News
Great Blessing of the Water
On the Feast of Holy Epiphany, the Great Blessing of the Water is conducted on the Eve and on the Feast Day, in commemoration of our Lord's baptism by St. John the Baptist in the River Jordan. In the days following, the priests bless the homes of those who have requested it, as is tradition.
The Great Blessing of the Waters which is conducted on the Forefeast of Epiphany and on the Feast Day itself is exactly the same and has the same sanctifying effect. The prologue which is read on the actual Feast Day of Epiphany expounds on the nature and meaning of the Feast.
The perception that we should not partake in the Holy Eucharist on the Feast Day of Epiphany in order that we may receive Great Holy Water is incorrect. Great Holy Water can never replace Holy Communion, which is the Body and Blood of Christ. First we receive Holy Communion, then Great Holy Water, followed by Antidoron. Great Holy Water is kept throughout the year, in order that the faithful may partake of it "for the bestowing of sanctification, for the remission of sins, for the healing of soul and body, and for every true need".
Blessing of Homes
Parishoners who would like their homes blessed by Father Sotirios with the Holy Water of Epiphany, are kindly asked to submit their details (name, address, phone) to the Church office by the 1st of January 2012.
Saints of Cyprus Feast Day
Τhe Church of Cyprus, in recent years, has dedicated the first Sunday of October to the many Saints who are connected with the island of Cyprus.
Therefore, this year, on Sunday 2nd October 2011, the Feast Day for the Saints of Cyprus will be celebrated at our Church.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a Procession of the Holy Icon of the Saints of Cyprus will take place, and refreshments will be served in our Parish and Community Hall.
We ask all Orthodox Christian to come and honour the Saints of Cyprus.
Holy and Great Lent 2011
Behold, now is the accepted time: behold, now is the season of repentance.
Let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light, that having sailed across the great sea of the Fast, we may reach the third-day Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
A Blessed and Prosperous New Year 2011!
Father Sotirios, the President and the Members of the Parish and Community Executive Committee, the Ladies' Auxiliary Committee and the Youth, pray that God blesses "the Cycle of the Year" and grants to each and every one of us health of body and soul, and all spiritual and material blessings.
Orthodox Scripture Classes at Public Schools
For many years, our Parish and Community has appointed Scripture teachers at most public schools within the area to teach our children the beauty of the Orthodox Faith based on the Holy Scriptures and the Tradition of the Church. Scripture Teachers are volunteers and conduct this weekly mission purely out of their love for the children and for the Church.
Should you have the time to volunteer as a Scripture teacher yourself, please feel free to contact Father Sotirios and all support will be provided to facilitate this.
Orthodox Scripture classes are a privilege provided by our public schools!
A Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year
Father Sotirios, the President and the members of the Executive Committee, Ladies' Auxiliary Committee and Youth Fellowship, pray that "Christ our true God who was born in a cave and lay in a manger" may grant to us health of body and soul, and bestow upon us all blessings, spiritual and material.
The Artoclasia Service: Blessing of the Loaves
The Blessing of the Fives Loaves, known as the Artoclasia (which literally means "breaking of the bread"), is a sanctifying service, during which the basic products of the earth (wheat, wine and oil) are blessed. The service is conducted on the feast days of our Church, during Vespers and All-Night Vigils. It is also conducted during Matins, before the commencement of the Divine Liturgy, but not at the end of the Divine Liturgy.
This Service is a commemoration of the miracle in which Christ multiplied the five loaves and fed the multitudes in the wilderness (Matthew 14: 19 – 20).
The purpose of this service is the spiritual nourishment of the faithful through the partaking of the bread. The faithful offer their gifts, that is, the five loaves, wine and oil, along with the list of living persons' names, as a sign of devotion for personal or family anniversaries such as name days and other occasions. The Church blesses them and calls upon God "who blesses and sanctifies the universe" to bestow His bountiful blessings upon those making the offering and to grant them health, well-being and prosperity.
Following the blessing, the loaves are cut into pieces which are distributed to the faithful. Fasting is not required in order to eat this bread.
June/July 2010 Newsletter
Inside Volume 4, Issue 1:
- Father Sotirios Message
- Message: Executive Committee
- Ladies Auxiliary
- St. Paraskevi Feast Day
- Greek School
- Senior Group
- S.P.Y.C.E.
- Playgroup
- Bible Study
- Greek Dancing
June/July Newsletter (PDF, 3.5 MB)
Sanctify those who love the beauty of your house …
With much pleasure we inform you that we are completing the Iconography in the Holy Altar, as follows:
- Archangel Michael
- Archangel Gabriel
- Hexapterygon A
- Hexapterygon B
- Prophet Isaiah
- Prophet Jeremiah
- Prophet Ezekiel
- Prophet Daniel
- Prophet Elias
- Prophet Moses
(Each Icon is priced at $2,500)
Also, we are expecting from Greece the following wood-carved items:
- Crucifix Base ($1,800)
- Epitaph Frames ($1,500 each)
If you are interested in making a donation or contribution please contact Father Sotirios.
Dance in Aid of Church rendering
On Saturday the 6th June 2009, our Parish and Community hosted a "Dance in aid of Church Rendering". The dance raised the amount of $14,000. We would like to thank all those who attended and supported the function. We especially would like to thank the people who organised and funded the dance and would like to remain anonymous. Thank-you!
Sanctify those who love the beauty of your house …
With much pleasure we take this opportunity to inform you that we have taken on the great task of rendering the interior of our Church.
We, therefore, issue a warm-hearted appeal to all, that you may assist us — if possible — by making a contribution, as
you have done in the past — and continue to do so — in order that we may be able to see this task completed.
We pray that God may continue to bestow His blessings upon you and your family, through the intercessions of the Holy and Glorious
Saint Paraskevi.
If you are interested in making a donation please contact Father Sotirios.