Saints and Feasts

October 27

7th Sunday of Luke

November 01

Cosmas and Damian the Holy Unmercenaries of Asia, and their mother Theodota

These Saints were from Asia (that is, Asia Minor). After the death of their father, their Christ-loving mother Theodota reared them in piety and in all manner of virtue, and had them instructed in every science, especially that of medicine. This became their vocation, and they went about healing every illness and malady, bestowing healing freely on both men and beasts alike; because of this, they are called "Unmercenaries." And thus, having completed the course of their life, they reposed in peace.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode

When You descended unto death, O Lord who yourself are immortal Life, then did You mortify Hades by the lightning flash of Your Divinity. Also when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the Powers of the heavens were crying out: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory be to You.

Apolytikion for St. Anna (Dec. 9) in the Fourth Mode

Today the bonds of childlessness are loosed; for God hearkened to Joachim and Anna. And though it was beyond hope, He clearly promised them that they should bear a divine child, from whom was born the Uncircumscribable One Himself Who became a mortal, and through an Angel commanded them to cry unto her: Rejoice, thou who art full of grace, the Lord is with thee."

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

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.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Second Mode. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 11:31-33; 12:1-9.

Brethren, the God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed for ever, knows that I do not lie. At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas guarded the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped his hands.

I must boast; there is nothing to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into Paradise --whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows -- and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. Though if I wish to boast, I shall not be a fool, for I shall be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Gospel Reading

7th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 8:41-56

At that time, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus' feet he besought him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As he went, the people pressed round him. And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years and had spent all her living upon physicians and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, "Who was it that touched me?" When all denied it, Peter and those who were with him said, "Master, the multitudes surround you and press upon you!" But Jesus said, "Some one touched me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from me." And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." While he was still speaking, a man from the ruler's house came and said, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more." But Jesus on hearing this answered him, "Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well." And when he came to the house, he permitted no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but he said, "Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, "Child, arise." And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

Wisdom of the Fathers

He puts an end to the woman's fear ... He sets her right, in respect of her thinking to be hid ... He exhibits her faith to all, so as to provoke the rest also to emulation ...

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 31 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

At the same time both signifying that it is easy for Him to raise the dead ... and also teaching us not to fear death; for that it is not death, but is henceforth become a sleep.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 31 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

Ministry News

TODAY there will be a 1-year Memorial Service in memory of John "Prothromos" Petromelis, beloved husband of Phyllis Petromelis and devoted father to Christopher and Georgette Petromelis. May his memory be eternal!

TODAY Fellowship Hour is sponsored by the Petromelis family.

Church Calendar:

Friday, November 1: Sts. Cosmas and Damianos - Orthros / Liturgy, 9 am

Sunday, November 3: Fall General Assembly, following services

Friday, November 8: Archangels Michael and Gabriel - Orthros / Liturgy, 9 am

Saturday, November 9: St. Nektarios - Orthros / Liturgy, 9 am

Saturday & Sunday, November 16 & 17 – Holiday Eat & Shop

Seminars: We are very pleased to announce that we will offer the following seminars to all of our parishioners:

1. Internet Security - How to protect yourself from Scams by Peter Grina

2. Donating to Church - Options available and tax benefits by Chris Kamnitsis

The seminars are scheduled for Friday November 22 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm and on Sunday December 15 after coffee hour from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Both Seminars will be conducted on both dates. The seminars are open to all of those who use the internet and those who use the 401k, IRA and others to make donations to the church.

This year, our Parish bas been blessed with the celebration of 3 baptisms

and 3 weddings in September and October. May God bless them all!

September 21: Baptism of Eva Elena Baltatu

September 28: Baptism of Charlotte Marie Tsentas

October 5: Wedding of Nicole Meropi Martini and Emilio Michael Verrillo

October 6: Wedding of Brittaney Nicole Daniels and Pantelis Theodoropoulos

October 19: Wedding of Polyxeni Tolis and Ryan Veneman

October 20: Baptism of Jameson Howard Lappen

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Youth Workers:

This includes adults who are involved with JOY, HOPE, GOYA, youth camps, and altar servers.

It also includes educational programs like Sunday School, day schools, and afternoon/Greek schools.

It also includes athletic programs like basketball, volleyball, and dance. It even includes adults who might occasionally assist or transport children during such events. If you work with kids, then you need to become a Youth Worker under the Policies. And that means REGISTERING, TRAINING, & SCREENING. For more information go to goarch.org/safety

Philoptochos News: Philoptochos will be holding a food drive from October 13 through November 17. We are asking our community to kindly donate food items to those less fortunate. There will be a box in the hallway outside of the community hall. Thank you for your generosity.

PC Corner

We have over 45 kids in the Sunday School program and the registration is still open. We are also looking for additional Sunday school teachers who can assist with the program.

The adult Greek School program has about 10 students this year, and we plan to offer 2 semesters of 15 weeks each.

On Sunday November 3 we will have our Fall General Assembly. We need all of you to participate and volunteer to run for a PC position, and help with the elections and the audit committees.

We are nearing the end of 2019 and we have about 145 stewards with a pledge card and 11 without pledge card. There are many who have not pledged this year. This is the time to do it. last year we finished with 170 Stewards. Let’s reach or exceed this number again this year.

And don't forget. November 16-17 we have our Eat and Shop event. We need your help. We will send you information so you can register to help during the preparation and during the event.

Please note: “The Musical Legacy of the Holy Fathers in the Orthodox Christian Church” Byzantine music concert at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, Toms River, NJ on Saturday, October 26, 2019 6:30 p.m.

Bulletin Inserts

Oxi Day Encyclical

2019 Encyclical

Stewardship

Stewardship is the sharing of the talents and treasures that God has provided for us. An Orthodox Christian Steward is an active participant in the life of the Church. The parish encourages all who accept the Orthodox Faith to become practicing Stewards.

2019 Stewardship Drive: We currently have 148 Pledges totaling $158,489 for an average of $1,071 and $136,288 received to date. We also have 10 families who have contributed $5,805 to date but have not submitted a stewardship card. It is important that all families complete a stewardship card to be considered a steward. Current Stewardship List and other stewardship information is posted in bulletin board by water cooler.

We need everyone’s participation to exceed this year’s stewardship pledge target of $170,000. If the remaining 52, 2018 stewards give at the same level as last year we could exceed our budget and reach a record high number of stewards

If you have not done so already, we ask that you prayerfully consider your stewardship commitment and submit a 2019 pledge card as soon as you can. You can check to see if you are on the Stewards List attached to this bulletin.

…Remember a rich man is not one who has much, but one who gives much

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