Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-05-11
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

Thomas Lekas


[email protected] | 678-993-3629

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: 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, Adeline Susan Rahaneotis, 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, James, Kyriake, Alex Aclim, Jane Anderson, Gwen H, Lewis Hayberg,Jayden Billeter, Vanessa Oliver and Chris.

A WORD FROM:

V. Rev Fr. Maximos Politis, HTGOC Parish Priest

(347) 500-8176 [email protected]

Θέλεις να γίνεις υγιής;

 Η ερώτηση του Κυρίου προς τον παραλυτικό «θέλεις υγιής γενέσθαι» έχει διπλό νόημα. Δηλώνει ότι ο παράλυτος δεν ήταν μόνο σωματικά ασθενής, αλλά ήταν και πνευματικά. Επίσης, δηλώνει ότι ο Κύριος δεν στερεί την ελευθερία του ανθρώπου, αλλά χρειάζεται την εκουσία του συγκατάθεση. Πάντοτε με την δική μας θέληση, ο Κύριος επιθυμεί να εισέλθει στη ζωή μας. Χορηγεί τη θέληση, δέχεται την πίστη και χαρίζει τη δωρεά χωρίς αμοιβή, σύμφωνα με τον Άγιο Κύριλλο Ιεροσολύμων.

Ο Άγιος Κύριλλος, επίσης, επισημαίνει την στάση των συμπατριωτών του, πρώην πλέον, Παραλύτου. Μόλις ο Κύριος θεραπεύει θαυματουργικά τον άρρωστο, οι Ιουδαίοι του έλεγαν: Είναι Σάββατο, δεν σου επιτρέπεται να σηκώνεις το κρεβάτι σου. Πραγματικά, έλεγαν την αλήθεια. Δεν μπορούσαν όμως να δουν ότι αυτός που έδωσε την εντολή στον άρρωστο, ήταν εκείνος που έδωσε ολόκληρο τον Νόμο. Ο άνθρωπος, και τότε και τώρα και πάντα είναι έτοιμος να συμβουλεύσει τον Θεό. Πώς επιτρέπει ο Θεός την Α ή την Β κατάσταση; Ας θυμηθούμε τους Μαθητές που, πριν τον πολλαπλασιασμό των Άρτων και των Ιχθυων, συμβουλεύουν τον Χριστό να διώξει τους όχλους γιατί δεν είχαν μαζί τους φαγητό. Ή, ακόμα, στην επιμονή της Χαναναίας ο Κύριος να θεραπεύσει την κόρη της, οι Μαθητές “δίνουν” την λύση λέγοντας στον Κύριο: “Διώξε την γιατί φωνάζει ξοπίσω μας, είναι ενοχλητική.” Το έργο των ανθρώπων δεν είναι να συμβουλεύουν τον Θεό. Έργο τους είναι να ακούν τον Θεό και να συμμορφώνονται προς το θέλημά Του. Επομένως, ο Κύριος και σήμερα μας ρωτάει “Θέλεις να γίνεις υγιής;” και περιμένει να Του πούμε: “Ναι Κύριε, θέλω να γίνω υγιής. Θέλω να σε εμπιστεύομαι, και να κάνεις ό,τι χρειάζεται για να σωθώ.

Do you want to be healed?

The Lord's question to the paralytic "do you want to be made whole" has a double meaning. He states that the paralytic was not only physically sick, but he was also spiritually sick. It also states that the Lord does not deprive man of his freedom but requires his voluntary consent. Always with our own will, the Lord wishes to enter our lives. He bestows the will, accepts the faith and bestows the gift without reward, according to St. Cyril of Jerusalem.

St. Cyril also points out the attitude of the compatriots of the, now formerly, Paralytic. As soon as the Lord miraculously heals the sick, the Jews would say to him: It is the Sabbath, you are not allowed to raise your bed. Indeed, they were telling the truth. But they could not see that the one who gave the order to the sick man was the one who gave the whole Law. Man, then and now and always is ready to advise God. How does God allow situation A or situation B? Let us remember the Disciples who, before the multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes, advised Christ to drive out the multitudes because they had no food with them. Or, still, in the insistence of the woman of Canaan that the Lord heal her daughter, the Disciples "give" the solution by saying to the Lord: "Put her away because she is shouting behind us, she is annoying." It is not the work of men to advise God. Their job is to listen to God and conform to His will. Therefore, the Lord still asks us today "Do you want to become healthy?" and he expects us to say to Him: "Yes Lord, I want to be healthy. I want to trust you that you do what it takes to me to be saved.

Notices:

Dance Team 

" Calling all Hghschool and Middle school age children to join the Dance team towards our festival in October!!

First practice was held on April 27th at 12pm in the church hall. Subsequent practices are once a month until September when they will be weekly. Dance  is a fun way to connect and preserve our culture. More details will be given in the first practice.Opa !"

Coffee Hour

Please sign up for Coffee Hour-We need your assistance, link below

 https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A45A8AD2FABFECE9-54297592-coffee#/ 

Greek Summer Night Needs Your Help

Greek Summer Night is Saturday, June 7, 2025. This event aims to raise funds to support our beloved church and its ministries.  There are numerous items needed – food, drinks, decorations.  We would be grateful for any monetary contributions. Your generosity will not only enhance our event but also help us serve our community more effectively.  Please see Andy Lekos to donate. Andrew J. Lekos, m 904.392.1084, e [email protected]

EVENTS:

  Upcoming Events:    

  • Greek Summer Night Reservations

    Reserve your tickets for Greek Summer Night, on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the Parish Hall.  Space is limited!  Come enjoy Greek food, dance and music by Dj Taki.  Tickets $40; $20 for children (12 & under); reserved seating available.  Please call 773.517.6352 or email [email protected] for tickets or order online at

     https://holy-trinity-greek-orthodox-church-events-102143.square.site/

  • Welcome Home Event

We are hosting a Welcome Home Event on May 18th as an opportunity for all Christians looking for a parish home to visit the local church of the ancient faith. Learn the church ministries and philanthropic outreach efforts with local charities while enjoying food and a silent auction.

  • Five-Year Memorial for Dr. Steve Poulos

Mrs. Vasso Poulos is hosting a luncheon following the liturgy and memorial for our church family and all friends of Dr. Steve Poulos.

  • Mothers Day 5/11/2025
  • Welcome Home Stewardship Event 5/18/2025
  • Five-year Memorial for Dr. Steve Poulos 6/1/2025
  • Please sign up for Coffee Hour-We need your assistance
  • Carey Cramer on vacation 5/6-16/2025

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

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Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal 1st Tone

Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.
Resurrectional Apolytikion. Mode 3. Let the heavens be glad. Let the earth rejoice exceedingly. For the Lord has shown strength with his arm. He trampled death by death. He became the first-born of the dead. Out of the belly of Hades, He has rescued us, and to the world He has granted the great mercy. Εὐφραινέσθω τὰ οὐράνια, ἀγαλλιάσθω τὰ ἐπίγεια, ὅτι ἐποίησε κράτος ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ, ὁ Κύριος· ἐπάτησε τῷ θανάτῳ τὸν θάνατον· πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν ἐγένετο· ἐκ κοιλίας ᾅδου ἐῤῥύσατο ἡμᾶς, καὶ παρέσχε τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 4th Tone

Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades' power, and You rose the victor, Christ God, saying to the myrrh-bearing women, "Hail!" and granting peace to Your disciples, You who raise up the fallen.
Though You went down into the tomb, O Immortal One, yet You brought down the dominion of Hades; and You rose as the victor, O Christ our God; and You called out “Rejoice” to the Myrrh-bearing women, and gave peace to Your Apostles, O Lord who to the fallen grant resurrection. Εἰ καὶ ἐν τάφῳ κατῆλθες Ἀθάνατε, ἀλλὰ τοῦ ᾅδου καθεῖλες τὴν δύναμιν· καὶ ἀνέστης ὡς νικητής, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, γυναιξὶ Μυροφόροις φθεγξάμενος, Χαίρετε, καὶ τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις εἰρήνην δωρούμενος, ὁ τοῖς πεσοῦσι παρέχων ἀνάστασιν.
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Saints and Feasts

May 11

Sunday of the Paralytic

Close to the Sheep's Gate in Jerusalem, there was a pool, which was called the Sheep's Pool. It had round about it five porches, that is, five sets of pillars supporting a domed roof. Under this roof there lay very many sick people with various maladies, awaiting the moving of the water. The first to step in after the troubling of the water was healed immediately of whatever malady he had.

It was there that the paralytic of today's Gospel way lying, tormented by his infirmity of thirty-eight years. When Christ beheld him, He asked him, "Wilt thou be made whole?" And he answered with a quiet and meek voice, "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool." The Lord said unto him, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." And straightaway the man was made whole and took up his bed. Walking in the presence of all, he departed rejoicing to his own house. According to the expounders of the Gospels, the Lord Jesus healed this paralytic during the days of the Passover, when He had gone to Jerusalem for the Feast, and dwelt there teaching and working miracles. According to Saint John the Evangelist, this miracle took place on the Sabbath.

May 11

Renewal of Constantinople

May 11

Hieromartyr Mocius

The holy Hieromartyr Mocius, who was of Roman parents, lived during the reign of Diocletian, and was a priest in Amphipolis of Thrace. One day as the idolaters were assembled, and the Proconsul Laodicius was offering sacrifice to Dionysus, Mocius entered the temple and overturned the altar. After many torments, through which he was preserved whole by grace divine, he was sent to Byzantium, where he was beheaded about the year 288. Saint Constantine the Great built a magnificent church in honour of Saint Mocius in Constantinople, where his holy relics were enshrined. He is one of the Holy Unmercenaries.

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. 3rd Tone. Psalm 46.6,1.
Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse: Clap your hands, all you nations.

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 9:32-42.

In those days, as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints that lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed." And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, "Please come to us without delay." So Peter rose and went with them. And when he had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing tunics and other garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, rise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Paralytic
The Reading is from John 5:1-15

At that time, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water; whoever stepped in first after the troubling of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your pallet, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked.

Now that day was the sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet." But he answered them, "The man who healed me said to me, 'Take up your pallet, and walk.' "They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your pallet, and walk'?" Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you." The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

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