Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal First Mode

Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life. (twice)

Apolytikion for Thomas Sun. in the Grave Mode

O Life, You rose from the sepulcher, even though the tomb was secured with a seal, O Christ God. And though the doors had been bolted, You came to Your disciples, O Resurrection of all. Through them You renew a right spirit in us, according to Your great mercy.

Apolytikion for Great Martyr George in the Fourth Mode

As the one renowned for setting captives free and for defending those in poverty, the physician of the sick and the champion of emperors, great and victorious Martyr George, intercede with Christ our God, beseeching Him to save our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Though You went down into the tomb, O Immortal One, yet You brought down the dominion of Hades; and You rose as the victor, O Christ our God; and You called out "Rejoice" to the Myrrh-bearing women, and gave peace to Your Apostles, O Lord who to the fallen grant resurrection.

Saints and Feasts

April 23

Thomas Sunday

Though the doors were shut at the dwelling where the disciples were gathered for fear of the Jews on the evening of the Sunday after the Passover, our Saviour wondrously entered and stood in their midst, and greeted them with His customary words, "Peace be unto you." Then He showed unto them His hands and feet and side; furthermore, in their presence, He took some fish and a honeycomb and ate before them, and thus assured them of His bodily Resurrection. But Thomas, who was not then present with the others, did not believe their testimony concerning Christ's Resurrection, but said in a decisive manner, "Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe." Wherefore after eight days, that is, on this day, when the disciples were again gathered together and Thomas was with them, the Lord Jesus came while the doors were shut, as He did formerly. Standing in their midst, He said, "Peace be unto you"; then He said to Thomas, "Bring hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and bring hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not unbelieving, but believing."

And Thomas, beholding and examining carefully the hands and side of the Master, cried out with faith, "My Lord and my God." Thus he clearly proclaimed the two natures - human and divine - of the God-man (Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-29).

This day is called Antipascha (meaning "in the stead of Pascha," not "in opposition to Pascha") because with this day, the first Sunday after Pascha, the Church consecrates every Sunday of the year to the commemoration of Pascha, that is, the Resurrection.

April 23

George the Great Martyr and Triumphant

George, this truly great and glorious Martyr of Christ, was born of a father from Cappadocia and a mother from Palestine. Being a military tribune, or chiliarch (that is, a commander of a thousand troops), he was illustrious in battle and highly honoured for his courage. When he learned that the Emperor Diocletian was preparing a persecution of the Christians, Saint George presented himself publicly before the Emperor and denounced him. When threats and promises could not move him from his steadfast confession, he was put to unheard-of tortures, which he endured with great bravery, overcoming them by his faith and love towards Christ. By the wondrous signs that took place in his contest, he guided many to the knowledge of the truth, including Queen Alexandra, wife of Diocletian, and was finally beheaded in 296 in Nicomedia.

His sacred remains were taken by his servant from Nicomedia to Palestine, to a town called Lydda, the homeland of his mother, and then were finally transferred to the church which was raised up in his name. (The translation of the Saint's holy relics to the church in Lydda is commemorated on November 3; Saint Alexandra the Queen, on April 21.)

If April 23 falls on or before Great and Holy Pascha, the Feast of St. George is translated to Bright Monday.

April 24

Elizabeth the Wonderworker

Saint Elizabeth was born in Heraclea of Thrace. She lived in virginity and exhausted herself with ascetical labours and every kind of hardship from the time of her youth, and was deemed worthy of the grace of wonderworking from God; she reposed in peace in Constantinople in the middle of the fifth century.

April 25

Mark the Apostle and Evangelist

Mark was an idolater from Cyrene of Pentapolis, which is near Libya. Having come to the Faith of Christ through the Apostle Peter, he followed him to Rome. While there, at the prompting of Peter himself and at the request of the Christians living there, he wrote his Gospel in Greek, and it is second in order after Matthew's. Afterwards, travelling to Egypt, he preached the Gospel there and was the first to establish the Church in Alexandria. The idolaters, unable to bear his preaching, seized him, bound him with ropes, and dragged him through the streets until he, cut to pieces on rocks, gave up his soul. It is said that he completed his life in martyrdom about the year 68. He is depicted in holy icons with a lion next to him, one of the living creatures mentioned by Ezekiel (1:10), and a symbol of Christ's royal office, as Saint Irenaeus of Lyons writes.

If April 25 falls on or before Great and Holy Pascha, the Feast of St. Mark is translated to Bright Tuesday.

April 26

Basil the Holy Martyr Bishop of Amasea

This Saint was Bishop of Amasia in Pontus, in the days of Licinius (reigned 308-324), fellow Emperor and brother-in-law of Saint Constantine the Great. Licinius' wife Constantia, sister of Saint Constantine, had as handmaid a virgin named Glaphyra. When it became known that Licinius had conceived a sinful desire for her. Constantia secretly sent Glaphyra away to the East. Coming to Amasia, she took refuge with Saint Basileus. When Licinius learned of this, he furiously commanded that both be brought before him. When the soldiers came for them, however, Saint Glaphyra had already departed to the Lord; she is also commemorated this day. Saint Basileus was taken alone to Nicomedia, where he was beheaded. His body was cast into the sea, but through divine revelation was found again and brought back to Amasia.

April 27

The Holy Hieromartyr Symeon, Kinsman of the Lord

Symeon was a first cousin of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was the son of Clopas (or Cleopas, also called Alphaeus), the brother of Joseph the Betrothed. He became the second Bishop of Jerusalem, as a successor to James the Brother of God. He ended his life when he was crucified during the reign of Trajan, in 107, at the age of 120.

April 29

Jason and Sosipater the Apostles of the 70 and their Companions

Both of these Saints were disciples of the Apostle Paul, who mentions them in his Epistle to the Romans, saying: "Jason and Sosipater my kinsmen greet you" (16:21). Jason was from Tarsus of Cilicia, and became bishop there. Sosipater was from Patras of Achaia, and became Bishop of Iconium. When they had shepherded their churches well for a long time, they departed west that they might profit others also, and arrived finally at the island of Corfu, where they were the first to preach the Gospel to its people. They suffered many things for Christ's Name, drew many souls to salvation, and finished the course of their life there. In the ancient city of Corfu, a church from the first centuries, built in their honour and bearing inscriptions that mention the Saints by name, verifies the historical account concerning them.

Ecclesiastical Feast

Of the 2nd Sunday of Pascha (Antipascha, of Thomas), on which we celebrate the Renewal of the Resurrection of Christ and the Touching of the Holy Apostle Thomas.

Of the Holy, Glorious Great-Martyr, George the Trophy-bearer.

Upcoming Church Services

Saturday, April 29

5:00 pm - Great Vespers/Confession

Saturday, May 6

5:00 pm - Great Vespers/Confession

Saturday, May 13

5:00 pm - Great Vespers/Confession

Saturday, May 20

5:00 pm - Great Vespers/Confession

Saturday, May 27

5:00 pm - Great Vespers/Confession

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

First Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Matthew 28:16-20

At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Amen."

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 146.5;134.3.
Great is our Lord, and great is his power.
Verse: Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 12:1-11.

ABOUT THAT TIME, Herod the king laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword; and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. So Peter was kept in prison; but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the Church.

The very night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison; and behold, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, "Wrap your mantle around you and follow me." And he went out and followed him; he did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened to them of its own accord, and they went out and passed on through one street; and immediately the angel left him. And Peter came to himself, and said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting."

Gospel Reading

Thomas Sunday
The Reading is from John 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them: "Peace be with you." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him: "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them: "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe."

Eight days later, His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said: "Peace be with you." Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered Him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to Him: "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Wisdom of the Fathers

"Dearly beloved, what do you see in these events? Do you really believe that it was by chance that this chosen disciple was absent, then came and heard, heard and doubted, doubted and touched, touched and believed? It was not by chance but in God's providence. In a marvellous way God's mercy arranged that the disbelieving disciple, in touching the wounds of His Master's body, should heal our wounds of disbelief. The disbelief of Thomas has done more for our faith than the faith of the other disciples. As he touches Christ and is won over to belief, every doubt is cast aside and our faith is strengthened. So the disciple who doubted, then felt Christ's wounds, becomes a witness to the reality of the resurrection."

St. Gregory the Dialogist

Digging Deeper into the Divine Liturgy

by Fr. Anthony Cook

Part 11 (first published 12-1-2013)

We talked last time about the prophecy of Isaiah, and the vision the prophet saw of the worship of God in heaven, and of the thrice-holy hymn sung unceasingly by the angels. The Christian use of this Trisagion hymn is ancient; there is a traditional story of the hymn's miraculous revelation through a young boy during an earthquake in the 5th century, but some sources indicate that it may be even older. The hymn, in practical terms, adds to the Angelic Hymn (Holy, Holy, Holy) three names and attributes of the Divinity: God, Mighty, and Immortal. From ancient times, the Three "Holy"s of the Trisagion have been understood to reveal the Trinity: hence, Holy God (the Father), Holy Mighty (the Son), Holy Immortal (the Holy Spirit), with a petition for mercy following as we address ourselves in prayer to the Holy Trinity.

It is this significance upon which we should reflect as we sing this ancient hymn of the Lord's people, Sunday after Sunday. We stand boldly within the sacred precincts of the Church, in the very presence of God, and in humility and repentance we cast ourselves before Him, offering prayers and supplications as we have been commanded to do, seeking mercy and life and salvation from Him, and confessing as we do so the truth that has been revealed to us: that God Himself is a community, Three Persons united in One Essence, in eternal, self-emptying love. And furthermore, as we gather within the Church, surrounded by our brothers and sisters in Christ, we are to understand that we are called to grow in the image and likeness of God in which we were created, and most particularly, to grow in love and unity with one another, as we stand before God and as we prepare to approach Him in Holy Communion. For it is in the One Chalice, as in the One Baptism, that we are actively united in the One Faith to which we are called, in the One Lord Whom we worship.

Shut-ins and Hospital Visitation

I am available for hospital visitations, but hospitals don't give out patient information any more. Please call me, or have someone in your family call me, and I will be happy to come visit you.

Announcements

From Fr. Anthony - Office Hours

I do my best to be available in the office Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday from 12-4. However, I'm often called away to a hospital, Deaconess, the Grecian Center, or the park, or am with another appointment, so it's best to call and let me know you're coming. I'm also happy to meet you at other times if you can't make it during those hours. Please call me.

Church Etiquette

We ask that the doors of the Narthex be closed and no one enters the Church during the following portions of the service:

Epistle, Gospel, Sermon, Great Entrance, Creed, Consecration, and Lord's Prayer.

Please be respectful of the prayer and attention of those who are in the Church as you enter.

When it is time for Holy Communion, please remain in your pews until the young people of the Sunday school have finished receiving Communion. When they are finished, the Parish Council will usher you forward by row.

Epistle Reader Today: Elyssa Moody, Seminar

Coffee Hour Today

Coffee Hour will be held in the Activity room.

Artoclasia

The Five Loaves on the Feast of St. George will be offered by the Joanne Kaltsas family and Lucy Athans, from Sts. Constantine & Helen, as a prayer for the health and well being of the family and all the parish.

Icons of Saint George

Maria Kostaras, Johanna and Max Skolnik, have graciously donated the flowers that will adorn the three Icons of St. George for his Feastday.

Spring General Assembly

Next Sunday we will hold our Spring General Assembly after the Divine Liturgy. To participate in the Assembly, you must have paid a minimum of $300 for a family and a minimum of $200 for seniors. A light luncheon will be served to those in attendance.

Benefit Bake Sale - Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who baked, wrapped, sold, and bought at last week's benefit bake sale! We raised $5,000! Every penny benefits Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Monastery.

Holy Week Helpers - Thank You

Grateful thanks to everyone who helped during the Holy Week services in countless ways, whether singing, chanting, cleaning, prepping, serving, praying, cooking, dyeing, or any service rendered to the Lord and His Church. May Christ’s Resurrection fill you with His Peace, Joy, and Victory.

Missions Coin Boxes--Now Due

If you have not already done so, please drop off coin boxes to the Church office today.

Coffee Servers - Urgent Needed

Please sign-up outside the Church office next to the bulletin board to help serve Coffee on Sunday mornings during Coffee Hour. We need at least 3 individuals each week. Thank you!

Lost & Found

You lost it, we found it. There are so many "lost" items in the coat room in the Church, they are overflowing. Please look through these items, and claim what it yours. On Tuesday, May 16, any items left over will be thrown out or donated to a charity. More items have been added since Easter!

Rose City Summer Camp

Information on Rose City Camp can be found at www.gomdsc.org. Camp Fee: $400. You pay $100 per child and the Parish will pay $300 for each camper. Please contact the Church office if participating.

Mark Your Calendars

Sunday, June 4 - Sunday and Greek Schools, Graduates' Program, Picnic in the Park.

The Rule of Faith - Orthodox Study is Back!

Fr. Anthony is preparing a weekly presentation on a catechetical topic, and posting an audio recording at theruleoffaith.typepad.com. You can comment there, call, email, or speak with him in person with comments or questions.

"Like" Us on Facebook!

Be sure to "like" the Church's facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/StGeorgeGOCSouthgate/)! Events and happenings are posted here as well as on our website.

Greek Speaking Caregiver Needed

Angela Lefas is seeking a Greek speaking caregiver to help care for her 98 year old mother, Marika Lefas, in Marika's Allen Park home. If you are interested or know of someone who might be, please contact Angela directly at 586.945.4453. Thank you.

Library Coordinator

We need someone to organize, categorize, and upkeep our Church Library. This person needs to be efficient in reading Greek as well as English because we have books in both languages. If you are interested and are somewhat familiar with this type of task, please let Fr. Anthony or the office know. Thank you!

Cemetery Plots

The family of Angelo & Erasmia Mihalis has 2 cemetery plots available for sale at Our Lady of Hope. If you are interested, please contact Athena Gill at 850.556.1390.

FOCUS Detroit Bags of Food for Needy Schoolchildren

Volunteers and Donations Needed!

Please use the link below to get to the sign-up sheet for this monthly event. You will notice that you can now sign-up all the way through May if you’d like. Please remember to list how many from your family will be coming to help out. Our goal is to provide enough supplies for all 420 bags!

Please consider donating any of the following: Boxes of individual oatmeal packets - Cereal bowls or small individual cereal boxes - Fruit cups - Individual Cheez-Its or Goldfish bags - Mac and Cheese Cups - Chef Boyardee/spaghettios pop top cans or cups - Ramen Noodles - Fruit snacks (the kind with real fruit juice and added Vitamin C 100%) - Cereal bars or granola bars.

Please call Eleni Gikas at 313-300-4903 to let her know what you plan to donate, or if you prefer to make a cash donation. All donated items can be dropped off in the Activity Room. Our next meeting date will be Wednesday, April 26, at 7:00 pm.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044facaa23a0f94-food1

Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 29

5:00 pm - Great Vespers/Confession

Saturday, May 6

5:00 pm - Great Vespers/Confession

Saturday, May 13

5:00 pm - Great Vespers/Confession

Saturday, May 20

5:00 pm - Great Vespers/Confession

Saturday, May 27

5:00 pm - Great Vespers/Confession

Coffee Servers

Today: Philoptochos

4/30: No Coffee, Spring General Assembly

5/7: Servers Needed

5/14: Servers Needed

Coffee Servers are needed!

Please sign up outside the Church office next to the bulletin board. We need 3 servers per week. Thank you for serving in this ministry.

Memorial Service

No memorials today.

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins

Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal First Mode

Apolytikion for Thomas Sun. in the Grave Mode

Apolytikion for Great Martyr George in the Fourth Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Saints and Feasts

Thomas Sunday

George the Great Martyr and Triumphant

Elizabeth the Wonderworker

Mark the Apostle and Evangelist

Basil the Holy Martyr Bishop of Amasea

The Holy Hieromartyr Symeon, Kinsman of the Lord

Jason and Sosipater the Apostles of the 70 and their Companions

Ecclesiastical Feast

Upcoming Church Services

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Wisdom of the Fathers

Digging Deeper into the Divine Liturgy

Shut-ins and Hospital Visitation

Announcements

Upcoming Events

Coffee Servers

Memorial Service