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St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2016-10-02
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St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (770) 725-5035
  • Fax:
  • (866) 646-8396
  • Street Address:

  • 3761 Mars Hill Road

  • Watkinsville, GA 30677


Contact Information




Services Schedule

Sunday

Orthros/Matins 9 a.m.

Divine Liturgy 10 a.m.

 

Wednesday

Vespers 6 p.m.

 

See our website calendar for a full list of services.


Past Bulletins


Message from Father Anthony

 The Need for Wisdom

Knowledge is Power, the old saying goes.  Information, some accurate, some horribly misleading, some absolutely false is available with a click of a button.   With our cell phones and Siri, we can pretty much find out just about anything, in fact we probably don’t even know what we don’t know.  While knowledge can help you survive in this life and as far as that goes it is good, but if we do not have wisdom or know how to use knowledge in a way that is just and true and right, then what good is it.  It ultimately can harm us.  

Today, wisdom is not a sought after commodity but we see a great need for it.  There is a vacuum of wisdom when it comes to world affairs, political discourse, employee-employer relationships, and all the way down to the family. The lack of wisdom has created a vacuum and the discourse has taken to shrill rhetoric and reaction rather than peace and mutual edification.  Why is this; what has happened to us?

We are so afraid of being controlled or being taken advantage of that we don’t trust anyone to be virtuous, selfless, or altruistic.  We can shut ourselves off from outside influence.  But it wasn’t always that way.  Virtue was expected.  Wisdom was esteemed.  Now expedience and practical are the new virtues, we don’t want to appear naive.   In the process we have lost purpose and valor.

The search for wisdom is fundamental to our humanity.  And the source of wisdom is God.  Those who have it are able to help others through very trying and difficult situations by patience, perseverance and not over reacting.  Wisdom bring peace, contentment and honor to the one who has it.  The wise person can influence others through sound judgement and a virtuous life.  

So how do we acquire wisdom?  Scripture tells us “the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.”  That means that we realize our place in the universe and submit ourselves to someone greater than ourselves in humility because we do not know everything.  We ask, we seek, we knock, and God sees our humility and our persistence and grants us wisdom.  Wisdom is not a commodity than can then be capitalized on.  It influences every aspect of our lives, our dreams, our desires, our motivations, our ambitions.  To acquire wisdom is to acquire the mind of Christ.  It changes everything.  It takes away selfish ambition, jealousy, greed, avarice, discontentedness, hopelessness and despair.  

When we begin to live balanced lives, then we begin to influence others to have courage not to give in to corruption and the expedient.  We are able to discern right and wrong and make sound judgements.  As this attitude grows and spreads through virtuous leadership, then maybe we can turn the corner and begin to change society.  But this will take courage and commitment and one who will follow Christ.

May Christ illumine our hearts and minds and grant us wisdom and great mercy.

Fr. Anthony   

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Parish News

Daily Prayer

The Chapel will be opened to anyone from 6:30 - 7:30 a.m. Mon - Fri.  Come in, pray, and you add names to a prayer list.  A short prayer service will begin at 7:00 a.m.  We pray for our country and peace in the world through the election.


Feast Days in October

Divine Liturgy for Holy and Glorious St. Thomas. Wed., Oct 5 at 5:45 pm and

Wed., Oct 26 for St Demetrios.

 

 


Book Store

Book Store is open for business: We offer books, CD’s, prayer ropes, gift items, Orthodox Study Bibles and more.  Stop by and shop every Sunday after church.


Acolyte Schedule

 

October 2:  Will Threkeld, Jack Mahoney
October 9:  Max Salzman, Luke Romero
October 16:  Will Threkeld, Jack Mahoney
October 23:  Greg Pottier, Mike McClain
October 30:  Max Salzman, Luke Romero. 
 

Nursery Room Schedule

SUNDAYS

 

Nursery Leader

Helper

October 2, 2016

 

Tina Majstrik

Stephanie Gavriliedis

October 9, 2016

 

Pam Demos

Ruth Fuzum

October 16, 2016

 

Pam Demos

Karen Kimbaris

October 23, 2016

 

GREEK FESTIVAL

GREEK FESTIVAL

October 24, 2016

 

Tina Majstrik

Tracey O'Malley

October 30, 2016

 

Stephanie Knisely

Harriette Gavriliedes

 

 


Choir Practice

Practice is every Sunday from 9:00 am - 9:45 am. We welcome new members.


No Coffee

We will not have coffee hour on the following Sundays, October 2, 16, and 23rd.  We apologize for any inconvenience but the church has been rented out.

 


Services Weekly

Vespers/Parakleseis on Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m.


Directory Corrections

Please submit any corrections or additions to Rose Lieffring at rose@lieffring.com


ACTS

10/04/2016

Volunteer at the ACTS Food Bank: St. Philothea’s remaining dates to volunteer this year are Tuesdays October 4 and December 6.  Let Fr. Anthony or Ken Lamson know if you plan to work one of these dates. Any help is greatly appreciated! They are in desperate need of can goods as we move into the holidays.


Women's Bible Study

10/04/2016

Tuesdays, October 4 and 18th, 6:30 p.m. fellowship; study from 7:15-8:30 p.m. We will begin the study of Hosea from the Old Testament. You are welcome to bring some light snacks to share.


Inquirers' Class

10/05/2016

Wednesday, October 5, 12th, and 26th at the church at 7:00 p.m.  All are welcome to come learn more about their faith.


Spaghetti Dinners

10/06/2016

Only one Spaghetti dinner this month, Thursday, October 6 due to the Greek Festival.  Thursday, October 6 .  Entertainment will be provided by New Horizon's Band.  Please consider helping this ministry if you can.  You get to meet others from the community and it really is a lot of fun!.

 



Golf Tournament

10/10/2016

Follow up meeting will take place at church at 7:00 pm Monday October 10.


OCF

10/11/2016

Fr. Anthony paints icons on Campus Weekly Thurs. at Tate Center Plaza 11-3 p.m.  Work Daze Retreat Nov. 11-13, at the Diakonia Center.  Fr. Theodore and Presbytera Stacey will speak on “To Infinity and Beyond-Following Christ after College”!

Chew & Chat Tuesdays Oct 11th and 25th 7:00 pm at the church or at hosts home.  Sign up if you would like to host a dinner.   You can even work with another family to help prepare the meal.  You can also donate money to purchase a dinner for OCF.  To sign up please click on the following link http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e094ca9ae2da3fa7-coffee or you can see Kate McClain.

 


Angel Tree Ministries

10/13/2016

Organizing Committee will meet Thursday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the church.  This ministry helps the children of parents who are serving a sentence feel loved and connected to them. See Kate McClain if you would like to get involved. To read further on this ministry please visit https://www.prisonfellowship.org/resources/angel-tree


AHEPA Meeting

10/17/2016

AHEPA will meet on Monday, October 17 at 6:00 p.m.


Mother's Day Out

10/18/2016

Tuesday, October 18, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  Bring a covered dish to share and grab a friend. It is a place for young mothers to meet others and talk about faith, fellowship, and life.


Greek Festival

10/22/2016

Our Greek Festival is Scheduled for October 22 - 23.  Flyers are available for distribution in color and in black & white.  Please print and share with friends and families.  Currently working on the date we will need help with cutting up pastries.  Stacey will notify via email.

We will need volunteers that weekend to help please see Stacey Cramer.


Parish Council

10/26/2016

Parish Council members will meet Wednesday, 26th at 7:00 p.m.  Father will send out reading material prior to the meeting.


Family First

10/29/2016

Family First will be on Saturday, October 29 at the Salzman's.  5:30 - 7:30 pm.


Sunday School

10/30/2016

Sunday School Fall Festival Sunday Oct. 30 at the Park following the Divine Liturgy.


Philoptochos

10/30/2016

The next Philoptochos meeting will be Sunday, October 30 following the divine Liturgy. They will also prepare for their Holiday Bake Sale at the upcoming OCAF market December 4- 6.

 


Council of Ministry Fair

11/06/2016

Following the Divine Liturgy.  Find out about the ministries of the Church and sign up for the one that is right for you.  Also - Ministry chairs should be working on their booth since a prize will be given for best booth!


Save the Date - Faith Educators

11/12/2016


Archangel Michael Awards

11/12/2016

This year’s recipients are Dana Johns and Mary Anna McClain.  We thank them for their dedicated stewardship and wish them God’s blessings.  The awards vespers and banquet will be Saturday Nov 12th at the Cathedral in Atlanta.  You should receive an invitation and ticket information in the mail shortly.  Please click on the following link if you need hotel nformation http://atlmetropolis.org/events/archangel-michael-weekend-hotel-information


General Assembly

11/13/2016

Sunday, November 13th, following the Divine Liturgy, a budget will be proposed, an update on Marswood Hall will be given, and nominations for Parish Council will be opened.  Please mark your calendar.


England, Scotland, Ireland Tour

05/13/2017

Tour information will be available at the upcoming Greek Festival.  The Tour will take place May 13 - 26, 2017 and is hosted by our own Nina Lamson and Presvytera Christine.  For further information on this beautiful tour, please go to http://ninalamson.grouptoursite.com


Grief Support Group

10/10/2016

For those who are griefing the loss of a loved one we offer grief support to help process the pain and sorrow you are going through.  We will meet October 10 from 6:00-7:00 pm, and every Monday through November 7 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.


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Saints and Feasts

Cyprianjustine
October 02

The Holy Hieromartyr Cyprian and the Virgin Martyr Justina

Saint Justina who was from Damascus, lived in virginity for the sake of Christ. Saint Cyprian, who was from Antioch, began as an initiate of magic and worshipper of the demons. A certain foolish young man who had been smitten with Justina's beauty hired Cyprian to draw her to love him; when Cyprian had wed every demonic device he knew, and had failed, being repulsed by the power of Christ Whom Justina invoked, he understood the weakness of the demons and came to know the truth. Delivered from demonic delusion, he came to Christ and burned all his books of magic, was baptized, and later ascended the episcopal throne in his country. Later, he and Justina were arrested by the Count of Damascus, and having endured many torments at his hands, they were sent finally to Diocletian in Nicomedia, where they were beheaded about the year 304.


Allsaint
October 02

Theophilus the Confessor


18_lukewriting
October 02

2nd Sunday of Luke


Thomas
October 06

The Holy and Glorious Apostle Thomas

The name Thomas means, "twin." He was one of the Twelve, a Galilean by birth. Sophroneus (not the famous Patriarch of Jerusalem [7th Century, celebrated March 11], but a friend of Jerome's), quoted also by Jerome, says that Saint Thomas preached to the Parthians, Pesians, Medes, Hyrcanians, Bactrians, and neighbouring nations. According to Heracleon, the Apostle died a natural death; according to other accounts, he was martyred at Meliapur His tomb was known by Saint John Chrysostom to be at Edessa in Syria, to which city his holy relics may have been translated from India in the fourth century.


Iakovbro
October 23

James (Iakovos) the Apostle, brother of Our Lord

According to some, this Saint was a son of Joseph the Betrothed, born of the wife that the latter had before he was betrothed to the Ever-virgin. Hence he was the brother of the Lord, Who was also thought to be the son of Joseph (Matt. 13: 55). But some say that he was a nephew of Joseph, and the son of his brother Cleopas, who was also called Alphaeus and Mary his wife, who was the first cousin of the Theotokos. But even according to this genealogy, he was still called, according to the idiom of the Scriptures, the Lord's brother because of their kinship.

This Iakovos is called the Less (Mark 15:4) by the Evangelists to distinguish him from Iakovos, the son of Zebedee, who was called the Great. He became the first Bishop of Jerusalem, elevated to this episcopal rank by the Apostles, according to Eusebius (Eccl. Hist., Book II: 23), and was called Obliah, that is, the Just, because of his great holiness and righteousness. Having ascended the crest of the Temple on the day of the Passover at the prompting of all, he bore testimony from there concerning his belief in Jesus, and he proclaimed with a great voice that Jesus sits at the right hand of the great power of God and shall come again upon the clouds of heaven. On hearing this testimony, many of those present cried, "Hosanna to the Son of David." But the Scribes and Pharisees cried, "So, even the just one hath been led astray," and at the command of Ananias the high priest, the Apostle was cast down headlong from thence, then was stoned, and while he prayed for his slayers, his head was crushed by the wooden club wielded by a certain scribe. The first of the Catholic (General) Epistles written to the Jews in the Diaspora who believed in Christ was written by this Iakovos.


Demetrio
October 26

The Holy Great Martyr Demetrius the Myrrh-streamer

Saint Demetrius was a Thessalonian, a most pious son of pious and noble parents, and a teacher of the Faith of Christ. When Maximian first came to Thessalonica in 290, he raised the Saint to the rank of Duke of Thessaly. But when it was discovered that the Saint was a Christian, he was arrested and kept bound in a bath-house. While the games were under way in the city, Maximian was a spectator there. A certain friend of his, a barbarian who was a notable wrestler, Lyaeus by name, waxing haughty because of the height and strength of his body, boasted in the stadium and challenged the citizens to a contest with him. All that fought with him were defeated. Seeing this, a certain youth named Nestor, aquaintance of Demetrius', came to the Saint in the bath-house and asked his blessing to fight Lyaeus single-handed. Receiving this blessing and sealing himself with the sign of the precious Cross, he presented himself in the stadium, and said, "O God of Demetrius, help me!" and straightway he engaged Lyaeus in combat and smote him with a mortal blow to the heart, leaving the former boaster lifeless upon the earth. Maximian was sorely grieved over this, and when he learned who was the cause of this defeat, he commanded straightway and Demetrius was pierced with lances while he was yet in the bath-house, As for Nestor, Maximian commanded that he be slain with his own sword.


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Assembly of Bishops News

OCF College Student Sunday is October 2

09/15/2016

The Assembly of Bishops has designated Sunday, October 2, 2016 as OCF College Student Sunday.

Revised Atlas of American Orthodox Monasteries Now Available

06/13/2016

The second revised edition of the widely popular Atlas of American Orthodox Christian Monasteries has been released by the Assembly of Bishops.

Official Website of Holy and Great Council Now Online

05/25/2016

The official website of the Holy and Great Council is now online.
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Message from His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios

Archbishop-demetrios

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Dormition - August 15, 2016

08/11/2016

The Virgin Mary knew the voice of Christ because she shared a unique relationship with Him as His mother. She heard His voice from birth throughout His life and ministry; she heard His words as He grew; she marveled at His wisdom as a youth; she listened to His teaching; she was burdened with great sorrow when He cried out from the Cross; and she was filled with great joy following His resurrection and hearing His promises.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Commemoration of the Asia Minor Catastrophe - September 18, 2016

09/16/2016

In recognition of this and many related tragic events of that era, I ask the parishes of our Holy Archdiocese to have special observances and memorial services on Sunday, September 18. Together, let us remember our forbearers who perished and commemorate the valor shown by those who survived. Let us honor the memory and sacrifice of those who suffered. As we are confronted by the crises in our contemporary world, let us find strength and guidance in our Orthodox faith, just as many did in those dark days, placing their hope for deliverance and salvation in Almighty God.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 14, 2016

09/13/2016

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Ecclesiastical New Year and the Day for the Protection of our Natural Environment

08/31/2016

We give thanks to our merciful and holy God for this blessed opportunity to begin another ecclesiastical year, and we anticipate the witness of His presence and power in our lives and in our worship and work of spreading His Gospel. In addition to the observance of this day as the beginning of a new liturgical cycle, it has also been designated by our beloved Ecumenical Patriarchate as the Day for the Protection of our Natural Environment.
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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. Plagal Second Mode. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 4:6-15.

Brethren, it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, "I believed, and so I spoke," we too believed, and so we speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into His presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.


Gospel Reading

2nd Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 6:31-36

The Lord said, "And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Mode

Angelic powers were above Thy tomb, and they that guarded Thee became as dead. And Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine immaculate Body. Thou hast despoiled Hades and wast not tried thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst grant us life. O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for Martyrs Cyprian and Justina in the Fourth Mode

As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O Hieromartyr Cyprian. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.
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Wisdom of the Fathers

He who truly wishes to believe in God must be lifted above himself, his mind, and even the whole world. For this reason, the value of faith is considered higher than the value of man. It is even higher than the value of the whole world. Therefore, the reward of faith should be higher than all of man's possessions along with the glories of this world. The reward of faith is God.
Fr. Matthew the Poor
Orthodox Prayer Life: The Interior Way, p. 74, 20th century

What is it that I love when I love you? Not the beauty of a body or the comeliness of time. Nor the luster of the light pleasing to the eyes, nor the sweet melodies of all manner of songs, nor the fragrance of flowers, ointments and spices, not manna and honey, nor limbs welcome to the embrace of the flesh - I do not love these when I love my God. And yet there is a kind of light, a kind of voice, a kind of fragrance, a kind of foods, a kind of embrace, when I love my God, who is the light, voice, fragrance, food, embrace of the inner man, where there shines into the soul that which no place can contain, and there sounds forth that which time cannot end, where there is fragrance which no breeze disperses, taste which eating does not make less, and a clinging together which fulfillment does not terminate. It is this that I love when I love my God.
St. Augustine
Confessions 10.6 in The Confessions of St. Augustine, p. 244, 5th century

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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Logo

President Nicos Anastasiades and Archbishop Demetrios of America talk about the Cyprus issue

09/23/2016

The President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Nicos Anastasiades visited His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America today, September 23, 2016. President Anastasiadis is in New York participating in the United Nations General Assembly.

Ο Πρωθυπουργός της Ελλάδος κ. Αλέξης Τσίπρας επισκέφθηκε τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο

09/22/2016

Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος υποδέχθηκε σήμερα στην έδρα της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής στη Νέα Υόρκη τον Πρωθυπουργό της Ελλάδος κ. Αλέξη Τσίπρα ο οποίος βρίσκεται στη Νέα Υόρκη στα πλαίσια της συνόδου του Οργανισμού Ηνωμένων Εθνών.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Donates 5 Million Dollars for the Rebuilding of Saint Nicholas at the WTC

09/21/2016

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announces with great joy that the Stavros Niarchos Foundation fulfilled last week, its noble pledge of five million dollars to the Fund for the rebuilding of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas National Shrine at the World Trade Center.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Commemoration of the Asia Minor Catastrophe - September 18, 2016

09/16/2016

In recognition of this and many related tragic events of that era, I ask the parishes of our Holy Archdiocese to have special observances and memorial services on Sunday, September 18. Together, let us remember our forbearers who perished and commemorate the valor shown by those who survived. Let us honor the memory and sacrifice of those who suffered. As we are confronted by the crises in our contemporary world, let us find strength and guidance in our Orthodox faith, just as many did in those dark days, placing their hope for deliverance and salvation in Almighty God.

Massive Damage at Ionian Village, Archdiocese Begins Rebuilding Campaign

09/09/2016

Following the initial news of destruction at the Ionian Village Camp facilities, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announces today with sadness, that in the early morning of Thursday, September 8th, the campus of the Ionian Village Camping Program in Vartholomio, Greece, sustained massive damage from fierce tornadoes that hit the area in and around the camp.

Ionian Village Sustains Extensive Damage from Tornados

09/08/2016

The site of Ionian Village in Vartholomio, Ilia, Greece, sustained extensive damage from fierce tornados that went through that location and the wider area of the prefecture of Ilia, earlier today. Ionian Village is the international Summer Camp ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in Greece.
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Articles Worth Reading

Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry

09/19/2016

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 

 

We as Orthodox Christians are instructed to follow in the way of our Lord Jesus Christ. Among the many directives He provides to achieve this goal, Matthew chapter 25 contains a profound passage concerning the separation of the sheep from the goats. As He judges and welcomes His sheep into His Kingdom, He explains to them exactly how they became His sheep:

 

"I was hungry and you gave me food."

 

"I was thirsty and you gave me drink."

 

"I was a stranger and you took me in."

 

"I was naked and you clothed me."

 

"I was sick and you visited me."

 

"I was in prison and you came to me."

 

In this passage, Christ explains when we do these things we are actually doing it to Him. Many of us already take an active role in fulfilling these requirements to becoming one of His sheep - giving to a charity, participating in a canned food/clothes drive, giving what we can directly to those begging in the streets, helping to organize or to participate in our local churches' charitable doings. However, there are some things we simply cannot do ourselves. In fact, odds are we would not be allowed to visit someone inside a prison. But we can certainly help by supporting those clergy and lay volunteers who can.

 

We seek to offer you the opportunity to reach out with Christ's love to those in prison by joining the Matthew 25:36 Fellowship. Your Fellowship supports Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) in providing training to clergy and lay volunteers who are able to visit those in prison. It will provide: 

 

        • Icons
        • Study Bibles
        • Prayer Books
        • Correspondence Courses
        • Devotional Materials
In addition, you will help to stock prison libraries with Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry materials and allow us to produce new study books, DVD's and icons. When you join the Matthew 25:36 Fellowship, you will be answering the mandate of our Lord to visit Him in prison!
 
Those who would like to join the Matthew 25:36 Fellowship will agree to donate $25.36 a month (or if you prefer, a one-time yearly payment of $304.32) to OCPM through credit card, bank account, or check. You can join our campaign as an individual, a family, an organization, or even a parish. Our goal is to have 1000 members whose charity will go far in providing the means to visit those in the darkness of a cell.
 

 

To become a member of the Matthew 25:36 Fellowship, please click the following link: Matthew 25:36 Fellowship
 
We thank you in advance for your consideration and support. God Bless You!

 

With love in our Lord Jesus Christ,

Fr. Stephen and the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry Team

You can also click right here: https://theocpm.org/matthew-2536-campaign-general-presentation/

 

 


Pure Theology

07/26/2016

Baton Rouge, LA

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
The devastation and destruction of Baton Rouge, LA is almost unimaginable. The distress and need of our Brothers and Sisters in Christ and the beloved parish of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox church is immense. We pray God will give us the wisdom, strength and resources to alleviate the sufferings of our Greek Orthodox faithful and to help with the restoration of the Holy Trinity Church.
 
Everyone in the community is safe, although several have been displaced from their homes and have lost many, if not all, of their physical belongings. Aid to these families will be provided by the generosity of the National and Metropolis Philoptochos chapters, our parishes and by individual donors.

On Sunday, the parish celebrated their first Divine Liturgy on church the grounds since the floods occurred. The exterior of the church is still standing but the inside has been badly damaged by the flooding. Over the weekend, the interior and exterior of the church were cleaned up and the damage was assessed. The community continues to move forward with restoration plans.
 
Donations are needed at this time to help with rebuilding efforts and to aid displaced families. To make a donation to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Baton Rouge, La. please contact. Dee Nicolaou, Director of Disaster Response and Metropolis of Atlanta Philoptochos President, at 813-294-0346 or nicolaou@msn.com.
 
Donation checks should be payable to the Metropolis of Atlanta Philoptochos, earmarked for Holy Trinity Flood Relief and mailed to:
 
     Dee Nicolaou, President
        Metropolis of Atlanta Philoptochos 
        27242 Breakers Drive.
        Wesley Chapel, Florida 33544
 
Our support will  provide the hope, the trust, and the confidence that the lives of these families and their parish will be improved with our assistance.
 
In Christ,
 


Are You Stiff-Necked?

08/02/2016

Today, are you stiff-necked? Where in your life have you “got it all figured out” to the point that you are deaf to God’s gentle voice of correction? Where is there a deficit of humility that would not allow you to “bow” your head to the Lord? It’s time to keep those neck muscles limber and able to bow by being Orthodox on Purpose!

http://blogs.ancientfaith.com/faithencouraged/2016/08/are-you-stiff-necked/?goal=0_a22f665f17-97ee4743da-232902201


Why One Jamaican Became an Orthodox Christian

08/02/2016

Please join us in praying for the Orthodox mission in Jamaica!

http://journeytoorthodoxy.com/2016/08/why-one-jamaican-became-an-orthodox-christian


Witnessing for the Faith

08/02/2016

Giving our loved ones the gift of Orthodoxy through our witness.

http://blogs.ancientfaith.com/morningoffering/2016/08/witnessing-for-the-faith/


BE

08/03/2016

G. K. Chesterton once said “True contentment is a thing as active as agriculture. It is the power of getting out of any situation all that there is in it. It is arduous and it is rare.”

http://blogs.ancientfaith.com/faithencouraged/2016/08/be-2/?goal=0_a22f665f17-d59f623000-232902201


Choosing to Thrive in My Circumstances

08/11/2016

Choose Forgiveness-It's the Only Way to Forge a Long Term Relationship
 
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked "Lord how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?  Up to seven times?"  Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven."
Matthew 18:21-22

 

Good morning Prayer Team!
 
We've all heard the phrase "to err is human, to forgive is divine."  It is part of our "human condition," the condition that we live in after the Fall, that we all make errors.  Even though sin is a "choice," no one forces us to sin, we live in a sinful world and even the strongest person will eventually succumb to some sin.  Some people sin less than others.  We should always strive to not sin, but a consequence of living in a sinful world is that eventually we will all sin.   And people will sin against us.  Even the most devout Christian is the victim of the sins of others.
 
One of the choices we are faced with each day is the choice to forgive or not.  I couldn't venture to guess how many sins I have each day.  If I have even sinful thoughts, those are sins.  Even if these sinful thoughts are not known or directed at others, they are still sins against God.  When I say or do unkind things to others, I am sinning against them.  And when others direct unkind thoughts or actions to me, they are sinning against me.  We all live in this sinful state of broken relationships with God and with one another.
 
The only way to mend a broken relationship is with forgiveness.  We ask God for forgiveness and He offers it freely.  We are supposed to ask others for forgiveness as well when we've done wrong.  And we are supposed to forgive as God forgives, freely.  When we hold grudges against other people, it makes broken relationships even more broken.  It sometimes irreparably breaks relationships. 
 
Any relationship we have that we wish to be a long term relationship-with a spouse, with a child, with a friend, in a job situation-can only survive if there is forgiveness.  I have been married for many years.  If I commit even one sin against my wife each week, add 52 weeks times over twenty years we have been married and there would be one thousand sins on our record.  And believe me, I'm sure I sin more often than once a week.  I've served in Tampa for nearly 12 years.  If I do one thing wrong a year to each of 1,000 parishioners, that's 12,000 transgressions and it's probably a lot more than that.  If we keep score and don't forgive, then no relationship can succeed or survive for really any amount of time. 
 
The choice to forgive belongs to each person.  It cannot be forced or coerced.  When two people are at odds, one can choose to forgive the other, and at times, the other will not exchange the forgiveness.  This, too, cannot be forced.  For the person who forgives another, or who asks for forgiveness from another, these actions are liberating.  For the person who cannot forgive, the inability to forgive can be paralyzing.  If John and Fred have wronged each other, if John forgives Fred and asks Fred for forgiveness, John is freed even if Fred still wrongs him and even if Fred doesn't forgive him.  On the other hand, Fred is paralyzed spiritually because cannot forgive or doesn't want to forgive.  I can't have any relationship in my life if I cannot forgive or be forgiven.  So, forgiveness is a choice that I strive to continually improve on, because with forgiveness there is freedom and with freedom, redemption.  For as we read in Psalm 130:7: For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with Him is plenteous redemption.  And He will redeem Israel from all His iniquities.  Our redemption is tied to our ability and willingness to forgive.  Christ forgave us from the Cross.  It is incumbent on us to forgive one another.  But forgiveness is a choice.
 
Lord, I know that I am not perfect.  I sin every day in some way against You and against others.  Please forgive me when I sin against You or against my neighbor.  Give me the courage to seek genuine reconciliation with my neighbor.  Help me to forgive those who wrong me.  Help me to move on from disappointments in relationships.  Through Your grace, help me to restore and heal relationships (bring to pray some that come to mind).  Amen.
 
Seek forgiveness today!  Offer forgiveness today!
 

+Fr. Stavros


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Bulletin Inserts

    I Saw My Dead Brother

    I Saw My Dead Brother

    Attached PDF from the Articles Worth Reading - Father Charles Simones


    Exploring Richness of Christian Faith Conference

    Exploring Richness of Christian Faith Conference

    The Christian Spiritual Formation Conference Series will be held at Holy Transfiguration from September 30th - October 2nd and from October 7th - October 9th.


    Baton Rouge Update

    Baton Rouge Update

    Dear Brother Clergy of the Metropolis of Atlanta, Through God’s grace, our Holy Trinity parish in Baton Rouge, LA, is moving forward with renewed hope. Please share the attached news release with your parishioners to inform them of our progress. On behalf of His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios, I thank you for your prayers and support. They have provided our Holy Trinity parish with much encouragement. Faithfully yours with brotherly love, +Fr. George Tsahakis


    Holy Transfiguration Philoptochos Fundraiser

    Holy Transfiguration Philoptochos Fundraiser

    Our Philoptochos ministry is holding their annual fundraiser on Saturday, November 5th. Their special guest entertainer is Basile and a live Greek band.


    Pilgrimage to Georgia

    Pilgrimage to Georgia

    Fr. Ilya Gotlinsky is planning a pilgrimage to Georgia October 17 - October 29. In addition to the fact that the destination is simply spectacular, they will have many special features - meetings with the locals, visit to wineries, whatever available concerts along the way and a true Georgian singing escort. That be a truly cultural immersion!


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Family Life Ministry

Flm-ad-jan-2016-color-jpeg

Available Information

Check out the latest weekly offerings from the Metropolis' blog: http://www.familylifeministry.atlanta.goarch.org/ 

  • From Pres. Kelley Lawrence's moving entries on "Mothering in the Womb"
  • To  Fr. George Tsahakis' beautiful reflections for your family "Sunday Lunch",
  • And Pres. Roxanne Louh's inventive series on how we can strengthen "Healthy Minds, Healthy Souls" 

Journey of Marriage (Pre-Marital Seminar)

IMPORTANT: All couples marrying in the Metropolis must attend a Metropolis-sponsored Journey of Marriage seminar prior to their wedding. The couple will present their certificate of completion to their parish priest after the seminar. 

Atlanta has the following dates available:

Saturday, September 17, 2016: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Preparing for the Journey of Marriage
Workshop for Couples Marrying in the Orthodox Church
Atlanta, GA: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Saturday, November 19, 2016: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Preparing for the Journey of Marriage
Workshop for Couples Marrying in the Orthodox Church

Atlanta, GA: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral

To see the full list of seminars through 2016, and to register, please visit: http://www.familylifeministry.atlanta.goarch.org/upcoming-events-2/


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