Message from Father Anthony

The Blessing of Great Lent

As we enter Great Lent, having passed through the Triodion, we are now in a prolonged fast, prayer almsgiving period. What a relief. We need an outside source to set us free from our own self guided, self directed, and self focused schedules and have permission to focus on our soul, body, mind and spirit. If we approach Great Lent with that mindset we realize that it is not a burden, it is a blessing. We can reap the benefits of a disciplined schedule that will bear fruit with a focused calmness that will bring peace to our soul, health to our body and clarity to our mind. The benefits of Great Lent can not be overlooked. That is why the Church offers these periods for a healthy rhythm to our spiritual life. The rhythm of feasting and fasting, like the change of seasons, brings a dynamism and color to life, even if some seasons are harder than others.

Christ tells us that His yoke is easy and His burden is light, and so it is when we rely on the Holy Spirit and trust Him to help us every step of the way. By submitting ourselves to the discipline of the Church and by participating as one body in the period of Great Lent we have support and encouragement, knowing that we are in this all together. By coming to the Lenten services, the Canon of St. Andrew, Pre-Sanctified Liturgies, the Akathist Hymn we tamp down the din of this world, turmoil, crazy politics, civil strife and unfettered entertainment opportunities and focus ourselves on eternal values that give us perspective, help us to be what God has called us to be and bring a certain self-control and dignity of personhood that may evade us other times of year.

Great Lent is a “Soul Spa”, that I look forward to every year. And every year I come to it anew having gained spiritual experience and wisdom since last year, which gives me a better understanding and appreciation for what we are doing. It also helps us focus on preparing for the celebration of Easter by living the events of Holy Week and entering into deeply the Mystery of God’s salvation.

Each year we strive to do a little more thus adding to our quiver of spiritual weapons to live more spiritually all year round. This year go to more services than you did last year. Participate in the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and book study. Read a Lenten blog each day as you begin the day. With all the extra time and money you have from following the Lenten schedule you will be amazed at how much clutter you can actually remove from your life.

Have a blessed and soul filling Lent.

Fr. Anthony

Parish News

Worship Services

February 27	7:00pm	Cannon of St. Andrew

February 28	7:00pm	Cannon of St. Andrew

March 1	5:45pm	Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts

March 2	7:00pm	Canon of St. Andrew

March 5	8:45am	Orthros/Matins
	10:00am	Divine Liturgy - Sunday of Orthodoxy - Icon Procession
	11:30am	Coffee Hour
	6:00pm	Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers followed by a reception (Annunciation Cathedral, Atlanta)

March 8	5:45pm	Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts

March 10	6:00pm	Akathist Hymn
		Sunday School Akathist Hymn Night
	7:00pm	Fellowship in the Hall

March 12	8:45am	Orthros/Matins
	10:00am	Divine Liturgy - Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
	11:30am	Coffee Hour

March 15	5:45pm	Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts

March 19	8:45am	Orthros/Matins
	10:00am	Divine Liturgy - Sunday of the Holy Cross
	11:30am	Coffee Hour

March 22	5:45pm	Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts

March 25	10:00am	Liturgy for the feast of the Annunciation (Annunciation Cathedral, Atlanta)

March 26	8:45am	Orthros/Matins
	10:00am	Divine Liturgy - Sunday of St. John Climacus
	11:30am	Coffee Hour

March 29	5:45pm	Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts

April 2	8:45am	Orthros/Matins
	10:00am	Divine Liturgy - Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
	11:30am	Coffee Hour

April 5	5:45pm	Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts

Spaghetti Dinners

03/02/2017

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, March 2nd - 9G Bluegrass Band

Thursday, March 16th - TBA

Sunday of Orthodoxy

03/05/2017

Sunday of Orthodoxy, March 5th Vespers begins at 6:00pm followed by a reception with Guest Speaker Fr. John Touloumas

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral located at 2500 Clairmont Rd, N.E.

Grief Support

03/06/2017

Grief Support will meet Monday, March 13th at 6:30 pm. Grief is difficult, but with support and prayer there is help. If you find yourself or know someone who is having a difficult time dealing with a loss one, please invite them to come.

Adult Religious Education (ARE)

03/07/2017

Tuesday, March 7th Women's Bible Study will take place at 6:30 pm at the home of Nina Lamson. Bring your Bible. Light snacks will be served and feel free to bring a snack to share.

Akathist Hymn

03/10/2017

Akathist Hymn to the Virgin Mary on Friday, March 10th at 7:00pm. Please bring flowers to honor our most Blessed Mother. Due to Fr. Anthony's travel schedule with OCF this will be the only Akathist Hymn so do not miss it.

Philoptochos News

03/12/2017

Philoptochos Membership Drive

Sunday, March 12th following the Divine Liturgy

OCF News

03/14/2017

March 2 7:00pm Place TBA

March 14 7:00pm Place TBA

March 21 7:00pm Place TBA

Fr. Anthony is on campus every Thursday at the Tate center from 11:00-3:00 pm painting icons and talking with students. Come by and visit.

OCF Sign Up

Feeding our college Students! Thank you to all those who have signed up to host a meal for OCF. The meeting places will be announced closer to the date.

March 14 - Barbara Knisely and the Cooks

March 28 - Ken and Nina Lamson

Parish Council

03/15/2017

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday, March 15th at 7:30pm following the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and meal. Please read Chapter 2 of When the Church was Young.

Community Luncheon

03/16/2017

Covered dish luncheons are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Open to all senior citizens. Please bring a covered dish to share with your fellow Christians. Time is Noon - 1 pm.

March 16	Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints	706-543-1123
	1080 Julian Dr, Watkinsville

Bigger Vision

03/17/2017

Bigger Vision Shelter needed some help on March 17 and St Philothea would like to help out with a meal. They are located at 95 North Ave, Athens and we help from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm.

Please see Mike McClain to sign up for a side dish, fruit, dessert, or even to serve.

MoD Meeting

03/19/2017

Sunday, March 19, following the Divine Liturgy

Dynamis

03/19/2017

The Atlanta Cathedral will be hosting Dynamis with Metropolitan Alexious and his Metropolis co-workers will be available for discussion on how to face current parish challenges. The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm. It is a great opportunity for discussion and education. For further info please read section under Message From His Eminence.

AHEPA Meeting

03/20/2017

AHEPA will meet on Monday, March 20th at 6:00 pm.

Mother's Day Out

03/21/2017

Our next meeting will be March 21st, 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

Work Daze Retreat

03/24/2017

March 24-26 for OCF students at the Diakonia Center. Presenter will be Fr. Micah Hershey. The theme is "The One Thing Needful, Faith in an Age of Distraction."

Feast of the Annunciation

03/24/2017

Feast of the Annunciation at the Annunciation Cathedral in Atlanta

Friday, March 24 7:00PM Vespers

Saturday, March 25 9:00am Orthros

10:00am Divine Liturgy

ACTS

04/04/2017

Our next service day is Tuesday, April 4th at 9:00am.

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.

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 split the work with someone or another family. Currently the following dates are listed!

March 5 Ken and Nina Lamson

March 12 Monica Bauman

March 19 Available

March 26 Tim and Christina White

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

Bookstore

The Bookstore features services books and inspirational readings for Lent. Stephen or Pres. Christine will also be taking orders for “The Holy Week Book” which follows the entire cycle of services from the 1^st Bridegroom Service through Agape Vespers on Pascha. This makes a wonderful gift for someone in your family—every family should have a copy. Contact Stephen before March 20^th to place your order. There are also available the full Orthodox Study Bible Old and New Testament for $35. Also the Journey of Marriage guide is also available; useful for married couples as well as those contemplating marriage.

Pre-Sanctified Liturgies

Pre-Sanctified Liturgies will be held on Wednesdays of Lent (March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and April 5) at 5:45pm.

A Lenten meal will be served afterwards followed by a discussion on the book Prayer in Unseen Warefare by Jack Sparks. You can get a book for $12 from Stevew in the bookstore, we have a few copies left.

The meal hosts are as follows:

March 1 Tammy Andros

March 8 Christina White

March 15 Ken and Nina Lamson

March 22 Mike Carter and Christine Salzman

March 29 Bill Mahoney

April 5 Kate McClain

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

Acolyte Schedule

This is a proposed scheduled for March it is not final.

March 1st, Wednesday, pre-Sanctified Liturgy.........Mike McClain, Will Threkeld

March 4th, Sunday, Divine Liturgy...........................Greg Pottier, Jack Mahoney

March 8th, Wednesday, pre-Sanctified Liturgy..........Mike McClain, Gavin Stewart

March 10th, Friday, Akathist Hymn..........................Tim White (surprise!), Jacob Sparks

March 12th, Sunday, Divine Liturgy``````````````Jacob Sparks, Gavin Stewart

March 15th, Wednesday, pre-Sanctified Liturgy.........Mike McClain, Tim White

March 17th, Friday, La Fheile Padraig......................You all get to be Irish for the day!

March 19th, Sunday, Divine Liturgy.........................Greg Pottier, Jack Mahoney

March 22nd, Wednesday, pre-Sanctified Liturgy........Mike McClain, Will Threkeld

March 26th, Sunday, Divine Liturgy.........................Jacob Sparks, Gavin Stewart

March 29th, Wednesday, pre-Sanctified Liturgy........Gavin Stewart, Jack Mahoney

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 until the end of the Liturgy

March 5, 2017	Charlotte Chromiak	Christina White
March 12, 2017	Ruth Fuzum	Michelle Hancock
March 19, 2017	Stephanie Knisely	Tracey O'Malley
March 26, 2017	Pam Demos	Stephanie Gavrielides
April 2, 2017	Charlotte Chromiak	Zachary Chromiak
April 9, 2017	Tracey O'Malley	Christina White
April 16, 2017	PASCHA
April 28, 2017	Ruth Fuzum	Tina Paninos
April 30, 2017	Stephanie Knisely	Christina White

Council of Ministry Group Meetings

The following dates are schedule to meet with the Ministry Chair and committee along with Father Anthony and Nina Lamson.

Stewardship Ministry - Sunday March 5th after Divine Liturgy

Communications - Sunday March 19 12 pm

Education Sunday March 26 after Divine Liturgy

Out Reach and Evangelism - Monday,March 27 6:00 -7:30 pm

Marswood Ministry - Sunday, April 2nd after Divine Liturgy

Seconds Collection

This month we will have second collections on:

March 19th for the Holy Cross

March 26th for Stasidia (choir stalls) at the Diakonia Center

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

Saints and Feasts

March 01

David the Archbishop

March 01

The Holy Righteous Martyr Eudocia the Samaritan

This Saint, who was from Heliopolis of Phoenicia (Baalbek in present-day Lebanon), was an idolater and led a licentious life. Being beautiful beyond telling, she had many lovers, and had acquired great riches. Yet brought to repentance by a monk named Germanus, and baptized by Bishop Theodotus, she distributed to the poor all her ill-gotten gains, and entered a convent, giving herself up completely to the life of asceticism. Her former lovers, enraged at her conversion, her refusal to return to her old ways, and the withering away of her beauty through the severe mortifications she practiced, betrayed her as a Christian to Vincent the Governor, and she was beheaded, according to some, under Trajan, who reigned from 98 to 117, according to others, under Hadrian, who reigned from 117 to 138.

March 01

Andonina the New Martyr

March 04

First Saturday of Lent: The Commemoration of the Miracle of Kollyva wrought by Saint Theodore the Tyro

Julian the Apostate, knowing that the Christians purify themselves by fasting most of all during the first week of the Fast -- which is why we call it Clean Week -- planned to defile them especially at that time. Therefore he secretly commanded that during those days the markets be filled with foods that had been defiled with the blood of animals offered in sacrifice to idols. But by divine command the Martyr Theodore (see Feb. 17) appeared during sleep to Eudoxius, then Archbishop of Constantinople. The Saint revealed to him the tyrant's plan, then told him to call the faithful together immediately on Monday morning and prevent them from purchasing those foods, but rather to make kollyva to supply their needs. The bishop asked what kollyva might be, and the Saint answered, "Kollyva is what we call boiled wheat in Euchaita." Thus, the purpose of the Apostate was brought to nought, and the pious people who were preserved undefiled for the whole of Clean Week, rendered thanks to the Martyr on this Saturday, and celebrated his commemoration with kollyva. These things took place in 362. Wherefore, the Church keeps this commemoration each year to the glory of God and the honour of the Martyr.

March 05

Sunday of Orthodoxy

For more than one hundred years the Church of Christ was troubled by the persecution of the Iconoclasts of evil belief, beginning in the reign of Leo the Isaurian (717-741) and ending in the reign of Theophilus (829-842). After Theophilus's death, his widow the Empress Theodora (celebrated Feb. 11), together with the Patriarch Methodius (June 14), established Orthodoxy anew. This ever-memorable Queen venerated the icon of the Mother of God in the presence of the Patriarch Methodius and the other confessors and righteous men, and openly cried out these holy words: "If anyone does not offer relative worship to the holy icons, not adoring them as though they were gods, but venerating them out of love as images of the archetype, let him be anathema." Then with common prayer and fasting during the whole first week of the Forty-day Fast, she asked God's forgiveness for her husband. After this, on the first Sunday of the Fast, she and her son, Michael the Emperor, made a procession with all the clergy and people and restored the holy icons, and again adorned the Church of Christ with them. This is the holy deed that all we the Orthodox commemorate today, and we call this radiant and venerable day the Sunday of Orthodoxy, that is, the triumph of true doctrine over heresy.

March 12

Theophanes the Confessor

Saint Theophanes, who was born in 760, was the son of illustrious parents. Assenting to their demand, he married and became a member of the Emperor's ceremonial bodyguard. Later, with the consent of his wife, he forsook the world. Indeed, both of them embraced the monastic life, struggling in the monastic houses they themselves had established. He died on March 12, 815, on the island of Samothrace, whereto, because of his confession of the Orthodox Faith, he had been exiled by Leo the Armenian, the Iconoclast Emperor.

March 19

The Holy Martyrs Chrysanthus and Daria

Saint Chrysanthus, who was from Alexandria, had been instructed in the Faith of Christ by a certain bishop. His father, who was a senator by rank and a pagan, had him shut up in prison for many days; then, seeing the unchanging disposition of his mind, he commanded that a certain young woman named Daria be brought from Athens. She was a very beautiful and learned maiden, and also an idolater, and Chrysanthus' father wedded him to her so that he might be drawn away from the Faith of Christ because of his love for her. Instead of this however, Chrysanthus drew Daria unto piety, and both of them boldly proclaimed Christ and received the crown of martyrdom in 283, during the reign of Numerian, when they were buried alive in a pit of mire.

March 26

Synaxis in honor of the Archangel Gabriel

This festive Synaxis is celebrated to the glory of the Archangel Gabriel, since he ministered to the marvelous mystery of God's incarnate dispensation.

Message from His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios

DYNAMIS: A Dialogue for Strengthening Our Parishes and Parishioners

02/03/2017

February 3, 2017

My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“Where there is no vision, the people will perish” - Proverbs 29:18

I greet you with love and joy, praying that God will bless you and your families always, bestowing upon you good health, wisdom, peace and abundant joy! I humbly ask you to join me at “DYNAMIS: A Dialogue for Strengthening Our Parishes and Parishioners”.

As your Metropolitan, I am always thinking of questions that we face as a Metropolis. What are the most critical needs of our parish families? How can we help our parish leaders with their critical work? For this reason, your Metropolis has been focused on better serving the faithful in the Lord’s vineyard.

Therefore, we would like to share our vision with you in an upcoming program we are bringing to you, called: “DYNAMIS: A Dialogue for Strengthening Our Parishes and Parishioners.”When the clergyman says “DYNAMIS” at every Divine Liturgy, he is asking for the congregation to sing with more strength. The Metropolis wants to bring you and your parishes dynamis through our efforts during these programs. As we prepare to enter the Triodion, I think of how, often, many Spiritual Fathers go on pilgrimages to prepare them for Great Lent. In this same spirit, throughout the month of March, I, and some of my co-workers, will embark on our own pilgrimage—visiting every region of our Metropolis to open a dialogue with you, the clergy, parish leaders and parishioners. The dates and locations of this program are described here.

"DYNAMIS" will present to you our exciting vision in our Strategic Plan, as well as the many other life-changing ministries that will help you better meet both the practical and spiritual needs of your faithful. This is our gift to help provide you dynamis.

It will be a blessing to see and hear from all Parish leaders, Parish Council and Philoptochos Members, Clergy, Parish Champions, and any other interested parishioners at a "DYNAMIS" dialogue event near you. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend, and I hope to see as many of you there as possible.

I pray that, guided by the Holy Spirit, this unique dialogue will prove a spiritually uplifting beginning to 2017 for our Holy and God-Protected Metropolis of Atlanta. I remain,

Paternally yours with love in the Lord,

+ A L E X I O S
Metropolitan of Atlanta

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion for Martyr Eudocia in the Plagal Fourth Mode

In thee the image was preserved with exactness, O Mother; for taking up thy cross, thou didst follow Christ, and by thy deeds thou didst teach us to overlook the flesh, for it passeth away, but to attend to the soul since it is immortal. Wherefore, O righteous Eudokia, thy spirit rejoiceth with the Angels.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"

Articles Worth Reading

Faculties of the Human Soul

02/09/2017

The rational faculty and the noetic faculty The human soul has two faculties, the rational faculty and the noetic faculty. Through the rational faculty we relate to the world with our physical senses, but through the noetic faculty we have communion with God. Faith is found in one's heart, not in one's mind. Those who depend […]

Bulletin Inserts

Metropolis March Meetings Schedule

Dates and Locations for the Metropolis March Meetings

Dyanmis: A Dialogue to Strength

How can we better address the challenges facing our parishes and parishioners?

Sunday of Orthodoxy

Sunday of Orthodoxy Flyer

Georgia Cultural Interest and Tours

Why Do We Receive Holy Communion?

Family Connections

Forgiveness Sunday

Family Life Ministry

What's New on Family Life Ministry...

Sunday Lunch:

Christ is Our Cornerstone

"Do you recall how many in Christ’s midst criticized and attacked Him during His earthly ministry? They spoke untruths about Him and sought to ridicule and discredit Him. His own disciple, Judas Iscariot, betrayed Him.

Sometimes, we may feel the same is happening to us, to a family member, or to a friend. Certainly, the diverse views of others may disturb us and that is to be expected."

Healthy Minds, Healthy Souls:

Love

"Today, consider how well you are taking care of the people you love. Consider how intentional your expression of love is. Do you think it’s felt in the person you love?

You see, love depends on friendship, friendship depends on having an emotional connection, and connections depend on making an active choice to love. If you feel alone in your relationship, try asking yourself first, “What might I be doing or not doing in my relationship that could be contributing to this feeling?” I once heard it said that if you find yourself frustrated by a behavior in someone else, look to yourself first to solve the mystery."

Interested in more? Visit our website to see our other various blogs, updated daily.

Visit the FLM blog

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General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins

Message from Father Anthony

Parish News

Worship Services

Spaghetti Dinners

03/02/2017

Sunday of Orthodoxy

03/05/2017

Grief Support

03/06/2017

Adult Religious Education (ARE)

03/07/2017

Akathist Hymn

03/10/2017

Philoptochos News

03/12/2017

OCF News

03/14/2017

OCF Sign Up

Parish Council

03/15/2017

Community Luncheon

03/16/2017

Bigger Vision

03/17/2017

MoD Meeting

03/19/2017

Dynamis

03/19/2017

AHEPA Meeting

03/20/2017

Mother's Day Out

03/21/2017

Work Daze Retreat

03/24/2017

Feast of the Annunciation

03/24/2017

ACTS

04/04/2017

Diakonia Center Chapel

Coffee Hour Hosting

Bookstore

Pre-Sanctified Liturgies

Acolyte Schedule

Nursery Room Schedule

Council of Ministry Group Meetings

Seconds Collection

England, Scotland, Ireland Tour

05/13/2017

Saints and Feasts

David the Archbishop

The Holy Righteous Martyr Eudocia the Samaritan

Andonina the New Martyr

First Saturday of Lent: The Commemoration of the Miracle of Kollyva wrought by Saint Theodore the Tyro

Sunday of Orthodoxy

Theophanes the Confessor

The Holy Martyrs Chrysanthus and Daria

Synaxis in honor of the Archangel Gabriel

Message from His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios

DYNAMIS: A Dialogue for Strengthening Our Parishes and Parishioners

02/03/2017

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion for Martyr Eudocia in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Articles Worth Reading

Faculties of the Human Soul

02/09/2017

Bulletin Inserts

Metropolis March Meetings Schedule

Dyanmis: A Dialogue to Strength

Sunday of Orthodoxy

Georgia Cultural Interest and Tours

Why Do We Receive Holy Communion?

Family Connections

Family Life Ministry