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GREEK ORTHODOX COMMUNITY & PARISH

OF PROPHET ELIAS NORWOOD & EASTERN

SUBURBS INC.

87 BEULAH RD. NORWOO

NORWOOD SA 5067 P.O. BOX 277, KENT TOWN SA 5071
71
ALL CORRESPONDENCE T
TO THE HON. SECRETARY

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: 8362
62 4139 . 8431 7789 . 0412 710 037

05-06-16
32 . 1611

WEEKLY MAGAZINE

THE WORD OF GOD

PHONES: 8362 4139 H
H. 8431 7789 M. 0412 710 037

DATE 05-06-16
YEAR 32ND NUMBER 1611

WEB PAGE: WWW.PROPHETELIAS.ORG.AU

ONLINE MAGAZINE & RA
RADIO PROGRAM: WWW.PROPHETELIAS.BLOGSPOT.COM
GSPOT.COM
EMAIL
EMAIL: PROPHETELIAS@ESC.NET.AU

(. 16, 16-34) 5 2016

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SUNDAY OF THE BLIND MAN (Acts 16: 16-34) May 20th 2012
The prison guards conversion to Christianity makes an impression on us. He
was an important and powerful man, he was the man chosen by the
commander of the Roman Guards to watch with absolute care and vigilance
the prison in which the Apostles Paul and Silas were held. However, the thing
that makes an even greater impression is the fact that, his wife and his children
totally agreed with the great and sudden decision of the prison guard. It is an

amazing situation that we are obligated to examine in greater detail. First of all
we will look at the factors that contributed to the prison guard taking this great
decision. We call this decision great because he had to take into consideration
all of the horrible consequences that awaited him. From the start it seems that
the Apostles did not resist their arrest and imprisonment at all. This was the
first factor. The second, and most convincing factor, was the chanting and
hope that the Apostles displayed. Third, was their patience and the way that
they withstood the terrible beatings and wounds.

Fourth, was the strong

earthquake that shook the prison walls, broke the chains of the prisoners, and
opened the barred doors. Fifth, was the way that the Apostles took care so
that no blame would fall upon the guard.

The sixth factor was Pauls

confirmation that nobody would use this opportunity to escape, but that all
would remain present. Finally in his terrible despair because he feared that the
prisoners would take revenge on him for treating them so harshly, fell down at
the feet of the Apostles: Sirs, what must I do to be saved? this was the most
appropriate moment. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved,
you and your household . All these shocking events were important factors
that helped the prison guard to take decision.
We have already said that the event which surprised us most was the
spontaneity of the prison guards entire family, in accepted this change. They
accepted, without the slightest reservation, to believe in a faith that up until that
moment was completely unknown to them, and to be baptised! Firstly faith in
the Christian religion came, and then this was followed by baptism, this is clear
from the Apostles words towards the prison guard: Believe on the Lord Jesus
Christ

The members of the prison guards family did not see any of the events that
had occurred in the jail, why then did they believe? What made them into
believers? The guard was the head of the household. He held a substantially
high rank and had the favour of his commander. He and his family would have
lived well and peacefully, why then would they want to change? Why would
they want to live in fear of being ridiculed, criticised or even being driven from
their home land?

Why would they want to destroy their relationships with

friends and relatives?

These things we bring up based on that which we observe today, based on the
free way in which we see todays husband and wives, and their children live.
Today, even though each member of the family has the same religion and
were baptised by the same baptism in the Triune God, there is no evidence
that their belief or baptism are the same. Lets take a Sunday as an example
with just a few blessed exceptions- the father is busy in his garden, one child
playing sport of some sort and another playing a different sport, the daughter is
out with her friends, and the mother is at church.

This family is facing a

significant dilemma; each member has a different understanding of God and

their Christian faith in general. Of course we cannot neglect the fact that the
Apostles would have spoken of the truths of Christian faith to all of the
members of the prison guards family before their Baptism: Then they spoke
the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.
The same thing occurs today before a person is baptised and enters into the
Orthodox Christian faith. The same words are spoken, the same things are
said by all that are baptised. When children, due to their young age, cannot
express these words then adults, with fear of God undertake the responsibility

to sponsor the young child into the faith. They undertake the responsibility to
teach the truths of the Orthodox Christian faith and worship to the newly
baptised. It is not impossible that someone may ask: Why does there not
exist, in modern day families, spiritual coherence and a union of hearts in
issues of faith?

Certainly, we would not expect every member of the family to

have same interests in every aspect of life, but when it comes to issues of faith
there has to be coherence and a union of hearts. Yet disagreement remains,
and this brings spiritual disarray between family members. What is at fault?
We can answer with just two words, we would say: spiritual irresponsibility.
No matter what position of responsibility that a person holds, he needs to act
responsibly in that which he does. If the pilot does not control the aeroplane
responsibly, or the driver does not control the bus responsibly etc., then many
lives are at risk of ending terribly. Parents have an even greater responsibility;
God has granted them children and great responsibility. The same is true of
Godparents, who accept to undertake the spiritual education of the newly
baptised. Unfortunately it is often the case that neither the parents nor the
Godparents have taken the suitable spiritual responsibility, with the resulting
terrible consequences, poor pedagogical management occurs and the children
fall outside of the boat that is family. And because of this we propose the
educational methods that many parents and Godparents are already putting
into practice, with excellent results. They have removed themselves and
placed Christ at the centre of their family, He governs and harmonises every
member. He- Christ- has from the beginning placed the husband as the head
of the wife, not to exercise power over her, but to have the responsibility for
the family; Christ offers man the first place, responsibility, and care.

In this

way, the family does not become a battlefield to gain rights, but rather it
becomes a harbour of safety, and cell beneficial for the common body, a form
of discipline that works towards spiritual progress. It is not impossible that in
the house of the prison guard there existed disharmony within his family, but
from the moment that Christ entered so did peace and harmony. Everything
was smoothed over and they joyously accepted catechism, baptism and to live
according to the will of God.

28 , . Gabriel and Mrs Angela Haidar,

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News from our Community-Parish

Baptisms
On Saturday 28th May, the charming daughter of Mr. Gabriel and Mrs. Angela
Haidar was baptized in our Church. The godfather Mr. Danny Haidar gave her
the name Joanna.
On the same Saturday afternoon, the charming son of Mr. Evangelos and Mrs.
Anastasia Katsoulis was baptized in our Church. The godmother Mrs. Maria
Katsoulis gave him the name Loukas.
On Sunday 29th May, the charming son of Mr. Anastasios and Mrs. Clair
Fournarakou was baptized in our Church. The godmother Mrs. Angeliki
Karapetis gave him the name Theodoros.
May our Triune God enlighten the parents and godparents so they may raise
and guide the newly-baptized according to Gods commandments.

Church Services
This Wednesday (reflexion- apodosis) of Pascha, Matins and Divine Liturgy in
the order of the Resurrection service, 8am 10am. This is an opportunity for

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anybody who may have missed the Resurrection Divine Liturgy to come and
relive our Lords Resurrection within their hearts.
Wednesday evening, Vespers, 5.30pm 6pm and Thursday, Ascension of our
Lord, Matins and Divine Liturgy, 8am 10am. Afterwards, as many ladies who
can, please stay to help remove the flowers from the Epitafio.

Vigil
This Friday 10th June, Vigil in memory of the Holy Apostles Bartholomew and
Barnabas and the Gathering of Holy Archangel Gabriel, from 9pm. The Vigil
comprises Mikro Apodeipno, the 24 verses of the Akathist Hymn, Great
Vespers, Prayer in the Narthex, blessing of bread, mnemosyno for the
departed, Matins and Divine Liturgy, finishing shortly after midnight with
blessing of the table in our Community Centre Hall. This is a beautiful and
contritional service, where every pious Christian can feel the living presence of
God within.

Remembrance of the Conquest at Prophet Elias Norwood

On the Sunday of the Samaritan, after Divine Liturgy, there was a
remembrance service for the repose of the last and legendary Emperor
Constantine Palaiologos and the heroic and glorious people who fell with him
on the ramparts of the capital. The remembrance prayer was in the presence
of His Excellency the Consul-General of our Homeland in Adelaide Mr.
Andreas Gouras with his family, the President of the Constantinople Society of
S.A. Mr. Stefanos Nikolaidis, members of the Imbros Brotherhood, and various
other compatriots. With respect and palpable emotion, there was a brief
account of the heroic events and self-denial of all the Christian Orthodox
combatants, especially the legendary Emperor. After the service, the

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hospitable Parish of Prophet Elias received the official guests in our

Community Centre Hall.

Bible Study
Every Wednesday evening, from 7pm to 8pm, in the rooms of the Community
Centre of Prophet Elias, there are interesting discussions about Orthodoxy,
which can enrich the spiritual knowledge of every faithful Orthodox Christian.
The topics are presented in English and there is opportunity for everyone to
listen, ask questions and participate.

Community-Parish Annual Raffle

The Community-Parish Annual Raffle has been printed and is ready for
distribution. We ask our devoted parishioners, who recognize the financial
needs of our Parish, to obtain for themselves the $20 raffle book. We are very
pleased that people from other parishes have praised the general service
which they have received in our own parish, both in church and in considerate
friendliness. Indeed, there is an excellence, which we may not see, but which
others have observed and told us. Likewise, we should help every time our
Parish requests us to fulfil our obligations, such as the annual raffle.

Festival of our Patron Saint Prophet Elias the Thesvite

With the help of God and the intercessions of Prophet Elias, the time has come
again for us to celebrate and honour the Saint who knew not death. Our
Church is the only one in our Holy Archdiocese in Australia dedicated to
Prophet Elias. Therefore, in this blessed corner of the continent, we shall
celebrate with every dignity.

Annual Dance
As part of the celebrations of our Patron Saint Prophet Elias the Thesvite, the
Annual Dance will be held on 16th July, 6.30pm. The tickets have been printed

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and are available now. The band Trio Zorba with Tsambika de George
singing, will entertain us. A variety of delicious and freshly-cooked food will be
availabele. The ticket for full menu, door-prize, outstanding musical program
and family atmosphere, is only $30 for adults, $15 for children 12-18 years and
free for under 12s. Drinks extra. Please obtain your tickets as soon as
possible, to help us in preparations. We look forward to seeing you there.

Festival Program
Tuesday 19th July Eve of the Glorious Prophet Elias the Thesvite, Great
Celebratory Vespers with anoixantaria and artoklasia. His Grace Bishop
Nikandros of Doryleon will officiate, assisted by the Clergy of our Holy
Archdiocese and our sister Orthodox Churches of Adelaide. After Vespers and
a light refreshment, there will be the service of Holy Unction.
Wednesday 20th July Day of Prophet Elias, Episcopal Divine Liturgy with
Procession of the Holy Icon of the Saint around the Church grounds, officiated
by His Grace Bishop Nikandros of Doryleon, assisted by Clergy of our Holy
Archdiocese. Afterwards, His Grace will bless the feast in our Church Hall.

Yiros, after Church

Today Sunday and soon after the Church service, Yiros will be served by the
Ladies Auxiliary outside the Church for everyone. It is and opportunity for
everyone to purchase and try out, our freshly and tasty Yiros.

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