“In birth, you preserved your virginity; in death, you did not abandon the world, O Theotokos. As mother of life, you departed to the source of life, delivering our souls from death by your intercessions.” Hymn of the Feast

The Epistle Reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians 2:5-11 - BRETHREN, have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The Gospel Reading is from Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28 - At that time, Jesus entered a village; and a woman called Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve you alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.” As he said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

- Sunday, August 15, College Students to be blessed before leaving for School - On Sunday, August 15th, immediately following the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Elias will ask all college students to stand before the Holy Altar and he will offer a blessing prayer over them asking God to bless them and protect them during the school year and always. All college students, both commuters and those living away, are asked to attend the Divine Liturgy on August 15th. Please spread the word!

- BIBLE CAMP. Just completed one full and exciting week. Sixty-six children participated in our Bible Camp program with 35 counselors/assistants conducting the various activities: Religion, Orthodox Life –discussions. Arts and crafts, Music, Sports- Olympic games, and the Norwalk Aquarium.

- CANDLELIGHT BALL, Saturday, September 18, 2010, Cocktails 7 pm, Dinner & Dancing 8 pm Ritz Carlton, White Plains Have you booked the babysitter? Brushed off the tux or dress? Decided what level of giving to the journal? Sent in your response card? We are celebrating the 10th year anniversary of Fr. Elias and Presbytera Melanie at our parish and looking forward to a splendid evening of dining, dancing, and fellowship. The reservation table is staffed during coffee hour every Sunday or you can send your reservation to the Church Office. Also express your appreciation to Fr Elias and agape for our Church by recording your tribute in the Candlelight Ball Journal, the proceeds of which will be dedicated to refurbishing the Church facilities and grounds. The summer is quickly passing! Because most of the arrangements are taking place in the next few weeks, please make your reservation along with seating preference, and fill out the attached journal entry form as soon as possible, so we can most effectively plan prior to the Labor Day Holiday.

PROJECT MEXICO: Our annual mission trip for 2010, to Tijuana, Mexico was a very successful one. During coffee hour, (date to be announced) some of the participants George Hazlaris, Anthony Kambysellis, Bobby Georgioudakis, Demetri Livanos, Nick Megdanis, Georgia Theofanis and Catherine Thomas, will show slides/photos of their trip, showing what they accomplished, and what made their experience so fulfilling and productive. God bless them for having taken on this worthy mission.

PRE-K GREEK PROGRAM: The Saturday Pre-K Greek class for little ones ages 3 to 4 ½ will begin on Sept. 11th; The class meets from 11 am to 12 noon. Youngsters can learn a foreign language very easily. They are taught songs, they learn numbers, colors, letters; they will be able to greet someone in Greek and many will be able to carry on a simple conversation. They truly enjoy the class. Sandy Canaras (Stratigoula) is an excellent teacher, the children respond positively to her. You can register your children by calling Sandy. Give your children the opportunity to learn a second language. For more information and to register your children, call Sandy Canaras at 914-741-2139.

- DECEMBER 10- Basilie the Comedian will be in Rye offering a comedy show in Marros Hall. More details will be forthcoming. Please save the date!!!

- If anyone has a family member who is not able to attend Church Worship Services due to illness, elderly age, etc., please notify Fr. Elias so he can arrange a visit and offer Holy Unction and or Holy Communion on a regular basis. Unless we are made aware, we will never know the needs of those who cannot attend Church worship services on their own. It is critically important for a family member, relative or friend to inform the Church so that the infirmed can receive Holy Communion. We do everything we can to provide the best quality care for our loved ones, which is very important. But what about the care for their souls? Please call the office and we will do whatever we can to help facilitate this most sacred responsibility. Or email Fr. Elias at frelias@optonline.net

- Please join us for Paraklesis to the Most Holy Virgin Mary beginning at 6:30pm on September 8th. The paraklesis is a prayer service offered for those who are alive and suffering from illness or whatever struggle. Please email the names of those alive to Fr. Elias at father@gocoos.org so they may be lifted up in prayer that evening. Our Saviour Bible Fellowship is a ministry of the Church that focuses on the study of Holy Scripture. We also have great discussions on teachings of the Orthodox Church. Please join us!
6:30pm -Paraklesis
7:30pm -Bible Fellowship

-The sacrament of Holy Confession has always been a central part of an Orthodox Christian’s spiritual journey during Great Lent and in preparation for Pascha. Anyone interested in participating in this Holy Sacrament of Confession and Reconciliation can meet with Fr. Elias before or after any of the weekday services, or call Kathy in the office to make an appointment 914-967-2838 or email kathysp@optonline.net

- Our mothers and fathers passed on the great tradition of Orthodoxy through our beloved Church of Our Saviour. Help us pass it on to the next generation. When you next review your will or living trust, ask your attorney to add a provision making a bequest to the Greek Orthodox Church of Our Saviour. Your bequest can be either a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of your estate.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Sunday School Begins - Sunday, September 26
Greek School Begins - Saturday, September 11
Candlelight Ball - September 18
Greek School Dinner Dance - November 13
Basil the Comedian - Friday, December 10