Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Mode

When the women Disciples of the Lord had learned from the Angel the joyful message of the Resurrection and had rejected the ancestral decision, they cried aloud to the Apostles triumphantly: Death has been despoiled, Christ God has risen, granting His great mercy to the world.

Apolytikion for Hieromartyr Anthimus in the Fourth Mode

Becoming a partner with the Apostles in way of life and successor to their thrones, O God-inspired Saint, in the active life you found an entrance to contemplation. Hence you rightly expounded the word of truth, and you shed your blood in struggling for the faith, O Hieromartyr Anthimos. Intercede with Christ our God, beseeching Him to save our souls.

Apolytikion for Righteous Theoctistus and Euthymius in the Plagal Fourth Mode

With the rivers of your tears you made the barren desert bloom; and with your sighs from deep within, you made your labors bear their fruits a hundredfold; and you became a star, illuminating the world by your miracles, O Theoktistos our devout father. Intercede with Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Both Joachim and Anna from their sterility's stigma, and Adam and Eve from their mortality's ruin have been set free, O immaculate Maid, by your holy nativity. For this do your people hold celebration, redeemed from the guilt of transgression as they cry to you, "The barren one bears the Theotokos, the nourisher of our Life."

Saints and Feasts

September 03

Anthimus, Bishop of Nicomedea

After the death of the 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia, their Bishop Anthimus fled to a certain village to care for his remaining flock. The Emperor Maximian sent men in search of him. When they found him, he promised to show Anthimus to them, but first took them in as guests, fed them, and only then made himself known to them. Amazed at his kindness, the soldiers promised him to tell Maximian that they had not found him. But Anthimus went willingly with them, and converting them by his admonitions, baptized them on the way. He boldly confessed his Faith before Maximian, and after frightful tortures was beheaded in the year 303 or 304.

September 03

Holy Father Theoctistus and his fellow struggler Euthymius the Great

Saint Theoctistus, a monk at the Palestinian lavra of Pharan, embraced a more severe life in the wilderness with his friend Saint Euthymius the Great. They founded a monastery, of which Theoctistus was the abbot. He reposed in deep old age in 451.

September 04

Babylas the Holy Martyr

Saint Babylas was the twelfth Bishop of Antioch, being the successor of Zebinus (or Zebinas); he was beheaded during the reign of Decius, in the year 250, and at his own request was buried in the chains with which he was bound. The Emperor Gallus (reigned 351-354) built a church in his honour at Daphne, a suburb of Antioch, to put an end to the demonic oracles at the nearby temple of Apollo. When Julian the Apostate came in 362 to consult the oracle about his campaign against the Persians, the oracle (that is, the demon within it) remained dumb until at last, answering Julian's many sacrifices and supplications, it told him, "The dead prevent me from speaking." It told Julian to dig up the bones and move them. Julian, then, in the words of Saint John Chrysostom, "leaving all the other dead, moved only that Martyr." He commanded the Christians to take away Saint Babylas' bones, which they did with great solemnity and triumph. When this had been done, a thunderbolt fell from heaven destroying with fire the shrine of Apollo, which Julian did not dare rebuild. Saint John Chrysostom preached a sermon on this within a generation after.

September 04

Moses the Prophet & Godseer

The Prophet Moses-whose name means "one who draws forth," or "is drawn from," that is, from the water-was the pinnacle of the lovers of wisdom, the supremely wise lawgiver, the most ancient historian of all. He was of the tribe of Levi, the son of Amram and Jochabed (Num. 26:59). He was born in Egypt in the seventeenth century before Christ. While yet a babe of three months, he was placed in a basket made of papyrus and covered with pitch, and cast into the streams of the Nile for fear of Pharaoh's decree to the mid-wives of the Hebrews, that all the male children of the Hebrews be put to death. He was taken up from the river by Pharaoh's daughter, became her adopted son, and was reared and dwelt in the King's palace for forty years. Afterward, when he was some sixty years old, he fled to Madian, where, on Mount Horeb, he saw the vision of the burning bush. Thus he was ordained by God to lead Israel and bring it out of the land of Egypt. He led Israel through the Red Sea as it were dry land and governed the people for forty years. He wrought many signs and wonders, and wrote the first five books of the Old Testament, which are called the Pentateuch. When he reached the land of Moab, he ascended Mount Nabau, on the peak called Phasga, and there, by divine command, he reposed in the sixteenth century before Christ, having lived for some 120 years. The first two Odes of the Old Testament, "Let us sing to the Lord" and "Attend, O heaven, and I will speak," were written by him. Of these hymns, the first was chanted by the shore of the Red Sea as soon as the Israelites had crossed it; the second, in the land of Moab, a few days before his repose. The Holy High Priest Aaron was the elder brother of the Holy Prophet Moses. He was appointed by God to serve as the spokesman of Moses before the people, and also before Pharaoh, in Egypt. Afterwards, in the wilderness, he was called to the ministry of the high priesthood, as narrated in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers in the Old Testament. The name Aaron means "enlightened."

September 05

Holy Prophet Zacharias, Father of the Venerable Forerunner

According to the opinion of many Fathers of the Church, based on an ancient tradition, this is the Zacharias whom, as our Lord said, the Jews slew between the temple and the altar (Matt. 23:35), first, because even after the Virgin Mary gave birth, he continued to refer to her as virgin and number her among the virgins; second, because Zacharias' son John was not found during the slaughter of the Innocents, since the elderly Elizabeth had taken him and carefully hid him while he was yet an infant, in an unnamed place somewhere in the desert, where, according to the Evangelist, "the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel" (Luke 1:80). When the child was not found, his father was slain by Herod's command.

September 06

The Commemoration of the Miracle Wrought by Archangel Michael in Colossae (Chonae)

The feast today in honour of the Archangel Michael commemorates the great miracle he wrought when he delivered from destruction a church and holy spring named for him. The pagans, moved by malice, sought to destroy the aforesaid church and holy spring by turning the course of two rivers against them. But the Archangel appeared and, by means of the Cross and a great earthquake that shook the entire area, diverted the waters into an underground course. Henceforth, the name of that place changed from Colossae to Chonae, which means "funnels" in Greek.

September 07

Sozon the Martyr

This holy Martyr was a shepherd in Lycaonia. Born a pagan, named Tarasius, he received holy Baptism and was renamed Sozon. Filled with zeal for the truth, he taught his countrymen to desist from the worship of idols. Once he entered the temple of Artemis in Pompeiopolis of Cilicia, cut off the golden hand of the idol, and breaking it in pieces, distributed it among the poor. When he saw that many were being unjustly punished for the theft, of his own accord he gave himself up to Maximian the Governor. He was beaten with rods until his bones were broken. According to some, he suffered martyrdom in 288; according to others, in 304.

September 08

The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

According to the ancient tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was born of barren and aged parents, Joachim and Anna, about the year 16 or 17 before the birth of Christ. Joachim was descended from the royal line of David, of the tribe of Judah. Anna was of the priestly tribe of Levi, a daughter of the priest Matthan and Mary, his wife.

September 09

The Holy & Righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna

Today, the day following the Nativity of the most holy Theotokos, we celebrate the synaxis of Saints Joachim and Anna, honouring them as her parents.

September 09

Severian the Martyr of Sebastia

Saint Severian, a senator from Sebastia, was both an illustrious man of wealth and a fearless Christian. Because he encouraged the holy Forty Martyrs of Sebastia to stand fast in their confession, he was given over to terrible torments, and received his own crown during the reign of Licinius and Lysius the Duke, about the year 315.

Ecclesiastical Feast

For the 13th Sunday of Matthew.

Of the Holy Hieromartyr Anthimos, Bishop of Nikomedeia.

Of our Righteous Father Theoktistos, fellow laborer with Euthymios the Great.

Of the Holy Martyr Polydoros, who was martyred in New Ephesus.

The Translation of the Relic of St. Nektarios, Bishop of Pentapolis, the Wonderworker, laid to rest in Aegina.

Upcoming Church Services

Thursday, September 7

7:00 pm - Vespers AT NATIVITY IN PLYMOUTH

Friday, September 8

9 & 10 am - Orthros/Liturgy

Saturday, September 9

5:00 pm - Great Vespers/Confession

Wednesday, September 13

7:00 pm - Vespers AT HOLY CROSS IN FARMINGTON HILLS

Thursday, September 14

9 & 10 am - Orthros/Liturgy

Saturday, September 16

5:00 pm - Great Vespers/Confession

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Second Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:1-8

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back, for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 103.24,1.
O Lord, how manifold are your works. You have made all things in wisdom.
Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 16:13-24.

Brethren, be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. Now, brethren, you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints; I urge you to be subject to such men and to every fellow worker and laborer. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicos, because they have made up for your absence; for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men. The churches of Asia send greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. All the brethren send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. If any one has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Gospel Reading

13th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 21:33-42

The Lord said this parable, "There was a householder who planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it, and dug a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country. When the season of fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants, to get his fruit; and the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first; and they did the same to them. Afterward he sent his son to them, saying 'They will respect my son.' But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, 'This is the heir; come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.' And they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" They said to him, "He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons." Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the scriptures: 'The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?'"

Wisdom of the Fathers

"Humility of soul helps more than everything else, however, and without it no one can overcome unchastity or any other sin – and not through his own effort and labor, but through the aid and protection of God."

St. John Cassian

Digging Deeper into the Divine Liturgy

by Fr. Anthony Cook

Part 13 (first published 12-15-2013)

Following the singing of the Trisagion Hymn, the Priest begins a dialogue with the Chanter or Reader in preparation for the reading of the Epistle. The Priest says, "Let us be attentive," and the Reader responds with the Prokeimenon, that is, the prelude for the Epistle, consisting of a verse or two from the Psalms. The Priest says, "Wisdom," and the Reader states where the reading is from, "The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the ____." The Priest says again, "Let us be attentive," and then the Reader proclaims the Epistle.

In a certain sense, this portion of the service is the most ancient, and the most clearly attested in Scripture. We read in Paul's letters that he directed the Churches to which he wrote that his letters were to be read aloud when they met for worship. It is because of their obedience to his direction that all the letters that make up the majority of the New Testament were collected. And even now, as we read them, we participate in a tradition that has been unbroken from the earliest days of the Christian Church, for after all, before the Churches had the letters of the Apostles to read aloud, they had the Apostles there with them, to preach and to teach and to instruct them, in preparation for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. It is interesting, then, to see that the Apostles considered that teaching portion of Christian worship to be so important that, when they were no longer able to be present themselves, they left letters and writings to be read instead. In this way, the life of the Church continues to be sustained by the witness of those who themselves saw Christ, and were sent by Him to bring the Good News of the Kingdom of God into all the world.

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.

Greek Fest Volunteers Needed

Please fill out the VOLUNTEER FORM that was mailed to your homes or pick up a form at the Candle Counter. We need YOUR HELP to make this year's Greek Festival a success. The announcements below are a couple other ways you can help also, but we especially need help the day of the event -- SEPTEMBER 17 (noon-7:00 pm).

Greek Fest Cookie Bakers Needed

The Philoptochos would like the ladies of the parish to help make cookies for the Festival. A sign-up sheet is outside the Church office for you to sign-up for one of four different cookie choices. Please sign-up to help. Thanks!

Greek Fest Kitchen Help Needed

Help is needed to prepare the following items for the Greek Fest: Spinach Pies and Baklava on Tuesday, Sept. 12 (8:00 am); Chicken Kabobs on Thurs., Sept. 14 (1:00 pm); and Pastitsio and Galatoboureko on Saturday, Sept. 16 (8:00 am).

Kids' Activities at Festival

This year, we are adding more activities for kids at our Festival, Sept. 17. We will have a mini train, an obstacle course, a climbing wall, and a games station. Please see the flyer in the narthex for details. This change means we will need some extra volunteers to help run these activities: at least one person at the train and two people at the obstacle course. Please contact Dina Gargasoulas or Julie Georvassilis to volunteer - you can also contact the Church office, and we will forward your information. Volunteers of all ages are welcome.

Greek Fest Yard Signs

Please pick up a Greek Fest yard sign outside the Church office and display in your front yards. Please sign the "sign out" sheet on the bulletin board and do not throw out the yard sign after the Fest. We kindly ask that you store the sign or return it and we will store it for re-use (stickers will go over the date). Thank you!

Dance Practice

Dance practice continues TODAY after Church in the Activity room and every Sunday/Tuesday until the Greek Fest (Sept 17). Schedule is as follows: SUNDAYS after Church: Beginners 12-12:30 pm; Junior 12:30-1:00 pm; Seniors 1:00-2:00 pm. TUESDAY practice: Beginners 6-6:30 pm; Junior 6:30-7:00 pm; Seniors 7:00-8:00 pm.

FOCUS Detroit Back to School Backpacks

DUE TODAY: Please place your filled backpacks in the Activity Room. Thank you!

Choir Spaghetti Luncheon

Next Sunday you'll have a chance to make reservations for the Choir's Spaghetti Luncheon, on Sunday, October 1, after Divine Liturgy.

Sunday School

Sunday School will begin on Sunday, September 24. To enter Pre-K, your child must be 3 years old by this date. Registration forms have been mailed. There is no fee.

Greek School

Greek School will begin Tuesday, September 26, from 5:30-7:30 pm. There will be a Parent/Teacher meeting on Tuesday, September 19, at 5:30 pm. More information and registration details will be forthcoming.

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!

FOCUS Detroit Back to School Backpack Program Conclusion

We extend our deepest thanks to all who have donated backpacks and school supplies for schoolchildren in need. Most of the backpacks have been returned full, and many have already been delivered to the Ann Visger Elementary School. We ask those who have not yet returned their filled backpacks to do so by the end of this week. Many thanks!

Upcoming Events

TODAY

12:00-2:00 pm - Dance Practice

Tuesday, September 5

6:00 pm - Greek Fest Meeting

6:00-8:00 pm - Dance Practice

Wednesday, September 6

7:00 pm - Philoptochos

Sunday, September 10

12:00-2:00 pm - Dance Practice

Tuesday, September 12

8:00 am - Prepare Greek Fest Food

5:30 pm - Greek School Teachers

6:00-8:00 pm - Dance Practice

Thursday, September 14

1:00 pm - Prepare Greek Fest Food

Coffee Servers

Today: Peggy Ott

9/10: SERVERS NEEDED

9/17: GREEK FEST (no coffee)

9/24: Genie Papaioannou, Dina Gargasoulas

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

George Mina - 40-days

Demetrakis Demetriou - 6 months

May the Lord our God grant rest to their souls where the righteous repose, in a place where there is no pain, no sorrow, and no suffering, but rather everlasting life.

May their memory be eternal.

Coffee is offered by the Mina Hadjinicola family.

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