Sundays:
9 am - Orthros
10 am - Divine Liturgy
Weekday Services:
Please check the Sacred Services schedule in the bulletin or call the Church office.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Fr. Seraphim Dedes
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Fr. Seraphim Dedes
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Fr. Seraphim Dedes
These Martyrs, sisters according to the flesh, were from Bithynia. They lived in virginity on a mountain near the Pythian hot springs of Bithynia, devoting themselves to asceticism and prayer. Betrayed to the local governor, Fronto, they were subjected to frightful tortures, and so gave up their holy souls into the hands of God. They contested for the Faith during the reign of Maximian, in the year 304.
This saint lived in the fifth century. Out of remorse for the adultery that she committed with another man, she fled from her husband's house, renamed herself Theodore, clothed herself as a man, and pretending to be a eunuch, entered a monastery of men. Her identity as a woman was discovered only after her death.
This saint was a bishop in Italy. Fleeing from the persecution of Diocletian in 298, he came to Bithynia, where he went from place to place converting many from the idols to the true God. Because of this, one day as he was celebrating the Divine Liturgy in the Church of the Archangels, they who worshipped wood and stones fell upon him and beat him to death with staves and stones.
The church that is honoured far above all others is that of the Holy Resurrection, which Saint Constantine the Great constructed at the place of Golgotha, where our Saviour was crucified and buried. For a long time this place had been purposely buried beneath the earth by the Jews and heathen; furthermore, during the reign of Hadrian (117-138), a temple dedicated to Aphrodite was built over the site so that this sacred place might be even further desecrated and fall into utter oblivion. It was here that the Cross was hidden. However, at the command of the pious Emperor Constantine, excavations were made and the tokens of the saving Passion were found. It was here, then, that the very great and magnificent temple named in honour of Christ God's Resurrection-the Anastasis-was built under the supervision of the blessed Helen, while Dracilian was Eparch of Palestine and Macarius was Archbishop of Jerusalem. It was the latter, also, who exalted the venerable Cross and performed the consecration of this temple in the year 336.
Saint Cornelius was a Roman by race, a pagan by religion, a centurion in rank, an inhabitant of Caesarea of Palestine, a man pious and God-fearing who gave many alms to the people and prayed continually unto God. In accordance with an angelic vision granted to him, he sent to Joppa that they might bring the Apostle Peter. Saint Peter catechized him in the Faith of Christ and baptized all his household (Acts, ch.10). This became the beginning and the first fruits of the calling of the nations. It is said that, after this, he became a bishop, as some say, of Caesarea; but others say of Scepsis, which is not far from Troas; and that he died as a martyr.
Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the cross, about the year 325. A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been suffered. The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation. At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, "Lord have mercy." It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country (see Jan. 22, Saint Anastasius the Persian). Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place.
Rest from labour. A Fast is observed today, whatever day of the week it may be.
This Saint was of high birth among the Goths beyond the Danube River. He was taken by Athanaric, pagan ruler of the Goths, and after being tortured, was burned to death for his confession of Christ. According to some, this took place during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great; according to others, under the Emperor Gratian.
Saint Euphemia was from Chalcedon and lived in virginity. According to some, she suffered martyrdom during the reign of Diocletian, in 303; according to others, in 307. Her sacred relics are preserved in the Patriarchate in Constantinople.
For the Sunday before the Elevation of the Cross.
Of the Holy Martyrs Menodora, Metrodora, and Nymphodora.
Of the Holy Pulcheria the Empress.
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
Saturday, September 23
5:00 pm - Great Vespers/Confession
Saturday, September 30
No Great Vespers
Saturday, October 7
5:00 pm - Great Vespers/Confession
Third Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:9-20
When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."
So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.
Prokeimenon. Plagal Second Mode. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18.
Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from John 3:13-17
The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."
by Fr. Anthony Cook
Part 14 (first published 1-5-14 & 1-1214)
Last time we talked about the Epistle reading as an expression of the continued presence of the teaching ministry of the Apostles in the life of the Church. It is through their witness that we have received the Gospel, and by their teaching that we are instructed in the way in which we should live and relate to one another and to God. But that particular witness is distinct from the Gospel itself, the Good News of Jesus Christ come into the world. It is that which follows the Epistle. First, some practical observations. The reading of the Gospel within the Church is reserved to the clergy (either a Deacon or a Priest). During the reading of the Gospel, everyone within the Church stands and attends to what is read. Properly, the reading of the Gospel is always attended by acolytes carrying candles. While the Gospel is being read, the doors into the Church are closed, and no one is to enter or to leave. Everything attending the reading of the Gospel, in short, functions to highlight its importance and enhance the hearing and understanding of the Faithful.
We know that the early Church in the days of the Apostles did not have the Gospels to read – they gathered for the reading of Scripture, but it was the Old Testament that was read in this place in the service. Once the letters of the Apostles had been written, they were included before the "Scripture" readings to give context and direction, and the sermon was included after the reading from Scripture, to connect the prophesies and foreshadowings of the Old Testament with the life and ministry of the Lord, and both in turn with the daily life of the Faithful. But the Scripture reading was paramount, central to Christian worship, and it was not until the 2nd century that the Gospels, the story of Christ's life, with an accounting in many instances of the prophecies that were fulfilled in Him, took this central and prominent place in the life of the Church.
The word Gospel (εὐαγγέλιον in Greek) means simply "Good News," and has been the term since the beginning for the central message of the Christian Faith: that the prophecies and expectations of the Law and the Prophets have been fulfilled, and God has visited His people, and has saved us from sin and death and brokenness.
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.
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.
Please Bring Vasiliko (Basil) for Feast of the Elevation of the Cross on Thursday, September 14th
This coming Thursday is the Feastday of the Elevation of the Holy Cross. As is tradition, we process the Cross around the Church with cuttings of Vasiliko (Basil). We ask any parishioners who grow basil at their home to bring some cuttings for the procession, to be blessed, and to be distributed with the Antidoron at the end of the service.
Donations for Hurricane Harvey Relief
This Sunday we are passing a second tray to raise money for relief for the inhabitants of the City of Houston in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. We are sending our donations directly to the International Orthodox Christian Charities, which is heading up the Orthodox relief efforts in Houston. If you would like to make a donation directly to IOCC, you can do so on their website: https://www.iocc.org. If you would prefer, you can make a check out to the Church, note that the donation is for IOCC, and we will send the full amount in a single check to the relief efforts.
Forty-Day Blessing
The Forty-Day blessing today is for Diana and her mother, Maxine. Congratulations to David Osborne & Maxine Pace on her birth!
GREEK FEST - SEPTEMBER 17!
Your HELP is NEEDED
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.
Cookies Delivery and Preparation
We ask the ladies who are making cookies for the Festival to please bring them to the Church on SATURDAY at 10 am. If the cookies are dry, they can be dropped off earlier, but if they are a wet cookie, please make them Friday and bring them Saturday morning, so that they aren't too soggy for the Festival. We will be packing and labeling them that morning in the Activity Room. If you can come and help that day, please come. It shouldn't take more than an hour.
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 -- SEPT 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).
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 (Beginners 12-12:30 pm; Junior 12:30-1:00 pm; Seniors 1:00-2:00 pm) and Tuesday (Beginners 6-6:30 pm; Junior 6:30-7:00 pm; Seniors 7:00-8:00 pm).
Choir Spaghetti Luncheon
You can make reservations for the Choir's Spaghetti Luncheon now through Wednesday, Sept. 27, by filling out the form at the Reservation Table or online at our website. Luncheon will be 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. Please register your child early. Forms are available online and in the Church office. 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.
Our Students' Feast Days
We wish our students celebrating their Feast Days this month 'Chronia Polla.' May God grant them many years. See the list on the display board in the school hallway!
The Rule of Faith - Orthodox Study
Fr. Anthony prepares a weekly presentation on a catechetical topic, and posts an audio recording at theruleoffaith.typepad.com. You can comment there, call, email, or speak with him in person with comments or questions.
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!
TODAY
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
Saturday, September 16
8 & 9 am - Prepare Greek Fest Food
10:00 am - Deliver & Pack Pastries for Festival
Sunday, September 17
12-7 pm - Greek Festival in Park
Tuesday, September 19
5:30 pm - Greek School Parent/Teacher
6:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal
7:00 pm - Deaconess Tower
Today: SERVERS NEEDED
9/17: GREEK FEST (no coffee)
9/24: Genie Papaioannou, Dina Gargasoulas
10/1: CHOIR SPAGHETTI LUNCH (no coffee)
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.
No Memorial Service.