Bulletin for Sunday, August 1, 2021

6th Sunday of Matthew

THE TRANSFIGURATION

About a week after Jesus plainly told His disciples that He would suffer, be killed, and be raised to life (Luke 9:22), He took Peter, James, and John up a mountain to pray. While praying, His personal appearance was changed into a glorified form, and His clothing became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus about His death that would soon take place. Peter, not knowing what he was saying and being very fearful, offered to put up three shelters for them. This is undoubtedly a reference to the booths that were used to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, when the Israelites dwelt in booths for 7 days (Lev. 23:34–42). Peter was expressing a wish to stay in that place. When a cloud enveloped them, a voice said, “This is My Son, whom I have chosen, whom I love; listen to Him!” The cloud lifted, Moses and Elijah had disappeared, and Jesus was alone with His disciples who were still very much afraid. Jesus warned them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after His resurrection. The three accounts of this event are found in Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36.

Undoubtedly, the purpose of the transfiguration of Christ into at least a part of His heavenly glory was so that the “inner circle” of His disciples could gain a greater understanding of who Jesus was. Christ underwent a dramatic change in appearance in order that the disciples could behold Him in His glory. The disciples, who had only known Him in His human body, now had a greater realization of the deity of Christ, though they could not fully comprehend it. That gave them the reassurance they needed after hearing the shocking news of His coming death.

Symbolically, the appearance of Moses and Elijah represented the Law and the Prophets. But God’s voice from heaven – “Listen to Him!” - clearly showed that the Law and the Prophets must give way to Jesus. The One who is the new and living way is replacing the old – He is the fulfillment of the Law and the countless prophecies in the Old Testament. Also, in His glorified form they saw a preview of His coming glorification and enthronement as King of kings and Lord of lords.

The disciples never forgot what happened that day on the mountain and no doubt this was intended. John wrote in his gospel, “We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only” (John 1:14). Peter also wrote of it, “We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with Him on the sacred mountain” (2 Peter 1:16-18). Those who witnessed the transfiguration bore witness to it to the other disciples and to countless millions down through the centuries.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion. Mode pl. 1.

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.

For the Cross. Mode 1.

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy, and by Your Cross protecting Your commonwealth.

Apolytikion for the Church, St. John Chrysostom, Mode pl. 4

The grace that from your mouth shone forth like a torch illumined the universe. It deposited in the world the treasures of the absence of avarice. It showed us the height that is attained by humility. Now you instruct us by your words, Father John Chrysostom. Intercede with Christ God, the Word Himself, entreating Him to save our souls

Kontakion. Grave Mode.

Upon the mountain were You transfigured, and Your disciples beheld Your glory as far as they were able, O Christ our God; so that when they would see You crucified they might understand that Your Passion was deliberate, and declare to the world that in truth You are the Father's radiance.

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Epistle Reading

The reading is from Paul's Letter to the Romans.

Brethren, having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

Gospel Reading

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

At that time, getting into a boat Jesus crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say 'Rise and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins," he then said to the paralytic—"Rise, take up your bed and go home." And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

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St. JOHN’S PRAYER CIRCLE

Please include the following names of our brothers and sisters in our parish and families, along with others who are in need of our prayers. If you have or know of someone who needs to be included in our regular prayers, please let us know.

Linda, Calliope, Salena, Lora, Roger, and Gina.

SERVICES AND MEETINGS AUGUST 2nd - 15th
Sunday, Aug. 1st	Matins and Divine Liturgy, 9-11:30AM	40 Day Memorial for Elijah Christos Tsafterides.
		Coffee hour sponsored by his grandparents, Christos and Saadia Tsafterides in his memory
Monday, Aug. 2nd	Paraklisis, (Supplications to the Virgin Mary), 6PM
Wednes., Aug. 4th	Paraklisis, (Supplications to the Virgin Mary), 6PM
Friday,	Aug. 6th	Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord, Divine Liturgy, 10AM
Sunday, Aug. 8th	Matins and Divine Liturgy, 9-11:15AM with a delicious	Fish Luncheon sponsored by Nick and Mimi Dionisopoulos as a fundraiser in memory of Mimi’s mother Maria and in honor Of All those celebrating their Feastday on the 15th.
Monday, Aug. 9th	Paraklisis, (Supplications to the Virgin Mary), 6PM
Wednes. Aug. 11th	Paraklisis, (Supplications to the Virgin Mary), 6PM
Friday, Aug. 13th	Paraklisis, (Supplications to the Virgin Mary), 6PM
Sunday, Aug. 15th	DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS, Orthros and Divine Liturgy,	9-11:15 AM. With another delicious luncheon of STUFFED CABBAGE following services, sponsored by John and Mersini Doukas as a fundraiser for Saint John Chrysostom parish.