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. , , , , , . You were transfigured on the Mount, Christ God revealing Your glory to Your disciples, insofar as they could comprehend. Illuminate us sinners also with Your everlasting light, through the intercessions of the Theotokos. Giver of light, glory to You.
/KONTAKION FOR TODAY

, , , , , , , . You were transfigured upon the mount, O Christ our God, and Your disciples, in so far as they could bear, beheld Your glory. Thus, when they see You crucified, they may understand Your voluntary passion, and proclaim to the world that You are truly the effulgence of the Father.

8th Sunday of st. Matthew

Afterfeast of the Transfiguration, St. Dometios the martyr of Persia August 7th, 2011

Todays scripture readings

Epistle reading

St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 1:10-17 BRETHREN, I appeal to you by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brethren. What I mean is that each one of you says, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas," or "I belong to Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispos and Gaius; lest any one should say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any one else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Gospel periscope

Matthew 14:14-22 At that time, Jesus saw a great throng; and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a lonely place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves." Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." They said to him, "We have only five loaves here and two fish." And he said, "Bring them here to me." Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.

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. August 8th: Paraklesis Service, 6pm (names of living only) Tues. August 9th: Paraklesis, 6pm Wed. August 10th: Paraklesis, 6pm Parish Council Meeting after Paraklesis Thurs. August 11th: Paraklesis, 6pm Fri. August 12th: Paraklesis, 6pm Sunday Fellowship Hour request: The following Sundays still need to be covered for our fellowship time together: 8/7 (fasting), 8/14 (fasting), 9/4, 11/20 (fasting), 11/27 (fasting), 12/4 (fasting), 12/11 (fasting). Volunteers can contact Jackie Barbes, Denise Mangouras, or Maria Thomas. Thank you! Greek Fest 11: is quickly approaching! Our festival has grown over the years which translates
into more work and more workers needed. Subcommittee leads will be contacting parishioners to solicit their assistance. Please consider your availability for working shifts on the weekend of Aug. 26th-28th. Thank you to all who are anticipating lending a hand this year! Discounted Festival Tickets: are also now available for advance purchase, please remember to get the word out with your family, friends, and co-workers! 12 tickets for $10, normally a $1 each. Please note that all parishioners and volunteers will be expected to pay for their foodlast year we ate into our profits by providing meals gratis. This is a crucial fundraiser for our parish and our cooperation is necessary to ensure its success.
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.

Todays liturgical commemorations

1. THE VENERABLE MARTYR DOMETIUS: Dometius was born in Persia as a pagan during the reign of Emperor Constantine. He became acquainted with the Faith of Christ as a young man, abandoned paganism and was baptized. So much did Dometius love the True Faith that he left everything worldly and was tonsured a monk in a monastery near the town of Nisibis. He lived for some time among the brethren and then withdrew to a life of silence to be with an a certain elder Archmandrite Urbel, about whom it is said that he did not eat anything cooked for sixty years. The elder Urbel ordained Dometius a deacon and when he wanted to compel him to receive the rank of a priest, Dometius withdrew to an isolated mountain and settled in a cave. He attained such a high degree of perfection through fasting, prayer, all night vigils and godly-thoughts that he cured the sick. When Julian the Apostate came to those regions, he heard of Dometius and sent men, who sealed him alive in the cave along with two of his disciples. Thus, this saint of God died and took up habitation in the Kingdom of God in the year 363 A.D. 2. THE VENERABLE OR, HERMIT OF THEBAID: Or attained great perfection through the greatest mortification. When he firmly established himself and attained holiness in solitude, he then gradually established several monasteries and was a superb spiritual leader and teacher of many monks. Rufinus, who visited him describes Or in the following way: "In his dress [habit], he resembled an angel of God; a ninety-year old elder with a long beard, as white as snow; externally was very pleasant. His gaze shone with something super human." Often times, he saw the angels of God. He especially endeavored never to speak an untruth. He had great temptations from the demons but overpowered them all soberly and courageously. He received Holy Communion daily. On one occasion, one of his disciples reminded him that the Feast of the Resurrection had come and that it should be celebrated. Hearing this, Or came out, raised his hands to heaven and spent three days in prayer without rest. He explained to his disciple: "For the monk, this is the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ: to elevate his mind and to unite it with God." He rested in deep old age about the year 390 A.D. 3. THE HOLY MARTYRS MARINUS AND ASTERIUS: Marinus was a soldier and Asterius was a Roman senator. At the time of Emperor Gallienus, St. Marinus served as a soldier in Caesarea in Palestine. Marinus was beheaded for the sake of the Faith of Christ. Asterius, the senator, also a Christian, was present at his martyrdom. He removed his dolman and, with it, wrapped the body of the martyr, placed it on his shoulders, took it and honorably buried it. Seeing this, the pagans beheaded him also. They both died honorably for Christ about the year 260 A.D. 4. THE VENERABLE PIMEN, [POEMEN] THE GREATLY AFFLICTED ONE: Pimen was sickly from his youth and from his youth desired the monastic life. Brought to the Lavra of the Caves in Kiev for healing, he remained there until his death. Pimen prayed to God, more for sickness, than for health. At night, angels appeared to him and tonsured him a monk. On that occasion, the angels informed him that he will be ill until his death and, just before his death, will become healthy. And so, it was. Pimen was bedridden for twenty years. He worked miracles during his lifetime and was unusually discerning. Just prior to his death, he rose from the bed completely whole and immediately prepared a grave for himself. He rested in the Lord in the year 1110 A.D. 5. THE PRIESTLY-MARTYR NARCISSUS, PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM Narcissus was beheaded at the time of Antoninus in the year 213 A.D. being one hundred sixteen years of age.

Pearls from the desert

Amma Theodora said, "Let us strive to enter by the narrow gate. Just as the trees, if they have not stood before the winter's storms cannot bear fruit, so it is with us; this present age is a storm and it is only through many trials and temptations that we can obtain an inheritance in the Kingdom of Heaven."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ETIQUETTE REMINDER: The summer months are now upon us and that means enjoying warm weather and fun in the sun. While shorts, capris, flip-flops, tank tops, spaghetti straps, etc. are practical and acceptable at the pool or the lake front they are not appropriate attire inside the Divine Services of the Church. At every Eucharistic celebration we are spiritually and physically brought in the awesome presence of Jesus Christ Himself, and when we commune He comes to dwell within us in a miraculous way. Therefore the sanctity, solemnity, and dignity of the Divine Liturgy must be preserved for the wellbeing of all. ***If you are inappropriately dressed please take a cover-up/shawl which are now available in the Narthex, and please do not be offended if youre asked to wear one. ***

Important Volunteer Opportunity

Thanks to an INCREDIBLE group of volunteers (Tim Kelly, Joe Forrer, Dino Kasdagly, Aaron Biedermann, Trevor Hamlen, Dimitar Gavrilov, Ari Kolas, Viorel Hodis, Michael Karass) the old iconostasis was completely removed in one 3 hr session! Mr. Pappadakis will be here beginning this Thursday to begin the arduous task of installing the new iconostasis and has solicited a few volunteers to assist him. If you are interested in assisting in this transformative task please see Fr. Mark for dates, time, etc! Persons experienced in carpentry are definitely needed, but not a prerequisite for volunteering. Thank you in advance!!!!!

Sunday School Registration

New this year is registration for children in our Sunday School Program. The purpose of the registration is to ascertain the number of children in each class to ensure that the proper materials are ordered. Presbytera Michelle is in charge of the registration and would like everyone to know that if you have children between the ages of 3-18 she will be contacting you. If you have any questions regarding registration please email Presbytera at gabrielnina@hotmail.com First day of Sunday School is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 11th.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Fr. Marks address to His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew on the occasion of our audience with him during the Pilgrimage to Constantinople: Your All-Holiness Archbishop of Constantinople New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew, our spiritual father and leader ! It is with great excitement and joy that we your spiritual children from America greet you at the very beginning of our spiritual journey of pilgrimage to this Venerable Throne and Queen of cities and to the Holy Lands themselves. It is with distinct awe and humility that we stand before this Ecumenical Throne, and Your All Holiness, recognizing the indelible personal and comprehensive contributions that have been bestowed upon orthodoxy and by extension to the world for nearly 2,000 years. We come from a very small parish in the city of Rochester in the State of Minnesota honoring the Holy Anargyroi Sts. Kosmas and Damianos, wonderworking saints native to this sanctified land we call today Turkey. We are indeed blessed to be under the capable and loving omophorion of His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago, and His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos our chancellor. Although an organic member of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, our parish is the sole witness of Orthodoxy in southern Minnesota thereby necessitating a PanOrthodox membership and witness. Our families are from diverse backgrounds including: Greek, Romanian, Serbian, Russian, Egyptian, Ethiopian, and naturally many American converts. The group before you today, Your All Holiness, is an excellent representation of our diverse parish.

It is not by chance that our parish was given the name of the healing brother Saints Kosmas and Damianos as we are located just minutes from the world renowned Mayo Clinic, one of the leading global medical institutions in both research and clinical care. Another set of medical siblings, the Mayo brothers, heeding their unique call to heal the sick and infirm established this infamous clinic that now bears their name. Given our parish's unique geographical and spiritual proximity to Mayo Clinic we have, with God's grace, partnered with the Clinic to administer to the often difficult spiritual needs of every Orthodox Christian patient, whether from the United States or abroad, who seeks medical attention at Mayo. We have in the last seven years purchased three homes adjacent to the church property, through which we provide free housing to Orthodox patients in need. Our ministry, which is chartered through the Holy Metropolis of Chicago, is appropriately named the "Philoxenia House". With the witness of the modern brothers Mayo, and the guidance, protection, and intercessions of the Holy Anargyroi Kosmas and Damianos, our small parish is a penetrating beacon of Christ's healing power and love to the world at large. We sincerely thank you Panagiotate for your guidance, paternal blessings, and prayers...on behalf of our entire group we lovingly and enthusiastically say " , '!"