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St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2017-02-01
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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

When Trust is Broken

 

Trust is key to any relationship.  Without it we do not enter into any level of communion or real communication.  We trust our spouses and so we enter into a deep and honest relationship with them, which includes sharing our deepest thoughts, joys, concerns, even our anger.  Don’t be mislead, getting angry with a spouse is really a sign of trust, it means we are secure enough to be real with them.

But what do we do when our trust is broken or threatened and we no longer feel safe and secure in the relationship?  Fear and suspicion replace openness, freedom and security.  It happens in our personal relationships, it happens with our leaders, it happens with corporations and the products we buy.  It even happens with God when we are hurt, disappointed, disillusioned or chastened by Him and it becomes a spiritual crisis.

What do we do when trust is broken?

This is an important spiritual question.

Trust is there to protect us from harm like our immune system, and when trust is broken, it can be that we have been saved from danger or disaster.  That is when trust is working properly.  But just as our immune system can over react and actually turn on us and destroy us, so too our ‘trust’ radar can be broken and we can confuse broken trust with danger.  For example God tells us in Proverbs 3:11  “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”  In this instance, the Lord’s discipline may hurt, but it is important for our growth.  If we reject the Lord’s discipline we cut ourselves off from growth.  Still it is not easy.  How do we discern within ourselves when broken trust should be heeded and when we should override our trust alarm and use it for growth?

This is where wisdom comes in.  On the one had we are not to be naïve.  Remember the old saying “fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.”  In the same Proverb we are exhorted “do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.  When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet” Prov. 3:21-24.

So in all our human relationships discernment is required.  A trust meter that is so high that we don’t trust any one is not helpful, and a trust meter that is so low that we trust everyone can be dangerous.

But what do we do when, in the give and take of life, our trust is damaged and/or broken?  A Sea Anemone, when it is disturbed closes up for protection, but if it stayed closed all the time it would die, so when it perceives the danger has passed it opens up again.  We can learn from broken trust but does it mean we should never trust again?  Sometimes we are to blame and when we are, we need to take responsibility and recognize where we may have been too trusting and be more careful or cautious.  Sometimes people break our trust and need to be held accountable and we put up proper boundaries to protect ourselves.  Sometimes we and others make mistakes and in those situations, forgiveness and reconciliation are necessary for both parties to grow and move on.  To not be able to forgive is to live in a constant state of paralysis.  Part of spiritual growth is the ability to forgive.  It doesn’t mean that we sanction or excuse bad behavior; it means we turn over judgment to God and move on in life.  If we do not have that ability, then we get stuck in a truncated state of development and do not continue to grow as a person.

This is a critical element in our healthy spiritual development and one that requires our attention and reflection.

May God illumine our path.

Fr. Anthony

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Parish News

Worship Services

February 1 5:45pm Presentation in the Temple Divine Liturgy
     
February 5 8:45am Orthros/Matins
  10:00am Divine Liturgy
  11:30am Coffee Hour
  11:30am SOUPER Bowl Sunday
     
February 8 6:00pm Vespers or Paraklesis
     
February 10 9:00am Divine Liturgy for St. Haralambos
     
February 12 8:45am Orthros/Matins
  10:00am Divine Liturgy
  11:30am Coffee Hour
  12:00pm General Assembly
     
February 15 6:00pm Vespers or Paraklesis
     
February 17 9:00am Divine Liturgy for St. Theodore of Tyre
     
February 18 6:00pm Vespers for St. Philothea with reception
     
February 19 8:45am Orthros/Matins
  10:00am Divine Liturgy
  12:00 pm Gyro to Go-Go
     
February 22 6:00pm Vespers or Paraklesis
     
February 25 8:30am Saturday of Souls Divine Liturgy and Memorial followed by Pet Blessings
     
February 26 8:45am Orthros/Matins
  10:00am Divine Liturgy
  11:30am Coffee Hour
  11:30am Forgiveness Vespers 
  12:00pm Forgiveness Sundaes - Sunday School
     
February 27 7:00pm Canon of St. Andrew of Crete
     
February 28 7:00pm Canon of St. Andrew of Crete
     
March 1 5:45pm Pre-Sanctified Liturgy
     
March 2 7:00pm Canon of St. Andrew of Crete
     
March 3 7:00pm Akathist Hymn
     
* Wednesday Vespers service at 6:00pm through February 22

Spaghetti Dinners

02/02/2017

All spaghetti suppers are from 6 pm - 7:30 pm.  Dinner is $8.00 and includes spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, dessert and drink.  We appreciate any assistance in helping serving this ministry even if it's once a month, twice a month,  or once every two months.  It's great fun and you get a chance to meet our outside community, some who are regulars.  Only requirement is a great smile.  If you like to assist, please speak to Barbara or Kurt.

Thursday, February 2nd  - German Polka Band

Thursday, February 16th - Frank Sinatra


Souper Bowl

02/05/2017

When the Atlanta Falcons face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI on February 5,  Orthodox Christian churches across the country will join a nationwide, ecumenical effort to help organizations such as International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC).  St Philothea's Sunday Schoolers will help collect cans and monetary donations in their large soup pots during the “Souper Bowl of Caring”.  The cans will go to ACTS and the cash donations will go to IOCC.

The “Souper Bowl of Caring” began at a Presbyterian church in Columbia, S.C., in 1990 and has grown into a grassroots movement linked with the national pastime of Super Bowl Sunday. The “Souper Bowl of Caring” is observed each year on Super Bowl Sunday as a way to mobilize youth to fight hunger and poverty.


Grief Support

02/06/2017

Grief Support will meet Monday, February 6th, 13th, and 20th at 6:30 pm.  All are welcome to come learn how to process grief in a healthy fashion.

 


AHEPA Meeting

02/06/2017

AHEPA will meet on Monday, February 6th at 6:00 pm.


Adult Religious Education (ARE)

02/07/2017

February 7   Women's Bible Study will take place at 6:30 pm at the home of Nina Lamson.

February 22  Couples Bible Study will take place following Vespers.

 


Bigger Vision Dinner

02/09/2017

Bigger Vision Dinner at 95 North Ave, Athens on February 9th at 6:00pm.

In need of volunteers to help prepare & serve meals at the Bigger Vision of Athens Community Shelter.  Please see Mike or Kate McClain to help.


General Assembly

02/12/2017

General Assembly will be Sunday, February 12 to vote on the budget.  We will also be updated on Marswood Hall, Council of Ministries as well as vision and plans for 2017.

Please put it in your calendar.


OCF Meetings

02/14/2017

February 14   Place Kate McClain's

February 21   Place TBA

Fr. Anthony is on campus every Thursday at the Tate center from 11:00-3:00 pm. 

Come by and visit.


OCF Sign Up

We love our college students and appreciate their study/work schedules as well as being faithful to St Philotha and meet bi-monthly with Father Anthony. They share a meal and discussions and you can help to support their meetings!   Please sign up to prepare a meal or share with a partner. If you cannot prepare a meal, you can donate $50 for take out.  Please visit  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e094ca9ae2da3fa7-ocfdinners


Mother's Day Out

02/14/2017

Our next meeting will be Feb. 14, from 10:00 am-1:00 pm. 

Mothers will be able to have time to talk to other mothers as well as enjoy a discussion led by Father Anthony and Pres. Christine.

There will be activities and baby sitters for the children. 

This group is for all mothers with infants, homeschooled children, and children in school. 

Please bring a covered dish to share with the group for lunch. 

Contact Laura Stiles if you have questions or would like more information. laura.gstiles@gmail.com


Parish Council

02/15/2017

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday, February 15th at 7pm.

Please read the first two chapters of “When the Church was Young”.


Community Luncheons - 2017

02/16/2017

 
     
Covered-dish luncheons are held at noon on the 3RD Thursday of each month. Open to all
seniors citizens.  Bring a covered dish to share and meet fellow Christians.  Time In Noon
February 16 Watkinsville First Christian Church 706-769-5966
  4 N. Main St, Watkinsville  
     
March 16 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 706-543-1123
  1080 Julian Dr, Watkinsville  
     
April 20 Watkinsville Memorial Baptist Church 706-769-7101
  19 Barnett Shoals Rd, Watkinsville  
     
May 18 Bishop Communtiy Center 706-705-1116
     
June 15 Bishop Baptist Church 706-769-6509
  1110 Old Bishop Rd, Bishop  
     
August 17 Rays United Methodist Chruch 706-769-9658
  1521 Rays Church Rd, Watkinsville  
     
September 21 Briarwood Baptist Church 706-769-7660
  1900 Robinhood Rd, Watkinsville  
     
October 19 Union Christian Church 706-769-6448
  1130 union Church Rd, Watkinsville  
     
November 16 Watkinsville 1st United Methodist 706-769-6088
  1331 New High Shoals Rd, Watkinsville  

St. Philothea Name Day Celebration

02/18/2017

Saturday. February 18   

Vespers 6:00 pm followed by a reception. 

Sunday, February 19

We will celebrate the Divine Liturgy, followed by Gyro To-Go-Go

Please click on the link to sign up for an appetizer, dessert, or some other selection for our reception. If you do not have an account it is very easy to create one.  Press Login/Join and fill out the required info.  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e094ca9ae2da3fa7-stphilothea1

 


Gyro To Go-Go

02/19/2017

Tickets are available for the Gyro to Go-Go February 19 fundraiser from 12:00-3:00 pm.  Tickets are $12 each and includes Gyro, Greek Potatoes, Greek Salad and Tzatziki saurce.  See Steve Paninos for tickets and/or flyers.   Please share with your friends and neighbors.


The Climacus Conference

02/24/2017

February 24-25, 2017
 
St. Michael Orthodox Church
3701 St. Michael Church Drive
Louisville, Kentucky 40220
 
 
The Climacus Conference 2017 theme (Encountering God) has been chosen to gently remind us that our reason for existence and our purpose as human beings is to encounter (and experience) God. The conference will seek to give primacy to Theology; moreover, we will explore ways to encounter God through philosophy, patristics, beauty, liturgical arts, saints and miracles, poetry, et al.

Pet Blessing

02/25/2017

Come and join us!  To bless animals, especially our pets, is a realization that all things are gifts from above intended for our good and to our delight. The service of blessing involves the reading of Scripture, prayers of supplication, and the traditional sprinkling with Holy Water. 

Invite your friends to this unique witness of our Orthodox faith; caring for the environment and all of creation through the blessing of the waters. 

Saturday February 25, at 10:00 a.m. following the Saturday of Souls liturgy (8:30 am). 

Bring your pet on a leash or put in a pet carrier - except if it's a goldfish!

Let Fr. Anthony know if you would like to help with this outreach ministry.


Letters for Jack McClain

Anyone who would like to write Sgt. John 'Jack' McClain (Kate and Mike's son, husband to Mary Anna) an encouraging letter, it would be most welcome, it requires one first class stamp, and if you want to send a box send it Flat Rate.
 
SGT. McClain, Jack
FCP, CMLT
Apache Troop 1-33 CAV APO AE 09340

Diakonia Center Chapel

Amazon Smile is a program that allows for 0.5% of your eligible Amazon purchase to be donated to the Diakonia Retreat Center. To find our Amazon Smile page, visit https://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-2187047

As presented on November 6, His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios is looking for donors for furniture for the beautiful new church at the DRC that is nearing completion. As a community it is suggested that we may be able to provide stasidia (ecclesiastical chairs) at $850 each. Pleas see Fr. Anthony if you would like to sponsor a whole one or a partial one in memory of a loved one.


Acolyte Schedule

2/5:    Gavin S and Will T

2/12:  Jacob S and Chris K

2/19:  Greg P and Jack M

2/26:  Jacob S and Chris K

This is represents our minimal roster.  Even if you are not scheduled to serve but want to join in to fill out the team, feel free to do so.
 
On February 12, i.e., after the Super Bowl, Mike McClain would like to meet for a quick training session.  The purpose of the training is to enable us to serve in a greater capacity and will more aplomb during the upcoming Lent and Holy Week periods.
 
Please let Mike know if you can attend the February 12 meeting and/or if you need to change your alter serving schedule.

Nursery Room Schedule

We thank all our nursery room volunteers. Please see PR Christine if you like to be added. Our Nursery Room is constantly growing!

  • Available from 10:30 to end of Liturgy
February 5, 2017   Charlotte Chromiak Nina Lamson
February 12, 2017   Ruth Fuzum Christina White
February 19, 2017   Stephanie Knisely Callie Demos
February 26, 2017   Pam Demos Lambrini Cain
March 5, 2017   Charlotte Chromiak Genet Kibreab Tseggai
March 12, 2017   Ruth Fuzum Michelle Hancock
March 19, 2017   Stephanie Knisely Tracey O'Malley
March 26, 2017   Pam Demos Stephanie Gavrielides

Coffee Hour Hosting

Coffee Coffee Coffee -- We have a great fellowship after Liturgy on Sundays and always appreciate individuals or families to share in helping.  Please prayfully consider signing up one or two times a year. You can go in with someone. Currently the following dates are listed!

February 5     Available

February 12   Available

February 19   Special Event - St. Philothea Name Day

February 26   Michelle Hancock

If you would like to host coffee Hour please go so Sign up Genus http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e094ca9ae2da3fa7-coffee


Philoptochos News

On January 17 our community of women gathered together for a time of fellowship, spiritual enrichment and fun at the 2nd Annual Women’s Mini-Retreat.  A BIG thank-you to Kate McClain for providing the materials and cards for our craft for the evening.  The night was so well-received, Philoptochos will try to schedule another retreat later in the year.

Philoptochos will once again begin collecting items for the Nurse’s Clinic.  The Clinic is a non-profit health clinic for the under-privileged located in Clarke county that provides health services for individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. The Clinic has a critical shortage of health kits that are distributed to their patients. 

They request full size items.  You can put a kit together using a gallon-size plastic storage bag and fill with one of each: soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, body lotion, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. Please see Karen Kimbaris or Christina White if you have any questions or items for the Clinic.


Orthodox Natural Church Development

Will meet soon.

TBA


Stewardship Cards

If you have not yet turned in a card, please do so soon.  This will allow the Parish Council to prepare a budget for next year that we will vote on at the General Assembly February 12.  


Upcoming Second Collections

Thank you for your faithful weekly stewardship and support of St. Philothea.  From time to time we have second collections to support National and Philoptochos Ministries.  Below is the upcoming schedule:

February 5       Souper Bowl Sunday IOCC (monetary donations as well as canned goods - Sunday School hosts)

February 12     OCMC Missionary Dr. Bill Black


Lenten Meal Sign-up

During Lent we have Pre-Sanctified Liturgies every Wednesday at 5:45 followed by a meal and discussion. 

This year we will be reading the book Prayer in Spiritual Warkfare by Jack sparks,.  They can be ordered through the bookstore until February 12.

If you would like to host a meal (Soup, salad, bread, dessert) or partner with someone to do so, please sign up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e094ca9ae2da3fa7-wednesday


England, Scotland, Ireland Tour

05/13/2017

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


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Saints and Feasts

02_presentation2
February 01

Forefeast of the Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple


Triphon
February 01

Trypho the Martyr

The Holy Martyr Trypho was from Lampsacus in Phrygia, and as a young man he tended geese. Being filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, he also healed sufferings and cast out demons. During the reign of the Emperor Decius, about the year 250, he was betrayed as a Christian and taken to Nicaea, where he was beaten, bound to horses and dragged over rough ground, then dragged naked over nails; his sides were burned with torches; finally he was sentenced to beheading, but gave up his holy soul in his torments before the stroke of the sword. Saint Trypho is one of the Holy Unmercenaries, and is also invoked for the protection of gardens from insects and pests.


Allsaint
February 01

Perpetua & her Companions


10_charalambos1
February 10

The Holy Hieromartyr Haralambos

This Saint was a priest of the Christians in Magnesia, the foremost city of Thessaly, in the diocese having the same name. He contested during the reign of Alexander Severus (222-235), when Lucian was Proconsul of Magnesia. At the time of his martyrdom the Saint was 103 years of age.

St. Haralampus is commemorated on February 10th, with the exception when this date falls on the Saturday of the Souls preceding Lent or on Clean Monday (the first day of Lent), in which case the feast is celebrated on February 9th.


Theotyrn
February 17

Theodore the Tyro, Great Martyr

Saint Theodore who was from Amasia of Pontus, contested during the reign of Maximian (286-305). He was called Tyro, from the Latin Tiro, because he was a newly enlisted recruit. When it was reported that he was a Christian, he boldly confessed Christ; the ruler, hoping that he would repent, gave him time to consider the matter more completely and then give answer. Theodore gave answer by setting fire to the temple of Cybele, the "mother of the gods," and for this he suffered a martyr's death by fire. See also the First Saturday of the Fast.


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Assembly of Bishops News

OCN Share the Light Sunday is January 15, 2017

01/03/2017

The Assembly of Bishops has designated January 15, 2017 as Orthodox Christian Network "Share the Light Sunday". Now more than ever, we need to focus on the next generation of Orthodox leaders. The Orthodox Christian Network (OCN) has decided to take this concern and address it in a real and impactful way. In addition to our strong media ministry presence on multiple platforms, we will spend 2017 focusing on identifying and highlighting thirty Orthodox individuals who exhibit strong leadership and mentor skills in their community and who are under the age of thirty.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 15.3,8.
Among the saints who are in his land, the Lord has been wondrous.
Verse: I see the Lord before me continually.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 8:28-39.

Brethren, we know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.

What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies; who is to condemn? Is it Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, "For thy sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.


Gospel Reading

Trypho the Martyr
The Reading is from Luke 10:19-21

The Lord said to his disciples, "Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will."


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Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion for Forefeast of the Meeting of the Lord in the First Mode

The Heavens' choir looked down from the vaults of the Heavens, and gazing on the earth, they beheld with amazement the First-born of all creation brought forth as a suckling babe to the Temple by a pure and virginal mother; and with us, they now do sing a hymn for the Forefeast, astonished and full of awe.

Apolytikion for Martyr Trypho in the Fourth Mode

Thy Martyr, O Lord, in his courageous contest for Thee received the prize of the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since he possessed Thy strength, he cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

On this day doth Symeon receive with gladness God, the Giver of the Law and he doth cry to Him in fear: Let me depart now, O Master Christ, for I have seen Thee, the Glory of Israel.
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Wisdom of the Fathers

For if you change from inhumanity to almsgiving, you have stretched forth the hand that was withered. If you withdraw from theatres and go to the church, you have cured the lame foot. If you draw back your eyes from a harlot, and from beauty not your own, you have opened them when they were blind. If instead of satanical songs, you have learned spiritual psalms, being dumb, you have spoken.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 32 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

As the beloved physician and disciple, O Luke, heal with thy mystical surgery the passions of both my soul and body, and grant that I may enjoy complete health, and may honour thine all-lauded festival with gladness, and may shower thine august and most precious body with a rain of tears instead of myrrh; for like an inscribed monument of life in the wondrous temple of the Apostles, it crieth out unto all, even as thou didst before, when thou didst write the divine Gospel of Christ God.
Oikos for the Feast of St. Luke, October Menaion, p.115
Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA

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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Logo

Archbishop Demetrios Awards the Medal of St Paul to Reince Priebus, Gus Bilirakis and George Gigicos

01/20/2017

Archbishop Demetrios of America bestowed yesterday evening during a Greek-American inaugural reception, the Medal of Saint Paul, the highest honor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, to Reince Priebus, the new Chief of Staff of the White House, to Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and to George Gigicos, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Advance. All three are Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, of the Order of St Andrew the Apostle.

Archbishop Demetrios of America at Presidential Inauguration

01/20/2017

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America invited by the Presidential Inauguration Committee and representing the Greek Orthodox Church in America, attended early this morning the special Inauguration Day Prayer Service at St John’s Episcopal Church in Washington’s Lafayette Square. President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, together with their families and a select group of guests were in attendance.

Archbishop Demetrios to Attend Presidential Inaugural Ceremonies

01/18/2017

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America has been invited and will attend the 58th Presidential Inauguration, Friday January 20th, 2017, in the Nation’s Capital.

Rev. Dr. Demetrios J. Constantelos Fell Asleep in the Lord

01/13/2017

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America mourns the passing of Fr. Demetrios J. Constantelos, one of the most respected Orthodox theologians and scholars of Greek culture, who fell asleep in the Lord Jan. 10, after a short illness. He was 89.

The Feast of Holy Theophany in Tarpon Springs

01/07/2017

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios Geron of America headed the festivities surrounding the Feast of Theophany, the Feast of Lights, which is traditionally celebrated by the large Greek Orthodox Community of St. Nicholas Cathedral in the Epiphany City with thousands of faithful in attendance. Archbishop Demetrios presided at the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy with the host Hierarch, Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, Bishop Sevastianos of Zela and Bishop Cyril of Abydos concelebrating, while assisted by more than a dozen clergy.

Public Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Jan. 5-18, 2017

01/05/2017

MEDIA ADVISORY
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Articles Worth Reading

Forbearance

01/09/2017

By learning forbearance we unite ourselves to God  Each and every act that we perform, no matter how insignificant or boring, can be used by God to sanctify our day. If we get into the habit of embracing whatever God sends to us with gratitude and humility, we will learn forbearance, and the Fruits of […]

Read more of this post


Why Ask the Saints?

01/16/2017

Jesus is the sole mediator between God and man Most Protestant churches strongly reject all saintly intercession, citing passages such as 1 Timothy 2:1-5, which says that Jesus is the sole mediator between God and man, as well as Deuteronomy 18:10-11 which seems to forbid invoking departed souls. They also point to the fact that […]

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3 Ways Those Who Lead Serve You

01/18/2017

“I’m their leader; which way did they go?” I feel like that a lot as a parish priest. Truth is sometimes it’s like herding cats to be the leader of a parish community. It seems everyone has their own agenda or vision of “how things ought to go.” And, rarely, is this motivated by bad intentions or evil motivations. Most folks want what is best, but we so ... Keep Reading ›

The post 3 Ways Those Who Lead Serve You! appeared first on Faith Encouraged.



Read the complete devotional »


Do Not Judge

01/20/2017

Judging divides us As members of the Body of Christ, we must resist speaking against other members of the Church. If we judge each other it is because Satan wishes to divide us. The best defense against the Evil One is to stand united in prayer with one another. We must not give in to […]

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The Right to Life

01/28/2017

Those who use abortifacients commit homicide--Saint Clement The heinous crimes committed by ISIS have shocked the civilized world. Burning innocent men alive, stoning women in the streets of Islamic countries, beheading captive Christians, and raping women with such abject cruelty and total disregard for the life of another human, have stunned us all. How anyone, […]

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New Mission Parrish

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Prayer Team

Prayer_team
THE GREAT COMMANDMENTS: WHERE DO YOU STAND?
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.
Luke 10:27
St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
Tuesday, January 17
 
Worship
 
For as often as you eat this Bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.
I Corinthians 11:26
Good morning Prayer Team!
 
Today we will examine the second of three ways we can express love for God - through worship.  Prayer is where we communicate with God individually.  Worship is corporate prayer.  Both individual and corporate prayer are needed in expressing our love for God.  Why?  Because we can't separate loving God and loving our neighbor.  We can't love God and dislike our neighbor.  We cannot love our neighbor and dislike God.  Love of God and love of neighbor are inseparable.  Remember the two bars of the cross - it's not a cross without both the vertical and horizontal bars.  And likewise, love cannot be love without both God and neighbor. 
 
Worship is when we pray with our neighbor.  It doesn't require hundreds of people in order to worship.  In the Orthodox Church, a Divine Liturgy can be held as long as two people have gathered, the priest and one additional person. 
 
The word "I" only appears in the Divine Liturgy two times - in the reciting of the Creed, which is a personal statement of faith; and in the prayers before Holy Communion, as we make individual preparation to receive.  The rest of the Divine Liturgy is said in the plural, "Let us pray to the Lord," "Peace be with you all."  The Liturgy is an expression of love for God shared with our neighbors.  It is the greatest expressions of love for our neighbor, IF it is done correctly.  What do I mean?
 
The Divine Liturgy isn't a play or a drama done on a stage with a priest, a choir and altar boys.  The Divine Liturgy is a collective work of all the people.  We are supposed to come together to "work" for the benefit of our neighbor in the Divine Liturgy.  We are supposed to "Lift up" not only OUR hearts, but to lift up the needs of our neighbors.  When we pray for those who are sick or suffering, for our city and country, for temperate weather, and for deliverance from danger and necessity, we are supposed to join our thoughts to our neighbors who are in need of these things.  The Divine Liturgy is supposed to bring to our minds the needs of others, and then serve as a springboard for us to jump into action to help be the solution to the things we prayed for. 
 
For example, we are so busy with our lives that perhaps a week has gone by and we haven't thought about those who are sick.  The Divine Liturgy provides us with at least a weekly reminder that there are people who are sick and suffering and it reminds us to pray for them.  This reminder hopefully also motivates us to call or visit someone who is sick, so that we are not merely hearers of the service but doers of what we are hearing. 
 
It is important to arrive early, or at least on time, for the Divine Liturgy, so that when the service begins, we are ready to work from the first word.  It is important that we are engaged physically in the service-that we are singing, bowing, crossing ourselves and whatever else the service is directing us to do.  And it is important that we are engaged mentally and emotionally in the service, whether that be bringing the needs of others to mind and lifting them up in prayer, examining our own spiritual life on a particular week, or having joy that comes from standing in the presence of Christ and receiving Him through Holy Communion.
 
Worship - On a scale of 1 to 10, how do you rank yourself on the following questions:  Do I worship weekly?  Do I arrive on time?  Am I engaged in the service?  Do I sing the responses?  Do I lift up the needs of others in my prayers during the Divine Liturgy?  Do I pay attention throughout the service or does my mind wander?  How often do I prepare and receive Holy Communion?
 
1          2          3          4          5          6          7          8          9          10
 
What are some ways that you can improve your experience of the Divine Liturgy?  Write down some ways that you can get more out of worship.  Write down the parts of the service that bring you the most joy.  Write down the thoughts that come into your mind during each part of the service.  Look over a text of the Divine Liturgy and write down the thoughts that come to mind as you study the words and then make an effort to bring these thoughts to mind the next time you worship at the Liturgy.
 
Lord, thank You for the gift of the Divine Liturgy.  Thank You for the opportunity to worship You together with friends and parishioners.  Thank You for the opportunity to receive You in the sacrament of Holy Communion.  Help me to stay focused during the Liturgy.  Help me to receive not only the benefits of worship, but to also enjoin my thoughts and prayers with the needs of others who are worshipping.  Bring me with joy to each service and to each encounter with You in the Eucharist.  Amen. 
 
Plan to attend the Divine Liturgy next Sunday from the beginning and make a plan for how you can get more out of your worship experience.
 
+Fr. Stavros
 
 
St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 2418 W. Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33609
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Annunciation Day School

    Annunciation Day School Flyer

    Annunciation Day School Flyer

    The Annunciation Day School at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Atlanta is hosting a Kindergarten-8th Grade Open House on February 12th at 3:00p.m.


    Annunciation Day Preschool Flyer

    Annunciation Day Preschool Flyer

    The Annunciation Day School at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Atlanta is hosting a Preschool Open House on March 12th at 3:00p.m.


    Annunciation Day School Brochure

    Annunciation Day School Brochure

    The Annunciation Day School at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Atlanta is hosting a Kindergarten-8th Grade Open House on February 12th at 3:00p.m. As well as a Preschool Open House on March 12th at 3:00p.m.


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Family Life Ministry

 
This Week on Family Life Ministry...
 
 
One Good Thought:
Help Me To Be Just
 
"We feel we are meant to do something grand, but we usually measure that grandeur by the world’s standards and so we may come up short of our own expectations.

God has shown us what is good- what kind of accomplishments does He look for in us?"
 
 
Joyful Noise: 
Don't Go Without Prayer
 
"It is dangerous to live unprotected by prayer.

This is true for you, for the home you live in, and people you live with.

Our environments should be bathed with prayer. Our environments should be treated with the knowledge that no matter what happens there, what will happen there, or what has happened, there, God is there, and can redeem it all."

 
Interested in more? Visit our website to see our other various blogs, updated daily.
 
We want YOU to write for us!
Contact us at atlfamilylifeministry@gmail.com for more information.
 
 
 
Metropolis of Atlanta - Family Life Ministry | 2480 Clairmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
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