ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
THE ORATOR ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
METROPOLITIAN ISAIAH’S ENCYCLICAL Beloved in the Lord, This morning, on June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States of America declared, in a five to four decision, that same-sex marriage in our country is now legal in all fifty states. This decision was based on the freedom and equal rights of all citizens. There was no mention of God in any part of the decision. This is one more ramification in the evolving laws of our nation which stresses the paramount rights and freedoms of our citizens. However, we know from our ancient, holy and cultural teachings and traditions that rights and freedoms cannot exist without the necessary responsibilities and accountability which should accompany them. Otherwise, such rights and freedoms would lead to anarchy, the next lower step from democracy. This slippery slope which we as a nation have continued to travel, from the Roe v. Wade decision over forty years ago, has ignored the basic teaching of the science of sociology which states that the very first society in this world is the human family. Unfortunately, our Supreme Court began to attack this primary society by legalizing the deaths of unborn infants, who as children contribute to the concept of the primary family. Although there is the question of morality in putting to death helpless, unborn human infants — almost sixty million by now — we, as Americans, have been conditioned not to feel any guilt or remorse because this genocide is “legal.”
Presiding Priest: Fr. Nicholas Hadzellis Cell: 617.530.0885 Parish Assistant: SamiaShiber Office: 817.626.5578 Fax: 817.626.5073 Parish Council Members Elias Shiber, President John Sempeles, V. President Matt Lee, Treasurer Georgia Sparto, Secretary Magda Fleming Marina Katzianis Lisa Kelly Terry Kouris Artemis Moon Elaine Reidl George Vardakis
Office email: admin@stdemetrios.net
Aside from these thoughts which have to do with human behavior, we as members of the Church of the New Covenant, which history records as the Orthodox Christian Church, continue to preserve our Judeo-Christian principles which place Almighty God as the supra-intellectual Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. This is the teaching of the Church that was clearly recognized by the first Ecumenical Council in Nicea in A.D. 325. Returning to this morning’s Supreme Court decision pertaining to same-sex marriage, we know that as members of the Church we have no right to
Orator: Orator.stdemetrios@gmail.com Web: www.stdemetrios.net Parish Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
criticize or to condemn any human person regarding his or her lifestyle. The Apostle Paul says it best when he states, “Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another?” (Romans 14:4). We, of course, are not speaking of persons per se, but of human lifestyles which are contrary to the moral behavior exercised by one’s free will in harmony with Holy Scripture. Practically speaking, the question will arise from some in our canonical Orthodox Christian parishes regarding the sacrament of holy matrimony, for persons of the same gender. There is no confusion in this matter because our holy services of matrimony are not contracts as in all other religious bodies, but they are sacraments or mysteria. This means that we the clergy are not the celebrants of our sacraments, but the Holy Spirit is. This is why, for all of the sacraments of the Church, they are celebrated by the clergy in the third person. We never use the pronoun “I” because it is the Holy Spirit Who is the celebrant, through the priest or bishop. In our sacrament of holy matrimony, one of the prayers states, “Blessed are You, O Lord, Who are the celebrant of mystic and hallowed marriage...” In all of the sacraments, we, the clergy, say, “the servant of God is baptized” in baptism, or “the servant of God is crowned” in holy matrimony. Another prayer said by the celebrant in the marriage ceremony is “O Master, send down now Your hand from Your holy dwelling place and unite Your servants...” None of the holy sacraments of the Church are considered contracts which can be broken; but, in all of them, it is our Triune God Who, through the canonical priest or bishop, gives a lasting blessing to the participants in the holy sacrament. The fact that the First Amendment of our United States Constitution prohibits our government from interfering with the free exercise of religion means that no human law on the part of any of the three branches of government can negate or nullify or rise above the teachings and dogmas of our JudeoChristian history of more than two thousand years. Any attempt by our government to do this would totally fail, as it did in Communist Russia and in Nazi Germany. Consequently, my hierarchical instructions to all the clergy who belong to this Metropolis, and to the military chaplains under my oversight, are to react pastorally in denying any and all who may seek the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony for a same-sex marriage. You are to inform them that by doing so you would be betraying the holy priesthood of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who established the Church through His death and resurrection; and that, if you were to do so, you would be defrocked from the holy priesthood by an ecclesiastical tribunal. I am confident that all of our holy clergy in this Metropolis will continue to honor our holy vocation and will remain faithful to the teachings of the Church. In this way, all of us — clergy, monastics, and laity — will continue to live our lives as best as we can, in harmony with the life-giving teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ which will lead us into His everlasting Kingdom. With Paternal Blessings, ✠ Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Service to our church Date
Parish Council Ushers
Orthros
Readers
July 5
Georgia Sparto
Ken George - Chanter
Greek-Open
Lisa Kelly
Ken George - Reader
Jamileh Shiber
Magda Fleming
Ellyn Ponton - Chanter
Greek-Open
John Sempeles
Ellyn Ponton - Reader
Grace Beasley
Matt Lee
Phil Hieger - Chanter
Greek-Open
George Vardakis
Phil Hieger - Reader
Lexi Vardakis
Terry Kouris
Phil Hieger - Chanter
Greek-Open
Artemis Moon
Phil Hieger - Reader
Katherine Kallinikos
July 12 July 19 July 26
If you would like to be a St. Demetrios Usher, please speak to a Parish Council Member. If you would like to be a Reader (Youth and Adult), please see Cathy Xydas or Ali Winters. PLEASE VOLUNTEER TO BE AN ORTHROS READER OR CHANTER
WEEKLY SERVICES Sunday, July 5 5th Sunday of Matthew 7:45am Orthros 9am Divine Liturgy Sunday, July 12 6th Sunday of Matthew
7:45am Orthros 9am Divine Liturgy Sunday, July 19 Sunday of the Holy Fathers 7:45am Orthros 9am Divine Liturgy
Sunday, July 26 8th Sunday of Matthew 7:45am Orthros 9am Divine Liturgy
FELLOWSHIP HOUR Date
Hosts
July 5 July 12 July 19 July 26
Open Open Open The Kime Family
Witnessing the love of Christ to our parishioners and guests alike, Fellowship Coffee Hour is a ministry that generously provides care and kindness by building up our community through refreshments after the Divine Liturgy on Sundays. Contact Leeann Hieger(817.295.3704 / 817.556.1963 or mritech56@yahoo.com)or Artemis Moon (817.800.6407 or moonartemisk@sbcglobal.net) to host the next Fellowship Hour.
The sign-up sheet is on the wall opposite the doors to the fellowship hall.
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
ORTHODOX TRADITIONS On the Insert tab, the galleries include items that are designed to coordinate with the overall look of your document. You can use these galleries to insert tables, headers, footers, lists, cover pages, and other document building blocks. You can easily change the formatting of selected text in the document text by choosing a look for the selected text from the Quick Styles gallery on the Home tab. You can also format text directly by using the other controls on the Home tab. Most controls offer a choice of using the look from the current theme or using a format that you specify directly. To change the overall look of your document, choose new Theme elements on the Page Layout tab. To change the looks available in the Quick Style gallery, use the Change Current Quick Style Set command. Both the Themes gallery and the Quick Styles gallery provide reset commands so that you can always restore the look of your document to the original contained in your current template.
Stewardship The Divine Liturgy, and especially the Anaphora (the offering) are filled with hymns and prayers that speak directly to thanksgiving and gratitude, from which spring our tithes and offerings. … [T]hanksgiving (Greek eucharistia) reveals the essence of Christian faith. As Fr. Alexander Schmemann said in his final sermon, “Everyone capable of thanksgiving is capable of salvation and eternal joy,” for Christians find their fundamental calling in thanksgiving… [A]ny life not built upon the foundation of gratitude to God is not authentic Christian life. Thanksgiving to God proves that we are truly alive: “The dead do not praise the Lord, / Nor any who go down into silence” (Ps. 115:17). We rightly call the Divine Liturgy “the Eucharist” (thanksgiving), for thanksgiving is the sign of the spiritual life, and the Eucharist keeps us alive. From Let Us Attend: A Journey Through the Orthodox Divine Liturgy, by Fr. Lawrence Farley, Chapter 13, The Anaphora (the offering). For more information on stewardship and tithing visit: www.Everygoodandperfectgift.org
ALPHA OMEGA Please join us on Tuesday, July 14th at 11:30 a.m. at:
1051 W Magnolia Ave., Ft. Worth 76104 (817.926.2116) Hope to see you there!!!…..Mary Galanis
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
PHILOPTOCHOS ST. BARBARA CHAPTER ST. DEMETRIOS GOC SUPPER CLUB NEEDS YOU! Our friends at Samaritan House are continuing to rave about our food during our monthly Supper Club. If you are interested in helping, please contact Megan at 817-556-1964 or megan.hieger@kellerisd.net to be a part of this growing outreach ministry. ALL ARE WELCOME. Our next Supper Club will take place on Thursday, July 2nd. Please arrive no later than 4:30 pm. Service and clean-up should conclude by 6pm.
AHEPA AHEPA FORT WORTH CHAPTER 19 AWARDS $1000 SCHOLARSHIP
AHEPA Fort Worth Chapter 19 is pleased to announce that Madeline Haratsis is the recipient of the 2015 AHEPA scholarship program. She will receive a $1000 scholarship to support her studies in the 2015/2016 academic year. Madeline is 3rd from the right with proud parents Paul and Jayne to her right. Also shown are Fr. Nicholas Hadzellis, George Vardakis (AHEPA President), and Chris Xydas (AHEPA Scholarship Chairman). Madeline is a 2015 graduate of the Hill School in Fort Worth. She is a member of National Honor Society and received the 2015 President’s Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement. Madeline is active in school and is a member of the varsity cheerleading squad, runs track & field, and is on the student council. She volunteers regularly at the St. Demetrios Greek Food Festival and also at the Union Gospel Mission, Boys & Girls Club, and Fort Worth Art Festival. She plans on attending Texas Tech University in the fall and is pursuing a degree in Education in preparation for a career as an elementary school teacher. Thank you Madeline for your contributions to the community, congratulations on you academic achievements, and best of luck in the coming school year. We’re all very proud of you. Keep up the great work!
North Texas Orthodox Mission (NTOM) SAVE THE DATES! NTOM MEETING – Tuesday, August 4, following Paraklesis, at 7 pm, at Holy Trinity GOC, Dallas Light Lenten Meal will be offered. The September meeting will be held on September 1 at 6:30 pm with the usual Pot-Luck dinner. The location needs to be verified; St. Seraphim’s will be contacted. Missionary Jeffrey McDonald will join us!! God bless, Presv. Alexandra,
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
NTOM Secretary
BOOKSTORE Click here to enter text.
Community Needs St. Demetrios needs You! RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Interested in helping St. Demetrios on a spiritual level? We are in search of a dedicated and organized member to direct the Religious Education program. This position is vital to the life of our parish.Please contact Father Nicholas for more information. BOOKSTORE: We are in need of someone to manage our St. Demetrios Bookstore. Please contact Father Nicholas for more information. GROUNDS: Summertime brings additional seasonal needs. Please see George Vardakis about volunteering a few hours every other week to help mow and weedeat the lawn. We have a lot of property that needs your attention. Showing a nice landscaped property helps reduce crime and vandalism! We need two additional people to help minimize the time and work needed to make the outside beautiful. BUILDING: Your Church Home needs you too! Please see Eilas Shiber about volunteering a few hours a month to give some loving care to our facilities. Providing a clean and cared for environment becomes welcoming to guest and visitors and creates a sense of pride for members.
ONE HARVEST SCHEDULE Saturday, July 18th 9AM-10AM St. Demetrios One Harvest* *For One Harvest, we will need to be at the St. Demetrios Hall by 8:30am to prepare. One volunteer will need to go to the distribution center (300 Belmont Street, Saginaw, TX) by 7:30am to pick up the kits. Please contact John Sempeles (682.215.3151 ordfwgrimlock@yahoo.com) if you want to volunteer for the One Harvest events.
Saturday, June 25th 9AM-12PM Tarrant County Food Bank Sorting** **Next available Food Bank dates is August 29th. Please contact John Sempeles (682.215.3151 or dfwgrimlock@yahoo.com) if you are interested in volunteering for any Food Bank events. On Food Bank days we will meet at St. Demetrios parking lot and leave for the Food Bank by 8:30am .
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Orthodox Christian Mission Center: News from the Mission Field On June 7th, 2015, an OCMC Mission Team
along with thanking many of the other benefactors
helping to construct a school in the village of
who have helped and given to the church. OCMC
Loupwala, in northern Kenya, was blessed with the
Teams Director Andrew Lekos, who led the
opportunity to also participate in the consecration of
construction team, was moved by the experience:
the newly- completed St. Nicholas Church in the
“There were hundreds of people who were able to
nearby village of Lokichar. Both of these villages
witness the consecration of the church.” Mr. Lekos
are located in the Turkana region of
also notes “how moving it was to see
Kenya. The church, under the pastoral
the names of the sponsors and team
care of Fr. Zechariah Echeme, was
members' family and friends,
built with the help of another OCMC
specifically the Chronos family, being
team the previous year and was
placed in the altar with the relics of St.
sponsored by Nick and Diane Chronos
Nicholas.” Following the Devine
of Mandeville, Louisiana. Three of the
Liturgy, the team and the members of
team members, Fr. Vladimir Aleandro, Mat. Susan
the St. Nicholas community took time to enjoy
Aleandro, and Dean Franck, had participated on
fellowship and celebration through presentations,
the previous year’s team. They felt especially
song, and dance. Not only the men and women in
privileged to be able to witness the consecration of
attendance gave praise, but also the children were
the church, during which His Eminence Makarios,
giving thanks. The celebration concluded with an
Archbishop of Kenya, praised the Chronos family
agape meal.
for “participating in the building of Christ’s Church”,
For more information go to www.ocmc.org
Internation Orthodox Christian Charities: News and Information Baltimore, MD (IOCC) — Summer is the height of tourist season in the Greek isles, but Amina, 35, isn't on the island of Chios with her husband and three young sons for a vacation. The Syrian refugee family is in flight from Damascus. Their long and arduous trek took them through Lebanon and into Turkey, where they hiked a grueling 200 miles across the country to reach a boat that would carry them to safety in Greece. Also part of their group were several Syrian youth under 18 traveling alone or with distant relatives, like Sahir, 17, a member of Amina's extended family. They travel at great risk with the hope to reach
Western Europe and register as underage refugees, which would allow their parents to join them. The eastern Aegean isles have been inundated by the flow of Syrian refugees arriving by sea. The island of Chios, which lies just four miles from Turkey, has received more than 7,000 newcomers since last March. The influx of refugees has overwhelmed local authorities on this small island of only 32,000 inhabitants as they struggle to register refugees and provide basic shelter and food to the men, women, and children who arrive daily at Chios' small and outdated immigrant reception center.
International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) with its local partner, Apostoli, the humanitarian arm of the Church of Greece, is responding to the dire needs of the refugees by improving poor hygiene and health conditions in the crowded reception centers. Newly installed portable showers along with renovated plumbing and sewage systems provide the travel weary refugees with a place to take care of their personal hygiene in privacy and with dignity. IOCC is also providing 1,700 personal hygiene kits customized to meet the needs of men, women, or infants, and reinforcing good hygiene practices through bilingual posters in English and Arabic and one-on-one awareness talks with refugees of all ages. In addition, school kits filled with writing and coloring supplies, will be distributed to 200 school-aged children including Amina's three boys, Bayas, 11; Abdurrahmal, 6; and Aymullah, 4. "I just want my children to be safe and happy," said the tearful and exhausted mother. "There was nothing we could do in Syria, with our lives in danger all the time." In spite of her tired state, Amina and her husband were already eager to move their family on to the next step of the journey – to a new country where their children can receive a good education and grow up far from the memories of war. IOCC, an ACT Alliance member, is providing immediate and ongoing humanitarian assistance to families in need who have endured four years of Syria's brutal civil war. Since 2012, IOCC has provided relief to 3 million people displaced inside Syria, or living as refugees in Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Armenia, and Greece. HOW YOU CAN HELP You can help the victims of poverty and conflicts around the world by making a financial gift to the IOCC International Emergency Response Fund which will provide immediate relief, as well as long-term support through the provision of emergency aid, recovery assistance and other support to help those in need. To make a gift, please visit iocc.org or call toll free at 1-877-803-IOCC (4622), or mail a check or money order payable to IOCC, P.O. Box 17398, Baltimore, MD 21297. ABOUT INTERNATIONAL ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHARITIES IOCC is the official humanitarian aid agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America. Since its inception in 1992, IOCC has delivered $534 million in relief and development programs to families and communities in more than 50 countries. IOCC is a member of the ACT Alliance, a global coalition of more than 140 churches and agencies engaged in development, humanitarian assistance and advocacy, and a member of InterAction, the largest alliance of U.S.–based secular and faith-based organizations working to improve the lives of the world's most poor and vulnerable populations. To learn more about IOCC, visit iocc.org.
Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry Prisoners Among Us You don’t need to be behind bars to be imprisoned… In this reflection, our brother in Christ Fr George Tsahakis reminds us that at some point in our lives, we all find ourselves in chains–prisoners to things that bind and enslave us. If we are to truly help others be set free, we may need to first free ourselves. Imagine walking in the forest and seeing four men chained to trees in the darkened woods. These prisoners appear to be hungry, heartsick, and discouraged. Now, visualize yourself springing to their rescue…. Indeed, you possess the means to free them. You realize you know the combination to their locks which bind together their chains, and you now call upon your talents to set the prisoners free. You unlock the chains of the first man, and then he goes to the second man and frees him. In turn, the
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
second man cares for the third man, but to his dismay, the third man fails to be able to loosen the bonds of the fourth captive. Sadly, the fourth prisoner is left in chains with the combination to his lock unknown. Upon your return home, everyone rejoices at your heroic rescue, but deep inside, you remain unsatisfied that the fourth man continued to be a prisoner. Now let’s ask several questions: Why were these men prisoners? Who had chained them? What had brought them freedom from bondage? The first man’s chains were caused by terror of God, and up until his release, he had sought to deny any religion or any relationship to God. The sins of fear and doubt kept him chained in the forest of hate and ignorance. The second man’s chains were made up of prejudice, and he thought himself superior to those of another color or race. He was imprisoned in the forest of hate and ignorance. The third man was chained with a self-righteous attitude, thinking he could do no wrong, that he was superior to others, and he didn’t need to offer mercy. He was lost through his self-imposed loneliness and chained in the forest of hate and ignorance. As the rescuer of these three men, let me recap how positively you offered to them God’s Word as the means to set these prisoners free. In speaking with the first prisoner, you offered him the encouragement found in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.” With the second captive, you witnessed to him the testimony found in Acts 17:2426: “The God who made the world and everything in it, He who is Lord of heaven and earth, … From one ancestor He made all nations to inhabit the whole earth…” And your choice of Holy Scripture to free the third prisoner was St. Paul’s counsel in 1 Corinthians 8:8: “Food will not bring us close to God.” We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.” You and for that matter, others, cannot liberate the fourth prisoner from his chains and home in darkness, for he has no faith, and he continues to not believe you, me, or God. For those reading this parable, let me ask, “Have you any chains? Are you in a forest? Would you like to hear the ‘Good News’ to free you from your bondage and live life as God intended for all of us?” If the answer is yes, after you finish reading these words, open your Bible and read God’s plan for your life. It’s yours for the taking. “For this purpose He called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 2:14) www.ocpm.org for more inormation
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
CHALLENGE QUESTIONS 1. How many books are in the Bible? (Old Testament?) (New Testament?) 2. What was the name of the shepherd boy who became the second king in Israel?
6. After the flood, what sign did God give that He would not destroy the earth with a flood again? 7. Who did Boaz marry? 8. Abraham traveled with his nephew. What was his nephew’s name?
3. How many brothers did Joseph have? 9. What was the name of Joseph’s baby brother? 4. Who were the parents of Cain and Abel? 10. Who found baby Moses in the river? 5. Noah sent out 2 different kinds of birds from the Ark. What were they?
1. 66 (39) (27) 2. David 3. 11. He also had 1 sister. 4. Adam and Eve 5. Raven and Dove 6. Rainbow 7. Ruth 8. Lot 9. Benjamin 10. Pharaoh’s daughter
COMMUNITY IN PICTURES Vacation Church School
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Thank you to all our volunteers for another great VCS!
GOYA Pool party
Thank you to the Beasley for opening their home to us!
JULY 2015 Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Sunday
Strict Fast Fish allowed
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
1 Dairy, Eggs, and Fish allowed
Wine and Oil allowed
5 5th Sunday of Matthew 7:45am Orthros 9am Divine Liturgy Mary Dieb Memorial 12 6th Sunday of Matthew 7:45am Orthros 9am Divine Liturgy
6
7 7pm Parish Council Meeting
13
14 11:30am Alpha Omega: Shaws
19 Sunday of the Holy Fathers 7:45am Orthros 9am Divine Liturgy
20
21
26 8th Sunday of Matthew 7:45am Orthros 9am Divine Liturgy
27
28
8
15
22
29
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
2 5pm Supper Club at Samaritan House
3
4 Independence Day
9
10
11
16
17
23
24
30
31
18
25
Pray of Thanksgiving Jesus Christ, my Lord and God, I give You thanks for Your loving kindness and all the blessings You have richly bestowed upon me. I fall down in worship and adoration before You, the King of glory. I praise You, I glorify You, I bless You and I give thanks to You for Your great goodness and tender mercy. To You I come, my sweet Lord and loving Master. Shine in my heart the light of Your grace. Enlighten my mind, that I may walk uprightly all my life by keeping Your commandments. Glorified and exalted is Your holy name, now and forever. Amen
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Sunday Readings for July 2015 July 05
5th Sunday of Matthew
Epistle: Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-2 Gospel: Matthew 8:28-34; 9:1
July 12
6th Sunday of Matthew
Epistle: Romans 12:6-14 Gospel: Matthew 9:1-8
July 19 July 26
Sunday of the Holy
Epistle: Titus 3:8-15
Fathers
Gospel: Matthew 5:14-19
8th Sunday of Matthew
Epistle: Galatians 3:23-29; 4:1-5 Gospel: Matthew 14:14-22
THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH THE FIRST GREEK ORTHODOX PARISH IN TEXAS
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church 2020 NW 21st St. Fort Worth, Texas 76164 www.stdemetrios.net