Saints RAPHAEL, NICHOLAS, & IRENE

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

Rev. Fr. Barnabas Powell, Proistamenos

3074 Bethelview Road, Cumming GA 30040 (770) 781-5250 www.stsrni.org officeadmin@stsrni.org

facebook.com/Sts Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Greek Orthodox Church Read our daily devotionals at www.FaithEncouraged.org

May 5, 2019

Thomas Sunday

Future Sts Raphael Nicholas & Irene Greek Orthodox Church

Cumming, Georgia

Today is Fast Free | No fasting restrictions.

mailto:officeadmin@stsrni.org

◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

Welcome to all visitors who are worshiping with us this morning.

Please join us for Coffee Hour afterwards in the Parish Life Center (“PLC”).

Fellowship is the main focus of this time together

Visitors Meet & Greet with Father Barnabas at his table

◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

TODAY, May 5, 2019

Thomas Sunday

8:45 am Orthos

10:00 am Divine Liturgy

Memorial for Joseph Ernest Hill (brother-in-law of

Gilberts)

Students will attend Sunday School classes after

communion.

Appointments with Father Barnabas:

Fr. Barnabas will be hearing confessions every Saturday

from 4 - 5 pm before Great Vespers. He will also hear

confessions by appointment. Please contact the church

office to schedule an appointment.

Administrative Office Hours:

Monday – Friday; 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

*Are you interested in being a part of the Orthodox

Church? If so, the “Journey to Fullness” classes will

resume in the Fall at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights.

Please call the church office if you are interested in

attending.

Visit the Gift Shop at the PLC for Inspiration and Gifts

Parish Council Ushers For Today:

Athena Miller and Rusty Waldron

Coffee Hour: Walters Family

Parish Council of 2019: Rusty Waldron, President;

John Donkar, Vice President; Tasso Kefalas,

Secretary, David Chapman, Treasurer; Ted Bauer,

David Boyd, Ann Costakis Hayes, Athena Miller, Kurt

Singleton, John Stockdill, Greg Pappas, and Plutarch

Vamvakias

Acolytes: Jacob and Jimmy Atkinson, Zackery

Bethune, David Druffner, Spiro Kefalas, Beckett

Singleton, Aristotle & Alexander Theofilis, Alex &

Niko Tzevelekos, Christos Zourzoukis, Senior

Acolytes: Johnny Melts

Please say a special prayer for the following

Individuals:

Chrisoula, Archie, Brenda, Nathan, Sophia, Ruth, Al,

Ana S., Ashley, Ava, Austin Cohen, Bruce, Carrie,

Elizabeth, Estelle S., Fred, Greg, G. Martin, Jim,

Kallie, Katherine, Kim, Perry, A. Harris, Ingrid, D.

Jeffrey, Jo, Lockie G., Mariann, Maria, Marilyn, Mary

and Bill M., Mr. Moss, Nicole, A. Papandreou,

Shawn, Mary S., Victor, Patsy, Joanne, and Walter.

Friendly Reminder: The Orthodox Church practices “closed” communion. This means only Orthodox Christians who have properly prepared to receive the Eucharist should approach the Chalice at communion. If you have any questions, please see Fr. Barnabas after service.

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Apolytikion for St. Raphael in the Fourth Tone

Because of the finding of your holy relics, wise

one, * the Island of Lesvos has been filled fully

with the grace, * which God richly gave to you. *

You, O devout martyr Raphael, paradoxically *

appeared to many people, and you grant cures

and healings. * And therefore we the faithful re-

joice in all your miracles.

Apolytikion for St. Raphael in the First Tone

To the offspring of Ithaca, the pride and joy of

Lesvos, * monastic martyrs’ glory, let us offer to

Raphael our songs of praise; * for lately he

appeared, and pours out cures and healings to us

all. * Inexplicably he appears to believers, both in

dreams and awake, who cry: * Glory to Christ

who gave you His might. * Glory to Him who gave

you miracles. * Glory to Him who through you

fulfills our prayerful requests.

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 relics, 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.

Singers and Chanters: Richard Bethune, Tabitha Bethune,

Anthony Birozes, David Boyd and Lynne Lucher

Apolytikion of Pascha in the

Plagal of the First Tone

Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling

down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has

granted life.

Χριστὸς ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον

πατήσας, καὶ τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι, ζωὴν

χαρισάμενος.

Apolytikion of the Feast in the Grave Tone

O Life, You rose from the sepulcher, even though

the tomb was secured with a seal, O Christ God.

And though the doors had been bolted, You came to

Your disciples, O Resurrection of all. Through them

You renew a right spirit in us, according to Your

great mercy.

Seasonal Kontakion in the

Plagal of the Fourth Tone

Though You went down into the tomb, O Immortal

One, yet You brought down the dominion of

Hades; and You rose as the victor, O Christ our

God; and You called out "Rejoice" to the Myrrh-

bearing women, and gave peace to Your Apostles,

O Lord who to the fallen grant resurrection.

THOMAS SUNDAY

On this day we also commemorate:

Irene the Great Martyr;

Neophytos, Gaius, & Caianus the Monk-martyrs;

The Righteous Martyr Ephraim the Younger

EPISTLE READING

Acts of the Apostles 5:12-20

In those days, many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the

apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but

the people held them in high honor. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord,

multitudes both of men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and

laid them on beds and pallets, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of

them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those

afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. But the high priest rose up and all who

were with him, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and filled with jealousy they arrested the

apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the

prison doors and brought them out and said, "Go and stand in the temple and speak to the

people all the words of this Life."

††††

Πράξεις Ἀποστόλων 5:12-20

Ἐν ταῖς ἡμεραῖς ἐκείναις, διὰ δὲ τῶν χειρῶν τῶν ἀποστόλων ἐγίνετοB σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα ἐν τῷ

λαῷ πολλά· καὶ ἦσαν ὁμοθυμαδὸν ἅπαντες ἐν τῇ στοᾷ Σολομῶντος. Τῶν δὲ λοιπῶν οὐδεὶς

ἐτόλμα κολλᾶσθαι αὐτοῖς, ἀλλʼ ἐμεγάλυνεν αὐτοὺς ὁ λαός· μᾶλλον δὲ προσετίθεντο

πιστεύοντες τῷ κυρίῳ, πλήθη ἀνδρῶν τε καὶ γυναικῶν· ὥστε κατὰ τὰς πλατείας ἐκφέρειν τοὺς

ἀσθενεῖς, καὶ τιθέναι ἐπὶ κλινῶν καὶ κραββάτων, ἵνα ἐρχομένου Πέτρου κἂν ἡ σκιὰ ἐπισκιάσῃ

τινὶ αὐτῶν. Συνήρχετο δὲ καὶ τὸ πλῆθος τῶν πέριξ πόλεων εἰς Ἱερουσαλήμ, φέροντες ἀσθενεῖς

καὶ ὀχλουμένους ὑπὸ πνευμάτων ἀκαθάρτων, οἵτινες ἐθεραπεύοντο ἅπαντες. Ἀναστὰς δὲ ὁ

ἀρχιερεὺς καὶ πάντες οἱ σὺν αὐτῷ - ἡ οὖσα αἵρεσις τῶν Σαδδουκαίων - ἐπλήσθησαν ζήλου, καὶ

ἐπέβαλον τὰς χεῖρας αὐτῶν ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀποστόλους, καὶ ἔθεντο αὐτοὺς ἐν τηρήσει δημοσίᾳ.

Ἄγγελος δὲ κυρίου διὰ τῆς νυκτὸς ἤνοιξεν τὰς θύρας τῆς φυλακῆς, ἐξαγαγών τε αὐτοὺς εἶπεν,

Πορεύεσθε, καὶ σταθέντες λαλεῖτε ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ τῷ λαῷ πάντα τὰ ῥήματα τῆς ζωῆς ταύτης.

THE GOSPEL READING

John 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples

were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them: "Peace be with

you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were

glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has

sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them:

"Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins

of any, they are retained." Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them

when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him: "We have seen the Lord." But he said to

them: "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the

nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe." Eight days later, his disciples were

again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood

among them, and said: "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and

see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing."

Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because

you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." Now Jesus did many

other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are

written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you

may have life in his name.

††††

Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 20:19-31

Οὔσης ὀψίας τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ τῇ μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων, καὶ τῶν θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων ὅπου ἦσαν οἱ

μαθηταὶ συνηγμένοι διὰ τὸν φόβον τῶν Ἰουδαίων, ἦλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς καὶ ἔστη εἰς τὸ μέσον, καὶ λέγει

αὐτοῖς· Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν. Καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἔδειξεν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας καὶ τὴν πλευρὰν αὐτοῦ. Ἐχάρησαν οὖν

οἱ μαθηταὶ ἰδόντες τὸν Κύριον. Εἶπεν οὖν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς πάλιν· Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν. Καθὼς ἀπέσταλκέ με ὁ

πατήρ, κἀγὼ πέμπω ὑμᾶς. Καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἐνεφύσησε καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· Λάβετε Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον· ἄν

τινων ἀφῆτε τὰς ἁμαρτίας, ἀφίενται αὐτοῖς, ἄν τινων κρατῆτε, κεκράτηνται. Θωμᾶς δὲ εἷς ἐκ τῶν

δώδεκα, ὁ λεγόμενος Δίδυμος, οὐκ ἦν μετ᾽ αὐτῶν ὅτε ἦλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς. Ἔλεγον οὖν αὐτῷ οἱ ἄλλοι

μαθηταί· Ἐωράκαμεν τὸν Κύριον. Ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Ἐὰν μὴ ἴδω ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν αὐτοῦ τὸν τύπον τῶν

ἥλων, καὶ βάλω τὸν δάκτυλόν μου εἰς τὸν τύπον τῶν ἥλων, καὶ βάλω τὴν χεῖρά μου εἰς τὴν πλευρὰν

αὐτοῦ, οὐ μὴ πιστεύσω. Καὶ μεθ᾽ ἡμέρας ὀκτὼ πάλιν ἦσαν ἔσω οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ Θωμᾶς μετ᾽

αὐτῶν. Ἔρχεται ὁ Ἰησοῦς τῶν θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων, καὶ ἔστη εἰς τὸ μέσον καὶ εἶπεν· Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν.

Εἶτα λέγει τῷ Θωμᾷ· Φέρε τὸν δάκτυλόν σου ὧδε καὶ ἴδε τὰς χεῖράς μου, καὶ φέρε τὴν χεῖρά σου καὶ

βάλε εἰς τὴν πλευράν μου, καὶ μὴ γίνου ἄπιστος, ἀλλὰ πιστός. Καὶ ἀπεκρίθη Θωμᾶς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Ὁ

Κύριός μου καὶ ὁ Θεός μου. Λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Ὅτι ἑώρακάς με, πεπίστευκας· μακάριοι οἱ μὴ

ἰδόντες καὶ πιστεύσαντες. Πολλὰ μὲν οὖν καὶ ἄλλα σημεῖα ἐποίησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐνώπιον τῶν μαθητῶν

αὐτοῦ, ἃ οὐκ ἔστι γεγραμμένα ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τούτῳ· ταῦτα δὲ γέγραπται ἵνα πιστεύσητε ὅτι Ἰησοῦς

ἐστιν ὁ Χριστὸς ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ ἵνα πιστεύοντες ζωὴν ἔχητε ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ.

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, in knowledge or in ignorance. And make me worthy, without condemnation, to

partake of Your pure Mysteries for the remission of sins and for eternal life. Amen.

How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your saints? If I should dare to enter

into the bridal chamber, my vesture will condemn me, since it is not a wedding garment; and

being bound up, I shall be cast out by the angels. Cleanse, O Lord, the filth of my soul, and save

me, as You are the one Who loves mankind. In Your love, Lord, cleanse my soul, and save me.

Master Who loves mankind, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these Holy Gifts be to my

judgment because I am unworthy, but rather for the purification and sanctification of both soul

and body and the pledge of the life and Kingdom to come. It is good for me to cleave unto God

and to place in Him the hope of my salvation.

O Son of God, receive me today as a partaker of Your mystical supper. For I will not speak of

the mystery to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas. But like the thief, I

confess to You: Remember me, Lord, in Your Kingdom.

PARISH NEWS

Faith-based movies don't hit the big screen often. Especially one directed and written by

Robert Krantz, a devout Greek Orthodox Christian from Wisconsin. FAITH, HOPE, &

LOVE is a heartwarming romantic comedy about two vulnerable, lost souls (Robert Krantz and

Peta Jane Murgatroyd) who have each suffered deep losses and have their guards up, as a result.

When they enter a dance contest, their lives connect, and they begin to discover new

perspectives on life, love, and faith. FAITH, HOPE & LOVE is expanding to more cities across

the country! Audiences love the on screen connection between Peta Jane Murgatroyd and Bob

Krantz! The dancing! The music! The FAITH, HOPE & LOVE people feel when they leave!

It's all perfectly wrapped up in a faith-based romantic comedy. OPENS May 10th here in

Atlanta. Regal Hollywood Stadium 24 @ North I-85 , 3265 NE Expy NE, Chamblee, GA

30341. Please show our support and spread some FAITH, HOPE & LOVE by going to see this

beautiful film written about our faith. It is AMAZING! Go to their website to learn more!!

Movie Website: www.FHLMovie.com. Reach out to Joanne Ryan 850-855-9291 for more

information and about joining a big group going together on May 10th!!!

Don’t forget to fill out your Capital Campaign cards which are in the Narthex.

Envelopes are included. You can place them in the offering plate or in the boxes on the tables

in the Narthex.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

Sunday School Graduation – May 19

VACATION CHURCH CAMP – June 10 – 14 – Sign up at the table in the Narthex.

Our own Jacob Sparks will be leaving in June for Albania

Jacob Sparks spoke to us about his trip to the Home of Hope at Shen Vlash monastery

in Albania this Sunday. He will be at Shen Vlash Monastery in Albania, helping the monks

take care of the orphans there, and any donations are tax deductible.

Please donate to help Jacob with his expenses by going to this link:

https://www.ocmc.org/donate/donate.aspx?DonationType=MissionTeam&FundId=65&AppId=

5880 and check Jacob Sparks name so that the donations will be for his expenses.

Don’t forget that our missionaries in Alaska, Geoff and Elise Brueggen will be back in

Cumming on May 21. They are still in need of a temporary car while they get settled. If you

can help, please contact them at theperfectbrue@gmail.com.

††††

http://www.fhlmovie.com/https://www.ocmc.org/donate/donate.aspx?DonationType=MissionTeam&FundId=65&AppId=5880https://www.ocmc.org/donate/donate.aspx?DonationType=MissionTeam&FundId=65&AppId=5880

Save These Dates - 2019

Greek Festival 2019 – Oct 18, 19 and 20

Philoptochos Ladies Society

Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Greek Orthodox Church

We invite all the ladies of our parish to join the Philoptochos for philanthropy, fellowship and fun! Pink membership forms are on the PLC entrance table and included in this bulletin.

††††

Financials For the week: For the week of 04/24/2019 to 05/02/2019

OPERATING ACCOUNT

Income = $9,775.03

Expenses = $7,015.97

Income last 4 weeks = $32,182.05

Expenses last 4 weeks = $32,779.43

MORTGAGE ACCOUNT

Months of mortgage payments on deposit = 1

(funds transferred from Op Acct to Mort Acct)

The Ladies Philoptochos Society of

Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Greek Orthodox Church

2019 MEMBERSHIP FORM Membership Renewal ________ New Membership ________

Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Email: Birthday (Month/Day): 2019 Annual Philoptochos Dues* $ 30.00 My Additional Voluntary Donation to the Chapter $ TOTAL $ *Note: The annual Philoptochos total commitment consists of $15.00 to our National Philoptochos, $10.00 to our Metropolis Philoptochos, and $5.00 to our Local Chapter. If you are able to make an additional donation to our Chapter to be used for our charitable works as we designate, we deeply appreciate your generosity, so we may continue to provide for those in need in our Church and our community. Thank you!

ABOUT US AND HOW YOU CAN HELP Our Philoptochos is involved in numerous activities through our local Chapter, Metropolis and National. Please check the committee(s) you would like to serve.

Check X GREATER COMMUNITY PHILANTHROPIES Check X PHILOPTOCHOS STANDING COMMITTEES Apokreatiko Glendi Audit

Bake Sales(s) Family and Society

Epitaphio (Holy Friday) Finance

Family Promise History

Greek Festival (Food) Membership

St. John the Wonderworker (Loaves & Fishes) National Commitments

Sunday Coffee Hour Program & Social Services

The Place

Vasilopita

What additional activities would you like to see our Philoptochos involved in during 2018? Your input is greatly appreciated!

1. 2. 3.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENT FOR 2019 (112 as of 5/5/2019)

Go to StsRNI.org website under Giving and fill out your Stewardship Card online

Anonymous Steward

Athenson, Sarante & Julie

Avery, Tori

Barnard, Stephen & Deane

Bauer Ken (Ted) & Kim

Bethune, Richard & Sophia

Bevill, Vicki

Birozes, Anthony

Birozes, Mabel

Birozes, Renee

Black, Julio & Lisa

Bowen, Deborah

Boyd, David & Michelle

Bozzuto, Konstantinos & Carolyn

Brueggen, Geoff and Elise

Buzyna, George & Helen

Chapman, David & Marie

Chason, Russell & Chyrisse

Chiboucas, Peter & Elizabeth

Christy, Rick & Jan

Condos, Connie

Croft, George & Sally

Crosio, Russell & Stephanie

Deleanides, George

Dennis, Jr., Richard & Vangie

Donkar, George & Alexis

Donkar, John & Athena

Druffner, Mary

Faith Encouraged Ministries

Farmkis, Matthew

Fox, Sharon Elizabeth

Foxhall, Chris & Liz

Galway, Cameron & Peggy

Gasper, Bill & Margaret

Ghassan, Sayez & Maria

Guano, Rob and Jennifer

Hagen, Harald & Stamatia

Harmon, Georgia

Hatcher, Christine

Hauge, Michael

Hayes, Ann Costakis

Heflin, Sean

Heflin, Todd & Lyn

Henning, Robert & Ana

Hutka, Steve & Linda

Jackson, Reed & Stephanie

Johnson, Brent & Nichole

Johnson, Jennie

Kanellos, James

Kefalas, Tasso & Laura

Kefalas, Thalia

Kelly, Terry & Tammy

Klock, Jacqueline

Koulouris, Maria

Koulouris, Stanley & Suzanne

Kouranos, Argyro

Lambros, Angelo & Crystal

Levantis, Alex & Melpo

Lucher, David & Lynne

Lytle, Archie and Florence

Maheras, Tina

Maniatis, Dimitris & Vasiliki

Marianes, Bill & Audrey

Marvos, Todd and Ann

McCart, Al & Helen

Melts, Johnny & Becky

Milam, Bill & Mary

Miller, Matthew & Athanasia

Moissiadis, Nikolaos & Argentina

Nease, Sy & Mary

Panos, Nicolas & Theodora

Pantazopoulos, Constantinos & Evelyn

Pappas, Greg & Mary

Pappas, Thomas G.

Patrick, John & Evon

Philoptochos Society, Ladies

Ponton, Marilyn

Popa, Mihai & Heidi

Powell, Fr. Barnabas & Pres. Connie

Prifti, Marinela

Ralston, Luke & Liz

Ridjaneck, Melissa & Nick Smith

Romanczak, Afton

Ryan, Joanne

Sassos, Phillip

Singleton, Kurt & Jen

Sofikitis, Estelle C.

Sofikitis, George & Anna

Sparks II, Dennis

Sparks, Dennis & Laura

Sparks, Jacob

Stockdill, James & Jennifer

Tadros, Koko & Carol

Taylor, Benjamin

Taylor, Patrick & Holli

Theofilis, Gary & Barbara

Thompson, Steven & Thalia

Trainor, Edward & Anne

Tubbs, Brian & Jennifer

Tzevelekos, Greg & Evie

Vamvakias, Plutarch & Tina

Vanerstrom, Len & Marina

Venturi, Bo & Nikki

Voutas, Chrisoula

Waldron, Rusty & Christine

Walters, Connor

Walters, Tim & Diane

Willis, Mike & Dora

Wilson, Jacob and Katherine

Zazanis, George & Thalia Bruno Zourzoukis, John & Mildred

Zukerino, Theodore Kazazakis and Aphrodite

Levendakis