DINNER HONORING The Honorable Andreas Psycharis, Consul of Greece His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta
Rev. Fr. James Rousakis, Vicar for Tampa Bay

Cordially invite you to a dinner to honor

Andreas Psycharis
Consul General of Greece
in Tampa

The first Consul General for the Greek Consulate
in Tampa,who will be reassigned.

Saturday, May 30, 2009
Greektown Grill
1230 Cleveland Street
Clearwater, FL
6:00 p.m.

Donation: $30.00

Call the Holy Trinity office for reservations,
727-791-6547


“THE OTHER HOLY LAND ” To Be Rebroadcast on Hallmark Channel June 7, 2009

NEW YORK – “The Other Holy Land” will be rebroadcast on the Hallmark Channel, Sunday, June 7, 2009 from 7 - 8 am EDT and PDT; and 6 am CDT. The hour long beautifully filmed program features four places in Asia Minor: Constantinople, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Smyrna – where it becomes strikingly clear that the history of Christianity in "The Other Holy Land" is also the history of the Greek Orthodox Church.

The documentary was filmed in Turkey and the United States and includes interviews with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop Demetrios of America and other noted theologians and historians. The use of dramatized voices brings to life primary texts from the early Fathers and Church writers; early texts are juxtaposed with visuals of today’s religious services including a Divine Liturgy celebrated by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Cappadocia .

Participants, in addition to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop Demetrios and include: Bishop Kallistos Ware, Rev. Dr. Robert G. Stephanopoulos; Rev. Dr. Demetrios Constantelos; Rev. Dr. Forrest Church ; Dr. Helen Evans; Dr. Robert Ousterhout; and narrator Robert Aubry Davis.

Produced by Frank Frost Productions in cooperation with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Office of News and Information and Greek Orthodox Telecommunications, the program was funded by the Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, The Aegean Free Trade Zone and Faith & Values Media.

DVD copies of this program are available for purchase at $20 each, plus $6 shipping. Call GOTelecom at 1-800-888-6835. For more information and to find Hallmark stations in your area log on to: www.hallmarkchannel.com.


FROM THE ST. BARBARA, SARASOTA, FL BULLETIN:
If you’ve been waiting for a sign from God, this is it!

Glad you joined our worship this Lord’s Day!


S. FL CALENDAR MEETING CALENDAR CLEARANCE MEETING FOR SOUTH FLORIDA SATURDAY JUNE 6TH FOR:
Clergy
Parish Council Presidents
Philoptochos Presidents
GOYA Advisors
GOYA Officers

PLACE:
St. Demetrios in Fort Lauderdale
TIME:
8:30 Matins
9:00 Divine Liturgy - Saturday of Souls
11:00 am - Meeting with Clergy, Parish Council
and Philoptochos Representatives
1:00 pm - Lunch
2:00 pm - Meeting with GOYA Advisors and officers
4:00 pm - End of planning Session


2009 METROPOLIS OF ATLANTA CLERGY LAITY ASSEMBLY 2009 METROPOLIS OF ATLANTA CLERGY LAITY ASSEMBLY
AND PHILOPTOCHOS CONFERENCE
June `10 – 14, 2009
Clearwater/ Tampa Bay, Florida

“THE DAY AFTER TODAY- OUR YOUTH”

The Metropolis of Atlanta 2009 Clergy Laity Assembly and Philoptochos Conference will be held from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, June 14, 2009 at the
GRAND HYATT TAMPA BAY, in Tampa, Florida, very near the airport.
There is free transportation to and from the airport and FREE PARKING!!!
Hotel reservations may be made anytime until May 15th, based upon availability by calling the Hyatt at (813) 874-1234.
Group discounted rates are available for $169.00 per night by mentioning the group
“Greek Orthodox” or code GREE.

We have an entertaining and uplifting program planned for the entire family.
Metropolis Council and Philoptochos Board will meet Thursday morning.
Official opening ceremonies and Grand Banquet will be held Thursday evening.
Philoptochos luncheon will be on Friday.
Friday night we will have a spectacular extravaganza!

For more information and registration forms please see our website at www.atlantaclergylaity.org


PARISH BULLETIN BOARD ST. MARK, Boca Raton, FL raised over $5000 for the OCMC through the coin boxes and Agape Canisters.

ST. PAUL, Savannah, GA Philoptochos raised $2,000 for Spencer Elementary School to purchase uniforms, school supplies and art supplies.

Congratulations to Kimberly Law, HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL, who graduated Summa
Cum Laude with a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Florida College of Arts and Sciences and the Honors College.

TRANSFIGURATION, Florence, SC Philoptochos has a new Outreach Ministry, Each week they collect fresh produce from the garden in the walk-in cooler in the kitchen. Anybody may take what they want each Sunday during coffee hour and the remainder will be given to Manna House to cook for the soup kitchen. Parishioners who have a garden are asked to consider bringing their extra produce or growing extra just for this ministry.

TRANSFIGURATION, Florence, SC is having a yard sale June 13 to raise money to buy toys for McLeod Children`s Hospital.

Congratulations to Kika Caparisos, ST. PAUL, Savannah, GA who graduated Cum Laudefrom Georgia College and State University.

Congratulations to Marcus Kalpakis, ST. SOPHIA, Miami, FL, who won third place in the Southeast U.S. Regional Rowing Championship in Knoxville, Tennessee last week in the Junior Varsity 4 boat. He also won the Environmental Role Model award at the Fairchild Challenge for a recycling program at his school of which he is the project manager. He began the program through a grant from JP Morgan Chase




FEAST DAYS and NAME DAYS FOR THE COMING WEEK May 31
Fathers of the 1st Council
Hermias the Martyr at Comana
Eusebius and Haralambos the Monk-martyrs

June 1
7th Monday after Pascha
Justin the Philosopher & Martyr and his Companions
Pyrros the Hieromartyr

June 2
7th Tuesday after Pascha
Nikephoros the Confessor, Patriarch of Constantinople
Erasmos of Ochrid & his Companion Martyrs
Demetrios the New Martyr of Philadelphia
Constantine the New Martyr of the Hagarenes

June 3
7th Wednesday after Pascha
Lucillian of Byzantium, 4 martyred Youths & Paula the Virgin
Athanasios the Wonderworker

June 4
7th Thursday after Pascha
Metrophanes, 1st Patriarch of Constantinople
Mary & Martha, the sisters of Lazarus

June 5
7th Friday after Pascha
Dorotheos the Holy Martyr, Bishop of Tyre
Holy Martyrs Nicandrus, Gorgus and Apollonus and those with them
Christophoros & Konon the Martyrs of Rome

June 6
Saturday before Pentecost
Hilarion the New of Dalmation Monastery
Bessarion the Wonderworker of Egypt
5 Virgins of Caesarea: Martha, Mary, Cyris, Valeria & Marcia
































































































SAVE THE DATE - MAY HOLY TRINITY, New Orleans, LA 36th Annual Greek Festival May 22-24

HOLY TRINITY, Columbia, SC May 24 reception honoring high school seniors

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Council of ministries retreat May 29-30

TRINITY/ST. JOHN, Jackson, MS Greek Festival, May 29-30

ST. ATHANASIOS, Gulf Shores, AL 9th Annual Golf Classic, Saturday May 30, Glenlakes GC, Foley, AL, noon start

HOLY TRINITY, Raleigh, NC Philoptochos end-of-year party,May 31,5 pm,Taverna Agora

HOLY TRANSFIGURATION, Marietta, GA Young Adult Cookout May 31, 5 PM

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC May 31 Community Luncheon Sautéed Sirloin Tips over Rice, Side Dish, Beverage & Dessert, Kids Meal: Chicken Tenders with Mac & Cheese $7/Adults, $4/Kids, benefits St. Nektarios Ministries

HOLY TRINITY, Charlotte, NC Sunday, May 31st Divine Liturgy at Hellenic Park followed by a Community Picnic. Orthros 8:30am and Divine Liturgy 9:30am

ST. BARBARA, Sarasota, FL Sunday, May 31 honoring high school & college graduates

HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL Catechism Picnic, May 31





UPCOMING EVENTS ANNUNCIATION, Atlanta, GA PAREA, Monday, June 1, noon, Sultan's Restaurant, Sandy Springs/Atlanta, GA 30328

HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL Philoptochos End of Year Dinner, Tues. June 2, 6:30pm, catered buffet dinner, $22/person, reservations

HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL Philoptochos end of the year party,Thursday,June 4, 6:30pm, $22/person.

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, Tallahassee, FL Spaghetti Supper June 5

HOLY TRINITY, Augusta, GA Philoptochos Attic Sale Saturday June 6

HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL Name Day Celebration Sunday, June 7, special celebration luncheon after Divine Liturgy, reservations. Galaktoboureko will be on sale as a fundraiser for the dance troupe!

HOLY TRANSFIGURATION, Marietta, GA Philoptochos: End of Year Luncheon: Sunday, June 7; 1pm, The Diner at Northpoint, Alpharetta, $16.95.

HOLY TRINITY, Asheville, NC Name Day Celebration June 7

HOLY TRINITY, Raleigh, NC “Big Fat Grill Off" Sunday, June 7, 5 PM

HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, FL June 8 Feast day of the Holy Trinity, reception to follow Divine Liturgy

HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, FL June 8-9 GOYA year-end trip to St. Augustine

ST. MARK, Boca Raton, FL annual Greek Week Camp Monday, June 8-Friday, June 12, 9am-2pm

HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL VBS June 15-19,9:30am-1pm, Pre-K thru 5th grade

ST. JOHN, Jacksonville, FL VBS, “Walking with God,” June 15-19, 8:30am-noon

HOLY TRINITY/HOLY CROSS, Birmingham, AL Vacation Church School June 15-19, full program of worship, instruction, arts and crafts, singing, and recreation

HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, FL Vacation Bible School June 15-19, 9am-noon, pre-K-6th, $20 registration, celebrating Jesus’ love for us through games, crafts, music & more

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC 2009 Vacation church camp Tuesday, June 16-Friday, June 19. “THE FANTASTIC FOUR - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.”

HOLY TRINITY, Charlotte, NC Vacation Church Camp June 15-19 (Monday-Friday) 9am-1:15pm for 4 year olds till 5th grade

HOLY TRINITY, Columbia, SC VCS June 15-19

HOLY TRINITY, Charlotte, NC Vacation Church Camp, rising 4 yrs. old thru 5th grade June 15-19

ST. JOHN, Tampa, FL Junior Olympics June 19-21

HOLY TRINITY, Charlotte, NC GOYA Retreat/Beach Trip to Charleston, SC June 22-24, rising 9th–12th graders. $90/person

TRANSFIGURATION, Florence, SC VBS June 22-26

HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL Tuesday, June 23,6pm-8pm, first of three Estate
Planning Workshops discussing The Fundamentals of Estate Planning: wills, trusts, health care directives, powers of attorney, and other essential estate planning tools; probate and trust administration. Reservations (407) 843-8441. Presented by Matthew A. Tavrides, J.D. Attorney

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Family Prosfora Workshop June 24,10am-12:30

ST. PAUL, Savannah, GA, St. Paul’s Day Luncheon, June 28, Lemon Baked Chicken, Roasted Potatoes - Greek Style, Salad,Roll, Dessert Iced Tea & Coffee. $8/person

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Council of ministries retreat July 17-18
For all Ministry Directors, Team and Group Leaders, Philoptochos Board Members and all members of the community interested in planning for the community

ST. GEORGE, Greenville, SC Basketball Camp July 27-July 31, ages 5-13

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Missions and philanthropy Ministry Yard sale August 7-8

HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL Vacation Bible School Aug. 10-14

ST. CHRISTOPHER, Peachtree City, GA GreekFest 2009 Sept. 19

HOLY TRINITY/HOLY CROSS, Birmingham, AL GREEK FESTIVAL Sept. 24-26

HOLY TRINITY, Asheville, NC Greek Festival Sept. 25-27

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, Tallahassee, FL 2009 Greek Food Festival Oct. 23-24

National Philoptochos Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon, November 14, Boca Raton Resort and Club, hosted by the Metropolis of Atlanta.


ST. STEPHENS CAMP NEWS St. Stephen's Summer Camp-2009 is taking registrations for
Session IV-----August 3-7, 2009
'HOLY GIFTS FOR THE HOLY PEOPLE'
Please do not delay, as all other sessions have filled!


Please send in forms immediately! Registration is not complete by phone or email....forms must be sent in to be registered. They may be scanned or faxed if paying by credit card.



ST. STEPHENS CAMP
Session I: Sunday, July 12 - Saturday July 18, 2009

Session II: Sunday, July 19 - Saturday, July 25, 2009

Session III: Sunday, July 26 - Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009

Session IV: Sunday, August 2 - Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009
Held at
The Diakonia Retreat Center
864-944-6788
www.diakoniacenter.org
455 Quail Ridge Road
Salem, SC 29676

Questions may be addressed to:
+Father Stavros Akrotirianakis-Camp Co-Director-(813)876-8830 frstav@gmail.com
+Father Matthew Carter-Camp Co-Director: frmatthewcarter@gmail.com
Ethel Gjerde-Assistant Camp Director: 404-271-8951 sargepw8@yahoo.com
Michelle Cassimus-Youth Coordinator: 404-634-9345 Ext. 19 youth@atlmetropolis.org

DOWNLOAD ALL FORMS: www.atlmetropolis.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All forms will be on our NEW WEBSITE: www.atlmetropolis.org
by Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009.
You may email us to receive them directly as attachments.
Please do not delay in getting all of your forms mailed immediately!
(Please remember you will not be sending the Priest Recommendation Form. He will send it to us here at the Metropolis.)

Questions may be addressed to:
+Father Stavros Akrotirianakis-Camp Co-Director-(813)876-8830 frstav@gmail.com
+Father Matthew Carter-Camp Co-Director: frmatthewcarter@gmail.com
Ethel Gjerde-Assistant Camp Director: 404-271-8951 sargepw8@yahoo.com
Michelle Cassimus-Youth Coordinator: 404-634-9345 Ext. 19 youth@atlmetropolis.org


LARRY KING CARDIAC FOUNDATION EVENTS THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO
Join Larry King – America’s talk show legend for Free Heart Health Screenings and Consultations
Monday, June 1st, 10am – 2pm
Location: Georgia Tech Global Learning Center, 84 5th St. NW
Hosted by Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Georgia Tech
To RSVP contact:
Cecil Upchurch, RN - Saint Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta
Office: (678) 843-5112 - cupchurch@sjha.org
This is Part of a Major Heart Health Campaign for America’s Uninsured


Join Larry King – America’s talk show legend for A VIP Panel Discussion on Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Monday June 1st from 10-11am
Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Warning signs, Detection, and Prevention
Location: Georgia Tech Global Learning Center
Hosted by Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Georgia Tech
RSVP first come, first serve to ghadjisimos@sjha.org
For more information, contact:
Glykeria Hadjisimos
Saint Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta
Office: (678) 843-6179
ghadjisimos@sjha.org
This is Part of a Major Heart Health Campaign for America’s Uninsured


SUMMER INSTITUTE on YOUTH MUSIC Thursday,July 30–Saturday,Aug. 2
Holy Cross Theological School, Brookline, MA

Anyone interested in developed church music programs for young people is invited to attend.
Workshops will be geared to practical applications and idea sharing. Registration is $100 plus $60 for meals prior to May 30th. June 1st and after, registration is $150 plus $60 for meals.

Anton C. Vrame, Ph.D.
Director
Department of Religious Education
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
50 Goddard Avenue
Brookline, MA 02445
617-850-1218



2009 SFGOCM CONFERENCE, WINSTON-SALEM, NC 33rd Annual Choir Conference
of the Southeastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Choirs and Musicians
Hosted By
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Winston-Salem, NC
July 24 - 26, 2009

Contact Information:
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
435 Keating Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27104
Phone: 336-765-7145
Fax: 336-659-1643
Website: www.wsgoc.org
Virginia Moutos, Chairperson

For Information or Questions Contact:
Scott Marshall Phone: 336-926-9835
Email: scottmarshall@remax.net


Music & Musicians

Liturgy of Peace by Christopher Kypros
To order music, contact Christopher Kypros Phone: 757-617-1484
Email: pherky@cox.net
Adult Choir:Christopher Kypros, Choir Director, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Norfolk, VA

Organist:Elia Nicholas, Organist
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Raleigh, NC

Teen/Youth: Connie Marshall, Organist & Children’s Choir Director
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Winston-Salem, NC

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR MUSIC AND CHOIR ROBE!

Registration, Reservations & Sign-In
Conference Registration Deadline is June 26, 2009
Hotel Reservation Deadline is June 26, 2009
Hospitality & Early Conference Sign-In is Thursday, July 23, 6:00-8:00pm
Conference Sign-In at Annunciation GOC is Friday, July 24, 8:00 am - 9:00 am

FEES

Adults
The 2009 conference registration fee covers all choir refreshment breaks, Friday lunch, Friday Dinner/Dance, Saturday lunch, Saturday Grand Banquet, Sunday Farewell Lunch,
a conference T-shirt, a tote bag, and a CD recording of the liturgy.
$125 postmarked no later than June 26, 2009
$150 postmarked after June 26, 2009 (includes a $25 late fee)

Teens (7th-12th) and Youth (K-6th)
The 2009 conference registration fee covers T-shirt, all meals & activities (Friday-Sunday)

$25 postmarked no later than June 26, 2009
$50 postmarked after June 26, 2009 (includes a $25 late fee)

PLEASE NOTE
Payment must accompany each registration form.
Each attendee must complete the proper forms (Adult, Teen/Youth/Childcare, Guest)
Please make check payable to SFGOCM Conference 2009 and mail with forms to:
Choir Conference 2009
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
435 Keating Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27104


Hotels:

Arrangements have been made to accommodate conference attendees at negotiated rates with two hotels located next to each other: The Hampton Inn & The Sleep Inn.
In order to receive Group Rates, please register by June 26, 2009
Cancellations must be received 24 hours prior to date of arrival to avoid charges.

The Hampton Inn Kings & Doubles $82
GROUP CODE: GOS (add 12.75% tax)
1990 Hampton Inn Court, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
RESERVATIONS: (336) 768-9168 or 1-800-HAMPTON
Complimentary Hot Breakfast or On The Run bags, and Evening Cookies.
Pool, fitness center, business center & laundry facility. Hi-speed internet, local calls, microwaves, refrigerators, coffee makers, hair dryers, irons & boards.

The Sleep Inn Kings & Doubles $69
GROUP CODE: 2247 (add 12.75% tax)
1985 Hampton Inn Court, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
RESERVATIONS: (336) 774-8020 Fax (336) 774-1185
Complimentary Breakfast or On The Run bags and Evening Cookies.
Fitness center, business center & laundry facility. High-speed internet, local calls, microwaves, refrigerators, coffee makers, hair dryers, irons & boards.










































































































































































ST. PHILOTHEA GOLF CLASSIC St. Philothea Golf Classic
Monday September 21, 2009
The Georgia Club
Athens, GA
Tee time 1:30 p.m.

A benefit for
St. Philothea
Greek Orthodox Church
& Bread for Life

www.stphilothea.ga.goarch


HOLY TRINITY, CHARLESTON, SC CENTENNIAL EVENTS Celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of Holy Trinity will continue throughout the year with the following events:

Sunday, May 24, 2009 Sunday School Centennial Display recalling 100 years of the Church
Saturday, May 30, 2009 Philoptochos Presidents Brunch honoring past presidents
Sunday, June 07, 2009 Holy Trinity Nameday Reception "Sunday of Pentecost" honoring parish past presidents
June 15 - 19 Through the Centuries with Christ Bible School
Saturday, June 20 Family Picnic in the Park including a centennial time capsule, and tree planting
Saturday, August 15 Old Fashioned Panageri by Hellas Dancers
Saturday, September 26 Reunion Choir Concert in the Park featuring Ann Caldwell and the Magnolia Singers
October 9-10 Spiritual Renewal Seminar—religious retreat featuring leader Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos, Dean of the Archdiocesan Cathedral in NYC
Sunday, November 01 US Armed Services Recognition aboard the USS Yorktown honoring parish veterans
Sunday, November 15 Daughters of Penelope Founders Day Reception honoring the founders and past presidents
Saturday, January 10,2010 St. Basil`s Vasilopeta Luncheon
January 29-31,2010 Centennial Celebration Weekend
Saturday,January 30,2010 Centennial Banquet

For more information on the Centennial events or to learn how you can become a part of the commemorative album, chronicling the 100-year history of Holy Trinity, visit www.holytrinitycentennial.org or call 843-577-2063.

JESUS WEEPS FOR A SMALL CHILD... Very often, one hears that suffering, death, and misery have some purpose in "God`s Plan." That is to say that many well-intentioned Christians attempt to account for these privations of the good by asserting that is some inexplicable way, they reveal God`s sovereignty, they bear witness to his ultimately good attributes, or they afford us humans the opportunity to display charity or goodness in the face of unspeakable horrors. In other words, a certain measure of suffering is required in "God`s plan" with which to provide necessary contrast to the unspeakable glory which will be revealed at the consummation of things on the last day. For certain Christians, this accounts for the misery of Hell, natural disasters, wasting diseases, etc. If this is the God we serve, I reject him because I cannot allow for the suffering of even one person so that God`s glory might be revealed. Ultimately, such an idea of God is one of a tyrannical despot worthy of dread rather than adoration and praise.

For example, consider a newborn who dies from a birth defect after a few short weeks of life (I bring up this example only because I have experienced it personally.) Perhaps one is forced to explain such occurrences in the following terms: This small child was foreordained by God to live and die in short order so as to allow his glory to be made manifest in the great working out of his plan. In other words, God allowed this child to suffer and die so that at some undetermined point he will be shown to be abundantly good. Or, one might say that God allowed this child to suffer and die so that he might bring out the best in other people. For example, in the doctors who heroically attempted to save him, or in the great outpouring of love by others on his behalf, etc. Both of these views are false. It is very strange that we Christians seek, in the words of David Bentley Hart, to make the brokenness of the universe morally intelligible at the cost of a God rendered morally loathsome!



JESUS WEEPS FOR A SMALL CHILD...con't In fact, this small child`s suffering and death should themselves be approached with a perfect hatred. For in fact, they are not what God intends and they have no place in his plan. As Jesus stood at the tomb of his friend Lazarus, he wept! He wept at the ugliness of what he saw. He wept at the distortion of His creation that Lazarus` death and all deaths reveal. He wept, and then in anticipation of His own resurrection a few days later, he raised Lazarus from the corruption of death. Therefore, Christ`s resurrection from the tomb, his trampling down of death by his own death, is the only thing that renders the world morally intelligible. The creation itself was created Good. Man was created in the image and likeness of God and is very Good. Death and misery are not man`s estate. Rather, Life and beauty are the natural order of things. Christ`s incarnation, His life, His death, and most especially, His resurrection, are the means by which He makes all things new. All that is broken and distorted is made right by this alone. It is what allows us to see through the dark glass and behold the splendor of all things as they were in the beginning and as they will be again.

Therefore, let the family of the aforementioned small child be comforted by this. The Child is not dead. For we worship a God of the living and not the dead. God truly intends for the child to live forever. The child will! He will be raised up again, He will be made new, and he will dwell with God in a place where much of what is considered by some as "God`s plan" will be judged false and damnable. All the former things will have passed away, and there will be no more tears, or pain, or sorrow. The inherent beauty of God`s creation will be visible in all of its magnificence. The chains that currently bind it to the distortion of death and corruption will be shattered and cast aside. To God be the Glory unto the ages of ages...

Fr. Kevin Millsaps, HOLY TRINITY, Bluff City, TN


DISCERNMENT con't This brings us back to where we started. The radio commercial explicitly condones the breaking of one of God’s commandments. And there are many ways in which we can try to justify breaking this —or another—of God’s commandments. At times the justification can be self-pity, at others, it can be anger, or simply losing patience with a particular situation. These are only a few of the more common reasons for doing things we know we shouldn’t do and they have a couple of things in common: they are usually selfish and, just as importantly, they tend to be short-sighted, looking only at the past, present, and short-term future.
Christ presents us with a differ¬ent picture. Speaking about the kingdom of heaven, He says that it “is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it” (Matt. 13:45-46). The merchant showed discernment in looking to the kingdom of heaven above all else. That is the end goal of our lives and spiritual discernment keeps us focused on that end goal. It does so by helping us distinguish those things which are of God from those which are not both in blatantly obvious situations (as the one presented by the radio commercial) as well as those where the under¬mining of God’s commandments is rather more subtle.
May our risen Lord help us and guide us on the path to His kingdom and may He reward our efforts and faithfulness to Him with the gift of discernment.
Christ is risen!

+Fr. Peter Andronache, HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, FL

POOR LIKE ME What is your most memorable event? Was it something personal (graduation day; wedding day)? Was it something historical (September 11th; Hurricane Katrina)? Was it some little moment that you happened to catch before it flittered away (the smile of a child licking an ice cream cone; the tear of a veteran remembering a lost comrade-at-arms)? In either case, whether it conjures up feelings of happiness, satisfaction, or sadness, it is a memory that stays with you.



Imagine what it must have been like for the disciples of Jesus when, forty days after His Resurrection, He appeared to them, prayed with them, blessed them and was carried up into Heaven! The One Whom they had accompanied, through times glorious and threatening, was now ascending into Heaven! [Luke 24:36-53 & Acts 1: 6-11]



On Thursday, as we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord, we have an opportunity to share in that moment of wonder. We can do so through our own faith in Christ. His Ascension was not only for His disciples, but for us as well. To the degree that His words and life have meaning for our heart, soul, and very life, is the same degree to which the Lord’s impact is imprinted upon us. In this way, we become witnesses of His authority as well.



In a Doxastikon of the feast’s Vespers, we chant the words: “You became poor like me, You also ascended whence You had not been parted; send forth your all-holy Spirit, to enlighten our souls.” In other words, we recognize that Jesus descended among His creation without forfeiting His position as the Pantokrator. In so doing, His Ascension takes on great personal meaning because it shows the potential ascent for each of us as well – but only through the mercies of the One Who has ascended.



Jesus was carried into the clouds and up to Heaven. When we look up into the sky, we also see clouds. Through those same clouds come shade and light on sunny days, or rain on stormy days. While we need all forms of weather – in proper balance – we also need to remember, continually, the role of God in our personal lives. To ignore His innumerable blessings is to ignore Him!



From His heavenly throne comes the fullness of His grace. As we commemorate the Lord’s Ascension this Thursday, let us receive that grace with loving hearts beating fervently with faith. In that humble spirit, let us also follow the example of the disciples who gloried in His Ascension by being, “continually in the temple blessing God.” [Luke 24:53] I look forward to joining you in His temple this Sunday!

God bless,

Fr. Anthony Stratis, HOLY TRINITY, New Orleans, LA