Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Mode

Angelic powers were above Thy tomb, and they that guarded Thee became as dead. And Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine immaculate Body. Thou hast despoiled Hades and wast not tried thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst grant us life. O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου, καὶ οἱ φυλάσσοντες ἀπενεκρώθησαν, καὶ ἵστατο Μαρία ἐν τῷ τάφῳ, ζητοῦσα τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα. Ἐσκύλευσας τὸν ᾍδην, μὴ πειρασθεὶς ὑπ' αὐτοῦ, ὑπήντησας τῇ Παρθένῳ, δωρούμενος τὴν ζωήν, ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ των νεκρῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Apostle and Evangelist Matthew in the Third Mode

O Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, intercede with the merciful God that He grant unto our souls forgiveness of offences.

Απόστολε Άγιε, καί Ευαγγελιστά Ματθαίε, πρέσβευε τώ ελεήμονι Θεώ, ίνα πταισμάτων άφεσιν, παράσχη ταίς ψυχαίς ημών.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Today, the most pure temple of the Savior, the precious bridal chamber and Virgin, the sacred treasure of God, enters the house of the Lord, bringing the grace of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She is the heavenly tabernacle.

Ο καθαρώτατος ναός τού Σωτήρος, η πολυτίμητος παστάς καί Παρθένος, τό Ιερόν θησαύρισμα τής δόξης τού Θεού, σήμερον εισάγεται, εν τώ οίκω Κυρίου, τήν χάριν συνεισάγουσα, τήν εν Πνευματι θείω, ήν ανυμνούσιν Άγγελοι Θεού, Αύτη υπάρχει σκηνή επουράνιος.

The translations of hymns are under copyright and used by permission. All rights reserved. These works may not be further reproduced, in print or on other websites or in any other form, without the prior written authorization of the copyright holder:

Resurrectional Apolytikion in Plagal of the Second Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery - Brookline, MA

Apolytikion for Apostle and Evangelist Matthew in the Third Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery - Brookline, MA

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone © Narthex Press - Northridge, CA

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

First Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 28.16-20

Οἱ δὲ ἕνδεκα μαθηταὶ ἐπορεύθησαν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν, εἰς τὸ ὄρος οὗ ἐτάξατο αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς. καὶ ἰδόντες αὐτὸν προσεκύνησαν αὐτῷ, οἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν. καὶ προσελθὼν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ἐλάλησεν αὐτοῖς λέγων· ἐδόθη μοι πᾶσα ἐξουσία ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς. πορευθέντες μαθητεύσατε πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, βαπτίζοντες αὐτοὺς εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Πατρὸς καὶ τοῦ Υἱοῦ καὶ τοῦ ῾Αγίου Πνεύματος, διδάσκοντες αὐτοὺς τηρεῖν πάντα ὅσα ἐνετειλάμην ὑμῖν· καὶ ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ μεθ᾿ ὑμῶν εἰμι πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας ἕως τῆς συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος. ἀμήν.

First Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Matthew 28:16-20

At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Amen."

Epistle Reading

Πρὸς ῾Ρωμαίους 10:11-21; 11:1-2

Ἀδελφοί, λέγει γὰρ ἡ γραφή, Πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων ἐπʼ αὐτῷ οὐ καταισχυνθήσεται. Οὐ γάρ ἐστιν διαστολὴ Ἰουδαίου τε καὶ Ἕλληνος· ὁ γὰρ αὐτὸς κύριος πάντων, πλουτῶν εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἐπικαλουμένους αὐτόν. Πᾶς γὰρ ὃς ἂν ἐπικαλέσηται τὸ ὄνομα κυρίου σωθήσεται. Πῶς οὖν ἐπικαλέσονται εἰς ὃν οὐκ ἐπίστευσαν; Πῶς δὲ πιστεύσουσιν οὗ οὐκ ἤκουσαν; Πῶς δὲ ἀκούσουσιν χωρὶς κηρύσσοντος; Πῶς δὲ κηρύξουσιν ἐὰν μὴ ἀποσταλῶσιν; Καθὼς γέγραπται, Ὡς ὡραῖοι οἱ πόδες τῶν εὐαγγελιζομένων εἰρήνην, τῶν εὐαγγελιζομένων τὰ ἀγαθά. Ἀλλʼ οὐ πάντες ὑπήκουσαν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ. Ἠσαΐας γὰρ λέγει, Κύριε, τίς ἐπίστευσεν τῇ ἀκοῇ ἡμῶν; Ἄρα ἡ πίστις ἐξ ἀκοῆς, ἡ δὲ ἀκοὴ διὰ ῥήματος θεοῦ. Ἀλλὰ λέγω, μὴ οὐκ ἤκουσαν; Μενοῦνγε· Εἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν ἐξῆλθεν ὁ φθόγγος αὐτῶν, καὶ εἰς τὰ πέρατα τῆς οἰκουμένης τὰ ῥήματα αὐτῶν. Ἀλλὰ λέγω, μὴ οὐκ ἔγνω Ἰσραήλ; Πρῶτος Μωϋσῆς λέγει, Ἐγὼ παραζηλώσω ὑμᾶς ἐπʼ οὐκ ἔθνει, ἐπὶ ἔθνει ἀσυνέτῳ παροργιῶ ὑμᾶς. Ἠσαΐας δὲ ἀποτολμᾷ καὶ λέγει, Εὑρέθην τοῖς ἐμὲ μὴ ζητοῦσιν, ἐμφανὴς ἐγενόμην τοῖς ἐμὲ μὴ ἐπερωτῶσιν. Πρὸς δὲ τὸν Ἰσραὴλ λέγει, Ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν ἐξεπέτασα τὰς χεῖράς μου πρὸς λαὸν ἀπειθοῦντα καὶ ἀντιλέγοντα. Λέγω οὖν, μὴ ἀπώσατο ὁ θεὸς τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ; Μὴ γένοιτο. Καὶ γὰρ ἐγὼ Ἰσραηλίτης εἰμί, ἐκ σπέρματος Ἀβραάμ, φυλῆς Βενϊαμίν. Οὐκ ἀπώσατο ὁ θεὸς τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ ὃν προέγνω.

The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 10:11-21; 11:1-2

BRETHREN, the scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and bestows his riches upon all who call upon him. For, "every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved." But how are men to call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? And how can men preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news!" But they have not all obeyed the gospel; for Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?" So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ. But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have; for "Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world." Again I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, "I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry." Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, "I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me." But of Israel he says, "All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people." I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.

Gospel Reading

Matthew the Apostle & Evangelist
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 9.9-13

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, παράγων ὁ ῾Ιησοῦς ἐκεῖθεν εἶδεν ἄνθρωπον καθήμενον ἐπὶ τὸ τελώνιον, Ματθαῖον λεγόμενον, καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ· ἀκολούθει μοι. καὶ ἀναστὰς ἠκολούθησεν αὐτῷ. Καὶ ἐγένετο αὐτοῦ ἀνακειμένου ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ, καὶ ἰδοὺ πολλοὶ τελῶναι καὶ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἐλθόντες συνανέκειντο τῷ ᾿Ιησοῦ καὶ τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ. καὶ ἰδόντες οἱ Φαρισαῖοι εἶπον τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ· διατί μετὰ τῶν τελωνῶν καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν ἐσθίει ὁ διδάσκαλος ὑμῶν; ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς ἀκούσας εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· οὐ χρείαν ἔχουσιν οἱ ἰσχύοντες ἰατροῦ, ἀλλ᾿ οἱ κακῶς ἔχοντες. πορευθέντες δὲ μάθετε τί ἐστιν ἔλεον θέλω καὶ οὐ θυσίαν. οὐ γὰρ ἦλθον καλέσαι δικαίους, ἀλλὰ ἁμαρτωλοὺς εἰς μετάνοιαν.

Matthew the Apostle & Evangelist
The Reading is from Matthew 9:9-13

At that time, as Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him.

And as he sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

Parish News and Events

April 6, 2014

SUNDAY OF ST. MARY OF EGYPT

Councilors: John Fakiris, George Kapetanakis, Sophia Myers, Katerina Knezevic*

Altar Schedule: Group B

Ambassadors: Dakota Starr, Lelia Tagaris

Welcome Table: Johanna Irving

New members or visitors, please visit the welcome table across from the candle stand.

To listen to sermons and lectures, please visit www.holytrinityraleigh.org

For downloads of sermons and lectures, contact chris@polyconcg.com

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE

Sunday, April 6: Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt, Orthros, 8:30 am; Divine Liturgy, 10:00 am; Children’s Change for Change; Lenten Presentations, grades PK-3, following Divine Liturgy; GOYA Luminary Sales, following Divine Liturgy; Philoptochos General Meeting, 12:30 pm; GOYA Meeting, 4:00 pm

Tuesday, April 8: Adult Dance practice, 7:00 pm

Wednesday, April 9: Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, 6:00 pm; Dinner (sponsored by Prison Ministry) and Speaker (Chaplain Patrick Tutella); Angels, Hope & Joy event, following dinner, in multi-purpose room

Saturday, April 12: Saturday of Lazarus, Orthros, 9:00 am; Divine Liturgy, 10:00 am; Breakfast, 11:00 am

SUNDAY SCHOOL: This Sunday is designated a family worship Sunday for students in grades Six through Twelve. Sunday school will be in session for only grades PK through Five. Note: Students that have signed up for Confession with Father Paul on Saturday of Lazarus should report to the Library - before going to class - to receive their Confession booklets. Parents of PK through Third graders should go directly to the multi-purpose room following the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy to attend the students' Lenten presentations.

Good Friday Retreat (April 18): The Sunday school will be sponsoring a luncheon and student activities on Good Friday beginning at 11:30 am (following Liturgy) until 2:00 pm. Students must register in order to participate. A registration form is available on the candle stand; registration deadline is Sunday April 6.

Registration for the 2014/15 Sunday School Term: On March 31, 2014, all currently enrolled students will be promoted and automatically registered in the program provided that the family is in good standing. Otherwise you will need to re-register your child by August 10, 2014.

WEEKDAY SCHOOL: Registration for the 2014/15 school year continues. Deadline for early enrollment is April 18. Registration will resume August 1, based on available staff and openings.

PRISON MINISTRY: Next Wednesday, April 9, the Lenten guest speaker will be Chaplain Patrick Tutella, the Executive Director for the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry. Come and hear the message about this important but forgotten ministry that brings the love of Christ to those in prison, "I was in prison and you visited me."-Matthew 25:36.

HOLY TRINITY PASCHA PICNIC: Let's celebrate as a Parish Family after receiving the Light at Church for our annual Pascha Picnic. The picnic will begin right after the Sunday morning Agape Service. There will be two large tents with tables and chairs in the back parking lot for everyone to use. Pot luck takes on a new meaning where you bring your picnic meal and something to share for the pot luck table. There will also be music for everyone to enjoy and for those who would like to dance. This is a great time for Parea and a wonderful way to enjoy the Paschal Season as a Family.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES: If your child is graduating from high school or college, please call or email the church office with their name, school, awards and future plans (and any other important information) so that they may be recognized on Graduate Sunday, early in June.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU: from Diane Murray. Diane is extremely grateful for all of the calls, visits, and support that she has received during this very difficult time of her husband, Neal’s passing. She also wants to thank all those who were able to attend the funeral service. May his memory be Eternal.

GOYA NEWS: Our 4^th Annual GOYA Luminary Fundraiser is under way. Purchase a luminary ($5 each or 3/$10) in memory of a loved one. Please visit the table in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday April 6 & 13. Personalized luminaries will be beautifully displayed on Good Friday Evening. ALL proceeds go directly to the Capital Campaign Fund.

GOYA Meeting on Sunday, April 6, at 4 pm (time change). We will be cleaning the Church in anticipation of Easter. Please bring paper towels, rags, polish, Windex etc.

GOYA Luau is Saturday, April 26. Rising GOYANs (current 6^th graders) are also invited to attend. Email holytrinityraleighGOYA@gmail.com for a copy of the flyer. Advance RSVPs are due on April 11, for discounted ticket price. As in years past, we have invited GOYANs from our neighboring parishes so they can all build and maintain long lasting friendships with other Orthodox teens. Dinner, dancing, photo booth and FUN will be provided.

LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS: Please consider joining or renewing your membership for 2014. Ask a friend to join with you and remember, men associate members are also welcome! We need to receive paid memberships by April 20, to have our numbers recorded in time for the National Biennial Convention. Thank you for supporting Philoptochos and making a difference in the lives of so many!

ANGELS, HOPE & JOY EVENT: Wednesday, April 9, please plan on attending the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy at 6:00 pm, followed by the Lenten Meal in the Fellowship Hall. After the dinner but before the lecture begins, please bring your child to the church library where we will do a Lenten/Easter craft. Enjoy the lecture while your child is entertained!

BACKPACK BUDDIES: Please join the Ladies Philoptochos outreach during this Lenten season as they collect food for hungry kids in our community. During all Lenten services, as we give Thanks for all our blessings, please remember to bring canned goods that will be included in backpacks for students to take home for weekend meals. There is a complete list of approved items on the candle stand. For more info on how to help, please contact Katerina Knezevic kknezevic@wcpss.net or Rhonda Milkovich remilkovich@gmail.com.

Saints and Feasts

November 16

Matthew the Apostle & Evangelist

This Apostle, who was also called Levi, was the son of Alphaeus and had Galilee as his homeland. A publican before being called by Christ, he became one of the Twelve Apostles, and an Evangelist. While still in Palestine, he wrote his Gospel first in Hebrew, being also the first of all to write the Gospel. When he is depicted in icons, there is portrayed next to him the likeness of a man, one of the symbolic living creatures mentioned by Ezekiel (1.10), which, as Saint Irenaeus writes, is a symbol of our Saviour's Incarnation.

November 17

Righteous Mother Hilda of Whitby

Our righteous Mother Hilda was of noble birth, being a kinswoman of Saint Edwin, King of Northumbria (celebrated Oct. 12). At the age of thirty-three she renounced the world, and lived another thirty-three years as a nun and abbess. The last six years of her life she suffered a burning fever with patience and nobility, and reposed in peace in the year 680.

November 17

Gregory the Wonderworker & Bishop of Neo-Caesarea

Saint Gregory was born in Neocaesarea of Pontus to parents who were not Christians. He studied in Athens, in Alexandria, in Beirut, and finally for five years in Caesarea of Palestine under Origen, by whom he was also instructed in the Faith of Christ. Then, in the year 240, he became bishop of his own city, wherein he found only seventeen Christians. By the time the Saint reposed about the year 265, there were only seventeen unbelievers left there. Virtually the whole duration of his episcopacy was a time of continual, marvellous wonders worked by him. Because of this, he received the surname "Wonderworker"; even the enemies of the truth called him a second Moses (see Saint Basil the Great's On the Holy Spirit, ch. 29).

November 18

Plato the Great Martyr of Ancyra

Saint Plato contested in martyrdom in 266, when Agrippinus was proconsul. He was from the city of Ancyra in the province of Galatia.

November 18

Holy Martyr Romanus

Saint Romanus, who was from Antioch, lived during the reign of Maximian. He presented himself before Asclepiades the Eparch, and rebuked him, saying, "The idols are not gods; even a little child could tell you that." Then the Saint asked that a child be brought in from the market, that he might be the judge of the matter at hand. Therefore, when the child was asked, "Which God must we worship?" he replied, "Christ." The child was beaten mercilessly and beheaded at the command of the tyrant. As for Saint Romanus, his tongue was cut out, and then he was cast into prison, where he was strangled in the year 305.

November 19

Obadiah the Prophet

The Divine Scriptures do not tell us with any certainty when the Prophet Obadiah lived nor what was his homeland. Thus, some say that he is that Obadiah who was Ahab's steward, who, because of Jezebel's wrath, hid one hundred prophets in a cave and fed them with bread and water (III Kings 18:4), and that he later became a disciple of Elias the Prophet about 903 B.C. But others surmise from the words of the same prophetical book that he is somewhat later than Joel (celebrated on Oct. 19). He is also called Obdiu, or Abdiu, or Obadiah; his name means "servant of God." His book of prophecy, which consists of only one chapter, is ranked fourth among the minor Prophets.

November 19

Barlaam of Caesarea

Saint Barlaam, who was from a certain village near Antioch in Syria, was advanced in years and a husbandman by occupation. Because of his confession of Christ, he was brought before the judge, who had him scourged with whips and then scraped with iron claws. Since this could not break his constancy, he was forcibly haled to the idols' temple, and live coals with incense were placed in his right hand. The judge thought that he would cast them down because of the pain, thus seeming to have offered a sacrifice of incense to the idols. But Saint Barlaam stood unmoving until his hand was thoroughly burned by the coals; he fell to the ground, and so gave up his soul into the hands of the Lord. He contested in martyrdom during the reign of Diocletian (284-305). Saint Basil the Great and Saint John Chrysostom both gave homilies in his honour.

November 20

Gregory the Righteous of Decapolis

Saint Gregory who was from Irenopolis of the Decapolis of Asia Minor, was the son of Sergius and Mary. He became a monk as a young man, and after struggling for many years in virtue and prayer under obedience to a wise spiritual father, he was informed by revelation that it was the will of God for him to live, like the Patriarch Abraham, with no certain dwelling, moving from place to place. His journeyings took him to Ephesus, Constantinople, Corinth, Rome, Sicily, Thessalonica, and again to Constantinople, where, after many labours in defence of Orthodoxy against Iconoclasm, he reposed in peace in the first half of the ninth century. He had two disciples, one of whom was Saint Joseph the Hymnographer (see Apr. 3), who wrote the Menaion service for Saint Gregory, his father in Christ.

November 20

Proclus, Archbishop of Constantinople

Saint Proclus lived during the reign of Saint Theodosius the Younger. A disciple and scribe of Saint John Chrysostom, he was ordained Bishop of Cyzicus about the year 426, but because the people there unlawfully elected another bishop before his arrival, he remained in Constantinople. In 429, Nestorius, who had been Archbishop of Constantinople for about a year, and had already begun his blasphemous teaching that it is wrong to call the holy Virgin "Theotokos," invited Bishop Proclus to give a sermon on one of the feasts of our Lady, which he did, openly defending in Nestorius' presence the name "Theotokos," that is, "Mother of God." Saint Proclus was elevated to the throne of Archbishop of Constantinople in 434. It was he who persuaded Emperor Theodosius the Younger and his holy sister Pulcheria to have the most sacred relics of his godly teacher Saint John Chrysostom brought back from Comana, and triumphantly received them upon their return to the imperial city (see Jan. 27 and Nov. 13). He reposed in peace in 447.

November 21

The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

According to the tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was brought to the Temple at three years of age, where she was consecrated to God and spent her days until she was fourteen or fifteen years old; and then, as a mature maiden, by the common counsel of the priests (since her parents had reposed some three years before), she was betrothed to Joseph.

November 22

Archippus the Apostles,Philemon the Apostle & his wife, Apphia, Onesimos the Disciple of Paul

Philemon, who was from Colossae, a city of Phrygia, was a man both wealthy and noble; Apphia was his wife. Archippus became Bishop of the Church in Colossae. All three were disciples of the Apostle Paul. Onesimus, who was formerly an unbeliever and slave of Philemon, stole certain of his vessels and fled to Rome. However, on finding him there, the Apostle Paul guided him onto the path of virtue and the knowledge of the truth, and sent him back to his master Philemon, to whom he wrote an epistle (this is one of the fourteen epistles of Saint Paul). In this epistle, Paul commended Onesimus to his master and reconciled the two. Onesimus was later made a bishop; in Greece he is honoured as the patron Saint of the imprisoned. All these Saints received their end by martyrdom, when they were stoned to death by the idolaters. Saint Onesimus is also commemorated on February 15.

November 22

Holy Martyr Cecilia and those with her

Saint Cecilia was of an illustrious Roman family. On being betrothed to Valerian, she drew him to the Faith of Christ, and he in turn drew his own brother Tiburtius to the same. They contested in martyrdom during the reign of Diocletian, in the year 288.

November 23

Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium

Saint Amphilochius, who was born in Cappadocia, shone forth in asceticism and divine knowledge even from his youth. He was consecrated Bishop of Iconium in 341, he struggled courageously against the blasphemies of Eunomius, Macedonius the enemy of the Holy Spirit, and the followers of Arius. He was present at the Second Ecumenical Council of the 150 Fathers, which took place in Constantinople, convoked during the reign of Theodosius the Great in the year 381. In 383 Amphilochius wished to persuade the Emperor Theodosius to forbid the Arians from gathering in Constantinople and to commit the churches to the Orthodox, but the Emperor was reluctant to do such a thing. The next time that Amphilochius entered the palace, he addressed Theodosius with proper honour, but slighted his young son Arcadius in his presence. Theodosius was indignant, and said the dishonour shown to his son was equally an insult to himself. To this Saint Amphilochius answered that as he would not suffer an insult to his son, so he ought to believe that God is wroth with those who blaspheme His Only-begotten. Saint Theodosius understood and admired Amphilochius' ingenious device, and he issued the desired edict in September of the same year. Saint Amphilochius, having reached deep old age, reposed in peace about the year 395. Saint Basil the Great wrote many letters to Saint Amphilochius, his friend and Fellow champion of the Faith, and at his request wrote his treatise On the Holy Spirit, which besides demonstrating the divinity of the Holy Spirit and His equality with the Father and the Son, defends the Church's unwritten ancient traditions, such as making the sign of the Cross, turning towards the East in prayer, no kneeling on Sunday, and so forth.

November 23

Gregory, Bishop of Agrigentum

Saint Gregory, the son of pious parents named Chariton and Theodora, was born in Agrigentum, a city of Sicily, and was great in virtue from his childhood. He was baptized, brought up, and tonsured reader by Bishop Potamion during the reign of Justinian II, in the seventh century. At the age of eighteen he made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where he was ordained deacon by Macarius, Bishop of Jerusalem. He traveled to Constantinople, and then to Rome where he was consecrated Bishop of his native Agrigentum. As Bishop of Agrigentum he worked many miracles and shone brilliantly in virtue, but also suffered many great temptation; from the priests Sabine and Crescentius, who so envied him that they slandered him to the Pope as a fornicator and had him cast into prison for two and a half years. In the end, however, he vindicated himself by casting the demon out of the woman who had falsely accused him of committing sin with her. Saint Gregory reposed in peace in deep old age.

November 23

Afterfeast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple

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Survey on Science & Technology

In an effort to better serve our Archdiocese, the Archdiocesan Advisory Committee on Science & Technology (AACST) has developed a simple survey to learn about the particular interests and concerns of our people. The survey will take you less than 3 minutes to complete and your identity is completely protected.

Survey on Science & Technology

Hellenic College Holy Cross Open House - October 11, 2014

Join the HCHC Community on Saturday, October 11, 2014 for an Open House from 10 AM - 4 PM. Meet professors and sit in on mini-classes; discover our dynamic undergraduate and graduate programs; tour our stunning campus overlooking the Boston skyline; find out about applying and paying for a college education; celebrate your faith; connect with other Orthodox Christian youth; hear beautiful Byzantine chant by seminarians; and more! Register Online at http://hchcopenhouse.eventbrite.com

Hellenic College Holy Cross Open House - October 11, 2014

St. Nicholas National Shrine Ground Blessing - B&W

A Ground Blessing for the new St. Nicholas National Shrine at the World Trade Center will be held on October 18, 2014, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America will preside at this historic event. Share the information with your parish!

St. Nicholas National Shrine Ground Blessing - Color

St. Nicholas National Shrine Ground Blessing - B&W

St. Nicholas National Shrine Ground Blessing - Color

CrossRoad 2015 Applications Available Now!

CrossRoad 2015 Applications Available Now! Calling all high school juniors & seniors who may be interested in applying to this 10-day summer program at Hellenic College Holy Cross! For more information, visit our website: http://www.crossroadinstitute.org/

CrossRoad 2015 Applications Available Now!

Parish News & Events

April 27, 2014

SUNDAY OF THOMAS

Councilors: George Kapetanakis*, Greg Delage, George Pappas, Katerina Knezevic

Altar Schedule: Group D

Ambassadors: John Saparilas, Steve Flaherty

New members or visitors, please visit the welcome table across from the candle stand.

To listen to sermons and lectures, please visit www.holytrinityraleigh.org

For downloads of sermons and lectures, contact chris@polyconcg.com ~

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE

Sunday, April 27: Sunday of Thomas, Orthros, 8:30 am; Divine Liturgy, 10:00 am; Choir practice, 12:30 pm; Dance practice, Youth A/B-1:00 pm; Youth C-1:30 pm; Teens, 2:00 pm; Boys’ Basketball, 5:00 pm

Tuesday, April 29: Adult Dance practice, 7:00 pm

Wednesday, April 30: 6th Hour prayer service, 12 noon; Parish Council Meeting, 7:00 pm

Thursday, May 1: Boys’ Basketball, 6:30 pm

Friday, May 2: Wedding rehearsal, 5:30 pm

Saturday, May 3: Russos/Earle Wedding, 5:00 pm

Sunday, May 4: Sunday of the Myrrh Bearers, 8:30 Orthros, 10:00 am Divine Liturgy; 40 Day Memorial, Neal Murray; AHEPA & Friends sponsoring Coffee Hour; AHEPA Meeting, library, 12:00 noon; Dance practice, Youth A/B-1:00 pm; Youth C-1:30 pm; Teens, 2:00 pm; Boys’ Basketball, 5:00 pm; GOYA meeting, 5:30 pm

SUNDAY SCHOOL: All classes will be in Session. Students are reminded to turn in their Lenten Mission Boxes by this Sunday. Also we are pleased to announce that John Klemes was awarded first place in the Senior Division at the St. John Chrysostom District Oratorical Festival which took place on April 5, at St Luke's in Mooresville, NC. Ian Hixson and Kyra Klemes received Honorable Mention in the Junior Division. Note that John Klemes will progress to the Metropolis competition on May 23-24, at St John the Divine in Jacksonville, Florida.

WEEKDAY SCHOOL: Registration for the 2014/15 school year continues. The deadline for early enrollment is past. Registration will be based on available staff and openings.

BY-LAWS UPDATE: Copies of our revised By-Laws are being mailed to all parishioners for review prior to the next General Assembly, in June. Please address any questions to: frances.mathes@gmail.com or economy.meg@gmail.com. By-Laws will be voted for approval on June 22, 2014.

Happy 87th Birthday

ALEIN MORRIS

“Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action” (1John 3:18)

With love,

Elaine, Henry and James

FIJI SACRED MISSION CHURCH and ORPHANAGE: Our Metropolis Ierokyrix, Father Christodoulos, recently came back from Sabeto, Fiji where he witnessed the newly established Greek Orthodox Sacred-Mission Church and Saint Tabitha Orphanage. The first native Fijian priest, Father Bartholomew, his family and his “small flock” live by the Church’s sustenance, receiving no financial support from our Church’s organizations in this very poor and predominantly Muslim part of the world. If you would like to help spread the word of Orthodoxy and to help fund the orphanage building where little ones can literally grow up in the Church, please send a check made payable to Philoptochos with the note, “F I J I,” by April 27 (extended one week). Since donations cannot be made from the US directly to Fiji, we will make the contribution to the US established fund for this purpose.

LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS: Please consider joining or renewing your membership for 2014. Ask a friend to join with you and remember, men associate members are also welcome! Thank you for supporting Philoptochos and making a difference in the lives of so many!

CHOIR NEWS: There will be a concert of Sacred Orthodox Music of the Ecclesiastical Year presented by the Triangle Orthodox Chorale, directed by Elia Nicholas, on Saturday, May 10, at 7:00 pm. The concert will be held at Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Durham. No ticket is required ($15 suggested donation to Triangle Orthodox Chorale). There will be a reception following in their Fellowship Hall.

Wisdom of the Fathers

He puts an end to the woman's fear ... He sets her right, in respect of her thinking to be hid ... He exhibits her faith to all, so as to provoke the rest also to emulation ...

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 31 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

And we have cause also to admire the self-denial of the evangelist, how he disguises not his own former life, but adds even his name ... from the midst of the evils He drew him up; much as He converted the blessed Paul also when frantic and raging, and darting fire; ...

St. John Chrysostom