Holy anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church

703 W. Center Street, Rochester, MN (507) 282-1529 http://www.holyanargyroi.org

church@holyanargyroi.org Rev. Fr. Mark Muñoz, Proistamenos
ΑΠΟΛΤΣΙΚΙΑ ΣΗ΢ ΗΜΕΡΑ΢/APOLYTIKIA FOR TODAY
Τού λίθου σφραγισθέντος υπό τών Ιουδαίων, καί στρατιωτών
φυλασσόντων τό άχραντόν σου σώμα, ανέστης τριήμερος Σωτήρ,
δωρούμενος τώ κόσμω τήν ζωήν. Διά τούτο αι Δυνάμεις τών
ουρανών, εβόων σοι Ζωοδότα. Δόξα τή Αναστάσει σου, Χριστέ,
δόξα τή βασιλεία σου, δόξα τή οικονομία σου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε.

Though the tomb was sealed by the Judeans and soldiers guarded
Your pure body, You arose, O Savior, on the third day giving life to
the world. Therefore, O Giver of life, the heavenly powers praise You:
Glory to Your resurrection O Christ, Glory to your Kingdom, Glory to
Your dispensation, O Lover of mankind.

Σήμερον τῆς εὐδοκίας Θεοῦ τὸ προοίμιον, καὶ τῆς τῶν ἀνθρώπων

σωτηρίας ἡ προκήρυξις. Ἐν ναῷ τοῦ Θεοῦ τρανῶς ἡ Παρθένος
δείκνυται, καὶ τὸν Χριστὸν τοῖς πᾶσι προκαταγγέλλεται. Αὐτῇ καὶ
ἡμεῖς μεγαλοφώνως βοήσωμεν΄ Χαῖρε τῆς οἰκονομίας τοῦ Κτίστου
ἡ ἐκπλήρωσις.

Today is the prelude of God's pleasure and the proclamation of man's salvation. The Virgin is clearly
made manifest in the temple of God and foretells Christ to all. Let us also cry out to her with mighty
voice, "Hail, fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation."

ΚΟΝΤΑΚΙΟΝ ΤΗΣ ΗΜΕΡΑΣ/KONTAKION FOR TODAY

Ὁ καθαρώτατος ναὸς τοῦ Σωτῆρος, ἡ πολυτίμητος παστὰς καὶ Παρθένος, τὸ Ἱερὸν θησαύρισμα
τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ, σήμερον εἰσάγεται, ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ Κυρίου, τὴν χάριν συνεισάγουσα, τὴν ἐν
Πνεύματι θείῳ, ἣν ἀνυμνοῦσιν Ἄγγελοι Θεοῦ΄ Αὕτη ὑπάρχει σκηνὴ ἐπουράνιος.
Today, the most pure temple of the Savior, the precious bridal chamber and Virgin, the sacred
treasure of God, enters the house of the Lord, bringing the grace of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of
God praise her. She is the heavenly tabernacle.

Entrance of the Theotokos into the temple

November 21st, 2010
**NATIVITY FAST**
 Today’s scripture readings
Epistle reading

St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:1-7

BRETHREN, the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary.
For a tent was prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and
the bread of the Presence; it is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain stood a
tent called the Holy of Holies, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the
covenant covered on all sides with gold, which contained a golden urn holding the
manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; above it were the
cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak
in detail. These preparations having thus been made, the priests go continually into the
outer tent, performing their ritual duties; but into the second only the high priest goes,
and he but once a year, and not without taking blood which he offers for himself and
for the errors of the people.

Gospel pericope
Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28

At that time, Jesus entered a village; and a woman called Martha received him into her
house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his
teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said,
"Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve you alone? Tell her then to
help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled
about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall
not be taken away from her." As he said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice
and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked!"
But he said, "Blessed also are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"
 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 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 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. Nov. 22nd: Adult Religious Ed. 6:00pm
Wed. Nov. 24th-Fri. Nov. 26th: Office closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
Sat. Nov. 27th: NO Great Vespers

Christmas Toy Drive: This year our parish will partner with the Salvation Army to provide
Christmas presents for those families in need. Please bring your unwrapped gifts for either
teenagers or young children ages 0-3yrs, clothing or toys are preferred. Place gifts in the large
Christmas box located in the narthex of the church starting next TODAY. The last of day for
drop off will be Sunday. Dec. 12th. Fyi, gifts will be secured in locked office during the week in
order to prevent the ‘disappearance’ of some gifts.

Lending a hand: Our parish has a ‚Priest Discretionary Fund‛ which Father uses to help those
individuals than come to him with legitimate needs. Cash is never given out; rather gift cards
to local grocery stores, gas stations, and retail stores are distributed based on the circumstances
and the individual need. We rely on private donations from parishioners to keep this account
flush with funds. Please consider making a donation with checks payable to ‚Priest
Discretionary Fund‛. THANK YOU in advance!

HOW TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION—Only 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.
Special Tray to Benefit
Ecumenical Patriarchate
Our Philoptochos Society will pass a special tray today to benefit the
philanthropic endeavors of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. This is an annual
appeal on behalf of the National Philoptochos Society, and we invite all
our parishioners to participate in assisting His All Holiness +Bartholomew
provide shelter, comfort, food, and support to the dwindling Orthodox
population of the ‚Vasilevousa‛.
 Today’s liturgical commemorations
The Entry into the Temple of the Most-holy Theotokos

When the Most-holy Virgin Mary reached the age of three,

her holy parents Joachim and Anna took her from
Nazareth to Jerusalem to dedicate her to the service of
God according to their earlier promise. It was a three-day
journey from Nazareth to Jerusalem but, traveling to do a
God-pleasing work, this journey was not difficult for them.
Many kinsmen of Joachim and Anna gathered in
Jerusalem to take part in this event, at which the invisible
angels of God were also present. Leading the procession
into the Temple were virgins with lighted tapers in their
hands, then the Most-holy Virgin, led on one side by her
father and on the other side by her mother. The virgin was
clad in vesture of royal magnificence and adornments as
was befitting the ``King's daughter, the Bride of God''
(Psalm 45:13-15). Following them were many kinsmen and
friends, all with lighted tapers. Fifteen steps led up to the
Temple. Joachim and Anna lifted the Virgin onto the first
step, then she ran quickly to the top herself, where she
was met by the High Priest Zacharias, who was to be the
father of St. John the Forerunner. Taking her by the hand,
he led her not only into the Temple, but into the ``Holy of Holies,'' the holiest of holy places, into
which no one but the high priest ever entered, and only once each year, at that. St. Theophylact
of Ohrid says that Zacharias ``was outside himself and possessed by God'' when he led the
Virgin into the holiest place in the Temple, beyond the second curtain-otherwise, his action
could not be explained. Mary's parents then offered sacrifice to God according to the Law,
received the priest's blessing and returned home.

The Most-holy Virgin remained in the Temple and dwelt there for nine full years. While her
parents were alive, they visited her often, especially Righteous Anna. When God called her
parents from this world, the Most-holy Virgin was left an orphan and did not wish to leave the
Temple until death or to enter into marriage. As that would have been against the Law and
custom of Israel, she was given to St. Joseph, her kinsman in Nazareth, after reaching the age
of twelve. Under the acceptable role of one betrothed, she could live in virginity and thus fulfill
her desire and formally satisfy the Law, for it was then unknown in Israel for maidens to vow
virginity to the end of their lives. The Most-holy Virgin Mary was the first of such life-vowed
virgins, of the thousands and thousands of virgin men and women who would follow her in the
Church of Christ.
 Pearls from the
desert…
‚When you pray, try to let the prayer reach your
heart; in other words, it is necessary that your heart
should feel what you are talking about in your
prayer, that it should wish for the blessing for
which you are asking…Observe, during prayer,
whether your heart is in accord with that which
you are saying.‛ - St. John of Kronstadt

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Guidelines for the Nativity Fast

We are well aware that our Holy Church provides the faithful with a period of
spiritual preparation in anticipation of the Lord’s Holy Nativity. This period begins
on November 15th every year with the commencement of the Nativity Fast. As this
fast is a ‘modified’ one I thought it helpful to remind us all exactly what is prescribed:

From Nov. 15th-Dec. 12th (St. Spyridon) the following is observed:

Fish/wine/oil are allowed every day except Wednesdays and Fridays which are
observed as strict fast days (no meat, fish, dairy, wine, oil).

From Dec. 12th-Dec. 25th the following is observed:

A strict fast is observed every day except Saturdays and Sundays.

From. Dec. 25th-Jan. 4th: NO FASTING ON ANY DAY!

 The Theology of Illness: Part II of III
It will only be at the end of time “that the restoration of all things will take place,” when “the
order and harmony destroyed by sin will be restored and the benefits acquired by Christ in his
work of redeeming and deifying our human nature will be fully communicated to all.” Larchet
concludes with a consideration of the connection between illnesses of the body and illness of the
soul, offering the surprising proposition that the “illnesses of the body, far form being directly
engendered by illnesses of the soul, are to the contrary provoked by the health of the soul.” The
second chapter of Jean-Claude Larchet’s remarkable study, The Theology of Illness, is entitled
“The Spiritual Meaning of Illness.” The author begins with a treatment of the ambivalence of
health and illness. The meaning of the two is ambivalent: neither is an absolute good nor an
absolute evil. Larchet writes:

By itself illness does not have the power to separate man from God; therefore from a spiritual
point of view it cannot be considered to be a source of evil in his life. St John Chrysostom notes:
“If the soul is in good health, bodily illness can in no way harm a man.” Illness, then, is only evil
in appearance. It can even constitute a blessing for man in the sense that, if one uses it
appropriately, one can draw from it considerable spiritual benefit, thereby making of what was
originally a sin of mortality into an instrument of salvation.
Indeed, “in certain cases and from the point of view of that which is spiritually good for man,
illness can be paradoxically considered as a higher good than health and therefore as preferable
to health.” But such an attitude requires looking at illness as something more than a simple
biological reality. “In the corruption and suffering of the body,” Larchet writes, one experiences
the weakness of one’s own earthly being, the ephemeral character of one’s existence in this
world, and, generally speaking, one’s fragility, inadequacy, contingency, and personal limits.
Understood correctly, one’s spiritual intelligence is “refined by suffering.”

To take a philosophical attitude towards illness, as the Fathers urge us to, “means to strive to
discover the intentions and aims of God with regard to ourselves.” The suffering that
accompanies illness “should be considered in the same way as the usually inevitable side-effects
of medicines used by physicians. St John Chrysostom writes:

The physician is not only a physician when he orders baths, adequate nourishment, and when he
order the patient to walk through flower gardens, but also when he burns and cuts... Thus
knowing that God loves us more than all the physicians combined, we need not worry not have
any need to ask him to justify the means he employs. Rather, whether he wants to be indulgent
or severe, let us abandon ourselves to him. For by either of these means, his desire is always to
save us and to unite us to himself.

The author next turns to a consideration of illness as an opportunity for spiritual progress:
There are two ways in which we can say that illness is due to sin. In the first place, illness occurs
as a consequence of “original” sin, a factor common to the descendants of Adam, or as the result
of some person sin. In the second place, illness occurs as a means given by God for man’s
purification from sin.
Sickness and suffering can even take the place of ascetic practices. St Syncletica writes: “Fasting
and sleeping on the ground are prescribed for us because of pleasures. But if illness weakens
these pleasures, there is no longer any justification for these practices.”

To emerge victorious from the testing of illness, “a person must first of all avoid passively
submitting to the illness and its suffering, and allowing himself to be dominated, enclosed and
beaten down by it. To the contrary, it is essential that the person do all possible to preserve a
dynamic attitude of vigilance, in expectation of receiving divine assistance.” In the face of
suffering, the virtue of patience is necessary above all others, and it is chiefly by prayer that an ill
person receives help from God. Larchet writes:

God gives us what is spiritually the best for us. From this point of view, restoration of health is
sometimes beneficial. But sometimes continuation of the illness provides a providential
opportunity to receive an even greater benefit.
By praying only for health, “the ill person merely seeks the fulfillment of his own will, because
the human will always desires the lessening of pain and suffering.” Prayer during illness “should
not be limited to requests; it should also include thanksgiving.” For illness to be a way of
holiness “patience and thanksgiving [must] come first.” With regard to patience, St John
Cassian writes: The advantage that illness can sometimes present appears quite close with the
beatitude illustrated by the poor, ulcerated Lazarus. Scripture makes no mention at all in his
regard of any virtue. His great patience in supporting his poverty and illness alone merits the
blessed fortune to be admitted into the bosom of Abraham.