Durham NC 27713 919-484-1600 fatherstavroforos2012@gmail.com www.stbarbarachurchnc.org News & Announcements October 3, 2021
Second Sunday of Luke
John the Chozebite, Bishop of Caesaria 10/3/2021
EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO ATTEND
But Everyone Please wear your mask!
In accordance with CDC information a few months ago, some of the pandemic restrictions were lifted for attending services. However, with the recently new surge of the Covid variance cases, we recommend that everyone attending service(s) wear a mask, whether vaccinated or not. Masks will be available at the candle stand for those who may need them. We look forward to seeing you in person.
Matins & Great Doxology at 9:00 a.m. Broadcast Prep Time 9:55 to 10:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy & Broadcast start time 10:00 a.m
our new ecumenical year.
RENEW YOUR HEART
Share the joy of Divine Liturgy every Sunday 10 a.m.
(or 9 a.m. for Orthros).
Enjoy fellowship with old friends and new faces
at coffee hour.
RENEW YOUR MIND
soon! Join the fun!
For adults, check out our educational resources and Bible study
offerings to explore the richness of Orthodox
theology and tradition.
RENEW YOUR COMMITMENT
lives on. Sign up online for recurring contributions.
Get involved! Everyone has a place at St. Barbara,
with many ways to serve. Learn about our ministries!
3
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.
The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 4:6-15
Brethren, it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts
to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power
belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down,
but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life
of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always
being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal
flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, "I believed, and so I spoke," we too
believe, and so we speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with
Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends
to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
Σσον, Κριε τν λαν σου κα ελγησον τν κληρονομαν σου.
Στχ. Πρς σ, Κριε, κεκρξομαι Θες μου.
Πρς Κορινθους β' τ νγνωσμα 4:6-15
δελφο, θες επν κ σκτους φς λμψαι, ς λαμψεν ν τας καρδαις μν πρς
φωτισμν τς γνσεως τς δξης το θεο ν προσπ ησο Χριστο. χομεν δ τν
θησαυρν τοτον ν στρακνοις σκεεσιν, να περβολ τς δυνμεως το θεο, κα μ ξ
μν· ν παντ θλιβμενοι, λλ ο στενοχωρομενοι· πορομενοι, λλ οκ ξαπορομενοι·
διωκμενοι, λλ οκ γκαταλειπμενοι· καταβαλλμενοι, λλ οκ πολλμενοι· πντοτε τν
νκρωσιν το κυρου ησο ν τ σματι περιφροντες, να κα ζω το ησο ν τ σματι
μν φανερωθ. ε γρ μες ο ζντες ες θνατον παραδιδμεθα δι ησον, να κα ζω
το ησο φανερωθ ν τ θνητ σαρκ μν. στε μν θνατος ν μν νεργεται, δ
ζω ν μν. χοντες δ τ ατ πνεμα τς πστεως, κατ τ γεγραμμνον, πστευσα, δι
λλησα, κα μες πιστεομεν, δι κα λαλομεν· εδτες τι γερας τν κριον ησον κα
μς δι ησο γερε, κα παραστσει σν μν. Τ γρ πντα δι μς, να χρις
πλεονσασα δι τν πλεινων τν εχαρισταν περισσεσ ες τν δξαν το θεο.
4
The Gospel According to Saint Luke 6:31-36
The Lord said, "As you wish that men would do to you, do so
to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to
you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you
do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to
you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those
from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you?
Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But
love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return;
and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for
he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your
Father is merciful."
κ το Κατ Λουκν Εαγγελου τ νγνωσμα 6:31-36
Επεν Κριος καθς θλετε να ποισιν μν
ο νθρωποι, ποιετε ατος μοως. κα ε γαπτε τος γαπντας μς,
ποα μν χρις στ; κα γρ ο μαρτωλο τος γαπντας ατος
γαπσι. κα ν γαθοποιτε τος γαθοποιοντας μς, ποα μν χρις
στ; κα γρ ο μαρτωλο τ ατ ποιοσι. κα ν δανεζητε παρ ν
λπζετε πολαβεν, ποα μν χρις στ; κα γρ μαρτωλο μαρτωλος
δανεζουσιν να πολβωσι τ σα. πλν γαπτε τος χθρος μν κα
γαθοποιετε κα δανεζετε μηδν πελπζοντες, κα σται μισθς μν
πολς, κα σεσθε υο ψστου, τι ατς χρηστς στιν π τος
χαρστους κα πονηρος. Γνεσθε ον οκτρμονες, καθς κα πατρ
μν οκτρμων στ
5
Today, our parish community observes National Church Music Ministry Sunday. It comes each year in the month of October, the Sunday close to the feast day of Saint Romanos, the Melodist (October 1st). On this day, we recognize those women and men who have heard and responded to the Lord’s invitation to be church musicians: that is, parish chanters and choir singers. As church musicians, these people represent the laity in the liturgical dialogue of our worship services. In glory to God, the Holy Trinity, they commit themselves to learning the hymns of our Orthodox faith, understanding the sequence of our liturgical worship, and actively offering their prayers in song to enhance the beauty of our worship.
We Thank: Choir Director: Panos Messis Members of the Adult Choir: Nick Bourbous, Eleni Christakos, Bessie Chronaki, Costa Constantinou, Eleni Dafnis, Betty Dorton, Nataliya Fedorovska, Maria Frangakis, Nicholas Achilles Georgiou, Catherine Mariakakis, Dr. Pete Marinos, Helen Paliouras, Rebecca Theophanous, Donna Trohanis, Julia Sullivan, Demetra Vlachos Chantors: Dr. Peter Marinos, Nicholas Achilles Georgiou, Costa Constantinou Past Choir Director: Donna Trohanis Assistant Choir Director: Costa COnstantinou Assistant Choir Director: Catherine Mariakakis Assistant Choir Director & Organist: Eleni Christakos Organisit: Julia Sullivan Organist: Bessie Chronaki Junior Choir Director: Costa COnstantinou Junior Choir: Sunday School Students
6
Today’s Coffee Hour is Being Hosted by Members of Our Saint Barbara Choir
NATIONAL FORUM OF GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH MUSICIANS The musical arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
that strengthens and perpetuates its liturgical music
October 3, 2021 Dear Stewards, Clergy and Friends of the National Forum, I greet each of you, but especially our church musicians, on the auspicious occasion and celebration of Church Music Sunday!
“But let all who refuge in you be glad: let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” Psalm 5:11
We celebrate and honor all of our church musicians this year, once again under the dark cloud of the Covid pandemic just as we did last year. Just when we thought we could safely return to our churches and choir lofts we face the new challenge of this ever-evolving virus known as the Delta variant. Despite the advent of vaccines, fear still grips vaccinated and non-vaccinated alike. Yet, our faith is a faith of hope and of salvation for as the psalm states, we take refuge in our God and know he does offer his protection to us. Despite the current conditions we must “ever sing for joy” as the psalmist exhorts us to do. Even during the darkest days of the pandemic our church musicians yearned for their return to singing in church. They eagerly did so even with masks on their faces and spaced many feet apart from each other allowing perhaps only four or five undaunted choristers to join together to sing His praises. Our chanters, when allowed to return to their analogion, bore the weight of singing all of the divine services of the church. Yet despite the lingering pandemic and now armed with life preserving vaccines we see more and more of our church musicians returning to their loft and analogion. Are we back to normal? Obviously, we are not back to the “normal” we had come to know just a few years ago. We certainly don’t know what our new “normal” will be. What we do know is that our church musicians are some of the most fervent, steadfast, dedicated and faithful individuals in our parishes and this is what we celebrate today. These individuals will “ever sing for joy” and we are confident in the fact that God will continue to spread His protection over them. With gratitude and sincere thanks to all of our church musicians,
Nick Chimitris National Chairman National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musician
7
Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite, Bishop of Athens
Saint Dionysius lived originally in the city of Athens. He was raised there and received a
classical Greek education. He then went to Egypt, where he studied astronomy at the city of
Heliopolis. It was in Heliopolis, along with his friend Apollophonos where he witnessed the
solar eclipse that occurred at the moment of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ by
Crucifixion. “Either the Creator of all the world now suffers, or this visible world is coming
to an end,” Dionysius said. Upon his return to Athens from Egypt, he was chosen to be a
member of the Areopagus Council (Athenian high court).
When the holy Apostle Paul preached at the place on the Hill of Ares (Acts 17:16-34),
Dionysius accepted his salvific proclamation and became a Christian. For three years Saint
Dionysius remained a companion of the holy Apostle Paul in preaching the Word of God.
Later on, the Apostle Paul selected him as bishop of the city of Athens. And in the year 57
Saint Dionysius was present at the repose of the Most Holy Theotokos.
During the lifetime of the Mother of God, Saint Dionysius had journeyed from Athens to
Jerusalem to meet Her. He wrote to his teacher the Apostle Paul: “I witness by God, that
besides the very God Himself, there is nothing else filled with such divine power and grace.
No one can fully comprehend what I saw. I confess before God: when I was with John, who
shone among the Apostles like the sun in the sky, when I was brought before the
countenance of the Most Holy Virgin, I experienced an inexpressible sensation. Before me
gleamed a sort of divine radiance which transfixed my spirit. I perceived the fragrance of
indescribable aromas and was filled with such delight that my very body became faint, and
my spirit could hardly endure these signs and marks of eternal majesty and heavenly
power. The grace from her overwhelmed my heart and shook my very spirit. If I did not
have in mind your instruction, I should have mistaken Her for the very God. It is impossible
to stand before greater blessedness than this which I beheld.”
After the death of the Apostle Paul, Saint Dionysius wanted to continue with his work, and
therefore went off preaching in the West, accompanied by the Presbyter Rusticus and
Deacon Eleutherius. They converted many to Christ at Rome, and then in Germany, and
then in Spain. In Gaul, during a persecution against Christians by the pagan authorities, all
three confessors were arrested and thrown into prison. By night Saint Dionysius celebrated
the Divine Liturgy with angels of the Lord. In the morning the martyrs were beheaded.
According to an old tradition, Saint Dionysius took up his head, proceeded with it to the
church and fell down dead there. A pious woman named Catulla buried the relics of the
saint.
8
Dear Friends and Parishioners of St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, We are hoping to still have a Taste of Greece on the weekend of October 9 & 10. But we can not do it without the help of our friends and parishioners. We have created the signup at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a44aaaa28a5f85-2021 for volunteers or go to the church website at https://stbarbarachurchnc.org/ and click the link to sign up. Please sign up as soon as possible so that the Taste of Greece Committee can determine if we have enough volunteers for a two-day event or can only support a single day. Please sign up for multiple shifts if possible, our volunteer pool is limited this year. Thank you, The Taste of Greece Committee
Spanakopita Prep for Philoptochos Holiday Pastry Sale – Sunday, October 24th I know we just did this a few weeks ago, but thanks to the timing of things, we are now looking for a
date to prepare the small 8x8 pans of spanakopita that we offer for the annual Philoptochos Holiday
Pastry Sale.
Due to scheduling challenges, we’re going to have to try something a little different this time… we’re
hoping to gather on Sunday, October 24th, starting at approximately 1pm, after services, to assemble
spanakopitas.
I know it’s a lot to ask of people to give up some of their Sunday afternoon, but if you could please
consider staying after services, or coming by for a couple of hours, we would really appreciate the
help. We’re aiming to make about 125 small pans, which is fewer than years past, so my hope is, that
with enough people, we can get it done in record time.
To ensure we have enough workers, I would appreciate if you could let me know by this Sunday,
September 19th, if you are able to help on October 24th.
Thanks again for your stewardship, and your commitment to the St Barbara community!
NEXT WEEKEND!
Due to the Festival – Next Sunday Service Time Will Be Changed:
Divine Liturgy Only Starting at 9:00 am
10
Our Festival
Experience the flavors, sights, sounds and traditions of Greece at the Greek Festival, sponsored by the parishioners and friends of St. Barbara Church. Come experience the kefi (joy) of this annual event that draws thousands in the Triangle area. Admission is free and there will be fun for all ages, rain or shine! Come celebrate life with the Greeks and enjoy their legendary hospitality. You'll get caught up in the spirit of kefi and might even find yourself dancing to bouzouki music and shouting "Opa"!! A portion of the festival proceeds benefits the Durham Rescue Mission.
Our Church
We are a Greek (Eastern) Orthodox parish, part of the oldest Christian tradition, dating to 33 A.D., the day of Pentecost. We trace our roots back to the Apostles and their teachings. In that regard, we can be considered "pre-denominational" (pre-dating the schisms and reformations that occurred after 1000 A.D.). We hold fast to the moral, theological, and liturgical traditions of the Early Christian Church.The Orthodox Church is the second largest Christian church, with 300 million followers. Initially established by men and women of Greek descent, the St. Barbara community today reflects the American experience and is comprised of families representing multiple ethnicities. Our services are in Greek and English. For many, Greek is a reminder of their ethnic roots - but it should also be a reminder of the language of the New Testament, the language used by the Apostle Paul to preach and to write five letters to the Churches established in Corinth, Philippi, and Thessalonika that are today books of the Bible (Epistles). True to the actions of the Holy Apostles, who employed the common "Koine" Greek language to spread the message of our Lord Jesus Christ to all, we use English because it is the common language of our modern American lives. Are you a newcomer to the area? Visiting? Studying at a local college or university? Curious about Orthodox Christianity? Please feel free to visit St. Barbara and pray with us on any given Sunday. You will discover an ancient yet dynamic faith and perhaps even a spiritual home where you can plant roots to deepen your relationship with Christ in the Holy Spirit.
11
12
Stewards as of September 20, 2021
Thank you for your continuing support of St. Barbara. As of September 30, 2021 we had 150 Stewards or 94% of our
2021 goal of 160. Please join us to meet our annual goal by pledging your support. Your time, talents and treasury are
critical to the success of our ministries and meeting our operating expenses.
We continue to need your help during these trying times. Please give prayerful consideration to your 2021
contribution as soon as possible. The Church’s mission and expenses continue in the face of the Covid pandemic.
Ackerley, John & Ellie Claypoole, Chris & Michelle Hondos, Effie & Dina Messis, Panos Quint, Angelia
Alexander, Dr. Susan Cocolas, Erie Jurau, Christian Mikhaylyants, Irina Rheinhardt, Keith & Alexa
Alexiades, Alec and Frances Connell, Rose Marie Kacoyanis, Anna McGovern, Victoria Rudnick, Ben & Irene
Alger, Amy Constantinou, Catherine & Kacoyanis, Paul McWhirter, MaryJon Safarikas, Al & Christine
Amos, Matt & Vicky Wes Platt Kalaidzidis, Gregorios & Lindsay Morris, Kostantinos Saloupis, Peter
Anderson, Pat & Antonia Constatinou, Costas Kambeseles, Jack Nolas, Billy & Julie Shepard, Bernadette
Armfield, Christina Constantinou, Lou Kamilaris, Christos & Janet Odzak, Larry & Hope Stavrakakis, Mattheos & Marika
Arvanitis, Marina Costas, Dean Kamilaris, Nikolas Oladipo, Richard Stutts, Linda
Assimos, Dean Dababnah, Sharon Karamalegos, Antonios & Claire Paliouras, Cindy Sullivan, Bill and Jennifer
Athas, William & Donna Dais, George & Helen Kash, Dr. Thomas & Dr. Zoe Paliouras, Jim & Helen Sunas, Marian
Bakis, Basile & Mary Dafnis, Dr. Elaine Kekis, Theoharis Paliouras, John & Dena Tesfatsion, Senait
Bakis, George & Maria Dates, John & Ana Kepraios, William & Elaine Paliouras, Nicholas Theophanos, Rebecca
Bakis, James Delagrammatikas, Dr. George Klikas, Paul & Mann, Dana Paliouras, Niko Tise, Lauren Bonfiglio
Balafas, Nicholas & Eugenia & Chrystal Korach, Dr. Kenneth & Karen Panos, Peter & Evelyn Trohanis, Donna
Barbee, Effie Demetriades, Gus & Vanessa Koutouzakis, Helen Panov, Yuri & Eliseeva, Yelena Tylecote, Alexander & Emily
Barton, Lance & Maria (Marinos) Dennos, Anne Kuyper, Dr. Lee & Pauline Pantelidis, James & Stella Tryphonos, Tryphon & Suzanne
Becak, Thalia Dennos, George & Patricia Lagodinos, Nikolaos & Pantermakis, George & Janet Valakas, Antonia
Beridze, Tamar Dorton, Betty Patras, Konstantina Papazoglou, Matina Varelas-Ruiz, Georgina
Biggs, John & Diana Dobrica Easton, Brian & Maria Lambiris, Elias & Madelene Papanikas, Kleanthis Varelas, John
Blackley, Agape Edwards, Tia Livanos, Geoge & Angelika Vurnakes, Jimmy & Frances
Bonfiglio, Barbara Fedorovska, Natalya Livas, Katherine Papanikas, Sam & Cleopatra Vlachos, Demetra
Bourbous, Nick Ferris, Laurice Lockett, Paul & Melanie Pappas, Joanna Watters, Jacques & Christine
Bourbous, Peter Fotinos, Nickolas & Myriam Loden, Martha Pappas, Katherine Wilson, Preston & Catherine
Callahan, Katherine Marie Frangakis, Dr. Crist & Maria Lyras, Thalea Pappas, Dr. Ted & Theky Wippich, Robert & Roberta
Capsalis, Manuel Georgiou, Nicholas Mangum, Daniel & Dr. Hrisavgi Paraschos, Sofia Xenakis, Betsy
Carr, Sophie Gkoulioumis, Konstantinos Mamaies, Fr. Stavroforos Pashales, George Young, David & Georgianne
Chamis, Christos & Alice & Mantzouka, Eleftheria Mariakakis, Johnny & Catherine Pavlidid, Pavlos & Meltem Zafer Atos, Deno & Kerri
Christakos, Andrew & Cheryl Glekas, Dr. George & Dr. Amy Marinos, Dr. Pete & Joan Pepper, Daisy Zehia, Christina
Christakos, Eleni Glekas, Jim & Evy Martin, Azeb Przybyl, Daniel & Lori Zehia, Tony & Evelyn
Christakos, Lia Goodwin, Len & Elaine Mavrogiorgos, Dr. Nicholaos Qaqish, Dr. Olgha Zervakis, Anastasios
Christi, George & Deborah Heraclis, Marlena & Constance & Dr. Marjory Charlot & Arboleda, Mario & Harriette Condes
Chronaki, Dr. Bessie Hero, Basil Megaro, Mathew & Tina
Please remember your Church. If you have not, as yet, become a 2021 Steward of St. Barbara, please join your fellow Parishioners in supporting our beloved Church. Thank you
2021 Mortgage Fund Donors as of September 30, 2021
13
Our St. Barbara Church is our spiritual home. Your pledges and donations fund our $13,000 monthly mortgage payment to
M&F Bank in Durham. Thank you so very much for your active and generous support. The List Of Donors as September 30,
2021 follows:
Athas, William & Donna Mamaies, Fr. Stavroforos
Barton, Lance & Mariakakis, Johnny & Catherine
Maria (Marinos) Marinos, Harry
Carr, Sophie Mavrogiorgos, Drs. Nikolaos
Christakos, Eleni & Marjory Charlot
Chronaki, Dr. Bessie Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Christakos
Cocolas, Erie Odzak, Larry & Hope
Constantinou, Lou Paliouras, Cindy
Dates, John & Ana Paliouras, John & Dena
Dennos, Anne Panos, Peter & Evelyn
Farmakis, Daisy Panov, Yuri & Elena Eliseeva
Ferris, Laurice Pappas, Dr. Ted & Theky
Frangakis, Dr. Crist & Maria Philoptochos
Glekas, Dr. George & Dr. Amy Przybyl, Daniel & Lori
Glekas, Jim & Evy Rheinhardt, Keith & Alexia
Goodwin, Len & Elaine Sosangelis, Savas & Linda
Green, Marlayna Stavrakakis, Mattheos & Marika
Kacoyanis, Anna Trohanis, Donna
Kacoyanis, Paul Vlachos, Demetra
Kepraios, Dean Xenakis, Betsy
Koutouzakis, Helen Zehia, Tony & Evelyn
14
When you eat or drink or do anything else, always do it to honor God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
Everyone looks forward to coffee hour after Divine Liturgy on Sunday. It’s a time to socialize
and catch up with other members of St. Barbara’s. Hosting coffee hour gives members a
chance to donate their time to this social ministry that feeds the body after Divine Liturgy
feeds the soul.
We need a volunteer for coffee hour coordinator. Duties DO NOT include set up and clean up
– rather the coordinator is responsible to remind the group responsible for setting up and
cleaning up for coffee hour, assisting their fellow parishioners who host coffee hour by letting
them know what is expected/needed and ensuring there are enough coffee hour supplies on
hand.
Everyone enjoys the wonderful fellowship and tasty treats that bring us together every Sunday
after socially after the Divine Liturgy. Please help if you can; we need a coordinator so that we
continue to enjoy a cup of coffee and each other’s company every Sunday. We will teach you
everything you need to know! Please contact Father Stavroforos or Daniel Przybyl if you are
able to help.