THE PARAKLESIS TO THE MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS

It is the tradition of the Church to seek the inter-cessions of the Theotokos during the first two weeks of August leading up to the Dormition of the Theotokos (Assumption) on August 15. These intercessions are included in the beautiful service of Paraklesis to the Most Holy Theoto-kos. During this service, supplications and prayers are offered specifically for the living, as opposed to a Memorial or Mnymosynon Service, at which prayers are offered to God for the re-pose of the souls of the departed.

The Paraklesis may be celebrated at any time during the year, especially in time of particular need, at the request of one of the faithful, or even on a routine weekly basis in many parish churches. It is sung in times of distress, danger, tragedy, sickness, temptation, discouragement or sorrow of the soul. The various hymns and prayers ask the Lord for salva-tion, deliverance, protection, guidance, and healing. Although these are ad-dressed and directed toward the Virgin Mary and the saints, they ask for their assistance and prayers to the Lord.

There are two types of Paraklesis Service chanted during the Dormition Fast, the Small Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos, composed by Theosterictus the Monk in the 9th century (some believe it was Theophanes the Hymnographer), and the Great Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theoto-kos, composed by Emperor Theodore I Ducas Lascaris in the 13th century. In some churches, these services are sung on alternate days during the Dormition Fast.

At St. Barbara, the most commonly known Supplicatory Service, the Small Paraklesis to the Most Holy Theotokos, is sung during the Dormition Fast on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings, August 1 - 14. During the service, supplicatory prayers are offered beseeching God to grant spiritual and physical health and wellbeing to our living loved ones.

Orthodoxy affirms that each of us and all the faithful living on earth are united to one another as well as to the Theotokos, the saints, and the departed faithful in a bond of faith and love in Christ. During this special time of the year, we turn to the Mother of God to intercede for us, and our loved ones, as we pray for one another.

Sources: Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver ©2008, GOARCH, Orthodox Wiki

The Dormition of the Theotokos, c. 1315 - 1321, mosaic,

Chora Church, Constantinople

Mt. Athos Cross

 

SAINT BARBARA GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

We are a Greek (Eastern) Orthodox parish, part of the oldest Christian tradition,

dating to 33 A.D., the Day of Pentecost. We trace our roots back to the Apostles and their teachings.

We hold fast to the moral, theological and liturgical traditions of the Early Christian Church.

We are pleased that you have chosen to experience the worship of Early Christianity in a modern setting.

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW Ζ΄ Ματθαῖου 

 

JESUS HEALS TWO BLIND MEN & A MAN WITH A DEMON

22 July 2012 ‐ 22 Ιουλίου 2012

Christ Heals Two Blind Men, 12th c. Roman Mosaic, Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral, Monreale, Sicily, Italy

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH We welcome you to worship with us today. Whether you are an Orthodox Christian or this is your first visit to an Orthodox Church, we are pleased to have you with us. Al-though Holy Communion and other Sacraments (called Mysteries in the Orthodox Church) are offered only to baptized and chrismated (confirmed) Orthodox Christians, all are invited to receive the antidoron (blessed bread) from the priest at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. The antidoron is not sacramental, but is reminiscent of the agape feast that followed worship in the ancient Christian Church.

ON RECEIVING COMMUNION

When approaching the chalice, it is proper to state your baptized or chrismated name, and with head tilted slightly back, open your mouth sufficiently so that the priest may place the body and blood of Christ on your tongue. Prior to stepping up, in order that you do not “bump” the chalice, you may do your stavros (cross yourself). Prior to that while at your seat, it is customary to read the prayers of preparation found in the Divine Liturgy Hymnal and on page 6 of this bulletin.

Note: The hymn the choir sings during Communion is on page 97 in the Divine Liturgy Hymnal.

CHRISMATION NAMES & NAME DAYS

In Orthodox countries, at Baptism (or Chrismation, if an adult) you are given a Chris-tian Saint’s name. This is the name you give to the priest when receiving communion. The name is a Christian Saint’s name, because God recognizes their names. Each Saint is celebrated on a particular day, the Saint’s Name Day. When you receive your name, your Saint’s Name Day becomes your Name Day. In lieu of birthdays, especially after the age of twelve, Orthodox Christians celebrate their Name Day.

For those celebrating a Name Day this week we wish you Chronia Polla - “Many years”

A NOTE ABOUT THE HYMNS OF THE DAY

On the following page, you will find the Apolytikion of the day, Troparion of the Church, and Kontakion of the day. Because these beautiful hymns are frequently sung in Greek, we include them in English for your understanding. They are sung as the priest returns to the Sanctuary at the Conclusion of the Small Entrance.

ST. PANTELEIMON THE GREAT MARTYR & HEALER

Matins & Divine Liturgy

Friday, July 27, 2012

Matins 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m.

St. Panteleimon, 13th c., St. Catherine’s Monastery, Mt. Sinai

Tone of the week: Plagal of the Second Tone - (Ηχος πλ. β') Seventh Eothinon

Divine Liturgy Hymnal Pages 86 - 87

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Tone

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the crea-tor most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever pro-tect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee. - © Holy Transfiguration Monastery

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal of the Second Tone

O Christ, the angelic powers appeared at Your tomb, the guards were as dead, and Mary stood by the sepulcher, seeking Your sacred body. You destroyed Hades yet remained untouched by it. You encountered the Virgin and through her, bestowed Life. Glory to You who has risen from the dead! - © Narthex Press

Ἀγγελικαὶ  Δυνάμεις  ἐπὶ  τὸ  μνῆμά  σου,  καὶ  οἱ  φυλάσσοντες ἀπενεκρώθησαν, καὶ  ἵστατο Μαρία ἐν τῷ τάφῳ, ζητοῦσα τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα.  Ἐσκύλευσας  τὸν  ᾍδην,  μὴ  πειρασθεὶς  ὑπʹ  αὐτοῦ,  ὑπήντησας  τῇ Παρθένῳ, δωρούμενος τὴν ζωήν, ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ των νεκρῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι. ‐ Greek Standard Text

THE SEVENTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW

ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012, WE COMMEMORATE:

St. Mary Magdalene Holy Myrrh-bearer

and Equal to the Apostles (left)

St. Markella, Virgin-martyr of Chios, Greece (right)

Apolytikion for St. Barbara  

“Let us honor the holy Barbara for, with the aid of the Cross as her weapon, she crushed the snares of the enemy, and was rescued from them like a bird.” - © Narthex Press  

Βαρβάραν  τὴν  Ἁγίαν  τιμήσωμεν,  ἐχθροῦ  γὰρ  τὰς παγίδας συνέτριψε, καὶ ὡς στρουθίον ἐρρύσθη ἐξ αὐτῶν, βοηθεία καὶ ὅπλω τοῦ Σταυροῦ ἡ Πάνσεμνος. 

http://www.stbarbarachurchnc.org/�

  

EPISTLE READING

The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 15:1-7

BRETHREN, we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, "The re-proaches of those who reproached thee fell on me.” For whatever was writ-ten in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of your Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Πρὸς ῾Ρωμαίους 15:1‐7  Ἀδελφοί,  ὀφείλομεν  δὲ  ἡμεῖς  οἱ  δυνατοὶ  τὰ  ἀσθενήματα  τῶν ἀδυνάτων βαστάζειν, καὶ μὴ ἑαυτοῖς ἀρέσκειν. Ἕκαστος ἡμῶν τῷ πλησίον  ἀρεσκέτω  εἰς  τὸ  ἀγαθὸν  πρὸς  οἰκοδομήν.  Καὶ  γὰρ  ὁ Χριστὸς οὐχ ἑαυτῷ ἤρεσεν, ἀλλά, καθὼς γέγραπται, Οἱ ὀνειδισμοὶ τῶν ὀνειδιζόντων σε ἐπέπεσον ἐπʼ  ἐμέ. Ὅσα γὰρ προεγράφη,  εἰς τὴν ἡμετέραν διδασκαλίαν προεγράφη,  ἵνα διὰ τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ διὰ τῆς παρακλήσεως τῶν γραφῶν τὴν ἐλπίδα ἔχωμεν. Ὁ δὲ θεὸς τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ τῆς παρακλήσεως δῴη ὑμῖν τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖν ἐν ἀλλήλοις  κατὰ  Χριστὸν  Ἰησοῦν∙  ἵνα  ὁμοθυμαδὸν  ἐν  ἑνὶ  στόματι δοξάζητε τὸν θεὸν καὶ πατέρα τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Διὸ προσλαμβάνεσθε  ἀλλήλους,  καθὼς  καὶ  ὁ  Χριστὸς  προσελάβετο ὑμᾶς, εἰς δόξαν θεοῦ. 

St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, Greek Text on Papyrus, c. 180-200, Egypt

  

GOSPEL READING

The Reading is from Matthew 9:27-35

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW

At that time, as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons."

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people. Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 9:27‐35  Τῷ  καιρῷ  ἐκείνῳ,  παράγοντι  ἐκεῖθεν  τῷ  ᾿Ιησοῦ  ἠκολούθησαν  αὐτῷ δύο τυφλοὶ κράζοντες καὶ λέγοντες· ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς, υἱὲ Δαυΐδ. ἐλθόντι δὲ  εἰς  τὴν  οἰκίαν  προσῆλθον  αὐτῷ  οἱ  τυφλοί,  καὶ  λέγει  αὐτοῖς  ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς·  πιστεύετε  ὅτι  δύναμαι  τοῦτο  ποιῆσαι;  λέγουσιν  αὐτῷ·  ναί, Κύριε.  τότε  ἥψατο  τῶν  ὀφθαλμῶν  αὐτῶν  λέγων·  κατὰ  τὴν  πίστιν ὑμῶν  γενηθήτω  ὑμῖν.  καὶ  ἀνεῴχθησαν  αὐτῶν  οἱ  ὀφθαλμοί·  καὶ ἐνεβριμήσατο αὐτοῖς ὁ  ᾿Ιησοῦς λέγων· ὁρᾶτε μηδεὶς γινωσκέτω. οἱ δὲ ἐξελθόντες διεφήμισαν αὐτὸν ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ γῇ ἐκείνῃ.  

Αὐτῶν  δὲ  ἐξερχομένων  ἰδοὺ  προσήνεγκαν  αὐτῷ  ἄνθρωπον  κωφὸν δαιμονιζόμενον·  καὶ  ἐκβληθέντος  τοῦ  δαιμονίου  ἐλάλησεν  ὁ  κωφός, καὶ  ἐθαύμασαν  οἱ  ὄχλοι  λέγοντες  ὅτι  οὐδέποτε  ἐφάνη  οὕτως  ἐν  τῷ ᾿Ισραήλ.  οἱ  δὲ  Φαρισαῖοι  ἔλεγον·  ἐν  τῷ  ἄρχοντι  τῶν  δαιμονίων ἐκβάλλει τὰ δαιμόνια.  

Καὶ περιῆγεν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τὰς πόλεις πάσας καὶ τὰς κώμας διδάσκων ἐν ταῖς  συναγωγαῖς  αὐτῶν  καὶ  κηρύσσων  τὸ  εὐαγγέλιον  τῆς  βασιλείας καὶ θεραπεύων πᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν ἐν τῷ λαῷ. 

Jesus Heals Two Blind Men, 14th c. Byzantine Mosaic, Chora Church, Constantinople

ANONYMOUS Glory to you, O God Glory to you, O God Glory to you, O God

Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let Your Sacred Body be unto me for eternal life and Your Precious Blood for forgiveness of sins. Let this Eucharist be unto me for joy, health, and gladness. And in Your awesome Second Coming make me, a sinner, worthy to stand at the right hand of Your Glory; through the intercession of Your Pure Mother, and of all Your Saints. Amen.

PRAYER OF SAINT BASIL I thank You, Christ and Master our God, King of the ages and Creator of all things, for all the good gifts You have given me, and especially for the participation in Your pure and life-giving mysteries. I pray You, therefore, good and loving Lord, keep me under Your protection and under the shadow of Your wings. Grant that to my last breath I may with a pure conscience partake worthily of Your gifts for the forgiveness of sins and for eternal life. For You are the Bread of Life, the Source of Holiness, the Giver of All Good Things, and to You we give glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

THANKSGIVING PRAYERS FOLLOWING HOLY COMMUNION

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.

How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your Saints? If I dare to enter into 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 my soul and save me.

Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these Holy Gifts be to my condem-nation 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 adversaries. Nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas. But as the thief I confess to You, “Lord, remember me in Your Kingdom.”

COMMUNION PRAYER OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

As a means of preparation for communion, please read the “Communion Prayer of St. John Chrysostom” prior to approaching the chalice. After returning to your seat, it is appropriate to read the “Thanksgiving Prayers Following Holy Communion.”

ANONYMOUS I thank You, Lord, my God, that You have not rejected me, a sinner, but have made me worthy to partake of Your holy Mysteries. I thank You that You have permitted me, although I am unworthy, to receive Your pure and heav-enly gifts. O loving Master, who died and rose for our sake, and granted to us these awesome and life-giving Mysteries for the wellbeing and sanctification of our souls and bodies, let these gifts be for healing of my own soul and body, the averting of every evil, the illumination of the eyes of my heart, the peace of my spiritual powers, a faith unashamed, a love unfeigned, the fulfilling of wis-dom, the observing of Your commandments, the receiving of Your divine grace, and the inheritance of Your kingdom. Preserved by them in Your Holi-ness, may I always be mindful of Your grace and no longer live for myself, but for You, our Master and Benefactor. May I pass from this life in the hope of eternal life, and attain to the everlasting rest, where the voices of Your saints who feast are unceasing, and their joy, beholding the ineffable beauty of Your countenance, is unending. For You, Christ our God, are the true joy and the inexpressible gladness of those who love You, and all creation praises You forever. Amen.

PRAYER OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM I thank You, loving Master, benefactor of my soul, that on this day You have made me worthy once again of Your heavenly and immortal mysteries. Direct my ways on the right path, establish me firmly in Your fear, guard my life, and make my endeavors safe, through the prayers and supplications of the glorious Theotokos and ever virgin Mary and of all Your Saints. Amen.

St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church

The Very Reverend Archimandrite Father D. Stavroforos Mamaies

fatherstavroforos2012@gmail.com

Cell Phone Number: 919-491-2565

8306 NC Highway 751 Durham, NC 27713

(919) 484-1600

www.stbarbarachurchnc.org/

Father Stavroforos’ Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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