Come and Worship!

Join us in person for Liturgy or watch online on our Facebook page or Youtube

Upcoming Calendar Events

Friday, September 18
6pm Hope and Joy Family Night
7pm AA meeting in Ed Center

Saturday, September 19
Private Rental Social Hall - Time TBD

Sunday, September 20 - Sunday after Holy Cross
Click here to view the printed liturgy
8:45 am Orthros
10am Divine Liturgy
11:30am Sunday Church School
12:30pm Altar Server orientation

Tuesday, September 22
Please note that both morning and evening Bible study are on break until October.

Friday, September 25
7pm AA meeting in Social Hall

Sunday, September 27 - First Sunday of Luke
Click here to view the printed liturgy
8:45 am Orthros
10am Divine Liturgy
11:30am Sunday Church School
12pm GOYA Frappe Fundraiser
Memorials for Helen Tsaprazis and Dennis Ford

PARISH NEWS AND UPDATES

PREPPED FOOD AVAILABLE FROM OUR BAKE SALE You can get them on Sunday after liturgy or during normal business hours (Monday-Thursday 9am to 5pm). Please call the church office ahead to check availability.

Half pans Galactobureko - $25
Half pans Pastitsio - $30
Full pans Spinach Pie - $65

BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK Please note that both morning and evening Bible study are on break until October.

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR THE OCTOBER 1 TRIP TO HOLY TRINITY MONASTERY IS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 - PLEASE RSVP SO WE CAN PLAN FOR TRANSPORTATION! Visit Sign up Genius, contact the church office or sign up on the bulletin board. We are also collecting supplies/donations to support the ministries of the Monastery. Items include olive oil, paper products, toilet paper and frozen raw cod, salmon and shrimp.

SAVE THE DATE - OCTOBER 23-25 - for the 33rd Annual Fellowship of St. Moses the Black Conference in Dearborn. We'll welcome representatives on October 4 during coffee hour to answer your questions and help with registration for this event.

THOSE IN OUR PRAYERS

Nicholas the Bishop, Demetri the Priest, Jim the Priest, Philemon The Priest, John the Priest, John the Priest, Cassani the Presvytera, Kalliope the Presvytera, Theodora Bageris, Tyler Cannon, Brandon Christodoulos, Panayiotis Christodoulos, Mary Christopoulos, Lisette Cotsopoulos, Constantin Dumitrescu, Kosta Efthimiou, Tracey Ford, Gregory Georvassilis, George Hrisoulis, Michelle Hunsinger, Kathy Jenaras, Maria Kalas, Vera Kalas, Abraham Kalasse, Eric Kamal, Ephraim Kosta, Elias Koumariotis, Jerry Koumariotis, Soula Koumariotis, Panayiota Koutoupa, Gus Kyriakou, Marios Lambi, Andrea Lee, Jim Lee, Nick Malamis, George Margaritis, Frank Maroudis, Bradley Merouf, Freda Mollasis, Gregory Morakeas, Evelyn Morris, Alexander Nichoff, Marchela Papageorgakis, Stella Papasavva, James Pappas, Nikolia Pappas, Nicholas Pappas & Family, Katerina Peters, Costas Photsios, Penny Poulos, George Prokos, Rene Prokos, Hayden Schils, Rick Stanley & Family, Evan Stoecklein, Brandon Taber, Mike & Julia Tate, Jim Tsakos, Nicholas Valice, Steve Valice, Chris Vardouniotis, John Vardouniotis, Irene Vouharas, Nicodemus Williams, Sandy Zembylas, Selina Zembylas-Hernandez, Little Jack,

THE CHURCH IS HERE FOR YOU In times of need or times of celebration, there are a number of pastoral situations that warrant contacting Father Nick.

Any Hospital Stay: Illness, surgery, etc.
Death - Call when a person is dying and at the actual time of death, regardless of the hour!
Substance abuse involving you or a loved one.
Domestic problems of any sort, marital or children.
When you desire spiritual direction.
Birth of a child, (naming, and 40 day blessing)
When you become engaged and are planning a wedding.

Youth and Young Adult Ministry

HOPE & Joy BACKPACK BLESSING AND ICE CREAM SOCIAL, September 18 at 6pm. We'll gather for a shared meal, ice cream treats, backpack blessing and outdoor activities. Contact [email protected] for more information.

A NOTE FROM THE HOPE AND JOY TEAM - Our mission is to lead our children—from preschool through 6th grade—into a closer, personal relationship with our Lord. By cultivating a warm and welcoming environment, we help our youth experience the beauty of the Holy Orthodox faith.

Through engaging lessons, community service projects, and fun fellowship activities, HOPE (Holy Orthodox Primary Education) and JOY (Junior Orthodox Youth) prepare our children to become active, lifelong members of Christ’s Holy Church. We invite all of our young families to join us as we grow together in faith, love, and service to God and one another."

ALTAR SERVER ORIENTATION ON SEPTEMBER 20 Altar Servers or Acolytes assist the clergy during liturgical services, primarily the Divine Liturgy. They play a crucial role in the service, assisting with processions, carrying liturgical items, and generally facilitating the smooth and reverent conduct of worship. Bill Smith will provide Altar Server (acolyte) Orientation on September 20 following Divine Liturgy.

SUNDAY SCHOOL REMINDER - Children are expected in church at the start of Divine Liturgy so we can sit together in the front four rows of the pews on the left side (as you enter) of the church. All students begin classes in the Educational Center immediately following Holy Communion for a 30-40 minute class while Liturgy is ending and coffee hour is starting. Click here to download a registration or pick up a form on the table in the narthex. Contact Jerry Takis for more information.

ATTENTION! PARENTS OF YOUNG ADULTS - We're seeking updated addresses for all of our young people who are away at college, off to other adventures or employment opportunities. We'd like to stay in touch, provide encouragement and remind them that they are loved by their church family. Send your young adult's contact information to [email protected]

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 12th Annual Dennis Ford Golf Outing at the Links in Novi. Cost is $65 for golfers, $25 for non-golfers. Tee Time is 2:30 pm. See the bulletin insert attached below, look for the flyer on the table in the Narthex , talk to Lynn Perakis, or Click here for more information.

Sponsors for the Dennis Ford Golf outing - Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, Nativity is proud to offer a basketball program that brings joy, fellowship, and lasting memories to our youth. While learning the game is part of the journey, it’s the lifelong friendships and shared experiences—among both kids and parents—that truly make Nativity Basketball so special. The beaming smiles at practices and games say it all! Talk to Lynn Perakis about sponsorship opportunities, visit the sponsorship form online to sponsor our 2026-2027 season or scan the QR Code on the form to fill out sponsorship form online.

GOYA NEWS

FOCUS Detroit Updates

CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO ABOUT FOCUS DETROIT AND THEIR MINISTRY TO THOSE IN NEED

Tuesday Evening Arts & Crafts & Dinner at Commonwealth Academy FOCUS Detroit serves a meal on Tuesday Evenings for students and their families at Commonwealth Community Development Academy in Detroit. This program includes a meal, and Art/Craft activities.

Nativity is serving a meal on Tuesday, September 29 (and we’d like to do this once a month.) Mike Randall is coordinating the meal - He’s looking for volunteers to help prepare and serve the meal. Please speak with him if you’d like to help. Telephone 734.612.0846, Email [email protected]

We welcome your donations to support our efforts to provide this and future meals. You can drop a check or cash in the offering with "Tuesday Dinner" noted on the Envelope or memo line of the check.

THE 4TH ANNUAL FOCUS DETROIT GALA IS OCTOBER 17. FOCUS Detroit has done a lot this past year, and there is a lot to be grateful for! Come celebrate the transformative work of FOCUS Detroit in our community and hear about our exciting plans for the future. Doors open at 5:45 PM—come early to enjoy the silent auction from 6–7 PM! Dinner and programming begin at 7 PM, followed by an open dance floor to keep the celebration going. Visit focusdetroit.org/gala for more information and to purchase your tickets.

As our Food Pantry expands to serve more individuals and families across our community, we are currently in the need of the following pantry items. With your help, we can keep ourselves stocked and ready for those who rely on this support and provide nourishing food and a sense of dignity to those facing hardship. NO EXPIRED ITEMS, please. Please note that canned vegetables and dried beans are not currently needed.

Canned especially flip top or individual packets of:

Tuna, chicken/meat, vienna sausages
Chili, soup, ravioli

Other Grocery Items:

Mac and Cheese, peanut butter & jelly
protein bars, granola bars, cheese/cracker snacks
Large or individual juices, shelf stable milk
Cereal, fruit cups, pancake syrup
Spaghetti and spaghetti sauce
Noodle cups, crackers

Non-food items: Bathroom Tissue

Thank you for your continued support of Focust Detroit Ministries.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE AT FOCUS DETROIT
The Nest is a new program designed to support new parents and help families thrive from the very beginning. The Nest is in need of items and volunteers. Here's how you can help:

Please visit The NEST Amazon wishlist to view and purchase items for this program.
We also need: 2T and 3T boys and girls summer clothes,
24 mos onesies, 2T-3T pull-ups
Sign up to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/thenest#

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Mode

You destroyed death by Your Cross, You opened Paradise to the Robber. You turned the Myrrh-bearing Women’s lament into joy, and You commanded Your Apostles to preach that You rose, O Christ God, granting the world the great mercy.

Κατέλυσας τῷ Σταυρῷ σου τὸν θάνατον, ἠνέῳξας τῷ Λῃστῇ τὸν Παράδεισον, τῶν Μυροφόρων τὸν θρῆνον μετέβαλες, καὶ τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις κηρύττειν ἐπέταξας, ὅτι ἀνέστης Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, παρέχων τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Holy Cross in the First Mode

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy, and by Your Cross protecting Your commonwealth.

Σώσον Κύριε τόν λαόν σου καί ευλόγησον τήν κληρονομίαν σου, νίκας τοίς Βασιλεύσι κατά βαρβάρων δωρούμενος καί τό σόν φυλάττων διά τού Σταυρού σου πολίτευμα.

Apolytikion for Martyr Eustathius and His Companions in the Fourth Mode

Your Martyrs, O Lord, were worthily awarded by You * the crowns of incorruption, in that they contested for You our immortal God. * Since they possessed Your power, they defeated the tyrants, * dashing the demons’ powerless displays of defiance. * O Christ God, at their fervent entreaties, save our souls. (Come quickly)

Οι Μάρτυρές σου, Κύριε, εν τή αθλήσει αυτών, στεφάνους εκομίσαντο τής αφθαρσίας, εκ σού τού Θεού ημών, σχόντες γάρ τήν ισχύν σου, τούς τυράννους καθείλον, έθραυσαν καί δαιμόνων, τά ανίσχυρα θράση. Αυτών ταίς ικεσίαις, Χριστέ ο Θεός, σώσον τάς ψυχάς ημών.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

You who were lifted on the cross voluntarily, * O Christ our God, bestow Your tender compassions * upon Your new community to which You gave Your name. * Cause our faithful emperors to be glad in Your power, * granting them the victories against their adversaries. * And for an ally, Lord, may they have You, * peace as their armor, the trophy invincible. (Automelon. Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.)

Ο υψωθείς εν τώ Σταυρώ εκουσίως, τή επωνύμω σου καινή πολιτεία, τούς οικτιρμούς σου δώρησαι, Χριστέ ο Θεός, Εύφρανον εν τή δυνάμει σου, τούς πιστούς Βασιλείς ημών, νίκας χορηγών αυτοίς, κατά τών πολεμίων, τήν συμμαχίαν έχοιεν τήν σήν, όπλον ειρήνης, αήττητον τρόπαιον.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Grave Mode. Psalm 28.11,1.
The Lord will give strength to his people.
Verse: Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 2:16-20.

Brethren, knowing that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Προκείμενον. Grave Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 28.11,1.
Κύριος ἰσχὺν τῷ λαῷ αὐτοῦ δώσει.
Στίχ. Ἐνέγκατε τῷ Κυρίῳ υἱοὶ Θεοῦ, ἐνέγκατε τῷ Κυρίῳ δόξαν καὶ τιμήν.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Γαλάτας 2:16-20.

Ἀδελφοί, εἰδότες ὅτι οὐ δικαιοῦται ἄνθρωπος ἐξ ἔργων νόμου, ἐὰν μὴ διὰ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, καὶ ἡμεῖς εἰς Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν ἐπιστεύσαμεν, ἵνα δικαιωθῶμεν ἐκ πίστεως Χριστοῦ, καὶ οὐκ ἐξ ἔργων νόμου· διότι οὐ δικαιωθήσεται ἐξ ἔργων νόμου πᾶσα σάρξ. Εἰ δέ, ζητοῦντες δικαιωθῆναι ἐν Χριστῷ, εὑρέθημεν καὶ αὐτοὶ ἁμαρτωλοί, ἆρα Χριστὸς ἁμαρτίας διάκονος; Μὴ γένοιτο. Εἰ γὰρ ἃ κατέλυσα, ταῦτα πάλιν οἰκοδομῶ, παραβάτην ἐμαυτὸν συνίστημι. Ἐγὼ γὰρ διὰ νόμου νόμῳ ἀπέθανον, ἵνα θεῷ ζήσω. Χριστῷ συνεσταύρωμαι· ζῶ δέ, οὐκέτι ἐγώ, ζῇ δὲ ἐν ἐμοὶ Χριστός· ὃ δὲ νῦν ζῶ ἐν σαρκί, ἐν πίστει ζῶ τῇ τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ, τοῦ ἀγαπήσαντός με καὶ παραδόντος ἑαυτὸν ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ.

Gospel Reading

Sunday after Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

Sunday after Holy Cross
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 8:34-38, 9:1

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· Εἴ τις θέλει ὀπίσω μου ἐλθεῖν, ἀπαρνησάσθω ἑαυτὸν καὶ ἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι. ὃς γὰρ ἂν θέλῃ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ σῶσαι, ἀπολέσει αὐτήν· ὃς δ᾿ ἂν ἀπολέσῃ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ψυχὴν ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ καὶ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, οὗτος σώσει αὐτήν. τί γὰρ ὠφελήσει ἄνθρωπον ἐὰν κερδήσῃ τὸν κόσμον ὅλον, καὶ ζημιωθῇ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ; ἢ τί δώσει ἄνθρωπος ἀντάλλαγμα τῆς ψυχῆς αὐτοῦ; ὃς γὰρ ἐὰν ἐπαισχυνθῇ με καὶ τοὺς ἐμοὺς λόγους ἐν τῇ γενεᾷ ταύτῃ τῇ μοιχαλίδι καὶ ἁμαρτωλῷ, καὶ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐπαισχυνθήσεται αὐτὸν ὅταν ἔλθῃ ἐν τῇ δόξῃ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἀγγέλων τῶν ἁγίων. Καὶ ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι εἰσί τινες τῶν ὧδε ἑστηκότων, οἵτινες οὐ μὴ γεύσωνται θανάτου ἕως ἂν ἴδωσι τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐληλυθυῖαν ἐν δυνάμει.

Saints and Feasts

September 20

Sunday after Holy Cross

September 20

Eustathius the Great Martyr, his wife and two children

The holy Martyr Eustathius before his baptism was an illustrious Roman general named Placidas in the days of the Emperor Trajan. While hunting in the country one day, he was converted to the Faith of Christ through the apparition of an uncommonly majestic stag, between whose antlers he saw the Cross of Christ, and through which the Lord spoke to him with a human voice. Upon returning home, he learned that his wife Tatiana had also had a vision in which she was instructed to become a Christian. They sought out the Bishop of the Christians and were baptized, Placidas receiving the name Eustathius, and Tatiana the name Theopiste; their two sons were baptized Agapius and Theopistus. The family was then subjected to such trials as Job endured. Their servants died, all their goods were stolen, and on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem they were scattered abroad, each not even knowing if the others were still alive. By the providence of God, they were united again after many years, and returned to Rome in glory. Nevertheless, when they refused to sacrifice to the idols-a public sacrifice from which no Roman general could be absent-the Emperor Hadrian, who had succeeded Trajan, had them put into a large bronze device in the shape of a bull, which was heated with fire until they died. When their holy bodies were removed, they were found to be without harm. They suffered martyrdom about the year 126.

September 25

Euphrosyne of Alexandria

Our righteous Mother Euphrosyne, who lived during the reign of Saint Theodosius the Younger (408-450), was the daughter of Paphnutius of Egypt. Forsaking her father and his wealth, she renamed herself Smaragdus, and pretending to be a eunuch of the imperial palace, she dressed herself as a man and entered a monastery of men where her identity remained unknown until her repose thirty-eight years later.

September 26

The Falling Asleep of St. John the Evangelist and Theologian

This Apostle was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and was the son of Zebedee and Salome, and the brother of James the elder. First a fisherman by trade, he became an Apostle and the beloved Disciple of Christ. Only he of all the Disciples followed Him even to the Cross, and was entrusted with the care of our Saviour's Mother, as it were another son to her, and a brother of Christ the Teacher. After this, he preached throughout Asia Minor, especially in Ephesus. When the second persecution against the Christians began in the year 96 during the reign of Domitian, he was taken in bonds to Rome, and there was cast into a vat filled to the brim with boiling oil. Coming forth therefrom unharmed, he was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation. Returning again to Ephesus after the death of the tyrant, he wrote his Gospel (after the other Evangelists had already written theirs) and his three Catholic Epistles. In all, he lived ninety-five years and fell asleep in the Lord during the reign of Trajan in the year 100. He was called Theologian because he loftily expounded in his Gospel the theology of the inexpressible and eternal birth of the Son and Word of God the Father. It is for this cause that an eagle-a symbol of the Holy Spirit, as Saint Irenaeus says-is depicted in his icon, for this was one of the four symbolic living creatures that the Prophet Ezekiel saw (Ezek. 1:10).

Wisdom of the Fathers

The key to knowledge is the humility of Christ. The door of the Kingdom of Heaven is open, not to those who only know in their learned minds the mysteries of faith and the commandments of their Creator, but to those who have progressed far enough to live by them.

St. Bede the Venerable

Unknown, 8th century

To deny oneself means to give up one's bad habits; to root out of the heart all that ties us to the world; not to cherish bad thoughts and desires; to suppress every evil thought; to avoid occasions of sin; not to desire or to do anything out of self-love, but to do everything out of love for God. To deny oneself, according to St. Paul means "to be dead to sin. . . but alive to God."

St. Innocent of Alaska

The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 147, 19th Century

Diakonia Newsletter

Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday

https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-09-20?source=bulletin_web

September 20, 2026

Bulletin Inserts

Friends of the Metropolis

The Friends of the Metropolis program is a crucial initiative designed to support and expand various ministries and programs across the entire Metropolis of Detroit. By contributing to the Friends campaign, donors join a collective effort that provides the essential financial foundation for Metropolis-wide outreach, reinforcing the communal faith and joint ministry of service among the faithful. These contributions directly fund core operations and initiatives, including vital support for Youth and Young Adult Ministries across the Metropolis, helping to cultivate the next generation of Orthodox Christians. Furthermore, the funds bolster Outreach and Evangelism efforts, extending the mission of the Church to the wider community, and provide direct financial assistance to Hellenic College Holy Cross to educate future clergy and lay leaders.

Rise Up and Build Stewardship program

In the Old Testament we read about Nehemiah. After seeing the crumbling walls of Jerusalem, he calls the people to “Rise up and build." Nehemiah doesn't do it alone. He inspires the people, sharing his vision. And the response of the people? "Let us rise up and build."

Calendar

Nativity's Gmail Calendar

September 20 to October 4, 2026

Sunday, September 20

Sunday after Holy Cross

8:45AM Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

11:30AM Sunday Church School

12:30PM Altar Server Orientation

Friday, September 25

7:00PM AA Meeting in Social Hall

Sunday, September 27

1st Sunday of Luke

Memorials and Trisagion

8:45AM Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

11:30AM Sunday Church School

12:00PM GOYA Frappe Fundraiser

Wednesday, September 30

7:00PM Paraklesis

Thursday, October 1

Holy Trinity Monastery Trip

Friday, October 2

4:00PM Private Rental Social Hall

7:00PM AA Meeting in Ed Center

Sunday, October 4

Memorials and Trisagions

2nd Sunday of Luke

8:45AM Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

11:30AM Sunday Church School

12:00PM Fellowship of St. Moses the Black Conference presentation during coffee hour

12:30PM GOYA Meeting

2:00PM Wedding

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins