Kali Anastasi!

In modern Christianity, Easter celebrates crucifixion; our redemption in Jesus’ sacrifice. In ancient times however, it was not the crucifixion that drew attention and the large number of followers that established Christianity, but the resurrection. Jesus Himself vividly states so in John 12:32; “When I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” Being “lifted” may infer crucifixion, but most certainly refers to resurrection, and humanity following suit.

The resurrection as the amazing miracle of human salvation is of old prophesied in Ezekiel 37, and represents the true motivating power of Christianity. If sacrifice is the path, then the resurrection is the destination. This message is not conceptual but experiential. Large numbers It's that time of year again! As we watch witnessed the mind boggling resurrection of the children of our community grow up Jesus. Imagine their emotions, trying to believe and begin their next stage in life, this is their own eyes, seeing the destruction of the our opportunity to help them as they ultimate destroyer; death. Salvation was no progress to further education. mere promise, but reality. “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits This year, we are offering scholarships of those fallen asleep. For as by a man came for those who are entering their first death, by a man has come also the year of Undergraduate and Post- resurrection of the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:20- Graduate studies. 21). Application forms will be available on The implication is astounding, and repeated in April 1, 2015. The due date for 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, “(do) not grieve as completed applications is April 30, others who have no hope...we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through 2015. Scholarships will be awarded on Jesus, God will bring with him those who have May 17, 2015 following the Sunday fallen asleep.” This is the “Good News” that School graduation. globally propelled a new faith and conquered If you are interested in applying for an Rome. This Pascha, consider the joyous depth and reality of the salvation provided by God. Assumption Cathedral Scholarship, please contact Michael Therianos at -Rev. Chris Margaritis [email protected]. SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

• ASLEEP IN THE LORD • 2/25/15 - Kosta (Dean) Karakitsios Kinonika are among the most beautiful of all Orthodox  Consecration of a Church: Kyrie Ighapisa… (Lord, hymns and are sung or chanted during a Divine I have loved the beauty of Your house). Liturgy, immediately before Holy Communion is distributed to the faithful. As is the case with other hymns, special Kinonika are substituted on various feast days of the Church. Do you have favorites? Moveable Feast Days:

The Kinonikon for a “regular” Divine Liturgy is Ainite  Presanctified Liturgies: Gefsasthe ke idete… (Taste ton Kyrion… (Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise and see how good is the Lord). Him in the highest. Alleluia). Other Communion  Saturday of Lazarus: Ek stomatos nipion... (From hymns for feast days with fixed dates include: the mouths of babes You have fashioned perfect  1 September, Ecclesiastical New Year: Evlogison praise). ton stefanon… (Bless the crown of this year, Lord).  Palm Sunday: Evlogimenos… (Blessed is He who  14 Sept & 3rd Sunday of Lent, Feast Days of the comes in the name of the Lord, King of Israel). Holy Cross: Esimiothi ef imas… (Upon us was  Holy Thursday Morning: Tu Dipnu Sou… (Receive marked the light of Your face, Lord. You gave me today, Son of God, as a partaker of Your gladness to our hearts). Mystical Supper; for I will not reveal the Mystery to  8 November, Archangels Michael and Gabriel: O Your enemies; nor will I give You a kiss as did pion tus angelus… (He who makes His angels Judas; but like the thief I will confess You. “Lord, spirits and His ministers a fire’s flame). remember me in Your kingdom.”)   25 December, Nativity of Our Lord: Lytrosin… Holy Saturday Morning: Exigerthi os o ipnon (The Lord sent salvation to His people). Kyrios… (The Lord was awakened as one out of sleep, and arose delivering us).  6 January, Divine Epiphany of Our Lord: Epefani… (The grace of God has appeared that saves all men).  Holy Pascha: Soma Christu… (Receive and taste the immortal spring, the Body of Christ).  7 January, John the Forerunner: Is mnimosynon… (The just man shall remain in eternal memorial).  Sunday of St. Thomas: Epeni, Ierusalim… (Praise the Lord, Jerusalem. Praise your God, Zion).  25 March, Annunciation of the Theotokos: Exelexato Kyrios… (The Lord chose Zion. He loved  Ascension of Our Lord: Anevio o Theos… (God her as His dwelling place). ascended in a great triumphal shout, the Lord with the voice of a trumpet).  6 August, Transfiguration of Our Lord: En to foti tis doxis… (In the light of the glory of Your face,  Holy Pentecost: To Pnevma Su to agathon… (Your Lord, we shall walk through the centuries good Spirit will guide me on a straight path). together).  Monday of the Holy Spirit: To Pnevma Su to  Various Feast Days of the Theotokos: Potirion agion… (Do not take away from us Your Holy sotiriou… (The cup of salvation I will receive). Spirit, we entreat You, Lover of mankind).   Various Feast Days of the Apostles, Evangelists, Sunday of All Saints: Agalliasthe dikei… (Rejoice and some Saints: Eis pasan tin gin… (His sound you who are righteous in the Lord; to the upright went out to all the earth and his sayings to the ends belong praise). of the universe).

ST. MACRINA’S JOURNEY “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” -Joshua 24:15

When we speak of stewardship and family we must also consider stewardship of family. Which of God’s gifts is greater than family? Family is a beautiful and meaningful opportunity to practice stewardship, and to grow in our understanding of how to properly thank God and to use and share His gifts.

This past year our ministry programs saw an increase in the participation of both our youth and adults, volunteering to assist these programs. Also our Stewardship commitment card in 2014 had over 29% of stewards indicating areas of interest for volunteerism and participation. In 2015, we are launching new ministry initiatives including book readings, young family groups and a men’s group, just to mention a few.

We ask you to support these worthy ministries. Giving to His Church is a way to thank God for His grace and generosity. The question is not, “How much do I give to stay in the club?” or “What are the dues?” but “How can I thank God for His many blessings in my life?”

The return of a portion of God’s blessings upon you to our Lord through His Church, is most meaningful when accompanied by your presence, by your willingness to serve, by your prayers, and by your commitment. Giving is not a substitute for commitment but rather, it is an expression of your commitment and an expression of thanks for the many blessings in your life. If you have not submitted your pledge card, please consider doing so at your earliest convenience.

Γιαγιά, ?

Spotlight: The Holy Great Martyr George the Trophy-Bearer

St. George the Trophy-bearer, this truly great and glorious Martyr of Christ, was born of a father from Cappadocia and a mother from Palestine. Being a military tribune, that is, a commander of a thousand troops, he was illustri- ous in battle and highly honored for his courage. When he learned that the Emperor Diocletian was preparing a persecution of the Christians, St. George presented himself publicly before the Emperor and denounced him. When threats and promises could not move him from his steadfast confes- sion, he was put to unheard-of tortures, which he endured with great brav- ery, overcoming them by his faith and love towards Christ. By the wondrous signs that took place in his contest, he guided many to the knowledge of the truth, including Queen Alexandra, wife of Diocletian, and was finally be- headed on April 23, 303 AD in Nicomedia. Carrying out the Saint’s desire, his servant took his precious relics back to his country, to Lydda in Pales- tine, where innumerable miracles were worked in the great church that was built in his honor.

The veneration of St. George has enormous popularity throughout the Christian world, both East and West. He was chosen to be the protector of countries like Georgia and England; thousands of churches have been dedi- cated to him and every Christian soul sees in him the incarnation of the virtues of valor, patience in affliction and trust in the help of grace that Christ, the Leader in battle, has enjoined on all the soldiers enrolled in His army of devotion. His icon depicts this great Saint of the Church riding a large, white horse. The horse symbolizes both strength and purity - the power and perfection of the Christian faith itself. In slaying the dragon, a symbol for the devil, St. George is able to save the virgin princess, the Church, from the Devil's clutches.

We remember St. George the Great Martyr on April 23. If the Feast of Saint George occurs during Great Lent or Holy Week, the feast is transposed to Με αγάπη, Γιαγιά the Monday after Pascha, the Monday of Bright Week. This is done not only because the Divine Liturgy is not conducted on the weekdays of Lent, but also because many of the hymns of the Feast are Paschal in nature. This is due to the fact that under the Old Calendar, this feast never occurred before the annual celebration of Pascha.

Provided By The Department of Internet Ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Copyright © The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. See more at: http://www.goarch.org/ chapel/saints_view?contentid=29. SAVE THE DATE! HERITAGE PRESERVATION PROJECT is excited to announce “Sas Efharistoume” The 50th Anniversary Festival Commemorative Dinner Saturday, May 30, 2015 • 5:30 p.m. Annunciation Room in the Hellenic Community Center Tickets on sale soon!

About fifty years ago, the Philoptochos, ladies and gentlemen of our Church worked with Father George Neofotistos to create the First Annual Greek Bazaar, held in the fall of 1963. Many of us were small chil- dren, young adults and newly marrieds, whose parents and grandparents worked so very hard for many months to bring this first community-wide fundraiser to reality.

Now, in anticipation and in memory of the 50th Anniversary of this important event for our Cathedral, and the many people who helped create it, the Heritage Preservation Project (HPP) is planning a fun and mem- orable event.

The Heritage Preservation Project Ministry is hosting an elegant and unique 50th Anniversary Commemo- rative Greek Dinner, inspired by all of the people who planned and presented the first historic dinner in the Ballroom during the first years of the Bazaar and Marketplace.

The Commemorative Dinner menu will have unique, gourmet food items lovingly prepared by Creations The Catering Company. This Dinner will be different from anything currently being made and served at the Festival. We hope everyone can attend. The cost of the dinner will be $75.00 per person, including dinner wines, cordial and champagne. There will be a cash bar during the cocktail hour.

HPP is also looking for handmade items, news articles and photographs from those early years. If you are interested in loaning items for display at this dinner and the Festival in June, please contact Elaine Kusulas, Stephanie Papageorge Doukas or Elaine Callas Williams, or email us at [email protected]. All items will be receipted to ensure they are returned to you.

Thank you for your support!  

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NON-PROFIT THE HELLENIC ORTHODOX COMMUNITY OF DENVER ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL PAID 4610 E. Alameda Avenue DENVER, CO PERMIT NO. 29 Denver, CO 80246

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED