The Licensing of the new Senior Chaplain of St Paul’s Anglican Church Athens

A VERY SPECIAL SERVICE

On the Fourth Sunday of Trinity, 23^rd June, 2024, Dr. Leslie Nathaniel, Archdeacon of Germany and Northern Europe and the East licensed Rev. Benjamin Drury as Chaplain of the Anglican Church of St. Paul’s, Athens in the Diocese of Europe. Diocesan clergy who attended were Area Dean Father Leonard Doolan and Father Bruce Bryant-Scott of St. Thomas the Apostle, Crete, joined by Licensed Reader Jackie Dallos from Lefkada and Father Bjorn of the Swedish Church accompanied by members of his congregation.

It gave us great pleasure to welcome the British Ambassador, His Excellency Matthew Lodge, Her Excellency Dr. Lindiwe Msengana-Ndlela, Ambassador of South Africa,  Major Beat Rieder of the Salvation Army and other close friends of the Chaplaincy, including Mr. Spiros Mantas, Director of Piraeus Bank and representatives of Aei Ferein and the Salvation Army Green Light Project.  Messages of support for Father Ben, with prayers and blessings, were received from our Orthodox friends who could not attend due to the celebration of the Feast of Pentecost and all looked forward to meeting with him before long.

A thoughtful and moving service included seven hymns, the final one being Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer, and Psalm 23. Father Ben was presented by Wardens Trevor Kamuzonde and Lynn Stavrou and the congregation promised to accept him, uphold him and pray for him. He then swore the Oath of Allegiance to King Charles III, his heirs and successors and the Oath of Canonical Obedience to the Lord Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe and his successors. In affirmation of his ministry, Father Ben was presented with offerings of Water for Baptism, the Oil of Healing, a Bible, the Book of Common Worship, Bread and Wine, a Hymn Book symbolising Music, a symbol of Ecumenism and one of Ministry with Young People and he then led Prayers of Intercession followed by the Liturgy of the Sacrament.

Several guests were invited to say a few personal words, including Father Ben’s mother, Linda, after which everyone gathered in the garden for refreshments. It was with great joy that we raised a glass to welcome our new Chaplain, to meet old friends and be introduced to others whose names we knew but had not had the opportunity to meet in person and for congregation members to speak with Father Ben for the first time. After an interregnum of almost one year (apparently short compared with others), during which our Council and Standing Committee were solely responsible for the church and no services were missed, thanks to Assistant Chaplain Deacon Chris, Father Bjorn and Licensed Reader Nelly, it was a joy and privilege to officially welcome Father Ben and look forward to sharing in his personal journey of faith and of service.

Jean Mertzanakis

Autumn Bazaar

Our Autumn Bazaar will be held in the Church Garden on Saturday 28th September 2024 between 10.00 am and 4.00pm.

There will be many wonderful and various stalls, ranging from Books and Bric-a-Brac to Jams and Jewellery

and everything in between!

There will also be delicious refreshments on sale so you can relax and have a little rest before browsing the stalls once again.

Do come along and support St Paul’s in its ministry.  Bring your families and tell your friends and come and have a super day out

A Prayer for the Princess of Wales

Community Connect Athens, Valentine’s Coffee Morning

Community Connect Athens

Valentine

Coffee & Cake Morning

February 8^th 10:30 until 12:30

Come along one & all

At the Swedish Center,

Sortiros 7, Plaka

On sale will be Books,Preserves

Good quality second-hand clothing,

Handmade Greeting cards for all occasions.

Mini Bingo & Lucky chair.

Community Connect Athens

Is the second Thursday of every month.

See you there!

Minutes of September Council Meeting

387^th meeting of St. Paul’s Chaplaincy Council – 10^th September 2023 at 12 noon

Introduction: The Minutes of two previous meetings were approved, actions taken noted and the following were pending: rota for supervision of St. Paul’s Sunday merchandising table /a TRIO (The Responsibility is Our) financial presentation / official advice on church evacuation procedure in case of a major event.

The vacancy: Paperwork had been submitted and, following advice from our Bishop, amendments were made due to the importance of St. Paul’s within the Diocese and our fruitful relationships with the Orthodox Church and other faith groups. The post would now be advertised not only on the Diocesan website but also in the Church Times.

Finances: These were slowly recovering following losses due to Covid and helped by the much-appreciated legacy of the late Sylvia Hill. Looking forward, fundraising events needed to be expanded in order to avoid the use of UK funds.

Safeguarding: Certificate-holders were reminded to note the date of expiry and apply for new ones if necessary. Any congregation member could obtain Level 1 certification, free and with an online course.

Environment: Local Environment Officer (LEO), James Papageorgiou, presented his report and it was agreed that St. Paul’s should aim to become an Eco-Church as part of the Diocesan project to become a Green Diocese.

Chaplaincy Apartment: A new washing machine and some furniture needed replacing and the floor repairing due to flood damage earlier in the year caused by a blockage within the building.

Ministry Team and Locum (visiting priest): Assistant Chaplain Deacon Chris reported that the team was working successfully to ensure continuity of services and Diocesan Office would notify us of the availability of locums. Other Chaplaincies and individuals would also be approached for support.

Pastoral Care: Father Ted Wetherall, now elderly, had been hospitalised and official services were no longer held in Tolos. Phone calls and home visits to the sick and housebound continued and any cause for concern could be referred to our Ministry team or a council member for action.

Refugee Giving: The final date for distribution of these funds was approaching and Cosmo Murray of the ‘Mazi’ Housing Agency for homeless immigrants would give a Sunday presentation on their work.

Fundraising: Community Connect Coffee mornings, quiz evenings and book sales continued, the Harvest Festival would take place on 22^nd October and the upper floor of the War Museum was booked for 3^rd December.

The meeting closed with prayer at 2 p.m. – next meeting Sunday, 19^th November.

Jean Mertzanakis (Hon. Secretary)

St Paul’s Harvest Festival – Kokotos Winery Sunday 22nd October 2023

Join us on Sunday 22nd October to celebrate the Harvest in the beautiful surroundings of the Kokotos Estate, 1 Ktima G. Kokotou, Stamata, 145 75.

Starting at 11.00 hrs with the Harvest Service, followed by Wine Tasting and a Harvest Lunch.

To book seats on the St. Paul’s coach contact Lynn Stavrou on 211 183 8414 / 6938 325 088 / lynnstav@gmail.com   Depart St. Paul’s 10 a.m. prompt. Depart from vineyard 4.30 p.m. Please note that numbers are limited.

For event tickets and further information contact :

Lynn Stavrou (see above) OR Shirley Poulakis – 210 934 2830 /

Michaelmas Edition of St Paul’s Magazine

The Michaelmas Edition of the Parish Magazine is now availabe to view and download  HERE

Please note that due to difficulty in obtaining contributions for this edition the magazine will only be published quarterly in future in the hope that more people will feel inspired v to send in an article, comment or even a recipe.  Any comments should be sent to Oliver Knight or to the website.

St. Paul’s Church Council Meeting – 29th April, 2023

The meeting was the first following the March Annual meeting and opened with a prayer at 10 a.m. Archdeaconry representatives James Papageorgiou and Vassilis Kotsikogiannis were welcomed at the beginning of their three year appointment, along with Dr. Judy Triandafillou, co-opted for one year.

Appointments: Lynn Stavrou (Vice-chair and Safeguarding Officer); Jean Mertzanakis (Hon. Secretary); Nelly Paraskevopoulou (Hon. Treasurer); James Papageorgiou (Local Environmental Officer/LEO).

Secretarial Report: Annual Statistics for Mission re: attendance numbers, type and regularity of services etc. had been completed by Father Leonard and sent to the Diocesan office; Jean had updated the St. Paul’s information published on the “A Church near You” website.

Chairman’s Report: The Bishop of Truro’s visit had included many official meetings re: his report on Freedom of Religion and Belief for the British government and it was hoped that a committee consisting of ourselves and other churches in Athens could be formed to promote this work. Bishop Philip had conducted a baptism, a confirmation and two receptions into the Anglican Church and said that his visit had reminded him of the diversity he so much appreciated when he was posted in Europe.  Treasurer Nelly reported that insurance claim paperwork had been submitted re: the flooding of the Vicarage that had occurred whilst Father Leonard and Lynne were in Scotland. The Ministerial Team (Father Leonard, Father Bjorn, Deacon Chris, Nelly and Angelos) would take place before Father Leonard’s end of tenure on July 23^rd in order to arrange services during the interregnum period that would follow his retirement.

Financial Report:  A legacy of €28,000 had been received from the estate of the late Sylvia Hill, last member of the Hill family, who had served the church as Council members and Officers for many years. €8,000 would be donated to Greek charities and the remainder would support St. Paul’s. Sylvia’s legacy had been gratefully acknowledged.

Re: online fundraisers, it was decided that there would be one  per year during the Christmas season.

Safeguarding Report: New council members must complete Level 1 online Safeguarding training – any member of the congregation could do this if they wished – no cost was involved and a certificate would be issued.

Fundraising/Social Events: The 2023 date would shortly be booked and relations with the War Museum were good. The renting of two tables to “Paidiki Trauma” had been successful and the possibility of renting to other charitable organizations (including our partners) would be considered. Preparations for the Summer Coronation Bazaar were in hand. €2,818 had been raised from book sales between April 2022-2023 and Father Leonard was thanked for his donation of theological works. Books were also sold at Newcomers meetings, attended by Assistant Chaplain Deacon Chris. Sales of the church guide “Opening the Doors” were going well.  Coffee mornings and quiz evenings had restarted and were popular fundraising events.

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter: In accordance with Diocesan best practice, more than one person should be involved in the running of our online communications and teams were currently being formed, involving Caroline Daniels, Churchwarden Trevor, Treasurer Nelly and Chloe Smith.

Council meeting dates: 8^th July / 10^th September / 12^th November.

The meeting closed at 11.30.

Jean Mertzanakis (Hon. Secretary)

Farewell and thank you!

This Sunday Fr Leonard will celebrate his final service at St Paul’s prior to his retirement

During his term of office we have been privileged to receive, at his invitation visits from many eminent religious leaders – former Archbishop Rowan Williams, Bishops Robert and David from the Diocese in Europe, ex Archdeacon the Ven. Colin Williams and our current Archdeacon the Revd. Canon Dr Leslie Nathaniel.  He has forged a close relationship with the Greek Orthodox Church and several eminent Orthodox priests have been invited to preach at St Paul’s since he took over.  He has also maintained and developed a close relationship with the British Embassy and the British Ambassadors here in Athens, in particular the former Ambassador John Kittmer with whom he has cooperated on the book “Opening The Doors”, an exciting new church history and guide book which is now available at the cost of €10,00. It is a lasting legacy to the presence of the Anglican Church here in Athens.

The Swedish Church has become a close friend to St Paul’s and it’s pastor Fr Bjorn is now licensed to take services for the Anglican Congregation at the Church.

Fr Leonard has a great sense of humour and fun.  Who could forget Pontius Parrot or the enthusiastic way in which he conducted “The Twelve Days of Christmas” at our Christmas Singalong?! He and his wife, Lynne, thoroughly enjoyed our Harvest Festival trips to the Kokotos Winery and were eager participants on the dance floor.  Off duty Fr Leonard could be found sipping a pint of Stella at his local Cafe.

His wife, Lynne, has also proved invaluable to the Church Community.  She resurrected the Sunday School for the children of the Congregation providing colouring pages, word search puzzles and children’s bibles.  A talented chef she baked a cake and assisted with the Community Connect Coffee Mornings each month. . She provided home-made savoury offerings for the Food Stall and created the Tea Stall for the Christmas Bazaar which was very attractive and successful.  Her home-made fudge became legendary as did her Christmas Cakes which she baked, iced and decorated beautifully.  Orders for  these and for the boxes of home-made fudge came from far and wide!

We would like to send our heartfelt thanks to Fr Leonard and Lynne for their service to St Paul’s over the last six years and to wish them every happiness in their retirement over in Aegina and we hope you enjoy the picture gallery below which brings back some of the memories of Fr Leonard’s tenure at St Paul’s.

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Minutes of St Paul’s Parish Council Committee Meeting held 1st October 2022

The minutes of these meetings can only be published after they have been signed off by Fr Leonard at the following meeting.

The meeting was held in church and opened with a prayer at 10.30 a.m. The Minutes of the July meeting were approved and signed by Father Leonard.
Linda Paparsenos was thanked for her work as Local Environment Officer (LEO) and this position was now open.

Mr. Athanatos at Athens City Council had been thanked for a donation of bedding plants for the church garden.

Hymn books had been cleaned and covered with plastic until a curtain was provided.

Following financial losses during the Covid years, further financial assistance (€1,873) had been received from the Diocese. Diocesan financial support for the position of church
supervisor would end in 2023 – Council agreed that we should take over this funding due to the importance of the church being open to the public five mornings per week.
Other items discussed were:

Two people would be needed to supervise Sunday School following Lynne Doolan’s departure in summer, 2023. Health and Safety regulations were being applied and
regular safety checks of the church premises and garden were made.

Archdeacon Leslie would visit Athens in November for meetings with Council and Church wardens to discuss the procedure for finding a replacement for Father Leonard in
2023.

READ MORE

November / December Newsletter

Our latest Newsletter has now been published so please click on the link below for access

Click here to read more

HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING – OUR 2022 CHRISTMAS APPEAL

FILL THE SKY WITH ANGELS AND HELP THOSE IN NEED!

Every Christmas, we remember the Herald Angels who gathered over the humble stable in Bethlehem where Mary and Joseph took shelter for the birth of the Holy Child. The glorious song of God’s messengers welcomed His Son, our Saviour and the Light of the World.

Help us to fill the sky with music!

See your angel join the heavenly choir on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Anglican/Athens or on our website at  www.anglicanchurchathens.gr where you will also find details of how to make your donation.

Our seventh Angel has joined the heavenly chorus.  Our grateful thanks to Jean for her generous contribution.READ MORE

Service for the feast of Christ The King – 20th November 2022

Welcome to St Paul’s Athens,   especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens. Deacon Christine leads our worship today, and is the preacher. Fr. Leonard is on holiday in Scotland. We welcome today our partnership friends from Apostoli, Dr. Vasileios Meichanetsidis and Dr. Vassi Leontari.

We have a POS – you can make your donation to St. Paul’s by card. Please come to coffee in the garden after the Liturgy.

Opening Hymn:  205  Christ is made the sure foundation

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:   As we come to the Lord at the start of this New Year, let us seek his grace to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom as we confess 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       531  Jesus reigns, our Lord and King

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A Service for Remembrance Sunday – 13th November 2022

Welcome to our worship on this Remembrance Sunday. A particular welcome to His Excellency Matthew Lodge, British Ambassador, and Captain Alex Bush (RN), Defence Attache. This Worship is led by The Revd. Canon Leonard Doolan, Senior Chaplain, who is also the preacher. There is a Noon ceremony at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery at Alimos.

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

All:            and also with you.

Priest:      O Lord, open our lips

All:            and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Priest:      Give us the joy of your saving help

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

Hymn:    

1 God is our strength and refuge,
our present help in trouble,

and we therefore will not fear,
though the earth should change!
Though mountains shake and tremble,
though swirling floods are raging,

God the Lord of hosts is with us evermore!

2 There is a flowing river

within God’s holy city;
God is in the midst of her-
she shall not be moved!
God’s help is swiftly given,
thrones vanish at his presence-
God the Lord of hosts is with us evermore!

3 Come, see the works of our maker,
learn of his deeds all-powerful:
wars will cease across the world
when he shatters the spear!
Be still and know your creator,
uplift him in the nations-
God the Lord of hosts is with us evermore!                       After Psalm 46, Richard Bewes (born 1934)

© Richard Bewes/Jubilate Hymns

Ever- living God, we remember those whom you have gathered from the storm of war into the peace of your presence; may that same peace calm our fears, bring justice to all peoples, and establish harmony among the nations, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of Penitence

Let us confess to God the sins and shortcomings of the world; its pride, its selfishness, its greed; its evil divisions and hatreds. Let us confess our share in what is wrong, and our failure to seek and establish that peace which God wills for his people.

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.

Priest:      May the Father of all mercies cleanse you from your sins, and restore you

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

All:            Amen

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Service for the 3rd Sunday before Advent – 6th November 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  Please note that the church has a POS facility. Drinking water is always available at the back of the church, and bottles of water are for sale. Fr. Leonard will preside today and the preacher is the Venerable Leslie Nathaniel, our Archdeacon. Welcome to him and Julie, his wife. The deacon is Deacon Christine.

Entrance Hymn          352  Crown him with many crowns

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 informally welcomes the people of God and the deacon leads us into        Confession.

Deacon: We run the race set before us, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Therefore let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, bringing them to Jesus in penitence and faith.                            (A short period of stillness and silence)

Deacon:            Your raise the dead to life in the spirit.

Kyrie eleison              All: Kyrie eleison

Deacon:            You bring pardon and peace to the broken in spirit.

                           Christe eleison          All: Christe eleison

Deacon:            You make one by your Spirit the torn and divided.

                           Kyrie eleison             All:  Kyrie eleison

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.

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Service for the feast of All Saints – 30th October 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  Please note that the church has a POS facility. Drinking water is always available at the back of the church, and bottles for sale. Names of our departed loved ones will be read out in our prayers today. The deacon is Deacon Christine and Fr. Leonard will preside and preach. We welcome Katia Papakonstantinou and her son Konstantinos who have been outreach partners of St. Paul’s for many years.

Entrance Hymn             O when the saints go marching in 

1. Oh, when the saints Go marching in Oh, when the saints go marching in

Oh how I want to be in that number, When the saints go marching in

2. Oh, when the drums begin to bang Oh, when the drums begin to bang

I want to be in that number,  When the saints go marching in

3. Oh, when the stars fall from the sky Oh, when the stars fall from the sky

I want to be in that number, When the saints go marching in

4. Oh, when the trumpet sounds its call Oh, when the trumpet sounds its call

I want to be in that number When the saints go marching in

5. Oh, when the saints go marching in Oh, when the saints go marching in

I want to be in that number, When the saints go marching

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 informally welcomes the people of God and the deacon leads us into Confession.

Deacon: We run the race set before us, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Therefore let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, bringing them to Jesus in penitence and faith.                            (A short period of stillness and silence)

Deacon:            Your raise the dead to life in the spirit.

Kyrie eleison              All: Kyrie eleison

Deacon:            You bring pardon and peace to the broken in spirit.

                           Christe eleison          All: Christe eleison

Deacon:            You make one by your Spirit the torn and divided.

                           Kyrie eleison             All:  Kyrie eleison

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, 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, 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) 

Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: grant us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that we may come to those inexpressible joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ your Son 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  Daniel 7, 1-3, 15-18  (please sit)                 Reader:  Oliver Knight

In the first year of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head as he lay in bed. Then he wrote down the dream: I, Daniel, saw in my vision by night the four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea, and four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. As for me, Daniel, my spirit was troubled within me, and the visions of my head terrified me. I approached one of the attendants to ask him the truth concerning all this. So he said that he would disclose to me the interpretation of the matter: “As for these four great beasts, four kings shall arise out of the earth. But the holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever—forever and ever.”

Reader:                   This is the word of the Lord.

All:                           Thanks be to God.

Psalm: (hymn Book) 539   This is the day of Lord: we rejoice and are glad

Second Reading     Ephesians 1, 11-end                                Reader:  Magdalene Imarhiagbe

In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory. I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may perceive what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Reader:              This is the word of the Lord.

All:                      Thanks be to God.

Gospel Hymn    231  Who are these like stars appearing

Gospel Reading        (turn towards the gospel book)

Deacon:       Alleluia! Speak Lord, for your servant is listening. You have the words of eternal life.

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. Luke   (Luke 6, 20-31)

All:                Glory to you, O Lord.

Then he looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven, for that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. “Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. “Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. “Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets. “But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who asks of you, and if anyone takes away what is yours, do not ask for it back again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

At the end of the Gospel

Deacon:  This is the gospel of the Lord

All:           Praise to you, O Christ. 

Sermon  (Please sit) 

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:  (kneel or sit) Lord in your mercy; hear our prayer             (Alice Karanja)

Peace:  To crown all things there must be love, to bind all together and complete the whole. Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.

All:        And also with you.

Offertory Hymn            295 Let all mortal flesh keep silent                            The collection is taken

The Great Thanksgiving Prayer        (Please remain standing)

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

The priest sings the preface for All Saints

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: Lord, you are holy indeed, the source of all holiness; grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit, and according to your holy will, these gifts of bread and wine may be to us the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ;

who in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread and gave you thanks; he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way, after supper he took the cup and gave you thanks; he gave it to them, saying: 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.

Nelly:         Great is the mystery of faith

All:             Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again

Priest: And so, Father, calling to mind his death on the cross, his perfect sacrifice made once for the sins of the whole world; rejoicing in his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension, and looking for his coming in glory, we celebrate this memorial of our redemption. As we offer you this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, we bring before you this bread and this cup and we thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you.

Send the Holy Spirit on your people and gather into one in your kingdom all who share this one bread and one cup, so that we, in the company of the Holy Mother of God, St. Paul, all the saints, may praise and glorify you for ever, through Jesus Christ our Lord; by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory be yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:              (to be prayed in whichever language you choose)

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:   Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

have mercy on us, have mercy on us          (sing twice)

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, grant us peace.

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 hymn:      272 All for Jesus      If you wish to receive the wine from the cup, you are free to do so, otherwise the priest will instinct (dip) your bread in the wine.

Post Communion Prayer:  Let us pray     (please stand)

Priest: God, the source of all holiness and giver of all good things: may we who have shared at this table as strangers and pilgrims here on earth be welcomed with all your saints to the heavenly feast on the day of your kingdom; 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.

The names of the Departed will be read out

Notices

Post Communion Hymn:   394  Let all the world

Blessing and Dismissal

Priest:       God grant you grace to follow his saints …..

Deacon:    Go in peace to love and serve the Lord

All:             In the name of Christ. Amen.

Fr. Leonard’s usual Days Off – Monday & Tuesday  (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

Notices :

• The new church history and guide book ‘OPENING the DOORS’ is now available at the cost of €10,00.
• Remembrance Sunday – November 13^th. Poppies are for sale now.
• A POS is available so you can make your Sunday donation by card
• Join the online Prayer Group each Tuesday morning at 09.00 – see website for the Zoom link.
• Community Connect Coffee Mornings – every second Wednesday 11.00-13.00. Nov 9^th; Dec 14^th (both in Swedish Centre). Contact Anne Dedes if you need information.
• Christmas Bazaar – at the Foyer of the Amphitheatre of the War Museum – December 4^th.
• Christmas Services:
• Sunday 18^th December 18.00 Carols Sing-a-long

           Saturday 24^th December 18.00  Lessons and Carols

           Sunday 25^th December 10.00  Christmas Morning Liturgy

• View our Website:   anglicanchurchathens.gr
• Or “Like” us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnglicanAthens/
• Or ‘follow’ us on Twitter:       @AthensAnglican

• Liturgical material © the Archbishops’ Council.

Minutes of Council Meeting held on 9th July 2022

ST PAUL’S 380^TH COUNCIL MEETING – 9^TH JULY 2022

Due to the summer break and the necessity to postpone the September meeting, these minutes were signed as a correct record of proceedings by Father Leonard on 1^st October.

• Lynn Stavrou was appointed vice-Chairperson until the 2023 APCM and a possible co-option to council was under consideration (co-options last for one year only, during which co-optees can acquaint themselves with the workings of the Church Council; during that time they have the right to vote).
• A letter of thanks for our support of the Diocesan Common Fund (for assisting churches throughout the Diocese) had been received from Bishop Robert;
• Lynne Doolan’s letter regarding children’s resources was discussed – she and Father Leonard would bring Children’s Bibles from the UK in July and a donation of 500 Euros had been received from a visitor.
• Following the Jubilee Bazaar it was good to learn that the deficit had decreased and requests for concert bookings were expected after the summer; fees for all services requested at St. Paul’s and elsewhere would be increased after several years commencing from 1^st September, with regular reviews.
• Guarding the church gate on Sundays should concern all members of the congregation, not only those assigned to this duty; the reconvening of Sunday School in September would require a second person (with safeguarding certification – available online) to assist Lynne Doolan; Sunday School could not take place in the Crypt as there was no second exit point;
• A case of unruly behaviour at the Jubilee Bazaar had been dealt with and a threat had been made to Church warden Trevor when requesting to see vaccination certificates – both incidents had been officially recorded. The Bazaar and the concert of traditional English music by the Athens Singers had been a great success; more large umbrellas would be purchased for similar events; book sales continue to do well; a combined book launch of Father Leonard’s “Opening the Doors” and wine-tasting would be arranged at Ag. Filothei, an Ottoman-era house in Plaka; books would be sold at the Harvest Festival. Matilda and Clara were thanked for assisting at the Patronal Festival;
• Work on St. Paul’s newsletter was progressing and would be further discussed at the September Council meeting;
• Churchwarden Trevor would price the purchase of a frame for the mulberry tree;
• problems with the air-conditioning system would be addressed;
• Organist/ Concert Organiser Christina was thanked for her work and her proposals regarding church hire fees; an offer of payment for the rebinding of hymn books was gratefully acknowledged and some of the hymnals used by the choir would also be restored.

Jean Mertzanakis (Hon. Secretary)

Service for the Last Sunday after Trinity – 23rd October 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  Please note that the church has a POS facility. Drinking water is always available at the back of the church, and bottles for sale. Welcome to The Revd. Gary Grady from the South Cheltenham Team, and Area Dean of Cheltenham. He comes with the Cantores choir from Cheltenham. Fr. Gary will preside and preach. Nelly Paraskevopoulou is assisting. Fr. Leonard and Deacon Christine are in Prague for the Archdeaconry Synod.

Introit:    If ye love me  (Thomas Tallis)

Entrance Hymn   427  O praise ye the Lord

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 informally welcomes the people of God and leads us into Confession.

Nelly: We run the race set before us, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Therefore let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, bringing them to Jesus in penitence and faith.                            (A short period of stillness and silence)

Nelly:                Your raise the dead to life in the spirit.

Kyrie eleison              All: Kyrie eleison

Nelly:                You bring pardon and peace to the broken in spirit.

                           Christe eleison          All: Christe eleison

 Nelly:                You make one by your Spirit the torn and divided.

                           Kyrie eleison             All:  Kyrie eleison

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.

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Community Connect Coffee Morning

Cantores Chamber Choir Saturday 22nd October 2022

CANTORES CHAMBER CHOIR

                                 Saturday 22^th October 2022, 19:00

         at St Paul’s Anglican Church, 27 Filellinon street, Syntagma, Athens

Cantores Chamber Choir is a choir of 30 dedicated singers formed in 1991 and based at the Cotswolds, England, an area of outstanding natural beauty, as designated in 1966 , with the unique golden-coloured Cotswold stone.

The choir perform a cappella three programme a year around the Cotswolds . Occasionally  it is accompanied by an organ or a small orchestra. In 2018 the choir had a successful trip to Belgium, where they performed at the Saint Jakobskerk, Brugge.

The choir loves to sing old music but also enjoys the challenge of new music. In its Athenian visit, the choir is going to present a programme of  western classical music, mostly a cappella , under the  musical direction of Simon Harper.

Organized by: CANTORES CHAMBER CHOIR

ENTRANCE FREE – RETIRING COLLECTION

Harvest Festival 9th October 2022

Kokotos Winery Athens

Opening hymn:

We plough the fields, and scatter
the good seed on the land,
but it is fed and watered
by God’s almighty hand:
he sends the snow in winter,
the warmth to swell the grain,
the breezes, and the sunshine,
and soft, refreshing rain.

Refrain:
All good gifts around us
are sent from heaven above;
then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord,
for all his love.

2 He only is the maker
of all things near and far;
he paints the wayside flower,
he lights the evening star;
the winds and waves obey him,
by him the birds are fed;
much more to us, his children,
he gives our daily bread. [Refrain]

3 We thank thee then, O Father,
for all things bright and good,
the seed-time and the harvest,
our life, our health, our food.
Accept the gifts we offer
for all thy love imparts,
and, what thou most desirest,
our humble, thankful hearts. [Refrain]

Priest: Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

All:  and also with you.

The priest welcomes everyone to the liturgy. The deacon then leads the Confession

Deacon: God’s whole creation groans.  We confess our sin in penitence and faith.

Deacon: Consider the birds of the air; they do not sow or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Lord have mercy.

All: Lord have mercy

Deacon: Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they do not toil or spin, yet even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Christ have mercy.

All: Christ have mercy

Deacon: How little faith we have. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Lord have mercy.

All: Christ have mercy.

The priest then pronounces the words of Absolution.

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Audio Sermon for the 16th Sunday after Trinity – 2nd October 2022

Fr Leonard Doolan – St Paul’s Athens

Service for the 16th Sunday after Trinity – 2nd October 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  Please note that the church has a POS facility. Drinking water is always available at the back of the church, and bottles for sale.  Fr. Leonard will preside and preach. The deacon is Deacon Christine. There is coffee available in the garden after the Liturgy.

Entrance Hymn   

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 informally welcomes the people of God and leads us into Confession.

Deacon: We run the race set before us, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Therefore let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, bringing them to Jesus in penitence and faith.                            (A short period of stillness and silence)

Deacon:            Your raise the dead to life in the spirit.

Kyrie eleison              All: Kyrie eleison

Deacon:            You bring pardon and peace to the broken in spirit.

                           Christe eleison          All: Christe eleison

Deacon:            You make one by your Spirit the torn and divided.

                           Kyrie eleison             All:  Kyrie eleison

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.

READ MORE

St Paul’s Harvest Festival at Kokotos Vineyard Sunday 9th October 2022

Join us on Sunday 9^th October to celebrate the Harvest in the beautiful surroundings of the Kokotos Estate, 1 Ktima G. Kokotou, Stamata, 145 75.

11 a.m. Harvest Eucharist Service.

Everyone welcome – gifts of dried or tinned goods for the Sisters of Mercy gratefully received.

12.30 p.m. Wine tasting

With the opportunity to purchase some of the delicious wines produced by the estate.

1.30 p.m. onwards Harvest Lunch.

Tickets

€15 Adults / €8 Children (4-10 years) / €40 Family (2 adults / 2 children 4-10)

Transport

To book seats on the St. Paul’s coach contact Lynn Stavrou on 211 183 8414 / 6938 325 088.  Email: lynnstav@gmail.com

Please note that numbers are limited so early booking is advised.

For event tickets and further information contact :

Lynn Stavrou (see above) OR Shirley Poulakis – 210 934 2830 / 6932 924 849.

Service for the 15th Sunday afterTrinity – 25th September 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  Please note that the church has a POS facility. Drinking water is always available at the back of the church, and bottles for sale.  Fr. Leonard will preside and preach. The deacon is Deacon Christine. There is coffee available in the garden after the Liturgy.

Entrance Hymn    148  The God of Abram  (omit * verses)

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 informally welcomes the people of God and leads us into Confession.

Deacon: We run the race set before us, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Therefore let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, bringing them to Jesus in penitence and faith.                            (A short period of stillness and silence)

Deacon:            Your raise the dead to life in the spirit.

Kyrie eleison              All: Kyrie eleison

Deacon:            You bring pardon and peace to the broken in spirit.

                           Christe eleison          All: Christe eleison

Deacon:            You make one by your Spirit the torn and divided.

                           Kyrie eleison             All:  Kyrie eleison

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, 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, 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 God, defend your Church from all false teaching and give to your people knowledge of your truth, that we may enjoy eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.    Amen.

 READ MORE

Service for the 14th Sunday after Trinity – 18th September 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  Please note that the church has a POS facility. Drinking water is always available at the back of the church, and bottles for sale.  Fr. Leonard will preside. Deacon Christine will preach. Today Rebecca Misthou of the Salvation Army is with us. She runs the ‘Green Light’ project which St. Paul’s supports. There is coffee available in the garden after the Liturgy.

Entrance Hymn    395  Let bells peal forth

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 informally welcomes the people of God and leads us into Confession.

Deacon: We run the race set before us, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Therefore let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, bringing them to Jesus in penitence and faith.                            (A short period of stillness and silence)

Deacon:            Your raise the dead to life in the spirit.

Kyrie eleison              All: Kyrie eleison

Deacon:            You bring pardon and peace to the broken in spirit.

                           Christe eleison          All: Christe eleison

Deacon:            You make one by your Spirit the torn and divided.

                           Kyrie eleison             All:  Kyrie eleison

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.

 READ MORE

A Service of Commemoration for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – Saturday 17th September 2022

Introit sung by the Athens Singers  Thou knowest Lord the secrets of our heart

(Purcell)

Opening Sentences 

‘I am the resurrection and the life,’ says the Lord. ‘Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.’  John 11, 25-26

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.  Matthew 5, 4

Welcome (Father Leonard)

1 O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast,
and our eternal home:

2 Under the shadow of your throne
your saints have dwelt secure;
sufficient is your arm alone,
and our defense is sure.

3 Before the hills in order stood,
or earth received its frame,
from everlasting you are God,
to endless years the same.

4 A thousand ages in your sight
are like an evening gone,
short as the watch that ends the night
before the rising sun.

5 Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
soon bears us all away;
we fly forgotten, as a dream
dies at the op’ning day.

6 O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
still be our guard while troubles last,
and our eternal home!

Collect:

Gracious God, we give thanks

for the life of your servant Queen Elizabeth,

for her faith and her dedication to duty.

Bless our nation as we mourn her death

and may her example continue to inspire us;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Our New E_Mag is here!

We are delighted to announce that our new E-mag is now available to read and enjoy.

Click here to open the new E-Magazine

Our grateful thanks go to Oliver Knight for his hard work in producing this colourful and entertaining magazine.  A new magazine will be produced on a bi-monthly basis and any notices or pictures should be sent to him  Here

Community Connect Coffee Mornings resume

Central Athens (close to Syntagma Square and its metro station)

On the second Wednesday of each month from 11.00am until 1.00pm Community Connect  Coffee morning. Coffee and refreshments are available, as well as English books, cards, jams, second-hand clothing and other items for sale. Everyone is welcome. There is no agenda; it is just an opportunity to chat, make friends, catch up with news, share information – all over a cup of coffee.

This month it will take place in the Church Garden, information about future coffee Mornings will be posted on our website and Social Media pages.

For more information, please ring (+30) 210 721 4906.

HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II RIP

A service of commemoration for the life of Queen Elizabeth II

will take place at St Paul’s Anglican Church Athens 

on Saturday 17th September 2022 at 11.00 hrs

ALL ARE WELCOME

Gracious Father

Whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life

Pour out your mercy on your faithful people in all lands

As we pray with thanksgiving for the life Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

And commend her into your loving embrace.

We praise you for her faith, for her steadfastness and for her humility.

Surround her family and loved ones with your Holy Spirit

Giver of hope and comfort.

Bless His Majesty King Charles and all the Royal family at this time of loss.

We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

God save the King.

A book of condolences is available at the Church for people to sign

Service for the 13th Sunday after Trinity – 11th September 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  Please note that the church has a POS facility. Drinking water is always available at the back of the church, and bottles for sale.  Fr. Leonard will preside and preach. The Assistant is Nelly Paraskevopoulou. There is coffee available in the garden after the Liturgy.

Entrance Hymn    437 Praise the Lord

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 informally welcomes the people of God and leads us into Confession.

Nelly: We run the race set before us, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Therefore let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, bringing them to Jesus in penitence and faith.                            (A short period of stillness and silence)

Nelly:                Your raise the dead to life in the spirit.

Kyrie eleison              All: Kyrie eleison

Nelly:                You bring pardon and peace to the broken in spirit.

                           Christe eleison          All: Christe eleison

Nelly:                You make one by your Spirit the torn and divided.

                           Kyrie eleison             All:  Kyrie eleison

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.

 READ MORE

Part-time English Teacher required

Minutes for the 379th Parish Council Meeting held on 29th May 2022

The first Council meeting following the 2022 Annual Meeting took place at the Swedish Centre in Plaka on 28^th May. The following matters were discussed and decisions taken:

Appointments: Jean Mertzanakis, Nelly Paraskevopoulou and Lynn Stavrou would continue to serve as Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer and Safeguarding Officer for the year 2022-2023.

Covid: Mask-wearing in church would cease to be obligatory from June 1^st and Churchwarden Trevor was thanked for overseeing maintenance of Covid restrictions at St. Paul’s. Online Zoom services had been well-ttended.

Communion: Following a communication from Bishop Robert, Council agreed that the Common Cup be reintroduced on Sunday 3^rd July, along with the option of personal intinction.

Finances:  The income deficit for the first quarter was over 10,000 Euros but requests for church hire for concerts (a major source of income) had started to come in. In the 2^nd quarter  our 7,000 Euros contribution to the Diocesan Common Fund was due but it should be borne in mind that chaplaincies could apply to this fund for help if necessary, as St. Paul’s had done recently. Full payment of a big electricity bill had been made and we would be paying no stipend from 1^st August. Treasurer Nelly was thanked for the work she did on a daily basis and Verger Virginia Stevens for dealing with inconvenience and mess caused by the installation of new electricity meters that had involved digging up paving at the entrance to the church.

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Service for the 12th Sunday after Trinity – 4th September 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  Please note that the church has a POS facility. Drinking water is always available at the back of the church. Fr. Leonard will preside and preach. The deacon is Deacon Christine. There is coffee available in the garden after the Liturgy.

Entrance Hymn    349 Come let us join our cheerful songs

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 informally welcomes the people of God and leads us into Confession.

Deacon: We run the race set before us, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Therefore let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, bringing them to Jesus in penitence and faith.                            (A short period of stillness and silence)

Deacon:            Your raise the dead to life in the spirit.

Kyrie eleison              All: Kyrie eleison

Deacon:            You bring pardon and peace to the broken in spirit.

                           Christe eleison          All: Christe eleison

Deacon:            You make one by your Spirit the torn and divided.

                           Kyrie eleison             All:  Kyrie eleison

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.

READ MORE

Prayer Connect Prayer Group

Service for the 11th Sunday after Trinity – 28th August 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  Please note that the church has a POS facility. Drinking water is always available at the back of the church. Please stay for coffee in the garden after the liturgy. Fr. Leonard will preside and Deacon Christine is our preacher.

Entrance Hymn  440  Praise to the Lord  (omit vss 4 & 5) 

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 informally welcomes the people of God and leads us into Confession.

Deacon: We run the race set before us, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Therefore let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, bringing them to Jesus in penitence and faith.  (A short period of stillness and silence)

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.

READ MORE

Service for the 10th Sunday after Trinity – 21st August 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  Please note that the church has a POS facility. Drinking water is always available at the back of the church. Please stay for coffee in the garden after the liturgy. Fr. Leonard will preside and preach. Deacon Christine is our deacon.

Entrance Hymn   388  Jesus shall reign

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 informally welcomes the people of God and leads us into Confession.

Deacon: We run the race set before us, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Therefore let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, bringing them to Jesus in penitence and faith.  (A short period of stillness and silence)

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.

READ MORE

Service for the 9th Sunday after Trinity – 14th August 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  Please note that the church has a POS facility. Drinking water is always available at the back of the church. Please stay for coffee in the garden after the liturgy. Fr. Leonard will preside and preach. Deacon Christine is our deacon.

Entrance Hymn  333 All my hope

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 informally welcomes the people of God and leads us into Confession.

Deacon: We run the race set before us, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Therefore let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, bringing them to Jesus in penitence and faith.  (A short period of stillness and silence)

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.

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Service for the 8th Sunday after Trinity – 7th August 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  Please note that the church has a POS facility. Drinking water is always available at the back of the church. Please stay for coffee in the garden after the liturgy. Fr. Leonard will preside, Deacon Christine is our deacon, and the preacher is Angelos Palioudakis.

Entrance Hymn 237 Morning has broken

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 informally welcomes the people of God and leads us into Confession.

Deacon: We run the race set before us, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Therefore let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, bringing them to Jesus in penitence and faith.  (A short period of stillness and silence)

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.

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Service for the 7th Sunday after Trinity – 31st July 2022

Welcome to St Paul’s Athens,   especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens. Deacon Christine leads our worship today, and is the preacher. Fr. Leonard is on holiday until August 5th.

We have a POS – you can make your donation to St. Paul’s by card. Please come to coffee in the garden after the Liturgy.

Opening Hymn:  239  Lord of all hopefulness

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:   As we come to the Lord at the start of this New Year, let us seek his grace to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom as we confess 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

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Summer flowers at St Paul’s

Report on the Council Meeting for 5th February 2022

At the end of May, the minutes were approved and signed by Fr Leonard and the Council and are now available to read   HERE

Service for the 6th Sunday after Trinity – 24th July 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  Please note that the church has a POS facility. Drinking water is always available at the back of the church. Please stay for coffee in the garden after the liturgy. Fr. Leonard will preside and preach.

Entrance Hymn  495  God is working his purpose out

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 informally welcomes the people of God and leads us into Confession.

Asst: We run the race set before us, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Therefore let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, bringing them to Jesus in penitence and faith.  (A short period of stillness and silence)

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Service for the 5th Sunday after Trinity – 17th July 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  Please note that the church has a POS facility. Drinking water is always available at the back of the church. Please stay for coffee in the garden after the liturgy.

Entrance Hymn  148   The God of Abram

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 informally welcomes the people of God and leads us into Confession.

Asst: We run the race set before us, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Therefore let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, bringing them to Jesus in penitence and faith.  (A short period of stillness and silence)

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, peace to his people on earth. Glory to God in the highest, 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, have mercy on us, you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive, 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) 

Almighty God, send down upon your Church the riches of your Spirit, and kindle in all who minister the gospel your countless gifts of grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

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Service for the 4th Sunday after Trinity – 10th July 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  Fr. Leonard will preside and preach; the deacon is Fr. James Harris. Please note that the church has a POS facility. Drinking water is always available at the back of the church.

Entrance Hymn  322 All hail the power of Jesus’ name

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 informally welcomes the people of God and the deacon leads us into Confession.

Deacon: We run the race set before us, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Therefore let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, bringing them to Jesus in penitence and faith.  (A short period of stillness and silence)

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, peace to his people on earth. Glory to God in the highest, 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, have mercy on us, you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive, 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

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Service for the 3rd Sunday after Trinity, St Thomas the Apostle, 3rd July 2022

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

for the first time or visiting Athens.  Today is the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle. Fr. Leonard will preside and preach; the deacon is Deacon Christine. Please note that the church has a POS facility. Drinking water is always available at the back of the church.

Entrance Hymn   237   Morning has broken

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 informally welcomes the people of God and the deacon leads us into Confession.

Deacon: We run the race set before us, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Therefore let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, bringing them to Jesus in penitence and faith.  (A short period of stillness and silence)

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, peace to his people on earth. Glory to God in the highest, 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, have mercy on us, you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive, 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) 

Almighty and eternal God, who, for the firmer foundation of our faith, allowed the holy apostle Thomas to doubt the resurrection of your Son till word and sight convinced him: grant to us, who have not seen, that we also may believe and so confess Christ as our Lord and our God; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

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Service for the Feast of SS Peter and Paul (Patronal Sunday) – 26th June 2022

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

for the first time or visiting Athens.  Today we commemorate the apostles, Peter and Paul whose feast falls on June 29^th.

Because it is our Patronal Sunday there is a brunch in the garden.

Fr. Leonard will preside and preach; the deacon is Deacon Christine. Please note that the church has a POS facility.

Entrance Hymn   216 (tune 433)

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 informally welcomes the people of God and the deacon leads us into Confession.

(A short period of stillness and silence)

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, peace to his people on earth. Glory to God in the highest, 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, have mercy on us, you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive, 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) 

Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you in their death as in their life; grant that your Church, inspired by their teaching and example, and made one by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

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Report on the 378th meeting of St. Paul’s Church Council held on 5th February, 2022

The Minutes for this meeting  were signed as an accurate record of proceedings by Father Leonard at the 379^th meeting held on May 28^th

The meeting opened at 2.30 p.m. and closed at 5 p.m. Co-optees for 2022-2023, Melissa Dixon and Oliver Knight, were welcomed and Father Leonard reminded everyone of the confidentiality of all Council proceedings.

Covid regulations: unchanged but Council agreed to the re-introduction of wine to Holy Communion by means of intinction by Father Leonard. Anyone wishing to receive only the Host could continue to do so.

Finances: Treasurer Nelly reported a smaller deficit and noted the receipt of a one-off payment of €4,000 from the Greek State in response to the Covid crisis (1,500 of which had been shared by Crete and Corfu), also two amounts totalling €5,300 from the Diocesan Hardship Fund. Requests for hire of the church were being received. Council agreed that a donation of €2,000 from Holy Trinity, Brussels for the purpose of charitable giving, should be given to the Green Light project, where Salvation Army officers were helping trafficked women to find a safe haven and learn skills enabling them to become independent of their ‘controller’ and find accommodation for them and their children.

Safeguarding: Lynn reminded council that Safeguarding Level 1 was a requirement for all council members plus Level 2 for those in direct contact with children.

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Service for Trinity Sunday – 12th June 2022 – St Paul’s Athens

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

for the first time or visiting Athens.  After the Liturgy we all gather in the church garden for coffee. There is a POS so you can donate by card payment.

The preacher is Fr. Leonard. The deacon is The Revd. Deacon Christine Saccali.

Entrance Hymn    146  Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty

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.

Deacon: Holy, holy, holy. When our eyes have seen the Lord of Hosts, we echo the

words of Isaiah, ‘Woe is me! I am doomed.’ We long for the fire of God’s

cleansing to touch our unclean lips, for our iniquity to be removed and our

sins wiped out. So we meet Father, Son, and Holy Spirit with confession on

our lips.      Silence

Deacon: Father, you come to meet us when we return to you:

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

Deacon: Jesus, you died on the cross for our sins:

Christe eleison

All:          Christe eleison

Deacon: Spirit, you give us life and peace:

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

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

Gloria:  Glory to God in the highest, peace to his people on earth. Glory to God in the highest, 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, have mercy on us, you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive, 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, in the glory of God the Father. Amen

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

Almighty and everlasting God, you have given your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity and in the power of the divine majesty to worship the Unity: keep us steadfast in this faith, that we may evermore be defended from all adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in th euntiy of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

First Reading    (please sit)                   Proverbs 8, 1-4, 22-31.     (Shirley Poulakis)

Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights, beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries out: “To you, O people, I call, and my cry is to all that live. The Lord created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of long ago. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth.  When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth—when he had not yet made earth and fields, or the world’s first bits of soil. When he established the heavens, I was there,  when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master worker; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the human race.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.

All:         Thanks be to God.

Psalm:    539    This is the day of the Lord; we rejoice and are glad

Second Reading                                                 Romans 5, 1-5     (Lynne Doolan)

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Reader: This is the word of the Lord.

All:         Thanks be to God.

Gospel Hymn   360  Firmly I believe

Gospel Reading        (turn towards the gospel book)

[Deacon:    I ask your blessing that I may worthily proclaim this holy gospel

All:              May the Lord be on your lips, in your mind and in your heart that you may worthily

                    proclaim to us this holy gospel]

Deacon:     Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, one

God, who was, and is, and is to come, the Almighty.  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. John  (John 16, 12-15)

All:              Glory to you, O Lord

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

At the end of the Gospel

Deacon:  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:  (kneel or sit)  Lord in your mercy; hear our prayer

Peace:  Peace to you from God our heavenly Father. Peace from his Son Jesus Christ who is our peace. Peace from the Holy Spirit, the life-giver. The peace of the Triune God be always with you.

All:        And also with you.

Offertory Hymn     295   Let all mortal flesh keep silence   (The Collection will be taken)

Priest: Be present, be present Lord Jesus Christ, our risen high priest: make yourself known in the breaking of bread.  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:  continues until   ‘ for ever praising you and singing:’

All:       Holy, holy, holy Lord God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of

             Your glory.Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.

             Blessed , blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

             Hosanna , hosanna, hosanna in the highest.

The Great Thanksgiving continues… until

Deacon:  Great is the mystery of faith

All:          Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

…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.

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 Anthem: by F. Schubert “Holy, holy, holy, Holy is the Lord”

Post Communion Prayer:  Let us pray     (please stand)

Almighty and eternal God, you have revealed yourself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and live and reign in the perfect unity of love: hold us firm in this faith, that we may know you in all your ways and evermore rejoice in your eternal glory, who are three persons, yet one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

All: You have opened to us the Scriptures, O Christ, and you have made yourself known in the breaking of bread. Abide with us, we pray, that blessed by your royal presence, we may walk with you all the days of our life, and at its end behold you in the glory of the eternal Trinity, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Notices

Post Communion Hymn:    377   Immortal, invisible God only wise.

Blessing and Dismissal

Priest:     Blessing and honour and thanksgiving and praise more than we can utter, more than we can conceive, be to you, most holy and glorious Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, by all angels, all people, all creatures, for ever and ever. Amen.

Deacon:  Go in peace to love and serve the Lord

All:           In the name of Christ. Amen.

Next Week’s Readings:  Isaiah 65, 1-9; Galatians 3, 23-end; Luke 8, 26-39

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 – Fridays

Swedish Church: contact Fr. Bjorn on  694 607 2428

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.

• View our Website: anglicanchurchathens.gr
• Or “Like” us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnglicanAthens/
• Or ‘follow’ us on Twitter:     @AthensAnglican

Liturgical Material Copyright of the Archbishops’ Council

• The new book – Opening Doors – is a pioneering and unique history of the Anglican tradition and St. Paul’s Church in Athens. The cost is €10,00. You can pay by card – ask for the POS. This book would make an ideal gift for friends or family.
• Weekly Giving: if you would like to make your weekly giving to the church by our envelope scheme (which we would encourage) please speak to Nelly Paraskevopoulou.
• Table Top Sales: There is often a Greetings Card stall and a Second Hand Book stall in the garden after the liturgy. Please do look out for them.

Service for Pentecost Sunday – 5th June 2022

Platinum Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  We have a POS facility so you can make a donation by card. There is coffee in the garden after the Liturgy. The newly published church history and guide book ‘Opening Doors’ will be on sale from this morning – €10,00. You can use the POS to purchase this as well as cash.

The presiding priest and preacher this morning is The Revd. Canon Leonard Doolan. The deacon is the Revd. Christine Saccali. We welcome HE Matthew Lodge, British Ambassador, and Mrs. Alexia Lodge.

I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service… But I shall not have strength to carry out this resolution alone unless you join in it with me, as I now invite you to do: I know that your support will be unfailingly given. God help me to make good my vow, and God bless all of you who are willing to share in it.

Princess Elizabeth, 21 April 1947

When I spoke to you last… I asked you all, whatever your religion, to pray for me on the day of my Coronation – to pray that God would give me wisdom and strength to carry out the promises that I should then be making… I have been uplifted and sustained by the knowledge that your thoughts and prayers were with me.

Her Majesty the Queen, Coronation Day, 2 June 1953

Entrance Hymn:    364 God is love  (tune Blaenwern 408)

Priest:  Alleluia! Christ is risen

All:       He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Priest: The Lord be with you

All:       And also with you

The priest then welcomes the people of God and then the deacon leads us into Confession.

Silence

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.

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

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Our Summer Jubilee Bazaar

Come to our Summer Jubilee Bazaar in the grounds of St Paul’s Anglican Church Athens, on Saturday 4th June between 10.00 – 16.00 hrs. Browse our many stalls including Books, Bric-a-Brac, Clothes, Cakes & Jewellery, Nearly New Clothes and lots more.

Enjoy a Cream Tea and wash it all down with a glass of Pimms. Come along, meet friends, have a bite to eat, a drink and a chat!

We will be accepting donations of new and nearly new goods during the week before the bazaar and if you have any queries please contact one of the stallholders below:

EVERYONE WELCOME!

Service for the 6th Sunday of Easter – 22 May 2022

Welcome to St Paul’s Athens,   especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens. Deacon Christine leads our worship today, and is the preacher. Fr. Leonard is on Crete this weekend for the Souda Bay Commemoration and preaching at St. Thomas’s Anglican Church.

We have a POS – you can make your donation to St. Paul’s by card. Please come to coffee in the garden after the Liturgy.

Opening Hymn:  427   O praise ye the Lord

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:   As we come to the Lord at the start of this New Year, let us seek his grace to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom as we confess 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

READ MORE

Service for the Third Sunday of Easter – 1st May 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  We have a POS facility so you can make a donation by card. There is coffee in the garden after the Liturgy. 

The presiding priest and preacher this morning is The Revd. Canon Leonard Doolan. The deacon is Deacon Christine Saccali

Entrance Hymn    121  This joyful Eastertide

Priest: Alleluia! Christ is risen

 All:     He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

The priest then welcomes the people of God and then the deacon leads us into Confession.

Silence

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.

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

Gloria:  Glory in the highest to the God of heavens:

              Peace to all your people through the earth be given.

              Mighty God and Father, thanks and praise we bring,

              Singing Alleluia! To the heavenly King.

              Jesus Christ is risen, God the Father’s Son;

              With the Holy Spirit, you are Lord alone.

              Lamb once killed for sinners, all our guilt to bear,

              Show us now your mercy, now receive our prayer.

              Christ the world’s true Saviour, high and holy one,

              Seated now and reigning from your Father’s throne:

              Lord and God, we praise you! Highest heaven adores:

              In the Father’s glory, all the praise be yours!

READ MORE

Service for the Second Sunday of Easter – 24th April 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  We have a POS facility so you can make a donation by card. There is coffee in the garden after the Liturgy. 

The presiding priest and preacher this morning is The Revd. Canon Leonard Doolan.

Entrance Hymn    375  I danced in the morning

Priest: Alleluia! Christ is risen

 All:     He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

The priest then welcomes the people of God and then leads us into Confession.

Silence

Assistant: Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life.

Kyrie eleison

All:            Kyrie eleison

Assistant: Lord Jesus, you forgive us our sins.

Christe eleison

All:            Christe eleison

Assistant: Lord Jesus, you feed us with the living bread.

Kyrie eleison

All:            Kyrie eleison

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

READ MORE

Wishing you a Happy Easter

Click here for Easter Greetings

St Paul’s Annual Parochial Church Meeting, 3rd April 2022

Reports for the preceding year submitted to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) held at St Paul’s on Sunday 3rd April 2022.

Click this link to access the reports

Service for Easter Sunday – 17th April 2022

The Anglican Church in Greece

Happy Easter! Welcome to our Easter Sunday worship. After the Liturgy there is an Easter breakfast in the church garden. Please remember about social distancing and be sensitive to people’s concerns about proximity/mask wearing.

Hymn    112   Jesus Lives!

Priest: Alleluia! Christ is risen

All:     He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

The priest then welcomes the people of God and the deacon leads us into Confession.

Silence

Deacon: Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life.

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

Deacon: Lord Jesus, you forgive us our sins.

Christe eleison

All:          Christe eleison

Deacon:  Lord Jesus, you feed us with the living bread.

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

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

Gloria:  Glory in the highest to the God of heavens:

              Peace to all your people through the earth be given.

              Mighty God and Father, thanks and praise we bring,

              Singing Alleluia! To the heavenly King.

              Jesus Christ is risen, God the Father’s Son;

              With the Holy Spirit, you are Lord alone.

              Lamb once killed for sinners, all our guilt to bear,

              Show us now your mercy, now receive our prayer.

              Christ the world’s true Saviour, high and holy one,

              Seated now and reigning from your Father’s throne:

              Lord and God, we praise you! Highest heaven adores:

              In the Father’s glory, all the praise be yours!

 READ MORE

Service for the 5th Sunday in Lent – Passion Sunday – 3rd April 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens. There is coffee in the garden after the liturgy. This will be followed by the Annual Meeting. Printed reports are available to read during coffee.

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

At the door (please turn)

[Priest:    Give us true repentance; forgive us our sins of negligence and ignorance and our

deliberate sins: and grant  us the grace of your Holy Spirit to amend our lives

according to your holy word.

All:           Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal, have mercy upon us.]

Entrance Hymn    86 (omit *verses) My Song is love unknown

Priest:    In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

The Lord be with you.

 All:        and also with you

The priest then welcomes the people of God and then the deacon leads us into Confession.

Silence and stillness follows

Deacon: We confess to you our selfishness and lack of love: fill us with your Spirit.

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

Deacon:  We confess to you our fear and failure in sharing our faith: fill us with your Spirit.

Christe eleison

All:          Christe eleison

Deacon: We confess to you our stubbornness and lack of trust: fill us with your Spirit.

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

Absolution:  Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you your sins, and bring to everlasting life.  Amen.

READ MORE

Service Sheet for the 4th Sunday in Lent, 27th March 2022

MOTHERING SUNDAY

Welcome to St. Paul’s. If you are visiting, or here

for the first time please do stay behind for coffee

in the church garden after the Liturgy. Today we celebrate Mothering Sunday.

Presiding Priest: Fr. Leonard Doolan     Preacher: Fr. Leonard

Deacon: Revd Deacon Christine

Entrance Hymn   395  Let bells peal forth
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

Welcome

Words by Jonny Baker, taken from the book: ‘The Hospitality of God’ by Michael Perham

Deacon:     All are invited, all are included

All are made welcome, none are excluded

This is the table of Christ

Come if you’re young, come if you’re old

Come if you’re broken, come if you’re whole

Come if you’re weary of the trials of life

This is the table of Christ.

Introduction

The priest welcomes everyone and introduces the service – all are invited to receive Holy Communion.

Confession

There will be a short moment of silence as we bring to mind our wrongdoings

 Deacon:     Lord, you are gracious and compassionate:

Lord, have mercy.

All:            Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:     You are loving to all and your mercy is over all your creation:

Christ, have mercy.

All:            Christ, have mercy.

Deacon:     Your faithful servants bless your name and speak of your glory:

Lord, have mercy.

All:            Lord, have mercy.

Absolution  (as we hear the words of God’s forgiveness)

Collect

The Priest then prays the collect for the day

God of love, passionate and strong, tender and full of care; watch over us and hold us all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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EASTER LILIES (In Memorium)

This lovely St. Paul’s tradition continues. The names of your loved ones can be included in our Easter Book of Remembrance – just email them to Nelly at nelly.parask@gmail.com and your lily will be added to the beautiful floral displays in church. The final date for submission is April 13^th.

If you would like to make a donation in their memory you can do so through e-banking or Paypal when you visit our website: www.anglicanchurchathens.gr – just click on Support St. Paul’s – Donations  for details, giving your name and ‘Easter Lilies’ or you can see Nelly in church.  

Service Sheet for the Third Sunday in Lent – 20th March 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  Please stay and have coffee after the liturgy.  We have a POS facility now, so payments can be made to the church by bank cards.

The presiding priest is Fr. Bjorn Kling of the Swedish Church. The deacon and preacher is Deacon Christine Saccali.

Entry Greeting  

[Minister: Give us true repentance; forgive us our sins of negligence and ignorance and our

deliberate sins: and grant  us the grace of your Holy Spirit to amend our lives

according to your holy word.

All:             Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal, have mercy upon us.]

Entrance Hymn    465   Thou didst leave thy throne

Priest:     In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

The Lord be with you.

 All:         and also with you

The priest then welcomes the people of God and the assistant leads us into Confession.

Silence and stillness follows for a few moments

Deacon:    We confess to you our selfishness and lack of love: fill us with your Spirit.

Kyrie eleison

All:             Kyrie eleison

Deacon:    We confess to you our fear and failure in sharing our faith: fill us with your Spirit.

Christe eleison

All:             Christe eleison

Deacon:    We confess to you our stubbornness and lack of trust: fill us with your Spirit.

Kyrie eleison

All:             Kyrie eleison

Priest:       May Almighty God, who sent his Son into the world to save sinners, bring you

his pardon and peace.

All:             Amen.

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

Eternal God, give us insight to discern your will for us, to give up what harms us, and to seek the perfection we are promised in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

READ MORE

Minutes of the 377th Parish Council Meeting, held on 13th November 2021

Click here to read more

Service for the second Sunday in Lent, 13th March 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  Please stay and have coffee after the liturgy.  We have a POS facility now, so payments can be made to the church by bank cards.

 The presiding priest and preacher is Fr. Leonard. The Assistant is Nelly Paraskevopoulou. Choral Evensong is at 20.00hrs.

Entry Greeting  

Minister: Give us true repentance; forgive us our sins of negligence and ignorance and our deliberate sins: and grant  us the grace of your Holy Spirit to amend our lives

according to your holy word.

All:             Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal, have mercy upon us.]

Entrance Hymn    381  Jerusalem the golden

Priest:     In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

The Lord be with you.

 All:         and also with you

The priest then welcomes the people of God and the assistant leads us into Confession.

Silence and stillness follows for a few moments

Assistant: We confess to you our selfishness and lack of love: fill us with your Spirit.

Kyrie eleison

All:             Kyrie eleison

Assistant: We confess to you our fear and failure in sharing our faith: fill us with your Spirit.

Christe eleison

All:            Christe eleison

Assistant:  We confess to you our stubbornness and lack of trust: fill us with your Spirit.

Kyrie eleison

All:             Kyrie eleison

Priest:       May Almighty God, who sent his Son into the world to save sinners, bring you

his pardon and peace.

All:             Amen.

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

Almighty God, by the prayer and discipline of Lent may we enter into the mystery of Christ’s sufferings, and by following his Way may we come to share in his glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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Electoral Roll Application

Electoral Roll Form 2022

Service for the First Sunday in Lent – 6th March 2022

St Paul’s Athens

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  Please stay and have coffee after the liturgy.  We have a POS facility now, so payments can be made to the church by bank cards.

The presiding priest and preacher is Fr. Leonard (Chaplain). The deacon is The Revd. Deacon Christine Saccali.

Entry Greeting

[Minister: Give us true repentance; forgive us our sins of negligence and ignorance and our

deliberate sins: and grant  us the grace of your Holy Spirit to amend our lives

according to your holy word.

All:             Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal, have mercy upon us.

Entrance Hymn    333   All my hope on God is founded

Priest:     In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

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 for a few moments

Deacon: We confess to you our selfishness and lack of love: fill us with your Spirit.

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

Deacon:  We confess to you our fear and failure in sharing our faith: fill us with your Spirit.

Christe eleison

All:          Christe eleison

Deacon:  We confess to you our stubbornness and lack of trust: fill us with your Spirit.

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

Priest:    May Almighty God, who sent his Son into the world to save sinners, bring you his pardon and peace.

All:          Amen.

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

Heavenly Father, your Son battled with the powers of darkness, and grew closer to you in the desert: help us to use these forty days of Lent to grow in wisdom and prayer that we may witness to your saving love in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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Service for the Sunday Next Before Lent – 27th February 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens. We have a POS facility now, so payments can be made to the church by bank cards.

 The presiding priest and preacher is The Revd. Canon Leonard Doolan; the deacon is Chris Saccali.

Entrance Hymn     420  O Jesus I have promised

Priest:  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

The Lord be with you.

 All:      and also with you

The priest then welcomes the people of God and then the deacon leads us into Confession.

Silence

Deacon: God be gracious to us and bless us, and make his face to shine upon us:

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

Deacon: May your ways be known on earth, your saving power among the nations:

Christe eleison

All:          Christe eleison

Deacon: Lord, you have made known your salvation, and reveal your justice in the sight of the

nations:

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

Absolution we hear the words of God’s forgiveness to those who are truly penitent

READ MORE

Service for the 2nd Sunday before Lent – 20th February 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens. We have a POS facility now, so payments can be made to the church by bank cards.

The presiding priest and preacher is The Revd. Canon Leonard Doolan; the deacon and preacher is Chris Saccali.

Entrance Hymn   205  Christ is made the sure foundation

Priest:  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

The Lord be with you.

 All:      and also with you

The priest then welcomes the people of God and then the deacon leads us into Confession.

Silence

Deacon: God be gracious to us and bless us, and make his face to shine upon us:

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

Deacon: May your ways be known on earth, your saving power among the nations:

Christe eleison

All:          Christe eleison

Deacon: Lord, you have made known your salvation, and reveal your justice in the sight of the nations:

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

Absolution we hear the words of God’s forgiveness to those who are truly penitent

READ MORE

Service for the 3rd Sunday before Lent – 13th February 2022

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens. We have a POS facility now, so payments can be made to the church by bank cards.

The presiding priest and preacher is The Revd. Canon Leonard Doolan; Nelly Paraskevopoulou is the assistant.

Entrance Hymn    473  When morning gilds the skies (2^nd tune and omit*verses)

Priest:  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

The Lord be with you.

 All:      and also with you

The priest then welcomes the people of God and then the deacon leads us into Confession.

Silence

Nelly:      God be gracious to us and bless us, and make his face to shine upon us:

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

Nelly:     May your ways be known on earth, your saving power among the nations:

Christe eleison

All:          Christe eleison

Nelly:     Lord, you have made known your salvation, and reveal your justice in the sight of the nations:

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

Absolution we hear the words of God’s forgiveness to those who are truly penitentREAD MORE

Service for the 4th Sunday before Lent – 6th February 2022

St Paul’s Athens

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens. We have a POS facility now, so payments can be made to the church by bank cards.

The presiding priest and preacher is The Revd. Canon Leonard Doolan; the deacon is the Revd. Christine Saccali.

Entrance Hymn    343  Bright the vision    (this hymn is based on Isaiah 6, the OT reading)

Priest:  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

The Lord be with you.

 All:      and also with you

The priest then welcomes the people of God and then the deacon leads us into Confession.

Silence

Deacon: God be gracious to us and bless us, and make his face to shine upon us:

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

Deacon: May your ways be known on earth, your saving power among the nations:

Christe eleison

All:          Christe eleison

Deacon: Lord, you have made known your salvation, and reveal your justice in the sight of the nations:

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

READ MORE

Service for the 4th Sunday of Epiphany – 30th January 2022

St Paul’s Athens

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens. We have a POS facility now, so payments can be made to the church by bank cards.

The presiding priest and preacher is The Revd. Canon Leonard Doolan; the deacon is the Revd. Christine Saccali. The preacher this morning is Angelos Palioudakis.

Entrance Hymn    388 (1^st tune)  Jesus shall reign

Priest:  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

The Lord be with you.

 All:      and also with you

The priest then welcomes the people of God and then the deacon leads us into Confession.

Silence

Deacon: God be gracious to us and bless us, and make his face to shine upon us:

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

Deacon: May your ways be known on earth, your saving power among the nations:

Christe eleison

All:          Christe eleison

Deacon: Lord, you have made known your salvation, and reveal your justice in the sight of the nations:

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

 Absolution we hear the words of God’s forgiveness to those who are truly penitent

READ MORE

Service for the 3rd Sunday of Epiphany – 23rd January 2022

St Paul’s Athens

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens. We have a POS facility now, so payments can be made to the church by bank cards.

The presiding priest and preacher is The Revd. Canon Leonard Doolan; the deacon is the Revd. Christine Saccali.

Entrance Hymn   391  Let bells peal forth

Priest:  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

The Lord be with you.

 All:      and also with you

The priest then welcomes the people of God and then the deacon leads us into Confession.

Silence

Deacon: God be gracious to us and bless us, and make his face to shine upon us:

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

Deacon: May your ways be known on earth, your saving power among the nations:

Christe eleison

All:          Christe eleison

Deacon: Lord, you have made known your salvation, and reveal your justice in the sight of the nations:

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison 

Absolution we hear the words of God’s forgiveness to those who are truly penitent

READ MORE

Service for the 2nd Sunday of Epiphany – 16th January 2022

St Paul’s. Athens

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  God’s blessings for you in 2022.

The presiding priest and preacher is The Revd. Canon Leonard Doolan; the deacon is the Revd. Christine Saccali.

Minister:  We will go unto the altar of God

All:            Even unto the God of our Joy and gladness

Minister:  Our help is in the name of the Lord

All:            Who has made heaven and earth.

Minister:  O Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness

All:            Let the whole earth stand in awe of him]

Entrance Hymn    148 (omit all * verses)   The God of Abraham praise

Priest:  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

The Lord be with you.

 All:      and also with you

The priest then welcomes the people of God and then the deacon leads us into Confession.

Silence

Deacon: God be gracious to us and bless us, and make his face to shine upon us:

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

Deacon: May your ways be known on earth, your saving power among the nations:

Christe eleison

All:          Christe eleison

Deacon: Lord, you have made known your salvation, and reveal your justice in the sight of the nations:

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

Absolution we hear the words of God’s forgiveness to those who are truly penitent

READ MORE

Service for the Baptism of Christ 1st Sunday after Epiphany – 9th January 2022

St Paul’s Athens

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens. Please stay and have coffee after the liturgy. Masks are required at all times – and social distancing.

The presiding priest and preacher is Fr. Leonard, assisted by Nelly Paraskevopoulou.

[Minister:  We will go unto the altar of God

All:            Even unto the God of our Joy and gladness

Minister:  Our help is in the name of the Lord

All:            Who has made heaven and earth.

Minister:  O Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness

All:            Let the whole earth stand in awe of him]

Entrance Hymn    55  Hail to the Lord’s Anointed

Priest:     In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All:          And also with you

Priest:     The Lord be with you

 All:          and also with you

The priest then welcomes the people of God.

Silence   (Then a Minister leads us in the words of the Confession)

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 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: May almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you your sins, and bring you to everlasting life.

All:   Amen.

Gloria:   Glory to God in the highest, peace to his people on earth.

               Glory to God in the highest, peace to his people on earth.

1. Lord God heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.
2. 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, have mercy on us,

You are seated at the right hand of the Father, receive, receive our prayers.

3. 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

 READ MORE

Service for the 2nd Sunday of Christmas – 2nd January 2022

St Paul’s Athens

Welcome to St Paul’s Athens,   especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens. Happy New Year! Deacon Christine leads our worship today, and is the preacher. Please remember that masks are mandatory in church and when you are in groups in the garden. We are required to be 1.5m apart for worship.

Opening Hymn:  36 The first Nowell

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:   As we come to the Lord at the start of this New Year, let us seek his grace to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom as we confess 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

READ MORE

Service for December 26th St. Stephen, Deacon, First Martyr

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens for Christmas. Happy Christmas! The presiding priest is Fr. Leonard and Deacon Christine is the preacher.

Entrance Hymn  

Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the Feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gathering winter fuel

Hither, page, and stand by me,
If thou knowst it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?
Sire, he lives a good league hence,
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes fountain.

Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I shall see him dine
When we bear them thither.
Page and monarch, forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude winds wild lament
And the bitter weather

Sire, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how
I can go no longer.
Mark my footsteps, good my page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shall find the winters rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly.

In his masters step he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed
Therefore, Christian men, be sure
Wealth or rank possessing
Ye, who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing.

Priest:  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

The Lord be with you.

All:       and also with you

Priest:  Hark! the herald angels sing

All:       Glory to the newborn King.

 Priest:   St. Stephen and the martyr saints were faithful unto death and now dwell in the heavenly kingdom for ever. As we celebrate their joy, let us bring to the Lord our sins and weaknesses, and ask for his mercy.

READ MORE

Service for the 3rd Sunday in Advent – 12th December 2021

Welcome to St Paul’s Athens,   especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens.  Deacon Christine leads our worship today, and is the preacher.  Fr. Leonard is in Thessaloniki today. Please remember that masks are mandatory in church and when you are in groups in the garden. We are required to be 1.5m apart for worship.

Opening Hymn:

How lovely on the mountains are the feet of Him
Who brings good news, good news
Proclaiming peace, announcing news of happiness
Our God reigns, our God reigns

Chorus:
Our God reigns, our God reigns
Our God reigns, our God reigns

You watchmen lift your voices joyfully as one
Shout for your King, your King,
See face to face the Lord restoring Zion
Your God reigns, your God reigns!

Waste places of Jerusalem break forth with joy
We are redeemed, redeemed
The Lord has saved and comforted His people
Our God reigns, our God reigns!

Ends of the earth, see the salvation of your God
Jesus is Lord, is Lord.
Before the nations He has bared His holy arm
Our God reigns, our God reigns!

Lighting of the 3^rd Advent Candle

Minister: People of God, return! You are called to be God’s own. From the mountains announce good news. God comes in justice and peace, to all who follow in his ways. You are God’s Children.

All: Lord make us one in the peace of Christ today and forever. Amen.

 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.

READ MORE

Zoom Log-in for the eve of the Nativity of Christ 2021

Topic: Carol Service

Time: Dec 24, 2021 06:00 PM Athens

Join Zoom Meeting

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Meeting ID: 884 7390 8653

Passcode: 19F9nqZ

Zoom Carol Service for the Eve of the Nativity of Christ 2021

YouTube link to the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols held at St Paul’s on 19th December 2021 with the help of the Athens Singers

(Zoom 18.00 – try to join around 17.45hrs)

At 17.50  Christina Antoniadou will play some Christmas music before we worship.

Welcome           Father Leonard

Introduction     Deacon Christine

Lord’s Prayer:   Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;

                             Thy kingdom come, thy will be done; in 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.

Carol 

1 It came upon the midnight clear,
that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth
to touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, good will to men,
from heaven’s all-gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay,
to hear the angels sing. 

2 Still through the cloven skies they come
with peaceful wings unfurled,
and still their heavenly music floats
o’er all the weary world;
above its sad and lowly plains,
they bend on hovering wing,
and ever o’er its Babel sounds
the blessed angels sing. 

3 And ye, beneath life’s crushing load,
whose forms are bending low,
who toil along the climbing way
with painful steps and slow,
look now! for glad and golden hours
come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road,
and hear the angels sing! 

4 For lo! the days are hastening on,
by prophet seen of old,
when with the ever-circling years
shall come the time foretold
when peace shall over all the earth
its ancient splendors fling,
and the whole world send back the song
which now the angels sing.

READ MORE

Bible Study 2 for Advent Season

The Living Stone and a Chosen People

2 Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander. ² Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

⁴ Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and ⁵ like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ⁶ For it stands in scripture:

“See, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious;
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

⁷ To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe,

“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the very head of the corner,”

⁸ and

“A stone that makes them stumble,
and a rock that makes them fall.”

They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

⁹ But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

¹⁰ Once you were not a people,
but now you are God’s people;
once you had not received mercy,
but now you have received mercy.

Live as Servants of God

¹¹ Beloved, I urge you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul. ¹² Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may see your honorable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge.

¹³ For the Lord’s sake accept the authority of every human institution, whether of the emperor as supreme, ¹⁴ or of governors, as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. ¹⁵ For it is God’s will that by doing right you should silence the ignorance of the foolish. ¹⁶ As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil. ¹⁷ Honor everyone. Love the family of believers. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

The Example of Christ’s Suffering

¹⁸ Slaves, accept the authority of your masters with all deference, not only those who are kind and gentle but also those who are harsh. ¹⁹ For it is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. ²⁰ If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. ²¹ For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.

²² “He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

²³ When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. ²⁴ He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. ²⁵ For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

Service for the 2nd Sunday of Advent – 5th December 2021

St Paul’s Athens

Welcome to all. Our Liturgy is shorter in length and time because today is also our CHRISTMAS BAZAAR.  In church please note the distancing rules (1.5m), and the wearing of masks is mandatory in church and around the garden. The presiding priest and preacher is The Revd. Canon Leonard Doolan, Senior Chaplain in Greece.

Entrance Hymn: 3  Come thou long expected Jesus

Priest:  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

The Lord be with you.

 All:      and also with you

[Lighting of the 2^nd Advent Candle

Priest: People of God, be glad! Your God delights in you, giving you joy for sadness and turning the dark to light. Be strong in hope therefore; for your God comes to save. You are God’s children.

All:      Lord, make us one in the love of Christ today and forever. Amen]

The priest then welcomes the people of God and the deacon then leads us into Confession.

Priest: When the Lord comes, he will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Therefore in the light of Christ let us confess our sins.

A period of silent stillness follows

READ MORE

Night Prayer (Compline) for the Advent Season

The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.  All  Amen.

Our help is in the name of the Lord

All  who made heaven and earth.

A period of silence for reflection on the past day may follow.

All  Most merciful God, we confess to you, before the whole company of heaven and one

      another, that we have sinned in thought, word and deed and in what we have failed

      to do. Forgive us our sins, heal us by your Spirit and raise us to new life in Christ. Amen.

O God, make speed to save us.

All  O Lord, make haste to help us.

All  Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.

The following or another suitable hymn may be sung

1. Before the ending of the day, Creator of the world, we pray

That you, with steadfast love, would keep Your watch around us while we sleep.

2. From evil dreams defend our sight, From fears and terrors of the night;

Tread underfoot our deadly foe That we no sinful thought may know.

3. O Father, that we ask be done Through Jesus Christ, your only Son;

And Holy Spirit, by whose breath, Our souls are raised to life from death.

A psalm is now said

At the end of the psalmody, the following is said or sung

All  Glory to the Father and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning is now

and shall be for ever. Amen.

 READ MORE

Zoom Service Night Prayer in the Advent Season

Leonard Doolan is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

The order of service is available on the website  for you to download. Please do pass on the information about Night Prayer to others and forward the Zoom link.

Topic: Advent Night Prayer

Time: Dec 1, 2021 09:00 PM Athens

        Every day, until Dec 22, 2021, 22 occurrence(s)

        Dec 1, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 2, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 3, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 4, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 5, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 6, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 7, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 8, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 9, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 10, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 11, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 12, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 13, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 14, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 15, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 16, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 17, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 18, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 19, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 20, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 21, 2021 09:00 PM

        Dec 22, 2021 09:00 PM

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

Daily: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZwkd–srTgiGNf6XwkXpDlqW7SYfNeDMg1e/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGgpzssHteWuBuERpw-HYigM-jztnZHjY1byifyCBhDRg_nAbVxC7RRFfz9

Join Zoom Meeting

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Meeting ID: 889 0643 3823

Passcode: Uygg2w

Service for Advent Sunday – 28th November 2021

St Paul’s Athens

Welcome to all as we begin to worship in this holy season of Advent. Note the distancing rules (1.5m), and the wearing of masks is mandatory in church and around the garden, unless you are drinking your coffee. The presiding priest and preacher is The Revd. Canon Leonard Doolan, Senior Chaplain in Greece, and Deacon Christine is assisting.

Entrance Hymn: 11   O come, O come Emmanuel

Priest:  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

The Lord be with you.

 All:      and also with you

[Lighting of the Advent Candle

Priest: People of God, awake! The day is coming soon when you shall see God face to face. Remember the ways and works of God. God calls you out of darkness to walk in the light of his coming. You are God’s children.

All:      Lord, make us one as we walk with Christ today and forever. Amen]

The priest then welcomes the people of God and the deacon then leads us into Confession.

Priest: When the Lord comes, he will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Therefore in the light of Christ let us confess our sins.

A period of silent stillness follows

READ MORE

Service for the feast of Christ the King – Sunday 21st November 2021

St Paul’s Athens

Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens. Please observe the 1.5m distancing regulation at all times and masks must be worn. Coffee is served after the Liturgy in the garden.  

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

Entrance Hymn   352 Crown him with many crowns

Priest:  Blessed be the kingdom of God

All:       Now and for ever.

Priest:  The Lord be with you.

 All:      and also with you

 The priest welcomes the people of God and the deacon then leads us into Confession.

Deacon: Lord, you are gracious and compassionate:

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

Deacon: You are loving to all and your mercy is over all your creation:

Christe eleison

All:          Christe eleison

Deacon: Your faithful servants bless your name and speak of the glory of your kingdom:

Kyrie eleison

All:          Kyrie eleison

Absolution we hear the words of God’s forgiveness to those who are truly penitent

Gloria: Glory in the highest to the God of heaven;

Peace to all your people through the earth be given.

Mighty God and Father, thanks and praise we bring,

Singing Alleluia to our heavenly King.

Jesus Christ is risen, God the Father’s Son;

With the Holy Spirit, you are the Lord alone.

Lamb once killed for sinners, all our guilt to bear,

Show us now your mercy, now receive our prayer

Christ the world’s true Saviour, high and holy one,

Seated now and reigning from your Father’s throne

Lord and God, we praise you! Highest heaven adores

In the Father’s glory, all the praise be yours!

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

Eternal Father, whose Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven that he might rule over all things as Lord and King; keep the church in the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of peace, and bring the whole created order to worship at his feet; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

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A service for Remembrance Sunday – 14th November 2021 – St Paul’s Athens and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, Alimos

Welcome to our worship on this Remembrance Sunday. A particular welcome to His Excellency Matthew Lodge, British Ambassador, and Captain Alex Bush, Defence Attache. This Worship is led by The Revd. Canon Leonard Doolan, Senior Chaplain, who is also the preacher. There is a Noon ceremony at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery at Alimos.

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

All:            and also with you.

Priest:      O Lord, open our lips

All:            and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Priest:      Give us the joy of your saving help

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

Hymn:    

1 God is our strength and refuge,
our present help in trouble,

and we therefore will not fear,
though the earth should change!
Though mountains shake and tremble,
though swirling floods are raging,

God the Lord of hosts is with us evermore!

2 There is a flowing river
within God’s holy city;
God is in the midst of her-
she shall not be moved!
God’s help is swiftly given,
thrones vanish at his presence-
God the Lord of hosts is with us evermore!

3 Come, see the works of our maker,
learn of his deeds all-powerful:
wars will cease across the world
when he shatters the spear!
Be still and know your creator,
uplift him in the nations-
God the Lord of hosts is with us evermore!                       After Psalm 46, Richard Bewes (born 1934)

© Richard Bewes/Jubilate Hymns
READ MORE

The Great St Paul’s Christmas Bazaar is back!

After a Hiatus of two years St Paul’s famous Christmas Bazaar is back at a new venue.  On 5th December 2021 in the Amphitheatre foyer of the Athens War Museum from 11.00 hrs – 16.30 hrs with many of our usual stalls available to purchase your Christmas Gifts:  Christmas cakes,  Mince pies,  Christmas crackers, Handmade gifts, Books, Jewellery, Clothing, Preserves, DVD`s and lots lots more!

Maybe relax for awhile and enjoy a lovely Irish coffee, a glass of wine, a cup of tea or coffee and something to eat from our cake/sandwich stall.

Hoping to see you there for a wonderful day out after so long.

PLEASE NOTE COVID UPDATE:   Proof of Vaccination (Certificate) must be shown to gain entry to the museum.

Service for the Third Sunday before Advent – 7th November 2021

St Paul’s Athens

Fr. Leonard will preside and preach. The deacon is Deacon Christine.

Please ensure that you are 1.5metres distant unless you are from the same household. Masks and hand cleansing are mandatory in church and as you move around in the garden.

Opening Hymn: 463  (2^nd tune)  Thine for ever!

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 presiding priest welcomes the congregation and invites the deacon to lead us into a short time of silence and stillness

Deacon:          Your raise the dead to life in the spirit.

Kyrie eleison             

     All:                 Kyrie eleison

     Deacon:          You bring pardon and peace to the broken in spirit.

                              Christe eleison         

     All:                 Christe eleison

Deacon:          You make one by your Spirit the torn and divided.

                              Kyrie eleison             

     All:                 Kyrie eleison

Priest:   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: (Sung) 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 sins 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, Amen.

Collect:  Let us pray     (Collect of the Day) 

God, our refuge and strength, bring near the day when wars shall cease and poverty and pain shall end, that earth may know the peace of heaven through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All:  Amen.

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HELP US FILL THE CHRISTMAS SKY WITH STARS!

The star of Bethlehem guided the Magi to a humble stable and now you can have your very own star to shine on the manger where baby Jesus lies. Every donation will add a star to our Nativity Scene, to symbolize the eternal light of Christmas and celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Watch the sky fill with stars on our Facebook Page  and on our website.

Your star will help support the church and those in need in these difficult times. Join us in love and thanksgiving as we prepare to welcome the Christ Child into the world.

ST. PAUL’S HARVEST FESTIVAL AT THE KOKOTOS VINEYARD IN STAMATA

On a sunny Sunday, the 24^th of October, the congregation and friends of St. Paul’s met at the beautiful vineyard of the Kokotos family located outside the village of Stamata north of Athens. Father Leonard, Father Bjorn and Deacon Christine led our worship in the marquee with views over the garden and the distant hills and Father Leonard’s sermon focused on the distortion of God’s creation by mankind and the gap between the everyday life of so many of us and His creation – we have become consumers who have lost touch with farmers, agricultural workers, shepherds and all those who work the land that provides us with our food. The task of ‘greening’ is a huge one but it is the aim of our Diocese, the Diocese in Europe, to become carbon neutral by 2030 and, if each one of us does just a couple of ‘small things’, this can be achieved.  For our intercession prayers, Lynn Doolan gave us each a paper fish on which to write a short prayer. These were then ‘caught’ in a net and displayed for everyone to read – a lovely idea. The service was followed by a wine-tasting outside the tiny chapel of Αγ. Γιωργη τον Μεθυστη or St. George the Intoxicated, a Saint unknown to most of us but well-known in Greece as the Saint of the wine harvest.

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Bishop’s Advent Appeal for European Climate Disaster Relief 2021

Climate change is probably the biggest single issue facing humanity at present and into the future. When I speak to Anglican colleagues from around the world, I hear of its impacts in everything from threatened islands in Polynesia to desertification in sub-Saharan Africa. But this last summer, we have been forcibly reminded that climate change is a global phenomenon that visits our own doorstep in Europe: fires have taken hold in Greece, Spain and Turkey; there has been severe and fatal flooding in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Our chaplain in Liège, Revd Guy Diakiese, was among those pushing water and mud out of the living-rooms of neighbours.

The root causes of climate change are now generally acknowledged to be the increase in greenhouse gases generated mainly by the human burning of carbon. There is pressure worldwide to reduce use of fossil views and stabilise temperature rises, and this is what COP26 in Glasgow is about. But as well as addressing the causes we also need to address the effects of rising temperature, as seen in more and more extreme weather events. Very high rates of rainfall and very high temperatures have a devastating impact on the wellbeing of people and property, as we have seen in our corner of the world. The image is of the town of Bad Neuenahr in the Rhineland.

So my Advent Appeal this year will be focused on assisting agencies that are working in these parts of Europe, as they bring support to those who are affected by man-made climate change.

Many of us will know the work of Caritas International, the Roman Catholic agency that sustains many varieties of Christian relief and support across the world; their national agencies in Spain and Italy will assist with disaster relief.

Click here to read the full text of Bishop Robert’s Appeal

Service for All Saints Sunday – 31st October 2021

St Paul’s Athens

Welcome to St. Paul’s. If you are visiting, or here for the first time.

Presiding Priest: The Revd. Canon Leonard Doolan  

Deacon & preacher: The Revd. Deacon Christine Saccali

Entrance Hymn    148  The God of Abraham praise
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

Words by Jonny Baker, taken from the book: ‘The Hospitality of God’ by Michael Perham

Deacon:           All are invited, all are included

All are made welcome, none are excluded

This is the table of Christ

Come if you’re young, come if you’re old

Come if you’re broken, come if you’re whole

Come if you’re weary of the trials of life

This is the table of Christ.

Introduction The priest welcomes everyone and introduces the service

Confession

There will be a short moment of silence as we bring to mind our wrongdoings

Deacon:           Lord, you are gracious and compassionate:

Lord, have mercy.

All:                  Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:           You are loving to all and your mercy is over all your creation:

Christ, have mercy.

All:                  Christ, have mercy.

Deacon:           Your faithful servants bless your name and speak of your glory:

Lord, have mercy.

All:                   Lord, have mercy.

Absolution: Almighty God, who forgives all those who are 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 Christ our Lord. Amen.

READ MORE

Meeting of the 375th Meeting of St Paul’s Parish Council -11th September 2021

Click here for the minutes of the 375th Meeting of St Paul’s Parish Council

Notes on the 374th Council Meeting held on 3rd July, 2021

Continuing our intention to be an Open Church, please follow the link to the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 3rd July 2021.

The delay is due to the fact that they have to be signed off by Fr Leonard at the following meeting before they can be published.  The minutes for the September meeting will be published shortly.

Please click here for fuller details of the council meeting on 3rd July 2021

Service for St Paul’s Harvest Festival at the Kokotos Winery – 24th October 2021

Opening hymn:

We plough the fields, and scatter
the good seed on the land,
but it is fed and watered
by God’s almighty hand:
he sends the snow in winter,
the warmth to swell the grain,
the breezes, and the sunshine,
and soft, refreshing rain.

Refrain:
All good gifts around us
are sent from heaven above;
then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord,
for all his love.

2 He only is the maker
of all things near and far;
he paints the wayside flower,
he lights the evening star;
the winds and waves obey him,
by him the birds are fed;
much more to us, his children,
he gives our daily bread. [Refrain]

3 We thank thee then, O Father,
for all things bright and good,
the seed-time and the harvest,
our life, our health, our food.
Accept the gifts we offer
for all thy love imparts,
and, what thou most desirest,
our humble, thankful hearts. [Refrain]

Priest: Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

All:  and also with you.

The priest welcomes everyone to the liturgy. The deacon then leads the Confession

Deacon: God’s whole creation groans.  We confess our sin in penitence and faith.

Deacon: Consider the birds of the air; they do not sow or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Lord have mercy.

All: Lord have mercy

Deacon: Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they do not toil or spin, yet even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Christ have mercy.

All: Christ have mercy

Deacon: How little faith we have. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Lord have mercy.

All: Christ have mercy.

The priest then pronounces the words of Absolution.

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Pet Service and Blessing

Following the morning liturgy on Sunday 3^rd October, the day before the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, a service of thanks for pets and all our fellow creatures was held at St. Paul’s, with Father Leonard (Senior Anglican Priest in Greece) and Father Bjorn (Pastor to the Swedish community, accompanied by his guitar) presiding. Hymns were ‘Morning has Broken’, ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ and ‘All Creatures of our God and King’. A Swedish song, ‘Only one who is walking Close the Ground can see the Wonders of God’, was sung by Father Bjorn and a member of his congregation. Prayers, Homily and Readings focused on our relationship with nature and all living creatures and the affection and psychological support given by pets, especially during times of stress and even more during Covid lockdowns. Father Leonard spoke of our hope that the November United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow would lead to more international action to fight this rapidly-increasing phenomenon affecting not only us but all life on earth – a catastrophic legacy for our children and future generations.

First to arrive were Hector, who brought along Lynn, and Piglet, accompanied by Sandra. Others soon followed, amongst them a small French bulldog recovering from surgery and a little charmer equipped with a set of wheels, who scurried around meeting and greeting. The joy of all at this unexpected get-together was a delight to see.

A note: We remember, of course, Greek singer Cat Steven’s rendering of  ‘Morning has Broken’, which became an international hit. It began life as a Christian hymn published in 1931, written by Eleanor Farjeon, who was inspired by the village of Alfriston in Sussex and set to a traditional Gaelic tune, ‘Bunessan’. Since then it has been a firm favourite for children’s services and takes many of us back to our school days.

Jean Mertzanakis

Friends’ Annual Service 2021

 ” … and it was very good.”

 These words from Genesis (1:31) are the inspiration for the 2021 Annual Service of the Friends of the Diocese in Europe, which will take place on Monday 25 October at 1100 hours (BST) or 1200 hours (CET). At a time when we are yearning for the worst effects of the global Pandemic to pass, this service celebrates God’s Creation, and why our Faith is a constant source of hope for us. The service will be streamed live from the Pro-Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Brussels.  The celebrant will be the Rt Revd Dr Robert Innes, Bishop in Europe and among others taking part will be the Archdeacon of Gibraltar, and of Italy and Malta; the Diocesan Environment Officer; and members of the Friends’ Committee. Please join us using the following link:

Join Zoom Meeting