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, Geraldine Sarris, Philip Sarris, Maryann Bolt, Leonardos Daniels, Athena Duddy, Ingrid Fotianos, Mikae Gaetanos, Susana G. Kugeares, Kostas Lantzounis, Chresanthe Lemieux, George Lemieux, Jr., James Mahourtis, Mary Mastoridis, Nicolaos Pramagioulis, Adeline Susan Rahaneotis, Mary Santas, Tommy Stewart,  Tracey Billeter Stott, Gary Spanos, Gwen H, Trey Wilkinson, Michael Fotianos ,Mike Theodosion and Rita Latgis.

May their memory be eternal!

Prayers for:

 Taki Andriotis, Angelique Dalarides Kelley, Michael Colburn, Chris Bersu, Michael , Ruza Basimamovic, Zoe Kauttu , James Day, James Kyriake, Alex Aclim, Jane Anderson, Athena Mechikoff, Lewis Hayberg,Jayden Billeter, Vanessa Oliver,  Kugeares Family (Zoe and Marika ), Bobby James, Michaela, and Patricia Tortorella,  Martha Tzemopoulos,  Kaliroi Parris, Gary Peterson,Thomas Lekas and Cliff Demeritt.

A WORD FROM:

V. Rev Fr. Maximos Politis, HTGOC Parish Priest

(347) 500-8176 [email protected]

Η σχέση με τον Θεό: Φόβος, συμφέρον, αγάπη 

 Αναρωτηθήκαμε ποτέ τι είναι αυτό που καθορίζει την σχέση μας με τον Θεό; Στην αρχαιότητα, και στα μετέπειτα χρόνια όπου υπήρχε η δουλεία, ο δούλος έβλεπε τον αφέντη του με φόβο. Αυτό τον έκαμνε να υπακούει και να φροντίζει να μη δυσαρεστεί τον αφέντη του. Υπάρχουν άνθρωποι που μένουν κοντά στον Θεό φοβούμενοι την κόλαση και όλα τα δεινά που τους περιμένουν. Είναι καλό αυτό; Όχι βέβαια, αλλά ο ατελής άνθρωπος ξεκινάει από αυτό. Ο Θεός, ακόμα και έτσι δέχεται τον άνθρωπο και περιμένει την εξέλιξή του.

Υπάρχουν επίσης άνθρωποι που βλέπουν τον Θεό όπως ο μισθωτός τον εργοδότη του. Ο εργάτης προσφέρει κάποια υπηρεσία γιατί περιμένει από τον εργοδότη ανταμοιβή. Με τον ίδιο τρόπο αυτοί προσπαθούν να είναι καλοί Χριστιανοί γιατί τους περιμένουν τα αιώνια αγαθά, η βασιλεία των Ουρανών.  Αυτό  είναι μια εξέλιξη γιατί η σχέση βασίζεται στην ελπίδα και την πίστη στην αιώνια ανταμοιβή αλλά συνδέεται με το συμφέρον, ακόμα και το πνευματικό.

Υπάρχουν τέλος χριστιανοί των οποίων η σχέση με τον Θεό καθορίζεται από την αγάπη τους σε Αυτόν. Όπως τα παιδιά που υπηρετούν τον πατέρα τους στο σπίτι, στα χωράφια, στη δουλειά. Τον υπηρετούν γιατί είναι ο πατέρας τους που τον αγαπούν και γνωρίζουν ότι και αυτός τα αγαπάει. Το κίνητρο για την εργασία δεν είναι ούτε ο φόβος, ούτε η αμοιβή αν και είναι σίγουρο ότι ο πατέρας θα τα ανταμείψει. Τα παιδιά όμως δουλεύουν γιατί αγαπούν τον πατέρα. Ο χριστιανός που βλέπει τον Θεό ως πατέρα δεν προσφέρει απλώς κάποιες υπηρεσίες, δίνει τον εαυτό του, όπως λέγεται στις Παροιμίες του Σολομώντα: «Υιέ μου δός μοι σήν καρδίαν». Αυτή είναι η τέλεια σχέση με τον Θεό, η οποία όμως συχνά ξεκινάει από τον φόβο. Ή, για να θυμηθούμε τον Αγ. Συμεών τον Νέο Θεολόγο: «Φόβος εν τη αγάπη ουχ ευρίσκεται ουδ' όλως, ουδέ πάλιν δίχα φόβου εν ψυχή καρποφορείται».

The relationship with God: Fear, benefit, love

Have we ever reflected on what defines our relationship with God?

In antiquity, and even in later times when slavery existed, a slave viewed his master with fear—obeying him and striving not to provoke his wrath. Similarly, there are those who live close to God but are driven by fear—fear of hell and the sufferings that await sinners. Is this ideal? Certainly not. Yet, in humanity’s imperfection, many begin their journey with fear. Even so, God accepts each person where they are and patiently awaits their spiritual growth.

Others perceive their relationship with God as a worker views his employer. The employee serves in expectation of a wage, and likewise, some strive to be good Christians because they seek the rewards of eternal life and the kingdom of heaven. This represents a step forward, as the relationship is now based on hope and the belief in God’s promises—though it remains transactional, even in a spiritual sense.

Finally, there are Christians whose relationship with God is defined by love. Like children serving their father—whether at home or in the fields—they serve not out of fear or obligation but out of devotion. They know their father loves them, and they love him in return. Though a father may surely reward his children, they do not serve him for that reason—they serve simply because they love him. A Christian who views God as a loving Father does not merely offer services; he offers himself. As the Proverbs of Solomon declare: “My son, give me your heart.” This is the perfect relationship with God—though it often begins with fear. As St. Symeon the New Theologian reminds us: “Fear is not found in love, yet love does not bloom in the soul without fear.”

 . Events:

• 6-Month Memorial for Gerry Sarris 9/27/2026
•  Cooking dates for Greek Festival are below, many hands are needed to prepare for the festival

   ·       Fri, Sep 25, 1pm - 7pm – Pastitsio

  ·      Sat, Sep 26, 10am - finish – Pastitsio

  ·      Sat, Oct 3, 10am - finish – Chicken skewering

  ·      Thu, Oct 8, 10am - 5pm – Tzatziki; Onion, tomato chopping

  ·      Fri, Oct 9, 10am - finish – Set-up; Beans, Dressing

 Notices:

• ASTERAKIA DANCE GROUP

  We are excited to invite all our children, boys and girls, 5 – 14 years old to join the Asterakia Dance group, which means “Little Stars” in English!

  Come learn and enjoy the beautiful traditions of Greek dancing in a fun and welcoming environment. No experience is necessary for this free of charge event!

  When: Sundays, after Divine Liturgy at noon for about 30 minutes (Sunday school classroom) 

  Each Sunday’s social hour is chaired by Philoptochos

  A volunteer coordinates a given week’s plan. That means that regardless of experience, anyone can volunteer to provide a snack and be a host.  This is not limited to Philoptchos members or   even just to women!

  Sign up is  available on our website, under the Calendar tab.

  We understand that many parishioners are unable to host, however they want to connect, get involved and enjoy time together after worship. If you’re able, you can always bring something to share with our parish family and Sunday school children. Items picked up during grocery store sales (buy one, get one free) are always appreciated. Also, this is a great way to get non-perishable items to donate to the local food pantry!

  We welcome:

  Ø Baked goods or simple snacks (ready to serve)

  Ø Fruits (cleaned and ready to serve)

  Ø Homemade items (list ingredients to prevent allergy concerns)

       If you have any questions on what to bring or when, reach out to Kaliroi Parris at [email protected] or contact any of the Philoptochos ladies and they will be glad to help you!

   

   **If you have an article for The Sunday Messenger or Holy Trinity Herald  please email by Wednesday each week to Carey at the Church office to [email protected].