Saturday Vespers, 6pm
Sunday Morning Orthros, 8:45am
Sunday Divine Liturgy, 10am
Wednesday Evening Prayer & Healing (Paraklesis), 6pm
Office Hours are M - F from 10a - 3p
Whether you are visiting the Orthodox Church for the first time or are visiting from another Orthodox parish, we’d like to welcome you to Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church. For more information about the Orthodox Church go to THIS LINK
We hope that your worship experience with us brings you closer to our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. If this is your first time with us, please take the time to sign a guest card at the entrance and accept our invitation to join us for coffee and fellowship in the Large Hall after the Service.
Please keep in mind that only those who have been Baptized or Chrismated into our Orthodox Faith and who’ve properly prepared themselves through fasting and Holy Confession (as needed) may participate in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. If you are in need of spiritual direction or would like to know how to become an Orthodox Christian, please talk to Fr. Stephen after the Service.
Do you know Someone Who is Sick, Hospitalized, or In Need of Prayer? Please contact the church office.
Hieromartyr Phocas was born in the city of Sinope. From youth he led a virtuous Christian life, and in his adult years he became Bishop of Sinope. Saint Phocas converted many pagans to faith in Christ. At the time of a persecution against Christians under the emperor Trajan (98-117), the governor demanded that the saint renounce Christ. After fierce torture they enclosed Saint Phocas in a hot bath, where he died a martyr’s death in the year 117.
In the year 404, the relics of the saint were transferred to Constantinople (July 22).
The Hieromartyr Phocas is especially venerated as a defender against fires, and also as a helper of the drowning.
Saint Phokas (Phokás) came from Sinope (Sinópē) and his only possessions were a garden which he cultivated with great diligence. His income from the garden was very small. But since he was a good steward and frugal in his needs, he would always have something for the poor. Saint Phokas studied the Holy Scriptures with pleasure. He even told those who saw him studying that our soul is also a garden, which requires care, so that it does not produce thorns and thistles.1 The gardener Phokas also desired that everyone's souls should become spiritual gardens. So wherever he could, he contributed to their purification and cultivation. While he was selling vegetables and fruits, he spoke words of great spiritual profit at the same time. Not only did he benefit Christians, but he also converted many pagans.
At that time, the idolaters were persecuting Christians. Therefore, when it became known that the gardener Phokas was a Christian, the rulers sent soldiers to arrest him.
Since the Saint's home was near the castle gate which communicated with the port, he often had many visitors; sometimes foreign travelers, and sometimes the poor. So when the soldiers came he welcomed them as guests. After some time had passed, he asked them the purpose of their visit. Obliged by his hospitality they disclosed their secret, that they were seeking the Christian Phokas in order to behead him. They even told him that he would be doing them a great favor if he would help them.
Unperturbed, Saint Phokas came out of his house to dig and prepare his own grave, and the next day he told the soldiers who he was. They were astonished and ashamed, because they had been received by Saint Phokas with so much love that they did not want to kill him. The Saint understood their difficulty and told them not to hesitate, but to carry out their orders since it was not they who would be responsible for his murder, but rather those who sent them. By speaking in this way he persuaded the soldiers to behead him.
An accurate account of the Martyr’s death was written by Asterios (Astérios) of Amasea (+ 410).
Christians built a magnificent church on the site of his beheading, and they placed the honorable relics of the Holy Martyr in it. This became a source of comfort for the afflicted, and healing for the sick. A fragment of the Holy Relics of Saint Phokas is located in the Monastery of Proussos in Evritania.
When his homeland, Sinope, was in danger of famine, wheat was found, thanks to the Saint's protection. He appeared several times to sailors who were in danger of sinking in the sea, and saved them from drowning. At other times he would awaken the helmsman, telling him to be ready, for a storm was coming. Other times he was seen by the sailors in rough seas helping sometimes on the ropes, sometimes on the sails, or sometimes protecting the ship, so that it would not be wrecked on a reef, or be caught in heavy rain.
Here is how the custom of having Saint Phokas as a guest at their table was begun among sailors. When they were sitting at the table, one of the sailors bought the Saint's share; the next day another sailor bought it, and so they collected the money. When the ship reached its destination, they distributed the money to the poor.
The Saint worked many miracles of healing. He appeared to some people in their sleep, but he was not visible to others. Thus, the insignificant and humble gardener Phokas is honored by Christians because of his gift of working miracles.
The Holy Martyr Phokas is especially venerated by sailors, and he is also invoked by those who travel by sea.
Heroes of Zographou, knights of truth, Sacrificed themselves for the Orthodox Faith,
And shamed the proud, shameless Latins, As their souls rose up to the Kingdom of God. The tower’s flames mounted up to heaven, As the monks in the fire sent up praise to God! Heaven with its angels beheld that spectacle, As the criminals crawled about like worms below the tower. In the flames, Abbot Thomas, a true parent, Encouraged his brethren, and began the Psalms: He who glorifies the Lord does not fear death, And he who dies for God will not perish. The sacrifice is offered, and the altar of oblation remains: The bodies were burned, the souls flew off, And by that sacrifice, Zographou increased in glory With magnificence eternal and true.
By God’s providence, the greatest number of miracles and heavenly manifestations occur during the martyrdom of His servants. On the day that the Latins set out for the Monastery of Zographou, an old monk had an obedience in a vineyard half an hour’s distance from the monastery. At the prescribed time, he read the Akathist before the icon of the Mother of God. However, when he began to pronounce the word “Rejoice!” a voice came to him from the icon: “Do thou also rejoice, O elder! Flee from here now, or misfortune will befall thee; go and tell the brethren of the monastery to lock themselves in, for the God-opposing Latins have attacked this, my chosen Mountain, and are already near.” The frightened elder fell to his knees and cried out in fear: “How can I leave thee here, my Queen and Intercessor?” At this he again heard the voice: “Do not worry about me, but go quickly!” The elder went to the monastery immediately. But when he reached the monastery gates he beheld that same icon of the Mother of God. In a miraculous manner, the icon had preceded him to the monastery. The amazed elder related all that had been revealed to him to the abbot and the brethren. At that, all of them glorified God and the Mother of God.
Once, during the celebration of the Feast of the twenty-six martyrs of Zographou, on October 10, 1873, there was a great all-night vigil. It was a moonless night. In the middle of the night, while the monks were chanting and reading the lives of the holy martyrs in the church, a noise was suddenly heard, and over the church a fiery pillar appeared, extending from earth to heaven. It was so bright that things at a distance could be seen as though it were midday. This wondrous manifestation lasted for about a quarter of an hour and then disappeared.
The Prologue from Ohrid: Lives of Saints by St Nikolai Velimirovich,
Second Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:1-8
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back - it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, He is not here; see the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter that He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him, as He told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
Second Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 16:1-8
Διαγενομένου τοῦ Σαββάτου, Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ καὶ Μαρία ἡ τοῦ Ἰακώβου καὶ Σαλώμη ἠγόρασαν ἀρώματα, ἵνα ἐλθοῦσαι ἀλείψωσιν τὸν Ἰησοῦν. Καὶ λίαν πρωῒ τῇ μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων ἔρχονται ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον ἀνατείλαντος τοῦ ἡλίου. Καὶ ἔλεγον πρὸς ἑαυτάς· Τίς ἀποκυλίσει ἡμῖν τὸν λίθον ἐκ τῆς θύρας τοῦ μνημείου; καὶ ἀναβλέψασαι θεωροῦσιν ὅτι ἀποκεκύλισται ὁ λίθος· ἦν γὰρ μέγας σφόδρα. Καὶ εἰσελθοῦσαι εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, εἶδον νεανίσκον καθήμενον ἐν τοῖς δεξιοῖς, περιβεβλημένον στολήν λευκήν, καὶ ἐξεθαμβήθησαν· ὁ δὲ λέγει αὐταῖς· Μὴ ἐκθαμβεῖσθε, Ἰησοῦν ζητεῖτε τὸν Ναζαρηνὸν τὸν ἐσταυρωμένον, ἠγέρθη, οὐκ ἔστιν ᾧδε· ἴδε, ὁ τόπος ὅπου ἔθηκαν αὐτόν, ἀλλ' ὑπάγετε, εἴπατε τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ καὶ τῷ Πέτρῳ, ὅτι προάγει ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν· ἐκεῖ αὐτὸν ὄψεσθε, καθὼς εἶπεν ὑμῖν. Καὶ ἐξελθοῦσαι ταχὺ ἔφυγον ἀπὸ τοῦ μνημείου, εἶχε δὲ αὐτὰς τρόμος καὶ ἔκστασις, καὶ οὐδενὶ οὐδὲν εἶπον· ἐφοβοῦντο γάρ.
Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 103.24,1.
O Lord, how manifold are your works. You have made all things in wisdom.
Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul.
The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 16:13-24.
Brethren, be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. Now, brethren, you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints; I urge you to be subject to such men and to every fellow worker and laborer. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicos, because they have made up for your absence; for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men. The churches of Asia send greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. All the brethren send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. If any one has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Προκείμενον. Fourth Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 103.24,1.
Ὡς ἐμεγαλύνθη τὰ ἔργα σου Κύριε, πάντα ἐν σοφίᾳ ἐποίησας.
Στίχ. Εὐλόγει ἡ ψυχή μου τὸν Κύριον.
τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Κορινθίους α' 16:13-24.
Ἀδελφοί, γρηγορεῖτε, στήκετε ἐν τῇ πίστει, ἀνδρίζεσθε, κραταιοῦσθε. Πάντα ὑμῶν ἐν ἀγάπῃ γινέσθω. Παρακαλῶ δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί - οἴδατε τὴν οἰκίαν Στεφανᾶ, ὅτι ἐστὶν ἀπαρχὴ τῆς Ἀχαΐας, καὶ εἰς διακονίαν τοῖς ἁγίοις ἔταξαν ἑαυτούς - ἵνα καὶ ὑμεῖς ὑποτάσσησθε τοῖς τοιούτοις, καὶ παντὶ τῷ συνεργοῦντι καὶ κοπιῶντι. Χαίρω δὲ ἐπὶ τῇ παρουσίᾳ Στεφανᾶ καὶ Φουρτουνάτου καὶ Ἀχαϊκοῦ, ὅτι τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα οὗτοι ἀνεπλήρωσαν. Ἀνέπαυσαν γὰρ τὸ ἐμὸν πνεῦμα καὶ τὸ ὑμῶν· ἐπιγινώσκετε οὖν τοὺς τοιούτους. Ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς αἱ ἐκκλησίαι τῆς Ἀσίας· ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς ἐν κυρίῳ πολλὰ Ἀκύλας καὶ Πρίσκιλλα, σὺν τῇ κατʼ οἶκον αὐτῶν ἐκκλησίᾳ. Ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς οἱ ἀδελφοὶ πάντες. Ἀσπάσασθε ἀλλήλους ἐν φιλήματι ἁγίῳ. Ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ Παύλου. Εἴ τις οὐ φιλεῖ τὸν κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, ἤτω ἀνάθεμα. Μαρὰν ἀθά. Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μεθʼ ὑμῶν. Ἡ ἀγάπη μου μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ. Ἀμήν.
1st Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 5:1-11
At that time, as Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For he was astonished, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
1st Sunday of Luke
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 5:1-11
Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἑστὼς ὁ Ἰησοῦς παρὰ τὴν λίμνην Γεννησαρέτ, καὶ εἶδε δύο πλοῖα ἑστῶτα παρὰ τὴν λίμνην· οἱ δὲ ἁλιεῖς ἀποβάντες ἀπ᾿ αὐτῶν ἀπέπλυναν τὰ δίκτυα. ἐμβὰς δὲ εἰς ἓν τῶν πλοίων, ὃ ἦν τοῦ Σίμωνος, ἠρώτησεν αὐτὸν ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς ἐπαναγαγεῖν ὀλίγον· καὶ καθίσας ἐδίδασκεν ἐκ τοῦ πλοίου τοὺς ὄχλους. ὡς δὲ ἐπαύσατο λαλῶν, εἶπε πρὸς τὸν Σίμωνα· ἐπανάγαγε εἰς τὸ βάθος καὶ χαλάσατε τὰ δίκτυα ὑμῶν εἰς ἄγραν. καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Σίμων εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ἐπιστάτα, δι᾿ ὅλης τῆς νυκτὸς κοπιάσαντες οὐδὲν ἐλάβομεν· ἐπὶ δὲ τῷ ῥήματί σου χαλάσω τὸ δίκτυον. καὶ τοῦτο ποιήσαντες συνέκλεισαν πλῆθος ἰχθύων πολύ· διερρήγνυτο δὲ τὸ δίκτυον αὐτῶν. καὶ κατένευσαν τοῖς μετόχοις τοῖς ἐν τῷ ἑτέρῳ πλοίῳ τοῦ ἐλθόντας συλλαβέσθαι αὐτοῖς· καὶ ἦλθον καὶ ἔπλησαν ἀμφότερα τὰ πλοῖα, ὥστε βυθίζεσθαι αὐτά. ἰδὼν δὲ Σίμων Πέτρος προσέπεσε τοῖς γόνασιν ᾿Ιησοῦ λέγων· ἔξελθε ἀπ᾿ ἐμοῦ, ὅτι ἀνὴρ ἁμαρτωλός εἰμι, Κύριε· θάμβος γὰρ περιέσχεν αὐτὸν καὶ πάντας τοὺς σὺν αὐτῷ ἐπὶ τῇ ἄγρᾳ τῶν ἰχθύων ᾗ συνέλαβον, ὁμοίως δὲ καὶ ᾿Ιάκωβον καὶ ᾿Ιωάννην, υἱοὺς Ζεβεδαίου, οἳ ἦσαν κοινωνοὶ τῷ Σίμωνι. καὶ εἶπε πρὸς τὸν Σίμωνα ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· μὴ φοβοῦ· ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν ἀνθρώπους ἔσῃ ζωγρῶν. καὶ καταγαγόντες τὰ πλοῖα ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν, ἀφέντες ἅπαντα ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ.
Parish News & Updates
Talks on Orthodoxy THURSDAY evening meetings. Go here for the schedule https://bulletinbuilder.org/system/pdfs/TalksonOrthodoxy2024-1.pdf?1726699905 If you wish to join us on Zoom, please request a link by emailing [email protected]
Join our Live Stream Ministry We are looking to build up our Live Stream Ministry. This is a wonderful way to help provide service to the parish and provide a vital connection to those who are not able to join us in person on Sundays. No experience necessary, we will provide training. High school age and above are welcome. The commitment is just 1-2 Sundays a month.
Reading the Epistle at Divine Liturgy is a very important way to participate in our Sunday service. Won't you consider being an Epistle Reader? We are currently putting together a schedule, so if you would like to participate please talk to Larry Fitterer and tell him your interested in reading. There will be some brief training involved to get you oriented. Need help contacting Larry? Call the church office & we'll help.
For Our Visitors We are are happy to welcome you to join us for worship and experience the beauty of the Orthodox Holy Tradition. For more info on the Church go to THIS LINK
GOA Center for Family Care is a wonderful ministry of our Archdiocese. We encourage you to sign up HERE for updates & receive resources from GOA Center for Family Care in your inbox.
Live Streaming Most services are being live-streamed on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/saintanthonychurchreno/. It is a blessing to be able to connect with those at home in this way.
Online Giving Portal for Stewardship & Donation Offerings The Online Giving Portal can be accessed through our Church Website by clicking the new “Donations & Stewardship” tab. This functionality is secured for your protection and gives you the opportunity to make a one-time contribution or set up a recurring offering.
Prayer Ministry “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16 If you need prayer for yourself, a family member, or anyone else in your circle of friends and acquaintances, you can have your prayer requests included in a weekly prayer request list. Also, this new Prayer Ministry is looking for “prayer warriors” who are willing to pray for others in need. Praying for one another is a critical part of living an Orthodox Christian life, and the Prayer Ministry can help you systematically pray for others who need prayer. If you have a prayer request, or would like to become part of this new, important, and exciting ministry, please contact Barbara Cummings via email at [email protected] or contact the church office and we'll help you get in touch.
Vigil Lights offered for Health & Well Being: Basil, by Tina. Joseph by Denise. Effie, by AHEPA. Effie, by Olga.
Vigil Lights offered in Loving Memory: Nicholas, by Dina & Jimmy. Katerini, by Chris & Rene Rores. Sam by Lagios Family.
Online Resources:
The Fountain of Light A collection of works by Bishop Emilianos of Meloa, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
Trisagion Films Videos on Orthodox Worship and Praxis Here you can discover they cover aspects of Orthodox worship and practice, pilgrimages, the lives of the saints, iconography and the sacred arts, and recordings of homilies, interviews, and special events.
+ Participate in Worship + Join a Ministry + Volunteer for a specific activity + Lend your talent
Saturday, Sep 21st Vespers 6p
Sunday, Sep 22nd 1st Sunday of Luke Orthros 9a, Divine Liturgy 10a, Memorial service
Wednesday, Sep 25th Paraklesis 6p
Thursday, Sep 26th Bible Study 11a, Orthodoxy class 7p
Saturday, Sep 28th Vespers 6p
Sunday, Sep 29th 2st Sunday of Luke Orthros 9a, Divine Liturgy 10a
Wednesday, Oct 2nd Paraklesis 6p
Thursday, Oct 3rd Bible Study 11a, Orthodoxy class 7p
Saturday, Oct 5th Vespers 6p
Sunday, Oct 6th 3rd Sunday of Luke Orthros 9a, Divine Liturgy 10a
Wednesday, Oct 9th No Paraklesis
Thursday, Oct 10th No Bible Study, No Orthodoxy class
Saturday, Oct 12th Vespers 6p
Sunday, Oct 13th Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council Orthros 9a, Divine Liturgy 10a
Wednesday, Oct 16th Paraklesis 6p
Thursday, Oct 17th Bible Study 11a, Orthodoxy class 7p
Saturday, Oct 19th Vespers 6p
Sunday, Oct 20th 6th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9a, Divine Liturgy 10a
Wednesday, Oct 23rd Paraklesis 6p
Thursday, Oct 24th Bible Study 11a, Orthodoxy class 7p
Saturday, Oct 26th Vespers 6p
Sunday, Oct 27th 7th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9a, Divine Liturgy 10a
Wednesday, Oct 30th Paraklesis 6p
Thursday, Oct 31st Bible Study 11a, No Orthodoxy class
Saturday, Nov 2nd Vespers 6p
Sunday, Nov 3rd 5th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9a, Divine Liturgy 10a, Parish wide Memorial
Wednesday, Nov 6th Paraklesis 6p
Thursday, Nov 7th Bible Study 11a, Orthodoxy class 7p
Friday, Nov 8th Holy Archangels Orthros 8a, Divine Liturgy 10a
Saturday, Nov 9th St. Nektarios, Vespers 6p
Sunday, Nov 10th 8th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9a, Divine Liturgy 10a
Wednesday, Nov 13th Paraklesis 6p
Thursday, Nov 14th Bible Study 11a, Orthodoxy class 7p
Friday, Nov 15th Nativity Fast Begins
Saturday, Nov 16th Vespers 6p
Sunday, Nov 17th 9th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9a, Divine Liturgy 10a, Parish Assembly following Divine Liturgy!
Wednesday, Nov 20th Paraklesis 6p
Thursday, Nov 21st Entrance of the Theotokos Orthros 8a, Divine Liturgy 9a, NO BIBLE STUDY, Orthodoxy class 7p
Saturday, Nov 23rd Vespers 6p
Sunday, Nov 24th 13th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9a, Divine Liturgy 10a, Stewardship Sunday
Wednesday, Nov 27th Paraklesis 6p
Thursday, Nov 28th Happy Thanksgiving, No Bible Study, No Orthodoxy class
Saturday, Nov 30th Vespers 6p
Reminders:
Narthex Greeters: Jim Phillips, Maxwell Vohland
Acolytes: Athanasios Karcher, Joseph Karcher, Isaac Zimmerman, Marco Cloninger
Prosphora: Voula Gamilis
Streaming: Dave & Jeri Ross
Epistle Reader: Larry Fitterer
Please contact the church office if you would like to provide fresh flowers, or be added to our prosphora baking schedule.
Prayer Ministry “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16
Schedule Fall 2024
Fr Thomas Hopko
A short booklet that helps gives some basic answers to the questions: Curious about Orthodoxy? Seriously interested in inquiring into the Orthodox Faith? Desire to join our parish? Wish to commune? What does it take to become a member?
What is stewardship at Saint Anthony?
This order was given to St. Pachomius of Egypt by an Angel and was the rule he used at each hour of the day and night (ARCHIMANDRITE LAZARUS (MOORE), ST. SERAPHIM OF SAROV: A SPIRITUAL BIOGRAPHY, P. 77). It is a prayer rule that lends itself to memorization, and as such is one that can be done in situations in which it is impractical for one to pray using a prayer book.
A short guide to Fasting