SS.

kosmas & Damianos Orthodox Church (goa)

703 W. Center Street, Rochester, MN (507) 282-1529 http://www.holyanargyroi.org church@holyanargyroi.org Rev. Fr. Mark Muoz, Proistamenos
/APOLYTIKIA FOR TODAY

, , , , , , . The joyful news of your resurrection was told to the women disciples of the Lord by the angel. And throwing off the ancestral curse, they boastingly told the Apostles: death has been vanquished, Christ our God is risen, bestowing great mercy on the world. The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith, an icon of meekness, and a teacher of temperance; for this cause, thou hast achieved the heights by humility, riches by poverty. O Father and Hierarch Porphyrios, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.
/KONTAKION FOR TODAY , , , , , . , , , . , .

O Master, Prudence, Guide of Wisdom, Instruction to the foolish and Defender of the poor, strengthen my heart and grant it discernment. Give me words, Word of the Father, for behold, I shall not keep my lips from crying out to You, "O Merciful One, have mercy on me who has fallen."

Chessefare Sunday: forgiveness sunday

St. Porphrios of Gaza, St. Photini the Samaritan Woman February 26, 2012
CHEESEFARE SUNDAY: All meat, dairy, fish, & eggs are now excluded until Pascha

TODAYS SCRIPTURE READINGS

Epistle reading

St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4 Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for God is able to make him stand.

Gospel pericope

Matthew 6:14-21 The Lord said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. "And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

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 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 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
TONIGHT: Forgiveness Vespers-Beginning of Great Lent- 6pm-ALL are encouraged to attend! Mon. Feb. 27th, CLEAN MONDAY- Great Compline w/ Penitential Canon, 6pm Tues. Feb. 28th, Great Compline w/ Penitential Canon, 6pm Wed. Feb. 29th, Pre-sanctified Liturgy, 6pm Thurs. March 1st, Great Compline w/ Penitential Canon, 6pm Fri. March 2nd, 1st SALUTATIONS to the Holy Theotokos, 6pm Sat. March 3rd, 3rd Saturday of Souls-Orthros/Divine Liturgy-8:30am Sat. March 3rd, Great Vespers, 6pm Sun. March 4th: Sunday of Orthodoxy Todays Memorial Service: Mrs. Mary Davis- 1yr Lenten Luncheon: Please join us in the church hall after Liturgy TODAY for a special luncheon and fundraiser for Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology. The luncheon is 7 dollars for adults and 4 dollars for children. For the adults we will serve teropita and spanokopita and for the children there is spaghetti. Both the adult and children meals include salad and brownies. We look forward to seeing you! Sunday of Orthodoxy: Next Sunday there will be no catechetical classes to allow the children to participate in the procession with the holy icons. Forgiveness Vespers: will be celebrated TONIGHT at 6pm. This is the actual beginning of Lent and the Church literally transforms before our eyes from bright and joyful to dark and solemn. At the conclusion of the service a receiving line of sorts is made and all the faithful embrace one another asking forgiveness. What an excellent way to inaugurate the period of the Holy Fast! Holy Week Liturgical Books: We have ordered several copies of the official Holy Week Book endorsed by our Metropolis. This comprehensive book, compiled by Fr. Pappadeas, will be used exclusively for all the liturgical celebrations from Palm Sunday evening through the Agapi Vespers on Pascha. Each book is $25, and are now available! Stewardship 2012: Have you and your family become Stewards of Holy Anargyroi for the new year?! If not, not to worrythere are complete Stewardship packets located in the Narthex of the Church, please return your completed forms to the Church office or place in Stewardship Box in the Narthex. Thank you for your commitment to our parish and her ministry!
HOW TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNIONOrthodox 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.

Panagias Icon
One of the most beloved Lenten services is the Salutations to the Holy Theotokos which are chanted every Friday night during the Fast. It is customary to honor her by decorating her icon with flowers which is then placed on the solea. Five services will be chanted with a decorated icon at each service. The cost for each icon is approximately $75, any individuals/families who would like to donate to help defray the cost please see Fr. Mark. Thank you in advance! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Pearls from the desert

Prayer, fasting, vigils, and all other Christian practices, however good they may be in themselves, certainly do not constitute the aim of our Christian life: they are but the indispensable means of attaining that aim. For the true aim of the Christian life is the acquisition of the Holy Spirit of God. As for fasts, vigils, prayer and almsgiving, and other good works done in the name of Christ, they are only the means of acquiring the Holy Spirit of God. Note well that it is only good works done in the name of Christ that bring us the fruits of the Spirit. St. Seraphim of Sarov

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2012 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival

This year our Parish Oratorical Festival will take place during coffee hour on Sunday, March 4th. All children are asked to participate in this event; registration forms are available from Presbytera Michelle. The categories include speech, essay, poem, and iconography. Although all categories are welcome this year we are emphasizing speeches. Parents and/or Catechetical Teachers can assist children with their projects. There are several different themes for each division. Divisions include Elementary (preschool-6th grade), Junior (7th-9th grades), and Senior (10th-12th grades).

LENTEN POTLUCK
Every Wednesday eve of great lent the liturgy of the presanctified gifts is celebrated. Afterwards we gather in the library for a simple Lenten meal. Please plan on attending these compunctionate services and bring a fasting meal to share! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Mission Sunday
Today is Mission Sunday. Sunday School children and teens will be given their mission coin boxes to collect donations for the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (www.ocmc.org) which supports Orthodox Missionaries and their work around the world. The children will be given their boxes with seed money that they will be asked to increase. Please have them do chores for coins or ask family, friends and neighbors for donations. The GOYAns will stand in the narthex every Sunday during Lent to collect money from parishioners in addition to raising their own donations. We hope to exceed last years donation to OCMC from Holy Anargyroi of $245. Please be generous. Thank you. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Every Sunday from March 4th to April 1st; Philoptochos members will be collecting monetary donations for the Pascha Flowers in the narthex. We will also collect the names of the Orthodox departed for Father Mark to commemorate on Holy Friday. Please be generous in your donations.

Paschal Flowers

Didactic Hymnography:
Musicology as Theologythe Triodion Hymns
Adam was banished from Paradise through disobedience and cast out from delight, beguiled by the words of a woman. Naked he sat opposite the place, lamenting Woe is me! Therefore let us all make haste to accept the season of the Fast and obey the traditions of the Gospel, that through them we may become well-pleasing to Christ and once more receive Paradise as our dwelling. With great joy, believers, let us welcome the inspired proclamation of the Fast, as the Ninevites did of old and as prostitutes and tax collectors the preaching of repentance by John. Through self-mastery let us prepare for communion of the Masters sacred mystery in Sion. Through tears let us be cleansed before the divine Washing of the feet there. Let us pray to see there the fulfillment of the Pascha that was a type and revelation of the true. Let us be made ready for the worship of the Cross and the Rising of Christ our God, as we cry out to him, Do not put us to shame and deprive us of our expectation, O Lover of mankind! Of what great blessings, wretch that I am, have I deprived myself! From what a kingship in my misery have I fallen! I have wasted the wealth that I received, I have transgressed the commandment. Alas, unhappy soul! You are henceforth condemned to the eternal fire. Therefore before the end cry out to Christ our God, Receive me as the Prodigal Son, O God, and have mercy on me. Loving Father, I have gone far from you, but do not forsake me, nor declare me unfitted for your Kingdom. The all-evil enemy has stripped me naked and taken all my wealth. I have squandered like the Profligate the graces given to my soul. But now I have arisen and returned, and I cry aloud to you, Make me as one of your hired servants, you who for my sake stretched out your spotless hands on the Cross, to snatch me from the fearsome beast and to clothe me once again in the first robe, for you alone art full of mercy. O Christ our God, of your own will you accepted Crucifixion, for the common restoration of mankind. Taking the reed pen of the Cross, out of love for mankind, in the red ink of royalty with bloody fingers you signed our absolution. Do not forsake us, who are in danger once again of being parted from you. Take pity on your people in distress, for you alone are longsuffering. Rise up and fight against our enemies, as you are all- powerful.

Todays commemoraTions
1. SAINT PORPHYRIUS, BISHOP OF GAZA This great Arch-shepherd was born of wealthy parents in
Thessalonica. From his youth, until age twenty-five, Porphyrius remained in Thessalonica, the town of his birth. After that, he took leave of his parents and worldly life and withdrew to the wilderness of Egypt. Under the guidance of an experienced spiritual father, the young Porphyrius was tonsured a monk and remained there for five years. He then visited the Holy Land in the company of the monk Mark, his faithful companion. In the proximity of Jerusalem, he lived an ascetical life in a cave, again for five years. But then the legs of Porphyrius became weak and he was unable to walk. Nevertheless, crawling on his knees, he continually attended the Divine Services of God. One night, our Lord appeared to him of a vision and cured him of the infirmity in his legs and he became completely whole. When he was elected Bishop of Gaza, Porphyrius accepted this obligation with a heavy heart. In Gaza, he found only two-hundred eighty Christians. All other inhabitants were very fanatical idolaters. Only by his great faith and patience did Porphyrius succeed to convert the inhabitants of Gaza to the Faith of Christ. He personally traveled to Constantinople to see Emperor Arcadius and Patriarch John Chrysostom to seek their support in this unequal struggle with the idolaters. He received the desired support. The idolatrous temples were closed and the idols destroyed and he built a beautiful church with thirty marble columns. Empress Eudoxia especially assisted in the building of this church. Porphyrius lived long enough to see the entire town of Gaza converted to the Christian Faith, but only after his many efforts, sufferings and prayerful tears to god. He died peacefully in the year 421 A.D. He was a miracleworker both during his life and after his death. Even today, his relics repose in Gaza.

2. THE HOLY MARTYR JOHN, THE BUILDER [KALPHA] This saint was born in Galata in
Constantinople. By occupation he was an architect, a builder [Kalpha: builder in Greek]. Because of his ardent confession of the Christian Faith, John offended the Turks and they began to pressure him to become a Muslim. "I will not deny my Sweet Jesus Christ," John bravely replied. "In Him I believe; Him I serve; Him, I confess." Following grave tortures, the Turks beheaded him on February 26, 1575 A.D. in Constantinople. He suffered honorably for his beloved Christ and took up habitation in the mansions of the Lord.

4th Sunday of the Triodion: Cheesefare Sunday

The Holy Fathers have appointed the commemoration of Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight here, on the eve of the holy Forty-day Fast, demonstrating to us not by simple words, but by actual deeds, how beneficial fasting is for man, and how harmful and destructive are insatiety and the transgressing of the divine commandments. For the first commandment that God gave to man was that of fasting, which the first-fashioned received but did not keep; and not only did they not become gods, as they had imagined, but they lost even that blessed life which they had, and they fell into corruption and death, and transmitted these and innumerable other evils to all of mankind. The Godbearing Fathers set these things before us today, that by bringing to mind what we have fallen from, and what we have suffered because of the insatiety and disobedience of the first-fashioned, we might be diligent to return again to that ancient bliss and glory by means of fasting and obedience to all the divine commands. Taking occasion from today's Gospel (Matt. 6:14-21) to begin the Fast unencumbered by enmity, we also ask forgiveness this day, first from God, then from one another and all creation.