SS.

kosmas & damianos Orthodox Church (goa)

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

office@rochesterorthodoxchurch.org Rev. Fr. Mark Muoz, Proistamenos

/APOLYTIKIA FOR TODAY

,
,
, ,
, ,
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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.
, ,
, , ,
. , .
Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of
incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength,
they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O
Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.
/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."

4th Sunday of the triodion: forgiveness Sunday

The Finding of the Precious Relics of the Holy Martyrs in the Quarter of Eugenius,
Our Righteous Fathers Thalassius and Baradatus, Anthousa the Martyr & her 12 Servants

February 22nd, 2015

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

Prokeimenon. Mode 3. Psalm 46.6,1
Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse: Clap your hands, all you nations.
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."

Announcements
Liturgical/Program Schedule:
TONIGHT: Forgiveness Vespers-Beginning of Great Lent- 6pm-ALL are encouraged to attend!
Mon. Feb. 23rd: CLEAN MONDAY- Great Compline w/ Penitential Canon, 6pm
Tues. Feb. 24th: Great Compline w/ Penitential Canon, 6pm
Wed. Feb. 25th: Pre-sanctified Liturgy, 6pm
Thurs. Feb. 26th: Great Compline w/ Penitential Canon, 6pm
Fri. Feb. 27th, 1st SALUTATIONS to the Holy Theotokos, 6pm
Sat. Feb. 28th, 3rd Saturday of Souls-Orthros/Divine Liturgy-8:30am
Sun. March 1st: Sunday of Orthodoxy/Oratorical Festival
Todays Memorial Services:

Mr. Konstantinos Ioannides- 4yrs

Mr. Argyrios Ioannides (2yrs)

Forgiveness Vespers: will be celebrated next Sunday eve 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!
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 sponsored by Angie Rustad. The luncheon
is $8 for adults and $4 for children. 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.
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 should be available soon.
HOW TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNIONOnly Orthodox Christians (i.e. the Orthodox Church
does not observe open communion) 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.

Saturday of Souls Notes

Please have in mind the following guidelines as we begin the Saturday of Souls
commemorations: Kollyva(boiled wheat) should be brought to Church before or during the
Orthros service; it is inappropriate to bring kollyva to the solea after the Liturgy has begun.
Also, if you bring names for commemoration please bring kollyva to
accompany them just as you would any other memorial service you
might mark throughout the year. Please write the names of the
Orthodox departed in a clear and legible manner especially if the
names are written in Greek. If you have names of non-Orthodox
please write those names at the bottom of your list and designate
them as such. These names are commemorated separately by the
priest outside of the official liturgical service. Kollyva can be as simple or elaborate as you
choose; each family has their own tradition/recipe and creativity is always welcome! In contrast
to the Paraklesis service where I keep the names for all the separate services, the Psychosabbaton
names are only read for that particular Liturgy. If you would like names to be commemorated at
all three Psychosabbata Liturgies please bring the kollyva and names to each service.
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2015 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival

This year our Parish Oratorical Festival will take place during coffee hour on Sunday,
March 1st. All children are asked to participate in this event; registration forms are
available from Amy Franquiera. 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).
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Coffee Hour for March: we would like to thank all the families who have volunteered
to host the Coffee/Fellowship Hours during the month of March! Remember, we are in
the fasting season of Great Lent. 3/1 Sunday School Teachers, 3/8: Maria Thomas, 3/15
Jerghiuta Family, 3/22 *open*, 3/29 Daniela/Jason Meier.

Todays liturgical commemorations

1. THE HOLY MARTYR MAURICE AND THE SEVENTY SOLDIERS WITH HIM
During the reign of Emperor Maximian there was a great persecution of Christians. In the Syrian town of
Apamsea, Maurice was superior of the local army. The pagans reported him to the emperor as being a
Christian and a sower of the Christian Faith among the soldiers. The emperor himself came and
conducted an investigation. Along with Maurice seventy Christian soldiers were also brought before the
emperor among whom was Photinus, the son of Maurice. Neither the emperor's flattery nor threats could
sway these heroes. To the threats of the emperor, they replied: "O Emperor, there is no fear in the sound
and powerful souls of those who love the Lord!" When the emperor ordered and removed their military
belts and garments, they said to him: "Our God will clothe us with incorruptible garments and belts and
eternal glory!" When the emperor rebuked them because they despised the military honor given to them
by him, they replied: "Your honor is without honor, for you have forgotten God Who gave you imperial
authority!" Then the emperor commanded and the executioner beheaded Maurice's son Photinus before
his eyes to instill fear in the father and in the others. But, Maurice said: "You have fulfilled our wish O
torturer and have sent Photinus, the soldier of Christ before us." Then the emperor sentenced them to a
most inhuman death: they were brought to a muddy place, stripped, bound to trees and rubbed them with
honey, in order to be bitten by mosquitoes, wasps and hornets. After ten days under the most painful
sufferings, they gave up their souls to God and departed to rejoice eternally with the holy angels in
heaven. Christians secretly removed their bodies and honorably buried them. These courageous soldiers
of Christ suffered about the year 305 A.D.

2. THE MANY MARTYRS IN EUGENIUS NEAR CONSTANTINOPLE

During the reign of Emperor Arcadius, the relics of many martyrs of Christ were unearthed, among whom
was the Apostle Andronicus and his female assistant Junia. "Great Andronicus and Junia, my relatives
and my fellow prisoners; they are prominent among the apostles and they were in Christ before
me."(Romans 16:7). These relics were discovered according to a revelation from God to a cleric Nicholas
Calligraphus. "Their names are known only to God Who has written their names in the Book of Life in
the heavens." In the twelfth century, Emperor Andronicus II built a beautiful church over the relics of the
Apostle Andronicus.

3. THE VENERABLES THALASSIUS AND LIMNAEUS

Both Thalassius and Limnaeus were Syrian ascetics. One of their unique forms of asceticism was
"silence." Following the death of St. Thalassius in 440 A.D., Limnaeus joined St. Maron
(February 14) and with him lived a life of mortification on top of a mountain under the open sky.

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!

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FAMILY ACTION: FORGIVENESS
This lesson on forgiveness comes the day before Clean Monday, the first day of Great Lent. As Christians, we must
forgive others and seek their forgiveness. We reaffirm this every time we pray in the Lord's Prayer, "forgive us our
trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." In His ministry, Jesus makes it clear that God forgives us
only if we forgive others. This Gospel passage additionally draws our attention to how we should approach the
Lenten period and where our focus should be - on laying up treasures in heaven. On this Sunday, we also
commemorate all the saints who excelled in ascetic living (living a spiritually disciplined life). We look to these
holy ascetics as examples to inspire us toward fasting, praying, and doing acts of mercy. Today is the last day dairy
products are permitted before the fast.
For Consideration: What happens if we do not forgive people who do us wrong? How should we fast? What are
ways we can "lay up" for ourselves treasures in heaven? What does this Gospel passage mean to our lives?
To Do Together Agape Canister - This Sunday has been designated Orthodox Christian Mission Center(OCMC)
Sunday. Take some time to learn about this ministry and ways you can support it. Consider participating in the
Agape Canister program by collecting spare change during the Lenten period to further missionary activities. Visit
www.ocmc.org for more information. Fast as a Family - Take some time to talk about fasting as a family. Consider
having a family cooking night where everyone helps to plan and prepare the Lenten meal. Consider making extra
and donating it to a shelter or someone in need. This may be more work for the adults initially, but the fruit will be
worth the effort. Forgiveness Vespers - As tomorrow is Clean Monday, today we seek forgiveness not only from our
family members and friends but from our parish family. Make plans to attend Forgiveness Vespers as a family. In
addition, ask your priest for prayers from the service to read at home as a family. After reading these prayers, have
each family member ask for forgiveness with a prostration and kiss of peace.

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 God-bearing 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.
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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!
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Pascha flowers: A table will be set up in the Narthex for collections of monetary
donations towards the Pascha flowers on Sundays from March 1 st until April 6thDonations can also be made at any time to the Church during Lent, please mark Pascha
flowers with your check or donation. Thank you!
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

Confession and the ancient Church

The Early Church clearly taught confession of sins, and in Church! Indeed,
the following citations clearly show that from the very beginnings of the
post-Apostolic Church down to the present day, confession of sins was
understood as holy, necessary and effectual for the remission of sins. Those
who avoid it must necessarily find themselves outside of Biblical thought on
sin, repentance and confession. Note the dates of these documents! Of
special significance is their recognition that confession and absolution must
be received by a sinner before receiving Holy Communion, for whoever . . .
eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be
guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord (1 Cor. 11:27).
The Didache - The Earliest Christian Catechism (pre-dating some of the
canonical writings of the New Testament)
Confess your sins in church, and do not go up to your prayer with an evil
conscience. This is the way of life. . . . On the Lords Day gather together,
break bread, and give thanks, after confessing your transgressions so that your sacrifice may be pure (Didache 4:14,
14:1 [A.D. 70]).
You shall judge righteously. You shall not make a schism, but you shall pacify those that contend by bringing them
together. You shall confess your sins. You shall not go to prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of light
(Letter of Barnabas 19 [A.D. 74]).
St. Ignatius of Antioch- For as many as are of God and of Jesus Christ are also with the bishop. And as many as
shall, in the exercise of penance, return into the unity of the Church, these, too, shall belong to God, that they may
live according to Jesus Christ (Letter to the Philadelphians 3 [A.D. 106]). For where there is division and wrath,
God does not dwell. To all them that repent, the Lord grants forgiveness, if they turn in penitence to the unity of
God, and to communion with the bishop. (ibid., 8).
Tertullian of Carthage-[Regarding confession, some] flee from this work as being an exposure of themselves, or
they put it off from day to day. I presume they are more mindful of modesty than of salvation, like those who
contract a disease in the more shameful parts of the body and shun making themselves known to the physicians;
and thus they perish along with their own bashfulness (Repentance 10:1 [A.D. 203]).
St. Hippolytus of Rome- [The bishop conducting the ordination of the new bishop shall pray:] God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ. . . . Pour forth now that power which comes from you, from your royal Spirit, which you gave
to your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, and which he bestowed upon his holy apostles . . . and grant this your servant,
whom you have chosen for the episcopate, [the power] to feed your holy flock and to serve without blame as your
high priest, ministering night and day to propitiate unceasingly before your face and to offer to you the gifts of your
holy Church, and by the Spirit of the high priesthood to have the authority to forgive sins, in accord with your
command (Apostolic Tradition 3 [A.D. 215]).