Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

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.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Third Mode. Psalm 46.6,1.
Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse: Clap your hands, all you nations.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:1-10.

Brethren, working together with him, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, "At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation." Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in any one's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watching, hunger; by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

Gospel Reading

16th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 25:14-30

The Lord said this parable: "A man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not winnow; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth." As he said these things he cried out: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"

Saints and Feasts

February 05

Agatha the Martyr

This Martyr, who was from Panormus (that is, Palermo) or perhaps Catania of Sicily, was a most comely and chaste virgin. After many exceedingly harsh torments, she gave up her spirit in prison at Catania in 251, because she did not consent to the seductions of Quintian, the Governor of Sicily. At her burial, an Angel placed a stone tablet on her grave inscribed with the words, "A righteous mind, self-determining, honor from God, the deliverance of her father-land." The following year this was fulfilled when Mount Etna erupted, spewing forth violent fire from which Catania was manifestly saved by Saint Agatha's prayers. The holy Martyr Agatha, the protectress and chief patroness of Sicily, is, with perhaps the exception of Saint Agnes of Rome, the most highly venerated Virgin Martyr of the West. Saint Damasus, Pope of Rome, and Saint Ambrose of Milan both wrote in praise of her.

February 06

Photius the Great, Patriarch of Constantinople

As for the thrice-blessed Photius, the great and most resplendent Father and teacher of the Church, the Confessor of the Faith and Equal to the Apostles, he lived during the years of the emperors Michael (the son of Theophilus), Basil the Macedonian, and Leo his son. He was the son of pious parents, Sergius and Irene, who suffered for the Faith under the Iconoclast Emperor Theophilus; he was also a nephew of Saint Tarasius, Patriarch of Constantinople (see Feb. 25). He was born in Constantinople, where he excelled in the foremost imperial ministries, while ever practicing a virtuous and godly life. An upright and honorable man of singular learning and erudition, he was raised to the apostolic, ecumenical, and patriarchal throne of Constantinople in the year 857.

The many struggles that this thrice-blessed one undertook for the Orthodox Faith against the Manichaeans, the Iconoclasts, and other heretics, and the attacks and assaults that he endured from Nicholas I, the haughty and ambitious Pope of Rome, and the great persecutions and distresses he suffered, are beyond number. Contending against the Latin error of the filioque, that is, the doctrine that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son, he demonstrated clearly with his Mystagogy on the Holy Spirit how the filioque destroys the unity and equality of the Trinity. He has left us many theological writings, panegyric homilies, and epistles, including one to Boris, the Sovereign of Bulgaria, in which he set forth for him the history and teachings of the Seven Ecumenical Councils. Having tended the Church of Christ in holiness and in an evangelical manner, and with fervent zeal having rooted out all the tares of every alien teaching, he departed to the Lord in the Monastery of the Armenians on February 6, 891.

February 08

Theodore the Commander & Great Martyr

The holy Martyr Theodore was from Euchaita of Galatia and dwelt in Heraclea of Pontus. He was a renowned commander in the military, and the report came to the Emperor Licinius that he was a Christian and abominated the idols. Licinius therefore sent certain men to him from Nicomedia, to honor him and ask him to appear before him. Through them, however, Saint Theodore sent back a message that it was necessary for various reasons, that Licinius come to Heraclea. Licinius, seeing in this a hope of turning Saint Theodore away from Christ did as was asked of him.

When the Emperor came to Heraclea, Saint Theodore met him with honor, and the Emperor in turn gave Theodore his hand, believing that through him he would be able to draw the Christians to the worship of his idols. Seated upon his throne in the midst of the people, he publicly bade Theodore offer sacrifice to the gods. But Theodore asked that the emperor entrust him with the most venerable of his gods, those of gold and silver, that he might take them home and himself attend upon them that evening, promising that the following day he would honor them in public. The Emperor, filled with joy at these tidings, gave command that Theodore's request be fulfilled.

When the Saint had taken the idols home, he broke them in pieces and distributed the gold and silver to the poor by night. The next day a centurion named Maxentius told Licinius that he had seen a pauper pass by carrying the head of Artemis. Saint Theodore, far from repenting of this, confessed Christ boldly. Licinius, in an uncontainable fury, had the Saint put to many torments, then crucified. While upon the cross, the holy Martyr was further tormented -- his privy parts were cut off, he was shot with arrows, his eyes were put out, and he was left on the cross to die. The next day Licinius sent men to take his corpse and cast it into the sea; but they found the Saint alive and perfectly whole. Through this, many believed in Christ. Seeing his own men turning to Christ, and the city in an uproar, Licinius had Theodore beheaded, about the year 320. The Saint's holy relics were returned to his ancestral home on June 8, which is also a feast of the Great Martyr Theodore.

February 08

The Holy Prophet Zacharias (Zachariah)

The Prophet Zacharias was the son of Barachias, and a contemporary of the Prophet Aggeus (Dec. 16). In the days of the Babylonian captivity, he prophesied, as it says, in the book of Ezra, "to the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem" (Ezra 5: 1); he aided Zerubbabel in the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. In the book of Ezra he is called "Zacharias the son of Addo (or Iddo)" but in his own prophetic book he is called more fully "Zacharias, the son of Barachias, the son of Addo the Prophet" (Zach. 1:1). When the captives returned from Babylon, he came to dwell in Jerusalem in his old age. His book of prophecy is divided into fourteen chapters and has the eleventh place among the books of the minor Prophets; his name means "Yah is renowned." Sozomen reports that under the Emperor Honorius, Zacharias' holy relics were found in Eleutheropolis of Palestine. The Prophet appeared in a dream to a certain Calemerus, telling him where he would find his tomb. His body was found to be incorrupt (Eccl. Hist., Book IX, 17).

February 10

Sunday of the Canaanite

Holy Cross Notices

50th ANNIVERSARY BOWLING LEAGUE FLASHBACK

February 1, 2019 from 7:00 - 9:00p.m.
Perfect Game / former Drakeshire Lanes

3500 Grand River Ave

Farmington Hills
$30/person (includes bowling, shoe rental and food)
Must be 21 to attend
See you on Friday!
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Feb 2: PRESENTATION OF THE LORD (YPAPANDI)
10 a.m. Divine Liturgy
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GOYA ACTIVITIES

Feb 8: PBJ assembly
Feb 9: Delivering PBJ to Homeless in Detroit

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Feb 3: MEMORIAL

40 day: Michael E. Zervos

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GODPARENT/GODCHILD SUNDAY

FEBRUARY 10

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50th ANNIVERSARY ALBUM

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Ads are now being accepted - see flyer below for details

Deadline: March 15, 2019

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50th Anniversary DEADLINE NOTICES!

Jan 15 (OMG...has been extended to Jan 31!)
Deadline for EARLY BIRD ADS for 50th Yearbook

Feb 1: Deadline for Family Picture Submission for 50th Yearbook

Mar 15: Deadline for Ad Submissions for 50th Yearbook

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holycrossgo.org

Links to eBulletin, Facebook, Metropolis
Facebook: HolyCrossGreekOrthodoxChurch
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SHOP AT ACE HARDWARE?
5% minus tax = (!)
Holy Cross has been entered into our system for business rewards and discounts. When you or any of your church members visit any our stores right around the corner or any 47 stores (list attached), simply let the cashier know your Church is in the system under Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church or #214538. This will give you a 5% line discount off everyday pricing in the store + earn you 2% Ace Rewards as well as 6% Tax Exempt will come off automatically.
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SHOP AT KROGER?
Register your card in a few steps. Each May the registration needs to be renewed,
so if you were part of the program last year and haven't renewed, please do so. Go to:
http://www.krogercommunityrewards.com
Holy Cross' ID # 83567
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Holy Cross 50th Anniversary News

This section of the Holy Cross eBulletin is dedicated to the events and announcements leading up to the Holy Cross 50th Anniversary Celebration. Save this important date - September 15, 2019.

Stay tuned to this section for updates and see the Events, Announcements and Flyers section of this bulletin to print out and save reminders.

UPCOMING EVENTS - Mark Your Calendars!
- Feb 01 2019: Bowling Event (details listed under Notices)
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ANNIVERSARY ALBUM MEMORIALS/ADS - See attached information pamphlet
Go down in history and be a part of the Holy Cross 50th Anniversary Album by submitting your family memorial page or a business advertisment. We look forward to working with you! deadline for early bird (January 15 EXTENDED to January 31) Notice: deadline for final ad submission is March 15 !
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PHOTO COLLECTION

The 50th Anniversary Committee is looking for photos documenting 50 years of history at Holy Cross. If you have pictures you would like to share, please drop them off in the Photo Drop Box located near the Church office. Label each picture with your name if you would like them returned. Thank you!
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Ladies Philoptochos News

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Renew your membership or become a new member

+ See attachment for more details and membership form +
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FEBRUARY COFFEE HOUR HOSTS

3: Mike Zervos (40 day Memorial)

10: Julie Hiotaky
17: Dan & Pelly Dallas (45th Anniversary)
24: Janet Stewart

COFFEE HOUR SIGN UPS

Call Bonnie Sitaras or Debbie George

Thank you to all who sign up in offering hospitality/filoxenia

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Altar Boy List

HOLY CROSS ALTAR BOYS 2018-2019

Captains: Matthew Fekaris, Sam Zervos, Chris Zervos, Alex Matthews

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TEAM 1 TEAM 2

Nicholas Barnaby Yianni Giannakis

Benjamin Barnaby Dimitri Sitaras

Mateo Pesaros Pano Stilianos

Stavros Fekaris Dino Thanos

Niko Thanos

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Team 1 Team 2

February 10,24 February 3,17

March 10,24 March 3, 17, 31

April 7, Palm Sunday 21 April 14-Holy Pascha 28

May 5,19 May 12,26

June 2,16,30 June 9, 23

July- open come any Sunday! July- open

August- open come any Sunday! August-open

September 1,15,29 (registration again) September 8,22

On holy days, if you come on Time you can serve :

for robes on holy days it’s first come-first serve.

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PLEASE NOTE ALTAR BOYS & PARENTS-

This is a great commitment to the Lord and it is an important RESPONSIBILTY to be on Time for the Divine Liturgy!

Liturgy begins at 10 a.m. SO please be on time !

DO NOT come into the Holy Altar after 10:05 a.m.

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Events, Announcements and Flyers

50th Anniversary Album Advertising Information

Get into it now! See attached Early Bird Special promo - extended to 01/31/19.

Philoptochos Membership Drive

Renew or become a new member this year!

Metropolis of Detroit Friends Campaign

Each year the Metropolitan and the Metropolis reach out to assist His Eminence with the operation and ministries. There is a percentage that returns from the Archdiocese Commitments to the Metropolis which covers payroll and health insurance of most of the full time staff including the Youth Director. The rest is up to us to do the work of the Lord at the Metropolis level... Utilities, travel, outreach, scholarships, camp assistance sponsoring (sponsored over dozen children who could not afford camp experience), clergy professional development (i.e. Dr. David Trobish), lecture sponsorships (i.e. Bishop Kallistos Ware), supplement Youth Office and its ministries. Your generosity and cheerful giving assists the Metropolis in this Holy Labor.

Memorial Donations to Holy Cross

OUR THANKS

To those who in lieu of flowers gave monetary

contributions to the Church in memory of :

KATHERINE LAGOS

Mr. & Mrs. Doug Garber

MILTON ALEXANDER

Mr. & Mrs. Doug Garber

Mr. & Mrs. Peter Angelas

Mr. & Mrs. Adam Angelas

JOHN IOANOU

Mr. & Mrs. Doug Garber

ANGELO JOHN ZERVOS

Mr. & Mrs. Doug Garber

EFTIHIA FEKARIS

Mr. & Mrs. Doug Garber

Mary Poniros

Bill & Despina Catsikopoulos

Mr.& Mrs. Peter E. Zervos

GEORGIA MORRIS

Mr. & Mrs. Doug Garber

Mr. & Mrs. Jason Gehan

Mr. & Mrs. Peter Morris

GENEVIEVE HARABADIAN

Mrs. Paula Andres

Ms. Rose Marie Ayoub

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Koory

GEORGE MAJOROS

Mr. & Mrs. Bill Tarachas

JoAnne Hunter

Nick & Grace Mackriani

Lyle & Joan Billingsley

Mr. & Mrs. Peter E. Zervos

Steven & Dory Kafoure

Mr. & Mrs. James P. Zubulake

Mr. & Mrs. Achilles Tarachas

Mr. & Mrs. Gust Triantafillos

Mr. & Mrs. Themis Majoros

Eagle Tree Capital, LP

ELEFTHERIA LIAKEAS

Mr. & Mrs. Peter E. Zervos

MICHAEL E. ZERVOS

Mr. & Mrs. Steve Fekaris

Mr. & Mrs. Tom Casoglos

Mr. & Mrs. Jim Sitaras

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Power

Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Kargilis

Mr. George Matheos

Mr. & Mrs. James Heller

Dr.& Mrs. Marcus Zervos

Mr. & Mrs. Van Kyriakopoulos

Mr. & Mrs. Gus Spanos

Mr. & Mrs. Charidimos Sitaras

Mr. & Mrs. Peter Angelas

Dr. & Mrs. Tom Alexander

Solomon Publishing Co.

Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Blust

Mary Frango

Olkowski Family

Katie Condon

Mr. & Mrs. David Lange

Ms. Susan Armstrong

Dr. & Mrs. Angelo M. Zervos

Mr. & Mrs. Pete Moundros

Mr. & Mrs. Peter Morris

Mr. & Mrs. Simon Boulos

Mr. & Mrs. Cosmos Charnas

Mr. & Mrs. Doug Abraham

Dean Perakis

Mr. & Mrs. Lou Chalogianis

Mrs. Peggy Theodore

Mr. & Mrs. Rod Sullivan

Ms. Eugenia Mellis

Mr. & Mrs. John Sinanis

Mr. & Mrs. Evans Lucas

Mr. & Mrs. Ted Kaplantzes

Mr. Alan Helmkamp

Mr. Ron Chris Felcher

Ms. Kathy Dufault

Ms. Sophie Vlahakis

Ms. Georgia Theophelis

Mr. & Mrs. Larry Stassinas

Mr. & Mrs. George Poletis

Mrs. Kanella Katsikas

Safari Club International Novi Chapter

Mr. & Mrs. John Zannis

Dr. Gregory Zotos

Mr. & Mrs. George Katsias

Mr. Paul Taros

Mr. & Mrs. John Floros

Ms. Mary Souphis

Mrs. Kalliope Christo

Mr. & Mrs. Stelios Sinanis

Mrs. Helen Kanaras

Mr. & Mrs. John George

Mr. & Mrs. Gus Mackris

Mr. & Mrs. Tony Manolias

Mr. & Mrs. John Liadis

Ms. Mary Morris

Mr. & Mrs. Angello Zannis

Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Madias

Mr. & Mrs. Steve Economy

Mr. & Mrs. Bobby Argiros

Ms. Toula Vlahakis

Mr. John Skouberdis

Mary Poniros

Bill & Despina Catsikopoulos

Mr. & Mrs. Doug Garber

Mr. & Mrs. Enrico Digirolamo

Mr. & Mrs. George Zervos

Mr. & Mrs. Peter E. Zervos

Michael Berman Family

Mr. & Mrs. Adam Angelas

Maria Theodorakis Evans

Anastasia Theodorakis

Andy & Elaine Moundros

Mr. & Mrs. Bob & Kim Scarlet

MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL

General Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Saints and Feasts

Agatha the Martyr

Photius the Great, Patriarch of Constantinople

Theodore the Commander & Great Martyr

The Holy Prophet Zacharias (Zachariah)

Sunday of the Canaanite

Holy Cross Notices

Holy Cross 50th Anniversary News

Ladies Philoptochos News

Altar Boy List

Events, Announcements and Flyers

50th Anniversary Album Advertising Information

Philoptochos Membership Drive

Metropolis of Detroit Friends Campaign

Memorial Donations to Holy Cross