY - Immediately following Divine Liturgy in the Chapel Contact Marie Chapman for more information. 770-205-7220 or mommystargater@comcast.net GREEK LANGUAGE Sts. RNI Hellenic Studies Ministry will be offereing Greek Language. If you are interested in signing up for Greek Language contact Smara Wolff at 770-889-5419 or email smara.wolff@gmail.com. Greek Language Classes Have Begun Thursday, 6:45 p.m. - First Grade (Room for 1 more student.) Friday, 6:00 p.m. - Second Grade (Room for 1 more student.) Saturday, 4 p.m. - High School &/or Adults Advanced Level Open registration is being held for an additional first grade class to be held on Friday at 7 p.m. Tuition is $80/semester + book for first child; $120/semester + books for two children; and $140/semester + books for three children. Tuition must be paid in full by the first class. Checks made payable to Sts. RNI G.O. Church. AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR What is an AED? An automated external defibrillator or AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient, and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm. One AED has been donated. Donations are still needed to cover the cost of the 2nd unit (approximately $1,500). Thank you for your support with this important project! Sts. RNI Parish Council
GREEK FEST 2012 JUST 2 MORE WEEKS! SAVE THE DATES Friday, October 19th 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, October 20th 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, October 21st 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. We also need help: Set-Up - Thursday, October 18th Clean-Up - Monday, October 22nd Ask how you can become a steward of this wonderful event. Questions, concern, and to volunteer to help plan the Festival should be emailed to Johnny Melts at greekfest@stsrni.org. Father Barnabas asks you to volunteer now so we can firm up our plans and schedules. Use one of the Festival Volunteer sheets and reserve your spot! A signup table will be in the Narthex or outside (weather permitting). OPA! Festival Baking for Spanakotiropita Entree: Wednesday, October 10, at 9:00 am: We will be meeting to prepare at the Blue House in Cumming, please join us to clean, chop, measure and assemble the mix: Thursday, October 11, at 10:00 am: We will be assembling, baking and storing the pitas at the Cathedral in Atlanta, please join us and get in the fun and camaraderie of the preparations. Any questions contact Florence Lytle at 770/891-9945 or e-mail at Florence_Lytle@Prodigy.net
ANNOUNCEMENTS Sunday School Has Begun Welcome Back! Sunday School students will be dismissed following the Sacrament of Holy Communion. 3&4 year olds St. Nicholas Room (3rd door on left) with Evie Atkinson- Grammenos & Jaimie Crossno K-2nd Grade Evangelos Library (2nd door on right) with Sophia Bethune & Allison Hammond 3rd-5th Grade In Blue House with Liz Foxhall & Lisa Boston 6th-8th Grade In Blue House with Jennifer Tubbs High School Students In Blue House with Fr. Paul & Donna Smith Please take the time to fill out a Sunday School Registration form for your child(ren). Also, you can still volunteer to be Sunday School teacher or assistant. Your participation makes Sunday School possible. Please contact Lisa Boston at 770-826-1212 or myakunda@yahoo.com Prosforo Baking Contact Stamatia Hagen for more information at mamma2maria@aol.com BOOK CLUB Book Club Meetings have been suspended until after the festival. Watch for announcement of new book and meeting schedule. For more information call contact Donna Smith at missmagnoliasmoxie@gmail.com or Lisa Boston at 770-826-1212 or myakunda@yahoo.com
ANNOUNCEMENTS Fellowship Ministry I am asking those members who wish to serve on this Team to contact me at 770/891-9945 or Florence_Lytle@Prodigy.net. Thank you, Florence FELLOWSHIP HOUR Our 2012-2013 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. 2012-13 Sponsors: Vasilios Kaloudis, Patricia Morris, Kathy & Taka Shoji, Arthur Tsiropoulos Thank you all for your support of this Ministry. 2012 PARISH COUNCIL Dennis Kostulakos (President), John Patrick (Vice President), Paul Ray (Secretary), Vic Pryles (Treasurer), David Chapman, Harald Hagen, Harriet Howell, Florence Lytle and Jennifer Tubbs Our Vision & Mission Our vision as Saints Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Greek Orthodox Church is to grow as a family in Christ. Our mission as a Greek Orthodox Church is to serve God and neighbor, strengthen the family and reach out to the community.
To date the 98 families below have returned Stewardship Commitment Cards for 2012. Nicholas & Varvara Alexiou Jim & Angie Andropoulos Richard & Sophia Bethune Paul & Elaine Bilson Anthony & Mary Birozes Renee Birozes Katherine Blanos Joseph (Ike) Bonnelli-Barbara Selwa Jordan & Lisa Boston Niko & Helen Bouboulis Kosta & Carolyn Bozzuto Thalia Bruno Athena Catapano David & Marie Chapman Grace Chihlas Julie Chokos Roy & Lydia Clarkson Arthur Costakis Jamie Crossno Dean & Jenny Demos Wesley & Donna Dennison Keith & Mary Druffner Quay & Trissie Farr Chris & Liz Foxhall Dan & Sonia Frazier Paul & Caroline Geertgens Robert & Jennifer Guano Harald & Stamatia Hagen Kevin & Allison Hammond Christine Hatcher Michael & Ann Hayes Harriet Howell Mark & Jennie Johnson Eleni Jordan Bill & Mary Kaloudis Jim Kanellos Maria Kalou Kardomateas Theodoros & Aphrodite Kazazakis-Levendakis Tasso & Laura Kefalas Jackie Klock Dennis & Ginny Kostulakos Jonathan & Kelley Kostulakos Louis & Dianne Koulouvaris Alex & Melpo Levantis Earnest & Elizabeth Livaditis Leon & Frances Lopez Archie & Florence Lytle Connie Machoudy Harry & Tina Maheras Wade & Andrea Mancil Kiki Manolakis Emanuel Manos William & Margaret Manos Bill & Audrey Marianes Riley & Elizabeth Marvos Jef & Elaine Mastropaolo Al & Helen McCart Johnny & Becky Melts Bill & Mary Milam Matt & Athena Miller Nik Moissiades James Morakis Patricia Morris Nick & Teddie Panos Constantinos & Evelyn Pantazopoulos Gus & Albie Pappas John & Evon Patrick Lawson & Susan Plummer Mihai & Heidi Popa Fr. Barnabas & Pres. Connie Powell Pam Powers Katherine Prattes Vic & Suzi Pryles Paul & Gigi Ray Earl & Marina Raymond David & Mary Roberts Jimmy & Pat Roney Bill & Debbie Sarandis Dina Sarandis Philip & Anastasia Sarros Taka & Kathryn Shoji Eric & Donna Smith George & Anna Sofikitis Stamatia (Estelle) Sofikitis Dennis & Laura Sparks Robert & Alexis Sulyma Tohotmos & Carol Tadros Mike & Estelle Theodosion Nikolaos & Eva Thrasivoulou Ed & Anne Trainor Brian & Jennifer Tubbs Sharon Tyre James & Jane Vlahos Plutarch & Tina Vamvakias Tim & Diane Walters Steve & Smara Wolff Sam & Katherine Yalanzon John & Mildred Zourzoukis