FEAST DAYS and NAME DAYS FOR THE COMING WEEK Aug. 10
8th Sunday of Matthew
Laurence the Holy Martyr & Archdeacon of Rome
Chitus of Athens, Bishop of Rome
Hippolytus the Martyr of Rome
Afterfeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Aug. 11
9th Monday after Pentecost
Euplus the Holy Martyr & Archdeacon of Cantania
Our Holy Father Niphonus, Patriarch of Constantinople
Commemoration of St. Spyridon's Miracle in Corfu against the Turkish invasion of 1716
Afterfeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Aug. 12
9th Tuesday after Pentecost
Photios & Aniketos the Martyrs of Nicomedea
Soldier-martyrs of Crete
Sergios & Stephen the Monks
Afterfeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Aug. 13
9th Wednesday after Pentecost
Apodosis of the Transfiguration
Maximos the Confessor
Our Righteous Fathers Sergius, Stephanus, Castor and Palamonus
Dorotheus, Abba of Gaza

Aug. 14
9th Thursday after Pentecost
Forefeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary
Micah the Prophet
Holy Hieromartyr Marcellus, Bishop of Apameia
Holy New Martyr Symeon of Trapezoundos (1653)

Aug. 15
The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

Aug. 16
9th Saturday after Pentecost
Translation of the Image of Our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ
Diomedes the Physician & Martyr of Tarsus
Timothy of Euripus, founder of the Monastery of Pentele
Nicodemus the New Martyr of Meteora
Gerasimos the New Ascetic of Cephalonia
Holy Monk Penteles
Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary
























































CLEARWATER PARISH RETREAT ANNUAL HOLY TRINITY, CLEARWATER, FL PARISH RETREAT
“TRANSFIGURATION AND TRANSFORMATION”
Sponsored by Philoptochos
August 9
9AM-2:30PM
Matheos Hall
SPEAKER: V. REV. FR. GEORGE TSAHAKIS
CHANCELLOR OF THE METROPOLIS OF ATLANTA
Presentations, worship and fellowship
Luncheon provided
Donation: $15


HDF PANEGYRI Hellenic Dance Festival
Invites all Hellenic Dance Groups to Join Us For
The 4th Annual
PANEGYRI
Celebrate our Spiritual and Traditional Heritage

Dance, Music & Spiritual Workshops
For Participants of the 2008 HDF Dance Competition

Labor Day Weekend
August 29 – 31, 2008
**Special Class for New Participants: Sunday, August 31st**
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Diakonia Center
Salem, SC
$90.00 per person for 2008 Competition Participants
$100.00 per person for Non-participants
$45.00 per person for New Participant Workshops

Registration Deadline: August 22nd
Please send in forms as a group with one check!
Forms may be downloaded from: www.atlanta.goarch.org

HDF PANEGYRI CHAIRMAN- Eleni Hopes: 843-556-3996
Email: hopes406@knology.net
Mail all forms to: Eleni Hopes/ 3324 Hearthside Drive/ Charleston, SC 29414


HELLENIC COLLEGE-HOLY CROSS PILGRIMAGE 2008 PILGRIMAGE 2008
SEPTEMBER 13 – 14, 2008
BROOKLINE, MASSACHUSETTS
SPEND THE WEEKEND WALKING THE CAMPUS, MEETING THE STUDENTS AND
RECEIVING A RENEWED FAITH IN THE FUTURE OF GREEK ORTHODOXY!
TENTATIVE ITINERARY:
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
MORNING: WELCOME AND WORKSHOP
NOON: LUNCH & TOUR OF THE CAMPUS
AFTERNOON: BIBLE STUDY
EVENING: GREAT VESPERS
NIGHT ON YOUR OWN IN BOSTON
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, THE SCHOOL’S NAME DAY!
HIERARCHICAL DIVINE LITURGY
LUNCH
*Childcare available on Saturday
*DETAILS OF HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS & TRANSPORTATION to follow. For further information
contact Helen Carlos at hacarlo@aol.com or at 404 790 3361


ST. AUGUSTINE GREEK FESTIVAL Greek Festival in St. Augustine, Florida

The Annual Greek Festival hosted by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, St. Augustine, FL will be held October 10th-12th at the Special Events Field on Castillo Dr. downtown St. Augustine adjacent to the Visitor’s Center. The festival offers visitors a chance to enter a virtual Greek village with all its sights and sounds. Enjoy traditional Greek foods and beverages like mouth watering spanakopita or baklava. The classic sound of the bouzouki will have you tapping your toes and your eyes will feast on the vibrant colors of the costumed Greek dancers. Festival hours are 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 12 pm. – 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is only $2.00 for adults and free for those 16 and under. For more information call 904-829-0504 or visit www.stauggreekfest.com.





HOLY TRINITY, CHARLOTTE, YAL WEEKEND YAL Columbus Day Weekend
Basketball Tournament & Convention
Oct. 10-13
Guest Speaker: Frank Schaeffer
Can Orthodoxy Survive in America?
Saturday, October 11th 12:30pm—1:30pm
The Blake Hotel
Reservation Code: 1011
Call 1-888-66HOTEL (664-6835)
www.theblakehotel.net
Room rate ends August 31st
For more information please visit
www.yal.htgo.org
or contact Fr. Stathi at (704) 334-4771 or email at yal@htgo.org
Early Bird Registration $79 ends August 31st

Schedule
Friday, October 10
6pm-9pm Registration (The Blake Hotel)
8pm-11pm Meet & Greet/Socialize/Ice Breaker
11pm-2:30am Club Night and Greek DJ Music Festival (Hom nightclub)
Saturday, October 11th
9am-12pm Registration
9am-12pm Basketball Tournaments
12pm-2pm Religious Discussion Session and Lunch
Guest Speaker: Frank Schaeffer “Can Orthodoxy Survive in America?”
2pm-7pm Basketball Tournament Continues
2pm-8pm Free Time to Explore Charlotte, the “QC”
Discovery Place, Museums, Site-Seeing, Shopping, etc.
5pm-7pm Happy Hour at the Hotel Bar/Pool
9pm-2am Cocktails, Dinner & Dance (The Blake Hotel Ballroom)
Sunday, October 12th
9am-12pm Liturgy Service at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
12pm-2pm Lunch
1pm-6pm Basketball Games: Championships and Awards Ceremony
10pm–2:30am Greek Night (Forum nightclub)
Monday, October 13th
Check Out – Yiasas Kai Kalo Taxidi. See You Next Year.

WINTER YOUTH RALLY 2008 Winter Youth Rally
Atlanta Marriott, Century Center

“The Lord is my Shepherd”

December 27 – 30, 2008

(Saturday – Tuesday)

2008 Bible Bowl Challenge

The Acts of the Apostles

&

Orthodoxy 101: A Bird’s Eye View

by Fr. Evagoras Constantinides

Study Questions for

The Acts of the Apostles

Can be found at

http://www.orthodoxyouth.org/acts/

The resource book “Orthodox 101”

Is available from Narthex Press for $15.

On-Line Registration Forms available

Sept. 1st

http://www.atlanta.goarch.org/youthsite/Winter%20Youth%20Rally%2008/WYR%202008%20Info.htm



Winter Youth Rally co-chairs

+Father john johns agiatrias1@bellsouth.net

Julie Orologas orologas@bellsouth.net


PARISH LIFE Congratulations to the Philoptochos of HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, FL, recipients of the FIRST PLACE of the 2008 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention Chapter Award for Best Outreach Project. Elements of the program are an official Volunteer Parish Nurse, an organized outreach visitation adult committee, an organized outreach visitation youth committee, meals and transportation for those parishioners who cannot provide this service for themselves, an organized feeding of the hungry monthly, collection of clothing, food-goods and toiletries for the homeless, “care” packages sent to the troops in Iraq and an organized sewing group making items for shut-ins and police benevolence.

BEACH REACH 2008, ST. DEMETRIOS, Daytona Beach, Aug. 22 - 24
Fellowship In Saint D’s House
hosted by Daytona Beach GOYA

Congratulations to Jerry P. Welsh, Sr., ST. PAUL, Savannah, GA on receiving the 2008 St. Paul’s Day Award.

DORMITION, Greensboro, NC, Aug. 14,Feast Day Vespers 7pm, followed by dinner hosted by the Philoptochos.

Congratulations to Asimina Boutzoukas, HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, FL on being awarded the Southwestern Federation of Greek-Orthodox Musicians (SF¬GOCM), the Choir Federation of the Metropolis of Atlanta, Scholarship.

The ANNUNCIATION, Atlanta, GA Outreach Committee is conducting a BACK TO SCHOOL DRIVE FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN OF OUR HOUSE, INC., a childcare facility for homeless families).Please bring school supplies especially for Kindergarteners - 3rd Grade
(i.e. tablet paper, folders, kids’ backpacks,1” binders, spiral notebooks, big pencils, scissors, glue sticks, and colored pencils--No Crayons Please!)by Aug. 17.

ST. PAUL, Savannah, GA announces the 6th Annual Savannah International Food & Wine Festival, Sat., Sept.13, 4–7PM
Delectable dishes from some of Savannah’s finest restaurants and a
selection of over 50 wines from around the world. Proceeds benefit the Philoptochos Scholarship Fund & many charities.

ST. ATHANASIOS, Gulf Shores, AL Transfiguration Sunday Aug. 10, Blessing of Grapes and Presentation of St. Peter of Argos Icon, followed by Lenten Covered Dish Luncheon and Fellowship.












































































































































SAVE THE DATE! AUGUST
HOLY TRINITY, Augusta, GA Saturday, Aug. 9 Vacation Church School and Kick-off Picnic for the new Sunday School year

HOLY TRINITY, New Orleans, LA Acolyte Training Seminar Sunday,Aug. 10

Panayeri 2008, presented by The Hellas Dancers, food,dancing & entertainment, HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, FL, Aug. 15 7pm-midnight

ST. NICHOLAS, Tarpon Springs, FL The Panagia's Luncheon Friday, Aug. 15, 11am- 1:30pm, benefiting the Father Tryfon Hall Kitchen. Donation $8

HOLY TRINITY, ST. AUGUSTINE, FL, Aug. 15 reception hosted by Philoptochos after the Divine Liturgy. On Sunday, Aug. 17, Philoptochos hosts a Panagyri-food, music, dancing & sweets

SS. RAPHAEL, NICHOLAS & IRENE, Cumming, GA Society of Wisdom theatre outing, Saturday Aug. 16, 2:30pm, Aurora Theatre

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Aug. 15-17 Family Praxis Retreat, Diakonia Center

ST. PAUL, Savannah, GA Stewardship Appreciation luncheon Aug. 17

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, Tallahasee, FL Spaghetti Dinner,Friday,Aug.22,11am-7pm

HOLY TRINITY, Raleigh, NC tour of the DEAD SEA SCROLLS exhibit, Museum of Natural Sciences, Saturday, Aug. 23

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC, Philoptochos Back to School Luncheon, Aug. 24

ST. BARBARA, Durham, NC Youth Ministry fellowship & Durham Bull’s baseball (fireworks too)Friday, Aug. 29, 7:05 pm

SEPT
Panegyri 2008, Labor Day Weekend
Diakonia Center

HOLY TRINITY, Charlotte, NC YIASOU FESTIVAL 2008, Sept. 4-7

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, Tallahasee, FL Spaghetti Dinner Friday, September 5, 11am-7pm

HOLY TRINITY, Asheville, NC Thyranoixia Sept. 6-7

HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, FL REGISTRATION FAIR SUNDAY, Sept. 7, 10am sign-up for Church School, Greek School, PTO, GOYA, HOPE and JOY, Hellas and Jr. Hellas Dancers! Agape Luncheon following Divine Liturgy, $5 Donation

HOLY TRINITY/HOLY CROSS, Birmingham, AL
GREEK FESTIVAL, Sept. 11-13

ST. KATHERINE, Melbourne, FL Philoptochos Attic Sale Sept. 12-
13, 9am-3pm

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC GOYA 9/12-9/14 ANNUAL BEACH TRIP

ST. BARBARA, Sarasota, FL Sept. 14 Holy Cross Sunday/Seminary Luncheon

ST. CHRISTOPHER, Peachtree City, GA GREEKFEST 2008, Saturday, Sept. 20, 6:30pm, Seymour Hangar at Falcon Field Airport, $50/person, Appetizers, Greek Buffet Dinner, Beverages, Greek Desserts, Live Entertainment. Proceeds benefit Church Building Fund

HOLY TRINITY, Charlotte, NC Sunday School Agiasmos & Registration During Picnic, Hellenic Park, Sept. 21

ST. PHILOTHEA, Athens, GA Golf Classic, Sept. 22, 1:30pm, The Georgia Club, Athens, GA, benefiting St. Philothea and Bread for Life.

ST. JOHN, Myrtle Beach, SC Greek Festival 2008, Sept. 25-28

HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, FL PTO Back-to-School Kick-off,Christian band, music, food, fun & fellowship, Friday Sept. 26, 6-9pm

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC GOYA 9/26-9/28 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PROJECT IN CHARLESTON

HOLY TRINITY, Asheville, NC Greek Festival Sept. 26-28

ST. GEORGE, Knoxville, TN Greek Fest Sept. 26-28

HOLY CROSS/STS. CONSTANTINE & HELEN, Huntsville, AL Rummage Sale last weekend of Sept.

OCT
HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL Greekfest, Oct. 3-5

ANNUNCIATION, Atlanta, GA 2008 ATLANTA GREEK FESTIVAL, Oct. 2-5

HOLY TRINITY, Augusta, GA 19th Annual Augusta Greek Festival, Oct. 9-12
Featuring the Fabulous Grecian Keys & Troupe Hellas

HOLY TRINITY, St. Augustine, FL Greek Festival Oct. 10-12

ST. PAUL, Savannah, GA Greek Festival Oct. 16-18

HOLY TRINITY, Asheville, NC 2nd Annual Bazaar, sponsored by Youth Board, Oct. 18

ST. NICHOLAS, Tarpon Springs, FL Visions of Greece Festival, Oct. 24-26, all proceeds donated to charity

DEC
WINTER YOUTH RALLY 2008, Dec.27–30
Saturday–Tuesday, "The Lord is My Shepherd," Atlanta, GA Atlanta Marriott, Century Ctr.

2009
HDF 2009, Jan. 16-19, Atlanta, GA



KEEP SUNDAY HOLY! Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs. Matthew 19:14
WHY ATTEND CHURCH ON SUNDAYS? In the Old Testament, the Fourth of the Ten Commandments says. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. . . for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth . . . therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:8-11). After the coming of Christ, Christians celebrated the Resurrection of Christ on the following day, and named it “The Lord’s Day” - in Greek, “Kyriake hemera,” as the Christian special day of worship.
The way to observe Sunday is to “keep it holy.” What does that mean? Sanctifying something is to set it aside from ordinary use, and committing it to the service of God. The Orthodox Christian sanctifies the day primarily by setting the Lord’s Day apart from the rest of the week by attending church and participating in the Holy Liturgy.
Attending church on Sunday is one of the most important ways we show ourselves to be Christians. We ought not to think of Sunday church attendance as one of many options for us as Orthodox Christians. Attending and participating in the Sunday Divine Liturgy is the number one priority. Come to church on Sundays!!
From the HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, newsletter


HOLY TRINITY, CLEARWATER VBS HOLY TRINITY Vacation Bible School 2008
welcomed 80 kids (ages 3-12) to the Son World Adventure Park. They were guided through their five-day journey by 21 enthusiastic youth volunteers and 19 dedicated adult volunteers.
The Papadi foyer was transformed by Paula Nall into our fun-filled adventure park—complete with a 3-D bulletin board with a ferris wheel and cotton candy. The following days were filled with daily Bible Stories, arts and crafts, songs and dance, games and fellowship and yummy snacks.
All of these activities were designed to help the children realize the power the have when they choose to BELIEVE, ACT, FORGIVE, and OBEY in ways that show their love for JESUS. By the end of the week, the kids were bursting with enthusiasm for their Orthodox Christian beliefs and could hardly wait to share their excitement with their family and friends. They were ready to go out and spread the word of their choice to love, honor, and obey our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Highlights of the week included: Father James’ and Father Peter’s energetic morning flag-raisings, Wacky Wednesday (prizes were awarded for crazy hair and clothes), painting our own Son World souvenir T-shirts, and our closing ceremony performance in Matheos Hall.
A new tradition of collecting daily donations for charity during VBS was started, and over $200 was collected to support the Orthodox Christian Mission Center.


ARCHDIOCESE BENEFITS UPDATE Congratulations to Rev. Fr. James Rousakis, the Atlanta representative to the ABC, who was re-elected Chairman of the Archdiocese Benefits Committee. He will serve for two years until the next Clergy-Laity Congress. The other members are Vice-Chairperson, Rev. Fr. Costas Pavlakos (New Jersey); Secretary, Rev. Fr. Steven Callas (Pittsburg); Administration Chairperson, Rev. Fr. Chris Kerhoulas (Chicago); Investment Chairperson, Rev. Fr. James Paras (San Francisco); Health Insurance Chairperson, Rev. Fr. Stratton Dorozenski (Detroit); Benevolent Chairperson, V. Rev. Fr. Gabriel Karambas. The other Clergy members, who serve on committees are Rev. Fr. Demetrios Moraitis (Archdiocese District) and Rev. Fr. Angelo Pappas (Boston). An inaugural newsletter STAY CONNECTED was published and distributed at the Clergy Laity in order to extend communications to the participant of the Benefits program. Along with literature from AETNA and NYLIM, the new publication will be distributed three times a year.


ATHENS GREEK FESTIVAL 11th Annual Athens-Oconee Greek Festival Saturday, September 13, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and
Sunday, September 14 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.
St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church
3761 Mars Hill Road
Watkinsville, GA
Greek Food
Jewelry and Gifts
Live Music
Greek Dancing
Iconography Demonstrations
Lectures on Orthodox Christianity
Children’s Events
Entrance fee $3.00
$1.00 for seniors and students with I.D.
For more information, visit
www.stphilothea.ga.goarch.org





WEEKLY SERVICES AT ST. PHOTIOS SHRINE Weekly Services of Supplication to the Virgin Mary begin again at St. Photios Chapel


St. Augustine, FL –Father Nikitas Theodosion, chaplain of St Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, announces on behalf of His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios, President of the St. Photios Foundation and hierarch of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta, that weekly Supplication services will begin Friday, August 1 from 12noon- 12:45 p.m. in the St Photios Greek Orthodox Chapel located in the historic Avero House at 41 St George Street in the colonial Spanish Quarter of St. Augustine, Florida.



August 1 is also the first day of the two week fast anticipating the feast or celebration of the “death” which is also referred to in Orthodoxy as “ the falling asleep,” “kimisis”, or Dormition of the Virgin Mary. The Orthodox Church teaches that the Virgin Mary died a natural death and on the third day of her repose, Christ received her body and soul in Heaven. Her tomb, like the tomb of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, was found empty on the third day.



Since the Archangel Gabriel first said, “you are blessed among women,” to the Virgin Mary, these words of praise have inspired the faithful of the Christian Church. While the fast is observed, prayers are offered up for the restoration of health and well being of one another and for peace throughout the world. Personal prayer within a corporal setting is tantamount in one’s spiritual life.



In this case, prayers are chanted to the Theotokos (literally “ God-bearer”). Then, within three designations, the names submitted to the priest are read for her intercession. We ask that with maternal boldness, she act on our behalf in asking the Lord, the author of our Salvation - Jesus Christ, to grant mercy, peace, and well-being to those names read.



On behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, you are invited to join us in prayer at St. Photios every Friday at 12 noon from now until October 3rd with the exception of August 15th when Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on CR 214, St. Augustine. All names submitted through the Light A Candle Program are incorporated in every service through October 3rd.







Contact: Polly Hillier

Tel (904) 829-8205

Fax (904) 829-8707

E-Mail phillier@stphotios.com



THE BLESSING of the FIVE LOAVES During special feast days and joyful occasions, we witness the service of the blessing of the five loaves. This service reminds us of the Gospel lesson from Matthew 14:14-22, which is read in August, where Jesus is feeding the hungry with two fish and five loaves. In the lesson the Lord comes to rescue, a situation of hunger. When the disciples tell the Lord there is not enough food for the multitude, He tells them to feed the people. His solution topples the disciples’ train of thought and places them in a difficult position knowing that they had only two fish and five loaves of bread. Why did the Lord do that? He did it not to embarrass His disciples, but to teach them the very fundamental approach to problem solving, to become par¬takers rather than spectators of a solution. He wanted to teach them to think, not along the lines of what others should do to solve life problems, but to look for solutions with their personal contribution as the beginning of the solution. He wanted them to think outside the box. It was as if He was trying to remind them that if He had decided to be a Heav¬enly Spectator of human conditions, salvation would have never come into the world.
Jesus was talking to His disciples, but through them He is talking to us, His modern-day disciples. How many times do we also point out the problems surrounding us, but avoid becoming part of the solution? Have we not said that society is not what it ought to be any more, the family is going down the drain and the media is corrupting the young? How many times have we pointed out these or similar problems, and yet they continue to plague us because pointing out the problems does not solve them. Doing something personally about them, does! What Jesus teaches us is that things really begin rolling when we personally begin doing something about problems around us.
Do you abhor the injustices that are around you? Do something about it! Revolt with goodness. Do you speak of human pain and suffering that are so evident in the world today? Do something personally to ease the pain of someone close to you. Become a member of the Holy Trinity out¬reach committee. Volunteer to feed the hungry!
“But what can I do? I have nothing to offer.” That is what the disciples said: “We have only five loaves and two fish.” When you think you have nothing to offer, remember this Gospel story and remember that the miracle begins with an unimpressive offering that you make to help solve a problem or situation. Jesus told the disciples to bring the fish and bread to Him. However small is your offering, when passed through the hands of the Lord, it becomes a great offering. Through Him, our offering is sanctified and multiplied and not only fills the need or solves the problem at hand, but leaves a surplus of power for future needs.

Fr. James Rousakis, HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, FL


OCN LAUNCHES NEW SHOW Reaching Out to Gen X and Y

The Orthodox Christian Network (OCN) is pleased to announce its newest weekly show, "Journeys to Orthodoxy," produced by Icon New Media Network and now available at www.myocn.net.

Journeys to Orthodoxy tells the personal stories of individuals who have searched for spiritual truth — often in remarkable ways — and ultimately found what they are looking for in the Orthodox Christian Church.

Jacob Lee, host of the new show, believes Journeys to Orthodoxy will help "members of Gen X and Y find out information about Orthodoxy, but in a non-threatening way."

"I think that through listening people will see how the Holy Spirit has moved in many lives and be inspired to share the Orthodox faith with their friends and neighbors," Lee said.

Fr. Christopher Metropulos, the Executive Director of OCN, believes this new series will be a powerful addition to OCN`s current line-up of eight regular shows, all of which are available for free download on OCN`s Web site and streamed in real time on its network of 27 online Orthodox radio stations.

"We are indeed honored to have Icon New Media as a partner in our sacred mission, blessed by the Bishops of America, to transmit Orthodox Christianity to the modern world," Fr. Metropulos said. "And we look forward to having many more individuals and organizations join this effort in the near future".

Lee, who started an online media group called Icon New Media Network last year, is also enthusiastic about the partnership.

"I hope that by OCN and Icon New Media working together, we will ultimately see Orthodox Christianity as the future of American spirituality," Lee said. "In the more immediate future, I look forward to reaching more people with quality Orthodox content."

Internet-based shows like Journeys to Orthodoxy — also called "podcasts" — are reaching a growing number of listeners.

According to the 2008 edition of an annual report entitled "Infinite Dial: Radio`s Digital Platforms," 23 million Americans download at least one podcast each month, which they then listen to on portable media players like iPods or on their computers.

Podcasts are an especially effective means to reach younger listeners. This trend has led the Orthodox Christian Network and Icon New Media to start producing Orthodox podcasts that are accessible to young adults.

"There`s a lot of theological content out there. I wanted to show people that Orthodoxy was more than knowing about the faith — that it transforms your whole life," Lee said.

With that in mind, Lee decided to focus his new podcast for OCN on personal stories of conversion and transformation.

"This show is for anyone interested in converting to Orthodoxy or anyone who wants to hear how people have come to the Holy Church."

To listen to Journeys to Orthodoxy, or any of OCN`s other podcasts, visit www.myocn.net.

The Orthodox Christian Network (OCN) is the media agency of SCOBA, the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas. OCN produces Come Receive the Light, the only nationally syndicated Orthodox radio program, and many Internet-based programs, podcasts, Internet radio stations and Web TV broadcasts. OCN also helps Orthodox parishes and institutions with their own multi-media projects, advertising, DVDs & Internet media. Visit www.MyOCN.net for more information.



COMPREHENDING THE INCOMPREHENSIBLE When one is faced with an unexpected or shocking situation, they often need a moment or two to comprehend what has happened. Even if it is good news, it may be difficult to intellectually or emotionally digest. If that can occur with affairs of daily life, just imagine how much more incomprehensible it was for the disciples at the Savior’s Transfiguration.



The key to our own comprehension of His Transfiguration is being able to see ourselves at that place and time. One of the beautiful aspects of the sacramental life of our Church is just that – with each feast, we do not merely commemorate the historical event, but we re-live that event. With the Transfiguration, we are called to, among other things, comprehend the incomprehensible. Impossible? Yet Jesus tells us, “with God all things are possible.” [Mark 10:27]



Look carefully at the words of this hymn (from the Transfiguration Vespers): “Prefiguring, O Christ our God, Your Resurrection, You had taken with You in Your ascent upon Mount Tabor Your three disciples, Peter, James, and John. When You were transfigured, O Savior, Mount Tabor was covered with light. Your disciples, O Logos, cast themselves down upon the ground, unable to gaze upon the Form that none may see. The angels ministered in fear and trembling, the heavens shook, and the earth quaked, as they beheld upon earth the Lord of glory.”



Why did Saints Peter, James, and John throw themselves to the ground? Why were the angels, who are always serving God as is their nature, in fear and trembling? Why did the heavens shake and the earth quaked? They did so because they all had difficultly comprehending the incomprehensible! They gazed upon the Form that none may see and beheld the Lord of glory!



We, too, are invited by Christ – at each Divine Liturgy – to be with Him at Mount Tabor. We, too, are encouraged to stand where one can behold the Lord of glory. If that seems incomprehensible to you, that is okay; your reaction shows your humility before God. Let us pursue that humility during the Liturgy and at all times, and let us hear the voice that compels us to our own transfiguration. God bless,

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




THE FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION ITS MEANING AND ITS SPECIAL BLESSING OF THE GRAPES

And He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as light" (Matt. 17:2)
The Transfiguration is a `theophany` - a manifestation of God, especially of the divinity of Christ, through a display of His uncreated, divine energy. Therefore, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Transfiguration of the Lord as a major feast day.
Several elements of the Transfiguration show that Christ is Messiah and God.
1) Because God is light (1 John 1:5), the bright cloud, the shining of Jesus` face like the sun, and the whiteness of His garment (Matt. 17:2,5) all demonstrate that Jesus is God, (In some icons this light is shown as beyond white, a blue-white, ineffable color, indicating a spiritual origin.)
2) The Father bears witness from heaven concerning His Son. He does not say, "This has become My Beloved Son." but "This is My Beloved Son" (Matt. 17:5). indicating that this divine glory is Christ`s by nature. From eternity past, infinitely before Jesus` Baptism and Transfiguration. He is God`s Son, fully sharing in the essence of the Father: Jesus Christ is God of God.
3) The Transfiguration not only proclaims Christ`s divine sonship, but foreshadows His future glory when He as the Messiah will usher in the long-awaited Kingdom. The bright cloud recalls temple worship and the cloud that went before the Israelites in the wilderness, the visible sign of God being extraordinary present. Peter sees this as a sign that the Kingdom has come. Knowing that the Feast of Tabernacles is the feast of the coming Kingdom, he asks to build booths (Matt. 17:4). as was done at that feast, to serve as symbols of God`s dwelling among the just in the Kingdom.
4) Moses represents the Law and all those who have died. Elijah represents the Prophets and-since he did not experience death-all those who are alive in Christ. Their presence shows that the Law of the Prophets, the living and the dead, all bear witness to Jesus as the Messiah, the fulfillment of the whole Old Testament.
The presence of Moses and Elijah also manifest the communion of the saints (Heb. 12:1). Both men are immediately recognizable, and talk with the Lord. The disciples are able to understand Jesus` words that "Elijah has come already" (Matt. 17:12) referring to John the Baptist. Their eyes have been opened to the fact that Malachi`s prophecy (Matt. 4:5-6) refers to the coming "in the spirit and power fo Elijah" (Luje 1:17) rather that to Elijah himself.
5) Finally, the Holy Trinity is manifest here, for Christ is transfigured (Matt. 17:2) the Father speaks from heaven testifying to Jesus` divine sonship (Matt. 17:5), and the Spirit is present inf the form of a dazzling light surrounding Christ`s Person, overshadowing the whole mountain. (Matt. 17:5)

BLESSING OF THE GRAPES
In Greece the harvest season traditionally began on the Transfiguration. Grapes, in particular, were not eaten before Aug. 6. In our Cathedral, red grapes are brought to church for a blessing and distributed to parishioners.
The use of red grapes reminds us of the red wine which is used for Holy Communion. The idea of change is exemplified by the red grape, which has the potential of undergoing its first change into wine, and then undergoing a second change by consecration at the Divine Liturgy to become the very blood of Christ.
Give yourself the opportunity to lead a changed life in Christ, by celebrating this feast with us. Remember that this day breaks the fast from Aug. 1 through the 15th and fish is allowed.

Fr. D. Stavroforos Mamaies, ST. SOPHIA, Miami, FL

* References: Orthodox Study Bible article "Transfiguration" and Orthodox Traditions & Customs by Marilyn Rouvelas.


THE DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS The Icon of the falling asleep of the Virgin Mary shows Christ, standing behind the Theotokos. He holds in His left arm an infant in white, symbolizing the soul of the Theotokos reborn in her glory in heaven; Christ appears in an aureole (elongated halo) depicting the Light of His Divinity.

The Apostles are depicted on either side of the bier stand; the group on the left is led by St. Peter who stands at the head of the bier; the group on the right is led by St. Paul who stands at the foot of the bier.
Below the death litter is a figure of Antonius the Jew, who tried to disrupt the procession, was punished, but later repented of his sins and embraced Christianity through Baptism.

The Theotokos was taken to a tomb at the foot of the Garden of Gethsemane. Fifty steps beneath the surface of the ground are the tombs of her parents, Joachim and Anna, and to the right of them is that of the Elder Joseph, her betrothed. Fifty steps and there is where the tomb of the Theotokos is located. She rested for only three days, accompanied by angelic singing before she was resurrected bodily and taken to heaven.

In preparation for the Feast of the Falling Asleep of the Theotokos (Aug. 15th), we as Orthodox Christians fast from Aug. 1st to Aug. 15th. Church tradition relates that the Theotokos resurrected bodily and was taken to heaven, the same reward that awaits all of us on the Last Day. Come and see for yourself by attending Church!

Blessings!

Fr. Frank P. Mayernick, ST. ATHANASIOS, Gulf Shores, AL