, NICHOLAS, & IRENE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

Rev. Fr. Powell, Proistamenos 3074 Bethelview Road, Cumming GA 30040 (770) 781-5250 www.stsrni.org [email protected] facebook.com/Sts Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Greek Orthodox Church Read our daily devotionals at www.FaithEncouraged.org

February 5, 2017

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee Triodion Begins

Agatha the

This Martyr, who was from Panormus (that is, Palermo) or perhaps Catania of Sicily, was a most comely and chaste . After many exceedingly harsh torments, she gave up her spirit in prison at Catania in 251, because she did not consent to the seductions of Quintian, the Governor of Sicily. At her burial, an Angel placed a stone tablet on her grave inscribed with the words, "A righteous mind, self-determining, honor from God, the deliverance of her father-land." The following year this was fulfilled when Mount Etna erupted, spewing forth violent fire from which Catania was manifestly saved by Agatha's prayers. The holy Martyr Agatha, the protectress and chief patroness of Sicily, is, with perhaps the exception of Saint Agnes of , the most highly venerated Virgin Martyr of the West. Saint Damasus, of Rome, and Saint of Milan both wrote in praise of her. ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ Welcome to all visitors who are worshiping with us this morning. Please join us for Coffee Hour afterwards in the Parish Life Center (“PLC”). Reminder: If there is ever a luncheon prepared for donations to the church and you wish not to participate, the coffee and treats table is always available to everyone without a donation. Fellowship is the main focus of this time together! Visitors Meet & Greet with Father Barnabas ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

TODAY, February 5 Sunday of the Publican and For Today: Pharisee - Triodion Begins Ushers: Kosta Bozzuto and Len Vanerstrom Welcoming Ministry: Tina Maheras, Lily Waldron Coffee Hour hosted by: Sunday School Ministry GOD PARENTS SUNDAY Parish Council of 2016: Kosta Bozzuto, President; 8:45 a.m. - Orthos Greg Pappas, Vice President; Len Vanerstrom, 10:00 a.m. - Divine Liturgy Secretary; Chapman, Treasurer; Sandy Athenson, Anthony Birozes, Marie Chapman, Chris Memorial: Robert “” Simcic and Foxhall, Helen McCart, Johnny Melts, Anne Trainor, Mary “Marika” Papoulas-Simcic (Parents of Barbara and Plutarch Vamvakias Theofilis, in-laws of Gary, and grandparents of Aristotle and Alexander); John Consos (40 days - husband and Acolytes: and Jimmy Atkinson, David father) Druffner, Evan Eifert, Spiro Kefalas, Christos Kaloudis, Thomas Miller, Mike Trainor, Aristotle & 2017 Parish Council Official Pledge/Oath of Office Alexander Theofilis, Alex & Niko Tzevelekos, Christos Zourzoukis, Senior Acolytes: Johnny Melts Children will attend Sunday School Classes immediately after Communion. Today they are Please say a special prayer for the following studying “Ruth” Individuals:

God Parents honored at Coffee Hour today by Sunday School Ministry. A. Andropoulos, Ashley, Ava, D. Bethune, Bill, Carrie, C. Farr, Fulvio Cenciarelli , Perry,

A. Harris, M. Hayes, B. Fulbright, D. Jeffrey, Appointments with Father Barnabas: If you would like Mariann, Maria, A. Papandreou, M. Samaltanos; to schedule any appointments or arrangements with Victor, Patsy, Joanne, Walter, Vasilios and S. & K. Father Barnabas, please contact the office Yalanzon. administrator in order to assure that there are no conflicts on his calendar. Thank you.

Administrative Office Hours: Friendly Reminder: The Orthodox Church Tuesday – Friday; 10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. practices “closed” communion. This means only Orthodox Christians who have properly *Are you interested in being a part of the prepared to receive the Eucharist should Orthodox Church? If so, the “Journey to approach the Chalice at communion. If you Fullness” classes are at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday have any questions, please see Fr. Barnabas nights. after service.

Visit the Gift Shop for Inspiration and Gifts

Sunday of Publican and Pharisee Triodion Begins

On This day, we also Commemorate: Agatha the Martyr Polyeuktos, Partriarch Of Constantinople Antonios the New Martyr of Athens

Divine Liturgy of St.

Apolytikion for St. Raphael in the Fourth Tone Singers and Chanters: Anthony Birozes, David Boyd, Lynn Lucher, Jimmy Smith, Todd Stewart Because of the finding of your holy relics, wise one, * the Island of Lesvos has been filled Resurrectional Apolytikion in the fully with the grace, * which God richly gave to Plagal of the Fourth Tone you. * You, O devout martyr Raphael, You descended from on high, O compassionate One, and paradoxically * appeared to many people, and condescended to be buried for three days, so that from the you grant cures and healings. * And therefore passions You might set us free. Our life and resurrection, O we the faithful re-joice in all your miracles. Lord, glory be to You.

Apolytikion for St. Raphael in the First Tone Apolytikion of the Feast in the First Tone

To the offspring of Ithaca, the pride and joy Lady full of grace, rejoice, O Virgin , for Christ of Lesvos, * monastic ’ glory, let us offer our God, the Sun of righteousness has risen from you and to Raphael our songs of praise; * for lately he He illumined those in darkness. And you, righteous Elder, appeared, and pours out cures and healings to be glad in heart, receiving in your embraces the One who us all. * Inexplicably he appears to believers, liberates our souls and bestows on us the Resurrection. both in dreams and awake, who cry: * Glory to Christ who gave you His might. * Glory to Him Kontakion for the Departed in the who gave you miracles. * Glory to Him who Plagal of the Fourth Tone through you fulfills our prayerful requests. Remember, Lord, your servants; for you are good. Forgive Apolytikion in honor of Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & them all within they have erred in this life; for there is none without sins except for you, who are able to grant rest to the Irene departed.

Having contended on Lesvos for the sake of Seasonal Kontakion in the First Tone Christ God, you have sanctified the island since the discovery of your sacred relics, O blessed You sanctified the virginal womb by Your birth, O Lord, ones; wherefore we honor you, O Godbearing and blessed the hands of Symeon fittingly, O Christ God; Raphael, together with Nicholas and virgin and even now You came and saved us. Now, give peace to Irene, as our divine protectors and intercessors our Nation in time of war, and empower our Leaders, so with the Lord. loved by You, the only one who loves humanity.

EPISTLE READING

St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 3:10-15

Prokeimenon. Mode Plagal 4. Psalm 75.11,1 Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them. Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel

TIMOTHY, my son, you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions, my sufferings, what befell me at Antioch, at lconion, and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ††††

Πρὸς Τιμόθεον β' 3:10-15

Προκείμενον. Ἦχος πλ δ. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 75.11,1

Εὔξασθε καὶ ἀπόδοτε Κυρίῳ τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν. Στίχ. Γνωστὸς ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ ὁ Θεός, ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ μέγα τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ.

Τέκνον Τιμόθεε, παρηκολούθηκάς μου τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ, τῇ ἀγωγῇ, τῇ προθέσει, τῇ πίστει, τῇ μακροθυμίᾳ, τῇ ἀγάπῃ, τῇ ὑπομονῇ, τοῖς διωγμοῖς, τοῖς παθήμασιν, οἷά μοι ἐγένετο ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ, ἐν Ἰκονίῳ, ἐν Λύστροις, οἵους διωγμοὺς ὑπήνεγκα· καὶ ἐκ πάντων με ἐρρύσατο ὁ κύριος. Καὶ πάντες δὲ οἱ θέλοντες εὐσεβῶς ζῇν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ διωχθήσονται. Πονηροὶ δὲ ἄνθρωποι καὶ γόητες προκόψουσιν ἐπὶ τὸ χεῖρον, πλανῶντες καὶ πλανώμενοι. Σὺ δὲ μένε ἐν οἷς ἔμαθες καὶ ἐπιστώθης, εἰδὼς παρὰ τίνος ἔμαθες, καὶ ὅτι ἀπὸ βρέφους τὰ ἱερὰ γράμματα οἶδας, τὰ δυνάμενά σε σοφίσαι εἰς σωτηρίαν διὰ πίστεως τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ.

GOSPEL READING

The Gospel according to Luke 18:10-14

The Lord said this parable, "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

††††

Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 18:10-14

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τήν παραβολ ὴν ταύτην· Ἄνθρωποι δύο ἀνέβησαν εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν προσεύξασθαι, ὁ εἷς Φαρισαῖος καὶ ὁ ἕτερος τελώνης. ὁ Φαρισαῖος σταθεὶς πρὸς ἑαυτὸν ταῦτα προσηύχετο· ὁ Θεός, εὐχαριστῶ σοι ὅτι οὐκ εἰμὶ ὥσπερ οἱ λοιποὶ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ἅρπαγες, ἄδικοι, μοιχοί, ἢ καὶ ὡς οὗτος ὁ τελώνης· νηστεύω δὶς τοῦ σαββάτου, ἀποδεκατῶ πάντα ὅσα κτῶμαι. καὶ ὁ τελώνης μακρόθεν ἑστὼς οὐκ ἤθελεν οὐδὲ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν ἐπᾶραι, ἀλλ᾿ ἔτυπτεν εἰς τὸ στῆθος αὐτοῦ λέγων· ὁ Θεός, ἱλάσθητί μοι τῷ ἁμαρτωλῷ. λέγω ὑμῖν, κατέβη οὗτος δεδικαιωμένος εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ ἢ γὰρ ἐκεῖνος· ὅτι πᾶς ὁ ὑψῶν ἑαυτὸν ταπεινωθήσεται, ὁ δὲ ταπεινῶν ἑαυτὸν ὑψωθήσεται.

PRAYERS BEFORE HOLY COMMUNION

I believe and confess, Lord, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. I also believe that this is truly Your pure Body and that this is truly Your precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to You, have mercy upon me, and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, known and unknown. And make me worthy without condemnation to partake of Your pure Mysteries for the forgiveness of sins and for life eternal. Amen.

How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your saints? If I dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my clothing will accuse me, since it is not a wedding garment; and being bound up, I shall be cast out by the angels. In Your love, Lord, cleanse my soul and save me.

Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these holy Gifts be to my condemnation 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 and to place in Him the hope of my salvation.

Receive me today, Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical Supper. I will not reveal Your mystery to Your adversaries. Nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief I confess to You: Lord, remember me in Your kingdom.

PARISH NEWS

Book Store at Sts RNI

Father Barnabas’ book is now available for order at the AncientFaith.com store. Our church bookstore has them in stock also. Father Barnabas will sign books upon request .

Education Ministry

 Kennesaw State Students -- OCF Chapter is growing! KSU students, did you know that there is an active Orthodox Christian Fellowship Chapter (OCF) on campus? They are reaching out to Orthodox students who attend KSU in the hope that they will join them in this important on-campus ministry. Please contact Athena Vlamis ([email protected]) for further information. We're also on Facebook at "Orthodox Christian Fellowship at Kennesaw State University". Thank you!

 “A Journey to Fullness” educational classes with Father Barnabas are held each Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. and starting with Vespers at 6:30 p.m.

Flower Ministry

 Please help with the costs and decorating of the flowers for the Feast Days’ Icons. It takes approximately $20 for each icon to be decorated. The Feast Days for Icon Decorations are (2017):

January 6: The Feast of Epiphany August 6: The Transfiguration of Christ February 2: The Presentation of Christ – August 15: The Dormition of the Theotokos Michelle Boyd will provide (white flowers) March 25: Annunciation of the Theotokos September 8: The Nativity of the Theotokos (white flowers) – S. Tyre will provide April 16: Great and Holy Pascha – September 14: The Exaltation of the Cross Barbra Theofilis has provided $ June 2: The Apodosis of the Feast of the November 21: The Entrance Into the Temple of Holy Ascension the Theotokos (white flowers) June 4: Holy Pentecost December 25: The Nativity of Christ

Food Ministry

 Coffee Hour Sponsorship (please sign up at the PLC)

2017 February 5: Sunday School Ministry April 2: February 12: Helen McCart April 9 (Palm Sunday): Food Ministry (Fish) February 19: Women’s Fellowship April 16 (Pascha): Parish Council February 26: Kefalas Family April 23: Philoptochos March 5: April 30: March 12: May 7: March 19: May 14: (Mother’s Day): Parish Council March 26: May 21: Sunday School Ministry May 28:

 The Food Ministry will be making small plates of Koliva for the Saturday of Souls (Feb. 18, Feb. 25 and March 4). Each plate will be $10. If you would like to order, please contact Helen McCart at ([email protected]).

 For individual memorials, the large tray of Koliva can be made for $30. Contact Helen McCart for those orders ([email protected]).

Fundraising Efforts

The Sts RNI Playground Set is scheduled for repair and cleanup soon. Thanks to everyone who donated.

Gift Shop Ministry  Please stop by Sts RNI Gift Shop for any special needs for a chrismation, baptism, birthday, or anniversary. If we don’t have it, we can special order the item.

GOYA Youth Ministry  If you would like more information on GOYA or would like to join (Grades 6-12), please contact Laura Kefalas at [email protected].

 Wednesday, February 15 at 7:00 p.m. - GOYA - Seniors Dinner & Bingo night (PLC)

 Dear GOYA parents - Marietta’s GOYA is *tentatively* planning on hosting a Middle School event, titled “Elevate!”: WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 9th, 10:00am – TBD; WHERE: Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, Marietta; WHO: GOYANS who are in Middle School (but open to HS students as well who want to attend and/or families for fellowship) – this will including “rising” 6th grade students COSTS: $20 per person includes lunch, snacks & drinks; EVENTS: Volleyball and/or basketball, dodgeball, corn hole, and a Philanthropic activity (i.e. packing lunches for St. John the Wonderworker)

Hope and Joy Ministry

Sts RNI Hope & Joy visited HomeAppetit Olive Oil warehouse on Sunday, January 29. The Singleton Family demonstrated how the olive fields in Uruguay are worked to produce their crops and the students helped to mix salad dressings and sample wonderful olive oils made by HomeAppetit. Fun was had by everyone including the adults!

Contact Jennie Johnson at [email protected] for more information on the Hope and Joy Ministry

 Hope/Joy March Outing to the Oaks Senior Assisted Living Center, 3875 Post Road, Cumming, GA. March 12-Sunday from 1:30-3:30; Hope/Joy youth group will be doing a fun craft with our seniors and providing cookies and drinks. Everyone is welcome to come and spend the afternoon at the Oaks.

Media Ministry  Father Barnabas’ homilies can be heard on You Tube at Father Barnabas Powell. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=father+barnabas+powell

 Sign up for daily devotionals to be emailed to you at http://blogs.ancientfaith.com/faithencouraged/

 Hear Father Barnabas “live” on the Faith Encouraged Program, every second and fourth Sunday nights at 8:00 p.m. The website is http://www.ancientfaith.com.

 Father Barnabas’ 16 video series “A Journey to Fullness” is now available at http://store.ancientfaith.com/journey-to-fullness/

Outreach Ministry

Family Promise

 The events for 2017 are February 5 – 12, March 12-19, May 21-28, September 3-10, and December 10-17, 2017.

 Outside of the 4 weeks that we host, we want to give the opportunity for our parishioners to continue their ministry with Family Promise and to the families who need it in our county. See bulletin board or Anthony Birozes for details.

Please sign up at: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4eaba92eaaf49-weekend1

Philoptochos Ministry

Philoptochos Board: Marie Chapman, President; Helen McCart, Vice President; Diane Walters, Recording Secretary; Julie Athenson, Corresponding Secretary, Florence Lytle, Treasurer; Midge Perry, Assistant Treasurer; Harriett Howell, Tina Maheras, Liz Ralston.

 Feb.18th at 6:30, we will be having our 7th Annual Aprokriatiko Glendi (Mardi Gras) in the PLC. Dinner will be served as well as music, dancing, beads !!! Costumes are encouraged!!

 Feb. 21st at 6:30 in the PLC we have a Philoptochos General Meeting scheduled.

 March 4th at 11am, we will be having our Membership Brunch (rescheduled from Feb. 11th) We will be serving a Lenten Brunch and will be holding a Ladies Clothes &Accessory Swap. Everyone is invited to bring something to swap and go home with something new! The leftovers will be donated.

 The dates for The Place in the 2017 year will be Feb. 8th, May 10th, Sept. 13th, Nov. 8th, Dec. 6th

 If you would like to know more about membership for Philoptochos, please contact Marie Chapman at [email protected].

 We’re collecting change in glass bottles for the Place so that they can purchase fresh milk and eggs for the families in need of Forsyth County.

Sunday School - 2016-17 Teachers: Assistants: Tori Avery, Keith Druffner, Linda Hutka, Pre-K: Margaret and Bill Gasper and Presvytera Connie Midge Perry and Tina Vamvakias. K-1st grade: Christine Waldron and April Eifert Directors: Deborah Bowen and Evon Patrick 2nd and 3rd grade: Liz Ralston and Michelle Boyd 4th and 5th grade: Jennifer Tubbs, Evie Tzevelekos 6th and 7th grade: Anthony Birozes “We’re studying the Old Testament” th 8 grade and up: Tasso Kefalas and Dennis Sparks

Vacation Church Camp June 12 – 16, 2017 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY

 February 14 at 6:00 p.m., Dinner at Mary Milam’s home. Everyone is invited.  February 19 – Sponsoring Coffee Hour after services at the PLC

MORE NEWS FROM THE PARISH!

 Needs for the Vestry, Altar and Solea – Note from Father Barnabas: The stone floors are in desperate need of being steamed and sealed in the church building. Please call the office if you can help with this project.

 Church Property and Buildings – Our community is very excited about the growth with events, meetings, and parties that we are now experiencing. Our Parish Life Center has added so much to our capabilities of having more rooms in our church building available for classes and the Center itself is available for meetings, as well as events for our parishioners of all ages. Please be aware that if you plan to meet or use the church facilities in any manner, you should contact the church office to check for any conflicts on the calendar. Our office administrator is Deborah Bowen and she will be glad to work with you with your requests.

 The Parish Life Center is available for rental and we do have a Food Ministry that can provide catering or you can provide your own. Rental Costs Are $200/day + $100 clean up fee. If you are interested, contact the church office for information and costs.

CALENDAR for February 2017

“PLC” means Parish Life Center

Date Time Event

Feb 5 - Sun 5:30 p.m. Family Promise families arrive

Feb 6- Mon 5:30 p.m. Family Promise – dinner and overnight 7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Meeting (place to be determined)

Feb 7- Tues 5:30 p.m. Family Promise – dinner and overnight 7:00 p.m. Parish Council Meeting - Library

Feb 8 - Wed 10:00 a.m. Philoptochos serves lunch at “The Place” 10:00 a.m. Bible Study “A Journey to Fullness” - PLC 5:30 p.m. Family Promise – dinner and overnight 6:30 a.m. Vespers After Service Educational Class - “A Journey to Fullness”

Feb 9 - Thur 5:30 p.m. Family Promise – dinner and overnight

6:15 p.m. 9th Hour Prayer 6:30 p.m. Liturgy for St. Haralambos

Feb 10- Fri 5:30 p.m. Family Promise – dinner and overnight

Feb 11- Sat 10:00 a.m. Prosforo Baking (PLC) 10:00 a.m. Dancing Lessons (PLC) 5:30 p.m. Family Promise – dinner and overnight 6:30 p.m. Vespers

Feb 12 - Sun 7:00 a.m. Family Promise leaves

Sunday of the Prodigal Son 8:45 a.m. Orthos 10:00 a.m. Liturgy 1:00 p.m. Dancing Lessons (PLC) 8:00 p.m. Faith Encouraged LIVE Program - www.ancientfaith.com

Feb 13 - Mon 7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Meeting (PLC)

Feb 14 - Tues Father Barnabas Out of Town Feb 14 – 16

Women’s Ministry Dinner at Mary Milam’s home – contact Tina Maheras ([email protected]) for more information

Feb 15 - Wed No Bible Study Today No Vespers Tonight No Educational Class tonight

7:00 p.m. GOYA - Seniors Dinner & Bingo night (PLC)

Feb 18 - Sat Saturday of Souls 8:30 a.m. Orthos – 1st Saturday of Souls 9:30 a.m. Liturgy 5:00 p.m. Great Vespers

6:30 p.m. 7th Annual Aprokriatiko Glendi (Mardi Gras) sponsored by Philoptochos (PLC)

Feb 19 - Sun Judgment Sunday (Meatfare) 8:45 a.m. Orthos 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy Memorial – Dina Sarandis (mother of Marie Chapman)

Feb 20 - Mon 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Meeting (PLC)

Feb 21 - Tues 7:00 p.m. Philoptochos Meeting (PLC)

Feb 22 - Wed 10:00 a.m. Bible Study “A Journey to Fullness” - PLC 6:30 a.m. Vespers After Service Educational Class - “A Journey to Fullness”

Feb 25 – Sat Saturday of Souls 8:30 a.m. Orthos – 2nd Saturday of Souls 9:30 a.m. Liturgy 5:00 p.m. Great Vespers

Feb 26 - Sun Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare) 8:45 a.m. Orthos 10:00 a.m. Liturgy 8:00 p.m. Faith Encouraged LIVE Program - www.ancientfaith.com

Feb 27 - Mon Lent Begins

7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Meeting (PLC)

Mark You Calendars

(Get your House Blessings form into the Church Office asap!)

March 4 - Membership Brunch by Philoptochos in the PLC – 11:00 a.m.

March 12 - Hope/Joy March Outing to the Oaks Senior Assisted Living Center; 1:30 p.m. (see listing under Hope/Joy Ministry)

April 9 – Palm Sunday

April 16 – Great and Holy Pascha

June 12-16 – Vacation Church Camp

2017 BLESSING OF HOMES AT THEOPHANY

Households wishing to observe this tradition are encouraged to complete the attached form and return at your earliest convenience. Fr. Barnabas is now scheduling house blessings for the time after Theophany and before the beginning of Great Lent on Monday, February 27.

In preparation it is the custom as follows: On a table (or in front of the family iconostasis) have an icon, a candle and/or incense, a small bowl of water and some greenery (basil or rosemary is ideal).

Present a list of names of living family members for whom to pray.

Any questions regarding the House Blessing please call the church office at (770) 781-5250 or [email protected].

I would like for Fr. Barnabas to visit our home on ______at ______am/pm to bless our home.

Please complete, cut on line and return as soon as possible!

HOUSE/BUSINESS BLESSING REQUEST

NAME:

ADDRESS:

CITY: ZIP CODE:

EMAIL

TELEPHONE: (HOME) (_____) - ______(CELL) (_____) - ______

The Church Office will contact you to schedule the blessing. Pascha Needs for 2017

Please let me know if you can help meet our church's needs for Great Lent and Holy Week by providing any of the items below or by monetary donations toward them.

Please let me know at 770-356-5616 or [email protected]

Checks may be made out to: Sts. RNI Greek Orthodox Church with "Pascha Needs" in the memo line.

Thank you and have a Blessed Great Lent & Pascha - Kali Anastasi!

Anne Trainor

Event Date Items Needed

Salutations & March 3, 10, 17, 24 & Icon of Panagia to be decorated Akathist 31 Donation $50

Veneration March 19 10-12 dozen yellow flowers are needed to distribute to of Holy Cross congregation. Donation $120 - $150

Palm Sunday Icon of Christ’s Triumphant Entrance to be decorated April 9 Donation $50 Bridegroom April 9 Icon of Bridegroom to be decorated. Services (3) Donation $50 Holy Wednesday – April 12 Afternoon Service: Niptir Holy Unction Donation $50 Service Evening Service Icon of Extreme Humility to be decorated Donation $50

Need: crystal bowl with flour and candle 7 votives, cotton Qtips, cotton balls, olive oil, Donation $50

Holy Thursday April 13 Icon of Last Supper on the Solea - to be decorated Donation $50

Evening Service: Wreath of flowers for cross Donation $50

Flowers for base of cross Donation $100

Holy Friday April 14 Afternoon service: Icon of Removal from Cross (Apokathilosis) to be decorated Donation $50 White, twin flat sheet Donation $20

Evening Service: Icon of Burial Donation $50

Myrofores baskets filled with rose petals for Friday evening Donation $50

Decorated Kouvouklion Donation $500

Holy Saturday April 15 Morning Liturgy: Icon of Empty Tomb or Christ’s Descent into Hades Donation $50

Need: Bay leaves for Saturday morning Donation $50

White flowers for Solea & Narthex

Priest’s Resurrection Candle Donation $100

Red eggs wrapped in white tulle with red ribbon Donation $50

Great & Holy April 16 Easter chocolates for children Pascha Donation $50 Agape Service

Stewardship Commitment for 2017 – 78 as of 01/26/17

Andros, George & Maria Milam, Bill & Mary Athenson, Sandy & Julia Miller, Matthew & Athanasia Avery, Tori Moissiadis, Nik & Argentina Bethune, Richard & Sophia Panos, Nicolas & Teddie Birozes, Anthony & Mary Pantazopoulus, Constantinos & Evelyn Birozes, Mabel Pappas, Greg Birozes, Renee Pappas, Gus Bowen, Deborah Patrick, John & Evon Boyd, David & Michelle Perry, Michele Bozzuto, Kosta & Carolyn Ponton, Marilyn Brueggen, Geoffrey & Elise Popa, Mihai & Heidi Carney, Sean & Marcia Powell, Father Barnabas & Presvytera Connie Catapano, Athena Powers, Pam Chapman, David & Marie Ralston, Luke & Liz Chason, Russell & Chyriss Singleton, Kurt & Jen Christy, Rick & Jan Sofikitis, Estelle Consos, John Sofikitis, George & Anna Dimitrakakis, John & Alexis Sparks, Dennis & Laura Donkar, John & Athena Sparks, Jacob Druffner, Keith & Mary Sperounis, Nicholas & Leila Eifert, David & April Tadros, Koko & Carol Foxhall, Chris & Liz Theofilis, Gary & Barbara Gasper, Bill & Margaret Thompson, Steven & Thalia Gilbert, Rob & Carey Trainor, Anne & Edward Goolsby, Matthew & Karen Tzevelekos, Greg & Evie Guano, Robert & Jennifer Tubbs, Brian & Jennifer Henning, Robert & Anna Tyre, James & Sharon Hutka, Steven & Linda Vamvakias, Eleanor Johnson, Jennie Vamvakias, Plutarch & Tina Kanellos, James Vanerstrom, Len & Marina Kefalas, Spiros Waldron, Rusty & Christine Kefalas, Tasso & Laura Zazanis, George & Thalia Kefalas, Thalia Zourzoukis, John & Mildred Klock, Jackie Lambros, Angelo & Crystal Levantis, Alex & Melpo Lucher, David & Lynne Lytle, Archie & Florence Maheras, Tina Maniatis/Bakalis, Dimitrios & Visiliki Manos, Emanuel Manos, William & Margaret Marvos, Todd & Ann McCart, Al & Helen Melts, Johnny & Becky

We are an Intentional Orthodox Christian Community for North Georgia