Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-03-16
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's wisdom and grace be with us all as we continue through the journey of Great Lent!

Today on the 2nd Sunday of Great Lent we encounter our Lord's healing of the paralytic and reveal His mission to us, as the Son of God, to forgive sins. In today's Gospel reading from Saint Mark 2:1-12, we encounter our Lord making the connection between spiritual and physical healing. The scribes object to this connection, saying God can forgive sins, which is exactly the point Christ is making in both forgiving the sins and healing the body. Here we see a subtle revelation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
 
On this Sunday we have the commemoration of Saint Gregory Palamas. Saint Gregory in the 14th century rebutted the false teaching that we are unable to experience or see God in a real way. He rightly upholds Orthodox teaching on heyschasm or spiritual prayer by explaining that we experience the energies of God but not the essence of God. He explained that just as we see only the rays of the sun and not the sun itself, so through the practices of deep spiritual prayer we are able to experience the energies of God. So today is a commemoration of this crucial Orthodox doctrinal belief, and so the 2nd Sunday of Lent is devoted Saint Gregory as an extension of what we professed on the Sunday of Orthodoxy.

            Your Pastor,

            Father Paisius R. McGrath 

 

 

  

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal 1st Tone. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3.

IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"


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Saints and Feasts

March 16

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.

His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.


March 17

Alexios the Man of God

Saint Alexis was born in old Rome of illustrious parents named Euphemianus and Aglais, and at their request was joined to a young woman in marriage. However, he did not remain with her even for one day, but fled to Edessa, where he lived for eighteen years. He returned to Rome in the guise of a beggar and sat at the gates of his father's house, unknown to all and mocked by his own servants. His identity was revealed only after his death by a paper that he had on his person, which he himself had written a little before his repose. The pious Emperor Honorius honoured him with a solemn burial. The title "Man of God" was given to him from heaven in a vision to the Bishop of Rome on the day of the Saint's repose.


March 17

Patrick the Enlightener of Ireland

Saint Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish, was seized from his native Britain by Irish marauders when he was sixteen years old. Though the son of a deacon and a grandson of a priest, it was not until his captivity that he sought out the Lord with his whole heart. In his Confession, the testament he wrote towards the end of his life, he says, "After I came to Ireland - every day I had to tend sheep, and many times a day I prayed - the love of God and His fear came to me more and more, and my faith was strengthened. And my spirit was so moved that in a single day I would say as many as a hundred prayers, and almost as many at night, and this even when I was staying in the woods and on the mountain; and I would rise for prayer before daylight, through snow, through frost, through rain, and I felt no harm." After six years of slavery in Ireland, he was guided by God to make his escape, and afterwards struggled in the monastic life at Auxerre in Gaul, under the guidance of the holy Bishop Germanus. Many years later he was ordained bishop and sent to Ireland once again, about the year 432, to convert the Irish to Christ. His arduous labours bore so much fruit that within seven years, three bishops were sent from Gaul to help him shepherd his flock, "my brethren and sons whom I have baptized in the Lord - so many thousands of people," he says in his Confession. His apostolic work was not accomplished without much "weariness and painfulness," long journeys through difficult country, and many perils; he says his very life was in danger twelve times. When he came to Ireland as its enlightener, it was a pagan country; when he ended his earthly life some thirty years later, about 461, the Faith of Christ was established in every corner.


March 22

Basil the Holy Martyr of Ancyra

Saint Basil strove in martyrdom during the short reign of Julian the Apostate, from 361-363. The Saint was denounced as a Christian to Saturninus, Governor of Ancyra, who, when Basil would not deny Christ, had him hanged from a post and scraped on his sides, then beaten, and cast into prison. A few days later, when Julian himself came through Ancyra, the Saint was brought before him and was asked to deny Christ, Whom he rather confessed the more. Julian then had strips cut in his flesh, so that they were left hanging from his body in front and in back. The valiant Martyr tore one of these strips off of his body and cast it into Julian's face. At this Julian commanded that iron spits be heated fiery hot; Saint Basil's belly, his back, and all his joints were pierced with them, and he received the crown of martyrdom.


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 1st Tone

Let us worship the Word who is unoriginate * with the Father and the Spirit, and from a Virgin was born * for our salvation, O believers, and let us sing His praise. * For in His goodness He was pleased * to ascend the Cross in the flesh, and to undergo death, * and to raise up those who had died, * by His glorious Resurrection.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal 4th Tone

Light of Orthdoxy, pillar and teacher of the Church, adornment of monastics, invincible champion of theologians, O Gregory thou wonderworker, boast of Thessalonica, herald of grace: ever pray that our souls be saved.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 4th Tone

To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"
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Wisdom of the Fathers

Take up your bed. Carry the very mat that once carried you. Change places, so that what was the proof of your sickness may now give testimony to your soundness. Your bed of pain becomes the sign of healing, its very weight the measure of the strength that has been restored to you.
St. Peter Chrysologus
Homily 50.6. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol. 2: Mark. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 27.

Now Matthew indeed saith, that "they brought him," but the others, that they also broke up the roof, and let him down. And they put the sick man before Christ, saying nothing, but committing the whole to Him.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

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Upcoming Services and Events

  • Upcoming Services and Events

    March 16 to March 24, 2025

    Sunday, March 16

    2nd Sunday of Great Lent

    Sunday of Saint Gregory Palamas

    9:30AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil

    12:30PM Catechumen Class

    6:00PM Lenten Sunday Vespers

    Monday, March 17

    Saint Patrick of Ireland

    Saint Alexis Man of God

    9:30AM Orthros and Hours

    Wednesday, March 19

    6:00PM Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts

    7:30PM Potluck Meal

    Thursday, March 20

    6:00PM Bible Study

    Friday, March 21

    10:00AM Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts

    6:00PM Salutations to the Holy Theotokos - 3rd Stasis

    Saturday, March 22

    Saint Basil of Ancrya

    9:30AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    5:00PM Great Vespers with Artoklasia

    6:00PM Byzantine Chant Class

    Sunday, March 23

    Commemoration of Greek Independence Day

    Sunday of the Holy Cross

    3rd Sunday of Great Lent

    9:30AM Orthros with Veneration of the Holy Cross

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil

    12:30PM Catechumen Class

    6:00PM Lenten Sunday Vespers

    Monday, March 24

    Forefeast of Annunciation

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Announcements

BIRTHDAYS
 
Today we extend our best wishes and congratulations to Melissa Bridges as she celebrates her birthday on March 20 and to Angela Petritsis Cupp as she celebrates her birthday on March 20. May the Lord our God bless His servants, Melissa and Angela, and may He grant to them many more blessed and happy years!
 
 
MEMORY ETERNAL
 
Today we offer the 2nd Annual Memorial Service for the departed servant of God, Bassem Nektarios Elmarkshi. May the Lord our God grant a blessed repose to His departed servant, Bassem Nektarios, and may his memory be eternal!

 

 NEW CATECHUMEN
 
Today we offer our best wishes, prayers, and congratulations to Jeremy Hacksett as he is enrolled as a catechumen this morning. May the Lord our God bless him as he takes this next step of his spiritual journey to the Orthodox Faith!
 
  
ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
Today as we continue in our spiritual journey of Great Lent, we are asking everyone to help our Parish Community by donations for the flowers that will decorate the Kovukion in Holy Week and Holy Pascha. 
 
Each week during Great Lent we, as a Parish Community, join together for our services of the Liturgy of the
Presanctified Gifts, Salutations to the Holy Theotokos, and Lenten Bible Study.  Join us as we pray and study together.
 
We offer a reminder that every Orthodox Christian has the spiritual duty to participate in the Sacrament of Repentance or Holy Confession and Holy Communion as least once a year.  Traditionally, this is required especially before Holy Communion on Holy Pascha, so we encourage everyone to participate in Holy Confession through the course of Great Lent so we all are properly prepared to receive Holy Communion as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!
 
We offer a reminder that on Saturday, March 29, we have our Parish Spring Cleanup Day. Come and join us as we clean up our Church and grounds ahead of Holy Week and 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.
 
Printed copies of the 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.
  
 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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