Sunday Bulletin - Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Omaha Nebraska
A Christian Outreach of the Greek Diocese of Denver
Sunday: June 22, 2008 Sunday: All Saints Synaxarion: Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata Tone: Plagal Four Eothinon: First Epistle: Heb. 11:33-40;12:1-2 (p. 64) Gospel: Matt. 10:32-33,37-38; 19:27-30 (p. 65 ) Prosforon: Joan Rakes Roll Donor: Bill & Joanne Sgourakis Ushers: Elias & Demetra Eliopoulos, Chris & Vica Hoegemeyer
NEXT WEEK
Prosforon: Mary Moustakes
Roll Donor: Gust & Joan Rakes, Mike & Pota Rakes
Ushers: John & Debbie Birge, Angie Brown
SUNDAY OF ALL-SAINTS
As I am made in Your image, Lord, take from me the burden of my sins and grant me not that which my deeds merit, that I may not perish in the end, and that I may not be altogether deprived of thought and concern for my restoration. I fall down before thy compassion; have mercy on me who am cast into the dust by the judgement of my deeds.
NEXT WEEK EVENTS
Sun. 6/22 Orthros 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
General Assembly 11:30 am
Sun. 6/29 Orthros 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
WELCOME VISITORS
Please join us on Sunday
for worship and share our Love in the Lord, however, we request that our discipline of faith be observed, as it is an ancient practice that only Christians who are baptized Orthodox may receive Holy Communion.
VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL
We are still planning Vacation church school to be held at our new location sometime in July. We are looking at July 16-19 as a tentative date for vacation church school. If you are interested in volunteering your time please let Marian & Steve Hurst know at 537-4370. Vacation church school will be open to children ages 3-10 years of age
REMEMBER THE FOOD BANK!
USHER SCHEDULE
If you are unable to usher on your assigned Sunday please call the church office 934-3688.
June 29 John & Debbie Birge
Angie Brown
July 6 Robert & Maria Laws
Brenda Denich
July 13 John & Laura Pavalis
George Poullos
July 20 John & Elaine Berger
George & Angie Rakes
July 27 Mike & Julie Bouzis
John & Debbie Birge
DANCE TROUPES
Calling all dancers back to dance practice starting TODAY: Please note scheduled time for practice below:
Preschool: 5:00-5:30
Grade school age: 5:30-6:30
GOYA age: 6:30-8:30
QWEST WORK SCHEDULE
June
Sunday 29 OPA3 11:00 am
Sunday 29 FAB4 7:00 pm
Monday 30 Team #1 7:00 pm
July
Tuesday 1 Team #2 7:00 pm
Wednesday 2 OPA3 7:00 pm
Thursday 3 FAB4 7:00 pm
Sunday 20 Team #1 7:30 pm
Monday 21 Team #2 7:00 pm
Tuesday 22 OPA3 7:00 pm
Thursday 24 FAB4 8:00 pm
FAITH
"Faith: An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism"
Mission Statement; The core mission of Faith is to promote Hellenism and an understanding of the Greek Orthodox faith through a series of high quality innovative educational programs and cultural initiatives under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Founded by a group of Greek American leaders representing a diversity of professional fields and philanthropic values, our first priority is to fund the development and expansion of educational and cultural programs that focus on our Orthodox and Hellenic heritage and cultural legacy. Our mission is to promote a diverse series of educational and cultural programs that will be available to our community.
Starting this year, Faith will increase its funding for the scholarship programs to include Greek Orthodox valedictorians of any public or private high school in the United States. Candidates must be nominated by their local priests and submit an application to the Archdiocese for committee review. The deadline for applications is July 15, 2008.
Faith is also offering sponsorship for campers from low and middle income families to attend Byzantine Venture 2008 in Greece Application deadline for this scholarship is June 30, Applications are available in the church office.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Please plan to attend the general assembly meeting today following Liturgy. The meeting will be held in the Fellowship hall. At the conclusion of the meeting everyone is invited to stay for a barbeque and fun & games.
BOOKSTORE
The bookstore will be open this Sunday. Visit us and look over all the books and icons we have for sale. Special orders are taken on request see Julie Bouzis or Katerina Thomas
EPISTLE READING
Hebrews 11:33-40; 12:1-2
BRETHREN, all the saints through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated - of whom the world was not worthy - wandering over deserts and mountains and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfection of our faith.
GOSPEL READING
Matthew 10:32-33; 37-38; 19:27-30
The Lord said to his disciples, "Every one who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny him before my Father who is in heaven. He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." Then Peter said in reply, "Lo, we have left everything and followed you. What then shall we have?" Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of man shall sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. But many that are first will be last, and the last first."
Back by popular demand this summer — murder and intrigue!
We will be holding the second annual Youth Ministry “murder mystery” party. Everyone had a BLAST with this last year, and this year the event will be even bigger and better!
Look for the date and time to be published soon! In the mean time please contact Dave Elfering if you would like to attend so we can make sure to schedule the party at the best possible time for everyone’s busy summer calendars.
This year’s party will be “Horror at Homecoming” complete with costumes, a home dance in the gym and best of all …. a mystery to solve!
In the midst of a winning football season, school pride is running rampant at the high school. Not only is competition fierce on the football field, but the students are battling it out for grades, popularity, affection, class ranking as well as the coveted homecoming king and queen title. With so much excitement surrounding the election, everyone is planning on being in attendance at the dance to see who will be crowned royalty.
Will it be the class president who is looking to extend his reign past the student council? The pom pom captain who has used her moves to land more than a homecoming court nomination? Or possibly the math team captain who is desperate to win at something other than a math meet.
While competition breeds excellence, it will also make one guest commit an act of vengeance…
At the dance, the sinister will shimmy among the sinless and try to go unnoticed. With their futures on the line, it will be up to the students and staff of Mayhem High to make sure the felon does not go free.
Back by popular demand this summer — murder and intrigue!
We will be holding the second annual Youth Ministry “murder mystery” party. Everyone had a BLAST with this last year, and this year the event will be even bigger and better!
Look for the date and time to be published soon! In the mean time please contact Dave Elfering if you would like to attend so we can make sure to schedule the party at the best possible time for everyone’s busy summer calendars.
This year’s party will be “Horror at Homecoming” complete with costumes, a home dance in the gym and best of all …. a mystery to solve!
In the midst of a winning football season, school pride is running rampant at the high school. Not only is
competition fierce on the football field, but the students are battling it out for grades, popularity, affection, class
ranking as well as the coveted homecoming king and queen title. With so much excitement surrounding the
election, everyone is planning on being in attendance at the dance to see who will be crowned royalty.
Will it be the class president who is looking to extend his reign past the student council? The pom pon
captain who has used her moves to land more than a homecoming court nomination? Or possibly the math
team captain who is desperate to win at something other than a math meet.
While competition breeds excellence, it will also make one guest commit an act of vengeance…
At the dance, the sinister will shimmy among the sinless and try to go unnoticed. With their futures on the
line, it will be up to the students and staff of Mayhem High to make sure the felon does not go free.
Synaxarion: Mokios the Holy Martyr
Tone: Two Eothinon: Fourth
Epistle: Acts 6:1-7 (p. 48)
Gospel: Mark 15:43-47 (p. 49)
Prosforon: Stephanie Wilger
Roll Donor: John & Hillary Detisch
Ushers: Brenda Denich, Nick & Shelly Petrow
NEXT WEEK
Prosforon: Aphrodite Petrihos
Roll Donor: Bill & Cindy Lambert
Ushers: Brenda Denich, Nick & Shelly Petrow
SUNDAY OF THE HOLY MYRRHBEARERS
We pray to You that I who am unclean might become pure, that I who am senseless might become wise, that I who am useless might become profitable in the flock of Thy chosen laborers and of all the saints who have been pleasing to Thee – and that I might be admitted to Thy kingdom.
NEXT WEEK EVENTS
Sun. 5/11 Orthros 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
Wed.5/14 Family Greek School 7:00 pm
Sun. 5/18 Orthros 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
WELCOME VISITORS
Visitors are welcome to join us on Sunday for worship and share our Love in the Lord, however, we request that our discipline of faith be observed, as it is an ancient practice that only Christians who are baptized Orthodox may receive holy communion.
SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL
TODAY is the last day of Sunday church school.
Please attend the Sunday school ceremony on May 18 where we will take a few minutes after liturgy to recognize our graduating seniors, Sunday church school students and Sunday Church school teachers
REMEMBER THE FOOD BANK!
USHER SCHEDULE
If you are unable to usher on your assigned Sunday please call the church office 934-3688.
May 18 Brenda Denich, Nick & Shelly Petrow
May 25 George & Angie Rakes, Russ & Melissa Leger
June 1 Steve & Nikki Diamantis, Bob & Maria Knowles
June 8 John & Kathy Treantos, Davie & Hellen Elfering
June 15 Joe & Litsa Carter, Brian & Sheila Zachariae
June 22 Elias & Demetra Eliopoulos, Chris & Vica Hoegemeyer
June 29 John & Debbie Birge, Angie Brown
WE ARE MOVING
In the interim step toward our building project at 180 & Dodge, the Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Omaha is moving from 7505 Seward Street to 9012 Q Street. The new facility will give us a much larger worship space, additional classrooms, copious parking, larger fellowship hall and a full sized gym. Watch bulletins for more information.
THE FIRST DIVINE LITURGY AT 90 & Q WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY, JUNE 1.
DANCE TROUPES
There will be NO dance practice on Mother’s Day, May 11 or Father’s Day, June15.
PAN-ORTHODOX VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL
Mark your calendars and join us for Pan-Orthodox Vacation Church School: “Orthodoxy Around the World”
When: June 23-27, 2008
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 noon
Location: St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church.
More details will follow soon! Questions: Call Linda Steinbrink at Saint Marys Orthodox Church.
VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL
Please read the bulletin for future dates on Vacation church school to be held at our new location sometime in July. We are looking at July 16-19 as a tentative date for vacation church school. If you are interested in volunteering your time please let Mariana/Steve Hurst know at 537-4370. Vacation church school will be open to children ages 3-10 years of age
BOOKSTORE
The bookstore will re-open when we are settled in our new location at 90 & Q.
QWEST WORK SCHEDULE
May
Wed.14 Team #1 7:30 pm
Sunday 18 Team #2 6:45 pm
June
Sunday 29 OPA3 11:00 am
Sunday 29 FAB4 7:00 pm
Monday 30 Team #1 7:00 pm
July
Tuesday 1 Team #2 7:00 pm
Wednesday 2 OPA3 7:00 pm
Thursday 3 FAB4 7:00 pm
Sunday 20 Team #1 7:30 pm
Monday 21 Team #2 7:00 pm
Tuesday 22 OPA3 7:00 pm
Thursday 24 FAB4 8:00 pm
CONGRATULATIONS
Andrea Wilger was presented the Frank C. Heinisch Memorial Scholarship for $10,000 from the Omaha Education Association Foundation on Tuesday, May 6. Congratulations Andrea!!
EPISTLE READING
Mark 15:43-47; 16:1-8
At that time, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. And Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. And he bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud, and laid him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.
And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back; for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
GOSPEL READING
Acts of the Apostles 6:1-7
IN THOSE DAYS, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, “it is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochoros, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaos, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
In the early morning fuzz after midnight services, a few thoughts about Holy Week came to me that I wanted to share.
If you haven’t had the opportunity, or perhaps taken the time, to attend all/most of the services it a unique and at times daunting experience. As someone attempting to learn to chant this was the first time that I’ve done so and it was a vivifying challenge. Its can even make you wonder what in the world you are doing! (i.e. you might get crabby and/or snappy!
But if you take the time and let the wide range of teachings, readings and hymns sink in, it is something that will propel you with greater force back into your everyday life. The Old Testament lessons on Job, Jonah and prophecies and reliving in its entirety the last days of Christ leading to the Resurrection lay out very clearly why we believe what we do, and help us to build on a firm foundation rather than one of sand (Matthew 7:24-27).
There is a TV show called “24″ in which you watch the events of the program unfold in actual “real” time rather than being a condensed episode. Our Holy Week is a lot like that and it is one of the things that makes Orthodoxy unique (and valuable). It is very tempting (and normal) to want to skip to the punch line, especially by Holy Thursday when your feet hurt. As Americans we’re probably guilty of being attention deficit and spending the entire week will challenge that, and this can be daunting or even irritating.
There is a conventional wisdom that “the good things in life are never easy” and Holy Week is a testament to the truth of that! The challenge of spending hours at Liturgies and services during a span of days causes one to go beyond just dropping in. As you stand with an achy back, feet to match and perhaps a rumbly stomach I think it makes us think more deeply; and that is perhaps entirely the point.
Christ is Risen!
Christos Anesti!
————————-
David Elfering
dave@aroundomaha.com
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
SUNDAY BULLETIN
Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Omaha
Office Phone (402) 934-3688
Reverend Chris Margaritis (402) 578-6871
Web Site http://synaxis.org
Parish News Blog http://synaxis.org/blog
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Sunday: April 27, 2008
Sunday: Great and Holy Pascha
Synaxarion: AGIA KAI MEGALH KURIAKH TOU PASCA
Tone: Eothinon: Second
Epistle: Acts 1:1-8 (p. 45)
Gospel: John 1:1-17 (p. 45)
Prosforon: Joanne Sgourakis
Roll Donor: Pascha Meal
Ushers: All Board Members
NEXT WEEK
Prosforon: Voula Kotrotsios
Roll Donor: ???
Ushers: George Poullos Andy Karavas
GREAT AND HOLY PASCHA
As You rose from the dead, Jesus, accept whatever good will is in us, and send us a corresponding measure of strength. Our soul is not capable of offering Thee a gift which is as great as Thou art. May Thy marvelous death move Thee to compassion, O Lord. Our error is much mightier than our prayer. Our prayer is insignificant, but our guilt is great. Thus we ask Thee to reconcile us by Thy blood, O All-merciful One.
NEXT WEEK EVENTS
Sun. 4/27 Resurrection MIDNIGHT
Agape Vespers 3:00 pm
Family Easter Picnic 4:00 pm
Sun. 5/4 Orthros 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
CHRIST IS RISEN!
English: Christ is Risen! Indeed he is Risen!
Greek: Christos Anesti! Alithos Anesti!
Arabic: Al Masih Qam! Haqan Qam!
Slavonic: Christos Voskresse! Vo Istinu Voskresse!
Romanian: Christos A Inviat! A Deverat A Inviat!
French: Christe Resucite! In Verite Resucite!
Spanish: Christos Resucitado! Verdad Resucitado!
German: Christus ist Auferstanden! Wirklich ist er Auferstanden!
WELCOME VISITORS! Please Worship God With Us!
Visitors are welcome to join us for for worship and share our Love in the Lord, however, we request that our discipline of faith be observed, as it is an ancient practice that only Christians who are baptized Orthodox may receive Holy Communion.
USHER SCHEDULE
If you are unable to usher on your assigned Sunday please call the church office 934-3688.
Apr. 27 All Board Members
May 4 George Poullos
Andy Karavas
May 11 Brenda Denich
Nick & Shelly Petrow
May 18 Paul & Dora Bitsos
Harry & Dee Lahs
May 25 George & Angie Rakes
Russ & Melissa Leger
June 1 Steve & Nikki Diamantis
Bob & Maria Knowles
June 8 John & Kathy Treantos
Davie & Hellen Elfering
June 15 Joe & Litsa Carter
Brian & Sheila Zachariae
June 22 Elias & Demetra Eliopoulos
Chris & Vica Hoegemeyer
June 29 John & Debbie Birge
Angie Brown
BOOKSTORE
Bookstore will be open the first Sunday of each month starting in May
DANCE TROUPES
Practices will resume on Sunday May 4.
A special thank you to Bob and Maria Laws for the Lenten pizza they provided for the children at the last practice and to Karen Chader for providing sodas and treats at several of the practices.
QWEST SCHEDULE
May
Wed. 14 Team #1 7:30 pm
Sun. 18 Team #2 6:45 pm
SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL
Last day of Sunday church school will be Sunday, May 11. On May 18 we will be having a Sunday church school assembly after liturgy in the sanctuary where we will present awards to all the classes/ students and teachers.
VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL
Attention…… to anyone interested in volunteering some time to help hold our first Vacation Church School!! We will be doing this at our new church location and will be deciding on a date in the future. Please contact Steve & Mariana Hurst if you are willing to volunteer some of your time to help run our vacation school this summer. Without volunteers we cannot have a vacation church school program for our youngsters. This will be offered to children (3 years of age and potty trained to grade 4). Please consider volunteering!!!!
PLANT SALE
St. Vincent Orthodox Church is holding its annual plant sale May 5-10 from 9-8 daily and 9-2 on Saturday. Items for sale and a price list can be found at: stvincentchurch.org.
REMEMBER THE FOOD BANK!
PHILOPTOCHOS
Please join us for our May luncheon meeting on Saturday, May 3 at TASTE located 108 West Center Road in Rockbrook Village. Meeting will start at 12:30 pm.
GOCGO IS MOVING
In the interim step toward our building project at 180 & Dodge, the Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Omaha is moving from 7505 Seward Street to 9012 Q Street. The new facility will give us a much larger worship space, additional classrooms, copious parking, larger fellowship hall and a full sized gym. Watch bulletins for more information.
THANK YOU!
What a wonderful and successful Palm Sunday Luncheon! Thank you to Dora Bitsos for overseeing all the preparations set-up and clean up. Our thanks to Paul and Dora for donating the sauce, salad spaghetti, bread and drinks, to Helen Lazanas for the fish and Hillary Detisch for table decorations. Thanks to Paul Bitsos, John, Kathy and Anastasia Treantos and Hillary Detisch for helping in the kitchen, Julie, Kathleen and Sophia Bouzis for serving and Debbie Birge and Helen Lazanas who helped clean-up. Of course the luncheon would not have been such a success without all of you who attended. THANK YOU
PASCHA MEAL
Join us for a light Pascha meal immediately following Resurrection services.
FAMILY EASTER PICNIC
Join us for our second annual
Family Easter Picnic
Following 3:00 pm Agape Vespers
Sunday, April 27
Lamb & Ham provided
Bring a side dish or dessert
Easter Egg hunt for Pre-K, First Grade
and intermediate children
Please bring you own basket
Scavengar hunt is planned for Junior-
Senior high students
EPISTLE READING
Acts of the Apostles 1:1-8
IN THE FIRST BOOK, O Theophilos, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. To them he presented himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days, and speaking of the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me, for John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom of lsrael?” He said to them, “it is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.”
GOSPEL READING
John 1:1-17
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light.
The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him, and cried, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.’”) And from his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
As an interim step toward our building project at 180th & Dodge, The Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Omaha is moving from 7505 Seward Street to 9012 Q Street.
The new facility will give us a much larger worship space, additional classrooms, copious parking, larger fellowship hall and (perhaps best of all) a full sized gym.
The first Divine Liturgy at the new site will be Sunday June 1 2008 at 10:00AM.
The increased space and gym will give us a wonderful platform for our youth ministries so stay tuned for events such as Vacation Church School, basketball sessions and much more!
Sunday Bulletin for the Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Omaha
News and Events for Orthodox Christians in Omaha Nebraska!
Sunday: April 20, 2008
Sunday: Palm Sunday
Synaxarion: Martin, Pope of Rome
Tone: Eothinon: Festal
Epistle: Phil. 4:4-9 (p. 145)
Gospel: John 12:1-18 (p. 146)
Prosforon: Aphrodite Petrihos
Roll Donor: Palm Sunday Luncheon
Ushers: George & Angie Rakes, Steve & Nikki Diamantis
NEXT WEEK
Prosforon: Joanne Sgourakis
Roll Donor: Holy Pascha
Ushers: All Board Members
ENTRANCE OF JESUS INTO JERUSALEM (PALM SUNDAY)
As I hold pussywillows and palms in my hands, rouse Thy strength and come, that Thou mightest save me. Beam Thy lightning and dispense His power, that he may be struck with fear and flee from Thy face, for he has not the strength to stand before Thee…As soon as he perceives a sign of Thy grace, he is taken with fear of Thee and withdraws from such with shame. And now, O Master, save me, for I flee to Thee!
NEXT WEEK EVENTS
Sun. 4/20 Orthros 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
Bridegroom 7:00 pm
Mon. 4/21 Bridegroom 7:00 pm
Tue. 4/22 Catechism 5:30 pm
Bridegroom 7:00 pm
Qwest FAB4 7:30 pm
Wed. 4/23 Presanctified Liturgy 10:00 am
Holy Unction 7:00 pm
Thur.4/24 Liturgy of St. Basil 10:00 am
Holy Passion 7:00 pm
Fri. 4/25 Royal Hours 10:00 am
Apokathelosis 3:00 pm
Myrofora Practice 4:00 pm
Lamentations 7:00 pm
Sat. 4/26 Liturgy of St. Basil 10:00 am
Sun. 4/27 Resurrection MIDNIGHT
Agape Service 3:00 pm
Family Easter Picnic 4:00 pm
WELCOME VISITORS
Visitors are welcome to join us on Sunday
for worship and share our Love in the Lord, however, we request that our discipline of faith be observed, as it is an ancient practice that only Christians who are baptized Orthodox may receive holy communion.
USHER SCHEDULE
If you are unable to usher on your assigned Sunday please call the church office 934-3688.
Apr. 27 All Board Members
May 4 George Poullos
Andy Karavas
May 11 Brenda Denich
Nick & Shelly Petrow
May 18 Paul & Dora Bitsos
Harry & Dee Lahs
May 25 George & Angie Rakes
Russ & Melissa Lege
BOOKSTORE
Bookstore will be open the first Sunday of each month starting in May
PHILOPTOCHOS
May Philoptochos meeting will be held at TASTE 108 West Center Rd. in Rockbrook Village Saturday, May 3 at 12:30 pm.
Philoptochos members: We are still collecting 2008 Stewardship
SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL
There will be no Sunday church school on Easter Sunday. We will have an Easter egg hunt/scavenger hunt immediately following the Agape Vespers and before the picnic, around 3:45. All young children up to 10 years old MAY participate in the Easter egg hunt. 11 years old and up will participate in a group scavenger hunt. Please bring your own baskets to participate in the Easter egg hunt!
ATTENTION PARENTS!!
Parents of young children….please bring a dozen hard boiled/colored eggs to help assist us in the Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday. Please bring your eggs Wednesday 23 or Sunday, 27 and put them in the church refrigerator. Thanks for your assistance!
HOLY PASCHA
After Resurrection service, the Parish Council will be serving a light meal. Please plan to join us.
THANK YOU
The Senior Church School class would like to thank Gust Rakes for visiting their class and presenting information on the Resurrection and history of the cross. They especially enjoyed the art work and visual charts he used in his presentation. All were excited to receive a personal icon handcrafted by him.
DANCE TROUPES
There will be no practice on April 20 & 27. Practices will resume again on Sunday May 4.
A special thank you to Bob and Maria Laws for the Lenten pizza they provided for the children at the last practice and to Karen Chader for providing sodas and treats at several of the practices.
QWEST SCHEDULE
May
Wed. 14 Team #1 7:30 pm
Sun. 18 Team #2 6:45 pm
REMEMBER THE FOOD BANK!
EPISTLE READING
Philippians 4:4-9
BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.
GOSPEL READING
John 12:1-18
Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazaros was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas
Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, “Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”
When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazaros, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazaros also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.
The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazaros out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.
Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Omaha - Sunday Bulletin
Sunday: April 13, 2008
Sunday: Sunday of Mary of Egypt
Synaxarion: Martin, Pope of Rome
Tone: Two Eothinon: Fourth
Epistle: Heb. 9:11-14 (p. 143)
Gospel: Mark 10: 23-45 (p. 144)
Prosforon: Mary Moustakes
Roll Donor: Mike & Pota Rakes, Gust & Joan Rakes
Ushers: Paul & Dora Bitsos, Bill & Cindy Lambert
NEXT WEEK
Prosforon: Aphrodite Petrihos
Roll Donor: Palm Sunday Luncheon
Ushers: George & Angie Rakes, Steve & Nikki Diamantis
SUNDAY OF ST. MARY OF EGYPT Open up my heart to Thee, Lord Jesus, so that when I knock at the door of Thy living-kindness, O Lord, it may be opened to me. I do not cease to pray that I may receive what I request, and unwavering I seek pardon. Be ever patient with me, depraved as I am; deliver me from the sins which possess me that, having become whole, I may arise from the deathbed of corrupting sin.
NEXT WEEK EVENTS
Sun. 4/13 Orthros 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
Dancers: Pre School 5:00 pm
Grade School Age 5:30 pm
GOYA Age 6:30 pm
Tue. 4/15 Catechism 6:00 pm
Wed. 4/16 Family Greek School 6:00 pm
Presanctified liturgy 7:00 pm
Sat. 4/19 Saturday of Lazarus 10:00 am
Fold Palm Crosses 11:00 am
Sun. 4/20 Orthros 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 pm
Bridegroom 7:00 pm
WELCOME VISITORS
Visitors are welcome to join us on Sunday for worship and share our Love in the Lord, however, we request that our discipline of faith be observed, as it is an ancient practice that only Christians who are baptized Orthodox may receive Holy Communion.
HOLY WEEK BOOKS
We still have Holy Weeks books available please visit the Bookstore or see Joan Rakes. Cost is $25.00.
REMEMBER THE FOOD BANK!
USHER SCHEDULE
If you are unable to usher on your assigned Sunday please call the church office 934-3688.
Apr. 20 George & Angie Rakes
Steve & Nikki Diamantis May 4 George Poullos
Andy Karavas
May 11 Brenda Denich
Nick & Shelly Petrow
May 18 Paul & Dora Bitsos
Harry & Dee Lahs
May 25 George & Angie Rakes
Russ & Melissa Leger
BOOKSTORE
Let the bookstore help you with your Lenten journey and renewed awareness
of the enormity of God’s love for us.
New books have arrived and additional icons can be special ordered. THIS IS THE LAST SUNDAY THE BOOKSTORE WILL BE OPEN IN APRIL. Starting in May the bookstore will be open on the first Sunday of the month.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Our congratulations to Nick Lambert on winning first place in his division at the Diocese Oratorical Festival in Colorado Nick will go on to compete at the national contest held in Boston the first week of June.
CONGRATULATION NICK GREAT JOB!!!
BLACK OUT SUNDAY
If you see a young person wearing a black t-shirt today at Liturgy—give’m a hug! They’re one of our Oratorical speakers and the shirts are a reward for a job well done. We’re proud of all the speakers for proclaiming their faith, and especially of our division winners Nick Lambert and Kathleen Bouzis. Nick Lambert also won the Denver Diocese Festival and will compete at the national Diocese festival in June! Congratulations Nick!
BAD NEWS
Life is often bitter sweet and unfortunately due to events beyond our control we will not be able to take the Oratorical speakers to the Nebraska Spring Game. We will be scheduling another reward to replace this trip so please keep your chin up and watch for updates.
E.O.Y.C. 2008 CAMP
The Eastern Orthodox Youth Camp will be held July 27 – Aug 2, 2008 at Youth Front Camp South – La Cygne, Kansas. Registration costs are: Pre-registration before April 6 - $300, Registration April 6 to May 4 - $325 and Late Registration May 5 to Jun 15 - $350. If your child is interested in attending you may call the Church office or see Joan Rakes for Registration forms.
PHILOPTOCHOS
May Philoptochos meeting will be held at TASTE 108 West Center Rd. in Rockbrook Village Saturday, May 3 at 12:30 pm.
Philoptochos members: We are still collecting 2008 Stewardship
QWEST SCHEDULE
April
Tuesday, 22 FAB4 7:30 pm
May
Wed., 14 Team #1 7:30 pm
Sun., 18 Team #2 6:45 pm
PALM CROSSES
We are asking all youth
grades 4 and up to join
us on Saturday, April 19
at 11:00 am to fold
Palm Crosses for
Palm Sunday.
SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL
There will be no Sunday church school on Easter Sunday. We will have an Easter egg hunt/scavenger hunt immediately following the Agape Vespers and before the picnic, around 3:45. All young children up to 10 years old MAY participate in the Easter egg hunt. 11 years old and up will participate in a group scavenger hunt. Please bring your own baskets to participate in the Easter egg hunt!
ATTENTION PARENTS!!
Parents of young children….please bring a dozen hard boiled/colored eggs to help assist us in the Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday. Please bring your eggs Wednesday 23 or Sunday, 27and put them in the church refrigerator. Thanks for your assistance!
ITEMS FOR HOLY WEEK
Several items are needed for Palm Sunday and Holy Week. If you are interested in making a donation toward some of the items please contact Mary Dounias.
PASCHA CARD AND FLOWERS
The deadline for the Pascha Card and flowers is this Wednesday. If you would still like to have your family included please complete a form found on the tables in the church hall and give to Joan Rakes.
LENTEN YOUTH RETREAT
We had a blast at yesterday’s annual Lenten Retreat! Many thanks to all who came out to learn more about dealing with life’s issues and how to persevere when things look down. Special thanks to all the volunteers who came out to support our youth ministry: Karen Chader, David & Hellen Elfering, Bill & Cindy Lambert, Melissa Leger (who also taught), and Peter Wilger.
40 DAY MEMORIAL
A 40 day memorial is being offered today for George Giannou, father of Michael & John Giannou and brother-in-law to Mike & Gust Rakes. May his memory be Eternal.
HOLY PASCHA
After Resurrection service, the Parish Council will be serving a light meal. Please plan to join us. Watch bulletins for more information.
EPISTLE READING
Hebrews 9:11-14
BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
GOSPEL READING
Mark 10:32-45
At that time, Jesus taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise.” And James and John, the sons of
Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant of James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+= SUNDAY BULLETIN
Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Omaha
Office Phone (402) 934-3688 Reverend Chris Margaritis (402) 578-6871
Web Site http://synaxis.org
Parish News Blog http://synaxis.org/blog
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Sunday: March 30, 2008
Sunday: Sunday of the Holy Cross
Synaxarion: John Climacus
Tone: Grave Eothinon: Second
Epistle: Heb. 4:14-16; 5:1-6 (p. 140)
Gospel: Mark 8:34-38; 9:1 (p. 141)
Prosforon: Gust Rakes
Roll Donor: Karen Chader
Ushers: Brenda Denich
Mike & Julie Karavas
NEXT WEEK
Prosforon: Hillary Detisch
Roll Donor: ???
Ushers: John & Debbie Birge
John & Michelle Sgourakis
SUNDAY OF THE HOLY CROSS
As we take up the cross and follow Christ let the guardian of our eye not look about in the manner of a thief; be the guardian of the ear, that it might not perceive falsehood. Be the guardian of the lips, that slander, judgment, criticism and idle words might no come forth from them. Be the guardian of the heart that it might not be inclined to evil and might not work iniquity.
NEXT WEEK EVENTS
Sun. 3/30 Orthros 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
S.S. Teachers Meet 12:00 pm
Qwest OPA3 11:00 am
Qwest FAB4 3:00 pm
Dancers: Pre School 5:00 pm
Grade School Age 5:30 pm
GOYA Age 6:30 pm
Mon. 3/31 Catechism 6:00 pm
Wed. 4/2 Family Greek School 6:00 pm
Presanctified liturgy 7:00 pm
Fri. 4/4 Lenten Retreat 5:00 pm
Salutations 7:00 pm
Qwest Team #1 7:30 pm
Sat. 4/5 Lenten Retreat 10:00 am
Qwest Team #2 3:30 pm
Qwest OPA3 7:30 pm
Sun. 4/6 Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 pm
WELCOME VISITORS
Visitors are welcome to join us on Sunday for worship and share our Love in the Lord, however, we request that our discipline of faith be observed, as it is an ancient practice that only Christians who are baptized Orthodox may receive holy communion.
USHER SCHEDULE
If you are unable to usher on your assigned Sunday please call the church office 934-3688.
Apr. 6 John & Debbie Birge
John & Michelle Sgourakis
Apr. 13 Paul & Dora Bitsos
Bill & Cindy Lambert
Apr. 20 George & Angie Rakes
Steve & Nikki Diamantis May 4 George Poullos
Andy Karavas
May 11 Brenda Denich
Nick & Shelly Petrow
May 18 Paul & Dora Bitsos
Harry & Dee Lahs
May 25 George & Angie Rakes
Russ & Melissa Leger
LENTEN SERVICES
Please join us for Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday’s - 7 pm through April 16.
Pot-luck and a discussion by Father Chris will follow services. Salutations services are being held on Friday’s – 7 pm through April 11
PHILOPTOCHOS
No April Philoptochos meeting our next meeting will be in May watch bulletins for time and place.
Philoptochos members: Please see Stephanie Wilger and take care of your 2008 Stewardship. We are hoping to get 100 % of our members on the list.
E.O.Y.C. 2008 CAMP
The Eastern Orthodox Youth Camp will be held July 27 – Aug 2, 2008 at Youth Front Camp South – La Cygne, Kansas. Registration costs are: Pre-registration before April 6 - $300, Registration April 6 to May 4 - $325 and Late Registration May 5 to Jun 15 - $350. If your child is interested in attending you may call the Church office or see Joan Rakes for Registration forms.
LENTEN RETREAT
Plan to attend the Lenten Retreat Friday & Saturday, April 4-5. Our guest speaker is Fr. Steven Tsichlis from Irvine, CA, considered expert in Liturgical studies and a well known speaker and writer. He is also the nephew of our own Sam Tsichlis. The schedule will be as follows:
• Friday, April 4 - 5pm: Worshiping the real Jesus in Spirit and Truth
• Saturday, April 5 – 10am: The Bible and the Liturgy: Praying the Scriptures
• 12pm – Lunch
• 1pm: The Sacrifice of Love: Eating and Drinking at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
If you plan to attend the Saturday session of the Retreat please contact Helen Lazanas at 397-4870 to make reservations. Philoptochos will be providing a Lenten lunch.
REMEMBER THE FOOD BANK!
ORATORICAL FESTIVAL
The Oratorical Festival was held on Sunday, March 16 if you didn’t attend you missed a wonderful presentation. The speech quality was outstanding from start to finish. Each speaker can score up to 300 points on their speech, and the point differences between 2nd and 5th place was no more than 4 points this year! Congratulations to ALL of our speakers: Sophia Bouzis, Kathleen Bouzis, Maria Brown, Jake Chader, Katie Elfering, Sarah Elfering Alexandra Lambert, Sophia Lambert, Nick Lambert, Nicole Petrow, Anna Petrow, Sophia Petrow, John Rothstein, Andrea Wilger and Alyssa Wilger.
Winners of the Junior Division were
First Place: Nick Lambert,
Second Place: Anna Petrow and
Third Place: John Rothstein.
Winners of the Senior Division were
First Place: Kathleen Bouzis,
Second Place: Sophia Petrow
Third Place: Andrea Wilger.
Each of the speakers will be receiving a Charles and Athena Mitchell memorial scholarship.
Kathleen Bouzis, Sophia Petrow and Nick Lambert will receive a $250 scholarship from AHEPA for winning in their divisions. Kathleen and Sophia will be representing our Church in the Diocese Festival April 4-5-6 in Greenwood Village, CO at the Parish of St. Catherine.
You can view all of the speeches online at: http://synaxis.org/blog/?page_id=78
SPECIAL REWARD!!
All Oratorical speakers will be going to the Nebraska spring football game. We will leave for the game after the Saturday of Lazarus Liturgy.
BOOKSTORE
NEW ITEMS!! Visit the bookstore there are many new items for Holy Pascha. Bookstore
is open every Sunday until Holy Pascha. If you would like to order something special please see Julie Bouzis or Katerina Thomas.
QWEST SCHEDULE
March
Saturday, 29 Team #1 11:00 am
Saturday, 29 Team #2 4:30 pm
Sunday, 30 OPA3 11:00 am
Sunday, 30 FAB4 3:00 pm
April
Friday, 4 Team #1 7:30 pm
Saturday, 5 Team #2 3:30 pm
Saturday, 5 OPA3 7:30 pm
Friday, 11 FAB4 8:00 pm
Saturday, 12 Team #1 7:30 pm
Tuesday, 22 OPA3 7:30 pm
May
Wed., 14 Team #2 TBA
HOLY WEEK BOOKS
Books for Holy Week have arrived if you are interested in purchasing one please visit the Bookstore or see Joan Rakes. Cost is $25.00.
40 DAY MEMORIAL
A 40 day memorial is being offered today for Panayiota (Bertha) Grant, sister of Mike & Gust Rakes. May her memory be Eternal.
CATECHISM CLASS
Catechism classes are being held on Monday, evenings at 6:00 pm . They will last about 5 weeks. Everyone is welcome to attend.
GOYA LENTEN RETREAT
Fight the Good Fight
The Race for Salvation - Facing Our Struggles
Saturday April 12th
10AM – 10PM
Fight? What? Have you noticed that many of the Church and biblical heroes are not philosophers but soldiers? Even Joel (3:10) says to let even the weak person say, “I am a soldier”. We know that Christ came into the world to radically turn it upside down, but to encourage us to battle? Is Paul referring to religious wars? Spiritual Warfare? Or an entirely different encounter of our faith? We’ll explore how to trust God in even or toughest times! Come and spend the day with us as we delve into God’s advice to “fight the good fight” and have fun too!
This retreat is for GOYA age youth, grades 6 and up due to the content and the activities.
PASCHA COMMUNITY CARD
Would you like to have your family listed in the Pascha Community Card? Please complete a form found in the Church hall and return to a Board Member or the Church office.
PASCHA FLOWERS
If you would like to donate a plant in memory of a loved one or for your family complete a form found in the church hall and return to a Board Member or the Church office.
ITEMS FOR HOLY WEEK
Several items are needed for Palm Sunday and Holy Week. If you are interested in making a donation toward some of the items please contact Mary Dounias, 697-0570 or cell 669-0177.
HOLY PASCHA
After Resurrection service, the Parish Council will be serving a light meal. Please plan to join us. Watch bulletins for more information.
PALM CROSSES
The youth grade 4 and up will be folding palm crosses for Palm Sunday on Friday, April 18 at 7:00 pm.
DANCE TROUPES
Dance practices will be held on Sunday evenings starting at the 90th & “Q” gym at
the following times:
Preschool: 5:00-5:30
Grade school age: 5:30-6:30
GOYA age: 6:30-8:30
PALM SUNDAY LUNCHEON
Mark your calendars and plan to join Philoptochos for our Annual Palm Sunday luncheon following Liturgy on Sunday, April 20.
FAMILY EASTER PICNIC
We are planning our second Annual Family Easter Picnic please watch bulletins for further information.
I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for you today to guide you and protect you, as you go along your way. His love is always with you, his promises are true and when you give Him all your cares, you know He’ll see you through
CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS
The month of April has been declared Child Abuse Awareness Month and citizens of our nation are called to become more aware of the terrible tragedy of child abuse. More importantly for us as Orthodox Christians, we are being reminded that we have a sacred duty – as individuals, as families and as a church—to care for and nurture our children in loving and healthy manner, respecting their human dignity as creatures in God’s image.
We are blessed within our holy Archdiocese to have the ministry of Trinity Children’s Foundation which actively and aggressively addresses the prevention of child abuse and meet the needs of abused, neglected and abandoned children.
Trinity cares for children from infants to 18 years of age and currently cares for more than 1,000 everyday.
Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver encourages all parishes to become more aware of child abuse, to become more proactive in its prevention, and to support programs that help children suffering from abuse. Please visit the Trinity Children’s Foundation web site at www.trinitychildrensfoundation.org or call them at 800-543-7730
EPISTLE READING
Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6
BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee”; as he says also in another place, “Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek.”
GOSPEL READING
Mark 8:34-38; 9:1
The Lord said: “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.”
There really isn’t any other way to describe it! This year’s Oratorical was the finest I have had the blessing to be associated with. The speech quality was outstanding from start to finish. Each speaker can score up to 300 points on their speech, and the point differences between 2’d and 5th place was no more than 4 points this year! The competition was that tough.
For the first time ever, you can now watch all of the speeches right off of our web site! Just go to http://synaxis.org/blog/?page_id=78 and click on the speech to play it in your web browser. Note: Nearly all the speakers are uploaded as of this morning and the remainder should be there soon.
Junior Division
First Place: Nick Lambert
Second place: Anna Petrow
Third place: John Rothstein
Senior Division
First place: Kathleen Bouzis
Second place: Sophia Petrow
Third place: Andrea Wilger
Each of these speakers will be receiving a Charles and Athena Mitchell memorial scholarship.
I wish we didn’t have to put ranks on this because every single talk was spirit filled and an awesome statement of Orthodox Christian faith. I am so proud of all the young people!
Congratulations to ALL of our speakers! Please let them know how proud you are of them as they worked hard and
Sophia Bouzis
Kathleen Bouzis
Maria Brown
Jake Chader
Katie Elfering
Alex Elfering
Sarah Elfering
Alexandra Lambert
Sophia Lambert
Nick Lambert
Nicole Petrow
Anna Petrow
Sophia Petrow
John Rothstein
Andrea Wilger
Alyssa Wilger
My heartfelt thank you to all our young people who prepared and delivered speeches. All those who spoke on Sunday will be rewarded with a trip to the Nebraska spring football game!
Just a reminder that the dance groups are now meeting each Sunday, and there is a youth Lenten retreat for grades 6 and up on Saturday April 12th. See the bulletin or the parish blog for more information.
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
SUNDAY BULLETIN
Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Omaha
(402) 934-3688
http://www.synaxis.org
Parish blogs http://synaxis.org/blog
Reverend Chris Margaritis (402) 578-6871
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Sunday: March 16, 2008
Sunday: Sunday of Orthodoxy
Synaxarion: Christodoulos of Patmos
Tone: One Eothinon: Ninth
Epistle: Heb. 11:24-26, 32-40 (p. 118 )
Gospel: John 1:43-51 (p. 137 )
Prosforon: Joanne Sgourakis
Roll Donor: Soup & Salad Luncheon
Ushers: Joe & Litsa Carter
Katerina Thomas
NEXT WEEK
Prosforon: Mary Moustakes
Roll Donor: Despina Foster
Ushers: George Poullos
John & Laura Pavalis
SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY
Let us restore the Icon of Jesus in us as we accept our prayer, O our Lord, and grant us Thyself. May we live in Thee, may we possess Thee instead of all else, for then all is ours. Grant, O Lord, that we may be Thine. And according to Thy loving-kindness be ours: for the righteous Father gave us Thee for the healing of our souls.
NEXT WEEK EVENTS
Sun. 3/16 Orthros 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
Soup/Salad Luncheon 11:30 am
Oratorical Festival 12:30 pm
Wed 3/19 Family Greek School 6:00 pm
Presanctified liturgy 7:00 pm
Fri. 3/21 Salutations 7:00 pm
Sat. 3/22 Qwest OPA3 TBA
Sun. 3/23 Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 pm
LENTEN SERVICES
Please join us for Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday’s - 7 pm through April 16.
Pot-luck and a discussion by Father Chris will follow services. Salutations services are being held on Friday’s – 7 pm through April 11
CATECHISM CLASS
Father Chris will meet with everyone interested in attending Catechism class next Sunday, March 23, following Liturgy. At the meeting a day and time most convenient with everyone will be set for the Catechism classes.
USHER SCHEDULE
If you are unable to usher on your assigned Sunday please call the church office 934-3688.
Mar. 23 George Poullos
John & Laura Pavalis
Mar. 30 Brenda Denich
Mike & Julie Karavas
Apr. 6 John & Debbie Birge
John & Michelle Sgourakis
Apr. 13 Paul & Dora Bitsos
Bill & Cindy Lambert
Apr. 20 George & Angie Rakes
Steve & Nikki Diamantis
Apr. 25 John & Kathy Treantos
Joe & Litsa Carter
Apr. 27 All Board Members
BOOKSTORE
The bookstore will be open every Sunday until Holy Pascha. Please check out what’s available. If you would like something special ordered for Holy Pascha please see Helen Lazanas or Katerina Thomas.
ROLL DONATIONS
Please check the Social Hour chart in the church hall and sign up to sponsor rolls on a Sunday morning for a birthday, anniversary, or a special occasion in your family.
REMEMBER THE FOOD BANK!
LENTEN RETREAT
GOCGO will be sponsoring a Lenten Retreat on Friday & Saturday, April 4-5.
The retreat will be in three sessions, the first on Friday following Salutation services, and then resuming on Saturday in two sessions before and after lunch. Our guest speaker will be Fr. Steven Tsichlis from Irvine, CA, considered expert in Liturgical studies and a well known speaker and writer. He is also the nephew of our own Sam Tsichlis. The schedule will be as follows:
• Friday, April 4 - 8pm: Worshiping the real Jesus in Spirit and Truth
• Saturday, April 5 – 10am: The Bible and the Liturgy: Praying the Scriptures
• 12pm – Lunch
• 1pm: The Sacrifice of Love: Eating and Drinking at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
If you plan to attend the Saturday session of the Retreat will you please contact Helen Lazanas 397-4870 to make reservations. Philoptochos will be providing a Lenten lunch.
ORATORICAL FESTIVAL
Oratorical Festival today following the Soup & Salad Luncheon. Please plan to stay and support the young people who have worked hard on their speeches.
We are thrilled once again to offer the Charles & Athena Mitchell scholarships for our first ($300), second ($200) and third ($100) place speakers! The Diocese Festival will be April 4-5-6 in Greenwood Village, Colorado at the Parish of St. Catherine.
SPECIAL REWARD!!
All Oratorical speakers are eligible for a trip to the Nebraska spring football game. We will leave for the game after the Saturday of Lazarus Liturgy and then go watch Bo Pelini try to resurrect the Big Red!
QWEST SCHEDULE
March
Saturday, 22 OPA3 TBA
Saturday, 22 FAB4 TBA
Saturday, 29 Team #1 11:00 am
Saturday, 29 Team #2 4:30 pm
Sunday, 30 OPA3 11:00 am
Sunday, 30 FAB4 3:00 pm
April
Friday, 4 Team #1 7:30 pm
Saturday, 5 Team #2 3:30 pm
Saturday, 5 OPA3 7:30 pm
Friday, 11 FAB4 8:00 pm
Saturday, 12 Team #1 7:30 pm
Tuesday, 22 Team #2 7:30 pm
May
Wed., 14 OPA3 TBA
MAILBOX
We now have a new Mail box in the upstairs hallway. There are mail bins for the Parish Council and all organizations and committees of the Church. Please check you mail bin regularly for mail.
GOYA LENTEN RETREAT
Fight the Good Fight
The Race for Salvation - Facing Our Struggles
Saturday April 12th
10AM – 10PM
Fight? What? Have you noticed that many of the Church and biblical heroes are not philosophers but soldiers? Even Joel (3:10) says to let even the weak person say, “I am a soldier”. We know that Christ came into the world to radically turn it upside down, but to encourage us to battle? Is Paul referring to religious wars? Spiritual Warfare? Or an entirely different encounter of our faith? We’ll explore how to trust God in even or toughest times! Come and spend the day with us as we delve into God’s advice to “fight the good fight” and have fun too!
This retreat is for GOYA age youth, grades 6 and up due to the content and the activities.
PASCHA COMMUNITY CARD
Would you like to have your family listed in the Pascha Community Card? Please complete a form found in the Church hall and return to a Board Member or the Church office.
PASCHA FLOWERS
If you would like to donate a plant in memory of a loved one or for your family complete a form found in the church hall and return to a Board Member or the Church office.
HOLY WEEK BOOKS
Books for Holy Week have arrived if you are interested in purchasing one please visit the Bookstore or see Joan Rakes.
Cost is $25.00.
CONGRATULATIONS
Justin Birge has recently been inducted into the Creighton University Medical School Chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society. As a senior medical student at Creighton University Justin was nominated by the School of Medicine faculty and his peers.
GHHS recognizes those who exemplify the qualities of the humane healer. Integrity, pursuit of truth and sound moral reasoning that engenders the trust and confidence of others. Compassion, empathy and altruism including supports advocacy for others with special emphasis on care for the poor. Our Churche’s contributions to the Magis Clinic project has helped Justin and Creighton University to help those in need.
AHEPA SCHOLARSHIP
Attention Seniors AHEPA Scholarship forms are available in the Church Hall.
Join
Philoptochos
for a
Soup & Salad
Luncheon
TODAY
following
Divine Liturgy
Soup - Salad - Bread
Lenten Cake
FREEWILL OFFERING
EPISTLE READING
Hebrews 11:24-26,32-40
Brethren, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets — who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign enemies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated — of whom the world was not worthy — wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
GOSPEL READING
John 1:43-51
At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.”
Not a big posting, just a few thoughts about Myspace (and other similar social networking sites). Bluefishtv.com has a video about “social sites” that I think both parents and young people should consider. Take a look at the video!
If you wouldn’t sit down next to a stranger in public and tell them sensitive things about yourself, why do it on the Internet with millions of strangers?
Another area of concern with these social sites are the ways young people use them to criticize their parents. I think we all had some harsh thoughts about our parents as teens but it isn’t godly to use four letter words to describe our parents.
There is something about “MY” space that seems… well… narcissistic. I’ve read several myspace pages by children in Middle school that with very explicit and vulgar things on them about their parents. When you combine those two things it is a recipe for disaster. One of the signs that are spoken of in 2 Timothy are exactly those
“2 Timothy 3:2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,..”
I’m not saying that Myspace is a sign that the end of the world is coming, but some of the ways we use it certainly aren’t very positive. Online social sites are a modern reality and we can’t ignore them, but as with all things we have to think about whether our use of them is consistent with our faith. I read one time that the number one objection that those who don’t go to Church have about Christians is their dual lives — one Christian and the other worldly.
In Christ,
Dave Elfering
Youth Director, Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Omaha
dave @ aroundomaha.com
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
SUNDAY BULLETIN
Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Omaha
(402) 934-3688
http://www.synaxis.org
Parish blogs http://synaxis.org/blog
Reverend Chris Margaritis (402) 578-6871
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Sunday: March 9, 2008
Sunday: Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare)
Synaxarion: Caesarios the Righteous
Tone: One Eothinon: Eighth
Epistle: Heb. 12:1-10 (p. )
Gospel: Matt. 6:14-21 (p. )
Prosforon: Aphrodite Petrihos
Roll Donor: Bill & Joanne Sgourakis
Ushers: John & Kathy Treantos, Jeff Johannesmeyer
NEXT WEEK
Prosforon: Joanne Sgourakis
Roll Donor: Lenten Luncheon
Ushers: Joe & Litsa Carter, Katerina Thomas
JUDGEMENT SUNDAY (CHEESEFARE)
In asking for forgiveness we must first seek Thee above all else, and not seek anything else but Thee, for he who seeks Thee finds all in Thee. In Thee is wealth for the needy, heartfelt joy for the sorrowing, restoration for all the wounded, consolation for all who mourn.
NEXT WEEK EVENTS
Sun. 3/09 Orthros 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
Wed 3/12 Presanctified liturgy 7:00 pm
Fri. 3/14 Salutations 7:00 pm
Qwest Team #2 7:30 pm
Sat. 3/15 3rd Saturday of Souls 10:00 am
Sun. 3/16 Orthros 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 pm
SATURDAY OF SOULS
Saturday March 16 Divine Liturgy will be held at 10:00 am for Saturday of the Souls. Please use the Names of Beloved Departed slip in this bulletin and give to Father Chris so your beloved departed can be remembered in the prayers at this service.
LENTEN SERVICES
Lent begins Monday, March 10. Please join us for Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday’s at 7 pm starting March 12 through April 16. Pot-luck and a discussion by Father Chris will follow services. Salutations services are being held on Friday’s – 7 pm starting March 14 through April 11
REMEMBER THE FOOD BANK!
USHER SCHEDULE
If you are unable to usher on your assigned Sunday please call the church office 934-3688.
Mar. 16 Joe & Litsa Carter
Katerina Thomas
Mar. 23 George Poullos
John & Laura Pavalis
Mar. 30 Brenda Denich
Mike & Julie Karavas
Apr. 6 John & Debbie Birge
John & Michelle Sgourakis
Apr. 13 Paul & Dora Bitsos
Bill & Cindy Lambert
Apr. 20 George & Angie Rakes
Steve & Nikki Diamantis
Apr. 25 John & Kathy Treantos
Joe & Litsa Carter
Apr. 27 All Board Members
STEWARDSHIP
Have you returned your Stewardship form for 2008? It is important for the Parish Council to have the form completed and returned as this gives them a guideline for the budget. Forms are located on the counter in the church hall please fill one out and return to a Board Member or mail to the church office.
BOOKSTORE
The bookstore will be open every Sunday until Holy Pascha. Please check out what’s available. If you would like something special ordered for Holy Pascha please see Helen Lazanas or Katerina Thomas.
LENTEN RETREAT
GOCGO will be sponsoring a Lenten Retreat on Friday & Saturday, April 4-5.
The retreat will be in three sessions, the first on Friday following Salutation services, and then resuming on Saturday in two sessions before and after lunch. Our guest speaker will be Fr. Steven Tsichlis from Irvine, CA, considered expert in Liturgical studies and a well known speaker and writer. He is also the nephew of our own Sam Tsichlis. The schedule will be as follows:
Friday, April 4 - 8pm: Worshiping the real Jesus in Spirit and Truth
Saturday, April 5 – 10am: The Bible and the Liturgy: Praying the Scriptures
12pm – Lunch
1pm: The Sacrifice of Love: Eating and Drinking at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
If you plan to attend the Saturday session of the Retreat will you please contact Helen Lazanas 397-4870 to make reservations. Philoptochos will be providing a Lenten lunch.
DANCE TROUPES
Dance practices will be held on Sunday evenings starting March 16 at the 90th & “Q” gym at the following times:
Preschool: 5:00-5:30
Grade school age: 5:30-6:30
GOYA age: 6:30-8:30.
REMINDER
Remember there is parking in back of the church. Please leave the spaces in the
front for those who need easier access.
ORATORICAL FESTIVAL
Who Can Speak?
There has been a little confusion about who can give talks at the Oratorical Festival. The answer is that any student who wants to can deliver a talk! Here are the guidelines for the age groups:
6th grade & below: Speeches can be on any Church related topic and can be any length. Students in this age group are not scored
Grades 7-8-9: To compete for scholarships these talks should be 3-4 minutes in length and the topic must be from the official Diocese list (see parish blog for more information).
Grades 10-11-12: To compete for the scholarships the talks must be 4-5 minutes long and be on one of the official topics.
The date for the Oratorical Festival has been changed it will be held on Sunday, March 16 following the Philoptochos Soup & Salad Luncheon. We are thrilled once again to offer the Charles & Athena Mitchell scholarships for our first ($300), second ($200) and third ($100) place speakers! The Diocese Festival will be April 4-5-6 in Greenwood Village, Colorado at the Parish of St. Catherine.
ROLL DONATIONS
Please check the Social Hour chart in the church hall and sign up to sponsor rolls on a Sunday morning for a birthday, anniversary, or a special occasion in your family.
SPECIAL REWARD!!
All Oratorical speakers are eligible for a trip to the Nebraska spring football game. The first 20 who get their topics to Dave or Hellen Elfering will get first shot at special seating in a skybox! Seating is limited so get us your topics! We will leave for the game after the Saturday of Lazarus Liturgy and then go watch Bo Pelini try to resurrect the Big Red!
QWEST SCHEDULE
March
Friday, 14 Team #2 7:30 pm
Saturday, 22 OPA3 TBA
Saturday, 22 FAB4 TBA
Saturday, 29 Team #1 11:00 am
Saturday, 29 Team #2 4:30 pm
Sunday, 30 OPA3 11:00 am
Sunday, 30 FAB4 3:00 pm
April
Friday, 4 Team #1 7:30 pm
Saturday, 5 Team #2 3:30 pm
Saturday, 5 OPA3 7:30 pm
Friday, 11 FAB4 8:00 pm
Saturday, 12 Team #1 7:30 pm
Tuesday, 22 Team #2 7:30 pm
May
Wed., 14 OPA3 TBA
LOSS OF A LOVED ONE
We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of George Giannou. George fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday, March 6. George is father of Michael & John Giannou and Brother-in-law of Mike & Gust Rakes. May his memory be Eternal.
GOYA LENTEN RETREAT
Fight the Good Fight
The Race for Salvation - Facing Our Struggles
Saturday April 12th
10AM – 10PM
Fight? What? Have you noticed that many of the Church and biblical heroes are not philosophers but soldiers? Even Joel (3:10) says to let even the weak person say, “I am a soldier”. We know that Christ came into the world to radically turn it upside down, but to encourage us to battle? Is Paul referring to religious wars? Spiritual Warfare? Or an entirely different encounter of our faith? We’ll explore how to trust God in even or toughest times! Come and spend the day with us as we delve into God’s advice to “fight the good fight” and have fun too!
This retreat is for GOYA age youth, grades 6 and up due to the content and the activities.
PASCHA COMMUNITY CARD
Would you like to have your family listed in the Pascha Community Card? Please complete a form found in the Church hall and return to a Board Member or the Church office.
PASCHA FLOWERS
If you would like to donate a plant in memory of a loved one or for your family complete a form found in the church hall and return to a Board Member or the Church office.
Join
Philoptochos
for a
Soup & Salad
Luncheon
Sunday, March16
following
Divine Liturgy
Soup - Salad - Bread
Lenten Cake
FREEWILL OFFERING
EPISTLE READING
Hebrews 12:1-10
BRETHREN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers to discipline us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father.
GOSPEL READING
Matthew 6:14-21
The Lord said, “If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
“And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
