16th Sunday after Trinity – 27th September 2020
Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here
for the first time or visiting Athens. Mmasks must be worn at all times in the church and in the garden we must keep a 1.5metre distance from each other OR wear a mask. People from the same household can sit normally together. One of the sidespeople will direct you forward for Holy Communion. Your collection should be placed in the envelope provided and placed in one of the offering bags as you leave. There are individualized worksheets for children – please ask. There is coffee after the Liturgy (€1,00 to help church funds!)
The presiding priest is Fr. Leonard. The preacher is Deacon Christine.
Entrance Hymn: 336
Priest: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen
Priest: The Lord be with you
All: And also with you
The priest then welcomes the people of God and the deacon leads us into Confession.
Silence and stillness follows
All: Father eternal, giver of light and grace, we have sinned against you and against our neighbour, in what we have thought, in what we have said and done, through ignorance, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault. We have wounded your love, and marred your image in us. We are sorry and ashamed, and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past; and lead us out from darkness to walk as children of light. Amen.
Absolution: Almighty God, who forgives all those who truly repent, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gloria: Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God, the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Collect: Let us pray (remain standing as the priest prays the Collect of the Day)
Lord of Creation, whose glory is around and within us; open our eyes to your wonders, that we may serve you with reverence and know your peace in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Reading (please sit) Philippians 2, 1-13
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Reader: This is the word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God.
Gospel Hymn 456
Gospel Reading (turn towards the gospel book)
Deacon: Alleluia! Alleluia! The word of the Lord endures for ever. The word of the Lord
is good news announced to you. Alleluia!
All (sung): Alleluia
Deacon: The Lord be with you
All: and also with you
Deacon: Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Matthew (Matt. 21, 23-32)
All: Glory to you, O Lord
When Jesus entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.
At the end of the Gospel
Priest: This is the gospel of the Lord
All: Praise to you, O Christ. (Sung) Alleluia
Sermon (Please sit) Most sermons are available on the website
Creed (Please stand) We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father: through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Intercessions: Lord in your mercy: hear our prayer (Janet Athanasopoulou)
Peace: Blessed are the peacemakers: they shall be called children of God. We meet in the name of Christ and share his peace. The peace of the Lord be always with you.
All: And also with you.
We are not physically sharing the peace at this time.
Offertory Hymn 263 (omit * 5,6) Your collection should be placed in the envelope provided and handed in as you leave.
Priest: Wise and gracious God, you spread a table before us; nourish your people with the word of life and the bread of heaven.
All: Amen.
The Great Thanksgiving Prayer (Please remain standing for this)
Priest: The Lord be with you
All: and also with you
Priest: Lift up your hearts
All: We lift them to the Lord
Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
All: It is right to give thanks and praise
Priest: Blessed are you, Lord God our light and our salvation; to you be glory and praise for ever. From the beginning you have created all things and all your works echo the silent music of your praise. In the fullness of time you made us in your image, the crown of all creation. You give us breath and speech , that with angels and archangels and all the powers of heaven we may find a voice to sing your praise:
All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Priest: How wonderful the work of your hands, O Lord! As a mother tenderly gathers her children you embraced a people as your own. When they turned away and rebelled your love remained steadfast. From them you raised up Jesus our Saviour, born of Mary, to be the living bread, in whom all our hungers are satisfied. He offered his life for sinners and with a love stronger than death he opened wide his arms on the cross. On the night before he died, he came to supper with his friends, and taking bread, he gave you thanks. He broke it and gave it to them, saying: Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you, do this in remembrance of me.
At the end of supper, taking the cup of wine, he gave you thanks, and said: Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.
Deacon: Christ is the bread of life
All: When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus,
until you come in glory.
Priest: Father, we plead with confidence his sacrifice made once for all on the cross: we remember his dying and rising in glory, and we rejoice that he prays for us at your right hand. Pour out your Holy Spirit as we bring before you these gifts of your creation; may they be for us the body and blood of your dear Son. As we eat and drink these holy things in your presence, form us in the likeness of Christ, and build us into a living temple to your glory. Remember Lord your Church in every land. Reveal her unity, guard her faith, and preserve her in peace with our Bishop Robert and all the congregations of this diocese; bring your people at the last with the Holy Mother of God, Paul, and all the saints to the vision of that eternal splendour for which you have created us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom and with whom and in whom, with all who stand before you earth and heaven, we worship you in songs of everlasting praise;
All: Blessing and honour and glory and power be yours for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer: (to be prayed in your own language)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Priest: We break this bread to share in the body of the risen Christ.
All: Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread.
Sung: Jesus , Lamb of God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us.
Jesus, redeemer of the world,
grant us peace, grant us peace.
Invitation to Communion
Priest: Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Happy are those
who are called to his supper.
All: Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed
All baptized Christians may come forward to receive the body and blood of Christ. If you wish you may receive a blessing. Please let the Sides-people guide you forward.
Communion: the organ will play during the Distribution of Holy Communion
Post Communion Prayer: Let us pray (please stand)
Almighty God, you have taught us through your son that love is the fulfilling of the law; grant that we may love you with our whole heart and our neighbours as ourselves; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
All: Almighty God, we thank you for feeding us with the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Through him we offer you our souls and bodies to be a living sacrifice. Send us out in the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory. Amen.
Post Communion Hymn: 439 (omit * 3,4)
Blessing and Dismissal
Priest: God grant you grace to follow his saints in faith and hope and love; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be among you, and remain with you always. Amen
Deacon: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
All: In the name of Christ. Amen.
Next Week’s Readings: (Philippians 3, 4-14; Matthew 21, 33-end)
Next Week’s Readings: (Trinity 16: Philippians 2, 1-13; Matthew 21, 23-32)
Fr. Leonard’s usual Day Off – Monday (in emergencies contact Deacon Christine)
Home tel : 210 72 14 906; email anglican@otenet.gr
Deacon Chris: 22950 53164: Day Off – Friday.
Swedish Church: contact Fr. Bjorn on 694 607 2428
For all concert bookings and enquiries: 6937257578 and see booking form on website.
The Anglican Church in Greece (including St. Paul’s) is self- financing, and receives no income other than from the generosity of those who worship here. We are a legal body and we pay tax. Our tax number is 997073090. If you wish to donate direct to our bank (IBAN) the account with Piraeus Bank is: The Anglican Church in Greece, St. Paul’s Athens GR 820172 0500 0050 5008 6327 479 Swift code is PIRB GRAA income other than from the generosity of those who worship here.
Donate via PayPal
- Notices : The Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be today at Noon.
- Easter – Virtual and Viral A book of sermons preached by Fr. Leonard during the first weeks of lockdown is available. Cost €5,00 – all income from sales will go to St. Paul’s Church.
- Church Council will meet on Saturday 12th at 10.30am in St. Paul’s.
- Community Connect coffee Mornings – 2nd Wednesday of each month
- If you feel competent to ‘run’ Zoom in church so we can livestream our services, please speak with Fr. Leonard this morning.
Fundraising and Special Services for Autumn/Winter 2020
Saturday 26th September – there will be a church garden Autumn Sale from 10.00-15.00 hours. (Planning Meeting after Liturgy on 13th)
Sunday 4th October – Feast of St. Francis. At noon there will be a Thanksgiving for the Gift of Pets service in St. Paul’s. Gift envelopes will be printed up and available for donations. 10% of the collection will go to an animal charity.
Saturday 10th October – ‘Gift Day’ from 11.00-13.00hrs Fr. Leonard will be at the church to receive donations from individuals in thanksgiving for St. Paul’s Church. Envelopes will be available and a ‘Giving Blessing’ will be offered.
Christmas Bazaar – 22nd November. We must assume it will go ahead as normal. There will be an open meeting for stall holders/interested individuals on Saturday 17th October at 11.00 in St. Paul’s. We need a co-ordinator/s.
Quiz Nights – Jean Mertzenakis has arranged three nights before Christmas. Oct 16th, Nov 13th, Dec 4th.
Community Connect Coffee Mornings: Oct 14th, Nov 11th venue to be confirmed (Other Coffee Mornings – the last Sunday of each month in the Church garden)
Harvest at Kokotos Vineyard – information to be announced
Christmas Carol Singalong – 2 December dates this year, Dec 6th and 20th both at 18.30.
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Twitter: @AthensAnglican
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