As we begin our Lenten journey, I pray that our Lord and Savior will bless all of you richly & deeply as we draw closer to Him.
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight" Philippians 1:9
Sunday Of Orthodoxy February 21
The Sunday of Orthodoxy is the first Sunday of Great Lent. The dominant theme of this Sunday since 843 has been that of the victory of the icons. In that year the iconoclastic controversy, which had raged on and off since 726, was finally laid to rest, and icons and their veneration were restored on the first Sunday in Lent. Ever since, this Sunday has been commemorated as the "Triumph of Orthodoxy."
The icon of the Sunday of Orthodoxy commemorates the "restoration" of icons in the churches and to their use in Orthodox worship. The focal point of the icon is an icon itself, the Virgin Hodegetria, a popular depiction of the Theotokos as "Directress," or literally "She who shows the way to God." The icon is carried by two angels.
The icon also represents the triumphant procession that was made on Sunday, March 11, 843, from the Church of the Theotokos in Blachernai to Hagia Sophia, where a Liturgy was celebrated to mark the restoration of icon.
Bring an icon to church with you on Sunday. There will be no Sunday School classes. After communion all students are to return to the first two pews on the left side of the church.
The Akathist Hymn - Friday Night During Lent
The Akathist Hymn and Small Compline are two services which are sung on the first five Fridays during Great Lent.
Father John has offered an opportunity during this Lenten season for a deeper spiritual participation in our journey this year.
Father John would like to have 2 high school students for each of the five Friday nights during Lent to read the prayers during the service.
The service begins at 6:30pm and finishes in approximately one hour. Below are the remaining dates. Anyone interested should contact Father John.
February 26; March 5, March 12, March 19.
Calling All Girls ~ and Boys....
Boys ~ Father John will be putting together an Altar Boy schedule. If you are not currently serving in the Altar and would like to do so, please see Father John.
Girls ~ If you would like to participate in the Sunday service, and are interested in reading the Epistle reading during the Liturgy, please let Father John know.
Upcoming Events
Prosphoron Making
Dates & Details to Follow
St Nick Camp Fundraiser Luncheon
Sunday, April 18 & May 23
Holy Friday Retreat
Friday, April 2
Details to Follow
1st Annual Greek Immersion Summer Camp
"The Greek Village"
June 12-19
St. Nicholas Ranch
for children ages 6-11
Call 650.594.9585 for additional information
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LENTEN PRAYER OF SAINT EPHRAIM, THE SYRIAN
O Lord and Master of my life! Take from me the spirit of laziness, the desire to get ahead of other people, and to boast & brag. But give rather a pure and humble spirit, the will to be patient with other peolple and to love them.
O, Lord and King! Grant me to see my own errors and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.
Contact Information
Sunday School Director
Tina Dimitrion
Closing Headline
Thank you. Look forward to seeing all of you on Sunday. If anyone has ideas, suggestions or recommendations for Sunday School and or Youth Activities, please let us know.
Parents, if you would like to have your child receive this newsletter or if you know anyone else that would like to receive our newletter, please forward their email address to me.
Sts. Constantine & Helen | 930 Lunalilo | Honolulu | HI | 96822
