Holy Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church

703 w. Center St. Rochester, MN 55902 ph. 282-1529 church@holyanargyroi.org

www.holyanargyroi.org Rev. Fr. Mark Muñoz, Proistamenos
Today’s Apolytikia
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.

Κατέλυσας τῷ Σταυρῷ σου τὸν θάνατον, ἠνέῳξας τῷ Λῃστῇ

τὸν Παράδεισον, τῶν Μυροφόρων τὸν θρῆνον μετέβαλες, καὶ
τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις κηρύττειν ἐπέταξας· ὅτι ἀνέστης Χριστὲ
ὁ Θεός, παρέχων τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.
Your birth, O Theotokos, brought joy to the whole world, for
from you dawned the sun of righteousness, Christ our God.
Freeing us from the curse, He gave us His blessings. Abolishing
death, He granted us eternal life.

Ἡ γέννησίς σου Θεοτόκε, χαρὰν ἐμήνυσε πάσῃ τῇ οἰκουμένῃ΄

ἐκ σοῦ γὰρ ἀνέτειλεν ὁ Ἣλιος τῆς δικαιοσύνης, Χριστὸς ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν΄ καὶ λύσας τὴν
κατάραν, ἔδωκε τὴν εὐλογίαν΄ καὶ καταργήσας τὸν θάνατον, ἐδωρήσατο ἡμῖν ζωὴν τὴν
αἰώνιον.

Today’s Kontakion
In your holy birth, Immaculate One, Joachim and Anna were rid of the shame of childlessness;
Adam and Eve of the corruption of death. And so your people, free of the guilt of their sins,
celebrate crying: "The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, who nourishes our life."

Ἰωακεὶμ καὶ Ἄννα ὀνειδισμοῦ ἀτεκνίας, καὶ Ἀδὰμ καὶ Εὔα, ἐκ τῆς φθορᾶς τοῦ θανάτου,
ἠλευθερώθησαν, Ἄχραντε, ἐν τῇ ἁγίᾳ γεννήσει σου· αὐτὴν ἑορτάζει καὶ ὁ λαός σου, ἐνοχῆς
τῶν πταισμάτων, λυτρωθεὶς ἐν τῷ κράζειν σοι· Ἡ στεῖρα τίκτει τὴν Θεοτόκον, καὶ τροφὸν
τῆς ζωῆς ἡμῶν.

Sunday before the Feast of the Holy Cross

Leave-taking of the Feast of the Nativity of the Holy Theotokos
September 12th, 2010
 TODAY’S SCRIPTURE READINGS

Epistle Reading
St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18

BRETHREN, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my

own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh
that would compel you to be circumcised, and not only in order that
they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those
who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they
desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But
far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For
neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a
new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule,
upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear
on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be
with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

Gospel Pericope
John 3:13-17

The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who
descended from heaven, the Son of man. And as Moses lifted up the
serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that
whoever believes in him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the
world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should
not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world,
not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved
through him."
 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 mysteries to your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief
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
God’s 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 nota 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 mysteries to your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief
confess to You: Lord, remember me in Your kingdom.
 ANNOUNCEMENTS
Liturgical/Program Schedule:

Mon. Sept. 13th: Adult Religious Education, 6pm

Tues. Sept. 14th: Elevation of the Holy Cross, Orthros, Liturgy 8:30am
Wed. Sept. 15th: Parish Council Meeting, 7pm
Sat. Sept. 18th: Great Vespers, 6pm

Blessed is the way…: Mrs. Alexandra Kokalaris (Kolas) fell asleep in the Lord on
Friday, September 3rd and was laid to rest last Wednesday. Our prayers for strength and
consolation go out to all the family and friends. May her memory be eternal!

Greek Fest Wrap Up: Wednesday, Sept. 22nd at 7pm we will have a final Greek Fest
meeting to go over some numbers, brainstorm, and discuss ways we can improve for
next year. All members of the Fest Committee are strongly encouraged to attend.

Sunday School Resumes: TODAY, please see Calli Kelly if you have not yet enrolled
your children. Please remember that the students will receive Holy Communion first
and then proceed directly to their classes. Thank you to our volunteer instructors and to
the parents for their commitment!

Philoptochos Luncheon: please plan on attending a welcome back Luncheon for our
Sunday School participants after this morning’s Divine Liturgy. This is an annual
tradition made possible by the Philoptochos Society and Kereakos family.

WITH THE FEAR OF GOD, FAITH, AND LOVE DRAW NEAR: Only those Orthodox Christians in
good standing are encouraged to receive Holy Communion frequently, provided they have prepared
themselves spiritually, mentally, and physically. They should 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 fasting regulations, 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 the holy chalice state your baptismal name, 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 the of the cross as you step away. Please do not be in a rush while communing.