Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Let us the faithful give praise and worship to the Logos, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation; for of His own goodwill he consented to ascend the cross in the flesh and endured death and raised the dead by His glorious resurrection.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρὶ καὶ Πνεύματι, τὸν ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθέντα εἰς σωτηρίαν ἡμῶν, ἀνυμνήσωμεν πιστοὶ καὶ προσκυνήσωμεν, ὅτι ηὐδόκησε σαρκί, ἀνελθεῖν ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ, καὶ θάνατον ὑπομεῖναι, καὶ ἐγεῖραι τοὺς τεθνεῶτας, ἐν τῇ ἐνδόξῳ Ἀναστάσει αὐτοῦ.

Apolytikion for Forefeast of the Exaltation in the Second Mode

We offer Thee in mediation the life-giving Cross which, of Thy goodness, Thou hast given unto us, the unworthy, O Lord. Save Thy hierarchs and Thy flock, and grant Thou peace through the Theotokos, O only friend of man.

Τόν ζωοποιόν Σταυρόν τής σής αγαθότητος, όν εδωρήσω ημίν τοίς αναξίοις Κύριε, σοί προσάγομεν εις πρεσβείαν, Σώζε τούς βασιλείς καί τήν πόλιν σου, ειρηνεύοντας διά τής Θεοτόκου, μόνε φιλάνθρωπε.

Apolytikion for Temple of the Resurrection in the Fourth Mode

Thou hast shown the earthly beauty of the holy tabernacle of Thy glory to be like unto the splendour of the heavenly firmament, O Lord. Strengthen it for ever and ever, and accept our prayers which we unceasingly offer therein unto Thee, through the Theotokos, O Thou Who art the Life and Resurrection of all.

Ως τού άνω στερεώματος τήν ευπρέπειαν, καί τήν κάτω συναπέδειξας ωραιότητα, τού αγίου σκηνώματος τής δόξης σου Κύριε, Κραταίωσον αυτό εις αιώνα αιώνος, καί πρόσδεξαι ημών, τάς εν αυτώ απαύστως προσαγομένας σοι δεήσεις, πρεσβείαις τής Θεοτόκου, η πάντων ζωή καί ανάστασις.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

The Church is shown to be a many-lighted heaven that doth shine a guiding light upon all them that do believe; wherein while standing we cry aloud: Do Thou Thyself now establish this house, O Lord.

Ουρανός πολύφωτος η Εκκλησία, ανεδείχθη άπαντας, φωταγωγούσα τούς πιστούς, εν ώ εστώτες κραυγάζομεν, Τούτον τόν οίκον, στερέωσον Κύριε.

Saints and Feasts

September 13

Cornelius the Centurion & Martyr

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.

September 14

The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross

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.

September 16

Euphemia the Great Martyr

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.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

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.

Προκείμενον. Plagal Second Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 27.9,1.
Σῶσον, Κύριε τὸν λαὸν σου καὶ εὐλόγησον τὴν κληρονομίαν σου.
Στίχ. Πρὸς σἐ, Κύριε, κεκράξομαι ὁ Θεός μου.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα 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.

Gospel Reading

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."

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.

"Greek To Go" Minifestival

A Message from the "Greek to Go" Chairperson,
Jim Sperelakis

Dear Annunciation Family & Friends,

It was heartening to see our first ever ‘Greek to Go’ event become a resounding success! Once again, you’ve all stepped up to support our beloved Church, and each other as a Church family, to beautifully execute a first ever fully pre-order/curb side pick-up event. From the vision and planning weeks ago, to the design of our pre-ordering system, food prep workshops, promotion, and finally seamless execution the past two days.

In addition to our wonderful volunteers, I would also like to thank Mediterranean Foods/Hotos Feta Cheese & the West Newbury House of Pizza for their Sponsorships, both financially and with product.

I’m pleased to report that we’ve exceeded our original financial goal for this ‘trial’ event. Our revenues, including sponsorships and donations, were approx. $24,000. We still need to process and pay all our receipts and expenses, but I expect us to be in the approx. range of $16 - $18,000 net profit from the event – against a goal of $10,000.

We are still hoping to have a ‘bigger and better Greek to Go event’ this fall and need your ideas, feedback on the just concluded trial, improvements, etc., as we start our planning process. Please join the feedback and planning session on Mon. Aug. 31, at 7 PM. We will hold this event both in person (Nicholson Hall) where we can physically spread out, as well as via Zoom.

My sincere appreciation and kudos for your strong support of our Greek to Go event, and very much looking forward to your ideas for future improvements, and, of course, continued support. Thank you!

Jim S.

Parish News and Events

Please pray for our brothers and sisters: Niko, Elias, Christina, Christina, Malina, John, Pete, Vincent, Veronica, Athena, John, Lynne, Deborah, Georgia, Ivana, Mary, Jane, Michael, Kostas, Stephan, Deborah, Nora, Amelia, Joe, Nikki, Jeanine, Anna, Irina, Ava Maria, Paul, Jessica, David, Mary.

Regular Hours: Divine Liturgy at 10am!

Sunday School is Reopening! We invite all families with children to participate this Sunday. In person lessons will take place outdoors, in front of the church (or Nicholson Hall in case of inclement weather), on a rotation basis. We begin this Sunday with the high school class. Every age group will alternate between one lesson at church and three on line lessons at a time that is chosen by the group. All children are welcome in church every Sunday and we are restarting the children sermons.

Please continue to sign up and be emboldened to participate. As you feel ready to come and enjoy services in person, we joyfully welcome you! Please sign up today for the rest of the fall at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A45AEAA22A0FD0-annunciation Livestreaming continues in the event you are continuing to limit outings and sticking closer to home. We are here for you online and in person!

Sunday livestream services continue this week with Divine Liturgy at 10:00am. Our main form of transmission will be on our YouTube channel, but you will find links on facebook and on our website http://annunciation.ma.goarch.org/ Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel! If you have a newer TV, you can use the YouTube app and watch on the big screen. You can experiment ahead of time by watching our services from previous Sundays, which can be found on our website under the Worship tab.

Elevation of the Holy Cross Celebrations we will celebrate this feast in our church on Sunday morning (September 13) with the traditional procession of the Cross. Please bring basil if you are able! We will have no in person service Monday morning, due to Covid concerns (only 24 hours after Sunday service). We have, however, received the following invitation:

On Monday, September 14, our beloved school - your school - will celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and we hope that you will celebrate with us virtually.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America will do us the great honor of presiding at services in our Holy Cross Chapel, all of which will be live-streamed:

Our website (https://www.hchc.edu/chapel/)

Our Youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/HCHCMedia)

On Sunday, September 13, on the eve of the Feast, we will have Great Vespers at 4:30pm, followed by the Rassophoria and Stavrophoria. On Monday, September 14, Orthros will begin at 8:00am and be followed by the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.

Stewardship thank you note We would like to thank all of our faithful stewards who in these difficult conditions have upgraded significantly their contributions, leading to very significant progress over last year figures. See stewardship comparison attached as insert. By the same token, do not hesitate to reach out to us if you are in need of transitional help. You can be assured the we will handle any requests with utmost confidentiality.

Parish Events of the Week

Sunday, September 13th

10:00am - Live-streamed Divine Liturgy with Procession if the Cross. Instructions at http://www.annunciation.ma.goarch.org/ For participation in the sanctuary please read the guidelines and sign up in advance on our website.

Monday, September 14th
9:00am - hierarchical celebration if the Elevation of the Cross at the Seminary. Live stream only. Details in the previous section

Thursday, September 17th
7:00pm - Council Meeting

Friday, September 18th
6:00pm - Music rehearsal for Sunday and Paraklesis. Everyone welcome!
6:45pm - Paraklesis for the Theotokos (live-stream and in person, same instructions as Sunday above.)
7:30pm - Outdoor fire-pit discussion about the significance of the Cross

Sunday, September 19th

9:00am - Orthros with choir led by our Seminarian, Paul Murray

10:00am - Divine Liturgy

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

45th Clergy Laity Congress – First-Ever Virtual - Concludes

09/11/2020

The 45th Clergy Laity Congress, a first-ever virtual event concluded today after a successful Plenary Session. All necessary resolutions for the proper operation and administration of the Archdiocese were effected in an atmosphere of professionalism and Christian brotherhood.

https://www.goarch.org/-/45th-clergy-laity-congress-concludes-2020

HAH Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Greets the 45th Clergy-Laity Congress - Keynote of Archbishop Elpidophoros

09/09/2020

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent virtual greetings to the 45th Clergy Laity Congress, as it commenced its work for the first time in a virtual setting.

https://www.goarch.org/-/clc-keynote-archbishop-elpidophoros

Meeting of the Holy Eparchial Synod

09/08/2020

On Tuesday, September 8, 2020, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America convened the Holy Eparchial Synod via teleconference in order that it might be properly be briefed in advance of the upcoming Archdiocesan Executive Committee meeting and the 45th National Clergy Laity Congress.

https://www.goarch.org/-/meeting-holy-eparchial-synod-2020

OO Exclusive: Churches Evacuate Amid California Fires

08/24/2020

Devastating fires are ravaging California. The Orthodox Observer spoke with Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco to get the most current update.

https://www.goarch.org/-/california-fires-2020

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