ST. GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH THE FORERUNNER

VOLUME XXX NUMBER 7 JULY 2014

THE BOND OF LOVE—TWO YEARS AFTER SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:

NOTE: Since on July 14th we will celebrate two years  The Bond of Love—Two form the opening of the doors of our Church, I am re- years after posting a sermon I delivered 4 years ago as the last in a series associated with our Capital Campaign. It is, in my  On Jesus prayer– by opinion, very relevant today and something that we need Metr. Alfeyev to hold on for the future. Enjoy! Many years parish of St.  The Ascent of Prophet John’s! Elias—by D. Panagop- oulos Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is  Parish Council Capsule the first and great commandment. And the second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments  The Stewardship program hang all the Law and the Prophets. (Mat 22:37-40) 2014 needs your atten- tion St. John the Little, a of St. Pachomious the  Mid Cities Greekfest Great, said once “Nobody builds his house from the roof down 2014 but from the foundation up”. Asked what he meant by this he said “our foundation is our neighbor; to him I should tend first, because on him hang all the commandments of Christ.” The (Continued on page 2)

COUNCIL CAPSULE INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Unfortunately, I must start this article with some bitter-sweet news. I regret to announce that due to personal circumstances Nik Stanosheck is not able to continue in his roles as the Parish Council Treasurer and as a Parish Council member; he has submitted his formal res- ignation for both posts. However Nik remains as a member of the Parish and a great COUNCIL CAPSULE 2 friend. On behalf of the Parish Council I would like to thank Nik for his service this year! On a more cheerful note, I am happy to announce that Nancy Medvic accepted a nomina- NEW STEWARD- 4 tion to rejoin the Parish Council for the remainder of Nik’s term. The Parish Council con- SHIP PAGE vened a special session on Sunday June 15th at which time Nancy Medvic was unanimously YOUTH MINISTRIES 6 elected, and was immediately sworn in. Nancy also graciously accepted a nomination to the Office of Treasurer, and was also unanimously elected. For those of you who may not know, Nancy has had only a six month break from her previous service on the Parish Coun- PHILOPTOCHOS 7 cil where she also served as Treasurer. On behalf of the Council I offer my sincere thanks to Nancy in accepting these roles so willingly. MUSIC MINISTRIES 8 Changing subjects slightly, I would like to offer my gratitude for all who participated in our th Committee Fair on Sunday June 29 , thank you. I truly believe that this model of opera- CALENDAR 11 (Continued on page 2) PAGE 2 THE FORERUNNER

COUNCIL’S CAPSULE

(Continued from page 1) honestly, it is one of the Talent, and Treasure in pur- things we are known for. suit of our Parish’s opera- tion will allow us to act in the tion, maintenance, and This kicked off the first phase most effective and responsible growth. of this effort with additional manner as stewards of our committees to be organized wonderful Parish. Addition- and announced in the future. ally, I hope that this will also If you did not have an oppor- Jeremy Ellis, Parish Council foster an increased sense of tunity to attend you can reach community as many of us President out to anyone on the Council pitch in at the same time to- in order to get information on ward a common goal, which the established committees is important with so many and learn what role would be new faces around over the last best for you. Thank you again few years. We have such a for your amazing willingness A COMMUNITY beautiful history of being a to contribute your Time, OF FAITH HAS tight-knit community, and TO BE FIRST OF ALL A COMMUNITY OF LOVE. WE THE BOND OF LOVE (CONT.) CANNOT BE IN (Continued from page 1) Agape signifies a love that is un- universal love of God, a perfect WITH THE LOVE conditional, selfless, genuine, unity of persons that has all the INCARNATE IF essence of Christianity is love, and cheerful. It is the type of love He needs and yet He creates but love has to be directed to love that never asks but always the world and in it He puts Man WE DON’T SHARE someone other than us, other- gives, is a love that does not so He can have other subjects THIS SENTIMENT wise it becomes selfishness. Our bother to suspect anything but that can partake in the perfect AMONG relationship with God depends trusts, it is the love that does not love of the Holy Trinity. OURSELVES. on our relationship with our talk bad about others, or ever brothers and sisters. If I don’t gets upset, or yells or has swing- God did not needed this for love my brother and do not want ing moods. It is how God love us Himself, He did not just wanted to be with him than how could I and how we should love our a partner to play with, but He, be with God that loves my neighbor. unselfishly, wanted someone to brother? share with what He already had On Easter day, the holiest day in abundance: love. He offered The ancient Greeks had a real for Orthodox people, we hold a man the possibility to enter into fondness for the concept of love service that we also call “Agape” a relationship of love with Him, and were very particular in de- vespers. Maybe you have won- a relationship wanted from both scribing it, employing several dered where this name comes sides, a relationship of unbiased words to describe its different from. Its true meaning is linked free choice. Any other solution meanings. For this they had eros, with the Gospel of the day that beside the total freedom to join which is the passionate love, according to Tradition is read in in or not, which also includes the more linked with the flesh in the many different languages. The risk of rejection, would have modern understanding, but not languages are a symbol of the fallen into the category of ar- necessarily the only meaning of love God has for all the people of ranged marriages. it; they also used philia for the this world, not just for the Isra- love toward our friends and the elites, but for all the gentiles that God wanted a true love, a love things we enjoy in life; storge were all called to be a new holy based on mutual understanding represented the family love, like nation under Christ, united into and informed consent: a simple parents for their children; and His holy body, the Church. This finally they had agape. represents the real agape: the (Continued on page 3) VOLUME XXX NUMBER 7 PAGE 3

THE BOND OF LOVE (CONT.)

(Continued from page 2) grow; one renouncing his will the love incarnate if we don’t for the other’s will, one giving share this sentiment among our- choice and man would have had the other receiving, always selves. We join the Church be- everything. Man however, we cheerful, always joyful, always cause we love God, but the ex- know the history by now, reject- holding the other one in first pression of this love is made ed this union initially and sold it regard. through our brothers and sisters. for an immaterial dream of exist- They are the true gate to para- ence in creation without its Cre- We re-enact this great mystery dise, our long waited ticket to ator. every Sunday when during Litur- heaven. gy we partake of the Eucharist. The day of the great fall was a Christ makes Himself again small Only united in one holy body the sad day in the existence of Man so we can take Him in our bodies building blocks we need for our but in the same time one that and in turn we become big, we Church will be brought together made possible the revelation of become one with God, as He in an unbreakable bond. In love always wanted. But through Him and unity our sacrifice and com- we also become one with all that mitment will serve the holy pur- partake with Him; through com- pose of living a true life in munion with Christ we actually Christ. become a Church. One becomes many and many become one. Now therefore you are no longer When one joins the church one strangers and foreigners, but fellow THIS IS THE ONLY ceased being alone, from one, citizens with the , and of the WAY: TO LOVE living in isolation one becomes EACH OTHER AS part of a community that shares household of God, and are built CHRIST LOVES US. everything in agape. upon the foundation of the apostles THE BONDS THAT and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself FORM BETWEEN being the chief cornerstone, in whom What unites the bricks of His PEOPLE THROUGH Church, us, His people, is not every building having been fitly UNCONDITIONED mortar, but is Him, love incar- framed together, grows into a holy LOVE, RESPECT nate, the genuine and original sanctuary in the Lord; in whom you AND agape. His love however is one also are built together for a dwelling CONSIDERATION God’s supreme commitment to that compels us to imitation. If ARE THE ONLY Man, a revelation of His pro- we want our church to be solid place of God through the Spirit. ONES THAT COULD found love for mankind, a love and last forever we should make (Eph 2:19-22) that goes all the way to sacrifice. sure we have enough of this spe- LAST A LIFETIME Not a sacrifice of animals: doves cial cement. Hear the words of or lambs or goats, but a mean- the Holy Apostle Paul: “I want ingful sacrifice, the sacrifice of you to know what a great conflict I the only Son of God, Who came have for you [...] that [your] hearts down to give us another chance might be comforted, being knit to- to be redeemed and to rejoin gether in love.” (Col 2:1-2). God in His plans for union with Mankind. This is the only way: to love each other as Christ loves us. The God emptied Himself of all His bonds that form between people heavenly glory and from His through unconditioned love, greatness He made Himself respect and consideration are the small, one of us, so we can be only ones that could last a life made great; as St. Athanasius time and dare I say an eternity. A said: God became man so man can community of faith has to be first become, at his turn, god. This is the of all a community of love. We great mystery of love: one be- cannot be in communion with coming small so the other could

PAGE 4 THE FORERUNNER

2014 STEWARDSHIP - In the May 2014 Orthodox I struggle with how or what I talent and treasure by com- Observer under Archdiocese should say to convince parish- pleting a Stewardship Com- News there was a thought ioners to become stewards. mitment Card. To date we provoking and inspirational Should I be doing greater have 114 Stewards and article about Stewardship. outreach? Do I come on too $212,532.00 pledged toward The article spoke of strong or not strong enough? our goal of $278,000. It’s “Stewardship Training” and How can I encourage others achievable and with your help how the transformation after that Stewardship is the foun- we can make this the year that parishioners took part in a dation of our church and ena- we reach or exceed our goal! spiritual retreat was described bles us to serve our commu- Please be sure to stop by the as “Amazing”. The article nity and other communities in Stewardship Ministry table in reflected on one church’s need? On June 29, 2014 the the parish hall for more infor- struggles with Stewardship Stewardship ministry team mation. Tim Cline and I will and other issues and like St. will be in the Parish Hall to be happy to listen and share John the Baptist, the mission talk about Stewardship and our vision for the future in is always clear. It is to be a would greatly appreciate it if Stewardship Outreach. spiritual home to all who en- you took the time to discuss ter; to be a Christ-like com- your thoughts on Steward- "A Rich Man is not one who munity active in worship, ship. All ideas are welcome. has much but one who gives fellowship, service and wit- We hope to expand the min- much. For what he gives ness and through participation istry team and enlist others PLEASE BE SURE away remains his forever”: in the sacraments, to come who can help with Steward- (St. John Chrysostom). TO STOP BY into union with God. Their ship in the future. I say it THE (Holy Trinity Church) vision over and over again: Giving Tim Cline and Hope File STEWARDSHIP is no different than ours. To exhibits God’s heart and Stewardship Ministry MINISTRY create a welcoming and vi- when we give the blessings TABLE IN THE brant Orthodox parish dedi- flow.

PARISH HALL cated to serving the changing FOR MORE needs of our parishioners and If you have not become a the greater community. Steward we would love for INFORMATION. you to commit your time,

FOOD FEST 2014

Mid-Cities Greek Food- the Ladies Philoptochos Soci- tional duties as entertainment FestOctober 10-12, 2014 ety of the Greek Orthodox program organizer and MC of Activities are beginning in Archdiocese and Metropolis the FoodFest, as well as secu- preparation for this year’s of Denver. Plans are under rity coordinator with the Eu- FoodFest, to be held Friday – discussion to chart a course less PD. Sunday, October 10 – 12, for the evolution of Tavern As was inaugurated last year, 2014, preceded on Thursday, Night over the long term to the 2014 FoodFest is being October 9th by Taverna become a significant charity organized along the decen- Night. event in the Mid-Cities and tralized lines of major services Northeast Tarrant County. and venues, with a chairper- This year, Taverna Night will Joanie Ruppel, as St. Irene son for each major activity again be sponsored and hosted Chapter President, is coordi- and venue. The chairpersons by our St. Irene Chapter of nating planning for Taverna are responsible for the deliv- Night in addition to her tradi- (Continued on page 5) VOLUME XXX NUMBER 7 PAGE 5

FOOD FEST 2014 (CONT)

(Continued from page 4) Signage, Storage, Trash community awareness of the Dumpster and Portable FoodFest and a resulting in- ery of goods and services to Toilets) – crease in attendance and reve- our FoodFest guests and are  Retail Sales – Marga- nue. supported by an Administra- ret Chokas More awareness and greater tive Group which includes the (Marketplace, Jewelry, attendance will require our back office (bank), procure- Crosses, Artwork, Hon- best volunteer effort to work ment, advertising/publicity ey) the various activities and ser- and volunteer worker coordi-  Pastries and Baked vice venues. We will in ear- nation. This year, to improve Good Barbara Vittas - nest be calling upon our pa- sanitation in all of our food (combining Coffee, rishioners to assist by volun- storage, preparation and serv- Loukoumathes and Bakla- teering their time and talents ing activities, as well as site va Sundaes) – wherever needed. Beginning cleanliness each day during  Kitchen – Adam and soon we will have flyers avail- the FoodFest, we are adding Bill Gianulis able at the church and in the Sanitation/Health Inspection  Food Line – Cynthia Parish Center hall to begin responsibilities to the Admin- Pursley attracting volunteers for the istrative Group. Pete Talleos  Gyros, Grills and Sa- various jobs needing to be has volunteered his profes- ganaki – Raj Shah filled. Please give serving at sional services to assist chair-  Bar – to be named the FoodFest your most fa- persons with procedures and vorable consideration; we  Children’s Activities training and will be the Food- need everyone’s help to be – to be named Fest contact and host for City successful. THIS YEAR’S GREEK  Program and Security of Euless inspections. More information on the FOODFEST WILL BE – Joanie Ruppel This year’s venue and activity FoodFest will be forthcoming HELD ON chairperson volunteers are:  Dancers – Gina Pou- in the next Forerunner. In OCTOBER 10, 11 lakos  Site and Facilities - the meantime, please save the AND 12, 2014 Jeremy Ellis (Put-Up/  Raffle – to be named dates, October 10 - 12, Take-Down, Auto Park- We will engage in much more 2014, on your calendar. ing, Lighting/Electrical, advertising and publicity this year with the goal of wider

STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM 2014 We encourage you all to ac- dedicated people, overflow- involvement. Before complet- tively participate in our Stew- ing with joy, peace and love ing it, please give prayerful ardship Program in 2014 by in the Lord, a place where consideration to the commit- everyone is welcomed. We prayerfully considering your ment you are making. Giving contribution in our 2014 want everyone to start living stewardship program and now as responsible citizens of is not a substitute for com- beyond. the Kingdom; we want you to mitment - it is an expression become active members at St. of your commitment. The Our intent is to develop a John's. question is not, "How much culture at St. John's that emu- do I give to say that I am a lates the Kingdom of God, The Commitment Card you Steward?" but "How can I here and now. We want it to are asked to bring is a visible thank God for my many bless- be a place populated with sign of the beginning of your ings?" PAGE 6 THE FORERUNNER

YOUTH MINISTRIES Many thanks to Margo of our teenagers - Katie ful rest of the summer! Yiantsou, who once again, Moutafis, Maria Tudora and organized and executed the Penelopi Yiantsou — who

End of Year Picnic for Church assisted throughout the week, Harriet Blake School. Thanks, too, to the including sessions on Greek YM Coordinator moms who assisted Margo, dancing.

including Marie Pachares, Camp Emmanuel was a big Corey Ellis and Melissa Ellis. success. The junior division Kudos also go to had seven campers (Joe Ber- Poriotis and Nikos Pagoulatos ca, Vivian Geil, Katerina for their help on the grill. Genovezos, Sydney and Zoe We also want to thank Ve- Georgulas and Matei and Luca ronica Fisher for her tireless Tudora); the senior division efforts in running our Church had two (Maria Tudora and School Program all year long Alex Genovezos). Thank you and for her work with Vaca- to Fr. Vasile who accompa- tion Bible School last month. nied the first group and to The children who came had a Presbytera Mirela for going great time, learning about the with the second group. CAMP 12 apostles and becoming Youth Ministries will hold its “fishers of men" through sto- EMMANUEL summer meeting in August, ries, plays, and crafts. We are WAS A BIG date to be announced. grateful for the participation SUCCESS THIS God bless and have a wonder- YEAR

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS Families and Parishioners they should. They were friends Emily and Sarah, Ma- called to follow Him. ria Tudora and Penelopi We had another great year of Yiantsou. This volunteer Vacation Bible School this We had lots of fun crafts and participation was priceless! year. we made a great banner that The teens did such a great we will carry at the end of We had ten fabulous kids and the VBS kids had such a our Apostles Fast and we will come during the week. We wonderful time due to their sing a song we learned to help learned about Jesus and his 12 interactions. us remember the names of Disciples. the 12 Disciples of Christ. Have a great rest of your In many stories that we hear Thank you to all the families Summer! for kids, focus is put on how for allowing your children to the Disciples were each a share part of their Summer Veronica Fisher friend to Jesus. The one with us. piece I asked the students to Church School Coordinator remember, if they remember Thank you to our many vol- only one thing, is that the 12 unteers who made this year’s all followed Jesus because VBS so great: Harriet Blake, they knew in their hearts that Katie Moutafis, her two

VOLUME XXX NUMBER 7 PAGE 7

ON JESUS PRAYER– BY METR. HILARION ALFEYEV

The Apostle Paul says: Pray talking without someone or who loves the Lord repeats without ceasing (1 Thessalo- listening to someone then, the name of Jesus Christ, be- nians 5:17). People often ask: without losing the intensity of cause his whole heart and How can we pray without his perception, he can never- being are drawn to Christ. ceasing, if we are working, theless continue to repeat this It is very important when reading, speaking, eating, prayer in the depths of his sleeping, etc.? That is, if we heart. performing the Jesus Prayer are doing things that would not to try to imagine Christ, The meaning of the Jesus seem to be incompatible with depicting Him like someone Prayer does not of course prayer? The answer to this in some life situation or, for consist in its mechanical repe- question in the Orthodox example, hanging on the tition, but in always feeling tradition is the Jesus Prayer. Cross. The Jesus Prayer the living presence of Christ. The faithful who practice the should not be paired with This presence is felt by us first Jesus Prayer attain to constant images that might arise in our us all because, by pronounc- prayer, that is, to a ceaseless imagination, because then ing the Jesus Prayer, we pro- standing before God. How is there is a substitution of real nounce the name of the Sav- this done? imagination. The Jesus Prayer ior. should be accompanied only The Jesus Prayer is: “Lord The name is a symbol of its by an inner sense of Christ’s Jesus Christ, Son of God, bearer; in the name is pre- presence and a feeling of have mercy on me, a sinner.” sent, as it were, the person to standing before the Living There is also a shorter form: THANK YOU whom it belongs. When a God. No external images are “Lord Jesus Christ, have mer- young man falls in love with a appropriate here. FOR cy on me.” But one can also young woman, he ceaselessly SUPPORTING reduce the prayer to three repeats her name, because she words: “Lord, have mercy.” Source: http:// OUR is, as it were, present in her One who practices the Jesus www.pravmir.com/prayer- ATHER S name. And inasmuch as love F ’ Prayer repeats it not only xix-jesus-prayer/ fills his whole being, he feels DAY AND during the divine services or #ixzz36PsgkKk5 the need to repeat this name when praying at home, but MOTHER’S over and over again. In just when travelling, eating, and DAY the same way, a Christian going to sleep. Even if one is HONORING

PHILOPTOCHOES NEWS

Philoptochos Update Ageless Wonders who gave being Thursday, Oct. 9. Perhaps you can plan now to Thank you for supporting our their time to help work the take a day off of work to help Father’s Day and Mother’s sale and to the Philoptochos set up on Thursday or clean Day honoring and memorial ladies too! up on Monday. Everyone projects. These are truly days The Executive Board will who is able is needed to that speak directly to our meet informally during the make our festival a success! hearts! summer to prepare for Taver-

Another thank you to those na Night and then have a for- who donated items for the mal meeting in August to plan garage sale. Despite the Cul- for the year. NOW is a good In His Service, lum drive construction, it was time to mark your calendar a big success. Thanks to the for the festival weekend, Oct Joanie Ruppel, President 10-12 with Taverna Night PAGE 8 THE FORERUNNER

CHOIR MINISTRY

2014 National Forum Annu- sings The Divine Liturgy at St. involvement, choir director al Meeting to be held in George Cathedral. National development, chanter training, conjunction with the 42nd Forum members sing the Na- congregational singing and more. Biennial Clergy-Laity Con- tional Anthems for the opening gress of the Philoptochos Meeting and A very happy and safe summer to Philadelphia, PA - July 6-10, at the Official Congress Open- our St. John's Community. 2014 ing. All metropolis' are repre- sented where we exchange ideas Rena Poletes Our choir is represented as dele- with church musicians from gates to the National Forum of across our Archdiocese about the Greek Orthodox Church Musi- use of English, new music, youth cians meeting. A combined choir

BYZANTINE MUSIC AND LITURGICS—BASILIOS PSILACOS

Continued from last month and miscellaneous canons and services for Eastertide and Pen- The liturgical books used in the other services in frequent use.’’ tecost: it covers the period from MUSIC Easter Sunday until the Sunday Orthodox Services are: The or Book of Eight of All Saints (the first after Pen- MINISTRY, Modes. “Also known as the The Book of the Gospels. ”This tecost).’’ CHOIR AND contains the text of the four Parakletike. This contains the variable portions for the daily The Menaia. “In this are con- CHANTERS Gospels arranged in sections, following the order in which offices throughout the week. tained the services for the fixed PAGE they are read throughout the Eight series of offices are provid- feasts throughout the twelve year.’’ ed, one for each of the eight months, from 1 September (the tones[or modes]; and within each beginning of the ecclesiastical The Book of the Epistles. ”This series there are seven sets of year) until 31 August.’ contains the readings from the services, one for each day of the The Eirmologion. “This gives the Acts of the Apostles and the week. Throughout the year, the text of the irmoi sung at the Epistles for the whole year: as services proceed week by week beginning of various canticles of with the Book of the Gospels, it through the various tones[or the . The larger service is arranged in extracts according modes]: on the Sunday of St. books, such as the Menaia and to the order of the daily Epistle Thomas (the first after Easter) the Triodion, often give only the readings.’’ the sequence begins with Tone opening words of the irmos: and One [or First mode], and then The Psalter. “The 150 Psalms of so a who does not know through the different tones until , divided into their ka- the irmoi by heart will need to Tone Eight [or Plagal Fourth thismata, together with the nine have the Irmologion ready to mode] is completed; after which Biblical Canticles.’’ hand.’’ the offices for Tone One[or First The Euchologion. “This is a book mode] are resumed, and so once The Typikon. “This contains the for the use of the priest -and to a more through the whole se- rules and rubrics governing eve- lesser degree, of the deacon- quence.’’ ry aspect of the Church services containing the sacraments and and their celebration throughout The Triodion. This contains “the other services, together with the year.’’ The typikon that is texts for the Great Fast of Lent: numerous special prayers and practiced today, though some the book begins with the Sunday blessings.’’ parts are omitted and others of the Publican and Pharisee (the abbreviated, is a synthesis be- The Horologion or Book of tenth before Easter: twenty-two tween two traditions : one for Hours. “The Euchologion is an days before the beginning of the monastic life (focusing more altar book for the priest; the Lent), and concludes with Satur- on readings), and the other for Horologion, a choir book for the day in Holy Week.’’ reader and singers, it includes: the city life (focusing more on the fixed portions of the daily The Pentekostarion. “This is a melody). To be continued companion volume to the Len- offices, a list of the feasts and saints’ days throughout the year, ton Triodion, and contains the VOLUME XXX NUMBER 7 PAGE 9

THE ASCENSION OF PROPHET ELIAS—BY D. PANAGOPOULOS

There seems to be a miscon- by a whirlwind INTO heav- (ΩΣ) was given to portray Elijah ception - not only among en”, proof that this little word as moving upwards; for it was heretical groups but also "ΩΣ" carries the potential to enough that the Prophet was among many Christians – solve the issue and to prove honored by a semblance (AS IF) of which involves a belief that that Elijah did not go up into ascent; Heaven could never re- the Prophet Elijah either died heaven. ceive a supplicant (Elijah) before just like every other Prophet, receiving the Lord – for 'nobody or, that he ascended bodily In the 5th Ode of the second has ever gone up to Heaven, ex- into heaven. Let’s examine Canon dedicated to the cept the Son of Man, Who is in what the truth really is. Lord’s Ascension, there is the Heaven'. Heaven was reserved for following hymn: It is true, that some of us – the Creator, the beginner of man- both of the laity and of the "Foreign is Your Birth, foreign is kind. Thus, with Enoch and Eli- Clergy - have not observed Your Resurrection, foreign and jah, God gladdened the people with the appropriate attention dire, O Life-giver, is your divine with a promising hope, by the relative passage of the Old Ascension, which Elijah foreshad- spreading before them an Testament, in which is men- owed with his four-horsed ascent, ‘airborne highway’, as though for tioned the ascension of the thus glorifying You, o Philan- horse-drawn vehicles" (Homily THEREFORE YOU, Prophet Elijah. thropist." 2 on the Ascension). MY BELOVED ONE, OBSERVE The Hymn-writer in this text In other words, this pillar of If one studies this passage WITH PRECISION is telling us, among other Orthodoxy, our Athanasius carefully, one will notice THE WORD ΩΣ, things, that the ascension of the Great, urges us to notice there is a tiny 2-letter AND LET NOT the Prophet Elijah was a pre- the tiny syllable ΩΣ, which (Greek) word "ΩΣ" ("as if"), THIS SCRIPTURAL cursor, a foreshadowing (not should not escape our atten- which will greatly facilitate SYLLABLE’S INTO Heaven, only AS IF tion as it is a syllable of Scrip- the understanding of the TREASURE AND into heaven), of the Ascension tural treasure and power, Church teaching on the sub- POWER ESCAPE ject. [...] And here is the text of the Lord that was to come because it alone testifies that YOUR NOTICE of the event in question (4 later on. Elijah did NOT ascend INTO Kings 1:11): We also have the words of heaven. It furthermore im- Athanasius the Great, plies that nobody else has "And it came to pass, while they ascended into Heaven except were walking, as they walked and who clarifies things even more. According to him: the One Who descended spoke (Elijah and Elisha), be- from it. In the words of the hold, a chariot of fire and horses "Therefore you, my beloved one, Lord in John 3:13: "Nobody of fire parted the two of them, observe with precision the word has ever ascended into Heaven, and Elijah was swept up, in a ΩΣ, and let not this Scriptural except He Who descended from it; whirlwind, AS IF into the heav- syllable’s treasure and power the Son of Man, Who is in Heav- ens." escape your notice, nor through en". Also, that Heaven is re- The expression "AS IF into any misinterpretation (of the served for the Lord, the Mas- the heavens" is clear evidence ascension) be misled into equating ter and Creator, and not for a that he did not actually ascend the Lord with the supplicant servant (supplicant). There- INTO heaven. However, (Elijah). FOR ELIJAH DID NOT fore, both the ascension of many people have been mis- ASCEND INTO HEAVEN, nor Elijah, as well as the transfer led and have incorrectly inter- did he - by traversing the firma- of Enoch, were nothing more preted this text, because they ment - become a resident of its than advance notices of the have read a paraphrased Old courts; instead, pay attention to Lord’s forthcoming Ascen- Testament text, and not the what the text mentions: 'Upon sion, and, following His, our actual text. The paraphrased sweeping up Elijah AS IF into own. Heaven'. Behold, one small word text says: “And Elijah went up Read the entire article here PAGE 10 THE FORERUNNER

SACRAMENTS IN THE CATECHISM CLASSES AGELESS WONDERS PAST MONTH AND GLADSOME LIGHT DIALOGUES Baptisms and Dami- The Ageless Wonders will not anos Younger have a formal meeting during Catechsim Classes and the month of July. Please stay Weddings: Gabe and Lau- Gladsome Light Dialogues informed of the upcoming ren Brambila take a break for the Sum- days for Foodfest preparation 40 day memorials: David- mer and we’ll be back in and come and help when you first Sunday in September can!!! I want to thank every- Constantineanu with our 2014-2015 Fall one who helped with the Semester Philoptochos garage sale. In spite of the construction on

Inquirers into the Ortho- Cullum Dr., we had a suc- dox faith please contact Fr. cessful sale. Thanks to all Vasile for information on who donated and the Fall Semester registra- worked!!!! ...... Margaret tion.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR COFEE HOUR USHER SCHEDULE ACOLYTE SCHEDULE FELLOWSHIP BY SIGNING 1st Sunday: Tim Cline, Nik 1st Sunday: Jackson Wright, UP TO Stanosheck Alex Genovezos, Caleb Ellis, Luca Tudora SPONSOR A 2nd Sunday: Hope File, Mi- chael Eftimie 2nd Sunday: Michael Beebe, SUNDAY WITH John Molhoek, Alex Shah, 3rd Sunday: Chris Geil, Olym- Chris Eftimie, Berca YOUR pia Genovezos COFFEE HOUR HOST FAVOURITE 3rd Sunday: James Seals, Alex 4th Sunday: Olga Papadopou- Genovezos, Caleb Ellis, Luca MINISTRY lou, Jeremy Ellis Tudora, Matei Tudora 1st Sun: Sunday School GROUP 5th Sunday: Kirsten Shah, Har- 4th Sunday: Michael Beebe, 2nd Sun: Parish Council ry Karegeannes John Molhoek, Alex Shah, Chris Fill In: Harry Karegeannes Eftimie, George Manos 3rd Sun: GOYA 5th Sunday: Michael Beebe, 4th Sun: Philoptochos James Seals, Alex Genovezos, 5th Sun: Parish Council (if Alex Shah , Luca Tudora applicable)

COFFEE HOUR DUTIES fore going into church. The CLEAN UP instructions are in the kitchen. Wash all dishes soiled, including SETUP Prepare a tray with sugar, coffee pots. Arrange pastries/food in a desir- creamer, sugar substitute, mix- Return sugar tray to kitchen and able manner on the appropriate ing straws, a few spoons. Set replenish it. tables in the parish hall. with trash bucket. Wash off hall tables and kitchen You are responsible for making Put donation basket out with counters. the coffee. Make two pots: one appropriate sign. regular, one decaf. Plug in be- Thank-You St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church JULY2 0 1 4 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 5 Fasting Symbols

Wine Oil Allowed Cosmas and Deposition of Robe Hyacinth of Athanasios of Mount DamianUnmercen of the in Caesarea Martha, mother Athos Strict Fast Vlachernae Symeon (Stylite) Constantine, Anatolios, Pat,. of Juvenal, Pat. of Lampadus the Wonder- Martyr of Cypress Constan. Jerusalem worker

Great Vespers 5pm

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4th Sunday of Mathew

Orthros 8:30 am Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Thomas of Maleon Prokopios the Great Pancratios, of 45 Martyrs Euphemia the Great Proklos & Hilarios of Ancyra Martyr Sicily Nikopolis, Armenia Martyr Kyriaki the great Michael Maleinus Martyr Theophilios the Dionysios the Martyr Apollonios Olga, Equal-to-the- Sisoes the Great Myrrh bearer Orator Apostles Paraklesis 6pm Great Vespers 5pm Archippus, Philemon, Onesimus

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Sunday of the Holy Fathers Aquila of the 70 Julitta y Kyrikos the Athenogenes of Marina of Antioch Emilianos of Macrina, sister of St. Orthros 8:30am Martyrs Heracleopolis Bulgaria Basil Divine Liturgy 9:30am Joseph the Confessor Veronika & Vladimir, Equal-to-the Julia of Carthage Speratos the Paul, Thea and Dios, Abbot of Antioch Synaxis of Archanel -Apostles Martyrs Oulalentine Gabriel Paraklesis 6pm Great Vespers 5pm

Stephanos of Savvas Monastery

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

6th. Sunday of Matthew Symeon the Fool for , Phocas, Bishop of Christina the Great Dormition of Anna, Hermolaos & his Orthros 8:30am Christ Myrrhbearer Sinope Martyr mother of the Companions Theotokos Divine Liturgy 9:30am Parthenios, Bishop Markella of Chios , the Athenagoras the Apolo- Olympias the Paraskevi of Rome of Arta Prophet gist Deaconess Elias the Prophet Great Vespers 5pm

27 28 29 30 31

7th. Sunday of Matthew Orthros 8:30 am Prochoros,Nicanor, Kallonikos of Asia Minor & Silvanos of Forefeast of the Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Timon the 70 Precious Cross Theodote and her Panteleimon the Irene of Children Julitta of Caesaria Joseph of Great Martyr Chrysovalantou Arimathea Nicholas of Novgorod

NONPROFIT ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 303 Cullum Dr. Euless, TX 76040 Tel 817 283-2291

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Sponsorship for This Month’s Forerunner

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THE FORERUNNER

Vol. XXX No. 7, July 2014

HolyProphet Elijah

July20, 2014