St. LukeDiocese Orthodox Christian Church of the South, Orthodox Church in America The Rev. Father Basil Henry, Priest 1415 Woodstock Ave. • Anniston, Alabama • www.stlukeanniston.org/ basilncana@yahoo.com • (256) 235-3893 Sunday, January 9, 2011 • 33rd Sunday after Pentecost Sunday after the Theophany • Martyr Polyeuctus of Melitene in Armenia (259).
St. Gregory of Nyssa (anticipated). Prophet Shemaiah (Samaia, Semeias) (10th c. B.C.) (III Kings 12:22). St. Peter, bishop of Sebaste in Armenia (ca. 395), brother of Sts. Macrina Basil the Great, Naucratius, and Gregory of Nyssa. St. Adrian, abbot in Canterbury (710). St. Eustratius the Wonderworker of Tarsus (821). New Martyr Parthena of Edessa in Macedonia (1375). Hieromartyr Philip, metropolitan of Moscow and all Russia (1569).
Announcements
Speak with Father Basil soon about scheduling your home to be blessed. Be sure to look for our Facebook page with many photos from our parish’s history.
Many Years
May God grant Many Years to Gregory Edwin Smith on his namesday tomorrow. The cover photo is of Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, throwing a wooden cross into Golden Horn during an Theophany ceremony to bless the water in the Golden Horn in Istanbul, Turkey, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011. Similar ceremonies to mark Theophany day were held across Greece on river banks, seafronts and lakes. Bartholomew I threw the cross into the water and swimmers raced to be the first to retrieve it. (AP/Ibrahim Usta)
This Week’s Service Schedule & scripture readings Monday, 1/10
St. Gregory Nyssa
No Service Vespers 4 p.m.
Tuesday, 1/11
St. Theodosius the Great
Heb. 3:511, 17-19
Luke 20:27-44
Hebrews 4:1-13
Luke 21:12-19
2 Cor. 4:6-15
Wednesday, 1/12
Matins 8 a.m.
Hebrews 5:11-6:8
Luke 21:5-7, 10-11, 20-24
Thursday, 1/13
Matins 8 a.m.
Hebrews 7:1-6
Luke 21:28-33
Friday, 1/14
Matins 8 a.m.
Hebrews 7:18-25
Luke 21:37-22:8
Ephesians 2:11-13
Luke 13:18-29
Vespers 4 p.m.
Saturday, 1/15
Matt. 11:27-30
This Week’s Fasts Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Great Vespers “Lord, I Call”
Martyr
sunday (Tone 8)
Lead forth my soul from prison, that I may confess Thy name!
We offer to Thee, O Christ, our evening song and reasonable service, for Thou didst will to have mercy on us by Thy Resurrection. The righteous await me, till Thou shalt reward me.
Lord, Lord, do not cast us away from Thy face! For Thou didst will to have mercy on us by the Resurrection. Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice!
Rejoice, O holy Zion! Mother of the churches, the abode of God! For you were the first to receive remission of sins by the Resurrection. Let Thine ears give heed to the voice of my prayer!
The Word of God the Father, begotten before the ages, in the latter times willed to be incarnate of the Virgin and endured crucifixion unto death. He has saved mortal man by His Resurrection. Afterfeast of
Theophany (Tone 8)
O praise the Lord, all ye nations, praise Him, all ye people!
Neither the desire of thy spouse nor the love of thy children, nor thy dignity nor thy wealth in possessions and estates, caused the strength of thy soul to waver from the true faith in Christ, O most blessed Polyeuctus. For His mercy hath been confirmed upon us and the truth of the Lord remaineth forever.
Even before the grace of thy suffering, O martyr, thou wast truly adorned with the works of righteousness. Wherefore, thou wast counted worthy to be a faithful witness of Christ, being piously baptized in thine own blood into His death.
Polyeuctus (Tone 1)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit…
Lord, Thou didst come as Man to John at the Jordan, yet Thou didst not abandon Thy throne at the right hand of the Father. It was Thy will to be baptized for us, to free us from bondage to the stranger, as the compassionate Lover of mankind. For Thy name’s sake have I waited upon Thee, O Lord; my soul hath waited upon Thy word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
Lord, Thou wast covered as Man by the streams of the Jordan, yet the Spirit descended from on high and bore witness to Thee! The voice of the Father proclaimed Thee as His beloved Son, made manifest to grant our souls great mercy. From the morning watch even to the night, let Israel hope in the Lord!
As Christ led David up out of the pit of the passions, so He raised thee up, O martyr, from the miry clay of the deception of idolatry; for He mystically set thy feet upon the rock of His knowledge. Beseech Him that we may be saved!
Martyr
If Thou observest transgression, Lord, O Lord, who shall stand? For with Thee is propitiation.
Polyeuctus (Tone 1)
For with the Lord there is mercy and with Him is plenteous redemption, and He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Lord, Thou wast born in these last days, assuming the form of a Servant, yet as the changeless One, Thou wast begotten from the Father before all time. It was Thy will to renew Thine image, O Creator, for Thou wast baptized granting incorruption to our souls.
The hosts of the Angels today join chorus to commemorate the martyr Polyeuctus, and the race of man faithfully celebrates and cries out joyously: ”Rejoice, O most praised one! Thou hast triumphed over the subtle snares of Belial, and hast been crowned by Christ with the wreath of victory. Rejoice, O warrior of our great King and Savior, Who destroyed the temples of the idols! Rejoice, O adornment of martyrs! Pray that they who faithfully keep thy ever-honorable memory be delivered from every threat!”
Dogmatikon (Tone 8)
Both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
The King of Heaven, because of His love for man, appeared on earth and dwelt with men. He took flesh from the pure Virgin and after assuming it, He came forth from her. The Son is one: in two natures, yet one Person. Proclaiming Him as perfect God and perfect Man, we confess Christ our God! Entreat Him, O unwedded Mother, to have mercy on our souls!
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Aposticha
sunday (Tone 8)
Descending from heaven to ascend the Cross, the Eternal Life has come for death to raise those who are fallen; to enlighten those in darkness! O Jesus, our Savior and illuminator, glory to Thee! The Lord hath become King; with beauty hath he clothed himself.
We glorify Christ, who rose from the dead! He accepted the human body and soul, and freed both from suffering. His most pure soul descended to hell, which He spoiled. His holy body did not see corruption in the tomb. He is the Redeemer of our souls! For He hath established the world, which shall not be moved.
In psalms and songs we glorify Thy Resurrection from the dead, O Christ! By it, Thou hast freed us from the tortures of hell, and as God hast granted eternal life and great mercy. Holiness belongeth to Thy house, O Lord, unto length of days!
O Master of all, incomprehensible Creator of heaven and earth! By Thy suffering on the Cross Thou hast gained passionlessness for me! Accepting burial and arising in glory, Thou didst resurrect Adam with Thyself by Thine almighty hand! Glory to Thy rising on the third day! By it Thou hast granted us eternal life and cleansing of sins as the only Compassionate One! Afterfeast of
Theophany (Tone 8)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
He who covers Himself with light as with a garment
for our sake saw fit to become like us. Today He covers Himself with the streams of the Jordan. He has no need of their cleansing, but He secures new birth for us. O what wonder! Without fire He re-forges, without breaking He re-forms. He saves those enlightened in Him: Christ God, the Savior of our souls.
Troparia
sunday (Tone 8)
Thou didst descend from on high, O Tenderhearted One. Thou didst accept the three-day burial to free us from our passions. O Lord our life and resurrection, Glory to Thee. Martyr
Polyeuctus (Tone 4)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit‌
Thy holy martyr Polyeuctus, O Lord, through his suffering has received an incorruptible crown from Thee, our God. For having Thy strength, he laid low his adversaries, and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. Through his intercessions, save our souls! Afterfeast of
Theophany (Tone 1)
Both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest. For the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, calling Thee His Beloved Son; and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the truthfulness of His word. O Christ our God, Thou hast revealed Thyself, and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee!
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Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom Beatitude Verses
Both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Christ baptizeth in the fire of the Last Day them that sunday disobey, and think that He is not God; but through Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. Remember us, O Christ, Savior of the world, as Thou the Spirit and by grace, He doth renew through water hast remembered the thief upon the cross. And make all who acknowledge His Divinity, delivering them us all worthy of Thy heavenly kingdom, O Thou Who from their inquities. alone art compassionate.
Troparia
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
sunday (Tone 8)
Hearken, O Adam, and rejoice with Eve, for He Who Thou didst descend from on high, O Tenderhearted formerly stripped you both and took thee captive One. Thou didst accept the three-day burial to free through beguilement, is laid low by the cross of Christ. us from our passions. O Lord our life and resurrecBlessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. tion, Glory to Thee. Our Savior, having been nailed by Thine own will upon Afterfeast of Theophany (Tone 1) the tree, Thou hast destroyed the curse of the tree that When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, lay on Adam and as Thou art compassionate, Thou hast the worship of the Trinity was made manifest. For given those in Thine image a dwelling place in Paradise. the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, calling Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, Thee His Beloved Son; and the Spirit in the form of for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. a dove confirmed the truthfulness of His word. O Today Christ is risen from the tomb giving all the faithChrist our God, Thou hast revealed Thyself, and ful incorruption and He gives back joy to the women hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee! bearing myrrh: After the Passion, the Resurrection! Afterfeast of
Martyr
Theophany
Polyeuctus (Tone 4)
Thy holy martyr Polyeuctus, O Lord, through his suffering has received an incorruptible crown from Be glad today, O Church of Christ, that before was Thee, our God. For having Thy strength, he laid low barren and grievously childless. For through water and his adversaries, and shattered the powerless boldness the Spirit, sons have been born to thee, and they cry of demons. Through his intercessions, save our souls! out in faith: ‘There is none holy as our God, and there St. Gregory of Nyssa (Tone 4) is none righteous save Thee, O Lord.’ In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in faith, an image of humility and a teacher of abstiheaven. nence; your humility exalted you; your poverty enWith a great voice the Forerunner crieth in the wilderness: riched you. Hierarch Father Gregory, entreat Christ ‘Prepare ye the ways of Christ, and make straight the paths our God that our souls may be saved. of our God, crying out in faith: There is none holy as our God, and there is none righteous save Thee, O Lord.’ Kontakia Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit…
Begotten without change from God the Father, Christ is incarnate without defilement from the Virgin; and delivering the earthborn from error, the Forerunner teacheth that it is not possible to unloose the strap of His sandals, even the bond that bindeth the Word to us.
sunday (Tone 8)
Having risen from the tomb, Thou didst waken the dead and didst raise Adam and Eve danceth for joy at Thy resurrection; and the limits of the world festival for Thy rising from the dead, O greatly Merciful One.
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St. Gregory of Nyssa (Tone 4)
You kept watch with the eyes of your soul, holy bishop, revealing yourself as a watchful pastor for the world. With the staff of your wisdom and your fervent intercession, you drove away all heretics like wolves. You preserved your flock free from harm, most wise Gregory! Martyr
Polyeuctus (Tone 4)
teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Alleluia Verses Afterfeast of
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit…
Theophany (Tone 5)
Vs: I will sing of Thy mercies, O Lord, forever; with my When the Savior bowed His head in the Jordan, the mouth I will proclaim Thy truth from generation to heads of the dragons were crushed; when Polyeuctus generation. was beheaded, the deceiver was put to shame. Vs: For Thou hast said: “Mercy will be established forAfterfeast of Theophany (Tone 4) ever; My truth will be prepared in the heavens.” Both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Today Thou hast shone forth to the world, O Lord, Gospel Reading Afterfeast of and the light of Thy countenance has been marked on Theophany (Matthew 4:12-17) us. Knowing Thee, we sing Thy praises: ”Thou hast At that time, Jesus heard that John had been arrested, come and revealed Thyself, O unapproachable Light.” He withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth He went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the terriProkeimenon tory of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what was spoken Afterfeast of Theophany (Tone 1) by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Let Thy mercy be upon us, O Lord, as we have set our Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, hope on Thee. across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people Vs: Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; praise becometh who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light the upright! has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, Epistle Reading saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Afterfeast of
Theophany (Ephesians 4:7-13)
Brethren, unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and
Theotokion
Theophany
Magnify, O my soul, the most-pure Virgin Theotokos, more honorable than the heavenly hosts! No tongue is capable of praising thee; the angelic mind is overawed in exalting thee, O Theotokos! But accept our faith, since thou art gracious and know our divine love, thou art the Protectress of Christians, and we praise thee!
Please note Holy Communion is reserved for Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves beforehand through confession and fasting. All are welcome to receive the blessed bread and Father’s blessing after services.
“A greedy appetite for food is terminated by satiety and the pleasure of drinking ends when our thirst is quenched. And so it is with the other things... But the possession of virtue, once it is solidly achieved, cannot be measured by time nor limited by satiety. Rather, to those who are its disciples it always appears as something ever new and fresh.” St. Gregory of Nyssa ~7~
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The Orthodox Faith > Doctrine > Sources of Christian Doctrine
The Councils As the Church progressed through history it was faced with many difficult decisions. The Church always settled difficulties and made decisions by reaching a consensus of opinion among all the believers inspired by God who were led by their appointed leaders, first the apostles and then the bishops. The first church council in history was held in the ap- small in terms of the number of bishops attending, have ostolic church to decide the conditions under which the received the universal approval of the entire Church in all gentiles, that is, the non-Jews, could enter the Christian times and places. These councils have been termed the Church (see Acts 15). From that time on, all through his- Seven Ecumenical Councils(see table below). tory councils were held on every level of church life to The dogmatic definitions (dogma means official teaching) make important decisions. Bishops met regularly with and the canon laws of the ecumenical councils are undertheir priests, also called presbyters or elders, and people. stood to be inspired by God and to be expressive of His It became the practice, and even the law, very early in will for men. Thus, they are essential sources of Orthodox church history that bishops in given regions should meet Christian doctrine. in councils held on a regular basis. Besides the seven ecumenical councils, there are other loAt times in church history councils of all of the bishops cal church councils whose decisions have also received the in the church were called. All the bishops were not able to approval of all Orthodox Churches in the world, and so attend these councils, of course, and not all such councils are considered to be genuine expressions of the Orthodox were automatically approved and accepted by the Church faith and life. The decisions of these councils are mostly in its Holy Tradition. In the Orthodox Church only of a moral or structural character. Nevertheless, they too seven such councils, some of which were actually quite reveal the teaching of the Orthodox Church. The Seven Ecumenical Councils Nicea 1
325
Formulated the First Part of the Creed, defining the divinity of the Son of God
Constantinople I
381
Formulated the Second Part of the Creed, defining the divinity of the Holy Spirit
Ephesus
431
Defined Christ as the Incarnate Word of God and Mary as Theotokos
Chalcedon
451
Defined Christ as Perfect God and Perfect Man in One Person
Constantinople II
553
Reconfirmed the Doctrines of the Trinity and of Christ
Constantinople III
680
Affirmed the True Humanity of Jesus by insisting upon the reality of His human will and action
Nicea II
787
Affirmed the propriety of icons as genuine expressions of the Christian Faith
The series The Orthodox Faith is intended to provide basic, comprehensive information on the faith and the life of the Orthodox Church for the average reader. The author is Fr. Thomas Hopko, Dean Emeritus of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Crestwood, NY. These articles are available as a set of four books—commonly known as the Rainbow Series and are available for purchase. Please speak with Father if you are interested. ~10~
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Fr. Basil during Theophany services, January 6, 2011. St. Luke Orthodox Christian Church 1415 Woodstock Ave. Anniston, AL 36207