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THUNDER BAY

BULLETIN

HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ΕΛΛΙΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗ ΚΟΙΝΟΤΗΤΑ ΑΓΙΑΣ ΤΡΙΑΔΟΣ

651 Beverly Street, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 6N2 Telephone/Fax: (807) 344-9522 www.gothunderbay.org holytrinity@tbaytel.net

February 2013 Volume 9 Issue 2

FEBRUARY 2: PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD IN THE TEMPLE

2 ΦΕΒΡΟΥΑΡΙΟΥ: Η ΥΠΑΠΑΝΤΗ ΤΟΥ ΚΥΡΙΟΥ

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THUNDER BAY BULLETIN – Published monthly. Editor(s): Rev. Fr. Nikolaos Tambakis PARISH PRIEST: Rev. Fr. Nikolaos Tambakis; 106 Essex Court, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7A 7N6 # (807) 472-1341 cellular; # (807) 344-9522 office

Church email: holytrinity@tbaytel.net; Fr. Nikolaos’ email: ntambakis@hotmail.com

Website: www.gothunderbay.org Office hours: by appointment

HELLENIC COMMUNITY PRESIDENT: ACHILLES STATHOPOULOS # (807) 344-9522 OFFICE VICE PRESIDENT: TOM MARINIS # (807) 346-4006 HOME; (807) 624-6720 MOBILE SECRETARY: VACANT TREASURER: JIM PAZIANOS # (807) 344-9522 OFFICE BOARD MEMBERS: ANDY KARANASOS, GEORGINA MELLAS, TIMO KAROUTAS, TED FRISKY, PETER SAITES.

RELIGIOUS AND LEGAL AUTHORITIES HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN SOTIRIOS - GREEK ORTHODOX METROPOLIS IF TORONTO (CANADA), 1 PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW WAY (86 OVERLEA

BOULEVARD) ,TORONTO, ONTARIO M4H 1C6; TELEPHONE: (416) 429-5757; FAX: (416) 429-4588; EMAIL: METROPOLIS@GOCANADA.ORG; WEBSITE: WWW.GOMETROPOLIS.ORG.

EMBASSY OF GREECE - 80 MACLAREN STREET; OTTAWA, ONTARIO K2P 0K6; TELEPHONE: (613) 238-6271;FAX: (613) 238-5676; WEBSITE:

WWW.GREEKEMBASSY.CA.

CONSULATE GENERAL OF GREECE - 365 BLOOR STREET E, SUITE 1800, TORONTO, ONTARIO M4W 3L4 ; TELEPHONE (416) 515-0133 ; FAX: (416)

515-0209; WEBSITE: WWW.GRCONSULATE.COM.

GREEK TOURIST OFFICE (TORONTO) - 1300 BAY STREET, TORONTO, ONTARIO M5R 3K8; TELEPHONE: (416) 968-2220; FAX: (416) 968-6533; EMAIL: GRNTO.TOR@SYMPATICO.CA.

2012 – 2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS (L TO R): TIMO KAROUTAS, GEORGINA MELLAS, PETER SAITES, TOM MARINIS, ANDY KARANASOS, TED FRISKY, ACHILLES

STATHOPOULOS, JIM PAZIANOS (ABSENT) WITH FR. NIKOLAOS TAMBAKIS (ABOVE)

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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE PARTICIPANTS AND ORGANIZERS OF OUR 3RD ANNUAL EPIPHANY CROSS DIVE! GOD’S BLESSINGS AND BEST WISHES TO WINNERS LILLIAN TSEKOURAS,

LORENA NISIOIU, ERIC NISIOIU AND ALEXANDRU TODOSIA!

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OUR MEMBERS – So far only 27 people have submitted their membership dues for 2013. We ask and encourage everyone to so as soon as possible. Each member is indispensable for the well-being and functioning of our parish. We thank all who have taken the time to submit their membership dues already as of January 31, 2013:

1. Mrs. Sheila Amos 2. Mr. Nick Balina 3. Mrs. Jenny Biniaris 4. Mrs. Katerina Biniaris 5. Mr. Bill Comminos 6. Mrs. Tarja Comminos 7. Miss Jenny Comminos 8. Miss Katina Comminos 9. Mrs. Nitsa Comminos 10. Mr. Andy Karanasos

11. Mrs. Lori Karanasos 12. Mr. Nick Koukos 13. Mrs. Joyce Koukos 14. Mr. Jack Lotsios 15. Mrs. Effie Lotsios 16. Mr. Tom Mellas 17. Mrs. Smaragde Mellas 18. Ms. Georgina Mellas 19. Ms. Bess Melville 20. Miss Angela Mitsopoulos

21. Mrs. Athina Morakis 22. Mr. Marinos Spourdalakis 23. Mrs. Nora Spourdalakis 24. Mr. Constantin Todosia 25. Mrs. Manuela Todosia 26. Mr. C. Tsekouras 27. Mrs. Jane Tsekouras 28. Mr. Daniel Vasiliu 29. Dr. Irene Vasiliu

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church presents:

SOUVLAKI DINNER

(Souvlaki, Tzatziki, Mediterranean rice, Greek salad and pita)

Thursday, February 7, 2013 Thursday, February 21, 2013

Thursday, March 7, 2013 Thursday, March 21, 2013

Thursday, April 4, 2013

4:00pm – 6:30pm

Email us at greekdinner@tbaytel.net to be placed on our mailing list! Facebook – Join our group “Souvlaki Dinner Takeout”!

Website: www.gothunderbay.com

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PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE: FEBRUARY 2

According to the Law of Moses, every firstborn male was to be brought into the

temple to be dedicated to God on the fortieth day after birth. At that time a sacrifice of

thanksgiving was also to be brought. The Holy

Mother of God followed this law, even though she

knew that the Child was the Son of God. Thus,

Joseph and Mary brought the Child Jesus into the

temple on the fortieth day along with a humble

sacrifice of two young pigeons.

In Jerusalem at that time there lived a man,

Simeon, who was just and devout and was awaiting

the consolation of Israel. According to tradition,

Simeon was in Alexandria 270 years prior to this

date, translating that passage in the Scriptures where

Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah was to be born of

a Virgin. He wanted to change the word 'virgin' to

another meaning 'young woman', but an angel of the

Lord stopped his hand and foretold Simeon that he

would not see death before seeing the Messiah born

of the Virgin.

Led by the Holy Spirit into the temple on the day that the holy family brought the

Child Jesus to fulfill the law, Simeon took the Child into his arms and blessed God by

saying: "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word; for

mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared in Hebrew before the face of

all people, a light to lighten the gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel" (Luke 2:29-32).

"And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him.

And Simeon blessed them and said unto Mary His mother, 'Behold, this Child is set for the

fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against (yea, a

sword shall pierce through thy own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be

revealed" (Luke 2:33-35).

Anna the prophetess, who was a widow of 84 years and did not depart from the

temple, but served God by fasting and praying, was also there. "And she, coming in that

instant, gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spoke of Him to all they that looked for

redemption in Jerusalem. And when they had performed all things according to the law of

the Lord, they returned into Galilee to their own city, Nazareth" (Luke 2: 38-39). http://www.orthodoxphotos.com/readings/feasts/jesus.shtml

When a man walks in the fear of God he knows no fear, even if he were to be surrounded by wicked men. He has the fear of God

within him and wears the invincible armor of faith. This makes him strong and able to take on anything, even things which seem

difficult or impossible to most people. Such a man is like a giant surrounded by monkeys, or a roaring lion among dogs and foxes.

He goes forward trusting in the Lord and the constancy of his will to strike and paralyze his foes. He wields the blazing club of

the Word in wisdom. - St. Symeon the New Theologian, The Practical and Theological Chapters.

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Η ΥΠΑΠΑΝΤΗ ΤΟΥ ΚΥΡΙΟΥ: 2 ΦΕΒΡΟΥΑΡΙΟΥ

Tον χρόνο που γεννήθηκε ο Χριστός στην Βηθλεέμ, ζούσε στα Ιεροσόλυμα κάποιος άνθρωπος

δίκαιος και ευλαβής που ονομαζόταν Συμεών. Σ’ αυτόν είχε προφητευτεί από το Άγιο Πνεύμα ότι δεν

θα αποθάνει πριν να ιδεί τον Χριστό. Στον Ναό, λοιπόν, όπου πήγε η Υπεραγία Θεοτόκος τον Κύριο,

βρισκόταν και Τον περίμενε ο πρεσβύτης Συμεών, ο

οποίος έλαβε τον Κύριο στην αγκαλιά του, ευλόγησε

τον Θεό και είπε: «Δέσποτα, απόλυσε τώρα ειρηνικά τον

δούλο Σου κατά την υπόσχεσή Σου, διότι είδα με τα

μάτια μου την σωτηρία που ετοίμασες για όλους τους

λαούς, ένα Φως που θα είναι αποκάλυψη για τους

εθνικούς και δόξα για τον λαό σου τον Ισραήλ».

Ο άγιος Γρηγόριος Νύσσης μακαρίζει τον

θεοδόχο Συμεών που δέχθηκε στα χέρια του τον Χριστό

και λέγει: «Ω αληθινά μακάριε και τρισμακάριε

Γέροντα! Μακάρια είναι τα μάτια σου που είδαν τον

Χριστό. Μακάρια είναι τα χέρια σου που άγγιξαν τον

Λόγο της ζωής. Μακάρια η γλώσσα σου που

ευαγγελίσθηκε την αποκάλυψη του Φωτός».

Με δύο ονόματα ονόμασε ο ευλαβής και δίκαιος

Συμεών τον Κύριο: Σωτηρία που ετοίμασε ο Θεός για

κάθε άνθρωπο και Φως που θα φωτίσει όλα τα έθνη.

Ότι ο Χριστός είναι αληθινά ο Σωτήρας μας,

μαρτυρεί το όνομα Ιησούς, το οποίο Άγγελος Κυρίου

ανακοίνωσε στον Ιωσήφ: «Και καλέσεις το όνομα αυτού

Ιησούν, αυτός γαρ σώσει τον λαόν αυτού από των

αμαρτιών αυτών». Ότι δε ο Κύριος είναι το αληθινό Φως, μας το βεβαιώνει ο Ίδιος λέγοντας: «Εγώ

ειμί το Φως του κόσμου». Εκείνος που με ακολουθεί δεν θα περπατήσει στο σκοτάδι, αλλά θα έχει το

Φως της ζωής.

Οι άγιοι που ακολούθησαν στη ζωή τους το Χριστό είδαν το Χριστό ως Φως και μας βεβαίωσαν

ότι ο Θεός είναι Φως. Έτσι μας βεβαιώνει ο άγιος Συμεών ο Νέος Θεολόγος: «Όταν, λέγει,

αποκαλυφθεί ο Θεός και Τον ιδεί κάποιος, βλέπει Φως. Και εφόσον ευρίσκεται κοντά του εκείνος που

του εξήγησε προηγουμένως για την θέα του Θεού, δηλαδή ο πνευματικός του διδάσκαλος, του λέγει:

Είδα, πάτερ, Φως, Φως γλυκύ. Τι είδους είναι, δεν είναι ικανή η διάνοιά μου να το ειπώ. Ήταν η χαρά

μου ανέκφραστη, πολλή η αγάπη και ο πόθος προς τον Θεό, ώστε να κινηθούν τα μάτια μου σε

ποταμούς δακρύων. Ο διδάσκαλός του απαντά: Εκείνος είναι, τέκνον. Και μαζί με τον λόγο, βλέπει πάλι

τον Κύριο και ερωτά τον Ίδιο: Εσύ είσαι ο Θεός μου; Και αποκρίνεται ο Κύριος: εγώ είμαι ο Θεός, ο

οποίος ενηνθρώπησα για σένα».

Αυτή την χαρά που μας περιγράφει ο θεόπτης όσιος Συμεών ο Νέος Θεολόγος, δοκίμασε και ο

Θεοδόχος Συμεών όταν έλαβε στην αγκαλιά του τον Σωτήρα του κόσμου, το Φως το αληθινό. Γι’

αυτό αμέσως ζήτησε από τον Θεό να απέλθει από τον κόσμο αυτό για να βλέπει αιώνια το αληθινό

Φως, τον Χριστό.

Αυτήν όμως την άρρητη χαρά αισθάνεται και κάθε πιστός που προσέφερε στον Κύριο, ωσάν ένα

ζεuγάρι τρυγόνια, την καθαρότητα της ψυχής και του σώματος. Διότι έτσι έκαμε τον εαυτό του άξιο,

κατά το δυνατόν, να ιδεί το Φως και τον Σωτήρα του κόσμου, και στην συνέχεια να Τον δεχθεί μέσα

στην καρδιά του, ώστε να γίνει θεοδόχος όπως ο άγιος Συμεών. http://www.pigizois.gr/index2.htm

«Θα κάνεις υπομονή στα δικά σου τα πάθη, θα κάνεις και στα δικά μου. Έτσι θα γίνεις άγιος».

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TRIODION 2013

Triodion begins February 24 this year. It ends on Great Saturday morning (May 4).

February 24 Publican and Pharisee Theme: Humility Fast-free week.

March 3 Prodigal Son Theme: Repentance Regular fasting week.

March 10 Meat Fare Sunday Theme: Judgment All foods except meat allowed from March 4 - 9

March 17 Cheese Fare Sunday Theme: Ways of Fasting Last day before Great Lent.

March 17: Vespers of Forgiveness

March 18: Clean Monday. LENT BEGINS.

March 25: Annunciation of the Theotokos – fish allowed.

The 40 days of Lent include Clean Monday (March 18) and end on the Saturday (morning) of Lazarus (April 27).

April 29 Great Monday St. Joseph of Pangalos

April 30 Great Tuesday 10 Virgins

May 1 Great Wednesday Jesus’ Arrest Holy Unction

May 2 Great Thursday Last Supper Oil allowed

May 3 Great Friday The Holy Passion of Christ No Liturgy Allowed.

May 4 Great Saturday The Lord’s Descent to Hades

May 5 Great Sunday Resurrection of Christ No fast

May 6 - 12: We consume everything on all days (no fasting).

PENTECOSTARION 2013

The 50 days of Pentecost are from (Pascha) May 5 to (Sunday of Pentecost) June 23.

May 12 Sunday of Thomas

May 19 Sunday of the Myrrhbearers

May 26 Sunday of the Paralytic

June 2 Sunday of the Samaritan Woman

June 9 Sunday of the Blind Man

June 13 (Thursday) The Ascension of Our Lord

Jun 16 Sunday of the Holy Fathers

June 23 Sunday of Pentecost

No fasting from Sunday of Pentecost until the Sunday of All Saints.

June 30 Sunday of All Saints

No Apostles’ Fast this year because Pascha falls after May 3rd.

Note that these are general rules for fasting.

Speak to your spiritual father or priest as to what is best for you!

March 24 1st Sunday of Lent Sunday of Orthodoxy Rejoicing in the Orthodox Faith’s triumph over heresies.

March 31 2nd Sunday of Lent St. Gregory Palamas An example of a strong Orthodox role model.

April 7 3rd Sunday of Lent Veneration of the Cross Mid-Lent symbol to continue the spiritual trial.

April 14 4th Sunday of Lent St. John of the Ladder An example of sainthood since childhood.

April 21 5th Sunday of Lent St. Mary of Egypt An example of sinfulness since childhood, with repentance.

April 28 6th Sunday of Lent Palm Sunday Christ’s entry into Jerusalem; fish allowed.

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ΤΡΙΩΔΙΟΝ 2013

Το Τριώδιο αρχίζει στης 24 Φεβρουαρίου. Τελειώνει το πρωί του Μεγάλου Σαββάτου (4 Μαΐου).

24 Φεβρουαρίου Τελώνου και Φαρισαίου Θέμα: Ταπείνωση Κατάλυση εις πάντα.

3 Μαρτίου Του Ασώτου Υιού Θέμα: Μετάνοια Κανονική Νηστεία.

10 Μαρτίου Απόκρεω Θέμα: Η Δευτέρα Παρουσία

Επιτρέπεται η Κατάλυση εις πάντα εκτός άπο κρεας άπο 11 - 17 Μαρτίου.

17 Μαρτίου Τυρινής Θέμα: Τρόποι Νηστείας Τελευταία ημέρα πριν τη Μεγάλη Τεσσαρακοστή.

26 Μαρτίου – Εσπερινός Συγχωρήσεως. 27 Μαρτίου – Καθαρά Δευτέρα. ΑΡΧΗ ΤΕΣΣΑΡΑΚΟΣΤΗΣ.

25 Μαρτίου: Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου - Καταλύεται το ψάρι. Οι 40 ημέρες της Τεσσαρακοστής περιλαμβάνουν την Καθαρά Δευτέρα (18 Μαρτίου ) και τελειώνουν το πρωί του Σαββάτου

του Λαζάρου (27 Απριλίου).

29 Απριλίου Μεγάλη Δευτέρα Αγίου Ιωσήφ του Παγκάλου. Ακολουθία του Νυμφίου

30 Απριλίου Μεγάλη Τρίτη Των 10 Παρθένων. Ακολουθία του Νυμφίου

1 Μαΐου Μεγάλη Τετάρτη Της Αλειψάσης τον Κύριον με Μύρο γυναικός. Η Σύλληψις του Κυρίου.

Μέγα Ευχέλαιον

2 Μαΐου Μεγάλη Πέμπτη Ο Μυστικός Δείπνος. Επιτρέπεται το λάδι

3 Μαΐου Μεγάλη Παρασκευή Τα Άγια Πάθη του Κυρίου. Δεν τελείται Θεία Λειτουργία

4 Μαΐου Μεγάλο Σάββατο Η Κάθοδος του Κυρίου στον Άδη. Πρώτη Ανάσταση

5 Μαΐου ΤΟ ΑΓΙΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ Η ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΚΥΡΙΟΥ. Κατάλυση εις πάντα.

6 – 12 Μαΐου – Διακαινήσιμος Εβδομάδα - Κατάλυση εις πάντα όλες τις ημέρες.

ΠΕΝΤΗΚΟΣΤΑΡΙΟΝ 2013

Οι 50 ημέρες της Πεντηκοστής αρχίζουν από το Πάσχα (5 Μαΐου) μέχρι τη Κυριακή της Πεντηκοστής (23 Ιουνίου).

12 Μαΐου Κυριακή του Θωμά

19 Μαΐου Κυριακή των Μυροφόρων

26 Μαϊου Κυριακή του Παραλυτικού

2 Ιουνίου Κυριακή της Σαμαρείτιδος

9 Ιουνίου Κυριακή του Τυφλού

13 Ιουνίου (Πέμπτη) Η Ανάληψις του Κυρίου

16 Ιουνίου Κυριακή των Αγίων Πατέρων

23 Ιουνίου Κυριακή της Πεντηκοστής

Δεν νηστεύουμε από την Κυριακή της Πεντηκοστής μέχρι τη Κυριακή των Αγίων Πάντων.

30 Ιουνίου Κυριακή των Αγίων Πάντων

Εφέτος δεν έχουμε νηστεία των Αγίων Αποστόλων διοτί η εορτή του Πάσχα είναιι μετά της 3 Μαΐου.

Σημειώστε πως αυτοί είναι γενικοί κανόνες για την νηστεία. Συζητείστε με τον πνευματικόν σας η με τον Ιερέα σας για το τι είδος νηστείας είναι πιο εύκολη για την περίπτωση της υγείας σας.

24 Μαρτίου Α’ Εβδομάδα Νηστείων Κυριακή της Ορθοδοξίας Θρίαμβος της Ορθοδοξίας εναντίον των αιρέσεων.

31 Μαρτίου Β’ Εβδομάδα Νηστείων Αγίου Γρηγορίου Παλαμά Υπόδειγμα Ορθοδόξου Επισκόπου.

7 Απριλίου Γ’ Εβδομάδα Νηστείων Σταυροπροσκυνήσεως Ο Σταυρός προβάλλεται για να ενδύναμωσει τους Χριστιανούς στη μέση της Μ. Τεσσαρακοστής.

14 Απριλίου Δ’ Εβδομάδα Νηστείων Αγίου Ιωάννου της Κλίμακος Ένα παράδειγμα αγιότητας από την παιδική ηλικία.

21 Απριλίου Ε’ Εβδομάδα Νηστείων Αγίας Μαρίας της Αιγυπτίας Ένα παράδειγμα αμαρτωλής ζωής άπο την παιδική ηλικία που γίνεται αγία, με την μετάνοια.

28 Απριλίου ΣΤ’ Εβδομάδα Νηστείων Κυριακή των Βαϊων Είσοδος του Χριστού στα Ιεροσόλυμα. Καταλύεται το ψάρι.

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SCHEDULE OF DIVINE SERVICES - FEBRUARY 2013

SATURDAY 2 +PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE. ORTHROS 9:15AM, DIVINE LITURGY 10:15AM.

SUNDAY 3 +15TH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW. ST. SYMEON THE GOD-RECEIVER.

ORTHROS 9:15AM, DIVINE LITURGY 10:30AM.

SUNDAY 10 +16TH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW.ST. HARALAMBOS THE HIEROMARTYR.

ORTHROS 9:15AM, DIVINE LITURGY 10:30AM.

SUNDAY 17 +SUNDAY OF THE CANAANITE WOMAN. ST. THEODORE THE TYRO.

ORTHROS 9:15AM, DIVINE LITURGY 10:30AM.

SUNDAY 24 +SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND THE PHARISEE. (BEGINNING OF THE TRIODION) ORTHROS 9:15AM, DIVINE LITURGY 10:30AM

ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΙΕΡΩΝ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΩΝ - ΦΕΒΡΟΥΑΡΙΟΥ 2013

ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ 2 +Η ΥΠΑΠΑΝΤΗ ΤΟΥ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ. ΟΡΘΡΟΣ 9:15ΠΜ, ΘΕΙΑ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ 10:15ΠΜ.

ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ 3 +ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΙΕ’ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΥ. ΑΓΙΟΥ ΣΥΜΕΩΝ ΘΕΟΔΟΧΟΥ.

ΟΡΘΡΟΣ 9:15ΠΜ, ΘΕΙΑ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ 10:30ΠΜ.

ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ 10 +ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΙΣΤ’ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΥ. ΑΓΙΟΥ ΙΕΡΟΜΑΡΤΥΡΟΣ ΧΑΡΑΛΑΜΠΟΥΣ.

ΟΡΘΡΟΣ 9:15ΠΜ, ΘΕΙΑ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ 10:30ΠΜ.

ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ 17 +ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΤΗΣ ΧΑΝΑΝΑΙΑΣ. ΑΓΙΟΥ ΘΕΟΔΩΡΟΥ ΤΗΡΩΝΟΣ. ΟΡΘΡΟΣ 9:15ΠΜ, ΘΕΙΑ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ 10:30ΠΜ.

ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ 24 +ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΤΟΥ ΤΕΛΩΝΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΤΟΥ ΦΑΡΙΣΑΙΟΥ. (ΑΡΧΗ ΤΡΙΩΔΙΟΥ) ΟΡΘΡΟΣ 9:15ΠΜ, ΘΕΙΑ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ 10:30ΠΜ.

A worker takes the trouble to get hold of the instruments that he requires. He does so not simply to have them and not use them. Nor is there any profit for him in merely possessing the instruments. What he wants is, with their help, to produce the crafted objective for which these are the efficient means.

In the same way, fasting, vigils, scriptural meditation, and total deprivation do not constitute perfection but are the means to perfection. They are not in themselves the end point of a discipline, but an end is attained to through them. - St. John Cassian, Conference One

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A FAMILY LESSON: HOW WILL WE PREPARE FOR PASCHA?

by Phyllis Meshel Onest, M.Div. Often Great Lent is taught as a series of "shoulds" - we should go to Church, we should fast, we

should pray, we should give alms. This approach focuses on "duty" and has a negative connotation to me.

We need an "attitude adjustment"! This year, let's approach our family's Lenten effort from a different

perspective. Let's try for a loving response to what our Lord has done for us.

Step 1: What's Involved in Preparation?

Begin by asking family members how they have prepared for something important. Younger

children may remember a piano or dance recital, a sports competition, a test in school. Teens may focus on

getting a driver's license. Parents may reflect on preparing for their wedding day or the birth of their first

child.

Whatever the experience, ask what was involved in the preparation period. Determine whether both

knowledge and practice/action were required. For example, to get a driver's license a teenager has to pass a

written test which means acquiring knowledge, and to pass a road test which means acquiring skills through

practice. Parents can reflect on their premarital guidance sessions with their parish priest, or lack thereof.

Guide the discussion to allow each family member to share his/her story of preparation. Be sure to ask how

each felt during the process and after.

Step 2: What Do We Know About Great Lent?

Originally, Great Lent was the final preparation of the catechumens for their baptism at Pascha. The

catechumens would fast, pray, study scripture, and do good works. The rest of the community joined the

catechumens as a time for renewing their baptismal commitment to Christ. While the catechumenate has

died off in most Orthodox parishes, since most enter the Church through infant baptism, we continue the

practices of Great Lent as our personal preparation for Pascha.

In this step a variety of methods can be used to teach Great Lent in ways that are appropriate for

your children. Throughout all of these the themes of anticipation of and preparation for Pascha should be

emphasized.

Scripture - Review the biblical accounts of the Israelites wandering in the desert (Exodus 14-20)

and Christ's temptation in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1-11). These are traditional biblical understandings of

Great Lent. Study some of the Old Testament passages about the Messiah (Isaiah 11, Isaiah 53, Zechariah

9:9, the Book of Jonah, and others).

Worship - Examine the special services and prayers of Great Lent. The Pre-Sanctified Liturgies, the

Akathist Hymn, and the Canon of St. Andrew are integral parts of the Lenten liturgical life. Talk about the

Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim [see above], fasting, and the themes of the Sundays before Lent and during

Lent. All of these are part of our preparation for Pascha.

Many resources are available to help you: Sunday bulletins, the parish library, your Priest or Church

School Director. If you have access to the internet, check out the Orthodox web sites on the World Wide

Web. http://www.theologic.com can get one to most anywhere in the Orthodox Christian world! Books like

Great Lent and Of Water and the Spirit by Alexander Schmemann, The Lenten Spring by Thomas Hopko,

The Lenten Workbook [OCEC], the Orthodox Study Bible, and others, are available from Light & Life

Publishing. [4818 Park Glen Rd. Minneapolis, MN 55416, Phone: 612-925-3888, Fax: FAX 888-925-3918]

Step 3: Focus on the children's response to the message of Great Lent.

Then answer the question, "How will we prepare for Pascha this year during Great Lent?" Decide

what you will do as a family and what you will do individually.

Fasting - For example, parents and teens may choose a more rigorous level of fasting, but everyone

in the family will fast at some level. The Church offers a rule to which we strive: no meat, fish, wine, dairy

products, olive oil. (Wine and olive oil are permitted on Saturdays and Sundays.) The degree to which we

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keep the rule comes with spiritual growth and practice, but it can begin when children are young. In our

home the girls learned to fast from meat during Great Lent while in the primary grades or younger. Our

hardest problem was getting them to eat meat after Pascha!

But fasting is not limited to food. Throughout the writings of Church Fathers and Mothers, we read

that we must also "fast from the tongue": watch what comes out of our mouths as well as what goes into the

mouth. This requires as much effort, at times, as does fasting from food.

There's also "fasting with the arms and legs": keeping from any evil action; and "fasting with the

eyes": protecting ourselves from what is out there that's not edifying. I remember sitting in the doctor's

office, flipping pages of a magazine and my eyes were accosted by a provocative ad; or zipping through TV

channels and viewing a music video, movie preview, or any of a number of other images that are

unnecessary, i.e., that pull me away from Godly thinking. Anyone who has experienced a trauma in life can

tell you that the visual images are always a part of one's memory. Our minds, like video recorders, amass

millions of visual and audio "bits of memory" that can be recalled even when one wants to forget.

Worship - Great Lent is the time to increase your family's frequency of receiving the Eucharist, if it

is not already your practice. If your family has never attended a Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, decide together to

attend, and even to prepare to receive the Eucharist. Preparation to receive the Eucharist includes prayer,

fasting and the Sacrament of Confession.

Many Orthodox parishes offer the Akathist on Fridays, whether it be the one to the Theotokos

[Greek style] or alternating between the Akathists to Jesus and Mary [Slav style]. In our parish we also pray

for the souls of our deceased family members after the Akathist [Slav style]. How appropriate! We are

remembering and preparing for Christ's resurrection, so that we can indeed have everlasting life with Him,

which is what we pray our family members are experiencing. If you parish offers this latter service, have the

children help you with the list of names of Orthodox family members so that they can listen for them when

they are read.

In nearly all our parishes, there are Saturday-of-the-Souls Liturgies where we again pray for the

dead. Greek style: the two Saturdays before and the first Saturday of Great Lent. Slav style: the second,

third and fourth Saturdays of Great Lent. Plan to participate and to bring your list of names to at least one. If

it is the practice to prepare a special bread or boiled wheat for memorials, involve your children in the

preparation.

Almsgiving - Save money individually or as a family to donate to a local charity or the Orthodox

Christian Mission Center [P.O. Box 4319, St. Augustine, FL 32085-4319, Phone: 904-829-513]. The

Mission Center offers a collection box that can be the visual focus of your effort.] Children can be

encouraged to save from their allowance, gift monies, special treats, or lunches. Families can donate monies

they would have spent for movies, video rentals or eating out. In either case, some sacrifice is to be

involved.

Prayer & Study - Turn off, or at least, limit the television. This will provide time for prayer and the

study of a book of the Bible as a family. The footnotes and special articles in the Orthodox Study Bible are

of great help. With elementary-aged children use the International Children's Bible. There are several books

in the Arch Series that deal with the Paschal story. Plus there are videos. Some families I know watch only

"religious" videos or ones with a moral theme during Great Lent. Consider using this new-found time to

play games such as Bible Pictionary [Sr. or Jr.], Bibleopoly, and Bible trivia games. [Check your local

Christian book store for most of these items.] In a society such as ours that underestimates the value of

discipline and obedience, the teachings and practices of the Orthodox Church appear as antiquated and

"unnormal". From our perspective this is "the norm"! As St. Paul reminds us, we are to "live in the world"

but not be "of the world." Christ wants us to "transform" the world around us. This Lent, strive to live "the

norm." Based on "A Lenten Lesson: How Will We Prepare for Easter?", The Orthodox Servant (Newsletter of the Department of Religious Education, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese), March 1992, p. 5.

Abba John the Dwarf said, "If a king wanted to take possession of his enemy's city, he would begin by cutting off the water and the food and so his enemies, dying of hunger, would submit to him. It is the same with the passions of the flesh; if a man goes about fasting and hungry the enemies of his soul grow weak." Sr. Benedicta Ward, "The Sayings of the Desert Fathers," (Kalamazoo, Michigan: Cistercian Publications, 1975), pp. 85-89

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The Three Degrees of Eating According to St. Gregory the Sinaite there are three degrees in eating: temperance, sufficiency, and satiety.

Temperance is when someone wants to eat some more food but abstains, rising from the table still somewhat hungry. Sufficiency is when someone eats what is needed and sufficient for normal nourishment. Satiety is when someone eats more than enough and is more than satisfied.

Now if you cannot keep the first two degrees and you proceed to the third, then, at least, do not become a glutton, remembering the words of the Lord: "Woe to you that are full now, for you shall hunger" (Lk 6:25). Remember also that rich man who ate in this present life sumptuously every day, but who was deprived of the desired bosom of Abraham in the next life, simply because of this sumptuous eating. Remember how he longed to refresh his tongue with a drop of water.

St. Basil not only did not forgive the young people who ate to satiety but also those who ate until satisfied; he preferred that all eat temperately. He said, "Nothing subdues and controls the body as does the practice of temperance. It is this temperance that serves as a control to those youthful passions and desires."'

St. Gregory the Theologian has also noted in his poetry: "No satiety has brought forth prudent behavior; for it is in the nature of fire to consume matter. And a filled stomach expels refined thoughts; it is the tendency of opposites to oppose each other."

Job, too, assuming that one could fall into sin through eating, offered sacrifice to God for his sons who were feasting among themselves. "And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said: 'It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts'" (Jb 1:5-8). In interpreting this passage Olympiodoros wrote: "We learn from this that we ought to avoid such feasts which can bring on sinfulness. We must also purify ourselves after they have been concluded, even if these are conducted for the sake of concord and brotherly love as in the case of the sons of Job."

Surely then, if the sons of Job were not at a feast but in prayer or some other spiritual activity, the devil would not have dared to destroy the house and them, as Origen interpreted the passage: "The devil was looking for an opportunity to destroy them. Had he found them reading, he would not have touched the house, having no reason to put them to death. Had he found them in prayer, he would not have had any power to do anything against them. But when he found an opportune time, he was powerful. What was the opportune time? It was the time of feasting and drinking." Do you see then, dear reader, how many evils are brought forth by luxurious foods and feasting in general? - A Handbook of Spiritual Counsel, by St. Nicodemos (Chapter 6)

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Bess and Sheila want you to come join the fun at Bingo!

Friday, February 15 Sunday, March 24

ALL BINGOS ARE AT THE C.L.E. LOCATION at 5:45 PM

YOUR AD HERE SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

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