Gregory Palamas Saint Sophia Cathedral Miami, Florida March 31st 2024 Telephone: 305- 854-2922 Website: saintsophiamiami.org Address: 2401 S.W. 3rd Avenue Miami, Florida Mailing : 244 SW 24th Road Miami, Florida. 33129 This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica.
Apolytikion for the Resurrection– Tone PL 2 Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρὶ καὶ Πνεύματι, Let us worship the Word who is unoriginate * with the Father and the Spirit, and from a Virgin was born * for our salvation, O believers, and let us sing His praise. * For in His goodness He was pleased * to ascend the Cross in the flesh, and to undergo death, * and to raise up those who had died, * by His glorious Resurrection Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the PL 4 Ὀρθοδοξίας ὁ φωστὴρ, Ἐκκλησίας τὸ στήριγμα καὶ διδάσκαλε Light of Orthdoxy, pillar and teacher of the Church, adornment of monastics, invincible champion of theologians, O Gregory thou wonderworker, boast of Thessalonica, herald of grace: ever pray that our souls be saved Apolytikion for St. Sophia Tone 3 Χαίρει ἔχουσα ἡ Ἐκκλησία, σὲ καὶ τέκνα σου καύχημα θεῖον, Having you and your three daughters as a sacred boast, the Church rejoices and with gladness she praises you, You are to me my pride and joy, as are the most precious relics of your children; Oh Glorious Martyrs: Sophia, Faith, Hope and Love, intercede to Christ our God to save our souls. Kontakion Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!" ὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοὶ ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε, Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοί, Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε. Liturgical Guide
Scripture Readings The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12 At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!" Epistle Reading The Reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3 In the beginning, thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation? Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him. Gospel Lesson
HOW TO BE INVOLVED DURING GREAT LENT. March 22 - May 5, 2024 You are invited to participate in serving as a reader during the Great Lenten Season— on Fridays, for the Salutations to the Virgin Mary, March 29, April 5, April 12, and April 19. For Holy Week, The following days and times are available for you to participate: HOLY WEEK—Saturday of Lazarus, April 27, 9:00 am; Palm Sunday, Bridegroom Services—Sunday, April 28, 2024, 5:00 pm; Holy Monday, April 29, 7:00 pm; and Holy Tuesday, April 30, 7:00 pm; Holy Wednesday Afternoon, May 1—Epistles 1 or 7, 4:00 pm; and Holy Wednesday Evening, May 1, 7:00 pm; Holy Thursday morning, May 2, 9:00 am; and Thursday evening, May 2, 6:30 pm; Good Friday Morning, May 3, 9:00 am; Good Friday Evening, May 3, 7:00 pm; Holy Saturday Morning, May 4, 9:00 am; and/or Agape Service— May 5, 2024, 11:30 am AGAPE SERVICE—GREAT AND HOLY PASCHA— EASTER SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2024. The Holy Gospel, Verses—St. John 20:19-25—are read in as many languages that parishioners can participate. Can you read in Latin, French, German, Spanish, Albanian, Italian, Hebrew, Portughese, Romanian, Farsi, Ukrainian, Russian, Bulgarian, Polish, Turkish, Arabic, or Serbian? Please call the Church office or Elaine Lailas to indicate your interest in this spiritual experience. Church Office—305-854-2922 or Elaine Lailas—305-858-3491, or [email protected] or text at 305-281-5787.
Save the Date April 28th
Attention Student’s 2024 Summer/Fall Scholarship Applications ae now available March 15, 2024 = April 30, 2024 AHEPS Chapter 421– North Miami Chapter Is pleased to offer scholarships valued up to $5,000 to Student with: • member (parents) in current/good standing at a Gerek Orthodox Church • +proof of South Florida residency • +and other criteria within the application • +submitting an application is FREE *All Scholarships and the Scholarship Awards Value are subject to the Scholarship Committee’s decision (s) Please request a digital application by providing your name and email address at: Text: 786-754-6289 or email address: ahepa421 northmiamigmail.com mail to : AHEPA 421 Scholarshiop Committee Pak N Ship-Mailbox #421 4839Volunteer Road 4840Davie, Florida 333330 Scholarships Available
UPCOMING EVENTS March 31st Sunday, St. Gregory Palamas Matins 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM April 3 rd Wednesday, Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 7:00 PM April 5th Friday, Salutations to the Virgin Mary 7:00 PM April 7th Sunday, Holy Cross Matins 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM The Story of the Paralytic Importance of having good Christian friends a. They pray for you. b. They encourage you to worship. c. When your faith is shaken (as happens to all of us at least occasionally), they help to build up your faith again. d. Everyone has questions about the faith or the Bible—a good friend can either provide or help us find these answers. e. A Christian friend holds you accountable. SUNDAY SCHOOL Charmolypê or “bright sadness” Bright Sadness, this beautiful expression is one that can fill our senses during Great Lent. One of the ways that we show this is with the beautiful flowers that adorn the Icons during this season. Your contribution to purchase these flowers assists us with beautifying the church and expressing this feeling of Bright Sadness. Please assist the Philoptochos by offering a gift towards this year’s flowers.