Write Your Goals for the New Church Year by Rev Christopher P Foustoukos
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. Psalm 23:6
As we begin the new church year on September 1st I wondered about what Christ wants from me? As I continued pondering this, I thought what if I walked out into a field with a friend and we each had a rifle, one of us might at some point might say, “I’m a better shot that you. Let’s start shooting and see who can hit something.” Of course that would be ridiculous, but don’t we often approach life in exactly the same way?
Now if I had said to my friend, “I think I’m a better shot that you.” Then I put up a target with a bulls-eye on a tree 15 or 20 yards away, then we both shot at the target we would both have no doubt about who is the better shot. Why? - Because, we would now have the means to measure the results.
When was the last time you sat down in the quiet of your room and asked Christ what He wants for you and your life? What if you handed Him the steering wheel? What would happen? What could happen?
As you stand at the brink of a new Church Year, what do you think Christ would want to happen in your life or home this year? What would you need to do to cooperate with Him? What might need to change? Who would or could help you achieve it? Who might keep you from it?
Take a few minutes now to write out some reasonable goals you have for the coming Church year. Writing things down helps make them real and not just conceptual!
This could be the best year of your life. Your choices will be a major part of determining that reality.
Write down your goals, pray and ask Christ for His help and support, and focus on Him this year like never before!
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good, and acceptable and perfect. (Romans12:2)
+Rev Christopher P Foustoukos
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Explanation of Hymns Following the Gospel
Apolytikion
The Apolytikion, or “dismissal hymn,” is a short Orthodox hymn that summarizes the meaning of a feast day or honors the saint of the day. Sung at Vespers, Matins, and the Divine Liturgy, it reflects the spiritual theme of the celebration.
Kontakion
A Kontakion is a short Orthodox hymn or “poetic sermon” that reflects the meaning of a feast or sacred theme. Originating in the Byzantine era, it was once a longer hymn, though today only its opening verses are typically sung in worship.
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Orthros at 8:00 am
Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am
Memorial Service follows the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy
Special Liturgical Services & Commemorations
Service of Proskomide
The Proskomide, or Office of Oblation, is the preparation service for Holy Communion during the Divine Liturgy. Parishioners may submit names of the living and departed for commemoration by the priest during the service. Please provide names to the sexton in the narthex before Orthros begins.
Artoklasia
Artoklasia, meaning “breaking of bread,” is a special thanksgiving service offered on feast days or family occasions. Celebrated at the end of Divine Liturgy or Great Vespers, it commemorates Christ’s blessing of the five loaves that fed the five thousand. Please contact the church office at 978-531-0777 to schedule an Artoklasia.
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Kollyva, a blessed offering of boiled wheat, is prepared for Memorial Services in remembrance of the departed, especially the 40-day memorial. A Trisagion is a shorter memorial prayer service offered in church or at the gravesite without Kollyva. Please contact the church office at 978-531-0777 to schedule a Memorial Service.
Kollyva for Mercy Meals
Kollyva for the Mercy Meal following a funeral may be ordered through a parishioner volunteer. Please contact Niki at 978-578-7292for information or orders.