Saints and Feasts

November 17

9th Sunday of Luke

November 21

The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

According to the tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was brought to the Temple at three years of age, where she was consecrated to God and spent her days until she was fourteen or fifteen years old; and then, as a mature maiden, by the common counsel of the priests (since her parents had reposed some three years before), she was betrothed to Joseph.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

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 Gregory the Wonderworker in the Plagal Fourth Mode

By vigilance in prayer, and continuance in the working of wonders, thou didst acquire thine achievements as a surname; wherefore, intercede with Christ our God, O Father Gregory, to enlighten our souls, lest we sleep in sin unto death.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Today, the most pure temple of the Savior, the precious bridal chamber and Virgin, the sacred treasure of God, enters the house of the Lord, bringing the grace of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She is the heavenly tabernacle.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal First Mode. 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 Galatians 6:11-18.

Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

Gospel Reading

9th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 12:16-21

The Lord said this parable: "The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." As he said these things, he cried out: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

Wisdom of the Fathers

I cannot be silent about the story of Hesychius the Horebite. He passed his life in complete negligence, without paying the least attention to his soul. Then he became extremely ill, and for an hour he left his body.

St. John Climacus

Ladder of Divine Ascent. Step 6: On Remembrance of Death, 6th Century

And when he came to himself, he begged us all to leave him immediately. And he built up the door of his cell, and he stayed in it for twelve years without ever uttering a word to anyone, and without eating anything but bread and water.

St. John Climacus

Ladder of Divine Ascent. Step 6: On Remembrance of Death, 6th Century

Ministry News

TODAY Fellowship Hour is sponsored by Mountain View Chalet

Church Calendar:

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

40 Days of Liturgy: Begins on Saturday, November 16 until Tuesday, December 23, 10 am daily

Thursday, November 21: Entrance of the Theotokos to the Temple- Orthros / Liturgy, 9 am

Monday, November 25: St. Katherine - Orthros / Liturgy, 9 am

BeeTreat

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Union will host a Pan-Orthodox Retreat, on December 14, 2019. Parishes from all canonical Orthodox jurisdictions in the area are invited to this BeeTreat -a special retreat for youth, young adults, adults and families- based on Y2AM’s “Be the Bee” video series.

The BeeTreat will be led by Stephen Christoforou, the director of the Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, and host of the popular YouTube series “Be the Bee”. Steve and his BeeTreat team will lead the workshops for youth in Grades 6-12, Youth Workers, Sunday School teachers, adults and parents. For children in preschool through fifth grade, we have organized a “mini BeeTreat”. Young adults ages 18 and up will have their own Orthodox social at a local restaurant in the evening.

The BeeTreat is a special day of worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth for everyone. It is a FREE event, with the exception of the evening social at the restaurant. As the host Parish, we will provide breakfast and lunch for everyone, in accordance with the fasting guidelines of the Nativity season. Parking is free and available both in our own and the neighboring lots. Free will donations are welcome. We must let St Demetrios know of the number and age of our before Friday, December 6, 2019.

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.

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.

Bulletin Inserts

Veterans Day Encyclical

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 153 Pledges totaling $162,554 for an average of $1,062 and $144,208 received to date. We also have 8 families who have contributed $4,300 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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