Holy anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church

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

, , , , , . Through your cross you destroyed death and opened paradise to the thief. You transformed the sorrow of the Myrrh-bearers, Christ our God. You commanded the apostles to proclaim that you have risen from the dead, and granted great mercy to the world. , , , , , , , . , , . Thy Martyr, O Lord, in his courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since he possessed Thy strength, he cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.
KONTAKION FOR TODAY

, , , , , , , , . On this day the Virgin cometh to a cave to give birth to God the Word ineffable, Who was before all the ages. Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing the gladsome tidings; with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him Who is willing to be gazed on as a young Child Who before the ages is God.

13th Sunday of st luke

St. James (Iakovos) the Great Martyr of Persia, Nathaniel of Nitria & Pinouphrios of Egypt, the Righteous

November 27th, 2011

**NATIVITY FAST**

Todays scripture readings

Epistle reading

St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 2:14-22 BRETHREN, Christ is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Gospel periscope

Luke 18:18-27 At that time, a ruler came to Jesus and asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.' " And he said, "All these I have observed from my youth." And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus looking at him said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" But he said, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

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 mystery to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief I 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 mystery to Your enemies. Nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief I confess to You: Lord remember me in Your kingdom.

Announcements
Liturgical/Program Schedule:
Mon. Nov. 28th: AC/DC, 6pm at Fr. Mark & Presbyteras home, 4491 Genevieve PL NW 55901 Wed. Nov. 30th: St. Andrew the First-Called-Apostle, Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:30am Sat. Dec. 3rd: Great Vespers, 6pm Sun. Dec. 4th: Parish Council Elections & Outreach Committee Meeting with Ushers NEED HELP? Do you have any fall clean-up, lawn mowing, or snow shoveling needs? If so, our GOYA is planning another mission trip to Project Mexico and is starting to raise funds. If you need a hand with some simple projects around the home, consider hiring our young people. Please see Halina, Mike, or Trevor with any questions and to set up a project date. By email: woroncow.halina@mayo.edu; mbrekke@racmn.com; trevorh@hamlenhomeimprovement.com. We want to help! Thank you!
HOW TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNIONOnly Orthodox Christians in good standing are encouraged to
receive Holy Communion frequently, provided they have prepared themselves spiritually, mentally and physically. They must 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 fasts of the Church, 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 to receive Holy Communion, state your Christian (baptismal) name clearly, 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 of the Cross as you step away. Please do not be in a rush while communing! Please take special care not to bump the Holy Chalice.

St. Andrew the First-Called is celebrated this Wednesday!

This Saint was from Bethsaida of Galilee; he was the son of Jonas and the brother of Peter, the chief of the Apostles. He had first been a disciple of John the Baptist; afterwards, on hearing the Baptist's witness concerning Jesus, when he pointed Him out with his finger and said, "Behold the Lamb of God, Which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1.29,36), he straightway followed Christ, and became His first disciple; wherefore he is called the First-called of the Apostles. After the Ascension of the Saviour, he preached in various lands; and having suffered many things for His Name's sake, he died in Patras of Achaia, where he was crucified on a cross in the shape of an "X," the first letter of "Christ" in Greek; this cross is also the symbol of Saint Andrew.

Todays liturgical commemorations

1. The Holy Martyr James the Persian James was born of Christian parents in the Persian city of Elapa (or Vilat), brought up in the Christian Faith and married to a Christian woman. The Persian King Yezdegeherd took a liking to James for his talents and skillfulness, and made him a noble at his court. Flattered by the king, James was deluded and began offering sacrifices to the idols that the king worshiped. His mother and wife learned of this, and wrote him a letter of reproach in which they grieved over him as an apostate and one who was spiritually dead. Yet, at the end of the letter, they begged him to repent and return to Christ. Moved by this letter, James repented bitterly, and courageously confessed his faith in Christ the Lord to the king. Angered, the king condemned him to death by a special torture: his entire body was to be cut up, piece by piece, until he breathed his last. The executioners fulfilled this command of the wicked king to the letter, and cut off James's fingers, then his toes, his legs and arms, his shoulders, and finally his head. During every cutting, the repentant martyr gave thanks to God. A sweet-smelling fragrance, as of a cypress, emanated from the wounds. Thus, this wonderful man repented of his sin and presented his soul to Christ his God in the Kingdom of Heaven. James suffered in about the year 400. His head is to be found in Rome and a part of his relics in Portugal, where he is commemorated on May 22. 2. The Seventeen Venerable Martyrs of India They were Christian monks who suffered at the hands of the Indian King Abenner. Enraged at Elder Barlaam because he baptized his son, Ioasaph, King Abenner sent men in pursuit of him. The pursuers did not capture Barlaam, but captured seventeen other monks and brought them to the king. The king condemned them to death and his men plucked out their eyes, severed their tongues, broke their arms and legs, and then beheaded them. Even so, the Christian Faith in the Kingdom of India was strengthened all the more by the blood of these knights of Christ. 3. The Venerable Romanus the Wonderworker Romanus lived a life of asceticism in the vicinity of Antioch. He never kindled a fire or lit a candle in his cell. He reposed peacefully, and was a miracle-worker both during his life and after his death. He intercedes for barren women when they offer prayer to him. 4. The Venerable Pinuphrius Pinuphrius was a contemporary of St. John Cassian (February 29) and a great Egyptian ascetic. He lived in the fourth century and carried out his life of asceticism in various places, always fleeing the praise of men. He had many disciples, who strove to imitate the lofty example of their teacher. 5. The Venerable Nathaniel Nathaniel was a Nitrian monk. He prayed to God both day and night, and was enlightened by the contemplation of divine matters. He neither left his cell nor even crossed the threshold for a full thirty-eight years. He entered into rest in the Lord in the second half of the sixth century.

Pearls from the Desert

In order for one to understand the Saints and Fathers of the [Orthodox] Church, it is not sufficient to merely read them. The Saints spoke and wrote after having lived the mysteries of God. They personally experienced the mysteries. In order for one to understand them, he too must have progressed to a certain degree of initiation into the mysteries of God by personally tasting, smelling, and seeing. You can read the books of the Saints and become very well versed in them with a cerebral knowledge without even minutely tasting that which the Saints tasted who wrote these books through their personal experience. In order to understand the Saints essentially, not intellectually, you must have the proper experience for all that they say; you must have tasted, at least in part, of the same things as they. You must have lived in the fervent environment of Orthodoxy; you must grow in it A Whole new world must be born in a Westerners heart in order for him to understand something of Orthodoxy. -Alexandar Kalomiros

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Christmas Toy Drive

This year our parish will partner with the Salvation Army to provide Christmas presents for those families in need. Please bring your unwrapped gifts for either teenagers or young children, clothing or toys are preferred. Place gifts in the large Christmas box located in the narthex of the church. The last of day for drop off will be Sunday. Dec. 18th. Fyi, gifts will be secured in locked office during the week in order to prevent the disappearance of some gifts. Thank you for participating in this important drive! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Philoptochos Holiday Bake Sale

The holiday bake sale flyers are available now. Please pick one up at the church and distribute them to your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Please note that the bake sale is pre-orders only. The more orders we can fill; the more we can accomplish in our mission work in helping others. The deadline for the orders is Dec 11 th; the Holiday Bake Sale items will be available for pick up on Dec. 18th during coffee hour after liturgy. If you have questions please see Maria Thomas or Penny Kolas. Thank you!

Guidelines for the Nativity Fast

We are well aware that our Holy Church provides the faithful with a period of spiritual preparation in anticipation of the Lords Holy Nativity. This period begins on November 15th every year with the commencement of the Nativity Fast. As this fast is a modified one I thought it helpful to remind us all exactly what is prescribed: From Nov. 15th-Dec. 12th (St. Spyridon) the following is observed: Fish/wine/oil are allowed every day except Wednesdays and Fridays which are observed as strict fast days (no meat, fish, dairy, wine, oil). From Dec. 12th-Dec. 25th the following is observed: A strict fast is observed every day except Saturdays and Sundays. From. Dec. 25th-Jan. 4th: NO FASTING ON ANY DAY! A Dog is better than I because he loves and does not judge.- Abba Xanthios
The dog is not gifted with a share of reason; but with him instinct has the power of reason. The dog has learnt by nature the secret of elaborate inferences, which sages of the world, after long years of study, have hardly been able to disentangle. When the dog is on the track of game, if he sees it divide in different directions, he examines these different paths, and speech alone fails him to announce his reasoning. The creature, he says, is gone here or there or in another direction. It is neither here nor there; it is therefore in the third direction. And thus, neglecting the false tracks, he discovers the true one. What more is done by those who, gravely occupied in demonstrating theories, trace lines upon the dust and reject two propositions to show that the third is the true one? But the dog is said to smell the first, the second, and the third. If he started off on the third without smelling, he would reason. As it is, there is no syllogism.- St. Basil the Great
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Holy Anargyroi Ladies Philoptochos Society 2011 Christmas Pastry and Cookie Sale
For your home, office, entertaining and gift giving
Order Deadline -- December 11, 2011 -- SOLD ORDERS ONLY
Name___________ Number____________________ Phone
Quantity

Item Price Baklava (bah-klah-vah) $3.00 each (ground walnuts layered with buttered fillo and topped with syrup) Kataifi (kah-tah-ee-fee) NEW ITEM $3.00 each (ouzo flavored walnut filling rolled in shredded and topped with syrup) Kourambiethes (koo-rahm-byeh-thehs) (light butter cookie, dusted with powdered sugar) Melomakarona (meh-loh-mah-kah-roh-nah) (oval honey spice cookie topped with nuts) Koulouria (koo-loo-ree-ah) (butter twist cookie Paximathia (pah-xee-mah-thee-ah) (twice baked butter cookie, lightly seasoned with cinnamon and anise) Chocolate dipped Oreo Cookie Bon Bons Assorted Holiday Cookies Arrange my order on a tray NEW ITEM

$1.00 each $1.00 each 6/$3.00 6/$3.00 $5.00 per bag $6.00 per dozen $5.00 Amount Due

Please give this order form to your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to help increase our sales! All that we receive in donations or proceeds; we give away in helping others just like Jesus Christ asks of us in Matthew 10:8

Freely you have received; freely give. Thank you so much! Make checks payable to Philoptochos Society Pick up orders at Church Hall Sunday, December 18, 2011 after Liturgy