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St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-03-17
Bulletin Contents
Eden
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St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (440) 237-8998
  • Street Address:

  • 4548 Wallings Road

  • North Royalton, OH 44133-3121


Contact Information





Services Schedule

WEEKDAY SERVICES

   8:30 AM   Orthros
   9:30 AM   Liturgy

 

SUNDAY SERVICES

   8:15 AM   Orthros
   9:30 AM   Liturgy

Sunday School begins immediately following Holy Communion September through May


Past Bulletins


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4.

Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for God is able to make him stand.


Gospel Reading

Forgiveness Sunday
The Reading is from Matthew 6:14-21

The Lord said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

"And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."


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Saints and Feasts

Eden
March 17

Forgiveness Sunday

The Holy Fathers have appointed the commemoration of Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight here, on the eve of the holy Forty-day Fast, demonstrating to us not by simple words, but by actual deeds, how beneficial fasting is for man, and how harmful and destructive are insatiety and the transgressing of the divine commandments. For the first commandment that God gave to man was that of fasting, which the first-fashioned received but did not keep; and not only did they not become gods, as they had imagined, but they lost even that blessed life which they had, and they fell into corruption and death, and transmitted these and innumerable other evils to all of mankind. The God-bearing Fathers set these things before us today, that by bringing to mind what we have fallen from, and what we have suffered because of the insatiety and disobedience of the first-fashioned, we might be diligent to return again to that ancient bliss and glory by means of fasting and obedience to all the divine commands. Taking occasion from today's Gospel (Matt. 6:14-21) to begin the Fast unencumbered by enmity, we also ask forgiveness this day, first from God, then from one another and all creation.


Alexismanofgod
March 17

Alexis the Man of God

Saint Alexis was born in old Rome of illustrious parents named Euphemianus and Aglais, and at their request was joined to a young woman in marriage. However, he did not remain with her even for one day, but fled to Edessa, where he lived for eighteen years. He returned to Rome in the guise of a beggar and sat at the gates of his father's house, unknown to all and mocked by his own servants. His identity was revealed only after his death by a paper that he had on his person, which he himself had written a little before his repose. The pious Emperor Honorius honoured him with a solemn burial. The title "Man of God" was given to him from heaven in a vision to the Bishop of Rome on the day of the Saint's repose.


Allsaint
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.


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Εξ ύψους κατήλθες ο Εύσπλαχνος, ταφήν κατεδέξω τριήμερον, ίνα ημάς ελευθερώσης τών παθών, η ζωή καί η ανάστασις ημών, Κύριε, δόξα Σοι.
Εx ipsous katilthes o Evsplahnos, tafin katedexo triimeron, ina imas, eleftherosis ton pathon, I zoi ke I anastasis imon, Kyrie, doxa si.
From on high You descended, Most Merciful; for us You condescended to a three-day burial to set us free from the passions. O Lord, our Resurrection and our Life, glory to You!

Hymn of Church in the First Mode

Ethnon se kirika ke fostira trismegiston, | Athineon didaskalon ekoumenis aglaisma, | efrosinos gereromen | tous agonas timomen ke tas vasanous thia Christon, | to septon sou martirion, | Agie Pavle Apostole, | presveve Christo to Theo, | sothine tas psichas imon.

O preacher to the gentiles and thrice grandest shining star, | the Athenians’ teacher and the universe’s ornament, | we joyously honor you. | We pay homage to the struggles that you had | for the sake of Christ, | and your dignified martyrdom, | Holy and glorious Apostle Paul, | intercede with Christ our God, | entreating Him to save our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Second Mode

O Master, Prudence, Guide of Wisdom, Instruction to the foolish and Defender of the poor, strengthen my heart and grant it discernment. Give me words, Word of the Father, for behold, I shall not keep my lips from crying out to You, "O Merciful One, have mercy on me who has fallen."
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Welcome

This week’s Announcements

Welcome to all our guests.  We are glad you are here worshiping with us today!

  • Holy Communion in the Orthodox Church is only offered to Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves through the disciplines of our faith. Speak to Fr. Costas for further details.
  1. Today ~ Parish Council & Ushers ~ Team 4 | Altar Boys ~ Team 1 | Greeters ~ Team 1
  2. Today ~ MNYMOSINO: 4 years for Ioannis Kritikos.
  3. Today ~ Coffee Social hosted by the Stewardship Committee offering cheesecake for Cheesefare Sunday. Tessie Lekas and family will host next Sunday in memory of Louis Lekas and Lydia Lekas. All proceeds to benefit the new Metropolis Center.
  4. Today ~ Greek School program following Liturgy.
  5. Today ~ 6:00 PM Forgiveness Vespers.
  6. Today ~ Adult Catechism with Elaine Poulos.
  7. Today ~ Last day to place your order for Laganes provided by our GOYA for pick up next Sunday.  Place your order during Coffee Hour or online at http://tinyurl.com/GOYAlaganes.
  8. Monday - Tuesday ~ 9:00 AM Festival baking begins.  We invite you to join us, even if you only have an hour to share, as we make koulourakia.
  9. Monday ~ 5:30 PM Greek School.
  10. Monday ~ 6:00 PM Girls Group with Angelique Phyrillas for girls in grades 9-12.  RSVP at girlsgroup@atpaulgoc.org.
  11. Monday ~ Clean Monday | Great Lent & Fasting Begins | 7:00 PM Great Compline service.
  12. Tuesday ~ 1:00 PM GriefShare support group with Father Costas and Anastasis Phyrillas.
  13. Wednesday ~ 5:30-7:00 PM 4th of five sessions of Orthodox Catechism with Fr. Costas.
  14. Wednesday ~ 5:00 PM Presanctified Liturgy followed by Philoptochos hosted Lenten dinner (for those who wish to receive Holy Communion, eat breakfast and a light lunch before church).
  15. Wednesday ~ 5:45 PM Adult Greek School.
  16. Wednesday ~ 7:00 PM Stewardship meeting.
  17. Thursday ~ 1:00 PM Senior OPA kafenio and movie.  Everyone is invited to join us as we watch The Journey | The American Dream.
  18. Thursday ~ 7:00 PM Bible Study with Father Costas via Teams. Join us https://tinyurl.com/BibleStudySTP.
  19. Friday ~ 7:00 PM 1st Salutations service.
  20. Saturday ~ 3rd Sat. of Souls | 8:30 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Liturgy. Bring a small bowl of koliva.
  21. HOLY CONFESSION ~ During these Holy Days of Great Lent, it is good for all of us to go to confession and to focus more on our spiritual lives. Call or text Fr. Costas at 440-669-1316 to set up an appointment.
  22. St Paul Prayer Chain ~ If you have a prayer request, send email to: prayerchain@stpaulgoc.org
  23. 2024 Stewardship Cards ~ Thank you to all who have completed their commitment cards. If you have not made your commitment for 2024, please do so and mail or bring it to church. You can also make your commitment online on our church website. Thank you for your love and commitment!
  24. The kiosk in the narthex is available for your assistance. If you have any questions, see an usher.

 

Upcoming Events in Our Parish and Beyond

  1. Next Sunday ~ Parish Council & Ushers ~ Team 1 | Altar Boys ~ Team 2 | Greeters | Team 2
  2. Next Sunday ~ Orthros John 20:19-31 | Epistle Reading Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40 | Gospel John 1:43-51
  3. Next Sunday ~ Parish Oratorical Festival during Sunday School.
  4. Next Sunday ~ (1) Sunday of Orthodoxy. All Sunday Children should bring an icon from home and be ready to take part in the procession at the end of Liturgy. (2) at 4:00 p.m., Sunday of Orthodoxy Great Vespers at St. Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral, 733 Starkweather Ave. in Cleveland.  (3) 7:00 PM Great Vespers for Annunciation at Annunciation Cleveland.
  5. March 25 ~ Feast of Annunciation of the Theotokos | 8:30 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Liturgy at Annunciation Cleveland followed by luncheon.
  6. March 26 – 28 ~ Father Costas attends Clergy Lenten Retreat.  Contact the church office for immediate pastoral needs.
  7. March 29 ~ 7:00 PM 2nd Salutations service to the Virgin Mary.
  8. March 30 ~ 10:00 AM Spring Pilgrimage Liturgy at St. Palamas Monastery.
  9. March 30 ~ 12:00 PM Great Doxology followed by Greek Independence Parade at Annunciation Cleveland.
  10. April 6 ~ 10:00 AM Marriage Seminar for couples getting married.  RSVP to messenger@stpaulgoc.org.
  11. April 6 ~ 11:00 AM HOPE | JOY Regional Lenten Mini Retreat at Sts Constantine & Helen Cleveland Heights.
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Flyers

    2024 Stewardship

    2024 Stewardship

    For your convenience, you can complete your 2024 Estimate of Giving Card and/or make a donation by clicking the link or scanning QR code on this flyer.


    March 18, 2024

    March 18, 2024

    Girls Group with Angelique Phyrillas | RSVP to girlsgroup@stpaulgoc.org


    March 21, 2024

    March 21, 2024

    Senior OPA Kafenio and Movie


    March 24, 2024

    March 24, 2024

    Sunday of Orthodoxy Great Vespers


    March 24, 2024

    March 24, 2024

    Place your order for laganes by March 17th for pick up on March 24.


    April 3, 2024

    April 3, 2024

    All youth groups host the Youth Lenten Dinner following Presanctified Liturgy


    April 6, 2024

    April 6, 2024

    HOPE JOY Mini Lenten Retreat at Sts Constantine and Helen


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