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St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2017-08-20
Bulletin Contents
Samuel
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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 Second Mode

When You descended unto death, O Lord who yourself are immortal Life, then did You mortify Hades by the lightning flash of Your Divinity. Also when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the Powers of the heavens were crying out: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory be to You.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Dormition in the First Mode

In giving birth you retained your virginity, and in dormition you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos. You were translated unto life, being the Mother of Life. And thus by virtue of your intercessions you deliver our souls from death.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life.
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Saints and Feasts

Samuel
August 20

Samuel the Prophet

This most holy man, a Prophet of God from childhood, was the last judge of the Israelite people, and anointed the first two Kings of Israel. He was born in the twelfth century before Christ, in the city of Armathaim Sipha, from the tribe of Levi, the son of Elkanah and Hannah (Anna). He was the fruit of prayer, for his mother, being barren, conceived him only after she had supplicated the Lord with many tears; wherefore she called him Samuel, that is, "heard by God." As soon as Hannah had weaned him, she brought him to the city of Silom (Shiloh), where the Ark was kept, and she consecrated him, though yet a babe, to the service of God, giving thanks to Him with the hymn found in the Third Ode of the Psalter: "My heart hath been established in the Lord . . ." Samuel remained in Silom under the protection of Eli the priest. He served in the Tabernacle of God, and through his most venerable way of life became well-pleasing to God and man (I Kings 2: 26). While yet a child, sleeping in the tabernacle near the Ark of God, he heard the voice of God calling his name, and foretelling the downfall of Eli; for although Eli's two sons, Ophni and Phineas, were most lawless, and despisers of God, Eli did not correct them. Even after Samuel had told Eli of the divine warning, Eli did not properly chastise his sons, and afterwards, through various misfortunes, his whole house was blotted out in one day.

After these things came to pass, Samuel was chosen to be the protector of the people, and he judged them with holiness and righteousness. He became for them an example of all goodness, and their compassionate intercessor before God: "Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; yea, I will serve the Lord, and show you the good and the right way" (ibid. 12:23). When he asked them -- having God as witness -- if he ever wronged anyone, or took anyone's possessions, or any gift, even so much as a sandal, they answered with one voice: "Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, nor afflicted us, neither hast thou taken anything from anyone's hand" (ibid. 12:4). When Samuel was old, the people asked him for a king, but he was displeased with this, knowing that God Himself was their King. But when they persisted, the Lord commanded him to anoint them a king, saying, "They have not rejected thee, but they have rejected Me from reigning over them" (ibid. 8:7); so Samuel anointed Saul. But Saul transgressed the command of God repeatedly, so Samuel anointed David. Yet, since Samuel was a man of God, full of tender mercy, when the Lord told him that He had rejected Saul, Samuel wept for him the whole night long (ibid. 15:11); and later, since he continued to grieve, the Lord said to him, "How long wilt thou mourn for Saul?" (ibid. 16:1). Having lived blamelessly some ninety-eight years, and become an example to all of a God-pleasing life, he reposed in the eleventh century before Christ. Many ascribe to him the authorship of the Books of judges, and of Ruth, and of the first twenty-four chapters of the First Book of Kings (I Samuel).


Holy12ap
August 21

The Holy Apostle Thaddaeus

The Apostle Thaddaeus was from Edessa, a Jew by race. When he came to Jerusalem, he became a disciple of Christ, and after His Ascension he returned to Edessa. There he catechized and baptized Abgar (see Aug. 16). Having preached in Mesopotamia, he ended his life in martyrdom. Though some call him one of the Twelve, whom Matthew calls "Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus" (Matt. 10:3), Eusebius says that he is one of the Seventy: "After [Christ's] Resurrection from the dead, and His ascent into Heaven, Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles, inspired by God, sent Thaddaeus, one of the seventy disciples of Christ, to Edessa as a preacher and evangelist of Christ's teaching" (Eccl. Hist. 1: 13).


Allsaint
August 21

The Holy Martyr Bassa and Her Sons: Theognis, Agapius, and Pistus

The Martyrs were from Edessa of Macedonia. Bassa was the wife of a certain Valerian, a priest of the idols, to whom she bore three sons and raised them in piety. She was betrayed with her sons to the proconsul by her own husband; each of her sons was tormented before her and beheaded. For refusing to worship the idols, she was imprisoned, cast into water and then fire, was stoned, and remaining unharmed, was brought to the temple to worship the idols. Laying hold upon the idol of Zeus, she overturned it and broke it to pieces. After being preserved through further torments, she was beheaded, about the year 290, in the reign of Maximian.


Allsaint
August 26

Icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir

In all probability, the icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir was painted in Constantinople. In the twelfth century, Patriarch Luke Chrysoberges sent it to Kiev to Great Prince Yuri Dolgruky. The icon was kept in the convent at Vyshgorod, whence the holy Prince Andrew of Bogoliubovo brought it to Vladimir. The icon is one of the most venerated in Russia, having been carried by princes in military campaigns, prayed before by rulers for the welfare of the people, and flocked to by the faithful of all walks of life. At the election of the metropolitans and patriarchs, the names of the candidates were placed before this holy icon, and after prayer, the lot chosen; Patriarch Tikhon the Confessor was elected this way. The icon is celebrated also on June 23 and May 21, the last feast being established to commemorate the deliverance of Moscow in 1521 from the onslaught of the Tartar Khan Makhmet-Girei.


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eleventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:14-25

At that time, Jesus revealed himself to his disciples after he was raised from the dead, and he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me."

Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" So, the word went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die; but Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Second Mode. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 9:2-12.

Brethren, you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to our food and drink? Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a sister as wife, as the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the crop. If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? If others share this rightful claim upon you, do not we still more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.


Gospel Reading

11th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 18:23-35

The Lord said this parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the torturers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."


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Wisdom of the Fathers

Wherefore then did He not do this, nor forgive the debt before the account? Desiring to teach him, from how many obligations He is delivering him, that in this way at least he might become more mild towards his fellow servant .... He gave more than he asked, remission and forgiveness of the entire debt.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 61 on Matthew 18, 4th Century

When then you are minded to be revengeful, consider that against yourself are you revengeful, not against another; that you art binding up your own sins, not your neighbors ....
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 61 on Matthew 18, 4th Century

Two things therefore does He here require, both to condemn ourselves for our sins, and to forgive others; ... and not merely to forgive with the lips, but from the heart.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 61 on Matthew 18, 4th Century

Do we forgive our neighbors their trespasses? God also forgives us in His mercy. Do we refuse to forgive? God, too, will refuse to forgive us. As we treat our neighbors, so also does God treat us. The forgiveness, then, of your sins or unforgiveness, and hence also your salvation or destruction, depend on you yourself, man. For without forgiveness of sins there is no salvation.
St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
Unknown, 18th century

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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.


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Calendar

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

    August 20 to August 27, 2017

    Sunday, August 20

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    11:00AM 40 days blessing Alexander Leimbacher

    11:30AM Youth Ministry Fall planning session

    Wednesday, August 23

    6:00PM Paraklesis

    Saturday, August 26

    5:00PM Great Vespers

    Sunday, August 27

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    11:00AM 40 days memorial service and light luncheon for Kyriakoula Geros

    11:30AM Philoptochos membership meeting

    11:30AM Parish Council Meeting

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Parish Activities

Inquirers/ Faith Enrichment Classes

Our catechism / faith enrichment classes came to an end on April 9, 2017. Our New Catechism class will start in September 2017, after Divine Liturgy. The program is open for non-Orthodox as well as for Orthodox Christians. Join us 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: 40 days blessing for Alexander Leimbacher.

 

This Sunday’s Coffee Hour is sponsored by Alfredo and Maria Flores and Ed & Cristina Korzun

We need volunteers to host coffee hour on:

-          Oct. 22 (Fast free) & Nov. 12 (Fast Free).

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 08/20/2017:

 - Goal to cover expenses:      $355,337

 - Pledged:                                $297,183

 - Short:                                    $  58,154

 - Stewardship card submitted: 139

 

BOOKSTORE:  “The Orthodox Church” by Timothy Ware -$18

 

TODAY, AFTER SERVICE:

-          Youth Ministry meeting – after the service

-          Festival Dance Practice

-          Alpha Omega program for Boy and Girl Scouts who have graduated 5th grade and older.

 

 

SPONSORS for our parish 2018 Ecclesiastical Calendar ($352) are needed. Please contact the church office (817) 283-2291.

Due date: Sept. 30, 2016.

 


UPCOMING EVENTS

-          Sunday, Aug 27: Philoptochos membership meeting.

-          Sept. 1-4: 2017 Young Adult Conference: For Young adults (ages 19-32), in Houston, Texas, Whitehall Hotel.

-          Sept. 3: International Potluck Luncheon. Free will offering

-          Sept. 10, 2017: Meet the Sunday School teacher & Burger and Brats Luncheon sponsored by Sunday School.

-          Sept. 17, 2017: GOYA spaghetti lunch fund raiser.

-          St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine Essay Contest.  Please see the flier in narthex and on GOYA board


2017 GREEKFEST

 BAKING SCHEDULE:

-          Sept. 30, Sat: Dolmathes Prep. Chairperson: Larry Leeders

-          Oct, 3, Tue: Koulourkia Prep. Chairperson: Stacia Dube

-          Oct, 4, Wed: Kourambiethes Prep. Chairperson: Stacia Dube

-          Oct, 7, Sat: Baklava Prep. Chairperson: Barbara Vittas

-          Oct, 8, Sun: Packing. Please stay after Liturgy and help.

 

RAFFLE PRIZES:

We need gift cards from moderate to very nice DFW dining establishments to cover at least 1 person’s meal at dinner time.

NO Fast Food establishments gift cards!

50 (c)3 letter available to deduct the cost. Please ask Cristina!


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From The Metropolis of Denver

News from Denver Metropolis

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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Announcements and Forms for Various Activities

    Faith as a Grain of Mustard Seed - Family Connections (Half-Legal)

    Faith as a Grain of Mustard Seed - Family Connections (Half-Legal)

    Bulletin Insert in half-legal format on the Parable of the Mustard Seed (11th Sunday of Matthew) with Resources for Couples and Families provided by the Center for Family Care of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.


    Commemoration List

    Commemoration List

    Please fill out your new commemoration list for 2017 - 2018. Remember to write the date and your family name. You can include the names of your Spiritual Parents, God-Parents, Grand-Parents, Parents, God Children, Children and all the other relatives and friends. Only Baptismal names (or first names if non-Orthodox) are needed.


    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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Message from His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios

Archbishop-demetrios

Encyclical for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (08/15/2017)

08/09/2017

The Theotokos is compassionate because she is the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ who revealed to us the grace of God through His ministry and teaching. She carried the Compassionate Savior in her womb. In the Holy Scriptures we read how our Lord saw the physical and spiritual needs of many, and He had compassion. They were like sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34). They were hungry, blind, sick, suffering and rejected. He felt and understood their struggles and needs, and in compassion He blessed their lives through the power of grace.
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