Transcript April 17 - Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Orthodox Church

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗ ΚΟΙΝΟΤΗΤΑ ΤΩΝ ΤΑΞΙΑΡΧΩΝ
TAXIARCHAE/ARCHANGELS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
25 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472 ♦ 617.924.8182—Phone ♦ 617.924.4124—Fax
www.goarchangels.org
Rev. Fr. Athanasios Nenes, Parish Priest
914.479.8096—Cell Phone
[email protected]—Email
SUNDAY OF ST. MARY OF EGYPT, APRIL 17, 2016
SUNDAY SCHOOL LENTEN FOOD DRIVE CONTINUES
PHILOPTOCHOS MEMBERSHIP DRIVE—Ongoing (see inside flyer)
TUESDAY, APRIL 19—Greek School—4—6 pm
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20—Inter-Parish Pre-Sanctified Liturgy—Taxiarchae/Archangels, Watertown, MA—6:00 pm
THURSDAY, APRIL 21—Greek School—4—6 pm
FRIDAY, APRIL 22—Blood Pressure Clinic—9:00 a.m.-12:00 pm
SATURDAY, APRIL 23—Greek School—10—1 pm
SATURDAY, APRIL 23—Saturday of Lazarus (see inside flyer)
SUNDAY, APRIL 24—Palm Sunday Luncheon—Immediately after Liturgy (see inside flyer)
SUNDAY, APRIL 24—Philoptochos Palm Sunday Bake Sale (see inside flyer)
SUNDAY, APRIL 24—Nymphios Service—
HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN METHODIOS presiding—7 pm (see inside flyer)
FRIDAY, APRIL 29—Good Friday Youth Retreat (see inside flyer)
SUNDAY, MAY 1—PASCHA!
TAXIARCHAE/ARCHANGELS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH—WATERTOWN, MA
HYMNS OF THE DAY
honor you.
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία
Mode
πρὸς
τὸν
Ποιητὴν
ἀμετάθετε.
Μὴ
παρίδῃς
O Faithful, let us sing a hymn of praise and worship ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλὰ πρόφθασον, ὡς
to the Logos, coeternal with the Father and the ἀγαθή,
εἰς
τὴν
βοήθειαν
ἡμῶν,
τῶν
πιστῶς
Spirit, who was born of the Virgin for our salvation. κραυγαζόντων σοι· Τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καὶ
Of His own will He went upon the Cross in the flesh σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προστατεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε,
and suffered death, to raise the dead through His τῶν τιμώντων σε.
glorious Resurrection.
EPISTLE READING
Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρὶ καὶ Πνεύματι, τὸν ἐκ The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the
Παρθένου
ἀνυμνήσωμεν
τεχθέντα
πιστοὶ
εἰς
καὶ
σωτηρίαν
ἡμῶν, Hebrews 9:11-14.
προσκυνήσωμεν,
ὅτι BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest
ηὐδόκησε σαρκί, ἀνελθεῖν ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ, καὶ of the good things that have come, then through
θάνατον ὑπομεῖναι, καὶ ἐγεῖραι τοὺς τεθνεῶτας, ἐν the greater and more perfect tent (not made with
τῇ ἐνδόξῳ Ἀναστάσει αὐτοῦ.
hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once
Apolytikion for Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt in
for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of
the Plagal Fourth Mode
goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing
The image of God, was faithfully preserved in you, an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of
O Mother. For you took up the Cross and followed defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls
Christ. By Your actions you taught us to look beyond and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the
the flesh for it passes, rather to be concerned about purification of the flesh, how much more shall the
the soul which is immortal. Wherefore, O Holy Mary, blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit
your soul rejoices with the angels.
offered himself without blemish to God, purify your
Εν σοί Μήτερ ακριβώς διεσώθη τό κατ' εικόνα, conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
λαβών γάρ τόν σταυρόν, ηκολούθησας τώ Χριστώ, τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 9:11-14.
καί πράττων εδίδασκες, υπεροράν μέν σαρκός, Ἀδελφοί, Χριστὸς δὲ παραγενόμενος ἀρχιερεὺς τῶν
παρέρχεται γάρ επιμελείσθαι δέ ψυχής, πράγματος μελλόντων ἀγαθῶν, διὰ τῆς μείζονος καὶ τελειοτέρας
αθανάτου, διό καί μετά Αγγέλων συναγάλλεται, οσία σκηνῆς, οὐ χειροποιήτου, τοῦτʼ ἔστιν, οὐ ταύτης τῆς
Μαρία τό πνεύμά σου.
κτίσεως, οὐδὲ διʼ αἵματος τράγων καὶ μόσχων, διὰ δὲ
Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode
τοῦ ἰδίου αἵματος εἰσῆλθεν ἐφάπαξ εἰς τὰ ἅγια,
A protection of Christians unshamable, intercessor αἰωνίαν λύτρωσιν εὑράμενος. Εἰ γὰρ τὸ αἷμα ταύρων
to our Holy Maker, unwavering, please reject not καὶ τράγων, καὶ σποδὸς δαμάλεως ῥαντίζουσα τοὺς
the prayerful cries of those who are in sin. Instead, κεκοινωμένους,
ἁγιάζει
πρὸς
τὴν
τῆς
σαρκὸς
come to us, for you are good; your loving help bring καθαρότητα, πόσῳ μᾶλλον τὸ αἷμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὃς
unto us, who are crying in faith to you: hasten to διὰ πνεύματος αἰωνίου ἑαυτὸν προσήνεγκεν ἄμωμον
intercede and speed now to supplicate, as a τῷ θεῷ, καθαριεῖ τὴν συνείδησιν ὑμῶν ἀπὸ νεκρῶν
protection for all time, Theotokos, for those who ἔργων, εἰς τὸ λατρεύειν θεῷ ζῶντι;
TAXIARCHAE/ARCHANGELS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH—WATERTOWN, MA
GOSPEL READING
Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from Mark 10:32-45
At that time, Jesus taking the twelve again, he
began to tell them what was to happen to him,
saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and
the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests
and the scribes, and they will condemn him to
death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will
mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and
kill him; and after three days he will rise." And
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came
forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want
you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he
said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?"
And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your
right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But
Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are
asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or
to be baptized with the baptism with which I am
baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And
Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will
drink; and with the baptism with which I am
baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right
hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for
those for whom it has been prepared." And when
the ten heard it, they began to be indignant of
James and John. And Jesus called them to him and
said to them, "You know that those who are
supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them,
and their great men exercise authority over them.
But it shall not be so among you; but whoever
would be great among you must be your servant,
and whoever would be first among you must be
slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be
served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom
for many."
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 10:32-45
Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, παραλαβάνει ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοὺς
δώδεκα μαθητάς αὐτοῦ καὶ ἤρξατο αὐτοῖς λέγειν τὰ
μέλλοντα αὐτῷ συμβαίνειν, ὅτι ἰδοὺ ἀναβαίνομεν εἰς
῾Ιεροσόλυμα καὶ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου
παραδοθήσεται τοῖς ἀρχιερεῦσι καὶ γραμματεῦσι, καὶ
κατακρινοῦσιν αὐτὸν θανάτῳ καὶ παραδώσουσιν
αὐτὸν τοῖς ἔθνεσι, καὶ ἐμπαίξουσιν αὐτῷ καὶ
μαστιγώσουσιν αὐτὸν καὶ ἐμπτύσουσιν αὐτῷ καὶ
ἀποκτενοῦσιν αὐτόν, καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ
ἀναστήσεται. Καὶ προσπορεύονται αὐτῷ ᾿Ιάκωβος
καὶ ᾿Ιωάννης υἱοὶ Ζεβεδαίου λέγοντες· διδάσκαλε,
θέλομεν ἵνα ὃ ἐὰν αἰτήσωμεν ποιήσῃς ἡμῖν. ὁ δὲ
εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τί θέλετε ποιῆσαί με ὑμῖν; οἱ δὲ εἶπον
αὐτῷ· δὸς ἡμῖν ἵνα εἷς ἐκ δεξιῶν σου καὶ εἷς ἐξ
εὐωνύμων σου καθίσωμεν ἐν τῇ δόξῃ σου. ὁ δὲ
᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· οὐκ οἴδατε τί αἰτεῖσθε.
δύνασθε πιεῖν τὸ ποτήριον ὃ ἐγὼ πίνω, καὶ τὸ
βάπτισμα ὃ ἐγὼ βαπτίζομαι βαπτισθῆναι; οἱ δὲ εἶπον
αὐτῷ· δυνάμεθα. ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τὸ μὲν
ποτήριον ὃ ἐγὼ πίνω πίεσθε, καὶ τὸ βάπτισμα ὃ ἐγὼ
βαπτίζομαι βαπτισθήσεσθε· τὸ δὲ καθίσαι ἐκ δεξιῶν
μου καὶ ἐξ εὐωνύμων οὐκ ἔστιν ἐμὸν δοῦναι, ἀλλ᾿
οἷς ἡτοίμασται. Καὶ ἀκούσαντες οἱ δέκα ἤρξαντο
ἀγανακτεῖν περὶ ᾿Ιακώβου καὶ ᾿Ιωάννου. ὁ δὲ
᾿Ιησοῦς προσκαλεσάμενος αὐτοὺς λέγει αὐτοῖς·
οἴδατε ὅτι οἱ δοκοῦντες ἄρχειν τῶν ἐθνῶν
κατακυριεύουσιν αὐτῶν καὶ οἱ μεγάλοι αὐτῶν
κατεξουσιάζουσιν αὐτῶν· οὐχ οὕτω δὲ ἔσται ἐν ὑμῖν,
ἀλλ᾿ ὃς ἐὰν θέλῃ γενέσθαι μέγας ἐν ὑμῖν, ἔσται
ὑμῶν διάκονος, καὶ ὃς ἐὰν θέλῃ ὑμῶν γενέσθαι
πρῶτος, ἔσται πάντων δοῦλος· καὶ γὰρ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ
ἀνθρώπου οὐκ ἦλθε διακονηθῆναι, ἀλλὰ διακονῆσαι,
καὶ δοῦναι τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ λύτρον ἀντὶ πολλῶν.
SUNDAY OF ST. MARY OF EGYPT
The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded.
Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed
for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence
forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the
wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of
God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in
very deed.
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society of Watertown
The Good Samaritan Chapter
2016 MEMBERSHIP FORM
Please fill out and return it to the church office by April 30, 2016.
Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Orthodox Church
Attn: Philoptochos Membership
25 Bigelow Avenue
Watertown, MA 02472
Name: _______________________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________ Email: ___________________________________
Please accept my donation of $__________ to assist the outreach and philanthropic efforts of
our Philoptochos Society ($15 of which goes to the National Philoptochos Society and $5 to the
Metropolis Diocese as obligations).
Suggested donation amounts:
_____$25
_____$50
_____$100
_____Other
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society is one of the largest and oldest philanthropic
women’s organizations in this country. The word “philoptochos” translated means “friend of
the poor”. Officially, Philoptochos helps those in need and promotes the philanthropic
endeavors of the Archdiocese. Unofficially, Philoptochos is the “heart” of every Greek
Orthodox Church community. Comprised of women in all stages of life, the Taxiarchae
Philoptochos supports our seniors, our youth, is an invaluable partner during the parish’s
annual fundraising festival, and can always be called upon when someone is sick or needs a
helping hand.
Last year we donated to over 20 charities including the Philoxenia House, Hellenic Children’s
Cardiac Fund, the Watertown Food Bank and the Boston Diocese Camp.
We invite you to join our ministry. Just take a moment to reflect on how a strong church
community enriches your life and your family’s. An active Philoptochos goes hand in hand with
a strong church community. We all lead busy lives as we strive to fulfill our roles as mothers,
daughters, spouses and working professionals, but we need YOUR help to help others. Please
take that first step to join us and remember your commitment level is totally up to you.
Becoming a member is easy. Simply fill out the form above and forward it with a
membership donation to Philoptochos via the church office. Please keep in mind that our local
chapter of Philoptochos is required to forward $20 of every offering, as an obligation, to the
National and Diocese Philpotochos so only the amount over our obligation stays with us.
Artemis Tingos
Membership Chairperson
2016 TAXIARCHAE/ARCHANGELS
PHILOPTOCHOS MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING
Leah Alvanos
Sophia Alexandrides
Marjorie Anthony
Anne Baras
Diane Beldekas
Maria Berlis
Paula Berlis
Georgia Bitsikas
Emily Briguglio
Anastasia Catrickes
Mary N. Christakis
Georgia Colivas
Angela Daskalos
Garifalia Davos
Mina Davos
Maria Deamantopoulos
Karen (Popie) DiGiovanni
Tina Fotopoulos
Sandra Harris
Patricis Jumes
Nicoletta Kalavantis
Mary Kanellias
Vicky Karalis
Argyro Karalis
Aphrodite Karpouzis
Pamela Kondylis
Fotoula Kopellas
Mary Kopsiaftis
Elaine H. Kostsifas
Magdalini Koufos
Angeline B. Kounelis
Frances Levas
Katie Lucente
Demetra Maniatis
Evangeline Miller
Lillian Martinos Nikolaidis
Diane Martha Orfanos
Nitsa Papavasiliou
Irene Pappadopoulos
Helen Patsios
Toula Patsios
Alexandra Pattas
Ellie Polimou
Irene Provas
Bunny Spyropoulos
Anastasia Stamos
Anna Stavropoulos
Christine M. Straggas
Ecaterini Sturgis
Katerina Swartz
Artemis Tingos
Penelopi Tingos
Elaine Tripoli
Joy Vlahos
Julia Welch
2016-17 TAXIARCHAE/ARCHANGELS SCHOLARSHIP
CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS AND UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS!
Applications for the 2016-17 academic year are now available in the Church Office or
online at www.goarchangels.org.
Applicants or their families must be stewards in good standing of the Taxiarchae/
Archangels Church as of December 31, 2015. Eligible applicants must be graduating high
school students that have been accepted to a college, university, professional school; or,
college undergraduates entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year.
A special scholarship has been established for individuals who are pursuing a career in
nursing.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MONDAY, MAY 31,
2016—WITHOUT EXCEPTION—TO THE CHURCH OFFICE.
Scholarship Committee Members:
Costas Karageorgis, Nick Racheotes,
Joy Vlahos, and Patryce Georgopoulos.
PROSPHORO BAKERS NEEDED!
The Holy Prosphoro Bakers
S
aints Spyridon and Nicodemus were monks in the
caves of Kievan Pechersk in the 12th century. They led
very strict, ascetic lives. They fulfilled their obedience by
baking prosphoro (holy bread used for Communion) for
thirty years. They did their work with unceasing prayer and
singing of Psalms. Once, while St. Spyridon was tending
the oven, his mantle caught fire. The fire was put out and
the mantle showed no sign of being burned.
We have a continuous need for Prosphoro, especially during the Lenten
season. Please consider making a regular offering of this holy bread. If you
need a recipe or instructions on how to make prosphoro, please call the
church office at 617.924.8182. Thank you!
The Significance of Great Lent
Great Lent before Easter is when the Christian participates fully in preparing himself to praise
and glorify his God as Lord and Savior. Great Lent is like a "workshop" where the character of
the faithful is spiritually uplifted and strengthened; where his life is rededicated to the
principles and ideals of the Gospel; where the faith culminates in deep conviction of life; where
apathy and disinterest turn into vigorous activities of faith and good works. Lent is not for the
sake of Lent itself, as fasting is not for the sake of fasting. But they are means by which and
for which the individual believer prepares himself to reach for, accept and attain the calling of
his Savior. Therefore, the significance of Great Lent is highly appraised, not only by the monks
who gradually increased the length of time of the Lent, but also by the lay people themselves,
although they do not observe the full length of time. As such, Great Lent is the sacred Institute
of the Church to serve the individual believer in participating as a member of the Mystical Body
of Christ, and, from time to time, to improve the standards of faith and morals in his Christian
life. The deep intent of the believer during the Great Lent is "forgetting what lies behind and
straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal of the prize of the upward call
of God in Christ Jesus", Philippians 3:13-14.
Harris J. Booras
Chapter #406
AHEPA NEWS
Greetings to all! Our AHEPA members and our Taxiarchae community are enjoying our
Orthodox traditional Lent (Sarakosti) leading to Palm Sunday and Orthodox
PASCHA on May 1. Many of us celebrated the Greek Independence Day of 25
March events at the State House and the Greek Consulate on April 1.
Unfortunately, the parade of April 3 was cancelled this year in a "Gone by the
Wind" fashion! We expect to have a better parade next year. We wish all KALI
SARAKOSTI and KALO PASCHA!
Our chapter will hold our regular meeting (4th in 2016) on Thursday, April 14, 2016 in the Atrium
(Taxiarcae/Archangels, 25 Bigelow Ave., Watertown, MA) with social gathering and refreshments at 7:00
p.m. followed by the regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. The agenda will include:
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Reports by the President, Secretary, Treasurer, and other officers.
Reports by Chapter Committees on coming activities and plans and proposals for new activities.
Remarks by visiting District/Regional and Supreme officers, if present.
Processing of additional membership applications if/as submitted.
Plans for AHEPA Sunday Celebration – May 15, 2016 to benefit the St. Nicholas drive, and details of
our celebration and benefit fundraiser in mid-October 2016.
 Other discussions and proposals for the benefit of the Order of AHEPA.
 Other items and future business (including the St. Nicholas Shrine and Aid to Greece HQ Drives).
 District 8 Scholarships. Again, scholarship applications are here!. Eligible are children, grandchildren
(of current AHEPAns in good standing) who are high school seniors entering college in September
2016 and/or undergraduate college students continuing their studies. Apply early. Deadline is May 1,
2016! Call
Athanasi Vulgaropulos at 781.704.7870 or Costas Lagos at 617.935.1746 or
email [email protected].
Again, we welcome your membership dues ($70) for 2016. Thanks to all members who have already
submitted theirs. Please recruit any friend or family members or others who may be interested in
joining our AHEPA
chapter. We need new innovative ideas to
sustain and expand our
chapter membership and to contribute to AHEPA’s causes.
Tavlii/backgammon continues on Fridays in the Atrium (or alternate location) - 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Please let us know if a brother is sick or in need. Good News! Our Secretary, Br. Athanasios
Vulgaropulos, is much better and is back with us since March 25! Also, Perastika to our Br. Panos
Spiliakos who was hurt and is recovering from an accidental fall while walking in a Sudbury trail.
Fraternally,
Constantine B. Lagos
Treasurer (and email communications)
AHEPA “Harris J. Booras” Chapter #406, Watertown, MA
We welcome suggestions as well as inquiries for membership or other information. Contact numbers as
follows:
John Abate, President—617.797.9499 / 617.484.5946
Basil Patsios—617.923.9209 / 897.928.1803
Athanasios Vulgaropulos—781.704.7870
Constantine Lagos—617.935.1746
Demetri Tsatsarones—781.893.5988 / 781.266.8001
George Loridas—617.926.8674 / 617.775.4574
Lenten Reading
All available in our Church Bookstore
Holy Week—Easter
is a book of the Holy
Week Services.
The Akathist Hymn—Profound,
devotional poem, which sings praises
of the Holy Mother and Ever-Virgin
Mary which we chant the first five
Friday’s during Lent.
The Lenten
Collection was
published at the
suggestion of His
Eminence
Metropolitan
Methodios of Boston
to help guide in the
preparation of Lenten The Orthodox Study
meals.
Bible
The Lenten Spring is for all
Christians who undertake the
yearly journey to the blessed
Pascha of our Lord will find
inspiration and guidance in these
meditations.
Great Lent—Journey to Pascha
examines the meaning of Liturgy of
the Presanctified Gifts, the Prayer of
St Ephraim the Syrian, and other
neglected or misunderstood treasures
of Lenten worship.
The Lenten
Covenant is a
devotional
Commentary on
the Lenten
Triodion of the
Journey Through The
Great Fast is a book
that can serve as a map
for our Great Fast
journey.
Great Lent Unplugged is an
antidote to the human propensity
to overdo personal spiritual
loftiness. It is a book to put the
Lenten journey in perspective,.
“Let my prayer rise as incense before You . . .
And the lifting up of my hands, as an evening sacrifice.”
Lenten Pre-Sanctified Liturgies
March 16 through April 20, 2016
Inter-parish prayer fellowship on the following dates:
Wednesday, March 16, March 30 and April 13—
Services will be held at our home parish at 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
St. Nicholas, 17 Meriam Street, Lexington, MA—6 p.m.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Annunciation Cathedral Chapel, 162 Goddard Ave., Brookline, MA—6 p.m.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Taxiarchae/Archangels, 25 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown, MA—6 p.m.
F
ollowing the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy on these days, the host community will offer
a Lenten dinner for all in attendance. An open discussion over dinner on a Lenten
theme will also take place.
All are invited to join in prayer on these days—young and old alike. Come and join
us as we progress through our journey of Great and Holy Lent.
CHOIR NOTES
Now that we are in the Lenten season, we hope you will consider joining us in the Choir loft!
New members are always needed and welcomed. If you have had even a little choral
experience, we’d love to have you with us. And if you simply love to sing the beautiful hymns
of our church, then you are already one of us! For more info, contact Cynthia Alex at
[email protected].
TAXIARCHAE/ARCHANGELS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
STARTING MAY 19, 2016
“THE PHILOTIMO CHAT GROUP”
WILL MEET IN THE CHURCH HALL
EVERY 3rd THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Join a friendly group! Get creative! Make connections!
Linger over coffee! Men and women are welcome!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I become a member of the parish?
Membership in the Orthodox Church begins at baptism (Chrismation for some) and continues throughout
our life. We are united with Christ through the sacraments, or mysteries of the Church and through our
faithful offering of our entire selves to Jesus Christ. Our Archdiocese requires each parish to distinguish
between voting members and non-voting members. A voting member is over 18 years of age and turns
in a signed stewardship commitment card, committing a portion of time, talent and treasure to the
Church. The Archdiocese also requires the voting member to remain current through the year on their
commitments. Keep in mind that true membership in the Body of Christ involves living according to His
word and with His Church.
Why must I commit to give a specific amount?
Please keep in mind that your stewardship of money is kept in the strictest of confidence. However, we
do compile the amounts anticipated to better plan our budget.
What if I cannot fulfill my stewardship commitment?
During the course of a year, people’s circumstances change. Your stewardship is valued because it is
made out of your love for God and His Church. Please do not be concerned if you are unable to meet
your stewardhip commitment—we are glad you are part of this parish.
CHISTIAN STEWARDSHIP IS:
 Learning how to be a responsible and concerned caretaker of Christ’s Church; it is learning how to
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enjoy Church life and be happy in Church work, for in Her dwells the fullness of the Spirit of God.
Our active commitment to use all our time, talent and treasure for the benefit of humankind in
grateful acknowledgement of Christ’s redeeming love.
Caring for the needs of others.
Offering one’s self to God as He offered Himself to us.
What a person does after saying “I believe . . . “, as proof of that belief.
Devotion and service to God and His Church as persons, as families, as diocese/metropolis, as
national Church and as Church universal.
2016 STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENT CARD
INFORMATION
___________________________
Name
___________________________
Spouse Name (if applicable)
___________________________
Street Address
___________________________
City / State / Zip Code
___________________________
Home Phone
___________________________
Mobile Phone
___________________________
Email Address
___________________________
Spouse Email (if applicable)
Dependent children’s names and
birthdates:
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
May we include your contact info
in the parish directory?
_____Yes
_____No
May we add you to our parish
email list?
_____Yes
_____No
In the Gospel of Saint Matthew
(6:19), Jesus instructs us, "Do not
store up for yourselves treasures on
earth, where moth and rust destroy,
and where thieves break in and
steal….” Often in life, we pursue
and collect those things that do not
last. We must ask, “One hundred
years from now, where will our
possessions be?” Our greatest
blessing is our family. As Orthodox
Christians, we are called to be stewards of this great gift. If we are
faithful to this calling, perhaps our
Lord will say to us as he did to the
faithful steward, “Well done good &
faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).
TREASURE
___Altar boys/Acolytes
In gratitude for God’s blessings, I/ ___Baking Prosphoro
We commit to Christ and His ___Choir
Church the following amount:
___Reader
$________ weeklymonthly/annual ___Greeter/Usher
TIME & TALENT
MINISTRIES AND PROGRAMS
Individual stewards indicate areas ___Campus Ministry
of interest with a checkmark. ___Welcome Team
Families mark “H” for husband, ___New Member Events
“W” for wife and “C” for children. ___Outreach
EDUCATION
___Stewardship
___Bible Study
___Sunday Fellowship/Coffee
___Adult Rel. Education
___Visitation—Hospital
___Intro to Orthodoxy
___Visitation—Shut-ins
___Publications
___Feed the Hungry
___Speakers
___Grief Bereavement Group
___Bookstore
___Disaster Relief Projects
___Library
___Blood Drives
YOUTH
___Project Mexico
___Church School Teacher
___IOCC
___Church School Administration
___OCMC Mission Center
___Youth Leader
___Seniors Ministry
___Vacation Church School
___Couples Ministry
___Camp Counselor
___Singles Ministry
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
___Military Ministry
___Garden & Landscape
COMMUNICATIONS
___Plumbing
___Website and Email
___Electrical
___Bulletin and Newsletter
___Clean-up
___Public Relations
___Interior Repairs
Any other talents or info on
___Exterior Repairs
items listed above:
___Roofing
_______________________
___Hall Rentals
___________________________
ADMINISTRATION
PAY BY CREDIT/DEBIT CARD
___Fiscal Mgt/Review
___By-Laws
Credit Card: ___
___
___Fundraising
Cardholder: ___________________________
___Office Help
Acct. #: ______________________________
___Computer/Technical
Exp. Date: ____________________________
___Data Entry
CVV2 Code: ___________________________
LITURGICAL
___Sanctuary & Altar Care (3 or 4 digit on back of card)
J ourney through
Palm Sunday Evening—April 24, 2016
This evening’s service calls to mind the beginning of Jesus’ suffering. The gospel describes the plotting of the
priests and elders to trap Jesus into convicting Himself as a religious heretic. Through parables, Jesus tells us of
His coming betrayal, trial, conviction, and execution by crucifixion. The hymns of this service commemorate two
things: the first, the prophetic figure of Joseph, who, while, virtuous, nonetheless suffered unjustly at the hands
of his brothers before being greatly rewarded, & the second, the parable of the fig tree, which in failing to bear
fruit, became a symbol of fallen creation, & of our own lives, in which we also have failed to bear spiritual fruit.
Holy Monday Evening—April 25, 2016
This evening’s theme is the need for watchfulness and preparation, lest we be called unprepared before the
awesome judgement seat of Christ to render an account of ourselves. The gospel reading contrasts the efforts of
the Pharisees to trick and discredit Jesus, with the forceful resistance which Christ mounts against their evil. The
hymns of remind us of the parable of the Ten Virgins, in which the faithful Christian is exhorted to vigilance.
Holy Tuesday Evening—April 26, 2016
The need for true repentance is the concern of Tuesday evening’s service. This transformation from the life of
sin to a life of faith and obedience is exemplified for us in the person of the sinful woman who received the gift
for forgiveness when she anointed Jesus with myrrh and washed His feet. The highlight of the service is the
hymn written in honor of this woman by St. Kassiani. The Gospel meditation foretells of the coming suffering of
Christ and recalls His inner struggles and agony.
Holy Wednesday Afternoon and Evening—April 27, 2016
The primary theme of Holy Wednesday is our human need for the healing and forgiveness that comes into our
lives when we establish a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We are reminded that the way to this
relationship is to be found, above all else, through the life of prayer. In the Sacrament of Holy Unction, the
faithful are anointed and thus healed both physically and spiritually. They are also reconciled to God and one
another so that they might receive the gift of the Holy Eucharist instituted by Christ at the Last Supper.
Holy Thursday Morning—April 28, 2016
On Holy Thursday morning, we ascent Mt. Zion with Christ and the Twelve, and enter into the upper room. Once
there, we witness the awesome moment when, at the Last Supper, Christ abolishes the ritual practice of the Old
Covenant and establishes the ritual of the New Covenant, prophesied by Jeremiah, through the Sacrament of
Holy Communion. The faithful receive Holy Communion at that Holiest of Liturgies.
Holy Thursday Evening—April 28, 2016
In this service, we commemorate the undeserved suffering of Jesus Christ, endured for our sake, so that we
might be reconciled anew to God our Father. The Gospel readings witness for us the betrayal and arrest of
Jesus, his trial and conviction, and finally his torture, crucifixion and death at the hands of a sinful humanity.
This evening’s service also includes the procession representing Christ carrying His own cross along the Via
Dolorosa, and ends when we see before us the King of Glory crucified.
Holy Week
Holy Friday Afternoon—April 29, 2016
In this service, we are once again reverent witnesses to the underserved suffering of Christ, to his terrible
passion and death. What is remembered in a special way through liturgical commemoration and procession, is
the faithfulness and love of Joseph of Arimathea who tenderly removed Christ’s body from the cross, wrapped it
in clean linen, and carried it to his own unused tomb for burial.
Holy Friday Evening—April 29, 2016
On Good Friday evening, the theme is Christ’s descent into Hades during which the Gospel of repentance and
reconciliation with God is shared with those who died before Christ’s saving dispensation in the flesh. This service
begins with lamentations sung as we stand before the tomb of Christ commemorating His unjust punishment and
the shedding of His innocent blood. But, the service ends on a note of joy and hope, with the reading of the
Prophet Ezekiel in which he describes his vision of our resurrection yet to come; in the midst of despair, we are
told there is hope, for not even death can separate us from the unfailing love and power of God. Death is about
to be conquered and faithfulness rewarded.
Holy Saturday Morning—April 30, 2016
On Holy Saturday morning, we celebrate the theme of faithfulness receiving its reward. The crucifixion is over,
Christ is buried, the twelve apostles and other disciples are scattered and defeated. And yet, three myrrh-bearing
women come in faithfulness to perform the last act of love—to anoint Jesus according to the Jewish burial
custom. Their unwavering devotion is rewarded—they are the first to share in Christ’s triumph over evil and
death. They are the first witnesses to the Resurrection. This joy is commemorated through the scattering of bay
leaves and rose petals by the priest.
Holy Saturday Evening—April 30, 2016
The lamentations of the previous night are repeated and the church is plunged into darkness to symbolize the
despair and defeat experienced before the dawn of Christ’s victory over the Enemy of our salvation. Precisely at
midnight, a single light emerges from the altar representing the victory of Christ over death, the defeat of the
Prince of Darkness by Jesus, the Light of the World. As the light is passed from person to person, it pushes back
the darkness of the church and defeats it completely. The Resurrection is proclaimed in song and triumphant
procession, and after the Liturgy, its light is carried into our homes so that they too might be filled with its light
and warmth and triumph.
Easter Sunday Morning—May 1, 2016
Christ’s Resurrection and victory if affirmed in this morning’s theme. The Gospel is read in several languages to
illustrate the universality of the Good News of the Resurrection and its proclamation to the very ends of the
earth. Love, forgiveness, reconciliation, triumph and joy—these are the gifts which we receive because Christ
lived and died and triumphed for our sake.
PALM SUNDAY
TAXIARCHAE FAMILY LUNCHEON
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016
(Immediately after liturgy)
Adults
Complete Fish Dinner $25 per adult
Children Under 12
Pasta Dinner
$10 per child
Luncheon will be limited to 300 people. We ask that you please pay in advance. Please
call the church office at 617.924.8182 to make your reservation.
EARLY RESERVATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED!
PALM SUNDAY FAMILY LUNCHEON RESERVATION FORM
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Telephone: (
) ______________________________________________________
Amount of tickets you are buying:
Adults: _____
Children: _____
Please complete and return this form, along with your payment, to:
Taxiarchae/Archangels, 25 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472.
Please make checks payable to: Taxiarchae Greek Orthodox Church
Nymphios Service
Sunday, April 24, 2016
His Eminence
Metropolitan Methodios
will preside during the Nymphios Service
on Sunday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m.
ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΑ ΝΥΜΦΙΟΥ
24 Απριλίου 2016
7:00 μ.μ.
Xοροστατούντος του
Σεβασμιωτάτου Μητροπολίτου κ.κ Μεθοδίου
Philoptochos Annual
Palm Sunday Bake Sale
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Homemade tsourekia, Greek desserts,
decorated Easter candles,
red eggs and much more!
Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Orthodox Church
25 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472
Saturday of Lazarus
April 23, 2016
8:45 am—Orthos
9:45 am—Divine Liturgy
Followed by:
Breakfast, Weaving Palm Crosses,
Church Decorating/Cleaning, Confession
All JOY, GOYA, Sunday School, Greek School, young adults and the
ENTIRE TAXIARCHAE FAMILY are invited to join us on this day!
For more information, please call the church office at 617.924.8182.
Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Orthodox Church
25 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472
Holy Friday
Youth Retreat
April 29, 2016
Grades 1—High School—10:00 am—4:30 pm
Pre-School/Kindergarten—Begins at 1:00 pm
RETREAT SCHEDULE
9:00 am—Service of the Royal Hours
10:00 am—Registration
10:30 am—Retreat Program (includes lunch)
3:00-4:30 pm—Apokathelosis Service
GOYA,
OY, Jr./Sr.
LOVE/HOPE/J
chool
l and Greek S
Sunday Schoo
us for our
invited to join
students are
TREAT!
D FRIDAY RE
O
O
G
L
A
U
N
N
A
ALL students should be excused
from school on this holy day and
participate for the entire day.
If you need a letter to be excused from school,
please contact the church office at 617.924.8182.
ON FASTING BY BISHOP MAXIMOS, FORMER METROPOLITAN OF PITTSBURGH
Fasting, in our days, has become one of the most neglected spiritual values. Because of misunderstandings
regarding the nature of fasting, because of confused and reversed priorities in its use, many of today’s Orthodox
Christians fast very little or disregard fasting altogether.
Fasting was practiced by te Lord Himself. After prayer and fasting for forty days to the wilderness, the Lord
victoriously faced the temptations of the devil (Matthew 4:1-11). The Lord himself asked the disciples to use fasting as
an important spiritual weapon to achieve spiritual victories (Matthew 17:21; Mark 9:29; Luke 2:37). The example of the
Lord was followed by His disciples (Acts 14:23, 27:9, I Corinthians 7:5; II Corinthians 6:5, 11:27, etc.) What is fasting?
Why is it so important? Why does fasting precede such important feasts such as Easter and Christmas?
The importance of fasting depends on its meaning. Many of the Fathers have written on fasting. Among others, St.
Basil has left us with most inspired comments on fasting. St. Basil tells us that fasting is not abstaining from food only;
it is first of all, abstaining from sin. Grounded in the teaching of the Fathers, the Church in its hymnology describes
fasting as the mother of chastity and prudence, as the accuser of sin and as the advocate of repentance, the life worthy
of angels and the salvation of humans (The Lenten Triodion, trans. Kallistos Ware, London 1978, p. 195). Fasting
becomes all of these when observed in the proper spirit.
First of all, fasting is abstinence from food. By detaching us from early goods and realities, fasting has a liberating
effect on us and makes us worthy of the life of the spirit, a life similar to that of angels. Second, fasting, as abstinence
from bad habits and sin, is the mother of Christian virtues, the mother of sound and wholesome thinking; it allows us to
establish the proper priority between the material and spiritual, giving priority to the spiritual.
Fasting is the advocate of repentance. Adam and Eve disobeyed God; they refused to fast from the forbidden fruit.
They became slaves of their own desires. But now through fasting, through obedience to the rules of the Church
regarding the use of spiritual and material goods, we may return to the life in Paradise, a life of communion with God,
Thus, fasting is a means of salvation, this salvation being a life we live in accordance with the Divine will, in communion
with God.
Because of the liberating effect of fasting, both material and spiritual, the Church has connected fasting with the
celebration of the major feasts of our tradition. Easter is, of course, our main feast. It is the “feast of feasts”. It is the
feast of our liberation from the bondage of sin, from corrupted nature, from death. For on that day, through His
Resurrection from the dead, Christ has raised us “from death to life, and from earth to heaven” (Resurrection Canon),
Christ, “our new Passover”, has taken us away from the land of slavery, sin and death, to the promised land of freedom
bliss and glory; from our sinful condition to resurrected life.
It is most appropriate to prepare for this celebration through a liberating fast, both material and spiritual. This is the
profound meaning that fasting takes during the Great Lent. Let us allow ourselves to take advantage of the spiritual
riches of the Church. Let us use the precious messianic gifts offered to us through its sacramental life, through its
celebrations of the central mysteries of our salvation in Christ. Let us use the spiritual weapons “to fight the good fight,
to walk the way of fasting, to crush the heads of the invisible dragons, to prove ourselves victorious over sin, and
without condemnation to reach our goal of worshipping the Holy Resurrection” (Prayer of the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy).
This is the challenge of the Great Lent: to use fasting to obtain the resurrected life, to unite with the Risen Lord.
WHO COULD REFUSE TO ACCEPT THIS CHALLENGE?
ANNOUNCEMENTS
WELCOME TO ALL VISITORS: Please join us for fellowship immediately following the Liturgy in the
social hall. For those visiting an Orthodox Church, please be aware that Holy Communion is a sign of unity
of faith which is only offered to Baptized or Chrismated Orthodox Christians. However, all present are
welcome to partake of the Antidoro (blessed bread) which is distributed at the end of the service.
PARKING: Help us be a good neighbor. When parking at the Watertown Savings Bank, the ATM
needs to be accessible to bank patrons, even on Sunday’s! Please be considerate.
MEMORIALS: Memorial service is offered today for the repose of the soul of Periklis Diamantopoulos
(2 years). May his memory be eternal! Αιωνία η Mνήμη!
PHILOPTOCHOS . . . is searching for . . .
Fellowship Coffee Hour Sponsors!
Thank you to all who have sponsored a fellowship coffee hour in the past! For those who are interested,
please consider signing up to host one. Refreshments do not need to be fancy or expensive. Please
contact the church office at 617.924.8182 to sign up. Thank you!
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC: Fridays from 9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
SUNDAY WEEKLY BULLETIN: Every week, the Sunday Weekly Bulletin is posted on our website at
www.goarchangels.org.
LENTEN FOOD DRIVE: Sunday School is accepting donations of non-perishable food items that will be
donated to needy families from our Church as well as the Holy Resurrection Bulgarian Orthodox Church in
Allston to fill their food pantry shelves. Thank you for your help and God bless you!
HELLENIC COLLEGE HOLY CROSS GOLF TOURNAMENT: Support HCHC’s vital mission of educating
future leaders for service in the Church and society by participating in the 24th Annual Nicholas J. Bouras
Memorial Golf Classic on Monday, July 18, 2016 at the beautiful Kernwood Country Club course in Salem,
MA. Please visit www.hchc.edu for more information.
GREEK SCHOOL—There will be NO GREEK SCHOOL on Tuesday, April 19, Thursday, April 21,
Saturday, April 23, Thursday, April 28, and Saturday, April 30. There will be GREEK SCHOOL on
Tuesday, April 26. Thank you.
APRIL 23—SATURDAY OF LAZARUS
8:45 am/9:45 am—Orthros & Divine Liturgy
(See Saturday of Lazarus flyer)
APRIL 24—PALM SUNDAY
(See Palm Sunday flyer)
23 Απριλίου—Σάββατο του Λαζάρου
8.45 π.μ./9.45 π.μ.—Όρθρος, Θ.Λειτουργία
24 Απριλίου—Κυριακή των Βαΐων
8.30 π.μ./9.45 π.μ.—Όρθρος, Θ.Λειτουργία
7 μ.μ.—Ακολουθία Νυμφίου
8:30 am/9:45 am—Orthros & Divine Liturgy
Xοροστατούντος του Σεβασμιωτάτου
7 pm—NYMPHIOS (Bridegroom) SERVICE
Μητροπολίτου κ.κ. Μεθοδίου
HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN METHODIOS
PRESIDING
25 Απριλίου—Μεγάλη Δευτέρα
APRIL 25—HOLY MONDAY
9 π.μ.—Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία
9 am—Pre-Sanctified Liturgy with Holy Communion
7 μ.μ.Ακολουθία Νυμφίου
7 pm—Nymphios (Bridegroom) Service
26 Απριλίου—Μεγάλη Τρίτη
APRIL 26—HOLY TUESDAY
9 π.μ.—Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία
9 am—Pre-Sanctified Liturgy with Holy Communion
7 μ.μ.—Ακολουθία Νυμφίου (Tροπάριον της Κασσιανής)
7 pm—Nymphios (Bridegroom) Service
27 Απριλίου—Μεγάλη Τετάρτη
(Hymn of Kassiani)
9 π.μ. - Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία
APRIL 27—HOLY WEDNESDAY
3 μ.μ.—Άγιον Ευχέλαιον, (για μεγάλους και παιδιά)
9 am—Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, Holy Communion
7 μ.μ.—Άγιον Ευχέλαιον (για μεγάλους)
3 pm—Holy Unction Service (for children & parents)
28 Απριλίου—Μεγάλη Πέμπτη
7 pm—Holy Unction Service
6 π.μ.—Θεία Λειτουργία
APRIL 28—HOLY THURSDAY
7 μ.μ.—Τα Άγιο Πάθη, Τα 12 Ευαγγέλια
6 am—Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great
29 Απριλίου—Μεγάλη Παρασκευή
7 pm—Holy Passion, The Twelve Gospels
9 π.μ.—Ακολουθία των Βασιλικών Ώρων
APRIL 29—HOLY FRIDAY
9 am—The Service of the Royal Hours
3 μ.μ.—Αποκαθήλωση
10:30 am—2:30 pm—Holy Friday Youth Retreat
6.30 μ.μ.—Τρισάγιον
3 pm—The Unnailing (Apokathelosis) Service
7 μ.μ.—Επιτάφιος Θρήνος, Τα Εγκώμια
6:30 pm—Trisagion for the Departed
30 Απριλίου—Μέγα Σάββατο
7 pm—The Epitaphios—Lamentations
7 π.μ.—Θεία Λειτουργία
APRIL 30—HOLY SATURDAY
11 μ.μ.—Ακολουθία προ της Αναστάσεως
7 am—Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great
1 Μαΐου—ΠΑΣΧΑ
11 pm—Resurrection Vigil
12 μεσάνυχτα—Πασχαλινή Θεία Λειτουργία
MAY 30 —PASCHA—EASTER SUNDAY
Θα ακολουθήσει το Κήρυγμα του Αγίου Ιωάννου του
12 Midnight—Paschal Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Χρυσόστομου. Μετά την Λειτουργία θα δοθούν τα
The prayer of Saint John Chrysostom to follow.
Πασχαλινά Kόκκινα Αυγά.
Easter eggs will be distributed.
10:30 π.μ.—Εσπερινός της Αγάπης
10:30 am—Vespers of Love (Agape Service)
After the resurrection service on Holy Saturday, please join us in the Community Center as we celebrate
the Anastasi with champagne, mezethakia, and red Easter eggs! Everyone is welcome!
Holy Week and Pascha Decorations
Sunday, April 24—Sunday, May 1, 2016
PALM SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE
Palms and decorations—$500
Icon (Palm Sunday) floral arrangement—$100
PALM SUNDAY EVENING TO HOLY WEDNESDAY EVENING
Iconostasis gates decorations—$200
Nymphios (Bridegroom) Icon floral arrangement—$100
Altar table decorations—$100
HOLY THURSDAY
Wreath for Cross (Estavromenos)—$175
Icon (Crucifixion) floral arrangement—$100
Two additional wreaths—$100 each
HOLY FRIDAY
Epitaphio flowers—$800
Kouvouklion dome decorations—$300
Iconostasis gates decorations—$200
Icon (Extreme Humility) floral arrangement—$100
HOLY SATURDAY/PASCHA
Iconostasis gates decorations—$300
Bay Leaves and Rose Petals—$100
Resurrection Banner—$100
Icon (Resurrection) floral arrangement—$100
Altar Table decorations—$100
Icon in Narthex (Resurrection) floral arrangement—$100
Paschal Candle—$50
Easter Lily—$30 each
TAXIARCHAE/ARCHANGELS, 25 BIGELOW AVE., WATERTOWN, MA 02472
To donate flowers, please contact the church office at 617.924.8182. Thank you!
Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________________________________________________________
Donation Item: _______________________________________________ Donation Amount: _________________