March 12
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2017-03-12
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Saints and Feasts
This Week at St. Nicholas
Parish News & Events
Guidelines for receiving Holy Communion
Welcome Visitors!
Prayer List
Office Hours and Appointments
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
General Information
- Phone:
- (734) 332-8200
- Fax:
- (734) 332-8201
- Email:
- secretary@stnickaa.org
- Street Address:
- 3109 Scio Church Road
- Ann Arbor, MI 48103
- Mailing Address:
- 3109 Scio Church Road
- Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Contact Information
Services Schedule
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Office closed during all church services.
Past Bulletins
- Publish Date:
- 2017-05-28
- Publish Date:
- 2017-05-21
- Publish Date:
- 2017-05-14
- Publish Date:
- 2017-05-07
- Publish Date:
- 2017-04-30
- Publish Date:
- 2017-04-23
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode
Let us worship the Word who is unoriginate * with the Father and the Spirit, and from a Virgin was born * for our salvation, O believers, and let us sing His praise. * For in His goodness He was pleased * to ascend the Cross in the flesh, and to undergo death, * and to raise up those who had died, * by His glorious Resurrection.
Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρὶ καὶ Πνεύματι, τὸν ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθέντα εἰς σωτηρίαν ἡμῶν, ἀνυμνήσωμεν πιστοὶ καὶ προσκυνήσωμεν, ὅτι ηὐδόκησε σαρκί, ἀνελθεῖν ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ, καὶ θάνατον ὑπομεῖναι, καὶ ἐγεῖραι τοὺς τεθνεῶτας, ἐν τῇ ἐνδόξῳ Ἀναστάσει αὐτοῦ.
Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal Fourth Mode
Light of Orthdoxy, pillar and teacher of the Church, adornment of monastics, invincible champion of theologians, O Gregory thou wonderworker, boast of Thessalonica, herald of grace: ever pray that our souls be saved.
Ὀρθοδοξίας ὁ φωστὴρ, Ἐκκλησίας τὸ στήριγμα καὶ διδάσκαλε, τῶν μοναστῶν ἡ καλλονὴ, τῶν θεολόγων ὑπέρμαχος ἀπροσμάχητος· Γρηγόριε θαυματουργὲ Θεσσαλονίκης τὸ καύχημα κήρυξ τῆς χάριτος· ἱκέτευε διὰ παντός, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.
Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode
To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"
Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοὶ ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε, Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοί, Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.
The translations of hymns are under copyright and used by permission. All rights reserved. These works may not be further reproduced, in print or on other websites or in any other form, without the prior written authorization of the copyright holder:
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Matins Gospel Reading
Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:13-35
At that time, two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see." And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Fifth Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 24:13-35
Καὶ ἰδοὺ δύο ἐξ αὐτῶν ἦσαν πορευόμενοι ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ εἰς κώμην ἀπέχουσαν σταδίους ἑξήκοντα ἀπὸ ῾Ιερουσαλήμ, ᾗ ὄνομα ᾿Εμμαούς. καὶ αὐτοὶ ὡμίλουν πρὸς ἀλλήλους περὶ πάντων τῶν συμβεβηκότων τούτων. καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ ὁμιλεῖν αὐτοὺς καὶ συζητεῖν καὶ αὐτὸς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ἐγγίσας συνεπορεύετο αὐτοῖς· οἱ δὲ ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτῶν ἐκρατοῦντο τοῦ μὴ ἐπιγνῶναι αὐτόν.εἶπε δὲ πρὸς αὐτούς· τίνες οἱ λόγοι οὗτοι οὓς ἀντιβάλλετε πρὸς ἀλλήλους περιπατοῦντες καί ἐστε σκυθρωποί; ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ εἷς, ᾧ ὄνομα Κλεόπας, εἶπε πρὸς αὐτόν· σὺ μόνος παροικεῖς ἐν ῾Ιερουσαλὴμ καὶ οὐκ ἔγνως τὰ γενόμενα ἐν αὐτῇ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις; καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· ποῖα; οἱ δὲ εἶπον αὐτῷ· τὰ περὶ ᾿Ιησοῦ τοῦ Ναζωραίου, ὃς ἐγένετο ἀνὴρ προφήτης δυνατὸς ἐν ἔργῳ καὶ λόγῳ ἐναντίον τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ παντὸς τοῦ λαοῦ, ὅπως τε παρέδωκαν αὐτὸν οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς καὶ οἱ ἄρχοντες ἡμῶν εἰς κρῖμα θανάτου καὶ ἐσταύρωσαν αὐτόν. ἡμεῖς δὲ ἠλπίζομεν ὅτι αὐτός ἐστιν ὁ μέλλων λυτροῦσθαι τὸν ᾿Ισραήλ· ἀλλά γε σὺν πᾶσι τούτοις τρίτην ταύτην ἡμέραν ἄγει σήμερον ἀφ᾿ οὗ ταῦτα ἐγένετο. ἀλλὰ καὶ γυναῖκές τινες ἐξ ἡμῶν ἐξέστησαν ἡμᾶς γενόμεναι ὄρθριαι ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ μὴ εὑροῦσαι τὸ σῶμα αὐτοῦ ἦλθον λέγουσαι καὶ ὀπτασίαν ἀγγέλων ἑωρακέναι, οἳ λέγουσιν αὐτὸν ζῆν. καὶ ἀπῆλθόν τινες τῶν σὺν ἡμῖν ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ εὗρον οὕτω καθὼς καὶ αἱ γυναῖκες εἶπον, αὐτὸν δὲ οὐκ εἶδον. καὶ αὐτὸς εἶπε πρὸς αὐτούς· ὦ ἀνόητοι καὶ βραδεῖς τῇ καρδίᾳ τοῦ πιστεύειν ἐπὶ πᾶσιν οἷς ἐλάλησαν οἱ προφῆται! οὐχὶ ταῦτα ἔδει παθεῖν τὸν Χριστὸν καὶ εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ; καὶ ἀρξάμενος ἀπὸ Μωϋσέως καὶ ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν προφητῶν διηρμήνευεν αὐτοῖς ἐν πάσαις ταῖς γραφαῖς τὰ περὶ ἑαυτοῦ. Καὶ ἤγγισαν εἰς τὴν κώμην οὗ ἐπορεύοντο, καὶ αὐτὸς προσεποιεῖτο πορρωτέρω πορεύεσθαι· καὶ παρεβιάσαντο αὐτὸν λέγοντες· μεῖνον μεθ᾿ ἡμῶν, ὅτι πρὸς ἑσπέραν ἐστὶ καὶ κέκλικεν ἡ ἡμέρα. καὶ εἰσῆλθε τοῦ μεῖναι σὺν αὐτοῖς. καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ κατακλιθῆναι αὐτὸν μετ᾿ αὐτῶν λαβὼν τὸν ἄρτον εὐλόγησε, καὶ κλάσας ἐπεδίδου αὐτοῖς. αὐτῶν δὲ διηνοίχθησαν οἱ ὀφθαλμοί, καὶ ἐπέγνωσαν αὐτόν· καὶ αὐτὸς ἄφαντος ἐγένετο ἀπ᾿ αὐτῶν. καὶ εἶπον πρὸς ἀλλήλους· οὐχὶ ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν καιομένη ἦν ἐν ἡμῖν, ὡς ἐλάλει ἡμῖν ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ καὶ ὡς διήνοιγεν ἡμῖν τὰς γραφάς; Καὶ ἀναστάντες αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς ῾Ιερουσαλήμ, καὶ εὗρον συνηθροισμένους τοὺς ἕνδεκα καὶ τοὺς σὺν αὐτοῖς, λέγοντας ὅτι ἠγέρθη ὁ Κύριος ὄντως καὶ ὤφθη Σίμωνι. καὶ αὐτοὶ ἐξηγοῦντο τὰ ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ καὶ ὡς ἐγνώσθη αὐτοῖς ἐν τῇ κλάσει τοῦ ἄρτου.
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Plagal First Mode. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3.
"IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?
Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.
Προκείμενον. Plagal First Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 11.7,1.
Σὺ Κύριε, φυλάξαις ἡμᾶς καὶ διατηρήσαις ἡμᾶς.
Στίχ. Σῶσον με, Κύριε, ὅτι ἐκλέλοιπεν ὅσιος.
τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 1:10-14, 2:1-3.
Κατʼ ἀρχάς, Κύριε, τὴν γῆν ἐθεμελίωσας, καὶ ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν σού εἰσιν οἱ οὐρανοί· αὐτοὶ ἀπολοῦνται, σὺ δὲ διαμένεις· καὶ πάντες ὡς ἱμάτιον παλαιωθήσονται, καὶ ὡσεὶ περιβόλαιον ἑλίξεις αὐτοὺς, καὶ ἀλλαγήσονται· σὺ δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς εἶ, καὶ τὰ ἔτη σου οὐκ ἐκλείψουσιν. Πρὸς τίνα δὲ τῶν ἀγγέλων εἴρηκέν ποτε, Κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου, ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου; Οὐχὶ πάντες εἰσὶν λειτουργικὰ πνεύματα, εἰς διακονίαν ἀποστελλόμενα διὰ τοὺς μέλλοντας κληρονομεῖν σωτηρίαν; Διὰ τοῦτο δεῖ περισσοτέρως ἡμᾶς προσέχειν τοῖς ἀκουσθεῖσιν, μήποτε παραρρυῶμεν. Εἰ γὰρ ὁ διʼ ἀγγέλων λαληθεὶς λόγος ἐγένετο βέβαιος, καὶ πᾶσα παράβασις καὶ παρακοὴ ἔλαβεν ἔνδικον μισθαποδοσίαν, πῶς ἡμεῖς ἐκφευξόμεθα τηλικαύτης ἀμελήσαντες σωτηρίας; Ἥτις, ἀρχὴν λαβοῦσα λαλεῖσθαι διὰ τοῦ κυρίου, ὑπὸ τῶν ἀκουσάντων εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐβεβαιώθη.
Gospel Reading
Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12
At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"
Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 2:1-12
Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, εἰσῆλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἰς εἰς Καπερναοὺμ δι᾿ ἡμερῶν καὶ ἠκούσθη ὅτι εἰς οἶκόν ἐστι. καὶ εὐθέως συνήχθησαν πολλοί, ὥστε μηκέτι χωρεῖν μηδὲ τὰ πρὸς τὴν θύραν· καὶ ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς τὸν λόγον. καὶ ἔρχονται πρὸς αὐτὸν παραλυτικὸν φέροντες, αἰρόμενον ὑπὸ τεσσάρων· καὶ μὴ δυνάμενοι προσεγγίσαι αὐτῷ διὰ τὸν ὄχλον, ἀπεστέγασαν τὴν στέγην ὅπου ἦν, καὶ ἐξορύξαντες χαλῶσι τὸν κράβαττον, ἐφ᾿ ᾧ ὁ παραλυτικὸς κατέκειτο. ἰδὼν δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τὴν πίστιν αὐτῶν λέγει τῷ παραλυτικῷ· τέκνον, ἀφέωνταί σοι αἱ ἁμαρτίαι σου. ἦσαν δέ τινες τῶν γραμματέων ἐκεῖ καθήμενοι καὶ διαλογιζόμενοι ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν· τί οὗτος οὕτω λαλεῖ βλασφημίας; τίς δύναται ἀφιέναι ἁμαρτίας εἰ μὴ εἷς ὁ Θεός; καὶ εὐθέως ἐπιγνοὺς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τῷ πνεύματι αὐτοῦ ὅτι οὕτως αὐτοὶ διαλογίζονται ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τί ταῦτα διαλογίζεσθε ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν; τί ἐστιν εὐκοπώτερον, εἰπεῖν τῷ παραλυτικῷ, ἀφέωνταί σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι, ἢ εἰπεῖν, ἔγειρε καὶ ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου καὶ περιπάτει; ἵνα δὲ εἰδῆτε ὅτι ἐξουσίαν ἔχει ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἀφιέναι ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἁμαρτίας - λέγει τῷ παραλυτικῷ· σοὶ λέγω, ἔγειρε καὶ ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου καὶ ὕπαγε εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου. καὶ ἠγέρθη εὐθέως, καὶ ἄρας τὸν κράβαττον ἐξῆλθεν ἐναντίον πάντων, ὥστε ἐξίστασθαι πάντας καὶ δοξάζειν τὸν Θεὸν λέγοντας ὅτι οὐδέποτε οὕτως εἴδομεν.
Wisdom of the Fathers
Now Matthew indeed saith, that "they brought him," but the others, that they also broke up the roof, and let him down. And they put the sick man before Christ, saying nothing, but committing the whole to Him.
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century
For though in the beginning He Himself went about, and did not require so much faith of them that came unto Him; yet in this case they both approached Him, and had faith required on their part. For, "Seeing," it is said, "their faith;" that is, the faith of them that had let the man down.
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century
Saints and Feasts
March 12
Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.
His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.
March 12
Theophanes the Confessor
Saint Theophanes, who was born in 760, was the son of illustrious parents. Assenting to their demand, he married and became a member of the Emperor's ceremonial bodyguard. Later, with the consent of his wife, he forsook the world. Indeed, both of them embraced the monastic life, struggling in the monastic houses they themselves had established. He died on March 12, 815, on the island of Samothrace, whereto, because of his confession of the Orthodox Faith, he had been exiled by Leo the Armenian, the Iconoclast Emperor.
March 12
Symeon the New Theologian
Saint Symeon became a monk of the Studite Monastery as a young man, under the guidance of the elder Symeon the Pious. Afterwards he struggled at the Monastery of Saint Mamas in Constantinople, of which he became abbot. After enduring many trials and afflictions in his life of piety, he reposed in 1022. Marvelling at the heights of prayer and holiness to which he attained, and the loftiness of the teachings of his life and writings, the church calls him "the New Theologian." Only to two others, John the Evangelist and Gregory, Patriarch of Constantinople, has the church given the name "Theologian." Saint Symeon reposed on March 12, but since this always falls in the Great Fast, his feast is kept today.
March 12
Gregory Dialogos, Bishop of Rome
Saint Gregory was born in Rome to noble and wealthy parents about the year 540. While the Saint was still young, his father died. However, his mother, Sylvia, saw to it that her child received a good education in both secular and spiritual learning. He became Prefect of Rome and sought to please God even while in the world; later, he took up the monastic life; afterwards he was appointed Archdeacon of Rome, then, in 579, apocrisiarius (representative or Papal legate) to Constantinople, where he lived for nearly seven years. He returned to Rome in 585 and was elected Pope in 590. He is renowned especially for his writings and great almsgiving, and also because, on his initiative, missionary work began among the Anglo-Saxon people. It is also from him that Gregorian Chant takes its name; the chanting he had heard at Constantinople had deeply impressed him, and he imported many elements of it into the ecclesiastical chant of Rome. He served as Bishop of that city from 590 to 604.
March 12
Paul Aurelian, Bishop of Brittany
March 13
3rd Monday of Lent
March 13
Removal of the relics of Nicephorus, Patriarch of Constantinople
The main feast day of this Saint is June 2. The translation of his holy relics took place in 846, when Saint Methodius (see June 14) was Ecumenical Patriarch.
March 13
Gerald, Bishop of Mayo
March 13
Christina the Martyr of Persia
March 17
Patrick the Enlightener of Ireland
Saint Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish, was seized from his native Britain by Irish marauders when he was sixteen years old. Though the son of a deacon and a grandson of a priest, it was not until his captivity that he sought out the Lord with his whole heart. In his Confession, the testament he wrote towards the end of his life, he says, "After I came to Ireland - every day I had to tend sheep, and many times a day I prayed - the love of God and His fear came to me more and more, and my faith was strengthened. And my spirit was so moved that in a single day I would say as many as a hundred prayers, and almost as many at night, and this even when I was staying in the woods and on the mountain; and I would rise for prayer before daylight, through snow, through frost, through rain, and I felt no harm." After six years of slavery in Ireland, he was guided by God to make his escape, and afterwards struggled in the monastic life at Auxerre in Gaul, under the guidance of the holy Bishop Germanus. Many years later he was ordained bishop and sent to Ireland once again, about the year 432, to convert the Irish to Christ. His arduous labours bore so much fruit that within seven years, three bishops were sent from Gaul to help him shepherd his flock, "my brethren and sons whom I have baptized in the Lord - so many thousands of people," he says in his Confession. His apostolic work was not accomplished without much "weariness and painfulness," long journeys through difficult country, and many perils; he says his very life was in danger twelve times. When he came to Ireland as its enlightener, it was a pagan country; when he ended his earthly life some thirty years later, about 461, the Faith of Christ was established in every corner.
This Week at St. Nicholas
Creed: English
Choir Directors: Dr. Jon Wardner, Teresa Stokes
Psaltis:
Zannis Res, Protopsaltis, George Smyrnis, Dani Nadra, Sophia Grias-Radwanski, John Kolias, Elias Karageorge, Sr. Martha, Ioana Ciuta Nadra
Prosforo: Nicoleta Grace
Churching:
Nicholas Price
Memorial Service:
George Miller - 40 days
Fellowship Hour: Oratorical Festival
Usher Group: D
Today
St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival
Jessica Irish: Director of Creating Brighter Futures for Autistic Children
This week at St. Nicholas
Monday, March 13
10:00 am Bible Study
7:00 pm Great Compline/Improving our Spiritual Life: “Fasting - the lessons from the Temptations of Christ"
Tuesday, March 14
7:00 pm Festival meeting
8:30 pm OCF
Wednesday, March 15
6:30 pm Presanctified Liturgy/Military Patrons: St. Barbara, St. Anthony, St. Katherine, St. George, St. Marina and Archangels Michael and Gabriel
Thursday, March 16
5:30 pm Kafenio baking: Paximathakia
Friday, March 17
7:30 pm 3rd Salutations to the Virgin Mary/Biblical Women
Saturday, March 18
9:00 am Kafenio baking: Paximathakia
9:00 am Habitat for Humanity
1:00 pm Senior meeting
Parish News & Events
Rides to Church: If you, or anyone you know, needs a ride to church, please call the office. We will either send a fellow parishioner to pick you up, or call a cab for you. Also, St. Nicholas is compiling a list of individuals who would be interested in picking up fellow parishioners who do not have a ride to church. If you are interested in helping us in this very important ministry, please call the office. It is our hope that everyone who wants to come to St. Nicholas will be able, whether they can drive or not.
Benevolence: Hunger is all around us, even here in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. Many times, we are asked to distribute food and toiletries to families who are hungry and in need. Please consider bringing non perishable food items and toiletries and leaving them on the shelf in the exo-narthex. Thank you and God Bless You.
Sacrament of Confession is currently being offered during regular business hours until Wed., April 5. The only evening appointments available are April 3 and April 5, beginning at 6pm, with the final appointment at 8pm. Beginning April 6 through Holy Week, visits are planned for those who are unable to come to church. Please be considerate of these individuals who otherwise would not receive the blessings of the Church. Please make your appointments, as soon as possible, through the secretary during regular office hours. Thank you very much for your cooperation. - Fr. Nick
Philoptochos will host the Lenten Student Dinner March 29th at 6:30 pm, following the Presanctified Liturgy at 5:30 pm. If you have questions or are interested in contributing please see Theanne Ballios, Andrea Kahn or Mary Price.
Philoptochos: Please join us for our Palm Sunday luncheon on April 9. Tickets are on sale today; adults $15, children 10 years and younger $7.00. All the proceeds will support our local charities.
AHEPA Scholarships: District #10 Educational Foundation will be awarding educational scholarships to graduating high school students and to current college students. Scholarship applications can be picked up from the office. The deadline for submission is April 1, 2017.
Outreach and Evangelism: Our 2017 Habitat for Humanity project is in its’ 7th year of participation, and you have helped to renovate many homes. Habitat for Humanity provides all the tools, safety gear, and training. Please consider supporting this worthy project by contacting Robert Ashley at rashley200478@gmail.com.
Bookstore: New books and artifacts are always arriving at our bookstore. Please stop by and browse.
Iconography Phase III – Dome: All icons of Holy Prophets are sponsored. Remaining is completion of sponsorship for the Icon of Christ Pantocrator, the Almighty. All are invited and encouraged to contribute. Remaining funding for Phase III is less than 18% of project goals. Forms are available at the Church office, Church web-site, or at the iconography information table in the Social Hall.
Festival Sponsorships: Business/personal sponsorship forms are now available on the Ya’ssoo table in the hallway. Also for $25, you can write a personal message to be included in our Event Guide; please note that this is not intended for business purposes. The forms are available on the Ya’ssoo table.
Flowers: Thank you to Betty Manolakis for donating the funds to decorate the Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos for the 2nd Salutations to the Virgin Mary . If you are interested in purchasing flowers to decorate the icons for any upcoming feastday, please contact Lambrini Lagos or the Church office.
Blanket deadline: Please bring your finished Mott Children’s Hospital blankets to the office by Wednesday, March 15. Many thanks to our Philoptochos members who participated in this community event.
Women’s Expo: Coming soon in time for Mother’s Day is the Women’s Expo on Sat., May 6, from 10:00 am -3:00 pm. The Expo will feature clothing, jewelry, a raffle, wine, chocolates, and baked goods. Please contact Elaine Karam or Cerene Boudrie for more information.
Flower Sale: PhIloptochos is having a flower sale. Purchase your flats, hanging baskets, porch pots, and patio potted tomatoes. All need to be pre-ordered and picked up at the church on May 6. Order forms are now available on the Philoptochos table in the hallway.
Philoptochos will be providing Saline Social Services with 110 Easter Baskets serving kids ages 0-12. Please bring any Easter Basket items to the church office before April 1. The candy must be individually wrapped. Monetary donations can also be made in cash or by check made out to St Nicholas Philoptochos, and can be brought to the church office or given directly to Diana Rooks or Elaine Karam.
Spring Cleaning: Mark your calendars for our annual Spring Cleaning Sat., April 1, at 9:00 am! Please come and do what you are able. Even a few hours will help! On this day, we will also donate to charity all items in the Lost and Found bin in the exonarthex. Please take a look and see if anything belongs to you.
The UM Modern Greek Program invites everyone to hear Theodoros Chiotis, poet, Oxford-trained scholar, read from his anthology "Futures Poetry of the Greek Crisis" tomorrow, Mon., March 13 at 7:00 pm at Literati Bookstore, 124 E. Washington Street, Ann Arbor.
Prosforo needed April 2, 8, 15, 16. Fellowship Hour sponsors needed April 2, May 7, 28. Please call the office if you are interested
Spanakopita: If anyone is interested in purchasing Spanakopita, please see Joy during the coffee hour. The cost is $20/tray. Thank you!
Daughters of Penelope: Our Annual Tsoureki Sale is in progress. The cost is $10.00 for each 1 lb. loaf without the dyed egg. The order cutoff date is Sun., April 2 and the pickup date is Palm Sunday, April 9, following the Divine Liturgy. Please order early. The forms for ordering and the drop box are available on the table near the Church office. If you have any questions, please contact Stacy Garris at (734) 665-5200.
Scio Church and Wagner Intersection: Several of you have asked about the construction of a round about at the Scio Church Rd. and Wagner Rd. intersection. The Washtenaw Road Commission has assured us that although construction will begin shortly, the intersection will remain open during the festival. If you have any further questions, please see George Kokales.
Great Vespers for the feastday of the Annunciation will be held Friday, March 24 at 7:00 pm at the Annunciation Cathedral in Detroit. We will carpool from St. Nicholas at 5:30 pm. Please call the office by Wed, March 22 if you would like to join us. Orthros and Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Sat., March 25 at 8:30 am at the Cathedral, followed by a traditional Feast Day Luncheon. Metropolitan Nicholas will be the chief celebrant of the Divine Liturgy. More information is available on our bulletin board.
Greek Independence Day parade will be held on Sunday, March 26 at 3:00 pm.
Guidelines for receiving Holy Communion
GUIDELINES FOR RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION
For Orthodox Christians:
When preparing to receive Holy Communion, please remain quietly in your pews until an Usher directs you to approach from the center aisle. Your prayerful attention helps sustain the solemnity of the Divine Liturgy for those praying the “Prayers of Preparation” and following Holy Communion the “Prayers of Thanksgiving.”
For Non-Orthodox Christians:
We welcome to our worship those Christians not fully united with us (canonically). It is a consequence of the sad divisions of Christianity that we cannot extend a general invitation to receive Holy Communion. Orthodox Christians believe that the Eucharist is an action of the celebrating community signifying a oneness in faith, life, and worship. Reception of the Eucharist by Christians not fully united with us would imply a oneness which does not yet exist and for which we must all pray.
Welcome Visitors!
Welcome Visitors!
Please fill out the form on the notepads in the pews and put it in our collection tray so we may welcome you to our Parish. You are welcome to join us in the Social Hall for our Fellowship Hour following the Divine Liturgy. Please note, Holy Communion is reserved for prepared Orthodox Christians. Visitors are welcome to receive the Antidoro (Blessed Bread), which is distributed at the end of the Divine Liturgy.
Prayer List
Our Prayer List
Lord Jesus Christ, Physician of our Souls and Bodies, have mercy on, forgive, heal and save your servants: Toni Kovalcheck, Sophia Kappas, Evan Arhangelos, Katherine Sakaly Brown, Nick & Mary Prepouses, Christian, Katina Retakes, Natalie Arhangelos, Andriana Banos, Gus Fernimos, Kara Kontos, Andrew Green, Robert Coffin, Brian Brubaker, Judy Ickes, Rhonda Yates, Carl Tsangarides, Michael Foley, Lily Kunz, Deborah Cromer, Pat Vangelatos, Freda Hoeksema, Kristina Haywood, Evangelia Pantos, Paraskeve Kontos, Reid Smith, Kaylie, Tara Gravelyn, Ethan Geczi, Nicholas Fernimos, Lula Koutoulas, Pauline Koinis, Bill Walsh, Emilio Fallone, Ann, Lynette Kariotis, Menelaos Stamatelatos, Marianna Stamatelatos, Cindy Przybyla, Konstantina Koufos, Georgetta, Gregory Nezamis, Peggy Cutting, Eras Cochran, Bill and Marilyn Chandler, Rick Kettenstock, Arlene Finkbeiner, Elena Magda, Christopher Webber, Jr., Marteen Bryant, Jasmine Corbett, Monique Hargrove, Mary Corbett Bryant, Steve Korican, Janice Dendrinelis, Morgan Haywood, Joanna, Kathy Dyer, Boris Kuvshinoff, persecuted Christians in the Middle East and everywhere, Teddy Chrysostom, Pamela Rogers, Rosie, Debbie Smith, John, Luke, Kris and Patricia Ann Constas, Nolan, George Kaoud, Bob and Katerina Suserud, Paul Kooiman, Olga Tedrow, Terance Nicholas Constas, Jason and Val Blair, Dan Theodore, Sofia Tom, Maria Mihaela Tom, Mike and Betty and family, Julie and family, Mike Smolnik and family and friend, James Wines, Jessica Cox Fry, Sarah Owen, Steven Peterson, Nicki Ipsilantis, George. Geoff, Jeff, Paula Streck, Paraskevi Hoffman, Helen Vargo, Margaret Yates, Dr. Costas Kleanthous, Maryelen Evangelides, Manny & Aubrey Kotsis, Niki Caris, Daphne Moraitis, Filonel, Elena, Andreea-Coralia, Ioan, Alexander Peter, Ana Maria, John Alex Pearsall, David Kohl, Rose Marie, Andreas Stathopoulos, Robert Fallon, Ted Mitchell.
Office Hours and Appointments
Office hours and appointments
Please remember the following: during a Divine Liturgy, the office will be closed. It will reopen immediately following the service. Also, please make all appointments or scheduling of any activities through the secretary during regular office hours, Monday - Friday, 9:00 am 3:00 pm. Thank you very much for your cooperation. - Fr. Nick