GPS (God’s Positioning System) by Rev Christopher P Foustoukos
All our steps are ordered by the Lord; how then can we understand our own ways?
Proverbs 20:24 NRSV
The invention of the GPS – or Global Positioning System – has revolutionized lives everywhere. Our smart phones now tell us where we are and how to get where we’re going. People with little or no sense of direction (like me) don’t have to be lost anymore. Just program in the start address and the end address and you can know exactly where to go, turn and stop. All you have to do is follow the instructions and you can arrive at your destination safely.
What if someone gets a GPS in their car or has it on their phone, but then either never turns it on or never figures out how it works? What if they never take the time to punch in where they want to go?
When you became an Orthodox Christian, you received the Holy Spirit who will direct your decisions and direction. Call it this GPS (God’s Positioning System).
We can choose to ignore God’s voice and do what we want, but why would we do that?
God wants to lead us and our parish through life, every twist and turn, start and stop. Prayer is the “app” for our “faith GPS” to lead us and our parish down the road to the completion of our Parish Advancement destination.
Let’s Pray. O Lord led our steps this evening. Show us Your Way. Let us walk with you, not falling or stum- bling but rather running ahead to where you are leading us. Amen.
+ Fr 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.
Sunday Worship Services (live streaming on 1st Sunday of the month only)
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.
Memorial Services & Kollyva
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.