9th Sunday after Trinity (August 9th 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. The sermon is on the website in printed and recorded formats,

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) 

Gracious Father, revive your Church in our day, and make her holy, strong and faithful, for your glory’s sake; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

First Reading    (please sit)                                                              Romans 10, 5-15

Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

This is the word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God

The organ will play as the gospel book is brought forward

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:             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 14, 22-33)

All:             Glory to you, O Lord

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

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: 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.

The organ plays as the table is prepared (The bread and wine, signs of work and life are set on the table and these words are said)

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 should be placed in the basket as you leave church. St. Paul’s church is self supporting – please give generously towards our common life and work in Athens).

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 keeping your social distance.  

Post Communion Prayer:  Let us pray     (please stand)

Holy Father, who gathered us here around the table of your Son to share this meal with the whole household of faith: in that new world where you reveal the fullness of your peace, gather people from every race and language to share in the eternal banquet of 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: Trinity 10:  Rom 11, 1-2, 29-32; Matthew 15, 21-28

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 holiday most of August.

Swedish Church: please do not contact Fr. Bjorn as he recovers from illness.

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.

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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.

• View our Website: anglicanchurchathens.gr

• Or “Like” us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnglicanAthens/

• Or ‘follow’ us on Twitter:     @AthensAnglican

In Memoriam – John Walter Day

IN MEMORIAM

JOHN WALTER DAY

On Sunday, 26^th July, a Service of Thanksgiving, led by Rev. Deacon Christine Saccali, was held at St. Paul’s in remembrance of long-time friend and supporter of the Chaplaincy, John Day. On retirement, and after relocating to Athens, both John and his wife, Katya, attended St. Paul’s for more than 30 years and John was a Churchwarden for many of them, serving first alongside Harry Hill, then Ron Turnnidge and finally Linda Paparsenos – their shared tenure was a long one. As Churchwarden, John was an ex-officio member of the Church Council and his knowledge of the workings, rules and regulations of the church was often called on. After the loss of his wife, Katya, a few years ago, John continued to attend and also to enjoy the social life offered by the church community until his health failed and he became housebound.

Tributes were paid, first by Jean Mertzanakis, whose personal memories of John included his love of conversation, his interest in world affairs, his cooking abilities, his love of ‘real English tea’ and ‘real ale’ and his enjoyment of after-church get-togethers with congregation members after the Sunday Service. She ended with a tribute from a member of the congregration now resident in California, who remembered John as a quiet, thoughtful man, always well-dressed, who never spoke without due care and consideration. Linda Paparsenos then outlined his life as a Spitfire pilot in WW2, his career in banking, his life with Katya in Athens and all the social events they enjoyed together – particularly one fancy-dress party where they came in casual clothing, each wearing a pair of antlers, in the role of “Two Old Dears”. Mr. Dennis Wilson then spoke about John’s role as a founding and leading member of the first English-speaking Masonic Lodge in Athens and the valuable role he played in its life as organiser and adviser, held in great respect by all, until ill-health prevented him from doing so. John’s sister-in-law Rania concluded by saying how comforting it was for the family to learn how loved and esteemed John had been by so many people in a life filled with enjoyment and humour here in Greece.

Although singing was not possible due to Covid 19 precautions, organist Christina played “Oh God our help in ages past” and “Guide me o Thou O Great Redeemer”. Friends met afterwards to toast John and remember him with great affection.

Jean Mertzanakis

The Anglican Church in Greece Celebrating the Saints (July 26th 2020)

Welcome to our Sunday worship which this morning is a Service of the Word. As July is a month of saints like  Thomas (3^rd), Benedict (11^th), Margaret of Antioch (20^th), Mary Magdalene (22^nd), Bridget of Sweden (23^rd) , James (25^th) and others our worship will focus on celebrating the saints.

We are not yet encouraged to sing in our churches because of virus transmission.

The preacher this morning is Deacon Christine.

Deacon:  Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

All:           and also with you.

Deacon: Our Lord Jesus Christ said; the first commandment is this:  Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is the only Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There  is no other commandment greater than these. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

     All:         Amen. Lord have mercy.

There is a short period of silence, followed by Confession.

All: Most merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be; that we may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen.

Deacon:   May the God of love and power forgive us and free us from our sins, heal and strengthen us by his Spirit, and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord.   Amen.

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