S T . J OHN
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B APTIST G REEK O RTHODOX C HURCH
T HE F ORERUNNER V OLUME XXXV
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N OVEMBER -D ECEMBER 2018
S PECIAL
ON
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INTEREST :
SIMPLICITY
A couple of days ago, I was having a conversation with a friend of mine, a very accomplished Byzantine chanter, about the interpretation of various pieces of liturgical music. During our conversation he made a comment that stuck with me: it is actually easier to manage a virtuoso interpretation than to chant a simple, yet profound, rendering of the same hymns. The reason he said is that initially the chanter has a zeal to learn all the complicated items, to discover all the aspects of the music, but later on, when he understands that this is not regular music, but liturgical music, and, when he is finally able to join the meaning of the hymn with the melody, only at that point, true simplicity comes up on the surface on its own. Simplicity is not, after all, a lack of skill, but comes out of a deeper understanding, out of a humility of the chanter who becomes now a humble instrument that transmits to others the truth that the Holy Fathers expressed in the hymnology that he interprets. In the desert of Egypt, during the times of St Anthony the Great, lived an elderly monk named Paul. Paul used to be a
On Simplicity
Parish Council Capsule
Stewardship 2019
Youth Ministries News
Philoptochos News
Orthodoxy and Western Christmas Carols
A Short History of the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem
The Kontakion of Nativity
Meeting of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America
November-December Calendar
(Continued on page 2)
I NSIDE THIS ISSUE :
C OUNCIL C APSULE Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
C OUNCIL C APSULE
Another Greek Food Festival has come and gone. We prepared for record attendance but is seems God had another plan for us this year. With great weather Sunday & a great turn out for our post fest sales, we can say we have had another successful festival to help bring us one step closer to our growth & development goals. I want to thank everyone in the parish for their contributions, time, & efforts this year. These are the moments, when we work together, we build memories & lasting relationships in Christ. Following the food fest, the parish council will have our work cut out for us. We are working on youth development projects under the guidance of the Metropolis. As you can see we have the new shed in the south lot. Construction is almost finished. Once complete, we have a big task of organizing a “Fill the Shed Party” with all parishioners to help clean out the hall & old church from food fest items. Following the food fest, we have observed several grounds and (Continued on page 2)
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C HURCH S CHOOL 8 N EWS Y OUTH M INISTRIES
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C OUNCIL ’ S C APSULE great opportunity to discover your parish. The council has maintenance projects that will brought me closer to the require some time & effort church. Being a member of such as improved drainage & the parish council is a way to cleaning up the south lot. give back to our community We are approaching the time that provides so much for us. of year for 2019 parish coun- We make new friends, developed long lasting relationcil nominations. Next year, ships, & have hope to conwe should have several positions opening for new council tinue to make a positive immembers to be filled. This is a pact on the future of the (Continued from page 1)
church. With the end of the year comes the Nativity season. We would like wish everyone a Blessed Nativity & safe travels to those traveling to visit friends & family out of town. God Bless, Michael Poriotis
A GELESS W ONDERS WE
ALL HAVE A PASSION FOR OUR FAITH & FOR OUR CHURCH .
J OIN US IN THE PARISH C OUNCIL 2019!
The Ageless Wonders will meet on Monday, November 19 for lunch and a movie. Details will follow at a later time. We are open to suggestions for a place to eat lunch and a movie that will be out at that time. I know that is Thanksgiving week but with everyone schedule this is the date we picked hopefully everyone can come. Sunday, December 9th. will
be our joint Christmas dinner with Saint Irene’s Philoptochos At Texas Star golf and Conference Center. We will once again collect $10 gift cards from Walmart for our Christmas families etc. Please mark your calendars with the appropriate dates. At this time I want to thank everyone who volunteered to help with our food fest. I especially want to recog-
nize Leo and Theresa Alexander for the outstanding job they did helping to coordinate our festival before and after. They are an amazing couple who are dedicated to help our church wherever needed. Big hugs are sent your way Leo and Theresa from all of us! Hope to see everyone in November and December. *** Margaret
who came from humble origins, lived a very modest, yet pious life, and so he was called The Simple. Being simple, however, did not mean he was lacking spiritual knowledge, on the contrary, he received great spiritual gifts, including the power to cast out demons. It is said that at one-point St. Anthony, refused to heal a possessed young man saying, “I cannot
help the boy, for I have not received power over the Prince of the demons. Paul the Simple, however, does have this gift.”, he did help the boy, yet praying in the true simplicity: “Lord Jesus Christ, through the prayers of my father Anthony, cast out this demon”.
ON S IMPLICITY (C ONT ) (Continued from page1)
The Nativity of Christ
farmer and upon the leavetaking of his unfaithful wife, he sought monasticism with St Anthony. Initially St. Anthony rejected him, in order to test him, but after seeing his unwavering will (he waited three days outside of St. Anthony’s cell for an answer) he accepted him as a fellow laborer of Christ. Paul,
Genuine simplicity springs out of deep faith and a profound understanding of our relationship with God. High
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front of us: that the life in Christ is not to be meditated upon, but is to be lived.
academic theology is very tempting for someone that explores the riches of the Orthodoxy, but yet, being able to quote St Maximus the Confessor in the original Greek or to be able to comment on the correct translation of a certain obscure word in the Aramaic version of the Gospel of Mathew, does not guarantee that one’s life is actually based on the principles that one may declaim from the pulpit. The true theologian, as well pointed out by a contemporary bishop, is the one who prays. As simple as that. The rest is regurgitation of other people’s experiences of prayer, a mere exhibition of objects of value that one played no part in the making. The core of our faith is actually extremely simple, that there is a God that created us and He became like us so we can become like Him. In order to do that He died, resurrected and ascended to heavens, taking up our human nature upon the heavenly throne. All we have to do is follow Him, take up our crosses and get going. Why are we not seeing this simple truth? Because we get caught up in interpretation, in the nice theory of music, dogmatics, liturgics, homiletics and so on. We like to think we are so smart and we understand all these things, and, in our hurry to get all the convoluted details, we forget the simple truth that rests in
The Feast of Nativity is right around the corner. It is a feast that celebrates, above all, the profound simplicity of our God Who left all the glory of His heavenly abode and chose to be born, unknown, in a modest manger in the small city of Bethlehem. No sermons were preached at the birth of the Archpriest of the universe, no odes were declaimed at the arrival of the offspring of the poet and king David, no court congregated in the palace at the entrance of the King of glory. Only a donkey and an ox, drew close to the improvised crib, to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah: “The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner's manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.”(Isaiah 1:3) The Gospel, the good tidings brought by Christ through His incarnation, is in fact summarized in a very, very simple proposition: follow me! Follow Me in the simplicity of My life, follow Me in helping your fellow man, follow Me in preaching the truth with your lives, follow Me in taking up your cross, follow Me in the death of your passions, follow Me in the Resurrection of righteousness, follow Me in the Kingdom! He led us on this path by walking on it first, by opening the way to paradise with a thief and a sinner like ourselves. He is nothing but love, Love incarnate that outpours
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from the Communion cup, so that He can enter in all of us and make us all like Him, love. Welcome Christ in your homes this coming Nativity. Your heart is the only abode He needs, your prayer is the only hymn of glory He wants to hear, your friendship is the only company He desires. He is one of us and He wants to make us His. Draw near to the manger and listen carefully to the simple call coming out of the mouth of an old and humble chanter: Christ is born, glorify Him!
T HE
CORE OF OUR FAITH IS ACTUALLY EXTREMELY SIMPLE , THAT THERE IS A G OD THAT CREATED US AND H E BECAME LIKE US SO WE CAN BECOME LIKE H IM .
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A LL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH G OD – S TEWARDSHIP 2019
J OIN
US FOR
S TEWARDSHIP S UNDAY N OVEMBER 18 AT
THE END OF D IVINE L ITURGY
Life in a parish resembles very much the life in a family. As we gather together around the Holy table of the Eucharist, we bring to mind our own dinner table where everyone gathers to share a meal and the company of others dear to us. Just like in a family, the life in a parish can be rewarding and also challenging at times. In a family we trust each other, and pull closer and, together, we can go through anything. This requires faith in each other. In a parish it requires faith in God and, through Him, faith in the people that are part of our spiritual family. But this is not an easy task to accomplish. In the Gospel of Mark (9:22 NKJV), we read that, when the disciples couldn’t help him, a father brought his epileptic son to Jesus in desperation, saying, “...if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus replies to the father’s lack of faith, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” The father’s response is a prayer we can pray every day: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Faith is our trust in God. Faith is our trust that He watches over us and has a plan for us: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV). The life of a Christian parish, in these days of great change, has a certain level of uncertainty, just like our lives have.
Living with this uncertainty of daily life requires faith. Of course, for some uncertainty also invites doubt. But doubt does not indicate a lack of faith. Doubt is a part of our journey of faith. Doubt instills humility. Doubt should motivate us to learn and to grow. In spite of his doubt, the Apostle Thomas remained open to the truth of the Resurrection. When he saw the Risen Christ, he immediately believed and became a great apostle of the faith. His doubt led him to a greater faith. Stewardship of our faith in Jesus Christ calls us to be active and do those things that strengthen the faith that lies within us. Stewardship of our faith calls us to live our faith through actions, seeing Jesus Christ in others, acting in His love. Jesus tells us, “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35 NKJV). There is no better way to share our faith than to see Jesus Christ in others and to love and care for them. The Church offers us opportunities to exercise this type of faith by actively participating in the life of our parish. We have to answer the call of faith and stewardship and act upon the gifts we have so generously received from God. Our great example is Mary, the Theotokos, the Mother of our Lord. When Archangel
Gabriel came to her at the Annunciation, tradition and hymnology hold that all creation awaited her response. In faith and obedience to the will of God, Mary chose to act, not to worry, and she replied to the angel, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be according to your word” (Luke 1:38 NKJV). Mary‘s faithful and active reply allowed for God’s incarnation and the salvation of the entire world. You can be as well part of this wonderful work of redemption by giving a similar answer to God’s call of faith: “Behold, I am Your servant, Lord, I am here willing to help. Show me what to do.” Your parish needs you, your presence, your participation, your friendship. We are all one family and united in faith we can accomplish everything. “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9:22) When we believe, stewardship follows. By stewardship we understand faith in action; action motivated by humble gratitude to God for his blessings in our life. As the St. John says: “…these things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31 NKJV).
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C HURCH IS YOUR FAMILY : B E PART OF IT IN 2019 AND BEYOND ! Beloved in Christ, We come to invite you to our Stewardship Sunday Program on November 18, at the end of Divine Liturgy. This past year, with the support of our members, our parish has maintained and grown our ministry programs in all the aspects of parish life: of Youth, Seniors, Women, the new Men group, Outreach and Feeding the hungry and so much more. In the coming year we expect to foster a more vibrant youth ministry and we hope to rebuild our community center. We come to you asking to be actively involved and support these worthy ministries. Giving to His Church our time, talent and treasure is a way to thank God for His grace and generosity. The question is “How can I thank God for my many blessings?” This is true stewardship. Beyond your active participation we also need your help to meet our budget that allows for our ministries to continue to do their wonderful work of faith.
L ET ’ S
FINISH STRONG
The Stewardship Committee would like to thank everyone that has committed a pledge to our 2018 Stewardship. However, as you already know, our Stewardship Commitments for 2018 are still behind our needs. Although we have made some progress since last month, THANK YOU, we are currently a little over $85,000 behind the needed amount for our parish to meet our 2018 budget. There are however several ways in which you could help us:
The Commitment Card, we ask you to fill every year is not a contract, but a physical sign of your commitment to God. As the priests takes them up in the altar on Stewardship Sunday, our Commitment to get involved is blessed by God and asking Him to assist and strengthen our faith. Before completing the Commitment Card and Information Form, please give prayerful consideration to the commitment you are making. A check mailed to the church is most meaningful when accompanied by your presence, by your willingness to serve, by your prayers, and by your commitment. Giving is not a substitute for commitment – it is an expression of your commitment and an expression of thanks for the many blessings in your life. Keep in mind also that the Bible encourages tithing which is the first 10% of our treasures. Ref. Malachi Chpt 3:6-12 and Luke 11:42. Even if you are not able to give that much now, it is important is to always consider, an increase from year to year in attempt to always strive for this goal. Grow from
2018
wherever you are now to the next step where God wants you to be. Please consider an increase in your 2019 Stewardship Pledge according to the following measures: Please reflect and consider for your 2019 Stewardship Pledge at 10% of family income. Percentage-based -Please consider a 10% increase over your current year 2018 Stewardship Pledge. Dollar-based – Please consider a $5 or $10/week over your 2018 Stewardship Pledge. Actively participate in at least one or two ministries of the Church. Thank you to all those who have faithfully pledged and continue to do so, and thank you for all those considering a pledge this coming new year. Your increased Stewardship support and ministry participation will help us expand existing ministries and develop new ones. Chrysanthi Andromalos – Stewardship Chair
TOGETHER !
*If you have already pledged, thank you! Here is how you can still contribute: You may consider a small increase that will bring us closer to our goal. We recommend everyone to increase at least 10% vs last year. *Make sure you stay current with your payments. The best way is to submit to the office a credit card with automatic monthly or weekly deductions. *If you have not committed yet his year, please do so now. Every dollar counts for
the mission of the Church. Thank God for what you have received by giving some back. Remember, time and talent commitments are needed as well. *If you are unable to support us in any way listed, we kindly ask for your prayers! We assure you that we will pray for you as well! We are stronger together! Your Stewardship Committee
Grow with us in Christ!
T HE B IBLE E NCOURAGES
TITHING WHICH IS THE FIRST 10% OF OUR TREASURE AND PROMISES AN ABUNDANCE OF HEAVENLY BLESSINGS
(M ALACHI 3:10)
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O RTHODOXY
Western Carolers
T HE QUESTION FOR O RTHODOX C HRISTIANS IS , WHAT IS THE PLACE OF C HRISTMAS MUSIC IN LIFE OUTSIDE LITURGICAL SERVICES ?
AND
By Fr. Geoffrey Korz For Orthodox Christians in the western world, Christmas can create something of an identity crisis. While it is difficult enough to extricate a personal schedule from multiple pilgrimages to the shopping mall (a distinctly un-Christian aspect of modern Christmas), it is sometimes far more difficult to know what to make of Christmas carols and songs, and their appropriate place in the life of an Orthodox Christian. None of us live in a vacuum. As such, the varied music of our culture almost inevitably finds its way into our lives, our memory, and our heart. Orthodox liturgical music represents the central place of music in the life of any faithful Orthodox Christian: it is music suited for the right worship of God, and comes to us through the life and experience of the countless holy ones that make up the communion of saints. For this reason, Christmas carols and songs certainly do not have a place in the liturgical life of the Church: most are not dogmatically helpful or clear, and they have never formed a part of the hymnody used by the saints of the Church, as it has been given to the faithful.
Romanian Children Carolers
The question for Orthodox Christians is, what is the place of Christmas music in life outside liturgical services? Since most people – including most Orthodox Christians – listen to, sing, or play some type of music beyond liturgical music, this becomes a question of which carols are appropriate.
W ESTERN C HRISTMAS C AROLS Most of the Christmas carols that have come to us in the English language date from the 1700s and 1800s, and offer narratives of the Gospel accounts of the Nativity of Christ. While these usually use archaic English in a creative way, they are certainly faithful witnesses to the Gospel. We can think of favourites such as Angels We Have Heard on High, Away in a Manger, or God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, which raise little question in their suitability for an after-supper carol sing in an Orthodox home. Other traditional carols convey the story of events close to the Nativity of the Lord: the traditional Advent Latin melody O Come, O Come, Emmanuel dates to near preSchism times (the early 12th century, in this case), and can almost be described as a song from an Orthodox culture. The Coventry Carol tells the tragic tale of the massacre of the innocents described in the second chapter of Saint Matthew. The Twelve Days of Christmas provides a catechism of Roman Catholic origin that counters iconoclasm during the Protestant era in England. The symbolism of the carol is still useful today to teach Orthodox children (and adults) about the four "calling birds" of the Evangelists, and the three "golden rings" of the Holy Trinity. Some carols offer poetic allusions to Gospel or other Scriptures. Songs such as Ding Dong Merrily on High, We Three Kings, Joy to the World, and While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by
Night, are artistic folk songs of their time, and warmly tell parts of the Nativity story. Although not written by an Orthodox Christian, The Holly and the Ivy offers a Christian understanding of pagan symbols that would be familiar to many Slavic Orthodox. Even the famous carol, Hark The Herald Angels Sing by the Protestant preacher Charles Wesley, provides poetry relating to the Gospel in a way that does not contradict an Orthodox understanding. Historical fiction such as The Little Drummer Boy offers a creative expression of a simple encounter with Christ. Similarly, Christmastime tales of the life of an Orthodox saint like Good King Wenceslas (who died as a martyr at the hands of his pagan brother Boleslaus) provide a small sample of the lives of the saints which faithful Orthodox Christians should read each day. Some carols have become popular because of a certain sentimentality they elicit, rather than their doctrinal helpfulness. Songs such as O Holy Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Silent Night, and "What Child Is This?" may not have much content that could be questioned by Orthodox Christians, yet their sentimental tone seems to lack something of an Orthodox spirit. The enjoyment of Christmas carols certainly must go beyond mere musical critique, however, carols like these were clearly born out a very emotional world quite foreign to (Continued on page 11)
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The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is a major Christian holy site, as it marks the traditional place of Christ's birth. It is also one of the oldest surviving Christian churches. In the Bible The birth of Jesus is narrated in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Both accounts agree that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth. According to Luke 2:7 (in the traditional translation), Mary "laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn." The gospel accounts don't mention a cave, but less than a century later, both Justin Martyr and the Protoevangelium of James say Jesus was born in a cave. This is reasonable, as many houses in the area are still built in front of a cave. The cave part would have been used for stabling and storage - thus the manger. History of the Church of the Nativity The first evidence of a cave in Bethlehem being venerated as Christ's birthplace is in the writings of Justin Martyr around 160 AD. The tradition is also attested by Origen and Eusebius in the 3rd century. In 326, Constantine and his mother St. Helena commissioned a church to be built over the cave. This first church, dedicated on May 31, 339, had an
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octagonal floor plan and was placed directly above the cave. In the center, a 4-meter -wide hole surrounded by a railing provided a view of the cave. Portions of the floor mosaic survive from this period. St. Jerome lived and worked in Bethlehem from 384 AD, and he was buried in a cave beneath the Church of the Nativity. The Constantinian church was destroyed by Justinian in 530 AD, who built the much larger church that remains today. The Persians spared it during their invasion in 614 AD because, according to legend, they were impressed by a representation of the Magi — fellow Persians — that decorated the building. This was quoted at a 9thcentury synod in Jerusalem to show the utility of religious images (icons). Muslims prevented the application of Hakim's decree (1009) ordering the destruction of Christian monuments because, since the time of Omar (639), they had been permitted to use the south transept for worship. The Crusaders took Jerusalem on 6 June 1009. Baldwin I and II were crowned there, and in an impressive display of tolerance the Franks and Byzantines cooperated in fully redecorating the interior (1165-69). A Greek inscription in the north transept records this event. The Church of the Nativity was much neglected in
IN
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the Mamluk and Ottoman periods, but not destroyed. Much of the church's marble was looted by the Ottomans and now adorns the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. An earthquake in 1834 and a fire in 1869 destroyed the furnishings of the cave, but the church again survived.
Exterior of the Basilica of nativity in Bethlehem
In 1847, the theft of the silver star marking the exact site of the Nativity was an ostensible factor in the international crisis over the Holy Places that ultimately led to the Crimean War (1854–56). In 1852, shared custody of the church was granted to the Roman Catholic, Armenian and Greek Orthodox churches. The Greeks care for the Grotto of the Nativity. What to See at the Church of the Nativity
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N ATIVITY IN B ETHLEHEM IS A MAJOR C HRISTIAN HOLY SITE
The Door of Humility, a small rectangular entrance to the church, was created in Ottoman times to prevent carts being driven in by looters, and to force even the most important visitor to dismount from his horse as he entered the holy place. The doorway was reduced from an earlier Crusader doorway, the pointed arch of which can still be seen above the current door. The outline of the Justinian square entrance can also be seen above the door. The wide nave survives intact from Justinian's time, although the roof is 15thcentury with 19th-century (Continued on page 10)
Inside of the Nativity Basilica
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Y OUTH M INISTRIES R EPORT
2019 GOYA B ASKETBALL T OURNAMEN T TAKES PLACE J AN . 18-21 AT F IELDHOUSE USA IN F RISCO .
Youth Ministries Our St. John’s Dance Troupe was amazing this year. Many thanks to the incredible Gina Poulakos, Allison Medvic-Reimer and Elizabeth Seals who spent endless hours teaching old and new dances to our youth. The men’s Souma group, headed by Louie Papaliodis, continues to delight. Thanks, too, to Sandra Geil and Melissa Barnes for their costume adjustments - the sleeves on the men’s group shirts were terrific. And kudos to our two reunion troupes - the Asteria and Kariatides - especially fun seeing the moms and their kiddos perform. Despite the rain, our dancers showed off an important element of our Greek culture the dancers and their parents should be proud! The All Saints Celebration (or, Halloween Hideway) took place Wednesday, Oct. 31, 7pm with kids and adults . dressed as a saints. The Church School Christmas Pageant will be held Sunday, Dec. 16. Attention parents: we will be assigning parts before Thanksgiving. Please have your children attend Church School regularly so that we don’t have any last-minute adjustments
to the program. The teachers need time to fit costumes and our wonderful choir director, Kirsten Shah, needs time to practice the music with your children. The 2019 GOYA Basketball Tournament takes place Jan. 1821 at Fieldhouse USA in Frisco. The kids will stay at the Renaissance Hotel (formerly the InterContinental) in Dallas. The event is the largest Orthodox gathering of any kind in Denver's Metropolis and offers an atmosphere of Christian fellowship and friendly competition for hundreds of GOYAns, family, and friends. Final registration is Nov. 18. See website (https:// youth.denver.goarch.org/ basketball) for details. The Oratorical Festival topics have been announced. See festival topics website. The festival for our parish takes place Sunday, Feb. 10. We would like to see all of our 7th-12th graders write an essay and if they are comfortable, present before the parish. Junior Topics (grades 7-9) Martyrs of the Church and some of the early monastics are both described as “athletes.” What does it mean to be an athlete for Christ? On January 30th, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Three
Hierarchs: St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian, and St. John Chrysostom. Select one of these Church Fathers and discuss his contribution to the Church. Discuss the significance of water in the Church – Baptism, Theophany, holy water, etc. – and what this suggests about our responsibility for the natural world. Discus the new commandment of John 13:34: “Love one another, even as I have loved you…” What does it mean to love one another as Christ loved us? In 1 Timothy 6:10, St. Paul writes, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” How should Orthodox Christians relate to money and wealth? Senior topics (grades 10-12) Many of the Church’s services employ objects from the natural world (such as wheat, wine, oil, or water) in order to confer a blessing upon the faithful. Why does the Church do this, and what does this suggest about our responsibility for the natural world? From ancient Greece to the present, politicians have aligned themselves with religious concepts and constituencies. How is an Orthodox Christian to discern whether today’s politicians do this (Continued on page 9)
C HURCH S CHOOL Hello Church School Families: Our Church School year is off to a great start. We welcomed two new teachers to 3rd and 4th Grade; Melissa Barnes and Athena Russo. They have been doing an awesome job and are enjoying being a part of our Church School team. We are getting ready for November and December. Here are some upcoming dates to keep in mind; our Bread Basket Food Drive. Is already underway. We donate these items to our local food bank. In December we will have our
Advent Retreat and Christmas Pageant. 10/28—Thanksgiving Baskets; Please bring a canned fruit or stuffing mix 11/4 –Thanksgiving Baskets -please bring pie filling in a can; make Veteran’s Day cards for next week. 11/11—Veterans Day 11/11 –Thanksgiving Baskets; Please bring cranberry sauce or soft drinks 11/18 --Deliver Thanksgiving Baskets 11/25 --No Class due to Thanksgiving Break
12/15 --Advent Retreat 12/16 --Christmas Pageant 12/23 --No Class, Christmas Break 12/30-- No Class, Christmas Break 2/3 – Godparents Day Our Christmas Pageant will be on Dec. 16th. More details will be coming soon. There are many ways for the children to be involved! Veronica Fisher Church School Coordinator
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PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS Holiday Greetings! The Holiday Season is just around the corner. We have so many exciting activities and opportunities to volunteer coming up soon. Our next Sandwich Making night is Wednesday, November 7th following Paraklesis…start time about 6:45 p.m. Taverna Night was lovely! Our charitable donation once again went to the Texas Health HEB NICU. Thank you to all the fabu-
lous ladies that made the evening so successful. We will soon be taking orders for both our Christmas Bake Sale and our Poinsettia Sale. Here are some upcoming days of interest: Sun., Nov. 4 Sts. Cosmas & Damianos – Special Collection ***Poinsettia Forms form distribution will be available Sun. Nov.11 Christmas Bake Sale form will be available Sun. Nov. 18 Monthly Meeting Sun., Nov. 25 Poinsettia Order Deadline
Sat., Dec 8 Board Meeting Sun., Dec 9 Deadline for Orders--- Christmas Bake Sale Sun., Dec 9 Annual Christmas Dinner (this is our Monthly Meeting)(Margaret Chokas) at Texas Star Sat. Dec. 15 Baking Day--Christmas Bake Sale Sun., Dec. 16 Deadline for Adopt-A-Family Gifts Christmas Bake Sale Pick Up Sun., Jan. 6 Vasilopita Auction/Parish Name Day Veronica Fisher President, St. Irene Philoptochos
GOYA
GOYA GOYA is currently partaking in numerous events in our parish community. Below is a summary of what our youth group is currently accomplishing: 1. We are babysitting on Saturday, November 10th from 6-10pm. Each parent is welcome to bring one to three children - we will be having snacks, games, and movies! No cost is required;
however, freewill donations are appreciated. If there are any questions, please feel free to contact Ian Rehmet (ian.rehmet@gmail.com). 2. Practice for the basketball tournament begins on Sunday, November 4th. The deadline to register is Sunday, November 18th. No basketball practices will be held on the following dates:
Thanksgiving Break: November 25th Christmas Break: December 23rd and 30th Thank you so much for your constant support regarding the success of GOYA! We appreciate your constant generosity and care. Sincerely, Penelopi Yiantsou GOYA Vice President
Y OUTH M INISTRIES R EPORT (C ONT ) (Continued from page 8)
out of genuine piety or in order to manipulate the electorate? The hymns of the Church contain the whole of its theology. Pick one hymn from the Lenten or Holy Week period and describe how it speaks to you personally.
Describe how science and technology should always be at the service of humanity and, ultimately, of God, in harmony with His purposes. In view of St. Paaul’s exhortation in Colossians 3:16, “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom,” discuss the importance of being biblically literate today.
Youth Ministries would also like to announce that Ian Rehmet will be our new GOYA Advisor Coordinator. Ian’s longtime involvement with GOYA as a student and advisor, Camp Emmanuel participant and counselor and Ionian Village participant and videographer made him the right choice for this new position. The coordinator will oversee and guide the GOYA advisors in their leadership of our youth group.
IS CURRENTLY PARTAKING IN NUMEROUS EVENTS IN OUR PARISH COMMUNITY
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(Continued from page 7)
restorations. Thirty of the nave's 44 columns carry Crusader paintings of saints and the Virgin and Child, although age and lighting conditions make them hard to see.
A renovated mosaic from the Church of Nativity
T HE G ROTTO OF THE
N ATIVITY ,
A RECTANGULAR CAVERN BENEATH THE CHURCH , IS THE C HURCH OF THE N ATIVITY ' S FOCAL POINT
The Grotto of Nativity with the Star of Bethlehem marking the place of the Birth of Christ
The columns are made of pink, polished limestone, most of them dating from the original 4th-century Constantinian basilica. Fragments of highquality wall mosaics dating from the 1160s decorate both sides of the nave. Each side once had three registers, of which we know the details because of a description made in 1628. The lowest depicted the ancestors of Jesus; the middle contained the decrees of provincial and ecumenical councils; and the top has a series of angels between the windows. The name of the artist, Basilius Pictor, appears at the foot of the third angel from the right on the north wall. Trap doors in the present floor reveal sections of floor mosaics surviving from the
C HURCH
OF
N ATIVITY (C ONT .)
original basilica. The mosaics feature complex geometric designs with birds, flowers and vine patterns, making a rich and elaborate carpet for Constantine's church. Similar doors in the north transept protect another 4th-century mosaic that shows the Constantinian apse was octagonal; these are sometimes opened on request. An octagonal baptismal font in the south aisle dates from the 6th-century church of Justinian; it originally stood near the high altar. The inscription reads, "For remembrance, rest and remission of sins of those whose names the Lord knows." Archaeologists have discovered an octagonal bed of exactly the same dimensions over a cistern near the altar which provided the required water. After the font was moved in the Crusader renovation, it became the focus of various colorful legends: it was the well into which the star of the Magi fell or the well where the Magi watered their horses. The main altar at the east end and the one on the south (Altar of the Circumcision) are the property of the Greek Orthodox Church. The main altar includes an Orthodox iconostasis, which is crowned with gilded angels, icons, gilded chandeliers and lamps. On the north side of the high altar is the Armenian Altar of the
Three Kings, dedicated to the Magi who tied up their horses nearby, and in the north apse is an Armenian altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Grotto of the Nativity, a rectangular cavern beneath the church, is the Church of the Nativity's focal point. Entered by a flight of steps by the church altar, this is the cave that has been honored as the site of Christ's birth since at least the 2nd century. A silver star in the floor marks the very spot where Christ is believed to have been born. The star's Latin inscription reads, "Here of the Virgin Mary Jesus Christ was born — 1717." The floor is paved in marble, and 15 lamps hang above the star (six belong to the Greeks, five to the Armenians and four to the Latins). All other furnishings date from after the fire of 1869, except for the bronze gates at the north and south entrances to the Grotto, which are from Justinian's 6th-century church. Steps away from the birthplace shrine is the Chapel of the Manger, owned by the Roman Catholics. Fragments of 12th-century wall mosaics and capitals around the manger survive. Back in the upper church, a door in the north apse leads to the Catholic Church of St. Catherine. Read the full article here
V OLUME XXXV
O RTHODOXY
N UMBER 06
AND
(Continued from page 6)
the world of the Orthodox Church. Some "carols" are actually openly heretical. The 19th century song, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, is a case in point. Written by a Unitarian minister, the song explicitly sets out to popularize the idea that one can celebrate Christmas without the reality that God took on human flesh, expunging any supernatural references, and making a "miracle" out of the birth of a "great man." The lesser known Seven Joys of Mary articulates a Roman Catholic teaching that includes the "crowning" of the Mother of God in Heaven, a teaching that emerged in the Latin west long after her departure from the Orthodox Church. There are other, particular cases. The 1962 song, Do You Hear What I Hear?, was allegedly written as an appeal for the de-escalation of the Cuban Missile Crisis, using the im-
P AGE 11
W ESTERN C HRISTMAS C AROLS (C ONT ) agery of the Nativity story being proclaimed by people of high and low estate. Secular wintertime folk songs, such as Deck the Halls and Jingle Bells, really cannot be called Christmas carols, since they are made up of pure Victorian nostalgia, and have no Christian content. Silly, modern secular songs such as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Rocking Around the Christmas Tree have little at all to do with Christmas, and even less to do with aspiring to emulate the best offerings of western civilization. In his letter to the Philippians (4:8), Saint Paul tells us to hold to everything that is good. A wonderful variety of Christmas carols that affirm the truth of the Gospel, and the Nativity of Christ, have come down to us in the English language, and are entirely suitable for use in the homes of Orthodox Christians. At the same time, silly songs or those that teach false things,
should not really be confused with Christmas, a feast that celebrates God’s great gift to the world, in the incarnation of His Son. Apart from the Resurrection, this is the single greatest event in human history, and it gives us our very identity as Christians – and identity which solves any identity crisis we might ever face in our lives. We should celebrate it at every opportunity. For other perspectives on this topic, read here. A
Article found here
WONDERFUL VARIETY OF C HRISTMAS CAROLS AFFIRM THE TRUTH OF THE G OSPEL , AND THE N ATIVITY OF C HRIST
Annual Meeting and General Assembly of the Order of Saint Andrew The Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America. Our Parish of Saint John The Baptist was well represented at the Annual Meeting and General Assembly of the Order of Saint Andrew The Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America. In addition to Paun Peters, Archon Laosynaktis and George Vittas, Archon Ekdikos, this year’s event marked the investiture of Dr. Chris Yiantsou as a member of the Archon Class of 2018.
Chris and the other 26 members of his class, selected from hundreds of candidates submitted by the Metropolises, received their crosses and offikia from Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America at the end of the Hierarchal Liturgy celebrated by His Eminence with Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta and Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey. In attendance during the investiture ceremony and the entire weekend were Margo and Pene-
lope Yiantsou as well as Lynn Peters and Barbara Vittas. This was an auspicious occasion for our Parish, reflecting on our own historic growth achievements and our future as a congregation of Orthodox Christian faithful in the heart of America and the Mid-Cities of North Central Texas. Axios! To Dr. Yiantsou and Axios! To all of our parish family. May God continue to bestow Archon’s Ceremony at Holy Trinity Cathedral in NY His abundant blessings upon us.
V OLUME XXXV
N UMBER 06 C LERGY
George Vittas and Alex Shah at the Clergy Laity Congress
S IX (6)
MEMBERS OF OUR S AINT J OHN THE B APTIST PARISH ATTENDED AND PARTICIPATED IN THE COMBINED EVENTS OF THE B IENNIAL A RCHDIOCESE C LERGY -L AITY C ONGRESS
LAITY
P AGE 12
2018, B OSTON , MA
This past July, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts, six (6) members of our Saint John the Baptist parish attended and participated in the combined events of the Biennial Archdiocese Clergy-Laity Congress, the Biennial National Ladies Philoptochos Conference and the Annual Conference of the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians. In attendance from our Euless and the Mid-Cities Parish were: Kirsten Shah, Parish Council member and Choir Director; Alex Shah, Choir member; George Vittas, Choir member and National Forum representative of the Denver Metropolis Choir Federation; Veronica Fisher, President of our parish’s St.
Irene Chapter of Ladies Philoptochos, Lynn Peters, member of the Board of National Ladies Philoptochos; and, Barbara Vittas, President of the Denver Metropolis Ladies Philoptochos and member of the Executive Board of National Ladies Philoptochos. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese has traditionally scheduled the Biennial Clergy -Laity Congress in combination with the Philoptochos and Church Musicians conferences during the first week of July and the celebration of our nation’s Independence, instilling in the ecclesiastical proceedings an overall atmosphere of patriotism in honor of America. In addition to the patriotic theme of the
final evening’s banquet on July 4th, the combined choir of Boston and country-wide parishes presented a musical program of tribute to America featuring a narrative and choral singing of patriotic compositions including the hymns of each of the major military branches of our armed services. Earlier, at the start of the Congress, Kirsten and Alex Shah participated in the combined Archdiocese Choir which sang during the opening Hierarchal Liturgy. (See nearby photo of Alex Shah and George Vittas during a break in choir rehearsal during the National Forum Conference proceedings of the C-L Congress.). George Vittas
K ONTAKION OF NATIVITY OF C HRIST Most Orthodox are probably familiar with the kontakion of the Nativity (3rd Tone) by St Romanos the Melodist. “Today the Virgin giveth birth to Him Who is transcendent in essence;* and the earth offereth a cave to Him Who is unapproachable.* Angels with shepherds give glory;* with a star the Magi do journey;* for our sake a young Child is born, Who is preeternal God.” But we mustn’t forget that originally, the kontakion was not merely a single stanza inserted after the 6th Ode of the canon, but a much more substantial genre. In fact according to Egon Wellesz, was made up of from eighteen to thirty or more stanzas, each ending in a repeated refrain.
Much of the kontakion describes a dialogue between the Mother of God and the Magi, and each stanza ends with the refrain, ‘παιδίον νέον, τὸν πρὸ αἰώνων Θεόν’. Fr Ephrem (Lash), monk of Gregoriou, has translated eighteen of these kontakia, all dealing with events in the life of Christ 22 When the blameless Virgin saw the magi bringing new and radiant gifts and worshipping, the star showing him, the shepherds praising him, she implored the Maker and Creator of all these, saying, ‘Accept, my Child, a trinity of gifts, grant her who gave you birth three requests. I pray to you for the seasons and for the fruits of the earth and for those who dwell on it. Be reconciled to
all, because through me you have been born a little Child, God before the ages. 23 ‘For I am not simply your mother, compassionate Saviour; it is not in vain that I suckle the giver of milk, but for the sake of all I implore you. You have made me the mouth and the boast of all my race, and your world has me as a mighty protection, a wall and a buttress. They look to me, those who were cast out of the Paradise of pleasure, for I bring them back. May all things understand that, through me, you have been born a little Child, God before the ages. Hope you enjoyed it. Read the whole article here
T HE F ORERUNNER
P AGE 13 G LADSOME L IGHT D IALOGUES
The Gladsome Light Dialogues will resume in early 2019 with inspiring new series. Gladsome Light Dialogues are an Adult Education Ministry that takes Wednesday nights after the Paraklesis service. It is an interactive dialogues on Orthodoxy applied to our practical life.
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!
We are welcoming suggestions on themes to be discussed during our meetings. For any questions contact Fr. Vasile.
C ATECHISM 2017-2018
Our Catechism / Faith Enrichment class has started in September. The class welcomes inquirers in the Orthodox Faith as well as Orthodox Christians that would like to deepen their knowledge of our wonderful faith. Classes are held every Sunday (with exceptions) after Divine Liturgy. Contact Fr. Vasile for more information.
A COLYTES U SHER S CHEDULE 1st Sunday: Bill Coltrin/ Florentina Constantine 2nd Sunday: George Vittas/ Zachary Reimer 3rd Sunday: Michael Poriotis / Ivo Ivanov 4th Sunday: Chrisanti Andromalou / Margo Yiantsou 5th Sunday: Michael Poriotis/ Larry Leeders
All Boys over the age of 9 are welcome to join the altar boys ranks. A lot of the training is done “on the job� but we also hold a training session each year. Recommended attire: black pants, white long sleeve shirt and black dress shoes . Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the beginning of liturgy. Ideally you should arrive no latter than9:15 am.
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 Cristina Korzun to schedule Your Sunday.
Contact Dn. George Genovezos if you are interested.
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-
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.
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
A LL B OYS OVER THE AGE OF 9 ARE WELCOME TO JOIN THE ALTAR BOYS RANKS .
St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church November 2018 SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU 1
FRI
SAT
2
3
Akindynos & Companions Domnina, Domna & Kyriaki
Church of St George in Lydda Acepsimas Of Persia
Fasting Symbols Strict Fast Wine/oil allowed
Cosmas & Damianos, Theodota David of Evia
Fast Free Dairy Allowed Divine Liturgy 6am
Vespers 5pm
Fish Allowed
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Galaktion & Episteme of Emesa Hermas of the 70
Paul the Confessor
33 Martyrs of Melitene Lazarus the Wonderworker
Synaxis of the Archangels
Nektarios The Wonderworker Onesiphoros and Porphyrios
Olympas of the 70 Arsenius of Cappadocia
Divine Liturgy 6am
Vespers 5pm
16
17
4th. Sunday of Luke Ioannikos the Great Nikandros, Bishop of Myra 8:30 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy
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12
13
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8th. Sunday of Luke Veterans Day
15 Nativity Fast Begins
John the Merciful of Alexandria Nilus the Ascetic of Sinai
John Chrysostom Damaskinos of Mount Athos
Philip the Apostle Gregory Palamas of Thessaloniki
Gurias & Confessors of Edessa Thomas, Abp. Of Constan.
Mathew the Apostle& Evangelist
Gregory the Wonderworker Gennadios I, Pat. Of Constan.
Vigil 6pm
Divine Liturgy 6am Vespers 6pm
Divine Liturgy 6am Paraklesis 6 pm
Divine Liturgy 6am Vespers 6pm
Divine Liturgy 6am
Orthros 7am Divine Liturgy 8am Vespers 5pm
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21
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Obadiah the Prophet Barlaam of Caesarea
Forefeast of the Entrance Gregory of Decapolis
Entrance of the Theotokos
Thanksgiving Day
9th. Sunday of Luke
Menas of Egypt Victor and Stephanie 8:30 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy
Plato of Ancyra Martyr Romanus 8:30 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy Catechism Class
25
Amphilochios, Bishop of Iconium Gregory, Bishop of Agrigentum
The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple
Philemon of the 70 Cecilia and Companions
Vigil 6pm
Divine Liturgy 6am Akathist of Thanksgiving 6pm
Divine Liturgy 8am
26
27
28
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30
Alypios of Adrianopolis, Nicon Metanoete, Stylianos of Paphlagonia
James of Persia Nathaniel & Pinouphrios
Stephen the New Irenarchos & Martyrs at Sebaste
Paramonus & 370 Martyrs Nicholas, Abp. Of Thessolonica
Andrew the First-called Apostle Froumentios, Abp. Of Abyssina
Paraklesis 6 pm
Vigil 6pm
Divine Liturgy 8am
Vespers 5pm
13th. Sunday of Luke Katherine the Great Martyr Mercurios The Great Martyr 8:30 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy Catechism Class
Clement, Pope of Rome Peter, Archbishop Of Alexandria
St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church December 2018 SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT 1
Strict Fast Fasting Symbols Wine/oil allowed Fast Free
Nahum the Prophet Philaret the Merciful of Amnia
Dairy Allowed Vespers 5pm Fish Allowed
2 14th. Sunday of Luke Habakkuk the Prophet Cyril of Phileus
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4
5
6
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Zephania the Prophet John, Bishop and Hesychast
Barbara the Great Martyr John the Righteous of Damascus
Savas the Sanctified Martyr Diogenes
Nicholas The Wonderworker Nicholas the New Martyr
Ambrose, Bishop of Milan Athenodoros Of Mesopotamia
Forefeast Conception Theotokos Patapios of Thebes
Divine Liturgy 6am
Vigil 6 pm
Divine Liturgy 6amVespers 6pm
Divine Liturgy 6am
Vespers 5pm
8:30 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy Catechism Class
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10
11
12
13
14
15
10th Sunday of Luke Conception of Theotokos Hanna the Prophetess
Mena, Hermogenes, Eugraphos Thomas of Bithynia
Daniel the Stylite Luke, Stylite of Chalcedon
Spyridon the Wonderworker Peter the Aleut
Auxentios & Martyrs of Sebaste Lucia the Virgin Martyr
Thyrsos, Leucius & Callinicos
Eleutherios, Bishop Illyria Susannah The Deaconess
Vespers 5pm
Divine Liturgy 6am Paraklesis 6 pm
Divine Liturgy 6am
8:30 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy Catechism Class Christmas Dinner
16
Vespers 5pm
17
18
19
20
21
22
Daniel & the Three Holy Youths Dionysios of Zakynthos
Sebastian & his Companions Michael Synkellos the Confessor
Boniface of Tarsus Gregentius, Bishop of Ethiopia
Forefeast of the Nativity Ignatius the God-Bearer
Forefeast of the Nativity Juliana & 630 Companions
Anastasia the Great Martyr Chrysogonos The Martyr
Divine Liturgy 6am
Divine Liturgy 6am
Divine Liturgy 6am Paraklesis 6 pm
Divine Liturgy 6am
Divine Liturgy 6am
Orthros 7am Divine Liturgy 8am Vespers 5pm
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27
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29
Sunday before Nativity
Eugenia the Nun-martyr of Rome Eve of the Nativity of Christ
Nativity of Jesus Christ Adoration of the Magi: Melchor, Gaspar, & Balthasar
Synaxis of the Theotokos Euthemios, Bishop of Sardis
Stephen, First Martyr Theodore the Confessor
20,000 Martyrs In Nicomedia Martyr Glykerios
14,000 infants (Holy Innocents) Righteous Marcellus
Royal Hours 8am Vesperal Liturgy 6pm Carol’s Concert
Orthros 8am Divine Liturgy 9am
Orthros 8am Divine Liturgy 9am
Orthros 8am Divine Liturgy 9am
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Sunday after Nativity Anysia of Thessaloniki Gideon of Mount Athos 8:30 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy NO Catechism Class
Apodosis of the Nativity Melania, Nun of Rome
Circumcision of Our Lord St. Basil the Great
Vespers 5pm
Orthros 8am Divine Liturgy 9am
11th. Sunday Of Luke Haggai the Prophet Modestos, Abp. Of Jerusalem 8:30 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy Catechism Class
Ten Martyrs of Crete Consecration of Hagia Sophia 8:30 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy Catechism Class
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November-December 2018
THE FORERUNNER
Vol. XXXV No. 06
The Nativity of Our Lord The 25th of December 2018