March 2015 ¨1645 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32308 ¨ (850) 878-0747 ¨ Rev. Fr. Robert J. O’Loughlin¨ http://www.hmog.org

The Date of Pascha/Easter ~ A Message from Fr. Robert

It is a typical question that we may be asked in most years is why the Orthodox Church celebrates Pascha on a differ-ent date from other Christian denominations. This year we celebrate Pascha/Easter one week after most other Christians. So I thought once again that we would touch upon this topic of the calculation of when we celebrate Pascha.

Our celebration of Pascha was formed from the Jewish Passover. Initially, those Christians converted from Judaism celebrated Pascha in accordance with the Jewish calendar and on the same date of the feast of Passover. “Pascha” was celebrated the 14th of the lunar month of Nisan, regardless of the day of the week upon which it fell. The Church-es of Asia Minor followed this practice while other churches in the east and west celebrated the Feast on the Sunday following this date. By the 3rd century, all the churches were celebrating Pascha on the Sunday following the 14th of Nisan. This determined the Jewish calculation of Passover, which is on the first full moon following the vernal equi-nox. However, following the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD the Jews depended on local pagan calendars for their calculation.

So with difficulties with inadequate calendars, the issue of the date of Pascha continued. It was resolved in 325 at the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea as the early Church Fathers determined the Pascha date to be the first Sunday after the first full moon of the spring equinox. However, despite the intervention in Nicaea, certain differences in the technicalities of regulating the date of Pascha remained thereafter. This resulted in occasional local variations until, by the 6th century, a more secure mode of calculation based on astronomical data was universally accepted. This was an alternative to calculating Pascha by the Passover and consisted in the creation of so-called "paschal cycles." Each paschal cycle corresponded to a certain number of years. In the East, a 19-year cycle was eventually adopted, whereas in the West an 84-year cycle. The use of two different paschal cycles inevitably gave way to differences be-tween the Eastern and Western Churches regarding the observance of Pascha. According to the decree of the First Ecumenical Synod, the date of Pascha can only occur on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25. However, due to the discrepancy that exists in the Orthodox Church today because of the use of two calen­dars, the Julian (Old) and the Gregorian (New), the dates of March 22 and April 25 are superimposed on the new calendar. March 22 in the new calendar is April 3, while April 25 is May 8. This reflects the 13 day difference between the two calendars. In this way all Orthodox Christians celebrate Pascha on the same day, but not on the same date.

With the adaptation of the Gregorian calendar in 1582, which adjusted for the more accurate length of the year, dif-ferences in the celebration Pascha continued. As various Christian churches have entered into dialogue in the past century, there has been a renewed interest in resolving the issue. Again, the two main points in the Orthodox calcula-tion of Pascha are: 1) the first Sunday after the first full moon of the spring equinox and 2) the first Sunday after the Jewish Passover.

As far as the terms that are utilized for the Resurrection of Christ, which are Pascha and Easter, there are questions related to why there are different terms for the Feast of Feasts. Pascha is derived from the Jewish word Pesah which means "Passover". For Christians, Christ was the Paschal Lamb, the fulfillment of all that the Passover had foreshad-owed since the first Passover which celebrated the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. We celebrate "Pascha," the New Passover; the victory of the new Paschal Lamb who shed His blood for the salvation of all people. The word Easter is derived from the word Eastra, the name of the goddess of the rising light of day and spring and the annual sacrifices associated with her. Ultimately, it led to mean that Christ, our Light, rose from the grave. In early English translations of the Bible the word Easter was substituted for the word Passover. Even though Easter may be linked to the name of a pagan goddess or ceremonies, the feast which the word describes, is Christian without question. Hence, it is appropriate for us to use the proper term, "Pascha" but as St. Paul warned believers in his day, let us not get dragged down with a dispute about mere words, as stated in 2 Timothy 2:14; "not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers". The important matter is the reality of the Death and Resur-rection of Christ.

Continued good strength in your Lenten journey.

Fr. Robert

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Our next ECHO Sundays are Sunday, March

1st, and Sunday, April 5th. Please drop off your

non-perishable food donations into the bins located in the Hel-

lenic Center and Patmos Hall.

If an emergency or special need should arise, please contact Fr. Rob immediately at 850-559-8184.

Dear Parishioners, February was a very productive month for our church. The Parish Council addressed a number of important matters while our

ministries were successful in meeting their objectives and performing beyond expectations.

On February 2, the Parish Council held a joint meeting with the 2015 Festival Booth Chairs. The main purpose of this gathering was to review the overall plan and identify critical aspects of the event. At the end of the same week, on February 6, our Spaghetti Luncheon and Dinner approached record level results. I cannot thank enough our volunteers, especially those above the 80 and 90 years mark, for their continuous support and valuable work toward this ministry and other endeavors of our Church.

At the monthly meeting, on February 9, the Parish Council discussed the streamlining of this year's capital improve-ment projects as well as preventive maintenance and repairs. We are about to embark into an early "Spring Cleaning" effort this year in order to be ready on time for Easter. Volunteers are needed and, as always, we encourage everyone to participate. We are sure, you will be surprised to find out of things you can do for our church! Shortly after the end of the month, we will be entering the Holy Week. Keeping with the tradition, our church plans a pancake breakfast on Saturday of Lazarus, a fish luncheon on Palm Sunday, Avgolemono soup on Great Saturday night and the

Paschal Glendi with lamb dinner after the Agape Service on Easter Sunday. Wishing you a Wonderful Great Lent Journey!

Καλή Σαρακοστή,

Pete Koikos

Next Spaghetti Dinners: Friday, May 1st Friday, June 5th

Mark your calendars for the

This year's Greek Food Festival is scheduled

for Friday, October 2nd and Saturday,

October 3rd

MARCH 22, 2015

Following Divine Liturgy

CELEBRATION OF THE

ANNUNCIATION OF THE THEOTOKOS

AND GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

Luncheon

ADULTS ... $12.00

For STUDENTS and CHILDREN is FREE

Grilled Shrimp over Rice Cole slaw, Bread, Coffee, Tea and Dessert

Sponsored by AHEPA

AHEPA News The annual AHEPA Valentine's party was held on Saturday February 14. Many thanks to all the volunteers. In particular, Jimmy Koikos, Mike Papageorge, Dennis Cassidy, Richard Allen and Manny Joanos for the delicious meal, and Stelios Manias for attending the bar. Also, Sally Papageorge and her helpers for the beautiful decorations and for organizing the raffle.

We hope that everyone will join us on Sunday, March 22 to celebrate the Annunciation of Theotokos and the Greek Inde-pendence Day. The next AHEPA meeting will be on March 15 after the Holy Liturgy.

Mike Burmester, President

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Page 4

Next OCF Meeting March 16th

The St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival will be March 4, 2015, following Presanctified Liturgy.

Elementary Division (local festival only) for students in grades 4–6

Junior Division for students in grades 7–9

Senior Division for student in grades 10–12

Upcoming events

Sun Mar. 8th—GOYA Mtg.

Sun Mar. 22nd –Youth Sunday

Sat. Apr. 4th - Lazarus Saturday Pancake Breakfast

Fri –Sat Apr. 24th -25th –Trip to Wild Adventures

February Meeting

GOYAns packing IOCC emergency kits

Daylight Saving Time

Remember to turn your clocks forward 1 hour on Sunday, March 8, 2015 @ 2:00 am or before going to sleep!

February Meeting

Page 5

Easter Candy

It would be greatly appreciated if anyone would like to donate individually wrapped candy (non-

chocolate) or plastic eggs for the children’s Easter egg hunt. Please drop off at the church office.

Lilies for Pascha

If you would like to donate an Easter Lily plant ($15.00) in memory of a loved one, please complete the form that is located in the Narthex or church office and return to church office by Friday,

April 3rd. The May Reflections and the weekly handout will list the names you submit of those to be memorialized.

If your daughters, 1st thru 6th grades, are interested in being Myrrh-bearing girls,

please let the church office know at 850-878-0747.

Dear Parishioners and friends,

Again, this year, our church will celebrate commencement of the Holy Week and Easter with a fish

luncheon on Palm Sunday and the traditional lamb dinner on Easter Sunday. As always, the food will be

delicious and bountiful. We want to be fully prepared and make sure that we have plenty for everyone and a

little more. Please let us know if you, and how many, will be attending by completing the form below and place it in the box located in the Narthex or give it to a Parish Council Member or the church office.

THANK YOU!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2015 Palm Sunday Luncheon

& Easter Dinner Participation Plan

NAME: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

PALM SUNDAY EASTER SUNDAY

Number planning to attend Fish Luncheon Lamb Dinner

Adults _____ _____

Students/Children over 10 yrs. old _____ _____

Children 10 yrs. old and under _____ _____

Saturday of Lazarus

Community Pancake

Breakfast

(Hosted by GOYA)

Saturday, April 4th

following Divine Liturgy at 9:00 a.m.

Palm-folding and fellowship

Craft table for children

Fish Luncheon following Liturgy

Adults $14.00 Children & Students $8.00

Children under 10 no charge

Page 6

Thank you to all of our members and everyone who helped and supported our Family Fun Day! It was great fun and extremely delicious!!!

Coming

Friday April 17

From 11:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Tell your friends and neighbors! Fun for the whole Family!

Menu includes

Gyro, Fries and Tea - $ 10

Greek Salad - $7

Pastries and other beverages will be available for purchase Come Enjoy Our Food and Music!

Pre-purchase your meals at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/my-big-fat-gyro-feast-tickets-15813988064 or

see any Philoptochos member

Our “Annual Dinner” was totally SOLD OUT! What more could one ask for

Everyone’s favorite day - “Family Fun Day” was a Huge Success With proceeds plus other donations going to

The Saint Nicholas National Shrine at the World Trade Center

Next Meeting March 12 at 6:00 pm in the Patmos Hall Conf. Room.

Page 7

Annunciation of the Theotokos Celebrated on March 25th

Six months after John the Forerunner's conception, the Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth, a town of Galilee, unto Mary the Virgin, who had come forth from the Temple a mature maiden (see Nov. 21). According to the tradition handed down by the Fathers, she had been betrothed to Joseph four months. On coming to Joseph's house, the Archangel declared: "Rejoice, thou Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." After some consideration, and turmoil of soul, and fear because

of this greeting, the Virgin, when she had finally obtained full assurance concerning God's unsearcha-ble condescension and the ineffable dispensation that was to take place through her, and believing that all things are possible to the Most High, answered in humility: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." And at this, the Holy Spirit came upon her, and the power of the Most High overshadowed her all-blameless womb, and the Son and Word of God, Who existed before the ages, was conceived past speech and understanding, and became flesh in her immaculate body (Luke 1:26-38).

Bearing in her womb the Uncontainable One, the blessed Virgin went with haste from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea, where Zacharias had his dwelling; for she desired to find Elizabeth her kinswom-an and rejoice together with her, because, as she had learned from the Archangel, Elizabeth had con-ceived in her old age. Furthermore, she wished to tell her of the great things that the Mighty One had been well-pleased to bring to pass in her, and she greeted Elizabeth and drew nigh to her. When Eliza-beth heard Mary's greeting, she felt her six-month-old babe, Saint John the Baptist, prophesied of the dawning of the spiritual Sun. Immediately, the aged Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and recog-nized her as the Mother of her Lord, and with a great voice blessed her and the Fruit that she held within herself. The Virgin also, moved by a supernatural rejoicing in the spirit, glorified her God and Savior, saying: "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour," and the rest, as the divine Luke hath recorded (1:39-55).

The following parishioners have submitted a stewardship form as of February 25th. If you have any questions, please contact the Parish Council Treasurer Glen Perrigan at pappaglen@gmail.com or

(850) 294-2738.

Andris, Steve & Jackie Atayants, Armen & Irina Grigoryan Balogh, Andrew A. & Cynthia P. Branch, Harold & Catherine Buford, Georgia H. & Lewis Burmester, Michael & Rodamanti Chiorescu, Irinel & Corina Collier, Michael & K.P Drzewiecki, Alex & Meredith Fetzko, R.J. Futch, Tiffany & Scott Garland, James & Sophia Gavalas, Mike & Vicky Gavalas, Janet Gavalas, Victor & Mary Gonatos, Michael Gorb, Jorge & Carol Hadoulis, Peter & Kathy

Hodges, Maria Ilin, Yuri & Larisa Kuleshova Nichols, Iphigenia (Genie) Joanos, George Joanos, Stamatia Jarosynski, Jan & Svitlana Kalinska Keith, Stacy Klonis, Nicholas & Mary Koikos, Pete & Zografia Langston, Sophia Lapointe, Corinne Leftheris, James & Julie Lockwood, Yvonne Manias, Stelios Mantzanas, Catherine Markovich, Martin & Elizabeth Mathes, George & Kathy McMillan, Cynthia & W. Norman

Milatos, Emmanuel Milatos, Irene Mookas, Thomas & Deborah O’Loughlin, Fr. Robert & Presv. Joy Pappas, Nicholas A. Patronis, Johnnie & Mari Perrigan, Glen & Dianne Phipps, Jeffrey & Mary Mathes Poulos, Andrew & Koula Price, Burton & Roie Reeves, Corinna Salter, Sheppard Strosnider, Siham Talantis, Kathleen Tsiklistas, John & Helen Vlandis, John & Katherine C. Webb, Dorothy Deanna

Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church

1645 Phillips Road Tallahassee, Florida 32308

Return Service Requested

Sunday of Orthodoxy

Celebrated March 1st

Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church

1645 Phillips Road Tallahassee, FL 32308

Office: 850-878-0747 Hall: 850-877-2501

Fr. Rob’s Cell:

850-559-8184

Website: www.hmog.org

Email Addresses:

Father Rob: fr.robert@comcast.net

Church Secretary: hmog@comcast.net

Secretary Hours: Mon./Wed./Fri. 9am-2pm