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St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2017-03-05
Bulletin Contents
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St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (817) 283-2291
  • Fax:
  • (817) 545-0302
  • Street Address:

  • 303 Cullum Drive

  • Euless, TX 76040


Contact Information





Services Schedule

Small Paraklesis - Wednesday 6:00PM

Great Vespers - Saturday 5:00PM

Matins - Sunday 8:30AM

Divine Liturgy - Sunday 9:30 AM

Confessions - Saturday after Vespers or upon request


Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Mode

Having learned the joyful proclamation of the Resurrection from the Angel, and having cast off the ancestral condemnation, the women disciples of the Lord spake to the Apostles exultantly: Death is despoiled and Christ God is risen, granting great mercy to the world.

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.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

To you, the Champion Commander, I, Your City, inscribe victorious anthems of thanksgiving, for deliverance from sufferings, Theotokos. In as much as you have power unassailable, from all manner of dangers set me free; That I may cry out to you, Rejoice, Bride unwedded!
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Saints and Feasts

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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.


Allsaint
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.


Allsaint
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."


40martsb
March 09

The Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebastia

These holy Martyrs, who came from various lands, were all soldiers under the same general. Taken into custody for their faith in Christ, and at first interrogated by cruel means, they were then stripped of their clothing and cast onto the frozen lake which is at Sebastia of Pontus, at a time when the harsh and freezing weather was at its worst. They endured the whole night naked in such circumstances, encouraging one another to be patient until the end. He that guarded them, named Aglaius, who was commanded to receive any of them that might deny Christ, had a vision in which he saw heavenly powers distributing crowns to all of the Martyrs, except one, who soon after abandoned the contest. Seeing this, Aglaius professed himself a Christian and joined the Martyrs on the lake, and the number of forty remained complete. In the morning, when they were almost dead from the cold, they were cast into fire, after which their remains were thrown into the river. Thus they finished the good course of martyrdom in 320, during the reign of Licinius. These are their names: Acacius, Aetius, Aglaius, Alexander, Angus, Athanasius, Candidus, Chudion, Claudius, Cyril, Cyrion, Dometian, Domnus, Ecdicius, Elias, Eunoicus, Eutyches, Eutychius, Flavius, Gaius, Gorgonius, Helianus, Heraclius, Hesychius, John, Lysimachus, Meliton, Nicholas, Philoctemon, Priscus, Sacerdon, Severian, Sisinius, Smaragdus, Theodulus, Theophilus, Valens, Valerius, Vivianus, and Xanthias.


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From The Metropolis of Denver

News from Denver Metropolis

Click the link below for  Metropolitan Isaiah's Nativity message

http://denver.goarch.org/documents/32140/4336116/2016+Christmas+Greeting.pdf/cad27641-a701-4605-9d8c-34107fe46ddf

Support our Metropolis by participating in our Advocates 1000 program. More info at the link below

http://denver.goarch.org/advocates-support-for-the-metropolis-


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Fourth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:1-12

On the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of man must be delivered in to the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise." And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told this to the apostles; but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.

But 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.


Epistle Reading

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.

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
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."


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Information about Holy Communion

Information about Holy Communion

Orthodox faithful are encouraged to participate regularly in the Eucharist.  Yet, for our spiritual development, we need to examine ourselves responsibly before coming in front of the Holy Chalice (I Cor. 11:28).  Please remember that Holy Communion should be received only by the Orthodox Faithful in good ecclesiastical standing that have prepared as prescribed by the Canons of the Church through fasting, prayer and regular Confession, and attend the entire Divine Liturgy.


Pre-Sanctified Liturgies

To take Holy Communion during Pre-sanctified Liturgies that take place in the afternoon, one needs to fast from the morning or, if not possible because of health reasons, fast at least 6 hours before the beginning of Divine Liturgy.


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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; .. 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. What can be the reason of this? It is, that Peter and Nathanael both spoke the same words, but not both with the same intention. Peter confessed Him to be "The Son of God' but as being Very God; Nathanael, as being mere man. What can be the reason of this? It is, that Peter and Nathanael both spoke the same words, but not both with the same intention. Peter confessed Him to be "The Son of God' but as being Very God; Nathanael, as being mere man. And whence does this appear? From what he said after these words; for after, "Thou art the Son of God," he adds, "Thou art the King of Israel." But the Son of God is not "King of Israel" only, but of all the world. Seest thou how He leads him up by little and little from the earth, and causes him no longer to imagine Him a man merely? for One to whom Angels minister, and on whom Angels ascend and descend, how could He be man?
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 21 on John 1, 1. B#58, pp. 72, 73, 4th Century

Moses... was himself saved by means of wood and water before the Law was given, when he was exposed to the Nile's currents, hidden away in an Ark (Exod. 2:3-10). And by means of wood and water he saved the people of Israel, revealing the Cross by the wood, Holy Baptism by water (Exod. 14:15-31). Paul, who had looked upon the mysteries, says openly, 'They were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud' (I Cor. 10:2). He also bears witness that, even before the events concerning the sea and his staff, Moses willingly endured Christ's Cross, 'Esteeming', he says, 'the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt' (Heb. 11:26). For the Cross is the reproach of Christ from the standpoint of foolish men. As Paul himself says of Christ, 'He endured the cross, despising the shame' (Heb. 12:2).
St. Gregory Palamas
Homilies Vol. 1, Homily Eleven para. 14; Saint Tikhon's Seminary Press pg. 123, 14th century

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Calendar

  • The Weekly Calendar of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church

    March 5 to March 12, 2017

    Sunday, March 5

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    11:00AM Proccesion with Icons around the church

    12:00PM Chi-Rho Program for 4th & 5th grade Orthodox Scouts

    12:30PM Catechism Class

    6:00PM Pan-Orthodox Vespers - Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church - Dallas

    Monday, March 6

    6:00PM Great Compline

    Wednesday, March 8

    6:00PM Presanctified Liturgy

    7:30PM Book and Soup for the Soul

    Friday, March 10

    6:00PM Akathist Hymn

    Saturday, March 11

    5:00PM Great Vespers

    Sunday, March 12

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    12:00PM Chi-Rho Program for 4th & 5th grade Orthodox Scouts

    12:30PM Catechism Class

    6:00PM Pan-Orthodox Vespers - Sts. Constantine and Helen - Carolton

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Parish Activities

Inquirers/ Faith Enrichment Classes

Our New Cathechism class started on September 25th,  2016. The program is open for non-Orthodox as well as for Orthodox Christians. Join us on Sundays after Divine Liturgy to learn more about the Orthodox Faith and don't forget to bring a friend. See Fr. Vasile if you like to join


CURRENT FORERUNNER

You can read our current Forerunner here:

http://issuu.com/stjohndfw


TODAY EVENTS

Special services:  procession with Icons around the church.

 

This Sunday’s Coffee Hour is offered by Cecilia Junell, Sonya & Marika Shakelford, Ray, Bill Coltrin, Pavlina Feichtinger and Roberta Brandon in memory of her mom, Adele.

We need volunteers to host coffee hour on:

-          March 12 (Fast; NO MEAT, NO Dairy allowed)

PLEASE SIGN UP! Check the sign-up sheet in the hall or call / text Connie Rafailedes at (817) 994 – 7077!

 

STEWARDSHIP 2017 info as of 03/4/2017:

 - Goal to cover expenses:      $355,337

 - Pledged:                                $255,956

 - Short:                                    $  99,381

 - No. of stewards: 109

 

BOOKSTORE: NEW!!!

-          Bible for Children

 

TODAY, AFTER SERVICE:

-          Procession with Icons. NO CHURCH SCHOOL today!

-          Catechism class: after coffee hour

-          GOYA meeting: after the service. Please attend!

-          The Chi-Rho Program for 4th & 5th grade Orthodox Scouts (http://www.EOCS.org). The classes are Sundays from March 5 - May 7; 12:00-1:00pm in the 3rd & 4th Grade classrooms. The class is open to 4th-5th grade Orthodox Christian members of the following Scouting groups:
Cub Scouts: Webelos and Arrow of Light; Girl Scouts: Juniors; Campfire: Adventure; American Heritage Girls: Explorer; Trail Life USA: Woodland Trails. Scouts who complete the program will be awarded a medal on June 11th.

-          Philoptochos Scholarship applications are now available in the narthex for graduating seniors. Due date: April 2nd 2017


UPCOMING EVENTS

-          Wednesday, Mar 8: “Book and Soup for the Soul” – POTLUCK. Please bring a Lenten dish!  Featured book: A Night in the Dessert of the Holy Mountainby Metrop. Hierotheos. Current reading: pages 42 – 64.

-          Friday, Mar 17: Soup Supper- after the Akathist service. $5/person, to benefit Holy Cross seminary’s students.

-          Saturday, Mar 18:Women Lenten Retreat “Blameless Offering” – 9am- 2 pm, $20; Holy Trinity GOC. Speaker: Presv. Athanasia Kostaki.lentenretreat2017.eventbrite.com

-          Sunday, Mar 26: Spring General Assembly! Please attend!


FEAST ICONS DEDICATIONS

We are starting a small, longer term project to replace the plastic, low quality portable Feasts and Saints icons we use during the ecclesiastical year with proper ones, executed in the traditional high quality egg tempera/burnished gold technique. 

You have probably already seen the first batch of icons that are already in the Church, all icons will be done by the same hands. 

See the attached list with icons that are available for dedications and let the church office know which one you are interested in sponsoring. 

The icons will be ordered as the funds become available, we hope to finish this project withn a year or so. Please do not wait until the last minute since the icons will be dedicated on a first come, first served basis.

Thank you all for participating in this beautiful project. 

 -          No. of Dedicated icons: 45


Book and Soup for the Soul 2017

During Great Lent we will start reading together a new book “A night in the Desert of the Holy mountain" - Discussion with a Hermit on the Jesus Prayer by  Metropolitan of Nafpaktos Hierotheos Vlachos. The book is available soon at our church's bookstore ($20) and library.

Next Meeting:  March 8th, after Presanctified Liturgy.  

We are having Potluck! Please bring a Lenten dish! 

Current reading: pages 42 – 64.

 

 


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Announcements and Forms for Various Activities

    Sunday of Orthodoxy

    Sunday of Orthodoxy

    Bulletin Inserts with Resources for Couples and Families for the Sundays of Great Lent are now available from the Center for Family Care of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.


    FEAST ICONS DEDICATIONS

    FEAST ICONS DEDICATIONS

    We are starting a longer term project to replace the plastic Feasts and Saints icons we use during the ecclesiastical year with proper ones, executed in the traditional high quality egg tempera/burnished gold technique. See the list with icons that are available for dedications and let the church office know which one you are interested in sponsoring. Thank you for participating! - No. of Dedicated icons: 45


    2017 STEWARDSHIP CARD

    2017 STEWARDSHIP CARD

    Click on the link bellow or see attached the 2017 Stewardship Form. Right click on the link, save it on your computer, open it, fill in the information and save it on your computer again with your name in the title. For example if your name is John Baptist save it as John_Baptist_2017.pdf. Once done, mail the completed form to us at 


     FUNDS NEEDED TO RESTORE THE MONASTERY OF ST. NINIAN AND ST. CUTHBERT ON THE ISLE OF MULL, SCOTLAND

    FUNDS NEEDED TO RESTORE THE MONASTERY OF ST. NINIAN AND ST. CUTHBERT ON THE ISLE OF MULL, SCOTLAND

    Fr. Serafim Aldea is a Hieromonk from UK and he is opening a monastery in the Island of Mull, dedicated to All the Celtic Saints. He is currently doing a tour in the USA to gather some necessary construction funds for the monastery. (Please see the attached flier)


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