THE APODOSIS OF THE ELEVENTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW DORMITION OF THE ΙΑ΄ Ματθαῖου

AUGUST 23 PARABLE OF THE UNMERCIFUL SERVANT

19 AUGUST (19 ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΟΥ) 2012

APODOSIS

The Orthodox celebrates many feasts during the Ecclesiasti- cal Year that begins on September 1. There are two types of feasts, movable dates (, Pascha, , etc.) and non- movable dates (Nativity, Presentation, and Dormition of the Theoto- , etc.). The non-movable feast days have periods before the feast for preparation, the Forefeast, and after the feast for celebration, the Afterfeast. The last day of the feast is called Apodosis, a Greek term meaning, “giving back or giving away,” the liturgical

“Leavetaking” of a great feast. BARBARA GREEK

The major liturgical feasts in Byzantine times lasted for many days We are a Greek (Eastern) Orthodox parish, with a variety of celebrations, both in the churches and in the streets. part of the oldest , The first and last day (Apodosis) of the festivals were especially ob- served with church services where the main liturgical hymns and dating to 33 A.D., the Day of Pentecost. poetic compositions being sung and chanted explained the theologi- We trace our roots back to the Apostles and their teachings. cal significance of the events being celebrated. The Apodosis was We hold fast to the moral, theological and liturgical the last commemoration before the feast was drawn to a close and traditions of the Early Christian Church. “ordinary liturgical time” resumed. We are pleased that you have chosen to experience the

Adapted from: Blackwell Reference Online, Orthodox Wiki, Apostoliki Diakonia of the Church of worship of Early in a modern setting.

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH THE ELEVENTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW

We welcome you to worship with us today. Whether you are an Orthodox Christian or Tone of the week: Tone Two - Ηχος β' this is your first visit to an Orthodox Church, we are pleased to have you with us. Al- Eleventh Eothinon though Holy Communion and other (called Mysteries in the Orthodox Church) are offered only to baptized and chrismated (confirmed) Orthodox Christians, Hymnal Pages 81 - 82 all are invited to receive the antidoron (blessed bread) from the priest at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. The antidoron is not sacramental, but is reminiscent of the agape Resurrectional in the Second Tone feast that followed worship in the ancient Christian Church. When You descended to death, O Immortal Life, then, the light of Your divinity de- stroyed Hades. When You raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly ON RECEIVING COMMUNION powers cried out, "Glory to You our Christ, the Giver of Life." - © Narthex Press

When approaching the , it is proper to state your baptized or chrismated name, Ὅτε κατῆλθες πρὸς τὸν θάνατον, ἡ Ζωὴ ἡ ἀθάνατος, τότε τὸν ᾅδην and with head tilted slightly back, open your mouth sufficiently so that the priest may ἐνέκρωσας τῇ ἀστραπῇ τῆς Θεότητος, ὅτε δὲ καὶ τοὺς τεθνεῶτας ἐκ τῶν place the body and blood of Christ on your tongue. Prior to stepping up, in order that you do not “bump” the chalice, you may do your stavros (cross yourself). Prior to that καταχθονίων ἀνέστησας, πᾶσαι αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν ἐπουρανίων while at your seat, it is customary to read the prayers of preparation found in the Divine ἐκραύγαζον·Ζωοδότα Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν δόξα σοι.” ‐ © Greek Standard Text Liturgy Hymnal and on page 6 of this bulletin. Apolytikion for the Afterfeast of the Theotokos’ Dormition Note: The hymn the choir sings during Communion is on page 97 in the Divine In birth, you preserved your virginity; in death, Liturgy Hymnal. you did not abandon the world, O Theotokos. NAMES & NAME DAYS As mother of life, you departed to the source of life, delivering our souls from death by your In Orthodox countries, at (or Chrismation, if an adult) you are given a Chris- intercessions. - © Narthex tian Saint’s name. This is the name you give to the priest when receiving communion. The name is a Christian Saint’s name, because God recognizes their names. Each Saint Εν τή Γεννήσει τήν παρθενίαν εφύλαξας, is celebrated on a particular day, the Saint’s Name Day. When you receive your name, έν τή Κοιμήσει τόν κόσμον ού κατέλιπες Θεοτόκε, Μετέστης πρός τήν your Saint’s Name Day becomes your Name Day. In lieu of birthdays, especially after ζωήν, μήτηρ υπάρχουσα τής ζωής, καί ταίς πρεσβείαις ταίς σαίς the age of twelve, Orthodox Christians celebrate their Name Day. λυτρουμένη, εκ θανάτου τάς ψυχάς ημών. ‐ © Greek Standard Text

For those celebrating a Name Day this week we wish you Chronia Polla - “Many years” Apolytikion for St. Barbara “Let us honor the holy Barbara for, with the aid of the Cross A NOTE ABOUT THE HYMNS OF THE DAY as her weapon, she crushed the snares of the enemy, and was

On the following page, you will find the Apolytikion of the day, of the rescued from them like a bird. - © Narthex Press Church, and of the day. Because these beautiful hymns are frequently sung in Greek, we include them in English for your understanding. They are sung as the Βαρβάραν τὴν Ἁγίαν τιμήσωμεν, ἐχθροῦ γὰρ τὰς παγίδας συνέτριψε, καὶ ὡς στρουθίον ἐρρύσθη ἐξ αὐτῶν, βοηθεία priest returns to the Sanctuary at the Conclusion of the Small . St. Barbara,

καὶ ὅπλω τοῦ Σταυροῦ ἡ Πάνσεμνος. , Greece ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2012, WE COMMEMORATE: Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Tone St. Andrew the General & Martyr & his 2593 soldiers (left) O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant. O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, Holy Martyrs Timothy, Agapius & Thecla to come to the aid of those who in faith cry to you. Hasten to intercede and speed to make supplication, O you who ever protects, O Theotokos, those that honor you. - © St. Theophanes, Holy Transfiguration Monastery New Wonderworker of (left) Kontakion for the Afterfeast of the Dormition of the Theotokos Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever Afterfeast of the Dormition of the Theotokos vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever- (right) virginal womb transposed her to life. - © Narthex Press

EPISTLE READING GOSPEL READING

The Reading is from St. Paul's The Reading is from Matthew 18:23-35 First Letter to the Corinthians 9:2-12 ELEVENTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW The Unmerciful Servant Cephas (Peter) & His Wife Unforgiving Servant, Nelly Bube, Kazakhstan BRETHREN, you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my de- The Lord said this parable, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who fense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to our food wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord or- and drink? Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a wife, as the dered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Who will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating forgave him the debt.

any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him say this on human authority? Does not the law say the same? For it is writ- a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow ten in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out servant fell down and besought him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak entirely refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and re- for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow ported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the crop. If we have ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material bene- you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger, his fits? If others share this rightful claim upon you, do not we still more? Nev- lord delivered him to the jailors, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” ertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of of Christ. Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 18:23‐35

Πρὸς Κορινθίους αʹ 9:2‐12 Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τήν παραβολὴν ταύτην· Ὡμοιώθη ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν ἀνθρώπῳ βασιλεῖ, ὃς ἠθέλησε συνᾶραι λόγον μετὰ τῶν δούλων αὐτοῦ. Ἀδελφοί, ἡ σφραγὶς τῆς ἐμῆς ἀποστολῆς ὑμεῖς ἐστε ἐν κυρίῳ. Ἡ ἐμὴ ἀρξαμένου δὲ αὐτοῦ συναίρειν προσηνέχθη αὐτῷ εἷς ὀφειλέτης μυρίων ἀπολογία τοῖς ἐμὲ ἀνακρίνουσιν αὕτη ἐστίν. Μὴ οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν ταλάντων. μὴ ἔχοντος δὲ αὐτοῦ ἀποδοῦναι ἐκέλευσεν αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ φαγεῖν καὶ πιεῖν; Μὴ οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν ἀδελφὴν γυναῖκα πραθῆναι καὶ τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ καὶ τὰ τέκνα καὶ πάντα ὅσα εἶχε, καὶ περιάγειν, ὡς καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ ἀπόστολοι, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ τοῦ κυρίου, καὶ ἀποδοθῆναι. πεσὼν οὖν ὁ δοῦλος προσεκύνει αὐτῷ λέγων· κύριε, Κηφᾶς; Ἢ μόνος ἐγὼ καὶ Βαρνάβας οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν τοῦ μὴ μακροθύμησον ἐπ᾿ ἐμοὶ καὶ πάντα σοι ἀποδώσω. σπλαγχνισθεὶς δὲ ὁ κύριος ἐργάζεσθαι; Τίς στρατεύεται ἰδίοις ὀψωνίοις ποτέ; Τίς φυτεύει τοῦ δούλου ἐκείνου ἀπέλυσεν αὐτὸν καὶ τὸ δάνειον ἀφῆκεν αὐτῷ. ἐξελθὼν δὲ ὁ δοῦλος ἐκεῖνος εὗρεν ἕνα τῶν συνδούλων αὐτοῦ, ὃς ὤφειλεν αὐτῷ ἑκατὸν ἀμπελῶνα, καὶ ἐκ τοῦ καρποῦ αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἐσθίει; Ἢ τίς ποιμαίνει δηνάρια, καὶ κρατήσας αὐτὸν ἔπνιγε λέγων· ἀπόδος μοι εἴ τι ὀφείλεις. πεσὼν ποίμνην, καὶ ἐκ τοῦ γάλακτος τῆς ποίμνης οὐκ ἐσθίει; Μὴ κατὰ οὖν ὁ σύνδουλος αὐτοῦ εἰς τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ παρεκάλει αὐτὸν λέγων· ἄνθρωπον ταῦτα λαλῶ; Ἢ οὐχὶ καὶ ὁ νόμος ταῦτα λέγει; Ἐν γὰρ τῷ μακροθύμησον ἐπ᾿ ἐμοὶ καὶ ἀποδώσω σοι. ὁ δὲ οὐκ ἤθελεν, ἀλλὰ ἀπελθὼν Μωϋσέως νόμῳ γέγραπται, Οὐ φιμώσεις βοῦν ἀλοῶντα. Μὴ τῶν βοῶν ἔβαλεν αὐτὸν εἰς φυλακὴν ἕως οὗ ἀποδῷ τὸ ὀφειλόμενον. ἰδόντες δὲ οἱ μέλει τῷ θεῷ; Ἢ διʼ ἡμᾶς πάντως λέγει; Διʼ ἡμᾶς γὰρ ἐγράφη, ὅτι ἐπʼ σύνδουλοι αὐτοῦ τὰ γενόμενα ἐλυπήθησαν σφόδρα, καὶ ἐλθόντες διεσάφησαν ἐλπίδι ὀφείλει ὁ ἀροτριῶν ἀροτριᾷν, καὶ ὁ ἀλοῶν τῆς ἐλπίδος αὐτοῦ τῷ κυρίῳ ἑαυτῶν πάντα τὰ γενόμενα. τότε προσκαλεσάμενος αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος μετέχειν ἐπʼ ἐλπίδι. Εἰ ἡμεῖς ὑμῖν τὰ πνευματικὰ ἐσπείραμεν, μέγα εἰ αὐτοῦ λέγει αὐτῷ· δοῦλε πονηρέ, πᾶσαν τὴν ὀφειλὴν ἐκείνην ἀφῆκά σοι, ἐπεὶ ἡμεῖς ὑμῶν τὰ σαρκικὰ θερίσομεν; Εἰ ἄλλοι τῆς ἐξουσίας ὑμῶν παρεκάλεσάς με. οὐκ ἔδει καὶ σὲ ἐλεῆσαι τὸν σύνδουλόν σου, ὡς καὶ ἐγώ σε ἠλέησα; καὶ ὀργισθεὶς ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ παρέδωκεν αὐτὸν τοῖς βασανισταῖς ἕως μετέχουσιν, οὐ μᾶλλον ἡμεῖς; Ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἐχρησάμεθα τῇ ἐξουσίᾳ οὗ ἀποδῷ πᾶν τὸ ὀφειλόμενον αὐτῷ. Οὕτω καὶ ὁ πατήρ μου ὁ ἐπουράνιος ταύτῃ, ἀλλὰ πάντα στέγομεν, ἵνα μὴ ἐγκοπήν τινα δῶμεν τῷ ποιήσει ὑμῖν, ἐὰν μὴ ἀφῆτε ἕκαστος τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν καρδιῶν ὑμῶν εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ Χριστοῦ. τὰ παραπτώματα αὐτῶν. As a means of preparation for communion, please read the “Communion Prayer of ANONYMOUS St. ” prior to approaching the chalice. After returning to your seat, I thank You, Lord, my God, that You have not rejected me, a sinner, but have it is appropriate to read the “Thanksgiving Prayers Following Holy Communion.” made me worthy to partake of Your holy Mysteries. I thank You that You

have permitted me, although I am unworthy, to receive Your pure and heav- COMMUNION PRAYER OF SAINT enly gifts. O loving Master, who died and rose for our sake, and granted to us JOHN CHRYSOSTOM these awesome and life-giving Mysteries for the wellbeing and sanctification of our souls and bodies, let these gifts be for healing of my own soul and body, I believe and confess, Lord, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, the averting of every evil, the illumination of the eyes of my heart, the peace of who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. I also believe that this my spiritual powers, a faith unashamed, a love unfeigned, the fulfilling of wis- is truly Your pure Body, and that this is truly Your Precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to dom, the observing of Your commandments, the receiving of Your divine You, have mercy upon me, and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in grace, and the inheritance of Your kingdom. Preserved by them in Your Holi- word and deed, known and unknown. And make me worthy without condemnation to ness, may I always be mindful of Your grace and no longer live for myself, but partake of Your Pure Mysteries for the forgiveness of sins and life eternal. Amen. for You, our Master and Benefactor. May I pass from this life in the hope of

How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your ? If I dare to eternal life, and attain to the everlasting rest, where the voices of Your saints enter into the Bridal Chamber, my clothing will accuse me, since it is not a wedding who feast are unceasing, and their joy, beholding the ineffable beauty of Your garment; and being bound up, I shall be cast out by the Angels. In Your love, Lord, countenance, is unending. For You, Christ our God, are the true joy and the cleanse my soul and save me. inexpressible gladness of those who love You, and all creation praises You

Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these Holy Gifts be to my condem- forever. Amen. nation because of my unworthiness, but for the cleansing and sanctification of soul and body, and the pledge of the future life and kingdom. It is good for me to cling to God, PRAYER OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM and to place in Him the hope of my salvation. I thank You, loving Master, benefactor of my soul, that on this day You have

Receive me today, Son of God, as a partaker of Your Mystical Supper. I will not reveal made me worthy once again of Your heavenly and immortal mysteries. Direct Your Mystery to Your adversaries. Nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas. But as the my ways on the right path, establish me firmly in Your fear, guard my life, and thief I confess to You, “Lord, remember me in Your Kingdom.” make my endeavors safe, through the prayers and supplications of the glorious Theotokos and ever virgin Mary and of all Your Saints. Amen.

THANKSGIVING PRAYERS FOLLOWING

HOLY COMMUNION St. Barbara ANONYMOUS Glory to you, O God The Very Reverend Glory to you, O God Glory to you, O God Father D. Stavroforos Mamaies

Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let Your Sacred Body be unto me for eternal life and Your [email protected] Precious Blood for forgiveness of sins. Let this be unto me for joy, health, and gladness. And in Your awesome Second Coming make me, a sinner, worthy to stand at the right hand of Your Glory; through the intercession of Your Pure Mother, Cell Phone Number: 919-491-2565 and of all Your Saints. Amen. 8306 NC Highway 751 PRAYER OF SAINT BASIL Durham, NC 27713 I thank You, Christ and Master our God, King of the ages and Creator of all things, for all the good gifts You have given me, and especially for the participation in Your pure (919) 484-1600 and life-giving mysteries. I pray You, therefore, good and loving Lord, keep me under Your protection and under the shadow of Your wings. Grant that to my last breath I www.stbarbarachurchnc.org/ may with a pure conscience partake worthily of Your gifts for the forgiveness of sins and for eternal life. For You are the Bread of Life, the Source of Holiness, the Giver of Father Stavroforos’ Office Hours: All Good Things, and to You we give glory, with the Father and the , now Tuesday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.