Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-09-22
Bulletin Contents
Parish News
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings

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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (904)-829-0504
  • Fax:
  • (904)829-0504
  • Street Address:

  • 2940 CR-214

  • St. Augustine, FL 32084-2718

Contact Information

Nicholas Lekas


[email protected] | 904-814-4930

Services Schedule

Sunday  Divine Liturgy 10:00am    V. Rev. Father Maximos Politis, Priest

Past Bulletins


Parish News

PRAYER REQUEST:

"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: Dr. George Antonatos, Ellen Sarris Allen, Maryann Bolt, Leonardos Daniels, Athena Duddy, Mikae Gaetanos, Susana G. Kugeares, Kostas Lantzounis, Chresanthe Lemieux, George Lemieux, Jr., James Mahourtis, Mary Mastoridis, Nicolaos Pramagioulis, Tommy Stewart and Trey Wilkinson.

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, Lewis Hayberg and Jayden Billeter .

A WORD FROM:

V. Rev Fr. Maximos Politis, HTGOC Parish Priest

(347) 500-8176 [email protected]

 

 

Η Θεία Οικονομία και η ανθρώπινη στάση 

 

Όταν ο Θεός έβαλε τους πρωτοπλάστους στον Παράδεισο, τους έδωσε μια εντολή. Μαζί με αυτήν τους προειδοποίησε. «Ἧ δ᾿ ἄν ἡμέρᾳ φάγητε ἀπ᾿ αὐτοῦ, θανάτῳ ἀποθανεῖσθε». Ας προσέξουμε εδώ ότι ο Θεός δεν είπε ότι “θα σας σκοτώσω”. Τους μίλησε για τις συνέπειες της παρακοής. Ο αποχωρισμός από τον Θεό φέρνει την φθορά και η φθορά τον θάνατο. Ο Θεός δεν είναι ένας σκληρός νομοθέτης. Είναι Θεός αγάπης. Η απομάκρυνση από τον Παράδεισο ξεκίνησε από τον πειρασμό που δέχτηκαν στην ψυχή τους. Άρχισαν να αμφιβάλλουν για αυτά που τους είπε ο Θεός. Η σκέψη έφερε την πράξη και η πράξη την πτώση και έξωση.

Μακριά από τον Θεό ο άνθρωπος έχασε την αθανασία και μαζί την δυνατότητα της ζωής κοντά στον Θεό. Ο Θεός όμως είναι φιλάνθρωπος και η δικαιοσύνη Του συνοδεύεται πάντα με την αγάπη για το πλάσμα Του. Θέτει σε εφαρμογή το σχέδιο της Θείας Οικονομίας. Γίνεται ο  δεύτερος Αδάμ και με την Σταυρική Του θυσία ανοίγει τις πύλες της σωτηρίας. Αυτό που μένει στον άνθρωπο είναι να κάνει ό,τι δεν έκανε ο πρώτος Αδάμ. Όπως η απομάκρυνση ξεκίνησε με την αμφισβήτηση του Θεού και την παρακοή, έτσι και η επιστροφή γίνεται με την υπακοή στο Θεό. Η υπακοή στο Θεό εκδηλώνεται με τη μετάνοια. Ας ακούσουμε Κύριο που ξεκινάει το την διδασκαλία Του με τοι: “Μετανοείτε, ήγγικε γαρ”, δηλαδή είναι κοντά,  η βασιλεία των Ουρανών”. Αυτό κήρυξε τότε. Αλλά, νομίζω, το ίδιο θα έλεγε και σήμερα: “Μετανοείτε, γιατί έτσι θα έρθετε κοντά στη Βασιλεία των Ουρανών”.

 

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DivineProvidenceandrepentance.

 

When God placed the first created man in Paradise, He gave them a command. Along with it He warned them. «On the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.». Let us note here that God did not say "I will kill you". He spoke to them about the consequences of disobedience. Separation from God brings decay and decay brings death. God is not a cruel legislator. He is a God of love. The expulsion from Paradise began with the temptation they received in their soul. They began to doubt what God had told them. Thought brought action and action brought fall and expulsion.

Far from God man lost immortality and along with it the possibility of living close to God. But God is a loving one and His justice is always accompanied by love for His creature. So, He implements the plan of the Divine Economy. He becomes the second Adam and with His Sacrifice on the Cross opens the gates of salvation. What remains in man is to do what the first Adam did not do. Just as the departure began with the questioning of God and disobedience, so the return is done with obedience to God. Obedience to God is manifested through repentance. Let us listen to the Lord who begins His teaching with the: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand", which means, it is near. That is what he preached then. But, I think, he would say the same today: "Repent, for in this way you will come closer to the Kingdom of Heaven."

 

CHURCH OFFICE:

Upcoming Event:                                                                                                        

  • Memorial Service for Ifigenia Trakas Couchell, mother of Metropolitan Dimitrios on September 22, 2024

  • Greek Festival - Taverna Style 2024 will be October 11th to October 12th. Guests will enjoy an authentic sit-down, multi-course meal, Greek wine, the sounds of Greek music and traditional Greek folk dancing.

    The event will feature three seatings:​

     Friday, October 11th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

     Saturday, October 12th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

     Saturday, October 12th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

     Visit the website at www.staugustinegreekfestival.com

  • Hall Rental Looking for the perfect venue for your next event? The John C. Carlos Fellowship Hall at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in St. Augustine is available for rent! With 2,500 sq. ft. of space and seating for up to 200 guests, it’s ideal for any occasion—whether it’s a birthday party, family reunion, holiday celebration, baby shower, wedding reception, meeting, or lecture.

    The hall comes with kitchen facilities, making it easy to cater your event to your liking. For pricing and reservations, give us a call at (904) 829-0504 or email us through our website at www.holytrinitystaugustine.org. We’re open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. We look forward to helping you make your event special!

  • Carey will be out of church office Wednesday September 18th through Friday September 27th

 

If you have an article for the Bulletin or Newsletter please send by Wednesday each week to Carey at the Church office.  You can send to [email protected].

 

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 4th Tone

When the women disciples of the Lord heard the Angel joyously proclaim the resurrection, they cast aside the ancestral verdict, and boasting in glory they said to the Apostles, “Death has been despoiled! Christ God has risen, granting the great mercy to the world!” Τὸ φαιδρὸν τῆς ἀναστάσεως κήρυγμα, ἐκ τοῦ Ἀγγέλου μαθοῦσαι αἱ τοῦ Κυρίου Μαθήτριαι, καὶ τὴν προγονικὴν ἀπόφασιν ἀποῤῥίψασαι, τοῖς Ἀποστόλοις καυχώμεναι ἔλεγον· Ἐσκύλευται ὁ θάνατος, ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ὁ Θεός, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for Hieromartyr Phocas in the 4th Tone

Becoming a partner with the Apostles in way of life and successor to their thrones, O God-inspired Saint, in the active life you found an entrance to contemplation. Hence you rightly expounded the word of truth, and you shed your blood in struggling for the faith, O Hieromartyr Phocas. Intercede with Christ our God, beseeching Him to save our souls. Καὶ τρόπων μέτοχος, καὶ θρόνων διάδοχος, τῶν Ἀποστόλων γενόμενος, τὴν πρᾶξιν εὗρες Θεόπνευστε, εἰς θεωρίας ἐπίβασιν· διὰ τοῦτο τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας ὀρθοτομῶν, καὶ τῇ πίστει ἐνήθλησας μέχρις αἵματος, Ἱερομάρτυς Φωκᾶ, πρέσβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 2nd Tone

O Protection of Christians that never falls, intercession with the Creator that never fails, we sinners beg you, do not ignore the voices of our prayers. O good Lady, we implore you, quickly come unto our aid, when we cry out to you with faith. Hurry to intercession, and hasten to supplication, O Theotokos who protect now and ever those who honor you Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία, πρὸς τὸν Ποιητὴν ἀμετάθετε, μὴ παρίδῃς, ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλὰ πρόφθασον, ὡς ἀγαθή, εἰς τὴν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν, τῶν πιστῶς κραυγαζόντων σοι· Τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καὶ σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προστατεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε, τῶν τιμώντων σε.
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Saints and Feasts

September 22

1st Sunday of Luke

September 22

Phocas the Martyr, Bishop of Sinope

This saint was known for the many miracles he worked and for his apostolic zeal in shepherding the flock of Sinope. He contested for the Faith during the reign of the Emperor Trajan, in the year 102, when he was burned to death in a bath-house. A homily in his honour was composed by Saint John Chrysostom. The translation of his holy relics is celebrated on July 23.

September 22

Phocas the Gardener

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. 4th Tone. Psalm 103.24,1.
O Lord, how manifold are your works. You have made all things in wisdom.
Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 16:13-24.

Brethren, be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. Now, brethren, you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints; I urge you to be subject to such men and to every fellow worker and laborer. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicos, because they have made up for your absence; for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men. The churches of Asia send greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. All the brethren send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. If any one has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Gospel Reading

1st Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 5:1-11

At that time, as Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For he was astonished, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

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