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MARCH 12, 2017 – SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT – Sunday of St. Gregory
Palamas On which we commemorate our father among the saints GREGORY
PALAMAS, Archbishop of Thessaloniki,
As well as our Venerable Father and Confessor Theophanes,
Symeon the New Theologian, and Gregory Dialogos, Pope of
Rome
WELCOME TO ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL
Cathedral Website: www.stnickspgh.org Email:
[email protected] CLERGY: Rev. Fr. Christopher Bender and Rev.
Dn. Robert Lykos
Father’s Cell - 724-630-3483 and email - [email protected]
PROTOPSALTIS: Dr. Nick Giannoukakis CHANTER: Steve Andrews
CHOIR DIRECTOR: Steve Andrews ORGANIST: Anna Kovalevska ALTAR
BOY CAPTAINS: Nicholas Hages & Andreas Paljug
Today’s hymns: please see page 2
Epistle: Hebrews 1:10 – 14; 2:1-3 (p.138) Gospel: Mark 2:1-12
(p. 139)
TODAY’S TRISAGION is being chanted for the repose of the souls
of the servants of God: Thomas J. Economos (20 years), Helen E.
Sophos (7 years), Constance Yialouris (5 years), Agnes Bukes (6
years), Thomas Bukes (15 years), Maria Nychis (3 years), and George
Nychis (11 years). May God grant them eternal rest and comfort to
their families.
THIS WEEK AT ST NICHOLAS: Today, March 12: 12:30 p.m. General
Assembly Monday, March 13: 7 p.m. Philoptochos Meeting; 8-10 p.m.
Open Volleyball Wed., March 15: 6 p.m. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy; 7:30
p.m. Orthodoxy 101 Class Thurs., March 16: 11 a.m. Living Orthodoxy
Friday, March 17: 7 p.m. 3rd Salutations Service Sat., March 18: 10
a.m.-12:30 p.m. Greek School
PLEASE NOTE: In the event of inclement weather, it may be
necessary to cancel a church service or other event. Please check
with WPXI, Ch. 11. We will be reporting to them if the need
arises.
SIXTY CLUB NEWS: DADDY LONG LEGS, April 1, 2 p.m., O’Reilly
Theatre - - $31 DUE TODAY!! We have 4 additional tickets but we
must know immediately. Please contact Virginia Fekaris. DADDY LONG
LEGS is directed by Ted Pappas, it’s the story of a young girl
whose college tuition is paid by a mysterious young benefactor.
There is one condition; she must write him letters, an exercise
that leads her to an awakening in literature and love.
May 20th, Saturday matinée, O’Reilly Theater, 2 p.m. - DEATH OF
A SALESMAN, Arthur Miller’s dramatic Tony and Pulitzer Prize
winning play about aging, economics and the American Dream as seen
through the life of Willy Loman, the most famous traveling salesman
in history. We have 8 available seats in the upper, center section.
$33 due April 30th.
As always, we invite all ages to join us for theater
productions. Contact Virginia Fekaris, 412-687-4804 OR Fran Hanna,
412-731-0790. Please make all checks, including 2017 dues ($10),
payable to St. Nicholas Sixty Club. Virginia is the membership
chairman.
Easter Flower Donations - As we enter this most holy period of
the Great Fast, please consider making a donation towards the
purchase of flowers used during this time. Our greatest expense
lies in the purchase of flowers to decorate the Epitaphion /
Kouvouklion. We also are looking for donors for the decorative
frames for the Salutations services, the festal icons, the flowers
for the Veneration of the Cross service, and the palms for Palm
Sunday. We are asking our parishioners and all church organizations
to consider making a donation towards this project. The sign-up
sheet can be found on the Candle stand in the Narthex. If you have
any questions, please contact the Cathedral Office. All donations
are tax deductible. Thank you!
http://www.stnickspgh.org/mailto:[email protected]
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MARCH 12, 2017 – 2nd SUNDAY OF LENT On which we commemorate our
father among the saints GREGORY PALAMAS, Archbishop of
Thessaloniki, as well as our Venerable Father and Confessor
Theophanes, Symeon the New Theologian, and Gregory Dialogos, Pope
of Rome
Tone 5 Orthros Gospel 5
SPECIAL HYMNS OF THE DAY (SMALL ENTRANCE):
As the priest exits the Altar the Resurrection Apolytikion in
the Tone of the week (Tone 5, p. 171) is chanted. Then, the usual
Eisodikon (Entrance Hymn) for Sundays is heard:
Δεῦτε προσκυνήσωμεν καὶ προσπέσωμεν Χριστῷ. Σῶσον ἡμᾶς Υἱὲ Θεοῦ,
ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ νεκρῶν , ψάλλοντάς σοι· Ἀλληλούϊα.
“Come let us worship and fall down before Christ. Save us O Son
of God, who arose from the dead. We sing to you, Alleluia.”
The Resurrection Apolytikion is repeated as the priest reenters
the Altar. Then, the hymn in Tone 8 for St.
Gregory Palamas, who is always honored on the 2nd Sunday of
Lent, is heard: Ὀρθοδοξίας ὁ φωστὴρ, Ἐκκλησίας τὸ στήριγμα καὶ
διδάσκαλε, τῶν μοναστῶν ἡ καλλονὴ, τῶν θεολόγων ὑπέρμαχος
ἀπροσμάχητος· Γρηγόριε θαυματουργὲ Θεσσαλονίκης τὸ καύχημα κήρυξ
τῆς χάριτος· ἱκέτευε
διὰ παντός, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν. O Gregory the Miracle
Worker, light of Orthodoxy, support and teacher of the Church,
comeliness of
Monastics, invincible defender of theologians, the pride of
Thessaloniki, and preacher of grace, intercede forever that our
souls may be saved.
After that, we hear the Apolytikion for our Patron saint,
Nicholas of Myra the Wonderworker:
Κανόνα πίστεως καὶ εἰκόνα πραότητος, ἐγκρατείας Διδάσκαλον,
ἀνέδειξέ σε τῇ ποίμνῃ σου, ἡ τῶν πραγμάτων ἀλήθεια· διὰ τοῦτο
ἐκτήσω τῇ ταπεινώσει τὰ ὑψηλά, τῇ πτωχείᾳ τὰ πλούσια, Πάτερ
Ἱεράρχα
Νικόλαε· πρέσβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν. The
truth of things have revealed you to your flock as a rule of faith,
an icon of meekness, and a teacher of
temperance; for this cause you have achieved the heights by
humility, riches by poverty. O Father and Hierarch Nicholas,
intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.
Finally, we hear the Kontakion in Tone 4 appointed for this
season in the Triodion:
Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν
εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοὶ ἡ Πόλις σου
Θεοτόκε, Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ
κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοί, Χαῖρε
νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.
To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered
from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank
offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials,
that I may call out to
you: "Hail, O bride unwedded!"
Scripture readings: Epistle: Hebrews 1:10 – 14; 2:1-3 (p.138)
Gospel: Mark 2:1-12 (p. 139)
After the Gospel reading, please return to page 12 of the Divine
Liturgy Book for the remainder of the service.
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GOYA NEWS: Pastichio Sale: Frozen & ready to cook, 9x12
pans, only $30 a pan, and are available after church. To place an
order, contact Alea Melacrinos at [email protected].
THANK YOU to our advisors, parents GOYAns, and volunteers who
did such a great job yesterday hosting yesterday’s Volleyball
tournament. Over 300 children participated, and a good time was had
by all!
Keeping up with Philoptochos…
Celebrating 85 years of Philanthropy, Fellowship & Faith in
Action!
Next Sunday, March 19, Philoptochos will be passing a 2nd basket
to benefit Hellenic College Holy Cross.
A Philoptochos General Meeting will be held Monday, March 13,
2017, 7 p.m. in the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox
Cathedral Conference Room. Following the meeting, we will be
preparing the Philoptochos Easter Mailing. Hands are needed to
fold, stuff, label, sort and count!
COMMUNITY OUTREACH - Philoptochos will be making and serving
dinner at the FOCUS Shelter Wednesday,
March 29, 2017, at 4 p.m. Also, we will be packing “backpacks”
for FOCUS’ Backpack Feeding Program
Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at 6 p.m. - VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!
Attention All Bread Bakers, Wrappers & Bow Makers! - Please
reserve Wednesday, April 5th for the annual
Philoptochos’ Easter Bread Baking session. Everyone is welcome
to come any time after 9 a.m. and join us in the
Cathedral’s Kitchen for Fun & Fellowship. As always, any
amount of time you can offer to help us in this important project
helps our Philoptochos to continue to help those in need. Any
questions, please contact Nikki Lykos (412-897-8208).
FOOD BANK - The Food Bank supports several of our parishioners
and continues to need your support. You can donate
by making a check payable to the “St. Nicholas Philoptochos Food
Bank” or through The United Way by designating the St.
Nicholas Food Bank through your employers United Way
contribution. Just designate #3288. Questions: contact Elaine
Andrianos (412-731-4334) or Denise Daugherty (412-508-1326).
SPANAKOPITA LOGS - Philoptochos has a limited quantity of our
delicious Spanakopita Logs available for sale.
ONLY $9 PER LOG; GET YOURS TODAY! MEMBERSHIP DRIVE - It’s that
time of year again, the Philoptochos Membership Drive! The Greek
Orthodox Ladies
Philoptochos Society has held fast to the tradition of
philanthropy and we have strengthened the sense of love and
compassion for all individuals that are in need. Philoptochos is
a connection with other women who share the same feeling and who
desire to share their thoughts and talents. PLEASE JOIN or RENEW
YOUR MEMBERSHIP TODAY! It’s easy.
Just complete the membership form and send it in or visit us at
our table. Men are welcomed to join, too!
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From the Church School Desk: “You Are the Voice of Christ in a
Changing World.”
Church School students in grades 7th–12th can learn more about
their faith and participate in the
St. Nicholas Oratorical Festival that will be held in March
2017. For more information,
please contact Chairman Eve Elsen at 412-580-9415 or
[email protected]. Attention parents and grandparents: Please
join your child or grandchild in worshiping during the Divine
Liturgy,
receive Holy Communion together then attend Church School to see
firsthand what your children are learning, Sunday, April 2, 2017,
for St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral’s Church School Open
House!
As always, thanks for sharing your children with us every
Sunday. Yours in Christ, Miss Michelle
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Holy Cross Ladies Philoptochos Society invites you to an
AFTERNOON TEA on Sunday, May 20, 2017
at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Community Center, 123 Gilkeson
Road,
Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228. Doors open at Noon and there will be
tea
sandwiches, fresh fruit, cookies, pastries and various teas will
be served.
There will also be a silent auction, door prized and fashions by
Trendy Trousseau.
Tickets are $15. Contact Pam Lagios at 412-276-4616 or Mary
Zotis at 412-835-2381 for tickets no later than May 12th
. All
ages are welcome and hats are optional.
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5th Annual Greek Language Festival On April 22, Greek Language
students from the Metropolis will participate in a Quiz Bowl,
musical and drama performances, dancing, and an art exhibit. There
will be food, crafts, games, and fun. All material for the Quiz
Bowl can be downloaded. This Metropolis event will take place at
St. Nicholas from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]
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2017 Stewardship Pledge Cards are in the Narthex
(Just ask a member of Parish Council) Christian Stewardship is
about becoming good caretakers of all that God has given us. It is
by offering our gifts back of TIME, Talent and treasure to God that
we will be able to continue to enjoy Church life and be
happy in Church ministries.
If you have already submitted your 2017 Stewardship Commitment,
THANK YOU! If not, please take the time to make your financial
Stewardship Commitment today and complete the talent portion of the
card to
enable OUR Community to grow and carry on the mission of our
faith.
HELP US REACH/EXCEED OUR GOAL
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ATTN: Church School Students St. Nicholas Oratorical Festival,
March 2017 For more information, please contact
Chairperson, Eve Elsen at 412-580-9415 or
[email protected]
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral Church School Open
House
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Join your Child or Grandchild for Church Worship, Holy Communion
& Church School!
2017 STEWARDSHIP
Total Pledged Stewards
149 (GOAL 300)
Total Amount Pledged
$105,210.00
(GOAL $175,000.00)
Average Pledge $706.11
“As the Father Has Sent Me, So I Send You” John 20:21
mailto:[email protected]
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Totally awesome! The completion of 424 pans of Spanakopita in
less than three days was truly miraculous...
a true record-breaker! It was so exciting too, to see so many
new, young faces helping out! Even without any experience, a number
of young and old alike, both male and female, mastered the art of
filo and spanakopita-making. What a heartwarming three days it was!
Thanks to all who were there!
We can now take another long-deserved break and prepare
ourselves for Koulourakia, Monday, March 20, and Pasta Flora that
Thursday, March 23.
Can you believe it? Only four items left! Let's keep up this
momentum!
Koulourakia Monday, March 20
Pasta Flora Thursday, March 23
Tiropita Monday, April 3
Diples Monday, April 24
Much help is needed the week of the festival, Sunday, May 7 -
Saturday, May 13. We do remain open from 11 a.m. thru to the dinner
hour and beyond. With so many people at work
during the day, lunches are particularly difficult. Please check
your schedule for times that you can serve throughout the week. We
have a lot of hungry customers to feed!
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L O R T H O D O X
C H R I S T I A N C H A R I T I E S Reservations for the Syrian
Relief Dinner can be made online at
www.iocc.org/pittsburgh OR can be purchased at St. Nicholas
through parish liaisons, Catina & Connie Stamoolis
(412-327-8383).
---------------------------------------- Dear Reverend Fathers
and brothers & sisters in Christ:
On Sunday, April 2, 2017 the IOCC Pittsburgh Metropolitan
Committee plans to hold
a prayer service and fund raising dinner that will benefit our
Syrian brothers and sisters. This "Syrian Relief" gathering will be
held at St. Nicholas Greek
Orthodox Cathedral in Pittsburgh, PA. We would like to cordially
invite your Parish to
attend, and support IOCC's aid efforts in Syria. The recent
conflict has been
devastating. It has resulted in the displacement of a
substantial percentage of the
population which is now hungry, homeless, and lacking essential
items. (Please see
below)
Last year Metropolitan SAVAS, Archbishop MELCHISEDEK, Bishop
THOMAS, and
Bishop GREGORY were able to attend. This year we are hoping to
more fully engage all
of the Orthodox jurisdictions and faithful in this Orthodox
offering of love, prayer, and
mercy. Additionally last year, we had non-Orthodox religious
leaders in attendance including: Bishop Dorsey McConnell, Episcopal
Diocese of Pittsburgh; Reverend Liddy
Barlow, Executive Minister, Christian Associates of SW
Pennsylvania; Reverend Saleem
Ghubril, Executive Director, The Pittsburgh Promise; and Mr.
Joshua Sayles, Director,
Community Relations Council, Jewish Federation of Greater
Pittsburgh. Please join us!
During the past four years, we have held four similar Syrian
Relief gatherings -
with approximately 600 people attending last year. We are able
to be extremely
efficient with these gatherings, because the community
made/donated almost all of the
food and supplies for the events. Over the past four years, we
were able to raise
$210,000 and send a net amount of $201,000 to IOCC. Glory to
God! (As a reminder IOCC is typically able to obtain $7 worth of
grant/other money for each $1 we raise. So
this $201,000 is equivalent to approximately $1,407,000 of total
aid in Syria from our
community's efforts).
We are hoping that this gathering will help to foster more
frequent collaborations in
our Pittsburgh region - where all of the Orthodox faithful come
together, in Christ, to aid
one another when tragedies occur in our ethnic homelands. Thank
you for your love
and help in the ministry of IOCC.
We need your help in the following ways: Attend the Event -
Reserve tables for your Parishioners and attend as a
group. Encourage the philanthropic organizations within your
Church to participate and help as a group. See Flyer for
reservation details.
Make a Donation - Consider making a group Church donation
(perhaps pass a
tray). Bring the donation to the gathering or send it to to Nick
Terezis, c/o IOCC, 306
Marberry Dr. Pittsburgh, PA 15215. Please make the check payable
to IOCC and write
"Syrian Relief - Pit" in the memo. Donations from individuals
are also welcome.
Volunteer to Help at the Dinner - PLEASE volunteer to help
during the day of the
event (April 2) & encourage your Church Youth Group to
volunteer. Last year we DID
NOT have enough help. If you would like to volunteer, contact
Zelfa at 412-417-
4706.
Pray - Most importantly, pray for our Syrian Brothers and
Sisters in Christ, and for all people risking their safety to
deliver aid.
http://www.iocc.org/pittsburgh
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2017 Sunday Lenten Vespers Western Pennsylvania Deanery
Antiochian Archdiocese
Sunday, March 19th, at 4 p.m.
Hosted by the Orthodox Cranberry Area Mission Old St. Killian
Church, 205 Clark Street, Mars PA
Homilist – Fr. Paul Abernathy, director of FOCUS, Pittsburgh and
Pastor of St. Moses the Black, Orthodox Mission.
(AUTHENTIC Middle Eastern Lenten meal to follow the
service.)
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On Sunday, March 26,
St. Nicholas Greek School will celebrate
Evangelismos and Greek Independence after Divine Liturgy with a
procession,
doxology, luncheon, and program by the
children. Come and celebrate together. For
shrimp luncheon reservations of $10 for
adults, and $5 for children, text or call
Lisa Kristian at 412-600-2140 or email
[email protected] by March 15.
St. Nicholas Greek School Invites You To
A Celebration of The
Evangelismos & Greek
Independence Day
Sunday, March 26th
Luncheon at 12:30 p.m.
Program at 1 p.m.
Shrimp, Pasta, Vegetable & Dessert
Adults $10, Children $5
Come and see a play about how a
Saint helped a Cretan village
against the Jannisaries!
POEMS! SONGS! A PLAY & MORE!
For reservations, call or text Lisa
Kristian, 412-600-2140 OR
[email protected]
BY MARCH 15th
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]
