ISSUE

36
JAN/FEB 2014

Monthly Newsletter for Stewards of Holy Anargyroi Sts. Kosmas & Damianos Greek Orthodox Church

Box & Spoon

2014 Standing Committees

PARISH COUNCIL Aaron Biedermann-President Halina Woroncow-Vice Pres. Tim Kelly Andru Peters-Secretary Don Jenkins Tia Maragos Erline Holman Robert Lytle Jacob Petersen STEWARDSHIP / OUTREACH John Maragos Chair Halina Woroncow Ari Kolas Mark Smith Diana Orbelo ICONOGRAPHY Diana Orbelo Chair Tia Maragos Andru Peters Fr. Mark Muoz BUILDING Tim Kelly- Chair Ari Kolas BUDGET Dan Jerghiu Chair Fr. Mark Muoz AUDIT Jacob Peterson Mark Smith John Maragos PHILOXENIA HOUSE Brad Holman Chair GREEK FESTIVAL Dan Jerghiu Chair Lorenda Jerghiu Silent auction Joe Forrer Set-up/Teardown Tim Kelly Outdoor Cooks Johnny Mangouras Marketing Ari Kolas Marketing Penny Kolas Pastries Maria Thomas Pastries Denise Mangouras Pastries Martha Voytovich Market place Andru Peters Beverages Mike Brekke Beer Garden Ali Ostfeld Children Area

I do firmly RESOLVE
Its that time of year again when we leave behind the failures, disappointments, and pain of the last year and enter a new beginning of renewal and commitment. The New Year is often marked by the promise and hope for change...positive change on the global, national, and personal levels. Accompanying this anticipation and desire for transformation is a phenomenon known as resolve, or traditionally referred to as the New Years Resolution. Im often asked, and Im sure Im not the only one, whats your New Years resolution, Father? To which I would normally respond, rarely do I willingly set myself up for abject failure! An odd response, indeed. Allow me to explain. A 2009 study showed that 78% of those making resolutions for the New Year fail to realize them primarily because of their impulsive and fleeting nature. Case in point, I made it to the gym for a workout on Jan. 1st and the place was teeming with people I had never previously seen...I guarantee you, by the end of the month a majority of them will have disappeared. I have always believed resolutions were dangerous, immature, clich -ish, and superfluous. I WAS WRONG! Shocking...isn't it? A rather obscure and unknown Saint (to many, I should qualify) by the name of St. Peter of Damascus (largest contributor to the spiritual classic, The Philokalia) instructs us as follows regarding resolutions, If you want to do something good, do it;
and if you cannot do it, then resolve to do it, and you will have achieved the resolution even if you do not fulfill the action itself. Thus a habit, whether good or bad, can gradually and spontaneously be overcome. If this were not the case, no criminals would ever be saved, whereas in fact not only have they been saved, but many have become conspicuous for their excellence. Think what a great gulf separates the criminal from the saint; yet resolution finally overcame habit.. This tidbit of patristic insight

has left an ineffaceable impression upon me as I begin the New Year. For me personally it reveals both the impetus for spiritual struggle (ascesis) and a sober approach to it. disfigured and Through an enduring and can be eventually committed life in Christ the human reality, however debased, transformed into godliness, purity, and brilliant light. It is my fervent prayer that we usher in 2014 with positive action for spiritual change, and if not action, at the very least the firm resolve to be able to take the first steps in that direction. A blessed New Year to you and yours

+Fr. Mark

The three most great luminaries of the Three-Sun Divinity have illumined all of the world with the rays of doctrines.

The Three Holy Hierarchs Jan 30th

Building Committee Meeting 5pm Parish Council Meeting 6:30pm Thurs. Jan. 9th JOY/GOYA Theophany House Blessing Celebration 5:30pm at Jerghiuta Residence Sun. Jan. 12th Philoptochos Enrollment Sunday & Loukoumathes after Liturgy Mon. Jan. 13th AC/DC Adult Religious Ed 6pm Tues.-Fri Jan. 14th- 24th Fr. Mark leading Pilgrimage to Mt. Athos, Greece Sun. Jan. 19th Outreach Parish Events Group Potluck Meeting after Liturgy Sun. Jan. 26th Ministries Sunday & Vasilopita Cutting Ceremony GOYA Broomball Game after Liturgy Mon. Jan. 27th AC/DC Adult Religious Ed 6pm Sun. Feb. 2nd Parish Special Assembly after Liturgy Mon. Feb. 3rd AC/DC Adult Religious Ed 6pm Tues. Feb. 4th Philoptochos Meeting in Church Library 6pm Fri-Sun Feb. 7th-9th Metropolis of Chicago Basketball Tournament in MSP Sun. Feb. 9th Triodion Begins: Publican & Pharisee *No Fasting all week* Thurs.-Fri. Feb. 13th-14th Winter GreekFest at University Square 11am - 2:30pm Wed. Feb. 19th Building Committee Meeting 5pm Parish Council Meeting 6:30pm Sat. Feb. 22nd Saturday of Souls 8:30am Orthros/Divine Liturgy Annual Parish Ethnic Potluck 6pm Sun. Feb. 23rd Meatfare Sunday: last Sunday meat products are eaten GOYA Snow Tubing after Liturgy - weather permitting Wed. Feb. 26th Philoxenia Meeting 6pm Wed. Feb. 26th GOYA Faith Night 7pm Sat. March 1st 2nd Saturday of Souls 8:30am Orthros/Divine Liturgy Sun. March 2nd Philoptochos Cheesefare Luncheon to benefit HC/HC

Wed.

Jan. 8th

Calendar for January 2014

PARISH ETHNIC POTLUCK

February th 2013, 7 PM FELLOWSHIP HALL
Celebrate our unique, multicultural parish family by sharing a favorite dish from your heritage. Hot or cold, spicy or sweet. Please bring your recipe! Beverages, utensils, and paperware will be provided. Bring family and friends for a gastronomical treat!!

Let us flee from the boasting of the Pharisee and learn through our own sighs of sorrow the humility of the Publican. The Publican and Pharisee, Feb 9th

Parish Council
A New Year and new beginning is upon us from many perspectives. We would like to welcome our newest member to the Parish Council, Jacob Peterson. Jacob comes to us with his professional experience as an Accountant but also with some valuable outside perspective serving on other Boards currently, and in the past. Our current Parish Council for 2014 consists of the following members:

Aaron Biedermann (President) Halina Woroncow (Vice President) Jacob Petersen (Treasurer) Andru Peters (Secretary) Erline Holman Don Jenkins Tim Kelly Bob Lytle Tia Maragos Fr. Mark Munoz

We would like to thank all of our Parishioners for your care, time and effort through many forms of stewardship this past year. We have shared many positive experiences and successes. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the successful outcome of ending our relationship with our tenants in the Parish Hall this past June. We have resumed the flexibility of utilizing the hall whenever needed for our many Ministries. However, this result was not without some sacrifice this past year. This presented our Parish with many difficult financial, ethical and spiritual decisions. Thankfully, we have accepted that responsibility through our stewardship of time, talents and donations. As a result of our efforts, we are in a position to slowly resume financial support of one of most important ministries, our youth. We will be utilizing our modest end-of-year positive financial margin to supplement youth activities on a case by case basis until an amendment can be made to the 2014 Budget during our Spring General Assembly. We are grateful to be able to resume this support since the youth of our church are our most valuable asset. We would like to thank everyone for your past, present and future contributions that you make to our Parish. We ask for your continued communication and collaboration with the Parish Council as we support you as a Parish. We look forward to planning for the future, rising to the challenges ahead, and supporting the many Ministries of our Parish. In Christ, Aaron Biedermann Parish Council President

MINISTRIES SUNDAY
January 26th 2014 after Liturgy
FELLOWSHIP HALL
Orthodox Christian Stewards are active participants in the life of the Church, and because of this our Parish Ministries are GROWING!!! COME AND SEE how YOU can GET INVOLVED to offer your time and talents back to God in support of His Church and her Ministries!

The three most great luminaries of the Three-Sun Divinity have illumined all of the world with the rays of doctrines.

The Three Holy Hierarchs Jan 30th

Youth Team Report

Behold, the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled. As a virgin you gave birth, and after giving birth you remained as before. For it was God who was born, and the nature of mankind was thereby restored... ( Theotokion, Service of the Sunday Vespers )

The youth approached the Nativity with an exuberant round of caroling at St. Marys Hospital - a tradition we look forward to every year. JOY, GOYA and their families, teachers, and friends combined to share the joy of our Saviors birth with patients relegated to a hospital bed for the season. How heartwarming to bring a smile to so many faces, and to have some raise their voices with ours, extending themselves beyond the confines of their beds.

Under the direction of Erline Holman our children, produced another beautiful Christmas pageant this year, portraying the Nativity icon. The familiar scene sprang forth before us as the children took their places in a living canvas depicting the birth of our Lord. Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

Let us flee from the boasting of the Pharisee and learn through our own sighs of sorrow the humility of the Publican. The Publican and Pharisee, Feb 9th

Youth Team Report

- continued -

To celebrate the Feast of the Holy Theophany (Epiphany) of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, JOY/GOYA children came together for a combined Faith Night event for the month of January

After the lesson Fr. Mark conducted a service of blessing the home using the holy water that was blessed on the Feast of Theophany.

Gathered around the icon of the Feast of Theophany, Fr. Mark told the story from the Gospels in images and color.

The three most great luminaries of the Three-Sun Divinity have illumined all of the world with the rays of doctrines.

The Three Holy Hierarchs Jan 30th

Youth Team Report

- continued -

The center of worship for a family is often the home, perhaps the holiest place there is. The home is where we gather with family to eat, to raise a family, to read the word of God. Jesus said, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him" (John 14: 23). After Theophany, the home also becomes a center of celebration during the annual house blessings. This service is not only a time for a family to gather and renew the home as a holy site; it can also become an opportunity for fellowship, to rejoice in the Lord together. All you who are thirsty, go now to the living water. For Christ will sprinkle with water that renews those who, believing, run to Him; and He baptizes them with the Spirit unto undecaying life. ( Troparion 2, Matins of Theophany) Wishing you many blessings in the New Year! Youth Team Coordinators, JOY - Loredana Jerghiuta GOYA - Halina Woroncow and Mike Brekke

Winterfest Gyro Booth @ University Sq.

Our parish will host a gyro booth during Winterfest at University Square, downtown Rochester on February 13th (Thursday) and 14th (Friday) from 11am to 2pm. In addition to gyros, there will also be souvlaki, pita, Greek salad, sodas and pastries. Please encourage family, friends, and coworkers to enjoy an authentic Greek lunch. All proceeds benefit the operational expenses of the parish. The booth is located on the second level courtyard at University Square near the elevators and skyways.

Let us flee from the boasting of the Pharisee and learn through our own sighs of sorrow the humility of the Publican. The Publican and Pharisee, Feb 9th

Philoxenia House News

The year 2013 ended on an exceptional high note for the Philoxenia House Ministry. The story began the first week of November when I received a telephone call from The Pan Arcadian Federation of America, an organization headquartered in Chicago, informing me that they were holding a Christmas Brunch in December and that they were donating one-third of all proceeds to the Philoxenia House Ministry. The funds would be raised by ticket sales and sponsorship and split between the Philoxenia House Ministry, St. Iakovos Retreat Center and The Childrens ward of the P.F.A. Hospital of Tripoli, Greece. I had never heard of this organization so I had to investigate. Having a pinch of Arcadian blood in me and being a philhellene, I knew that Arcadia was a prefecture in the Peloponnesos, but I needed to learn more. I learned that The Pan Arcadian Federation of America is the second largest Greek -American organization in America after the AHEPA. The organization is a nationwide, non-profit whose members descend from the Arcadia region in Greece. It was formed in the year 1931 in New York and grew quickly over the years. In the 1940s, The Pan Arcadian Federations of America realized the need for a hospital in Arcadia, Greece. The organization began to build the Pan Arcadian Hospital in Tripolis in 1947 and finished the project in 1950 at the cost of 3.5 million dollars and the hospital is still in operation. This is only one of the many philanthropic projects that the organization has completed over the years. In 1960, the organizations central offices were established in Chicago, Illinois. If not for the lack of writing space, I could go on and on. The Philoxenia House Ministry provided the Christmas Brunch with 100 of our new PR packets that would be displayed on the events tables. On Friday, December 13th, my wife Erline and I drove to Chicago to attend the event the following day, and we had the time of our lives. The event was beautiful and we met so many nice people who all greeted us with great warmth and friendship. We had the extreme privilege of sharing a table with His Grace Bishop Iakovos and new friends Nicholas and Tina Reveliotis, parents of George Reveliotis President of the Pan Arcadian Federation of America. The food and music was fantastic and the hall was beautiful. All three ministries were explained with great detail and kindness. At the end of the event, President George Reveliotis was excited to announce that a total of $25,000 had been raised to split between the three organizations. Also President Reveliotis announced that this effort would be repeated two more times; at Pascha in the spring and again next Christmas. The organizations dream is to raise a total of $100,000. On December 23rd, President Reveliotis and his father Nicholas drove all the way from Chicago to Rochester. The next day they shared breakfast with Father Mark and several of the Philoxenia House Committee members and presented the Philoxenia House Ministry with a check for $8,500. Isnt it exciting how God works though his faithful servants? Thank you Pan Arcadian Federation of America. I have some more exciting Philoxenia House news but I have run out of room and it will be fun to write about it in the next issue. In Christ, Bradley Holman President Philoxenia House Ministry

The three most great luminaries of the Three-Sun Divinity have illumined all of the world with the rays of doctrines.

The Three Holy Hierarchs Jan 30th

Philoxenia House News

~ continued ~
Scenes from The Pan Arcadian Federation of America Christmas Brunch

His Grace Bishop Iakovos addresses the attendees

The children sing carols in Greek

Special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus

There was plenty of activities for the children

Pan Arcadian Federation of America President George Reveliotis, accompanied by his Father Nicholas, presents Father Mark on behalf of The Philoxenia House Ministry with a check for $8,500.

Let us flee from the boasting of the Pharisee and learn through our own sighs of sorrow the humility of the Publican. The Publican and Pharisee, Feb 9th

Nicolas E. Maragos
Few parishes in the country can boast of a better qualified choir director than our Dr. Nicolas Maragos. And in keeping with our Patron Saints, he should be called Nick Anargyroi because he also works without pay. Nick is considered to be one of the topnotch composers and arrangers of Greek Orthodox Church music in the nation and was awarded the St. Romanos Medallion because of his outstanding contributions to church music. Named after a great composer of the early Christian Church, this is the highest award given a Greek Orthodox Church musician. Nick has arranged six Liturgies in Greek and English as well as other hymns and has also led workshops at Julliard. His talent as a composer has led to his presenting workshops in church music all over the country. As a founding member of the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians, he was invited to Holy Cross Seminary in Boston as a visiting scholar. He was one of the first church musicians to provide music with English texts to encourage congregational singing. And he has provided the research for the Annual Liturgical Guidebook. He is still at it, having recently completed arrangements for Orthos and the Kyrie Eleison at the beginning of the Liturgy. Nick has not only been our choir director but he has also been a member of the building committee and president of the parish council. He is known as a great benefactor of our church, too. Every year at the GreekFest, Nick and his family assemble gyros as they sing. Videos of these performances have been shown on YouTube and local television. Nick grew up in Racine, Wisconsin, the grandson of Greek immigrants. His parents were not particularly musical but his father, a factory foreman, managed to purchase a high fidelity record player with his modest salary. He brought home a steady stream of records - mostly pop music of the 50s and 60s. When Nicks parents noticed that he loved music, they purchased a piano when he was six and his mother took lessons with him. By the age of nine he was playing the organ for the Greek Orthodox Church in Racine. He continued to do this all through high school. It was during his years as chemistry major at the University of Wisconsin in Madison that he became interested in composing music for the Church. The choir director of Greek Orthodox Church in Madison, Dr. Michael Petrovich, who was also a professor of Russian history, encouraged him and became his mentor. It was at church that Nick met his wife Connie, who was majoring in music at the University. She went on to get a masters degree in voice and taught music at Century High School where she directed many of the schools musicals. She also has directed the past six years of musical theatrical productions for the Rochester Honors Choir. Dr. Petrovich needed a Greek folk music group to perform at an international festival and tapped Nick and Connie for this. They called themselves The Second Generation and performed throughout the area giving concerts of both folk and pop music. They also collaborated on a Greek songbook. And when they moved here, they formed a song and dance troupe named Special Delivery. Nick arranged their music and Connie choreographed the singing and dancing. After graduating from Madison, Nick had to make a choice music or medicine. He loved both and it was difficult to decide. Then he figured out that if he were a doctor, he could keep his music as a hobby, but that he couldnt be a musician with medicine as a sideline. So we are glad he chose medicine because that brought him here to Rochester where he began his internship and residency at the Mayo Clinic. He was inspired to specialize as an ear, nose and throat doctor after observing how a colleague in that field successfully treated Connies father and brother, and because he likes working in small complicated areas where he can use a microscope. So he became a specialist in surgery of the larynx and gained the reputation of being an artist in medicine because of his creative work in repairing damaged voices. Nick retired from Mayo in 2010 and continues to work at Refined Skin in Red Wing and, of course, to compose music for our Church. Nick and Connie have three adult children, Tia, John, and Mariya and all of them are musical. Nick and Connie were truly an answer to our prayers and we are glad they are here.

The three most great luminaries of the Three-Sun Divinity have illumined all of the world with the rays of doctrines.

The Three Holy Hierarchs Jan 30th

CHURCH NEEDS LIST

Please Contact Fr. Mark or Jackie to Donate
The vacuum cleaner has been donated!!! Coffee and coffee filters Candles Two AEDs (automated external defibrillator) Metropolis basketball tournament registration fee OCMC support (Divided between Hoppe and GOYA missions) Thank you!!! $110 per case 5 cases per year $4,200 per year $1300 each $300 per year $500 per month

BUDGET CUTS
Please Contact Fr. Mark or Jackie to Donate
Church School texts/supplies Parish youth activities Outreach efforts Repairs: Air Conditioner (7/8/2013) $750 per year $1,000 per year $500 per year $1,000

ST. ANTHONY THE GREAT

I saw the snares that the enemy spreads out over the world and I said groaning, "What can get through from such snares?" Then I heard a voice saying to me, "Humility."

Let us flee from the boasting of the Pharisee and learn through our own sighs of sorrow the humility of the Publican. The Publican and Pharisee, Feb 9th

Philoptochos Society
Dear brothers and sisters in CHRIST+ CHRIST is born! Glorify HIM! 2013 was another successful year for us in our Society which seems to be a culmination of our hard work , teamwork, faith, and blessings from God. In 2013, we raised and gave away to those in need nearly seven thousand dollars. Some of our biggest donations were to Father Marks Discretionary Fund ($1,633), GOYA ($1,000), the St. Philothei Project ($850) and the Hoppe Mission ($400). Other donations were to international, national, regional and local charities. May God continue to support us in our efforts to work for Him. Our Holiday Bake Sale was also very successful again this year as we raised a few hundred dollars more than last year with our proceeds at $2,709. Thank you to Penny Kolas, our bake sale coordinator and to all the people who ordered, baked, packaged and/or sold the pastries. Thank you! On Sunday January 12th, we will hold our Philoptochos Enrollment Sunday after Divine Liturgy. The purpose of this event is to share some of the highlights of our mission work, to seek new members and encourage support from the parish. We will provide loukoumathes at coffee hour for $5 a boat in which the proceeds will benefit our chapter. There will also be a chance to sign up for or renew your membership to Philoptochos. Our minimum membership is at 21 dollars which means that 15 of those dollars go to the national Philoptochos office and 6 of those dollars to the regional office; so any membership total beyond the 21 dollars, the proceeds go directly to our chapter. To become a Society Member, one must be an Orthodox Christian woman over the age of 18. We accept non Orthodox Christians who are married to an Orthodox Christian and also men as Associate Members which have the same requirements as the rest of us except for the ability to vote in meetings. The main mission of Philoptochos is to raise money to give away to others in need. It is the call of philanthrophy that we strive for in our work for God. In closing; I will share a few words from Father Seraphim Rose, may his memory be eternal. These words were intended for one of his spiritual children however the message is, in my opinion, for any actively practicing Orthodox Christian. Earlier this year; I struggled with wondering if Im positively moving forward spiritually or if I am causing spiritual mayhem within my life. I felt, even with my best spiritual efforts, a bit lost and understood that at the roots of my struggle was the sin of pride. Then one day I read these words from Father Seraphim and in an instant felt that I was released from emotional jail. Now I understand that logic, feelings or measurements cannot dictate my walk with Christ. That difficulty, much like the spiritual confusion I had, is a stepping stone towards a true relationship with our Lord. Personal faith and a deep, unwavering love for God are the most important spiritual jewels we can have. Saint Porphyrios says some of what we possess spiritually comes from not our own doing but also by Gods grace. This, along with Father Seraphims words, help eliminate elements of pride that can be so harmful to our spiritual growth. May we genuinely desire to grow closer to our Lord, possess in our hearts unceasing, loving prayer to Him and may God be merciful! Dont worry too much how spiritually poor you areGod sees that, but for you it is expected to trust in God and to pray to Him as best as you can, never fall into despair, and to struggle according to your strength. If you ever begin to think you are spiritually well offthen you can know for sure that you arent! True spiritual life, even on the most elementary level, is always accompanied by suffering and difficulties. Therefore rejoice in all your difficulties and sorrows. -Father Seraphim Rose Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Calli Kelly Philoptochos President

The three most great luminaries of the Three-Sun Divinity have illumined all of the world with the rays of doctrines.

The Three Holy Hierarchs Jan 30th

STEWARDSHIP The Rich Mans Mistake

Fr. Angelo Artemas
In the parable of the Rich Man/Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21) Jesus tells of the man who tears down his barns to build bigger ones. This sounds quite a bit like our days. Many cities and towns across our country are experiencing massive homes being built and older homes being torn down in favor of huge new ones. In addition to homes, witness the numerous Walmarts, Targets, Costcos, Home Depots, supermarkets and fitness clubs (ironically) being raised to resemble airports. But that's not all. Although there is some backlash lately, watch out for all those Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) on the road that seem to be getting bigger and bigger, and faster and faster. These vehicles are accommodating children and adults who are bigger than in previous generations. Mc Donald's may have done away with their "Super -Size" option, but Americans have not. Even so, it may not be the desire for more crops and bigger barns that are the rich man's undoing. When it is all over and done with, God asks him one simple question - "Fool, this night your soul is required of you, and all these things you have prepared, whose shall they be?" It is not the abundant crops and big barns that condemn the rich man, it is that they are not being shared and passed on to others. Being rich is not a sin, being selfish is. It can be argued that we have an obligation to maximize the fruits of the earth so that we may feed and provide for our children and for others. Working hard to provide for others is a virtue sometimes lost on a generation wishing to accumulate more cars, houses, jewelry and toys. Everything we have built, earned or amassed has come from God, and is a blessing. If we think everything we have has come from our own efforts, our possessions will be a curse. Sharing God's blessings is not only one of our obligations, it is one of the greatest joys in life. Not enough people today experience this joy. There is nothing wrong with wealth, as long as God is thanked and glorified, and the wealth is shared. There is nothing wrong with big homes, as long as they are filled with children and family members, and God is at the center of the home. There is nothing wrong with amassing crops and goods, as long as they are used to feed and provide for God's children. We are brothers and sisters in communion with each other. All that we have is from God, and intended to be shared with each other. The difference between a Philanthropist and a Rich Fool is the desire to share, and the desire to do for others and not for oneself.

Let us flee from the boasting of the Pharisee and learn through our own sighs of sorrow the humility of the Publican. The Publican and Pharisee, Feb 9th

ST. EPHRAIM THE SYRIAN JAN. 28TH

Saint Ephraim was born in Nisibis of Mesopotamia some time about the year 306, and in his youth was the disciple of Saint James, Bishop of Nisibis, one of the 318 Fathers at the First Ecumenical Council. Ephraim lived in Nisibis, practicing a severe ascetical life and increasing in holiness, until 363, the year in which Julian the Apostate was slain in his war against the Persians, and his successor Jovian surrendered Nisibis to them. Ephraim then made his dwelling in Edessa, where he found many heresies to do battle with. He waged an especial war against Bardaisan; this gnostic had written many hymns propagating his errors, which by their sweet melodies became popular and enticed souls away from the truth. Saint Ephraim, having received from God a singular gift of eloquence, turned Bardaisan's own weapon against him, and wrote a multitude of hymns to be chanted by choirs of women, which set forth the true doctrines, refuted heretical error, and praised the contests of the Martyrs. Of the multitude of sermons, commentaries, and hymns that Saint Ephraim wrote, many were transl ated into Greek in his own lifetime. Sozomen says that Ephraim "Surpassed the most approved writers of Greece," observing that the Greek writings, when translated into other tongues, lose most of their original beauty, but Ephraim's works "are no less admi red when read in Greek than when read in Syriac" (Eccl. Hist., Book 111, 16). Saint Ephraim was ordained deacon, some say by Saint Bas il the Great, whom Sozomen said "was a great admirer of Ephraim, and was astonished at his erudition." Saint Ephraim was the fir st to make the poetic expression of hymnody and song a vehicle of Orthodox theological teachings, constituting it an integral part of the Church's worship; he may rightly be called the first and greatest hymnographer of the Church, who set the pattern for these w ho followed him, especially Saint Romanos the Melodist. Because of this he is called the "Harp of the Holy Spirit." Jerome says that his writings were read in some churches after the reading of the Scriptures, and adds that once he read a Greek translation of on e of Ephraim's works, "and recognized, even in translation, the incisive power of his lofty genius" (De vir. ill., ch. CXV). Shor tly before the end of his life, a famine broke out in Edessa, and Saint Ephraim left his cell to rebuke the rich for not sharing their goods with the poor. The rich answered that they knew no one to whom they could entrust their goods. Ephraim asked them, "What do you think of me?" When they confessed their reverence for him, he offered to distribute their alms, to which they agreed. He himself cared with his own hands for many of the sick from the famine, and so crowned his life with mercy and love for neighbor. Saint Ephraim reposed in peace, according to some in the 379. year 373, according to others,

Presentation of the Lord Sunday, Feb. 2nd

Rejoice Virgin Theotokos full of Grace, for Christ our God, the Sun of Righteousness, has dawned from you, granting light to those in darkness. And you, O Righteous Elder, rejoice, taking in your arms, the Deliverance of our souls, who grants us Resurrection .

Triodion begins Sunday, Feb. 9th: Publican & Pharisee The Pharisees were an ancient and outstanding sect among the Jews known for their diligent observance of the outward matters of the Law. Although, according to the word of our Lord, they "did all their works to be seen of men" (Matt. 23:5), and were hypocrites (ibid. 23: 13, 14, 15, etc.), because of the apparent holiness of their lives they were thought by all to be righteous, and separate from others, which is what the name Pharisee means. On the other hand, Publicans, collectors of the royal taxes, committed many injustices and extortions for filthy lucre's sake, and all held them to be sinners and unjust. It was therefore according to common opinion that the Lord Jesus in His parable signified a virtuous person by a Pharisee, and a sinner by a Publican, to teach His disciples the harm of pride and the profit of humble -mindedness. Since the chief weapon for virtue is humility, and the greatest hindrance to it is pride, the divine Fathers have set these three weeks before the Forty -day Fast as a preparation for the spiritual struggles of virtue. This present week they have called Harbinger, since it declares that the Fast is approaching; and they set humility as the foundation for all our spiritual labors by appointing that the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee be read today, even before the Fast begins, to teach, through the vaunting of the Pharisee, that the foul smoke of self -esteem and the stench of boasting drives away the grace of the Spirit, strips man of all his virtue, and casts him into the pits of Hades; and, through the repentance and contrite prayer of the Publican, that humility confers upon the sinner forgiveness of all his wicked deeds and raises him up to the greatest heights.