Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-03-08
Bulletin Contents

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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (228) 388-6138
  • Street Address:

  • 255 Beauvoir Rd.

  • Biloxi, MS 39531


Contact Information




Services Schedule

Service schedule varies.  The current schedule can be found in the bulletin or parish website.

 


Past Bulletins


Father Paisius McGrath, Presbyter

Glory to Jesus Christ! Greetings to the faithful members and families of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ guide and be with us as we continue to faithfully continue on our Lenten journey!

Today on the 1st Sunday of Great Lenten/Sunday of Orthodoxy we encounter the theme of the glory and God shown in the splendor of His Kingdom. In today's Gospel from Saint John 1:43- 51 we hear of the encounter and dialogue between our Lord and Nathaniel resulting in the acknowledgment of the Glory of God reflected in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.  Here we reflect as Nathaniel did on the glory of the Kingdom of God.  As believers in Christ Jesus we also are members of the Kingdom of God, how do we respond to this fact? Do we recognize the glory of being children of the Kingdom and allow this to change our lives to live as truly members of the Kingdom or is it just another thing we participate in as a heritage or tradition? Let us allow the Glory of God so fill and change us so that the world sees the the Glory of the Son of God shining through us!

            Your Pastor,

            Father Paisius R. McGrath 

 

 

  

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Grave Tone. Psalm 63.11,1.
The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord.
Verse: Oh God, hear my cry.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 2:1-10.

Timothy, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hardworking farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything.

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my gospel, the gospel for which I am suffering and wearing fetters like a criminal. But the word of God is not fettered. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory.


Gospel Reading

First Saturday of Lent: The Commemoration of the Miracle of Kollyva wrought by Saint Theodore the Tyro
The Reading is from Mark 2:23-28; 3:1-5

At that time, Jesus was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. And the Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?" And he said to them, "Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?" And he said to them, "The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath; so the Son of man is lord even of the sabbath."

Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. And they watched him, to see whether he would heal him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man who had the withered hand, "Come here." And he said to them, "Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?" But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, "Stretch it out," and his hand was restored.


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Saints and Feasts

March 08

First Saturday of Lent: The Commemoration of the Miracle of Kollyva wrought by Saint Theodore the Tyro

Julian the Apostate, knowing that the Christians purify themselves by fasting most of all during the first week of the Fast -- which is why we call it Clean Week -- planned to defile them especially at that time. Therefore he secretly commanded that during those days the markets be filled with foods that had been defiled with the blood of animals offered in sacrifice to idols. But by divine command the Martyr Theodore (see Feb. 17) appeared during sleep to Eudoxius, then Archbishop of Constantinople. The Saint revealed to him the tyrant's plan, then told him to call the faithful together immediately on Monday morning and prevent them from purchasing those foods, but rather to make kollyva to supply their needs. The bishop asked what kollyva might be, and the Saint answered, "Kollyva is what we call boiled wheat in Euchaita." Thus, the purpose of the Apostate was brought to nought, and the pious people who were preserved undefiled for the whole of Clean Week, rendered thanks to the Martyr on this Saturday, and celebrated his commemoration with kollyva. These things took place in 362. Wherefore, the Church keeps this commemoration each year to the glory of God and the honour of the Martyr.


March 09

Sunday of Orthodoxy

For more than one hundred years the Church of Christ was troubled by the persecution of the Iconoclasts of evil belief, beginning in the reign of Leo the Isaurian (717-741) and ending in the reign of Theophilus (829-842). After Theophilus's death, his widow the Empress Theodora (celebrated Feb. 11), together with the Patriarch Methodius (June 14), established Orthodoxy anew. This ever-memorable Queen venerated the icon of the Mother of God in the presence of the Patriarch Methodius and the other confessors and righteous men, and openly cried out these holy words: "If anyone does not offer relative worship to the holy icons, not adoring them as though they were gods, but venerating them out of love as images of the archetype, let him be anathema." Then with common prayer and fasting during the whole first week of the Forty-day Fast, she asked God's forgiveness for her husband. After this, on the first Sunday of the Fast, she and her son, Michael the Emperor, made a procession with all the clergy and people and restored the holy icons, and again adorned the Church of Christ with them. This is the holy deed that all we the Orthodox commemorate today, and we call this radiant and venerable day the Sunday of Orthodoxy, that is, the triumph of true doctrine over heresy.


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Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion for 1st Sat. of Lent in the 2nd Tone

Great are the achievements of faith! In the fountain of flame, as by the water of rest, the holy Martyr Theodore rejoiced; for having been made a whole-burnt offering in the fire, he was offered as sweet bread unto the Trinity. By his prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 2nd Tone

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.
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Wisdom of the Fathers

...when in paradise we fell away from the divine commandment and the blessed and godly way of life, and were brought down as far as Hades, many evils resulted. Not only did the ground yield visible thorns and thistles in accordance with the curse upon our Forefather, but we, to an even greater extent, were sown with the thorns of all sorts of evil passions and with sin's dreadful thistles.
St. Gregory Palamas
The Homilies, Homily Fourteen para. 3; Saint Tikhon's Seminary Press pg. 158, Fourteenth Century

...a person does not participate in God either according to His essence or according to His hypostases, for neither of these can be in any way divided, nor can they be communicated to any one at all. Hence God is in this respect totally inaccessible to all, though indeed He is also everywhere present. But the energy and power common to the tri-hypostatic nature is variously and proportionately divided among those who participate in it, and is therefore accessible to those who are blessed with it. For, as Saint Basil says, 'the Holy Spirit is not participated in to the same degree by each person who receives Him; rather, He distributes His energy according to the faith of the participant; for though He is simple in essence, He is diverse in His powers.'
St. Gregory Palamas
Topics of Natural and Theological Science no. 109, Philokalia Vol. 4 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg.396, 14th century

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Upcoming Services and Events

  • Upcoming Services and Events

    March 8 to March 16, 2025

    Saturday, March 8

    Miracle of Kolyva

    Saturday of the Souls

    1st Saturday of Great Lent

    9:30AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy and Memorial Service

    5:00PM Great Vespers

    6:00PM Byzantine Chant Class

    Sunday, March 9

    1st Sunday of Great Lent

    Sunday of Orthodoxy

    9:30AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil

    11:45AM Procession of the Holy Icons

    3:00PM Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers - Holy Cross Orthodox Church, 702 N 30th Ave, Hattiesburg

    Monday, March 10

    9:30AM Orthros and Hours

    6:00PM Parish Council Meeting

    Wednesday, March 12

    6:00PM Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts

    7:30PM Potluck Meal

    Thursday, March 13

    6:00PM Bible Study

    Friday, March 14

    10:00AM Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts

    6:00PM Salutations to the Holy Theotokos - 2nd Stasis

    Saturday, March 15

    5:00PM Great Vespers

    6:00PM Byzantine Chant Class

    Sunday, March 16

    2nd Sunday of Great Lent

    Sunday of Saint Gregory Palamas

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Announcements

BIRTHDAYS
 
Today we extend our best wishes and congratulations to Nick Portaritis as he celebrates his birthday on March 10, to Grady Ross as he celebrates his birthday on March 10, and to Liz Skochil as she celebrates her birthday on March 13. May the Lord our God bless his servants Nick, Grady and Liz, and may He grant to them many more blessed and happy years!
 
   
ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
We offer a reminder of the time change as time moves ahead 1 hour. Don't forget to turn your clocks ahead 1 hour on
Sunday March 9.
 
Today we celebrate the Sunday of Orthodoxy which commemorates the Restoration of Holy Icons in the Church on the 1st Sunday of Great Lent in 842 AD. This occasion gives us an opportunity to reflect on the importance of Holy Icons as Scripture in Color in our lives. At the end of Divine Liturgy we participate in the Procession of Holy Icons, and in so doing, we affirm that we follow the Faith of the Apostles, the Faith of the Fathers, the Faith of the Church!
 
Today our Procession of Holy Icons will be done outside around the Church, stopping at each corner to offer short litanies and prayers. Bring an Icon from home and join us in affirming our Holy Orthodox Faith!
 
 Today as on all Sundays of Great Lent we offer the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil. Listen carefully and closely to the different but beautiful and spiritually enriching prayers of this beautiful Liturgy!
 
We invite every to join us this afternoon as we  go and join with Father Ambrose and the faithful of Holy Cross Orthodox Mission in Hattiesburg at 3 p.m. for Sunday of Orthodoxy Great Vespers with Icon Procession. Holy Cross Orthodox Mission can be found at: 702 N 30th Ave Hattiesburg, MS. Join us!
 
This week on Thursday, March 13 at 6 p.m. we will begin our Lenten Bible Study that will meet each Thursday evening. We will be learning about the "extra" books in the Orthodox Old Testament Canon and use The Other Bible by Trevor Mathis as a resource. Come and join us as we learn more about these short but important books of the Old Testament!
 
We wish to announce that this coming weekend our Archbishop of New York and All America, His Eminence Elpiphodorus, will be  making his first visit to Holy Trinity Cathedral in New Orleans from Friday, March 14 through Sunday, March 16. We invite everyone to consider joining us for the Doxology service with His Eminence at the Cathedral on Saturday, March 15 at 11 am. More information can be found on the flyer on the Parish Bulletin Board.
 
As we continue with Great Lent we encourage everyone to join us for our weekly Lenten Services. These beautiful services gives us opportinities to prepare ourselves for the coming of Holy Week and the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on Holy Pascha!
 
This year in addition to the Lenten Services we are so familiar with we will also have Lenten Orthros and Lenten 1st, 3rd, and 6th Hours each Monday morning as well as a Lenten Bible Study each Thursday evening (after the 1st Week). Let us all endeavor to take every opportunity to learn from experiencing our beautiful Orthodox Lenten Services.
 
We would like to take the opportunity today to recognize Nancy Malek for her dedicated work on the landscape beautification around the Parish grounds.  Thank you, Nancy, for making our Parish a more beautiful place. 
 
 
Our printed copies of our Parish March Schedule are available in the Narthex and Church Side Entrance. Take your copy with you and join us as we worship together!
 
As we begin Great Lent and the Great Fast, we offer a reminder that we prepare ourselves for Holy Pascha during this time with fasting, prayer, visiting the sick, caring for the needy and good spiritual reading. Along with our fast from meat and dairy, we also fast in the words we speak and the activities that we engage in. For any questions about our Lenten Fast or other practices, please talk with Father Paisius.
 
As we begin practicing our Lenten journey, we offer a reminder that it is the duty of every Orthodox Christian to be faithful in Holy Confession before Holy Pascha. This is a very important part of our preparation to receive Holy Communion on Holy Pascha.
 
This year during Great Lent we will be having a Parish Bible study on Thursday evenings each week. Please be on the lookout in the bulletin in the coming weeks about this, and come and join us.
 
We offer a reminder this morning that printed copies of the Parish February schedule are available as are the Archdiocesan calendars in the narthex and side entrance.

 

 The Ministry of Holy Trinity is enabled, thanks be to God, by the faithful support of the following stewards of our Parish:
 
Abrahem Samander
Adam & Shauna Angel
Akaterina Vamvakas
Alijah King
Angelos and Elizabeth Vamvakas
Carl & Nancy Malek
Chrissanthi Beach
Colleen Collins
Crystal & Cassidy Anderson
Edward S. Maikranz
Eleni Vganges
George & Janie Mavromihalis
George & Sheila Yurchak
George J. Vaporis
George L. Contas
Gus Ravenous
Guy Bowering
Jeff & Christie Maung
Irene Koskan
Jaime Ross
John & Donna Collins
Louis and Linda Peters
Malama Thrasivoulou
Mihnea C. & Viorica M Ionescu
Nada D. Harris
Nataliya Petrovska Kirkby
Nicoletta Conner
Panagiotis "Peter" & Maria Loukatos
Rodney and Karen Bridges
Seth Willison
Spiro Vganges
Tim Gilmore
William Patrick Weaver
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Bulletin

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