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Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-09-08
Bulletin Contents
Exaltation
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Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (408) 246-2770
  • Fax:
  • (408) 246-0143
  • Street Address:

  • 1260 Davis Street

  • San Jose, CA 95126
  • Mailing Address:

  • 986 Chapman Street

  • San Jose, CA 95126


Contact Information






Services Schedule

Saturdays:

    5:00 p.m. - Great Vespers.

Sundays: from the first Sunday after Labor Day to mid May

Orthros followed by 1st Divine Liturgy 7:15 a.m.
2nd Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m.
Church School 10:00 a.m.

Sundays: other than above days

Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m.

Feast Days: see calendar.

Confessions: Please call office.


Past Bulletins


Schedule of Services

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

  

 

 

Sunday, September 8 - Nativity of the Theotokos, Sunday Before the Holy Cross

8:30am - Orthros + Liturgy

 

Friday, September 13 - Great Vespers of the Holy Cross. 

7:00 pm Service to be held at our sister church of the Holy Cross in Belmont.

900 Alameda De Las Pulgas, Belmont, CA 

 

Saturday, September 14 - Exaltation of the Holy Cross

8:30 am Orthros

9:30 am Divine Liturgy

5:00 pm Great Vespers

 

Sunday, September 15 - ONE Service!

Sunday after the Holy Cross

8:30 Orthros

9:45 am Divine Liturgy

Agiasmos for beginning of School year (Greek School and Sunday School) to take place at end of Liturgy. Ice Cream social to follow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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News and Events

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Sunday School Beginnings!

Οn Sunday, September 15th we will have ONE (1) Liturgy and asking all families to attend the Agiasmo service at the end of the Liturgy, followed by an Ice-cream social for parishioners and children in the courtyard of the Education Building.  

Our First lesson will be Sunday, September 22nd, and two (2) liturgies will resume. Sunday school is immediately following communion, at the 2nd Liturgy. 

Please make sure you review your information with the new database system. To do this, just go to the church's website: https://saintnicholas.org at the upper right tab you will note "sign in" where you can access your account and update your information. 

UPCOMING SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE

September 15 - Church Liturgy / Agiasmo Service / Ice Cream Social - No Classroom time

September 22 - Sunday School - First Session!  (also there will be a Carnival that day for the kids)

September 29 - Sunday School in Session

October - Annual St. Nicholas Food Drive Campaign

October 6 - Sunday School in Session

October 13 - Sunday School in Session (Open House for PreK - 4th grade)

October 20 - Sunday School in Session (Open House for 5th - 8th Grade)

October 27 - Sunday School in Session (Open House for 9th - 12th grade)

 


CENTER OF HELLENIC EDUCATION - GREEK SCHOOL REGISTRATION

Welcome to the Center of Hellenic Education! In preparation for this year we are attaching our calendar for next year and registration link.  This upcoming year we will have a back to school days on Tuesday, August 27 and Thursday, August 29 at 5pm, and Saturday, August 31st at 10am.  This will be an opportunity for all to complete your registrations, as well as meet teacher and staff. This year we will require all students to register prior to the beginning of the school year to better coordinate class sizes and schedules.

Your student’s attendance during the first 2 weeks is required.  The first two weeks of class will be an assessment period to calibrate classes.

Discounts for Early Registration 2019-2020 School Year (until August 31st):

The Center of Hellenic Education will be offering an Early Registration discount of 10%, code: EARLYREG for those would like to sign up in advance. You will have to fill in one registration per child and enter the code: EARLYREG upon checkout.

Click the below registration Link to register for the 2019-2020 school year at Center of Hellenic Education:

https://saintnicholas.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/30/responses/new  

We have simplified our tuition plans for next year. Planned tuition for our 2019-2020 school year is as follows:

1 day/week

  • Child -- $325/semester ($650/year)
  • Adult -- $375/semester ($750/year)

2 days/week

  • Child -- $450/semester ($900/year)
  • Adult -- $600/semester ($1,200/year) 

** Tuition includes books and class materials as well as online supplemental materials for Levels K-3.

Feel free to share with others.  Thank you for choosing the Center of Hellenic Education.  We will see you at the Registrations Days!  Visit our church website for more information. https://saintnicholas.org/greek-school/

 


COFFEE HOUR TEAM

Sunday Coffee Team: Alex Geranios, Joanne Pagonis, Stefania & Mariann.  Thank you for your support!  

For more information about joining the coffee hour teams or how to help the ministry, please contact Marcella Fotis at 408-723-4124.  

 


FATHER JOHN BERRIS GOLF TOURNAMENT

 The 31st annual Fr. Berris Golf Classic will be held Monday, September 16th at Silver Creek Valley Country Club in San Jose. Father Berris Golf Classic, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization benefiting seminarians from our diocese enrolled in the Masters of Divinity Program at Holy Cross Seminary as well as our new mission- projects to benefit the youth of our St. Nicholas Church.  Over the last 30 years $233,000 has been awarded in scholarships to seminarians and over $140,000 to the St. Nicholas Building Fund, all thanks to our sponsors, donors, golfers and volunteers.  Please join us for a fun day of golf and fellowship and/or consider being a sponsor, gift donor or volunteer at the tournament.  For more information visit www.FrBerrisGolf.org or call Jim Chiochios at 408.741.5534 or email FrBerrisGolf@comcast.net.  Thank you for your support!

 


GOLDEN YEAR NEWS

The summer is almost over. We hope you all had a very pleasant and restful one. We are anxiously waiting to see you all at the first meeting, on: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 at 11:00 am in the Small Hall.  Please keep in mind that our regular meetings for the new Ecclesiastic Year, will take place THE FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH.   For more information call Mina at: 408 515-8301


STS. PETER AND PAUL MISSIONS MINISTRY

It has been a busy summer for our ministry.  Our own Roberta Sardell just returned from her Jamaica Mission trip.  While she and her team of seven went to serve, they came back  inspired by the enthusiasm and faith of the people they met, and the efforts of their new full time priest, Fr. Sokratis, in establishing The Orthodox Church of Jamaica, finding staffing, and securing the tax free donation status. Roberta will soon share her experience with us in one of our future events. 

Also the work is progressing at the Saint Ignatius School in India, as the school is set-up for re-accreditation in 2020.  We will soon share some exciting news about Sister Nektaria and her lucky girls.  For donations, please look for the Mission Ministry’s box placed in the narthex or visit the Fili website: www.fili-inc.com.  Checks can be made out to Sts. Peter & Paul Missions Ministry or Fili.

For more information on this and other missionary activity, please contact Maria Aji at stspeterpaulmissions@gmail.com, or follow our Saints Peter and Paul Missions Ministry Facebook page and the Fili website.  Our ministry meets on the third Thursday of the month, with our next meeting scheduled for September 19, at 7pm (Sunday school room 3).  Please consider joining us.

 


50's FAMILY NIGHT

Join us for 50's Family Night on Saturday, September 21st at 6:00pm in the Community Center.  Bring out your poodle skirts, leather jackets, white t-shirts, rolled up jeans, and hair gel!  There will be plenty of music, dancing, karaoke, delicious food and other fun activities.  Enjoy the evening with your children!  Sponsored by the Daughters of Penelope and the AHEPA family.  Tickets are $35/adult, $15/students (ages 9-18), free for children 8 and under.  Make checks payable to Daughters of Penelope, Daphne #29 and mail to Laurie Sahines, 2023 Wellington Dr., Milpitas, Ca 95035.  Tickets will be held at the door.  Please send in reservations by September 15th.  For more informaton, please call Laurie at 408-823-0111.


GOYA KICK-OFF

Our First GOYA event of the year will be Saturday, September 21st at 6:30 pm

The Colyvas family will be hosting us, as we gather to plan our year together.

Please contact Fr. Nebojsa for more information including the location address.

 


TWO LITURGIES - STARTING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22nd

We will be on the two-liturgy schedule starting on Sunday, September 22nd with the first day of Sunday School.  Orthros and Liturgy will begin at 7:15am with the second Liturgy beginning at 10:00am.  


Youth Ministry Carnival

The Youth Ministries

 

KICK OFF CARNIVAL

Hosted by the Dance Ministry

  

Sunday, September 22, 2019.

following Church School

at the

Community Center Parking Area

 

Featuring:

Gyro, Frappe, Sweet Treats

Large Bounce House, Obstacle Course,

Crafts, Activities, Games and Prizes!

 

Carnival tickets will be sold at entrance,  in sets of 10, 1$ per ticket.


FLU SHOT CLINIC

On Sunday, September 22nd, our church, in partnership with Walgreens Drug Store (Foxworthy location) will be hosting, at no charge, their annual Flu Shot Clinic as a service to our community.  The clinic will be held from 9:00am to 1:00pm in the Golden Years Room in the small hall.  The clinic is available to everyone seven years old and up (with parent or guardian if 18 and under).  The Senior Vaccine, as well as the Pneumonia Vaccine, will be available for those over 65 years of age with a valid Medicare Card.  Please direct any questions to Dori Panopulos at 408-723-9905.


NAGLEE AND ALAMEDA STREET CLOSURE - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Due to Viva CalleSJ, a portion of Naglee and the Alameda Streets (in that area only) will be closed to traffic at 6:00am and end approximately 4:00pm on Sunday, September 22nd.   The on/offramp from Highway 880 to the Alameda and the route on the Alameda to the Church will be open for traffic.  For more information, please look at https://www.vivacallesj.org/


ORTHODOXY 101: PREPARING FOR THE KINGDOM

Fr. Nebojsa Pantic will be offering a new adult education opportunity to learn more about our faith and traditions.  The class will be once a month on the following Mondays in the Conference Room of the Church Office:

September 23rd
October 21st
November 18th
December 16th

All are invited to come to Paraklisis at 5:30 on those Mondays, and the classes will begin shortly following the service, around 6:30 pm. The lesson will not last more than 1 hour.

We will be discussing the topic of preparation for the Kingdom of God, and the theology and practices of the church surrounding this subject.

 


YOUNG FAMILIES FRIDAY FELLOWSHIP NIGHT

Saint Nicholas Family Ministry invites you to our next event with fun and fellowship this Friday, October 4th. This year at our monthly family night we will be discussing "Working With Our Hands". Join us Friday, October 4th for a discussion on having a "Home Altar" and fellowship starting at 6pm. Feel free to bring a meatless main dish, snack or dessert to share. 

 


PASTORAL VISITS

In case of a special need and you would like a pastoral visit, the priests would be happy to visit after receiving a call from an immediate family member due to privacy concerns.   Please text or call either Fr. Demosthenes at 408-784-9364 or Father Nebojsa at 707-315-7823 or call the church office at 408-246-2770.

 


VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE

The schedule for Volleyball practices in the Community Center for current stewards of St. Nicholas is as follows:

Jr. High level players practice on Tuesday evenings from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.

High School level players practice on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00pm.

Adults practice on Thursdays and Sundays with an open gym from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.

If you have any further questions, please call Chairman George Spilios at 408-806-1699 or Elias Papadokonstadakis, Head Volleyball Coach and Coordinator, at 408-497-4522 or email at eliaspapas@sbcglobal.net.

 


ST. ANNA PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

As the issues of need arise more profoundly in this county, and within the parish itself, St. Anna Philoptochos, with the blessing of Father Demosthenes, is forming a Social Services Committee.  The first priority of Social Services is to create a program to have information on hand and the resources available within the County of Santa Clara in order to direct individuals to aid programs in this area and  work with our the clergy, if needed, as they try to help those who come to our parish for aid.  Although St. Anna has always helped and will continue to do so to aid and give comfort to those in need, the problems and issues that many face are becoming more complex and monetary solutions are not enough in today's society.  If you desire to make a difference and have wondered how you can help, please consider assisting in the foundation of the Social Services Committee, please contact Stacy Panayotopoulos, President, at (408) 295-0387 or  stacypanayotopoulos@yahoo.com.


CONFESSIONS

Confessions with Father Demosthenes are available by appointment.  Please call the church office or Father Demosthenes directly at 408-784-9364.   


REALOPTIONS - A MINISTRY OF ST. ANNA PHILOPTOCHOS

We currently have 2 clear bins labeled for donations to The Real Options Medical Clinic. One in the bookstore and the other bin is outside the Sunday school office. You can put your donations of diapers, baby products and clothing for newborn thru 2 yrs. Gift cards to Walmart and Target are also accepted. You can also contact me directly to receive the above items. Tax receipts are available.  God Bless You all for your generosity to these women and families in need.  For more information please contact Ruth Duterte ruthrad1@aol.com  or 408-483-3009.


STEWARDSHIP 2019 - COMPLETE ONLINE

As stewards of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, God has gifted us with the honor of being the caretakers of our Orthodox faith.   As caretakers, we are responsible for ensuring that there is a safe and welcoming spiritual home in which to come together to worship for the glory of God. 

Your continuing support spiritually, socially and financially are vital to the well being of our parish.  We humbly request if you have not had an opportunity to complete your 2019 stewardship pledge, use the following link to do so online.  When completing this, we ask that you make time to pray and reflect on the many gifts that the Church has given you.  Increasing your stewardship contribution will assist in growing our parish and provide an environment in which our community will flourish.

Stewardship Link:

https://saintnicholas.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/28/responses/new

Father Demosthenes and the Stewardship Committee: Mary Ann Devetzis, Jeff Contos, and Peter Panayotopoulos


DONATIONS VIA FACEBOOK

We are a registered non-profit on Facebook and you can donate any time (without any fees for the church) by pressing the donate button in this link:

https://www.facebook.com/SaintNicholasOrg/


ADULT RESORT CAMP - ST. NICHOLAS RANCH

Adult Resort Camp is at St. Nicholas Ranch, Dunlap, from Monday to Friday, September 16-20th.  Lodging and meals is included in the cost.  The theme this year is "Mystery on the Orient Express - Discovering Byzantine Treasure". During the journey we will stop in various countries, trying their delicious fare and discovering clues to finding Byzantine treasures.  Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie's famous detective, will be present with each clue given.  The week is replete with social activities, arts and crafts, lectures, prayer services, morning exercise, good music, and a visit to our beautiful monastery of "The Theotokos, the Life Giving Spring".   Make sure to reserve your space as soon as possible.  Housing in the Lodges is limited.  Late registrants will be housed in the bunk houses.  Once registered we will send you a list of items to bring to our resort camp.  Reservation sheets are in the Small Hall or call 559-338-2103.  For more information, call Fr. Jim Pappas at 559-233-0397.  


VALLEJO GREEK FESTIVAL

The Napa-Solano County Greek Festival is happening on September 21 – 22.  Authentic Homemade Greek Food and Music.  Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1224 Alabama Street, Vallejo CA; Telephone: 707-642-6916; Email: stscah@gmail.com;  For more information regarding our parish please visit http://www.stscah.com/


ARCADIAN DINNER DANCE - SAN FRANCISCO

Arcadian Dinner/Dance Celebrating 87 Years of Arcadians in San Francisco!

Saturday, September 28, 2019 ; 5:30pm Cocktails ~ 7:00pm Dinner/Dancing

Reservations Only by Sept14th; No tickets will be sold at the door

Where: Patio Espanol Club Hall, 2850 Alemany Blvd, San Francisco

$75.00 for Adults $30.00 for Children 12 & under

For reservations and payment Contact: Evangeline Mallas 650-274-3057 enasious@hotmail.com

Or Christi Tsiplakos 650-992-9619 


HARVEST DINNER DANCE - PLEASANT HILL

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church and the St. Dionysios Building Committee invite you to attend their fourth annual Harvest Gala on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at the Contra Costa Country Club, 801 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill, 94523.  For more information, please call 925-676-6967.

 


MONASTERY OF THE HOLY THEOTOKOS, THE LIFE GIVING SPRING FUNDRAISER

SAVE THE DATE!!! 

The monastery of the Theotokos of the Life Giving Spring, Fundraising Dinner is on November 3rd at St. Nicholas community center at 5:00pm Please support Gerodissa Markella and the Sisters and help assist them through the winder months!

For questions and information please contact Evagelia at:

(408)499-3939 or eva.niktas@gmail.com

 

 


ST. KOSMAS WEST CONFERENCE - CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

Registration is now open for the 2019 St. Kosmas West Conference "Technology and Orthodoxy - Uncovering the Deeper Implication of Technology in our Lives".  November 15-17th at Wonder Valley Ranch in Central California.  For more information, please visit the website https://saintkosmasconferences.com/


SUNDAY BULLETIN NOTICE

To avoid any confusion on our part as we compose and print the Sunday bulletin, we ask that anyone who wishes to include a notice in the Sunday bulletin submit the notice in writing to the office BY TUESDAY AT 5PM!  Please don't wait until the last minute or send a note into the altar on a Sunday morning while the liturgy is in progress.

In addition, all ongoing (same message) bulletin entries will be in for four weeks, four times a year.  Please review these entries and plan accordingly.

 


SMALL HALL BULLETIN BOARD

Please check with Father Demosthenes in the office before posting anything on the bulletin board in the Small Hall.  Notices, announcements, advertisements, etc. that have not been approved will be removed.  Thank you for your kind cooperation.


GREEK PASTRIES, KOLLYVA & ARTOKLASIA

If you wish to order kollyva, paximadia, koulourakia or other Greek pastries, or artoklasia, please see below.  Payment is arranged with the makers and not the church.  If there is anyone who wants to be added to the makers list, please call the church office.

For kollyva:

Marcella Fotis 408-723-4124

Maria Anagnostou 408-316-6609

For paximadia, koulourakia, and other Greek pastries:

Maria Tsaboukos 408-723-5175

Antonia Komianos 408-472-3888

Marcella Fotis 408-723-4124

For artoklasia:

Marcella Fotis 408-723-4124

Maria or Despina Anagnostou 408-316-6609

 


BULLETIN SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Please note that all information in the weekly bulletin is subject to change.


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Saints and Feasts

Exaltation
September 08

Sunday before Holy Cross


Vmnativt
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.


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Special Services

MEMORIAL SERVICES 

Please join in prayer for the souls of those who have fallen asleep in the Lord:

 

It is the Tradition of the Church that no memorials are offered on feasts of the Lord (Jesus Christ) or the Theotokos (Virgin Mary). Since September 8th is the Nativity of the Theotokos, no memorials can be offered on this day. Instead, we rejoice, along with the heavens, at the Nativity of the Mother of God. May she bless us and intercede on behalf of us all. 

 

 

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Kontakion of the Fallen Asleep

Remember, O Lord, as good, your servants, and forgive whatever sins in life they committed, for no one is without sin, except you the Mighty One; and grant rest to them who have been removed from among us.

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 1:39-49, 56

Ἐν ταῖς ἡμέρας ἐκείνας, ἀναστᾶσα δὲ Μαριὰμ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις ἐπορεύθη εἰς τὴν ὀρεινὴν μετὰ σπουδῆς εἰς πόλιν ᾿Ιούδα, καὶ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον Ζαχαρίου καὶ ἠσπάσατο τὴν ᾿Ελισάβετ. καὶ ἐγένετο ὡς ἤκουσεν ἡ ᾿Ελισάβετ τὸν ἀσπασμὸν τῆς Μαρίας, ἐσκίρτησε τὸ βρέφος ἐν τῇ κοιλίᾳ αὐτῆς· καὶ ἐπλήσθη Πνεύματος ῾Αγίου ἡ ᾿Ελισάβετ καὶ ἀνεφώνησε φωνῇ μεγάλῃ καὶ εἶπεν· εὐλογημένη σὺ ἐν γυναιξὶ καὶ εὐλογημένος ὁ καρπὸς τῆς κοιλίας σου. καὶ πόθεν μοι τοῦτο ἵνα ἔλθῃ ἡ μήτηρ τοῦ Κυρίου μου πρός με; ἰδοὺ γὰρ ὡς ἐγένετο ἡ φωνὴ τοῦ ἀσπασμοῦ σου εἰς τὰ ὦτά μου, ἐσκίρτησε τὸ βρέφος ἐν ἀγαλλιάσει ἐν τῇ κοιλίᾳ μου. καὶ μακαρία ἡ πιστεύσασα ὅτι ἔσται τελείωσις τοῖς λελαλημένοις αὐτῇ παρὰ Κυρίου. Καὶ εἶπε Μαριάμ· Μεγαλύνει ἡ ψυχή μου τὸν Κύριον καὶ ἠγαλλίασε τὸ πνεῦμά μου ἐπὶ τῷ Θεῷ τῷ σωτῆρί μου, ὅτι ἐπέβλεψεν ἐπὶ τὴν ταπείνωσιν τῆς δούλης αὐτοῦ. ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν μακαριοῦσί με πᾶσαι αἱ γενεαί· ὅτι ἐποίησέ μοι μεγαλεῖα ὁ δυνατὸς καὶ ἅγιον τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ. ῎Εμεινε δὲ Μαριὰμ σὺν αὐτῇ ὡσεὶ μῆνας τρεῖς καὶ ὑπέστρεψεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτῆς.

The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
The Reading is from Luke 1:39-49, 56

In those days, Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."

And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name." And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.


Epistle Reading

Sunday before Holy Cross
Πρὸς Γαλάτας 6:11-18

Ἀδελφοί, ἴδετε πηλίκοις ὑμῖν γράμμασιν ἔγραψα τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί. Ὅσοι θέλουσιν εὐπροσωπῆσαι ἐν σαρκί, οὗτοι ἀναγκάζουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, μόνον ἵνα μὴ τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ διώκωνται. Οὐδὲ γὰρ οἱ περιτετμημένοι αὐτοὶ νόμον φυλάσσουσιν, ἀλλὰ θέλουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, ἵνα ἐν τῇ ὑμετέρᾳ σαρκὶ καυχήσωνται. Ἐμοὶ δὲ μὴ γένοιτο καυχᾶσθαι εἰ μὴ ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ· διʼ οὗ ἐμοὶ κόσμος ἐσταύρωται, κἀγὼ τῷ κόσμῳ. Ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ οὔτε περιτομή τι ἰσχύει, οὔτε ἀκροβυστία, ἀλλὰ καινὴ κτίσις. Καὶ ὅσοι τῷ κανόνι τούτῳ στοιχήσουσιν, εἰρήνη ἐπʼ αὐτούς, καὶ ἔλεος, καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰσραὴλ τοῦ θεοῦ. Τοῦ λοιποῦ, κόπους μοι μηδεὶς παρεχέτω· ἐγὼ γὰρ τὰ στίγματα τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματί μου βαστάζω. Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί. Ἀμήν.

Prokeimenon. Plagal 2nd 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.


Gospel Reading

Sunday before Holy Cross
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 3:13-17

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀναβέβηκεν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν εἰ μὴ ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς, ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ὁ ὤν ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ. καὶ καθὼς Μωϋσῆς ὕψωσε τὸν ὄφιν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οὕτως ὑψωθῆναι δεῖ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. Οὕτω γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ' ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ κόσμος δι' αὐτοῦ.

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."


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Wisdom of the Fathers

For since Nicodemus had said, "We know that Thou art a teacher come from God," on this very point He sets him right, all but saying, "Think Me not a teacher in such manner as were the many of the prophets who were of earth, for I have come from heaven (but) now. None of the prophets hath ascended up thither, but I dwell there."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

For not in heaven only is He, but everywhere, and He fills all things; but yet He speaks according to the infirmity of His hearer, desiring to lead him up little by little ... For after having spoken of the very great benefaction that had come to man by Baptism, He proceeds to mention another benefaction, which was the cause of this, and not inferior to it; namely, that by the Cross ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 3rd Mode

Let the heavens sing for joy, and let everything on earth be glad. * For with His Arm the Lord has worked power. * He trampled death under foot by means of death; * and He became the firstborn from the dead. * From the maw of Hades He delivered us; * and He granted the world His great mercy.
Εὐφραινέσθω τὰ οὐράνια, ἀγαλλιάσθω τὰ ἐπίγεια, ὅτι ἐποίησε κράτος, ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ, ὁ Κύριος, ἐπάτησε τῷ θανάτῳ τὸν θάνατον, πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν ἐγένετο, ἐκ κοιλίας ᾅδου ἐρρύσατο ἡμᾶς, καὶ παρέσχε τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for Nativity of the Theotokos in the 4th Mode

Thy Nativity, O Theotokos, hath procliamed joy to the whole world; for from thee hath dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, annulling the curse and bestowing the blessing, abolishing death and granting us life everlasting.
Η γέννησίς σου Θεοτόκε, χαράν εμήνυσε πάση τή οικουμένη, εκ σού γάρ ανέτειλεν ο ήλιος τής δικαιοσύνης, Χριστός ο Θεός ημών, καί λύσας τήν κατάραν, έδωκε τήν ευλογίαν, καί καταργήσας τόν θάνατον, εδωρήσατο ημίν ζωήν τήν αιώνιον.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 4th Mode

In your holy birth, Immaculate One, Joachim and Anna were rid of the shame of childlessness; Adam and Eve of the corruption of death. And so your people, free of the guilt of their sins, celebrate crying: "The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, who nourishes our life."
Ιωακείμ καί Άννα όνειδισμού ατεκνίας, καί Αδάμ καί Εύα, εκ τής φθοράς τού θανάτου, ηλευθερώθησαν, Άχραντε, εν τή αγία γεννήσει σου, αυτήν εορτάζει καί ο λαός σου, ενοχής τών πταισμάτων, λυτρωθείς εν τώ κράζειν σοι, Η στείρα τίκτει τήν Θεοτόκον, καί τροφόν τής ζωής ημών.
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