March 05
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2023-03-05
Bulletin Contents
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
General Information
- Phone:
- (919) 781-4548
- Email:
- htraleighfr@gmail.com
- Street Address:
- 5000 Lead Mine Road
- Raleigh, NC 27612
Contact Information
Services Schedule
Orthros/ Matins: Sunday: 8:30 a.m.
Liturgy: Sunday: 10:00 a.m. ; Weekday: Please see online Church Calendar.
Vespers: See online Church Calendar.
Past Bulletins
- Publish Date:
- 2023-02-26
- Publish Date:
- 2023-02-19
- Publish Date:
- 2023-02-12
- Publish Date:
- 2023-02-05
- Publish Date:
- 2023-01-29
- Publish Date:
- 2023-01-22
Announcements
HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
RALEIGH, NC
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 2023
Sunday of Orthodoxy
ORTHROS 8:30 a.m. – DIVINE LITURGY 10:00 a.m.
Broadcasting begins at 8:25 a.m.
Altar Boy Team on Duty: Saint John Chrysostom
New members or visitors, please stop by the Welcome Table across from the candlestand.
Orthros and The Divine Liturgy are broadcast live online each week.
Spring General Assembly this Sunday, March 5
Please make every effort to attend this Sunday’s General Assembly
following the Divine Liturgy in our Fellowship Hall.
Light refreshments will be provided. We will be reviewing a summary from last year’s budget as well as hearing a report from our Stewardship chairperson.
We will also have a Capital Campaign report as well as a Greek Festival report.
We want good representation.
Please make sure you fill out a 2023 Stewardship form in order to be in good standing.
May God continue to guide our steps to every good work.
1st Salutation to the Theotokos
Join us this Friday, March 3 at 6:30pm in order to be strengthened
by the intercessions of Panagia and for protection from the demons’ darts.
Final Saturday of the Souls Liturgy
We will be remembering and honoring our beloved dead one more time this
Saturday, March 4 at 9am (no Orthros).
Sunday of Orthodoxy – Children Bring Your Favorite Icon
This Sunday, March 5 we will be celebrating the restoration of the holy icons back into the Church
after 100 years of darkness.
Parents, don’t forget we will be having a huge procession after the Liturgy
with our children carrying their favorite icon.
Great Vespers at All Saints on Saturday, March 4
Fr David Winn invites us to celebrate the Sunday of Orthodoxy Great Vespers at All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 520 Buck Jones Rd, Raleigh, NC.
As a part of the celebration, they will serve Great Vespers on Saturday, March 4th, at 5:30pm. Afterwards, All Saints will host a Lenten supper as a further celebration of the triumph of Orthodoxy and of our unity in Christ.
Lenten Lecture Series #2 – March 7
Speaker: Fr. Paul Patitsas
Subject: “Enemies”
Time: 7:00pm Zoom
Enemies! Who needs ‘em? How do we deal with those who we may feel work against us? How do we love them? What can they teach us? Let’s “take the gloves off” and confront this difficult topic as we enter Great Lent. Father Paul Patitsas has been the Proistamenos of St Nicholas Church in Troy, Michigan since April 2020 and before that he and his family served as missionaries in the South Pacific, stationed in New Zealand. He loves to tell a good story and he’s been good friends with Fr. Paul Christy since 1984!
Welcome Cardinal Gibbons Students and Parents this Sunday
Mr. Mark De LaRosa is Co-Chair of the Theology Department & Sophomore Theology Educator at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, NC. His sophomore students are learning about Orthodoxy and attending Liturgy with us this Sunday. Please welcome them and their parents to our church!
GOYA
We will have Oratorical practice and drafting on March 11 between 3pm – 4pm in the Library.
Afterwards, between 4pm – 5:30pm, Goya will celebrate fun and fellowship
in the hall with snacks provided.
Almsgiving Baskets for St John the Merciful
Almsgiving is a fancy word for loving our neighbor. It provides for others who are poor and in need of our help. Let’s join Angels, Hope and Joy & STJM in this Lenten journey and help create an Almsgiving basket for Saint John the Merciful family. If you would like to sponsor a basket please see the sign up link below.
We ask that all completed baskets be dropped off at the church (a table will be set up in the fellowship hall)
by Tuesday, March 21st.
If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Francesca fip3832@gmail.com), Anna(annakouba@yahoo.com) or Deacon(deacongavrilo@gmail.com).
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E4CA8A929A7FB6-ahjand1
Christians Caring for Creation Ministry
The website for the plant sale to benefit our church is now open:
You can order online at
htgoc-ccc.square.site
Please place your orders.
As soon as possible so that we can minimize substitutions.
You can also order with cash or check in the Fellowship Hall.
Sunday, April 23 in the Multipurpose Room (12:15-1:00pm):
The Pharmacy from God, Herb Workshop, and the last day to order plants
Saturday, April 29 (10am-2pm)
Plant pickup
Sunday, April 30
Pick up remaining plants immediately after Divine Liturgy
Philoptochos News
It was wonderful to see so many of you attend our meeting last Sunday. We had an excellent speaker that educated us and provided tools regarding Stop Bullying Now. Thank you, Christine Kushner, the chair of our Speaker and Women’s Health committee.
Wednesday March 15 Philoptochos will host our meal following the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy. Our guest speaker will be Father Gregory Waynick. Please bring a dish to share with our parish. Thank you in advance.
Sunday March 19 will be our General meeting. More information to follow.
Stephanie Starr will chair our Election committee, which consists of she, Helen Perros and Helen McCallum.
Active members in good standing, meaning those that have paid Philoptochos stewardship and Parish stewardship and attended meetings may consider. Feel free to contact Stephanie with any questions.
We are blessed to have such a beautiful sisterhood.
Agape,
Lekita
AHEPA Sponsoring Greek Independence Day – March 26
Dear Holy Trinity Community, Greek Independence Day, March 25th is fast approaching. AHEPA will be celebrating this day on Sunday, March 26th after church. In remembrance of this day, AHEPA will have a new program by our Greek School and a short performance by our young members from our Hellenic Dance Group. In addition, we will be serving a Lenten luncheon. The adult lunch will include: the main course of broiled fish, Greek style green beans, a salad, rolls, a dessert, and coffee/tea/water. The advance adult ticket’s purchase (3/05 through 3/19) will be reduced by 20%, $20.00 each ($25.00 for the day of the event).
The kid’s lunch will have fish-sticks, fries, a salad, rolls, a dessert, and coffee/tea/water. The advance kid’s ticket (12 and under) will be $6.00 each ($8.00 for the day of the event). PLEASE help us out and purchase your tickets early. We need to estimate how many meals to prepare. In advance of your support, AHEPA wants to say “Thank You” for helping us in honoring our Greek heritage.
The Bereavement Committee
The bereavement committee, which is a subcommittee of the Ladies Philoptochos
Society, extends an invitation for parishioners to find out more about the services we
offer to our parish families and how you might become involved in our outreach. If you
would like more information regarding our committee functions and responsibilities,
please contact Sophia Pappas, 919.606.9432 or by email: sophiagreek531@gmail.com.
Three Hierarchs Library
Have you visited our Church Library?
We have many books that will help us on our spiritual journey during this Great Lenten period. We have books inspirational, devotional, informative and biographies of some amazing people, heroes of our faith and much more.
Directions for checking out books are in the Library. Browse or use the card catalogue to find a book on a subject that interests you. Contact Helen McCallum if you need help.
Missions – Coin Boxes
Sunday School students received a coin box on Forgiveness Sunday. (There are extras at the candle stand.) Funds raised through the coin boxes will assist the further growth of ministries that support the reach of Christ’s Church around our world. We’ve asked that the students take them home, place a monetary gift in them each day, and pray for their brothers and sisters serving Christ’s Church around the world in mission countries. Coin boxes can be returned to the candle stand at any of the services during Holy Week.
For questions, please contact Melissa Maurides at melissa.maurides@gmail.com.
Holy Trinity Scholarships
Scholarships sponsored by our parish families are available for High School Seniors, College and Graduate students. The application for this year is available on holytrinityraleigh.org under the Resources tab. Applications must be completed and submitted by March 26. Questions about the application can be sent to htralscholarship@gmail.com
Best wishes to all our students!
St Anthony’s Group
- This past Saturday, the St. Anthony’s Group hosted a Lenten Retreat lead by Kabee Kokenes from St. Nektarios – Charlotte. We had a good turnout from the community. We were reminded that how Fasting is a positive period. Great fellowship time with all.
- On Tuesday, March 7th: The St. Anthony’s Group will begin hosting a monthly spaghetti luncheon at 12:30pm in Parish Hall, After lunch, we will have a presentation on “How Foods affect Medications. These monthly luncheons and programs are open to the whole community.
- On Saturday, March 18th: The St. Anthony’s Group will be hosting a cross-generational round table discussion. This discussion is intended to share experiences/routines and understanding with each generation to continue healthy fellowship. The whole community is invited. A Lenten Lunch will be provided.
- If you are interested in attending April 29th’s musical “All Shook Up” at 2pm in the Temple Theater (Sanford, NC) “All Shook Up!” at 2pm. Please contact toulacapetanos@yahoo.com or 919-810-2903 no later than prior to March 27th for more information. The group rate is $27 per person.
- On Tuesday, April 4th at 12:30pm in Parish Hall - Spaghetti Luncheon at 12:30pm. The whole community is invited.
- On Saturday, April 8th at 1:30pm in Parish Hall – Chair exercises.
- On Friday, April 21st at 7:00pm, there is a Jazz Trio concert at Meredith College’s Carswell Auditorium – Free admission. Please contact Toula by April 18th if you are interested in attending.
On Saturday, April 29th: Temple Theater’s (Sanford, NC) “All Shook Up!” at 2pm.
If interested, please contact toulacapetanos@yahoo.com or 919-810-2903 prior to March 27th for more information.
Crochet for a Cause Ministry
Our first session was AWESOME! We had nine people of various skill levels join in the fellowship of crocheting. The two hours flew, and we are looking forward to the next gathering which is Friday, March 10th from 10 to 12pm in the Three Hierarchs library.
All are welcome.
Oratorical Festival – March 25
The Local St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival will be held on Saturday March 25th at 1pm in the Church Sanctuary. We encourage all students in 7th through 12th grade to participate. The list of topics has been distributed through the Sunday School classrooms. If you have questions please contact Shae at shaejn@yahoo.com
American Red Cross Blood Drive -May 6
SAVE THE DATE: Holy Trinity will be hosting a blood drive on Saturday, May 6th from 10:00am-2:30pm. You can sign up to be a donor by visiting redcrossblood.org or by calling
1-800-RED-CROSS. Use sponsor code HTGO. For questions, assistance with sign up
or to volunteer, please contact Zoe Pusic at zpusic@yahoo.com
or 646-591-5132. Thank you for helping us save lives!
UPCOMING SERVICES
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023
1ST SALUTATION TO THE THEOTOKOS
6:30 P.M.
(LIVE BROADCAST BEGINS AT 6:25 P.M.)
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 2023
3RD SATURDAY OF THE SOULS
9:00 A.M.
(LIVE BROADCAST BEGINS AT 8:55 A.M.)
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 2023
SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY
ORTHROS 8:30 A.M.
DIVINE LITURGY 10:00 A.M.
(LIVE BROADCAST BEGINS AT 8:25 A.M.)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2023
2ND PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY
6:00 P.M.
(LIVE BROADCAST BEGINS AT 5:55 P.M.)
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2023
2ND SALUTATION TO THE THEOTOKOS
6:30 P.M.
(LIVE BROADCAST BEGINS AT 6:25 P.M.)
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 2023
SUNDAY OF ST. GREGORY PALAMAS
ORTHROS 8:30 A.M.
DIVINE LITURGY 10:00 A.M.
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode
Let us worship the Word, O ye faithful, praising Him that with the Father and the Spirit is co-beginningless God, Who was born of a pure Virgin that we all be saved; for He was pleased to mount the Cross in the flesh that He assumed, accepting thus to endure death. And by His glorious rising, He also willed to resurrect the dead.
Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρὶ καὶ Πνεύματι, τὸν ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθέντα εἰς σωτηρίαν ἡμῶν, ἀνυμνήσωμεν πιστοὶ καὶ προσκυνήσωμεν, ὅτι ηὐδόκησε σαρκί, ἀνελθεῖν ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ, καὶ θάνατον ὑπομεῖναι, καὶ ἐγεῖραι τοὺς τεθνεῶτας, ἐν τῇ ἐνδόξῳ Ἀναστάσει αὐτοῦ.
Apolytikion for Sun. of Orthodoxy in the Second Mode
We worship Thine immaculate icon, O Good One, asking the forgiveness of our failings, O Christ our God; for of Thine own will Thou wast well-pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, that Thou mightest deliver from slavery to the enemy those whom Thou hadst fashioned. Wherefore, we cry to Thee thankfully: Thou didst fill all things with joy, O our Saviour, when Thou camest to save the world.
Τὴν ἄχραντον Εἰκόνα σου προσκυνοῦμεν Ἀγαθέ, αἰτούμενοι συγχώρησιν τῶν πταισμάτων ἡμῶν, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός· βουλήσει γὰρ ηὐδόκησας σαρκὶ ἀνελθεῖν ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ, ἵνα ῥύσῃ οὓς ἔπλασας ἐκ τῆς δουλείας τοῦ ἐχθροῦ· ὅθεν εὐχαρίστως βοῶμέν σοι· Χαρᾶς ἐπλήρωσας τὰ πάντα, ὁ Σωτὴρ ἡμῶν, παραγενόμενος εἰς τὸ σῶσαι τὸν Κόσμον.
Hymn of our Holy Trinity Church Community in the First Mode
O blessed are You, O Christ our God. Who by sending down the Holy Spirit upon them, made the fisherman wise and through them illumined the world. And to you the Universe was ever drawn, all glory to You, O Lord.
Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode
To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"
Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοὶ ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε, Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοί, Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.
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:
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Matins Gospel Reading
Fifth Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 24:12-35
Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ὁ Πέτρος ἀναστὰς ἔδραμεν ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ παρακύψας βλέπει τὰ ὀθόνια κείμενα μόνα, καὶ ἀπῆλθε, πρὸς ἑαυτὸν θαυμάζων τὸ γεγονός. Καὶ ἰδοὺ δύο ἐξ αὐτῶν ἦσαν πορευόμενοι ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ εἰς κώμην ἀπέχουσαν σταδίους ἑξήκοντα ἀπὸ Ἱερουσαλήμ, ᾗ ὄνομα Ἐμμαούς, καὶ αὐτοὶ ὡμίλουν πρὸς ἀλλήλους περὶ πάντων τῶν συμβεβηκότων τούτων. Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ ὁμιλεῖν αὐτοὺς καὶ συζητεῖν, καί αὐτὸς ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐγγίσας συνεπορεύετο αὐτοῖς· οἱ δὲ ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτῶν ἐκρατοῦντο τοῦ μὴ ἐπιγνῶναι αὐτόν. Εἶπε δὲ πρὸς αὐτούς· Τίνες οἱ λόγοι οὗτοι οὓς ἀντιβάλλετε πρὸς ἀλλήλους περιπατοῦντες, καὶ ἐστὲ σκυθρωποί; Ἀποκριθείς δὲ ὁ εἷς, ᾧ ὄνομα Κλεόπας, εἶπε πρὸς αὐτόν· Σὺ μόνος παροικεῖς ἐν Ἱερουσαλήμ, καὶ οὐκ ἔγνως τὰ γενόμενα ἐν αὐτῇ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις; καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Ποῖα; Οἱ δὲ εἶπον αὐτῷ· Τὰ περὶ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Ναζωραίου, ὃς ἐγένετο ἀνὴρ προφήτης δυνατὸς ἐν ἔργῳ καὶ λόγῳ ἐναντίον τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ παντὸς τοῦ λαοῦ· ὅπως τε παρέδωκαν αὐτὸν οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς καὶ οἱ ἄρχοντες ἡμῶν εἰς κρῖμα θανάτου, καὶ ἐσταύρωσαν αὐτόν· ἡμεῖς δὲ ἠλπίζομεν ὅτι αὐτός ἐστιν ὁ μέλλων λυτροῦσθαι τὸν Ἰσραήλ. Ἀλλά γε οὖν σὺν πᾶσι τούτοις τρίτην ταύτην ἡμέραν ἄγει σήμερον, ἀφ' οὗ ταῦτα ἐγένετο. Ἀλλὰ καὶ γυναῖκές τινες ἐξ ἡμῶν ἐξέστησαν ἡμᾶς, γενόμεναι ὂρθριαι ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ μὴ εὑροῦσαι τὸ σῶμα αὐτοῦ, ἦλθον λέγουσαι καὶ ὀπτασίαν ἀγγέλων ἑωρακέναι, οἳ λέγουσιν αὐτὸν ζῆν. Καὶ ἀπῆλθόν τινες τῶν σὺν ἡμῖν ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ εὗρον οὕτω καθὼς καὶ αἱ γυναῖκες εἶπον· αὐτὸν δὲ οὐκ εἶδον. Καὶ αὐτὸς εἶπε πρὸς αὐτούς· Ὦ ἀνόητοι καὶ βραδεῖς τῇ καρδίᾳ τοῦ πιστεύειν ἐπὶ πᾶσιν οἷς ἐλάλησαν οἱ Προφῆται. Οὐχὶ ταῦτα ἔδει παθεῖν τὸν Χριστὸν καὶ εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ; Καὶ ἀρξάμενος ἀπὸ Μωσέως καὶ ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν προφητῶν, διηρμήνευεν αὐτοῖς ἐν πάσαις ταῖς Γραφαῖς τὰ περὶ ἑαυτοῦ. Καὶ ἤγγισαν εἰς τὴν κώμην οὗ ἐπορεύοντο, καὶ αὐτὸς προσεποιεῖτο ποῤῥωτέρω πορεύεσθαι. Καὶ παρεβιάσαντο αὐτόν, λέγοντες· Μεῖνον μεθ' ἡμῶν, ὅτι πρὸς ἑσπέραν ἐστὶ καὶ κέκλικεν ἡ ἡμέρα. Καὶ εἰσῆλθε τοῦ μεῖναι σὺν αὐτοῖς. Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ κατακλιθῆναι αὐτὸν μετ' αὐτῶν, λαβὼν τὸν ἄρτον εὐλόγησε, καὶ κλάσας ἐπεδίδου αὐτοῖς. Αὐτῶν δὲ διηνοίχθησαν οἱ ὀφθαλμοί, καὶ ἐπέγνωσαν αὐτόν· καὶ αὐτὸς ἄφαντος ἐγένετο ἀπ' αὐτῶν. Καὶ εἶπον πρὸς ἀλλήλους· Οὐχὶ ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν καιομένη ἦν ἐν ἡμῖν, ὡς ἐλάλει ἡμῖν ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ, καὶ ὡς διήνοιγεν ἡμῖν τὰς Γραφάς; Καὶ ἀναστάντες αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ, ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς Ἱερουσαλήμ, καὶ εὗρον συνηθροισμένους τοὺς ἕνδεκα καὶ τοὺς σὺν αὐτοῖς, λέγοντας, ὅτι ἠγέρθη ὁ Κύριος ὄντως, καὶ ὤφθη Σίμωνι. Καὶ αὐτοὶ ἐξηγοῦντο τὰ ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ, καὶ ὡς ἐγνώσθη αὐτοῖς ἐν τῇ κλάσει τοῦ ἄρτου.
Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:13-35
At that time, [Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened. That very day] two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. And He said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" and they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered Him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And He said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find His body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see." And He said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was not it necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into this glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained Him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So He went in to stay with them. When He was at table with them, He took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road and how He was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Epistle Reading
Προκείμενον. Fourth Mode. Δανιήλ 3.26-27.
Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, Κύριε, ὁ Θεὸς τῶν Πατέρων ἡμῶν.
Στίχ. Ὅτι δίκαιος εἶ ἐπὶ πᾶσιν, οἷς ἐποίησας ἡμῖν.
τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 11:24-26, 32-40.
Ἀδελφοί, πίστει Μωϋσῆς μέγας γενόμενος ἠρνήσατο λέγεσθαι υἱὸς θυγατρὸς Φαραώ, μᾶλλον ἑλόμενος συγκακουχεῖσθαι τῷ λαῷ τοῦ θεοῦ ἢ πρόσκαιρον ἔχειν ἁμαρτίας ἀπόλαυσιν· μείζονα πλοῦτον ἡγησάμενος τῶν Αἰγύπτου θησαυρῶν τὸν ὀνειδισμὸν τοῦ Χριστοῦ· ἀπέβλεπεν γὰρ εἰς τὴν μισθαποδοσίαν. Καὶ τί ἔτι λέγω; Ἐπιλείψει γὰρ με διηγούμενον ὁ χρόνος περὶ Γεδεών, Βαράκ τε καὶ Σαμψών καὶ Ἰεφθάε, Δαυίδ τε καὶ Σαμουὴλ καὶ τῶν προφητῶν· οἳ διὰ πίστεως κατηγωνίσαντο βασιλείας, εἰργάσαντο δικαιοσύνην, ἐπέτυχον ἐπαγγελιῶν, ἔφραξαν στόματα λεόντων, ἔσβεσαν δύναμιν πυρός, ἔφυγον στόματα μαχαίρας, ἐνεδυναμώθησαν ἀπὸ ἀσθενείας, ἐγενήθησαν ἰσχυροὶ ἐν πολέμῳ, παρεμβολὰς ἔκλιναν ἀλλοτρίων. Ἔλαβον γυναῖκες ἐξ ἀναστάσεως τοὺς νεκροὺς αὐτῶν· ἄλλοι δὲ ἐτυμπανίσθησαν, οὐ προσδεξάμενοι τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν, ἵνα κρείττονος ἀναστάσεως τύχωσιν· ἕτεροι δὲ ἐμπαιγμῶν καὶ μαστίγων πεῖραν ἔλαβον, ἔτι δὲ δεσμῶν καὶ φυλακῆς· ἐλιθάσθησαν, ἐπρίσθησαν, ἐπειράσθησαν, ἐν φόνῳ μαχαίρας ἀπέθανον· περιῆλθον ἐν μηλωταῖς, ἐν αἰγείοις δέρμασιν, ὑστερούμενοι, θλιβόμενοι, κακουχούμενοι - ὧν οὐκ ἦν ἄξιος ὁ κόσμος - ἐν ἐρημίαις πλανώμενοι καὶ ὄρεσιν καὶ σπηλαίοις καὶ ταῖς ὀπαῖς τῆς γῆς. Καὶ οὗτοι πάντες, μαρτυρηθέντες διὰ τῆς πίστεως, οὐκ ἐκομίσαντο τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν, τοῦ θεοῦ περὶ ἡμῶν κρεῖττόν τι προβλεψαμένου, ἵνα μὴ χωρὶς ἡμῶν τελειωθῶσιν.
Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40.
Brethren, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered abuse suffered for the Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he looked to the reward.
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets -- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign enemies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated -- of whom the world was not worthy -- wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Gospel Reading
Sunday of Orthodoxy
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 1:44-52
Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἠθέλησεν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ἐξελθεῖν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν· καὶ εὑρίσκει Φίλιππον καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ· ἀκολούθει μοι. ἦν δὲ ὁ Φίλιππος ἀπὸ Βηθσαϊδά, ἐκ τῆς πόλεως ᾿Ανδρέου καὶ Πέτρου. εὑρίσκει Φίλιππος τὸν Ναθαναὴλ καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ· ὃν ἔγραψε Μωϋσῆς ἐν τῷ νόμῳ καὶ οἱ προφῆται, εὑρήκαμεν, ᾿Ιησοῦν τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ᾿Ιωσὴφ τὸν ἀπὸ Ναζαρέτ. καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ Ναθαναήλ· ἐκ Ναζαρὲτ δύναταί τι ἀγαθὸν εἶναι; λέγει αὐτῷ Φίλιππος· ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε. εἶδεν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τὸν Ναθαναὴλ ἐρχόμενον πρὸς αὐτὸν καὶ λέγει περὶ αὐτοῦ· ἴδε ἀληθῶς ᾿Ισραηλίτης, ἐν ᾧ δόλος οὐκ ἔστι. λέγει αὐτῷ Ναθαναήλ· πόθεν με γινώσκεις; ἀπεκρίθη ᾿Ιησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· πρὸ τοῦ σε Φίλιππον φωνῆσαι, ὄντα ὑπὸ τὴν συκῆν εἶδόν σε. ἀπεκρίθη Ναθαναὴλ καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ· ῥαββί, σὺ εἶ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ, σὺ εἶ ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῦ ᾿Ισραήλ. ἀπεκρίθη ᾿Ιησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ὅτι εἶπόν σοι, εἶδόν σε ὑποκάτω τῆς συκῆς, πιστεύεις; μείζω τούτων ὄψει. καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ· ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀπ᾽ ἄρτι ὄψεσθε τὸν οὐρανὸν ἀνεῳγότα, καὶ τοὺς ἀγγέλους τοῦ Θεοῦ ἀναβαίνοντας καὶ καταβαίνοντας ἐπὶ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου.
Sunday of Orthodoxy
The Reading is from John 1:43-51
At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."
Wisdom of the Fathers
Peter, when after so many miracles and such high doctrine he confessed that, "Thou art the Son of God" (Matt. xvi. 16), is called "blessed," as having received the revelation from the Father;
Homily 21 on John 1, 1. B#58, pp. 72, 73, 4th Century
... while Nathanael, though he said the very same thing before seeing or hearing either miracles or doctrine, had no such word addressed to him, but as though he had not said so much as he ought to have said, is brought to things greater still.
Homily 21 on John 1, 1. B#58, pp. 72, 73, 4th Century
Saints and Feasts
March 05
Sunday of Orthodoxy
For more than one hundred years the Church of Christ was troubled by the persecution of the Iconoclasts of evil belief, beginning in the reign of Leo the Isaurian (717-741) and ending in the reign of Theophilus (829-842). After Theophilus's death, his widow the Empress Theodora (celebrated Feb. 11), together with the Patriarch Methodius (June 14), established Orthodoxy anew. This ever-memorable Queen venerated the icon of the Mother of God in the presence of the Patriarch Methodius and the other confessors and righteous men, and openly cried out these holy words: "If anyone does not offer relative worship to the holy icons, not adoring them as though they were gods, but venerating them out of love as images of the archetype, let him be anathema." Then with common prayer and fasting during the whole first week of the Forty-day Fast, she asked God's forgiveness for her husband. After this, on the first Sunday of the Fast, she and her son, Michael the Emperor, made a procession with all the clergy and people and restored the holy icons, and again adorned the Church of Christ with them. This is the holy deed that all we the Orthodox commemorate today, and we call this radiant and venerable day the Sunday of Orthodoxy, that is, the triumph of true doctrine over heresy.
March 05
Conon the Gardener
This saint lived during the reign of emperor Decius in 251. He came from the town of Nazareth. He left his hometown and went to the city of Mandron, in the province of Pamphylia. There he stayed at a place called Karmela or Karmena cultivating a garden which he used to water and plant with various vegetables. From this garden he obtained what is necessary for life. He had such an upright and simple mind that, when he met those who wished to arrest him and saw that they greeted him, he also greeted in return from the bottom of his soul and heart. When they told him that governor Publius called the saint to go to him, the saint answered with simplicity: "What does the governor need me, since I am a Christian? Let him call those who think the way he does and have the same religion with him." So, the blessed man was tied and brought to the governor, who tried to move him to sacrifice to the idols. But the saint sighed from the bottom of his heart, cursed the tyrant and confirmed his faith in Christ with his confession, saying that it is not possible to be moved from it even though he might be tortured cruelly. So, for this reason they nailed his feet and made the saint run in front of the governor's coach. But the saint fainted in the street. Having fallen on his knees, he prayed and, thus, he commended his holy soul to the hands of God.
March 05
Mark the Faster
March 05
Righteous Father Mark of Athens
Of our righteous Fathers commemorated today, Saint Mark of Athens lived in the fourth century. Born in Athens of pagan parents, he believed in Christ, was baptized, and forsook the world, living the eremitical life in extreme privation in the deep wilderness beyond Egypt. His life is recounted by the monk Serapion, who found Mark in deep old age and about to depart this lfe, not having seen a man for ninety-five years. Serapion gave him burial after his blessed repose, even as Paphnutius had done for Saint Onuphrius (see June 12).
March 05
Conon the Isaurian
March 05
Parthenios the New Martyr who contested in Didymoteichos
March 05
Mark the Ascetic
Saint Mark the Ascetic lived in the fifth century and according to Nicephorus Callistus was a disciple of Saint John Chrysostom's. Besides his blameless life of asceticism, Saint Mark was distinguished for his writings, some of which are preserved in Volume One of the Philokalia. His writings were held in such great esteem that in old times there was a saying, "Sell all that thou hast, and buy Mark."
March 05
George the New-Martyr of Rapsani
March 05