Holy Cross Sunday (September 13th 2020)

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here

for the first time or visiting Athens. We will have some gentle singing this morning – masks must be worn at all times in the church and in the garden and we must attempt to keep 1.5m distance. 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 is coffee again in the garden after the Liturgy – masks and social distancing please! Coffee is €1,00 (to help church finances)

The presiding priest and preacher is Fr. Leonard.

Entrance Hymn:  the organ will play two verses of hymn 237

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 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) 

Almighty God, who in the passion of your blessed Son made an instrument of painful death to be for us the means of life and peace; grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ that we gladly suffer for his sake; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one god, now and for ever. Amen.

Reading                                                                                        Philippians 2, 6-11

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: The organ will play a verse of hymn 92  

Gospel Reading        (turn towards the gospel book)

Priest:       Alleluia! Alleluia! The word of the Lord endures for ever. The word of the Lord

is good news announced to you.  Alleluia!

All (said): Alleluia            

Priest:       The Lord be with you

All:             and also with you

Priest:       Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. John (John 3, 13-17)

All:             Glory to you, O Lord  

No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

At the end of the Gospel

Priest:      This is the gospel of the Lord

All:            Praise to you, O Christ. 

The organ will play a well known Alleluia tune

Sermon  (Please sit)  Most sermons are available on the website in print and pre-recorded

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  (Magdalen Imarghiagbe)

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 currently not shaking hands with ours neighbours, but please greet each other.

(The bread and wine, signs of our work and life, are brought forward to the altar and received with the words)

The organ will play three verses of hymn 295

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- in the responses please sing gently while keeping your mask on)

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:  It is indeed right and good, our duty and our joy, always and everywhere to give you thanks, holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Today we celebrate with songs of praise the cross, the victory-sign of Christ. Once through the fruit of the forbidden tree we fell, now through this tree our Saviour cancels all our sin. An instrument of shameful death has become for Christ a throne of glory. The power of the life-giving cross reveals the judgement that has come upon the world and the triumph of Christ crucified. And so, with choirs of angels and with all the heavenly host, we proclaim your glory and join their unending hymn of praise:

All: (sing gently) 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.

Priest:     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:   (sung gently)

             Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us

             Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us

             Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world, 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 of Christ. If you wish you may receive a blessing. Please let the Sides-people guide you forward.  

Communion Hymn:  the organ will play hymn 307

Post Communion Prayer:  Let us pray     (please stand)

Faithful God, whose Son bore our sins in his body on the tree and gave us this sacrament to show forth his death until he comes: give us grace to glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, for he is our salvation, our life and our hope, who reigns as Lord, now and forever. 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.

Blessing and Dismissal

Priest:        Go in peace to love and serve the Lord

All:              In the name of Christ. Amen.

Next Week’s Readings: Trinity 15    Philippians 1, 21-end; Matthew 20, 1-16

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.

1. Notices : The Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be on Sunday 20^th Nomination forms for Council Membership and Church Wardens will be available soon.
2. Easter – Virtual and Viral A book of sermons preached by Fr. Leonard during the first weeks of lockdown. Cost €5,00 – all income from sales will go to St. Paul’s Church.
3. Church Council will meet on Saturday 12^th at 10.30am in St. Paul’s.
4. Community Connect coffee Morning – this Wednesday at 11.00-12.30
5. If you feel competent to ‘run’ Zoom in church so we can livestream our services, please speak with Fr. Leonard this morning. 

6. FUNDRAISING AND SPECIAL SERVICES FOR AUTUMN/WINTER 2020

7. Saturday 26^th September – there will be a church garden Autumn Sale from 10.00-15.00 hours. (Planning Meeting after Liturgy on 13^th)
8. Sunday 4^th October – Feast of St. Francis. At noon there will be a Blessing 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 10^th 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 – 22^nd November. We must assume it will go ahead as normal. There will be an open meeting for stall holders/interested individuals on Saturday 17^th October at 11.00 in St. Paul’s. We need a co-ordinator/s.

   Quiz Nights – Jean Mertzenakis has arranged three nights before Christmas. Sept 11^th(cancelled), Oct 16^th, Nov 13^th, Dec 4^th.

   Community Connect Coffee Mornings: Sept 9^th (Church Garden) Oct 14^th, Nov 11^th venue to be confirmed (Other Coffee Mornings – the last Sunday of each month in the Church garden)

   Wine Tasting- Anne Kokotos has agreed an Autumn wine tasting. The date is to be confirmed and we hope it will be in the Garden of the British Residence

   Christmas Carol Singalong – 2 December dates this year, Dec 6^th and 20^th both at 18.30.

13th Sunday after Trinity (September 6th 2020)

St Paul’s Athens

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens. We will have some gentle singing this morning – masks 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. We will start having coffee after the Liturgy soon.

The presiding priest and preacher is Fr. Leonard. The deacon is Deacon Christine Saccali.

Entrance Hymn:  the organ will play two verses of hymn 265

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) 

Almighty God, you search us and know us: may we rely on you in strength and rest on you in weakness, now and all our days; 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.

Reading                                                                                        Romans 13, 8-end

⁸ Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. ⁹ The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” ¹⁰ Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. ¹¹ Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; ¹² the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; ¹³ let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. ¹⁴ Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Reader:  This is the word of the Lord

All:          Thanks be to God

Gospel Hymn: The organ will play a verse of hymn  334  

Gospel Reading        (turn towards the gospel book)

Priest:       Alleluia! Alleluia! The word of the Lord endures for ever. The word of the Lord

is  good news announced to you.  Alleluia!

All (said): 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 (Mt. 18, 15-20)

All:             Glory to you, O Lord

¹⁵ “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. ¹⁶ But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. ¹⁷ If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. ¹⁸ Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. ¹⁹ Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

At the end of the Gospel

Deacon:   This is the gospel of the Lord

All:            Praise to you, O Christ. 

The organ will play a well known Alleluia tune

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:  (please sit or kneel)   Lord in your mercy: hear our prayer  (Lynn Stavrou)

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 currently not shaking hands with ours neighbours, but please greet each other.

(The bread and wine, signs of our work and life, are brought forward to the altar and received with the words)

The organ will play three verses of hymn 495

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- in the responses please sing gently while keeping your mask on)

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…

… we may find a voice to sing your praise:

All: (sing gently) 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:   (sung gently)

             Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us

             Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us

             Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world, 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 of Christ. If you wish you may receive a blessing. Please let the Sides-people guide you forward.  

Communion Hymn:  the organ will play 286

Post Communion Prayer:  Let us pray     (please stand)

God our creator, you feed your children with the true manna, the living bread from heaven: let this holy food sustain us through our earthly pilgrimage until we come to that place where hunger and thirst are no more; 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.

Blessing and Dismissal

Deacon:     Go in peace to love and serve the Lord

All:              In the name of Christ. Amen.

Next Week’s Readings: Holy Cross Sunday: Philippians 2, 6-11; John 3, 13-17

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.

1. Notices : The Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be on Sunday 20^th Nomination forms for Council Membership and Church Wardens will be available soon.
2. 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.
3. Church Council will meet on Saturday 12^th at 10.30am in St. Paul’s.
4. Community Connect coffee Morning – this Wednesday at 11.00-12.30
5. 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 26^th September – there will be a church garden Autumn Sale from 10.00-15.00 hours. (Planning Meeting after Liturgy on 13^th)

Sunday 4^th October – Feast of St. Francis. At noon there will be a Blessing 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 10^th 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 – 22^nd November. We must assume it will go ahead as normal. There will be an open meeting for stall holders/interested individuals on Saturday 17^th October at 11.00 in St. Paul’s. We need a co-ordinator/s.

Quiz Nights – Jean Mertzenakis has arranged four nights before Christmas. Sept 11^th(cancelled), Oct 16^th, Nov 13^th, Dec 4^th.

Community Connect Coffee Mornings: Sept 9^th (Church Garden) Oct 14^th, Nov 11^th venue to be confirmed (Other Coffee Morning – the last Sunday of each month in the Church garden)

Wine Tasting- Anne Kokotos has agreed an Autumn wine tasting. The date is to be confirmed and we hope it will be in the Garden of the British Residence

Christmas Carol Singalong – 2 December dates this year, Dec 6^th and 20^th both at 18.30.

We have more than 1,000 Facebook followers – we are focusing our need for income to this group, and a PAYPAL facility is now available on our website.

Liturgy of the Word 30th August 2020

Welcome to St Paul’s Athens,   especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens. Due to Government COVID-19 restrictions protective masks must be worn at all times in the church AND in the garden. There are no refreshments after the Liturgy, and we are not permitted yet to sing any hymns. Seating – try to ensure you are 1.5m away from any neighbour. Thank you for your co-operation as together we seek to control this virus in Greece.  Deacon Christine leads our worship, and is the preacher.

Entrance: The organ will play

Minister:  Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you

All:            and also with you.

Minister:  O Lord, open our lips

All:            and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Minister: Give us the joy of your saving help

All:            and sustain us with your life-giving Spirit.

The minister then welcomes people informally.

Prayers of Penitence

Minister:   Jesus says, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand. So let us turn away from our sin and turn to Christ, confessing our sins in penitence and faith.

All: Lord God, we have sinned against you;

       we have done evil in your sight.

       We are sorry and repent.

       Have mercy on us according to your love.

       Wash away our wrongdoing and cleanse us from our sin.

       Renew a right spirit within us  and restore us to the joy of your salvation;

       through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Minister:  May the Father of all mercies cleanse us from our sins, and restore us

in his image to the praise and glory of his name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All:            Amen

Psalm:

¹ Vindicate me, O Lord,
for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
² Prove me, O Lord, and try me;
test my heart and mind.
³ For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in faithfulness to you.

⁴ I do not sit with the worthless,
nor do I consort with hypocrites;
⁵ I hate the company of evildoers,
and will not sit with the wicked.

⁶ I wash my hands in innocence,
and go around your altar, O Lord,
⁷ singing aloud a song of thanksgiving,
and telling all your wondrous deeds.

⁸ O Lord, I love the house in which you dwell,
and the place where your glory abides.

First Reading :  Romans 12, 9-end

At the end of the reading:

Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

All:         Thanks be to God.

Minister:  Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead.

All:            And Christ shall give you light.

Minister:  You have died and your life is hid with Christ in God.

All:            Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead.

Minister:  Set your minds on things that are above,  not on things that are on the earth.

All:            And Christ shall give you light.

Minister:  When Christ our life appears you will appear with him in glory.

All:            Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead,  and Christ shall give you light.

The Benedictus   Luke 1, 68-79     (Please stand to say the canticle together)

1. Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel, who has come to his people and set them free.
2. He has raised up for us a mighty Saviour, born of the house of his servant David.
3. Through his holy prophets God promised of old to save us from our enemies, from the hands of all that hate us,
4. To show mercy to our ancestors, and to remember his holy covenant.
5. This was the oath God swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
6. Free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
7. And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
8. To give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of all their sins.
9. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
10. To shine on those who swell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be; world without end.  Amen.

The organ will play before the reading of the gospel

Gospel Reading                                                                                      

Minister:  Alleluia, Alleluia.  We do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

All:           Alleluia

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (Matt. 16, 21-end)

All:          Glory to you, O Lord.   (We listen to the words of Jesus.)

(After the Gospel)  This is the Gospel of the Lord.
All:          Praise to you, O Christ.         

Sermon   (Please be seated)  

The Apostles’ Creed  (remain  standing)

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.  On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of God the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.    Amen.

Intercessions:   Lord in your mercy,  Hear our prayer.  (Intercessor: Jean Metzanakis)

Collect for any season:  

Almighty God, give us reverence for all creation and respect for every person, that we might mirror your likeness in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

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.

The Peace      (Please stand)   The peace of the Lord be always with you

All:                   and also with you

Notices

 Minister:     Let us say the Grace together:    The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore.   Amen.

11th Sunday after Trinity (August 23rd 2020)

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here

for the first time or visiting Athens. Due to Government COVID-19 restrictions protective masks must be worn at all times in the church AND in the garden. There are no refreshments after the Liturgy, and we are not permitted yet to sing any hymns. Seating – try to ensure you are 1.5m away from any neighbour. Thank you for your co-operation as together we seek to control this virus in Greece. The presiding priest is Fr. Leonard. The preacher is Alice Karanja.

Entrance: The organ will play

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 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 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 Father. Amen.

Collect:  Let us pray    (remain standing as the priest prays the Collect of the Day) 

God of glory, the end of our searching, help us to lay aside all that prevents us from seeking your kingdom, and to give all that we have to gain the pearl beyond all price, through Christ our Saviour. Amen.

First Reading    (please sit)                                                         Romans 12, 1-8

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

Reader:  This is the word of the Lord

All:          Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading        (turn towards the gospel book)

Reader:     Alleluia! Alleluia! The word of the Lord endures for ever. The word of the Lord

is good news announced to you.  Alleluia!

All (said):  Alleluia            

Reader:     The Lord be with you

All:             and also with you

Reader:     Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Matthew (Matt. 16, 13-20)

All:             Glory to you, O Lord

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

At the end of the Gospel

Reader:   This is the gospel of the Lord

All:            Praise to you, O Christ. 

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:  (please sit or kneel)   Lord in your mercy: hear our prayer. Intercessor: Linda Paparsenos

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.

(The bread and wine, signs of work and life are placed on the altar and received with the words)

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.

Your collection this morning should be placed in the basket as you leave church.

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.

Priest:     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.

Said:   Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us

             Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us

             Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world, 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 of Christ. If you wish you may receive a blessing. Please let the Sides-people guide you forward. Keep your distance of 1.5m.  

Post Communion Prayer:  Let us pray     (please stand)

Lord of all mercy, we your faithful people have celebrated that one true sacrifice which takes away our sins and brings pardon and peace: by our communion keep us firm on the foundation of the gospel and preserve us from all sin; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

All: We thank you, Lord, that you have fed us in this sacrament, united us with Christ, and given us a foretaste of the heavenly banquet prepared for all peoples.  Amen.

Notices

Blessing and Dismissal

Priest:     The peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in

the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; and the

blessing…. Amen.

Priest:     Go in peace to love and serve the Lord

All:           In the name of Christ. Amen.

Next Week’s Readings:  Romans 12, 1-8; Matthew 16, 13-20

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. Christine is on leave most of August

Swedish Church: Fr. Bjorn is recuperating from a serious illness – no contacts please

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. We can also receive donations by PayPal – there is a link on our Website.

Fundraising and Special Services for Autumn/Winter 2020

10th Sunday after Trinity (August 16th 2020)

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens. Due to Government COVID-19 restrictions protective masks must be worn at all times in the church AND in the garden. There are no refreshments after the Liturgy, and we are not permitted yet to sing any hymns. Seating – try to ensure you are 1.5m away from any neighbour. Thank you for your co-operation as together we seek to control this virus in Greece.

The presiding priest and preacher is Fr. Leonard.

Entrance: The organ will play

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 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 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 Father. Amen.

Collect:  Let us pray    (remain standing as the priest prays the Collect of the Day) 

Lord of heaven and earth, as Jesus taught his disciples to be persistent in prayer, give us patience and courage never to lose hope, but always to bring our prayers before you; 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.

READ MORE

Fundraising and Special Services for Autumn/Winter 2020

NOTICES

1. The Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be on Sunday 20^th September.  Nomination forms for Council Membership and Church Wardens will be available soon.

2. 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.

Fundraising and Special Services for Autumn/Winter 2020

Saturday 26^th September – there will be a church garden Autumn Sale from 10.00-15.00 hours.

Sunday 4^th October – Feast of St. Francis. At noon there will be a Blessing 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 10^th 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 – 22^nd November. We must assume it will go ahead as normal. There will be an open meeting for stall holders/interested individuals on Saturday 17^th October at 11.00 in St. Paul’s. We need a co-ordinator/s.

Quiz Nights – Jean Mertzenakis has arranged four nights before Christmas. Sept 11^th, Oct 16^th, Nov 13^th, Dec 4^th.

Community Connect Coffee Mornings: Sept 9^th, Oct 14^th, Nov 11^th at the Swedish Centre. (Other Coffee Morning – the last Sunday of each month in the Church garden)

Wine Tasting- Anne Kokotos has agreed an Autumn wine tasting. The date is to be confirmed and we hope it will be in the Garden of the British Residence

Christmas Carol Singalong – 2 December dates this year, Dec 6^th and 20^th both at 18.30.

We have more than 1,000 Facebook followers – we are focusing our need for income to this group, and a PAYPAL facility is now available on our website.