Service Sheet for Sunday 13th September 2026 – The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Celebrant Fr. Benjamin Drury

Sung Mass for Holy Cross

Processional: 332 (Miles Lane) All hail the power of Jesu’s name Resp. Psalm: Ps. 79

Gradual: 379 (Stuttgart) In the Cross of Christ of glory

Offertory: Sheet (Crucifer) Lift high the Cross, the love of Christ proclaim

Communion: Sheet (Sagina) And can it be, that I should gain

Recessional: 453 (Ellacombe) Stand up! Stand up for Jesus!

All are welcome to stay for refreshments after the liturgy.

The Mass setting is Sir James Macmillan’s ‘St. Anne’s Mass’

A reading from the Book of Numbers (21: 4-9)

From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. And the people came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.

And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and every one who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.” So Moses made a bronze serpent, and set it on a pole; and if a serpent bit any man, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.

The Word of the Lord: Thanks be to God.

Resp. Psalm: Ps. 78: Never forget the deeds of the Lord Give heed, my people, to my teaching;

turn your ear to the words of my mouth.

I will open my mouth in a parable

and reveal hidden lessons of the past. (Response)

When he slew them then they would seek him,

return and seek him in earnest.

They would remember that God was their rock,

God the Most High their redeemer. (Response)

But the words they spoke were mere flattery;

they lied to him with their lips.

For their hearts were not truly with him;

they were not faithful to his covenant. (Response)

Yet he who is full of compassion

forgave them their sin and spared them.

So often he held back his anger

when he might have stirred up his rage. (Response)

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians (2: 6-11)

His state was divine, yet Christ Jesus did not cling to his equality with God but emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave and became as men are; and being as all men are, he was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. But God raised him high and gave him the name which is above all other names so that all beings in the heavens, on earth and in the underworld, should bend the knee at the name of Jesus and that every tongue should acclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, to the glory of God the Father. The Word of the Lord: Thanks be to God.

Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you; because by your cross you have redeemed the world. Alleluia!

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

+ A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (3: 13-17)

Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus said to Nicodemus:

‘No one has gone up to heaven

except the one who came down from heaven, the Son of Man who is in heaven;

and the Son of Man must be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,

so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life.

For God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world,

but so that through him the world might be saved.’

The Gospel of the Lord: praise to you, O Christ.

Keep, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy Church with thy perpetual mer­cy; and, because the frailty of man without thee cannot but fall,

keep us ever by thy help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP Collect: Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity)

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Service Sheet for Sunday 6th September – Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Celebrant: Fr. Benjamin Drury

Sung Mass for the twenty-third Sunday in ordinary time

Processional: 449 (St Ethelwald) Soldiers of Christ, arise

Resp. Psalm: Ps. 95

Gradual: 430 (Old 120th) O thou not made with hands

Offertory: 410 (Westminster) My God, how wonderful thou art

Communion: 273 (Unde et Memores) And now, O Father, mindful of the love

Recessional: 500 (Irish) Thy kingdom come, on bended knee

All are welcome to stay for refreshments after the liturgy.

The Mass setting is Sir James Macmillan’s ‘St. Anne’s Mass’

The word of the Lord was addressed to me as follows: ‘Son of man, I have appointed you as sentry to the House of Israel. When you hear a word from my mouth, warn them in my name. If I say to a wicked man: Wicked wretch, you are to die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked man to renounce his ways, then he shall die for his sin, but I will hold you responsible for his death. If, however, you do warn a wicked man to renounce his ways and repent, and he does not repent, then he shall die for his sin, but you yourself will have saved your life.’

The Word of the Lord: Thanks be to God.

Resp. Psalm: Ps. 95: O that today you would listen to his voice! ‘Harden not your hearts.’

Come, ring out our joy to the Lord;

hail the rock who saves us.

Let us come before him, giving thanks,

with songs let us hail the Lord. (Response)

Come in; let us bow and bend low;

let us kneel before the God who made us:

for he is our God and we

the people who belong to his pasture,

the flock that is led by his hand. (Response)

O that today you would listen to his voice!

‘Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,

as on that day at Massah in the desert

when your fathers put me to the test;

when they tried me, though they saw my work.’ (Response)

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans (13: 8-10)

Avoid getting into debt, except the debt of mutual love. If you love your fellow men you have carried out your obligations. All the commandments: You shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not covet, and so on, are summed up in this single command: You must love your neighbour as yourself. Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbour; that is why it is the answer to every one of the commandments.

The Word of the Lord: Thanks be to God.

Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Your word is truth, O Lord:

consecrate us in the truth. Alleluia!

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

+ A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (18: 15-20)

Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If your brother does something wrong, go and have it out with him alone, between your two selves. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you: the evidence of two or three witnesses is required to sustain any charge. But if he refuses to listen to these, report it to the community; and if he refuses to listen to the community, treat him like a pagan or a tax collector.

‘I tell you solemnly, whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.

‘I tell you solemnly once again, if two of you on earth agree to ask anything at all, it will be granted to you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three meet in my name, I shall be there with them.’

The Gospel of the Lord: praise to you, O Christ.

Almighty and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain that which thou dost promise, make us to love that which thou dost command; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.(BCP Collect: Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity)

Church Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Services: Unless noted, liturgies are followed by refreshments

Wednesday 9th September: 10 a.m.; Morning Prayer (BCP)

Sunday 13th September: 10 a.m.; Sung Mass

Community Connect Coffee Morning: Thursday, 10th September (10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.), in the churchyard.

September Sale: 12th September (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.); donations and volunteers very welcome. There shall be books, preserves, clothes, cards, tea towels, and bric-a-brac for sale, as well as food and drink.

For the diary: harvest festival at the Kokotos estate (Sunday, 25th October)

The Friends of St. Paul’s: please speak to Dimitris Ramantanoglou, or Father Benjamin, about becoming a Friend of the church.

Pilgrimage walking group: details from Fr. Benjamin.

Short prayer booklets (Prime and Compline) are available, please speak to Oliver Knight

Donate electronically by scanning the QR code;  

the Church does not receive any funding from the

Church of England or the British Government and is

reliant on the goodwill of congregants and visitors.

We thank you for your support.

Senior Chaplain: Fr. Benjamin Drury SSC

frbenjamindrury@gmail.com;

anglican@otenet.gr

Home tel.: 210 72 14 906

Assistant Chaplain: Deacon Christine Saccali: 697 737 7655

Church of Sweden: Fr. Bjorn Kling: 694 6072428

Facebook @AnglicanAthens  www.anglicanchurchathens.gr

saintpaulsathens.bsky.social

Service Sheet for Sunday 30th August – Beheading of St John the Baptist

Celebrant Fr. Benjamin Drury

Sung Mass for the Beheading of St. John the Baptiser

Processional: 169 (Hail, Harbinger of Morn) Hail, harbinger of morn

Resp. Psalm: Ps. 71

Gradual: 170 (Lindeman) Lo, in the wilderness a voice

Offertory: 229 (Genevan Psalm 42) Joy and triumph everlasting

Communion: 294 (Saffron Walden) Just as I am, without one plea

Recessional: 231 (All Saints) Who are these, like stars appearing

All are welcome to stay for refreshments after the liturgy.

The Mass setting is Sir James Macmillan’s ‘St. Anne’s Mass’

A reading from the Prophet Jeremiah (1: 17-19)

The word of the Lord was addressed to me, saying:

‘Brace yourself for action.

Stand up and tell them all I command you.

Do not be dismayed at their presence,

or in their presence I will make you dismayed.

‘I, for my part, today will make you into a fortified city,

a pillar of iron, and a wall of bronze

to confront all this land: the kings of Judah, its princes,

its priests and the country people.

They will fight against you but shall not overcome you,

for I am with you to deliver you – it is the Lord who speaks.’

The Word of the Lord: Thanks be to God.

Resp. Psalm: Ps. 71: My lips will tell of your help.

In you, O Lord, I take refuge;

let me never be put to shame.

In your justice rescue me, free me:

pay heed to me and save me. (Response)

Be a rock where I can take refuge,

a mighty stronghold to save me;

for you are my rock, my stronghold.

Free me from the hand of the wicked. (Response)

It is you, O Lord, who are my hope,

my trust, O Lord, since my youth.

On you I have leaned from my birth,

from my mother’s womb you have been my help. (Response)

My lips will tell of your justice

and day by day of your help.

O God, you have taught me from my youth

and I proclaim your wonders still. (Response)

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (13: 22-26)

when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king; of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ Of this man’s posterity God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. Before his coming John had preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his course, he

said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but after

me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’ “Brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation

The Word of the Lord: Thanks be to God.

Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Happy those who are

persecuted in the cause of right,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Alleluia!

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

+ A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark (6: 17-29)

Glory to you, O Lord.

Herod sent to have John arrested, and had him chained up in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife whom he had married. For John had told Herod, ‘It is against the law for you to have your brother’s wife.’ As for Herodias, she was furious with him and wanted to kill him; but she was not able to, because Herod was afraid of John, knowing him to be a good and holy man, and gave him his protection. When he had heard him speak he was greatly perplexed, and yet he liked to listen to him.

An opportunity came on Herod’s birthday when he gave a banquet for the nobles of his court, for his army officers and for the leading figures in Galilee. When the daughter of this same Herodias came in and danced, she delighted Herod and his guests; so the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me anything you like and I will give it you.’ And he swore her an oath, ‘I will give you anything you ask, even half my kingdom.’ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What shall I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the Baptist.’ The girl hurried straight back to the king and made her request, ‘I want you to give me John the Baptist’s head, here and now, on a dish.’ The king was deeply distressed but, thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of his guests, he was reluctant to break his word to her. So the king at once sent one of the bodyguard with orders to bring John’s head. The man went off and beheaded him in prison; then he brought the head on a dish and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. When John’s disciples heard about this, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

The Gospel of the Lord: praise to you, O Christ.

Almighty and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain that which thou dost promise, make us to love that which thou dost command; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.(BCP Collect: Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity)

Church Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Services: Unless noted, liturgies are followed by refreshments

Wednesday 3rd September: 10 a.m.; Low Mass

Sunday 6th September: 10 a.m.; Sung Mass

Community Connect Coffee Morning: Thursday, 10th September (10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.), in the churchyard.

September Sale: 12th September (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.); donations and volunteers very welcome. There shall be books, preserves, clothes, cards, tea towels, and bric-a-brac for sale, as well as food and drink.

For the diary: harvest festival at the Kokotos estate (Sunday, 25th October)

The Friends of St. Paul’s: please speak to Dimitris Ramantanoglou, or Father Benjamin, about becoming a Friend of the church.

Pilgrimage walking group: details from Fr. Benjamin.

Short prayer booklets (Prime and Compline) are available, please speak to Oliver Knight

Donate electronically by scanning the QR code;

the Church does not receive any funding from the   

Church of England or the British Government and is

reliant on the goodwill of congregants and visitors.

We thank you for your support.

Senior Chaplain: Fr. Benjamin Drury SSC

frbenjamindrury@gmail.com; Home tel.: 210 72 14 906

Assistant Chaplain: Deacon Christine Saccali: 697 737 7655

Church of Sweden: Fr. Bjorn Kling: 694 6072428

Facebook @AnglicanAthens www.anglicanchurchathens.gr

saintpaulsathens.bsky.social anglican@otenet.gr

Sermon for the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary – 16 August 2026

Deacon Chris Saccali – St Paul’s Athens

May the words on my lips and the meditations of our hearts always be acceptable in thy sight O Lord our Strength and Redeemer.

Kali Panayia – a day late but we have moved the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary to today the nearest Sunday like many other churches.

Until I came to Greece 47 years ago I really wasn’t very familiar with the Blessed Virgin Mary and as a cradle Anglican I would say I was even quite cautious. Gradually though, I have relaxed and come fully to appreciate her and not be afeared.

My prayer table at home is full of icons of her often given to me as gifts. One however stands out and it is this one – a bit kitsch wouldn’t you say? I Panagia i tethlimmeni the sad or downcast Virgin Mary. It is rather battered and sad. Let me tell you the story of where and how it was found.

Now some of you know I live in a village 40 kms north east of here. I may not have talked directly about our closest beach before but it is at Varnava paralia and we have been going there some 35 years it is embedded in our hearts. Now if I go on a Saturday, I am there with my breakfast very early before the hordes come down. Often I am alone under the almirikia, the trees that afford shade. This particular morning a few years ago I spotted something on the shoreline and went over to see  what it was. ‘ Rubbish no doubt I thought to myself.’ It was this icon barely wet or splashed. How odd ! No explanation and I had always dreamed of finding an icon !

I am fascinated by all the different epithets for Mary and which names and churches celebrate when. I am sure you realised yesterday was a huge Feast Day here. People make pilgrimages to Tinos and other sacred places and faithful Orthodox fast beforehand and some women wear black of mourning.

Couples often dedicate a child to the Virgin Mary and name them after her . My sister in law went to Tzambika monastery in Rhodes after fertility problems- she went on to have four boys- and named her first born Tzambikos a name meaning fiery spark.

I will share with you just a few more of my favourite titles and dedications and then leave you to do your own research . In Naxos the first church to be built was Protgonis dedicated to Mary . I like the idea of Mary the zoni the girdler holding and embracing us all not just Christ. You will have your own favourites for your own reasons no doubt.

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Service Sheet for Sunday 9th July, Transfiguration of the Lord

Celebrant Fr Benjamin Drury

Sung Mass for the Transfiguration of the Lord

Processional: 177 (St. Albinus) Christ upon the mountain peak

Resp. Psalm: Ps. 97

Gradual: 178 (Carlisle) ‘Tis good, Lord, to be here

Offertory: 310 (Offertorium) We hail thy presence glorious

Communion: 353 (Repton) Dear Lord and Father of mankind

Recessional: 234 (Ratisbon) Christ, whose glory fills the skies

All are welcome to stay for refreshments after the liturgy.

The Mass setting is Sir James Macmillan’s ‘St. Anne’s Mass’

A reading from the first Book of Kings (19: 9, 11-13)

When Elijah reached Horeb, the mountain of God, he went into the cave and spent the night in it. Then he was told, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord.’ Then the Lord himself went by. There came a mighty wind, so strong it tore the mountains and shattered the rocks before the Lord. But the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake. But the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire. But the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there came the sound of a gentle breeze. And when Elijah heard this, he covered his face with his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

The Word of the Lord: Thanks be to God.

Resp. Psalm: Ps. 97: The Lord is king, most high above all the earth.

The Lord is king, let earth rejoice,

let all the coastlands be glad.

Cloud and darkness are his raiment;

his throne, justice and right. (Response)

The mountains melt like wax

before the Lord of all the earth.

The skies proclaim his justice;

all peoples see his glory. (Response)

For you indeed are the Lord

most high above all the earth,

exalted far above all spirits. (Response)

A reading from the second letter of St. Peter (1: 16-19)

It was not any cleverly invented myths that we were repeating when we brought you the knowledge of the power and the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; we had seen his majesty for ourselves. He was honoured and glorified by God the Father, when the Sublime Glory itself spoke to him and said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour.’ We heard this ourselves, spoken from heaven, when we were with him on the holy mountain.

So we have confirmation of what was said in prophecies; and you will be right to depend on prophecy and take it as a lamp for lighting a way through the dark until the dawn comes and the morning star rises in your minds.

The Word of the Lord: Thanks be to God.

Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! This is my Son, the Beloved:

he enjoys my favour.

Listen to him. Alleluia!

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

+ A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (17: 1-9)

Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone. There in their presence he was transfigured: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them; they were talking with him. Then Peter spoke to Jesus. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘it is wonderful for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and from the cloud there came a voice which said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.’ When they heard this the disciples fell on their faces, overcome with fear. But Jesus came up and touched them. ‘Stand up,’ he said ‘do not be afraid.’ And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but only Jesus.

As they came down from the mountain Jesus gave them this order, ‘Tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.’

The Gospel of the Lord: praise to you, O Christ.

Let thy merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of thy humble servants; and that they may obtain their petitions make them to ask such things as shall please thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP Collect: Tenth Sunday after Trinity)

Church Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Services: Unless noted, liturgies are followed by refreshments

Wednesday 12th August: 10 a.m.; Low Mass

Sunday 16th August: 10 a.m.; Sung Mass (Assumption of the BVM)

The Friends of St. Paul’s: please speak to Dimitris Ramantanoglou, or Father Benjamin, about becoming a Friend of the church.

Pilgrimage walking group: details from Fr. Benjamin.

Short prayer booklets (Prime and Compline) are available, please speak to Oliver Knight

Donate electronically by scanning the QR code;

the Church does not receive any funding from the

Church of England or the British Government and is

reliant on the goodwill of congregants and visitors.

We thank you for your support.

Senior Chaplain: Fr. Benjamin Drury SSC

frbenjamindrury@gmail.com;

 www.anglicanchurchathens.gr

Home tel.: 210 72 14 906

Assistant Chaplain: Deacon Christine Saccali: 697 737 7655

Church of Sweden: Fr. Bjorn Kling: 694 6072428

Facebook @AnglicanAthens

saintpaulsathens.bsky.social anglican@otenet.gr

Service Sheet for Sunday 2nd August – Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Celebrant Fr. Benjamin Drury

Sung Mass for the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Processional: 151 (Warrington) Now that the daylight fills the sky Resp. Psalm: Ps. 145

Gradual: 416 (Stracathro) O God of Bethel, by whose hand

Offertory: 295 (Picardy) Let all mortal flesh keep silence

Communion: 309 (Song 9) Victim Divine, thy grace we claim

Recessional: 368 (Cwm Rhondda) Guide me, O thou great Redeemer All are welcome to stay for refreshments after the liturgy.

The Mass setting is Sir James Macmillan’s ‘St. Anne’s Mass’

A reading from the Prophecy of Isaiah (55: 1-3)

Thus says the Lord: Oh, come to the water all you who are thirsty; though you have no money, come!

Buy corn without money, and eat, and, at no cost, wine and milk.

Why spend money on what is not bread, your wages on what fails to satisfy?

Listen, listen to me, and you will have good things to eat and rich food to enjoy.

Pay attention, come to me;

listen, and your soul will live.

With you I will make an everlasting covenant out of the favours promised to David.

The Word of the Lord: Thanks be to God.

Resp. Psalm: Ps. 145: You open wide your hand, O Lord; you grant our desire

The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in love.

How good is the Lord to all,

compassionate to all his creatures.(Response)

The eyes of all creatures look to you

and you give them their food in due time.

You open wide your hand,

grant the desires of all who live. (Response)

The Lord is just in all his ways and loving in all his deeds.

He is close to all who call him,

who call on him from their hearts. (Response)

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans (8: 35, 37-39) Nothing can come between us and the love of Christ, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or

clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. These are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us.

For I am certain of this: neither death nor life, no angel, no prince, nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, or height or depth, nor any created thing, can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Word of the Lord: Thanks be to God.

Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Alle­luia!

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

+ A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (14: 13-21)

Glory to you, O Lord.

When Jesus received the news of John the Baptist’s death he with­drew by boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. But the people heard of this and, leaving the towns, went after him on foot. So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them and healed their sick.

When evening came, the disciples went to him and said, ‘This is a lonely place, and the time has slipped by; so send the people

away, and they can go to the villages to buy themselves some food.’ Jesus replied, ‘There is no need for them to go: give them something to eat yourselves.’ But they answered ‘All we have with us is five loaves and two fish.’ ‘Bring them here to me’ he said. He gave orders that the people were to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven and said the blessing.  And breaking the loaves handed them to his disciples who gave them to the crowds. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected the scraps remaining; twelve baskets full. Those who ate numbered about five thousand men, to say nothing of women and children.

The Gospel of the Lord: praise to you, O Christ.

Grant to us, Lord, we beseech thee, the spirit to think and do always such things as be rightful; that we, who cannot do any thing that is good without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP Collect: Ninth Sunday after

Trinity)

Church Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Services: Unless noted, liturgies are followed by refreshments Wednesday 5th August: 10 a.m.; Low Mass

Sunday 9th August: 10 a.m.; Sung Mass (Transfiguration)

The Friends of St. Paul’s: please speak to Dimitris Ramantanoglou, or Father Benjamin, about becoming a Friend of the church.

Pilgrimage walking group: details from Fr. Benjamin.

Short prayer booklets (Prime and Compline) are available, please speak to Oliver Knight

Donate electronically by scanning the QR code

the Church does not receive any funding from the

Church of England or the British Government and is reliant on the goodwill of congregants and visitors. We thank you for your support.

Senior Chaplain: Fr. Benjamin Drury SSC

Home tel.: 210 72 14 906

mailto:frbenjamindrury@gmail.com

anglican@otenet.gr

Assistant Chaplain: Deacon Christine Saccali: 697 737 7655 Church of Sweden: Fr. Bjorn Kling: 694 6072428

Facebook @AnglicanAthens                    www.anglicanchurchathens.gr

saintpaulsathens.bsky.social

Service Sheet for Sunday 26th July – Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary time

Celebrant Fr. Benjamin. Drury

Sung Mass for the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Processional: 365 (Dundee) God moves in a mysterious way Resp. Psalm: Ps. 119

Gradual: 407 (Ravenshaw) Lord, thy word abideth

Offertory: 495 (Benson) God is working his purpose out

Communion: 383 (Aberystwyth) Jesu, lover of my soul Recessional: 381 (Ewing) Jerusalem the golden

All are welcome to stay for refreshments after the liturgy.

The Mass setting is Sir James Macmillan’s ‘St. Anne’s Mass’

A reading from the first Book of Kings (3: 5, 7-12)

The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, ‘Ask what you would like me to give you.’ Solomon replied, ‘O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in succession to David my father. But I am a very young man, unskilled in leadership. Your servant finds himself in the midst of this people of yours that you have chosen, a people so many its number cannot be counted or reckoned. Give your servant a heart to understand how to discern between good

and evil, for who could govern this people of yours that is so great?’ It pleased the Lord that Solomon should have asked for this. ‘Since you have asked for this’ the Lord said ‘and not asked for long life for yourself or riches or the lives of your enemies, but have asked for a discerning judgement for yourself, here and now I do what

you ask. I give you a heart wise and shrewd as none before you has had and none will have after you.’

The Word of the Lord: Thanks be to God.

Resp. Psalm: Ps. 119: Lord, how I love your law!

My part, I have resolved, O Lord, is to obey your word.

The law from your mouth means more to me than silver and gold. (Response)

Let your love be ready to console me by your promise to your servant.

Let your love come and I shall live

for your law is my delight. (Response)

That is why I love your commands more than finest gold,

why I rule my life by your precepts, and hate false ways. (Response)

Your will is wonderful indeed; therefore I obey it.

The unfolding of your word gives light and teaches the simple. (Response)

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans (8: 28-30)

We know that by turning everything to their good, God co-operates with all those who love him, with all those he has called according to his purpose. They are the ones he chose specially long ago and

intended to become true images of his Son, so that his Son might be the eldest of many brothers. He called those he intended for this; those he called he justified, and with those he justified he shared his glory.

The Word of the Lord: Thanks be to God.

Gospel acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Speak, I call you friends, says the Lord, because I have made known to you

everything I have learnt from my Father. Alleluia!

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

+ A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (13: 44-52)

Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus said to the crowds, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure

hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off happy, sells everything he owns and buys the field.

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it.

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea that brings in a haul of all kinds. When it is full, the fishermen

haul it ashore; then, sitting down, they collect the good ones in a basket and throw away those that are no use. This is how it will be at the end of time: the angels will appear and separate the wicked from the just to throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.

‘Have you understood all this?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ And he said to

them, ‘Well then, every scribe who becomes a disciple of the king­dom of heaven is like a householder who brings out from his store­room things both new and old.’

The Gospel of the Lord: praise to you, O Christ.

O God, whose never-failing providence ordereth all things both in heaven and earth; We humbly beseech thee to put away from us all hurtful things, and to give us those things which be profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP Collect: Eighth Sunday after Trinity)

Church Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Services: Unless noted, liturgies are followed by refreshments

Wednesday 29th July: 10 a.m.; Low Mass (SS. Martha, Mary, & Lazarus)

Sunday 2nd August: 10 a.m.; Sung Mass (Eighteenth in Ord. Time)

For services in Thessaloniki, please e-mail Janet at
janick@otenet,gr

The Friends of St. Paul’s: please speak to Dimitris Ramantanoglou, or Father Benjamin, about becoming a Friend of the church.

Study group: a session on the St. Thomas Christians of India, and the life of the church in Kerala, is to be held tomorrow (27th), at 7:30 p.m., at the chaplaincy flat. All interested persons should communicate with Fr. Benjamin.

A cell of the Society of the Holy House of Walsingham is to be formed. All interested persons should communicate with Father Benjamin or Mr. Oliver Knight.

Pilgrimage walking group: details from Fr. Benjamin.

Short prayer booklets (Prime and Compline) are available, please speak to Oliver Knight

Donate electronically by scanning the QR code 

the Church does not receive any funding from the

Church of England or the British Government and is reliant on the goodwill of congregants and visitors. We thank you for your support.

Senior Chaplain: Fr. Benjamin Drury SSC

frbenjamindrury@gmail.com;  anglican@otenet.gr

Home tel.: 210 72 14 906

Assistant Chaplain: Deacon Christine Saccali: 697 737 7655

Church of Sweden: Fr. Bjorn Kling: 694 6072428

Facebook @AnglicanAthens                    www.anglicanchurchathens.gr

saintpaulsathens.bsky.social

Sermon for Sunday 19th July – Matthew Year A – Weeding

Deacon Chris Saccali – St Paul’s Athens

MAY I SPEAK IN THE NAME OF THE TRIUNE GOD FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT AMEN

Usually I return from my break at this time of year with tales from our holiday and this year is no exception.  We drove down right to the tip of the Peloponnese,  helped by the newish motorway to Kalamata. However, as soon as you leave the highway or even before you do so there are verges or swards as my father would have said full of dried grasses – cow parsley mainly. It seems that landowners and local authorities have not heeded the government’s annual law that plots of land must be cleared by mid June. And if they have been cleared, the debris is piled up which is certainly a fire risk and there are no warning signs anywhere ,as far as I can see about  starting fires apart from during those broadcast  in high winds. Most of Messinia is full of olive groves, think Kalamata olives, and they are a very well tended prize crop whose  oil flows freely. We kept hearing planes divebombing, possibly to spray the crops for dako the olive pest- nothing to do with air battles.

Today we are thinking about crops following on from the parable of the Sower last week continuing our reading of Matthew 13 . This parable is only to be found in Matthew.I Another agricultural talke but one with sabotage for apparently there was a law during Roman times to stop people sowing weeds amonst the wheat so it must have been a common enough occurrence.

I  do know a weed when I see one and I have several places to weed  – the garden of course and outside on the road where weeds threaten to choke the drains and gutter. Some neighbours help out with clearing their patch  some don’t . Our family  grave in the village where we live is another place where we have partly gravel  but weeds are canny and inventive, they can sow themselves in any crack and grow to enormous proportions. Here in the church garden I sometimes weed when I arrive early and have spare time as I am taking a stroll around on a Sunday morning before service or when waiting for the gate to be opened, I recently weeded and tidied up outside seeing everything from another perspective as a passerby does, perhaps.

It is good to see things from a different angle like the pictures we now get taken by drones or unusual photos at sport events like the World Cup or Wimbledon. And aren’t sports competitions all about weeding out – not from the immaculate pitch or court but whittling down to the best teams or players for the final match like tonight. Many people have been rooting for the underdog and the teams from smaller countries like Cape Verde , Ethiopia and others. Or who can forget the Polish women’s finalist at this year’s  French Open who came from nowhere with no sponsorship and got a wildcard at Wimbledon. Aren’t we are a sucker for an underdog but what about the marginalised those who don’t fit into a perfect picture or here at church? The KIngdom of God is exactly that an upside down perfect world.

All the kingdom parables are piling up one upon another in the verses we heard  and maybe we need to think of a fresh way of looking at the stories for these times and how they speak to our generation too. We tend to think of parables as nice, familiar, little stories and not always heed the warning behind them. Rather we like a story and find them comforting . First of all, we need to listen to them afresh , bearing in mind the original context and try and tease out the puzzles. After all, those who first heard Jesus speaking live, so to speak, could not have done this but the original audience had the spoken tradition in which they were passed down and around. A good story requires a lot of mulling over and makes you think again and again. These have lasted the test of time.

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Audio Sermon for the feast of St Mary Magdalene

This Sermon will be preached for the online congregation of Skopje on the Eve of the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene (July 21^st 2026)

Revd. Canon Leonard Doolan