January 28
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-01-28
Bulletin Contents
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
General Information
- Phone:
- (904)-829-0504
- Fax:
- (904)829-0504
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Street Address:
- 2940 CR-214
- St. Augustine, FL 32084-2718
Contact Information
Services Schedule
Sunday Divine Liturgy 10:00am V. Rev. Father Maximos Politis, Priest
Past Bulletins
- Publish Date:
- 2025-06-01
- Publish Date:
- 2025-05-25
- Publish Date:
- 2025-05-18
- Publish Date:
- 2025-05-11
- Publish Date:
- 2025-05-04
- Publish Date:
- 2025-04-27
Parish News
A WORD FROM:
V. Rev. Fr. Maximos Politis, HTGOC Parish Priest
(347) 500-8176 [email protected]
Jan 28 Bulletin
Το χάρισμα του Χριστού
Κατά τη διάρκεια των πρώτων χρόνων μετά την Ανάσταση και Ανάληψη του Χριστού, παρατηρούμε το πνεύμα των Χριστιανών. Στο βιβλίο των Πράξεων (κεφ. 5:41) διαβάζουμε ότι “ Αλλά οι Απόστολοι, ύστερα από όλα αυτά, αναχώρησαν από το συνέδριο χαίροντες, διότι αξιώθηκαν της μεγάλης τιμής να υποστούν εξευτελιστική τιμωρία χάριν του ονόματος του Χριστού.”.
Αργότερα, ο Απόστολος Παύλος λέει στους Φιλιππησίους και σε όλους τους Χριστιανούς ότι: “Σας δόθηκε το χάρισμα όχι μόνο να πιστεύετε στο Χριστό αλλά και να πάσχουμε γι’ αυτόν.” (Φιλιππ. 1,29)
Η εποχή μας χαρακτηρίζεται από ευδαιμονισμό, και αγώνα να περνάμε καλά. Και όταν αυτό δεν συμβαίνει, ο άνθρωπος ταράζεται, βρίσκεται σε αδιέξοδο. Μπορεί να υιοθετήσει αυτό το πνεύμα; Μπορεί να σκεφτεί ότι “αφού το παραχώρησε ο Κύριος, θα το υπομείνω χάριν του ονόματος του Χριστού”;
Φαίνεται ότι μπορεί: Διαβάζουμε στα νέα, τον Οκτώβριο του 2023.
Ο διάσημος ποδοσφαιριστής Ν. τραυματίστηκε στο γόνατο κι αποχώρησε με φορείο και κλαίγοντας. Μετά το ματς εμφανίστηκε να περπατάει με πατερίτσες και φορώντας ειδικό νάρθηκα στο πόδι του. Εκείνος, όμως, όπως έγραψε στο Instagram πιστεύει πως μπορεί να τα καταφέρει. «Πίστη» ήταν, χαρακτηριστικά, το μήνυμά του που συνοδευόταν από μια φωτογραφία του που τον δείχνει να πονάει στον αγωνιστικό χώρο. Επίσης ανέφερε: «Είναι μια πολύ λυπηρή στιγμή, η χειρότερη της ζωής μου. Ξέρω πως είμαι δυνατός, αλλά αυτή την περίοδο θα χρειαστώ την υποστήριξη της οικογένειάς μου και των φίλων μου. Δεν είναι εύκολο να τραυματίζεσαι, να περνάς από χειρουργείο και μετά να το περνάς και πάλι όλο αυτό μετά από τέσσερις μήνες. Έχω πίστη. Το αφήνω στα χέρια του Θεού».
Η εποχή μας, όπως είπαμε, χαρακτηρίζεται από ευδαιμονισμό, και αγώνα να περνάμε καλά. Φαίνεται όμως ότι ο Θεός στέλνει παραδείγματα προς μίμηση.
Christ’s gift.
During the first years after Christ's Resurrection and Ascension, we observe the spirit of Christians. In the book of Acts (ch. 5:41) we read that "The apostles left the council and were happy, because God had considered them worthy to suffer a humiliating punishment for the sake of Jesus." Later, the Apostle Paul tells the Philippians and all Christians that: "For unto you it is given on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake." (Philippians 1:29)
Our age is characterized by eudaemonism, and a struggle to have a good time. And when this does not happen, the person is agitated, he is in a dead end. Can he adopt this spirit? Can he think that "since the Lord has granted it, I will endure it for the sake of Jesus"?
It seems that it can: We read in the news, in October 2023.
The famous soccer player N. injured his knee and left the field on a stretcher and crying. After the game he appeared walking on crutches and wearing a special splint on his leg. However, as he wrote on Instagram, he believes he can succeed. "Faith" was, characteristically, his message accompanied by a picture of him in pain on the pitch. He also said: "It's a very sad moment, the worst of my life. I know I am strong, but at this time I will need the support of my family and friends. It's not easy to get injured, go through surgery and then go through it again four months later. I have faith. I leave it in God's hands."
Our era, as we said, is characterized by eudaemonism, and a struggle to have a good time. But it seems that God sends examples to follow.
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WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH!
We are happy that you are with us today!
“Welcome one another just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. ”Romans 15:7
We pray that your worship experience with us today
will be inspirational and uplifting.
Please introduce yourself to a parish ambassador.
OUR MISSION: Our parish is a living witness of Jesus Christ, serving the spiritual and physical needs of all people, through worship, outreach, and education.
OUR VISION: Fostering an Orthodox Christian environment that encourages parishioner engagement, increasing public awareness of our faith and of our parish as a spiritual home, and nurturing and growing our stewardship commitments.
Holy Communion is offered only to Orthodox Christians who are in good canonical standing with the church and who have prepared through prayer and fasting. Everyone is invited to receive the Antidoron (Blessed Bread) at the end of the Divine Liturgy. Order for Holy Communion—With Sunday School back in session the order for Holy Communion will be as follows:
- Newly illumined – recently baptized and babies.
- Sunday school teachers and students (who will line up in the middle aisle before Communion) – all visiting children are invited to join us!
- The remaining congregation as directed by the usher.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
"I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people…. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
We pray for mercy, life, peace, and healing of all parishioners.
Prayers for the family and friends of: Mikae Gaetanos, Kostas Lantzounis, Chresanthe Lemieux, Nicolaos Pramagioulis, Susana G. Kugeares, Leonardos Daniels, and Maryann Bolt. May their memory be eternal!
Prayers for Taki Andriotis, Angelique Dalarides Kelley, Michael Colburn, Chris Bersu, Michael and Ingrid Fotianos, Ruza Basimamovic, Zoe Kauttu (daughter of Melissa Sarris Kauttu), James Day, Margaret, James, Kyriake, Joseph, Alex Aclim, Jane Anderson, Gwen H., Thanos Nikolopoulos, and Sophia Poland's brother-in-law, Tommy Steward who is battling cancer.
Remember also our missionary families: Fr. Stephanos, Pr. Alexandria, Moses & Athan Ritsi
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*NEW* HolyTrinityStAugustine.org WEBSITE ADDRESS
Check out our new website! It's easy to navigate and we'll keep adding more ways to make it your "go-to" destination for all things Holy Trinity of St Augustine!
Looking for the weekly bulletin? It's on the main page. Looking for the Parish calendar? Or the Sunday Coffee Hour signup? They're both under "Events". We look forward to keeping you well informed!
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SUNDAY SCHOOL: To our middle and high school students and their parents:
On January 14th, the Sunday School class for our teens and tweens resumed meeting (after a break for the holidays), after Communion in the large classroom, left side. We began our studies in the Old Testament and will gradually be moving into the New Testament so that you/your student not only has a general understanding of the Bible as a whole, but can use it, as Bishop Kallistos Ware said in his book on how to read the Bible, “as a means for personal spiritual edification (benefit), as a companion to achieve holistic personal growth, and to reach deification (theosis).” I look forward to seeing you/your student in class, as well as older acolytes who have concluded their duties in the altar. Respectfully, Melissa Kauttu Strange, Sunday School Teacher
Sunday School is looking for leaders and teachers!
Our Sunday School is looking for leaders and teachers to enhance our Sunday School offerings and grow this important ministry. If you're interested, please speak with Toula or any Parish Council member.
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STEWARDSHIP:
2024 Stewardship - Together, we are the Caretakers of our Church.
"Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant" Our Stewardship theme for 2024 is “Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant,” from the Parable of the Talents. We are all blessed with certain gifts. This parable stresses the importance of developing our gifts, multiplying them, and offering them back in service to God.
Effective Stewardship Begins with a plan. Each year, we have an opportunity to consciously plan our contributions and our involvement in the life of our parish. Please consider God’s blessings in your life and make a conscious decision to actively and generously support the operating needs of our parish by planning your 2024 stewardship contributions.
You can submit your pledge by printing the attached form, or online at www.holytrinitygoc.com. You can also set up regular monthly payments through the church website or your bank. Thank you!
_____________________________________________CHURCH FINANCIALS
|
|
Dec-23 |
Year End |
|
Income |
$127,735 |
320,305 |
|
Stewardship |
$22,790 |
140,799 |
|
Expense |
$96,506 |
361,040 |
|
Bank Balance |
$128,211 |
128,211 |
|
Reserves |
$92,636 |
92,636 |
|
Note: Bank Balance includes Stewardship and Reserves |
||
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SAVE THE DATES!!
- Sunday, February 11 - Souper Bowl of Caring
- Saturday, March 2, Apokriatiko Glendi (Pre-Lent Dinner Party)
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APOKRIATIKO GLENDI! A PRE-LENT DINNER PARTY!
Saturday, March 2nd
In Greece, Apokries is one of the most beloved traditions in the country, celebrated before the period of Great Lent. It allows revelers to partake in all the food, dance, and celebration they can before the 40-day period of spiritual reflection begins.
Holy Trinity of St Augustine is offering a Greek Carnival dinner March 2, with music and dancing. Plan to gather with friends, neighbors and family to enjoy appetizers, dinner and dessert (BYOB). It will be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy music and dancing! $30 per adult, $20 for children under twelve. More information will be available soon to order your tickets on our website by February 25th.
We'd love to have some volunteers to help plan, set up and serve for this event. The outline and basic menu are already complete, but a party needs so much more! Please see Stephanie Danikas-Losey or any parish council member.
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HOLY TRINITY GOYA: YOUTH MINISTRY
The Holy Trinity Church GOYA is for youth in sixth through twelfth grades. Upcoming events:
- Sunday, February 18, following Divine Liturgy – Oratorical festival workshop. Informational meeting about the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival that provides teenagers the opportunity to write and talk about their faith. On Mar 30, Holy Trinity will host the Northeastern Florida Conference Oratorical Festival.
- Sunday, February 18, 12:30pm – St. Francis House outreach. Help prepare a meal at HTGOC to be delivered to St. Francis House in downtown St. Augustine.
- Saturday, March 2 – Apokriatiko Glendi. GOYA has been invited to volunteer, serve and dance.
The Holy Trinity Church GOYA ministry integrates worship (liturgia), fellowship (koinonia), service (diakonia), and witness (martyria). Contact Connie or Andy for additional information.
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PHILOPTOCHOS EVENTS:
Please be on the lookout for our NEW monthly newsletter, "Fruits of The Spirit". Please feel free to email Gigi Ray at [email protected] with any information you want included. In addition, a Calendar was recently emailed to our membership. We have a number of events coming up, and, look forward to working together on these events and our projects! We are proceeding with our plans for Kitchen Clean-up. We need volunteers to sort kitchen items. Please watch this space for dates and times. They are coming-up soon!
Upcoming Events:
- 2/4 February Meeting (moved from 2/11, due to Souper Bowl of Caring)
- 2/11 Souper Bowl of Caring
- 3/24 Annunciation of the Theotokos and Greek Independence Day Luncheon
- 3/31 St. Fancis Homeless Shelter Fundraiser
- 4/21 Easter Bake Sale and Tsoureki Sale
- 4/21 Easter Card sign-up deadline
Philoptochos Board: President - Paula Marchman-Lekas; Vice President - Martha Tzemopoulos; Immediate Past President - Irene Pergeorellis; Treasurer - Toula Zotos; Recording Secretary - Connie Espinosa; Corresponding Secretary - Gigi Ray; Social Services - Faye Peterson, Joan Manias, Stacy Symeonides
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AGORA:
Featuring delicious imported Greek food items like cheeses, olives, olive oil, oregano, frozen tiropites and spanakopites, phyllo, chocolates, lentils, orzo and pastichio noodles, halvah, spoon sweet preserves, and household items like Greek coffee and soap. Gift baskets are available. All proceeds benefit Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of St Augustine. Please contact [email protected] to place an order or see us after church at the Agora in the church hall. Online pre-ordering for pickup on Sundays at church will be available soon. Stacy Symeonides, Stephanie Danikas & The Agora Team
ST. THEODORA BOOK STORE AND GIFT SHOP: Give that special someone a gift or even give your home a lift with beautiful items from Greece. For info, contact Paula Marchman - [email protected]. St Theodora bookstore is ready with prayer ropes, orthodox bibles, and inspirational books for your family. Do your shopping now and support our church. We are open on Sundays and by appointments during the week, E-mail [email protected]
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HOLY TRINITY FENCE PROJECT:
Michael Lekos has committed to help our Holy Trinity Church raise funds for a new replacement fence. He organized over 20 volunteers to remove the old fence and prepare the area for a new fence. If you choose to help, you can make your donation on his GoFundMe page (https://www.gofundme.com/holy-trinity-fence-project), OR send a check [checks can be made payable to “Holy Trinity Church”; please write ‘Fence Project’ on the memo line; and send to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church - 2940 County Road 214 - Saint Augustine, FL 32084-9307]. Thank you for supporting this effort.
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COFFEE HOUR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!! .... PLEASE!
You can do it solo or share the responsibility with someone else.
NEW link for Coffee Hour Sign-up”. Please sign up at:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4BA9AB29ABF58-47162771-holy
Email Gigi Ray at <[email protected]> or call her at 404-375-5859; or email Toula Zotos at [email protected]. You can speak to them after church, and they can sign you up also. Thank you in advance for considering offering this hospitality to our parish family and guests. [Using the SignUpGenius link: click the blue box that says SIGN UP; then the brown box at the bottom of the page that says SUBMIT AND SIGN UP - this will take you to the next screen; and click on SIGN UP NOW.
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PARAKLESIS SERVICE AT ST. PHOTIOS - January 17: The public is invited to join us at St. Photios National Shrine on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 for the Paraklesis Service. The V. Rev. Father Maximos will begin the service at 11:30 a.m. For all those whose patron saint is St. Anthony the Great, come and venerate his icon in the Chapel of St. Photios that day – and Happy Name Day!
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HOLY SERVICES AND EVENTS SCHEDULE: (see new website for official calendar)"
Sunday: Matins 9 am- Divine Liturgy 10 am
Lent: Wed presanctified 6pm…Fri Salutation 6pm…Wed/Fri Paraklesis 6pm....Parish Council 3rd Monday 6:30 pm
FEBRUARY 2024
2 NE Florida District Parish Council meeting 11 am
4 Philoptochos meeting following Liturgy 12:30 pm
4 Collection for St. Photios Shrine National Commitment
10 Flagler College sorority car wash fundraiser in HTGOC parking lot
11 Sunday, February 11 - IOCC Souper Bowl of Caring
18 Memorial for Chresanthe Lemieux - 1 year
18 40-day memorial for Christopher Akapnitis
18 Mortgage Reduction Campaign
19 Parish Council Meeting 6;30 pm
30 2024 St. Augustine Easter Parade
MARCH 2024
2 Apokriatiko Glendi (Pre-Lent Dinner Party) 6-10 pm
8 Wedding rehearsal Gaetanos/Smyth 5:00 pm
9 Saturday of Souls (1st)
9 Jacob Gaetanos/Paige Smyth wedding - 3:30 pm
10 Philoptochos meeting following liturgy 12;30 pm
16 Saturday of Souls (2nd)
16 Parish Oratorical Festival
17 Cheesefare Sunday
17 Mortgage Reduction Campaign
17 General Assembly (3rd Sunday of March)
30 Holy Trinity Church will host the Northeastern Florida Conference Oratorical Festival.
(Please note -the rest of calendar events for March will be in the next bulletin. Also a pdf of Calendar of Events is posted on the special events page of the bulletin.)
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WAYS OF GIVING:
On-Line: Click “Donate Now” on our Church’s webpage: www.HolyTrinityGOC.com to make a gift. Give via credit card, PayPal, or set up recurrent giving through your bank. Please be sure a specific notation (ex: stewardship) is included for each transaction.
Our “Light a Candle & Say a Prayer” ministry lets you light a candle during divine services. Your request will be forwarded to a Council member in the Narthex to light your candle. If you wish to provide names of loved ones to be prayed for, those will be provided to Fr. Maximos.
Giving by Check or Cash: Please be sure to include a notation on the memo line on checks to allow us to identify your intentions (i.e., stewardship, candles, trays, memorials, etc.). Please use a donation envelope available at the welcome desk and the Narthex and fill out the information requested.
Weekly Offering: The Lord's day is to be the time for a weekly offering for the support of His cause. Make your offering today...check or cash and enable our Church to continue to enhance the spiritual growth of the Orthodox Christians entrusted to our care. Your offering can be made at the collection basket as you exit the service or mailed to HTGOC using the donation envelopes are available at the welcome desk and in the Narthex.
Celebrations: Are you celebrating a special day? Birthday, Anniversary, Seasonal House Cleaning? Whatever the event, please consider celebrating it with others and making it a fundraiser for our church. People have raised $6 billion USD on Facebook and Instagram for causes they care about. Create a fundraiser and Facebook will take care of the donation processing with no fees. You can also place the PayPal giving link for the church in your on-line message for donations to be made directly to our account. This can be a fun way to share your happy day with your friends and community and an effective fundraiser for our church. Please reach out to Fr. Maximos or Nick Lekas for details.'
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THE BRICK CAMPAIGN:
The Brick Campaign began as a parish fundraising program for Holy Trinity at the time of the Opening of the Doors in 2008. It has become a vehicle to honor individuals who have impacted our parish, while it continues to provide a wonderful opportunity for people to create a lasting memory for a myriad of reasons. Show your support to Holy Trinity by purchasing a 4" x 8" paver with 3 lines for $100, or an 8" x 8" paver with 6 lines for $250.00. The net profit supports the parish operations.
Brochures are available on the card rack in the Church Hall or alternately, please contact Connie Espinosa [email protected] to either contribute to the 2023 campaign or to assist in this parish ministry. Your support is a lasting tribute that will honor a veteran, a family member, loved one, business or organization. Thank you, Connie Espinosa,
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KOLIVA FOR MEMORIAL SERVICES: is used for commemorations of the departed (40th day after death; 3rd, 6th, 9th month, annually) and Saturdays of the Souls. Contact Faye Peterson, [email protected] or Angela Lekos, [email protected] if you need Koliva prepared. There is a fee of $100 for materials, supplies and labor.
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ARTOKLASIA: Blessing of the Five Loaves is a service of thanksgiving through which we express our gratitude for all the blessings of life. The Blessing is offered on a feast day or special occasion. If you need Artoklasia prepared, contact Angela Lekos, [email protected].
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CHURCH OFFICE:
Please remember to dress appropriately for church when attending Holy Services -no flip-flops or shorts. Thank you - Fr. Maximos Please call (904 829-0504) or email ([email protected]) the parish office if your contact information needs to be updated. Also, if you know of anyone who doesn’t receive parish emails but would like to, please encourage them to contact the parish office with their contact information.
- If you have a request for a special service (traditionally, a volunteered donation is given to the priest) such as a memorial, please email the church office at [email protected] or call 904 829-0504 (if you do not have access to email) in advance of requested date with details.
- If requesting a graveside memorial, please contact the priest.
- If you would like any of the following, please contact the priest:
- To arrange an appointment for a House Blessing.
- To offer Holy Communion to someone in need at a hospital, nursing home, in hospice care, or at home.
- The normal deadline for the Church bulletin e-mail articles is before 12pm on Wednesday weekly. Thank you.
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Special Announcements
2024 STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE FORM
2024 Stewardship - Together, we are the Caretakers of our Church Effective Stewardship Begins with a plan. Each year, we have an opportunity to consciously plan our contributions and our involvement in the life of our parish. Please consider God’s blessings in your life and make a conscious decision to actively and generously support the operating needs of our parish by planning your 2024 stewardship contributions. You can submit your pledge by printing the attached form, or online at www.holytrinitygoc.com. You can also set up regular monthly payments through the church website or your bank. Thank you!
Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society
Philanthropy – Fellowship – Faith in Action We invite you to join Philoptochos & help us achieve our mission!
Employment opportunity
Employment
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 1st Tone
The stone having been sealed by the Pharisees and chief priests, * and Your all-immaculate body being guarded by soldiers, * You rose on the third day, O Lord and Savior, granting life unto the world. * Then the powers of the heavens cried out to You, O Giver of Life, and shouted, * “Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ! * Glory to Your eternal rule! * Glory to Your plan for saving us, only benevolent God!”
Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων, καὶ στρατιωτῶν φυλασσόντων τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα, ἀνέστης τριήμερος Σωτήρ, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὴν ζωήν. Διὰ τοῦτο αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν ἐβόων σοι Ζωοδότα· Δόξα τῇ ἀναστάσει σου Χριστέ, δόξα τῇ βασιλείᾳ σου, δόξα τῇ οἰκονομίᾳ σου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε.
Apolytikion for Ephraim the Syrian in the Plagal 4th Tone
With the rivers of your tears you made the barren desert bloom; and with your sighs from deep within, you made your labors bear their fruits a hundredfold; and you became a star, illuminating the world by your miracles, O Ephrem, our devout father. Intercede with Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls.
Ταῖς τῶν δακρύων σου ῥοαῖς, τῆς ἐρήμου τὸ ἄγονον ἐγεώργησας, καὶ τοῖς ἐκ βάθους στεναγμοῖς, εἰς ἑκατὸν τοὺς πόνους ἐκαρποφόρησας, καὶ γέγονας φωστὴρ τῇ οἰκουμένῃ, λάμπων τοῖς θαύμασιν, Ἐφραὶμ πατὴρ ἡμῶν ὅσιε, πρέσβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἠμῶν.
Seasonal Kontakion in the 1st Tone
You sanctified the womb of the Virgin by Your birth, and by Your presentation You blessed the hands of Symeon, when You came, and You saved us, O Christ our God. Now we pray You give peace to Your world at war, and let love for Your people prevail in all, O only benevolent Lord. Ὁ μήτραν παρθενικὴν ἁγιάσας τῷ τόκῳ σου, καὶ χεῖρας τοῦ Συμεὼν εὐλογήσας ὡς ἔπρεπε, προφθάσας καὶ νῦν ἔσωσας ἡμᾶς Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός. Ἀλλʼ εἰρήνευσον ἐν πολέμοις τὸ πολίτευμα, καὶ κραταίωσον Βασιλεῖς οὓς ἠγάπησας, ὁ μόνος φιλάνθρωπος.
Saints and Feasts
January 28
15th Sunday of Luke
January 28
Ephraim the Syrian
Saint Ephraim was born in Nisibis of Mesopotamia some time about the year 306, and in his youth was the disciple of Saint James, Bishop of Nisibis, one of the 318 Fathers at the First Ecumenical Council. Ephraim lived in Nisibis, practicing a severe ascetical life and increasing in holiness, until 363, the year in which Julian the Apostate was slain in his war against the Persians, and his successor Jovian surrendered Nisibis to them. Ephraim then made his dwelling in Edessa, where he found many heresies to do battle with. He waged an especial war against Bardaisan; this gnostic had written many hymns propagating his errors, which by their sweet melodies became popular and enticed souls away from the truth. Saint Ephraim, having received from God a singular gift of eloquence, turned Bardaisan's own weapon against him, and wrote a multitude of hymns to be chanted by choirs of women, which set forth the true doctrines, refuted heretical error, and praised the contests of the Martyrs.
Of the multitude of sermons, commentaries, and hymns that Saint Ephraim wrote, many were translated into Greek in his own lifetime. Sozomen says that Ephraim "Surpassed the most approved writers of Greece," observing that the Greek writings, when translated into other tongues, lose most of their original beauty, but Ephraim's works "are no less admired when read in Greek than when read in Syriac" (Eccl. Hist., Book 111, 16). Saint Ephraim was ordained deacon, some say by Saint Basil the Great, whom Sozomen said "was a great admirer of Ephraim, and was astonished at his erudition." Saint Ephraim was the first to make the poetic expression of hymnody and song a vehicle of Orthodox theological teachings, constituting it an integral part of the Church's worship; he may rightly be called the first and greatest hymnographer of the Church, who set the pattern for these who followed him, especially Saint Romanos the Melodist. Because of this he is called the "Harp of the Holy Spirit." Jerome says that his writings were read in some churches after the reading of the Scriptures, and adds that once he read a Greek translation of one of Ephraim's works, "and recognized, even in translation, the incisive power of his lofty genius" (De vir. ill., ch. CXV).
Shortly before the end of his life, a famine broke out in Edessa, and Saint Ephraim left his cell to rebuke the rich for not sharing their goods with the poor. The rich answered that they knew no one to whom they could entrust their goods. Ephraim asked them, "What do you think of me?" When they confessed their reverence for him, he offered to distribute their alms, to which they agreed. He himself cared with his own hands for many of the sick from the famine, and so crowned his life with mercy and love for neighbor. Saint Ephraim reposed in peace, according to some in the year 373, according to others, 379.
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. 1st Tone. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.
The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to Timothy 4:9-15.
Timothy, my son, the saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and suffer reproach, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Till I come, attend to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.
Gospel Reading
15th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 19:1-10
At that time, Jesus was passing through Jericho. And there was a man named Zacchaios; he was a chief collector, and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaios, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." And Zacchaios stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost."