SS.

kosmas & damianos Orthodox Church (goa)

703 W. Center Street, Rochester, MN (507) 282-1529 http://www.rochesterorthodoxchurch.org
office@rochesterorthodoxchurch.org Rev. Fr. Mark Muñoz, Proistamenos
ΑΠΟΛΥΤΙΚΙΑ ΤΗΣ ΗΜΕΡΑΣ/APOLYTIKIA FOR TODAY

Κατέλυσας τώ Σταυρώ σου τόν θάνατον, ηνέωξας τώ

Ληστή τόν Παράδεισον, τών Μυροφόρων τόν θρήνον
μετέβαλες, καί τοίς σοίς Αποστόλοις κηρύττειν επέταξας,
ότι ανέστης Χριστέ ο Θεός, παρέχων τώ κόσμω τό μέγα
έλεος.

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.

Σώσον Κύριε τόν λαόν σου καί ευλόγησον τήν

κληρονομίαν σου, νίκας τοίς Βασιλεύσι κατά βαρβάρων
δωρούμενος καί τό σόν φυλάττων διά τού Σταυρού σου
πολίτευμα.

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.
ΚΟΝΤΑΚΙΟΝ ΤΗΣ ΗΜΕΡΑΣ/KONTAKION FOR TODAY

Ti ypermacho stratigo ta nikitiria, os lytrotheisa ton deinon efharistia, anagrafo si e polis sou Theotoke,
all’os 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 lent: veneration of the holy cross
Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pionios the Presbyter, Theodora the Righteous
March 11th, 2018
+Fast: Wine/Oil Allowed+
 Today’s scripture reading
Epistle reading
St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6
Prokeimenon. Mode Plagal 2.
Psalm 27.9,1
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

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 pericope
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."
 Announcements
Liturgical/Program Schedule:
Mon. March 12th: Great Compline, 6pm
Wed. March 14th: Pre-sanctified Liturgy and Lenten Potluck after service, 6pm
Fri. March 16th: 4th SALUTATIONS to the Holy Theotokos, 6pm

Library Request: if you have library books on loan that are past due please return them asap! We
have several books that have been out for quite some time that have been requested by other users.
Thank you!

GOYA Lock-in: a reminder to all our GOYAN’s that our annual overnight Lock-in will be Friday,
March 16th beginning with the Salutations Service at 6pm.

HOW TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION—Only Orthodox Christians (i.e. the Orthodox Church
does not observe ‘open communion’) 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.

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.
 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
until April 1st- Donations can also be made at any time to the
Church during Lent, please mark ‘Pascha flowers’ with your
check or donation. Thank you!

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

Philoxenia House Linen Drive

• 12 sets of white twin sized linens

• 6 twin comforters (if possible two, 2 sets of matching ones)
• 10 sets of white queen sized linens
• 5 queen comforters (if possible one, 2 sets of matching ones)
• 14 pillows 1 loveseat couch cover
• 14 sets of white towels (face, hand and body towels)
• Financial donations to purchase new blinds for the windows
($300)
 Panagia’s Icon
One of the most beloved Lenten services is the
Salutations to the Holy Theotokos which are chanted
every Friday night during the Fast. It is customary to
honor her by decorating her icon with flowers which is
then placed on the solea. Five services will be chanted
with a decorated icon at each service. The cost for each
icon is $100, any individuals/families who would like to
donate to help defray the cost please see Fr. Mark.
Thank you in advance!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Pearls from the Desert

“What is more precious than anything in the world? Time! And what do we waste uselessly and without
being sorry? Time! What do we not value and what do we disregard more than anything? Time! When we
waste time, we lose ourselves… Time is given by God to use correctly for the salvation of the soul and the
acquisition of the life to come… The Lord will call us to account for having stolen time for our own whims,
and for not using it for God and our souls.” St. Sebastian of Optina (Russia)

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.
 Today’s liturgical commemorations
1. SAINT SOPHRONIUS, PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM

Sophronius was born in Damascus of distinguished parents. Having acquired worldly wisdom, he was, nevertheless,
not satisfied but went to seek and acquire spiritual wisdom. In the monastery [Lavra] of St. Theodosius, he found
himself in the company of a monk, John Moschus, whom he choose for his teacher, and together with him traveled
about and visisted monasteries and those ascetics in Egypt who were practicing the life of asceticism. His watch
word was "Each day learn more about spiritual wisdom." All that they had learned they wrote down and later
published two books under the title, "Spiritual Meadow." Later on, they traveled to Rome, where Moschus died
leaving a testament to Sophronius to have his body taken, either to Sinai or to the Monastery of St. Theodosius.
Sophronius fulfilled the desires and wishes of his teacher and translated his body to the Monastery of St. Theodosius
and thereafter remained in Jerusalem which, at that time, was liberated from the Persians. He was present at the
Translation of the Honorable Cross from Persia which the Emperor Heraclius carried on his shoulders into the Holy
City. The aged Patriarch Zacharias, who had also returned from bondage, did not live long thereafter when he took
up habitation in the other world. Patriarch Zacharias was replaced by Modestus who died in 634 A.D. Modestus was
replaced by Blessed Sophronius. He governed the Church for ten years with exceptional wisdom and zeal. He rose
up in defense of Orthodoxy against the heresy of Monotheletism which he condemned at his Council in Jerusalem
before it was condemned at the Sixth Ecumenical Council [Constantinople, 680 A.D.]. He wrote The Life of St.
Mary the Egyptian, complied The Order of the Greater Blessing of Water, and introduced several new hymns and
songs in the various liturgical services. When the Arab Caliph captured Jerusalem, Sophronius begged him to spare
the lives of the Christians which Omar insincerely promised. When Omar immediately began to plunder and
maltreat the Christians in Jerusalem, Sophronius, with lamentation, prayed to God to take him from among the
living on earth, so that he would not witness the desecration of the Holy Shrines. God heard his prayer and took
Sophronius to Himself into His heavenly mansion in the year 644 A.D.

2. THE HOLY MARTYR PIONIUS AND OTHERS WITH HIM

Pionius was priest from Syria. He suffered in Smyrna during the time ofpersecution under Decius. He was
condemned to be crucified, for which he was exceedingly glad. As soon as the soldiers formed a cross and laid it
upon the ground, Pionius freely lay on the cross, stretched out his arms and ordered the soldiers to nail him in the
hands with spikes. The cross was inserted in the ground upside down and a fire was ignited under the head of the
martyr. Many people gathered around. Pionius closed his eyes and prayed to God within himself. The flames of the
fire did not even catch the hairs of his head on fire. When, at last, the fire was extinguished and when everyone
thought that Pionius was dead, he opened his eyes and cried out rejoicing, "O God, receive my soul," and expired.
This saint wrote " The Life of St. Polycarp of Smyrna," with whom he rejoices in the Kingdom of Christ. He
suffered and was glorified in the year 250 A.D.

3. THE VENERABLE GREGORY SINAITES

Gregory was the abbot of Mount Sinai, a great ascetic and a just man. On the vigil of Pascha [the Feast of the
Resurrection of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ],an angel of the Lord conveyed him to Jerusalem for the Divine
Services and returned him again to Sinai the same day. He died peacefully in the sixth century.
 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 awake—for 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
power—this he cannot represent.

Because the Sign of the Cross has such a powerful effect on demonic powers, people often experience a
sense of self–consciousness 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 executed—and one should be careful to make it slowly and with
care—the Sign of the Cross has tremendous spiritual power. This is because we are not only affirming our
faith in Christ’s Sacrifice on the Cross at Golgotha, but confirming 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?
 You Don’t Have to Like Your Priest!
By Fr Anthony Perkins
There are many reasons for you not to like your priest. It may be because his
homilies are too dry, lack patristic moorings, or stray too far from the Biblical
text. His answers to your deepest theological, spiritual, and personal
challenges may leave you cold and unsatisfied. He may be a poor confessor,
offering only absolution and standard responses about “prayer rules”,
“forgiveness” and “humility”. He may not offer the kind of charismatic and
visionary leadership that would inspire your parish to grow. He may chant out
of tune, his accent may be too strong, or he might try to sing all his liturgical
parts fortissimo – espansimo. He may be too ignorant, over-educated,
emotional, impersonal, shy, gregarious, fundamentalist, liberal, political, or dull. Whatever his human
failings, there is sure to be plenty about him you do not like. And that’s okay: you don’t have to like
your priest. Orthodox Christians often feel guilty or dissatisfied if they are unable to feel good about their
their priest. They have memories of priests who were great liturgists, pastors, leaders, confessors,
teachers, and managers. The Orthodox are reared on stories of startsi (great elders) and sainted priests
that, along with the hagiographic memories of former priests, set the bar of competency impossibly high.
And yet, there is something within the heart of the Orthodox Christian that still wants to be close to his
parish priest – despite all his very real shortcomings. This desire for a meaningful connection shows that
there is more to the relationship between priest and parishioner than meets the eye. This relationship is
different from all the other ones we know. The priest is not the commanding officer of a military unit or the
manager of a parish franchise or even the professor of a class everyone has to pass in order to receive
their reward. He isn’t a lawyer trying to get people in good with the judge so he will excuse them of their
crimes. He isn’t an entertainer the parish has hired to make everyone feel better every Sunday morning or
a museum curator responsible for preserving ancestral stories, cultures, and languages. He is not a
psychiatrist or family counselor that can solve everyone’s personal problems. Nor has he been assigned
to the parish to be anyone’s friend. He may or may not exhibit bits of each of these, but they do not
capture who he is or how his parishioners should relate to him.

The priest is a shepherd. Some lead their sheep with gentle and melodious coaxing, others drag them
through the brambles by the scruff of the neck. Some take on the wolves with the ferocity of a warrior,
others focus on keeping the sheep in a guarded pasture and cower at every hint of a howl. No matter how
he tends them, one thing is constant: the shepherd loves his sheep. He doesn’t judge them or mistreat
them; he cares for them. Some parishioners may be offended at the idea of being “sheep” or “sheeople”,
and admittedly the analogy is not perfect. But it is still powerful; after all, it is the one Christ Himself used
(St. John 10). Continued in next Sunday’s bulletin…