THE ORATOR ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
MESSAGE FROM FR. NICHOLAS “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” (Phillipians 4:13) is not just catchy lyrics to a children’s song, but words to live by. Our society has many opinions about limits. When we want to encourage you, we tell you to push the limits. When we are worried about you, we warn you to know your limits. And we can find limits for everything; limits on speed, limits on weight, limits on time, limits on credit, limits on chances, limits on sale items, limits on space, limits on patience, limits on tolerance. The limits seem to be limitless. But I would suggest limits are not the only limitless thing. Our God is limitless. But often times we even assign limits on Him.
Presiding Priest: Fr. Nicholas Hadzellis Cell: 617.530.0885 Parish Assistant: Samia Shiber Office: 817.626.5578 Fax: 817.626.5073 Parish Council Members Elias Shiber, President John Sempeles, V. President Matt Lee, Treasurer
There are many reasons as to why we would assign limits on God. Many times we assign limits on God because we are aware of our own limitations. Sometimes we assign limits on God because we “know” something is impossible, and sometimes we assign limits because our prayers where unanswered. I’m sure there are many other reasons why we may limit God but let's discuss these three.
Georgia Sparto, Secretary
We all know that there are many challenges in life and life is just not easy. We will learn that people will hurt us and let us down. People very close to us will sometime disappoint us when we need. We learn society’s mantra that says “you can not depend on anyone else but yourself.” Through these challenges, we learn what we can handle and we can not handle. And although we may believe in God, we truly believe it is up to us to get though these challenges. So we can get so shortsighted, or our ego is so big, that if I can't do it myself then God surely can not help. One way or another, intentionally or unintentionally, we have made ourselves our own God, a God with limits. If we look through the Scriptures we can see examples where people have made themselves God.
Artemis Moon
Magda Fleming Marina Katzianis Lisa Kelly Terry Kouris
Elaine Reidl George Vardakis
Office email: admin@stdemetrios.net Orator: Orator.stdemetrios@gmail.com Web: www.stdemetrios.net Parish Office Hours:
In the beining, Adam and Eve were deceived by the serpent, (Genesis 3) that Tuesday - Friday when they eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, their eyes 9:00 am - 1:00 pm would be opened, and they would be like gods. Further along in the book of Genesis, chapter 11, the people sought to build a city with a tower that will reach heaven, and they would “Make a name for themselves.” In the Gospel according to St. Luke, the parable of the rich fool, (Luke 12:16- 20) the rich man is so proud of his own achievements of his great harvest, and desires to give his own soul ease (a type of rest that only God gives). We set ourselves to be God, but bound by our own limitations, we are lead to failure, and separation from God.
We need to be reminded, as the Prophet Isaiah records “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways—says of the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, my thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9) Sometimes we limit God because of our own rationale. We believe something is impossible, we believe our goal is out of reach, we believe it can't be done. Therefore, even God can not do it. In this case we use our intellect to undermine our faith in God. We tend to think we are so smart and we know how the world works. But God is not of the world, He created the world. God is not bound by the rules, He created the rules. Through the Scriptures, and we find examples where God did the impossible against all reason and logic. The blind are given sight the lame are given strength, the dead are risen to life. In the case of the impossible, and the unnatural, we come to know God is not limited. In the book of Exodus, Moses, by the command of God, strikes a rock to spring up water to give drink to the thirst Israelites (Exodus 17: 5). God does not change the rock into a well spring, but rather, He makes water spring from the rock. According to the Gospel of Mark, Christ is confronted by a man with a son who is possessed, after the Disicples failed to cast out the demon. He challenges Christ saying, “if You can do anything, have compassion on us and save us” (Mark 9:22). Christ assure this man and all of us “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes”(Mark 9:23). In like manner, we all should be prepared to say to the Lord, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). What is impossible for man is possible for God (Luke 18:27). Sometimes we limit God because of past experiences and unanswered prayers. Mostly, I think this is when we do not get what we want. We
put limits on God because of our unanswered prayers. I truly believe however our unanswered prayers are in fact answered. I truly believe God tells us “no” sometimes. Just because we do not get what we asked for, we assume God does not care, God is unable, or God simply is not. This comes down to who we believe God to be. Sometimes it is easy to believe God is a type of Santa Claus fulfilling our wish list. But once our list is not satisfied, we start to this disbelieve in the existence of Santa Claus. The reality however, God is not just to fulfill our every wish. God is, to draw us in to eternal life through His grace, His mercy, and His love. Reading the Scriptures, we can find many examples where the people pray to God and His answer was no. The Jews through the desert for 40 years sought to leave the desert and return to the security and slavery in Egypt. God said no, endure the desert and I will bring you to the promised land (Exodus). The three holy youths from the book of Daniel sought not to be thrown into the fiery furnace. But God said no, you will endure the fire and you shall glorify me when you are not burned. Even Christ asked that the chalice of the passion and crucifixion should pass over Him in the garden of Gesthemene, and God said no, you will endure the cross and I will raise you into my glory. We set limits on God, by the very limits of our own understanding of who we are, who He is and the limits of our own faith. But as we study His holy word, we will learn that we are not alone, there are many examples in the Bible who had their short comings. But we will also learn from their mistakes, be encouraged to trust in God,and know that Christ came into to the world to do the impossible, to give us life, that we may have it abundantly (John 10:10). With men we are limited; “but with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:25). Put your faith in the limitless God.
SERVICE TO OUR CHURCH Date
Parish Council Ushers
Orthros
Readers
October 4
John Sempeles
Phil Hieger-Chanter
Greek-Stathis Michaelides
Matt Lee
Open - Reader
English-Maria Kallinikos
Artemis Moon
Ellyn Ponton-Chanter
Greek-Tony Xenios
George Vardakis
Open - Reader
English-Open
Georgia Sparto
Ken George-Chanter
Greek- Cathy Xydas
Magda Fleming
Open - Reader
English-Open
Terry Kouris
Ellyn Ponton/Phil
Greek- Morfoula Mouzakis
Lisa Kelly
Hieger-Co-Chanters
English-Open
October 11 October 18 October 25
Open - Reader 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 - see Ellyn Ponton or Phil Hieger
FELLOWSHIP HOUR Date
Hosts
October 4 October11 October 18 October 25
Open Hiegers and Mouzakis Open Open
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. Many thanks go out to all of you that have taken your turn to make the Fellowship hour a success. You can say, Fellowship Hour is your second communion, as we come together after the Divine Liturgy as the body of Christ to care for one another and spend time with each other. Some great occasions to Host a Fellowship Hour are: Anniversary Baby Blessing Birthday
Memorial Name Day
In effort to make hosting Fellowship Hour easier, please consider a suggested Fellowship Hour List of items to serve: -Bagels (sliced and halved) -Loaves of Specialty Bread (sliced) -Donuts (halved) -Coffee Cake (sliced) -Cookies/Cupcakes
-Cakes (sliced) -Butter/Margarine -Peanut Butter/Cream Cheese -Fruit/Juice -Cheese and Crackers
Additionally, if you are unable to Host, you may still sponsor a Fellowship Hour by making a donation. As part of your contribution and responsibility, please plan on cleaning up at the end of coffee hour. Thank you.
ORTHODOX TRADITIONS Oxi Day - October 28 Oxi Day is a national secular holiday in Greece commemorating its resistance to Axis (Italian) forces during World War II. On October 28, 1940, Benito Mussolini, the dictator of Italy, demanded that Greece give free passage to Italian troops through Greek territory. The Greek Prime Minister, Ioannis Metaxas, responded with a resounding "Oxi!" (No!). Although outnumbered, the Greek forces fought valiantly for six months, routing the Italians, who retreated into Albania. The victory was the first Allied success against the Axis countries and aroused great ethnic pride. Winston Churchill said of the victory: "Hence we will not say that Greeks fight like heroes, but that heroes fight like Greeks." Oxi, the day of defiance, is still widely celebrated on October 28th as a national holiday throughout Greece. Homes fly the Greek flag, and villages and towns are draped in blue and white bunting. Similar to Veteran's Day in America, it is a day to remember those who died in military service. Many people attend church where there is a liturgy and memorial for soldiers. A wreath is placed at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and military parades are common. Since most of the fighting in 1940 took place in northern Greece, Thessaloniki has the largest parade. In Athens, an electric sign saying, "Oxi," shines over the city from Lycabettus Hill during the last few days of October.
STEWARDSHIP Faithful stewards, let us choose to build, grow and thrive as one Body of Christ so that God’s purposes can be accomplished in the life of the church and its ministry; so that our church can be a beacon of Christ’s light to the world. God has blessed each of us differently and we must all do our part to make this vision a reality. It is not too late to make your stewardship commitment for the 2015-2016 year. Pledge cards are available in the narthex and in the church office. TOTAL AMOUNT PLEDGED $74,230.00 NUMBER OF FAMILIES PLEDGED 23
Please consider this stewardship pledge chart to aid you in your planning for 2016 Stewardship Pledge.
Our Ministries are Growing and we need you support! Please consider supporting our ministries directly by making a restricted contribution: Altar Fund: Priest Discretionary Fund for those in need and special projects Daily Bread: a ministry supporting Tarrant Area Food Bank, One Harvest Food Ministries and the Samaritan House. All gifts will help provide food supplies to assist those who are in need. Friends of the Festival: Will assist in the preparations of the Greek Festival Greek Language and Culture School: Youth and Adult ministry teaching the Hellenic Language and Culture OCF: College Ministry Peace Beyond Understanding: Visitation and Prayer ministry for those who are sick. Sunday Church School: Youth Enrichment program YAM: Young Adult Ministries ages 21-35 Youth Ministries: Hope and Joy (Elementary Aged) GOYA (Middle and High School Age) Please see Fr. Nicholas if you would like to make an additional Special Offering
ALPHA OMEGA There will be no meeting this month because of Festival baking. Looking forward to seeing you in November!!!‌..Mary Galanis PHILOPTOCHOS ST. BARBARA CHAPTER Thursday October 1st
4:30PM-6PM
St. Demetrios Supper Club Samaritan House 929 Hemphill St. Fort Worth TX 76194 Please contact Megan Hieger at 817.556.1964 or megan.hieger@kellerisd.net to participate.
IMPORTANT: Philoptochos Meeting & Membership Drive, Saturday October 3 at 10 am in the church hall. Come and help us choose our philanthropy and approve our budget. Also be sure to sign up for our Potluck during Coffee Hour. See you then, Anna Panagopoulos
YOUTH MINISTRIES
HOPE & JOY Ministries
Stranger Danger Saturday October 24 10:00am- 2:00pm Fort Worth Northside Crime Prevention with Kid’s ID System SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL October's Prayer of the Month: The Lord’s Prayer "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” One of the most well-known prayers from the Bible is given to us by Jesus Christ Himself as He teaches His disciples how to pray. Matthew 6:8-13, Luke 11:2-4. We are to enter an intimate relationship with God, as sons and daughters, as He is our Heavenly Father. We do not need to ask for specific help or necessity, as He knows all things, He already knows what our true needs are. This prayer leads us into a deeper communion with God, precisely why we say this prayer before Holy Communion. We are to say this prayer to God the Father with all humility, and sincerity. The Lord’s Prayer also lay the foundation to which we will be forgiven by God, that is, by the measure we are willing to forgive others. Those who offer forgiveness, will receive forgiveness of sins. Those who fail to offer forgiveness, will fail to receive forgiveness as well. Through this prayer, Christ leads us in the right relationship with God the Father, and the right relationship with our neighbor. Despina Goudey
MENS PAREA Saturday, October 17th 10am-2pm Hitting the Mark! Cinnamon Creek Archery RSVP to Fr. Nicholas by October 2nd.
BOOKSTORE Start the New Ecclesiastical Year off right with a new book from our St. Demetrios Book Store (Located in the Narthex) Orthodox Study Bibles are now available! Orthodox Daily Prayer Books are now available! Daily Bread For this month, both events will be held on the same day. Volunteers have the option to sign up for either one the same day. Contact John Sempeles in advance to set up which event you wish to participate in. Saturday, October 24th 9AM-10AM St. Demetrios One Harvest* Click Here for the October Menu *For One Harvest, we will need to be at the St. Demetrios Hall by 8:30am to prepare, and one volunteer will need to go to the distribution center (300 Belmont Street, Saginaw) by 7:30am to pick up the kits. Please contact John Sempeles (682.215.3151, dfwgrimlock@yahoo.com) if you want to volunteer for the One Harvest events. Saturday, October 24th 9AM-12PM Tarrant County Food Bank Sorting** **Next available Food Bank date is October 24th. Please contact John Sempeles (682.215.3151, 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.
FESTIVAL NEWS 2015 Festival Needs The 2015 Greek Festival is around the corner and we need your help! Planning is complete and it is time to start the preparations. There are several ways in which you can help. These include:
Help cook and bake. The calendar is directly below. It shows when each item will be prepared. Come as often as you can to lend a hand in making our legendary food and desserts! Volunteer for one or more shifts during the Festival itself in your favorite booth. See John Semples to sign up. Many spots are already filled. Friends of the Festival Donations o General cash donations o Cash donations for a specific Festival item o Ingredient and item donations o Booth Sponsorship (individual and business)
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
o Purchase an ad in the Festival Guide Book (individual and business) Businesses that donate will receive a link on the Festival website.
Festival Baking Schedule for October/November MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Sunday, October 4 (After Liturgy) Pastitsio
Monday, November 2 (9am) Baklava
Thursday, October 8 (9am) Rolls
Friday, November 6 (9am) Trigona
Tuesday, October 20 (9am) Kourambiedes
Tuesday, November 10 (9am) Bread/Tsoureki
Wednesday, October 28 (9am) Melomakarona
Thursday, November 12 (9am) Ek Mek
Sunday, November 1 (9am) Baklava
Orthodox Christian Mission Center: News from the Mission Field OCMC NEWS - HE IS LOVE – TEAMWORK IN INDONESIA BY PRESBYTERA RENEE RITSI This year, a short-term mission team from North America, sent by the OCMC, served in Indonesia for the first time. The team was led by OCMC's own Pres. Renee Ritsi. While there, team members taught the Faith, enjoyed moments of fellowship, and saw the many amazing ministries that are helping the Church in Indonesia to grow so rapidly. Many voices joined together in a beautiful song of praise to God, as the minds and hearts of the sweat-soaked people in the Orthodox Church were escorted to a holy and divine place. While the melody of the doxology was familiar, the words were foreign, so we let our hearts listen to what we were experiencing. Sweet voices, beautiful voices, praising voicesmoved our souls, reminding us that we are one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, even if we live a world apart and face extremely different challenges in our daily spiritual walk. As the choir from Nias Island sat down, the entire church clapped, and the group from Medan took their place in front of the solea at the impromptu choir competition. Those who were seated were transfixed as
each choir, in turn, lifted their voices to heaven, taking pieces of our hearts upwards, bathing us in His love. It was the last day of the second Annual Event, in the early part of the exceptionally hot month of July, in Medan, Indonesia. The theme “Growing up in Christ, Strengthening in Orthodoxia” was appropriate as believers from different parishes came together to strengthen their faith. A group of seven individuals from the United States were part of the first Orthodox Christian Mission Center short-term mission team to Indonesia. We had prepared lessons on Orthodoxy and religious education to share at the Annual Event and in the days of teaching that followed. Over a year ago, His Eminence Metropolitan Konstantinos of the Holy Metropolis of Singapore and South Asia invited an OCMC Team to Medan. The Metropolis is huge, not only in geographic area, but also in its potential for numbers of believers. Indonesia is the fourth-most populated nation in the world. The Metropolis includes Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Singapore. The love of His Eminence for the people of the region is evident, as He is often heard referring to His flock as "His family." During the Annual Event, each of our presentations was followed by a time for questions and answers. A microphone was passed around the church and thoughtful questions came to us, through the voice of one of the incredible translators: “How can I spread the Orthodox Church to my village?” “How can we keep our children in the Church?” “What is a prayer rule?” Our answers reflected the struggles that Christians in Indonesia face in purchasing property, getting jobs, and raising their families. They reflect the challenges of living as a minority in a nation where the majority is not Christian. Perhaps if we held an Annual Event in the
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
United States, the questions might be very similar, but we had crossed a cultural divide, and our answers reflected that we were far from home as we shared, for one short moment, in the life of the Orthodox Christians in Indonesia. In the days that followed, we got to know our hosts even more. We taught at the St. Paul School of Theology in Medan and the St. Sophia Orthodox School in Tanjung Anom. At St. Nikitas School in Tanjung Mulia, we sang songs and spoke encouraging words to the students and teachers. In response, they gifted the team members with table covers that the graduating students had stitched. One day we traveled around the city to avoid the traffic that often can add hours to one's commute and made a visit to the RSU Theotokos Hospital. The Hospital is a ministry of enormous proportions that serves as a witness of Christ’s concern and unending love for the whole person. In those short days, we drove the length and breadth of sprawling Medan and saw from afar the daily struggles of average people. Small wooden tables served as vegetable and fruit stands and filled blocks and blocks of the city; streets were packed with scooters and SUVs scurrying around pot holes, and there were street cleaners who pushed ancient brooms, trying to contain the dust and debris. Women with covered heads and men wrapped with sarongs served as visual reminders that the predominant religion was not Christian, and that even the Christianity that had come during colonial rule had not been widely accepted. Spicy noodles and stir fried rice for breakfast, rambutan, mangosteen, or durian with lunch, nasi campur with sambul for dinner all reminded us that we were far from home. The regular "call to prayer" that we heard throughout the day and night, the rush to eat at sunset for those who were holding the Ramadan fast, and the gentle scent of incense sticks in the breeze reminded us more concretely of what it is like to live in a culture where not only is Christianity a minority religion, but it is a place where other religions are often antagonistic towards Christians. The priest of the St. Demetrios Parish in Medan and the vicar of the Church of Indonesia is Fr. Chrysostomos Manalu, a man of great inner strength and a personable chuckle. Many works have been accomplished because of his efforts: churches are being established, people are being nurtured, a hospital has been built, and schools are teaching a new generation of Indonesians at a high standard. Fr. Chrysostomos reflects the love of Christ to those who work with him and alongside him. Equally capable is his wife, Presbytera Elizabeth, an exceptionally well-educated and hard-working woman who holds a doctorate and three master's degrees. She is at times by his side and at other times creating her own
flurry of activities. As graduates of the Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, both are professors at the St. Paul Theological School and the ones that are sought after for spiritual guidance and assistance from as far away as East Timor. Their vision and energy have inspired many to step inside of an Orthodox church and make the life-changing decision to inquire into our theology and reason for being. As our days in Medan came to a close, an understanding of how this experience was important for the Orthodox world became clearer. We met those laboring in a majority non-Christian nation who are introducing people to our faith, and we walked a short walk with them. We felt the heat of Medan in July and grappled with answering questions in sensitivity to their unique challenges. We felt the stillness of the city at sunset, when Ramadan fasting ended, and understood in a small way the great need to share Christ with this nation. We are part of one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, and that makes us brothers and sisters in Christ, bonded together in the love that comes only from Christ. As the choir from Nias Island glorified God and directed our own hearts upward, our time in Medan was a time to share Christ with others, for it is Christ who gives us Hope, who is Himself Love. We shared Christ in simple ways, through our teaching, interactions, and presence. Christ was shared with us many times while we were there: in the Choir Competition, in the purity of the souls we met, in the witness of hardworking people whose efforts are establishing the Church in Indonesia. In his book Facing the World: Orthodox Christian Essays on Global Concerns, His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios (Yannoulatos) inspires us in this simple reminder of the true source of love: “The radically new and different message that Christianity offers to humanity is that God, ‘the living God’, is Love. He doesn’t simply have love as one additional attribute among many others, like mercy and goodness: He is Love. Furthermore, God truly became a human being.” Our brothers and sisters in Christ are next door, and they are also in often unknown places around the world with diverse pasts and different futures from our own. As Orthodox Christians who reside in the richest nation in the world, we are called to be participants in spreading this radically new message of a living God Who is Love to the ends of the earth. Join us today to work with people like Metropolitan Konstantinos, Fr. Chrysostomos and Presbytera Elizabeth to reach out to places like Albania, Indonesia, and Zimbabwe, where our involvement means a world of difference to those who hunger for His Love. Spread the Good News to the rest of the world!
International Orthodox Christian Charities: News and Information
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
IOCC Farm Project Reaps Food And Earning Power For West Bank Women Baltimore, MD (IOCC) — Four years ago Samira's husband was killed while farming his land in the West Bank, leaving her with seven children to support, little education and no source of income. "I was very afraid after the death of my husband, because I was alone," the 43-year-old widow recalled. "I never used to do farming and agriculture. This was a challenge for me." In the remote West Bank village of At-Tayba, Rana, 38, completed her education but is unable to work far from home because her elderly mother requires round-the-clock care. Rana has no other family to help her and no source of income to provide for herself and her ailing mother. Hunger and poverty are a daily threat to the families living in the West Bank's isolated and arid northern communities. Job opportunities are very limited, particularly for Palestinian women. For some of the women, their homes are too distant from city jobs, while others lack income earning skills or face cultural obstacles that prevent them from working outside the home. Although agriculture seems to be one of the few options open to them, the women face numerous obstacles trying to farm their land. Restrictions on their travel to and from farm plots as well as limited water access make it difficult for them to succeed in developing productive and profitable farms. International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) is helping women such as Rana and Samira overcome these obstacles with an agricultural program designed to make the most of whatever land remains available to them. More than 200 vulnerable women-headed households in the West Bank are receiving agricultural and animal husbandry training to develop sustainable high-yield home gardens, or beekeeping, livestock, and poultry production. The goal is to improve their economic situation by producing enough food for their families and for market. Samira, who now raises chickens to produce eggs, says she is still amazed at how the project has improved her quality of life. "I can say that I was a very poor woman who was left with seven children, waiting for people to help me," said Samira. "This assistance from IOCC embraced me and my children. It made me see that I can change my situation and the future of my children."
Photo: George Malki/IOCC
IOCC also provides daycare support for 35 pre-school children at a newly rehabilitated childcare center in Falamya. The center offers a safe haven for the children to play and learn as their mothers tend gardens and farm animals, and help ensure that the family will not have to face the threat of hunger and poverty in the future.
IOCC has had a humanitarian presence in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza since 1997, to help vulnerable groups-particularly women, children, youth and the elderly – improve their lives in times of conflict and increased isolation.
Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry
A Reflection from Fr Stephen Why is Life Such a Struggle ? Recently, someone said in my presence: "Why is life such a struggle? Couldn't God make things easier for me?" It's true that life often is a struggle. As you ponder your own struggles, consider this story for a moment. One day a small opening appeared on a cocoon. A man sat and watched for several hours as the butterfly struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no further. So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly, expecting that at any moment the wings would enlarge and the body would contract. Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly. What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the butterfly, by God's plan, needed to struggle through the tiny opening. It's in the struggle that fluid is forced from the butterfly's body into the wings, making it ready for flight. Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through life without any obstacles, it might indeed cripple us. We would not be as strong as we could be. We would not fly. The old adage is so very true that God is more interested in our spiritual growth and formation than He is with our comfort. May the Lord do what is necessary in our lives to enable us to one day be all that we were meant to be!! That, of course, goes for those in prison and those on the outside! "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28
CHALLENGE QUESTIONS 1. What is the Artos? a. The plate on which the Communion Bread (Lamb) is placed b. The plate for storing the Pre-Sanctified Lamb Bread c. The bread blessed at the close of the Paschal Liturgy d. The cloth covering the bread and wine 2. The administration of the Mystery of Holy Orders can be done by a. A deacon b. A priest c. A bishop d. All of the above 3. Fill in the blank: The correct response to the greeting "Christ is among us: is _____________ 4. The word "Eucharist" means a. Liturgy b. Thanksgiving c. Sacrifice d. Communion 5. a. b. c. d.
The Epitrachelion is also called Stole Omophorion Orarion Antimins
6. The Orthodox teaching regarding infallibility is that
a. b. c. d.
The Church alone is infallible. The Pope is infallible. The Patriarch of Constantinople is infallible. None of the above
7. Which saint made Christianity legal in 312 A.D.? a. Volodymyr b. Constantine c. Athenagorus d. Polycarp 8. a. b. c. d.
Who wrote Acts of the Apostles? St. Paul St. John St. Luke St. Peter
9. Followers of Christ were first called Christians in what city? a. Antioch b. Jerusalem c. Constantinople d. Kiev 10. Which of the following is not a book of the Old Testament? a. Job b. Proverbs c. Jonah d. Titus
1.c 2.c 3. He is and always shall be. 4.b 5.a 6.a 7.c 8.c 9.a 10.d
EASTERN ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS AND ICONOGRAPHY By Cindy Egly There are approximately five million Eastern Orthodox Christians in America (Nabil, 2000). A minority in a nation dominated by Protestants and Roman Catholics, the Eastern Orthodox culture has maintained strong familial and cultural identities. Understanding something about them, being able to lay aside preconceptions and ethnocentricity to view life from the Orthodox Christian’s perspective will allow the onlooker an opportunity to increase in understanding not only of the Eastern Orthodox Christian but of human nature. It is this author’s intent to introduce the reader to an insider’s perspective of iconography in the life of an Orthodox Christian, in the hope that understanding will increase. A legend passed down for nearly 2000 years describes the first icon. At the time when Christ was traveling to Jerusalem where He would experience the trial and crucifixion, King Abgar of Edessa sent for Jesus. Christ could not go to the King, so instead He sent a linen cloth on which He had dried His face. The story continues that the cloth carried to the King had an impression of Christ’s face on it. The King’s illness was healed when the cloth was taken to him. This first icon, “not made by human hands”, began a tradition of portraying Christ and the saints in pictorial fashion. (Benz, 1963). The entire town of Edessa treasured this first icon, that is the linen cloth with Christ’s face imprinted on it. It was widely acknowledged throughout out the East and still written about in the eighth century (Ouspensky, 1978). So what is an icon? Webster defines an icon as an image (Webster, 1966). In the Orthodox Church an icon is a sacred image, a window into heaven. An image of another reality, of a person, time and place that is more real than here and now. More than art, icons have an important spiritual role. Michel Quenot says it well in his book, The Icon: Window on the Kingdom, an icon is “theology in imagery, the icon expresses through color what the Gospel proclaims in words”. For this reason the rules regarding the creation of an icon are rigorous. The iconographer must prepare himself for the task of painting an icon by following a strict discipline of fasting and prayer. He must quiet his spirit and submit himself to God. The icon he creates will not be signed. He will not expect accolades or applause when the icon is completed. The icon will be created to inspire and lead others into worship. Painting the icon is not a use of imagination. Instead, the icon will be painted using the prescribed regimen and style that has been passed down through the centuries. Everything from the facial expressions to the colors used is predetermined. The following is a prayer recited by an iconographer prior to starting to work: O Divine Master of all that exists, enlighten and direct the soul, the heart and the mind of your servant: guide my hands so that I might portray worthily and perfectly Your Image, that of Your Holy Mother and of all the Saints, for the glory, the joy, and the beautification of Your Holy Church. ( Quenot, p.13) The primary purpose of the icon is to aid in worship. Its design follows that purpose. Through lines and color the iconographer conveys the awesomeness of the invisible, divine reality (Evdokimov, 1990). The creation of an icon is defined by tradition. That is a 21 st century iconographer would not decide to change the shape of Christ’s face. It is understood that a person who saw them in the flesh painted the first icon of an individual. St. Luke is accredited with painting the first icons of Christ and Mary the Blessed Virgin. Each subsequent iconographer will use the original icon as a guide. There is room for a small amount of stylistic change but tradition limits the options for that change ( Forest, 1997). Icons are not created to force an emotional response. When portraying historical scenes the faces don’t show emotions but instead portray virtues such as purity, patience in suffering, forgiveness, compassion and love. An example of this would be the portrayal of Christ on the cross. Neither is the icon a sentimental picture. Christ is always shown as God. Even the icons of Christ seated on His mother’s lap show Him with an adult face, revealing that even though Christ lived as a child among us He was also God ( Forest,1997). To Be Continued…
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Burn the Mortgage Challenge Dear St. Demetrios Family, Two years ago, we joined together to launch our St. Demetrios Burn the Mortgage campaign. We are almost there! I invite you to be a part of this monumental undertaking. Please prayerfully consider making a fruitful contribution toward our Burn the Mortgage campaign. Let's watch this mortgage go up in flames! Together in Christ, Fr. Nicholas
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
COMMUNITY NEWS Congratulations to Marios and Rebecca Mavroudis on the Baptism of their Daughter Chritina Ann. Dimitra and Jim Cudd are the proud God-parents. Να Σας Σησει!
COMMUNITY IN PICTURES Festival Cooking Is In Full-Swing . . .
Thank you to all our volunteers! BLESSING OF THE WATER
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
40 Day Blessing
Up close and personal lesson on preparing the Holy gifts during the Teaching Liturgy
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Celebrating our Name Day
Philoptocho’s Kick-off Meeting
October 2015 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1 Strict Fast Fish allowed 4 2nd Sunday of Luke 7:45am Orthros 9am Divine Liturgy 10:30am Church School Fellowship Hour-Philoptochos Fall Potluck Fundraiser 11am Festival Baking-Pastitsio 11:30am Greek Dance Practice 11 7th Ecumenical Council 7:45am Orthros 8:45am 40 Day Blessing 9am Divine Liturgy 10:30am Church School 10:30 GOYA Meeting 11:30am Greek Dance Practice 18 Saint Luke the Evangelist 7:45am Orthros 9am Divine Liturgy 9am Feast of Saint Luke the Evangelist 10:30am Church School 11:30am Greek Dance Practice 5pm IOCC in Dallas St. John's Greek Festival 25 7:45am Orthros 9am Hierarchal Divine Liturgy With Metr. Isaiah of Dener 10:30am Church School 10:30am SCS Group: St. Demetrios Feast Day 10:30am St. Demetrios and OKI Day Luncheon 11:30am Greek Dance Practice
Dairy, Eggs, and Fish allowed
Wine and Oil allowed
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6
4:30pm Greek School
7pm Parish Council Meeting
12 No Greek School
19 4:30pm Greek School
26 The Holy Great Martyr Demetrios the Myrrh-streamer 8am Orthros 9am Divine Liturgy 4:30pm Greek School
5pm Supper Club at Samaritan House
Friday
Saturday
2 6pm Peace Beyond Understanding: Akathist Service for Cancer
3 10am Philoptochos Meeting
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8 9am Festival Baking-Rolls
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7pm AHEPA Meeting
6:30pm What does that mean? Parables of Jesus Christ
St. John's Greek Festival
Men's Parea Cinnamon Creek Archery
20 9am Festival BakingKourambiedes
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28 OXI Day 9am Festival BakingMelomakarona 6:30pm What does that mean? Parables of Jesus Christ
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6:30pm What does that mean? Parables of Jesus Christ
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St. John's Greek Festival 24 9am Daily Bread: Tarrant Co. Food Bank 10am Hope Joy Retreat: Stranger Danger 31
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Sunday Readings for September 2015 Oct. 4
2nd Sunday of Luke
Epistle: II Corinthians 9:6-11 Gospel: Luke 6:31-36
Oct. 11
7th Ecumenical Council
Epistle: Titus 3:8-15 Gospel: Luke 8:5-15
Oct. 18 Oct. 25
Saint Luke The
Epistle: Colossians 4:5-11, 14-18
Evangelist
Gospel: Luke 10:16-21
6th Sunday of Luke
Epistle: Galatians 2:16-20 Gospel: Luke 8:26-39
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