Saints and Feasts

April 09

Palm Sunday

On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the Law, the Lord came from Bethany to Jerusalem. Sending two of His disciples to bring Him a foal of an ass, He sat thereon and entered into the city. When the multitude there heard that Jesus was coming, they straightway took up the branches of palm trees in their hands, and went forth to meet Him. Others spread their garments on the ground, and yet others cut branches from the trees and strewed them in the way that Jesus was to pass; and all of them together, especially the children, went before and after Him, crying out: "Hosanna: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel" (John 12:13). This is the radiant and glorious festival of our Lord's entry into Jerusalem that we celebrate today.

The branches of the palm trees symbolize Christ's victory over the devil and death. The word Hosanna means "Save, I pray," or "Save, now." The foal of an ass, and Jesus' sitting thereon, and the fact that this animal was untamed and considered unclean according to the Law, signified the former uncleanness and wildness of the nations, and their subjection thereafter to the holy Law of the Gospel.

Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the First Mode

In confirming the common Resurrection, O Christ God, Thou didst raise up Lazarus from the dead before Thy Passion. Wherefore, we also, like the children, bearing the symbols of victory, cry to Thee, the Vanquisher of death: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the Fourth Mode

As by baptism we were buried with Thee, O Christ our God, so by Thy Resurrection we were deemed worthy of immortal life; and praising Thee, we cry: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Second Mode

In Heaven, He is seated upon a Throne and on earth He rides upon a foal. O Christ our God, accept the praise of the Angels and the hymn of the Children who cry out to You, "Blessed are You who comes to recall Adam."

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 117.26,1.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Verse: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians 4:4-9.

BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.

Gospel Reading

Palm Sunday
The Reading is from John 12:1-18

Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazaros was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me."

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazaros, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazaros also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazaros out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.

Wisdom of the Fathers

But observe the wisdom of the Evangelist, how he is not ashamed to parade their former ignorance. That it was written they knew, that it was written of Him they knew not. For it would have offended them if He being a King were about to suffer such things, and be so betrayed.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p.245., 4th Century

Besides, they could not at once have taken in the knowledge of the Kingdom of which He spake; for another Evangelist saith, that they thought the words were spoken of a kingdom of this world. (Matt. xx. 21.)

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p.245., 4th Century

Ministry News

TODAY all Parishioners are welcome to join us for our Palm Sunday Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall

$12 for adults and any children who order the fish plate (other children option spaghetti for $5).

TODAY, all Parishioners are welcome to pick up a copy of “Journey Through Holy Week” (one per family please). The St. Anna Sunday School has donated these booklets to the Community as they are an excellent resource for the entire family. Kali Anastasi to all.

See Holy Week Services schedule on back of bulletin.

Tsourekia (Easter Bread) pre-ordered through the Philoptochos are available for pick-up TODAY.

"Destiny Fulfilled" Appreciation Celebration May 7

Invitations have been distributed for this important even in the life of our Parish. It is very important to respond with your attendance as soon as possible so that preparations can be made. If you know with whom you would like to sit, please indicate their names on the back of the response card. Responses should be mailed as envelope indicates to Cathy Sakellos. If you have any questions, or if have not received your invite, please contact Diana Grina dianakg2003@yahoo.com

Byzantine Music Workshop and Choir: Meetings are usually on Saturdays following Liturgy. For confirmation, please contact our cantor Stathis directly or through email (stathisleon@gmail.com) with subject matter "Byzantine Choir.”

Lenten Almsgiving: Last Day for donations to the Sunday School’s Lenten Almsgiving project to benefit the Hunterdon County Family Success Center. Look for collection station in the hallway to the Community Center. Contact: Aimee Douvris at aimeedouvris@gmail.com.

Philoptochos News: YiaYia's Attic Saturday, May 20, 8 am - 1 pm. Please consider donating used clothing, household items, children's toys, odds and ends that can help us raise monies for Philoptochos charities. Donations can be dropped off starting Sunday, April 30. Contact: Margaret Panageas

Graduating Seniors: The Philoptochos is assembling a list of graduating seniors and needs your help. Please check the list and provide any missing names or changes by Tuesday, April 11:

Alex Athanasiou, Peri Bongiovanni, Zoe Connell, Alexia Coutsourides, Tommy Diver, Michael Georgeles, Richard Gilman, Ashlynn Hawes, Constantine Kousoulas, Nick Lazos, Sotiris Lewis, John Mavrode, Sophia McElroy, George Sakellos, Marisa Soteropoulos, Nicole Zannikos. Contact: aimeedouvris@gmail.com.

GOYA: Lenten Retreat: Thank you to all who were able to attend the retreat, and especially those parents who helped in planning and during the retreat. We had a total 56 GOYAns attend, 15 from St. Anna. We are thankful that our youth are able to attend these retreats to bring them closer to Christ, and to have fun and fellowship with GOYAns from other parishes.

Olympics: GOYA advisors will be meeting briefly after Church to start planning the three Olympic events, which are the Indoor Soccer Tournament on May 6, Indoor Olympics (board games, ping-pong, etc.,) on May 13, and Outdoor Olympics at Monmouth University(track & field, swimming, volleyball) on May 27-28, Memorial Day Weekend. Please check your calendars and plan accordingly. Registration will take place on Sunday May 23rd. Coaches, you are welcome to attend this meeting.

Remember we need additional GOYA Advisors. Please consider and see Father A if you can help.

Education Meeting on Sunday, April 30 after Church services. This meeting is for all families with children to ensure that we understand your expectations for our Educational programs, the Greek School program in particular. We appreciate your ideas to improve our programs and increase participation.

Spring Wine-n-Dine: Theme: Inspirations from the Mediterranean. The evening will be dedicated to exploring new white and red wines from Spain, Italy and Greece complimented by a variety of Mediterranean inspired food pairings served reception style (flyer uploaded to e-bulletin)

Date and time: Saturday, June 3 at 6:30 pm

Where: Parishioners Penny and Rich Wolfe residence (12 Eyring Road, Hillsborough, NJ)

Cost: $75 per person. Payments received by Christi Staikos or can be mailed to her at

43 Fox Grape Rd, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Holy Week Schedule

Sunday, April 9: Palm Sunday. Orthros 8:15 am, Divine Liturgy 9:15 am.

Palm Sunday Luncheon Fundraiser to follow.

Bridegroom Service. 7 pm

Holy Monday, April 10: Presanctified Liturgy. 9 am

Bridegroom Service. 7 pm.

Holy Tuesday, April 11: Presanctified Liturgy. 9 am.

Bridegroom Service. 7 pm.

Holy Wed., April 12: Presanctified Liturgy. 9 am.

Holy Unction. 4 pm and 7 pm

Holy Thursday, April 13: Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil. 9 am

Holy Passion Service. 7 pm.

Holy Friday, April 14: Royal Hours. 9 am

Apokathelosis Service (Descent of Christ from the Cross) 3 pm.

Lamentations Service. 7 pm.

Holy Saturday, April 15: Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great. 9 am.

Resurrection Services: Pannychis, Orthros & Liturgy. 11:15 pm.

Easter Sunday, April 16: Agape Vespers Service. 11:30 am followed by Easter Egg Hunt (12:15 pm) and St. Anna Paschal Lamb Roast (12:30 pm). Contact: Fay Vespa at faysvespa@gmail.com

Bulletin Inserts

Dedication event for Bouras Hall

Save the date - May 7

Wine-n-Dine flyer

June 3

Stewardship

STEWARDSHIP: Stewardship is the sharing of the talents and treasures that God has provided for us. An Orthodox Christian Steward is an active participant in the life of the Church. The parish encourages all who accept the Orthodox Faith to become practicing Stewards.

2017 Stewardship Status: We have 98 Pledges totaling $152,010 for an average of $1,551 and $70,814 received to date. We also have 7 families who have contributed $4,090 to date but have not submitted a stewardship card. It is important that all families complete a stewardship card to be considered a steward.

We need everyone’s participation to exceed this year’s stewardship pledge budget of $175,000. If the remaining 2016 stewards give at the same level as last year we could exceed our budget and reach a record high number of stewards.

If you have not done so already, we ask that you prayerfully consider your stewardship commitment and submit a 2017 pledge card as soon as you can.

…Remember a rich man is not one who has much, but one who gives much…

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