Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Department of Religious Education
Sixth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:36-53
At that time, having risen from the dead, Jesus went up and stood among His disciples and said to them, "Peace be with you." But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. And He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; handle Me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, He said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave Him a piece of broiled fish [and some honeycomb], and He took it and ate before them. Then He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled." Then He opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name in all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands, He blessed them. While He blessed them, He parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the Temple blessing God.
Prokeimenon. First Mode. Psalm 109.4,1.
You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
Verse: The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand, till I make your enemies my footstool.
The reading is from St. James' Universal Letter 5:10-20.
6th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 9:1-8
At that time, getting into a boat Jesus crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say 'Rise and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" he then said to the paralytic -- "Rise, take up your bed and go home." And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
TODAY, a 40 day Memorial will be chanted for Alexandra Millas, wife of Thomas+, mother of Christina (Gary), Stephen (Diane), Paul+(Diane), grandmother of Stephanie, Andrew, Alexandra, Michael, and Thomas, and great-grandmother of Nora.
TODAY, a 40 day Memorial will be chanted for Harry Georgiades, son of Mary & Gregory+, brother of Maria (Jack), and uncle/godfather of Jonathon
May their Memory be Eternal!
1. Paraklesis Services for the Dormition Fast will begin on August 1st.
2. Taste of Greece Workshops
The next workshops will be on August 6 & 7 for Spanakopita
3. Please speak to Father if you would like to teach Sunday School.
4. Philoptochos News
Philoptochos Ministry Summer Message
As we welcome the summer season, the Philoptochos Ministry would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the parishioners and friends of St. Luke who have supported us throughout this year. Your continued generosity and encouragement make all our efforts possible—and for that, we are deeply grateful.
Since the last edition of The Messenger, our ministry has been blessed with many meaningful activities, particularly during the Paschal season. We are especially thankful to all those who stepped into leadership roles to help bring our initiatives to life. You know who you are—and we thank you sincerely!
On May 18, 2025, we successfully hosted our Philoptochos Elections. We look forward to welcoming the newly elected directors who will help guide our ministry into the next term. That same day, we also hosted our very first Baked Potato Bar—a deliciously fun fundraiser in support of our General Fund. Thank you to all who participated and contributed to its success!
In June, we joyfully recognized all graduates and their families during Graduation Sunday, and we lovingly honored Presvytera Eleni on Presvytera Sunday, expressing our appreciation for her faithful service and dedication.
Looking ahead, please watch for our summer Philoptochos mailer, which highlights two crucial outreach efforts: the “I Am Loved” Onesie Campaign and the Backpack Giftaway. These programs support some of the most vulnerable members of our community—infants and school-aged children—and we encourage you to read more in the bulletin and consider contributing.
We wish each of you a safe, joyful summer filled with rest, renewal, and cherished memories. Thank you for being a part of the mission of love and service that defines our Philoptochos ministry.
With love in Christ,
Saint Paisios of the Holy Mountain
Elias of great fame was from Thisbe or Thesbe, a town of Galaad (Gilead), beyond the Jordan. He was of priestly lineage, a man of a solitary and ascetical character, clothed in a mantle of sheep skin, and girded about his loins with a leathern belt. His name is interpreted as "Yah is my God." His zeal for the glory of God was compared to fire, and his speech for teaching and rebuke was likened unto a burning lamp. From this too he received the name Zealot. Therefore, set aflame with such zeal, he sternly reproved the impiety and lawlessness of Ahab and his wife Jezebel. He shut up heaven by means of prayer, and it did not rain for three years and six months. Ravens brought him food for his need when, at God's command, he was hiding by the torrent of Horrath. He multiplied the little flour and oil of the poor widow of Sarephtha of Sidon, who had given him hospitality in her home, and when her son died, he raised him up. He brought down fire from Heaven upon Mount Carmel, and it burned up the sacrifice offered to God before all the people of Israel, that they might know the truth. At the torrent of Kisson, he slew 450 false prophets and priests who worshipped idols and led the people astray. He received food wondrously at the hand of an Angel, and being strengthened by this food he walked for forty days and forty nights. He beheld God on Mount Horeb, as far as this is possible for human nature. He foretold the destruction of the house of Ahab, and the death of his son Ohozias; and as for the two captains of fifty that were sent by the king, he burned them for their punishment, bringing fire down from Heaven. He divided the flow of the Jordan, and he and his disciple Elisseus passed through as it were on dry land; and finally, while speaking with him, Elias was suddenly snatched away by a fiery chariot in the year 895 B.C., and he ascended as though into heaven, whither God most certainly translated him alive, as He did Enoch (Gen. 5:24; IV Kings 2: 11). But from thence also, after seven years, by means of an epistle he reproached Joram, the son of Josaphat, as it is written: "And there came a message in writing to him from Elias the Prophet, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of David thy father, Because thou hast not walked in the way," and so forth (II Chron. 21:12). According to the opinion of the majority of the interpreters, this came to pass either through his disciple Elisseus, or through another Prophet when Elias appeared to them, even as he appeared on Mount Tabor to the disciples of Christ (see Aug. 6).
