Pascha, May 2, 2021

Holy Greek Orthodox 250 Gallows Hill Road, Westfield, New Jersey 07090 908.233.8533 www.holytrinitywestfield.org Live streaming services http://holytrinitywestfield.org/parish-news/

Rev. Fr. Peter Delvizis, Parish Priest

Cristos Anesth! Alhqws Anesth! Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! Christos Voskrese! Voistinu Voskrese! - Russian Christos a înviat! Adevãrat a înviat! - Romanian Al-Mashīh-Qãm! Haqqan Qãm! - Arabic Christe Agsdga! Cheshmaritad agsdga! - Georgian Krishti u ngjall Vërtet u ngjall! – Albanian

In the Vigil Gospel Reading: St. Mark 16:1-8 In the Liturgy: Reading: Acts: 1:1-8 Gospel Reading: St. John 1:1-17 Agape : Gospel Reading: St. John 20:19-25

Apolytikion: “Before Your Passion, You raised Lazarus from the dead to confirm the common Resurrection for all, O Christ God. Therefore, we carry symbols of victory as did the youths, and we cry out to You, the Victor over death, “Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” : “As by baptism we were buried with Thee, O Christ our God, so by Thy Resurrction we were deemed worthy of immortal life; and prasing Thee, we cry: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord.” : “Being borne upon a throne in Heaven, and upon a colt on the earth, O Christ God, Thou didst accept the praise of the Angels and the laudation of the children as they cried to Thee: Blessed art Thou Who comest to recall Adam.”

Altar Donations Altar candles for the health and well-being of Stavroula Frestis and family Vigil light in memory of George, Deno, and Andy Nicholas Large candles in memory of the parents of Greg and Themis Ganifas Resurrection candle in memory of Pericles Gianakis

Agape Vespers Altar candles in memory of James N. Rentas Vigil light for the health and well-being of the Gregory Ganifas family Large candles in loving memory of Spiro and Pauline Retsinas

Paschal Liturgical Schedule , May 1, Resurrection Vigil, 11:15 PM with Paschal The Great and Holy Pascha, May 2, Agape Vespers, 11:00 AM Bright Monday, May 3, St. George the Great Martyr, , 9:00 AM; Divine Liturgy, 10:00 AM Bright Friday, May 7, The Lifegiving Spring, Orthros 8:30 AM; Divine Liturgy, 9:30 Sunday of Thomas, May 9, Orthros 8:15 AM; Divine Liturgy, 9:30 AM

On the Great and Holy Feast of Pascha, Orthodox Christians celebrate the life-giving Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Christ. This feast of feasts is the most significant day in the life of the Church. It is a celebration of the defeat of death, as neither death itself nor the power of the grave could hold our Savior captive. In this victory that came through the Cross, Christ broke the bondage of sin, and through faith offers us restoration, transformation, and eternal life.

Holy Week comes to an end at sunset of Great and Holy Saturday, as the Church prepares to celebrate her most ancient and preeminent festival, Pascha, the feast of feasts. The time of preparation will give way to a time of fulfillment. The glorious and resplendent light emanating from the empty Tomb will dispel the darkness. Christ, risen from the dead, cracks the fortress of death and takes "captivity captive" (Psalm 67:19). All the limitations of our createdness are torn asunder. Death is swallowed up in victory and life is liberated. "For as by a man came death, by a man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive" (I Corinthians 15:21-22). Pascha is the dawn of the new and unending day. The Resurrection constitutes the most radical and decisive deliverance of humankind.

The Christ is the fundamental truth and absolute fact of the Christian faith. It is the central experience and essential kerygma of the Church. It confirms the authenticity of Christ's remarkable earthly life and vindicates the truth of His teaching. It seals all His redemptive work: His life, the model of a holy life; His compelling and unique teaching; His extraordinary works; and His awesome, life-

creating death. Christ's Resurrection is the guarantee of our salvation. Together with His Ascension it brings to perfection God's union with us for all eternity.

The Resurrection made possible the miracle of the Church, which in every age and generation proclaims and affirms "God's plan for the universe, the ultimate divinization of man and the created order." The profound experience of and the unshakable belief in the risen Lord enabled the Apostles to evangelize the world and empowered the Church to overcome paganism. The Resurrection discloses the indestructible power and inscrutable wisdom of God. It disposes of the illusory myths and belief systems by which people, bereft of divine knowledge, strain to affirm the meaning and purpose of their existence. Christ, risen and glorified, releases humanity from the delusions of idolatry. In Him grave-bound humanity discovers and is filled with incomparable hope. The Resurrection bestows illumination, energizes souls, brings forgiveness, transfigures lifes, creates saints, and gives joy.

The Resurrection has not yet abolished the reality of death. But it has revealed its powerlessness (Hebrews 2:14-15). We continue to die as a result of the Fall. Our bodies decay and fall away. "God allows death to exist but turns it against corruption and its cause, sin, and sets a boundary both to corruption and sin." Thus, physical death does not destroy our life of with God. Rather, we move from death to life - from this fallen world to God's reign.

Prayer List Fran, Joan, Hellen, Joseph, Angela, Cleopatra, James, Rosa, George, Kathy, Stephanie, Theresa, Dorothy, Shannon, Jeff, Jeffrey, Rowena, Craig, Paul, John, Marien, John, Vasilia, Hellen, Natalia, Angela, Katherine, Patricia, Lily, Thomas, Brennan, Elvira, Bill, Alicia, Diane, Dianna, Michael, Nicholas, Pete, Ann, Amanda, Stephanie, Emma, Marco, Lisa, Margaret, Daniel, George, Ann, Dacia, Tonya, Susan, Chris, George, Eleni, Jim, Jean, Elliott, Priscilla, Maria, Vincent, Patricia, Harry, Andrea, Peter, Edward, Aristotelis, Anna, Elizabeth, Anna, Angela, John, Stephanie, Michael, Victor, Floarea, Andy, Ramon, Augusta, Donald, Gloria, Charles, Anastasia, Christine, Deborah, Fotini, Bill, Joan, Rose, Ashleigh, Tom, Andrea, Marc, Barbara, Brendon, Ryan, George, Vasili, Dorka, Stavroula, Maroulla.

THE HOLY GREAT MARTYR St. GEORGE

This glorious and victorious saint was born in Cappadocia, the son of wealthy and virtuous parents. His father suffered for Christ, and his mother then moved to Palestine. When George grew up he entered the military, where he attained, in his twentieth year, the rank of tribune, and as such he was in the service of the Emperor Diocletian. When Diocletian began his terrible persecution of Christians, George came before him and courageously confessed that he was a Christian. The emperor had him thrown into prison and ordered that his feet be placed in stocks and that a heavy stone be placed on his chest. After that, the emperor commanded that George be tied to a wheel, under which was a board with large nails, and he was to be rotated until his whole body became as one bloody wound. After that, they buried him in a pit with only his head showing above the ground, and there they left him for three days and three nights. Then George was given a deadly poison to drink by a magician. But through all of these sufferings, George continuously prayed to God, and God healed him instantly and saved him from death, to the great astonishment of the people. When he also resurrected a dead man through his prayers, many accepted the Christian Faith. Among these were Alexandra, the wife of the Emperor Diocletian; the chief pagan priest; the farmer Glycerius; and Valerius, Donatus and Therinus. Finally the emperor commanded that George and his own wife Alexandra be beheaded. Blessed Alexandra died on the scaffold before being beheaded, and St. George was beheaded in the year 303 A.D. The miracles which have occurred over the grave of St. George are countless. Numerous are his appearances, both in dreams and openly, to those who, from that time to today, have invoked him and implored his help. Inflamed with love for Christ the Lord, it was not difficult for this saintly George, for the sake of this love, to leave all: rank, wealth, imperial honor, his friends and the entire world. For this love, the Lord rewarded him with a wealth of unfading glory in heaven and on earth, and with eternal life in His kingdom. In addition, the Lord bestowed upon him the power and authority to assist all those in afflictions and difficulties who honor him and call upon his name.

Special Gratitude The deepest thanks and gratitude is offered to those who made , and Pascha a magnificent celebration. Many thanks are extended to our priest and visiting , psaltes, acolytes, Parish Council, and Ladies Philoptochos; also to those anonymous donors who quietly spread the message of love through charitable acts; to those who decorated the Kouvouklion and the interior of the church; to those who brought red Paschal eggs; the Holy Week readers; the office staff; the many volunteers; the caretakers; and to the parishioners who work to assure that the week of Holy Week and Pascha is meaningful and spiritually uplifting.

Paschal Donations A deep and profound thanks is offered to those who donated towards Holy Week flowers, flowers, palms, altar items, and other items used throughout Great and Holy Week. The fresh arrangement of red roses that decorated the Bridegroom during Holy Week; the roses that were distributed following the Lamentation Service at the Epitaphios on Holy Friday evening; and the beautiful flowers decorating both the Paschal Banner and the icon of the Resurrection were all generously donated anonymously.

COVID-19 Guidelines IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE? B2B can help. For Pascha Who are we? We are the buddy 2 Because of COVID-19, we find ourselves in buddy support network of Holy untested waters for this year’s Holy Week and Trinity . services. Parishioners are invited to We are a group of parish attend every service and we ask for your volunteers committed to helping cooperation to you. We realize the continued need for support as we collectively The process to register is the same: just call or navigate this difficult period of email the church office with the services you time. There is no greater sense of would like to attend. The office will send you a Christian duty than serving God confirmation afterwards. and serving our fellow brothers Please be on time! We still need to wear and sisters, which is why Holy masks and socially distance, and New Jersey Trinity has formed a volunteer still has a 50% occupancy restriction, so be on team called the B2Bs, to assist you time for the services! Once the church and your families. Our volunteers nave hits the limit allowed by state mandates, are available to provide various then those who come afterwards will be escorted into the Bouras Center for overflow forms of assistance, including rides seating. The service will be broadcast on a to church, helping you register for screen. COVID vaccinations or tests, running errands, bringing you When it is time to receive the Eucharist, Holy Unction, or any offering, parish council members home-cooked meals, and having a will escort those in the Bouras Center into the conversation. If anyone is need of church. assistance, please contact our parish office. You will be paired *Registering allows the parish to comply to state regulations, it does NOT guarantee a seat in with a B2B volunteer, who will the church nave if you arrive late. reach out to you upon your request. All requests are confidential. Please call the church 908-233-8533.

Stewardship Commitment and Online Giving Holy Trinity is counting on our parishioners to help the church financially. You are asked to make your Christian Stewardship Commitment today. Our Online Stewardship Giving Program is a convenient way to automate your offering. To sign up for online giving, visit www.holytrinitywestfield.org, and look for the “Donate Now” button on the home page. Or click here. GOYA GOYA will continue collecting dry goods for families in need (i.e. all canned goods, soups, tuna and chicken, beans, rice, pasta and other meals on the go that can be easily heated). Please leave these dry goods in our bins that will be outside the church office. Thank you in advance for your continued support of all our initiatives.

Christ is Risen! Truly, He is risen! The is a symbol of Christ’s tomb. When we crack it and say the above , it reminds us that Christ has left the tomb and is alive. As we eat the egg, the gift of the Resurrection is received by us.

2021 Stewardship Campaign Update

Thank you to all who have submitted your 2021 Stewardship Commitment Card. Your faithful support is greatly appreciated.

Currently 276 Stewards have pledged $367,816! 2021 Stewardship Goal: $843,500 Current Pledges: $367,816 Funding Needed: $475,684

If you have not submitted your 2021 Stewardship Commitment Card, please make every effort to do so in a timely manner. Your continued financial support will enable the church to minister to the community. We are counting on every parishioner to help provide the resources the church needs to carry out Christ’s mission. Please help us reach our stewardship goal by mailing or bringing your Stewardship card to the church. Thank you for your support!

Click to view the newsletter Politismos

Holy Trinity Cultural Committee is pleased to announce the launch of a novel newsletter entitled Politismos during the dual feast celebrations on March 25 of the of the and the 1821 Greek War of Independence.

2021 marks the 200th Anniversary of the Greek War of Independence. In honor of this auspicious day, on March 25, after the celebration of the Divine Liturgy a Doxology Service will be held to recognize the faith and courage of those Hellenes and Philhellenes that made the dream of freedom and liberty come true.

We are blessed to witness the celebration of and Hellenism. Long live Greece! Long live the Greek Nation! Long live freedom and liberty!

AmazonSmile - Assist Holy Trinity Endowment Fund while shopping Amazon Holy Trinity announces that the parish’s Endowment Fund is now a Registered Organization with the AmazonSmile Foundation Program. Under this program, the AmazonSmile Foundation donates 0.5% of all qualifying purchases made by you to the Fund. To make a qualifying purchase simply place your Amazon order for a product (digital or physical) from your shopping cart on smile.amazon.com and designate Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Endowment Fund as your selected charitable organization. AmazonSmile then donates 0.5% of your purchase directly to the Holy Trinity Endowment Fund. The Program is a wonderful way to donate to Holy Trinity, at no cost to you, while shopping as you normally do. Please help Holy Trinity to raise funds by simply purchasing through AmazonSmile this holiday season and beyond.

Holy Trinity Reopening “My brethren, count it joyous when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Now let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” – James 1:2-4 The year 2020 has indeed tested us in ways unimaginable. Yet in Christ we always find victory. Εν τούτω νίκα! Parishioners are invited to attend church in person once again. If you’ve been to church recently, you’ll see many controlled measures implemented to keep you safe. The Parish Council has implemented many measures to help assure this. Over the past six months, we’ve learned to circulate under the Corona Virus threat. We feel a bit more at ease going to the grocery store and attending school, and pursuing other activities. That is why I invite you back to church knowing that one of the safest places to be is at your spiritual home. While the church surroundings will be familiar when you attend, our behavior during worship and our interactions with each other is different. There are still state restrictions in that we cannot open to full capacity (there is a limit ~90 people). But knowing that you want to be here, we are is still asking the faithful to register with the church office. It is important that you. Register by Friday by 4 PM and wait for confirmation to attend services. To Register, simply check the Liturgical Schedule to see when a service is offered. Then either call the church office or email a request to: [email protected] In your request, please mention the specific date and the number of people to attend. A confirmation will be forwarded to you, if space is available. Priority will be given to those who are attending a family memorial service. For your convenience, additional weekly Divine Liturgies have been added so that we can accommodate your desire to return to church.

When you receive a confirmation, you are asked to read the “Parish Reopening Guidelines”. By attending the service, you affirm that you will adhere to these guidelines. Asking for our Lord the Physician of our souls and bodies, to bless us and banish away this terrible and evil entity, I remain yours in Christ, - Fr Peter