“Christ is born, glorify Him. Christ from heaven, go out to meet Him. Christ on earth; be ye exalted. Sing unto the Lord all the whole earth…” (St. Gregory of Nyssa)
With these words, dear brothers and sisters, St. Gregory of Nyssa, one of the great fathers of the Church, begins his thoughts about this great day, a day of joy for all – a day of God’s mercy, which is so clearly seen in the Divine decision for the Second Person of the Holy Trinity to be incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, becoming Man for our sake and our salvation.
For this reason We, your spiritual leader and prayerful intercessor before the Triune God, call upon all of you to glorify God in this day of general celebration, to readily come out to meet the Newborn One, and in His presence, be upright and made glad with heavenly joy.
Those souls that try to be on the path of the Lord stand upright before Him. Our wish is that all dedicatedly pray in the sanctified day, that we forgive and ask forgiveness, that we help those who need our help, that we are worthy followers of the Newborn God-Child Christ in all things, that by this and lead by all the Saints of the Serbian Nation, our names will be written in the heavenly book of “the One Who is” and has “power on His shoulders.”
Peace of God! Christ is Born! Happy and blessed New Year 2011!
L O N G I N
Bishop of New Gracanica and Midwestern America
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Christmas Schedule
CALENDAR OF CHURCH SERVICES AND EVENTS
FOR THE NATIVITY SEASON AT STS CONSTANTINE & HELEN 2010/2011
Sunday December 19th St. Nicholas the Great Wonderwoker, Archbishop of Tyron
Sunday December 26th Sunday of the Holy Forefathers
JANUARY
Sunday January 2nd St. Ignatius the God-bearer, bishop of Antioch
Thursday January 6th Christmas Eve-Badnje Vece with the traditional burning of the yule log beginning at 7:00 pm
Friday January 7th Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ beginning at 10:00am
Friday January 14th Circumcision of Our Lord Jesus Christ, St. Basil the Great, archbishop of Cappadocia beginning at 10:00am
Wednesday January 19th Theophany of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ (Baptism of the Lord)
Great Blessing of the Waters beginning at 10:00am
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Bishop Longin's visit to Galveston
His Grace Bishop LONGIN visited our church on December the 4th and 5th 2010. His Grace landed on Saturday in the late afternoon, early evening and was picked up by the church-school president, Pete Kovacevich and Mimo Milosevich. They took His Grace and deacon to our local,favourite restaraunt, The Olympia Grill were our guests were treated to traditional hospitality, Greek style. The owners overdid themselves in honouring our and their guests. Many thanks to Larry and Tiki Kriticos.
On Sunday morning we were especially thrilled that Vladika Longin was able to serve the hierarchical liturgy together with his deacon Nikolai Kostur. Following the Divine Liturgy we all proceeded to go outside for the groundbreaking of the land where our future parish hall will be built. His Grace also blessed the adjoining land that was purchased by Dr. Zoran Cupic. We were fortunate enough to have our Mayor of Galveston Joe Jaworski present as well. His Grace Bishop Longin together with Mayor, Doctor Zoran Cupic and Mitch Chouke, who has a direct link to the original founders of the church, broke ground. And no, those are not golden shovels we see in the photos. I would like to thank Demo Kouzounis for being instrumental in having the shovels plated as we were thinking of having then spraypainted gold originally, perish the thought now as they really turned out magnificent.
As can be seen in the photos we then went to the back of the church were a memorial service was held for the first priest Father Theoclitos who is buried under the altar as per his instructions. The reasoning for this is that Father Theoclitos believed that as long as a person was buried it became a "sacred" site and that the city could not use the land for any other purpose. In this way he wished to safeguard the church and its property from any sort of seizure. His Grace made himself available to all, both young and old and shared much joy, heartening words of faith but especially love with the members of our small but ever faithful parish. We all joined for lunch at the Pelican Club for fellowship with His Grace Bishop Longin and then sadly bid him farewell back to Chicago but before leaving his Grace promised us that he would return upon completion of the hall to bless it. Many Years to His Grace Bishop Longin!
On Sunday morning we were especially thrilled that Vladika Longin was able to serve the hierarchical liturgy together with his deacon Nikolai Kostur. Following the Divine Liturgy we all proceeded to go outside for the groundbreaking of the land where our future parish hall will be built. His Grace also blessed the adjoining land that was purchased by Dr. Zoran Cupic. We were fortunate enough to have our Mayor of Galveston Joe Jaworski present as well. His Grace Bishop Longin together with Mayor, Doctor Zoran Cupic and Mitch Chouke, who has a direct link to the original founders of the church, broke ground. And no, those are not golden shovels we see in the photos. I would like to thank Demo Kouzounis for being instrumental in having the shovels plated as we were thinking of having then spraypainted gold originally, perish the thought now as they really turned out magnificent.
As can be seen in the photos we then went to the back of the church were a memorial service was held for the first priest Father Theoclitos who is buried under the altar as per his instructions. The reasoning for this is that Father Theoclitos believed that as long as a person was buried it became a "sacred" site and that the city could not use the land for any other purpose. In this way he wished to safeguard the church and its property from any sort of seizure. His Grace made himself available to all, both young and old and shared much joy, heartening words of faith but especially love with the members of our small but ever faithful parish. We all joined for lunch at the Pelican Club for fellowship with His Grace Bishop Longin and then sadly bid him farewell back to Chicago but before leaving his Grace promised us that he would return upon completion of the hall to bless it. Many Years to His Grace Bishop Longin!
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| Bishop Longin's Visit to Galveston and Groundbreaking of New Church Hall Land |
St. Romanus Chorale to perform in Galveston
Rev. Clergy, members and friends of the St. Romanos Chorale.
The time for the presentations of the music of the Nativity of Christ, by the Chorale, is only a couple of day away. We invite all of our brother and sister Orthodox Christians and hope to have many non-Orthodox Christians in attendance.
Our main purposes in presenting these programs are:
To give thanks to Almighty God for the Gift of His Son, Jesus Christ
To witness the birth of Christ as the real reason and spirit of Christmas
To honor the Theotokos, "birth giver of God"
To strengthen our Orthodox Christian family
To expose the spirituality and beauty of the Orthodox Christian Faith to the uninitiated
Attached you will find a flyer with a brief description of the presentations, dates and venues. Many of you have previously received this attachment along with a request to forward the invitation to your family and friends.
It would be a great assist if you would, even if you have already done so, forward the flyer.
We are trying to show a "Merry Christmas", not a "Happy Holiday".
Thank you and God Bless you and your loved ones,
Bill Attra
“God is with us”
The st. Romanos chorale in concert presents
in anticipation of the nativity of Christ
the beautiful and spiritual ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN music of the Christmas season
ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
1824 Ball St.
Galveston, Texas 77551
Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 7:00 P.M.
The time for the presentations of the music of the Nativity of Christ, by the Chorale, is only a couple of day away. We invite all of our brother and sister Orthodox Christians and hope to have many non-Orthodox Christians in attendance.
Our main purposes in presenting these programs are:
To give thanks to Almighty God for the Gift of His Son, Jesus Christ
To witness the birth of Christ as the real reason and spirit of Christmas
To honor the Theotokos, "birth giver of God"
To strengthen our Orthodox Christian family
To expose the spirituality and beauty of the Orthodox Christian Faith to the uninitiated
Attached you will find a flyer with a brief description of the presentations, dates and venues. Many of you have previously received this attachment along with a request to forward the invitation to your family and friends.
It would be a great assist if you would, even if you have already done so, forward the flyer.
We are trying to show a "Merry Christmas", not a "Happy Holiday".
Thank you and God Bless you and your loved ones,
Bill Attra
“God is with us”
The st. Romanos chorale in concert presents
in anticipation of the nativity of Christ
the beautiful and spiritual ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN music of the Christmas season
ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
1824 Ball St.
Galveston, Texas 77551
Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 7:00 P.M.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Folklore Festival November 26-28th
On November 26th, 2010 at 8pm there will be a welcome Dance and Dinner at the Memorial West Country Club located at 700 North Kirkwood Rd Houston TX 77070 featuring the following groups:
MORAVA, San Diego California
St. SIMEON MIROTOCIVI, Las Vegas Nevada
OPANAK, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
and our host
SKUD ZAVICAJ, Houston TX
On Saturday, November 27th, 2010 between the hours or 1-4pm there will be the actual Folkloric Performance of the groups which will take place at the Hilton Westchase Hotel on 9999 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77042. In the evening at 8pm there will be a Dance and Dinner. The cost for the following events is as follows:
26th November Welcome Dance will be $10
27th November Folk Fest will be $15
27th November Dance Party will be $10
All are invited to see the skills of these young dances and the rich cultural programs they will be bring and entertain us with.
MORAVA, San Diego California
St. SIMEON MIROTOCIVI, Las Vegas Nevada
OPANAK, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
and our host
SKUD ZAVICAJ, Houston TX
On Saturday, November 27th, 2010 between the hours or 1-4pm there will be the actual Folkloric Performance of the groups which will take place at the Hilton Westchase Hotel on 9999 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77042. In the evening at 8pm there will be a Dance and Dinner. The cost for the following events is as follows:
26th November Welcome Dance will be $10
27th November Folk Fest will be $15
27th November Dance Party will be $10
All are invited to see the skills of these young dances and the rich cultural programs they will be bring and entertain us with.
His Grace Bishop LONGIN to visit Galveston
His Grace Bishop LONGIN will be visiting our church of Sts. Constantine and Helen on December 5th, 2010 for the blessing and ground-breaking for our new church hall following the Hierarchical Liturgy. All faithful sons and daughters of our church-school community are invited to come and partake in this joyous celebration. It will also be a chance for us to visit with our spiritual father. Following the divine services we are invited for lunch at Gaido's Seafood Restaraunt on Seawall Blvd.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
His Eminence Metropolitan CHRISTOPHER Falls asleep in the Lord
METROPOLITAN CHRISTOPHER OF LIBERTYVILLE-CHICAGO, FELL ASLEEP IN THE LORD
Chicago, IL - At 7:45 this evening, Wedesday, August 18, 2010, on the eve of the feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, His Eminence +Christopher, Metropolitan of Libertyville-Chicago, fell asleep in the Lord at the age of 82. Clergy are asked to serve a small pomen at tomorrow's Divine Liturgy.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE NEWLY REPOSED METROPOLITAN +CHRISTORPHER OF BLESSED MEMORY:
AUGUST 23, 2010
Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, 10:00 AM, Monday, August 23, 2010, at Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, 5701 N. Redwood Drive, Chicago, IL 60631.
Funeral Matins, 7:00 PM, Monday, August 23, 2010, at Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, 5701 N. Redwood Drive, Chicago, IL 60631.
AUGUST 24, 2010
Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Requiem Service, 9:00 AM, Tuesday, August 24, 2010, at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Monastery 32377 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, IL 60048, followed by burial at the gravesite on the south side of the church.
A memorial lunch will be served at Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, 5701N. Redwood Drive, Chicago, IL 60631, following interment.
May His memory be eternal.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Schedule of Services at Sts Constantine & Helen SOC
MARCH 7 THIRD SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT SUNDAY OF THE HOLY CROSS
MARCH 10 PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY at 6:30 p.m.
MARCH 12 AKATHIST TO THE MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS at 6:30 p.m.
MARCH 14 FOURTH SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT SUNDAY OF ST JOHN KLIMAKOS
MARCH 21 FIFTH SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT SUNDAY OF ST MARY OF EGYPT
MARCH 24 PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY at 6:30 p.m.
MARCH 27 LAZARUS SATURDAY
MARCH 28 PALM SUNDAY Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. with blessing of Palms
MARCH 31 GREAT & HOLY WEDNESDAY Holy Unction Service at 7:00 p.m.
APRIL 1 GREAT & HOLY THURSDAY
The reading of the twelve Passion Gospels at 7:00 p.m.
APRIL 2 GREAT & HOLY FRIDAY
Vespers at 3:30 p.m. ( Taking Down from the Cross)
Matins ( Lamentations of the shroud and the procession) at 4:30 p.m.
APRIL 3 GREAT & HOLY SATURDAY
Procession around the church & Matins of Christ's Resurrection at 11:45 p.m.
APRIL 4 PASCHA - LITURGY OF RESURRECTION at 10:00 a.m.
APRIL 7 ANNUNICATION OF OUR MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m.
MAY 6 ST. GEORGE, THE VICTORIOUS MARTYR Divine Liturgy 10:00am
MAY 30 ASCENSION OF OUR LORD Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m.
MAY 20 PENTECOST Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m.
JUNE 6 STS. CONSTANTINE & HELEN—EQUAL TO THE APOSTLES
PATRON FEAST DAY OF THE CHURCH Divine Liturgy 10:00am
MARCH 10 PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY at 6:30 p.m.
MARCH 12 AKATHIST TO THE MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS at 6:30 p.m.
MARCH 14 FOURTH SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT SUNDAY OF ST JOHN KLIMAKOS
MARCH 21 FIFTH SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT SUNDAY OF ST MARY OF EGYPT
MARCH 24 PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY at 6:30 p.m.
MARCH 27 LAZARUS SATURDAY
MARCH 28 PALM SUNDAY Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. with blessing of Palms
MARCH 31 GREAT & HOLY WEDNESDAY Holy Unction Service at 7:00 p.m.
APRIL 1 GREAT & HOLY THURSDAY
The reading of the twelve Passion Gospels at 7:00 p.m.
APRIL 2 GREAT & HOLY FRIDAY
Vespers at 3:30 p.m. ( Taking Down from the Cross)
Matins ( Lamentations of the shroud and the procession) at 4:30 p.m.
APRIL 3 GREAT & HOLY SATURDAY
Procession around the church & Matins of Christ's Resurrection at 11:45 p.m.
APRIL 4 PASCHA - LITURGY OF RESURRECTION at 10:00 a.m.
APRIL 7 ANNUNICATION OF OUR MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m.
MAY 6 ST. GEORGE, THE VICTORIOUS MARTYR Divine Liturgy 10:00am
MAY 30 ASCENSION OF OUR LORD Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m.
MAY 20 PENTECOST Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m.
JUNE 6 STS. CONSTANTINE & HELEN—EQUAL TO THE APOSTLES
PATRON FEAST DAY OF THE CHURCH Divine Liturgy 10:00am
Paschal Greeting from Fr Serge
CHRIST IS RISEN!
INDEED HE IS RISEN!
This is a great time of our Christian year, a time of rejoicing, a time of faith, a time of hope and therefore a time also of love. One of our Easter hymns gives expression to those sentiments in the following beautiful terms:
“It is the Day of Resurrection,
Let us brighten up with Feast
and let us embrace each other;
Let us call “Brethren” even our adversaries;
Let us forgive all because of the Resurrection,
And thus let us call out loudly:
“CHRIST IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD
TRAMPLING DOWN DEATH BY DEATH
AND TO THOSE IN THE TOMBS
HE BESTOWED LIFE!”
To that joy, to that friendliness, to that forgiveness we are all called by the Christ and His Holy Church. It is to that same salvation we, your Priest, President and the Church-School Board, invite all today. You who are practicing your faith both in the Church and outside it, in your daily life; and also you whom we miss at the wonderful and Holy Services of the Church, yours and ours. Come let us all be one in our Holy Orthodox Faith and in the One Savior, Jesus Christ, who by His willing sufferings and death did manifest His great love and compassion for all of us. And by His Resurrection He revealed His all mighty divine power by which He reigns over the universe.
Your Church sends this greeting to all in love and hope that you will respond, since through your Church it is our Savior who is calling us. That is why He instituted the Holy Church to do preaching to sound calls and warnings and to dispense His gifts to all of us - from Him.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, we are embarking on an ambitious building program to rebuild our church hall which was destroyed by hurricane Ike. We too, are resurrecting from the recent calamities that have befallen us but with the hope, trust and love in our Resurrected Lord we know that we will also achieve our most desired goal. And that is to share in the communion of each other in our new hall. To that end I greet you as your parish priest together with the church-school congregation of Sts. Constantine and Helen and wish you all the very best this Paschal season.
INDEED HE IS RISEN!
This is a great time of our Christian year, a time of rejoicing, a time of faith, a time of hope and therefore a time also of love. One of our Easter hymns gives expression to those sentiments in the following beautiful terms:
“It is the Day of Resurrection,
Let us brighten up with Feast
and let us embrace each other;
Let us call “Brethren” even our adversaries;
Let us forgive all because of the Resurrection,
And thus let us call out loudly:
“CHRIST IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD
TRAMPLING DOWN DEATH BY DEATH
AND TO THOSE IN THE TOMBS
HE BESTOWED LIFE!”
To that joy, to that friendliness, to that forgiveness we are all called by the Christ and His Holy Church. It is to that same salvation we, your Priest, President and the Church-School Board, invite all today. You who are practicing your faith both in the Church and outside it, in your daily life; and also you whom we miss at the wonderful and Holy Services of the Church, yours and ours. Come let us all be one in our Holy Orthodox Faith and in the One Savior, Jesus Christ, who by His willing sufferings and death did manifest His great love and compassion for all of us. And by His Resurrection He revealed His all mighty divine power by which He reigns over the universe.
Your Church sends this greeting to all in love and hope that you will respond, since through your Church it is our Savior who is calling us. That is why He instituted the Holy Church to do preaching to sound calls and warnings and to dispense His gifts to all of us - from Him.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, we are embarking on an ambitious building program to rebuild our church hall which was destroyed by hurricane Ike. We too, are resurrecting from the recent calamities that have befallen us but with the hope, trust and love in our Resurrected Lord we know that we will also achieve our most desired goal. And that is to share in the communion of each other in our new hall. To that end I greet you as your parish priest together with the church-school congregation of Sts. Constantine and Helen and wish you all the very best this Paschal season.
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