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St. Nicholas Church
Publish Date: 2017-04-23
Bulletin Contents
Saints and Feasts
Today
This Week
General Announcements
Contemplations
Additional Information
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News
Thomsund
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St. Nicholas Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (708) 636-5460
  • Fax:
  • (708) 636-3883
  • Street Address:

  • 10301 S. Kolmar Avenue

  • Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Contact Information

Webmaster Ethel Angelos


Services Schedule

Sunday Orthros: 8:00 a.m. Sunday Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m. Weekday Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Weekday Divine Liturgy: 9:15 a.m. Evening Services: 7:00 p.m. For all other questions regarding worship services, please contact the church office.

Past Bulletins


Saints and Feasts

Thomsund
April 23

Thomas Sunday

Though the doors were shut at the dwelling where the disciples were gathered for fear of the Jews on the evening of the Sunday after the Passover, our Saviour wondrously entered and stood in their midst, and greeted them with His customary words, "Peace be unto you." Then He showed unto them His hands and feet and side; furthermore, in their presence, He took some fish and a honeycomb and ate before them, and thus assured them of His bodily Resurrection. But Thomas, who was not then present with the others, did not believe their testimony concerning Christ's Resurrection, but said in a decisive manner, "Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe." Wherefore after eight days, that is, on this day, when the disciples were again gathered together and Thomas was with them, the Lord Jesus came while the doors were shut, as He did formerly. Standing in their midst, He said, "Peace be unto you"; then He said to Thomas, "Bring hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and bring hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not unbelieving, but believing."

And Thomas, beholding and examining carefully the hands and side of the Master, cried out with faith, "My Lord and my God." Thus he clearly proclaimed the two natures - human and divine - of the God-man (Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-29).

This day is called Antipascha (meaning "in the stead of Pascha," not "in opposition to Pascha") because with this day, the first Sunday after Pascha, the Church consecrates every Sunday of the year to the commemoration of Pascha, that is, the Resurrection.

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April 23

George the Great Martyr and Triumphant

George, this truly great and glorious Martyr of Christ, was born of a father from Cappadocia and a mother from Palestine. Being a military tribune, or chiliarch (that is, a commander of a thousand troops), he was illustrious in battle and highly honoured for his courage. When he learned that the Emperor Diocletian was preparing a persecution of the Christians, Saint George presented himself publicly before the Emperor and denounced him. When threats and promises could not move him from his steadfast confession, he was put to unheard-of tortures, which he endured with great bravery, overcoming them by his faith and love towards Christ. By the wondrous signs that took place in his contest, he guided many to the knowledge of the truth, including Queen Alexandra, wife of Diocletian, and was finally beheaded in 296 in Nicomedia.

His sacred remains were taken by his servant from Nicomedia to Palestine, to a town called Lydda, the homeland of his mother, and then were finally transferred to the church which was raised up in his name. (The translation of the Saint's holy relics to the church in Lydda is commemorated on November 3; Saint Alexandra the Queen, on April 21.)

If April 23 falls on or before Great and Holy Pascha, the Feast of St. George is translated to Bright Monday.

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April 24

Elizabeth the Wonderworker

Saint Elizabeth was born in Heraclea of Thrace. She lived in virginity and exhausted herself with ascetical labours and every kind of hardship from the time of her youth, and was deemed worthy of the grace of wonderworking from God; she reposed in peace in Constantinople in the middle of the fifth century.

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April 25

Mark the Apostle and Evangelist

Mark was an idolater from Cyrene of Pentapolis, which is near Libya. Having come to the Faith of Christ through the Apostle Peter, he followed him to Rome. While there, at the prompting of Peter himself and at the request of the Christians living there, he wrote his Gospel in Greek, and it is second in order after Matthew's. Afterwards, travelling to Egypt, he preached the Gospel there and was the first to establish the Church in Alexandria. The idolaters, unable to bear his preaching, seized him, bound him with ropes, and dragged him through the streets until he, cut to pieces on rocks, gave up his soul. It is said that he completed his life in martyrdom about the year 68. He is depicted in holy icons with a lion next to him, one of the living creatures mentioned by Ezekiel (1:10), and a symbol of Christ's royal office, as Saint Irenaeus of Lyons writes.

If April 25 falls on or before Great and Holy Pascha, the Feast of St. Mark is translated to Bright Tuesday.

0430basilamesea
April 26

Basil the Holy Martyr Bishop of Amasea

This Saint was Bishop of Amasia in Pontus, in the days of Licinius (reigned 308-324), fellow Emperor and brother-in-law of Saint Constantine the Great. Licinius' wife Constantia, sister of Saint Constantine, had as handmaid a virgin named Glaphyra. When it became known that Licinius had conceived a sinful desire for her. Constantia secretly sent Glaphyra away to the East. Coming to Amasia, she took refuge with Saint Basileus. When Licinius learned of this, he furiously commanded that both be brought before him. When the soldiers came for them, however, Saint Glaphyra had already departed to the Lord; she is also commemorated this day. Saint Basileus was taken alone to Nicomedia, where he was beheaded. His body was cast into the sea, but through divine revelation was found again and brought back to Amasia.

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April 27

The Holy Hieromartyr Symeon, Kinsman of the Lord

Symeon was a first cousin of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was the son of Clopas (or Cleopas, also called Alphaeus), the brother of Joseph the Betrothed. He became the second Bishop of Jerusalem, as a successor to James the Brother of God. He ended his life when he was crucified during the reign of Trajan, in 107, at the age of 120.

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April 28

The Holy Nine Martyrs of Cyzicus

These holy Martyrs, who were from various regions, suffered martyrdom together when they were beheaded in Cyzicus, a city in Asia Minor on the southern coast of the Sea of Marmara.

Jason
April 29

Jason and Sosipater the Apostles of the 70 and their Companions

Both of these Saints were disciples of the Apostle Paul, who mentions them in his Epistle to the Romans, saying: "Jason and Sosipater my kinsmen greet you" (16:21). Jason was from Tarsus of Cilicia, and became bishop there. Sosipater was from Patras of Achaia, and became Bishop of Iconium. When they had shepherded their churches well for a long time, they departed west that they might profit others also, and arrived finally at the island of Corfu, where they were the first to preach the Gospel to its people. They suffered many things for Christ's Name, drew many souls to salvation, and finished the course of their life there. In the ancient city of Corfu, a church from the first centuries, built in their honour and bearing inscriptions that mention the Saints by name, verifies the historical account concerning them.

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Today

ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ!!!! CHRIST IS RISEN!!

ΑΛΗΘΩΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ!!  TRULY HE IS RISEN!!

 

Epistle Reader: Ted Cachampis

Following the Divine Liturgy, please join us in the Community Center to support the Bake Sale, being held by Oak Lawn Community members, to assist Karen Tobascio. Coffee will be available.

HOLY LAND TRIP MEETING following Liturgy in the Library

JUNIOR OLYMPIC parents and kids meeting following Liturgy in the Three Hierarchs Room

The 40-Day Blessing of Anna, daughter of Maribeth and Mark Colander, took place on Sunday, April 9th, 2017

 

FOLLOWING THE RESURRECTION LITURGY and every service for 40 days until the Ascension of our Lord, the priest turns to the congregation and exclaims:

“Glory to His Third-Day Resurrection!” Δόξα τη Αυτού τριήμερω έγερσει!

and the congregation responds by saying:

“We bow down to His Third-Day Resurrection!” Προσκυνούμεν Αυτού την τριήμερον έγερσιν!

Let us all remember these life-giving words at the conclusion of the Liturgy. Let us say them with feeling and strength for the 40-day period of the Resurrection as is the practice of our Holy Orthodox Church.

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This Week

Monday, April 24th, 2017

4:30 p.m. Greek School

 

Tuesday, April 25th, 2017

Saint Mark the Evangelist

8:30 a.m. Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy

 

Wednesday, April 26th, 2017

Strict Fast

4:30 p.m. Greek School

6:30 p.m. Junior Dance Troupe

 

 

Thursday, April 27th, 2017

7:00 p.m. Adult Greek Dance Group at Saint Spyridon

 

 

Saturday, April 29th, 2017

Noon: Baptism of Stavros, son of Brendan Feeney & Victoria Dokianos And also Baptism of Brendan Feeney

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General Announcements

COMMUNION ANNOUNCEMENT: While we pray and work for the reconciliation and unity of all the world's Christians, the reality remains that there is still no intercommunion between our Orthodox Churches and the Churches of the West. This means that only baptized, chrismated and observant Orthodox faithful receive Communion in our churches. At the same time, we warmly welcome all non- Orthodox to join us in prayer and celebration, and humbly offer to all present the Antidoro bread of fellowship at the end of the service. We offer this important symbol 'instead of the Gifts', in the words of the Apostle Paul, 'Till we all come to the unity of the Faith' (Eph. 4.13).

JUNIOR OLYMPICS MEETING TODAY: This year’s Junior Olympics competition is fast approaching. The Olympics is for all the Orthodox youth in the Chicago Metropolis and offers many competitive track and field events as well as swimming and tennis. This event is held on Memorial Day weekend (May 26-28) at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Palos Hills. Please consider participating in this year’s events and proudly representing our community. For more information please contact Ted Cachampis. So join us in the Three Hierarchs room for the meeting today. Try outs will be held on May 7th

FESTIVAL DONATIONS-AN EARLY START: Please watch for Greek Fest 2017 Alerts. We will again begin collecting donations early. You all made it such a great success last year! Every donation in any amount helps the Church. April is oil, lemon & pop month! Please see the enclosed flyer for details.

PHILOPTOCHOS SCHOLARSHIPS: Every year our Ladies Philoptochos gen-erously offers scholarships from $300 to $2,000 to Philoptochos members, their spouses and children who are pursuing post secondary education at a university, community college or trade school. Please contact Sharon Sinadinos at 708-429-5642 for information and to get an application. Applications are also available in the Church Office. The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 12th at 4:00 p.m.

ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Our Adult Religious Education classes will begin again on Wednesday, May 10th and classes will be offered at 11:00 a.m. & 6:30 p.m., so that everyone who wants to partake can. It will also be in 6 week increments. We will be focusing on the Book of Acts this time around. So please join us as we journey through this wonderful book in the time following our Lord’s Death and Resurrection.

STEWARDSHIP NOTE: Supporting the Church is EACH Orthodox Christian’s responsibility to the Lord. From the single young adult to the married couple to the young family to those who are senior citizens, it takes everyone’s commitment to support OUR parish of St. Nicholas and promote OUR Orthodox Christian Faith! Many thanks to all those who have pledged and we invite all those who haven’t to please submit their pledge to the church office today.

FIRST QUARTER STEWARDSHIP & DONATION STATEMENTS: Will be going out this week. These statements cover the stewardship and donation from January 1st, 2017 to March 31st, 2017.

HOLY LAND PILGRAMAGE MEETING TODAY: We are planning a trip to the Holy Land & Saint Katherine’s Monastery at Sinai from October 29th to November 9th of 2017. It is a truly once in a life time experience. So make your plans to join us in the Holy Land. The price is finalized to between $3,100 to $3,300 includes airfare, Hotel, transportation as well as breakfast & dinner everyday. Please speak to Fr. Chris-todoulos if you have any questions. 

SAVE THE DATE TO HONOR FATHER NICHOLAS: As some of you may have heard, Fr. Nick Greanias will be leaving us as he has been assigned to the Parish of Annunciation in Kankakee, IL. His last Sunday here will be on April 30th. In honor of his 6 years of service here at Saint Nicholas, we will be hosting a special farewell luncheon following Divine Liturgy that Sunday. Please join with us as we say goodbye and many blessing on His new assignment. AXIOS!

EARLY BIRD FESTIVAL RAFFLE DRAWING: Run, don’t walk, to your nearest Parish Council member or the Church Office to buy your Raffle Ticket for the Festival. Our Early Bird Drawing will take place on Sunday, May 14 (Mothers Day) during the Coffee Hour. The prize is $1,000! And your ticket goes back in for the Fest Drawing. Thank You!!

CHOIR BOOK FUNDRAISER: The choir is still collecting used books for their ongoing fundraiser. Please bring your books on Sundays or to the Church Office during the week. Thanks for your donations!

SAVE THE DATE: 90th Anniversary of Saint Nicholas Parish: St. Nicholas’ 90th Anniversary Dinner Dance is September 24th, 2017 at Tuscany Falls in Moke-na. It is easily located right off of I-80 and LaGrange. Very accessible from I-355, 294 and I-57. Mark the date down and prepare for a wonderful evening of great memories and even better fellowship.

GREEK PARADE: The Chicago Annual Greek Independence Day Parade will be held on Sunday, April 30th in Greek Town. Our Parish will once again have a float. There will be a bus leaving from the Church at 1:00 p.m. to go to Greek Town . The parade begins at 2:30 p.m. We hope many of our parishioners will join us for this fun day to celebrate our culture. Those who are interested in com-ing , please contact the Church office.

 

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Contemplations

THE MEMORY OF A GLORIOUS WEEK: Holy Week and Easter are now history for 2017. Warm words of appreciation are due to a myriad of volunteers who helped to make Pascha such a meaningful experience in our lives. The altar boys, choir, chanters, readers, ushers, the people who decorated the Epitaphios, the contributors of the Easter eggs, flowers and many more shall occupy a special place in our hearts and prayers. Thank you all and God bless!

THOMAS, THE APOSTLE: Thomas was one of the Twelve, and he is mentioned as such in all four Gospels. In St. John’s Gospel, he appears in relation to three episodes; offering to die with Jesus on His way to Bethany, interrupting the last discourse with his question, ‘we know not whither Thou goest, how know we the way?’, and lastly, doubting the Resurrection unless he could touch the wounds of the Risen Lord. After Christ’s appearance and His call for him to put his finger on His wound, Thomas confesses his faith with the words, ‘my Lord, and my God’, thus becoming the first to confess Christ’s Divinity. According to an early tradition mentioned by Eusebios and others, Thomas brought the Gospel to the Parthians, while according to another tradition he preached the Gospel to India where he was martyred. The Syrian Christians of Malabar (southwest India) who called themselves ‘Christians of St. Thomas’, have a tradition by which they were Christianized by the Apolstle who was later martyred and buried at Mylapore, near the Contemporary Madras. There is an ancient stone cross, the translation of Edessa in Syria in 394. His relics are now supposed to be in Ortona, in the Abruzzi region of Central Italy. His feast day is October 6.

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Additional Information

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Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal First Mode

Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.
Χριστός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας, καί τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι ζωήν χαρισάμενος.

Apolytikion for Thomas Sun. in the Grave Mode

Whilst the tomb was sealed, Thou, O Life, didst shine forth from the grave, O Christ God; and whilst the doors were shut, Thou didst come unto Thy disciples, O Resurrection of all, renewing through them an upright Spirit in us according to Thy great mercy.
Ἐσφραγισμένου τοῦ μνήματος ἡ ζωὴ ἐκ τάφου ἀνέτειλας Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, καὶ τῶν θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων, τοῖς Μαθηταῖς ἐπέστης ἡ πάντων ἀνάστασις, πνεῦμα εὐθὲς δι' αὐτῶν ἐγκαινίζων ἡμῖν, κατὰ τὸ μέγα σου ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for Great Martyr George in the Fourth Mode

Liberator of captives, defender of the poor, physician of the sick, and champion of kings, O trophy-bearer, Great Martyr George, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.
Ως τών αιχμαλώτων ελευθερωτής, καί τών πτωχών υπερασπιστής, ασθενούντων ιατρός, βασιλέων υπέρμαχος, τροπαιοφόρε μεγαλομάρτυς Γεώργιε, πρέσβευε Χριστώ τώ Θεώ, σωθήναι τάς ψυχάς ημών.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades' power, and You rose the victor, Christ God, saying to the myrrh-bearing women, "Hail!" and granting peace to Your disciples, You who raise up the fallen.
Εἰ καὶ ἐν τάφῳ κατῆλθες ἀθάνατε, ἀλλὰ τοῦ ᾍδου καθεῖλες τὴν δύναμιν, καὶ ἀνέστης ὡς νικητής, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, γυναιξὶ Μυροφόροις φθεγξάμενος. Χαίρετε, καὶ τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις εἰρήνην δωρούμενος ὁ τοῖς πεσοῦσι παρέχων ἀνάστασιν.
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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

Προκείμενον. Fourth Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 146.5;134.3.
Μέγας ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν, καὶ μεγάλη ἡ ἰσχὺς ἀὐτοῦ.
Στίχ. Αἰνεῖτε τὸν Κύριον, ὅτι ἀγαθός.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πράξεις Ἀποστόλων 12:1-11.

Κατ᾿ ἐκεῖνον τὸν καιρὸν, Κατʼ ἐκεῖνον δὲ τὸν καιρὸν ἐπέβαλεν Ἡρῴδης ὁ βασιλεὺς τὰς χεῖρας κακῶσαί τινας τῶν ἀπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας. Ἀνεῖλεν δὲ Ἰάκωβον τὸν ἀδελφὸν Ἰωάννου μαχαίρᾳ. ΚαὶN ἰδὼν ὅτι ἀρεστόν ἐστιν τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις, προσέθετο συλλαβεῖν καὶ Πέτρον - ἦσαν δὲ αἱ ἡμέραι τῶν ἀζύμων - ὃν καὶ πιάσας ἔθετο εἰς φυλακήν, παραδοὺς τέσσαρσιν τετραδίοις στρατιωτῶν φυλάσσειν αὐτόν, βουλόμενος μετὰ τὸ Πάσχα ἀναγαγεῖν αὐτὸν τῷ λαῷ. Ὁ μὲν οὖν Πέτρος ἐτηρεῖτο ἐν τῇ φυλακῇ· προσευχὴ δὲ ἦν ἐκτενὴς γινομένη ὑπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας πρὸς τὸν θεὸν ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ. Ὅτε δὲ ἔμελλεν αὐτὸν προάγειν ὁ Ἡρῴδης, τῇ νυκτὶ ἐκείνῃ ἦν ὁ Πέτρος κοιμώμενος μεταξὺ δύο στρατιωτῶν, δεδεμένος ἁλύσεσιν δυσίν· φύλακές τε πρὸ τῆς θύρας ἐτήρουν τὴν φυλακήν. Καὶ ἰδού, ἄγγελος κυρίου ἐπέστη, καὶ φῶς ἔλαμψεν ἐν τῷ οἰκήματι· πατάξας δὲ τὴν πλευρὰν τοῦ Πέτρου, ἤγειρεν αὐτὸν λέγων, Ἀνάστα ἐν τάχει. Καὶ ἐξέπεσον αὐτοῦ αἱ ἁλύσεις ἐκ τῶν χειρῶν. Εἶπέν τε ὁ ἄγγελος πρὸς αὐτόν, Περίζωσαι καὶ ὑπόδησαι τὰ σανδάλιά σου. Ἐποίησεν δὲ οὕτως. Καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ, Περιβαλοῦ τὸ ἱμάτιόν σου, καὶ ἀκολούθει μοι. Καὶ ἐξελθὼν ἠκολούθει αὐτῷ· καὶ οὐκ ᾔδει ὅτι ἀληθές ἐστιν τὸ γινόμενον διὰ τοῦ ἀγγέλου, ἐδόκει δὲ ὅραμα βλέπειν. Διελθόντες δὲ πρώτην φυλακὴν καὶ δευτέραν, ἦλθον ἐπὶ τὴν πύλην τὴν σιδηρᾶν, τὴν φέρουσαν εἰς τὴν πόλιν, ἥτις αὐτομάτη ἠνοίχθη αὐτοῖς· καὶ ἐξελθόντες προῆλθον ῥύμην μίαν, καὶ εὐθέως ἀπέστη ὁ ἄγγελος ἀπʼ αὐτοῦ. Καὶ ὁ Πέτρος, γενόμενος ἐν ἑαυτῷ, εἶπεν, ῦν οἶδα ἀληθῶς ὅτι ἐξαπέστειλεν κύριος τὸν ἄγγελον αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐξείλετό με ἐκ χειρὸς Ἡρῴδου καὶ πάσης τῆς προσδοκίας τοῦ λαοῦ τῶν Ἰουδαίων.

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 146.5;134.3.
Great is our Lord, and great is his power.
Verse: Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 12:1-11.

ABOUT THAT TIME, Herod the king laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword; and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. So Peter was kept in prison; but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the Church.

The very night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison; and behold, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, "Wrap your mantle around you and follow me." And he went out and followed him; he did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened to them of its own accord, and they went out and passed on through one street; and immediately the angel left him. And Peter came to himself, and said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting."

Gospel Reading

Thomas Sunday
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 20:19-31

Οὔσης οὖν ὀψίας τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ τῇ μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων, καὶ τῶν θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων ὅπου ἦσαν οἱ μαθηταὶ συνηγμένοι διὰ τὸν φόβον τῶν ᾿Ιουδαίων, ἦλθεν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς καὶ ἔστη εἰς τὸ μέσον, καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· εἰρήνη ὑμῖν. καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἔδειξεν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας καὶ τὴν πλευρὰν αὐτοῦ. ἐχάρησαν οὖν οἱ μαθηταὶ ἰδόντες τὸν Κύριον. εἶπεν οὖν αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς πάλιν· εἰρήνη ὑμῖν. καθὼς ἀπέσταλκέ με ὁ πατήρ, κἀγὼ πέμπω ὑμᾶς. καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἐνεφύσησε καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· λάβετε Πνεῦμα ῞Αγιον· ἄν τινων ἀφῆτε τὰς ἁμαρτίας, ἀφίενται αὐτοῖς, ἄν τινων κρατῆτε, κεκράτηνται.

Θωμᾶς δὲ εἷς ἐκ τῶν δώδεκα, ὁ λεγόμενος Δίδυμος, οὐκ ἦν μετ᾽ αὐτῶν ὅτε ἦλθεν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς. ἔλεγον οὖν αὐτῷ οἱ ἄλλοι μαθηταί· ἑωράκαμεν τὸν Κύριον. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· ἐὰν μὴ ἴδω ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν αὐτοῦ τὸν τύπον τῶν ἥλων, καὶ βάλω τὸν δάκτυλόν μου εἰς τὸν τύπον τῶν ἥλων, καὶ βάλω τὴν χεῖρά μου εἰς τὴν πλευρὰν αὐτοῦ, οὐ μὴ πιστεύσω. Καὶ μεθ᾽ ἡμέρας ὀκτὼ πάλιν ἦσαν ἔσω οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ Θωμᾶς μετ᾽ αὐτῶν. ἔρχεται ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τῶν θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων, καὶ ἔστη εἰς τὸ μέσον καὶ εἶπεν· εἰρήνη ὑμῖν. εἶτα λέγει τῷ Θωμᾷ· φέρε τὸν δάκτυλόν σου ὧδε καὶ ἴδε τὰς χεῖράς μου, καὶ φέρε τὴν χεῖρά σου καὶ βάλε εἰς τὴν πλευράν μου, καὶ μὴ γίνου ἄπιστος, ἀλλὰ πιστός. καὶ ἀπεκρίθη Θωμᾶς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ὁ Κύριός μου καὶ ὁ Θεός μου. λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· ὅτι ἑώρακάς με, πεπίστευκας· μακάριοι οἱ μὴ ἰδόντες καὶ πιστεύσαντες. Πολλὰ μὲν οὖν καὶ ἄλλα σημεῖα ἐποίησεν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ἐνώπιον τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ, ἃ οὐκ ἔστι γεγραμμένα ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τούτῳ· ταῦτα δὲ γέγραπται ἵνα πιστεύσητε ὅτι ᾿Ιησοῦς ἐστιν ὁ Χριστὸς ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ ἵνα πιστεύοντες ζωὴν ἔχητε ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ.

Thomas Sunday
The Reading is from John 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them: "Peace be with you." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him: "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them: "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe."

Eight days later, His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said: "Peace be with you." Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered Him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to Him: "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

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Wisdom of the Fathers

For great is the dignity of the priests. ... And hold them very exceedingly in honor; for you indeed care about your own affairs, and if you order them well, you give no account for others; ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 86, 4th Century

... but the priest even if he rightly order his own life, if he have not an anxious care for yours and that of all those around him, will depart with the wicked into hell; and often when not betrayed by his own conduct, he perishes by yours, if he have not rightly performed all his part.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 86, 4th Century

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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

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Archiepiscopal Encyclical on Holy Pascha 2017

04/15/2017

Resurrection Fresco Icon, Greek Orthodox Church of St. Katherine, Naples, FL

Protocol 39/17

April 16, 2017

Holy Pascha

The Feasts of Feasts

 

To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Council of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America,

Χριστός Ἀνέστη!  Christ is Risen!

On this glorious Feast of Feasts that is filled with the transcendent light and unsurpassable joy of the Lord’s Resurrection, I proclaim with you, my beloved people,  the exclamation of victory,  Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen!

The reality of the Lord’s Resurrection has an unparalleled significance for humanity. The Resurrection is an event of multiple victories, victories that have a transformative and renewing promise for each of us.

First, The Lord’s Resurrection is the victory over death, the victory of life over death.  But, beyond that, it is the victory of   establishing the Resurrection as a new reality on earth.  In the Paschal light, we realize that while death continues to be a physical phenomenon, it does not dominate humanity as the ultimate and unavoidable fate. Rather death has lost its sting (1Corinthians 15:55) as it opens a passageway to a better life, a life in the union, presence, and eternal communion with God. 

Ultimately, the Resurrection becomes the destiny for each and every one of us. Saint Paul assures us in clear language that as Christ was risen, so we will be risen and be united to Christ in a transformed life, an incorruptible life, a shining life, a luminous life bathed in an abundance of light and splendor.

Second, the Lord’s Resurrection is the victory over injustice.  Is it possible to identify any event more unjust than the Crucifixion of Christ? In the horrific event of unbelievable injustice in which humanity crucified the living manifestation of perfection, holiness, innocence, and purity, we see the Resurrection of Christ overcoming this injustice and restoring triumphantly the invincible rule of justice willed by God.

Third, the Lord’s Resurrection is also the victory of love over hatred.  The Resurrection of Christ is the establishment of love as the central reality of life. Despite the cries of hate, Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him! (John 19:15)  Christ on the Cross asks the Father to forgive his adversaries for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34). The Resurrection amazingly transforms the Crucifixion from a crime of hatred on the part of humanity to an act of love on the part of Christ! Christ is risen and love is splendidly shining over humanity.

Fourth, The Lord’s Resurrection is the victory of salvation, liberation and holiness over sin, guilt and evil. Some contemporary existential philosophers consider that sin, guilt, and evil are the conditions that man cannot surpass. With the Resurrection, however, man can overcome these tormenting elements of the human condition. The Cross followed by the Resurrection establishes the abolition of sin and guilt and restores the reality of a life free of them.  It is a newness of life due to the Resurrection. While sin, guilt, and evil may still be a reality on earth, under the light of the Resurrection they are very different.  By the grace and might of Christ’s Resurrection, they can be easily overcome as they are now stripped of their power to control and consume us.

In this salvific Day of the Resurrection, we are fully aware of these multiple victories of Christ over anything that is hostile to human existence. All these victories of the Risen Lord, lead us once more to the central message of the Resurrection, which is our own personal resurrection. It is the vision of this Resurrection that fills us with hope for the future, no matter what the present circumstances of life may be.

It is the promise of our personal resurrection that this vision establishes and fills us with ineffable joy as we chant, It is the Day of Resurrection! O People, let us glory in splendor! Pascha, the Lord’s Pascha! For Christ our God has transported us who sing the triumphal hymn from death to life, and from earth to Heaven.

Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!

With paternal love in Christ, the Risen Lord,

† DEMETRIOS

Archbishop of America

 


https://www.goarch.org/-/archiepiscopal-encyclical-on-holy-pascha-2017

Archbishop Demetrios of America Expresses Condolences to Coptic Churches in Egypt and America

04/11/2017

Contact: Stavros Papagermanos Tel.: 212-570-3530 Email: pressoffice@goarch.org

NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios Geron of America, upon receiving the tragic news of the horrific massacre on Palm Sunday, in the Coptic churches of Saint George in Tanta and Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Alexandria, Egypt, expressed in a letter profound and heartfelt condolences to the Coptic Church Hierarchs and their communities in America and through them to Patriarch Tawadros II and the Coptic faithful in Egypt.

The Archbishop in his letter further states: “We strongly believe that even in the dire circumstances of this tragedy, the love of God will prevail over the forces of darkness and hatred.  We believe based on the experience of the Holy Week of Passion, that even after the Crucifixion, God defeated death and evil and triumphed through the Resurrection.

We stand firm and in solidarity with the victims and the families of this horrendous terrorist attack.  We fervently pray for the repose of the souls of those who perished, for the consolation of their families and for the protection of all the members of the Coptic Christian Church in Egypt.”

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https://www.goarch.org/-/archbishop-demetrios-of-america-expresses-condolences-to-coptic-churches-in-egypt-and-america
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