The Dove

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: Nikos Bouritsas, Lula Kiflit; Greeter: Peter Koshivos; Ushers: Chuck Papaslis, Tina Savvidis, Carol Travayiakis, Dimitri Zaferacopoulos. MEMORIAL: The memorial service is offered today for the repose of the souls of Susan Galatis (1 year), Nicholas Galatis (2 years), Maria Ploumis (4 years), Nick Ploumis (7 years). Memorial prayers are offered today for the repose of the souls of Anthony Andreadis, Demetra Halulakos, Panagiotis Dukas, Mary ...

  The Martyr Tatiana was born into a respected Roman family. Her father, an elected consul, was secretly a Christian and raised his daughter in the Church. St.Tatiana disdained earthly riches and committed herself to being a virgin for Christ and serving those in need. During the reign of 16-year-old Alexander Severus, Christians were heavily persecuted. St. Tatiana, being arrested, was brought to the Temple of Apollo to offer sacrifice. Through her prayers, an earthquake smashed the idols, and the temple collapsed. The daemon inhabiting the temple fled. Then they tore her eyes out with hooks, but she bravely endured everything, praying for her tormentors that the Lord would open their spiritual eyes. And the Lord heard the prayer of His servant. The executioners saw four angels encircle the saint and beat her tormentors. A voice was heard from the heavens speaking to the holy virgin. 8 men believed in Christ and fell on their knees before St. Tatiana, begging for forgiveness. For ...

  What is the meaning behind the Blessing of the Waters service? This was the question that little Israelite children were taught to ask at the Passover seder ritual (Ex. 12:26). This same question we too should ask in the month of January as we celebrate the Baptism of Christ. Through the liturgies of Epiphany and the blessings of homes, we also re- celebrate our own Baptisms, which are simply reenactments of His Baptism. The feast of Epiphany (also called Theophany) has always been a major feast day in the church right behind Pascha with each of the four Gospels retelling the story of that day. These stories from the Gospel paint a fairly simple picture. Christ enters the Jordan River with St. John the Baptist. After he comes out of the water, the heavens open and the Holy Spirit descends in the form of a dove and the voice of God says, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” To comprehend the deeper meaning, you must look back at the book of Genesis. There we read...