PALM SUNDAY APRIL 13TH, 2014

Sts. Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Greek Orthodox Church

Rev. Fr. Barnabas Powell, Proistamenos Jimmy Smith, Psaltis 3074 Bethelview Road † Cumming GA 30040 (770) 781-5250 cell (770) 861-3544 www.stsrni.org

We are an intentional Orthodox Christian Community for North Georgia!

WORSHIP

Ninth Eothinon/Tone Festal

We are so very glad you have joined us today, and we pray you will be inspired and encouraged by your time with us. The Orthodox worship service is an ancient and timeless expression of how people have loved, served and worshipped God for many centuries, but it may be a bit of a different experience for you. Please feel free to use a service book or not and simply allow the words of the service to wash over you. The central act of our worship culminates in people receiving . This is a very special time for us all and we have some specific beliefs about our com- munion together. This is why we never impose this service on those who are not pre- pared or are not baptized Orthodox. This service may raise questions in your mind. Please feel free to ask Fr. Barnabas or Fr. Paul anything you wish after the service. At the end of the service EVERYONE is invited to come forward and receive a portion of the “blessed bread” from Fr. Barnabas. No one should leave church “hungry!” Know you are welcome and we are glad you are here. May God bless you and your family.

Apolytikion in honor of Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Having contended on Lesvos for the sake of Christ God, you have sanctified the island since the discovery of your sacred , O blessed ones; wherefore we honor you, O Godbearing Raphael, together with Nicholas and virgin Irene, as our divine protectors and intercessors with the Lord.

Schedule for the Week

Tonight, 7 p.m. - Matins of the Bridegroom

Please refer to the Schedule on page 6.

Parish Council On Duty Today - Quay Farr & David Chapman Ushering Ministry - PC/Parishioners Welcoming Ministry - Sharon Tyre Fellowship Ministry - Evon Patrick

ACOLYTES Jacob Atkinson, Mike & Peter Jordanopolos, Spiro Kefalas, Thomas Miller, Mike Trainor, Alex & Niko Tzevelekos and Christos Zourzoukis

SENIOR Mike Manos, Dean Pryles

TODAY WE REMEMBER

Palm Sunday

Reading: On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the Law, the Lord came from Bethany to Jerusalem. Sending two of His disciples to bring Him a foal of an ass, He sat thereon and entered into the city. When the multi- tude there heard that Jesus was coming, they straightway took up the branches of palm trees in their hands, and went forth to meet Him. Others spread their garments on the ground, and yet others cut branches from the trees and strewed them in the way that Jesus was to pass; and all of them together, especially the children, went before and after Him, crying out: "Hosanna: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel" (John 12:13). This is the radiant and glorious festival of our Lord's entry into Jerusalem that we celebrate today. The branches of the palm trees symbolize Christ's victory over the devil and death. The word Hosanna means "Save, I pray," or "Save, now." The foal of an ass, and Jesus' sitting thereon, and the fact that this animal was untamed and considered unclean according to the Law, signified the former unclean- ness and wildness of the nations, and their subjection thereafter to the holy Law of the . Resurrectional in the Fourth Tone: As by we were buried with Thee, O Christ our God, so by Thy Resurrection we were deemed worthy of immortal life; and praising Thee, we cry: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord. Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal of the Second Tone: In Heaven, He is seated upon a Throne and on earth He rides upon a foal. O Christ our God, accept the praise of the Angels and the hymn of the Children who cry out to You, "Blessed are You who comes to recall Adam."

We Also Remember Martin the Confessor, Pope of Rome

Please pray for those faithful who are currently in need of our most fervent intercessions: Andrew, Angie, Bill, Bill, Brent, Carrie, Demetra, Diane, Dina, Donna, Ela, Elaine, Elizabeth, Christina, George, Gus, Heidi, Igli, James, Jamie, Jerry, Joe, Maria, Michael, Nicky, Oni, Patsy, Paul, Peter, Taki, Tara, Violeta, John & Sheila Consos, Katherine & Sam Yalanzon

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Father Barnabas is available to hear confession every Wednesday either before or after and by appointment. Please call or email the church office to re- quest a time to meet with Father and avail yourself to this healing divine mystery of the Church.

Father Paul is available on Sunday during to hear confession, but no later than 9:20 a.m. Please phone the church office to make an appointment.

Please call the Church office for more information (770) 781-5250.

EPISTLE Reading

The Reading is from St. Paul’s

Letter to the Philippians 4:4-9

Prokeimenon. Mode 4. Psalm 117.26,1 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Verse: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever.

BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplica- tion with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any ex- cellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you. ΑΩ

Ἀδελφοί, χαίρετε ἐν κυρίῳ πάντοτε· πάλιν ἐρῶ, χαίρετε. Τὸ ἐπιεικὲς ὑμῶν γνωσθήτω πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις. Ὁ κύριος ἐγγύς. Μηδὲν μεριμνᾶτε, ἀλλʼ ἐν παντὶ τῇ προσευχῇ καὶ τῇ δεήσει μετὰ εὐχαριστίας τὰ αἰτήματα ὑμῶν γνωριζέσθω πρὸς τὸν θεόν. Καὶ ἡ εἰρήνη τοῦ θεοῦ ἡ ὑπερέχουσα πάντα νοῦν, φρουρήσει τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν καὶ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ. Τὸ λοιπόν, ἀδελφοί, ὅσα ἐστὶν ἀληθῆ, ὅσα σεμνά, ὅσα δίκαια, ὅσα ἁγνά, ὅσα προσφιλῆ, ὅσα εὔφημα, εἴ τις ἀρετὴ καὶ εἴ τις ἔπαινος, ταῦτα λογίζεσθε. Ἃ καὶ ἐμάθετε καὶ παρελάβετε καὶ ἠκούσατε καὶ εἴδετε ἐν ἐμοί, ταῦτα πράσσετε· καὶ ὁ θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης ἔσται μεθʼ ὑμῶν. GOSPEL READING The Reading is from John 1:1-18

Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazaros was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said "Why was this ointment not sold for three hun- dred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not al- ways have me."

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazaros, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief planned to put Lazaros also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazaros out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. ΑΩ

HOLY WEEK THROUGH NAME DAY SERVICES

Palm Sunday, April 13th Orthros/ 8:30 am Palm Sunday Luncheon Matins of the Bridegroom #1 7:00 pm

Holy Monday, April 14th Presanctified Liturgy 8:00 am Matins of the Bridegroom #2 7:00 pm

Holy Tuesday, April 15th Presanctified Liturgy 8:00 am Matins of the Bridegroom #3 7:00 pm

Holy Wednesday, April 16th Presanctified Liturgy 8:00 am Holy Unction 3:00 pm Matins of the Bridegroom #4 7:00 pm (Holy Unction will be offered at the End of Matins)

Holy Thursday, April 17th Divine Liturgy of St. Basil 8:00 am Service of the Twelve 7:00 pm Gospels & of the Holy Cross

Holy & Great Friday, April 18th Reading of the Royal Hours 9:00 am Service of the Descent from 3:00 pm the Cross Service of the Lamentations 7:00 pm & Procession of Epitaphion

Holy & Great Saturday, April 19th-20th Divine Liturgy of St. Basil 9:00 am Matins of the Resurrection 11:00 pm Resurrection Service/ Midnight Resurrection Divine Liturgy followed by distribution of red eggs

Great & Holy Easter, April 20th Vespers of the Feast of Love (Agape) 11:00 am followed by Egg Hunt & Parish Potluck

Bright Tuesday, April 22nd- Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Feast Day Orthros 8:00 am Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Great Vespers 5:00 pm Dinner Celebration follows

You Are Invited to Witness the & On Holy Saturday, April 19th—2 p.m. of Matthew & Brittany Beckett and Giles Christie Baptism of Samuel Beckett, son of Matthew & Brittany

Easter Sunday, April 20th—Immediately following the Agape Service (about Noon) Baptism of Archie & Florence Lytle’s twin granddaughters, Anastasia & Fotini “Alexandra”

Renewal Saturday, April 26th—2 p.m. Baptism of Paul Kremer

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Here’s a note from one of several notes our Parish Family received from the kind people in Akron, Ohio where Fr. Barnabas recently spoke. Thank you all for your generous support of our Parish Community.

COMMUNITY FUND RAISING

OWN A PIECE OF THE PARISH LIFE CENTER

The Parish Council fundraiser to complete renovations is underway. For $75/square foot, you could own a piece of our NEW Parish Life Center. Buy one or more for yourself, your children, your Godchildren, Yiayia or Papou.

See a Parish Council Member for more information.

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KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM

Kroger is now offering a Community Rewards Program in our area to help bring funds to organizations simply by their membership registering their Kroger Plus card online and then shopping. Each time you use your Kroger Plus card a donation is made to our Church and the Church will receive a reward check on a quarterly basis.

Register your Kroger Plus Card online at Krogercommunityrewards.com

Be sure to have your Kroger Plus card handy and register your card with:

Eastern Orthodox Community of Northern GA, Inc. 72097

as your organization of choice.

That’s all there is to it! The more you shop at Kroger using your Kroger Plus Card the more donations Kroger will make to our Church account.

Sts. RNI is officially registered as a 501(C)(3) under the name of Eastern Orthodox Community of Northern GA, Inc.

CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION

Mirophores Needed - HOLY FRIDAY, APRIL 18TH

Girls ages 5 and above who would like to participate as Mirophores on Good Friday should contact Stamatia Hagen ([email protected]) asap. Traditionally, the girls wear all white and place rose petals on the Epitaphio. White baskets and rose pet- als will be provided. The girls will meet in the Youth Room at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 18th. Please be prompt.

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SAVE THE DATE - Vacation Church School

June 9 through June 13, 9 a.m. to Noon for children ages 5 (must be 5 by June 9th) through 5th grade

Registration forms are available in the Narthex.

If you would like to volunteer to help or have any questions, please contact Stamatia Hagen at [email protected]

PHILOPTOCHOS

Philoptochos is the philanthropic arm of the church, reaching out to those in need of assistance locally, within the Metropolis and nationally.

2014 Membership Drive has begun. It is time to renew your membership or join Philoptochos for the first time. Membership Forms are available in the Narthex.

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HOLY WEEK FLOWERS

Donations for flowers to decorate , the kouvouklion and the are still being accepted. Please make checks payable to Sts. RNI Philoptochos.

On Friday, April 18th, following the Royal Hours, we will be decorating the kouvouklion (tomb) so that it will be ready to receive the epitaphion () at the 3 p.m. Service. Please come & help our chairlady, Pam Powers with this task. Hands of all ages are welcome.

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May 3rd Yard Sale

The Ladies Philoptochos, in conjunction with the Parish Council, will be holding a Yard Sale on Saturday, May 3rd, on the church property. Please collect any gently used or new items that you wish to donate to the church to sell and bring them to the church the week of April 28th.

We will also have a food concession and a pastry sale.

Volunteers will be needed to help with set up, sales and clean up. Please save the date and join in this church-wide fundraiser.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY - Wednesday Bible Study will resume on Wednesday , April 23rd.

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Prosforo Baking - Prosforo Baking will be on Tuesday, April 29th, beginning at 9 a.m. in the Blue House. All who would like to come and help are welcome. Contact Stamatia Hagen at [email protected]

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PROJECT COMFORT - If you enjoy crocheting or knitting (or would like to learn), please contact Emily Christie at [email protected] or 678-447-3918.

Emily has started a ministry to make baby blankets & shawls for newborns & sick or shut-ins or for someone who just may need some comfort & a warm hug.

Project Comfort meets the first Monday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Blue House.

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FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY

Our 2013-2014 Fellowship Hour Donation Campaign has begun. A suggested donation of $25/family helps cover the cost of the weekly Fellowship Hour. Checks should be made payable to Sts. RNI G.O. Church with “Fellowship” on the memo line. We hope you have enjoyed the refreshments provided over the past year and will continue to support the Fellowship Committee’s efforts to serve you each Sunday.

Thank you for your support of this Ministry. ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sts. RNI Bookstore News

Your purchases through Amazon helps us raise money! We have a new e-store on Amazon for the Sts. RNI Bookstore. This is an Amazon webstore that we put items into categories like books, cds, jewelry, food, etc. and we get paid 10% on all sales through our store. If someone from the church wants to buy something on Amazon, they need to click through our link for us to get credit. Also, if anyone wants a book, cd, etc., not on our list, they need to let us know & we can add it to the site. Use the link: http://astore.amazon.com/stsrapnicireo-20

For more information or to add items, contact Aftan Romanczak at [email protected]

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Visitors Welcome

Dina Sarandis resides at The Oaks on Post Road and welcomes visits from fellow parishioners. Dina says “THANK YOU” to those who have visited her and wants you to know that she has really enjoyed the company. She looks forward to more visitors.

John & Sheila Consos are now residing in Dunwoody—4355 Georgetown Sq., Unit 442—and would enjoy phone calls (770/232-5147) &/or visits.

Sam & Katherine Yalanzon - 3100 Rivermont Parkway, Alpharetta 30022 678-921-0146 (after 1 p.m.)

If you know of someone who would like a visit, please contact Helen McCart at 678-947-4771 or the Church Office.

If you don’t see someone for a while, please pick up the phone & make a call and let them know that they are missed. If you don’t have time for visiting, a phone call or card would also be appreciated.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

EASTER EGG HUNT - Sunday, April 20th

Bring your Easter basket for our annual Easter Egg Hunt after the Agape service on Easter Sunday, April 20th. Each participating child needs to bring 12 plastic eggs filled with a treat to the church on the day of the hunt. Please do not put chocolate in the eggs as it tends to melt. A box will be in the Narthex to put the eggs in before the service. If you would like to volunteer to help with the hunt, contact Marina Raymond at [email protected].

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LENTEN FOOD DRIVE

Hunger knows no season. Our “Loaves & Fishes” food collection barrel in the Narthex is empty. Please bring canned goods and non-perishable food items to fill our food barrel that we may share our blessings with those less fortunate.

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GOYA LUMINARIES FOR HOLY FRIDAY

Honor the memory of a loved one with a luminary to light our procession of the Epitaphion on Holy Friday.

On Holy Friday procession luminaries will be arranged in alphabetical order by last name.

Free will offering. Proceeds to benefit our GOYAN’s attending Metropolis events. Make checks payable to Sts. RNI with GOYA Luminary in the memo line.

Forms are available in the Narthex.

Thank you for your support!

CHURCH AND WISH LIST

Holy Water Font Hot Water Dispenser Anointing Brush $700 for Communion - $350 $40

Two of the Altar Rugs Holders - $1,000/pair Holy Cross Tray One 5x7’ - $300 $600 Two 2x3’ - $100 each

Sprinkling Brush - $100

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR GENEROSITY AND THE LOVE THAT YOU HAVE SHOWN FOR OUR PARISH.

If you would like to donate towards the purchase of any of these items, please contact John Patrick, Parish Council President.

Parish Monthly Income/Expense Analysis

$0

$6,747.68 $6,747.68 $3,853.57 $2,894.11

4/11/2014

Financial

Status 2014Status

2nd Quarter

$20.39

$12,809.00 $10,984.39 $23,793.39 $23,773.00

March2014

$0

2014

February

$16,458.00 $16,458.00 $21,945.83

$(5,487.83)

$0

$15,047.98 $15,047.98 $21,305.68

$(6,257.70)

Financial

1stQuarter

Status 2014Status

January 2014January

$0

2013

December

$34,556.38 $34,556.38 $24,151.76 $10,404.62

$0

2013

November

$11,751.35 $11,751.35 $23,575.07

$(11,823.72)

$8,333.90

$11,398.00 $21,968.78 $33,366.78 $25,032.88

Financial

Status 2013Status

4thQuarter

October 2013

OpAcct B&L & (mortgage) Income External Fest Greek Xfer (External) OpAcct Income External Subtotal OpAcct B&L & (mortgage) External Expenses OpAcct B&L & (mortgage) Net To date the 76 families below have returned Stewardship Commitment Cards for 2014. Total Pledged: $116,672 - Average Pledge: $1,555.63 2014 Budget: $277,586 - Shortage: $160,914

James & Angeline Andropoulos Matthew & Athena Miller George & Maria Andros Nikolaos Moissiadis Sarante & Julie Athenson Patricia Morris Stephen & Deane Barnard Nicolas & Teddie Panos Matthew & Brittany Beckett Constantinos & Evelyn Pantazopoulos Anthony & Mary Birozes Lazaros & Christina Papadopoulous Renee Birozes Gregory Pappas Jordan & Lisa Boston Gus Pappas David & Michelle Boyd John & Evon Patrick Kosta & Carolyn Bozzuto Michele Perry Lenny Brown Mihai & Heidi Popa David & Marie Chapman Fr. Barnabas & Presvytera Connie Powell Grace Chihlas Pam Powers Julie Chokos Vic & Suzi Pryles Giles & Emily Christie Marina Raymond Connie Condos Donna Sagnelli John & Sheila Consos Mary Samaltanos Keith & Mary Druffner Dina Sarandis Gregory & Mariya Dunkel Taka & Kathy Shoji Quay & Trissie Farr Jimmy Smith Chris & Elizabeth Foxhall Estelle Sofikitis Robert & Jennifer Guano Koko & Carol Tadros Harald & Stamatia Hagen Steven & Thalia Thompson Allison Hammond Ed & Anne Trainor Harriet Howell Nick & Eva Thrasivoulou Mark & Jennie Johnson Brian & Jennifer Tubbs Eleni Jordan Greg Tzevelekos/Evie Atkinson Panagiotis & Melanie Jordanopoulos Rusty & Christine Waldron Vasilis & Mary Kaloudis Diane Walters Aphrodite Levendakis-Kazazakis Steven & Smara Wolff David & Lynne Lucher Plutarch & Tina Vamvakias Archie & Florence Lytle Len Vanerstrom Tina Maheras Jacob & Katherine Wilson Wade & Andrea Mancil Sam & Katherine Yalanzon William & Margaret Manos George & Thalia Zazanis Bill & Audrey Marianes Riley & Ann Marvos George Matthews Al & Helen McCart Johnny Melts Bill & Mary Milam

2014 Parish Council

John Patrick, President; Harald Hagen, Vice President; Kosta Bozzuto, Secretary; Chris Foxhall, Treasurer David Chapman, Marie Chapman, Quay Farr, Bill Manos, Johnny Melts, Greg Pappas, Plutarch Vamvakias