October 26, 2010 - Holy Great Martyr Demetrios

Today is the feast of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrios, the Myrrh-gusher of Thessaloniki.  This Saint, known for miraculous healings and as the steadfast protector of Thessaloniki, was a soldier who was faithful to Christ even unto death.  And now, having died to this world, he lives eternally with Christ.  Those who were present at Liturgy this morning were blessed with a cotton ball dipped in the fragrant myrrh that flows from St. Demetrios' relics in the church named for him in Thessaloniki. 

From Vespers for Feast of St. Demetrios
"O all-holy Lady, help of the world and hope of Christians, thee do we now beseech and thee do we supplicate, O good one, that thou make thy Son and Lord gracious unto us who have sinned and are in despair, O Theotokos; for thou canst do so by using thy boldness with Him as His Mother. Hasten, O immaculate Virgin, hasten to mediate and rescue thy people  from the peril that is come upon us; for thy tender compassion's sake, disdain not those who praise thee."
(Theotokion on "Lord, I have cried")

- 40 Days for Life: on the evening of October 29, St. Nicholas and St. George will team up for prayer at the Hope Medical center.  Please come and stand with us in prayer for the unborn, their parents, and all those involved in the abortion industry. 

- Wonderworking Icon of the Theotokos: The Kursk Root icon will be visiting DeQueen, AR on Saturday, October 30.  An Akathist service will be held at 10am at All Saints of America Mission.  Don't miss this opportunity to venerate this miracle-working icon of the Mother of God.

- Collection for Seminarians this Sunday: Besides being "Youth Month," October is also "Seminarian Month" in our Archdiocese.  Support the future clergy and other servants of the Church in our Archdiocese by your gifts this Sunday, October 31.

-Feast of St. Raphael of Brooklyn: St. Raphael's feast day is on November 6.  There will be a full cycle of services with Liturgy at 10am on Saturday morning, followed by our 3rd Annual Train Station Pilgrimage.

-Wine Tasting Fundraiser: This year's fundraiser is coming up on Tuesday, November 9th, and will take place at Savoie's at 6:30pm.  Tickets are available through Barry Busada.  Items for the silent auction are needed. For information about the silent auction, contact Jan or Hanan.

-Parish Retreat: Mark your calendar for a retreat at St. Nicholas on Saturday, November 13.  Our guest speaker will be Mother Nektaria from St. Paul's Skete in Grand Junction, TN.  See the flyer for details.