THE EPISTLE

Prokeimenon: Sing praises to our God, sing praises.

Clap your hands, all you nations.

The reading is from The Acts of the Apostles.

IN THOSE DAYS, as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints that lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed." And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, "Please come to us without delay." So Peter rose and went with them. And when he had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing tunics and other garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, rise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

THE EUCHARISTIC OFFERINGS

The Holy Oblations are offered at the Offertory of the Great Entrance today for the health and welfare of those living members, and for those departed this life in Christ, of the Mandalakis Family.

The Coffee and Reception Hour in the Church Hall is offered today by our Teen SOYO. We remind our parishioners that each family should take its turn and sponsor the Coffee and Reception Hour for the parish. Please see the chart posted in the Church Hall which lists what is needed in order to offer this Sunday reception. We encourage families to join together when possible, but please do not wait to sign up for this “family gathering” and Coffee Hour.

PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Today we celebrate MOTHER’S DAY. And so we congratulate all the mothers and grandmothers of our parish. Indeed, we pray for the continuance of those virtues and values of “motherhood” which have characterized the most primary relationship in life! May God grant mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters – anyone of these who have “cared” for others in the same spirit as Our Lady, the Blessed Theotokos, the prototype of all maternal love. Many Years!

2. THURSDAY, MAY 18^th, the first Festival 2006 Meeting; all chairs must be present. The Festival for this year, our “Golden Jubilee” Festival, is chaired by Lois Dedes and John Gakos. The meeting will begin promptly at 7:30 PM. (PLEASE NOTE: This is a NEW date, changed from the previously announced date). Again: THURSDAY, MAY 18^th!

3. WEDNESDAY, MAY 24^th, the Town Hall Committee will meet at 7:30 PM in the Multi-Purpose Room, to review this past year’s program, and to determine in light of that next year’s program.

4. WEDNESDAY, MAY 31^st, the Vesperal Liturgy for the feast day of the ASCENSION OF THE LORD, beginning at 7:30 PM. The actual feast day is June 1^st, this Liturgy being celebrated on the Eve of the Feast (which is the beginning of the next day).

5. LOOKING AHEAD

Sunday, June 4^th, our annual CHURCH PICNIC, sponsored by St. Anthony’s Fellowship. Look for more information regarding this day.
Monday, June 5^th, our annual St. Anthony’s Golf Outing, again sponsored by our Fellowship, and chaired by Don DiNovi. Please speak to Don or any of those responsible for information, and PLEASE help us by SPONSORING this event. There are various opportunities in which we can do this. All proceeds from this event are contributed to St. Anthony’s!
PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE, July 6-9, 2006. This year the PLC is being sponsored by the Cathedral of St. George of Oakland (Pittsburg, PA), and will be held at the Pittsburgh Airport, Marriott, 777 Aten Road, Coraopolis, PA, 15108. The special rate of $84.00 plus tax for single/double occupancy is available for two days before and two days after the conference. There are flyers, schedules, etc. in the Narthex.

6. NO FASTING from Pascha until the Feast day of Ascension, again because, as the Scripture says, we do not fast “while the Bridegroom is with us.” Thus, we do not fast as long as we sing the “Christ Is Risen.”

7. NO KNEELING in the Church from Holy Pascha until Pentecost (June 11^th), when we call upon the Holy Spirit and kneel for the first time.

8. DID YOU KNOW? There is still another gift to be offered for our Golden Anniversary Celebration, either in memory of your loved ones, or to celebrate a wedding anniversary, a birthday, etc. The new solid wooden Gospel Lectern (now in the Chapel). The contribution to pay for this offering is $500.00 All names of those for whom such gifts are offered will be commemorated on the “Tree of Life” at the entrance to the North Complex. As of now 17 of the 33 possible gifts have been taken. All gifts are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please see Deacon Peter if you are interested in offering any of these Golden Anniversary gifts to remember those you love.

9. REGISTRATION for the Church School year 2005-2006 will take place over the next few weeks. PLEASE REGISTER YOUR CHILDREN TODAY! This is a “parental responsibility,” and every parent should realize the importance of a proper Orthodox Christian Education in light of the culture in which our kids are living today! See Registrar Irene Kavountzis today!

May 14, 2006

THE EPISTLE