PATRIARCHAL VISIT TO ATLANTA On behalf of
His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios
and the Holy Metropolis of Atlanta,
We cordially invite you to attend,
“An Ecumenical Gathering of Peace”
with
His All-Holiness
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation
2500 Clairmont Rd. NE,
Atlanta, GA 30329
5:30pm to 6:30pm
...with a reception to follow at the Cathedral
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you;
Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not
your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
John 14:27
For more information, visit our website at: www.atlmetropolis.org

FROM THE CHANCELLOR'S DESK Reverend Clergy and the Faithful of the Holy and God-protected Metropolis of Atlanta

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

By now, I hope that all of you have received the packet about the Patriarchal Visit, and I pray that many of you will have the opportunity to join us in welcoming His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to our Annunciation Cathedral in Atlanta, Oct. 29, 2009.

Of course, we are also in the middle of preparation for the Archangel Michael Feast Day and Honors, Nov. 7-8, 2009, and we look forward to welcoming not only our honorees and their families but also our Vicars and the faithful volunteers who serve on the Metropolitan Council and other Metropolis Boards and committees.

Please note that all the information regarding the Patriarchal Visit and the Archangel Michael Feast Day and Honors, as well as Parish Council elections, is available on our website, www.atlmetropolis.org.

Faithfully,
V. Rev. Fr. George Tsahakis
Chancellor


ARCHANGEL MICHAEL FEAST DAY AND HONORS 2009 The Archangel Michael Feast was prayerfully conceived by His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios
upon His arrival to Atlanta, as the annual double feast of the Metropolitan family. Since 1998, the Metropolitan family comes together in Atlanta on the weekend of, prior to, or following the November 8th Feast of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. It is to honor and celebrate our Patron Saint and the lives of one adult and one youth from each parish, who are the living examples of the Orthodox Christian life and journey to Theosis. By extension, this special Metropolis feast is also the annual Metropolitan celebration and thanks giving for all devout stewards of faith, time and talent, "Who first give themselves to the Lord by the will of God.


The Twelfth Annual Archangel Michael Feast & Honors Program
November 7-8, 2009
Honors Banquet & Program
Saturday, November 7, 2009 ~7:00 PM

Metropolis Annunciation Cathedral
Thalia N. Carlos Hellenic Center
Kartos Ballroom
2500 Clairmont Road NE
Atlanta, Georgia

Archieratical Divine Liturgy offered by
His Eminence Alexios I, Metropolitan of Atlanta
Sunday, November 8, 2009 ~ 9:30 AM
Cathedral of the Annunciation
Fellowship will follow in Annunciation Cathedral~ Carlos Hall


Accommodations: Marriott Century Center
2000 Century Boulevard NE - Atlanta, GA 30345 (404) 325-0000
$94.00 per night (Reservation under "Archangel Michael Weekend 2009")
(Reservation Cut Off Date: October 23, 2009)


FEAST DAYS and NAME DAYS FOR THE COMING WEEK Oct. 18
3rd Sunday of Luke
Luke the Evangelist
Marinos the Martyr

Oct. 19
Monday of the 5th Week
Joel the Prophet
St. Varys the Martyr
St. John of Rilas
Felix the Hieromartyr & Eusebius the Deacon
John the Wonderworker of Kronstadt

Oct. 20
Tuesday of the 5th Week
Artemios the Great Martyr of Antioch
Gerasimos of Cephalonia
Matrona the Righteous of Chios

Oct. 21
Wednesday of the 5th Week
Hilarion the Great
Our Righteous Father Christodoulus, the Wonderworker of Patmos
Martyrs Theodote and Socrates
John the New Martyr of Peleponnesos
Righteous Philotheus

Oct. 22
Thursday of the 5th Week
Averkios, Equal-to-the-Apostles and Wonderworker of Hierapolis
Seven Holy Martyred Youths of Ephesus
St. Cecilia the Martyr

Oct. 23
Friday of the 5th Week
James the Apostle, brother of Our Lord
Our Righteous Father Ignatius, Patriarch of Constantinople

Oct. 24
Saturday of the 5th Week
Arethas the Great Martyr & Syncletiki and her two daughters
Sebastiane the Martyr














































































































PATRIARCHAL VISIT TO NEW ORLEANS HOLY TRINITY, New Orleans, LA Tuesday, Oct. 20-Sunday, Oct. 25

His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew in New Orleans to lead an important environmental symposium

“Restoring Balance: The Great Mississippi River” Symposium

Oct. 25: 8:30 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy
Presided over by His All Holiness Bartholomew,
Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome & Ecumenical Patriarch


OYP FALL DINNER DANCE Atlanta Area OYP (Orthodox Young Professionals)’S
FIRST ANNUAL FALL DINNER DANCE

Come dance the night away with friends!

Holy Transfiguration in Marietta
Friday Oct. 23rd
7:00 pm Cost: $2.00

Please RSVP no later than Monday October 12, 2009 Let us know what kind of food you
will be bringing to the Dance! Orthodoxyoungprofessionals@gmail.com


HDF NEWS- ORLANDO UPDATE INFO Hellenic Dance Festival and Byzantine Weekend

Registration is now available for HDF 2010 in Orlando, FL. We will not be conducting online registration for the event in 2010 and therefore you will need to mail in all registration forms to:



Hellenic Dance Festival 2010

2387 Wood Creek Court

Tucker, GA

30084



Checks can be made payable to Hellenic Dance Festival



Please visit www.atlanta.goarch.org, Hellenic Dance Festival Link, HDF 2010 Link, and download the file containing all registration documents for the event. All important deadlines may be found on the second page of the packet.



If you have any questions, email us at hdfanniversary@gmail.com



Please access the Metropolis of Atlanta homepage (www.atlanta.goarch.org) for important information pertaining to the 2010 Hellenic Dance Festival and Byzantine Weekend in Orlando, Fl. Click on the Hellenic Dance Festival link on the left-hand side of the homepage and this will lead you to all important documents for this years event. The Directors Manual, Orlando Addendum, and very important 10th Anniversary information can be found under the HDF 2010 link.


PARISH BULLETIN BOARD ST. NICHOLAS, Wilmington, NC, held their Cross Dive and Blessing of the Waters on Figure 8 Island Saturday, September 12, to coincide with the Elevation or Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Congratulations to Nick Mueller of Charleston, the retriever of the cross.

ST. JOHN, Jacksonville, FL Philoptochos helps serve dinner at the USO to military families monthly

ST. BARBARA, Sarasota, FL is collecting men’s socks and XL shirts and pants for the Resurrection House Homeless Shelter.

Members of the 6th Grade Sunday School Class, HOLY TRINITY, Birmingham, AL, along with youth of all ages met at the Men's Firehouse Shelter on Labor Day to serve lunch. Holy Trinity-Holy Cross is one of the biggest supporters of the Shelter, and serves an average of 175 meals the first Monday every month. Food is donated by one of the parishioners, while other parishioners serve on the Board of Directors.

ST, GEORGE, Greenville, SC Sunday School is participating with the Community Food Bank of Greenville in the Table for 4 program. Each month a non perishable dinner is provided for a family of four with a different menu. The Oct. menu is 2 - 15 oz cans Dinty Moore or similar
Beef Stew, 2 – Cans Green Beans, 1 – 7.5 oz Bisquick Biscuits. 1- 17.5 oz Dry Betty Crocker
chocolate chip cookie mix, 1 9.6 oz dry Instant Milk

Through the effort of Andrew Kampiziones and Jimmy Tassios, TRANSFIGURATION, Florence, SC has become sister cities with Lamia, Greece. A special presentation took place in the City Council Chambers on Oct. 12, 2009, where a letter was presented to Mayor Steve Wukela from the Mayor Kosta Kotronias of Lamia honoring the sister-city relationship.

ST. DEMETRIOS, Daytona Beach, FL Feast Day Celebration, Great Vespers Sunday, Oct. 25, 6pm followed by reception & fellowship. Monday, Oct. 26, Orthros at 8:45am and Divine Liturgy 10am.











SAVE THE DATE - Oct. ST. MARK, Boca Raton, FL Golf Tournament, Boca Greens CC, Oct. 17

ST. LUKE, Mooresville, NC Pan- Orthodox Vespers Saturday, Oct. 17, 7pm, for the feast day of St. Luke. Food and refreshments following

STS. RAPHAEL, NICHOLAS & IRENE, Cumming, GA Greek Festival Oct. 17-18

HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, FL 40th Anniversary Celebration, Saturday Oct. 17, cocktail hour 6pm, dinner 7pm, show & dancing afterward. Adults $40, students (up to 18) $20, children under 5 free.

HOLY TRINITY, New Orleans, LA Oct. 17 Sat,10am–2pm GOYA Car Wash

STS. CONSTANTINE & HELEN, Fayetteville, NC JOY & Youth Ministry Fall Trip to the Corn Maze, Oct. 17, 3pm

CHRIST THE SAVIOR, Spring Hill, FL Oct. 18, flu shots

HOLY TRINITY, Raleigh, NC Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, Sunday, Oct. 18

HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL Greek dinner benefiting the church Sunday, Oct. 18, 5pm, Ravenous Pig Restaurant, $100/person. RSVP church office

HOLY TRINITY, Birmingham, AL Philoptochos Kickoff “South of the Plaka” Margaritas & Mezedes, Tues. Oct. 20 6:30pm

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Dinner Dance, Friday, Oct. 23, 7pm

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

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC “An Evening on Aegina,” Friday, Oct. 23, 7pm, $40/adult, $20 under 15, seafood & pasta dinner,dancing

HOLY TRINITY, Raleigh, NC Preschool Great Pumpkin Fall Festival Friday, Oct. 23, 6:30-8:3PM. Crafts, coloring contests, campfire stories, hair & face painting & more

ST. BARBARA, Sarasota, FL “GETTING TO KNOW YOU” Evening Friday, Oct. 23, 7pm
Light appetizers, refreshments, desserts & music

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC An Evening in Aegina - Annual Dance & Building Fundraiser Friday, Oct. 23, 7pm

CHRIST THE SAVIOR, Spring Hill, FL Children’s Halloween Party, Oct. 23 5-7:30pm, pizza, games, crafts & fun, admission fee: boxed or canned food

OCF Work Daze Retreat Oct. 23-25, all College students are invited to a retreat and some beautification at the Diakonia Center. No charge.











COMING EVENTS Oct. continued ST. PHILOTHEA, Athens, GA Joy/Hope Outing to Washington Farms Oct. 24

HOLY TRANSFIGURATION, Marietta, GA GOYA Oct. 24 an evening of fall festivities & Chili Cook-Off!

ST. MARK, Boca Raton, FL Oct. 24 6:30 PM Philoptochos Newcomers Dance

ANNUNCIATION, Winston-Salem, NC Sat Oct 24 Diakonia Retreat Center Fundraiser

Greek Orthodox Mission, Ocala, FL Greek/American Dinner Dance Saturday, Oct. 24, Tierra Del Sol CC, The Villages, FL 5:30 PM Cash bar/Cocktail Hour 7PM Dinner & Dancing to the Music of EMBROS

HOLY TRANSFIGURATION, Marietta, GA Philoptochos Agape Fundraiser Saturday,
Oct. 24, 10:30am–1:30pm.Tickets $60

ST. JOHN, Jacksonville,FL Philoptochos Saturday, Oct. 24 “Sowing the Seeds of Sisterhood.”

HOLY TRINITY, Bluff City TN Greek Night Oct. 24, food & music by Orion Express

ST. DEMETRIOS, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Feast Day Celebration, Dinner Dance, Sat. Oct. 24, cocktails 7:30pm, dinner 8pm, Vespers 5pm Sun. Oct. 25, Divine Liturgy Mon. Oct. 26 9am

ST. GEORGE, Knoxville, TN GOYA All Saints Party, Oct. 25, 5:30-7:30pm, for children thru 6th grade, dinner, candy, games, costume contest, musical chairs & prizes.$8 admission

ST. NICHOLAS, Ft. Pierce, FL Oxi Day luncheon Oct. 25, $8/adults, $4/children, entertainment by Greek dancers, sponsored by Men’s Club

ST. CATHERINE, W. Palm Beach, FL "OXI" Day Celebration- Sunday, Oct. 25, luncheon sponsored by the Greek School

HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL Hellenic Academy OXI Day celebration Sunday, Oct. 25

ST. JOHN, Jacksonville, FL Sunday, Oct. 25 OXI Day celebration. Please join the Daughters of Penelope and AHEPA. The Greek School Children and the Greek Dancers will be making a short presentation followed by spaghetti lunch & dessert

ST. PAUL, Savannah, GA Pumpkin Fest Sunday, Oct. 25 4-6pm

STS. CONSTANTINE & HELEN, Fayetteville, NC Oct. 25 Greek School Oxi Day Program

ANNUNCIATION, Winston-Salem, NC GOYA Fall Festival Oct. 25 games, crafts and activities

HOLY TRINITY, Raleigh, NC OXI Day Celebration, Oct. 25, following the Divine Liturgy. Spinach salad, toasted pine nuts, peas & beets, Keftedes, stuffed with feta cheese in Tomato Sauce, Dessert, Coffee & Tea. Adults $12, children 12 & under $6, before Oct. 19

ST. NICHOLAS, Wilmington, NC Dinner sponsored by Philoptochos Sunday, Oct. 25, Noon-7PM. Greek style chicken or Moussaka, $7.50/meal

ST. JOHN, Jacksonville, FL 1st Annual Golf Tournament Monday, Oct. 26

MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, Lecanto, FL Fall Festival Oct. 29-Nov. 1

HOLY TRINITY, Charlotte, NC GOYA Fall Festival: Thursday, Oct. 29, 6:30pm

ST. CATHERINE, W. Palm Beach, FL GOYA Sponsored Fall Festival- Friday, Oct. 30, 6-9:30pm, for children of all ages. Spaghetti dinner, games, dancing, & costume contest. $5 entrance fee

ST. PHILOTHEA, Athens, GA Sock Hop Fri. Oct. 30 7:30-10:30pm

ST. NICHOLAS, Ft. Pierce, FL Fall Costume Party Oct. 30, 6-10pm, adults $6, kids free

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC IOCC Eighth Annual Dinner Program - Saturday, Oct. 31, 6pm

ST. CATHERINE, W. Palm Beach, FL Philoptochos Afternoon Tea- Saturday, Oct. 31, 2-4pm benefiting Philoptochos Autism Ministry and other philanthropies




SAVE THE DATE - Nov. HOLY TRINITY, Charleston, SC Sunday, Nov. 1, US Armed Services Recognition aboard the USS Yorktown honoring parish veterans

HOLY TRINITY/ST. JOHN, Jackson, MS Church Picnic, Sunday, Nov. 1 4pm

ST. SOPHIA, Winter Haven, FL Pumpkin Fest & Picnic Brunch, Nov. 1, festival of autumn activities, sponsored by Youth Ministry

ST. NICHOLAS, Wilmington, NC OXI Day celebration. Sunday, Nov. 1, speaker Dr. Anestis Logothetis, poems, songs & dances. Luncheon free-will offering fund raiser for HDF

STS. CONSTANTINE & HELEN,Fayetteville, NC Holly Day Fair, Nov. 5-8

ST. KATHERINE, Melbourne, FL My Big Fat Greek Marketplace, Nov. 6-7

ST. NICHOLAS,Ft. Pierce,FL Philoptochos Annual Rummage Sale, Nov. 6-7, proceeds to provide 50 Thanksgiving baskets for needy families

ST. SOPHIA, Winter Haven, FL Philoptochos 1st Annual Christmas Bazaar & Craft Show, Nov. 7, 10am-4pm, Greek foods & pastries, handmade crafts, cooking demonstrations, Greek grocery store, Greek dancing, clown & face painting

CHRIST THE SAVIOR, Spring Hill, FL Garage Sale, Nov. 6-7

ST. KATHERINE, Melbourne, FL Nov. 6-7 Garage Sale sponsored by Philoptochos

ST. JOHN,Tampa,FL Annual Fall Festival Nov. 6-8

ST. SOPHIA, Miami, FL Philoptochos Bazaar Saturday, Nov. 7, 8am-4pm

ST. KATHERINE, Naples, FL South Florida Regional GOYA event beach volleyball tournament & social Nov. 7 & 8

HOLY TRINITY, Charlotte, NC “Yiayia’s Kouzina” 7th Annual Greek Sampler Luncheon, Sunday, Nov. 8, 10:30am-1:30pm, $10/adults, $3/children, benefiting preschool program

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Philoptochos Nov. 8 Angel Tree Project Kick-off

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Philoptochos Nov. 9 St. Nektarios Feast Day Brunch

Tampa Bay area Presvyteres meeting, Wed., Nov. 11, ST. NICHOLAS, Tarpon Springs, FL

ST. BARBARA, Sarasota, FL Philoptochos ANNUAL HOLIDAY BAZAAR Sat,Nov. 14, 10am-4pm. Greek Luncheon, pastitsio, spanakopita, Greek salad & roll, $10
Delicious Homemade Greek Pastries, Greek Cuisine Cookbook. Church Tours

HOLY TRANSFIGURATION, Marietta, GA 20th Anniversary Celebration Glendi, Saturday Nov. 14, Great Vespers 5pm, Dinner-dance 6pm

ST. BARBARA, Sarasota, FL Nov. 14 Philoptochos Annual Bazaar

ST. GEORGE, New Port Richey, FL Nov 14 Anniversary Dance

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

HOLY TRINITY, Raleigh, NC Fr. Paul Kaplanis 25th anniversary celebration lunch Sat., Nov. 14

ST. BARBARA, Sarasota, FL Philoptochos Annual Fall Bazaar Nov. 14

ANNUNCIATION, Winston-Salem, NC bake sale & Red Cross blood drive Nov. 14 8am

ST. CHRISTOPHER, Peachtree City, GA GOYA Gyro Fundraiser - Sunday, Nov. 15, main course, desserts, salad & drinks. $5/person or $20/ family

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Philoptochos Nov. 17 Christmas Treat Bags for Homeless Shelter

STS. CONSTANTINE & HELEN, Fayetteville, NC World’s Largest Spaghetti Dinner & Greek Pastry Sale, Nov. 18, 10am-8pm, $6

ST, GEORGE, Greenville, SC Philoptochos Bake Sale Nov. 19

HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, FL THANKSGIVING HARVEST (A traditional Thanksgiving meal) Sponsored by Philoptochos. Donations:Adults $10 Students $5 Thursday, Nov. 19, 4-7pm

ANNUNCIATION, Winston-Salem, NC GOYA Advent Retreat Nov. 20-22

ST. GEORGE, New Port Richey, FL Nov. 21 Golf Tournament

ST. GEORGE, New Port Richey, FL Nov. 21 Golf Tournament

ST CATHERINE PANIYIRI (NAMEDAY CELEBRATION)- Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21-22 11am -11pm Saturday, Noon -8pm on Sunday. Entertainment by the Heart of Greece Dance Group. No Admission Fee, Donations Appreciated!




YOUTH NEWS by Presbytera Mari NEWS FROM THE YOUTH OFFICE...

WINTER YOUTH RALLY INFORMATION IS HERE!!!
Get ready! Winter Youth Rally is fast approaching and the much anticipated information/forms have been sent out! Please be sure to read everything very carefully, as we have some major changes this year. The biggest change is in the area of registration. All individual GOYAns will be responsible for registering online through the Metropolis website and sending in all the other associated forms (Metropolis waiver, medical history form, GOYA covenant, etc) as well as individual registration fees to the Metropolis! Registration will not open until October 1st, at which time the link on the Metropolis website will be activated and everyone can begin registering. Advisors will still be responsible for registering the teams and remitting team fees to the Metropolis via the parish. All registrations, rosters, and fees are due by November 5th. Bible bowl information is included in the packet. Again, please be sure to read all the information carefully! If you have any questions about registration, don't hesitate to email or call me at the information below, or email Suzi Pryles, WYR registration chairperson at WYRregistration@live.com. Cost is $225 for the first child of a family, $215 for the second child of a family, $205 for the third child of a family.

ADVENT RETREAT REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Deadline October 23rd. Cost is $85 per person! Please be sure to get your materials in on time, as this is a very popular event and is first come, first serve.

HDF: Save the date now!
The dancers are practicing, the directors are gearing up, the musicians are rehearsing, and ORLANDO is waiting!!!!! It's almost time to send in your letters of intent and your registration forms! HDF is fast approaching! Please see the attached save the date and mark your calendars! More information will be coming soon...

OCF Work daze...
is a great opportunity for fun and fellowship in the beautiful mountains of South Carolina at our Diakonia Retreat Center. Be sure to check it out and get registered soon!

N. FL GOYA ADVENT RETREAT
“Fruit of the Spirit”
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control” Galatians 5:22-23
Nov. 20 - 22
Lake Yale Conference Center
39034 CR 452
Leesburg, FL 34788
Download forms from our Website
www.htgocorlando.org



SAVE THE DATE - Dec. HOLY APOSTLES, Winterville, NC Holiday Pastry Sale on Wednesday, Dec.2 & Thursday, Dec. 3 benefiting Building Fund

ST. MARK, Boca Raton, FL Philoptochos December 5, Annual Dinner Dance Auction, Hellenic Band

ST. BARBARA, Sarasota, FL Holiday Dinner Dance, Dec. 6

ST. MARK, Boca Raton, FL Nova Singers Fall Concert, Sunday Dec. 6, 4pm, $10 donation requested. Reservations.

HOLY TRANSFIGURATION, Marietta, GA HOPE/JOY Dec. 6, Mellow Mushroom - 5:30pm then Bethlehem Walk at Mountainview UMC

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Philoptochos Dec. 12 11:30am Christmas Brunch Benefit Holy Angels

ST. SOPHIA, Winter Haven, FL 5th Anniversary Thyranoixia Celebration Weekend, Dec. 12-13

ST. NICHOLAS, Ft. Pierce, FL Dinner Dance, Dec. 12

ST. GEORGE, New Port Richey, FL – Annual New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance, Dec. 31.

ST. GEORGE, New Port Richey, FL Dec 31 New Year's Eve Dinner/Dance

STS. MARKELLA & DEMETRIOS, Ft. Walton, FL Western Conference Youth Rally & Cross Dive, Jan. 15-18, 2010

ST. MARK, Boca Raton, FL Greek Festival January 21-24, 2010

ST. SOPHIA, Miami, FL Festival Feb. 19-21, 2010

ST. SOPHIA, Miami, FL Saturday, April 10, S. FL GOYA District Family Night


2009 HOLIDAY PASTRY SALE Sponsored by the Ladies Philoptochos Society
Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church
P.O. Box 1149 – Durham, NC 27702
919-682-1414

Featuring pre-packaged Greek specialties for your home, office parties and gifts for friends

Proceeds to benefit the North Carolina Medical Ministry and other charities.

Order deadline and payment by Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009

Order Pick-ups at New Location:
Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church
8306 Highway 751, Durham, NC 27713
on
Friday,
Nov. 20 1:00-6:00 pm
Saturday,
Nov. 21 11:00 AM–5:00 PM

For order blank, cut and paste this link.

http://www.stbarbarachurchnc.org/2009PastrySale.dsp




THINK... We are not human beings going through a temporary spiritual experience.

We are spiritual beings going through a temporary human experience.

ST. KATHERINE, Melbourne, FL newsletter


FIRST FRUITS OR BEST FRUITS? In a conversation recently a question was asked regarding the quality of olive oil needed in the Church. My response was a simple one: “We offer God the best we have.” We grow up hearing the term “first fruits” that are offered to God but most of us do not understand the true meaning of this challenge.

Απ’αρχή is the Greek expression often translated as “first fruits” in Scripture. While this is a correct and accurate translation it does not convey the full meaning of the expression. In biblical times ‘first fruits’ did not indicate the actual first fruit to be harvested (or pulled out of the ground) but the best fruit of the harvest. Those who garden know the first is rarely the best of any crop.

Taken in this way, we can see that we should be offering God the best olive oil we have. This oil burns as a sacrifice offering in front of the Holy Relics, on the Holy Altar Table, and in front of Holy Icons, as an expression of our love for God. Would we want to express our love for God with old and low-quality oil when we use new fresh extra-virgin oil in our salads? In fact, we should offer the best oil to God and use what is left on our salads.

The same must be said for anything we offer to God: time, talent, and treasure (what we call Stewardship). When we make an offering to God, let it be the best we have; not the leftovers.

Fr. Athanasios Haros, TRANSFIGURATION, Florence, SC


HE GAVE THE MAXIMUM In an eastern city a few years ago there was a campaign for the erection of a hospital. A high-powered financial wizard was called to conduct it. He concluded his pep talk to the solicitors who were going out to raise the money with these wise words: "Never suggest to anyone a minimum contribution, for the minimum has a funny way of turning into the maximum."

There are many people who live by the minimum. They measure out their minds and hearts to others with a medicine dropper. Their manner seems to say, "I guess it will be enough to give you just one drop." To another person they say, "You are a bit more important; I will give you two drops." Life is lived by the minimum.

In Jesus we find the exact opposite. He lived by the maximum. His love for us led Him to give His life for us. He did not measure out with a medicine dropper the drops of blood He shed for us on the Cross. He gave Himself willingly and totally that we may have life, the life of God.

When a woman broke an expensive jar of perfume and poured it on Jesus` feet, Judas criticized her for wasting all that money. Jesus praised her. For hers was a maximum gift.

Jesus sat in the temple one day and watched the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. Along came a widow who placed two copper pennies in the box. Jesus could have returned the pennies to her and said, "Here, you need these pennies more than the temple does. Go back and feed your children." Instead He paid her a great compiment, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty, put in all the living that she had" (Luke 21:1-4). She gave the maximum. No one should tell another how much to give to God-no one, that is, but the Lord Jesus Christ and our commitment to Him.

"Give to Caesar what is Caesar`s, and to God what is God`s," said Jesus. Uncle Sam sees to it that we give Caesar what is Caesar`s, but there is no one to enforce our giving to God-and there should not be. For it is a free gift of love expressing our commitment. And it`s not just money we`re talking about; it`s our time, our talents, our service to people and to God. A check mailed to the church every so often is meaningless if it is not accompanied by our presence, by our willingness to serve in the name of Christ, by our prayers, by our commitment. Giving is not a substitute for our commitment but an expression of it.

"Do you love me?" said Jesus to Peter. "Feed my sheep." How are the sheep of Christ fed? Through His Church. Our weekly pledge helps feed His sheep
Fr. Andrew Koufopoulos, ST. BARBARA, Durham, NC


THE DIVINE LITURGY The Divine Liturgy is an invitation to dine with our Lord. God is the host of the feast and all are invited. We must all be present because we are all joined spiritually by the Eucharistic cup. The guest of honor is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is wanting to communion with all of us and as Jesus tells us in Matthew 18: 19-20 when two or three are gathered in my name then he will be there with them.
There are several reasons according to Fr. John Chakos as to why we must come to the Divine Liturgy. First, God invites us to show us how much he loves us. Second, we come to show how much we love God. Third, we come celebrate the salvific work of Jesus Christ.
The first reason one comes to the Divine Liturgy is that it is an unconditional out pouring of God’s love for us. The Father has done everything in his power to lead us back to heaven. He sent us His only Son for our salvation. He could have sent an angel, but he did not; He sent his only begotten son. By coming to the Liturgy, we receive the full embrace of God’s Love. His love for us is the food for eternal life. How rude would it be not to show up for such a special banquet?
The second reason for coming to the spiritual dinner is to show God how much we love Him. As one reflects on all that God has given them, it should move them into a mood of thanksgiving. We need to be thankful of the blessings God has showered upon us. God is the giver of all good things. The air we breathe. The food we eat; the material possessions we have. Since we love God, we pray and worship Him during the Liturgy and thus God bestows on us the fruits of the Holy Spirit as Saint Paul teaches in Galatians 5:22-23 which are: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law. For all these things, we must thank God!
The third reason for attending the banquet is a remembrance of Christ works. The prayer of Remembrance (Anamnesis) illuminates this point: "Remembering, therefore, this saving command, and all that was done for our sake: the Cross, the Tomb, the Resurrection on the third day, the Ascension in to heaven, the Enthronement at the right hand of the Father, and His Second and glorious coming. Fr. Emmanuel Hatzidakis in his book The Heavenly Banquet says that the remembrance is really more a re-calling of making what was past present again. The Church understands "remembrance as an event which continues to be actualized in the present, here and now." The past becomes a living reality now. That means Christ works are present and still effectual for our salvation today. Jesus expects us to partake from His table so we can go out into the world and shine His light to those who are lost and cannot find their way to Him.
In closing, I want to share with you what one of my professors at the Seminary said to us in class one day. "When you wake up in the mornings, if you are not giddy and sprint to the chapel to see Christ every morning you might want to see the registrar about getting a refund." We should be excited about encountering Christ every Sunday and not tarry, but move swiftly and break bread with the Royal Family.

Fr. Elias Stevens, ANNUNCIATION, Mobile, AL