S T . J OHN THE B APTIST G REEK O RTHODOX C HURCH
T HE F ORERUNNER V OLUME XXXIII
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T HE N ARTHEX —A D YNAMIC P LACE
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The icon of the Fest of Transfiguration, which we celebrate on August 6th, is a beautiful metaphor for the union and the reconciliation that Christ brings between the Old and the New Testament. In this icon we see Christ in the Uncreated Light, flanked on each side by Moses and Elijah, prophetic figures of the Old Testament while, prostrated in front of the transfigured Christ, we find three of His disciples Peter, John and James. St. Ephraim the Syrian makes a point of this “reunion” of old and new to say: “The Prophets and the Apostles gathered on the mount were filled with joy; the Prophets rejoiced for they have beheld here His humanity which they did not see before; the Apostles rejoiced for they beheld here the glory of His Divinity which before they had not understood. They stood before the Lord as ministers, and looked at one another, Prophets at Apostles and Apostles at Prophets. There they mutually extended to themselves the sights of the prototypes of the Old and New Covenants. Thus, the mount represents the Church itself because Jesus united in it the two covenants accepted by the Church and has shown that He is the Giver of both. ”
S PECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST :
The Narthex as Dynamic Place of Transformation
Parish Council Capsule
Stewardship for 2016
Youth Ministries News
Philoptochos Neew
The Dormition Fast
Great Paraklesis History
The prophets of old, who have received the revelation of His Coming, but have only experienced God the Word pre-incarnate, get to see Him now in His humanity while the Apostle’s, who have already (Continued on page 3)
I NSIDE THIS ISSUE :
C OUNCIL C APSULE Looking back on July, I hope everyone enjoyed celebrating Independence Day with our Church family. Bill Coltrin was kind enough to coordinate and also donate the food needed for the cookout. I imagine all who attended had a great time. I strongly believe these kind and thoughtful events help build on, and support an already great and existing bond in our parish family. Thank you, Bill! July 3-8 the GOArchdiocese of America held the 43rd Biennial Clergy – Laity Congress in Nashville, TN, also known as the Athens of the south (for their 1:1 model of the Parthenon). There were countless meetings and workshops through out the week that you had to wisely choose which to attend. It was all kicked off by celebrating the Divine Liturgy @ the Grand Ole Opry. For you country music fans, I can only imagine what you’re thinking… The theme for this congress was ‘You are the Voice of Christ In a Changing World’. A wealth of information was imparted in various forms and I will gladly share at your request, as it’s impossi(Continued on page 2)
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C OUNCIL ’ S C APSULE (Continued from page 1)
I know what you’re thinkble to do so here. One of the ing…. he’s not done yet??? many things I took away from …. But, I would like to ask that it (on a personal level) apart you support Peter and Cynfrom the plenary session is, thia Pursley as they have kindrecognizing what a blessing our growing and robust parish ly (no arm twisting was reis. We had a great showing of quired) volunteered to speardelegates that attended, in no head our annual Mid-Cities Greek Foodfest. specific order: As you may know, this is our Bill and Bertha Gianulis biggest fundraiser and reBill and Rena Poletes quires more than a few volunGeorge and Barbara Vittas teers to host the greatest parVeronica Fisher ty of the year. You are not Kirsten Shah expected to be there sunrise Myself and of course, our fearless leader, Father Vasile! to sunset, but if you can help
A GELESS W ONDERS L UNCH
TO BENEFIT S T . N ICHOLAS S HRINE A T THE W ORLD T RADE C ENTER
All, We are going to meet on Monday, August 29th., NOT on the 22. Harry Karegeannes is going to pre-
sent a program entitled "A case study in the hia military contract and how not to do it”. We will still meet at 11:a.m.,
for a few hours, it’s greatly appreciated. Now that you’ve agreed and marked it on your calendar, more info on how to help will be available in the near future. Sincerely, Michael Eftimie Parish Council President
have lunch, a short meeting, then our program. Looking forward to seeing everyone!!.....Margaret
9/11
L UNCH TO BENEFIT S T . N ICHOLAS S HRINE On September 11th, the annual anniversary day of the attack on America at the World Trade Center in New York City, our Ladies Philoptochos Society here at St. John The Baptist will host a luncheon after Liturgy to present the rebuilding of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center… All parishioners are invited to attend this presentation and support the rebuilding of an immensely important symbol of Orthodox Christianity that is destined to also become a symbol of America’s perseverance and rebirth in the face of unspeakable tragedy…
Saint Nicholas church existed for many decades as a Greek Orthodox parish and a place of respite for Downtown Manhattan workers and sailors passing through New York Harbor before the WTC Twin Towers were built. Afterwards, it existed in the shadow of Tower 2 until that fateful day in 2001 when it became the only place of worship destroyed at what became known as "Ground Zero". Now, Saint Nicholas is rising from the ashes as a Greek Orthodox Church and as a National Shrine. Designed in the image of Constantinople’s Aghia Sophia, the new Saint Nicholas
church stands on prominent high ground overlooking the entire new World Trade Center site where it will be visited by thousands of Manhattan workers and tourists each day. While it will again function as a Greek Orthodox parish, it will contain separate spaces for people of all faiths, or of no faith, to visit in peaceful contemplation... It will be a testament to our faith, the true faith of the Apostles, for generations to come, a source of pride to all Orthodox Christians and a healing edifice and space for all Americans.
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experienced Him incarnate get to see Him now into His divine glory. Both of them ascend the mountain where Christ is, as the key to the Kingdom promised to all. From an Architectural perspective, the Orthodox Church is also trying to represent this dynamic association of the Old Covenant with the New that points towards the promised Kingdom. Entering an Orthodox temple we see an carefully crafted advancement from the Narthex, through the Nave and towards the Altar. This is also the progression of any man or woman that come into the faith and enter the Church going from his/her life before Baptism and join Church in the hope of the Kingdom. The first room of the Church, the Narthex, is a key element in this endeavor because it represents the fallen world before coming of Christ and the unredeemed part of the world, outside of the Church, after His incarnation. It is therefore fit as a place for catechumens, preparing to enter the Church and for repenting people that have been temporarily excluded from full communion with the Church. Both these categories were considered outside of the fullness of Church, but still attached; yet they could not partake in the fullness of the liturgies. The Narthex is not a static place, however, where people just wait to be allowed to enter further into the Christian mysteries, but, as the world reacts to the presence of the Redeemed Church in the world, there is also movement from and towards the Narthex, a dynamic that is beautiful-
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ly expressed in the liturgical life of the Church First there is an inward movement form the Narthex to the Nave (i. e. from sin to virtue). A prime example is the beginning of the Service of Holy Baptism when, after the reading of the Prayers for making of a Catechumen, the baptismal party proceeds through the Royal Doors (the doors between Narthex and the Nave) and enter into the Nave for the remainder of the Sacraments of Baptism, Chrismation and Holy Communion. Second there is an outward movement form nave to Narthex, for instance during the Divine Liturgy, when, before the reading of the Creed and the beginning of he Liturgy of the Faithful, the catechumens and the penitents were dismissed from the Nave back into the Narthex and the door was closed allowing access only to the faithful for the remainder of the Liturgy. The call “the doors, the doors” and the dismissal at this point, emphasizes the necessary preparation in order to access the Kingdom. A famous illustration comes from the life of Mary of Egypt, when, being in a sinful un-repented state, she could not enter into the Church of the Sepulcher from the Narthex into the nave because of her sins but, only after repenting and making a promise of virtue, she was allowed to enter and receive the Sacraments. There is however another more “positive” outward movement towards the Narthex, during the Lity Service during the celebration of Festal Vespers, when the priest, preceded by Altar boys and the icon of the Feast, exits from the Nave to the Narthex
and celebrates there the festal Lity service with intercessory prayers for the entire world. The Lity takes place in the Narthex as a gesture of reaching out to the catechumens and penitents, who were not allowed to enter the nave in the old times. In this way the Church goes out into the world, inviting the entire kosmos to participate in the joy of the feast. The iconography of the Narthex further enhances the preparatory role of this space. It generally consists of scenes of the Old Testament: the Creation and the Fall, views from the Life of Abraham, Moses and other prophets of the Old Testament. We might also see prophetic scenes that shed light on the life of Christ like Jonah, a symbol of Christ and His burial and resurrection after three days, the Three Youth in the furnace, another symbol of Resurrection and so forth. Sometimes, mostly in monastic settings, we could also find ancient philosopher like Plato Aristoteles etc, as a symbol of the fallen and incomplete wisdom of the world before the knowledge of Christ. In the iconographic vision of the Church Architecture, the Narthex remains the place of the origins, the starting point of Creation and the path to its redemption in Christ the Savior. Anyone that visits an Orthodox Church has to go through this space and recall the origin of the world from God as one gets engaged in the salvific movement of the Church and reaches for his personal transfiguration into the Kingdom.
The Narthex of Chora Monastery
THE N ARTHEX REMAINS THE PLACE OF THE ORIGINS , THE STARTING POINT OF C REATION AND THE PATH TO ITS REDEMPTION IN C HRIST THE S AVIOR
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2016 STEWARDSHIP: BRING THEM TO ME! In a well known parable we see the Apostles bringing to Jesus Christ their concerns about the 5,000 men plus women and children that are with them in the wilderness. His disciples lament that all they have are five loaves and two small fish a boy has offered. Jesus’ response is “Bring them to me.” He then takes the loaves, blesses and breaks them, and feeds 5,000 men plus women and children with abundant leftovers. “ WE
FIND
OURSELVES BY OFFERING OURSELVES .”
A RCHBISHOP A NASTASIOS OF A LBANIA
In a similar way, we also bring what we have to Jesus. We offer bread and wine and it may not seem much, but He returns them to us, in the overabundance of His Grace, as His Own Body and Blood, the Holy Communion. By the bread and the wine, foods that are specific to human nature, we offer our lives to Christ, and, through the Holy Spirit that transforms them, we become the Church, His Body on earth. We give our earthly lives in exchange for life ever-
lasting. What a favorable exchange of gifts! No matter how much we give, He cannot be outdone. Just like the boy who offered the loaves and the fish, if we offer what we have – however great or small our gift – with prayer and humility, God will receive our gifts and multiply them to feed His people, both materially and spiritually.
Christian Stewardship is about becoming good caretakers of all that God has given us. God has given each of us special and unique gifts. He also teaches us all that we have is a loan. He lends everything to us, and reminds us that one day He will ask us to give a detailed accounting of what we have done with these gifts He has given us. The only way to multiply these gifts is by offering them to God through the people around us. Archbishop Anastasios of Albania has noted “we find ourselves by offering ourselves.” Have we learned the blessedness of generously giving to others
out of all we have without worrying? Our vibrant parish is on a continuous and sustained growing pathway. Our children, our youth, our young adults, our seniors, our women and men, our inquirers in the faith, our poor and needy, demand the help of our ministries more than ever. The only way for them to fulfill their mission is through your support. Stewardship is not only about how much you give, although this is important, it is also about how much you are engaged, how much time and talent you invest, ultimately in yourselves. If we give the little we have to our brothers and sisters, God will make us heirs of the Kingdom. By giving from what we have, big or small, we become part of the eternal Kingdom that never suffers neither famine nor thirst. I encourage you all to prayerfully consider your contribution in your 2016 stewardship program and getting fully engaged in the life of you parish. May the Lord richly bless you and your family in all
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S TEWARDSHIP 2016 - Y OUR H ELP N EEDE D! God is working great things in our church: our ministries are receiving more members, we see more faces in our Sunday and weekday services and overall the parish is more engaged on the path to a good life in Christ. With your help we are also tracking well with our stewardship efforts and our prayer is that the few of you, who have not yet committed to becoming stewards by filling a stewardship card, will decide to do it soon. Your commitment also allows us to identify people willing to use their talents to the life of our community. Our monetary goal for 2016 is $328,521, of which $259,781 has been pledged, meaning we are still almost $68,740. short of our goal.
So how can you help?
Thank you,
First, if you have not committed to stewardship yet, please do so at your earliest convenience. Second, if you have committed make sure to stay current in your pledge. Third, if you feel that God has granted extra blessings to you this year, please update your pledge to reflect that. Fourth, we encourage you to get involved in our ministries to also engage your time and talents.
Angela Cline Cecila Junell Stewardship Committee
Our prayer is for us all to work together like a family in Christ!
Short:
May God bestow His blessings upon you, when considering taking the next step of becoming an active member of our church family.
_____________________ Stewardship 2 0 1 6 Information as of 7/15/2016: Needed: Pledged:
$328,521 $259,781 ———-$ 68,740
# of Stewards: 126
OUR PRAYER IS THAT THE FEW OF YOU , WHO HAVE NOT YET COMMITTED TO BECOMING STEWARDS BY FILLING A STEWARDSHIP
H OW TO BECOME A STEWARD IN 2016? FAQ S How do I become a member of the parish? Membership in the Orthodox Church begins at Baptism (Chrismation for some) and continues throughout our life. We are united with Christ through the sacraments and through our faithful offering of our lives to Christ. We have to distinguish however between voting members and non-voting members. A voting member is over 18 years old and has turned in a signed stewardship commitment card (for time, talent and treasure). The Archdiocese also requires the voting member to remain current through the year on their commit-
ments. Overall true membership in the Body of Christ, involves living daily according to His word and within His Church. Why must I commit to give a specific amount? Knowing the amount of your monetary participation helps our parish plan the activities throughout the year. Your monetary stewardship is kept in the strictest of confidence. What if I cannot fulfill my stewardship commitment? During the course of a year,
people’s circumstances change. Your stewardship is valued because it is made out of your love for God and His Church. Please do not be concerned if you are unable to meet your stewardship commitment – we are glad you are a part of this parish. How do I submit a Stewardship Card? You can find the card in the pews in Church or you can fill one on-line and e-mail it to our church office at stjohndfw@gmail.com. More info here
CARD , WILL DECIDE TO DO IT SOON .
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Y OUTH M INISTRIES R EPORT St. John’s Vacation Bible School was a success. We had 20 campers plus help from many GOYAns and a number of parents/ grandparents/teachers. The kids heard about the saints who grace our Iconostasis: St. John, Mary Magdalene and St. George. They also learned about the Seven Sacraments, did lots of crafts, including making their own icons as well as learned new camp songs and Greek dancing.
B ACK - TO S CHOOL B URGERS , B RATS & B EANS L UNCHEON S UNDAY , S EPT . 18.
On the final day, before starting our splash day, we collected Treats for Troops, a USO community service project. Many thanks to all who attended and to all who helped. 2016 Camp Emmanuel was also held in June. We had six
campers attend the annual summer retreat at the Manzano Mountain Retreat outside Albuquerque, New Mexico. Four attended the Junior session (Josie Ivanov, Noah Ellis and Matei, and Luca Tudora) and three attended the Senior division (Alex Shah, Ian Rehmet and Maria Tudora). Fr. Vasile accompanied the younger group.
men, kings, shepherds and we understand, a new creche is in the works by her nephews, the wonderful Morton brothers. This year’s pageant should be terrific! Again, as mentioned in the last issue, the regional 2017 Oratorical Festival will be hosted by St. Demetrios in Fort Worth.
The Youth Ministries fall planning session will be held Festival Dance practice. Gina August 28 following church Poulakos announces that practice services. We invite all parishionfor ALL dance groups will start ers who have an interest in our practice on Sunday, August 21. church youth to join us! Questions? Gina can be reached at The Back-to-School Burggpoulakos@live.com ers, Brats & Beans Lunchor 817-395-3656. eon will take place a week later than usual; on SunAs noted last month, Tera Bog- day, Sept. 18. Details to come. dos has volunteered her time to design and create Enjoy the rest of summer! more than 40 costumes for our Christmas Pageant. Harriet Blake Youth Ministries Coordinator She has made angels, wise
F ESTIVAL N EWS This year we will be celebrating our 25th Greekfest anniversary. The Festival over the years has been a great source of income for our building fund, a tool to share our faith and heritage with the community, and a method of unifying our Church community. Yes, countless volunteer hours are needed, and the weekend is pretty exhausting, but it is a memorable event and it is exciting we are celebrating our 25th year. Last year our revenue was $140,016, with a profit margin of 33%. This year I would like
to set the goal at $155,000 and increase our profit margin to 42%. This is an obtainable goal, but requires the participation of all parishioners. Tell your friends, coworkers, neighbors. Volunteer for the baking sessions leading up to the festival, help setting up the booths, sign up for shifts the weekend of the festival, purchase advertising space in our Festival booklet. For all new parishioners, the Festival is a great way to get to know others and develop lifelong relationships. When I started coming to Saint John's 20 years ago, I did not know
anyone until my husband and I volunteered at a festival and we ended up meeting friends that have molded our lives and will be part of our lives forever. I cannot imagine my life without "my Church friends" and most importantly, our Church. So, please spare the time you can to help make our 25th anniversary our best Festival to date! Thank you Cynthis Pursley 2016 Festival Coordinator
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PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS Happy Summer to you all!
your helpful hands and have fun.
The National Philoptochos Conference and Clergy/Laity Convention took place in Nashville, Tennessee. They began on July 2nd. I am thankful I attended and I was happy to be representing our St. Irene Philoptochos Chapter.
Our Garage Sale will be held August 4th. – 7th. Set-up will be on Thursday, August 4th. The sale, open to the public will be on Friday the 5th.and Saturday the 6th. Sunday, August 7th, we will shop one more day with our parishioners and pack up the remainders for donation pick-up.
Wednesdays are our Union Gospel Mission Sandwich-making evenings. Gina and the GOYAns helped out in June and again in July. We are grateful for their assistance. If you are a regular at Sandwich-Making, I ask that you lend a hand and ensure we get our goal fulfilled. If you have not yet volunteered, or have not in a while, I encourage you to bring
I know that Connie Sarros organized an amazing work schedule, so I hope we can have all those folks plus many more that were out of town, or unavailable for our previously scheduled dates in early June.
Baking Day for our FoodFest will be on Saturday, August 13th. Angela Cline will be in charge of this day. I was so impressed with all the folks that came to help at the Easter Bake Sale’s Baking Day, that I cannot wait to see all of you fabulous ladies (and gentlemen) again. We will serve a Fasting Friendly lunch for all the helping hands. We will have our next Philoptochos meeting on August 21st. We will be jumping right into planning for the FoodFest and all that entails for us. Veronica Fisher, President
I hope you had a fabulous Summer Break.
summer ‘s VBS so memorable. Thanks to all of the families that shared some of their time with us.
Vacation Bible School was held June 7th. - 10Th. an amazing time was had by all.
Here are a few dates to put on your calendar:
Many wonderful folks volunteered their time to make this
9/18 – Meet the Teacher, immediately after Divine
Liturgy; followed by Burgers and Brats in the Church Hall 9/18 –First class for Church School year 2015 – 2016 Have a great remainder of your Summer Break! Veronica Fisher Church School Coordinator
GOYA NEWS Fellow Parishoners,
Hellenic: 1:15 - 2:15
We will be resuming dance practice for the festival on Sunday, August 21st following service/ Sunday School. Here are the times for the groups in order of how we will be practicing:
Olympians: 2:15 - 3:15
OPA: 12:15 -12:45 Young Athenians: 12:45 - 1:15
Please note that these times may vary.We will be having dance practice every Sunday up until the festival. We will not be having practice on Labor Day Weekend (September 4th).
WILL BE HELD A UGUST
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C HURCH S CHOOL Church School Families,
P HILOPTOCHOS G ARAGE S ALE
As always, if you are in grades 6 - 12 and want to join our fun -filled, Christ-centered youth group, our meetings occur the first Sunday of every month. Regards, Penelopi Yiantsou
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C HOIR NOTES "The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians is the Archdiocesan ministry responsible for liturgical music activities and the development, support, and recognition of church musicians.
Main Church at Vatopedy, Mt. Athos
Chartered in 1976 as an official auxiliary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the National Forum serves as the liaison among local church musicians, metropolis church music federations, and the Archdiocese. It also
serves as the gathering place for church musicians to discuss issues related to liturgical music and to formulate needed responses." (from the National Forum website). This year's National Forum Convention was held in Nashville, TN in conjunction with our Archdiocesan Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress. Four members of our St. John's choir attended: Bill and
Rena Poletes, George Vittas, and myself. We met and sang with other church musicians from across our archdiocese. Singing in the choir for the ClergyLaity Divine Liturgy, as well as singing at the Official Congress Opening, were for sure the highlights of the convention! Kirsten Shah, Choir Director
T HE G REAT PARAKLESIS T HIS YEAR ' S N ATIONAL F ORUM C ONVENTION WAS HELD IN N ASHVILLE , TN IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR A RCHDIOCESAN B IENNIAL C LERGY -L AITY C ONGRESS .
There are two forms of the Paraklesis Canon to the Theotokos: the Small Paraklesis and the Great Paraklesis. During the Dormition Fast (August 1-14), ethy are chanted on alternate evenings. The reason these services are called "Paraklesis" (Supplication) is because the faithful gather to supplicate the Theotokos to intercede on their behalf to her Son and our God for our salvation and for the relief of anything that burdens and ails us. Even though the two Canons to the Theotokos are differentiated with the title "Small" and "Great", in fact they have the same number of Troparia, both having thirty-two with four in each Ode. The real reason seems to be that the Great Canon is chanted in a more festive tone during the Dormition Fast than the Small Canon. Regarding the Great Supplication Service, we have sufficient testimony to its authorship. The poet was Theodore II Doukas Laskaris, Emperor of Nicaea. He was an emperor in exile who reigned from 1254 to 1258 AD following the fall of Constantino-
ple to the Frankish Crusaders in 1204. He was also a suffering man, suffering from a severe form of paternal epilepsy. It is recorded how soon before the death of Theodore he became a monk at Sosandron Monastery and took on the name Theodosios. The pain and anguish of his life is reflected in the masterful poetry of the Great Paraklesis Canon. It is within this same spirit that the Church calls all the faithful to approach this service during the first fifteen days of August. In 1258 Theodore II's epileptic condition worsened, and the emperor died on August 18, three days after the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos It is said that even during Theodore II's lifetime, the Service he composed in honor of the Theotokos was chanted at Sosandron Monastery and the surrounding monasteries of the Empire of Nicaea. And as he lay sick dying during the Dormition Fast, the monks of Sosandron Monastery chanted the Service for the alleviation
of his suffering. It was chanted every day until his death, and thus was established the tradition of chanting not only the Great but also the Small Paraklesis during the first fifteen days of August. On 25 July 1261 General Alexios Strategopoulos recaptured the City of Constantinople from the Latins for Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos of Nicaea. This recapture was ascribed to the aid and intercessions of the Theotokos, the patroness of the City. From July 25 through August 15 many thanks were given to the Theotokos, including the chanting of the Great Supplication Service authored by Emperor Theodore II. On August 15, the day of the Dormition of the Theotokos, Emperor Michael entered the city in triumph and was crowned at the Hagia Sophia. This event also helped establish the Great Paraklesis to be chanted during the first fifteen days of August during the Dormition Fast. Adapted from mystagogy.com
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T HE D ORMITION F AST The Dormition fast was established as preceding the great feasts of the Transfiguration of the Lord and of the Dormition of the Mother of God. It lasts two weeks—from August 1– August 14.
tradition is that we abstain from these fruits.
Paraklesis Canon to the Theotokos: the Small Paraklesis which was composed by Theosteriktos On the feast of the Transfiguration the Monk in the 8th century (or of the Lord, the Church rubrics some say Theophanes), and the allow fish. After that day the fruits Great Paraklesis. During the of the new harvest could always be majority of the year, only the included in the meals. Small Paraklesis to the Theotokos History The spiritual fast is closely united is chanted. However, during the with the bodily, just as our soul is Dormition Fast (August 1-14), The Dormition fast comes the Typikon prescribes that the down to us from the early days united with the body, penetrates Small and Great Paraklesis be of Christianity. St. Symeon of it, enlivens it, and makes one united whole with it, as the soul chanted on alternate evenings. Thessalonica writes: and body make one living human Also, on August 1st the Dormi“The fast in August [Dormition being. tion fast begins with the feast of fast] was established in honor of The main thing in fasting bodily is the “Procession of the Wood of the Mother of God the Word; restraint from abundant and tasty the Life-Giving Cross of the Who, foreknowing Her repose, foods; the main thing in fasting Lord.” In the Greek horologion ascetically labored and fasted for spiritually is restraint from pasof 1897, the origin of this feast is us as always, although She was explained: holy and immaculate, and had no sionate, sinful movements that indulge our sensual inclinations need for fasting. Thus, She espe“Because of the illnesses that occur cially prayed for us in preparation and vices. The former is renunciavery often during August, the custom for being transported from this life tion of the more nourishing foods was established in Constantinople of for fasting food, which is less to the future life, when Her processing the Precious Wood of the nourishing; the latter is the renunblessed soul would be united Cross through the roads and streets to through the Divine spirit with Her ciation of our favorite sins for sanctify places and prevent disease. Son. Therefore, we also should fast exercise in the virtues which opOn the eve of the feast it was carried pose them. and praise Her, emulating Her out of the royal treasury and placed life, urging Her thereby to pray The essence of the fast is exupon the holy table of the Great for us. Some, by the way, say that pressed in the following Church Church (the Hagia Sophia, dedicated this fast was instituted on the hymn: to the Holy Wisdom of God). From occasion of two feasts—the Transthat day until the Dormition of the figuration and the Dormition. I “If you fast from food, my soul, but are Most Pure Theotokos, lityas were also consider it necessary to renot purified of the passions, in vain do served throughout the city, and the member these two feasts—one we comfort ourselves by not eating. For Wood of the Cross was then offered to which gives us light, and the other if the fast does not bring correction, the people for veneration. This was which is merciful to us and inter- then it will be hateful to God as false, the procession of the Precious Cross.” cedes for us.” and you will be like unto the evil demons, who never eat.” According to Orthodox Church Fasting Rules tradition, on this day the Cross is Special Services venerated (according to the ruThe Dormition fast is not as brics of the Sunday of the Venerastrict as the Great Fast, but it During the Dormition Fast we is stricter than the Apostle’s also have a number of special ser- tion of the Cross during Great and Nativity fasts. On Week- vices that are held in the churches Lent), and a lesser blessing of the waters is served. days the rubrics of the Church for the edification and spiritual prescribe fasting without oil, nourishment of the faithful. The while on Saturdays and Sunmost important one is the days wine and oil are allowed. Paraklesis or Intercessory Prayer Adapted from Pravoslavie.ru Service to the Theotokos which Until the feast of the Transfigare served every day during Doruration of the Lord, when mition Fast. grapes and apples are blessed in the churches, the older There are two forms of the
Dormition of the Theotokos
I F YOU FAST FROM FOOD , MY SOUL , BUT ARE NOT PURIFIED OF THE PASSIONS , IN VAIN DO WE COMFORT OURSELVES BY NOT EATING .
Icon of the Veneration of the Holy Cross
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A PRAYER F OR L ENT Lord and Master of my life, from the spirit of laziness, meddling, the lust for power, or gossip, deliver me (Prostration) Rather, the spirit of self control and humility, the spirit of patience and love, bestow upon me Your servant (Prostration) Yes, Lord and King, grant that I may see my own faults and not judge my brother; for You are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen. (Prostration)
O UR NEXT C ATECHISM CLASSES WILL START IN S EPTEMBER . I N THE MEANTIME DON ’ T FORGET OUR P ARISH L IBRARY IS OPEN .
The prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian is read at the end of all prayer service during Lent and is always accompanied by prostrations.
U SHER S CHEDULE 1st Sunday: Cecilia Junell 2nd Sunday: Michael Eftimie / Michael Poriotis 3rd Sunday: Jeremy Ellis / Mike Strong 4th Sunday: Angela Cline / Connie Rafailides 5th Sunday: Larry Leeders / Michael Poriotis
C OFFEE H OUR D UTIES SETUP Arrange pastries/food in a desirable manner on the appropriate tables in the parish hall. You are responsible for making the coffee. Make two pots: one regular, one decaf. Plug in be-
PARISH W EBSITE AND S OCIAL MEDIA
Please join us at http:// stjohndfw.info for the latest news and information about your parish. We are also present on Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/ stjohndfw/ and Tweeter https://twitter.com/stjohndfw. If you like something share it on your favorite social media, send it to your friends and family, get the word out!
C ATECHISM 2015-2016 COMING TO AN E ND !
Our Catechism / faith enrichment classes came to an end in April. Our next Catechism classes will start in September. In the meantime don’t forget our Parish Library is open. Also check-out our New Bookstore in the hall
A COLYTE S CHEDULE 1st Sunday: Alex Genovezos, Caleb Ellis, Luca Tudora, Matei Tudora 2nd Sunday: Dimitri Rodgers, Alex Shah, Chris Eftimie, Joseph Berca, Noah Ellis 3rd Sunday: Alex Genovezos, Caleb Ellis, Luca Tudora, Matei Tudora 4th Sunday: Noah Ellis, Alex Shah, Chris Eftimie, Dimitri Rodgers 5th Sunday: Matei Tudora, Alex Genovezos, Alex Shah, Luca Tudora fore going into church. The instructions are in the kitchen. Prepare a tray with sugar, creamer, sugar substitute, mixing straws, a few spoons. Set with trash bucket. Put donation basket out with appropriate sign.
C OFFEE H OUR H OST
As you probably know already , we have recently switched to a new Coffee hour system where every family will host a coffee hour per year. Please see Connie Rafailedes or Michael Strong to schedule Your Sunday.
CLEAN UP Wash all dishes soiled, including coffee pots. Return sugar tray to kitchen and replenish it. Wash off hall tables and kitchen counters. Thank-You
St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church August 2016
SUN
Strict Fast Wine/Oil Allowed Fish Allowed
MON
TUE
WED
THU
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2
3
4
FRI
SAT
5
6 HOLY TRANSFIGURATTION Transfiguration Of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Procession of the Cross Seven Maccabees, Eleazar
Relics of Stephen the Protomartyr Theodore of Dardanelles
Issacius, Dalmatus, & Faustus Salome the Myrrhbearer
Seven Holy Youth of Ephesus
Forefeast of the Transfiguration Eusygnius the Martyr of Antioch
Small Paraklesis 6pm
Great Paraklesis 6pm
Small Paraklesis 6pm
Great Paraklesis 6pm
Vespers 6pm
Fast Free Philoptochos Garage Sale begins
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Orthros 8am Divine Liturgy 9am Vespers 5pm
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Emilian, Bishop of Cyzikos Myron, the Wonderworker
Mathias, Apostle of the 70 Anthony of Alexandria
Laurence, Archdeacon of Rome Chitus of Athens, Bishop of Rome
Euplus, Archdeacon of Cantania Niphon, Pat. Of Constantinople
Photios & Aniketos of Nicomedea 12 Soldier-martyrs of Crete
Apodosis of the Transfiguration Maximos the Confessor
Great Paraklesis 6pm
Small Paraklesis 6pm
Great Paraklesis 6pm
Small Paraklesis 6pm
Vespers 5pm
7th. Sunday of Mathew Dometios of Persia & Disciples Nikanor the Wonderworker 8:30 am Orthos 9:30 am Divine Liturgy Great Paraklesis 6pm
Small Paraklesis 6pm
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8th. Sunday of Mathew Forefeast of the Dormition Micah the Prophet 8:30 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 11:30 General Assembly 6 pm Vigil
DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS
Translation of the Image of Christ Diomedes of Tarsus
Myron of Cyzicus, Straton, Philp, Eutychiam, Cyprian
Floros & Lauros of Illyria John & George, Pat. Of Constantinople
Andrew, and his 2,593 soldiers Timothy, Agapius and Thecla
Samuel the Prophet Lukios the Counselor
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27
Return of Body of Bartholomew Titus of the 70
Adrian, Natalia & 33 companions
Poimen the Great Phanourios the Great Martyr
21 9th Sunday of Mathew Thaddeus of the 70 Bassa & her sons
Divine Liturgy 6am
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23
Agathonikos & his Companions Martyr Anthusa
8:30 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy
28 10th. Sunday of Mathew Moses the Black of Scete Diomedes & Laurence 8:30 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 6pm Vigil
Vespers 5pm
Apodosis of the Dormition Ireneaus, Bishop of Lyons
24 Eutyches the Hieromartyr Kosmas of Aetolia
Righteous Joseph Small Paraklesis 6pm
29 Beheading of St. John the Baptist Divine Liturgy 6am
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Alexander, John & Paul, New Patriarchs of Constantinople
Honorable Sash of Theotokos Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage
Vespers 5pm
S T . J OHN
THE
NONPROFIT
B APTIST
G REEK O RTHODOX C HURCH
303 Cullum Dr. Euless, TX 76040 Tel 817 283-2291 Return Service Requested
Sponsorship for This Month’s Forerunner
W E ’ R E O N T H E W E B AT HTTP:/ / STJOHNDFW. INFO
July –August 2016
THE FORERUNNER
Vol. XXXIII No. 7-8
Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos August 15 , 2016