The Dove

 

  St. Nikon was born in Naples. His father was a pagan, and his mother a Christian. He was not baptized, but his mother secretly instructed him in the tenets of Christianity. Nikon was still a pagan when he reached adulthood. He served as a soldier, and showed unusual courage and strength. Once, Nikon and his military company were surrounded by enemies. In deadly peril, he remembered the Christian precepts of his mother and, signing himself with the Sign of the Cross, he prayed to God, vowing to be baptized if he were saved. Filled with unusual strength, he killed many of the enemy, and put the rest to flight. Once returning home, he gave thanks to God for preserving his life. With the blessing of his mother, he set off in search of a priest. He went up to a high mountain on the island of Chios and spent 8 days in fasting and prayer, entreating the Lord to help him. An angel appeared to St. Nikon in a dream and led him to a monastic community on Mount Ganos led by Bishop Theodosius...

Upcoming News & Events WELCOME TO ALL VISITORS: For those visiting an Orthodox Church for the first time, please be aware that Holy Communion is a sign of unity of faith which is only offered to Baptized or Chrismated Orthodox Christians. All present are welcome, however, to partake of the antidoro (blessed bread) which is distributed at the end of the service. Those interested in learning more about the Orthodox Christian faith, please feel free to see Fr. George after the service. This week, to assist you in the Narthex we have at the Pangary: Jim Karimbakas, Nicole Arsenis; Greeter: Stephen Dragotakes; Ushers: Dimitri Zaferacopoulos, Nicholas Bouritsas, Charlie Eliopoulos, Constantine T. Kechris.   MEMORIAL: The memorial service is offered today for the repose of the soul of Maria Papagianopoulos (1 year). May her memory be Eternal.  FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Please join us for fellowship immediately following the Divine Liturgy in the Anastasia and Spiro Davis Hall. The fe...

  INTRODUCTION - On the Third Sunday of Great and Holy Lent, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Services include a special veneration of the Cross, which prepares the faithful for the commemoration of the Crucifixion during Holy Week. Not only does the Sunday of the Holy Cross prepare us for commemoration of the Crucifixion, but it also reminds us that the whole of Lent is a period when we are crucified with Christ. As we have “crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24), and will have mortified ourselves during these forty days of the Fast, the precious and life-giving Cross is now placed before us to refresh our souls and encourage us who may be filled with a sense of bitterness, resentment, and depression. The Cross reminds us of the Passion of our Lord, and by presenting to us His example, it encourages us to follow Him in struggle and sacrifice, being refreshed, assured, and comforted...

 

INTRODUCTION On the Second Sunday of Lent the Orthodox Church commemorates our Holy Father Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica, the Wonderworker. The feast day of Saint Gregory Palamas is November 14, however, he is commemorated on this Sunday as the condemnation of his enemies and the vindication of his teachings by the Church in the 14th century was acclaimed as a second triumph of Orthodoxy.

  Martyr Sabinus of Egypt The Holy Martyr Sabinus was administrator of the Egyptian city of Hermopolis. During a persecution of Christians under the emperor Diocletian (284-305), Saint Sabinus and some like-minded companions hid in a remote village. His hiding place was revealed by a certainungrateful beggar who had brought him food. The saint used to feed him and help him with money, but the man betrayed him for two pieces of gold. Sabinus was seized with six other Christians, and after torture they were all drowned in the Nile in 287.

  Upcoming News & Events WELCOME TO ALL VISITORS: For those visiting an Orthodox Church for the first time, please be aware that Holy Communion is a sign of unity of faith which is only offered to Baptized or Chrismated Orthodox Christians. All present are welcome, however, to partake of the antidoro (blessed bread) which is distributed at the end of the service. Those interested in learning more about the Orthodox Christian faith, please feel free to see Fr. George after the service. This week, to assist you in the Narthex we have at the Pangary: Jim Karimbakas, Nick Kanaris; Greeter: Peter Koshivos; Ushers: Nikolaos Kontis, Lula Kiflit, Parthena Savvidis, Carol Travayiakis. MEMORIAL: The memorial service is offered today for the repose of the soul of John Papadakis (20 years). May his memory be Eternal.  FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Please join us for fellowship immediately following the Divine Liturgy in the Anastasia and Spiro Davis Hall. The fellowship hour is offered in memory o...

  On Sunday, March 9th, our Annunciation Community celebrated the Sunday of Orthodoxy and the triumph of the faith at the 7th Ecumenical Council and the preservation of the tradition of Holy Iconography. After the service, our youth participated in a procession around the church with their favorite icon.

 

INTRODUCTION - The Sunday of Orthodoxy is the first Sunday of Great Lent. The dominant theme of this Sunday since 843 has been that of the victory of the icons. In that year the iconoclastic controversy, which had raged on and off since 726, was finally laid to rest, and icons and their veneration were restored on the first Sunday in Lent. Ever since, this Sunday has been commemorated as the "Triumph of Orthodoxy."

Saint Caesarius was the son of Saint Gregory (January 1) and Saint Nonna (August 5), and the brother of Saint Gregory the Theologian (January 25). After studying oratory, philosophy, medicine and other subjects in Alexandria, he went to Constantinople, where he became one of the city's leading doctors. Such was his reputation that Emperor Constantius wanted to make him his personal physician. Saint Caesarius thanked him, but declined. When his brother Saint Gregory completed his studies in Athens, he visited Constantinople (between 358 and 360), and there he met Caesarius. So the two brothers returned to Nazianzus together. In 361, when Julian the Apostate became Emperor, Saint Caesarius was summoned to Constantinople to become his physician. Although the evil Emperor was a fierce persecutor of the Church and issued many edicts against Cheistians, he exempted Saint Caesarius from any punishment. Julian repeatedly tried to turn Saint Caesarius away from Christ, but he was unable to ...

  Upcoming News & Events WELCOME TO ALL VISITORS: For those visiting an Orthodox Church for the first time, please be aware that Holy Communion is a sign of unity of faith which is only offered to Baptized or Chrismated Orthodox Christians. All present are welcome, however, to partake of the antidoro (blessed bread) which is distributed at the end of the service. Those interested in learning more about the Orthodox Christian faith, please feel free to see Fr. George after the service. This week, to assist you in the Narthex we have at the Pangary: Jim Karimbakas, Dimitri Zaferacopoulos; Greeter: Nicole Arsenis; Ushers: Nicholas Bouritsas, Charlie Eliopoulos, Constantine T. Kechris, Lula Kiflit. MEMORIAL: The memorial service is offered today for the repose of the souls of Panagiotis Giannopoulos (1 year), Konstantinos Roumis (2 years) and Vasilios Theodorou (52 years). Memorial prayers are offered today for the repose of the souls of George Kalambokis, Dimitra Kalambokis, Merop...

 

INTRODUCTION - The Sunday of Forgiveness is the last Sunday prior to the commencement of Great Lent. During the pre-Lenten period, the services of the Church include hymns from the Triodion, a liturgical book that contains the services from the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, the tenth before Pascha (Easter), through Great and Holy Saturday. On the Sunday of Forgiveness focus is placed on the exile of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, an event that shows us how far we have fallen in sin and separated ourselves from God. At the onset of Great Lent and a period of intense fasting, this Sunday reminds us of our need for God’s forgiveness and guides our hearts, minds, and spiritual efforts on returning to Him in repentance.

  Upcoming News & Events WELCOME TO ALL VISITORS: For those visiting an Orthodox Church for the first time, please be aware that Holy Communion is a sign of unity of faith which is only offered to Baptized or Chrismated Orthodox Christians. All present are welcome, however, to partake of the antidoro (blessed bread) which is distributed at the end of the service. Those interested in learning more about the Orthodox Christian faith, please feel free to see Fr. George after the service. This week, to assist you in the Narthex we have at the Pangary: Jim Karimbakas, Peter Koshivos; Greeter: Nikolaos Kontis; Ushers: Nicolas Kanaris, Elaine Racheotes, Parthena Savvides, Carol Travayiakis.  TRISAGION: Memorial prayers are offered today for the repose of the souls of James George Boujoukos (40 days), George Boujoukos, Esther Boujoukos, Charles Dukas, and Gregory Tamis (Tamiolakis). May their memory be Eternal.  FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Please note, the fellowship hour will not be of...

    The Hieromartyr Theodotus, a native of Galatia in Asia Minor, was Bishop of Cyrenia in Cyprus. During a time of persecution against Christians under the impious emperor Licinius (311-324), Saint Theodotus openly preached Christ, calling on the pagans to abandon idolatry and turn to the true God. Sabinus, the governor of Cyprus, ordered that Bishop Theodotus be arrested and brought to trial. When he heard about this order, the saint did not wait for the soldiers to be sent after him, but immediately went to the governor saying, “I, whom you seek, am here. I have shown myself in order to preach Christ my God.” The governor ordered that the saint be beaten without mercy, suspended from a tree, raked with sharp implements, and then be taken to prison. Five days later Saint Theodotus was brought to the governor, who presumed that after his tortures the bishop would prefer to renounce Christ, rather than endure new sufferings. However, Saint Theodotus did not cease to preach abo...

 

  SATURDAY OF SOULS: On Saturday, March 8, we will commemorate the 2st Saturday of Souls at the Cathedral on Parker Street. Orthros begins at 8:30 am followed by the Divine Liturgy & Memorial Service at 10:00 am. ΨΥΧΟΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ: Το Σάββατο, 1 Μαρτίου, θα έχουμε το 2ο Ψυχοσάββατο  στον  Καθεδρικό Ναό. Ο Όρθρος θα  αρχίσει στις 8.30 πμ. και θα ακολουθήσει η Θεία Λειτουργία και το Μνημόσυνο στις 10:00 πμ.

  Upcoming News & Events WELCOME TO ALL VISITORS: For those visiting an Orthodox Church for the first time, please be aware that Holy Communion is a sign of unity of faith which is only offered to Baptized or Chrismated Orthodox Christians. All present are welcome, however, to partake of the antidoro (blessed bread) which is distributed at the end of the service. Those interested in learning more about the Orthodox Christian faith, please feel free to see Fr. George after the service. This week, to assist you in the Narthex we have at the Pangary: Jim Karimbakas, Stephen Dragotakes; Greeter: Constantine T. Kechris; Ushers: Dimitri Zaferacopoulos, Nicholas Bouritsas, Charlie Eliopoulos, Lula Kiflit. MEMORIAL: The memorial service is offered today for the repose of the souls of George and Kalliroe Georgountzos, Theone and Vasilios Orphanos, Aglaia and Sotirios Chrysikos, Eugenia Georgountzos and Menelaos Kariofyllis. Memorial prayers are offered today for the repose of the souls ...

  INTRODUCTION - The Sunday of the Last Judgment is the third Sunday of a three-week period prior to the commencement of Great Lent. During this time, the services of the Church have begun to include hymns from the Triodion, a liturgical book that contains the services from the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, the tenth before Pascha (Easter), through Great and Holy Saturday. On this day, focus is placed on the future judgment of all persons who will stand before the throne of God when Christ returns in His glory.

St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, who was “fruitful in every good work” (Col. 1:10), was born in the 1st c., and lived in Smyrna in Asia Minor. He was orphaned at an early age, but at the direction of an angel, he was raised by the pious widow Kallista. After the death of his adoptive mother, Polycarp gave away his possessions and began to lead a chaste life, caring for the sick and the infirm. He was very fond of and close to St. Bucolus, Bishop of Smyrna (Feb. 6). He ordained Polycarp as deacon, entrusting to him to preach the Word of God in church. He also ordained him to the holy priesthood. The holy Apostle John the Theologian was still alive at this time. St. Polycarp was especially close to St. John, and sometimes accompanied him on his apostolic journeys. Shortly before his death, St. Bucolus expressed his wish that Polycarp be made Bishop of Smyrna. When St. Polycarp was consecrated as a bishop, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him. St. Polycarp guided his flock with apostolic ...

 

In all scripture you will not find a more striking account of God’s understanding and love than in this morning’s reading, recorded for us by St. Luke, of the story of the forgiving father. It is unfortunate that over the centuries this parable has come to be known as that of the Prodigal Son, because it is that father who is the true centerpiece of the story, flanked as he is on either side by his two very different sons. Turning to the younger of the two sons, we see that his behavior is offensive in a variety of ways. He asks to receive his inheritance ahead of his older brother to whom deference and respect should have been shown. And after having received his inheritance he proceeds to squander it in disreputable ways. Abandoned by his new-found friends when he could no longer afford to spend freely on them, he ends up suffering the ultimate humiliation --- forced to live the life of a Gentile, caring for pigs. Hungry at times, he is even reduced to sharing the food of the pigs to...

St. Pamphίlios, an educated priest, devoted much labor to collating manuscripts and correcting the copyists' errors in the manuscripts of the New Testament and distributed them to anyone who wanted them, converting the pagans to Christ in the process. His works were gathered into the extensive library of spiritual books available for the enlightenment of Christians. Actively assisting St. Pamphίlios were Elias, Paul, and his deacon, Valens. All three were imprisoned for 2 years by Urban, the governor of Palestinian Caesarea, before going with the 130 other Christians sentenced in Egypt who were sent to work in the Asia Minor gold mines. On the way back, they would all be imprisoned again, this time joined by Egyptian youths, Elias, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Samuel, and Daniel. When the Egyptian youths were asked where they were from, they replied that they were citizens of Jerusalem, meaning the heavenly Jerusalem. Firmilian knew nothing of such a city, since Jerusalem had been razed to th...

  Upcoming News & Events WELCOME TO ALL VISITORS: For those visiting an Orthodox Church for the first time, please be aware that Holy Communion is a sign of unity of faith which is only offered to Baptized or Chrismated Orthodox Christians. All present are welcome, however, to partake of the antidoro (blessed bread) which is distributed at the end of the service. Those interested in learning more about the Orthodox Christian faith, please feel free to see Fr. George after the service. This week, to assist you in the Narthex we have at the Pangary: Jim Karimbakas, Lula Kiflit; Greeter: Nikolaos Kontis; Ushers: Peter Koshivos, Elaine Racheotes, Tina Savvidis, Carol Travayiakis. MEMORIAL: The memorial service is offered today for the repose of the souls of Evangelia  (Evelyn) Diranian (10 years), John Strategakis (10 years) and Andrew Diranian (30 years). May their memory be Eternal.  The altar flowers are donated in memory of Evangelia (Evelyn), and Andrew Diranian, and...

 

Jesus Christ shared the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee with us to warn us of the great spiritual danger of arrogant self-confidence in our own righteousness, coupled with contempt for those whom we consider to be beneath us. In this way Jesus sought to protect us from the terrible spiritual sickness of Pharissee-ism. This disease of the soul first manifests itself as absolute confidence and trust in the rightness of our own point of view and judgement; it presupposes our personal superiority over others. And this twisted expression of self confidence quickly degenerates into uncritical self-satisfaction and self righteousness, into a kind of mindless self-admiration. It takes endless endless pleasure in the self, and in all that it does. Let us look at the Pharisee in today’s parable. He goes into the Temple of God to offer incense to his own self-idol. He proclaims his saintliness and enumerates his good works. He admires and praises himself. He, after all, is not like other...

The Holy Martyr Nikephoros (Nikēphóros) lived in the city of Syrian Antioch. In this city lived also the presbyter Sapricius, with whom Nikephoros was very friendly, so that they were considered as brothers. They quarreled because of some disagreement, and their former love changed into enmity and hate. After a certain time Nikephoros came to his senses, repented of his sin and more than once asked Sapricius, through mutual friends, to forgive him. Sapricius, however, did not wish to forgive him. Nikephoros then went to his former friend and fervently asked forgiveness, but Sapricius was adamant. At this time the emperors Valerian (253-259) and Gallius (260-268) began to persecute Christians, and one of the first brought before the court was the priest Sapricius. He firmly confessed himself a Christian, underwent tortures for his faith and was condemned to death by beheading with a sword. As they led Sapricius to execution, Nikephoros tearfully implored his forgiveness saying, “O marty...

  Upcoming News & Events WELCOME TO ALL VISITORS: For those visiting an Orthodox Church for the first time, please be aware that Holy Communion is a sign of unity of faith which is only offered to Baptized or Chrismated Orthodox Christians. All present are welcome, however, to partake of the antidoro (blessed bread) which is distributed at the end of the service. Those interested in learning more about the Orthodox Christian faith, please feel free to see Fr. George after the service. This week, to assist you in the Narthex we have at the Pangary: Jim Karimbakas, Carol Travayiakis; Greeter: Dimitri Zaferacopoulos; Ushers: Nicholas Bouritsas, Stephen Dragotakes, Charlie Eliopoulos, Constantine T. Kechris. MEMORIAL: The memorial service is offered today for the repose of the souls of George Glaropoulos (1 year). Memorial prayers are offered today for the repose of the souls of Helen Dukas, Panagiotis, Efstathia, Christos and Eleftheria Palyvos. May their memory be Eternal.  ...