Holy anargyroi Orthodox Church (GOA)

703 W. Center Street, Rochester, MN (507) 282-1529 http://www.holyanargyroi.org church@holyanargyroi.org Rev. Fr. Mark Muoz, Proistamenos
/APOLYTIKIA FOR TODAY

, , , , , , , , . Let the Heavens rejoice; let earthly things be glad; for the Lord has wrought might with His arm, He has trampled upon death by death. The first-born of the dead has He become. From the depths of Hades has He delivered us, and has granted great mercy to the world.
, . Lord save your people, and bless Your inheritance. Grant victory to the faithful against the enemies of the Faith, and protect Your commonwealth by your Holy Cross.
/KONTAKION FOR TODAY

Ti ypermacho stratigo ta nikitiria, os lytrotheisa ton deinon efharistia, anagrafo si e polis sou Theotoke, allos ehousa to kratos aprosmahiton, ek pantinon me kyndinon eletheroson, ina krazo si, Here nymfi anymfefte. O Champion Leader, we your faithful inscribe to you the prize of victory as gratitude for being rescued from calamity, O Theotokos. But since you have invincible power, free us from all kinds of perils so that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.

3rd Sunday of the FAST: Veneration of the Life-Giving Cross

Holy Martyr Kalliopios, St. Tikhon Patriarch of Moscow & Enlightener of North America, April 7th, 2013 +Fasting Period+

TODAYS SCRIPTURE READINGS

EPISTLE READING

St. Paul's Letter to the 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 forever, after the order of Melchizedek."
GOSPEL READING

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."

COMMUNION PRAYERS
I believe and confess, Lord, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. I also believe that this is truly Your pure body and that this is truly Your precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to You. Have mercy upon me, and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, known and unknown. And make me worthy without condemnation to partake of Your pure Mysteries for the forgiveness of sins and life eternal. Amen. Behold, my Maker, I approach Holy Communion. Burn me not as I partake, for You are fire which burns the unworthy, but cleanse me from every stain. Receive me today, Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical Supper. I will not reveal Your mysteries to your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief confess to You: Lord, remember me in Your kingdom. Seeing the Divine Blood, have fear, O man, for it is coal that burns the unworthy. It is Gods Body that deifies and nourishes me; it deifies the spirit and nourishes the mind mystically. You have smitten me with yearning, O Christ, and with Your divine love You have changed me. Burn away my sins with spiritual fire and make me worthy to be filled with Your joy, that rejoicing in Your goodness, I may magnify Your two Comings. How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your saints? If I dare to enter the bridal chamber, my clothing will accuse me, since it is not a wedding garment; and being bound up, I shall be cast out by the angels. In Your love, Lord, cleanse the vileness of my soul and save me. Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these holy Gifts be to my condemnation because of my unworthiness, but for the cleansing and sanctification of soul and body and the pledge of the future life and Kingdom. It is good for me to cling to God and to place in Him the hope of my salvation. Receive me today, Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical Supper. I will not reveal Your mysteries to your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief confess to You: Lord, remember me in Your kingdom.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Liturgical/Program Schedule:
Mon. April 8th: Great Compline, 6pm Mon. April 8th: Building Committee, 7pm Wed. April 10th: Presanctified Liturgy, Lenten Potluck following, 6pm Wed. April 10th: GOYA Faith Night, after Liturgy Thurs. April 11th: AC/DC Religious Ed, 6pm (note date change!) Fri. April 12th: Akathist Hymn, 6pm Fri. April 12th: GOYA Lock in Sat. April 13th: Great Vespers, 6pm

Panagia Icon Donors: We would like to thank and acknowledge those who have come forth and offered a donation for the flowers used to decorate the large icon of the Theotokos used during the Akathist hymn on Fridays of Great Lent: Haido/Joel Belanger, David/Marilyn Fibison, & Angie/Chris Rustad, Halina/Ray Ostfeld, Kosta/Maria Boosalis. Epitaphio Floral Collection: Philoptochos members will be accepting donations for the flowers that will be used to decorate the kouvouklion and epitaphio. As always, your contributions are greatly appreciated. Holy Week Liturgical Books: We have ordered several copies of the official Holy Week Book endorsed by our Metropolis. This comprehensive book, compiled by Fr. Pappadeas, will be used exclusively for all the liturgical celebrations from Palm Sunday evening through the Agapi Vespers on Pascha. Each book is $25, and are now available!

Only those Orthodox Christians in good standing are encouraged to receive Holy Communion frequently, provided they have prepared themselves spiritually, mentally, and physically. They should be on time for the Divine Liturgy and be in a Christ-like, humble state of mind. They should be in a confession relationship with their priest or spiritual father, have observed the fasting regulations, and they should have self-examined their conscience. On the day of receiving Holy Communion it is not proper to eat or drink anything before coming to church. When you approach the holy chalice state your baptismal name, and hold the red communion cloth to your chin. After receiving wipe your lips on the cloth, step back carefully, hand the cloth to the next person and make the sign the of the cross as you step away. Please do not be in a rush while communing.
WITH THE FEAR OF GOD, FAITH, AND LOVE DRAW NEAR:

Todays liturgical commemorations

1. SAINT GEORGE THE CONFESSOR
Because of his great virtues, which he attained through a long and difficult mortification, George was chosen and invested as Metropolitan of Mitylene. This saint governed his spiritual flock prudently and zealously to a ripe old age. When a persecution began under Leo V, the Armenian, who, in destroying holy icons, summoned this saintly elder to Constantinople to an assembly of bishops convened by him and, whose intention it was to discontinue the veneration of icons, George not only refused to carry out the wish of the wicked emperor but with other courageous bishops stood up in defense of holy icons. Not only was he ridiculed for that but he was also banished into exile by the emperor to the region of Cherson. Here he endured all sorts of physical afflictions and deprivations for the remaining years of his life. He died and was translated to eternal life about the year 816 A.D. Because of his great sanctity and love for the Lord Jesus, George was a great miracle-worker, both during his life and after his death.

2. THE VENERABLE NIL SORSKY

Nil is one of the great Fathers of the Russian Church. He was the founder of the Scete way of monastic life in Russia. He died peacefully in the year 1508 A.D. His relics repose in the Sorsky Monastery. His "Rule of Life" for the "Scete" way of monastic living represents a first-class work on the spiritual and practical life of a monk.

3. THE HOLY MARTYR CALLIOPIUS

Calliopius was an only son granted by God to a senator from Perga in Pamphylia after the senator had shed many tears in prayer. From his early youth his devout mother, Theoclea, taught him to respect God and to live a chaste life. Calliopius was still a youngster when a terrible persecution began during the reign of Emperor Maximian. To spare him from death, his mother placed him in a boat, gave him an ample amount of money and saw him off to the city of Pompeiopolis. However, God in His Divine Providence, planned it otherwise. Landing in Pompeiopolis he fell into the midst of a tumultuous polytheistic celebration. When Calliopius refused to participate in this ridiculous feast, at the insistence of the crazed mob, he was pushed toward Maximus the commander, before whom Calliopius confessed that he was a Christian. The commander ordered that Calliopius be beaten with lead canes and burned by fire. Wounded throughout, they cast him into prison. Learning about the tortures of her son, Theoclea distributed her entire estate to the poor and needy and with a paltry sum of money hurried to her son in prison. Upon entering the prison, Theoclea bowed down before her son and dressed his wounds. Finally, the commander pronounced the ultimate sentence. Calliopius was to be crucified on a cross. Joy and pain intermingled in the heart of his mother. When they brought her son to the place of execution, she slipped five pieces of gold to the executioners to have her son crucified, not as the Lord was, but rather upside down. Theoclea did this out of humility before the Lord. Calliopius was crucified upside down on Holy Thursday. His mother stood beneath the cross-giving praise to God. One the second day when they removed his lifeless body from the cross, she fell upon her son and she, herself, died. Thus, these two went before the Throne of the King of Glory together. They honorably suffered in the year 304 A.D.

4. THE VENERABLE DANIEL OF PEREYASLAVL

Daniel had, as a unique form of mortification, that of caring for the dead. Whenever he heard that someone was found frozen to death or that had died in some other manner, Daniel would hasten to bury him decently and to offer prayers to God for him. He died peacefully in the year 1540 A.D. His relics remain intact.

OCMC COIN BOXES

The Sunday School students have been given coin boxes to help raise money for the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (www.ocmc.org). The money the children and teens collect will go towards the mission work of our Orthodox missionaries around the world. Currently there are about 18 brave American men and women who are in countries such as Albania, Guatemala, Mongolia, Tanzania, Moldova and Romania representing and teaching our Orthodox faith. A few of the programs they help operate are medical clinics, schools, camps, soup kitchens, and addiction support groups. Our students will stand in the Narthex TODAY and on Palm Sunday, April 28 th, after Divine Liturgy to collect coins. Please talk to your child about the importance of praying for and raising money for others and also encourage them to earn coins. The coin boxes will be collected on the last day of Sunday School, May 19th. In the past four years; our Holy Anargyroi parish has sent a slow but steady increase of donations from year to year towards the Mission Coin Box project. Last years total was $425 and may we continue to be generous in our donations. On behalf of our hard working missionaries, thank you!
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LENTEN POTLUCK
Every Wednesday eve of Great Lent the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is celebrated. Afterwards we gather in the library for a simple Lenten meal. Please plan on attending these compunctionate services and bring a fasting meal to share! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Pascha flowers: A table will be set up in the Narthex for collections of monetary
donations towards the Pascha flowers on Sundays from March 24th until April 21st Donations can also be made at any time to the Church during Lent, please mark Pascha flowers with your check or donation. Thank you!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SAVE THE DATE: SPRING GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF ALL STEWRDS IN GOOD STANDING OF HOLY ANARGYROI G.O. CHURCH WILL BE SUNDAY APRIL 21ST AFTER THE DIVINE LITURGY!

third SUNDAY OF THE FAST: veneration of the holy cross

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Pearls from the Desert

Let us charge into the good fight with joy and love without being afraid of our enemies. Though unseen themselves, they can look at the face of our soul, and if they see it altered by fear, they take up arms against us all the more fiercely. For the cunning creatures have observed that we are scared. So let us take up arms against them courageously. No one will fight with a resolute fighter. - St. John Climacus

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TEACHINGS FROM ST KOSMAS AITOLOS

FASTING We who are pious Christians must fast always, but especially on Wednesday, because the Lord was sold on that day, and on Friday, because He was crucified on that day. Similarly, it is our duty to fast during the Lent seasons, as the Holy Spirit illumined the holy Fathers of the Church to decree, in order to mortify the passions and humble the body. Moreover, if we limit the food we eat, life becomes easier for us. Fast according to your ability, pray according to your ability, give alms according to your ability, and always hold death before the eyes of your mind.

CONFESSION If you want cure your soul, you need four things. The first is to forgive your enemies. The second
is to confess thoroughly. The third is to blame yourself. The fourth is to resolve to sin no more. If we wish to be saved, we must always blame ourselves and not attribute our wrong acts to others. And God, Who is most compassionate, will forgive us.

Sign of the Cross

The Sign of the Cross is a fundamental element of Orthodox life. It should be second nature to anyone who claims to be an Orthodox Christian. The Sign of the Cross is used in virtually every situation in life. Before we eat, before we sleep, or when we awaken in the morning, we should automatically make the Sign of the Cross. The great spiritual advantage of making a habit of this is that, when we are confronted with a dangerous or compromising situation, we will make the Sign of the Cross without hesitation. This might save our life or even our soul, depending on the circumstance. Saint Barsanuphios the Great has written:
[T]he Lord Jesus Christ, an angel or another person can be portrayed by demons, not only in sleep but when a person is awakefor satan can transform himself into an angel of light. But the Cross of the Lord, upon whose power, as the Church chants, the devil does not even dare to gaze for he trembles and is convulsed being unable to behold its powerthis he cannot represent.

Because the Sign of the Cross has such a powerful effect on demonic powers, people often experience a sense of selfconsciousness when attempting to make it. Our weak flesh also rebels against outward manifestations of faith. But this can be overcome quite easily, if we only strive to train ourselves and come to understand the tremendous power of the Cross, in which, Saint Paul tells us, we should glory To make the Sign of the Cross, we place the thumb and the first and second fingers of our right hand together, representing the Three Persons or Hypostases of the Holy Trinity. Next, we fold the fourth and fifth fingers against our palm, representing the two Natures of Christ, Who came down from Heaven to the earth, in order to save mankind. Holding our right hand in this way, we touch the tips of the three fingers to our forehead, our abdomen, the right shoulder, and the left shoulder. We then put our hand down to the side of our body. Properly executedand one should be careful to make it slowly and with carethe Sign of the Cross has tremendous spiritual power. This is because we are not only affirming our faith in Christs Sacrifice on the Cross at Golgotha, but co nfirming our belief in the Holy Trinity and the Human and Divine Natures of Christ, that is, the basic dogmas of the Orthodox Faith. Thus Saint Basil the Great says the following of this custom in his treatise On The Holy Spirit:
For were we to attempt to reject such customs as have no written authority, on the ground that the importance that they possess is small, we should unintentionally injure the Gospel at its very vitals; or, rather, should make our public definition a mere phrase and nothing more. For instance, to take the first and most general example, who is there who has taught us in writing to sign with the cross those who have trusted in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ?