Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eleventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:14-25

At that time, Jesus revealed himself to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. And he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me." Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

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 Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:16-18; 7:1.

Brethren, you are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Canaanite
The Reading is from Matthew 15:21-28

At that time, Jesus went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon." But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." And he answered, "It is not fair to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table." Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed instantly.

Wisdom of the Fathers

She had a great perfection of faith. She had no uncertainty about His divine majesty. She had no small measure of the virtue of patience. Yet the pitying Physician of the pitiful disdained her petitions. He kept her waiting for answer in order to demonstrate to us the perseverence of this woman that we can always imitate. She had the characteristics of constancy and humility. She willingly embraced the indignity she received, and even confirmed the Lord`s statement. This woman rightly signifies the faith and devotion of the Church gathered from the nations

Saint Bede

Hom. I. 22, In Lent, Homilies on the Gospels, Bk. One, 216, 217.

He kept her waiting for an answer in order to declare that the minds of His disciples should also be merciful. As human beings they were ashamed of the clamor of the woman as she pursued them publicly, but He Himself knew the character of His mercy.

St. Bede

Hom. I. 22, In Lent, Homilies on the Gospels, Bk. One, 216

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

You descended from on high, O compassionate One, and condescended to be buried for three days, so that from the passions You might set us free. Our life and resurrection, O Lord, glory be to You.

Apolytikion for Relics of Ignatius the Godbearer in the Fourth Mode

As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O Hieromartyr Ignatius. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

Apolytikion for the Church in the First Mode

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy, and by Your Cross protecting Your commonwealth.

Seasonal Kontakion in the First Mode

Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O Christ our God, give peace to Your commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom You love, as only the loving One.

Saints and Feasts

January 30

Synaxis of The Three Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, & John Chrysostom

This common feast of these three teachers was instituted a little before the year 1100, during the reign of the Emperor Alexis I Comnenus, because of a dispute and strife that arose among the notable and virtuous men of that time. Some of them preferred Basil, while others preferred Gregory, and yet others preferred John Chrysostom, quarreling among themselves over which of the three was the greatest. Furthermore, each party, in order to distinguish itself from the others, assumed the name of its preferred Saint; hence, they called themselves Basilians, Gregorians, or Johannites. Desiring to bring an end to the contention, the three Saints appeared together to the saintly John Mavropous, a monk who had been ordained Bishop of Euchaita, a city of Asia Minor, they revealed to him that the glory they have at the throne of God is equal, and told him to compose a common service for the three of them, which he did with great skill and beauty. Saint John of Euchaita (celebrated Oct. 5) is also the composer of the Canon to the Guardian Angel, the Protector of a Man's Life. In his old age, he retired from his episcopal see and again took up the monastic life in a monastery in Constantinople. He reposed during the reign of the aforementioned Emperor Alexis Comnenus (1081-1118).

February 02

The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple

When the most pure Mother and Ever-Virgin Mary's forty days of purification had been fulfilled, she took her first-born Son to Jerusalem on this, the fortieth day after His birth, that she might present Him in the temple according to the Law of Moses, which teaches that every first-born male child be dedicated to God, and also that she might offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons, as required by the Law (Luke 2:22-24; Exod. 13:2; Lev. 12:6-8). On this same day, a just and devout man, the greatly aged Symeon, was also present in the temple, being guided by the Holy Spirit. For a long time, this man had been awaiting the salvation of God, and he had been informed by divine revelation that he would not die until he beheld the Lord's Christ. Thus, when he beheld Him at that time and took Him up into his aged arms, he gave glory to God, singing: "Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, O Master. . ." And he confessed that he would close his eyes joyfully, since he had seen the Light of revelation for the nations and the Glory of Israel (Luke 2:25-32). From ancient times, the Holy Church has retained this tradition of the churching of the mother and new-born child on the fortieth day and of the reading of prayers of purification.

The Apodosis of the Feast of the Meeting in the Temple is usually on the 9th of February. This, however, may vary if the Feast falls within the period of the Triodion. Should this occur, the Typicon should be consulted for specific information concerning the Apodosis of the Feast.

Announcements

PARISH ORATORICAL FESTIVAL

Saturday, February 4th. See flyer attached.

PHILOPTOCHOS APOKRIES | MAKARONATHA

February 19th after Liturgy. Click here or see flyer attached for details.

2023 METROPOLIS OF DETROIT SUMMER CAMP

Click here or see flyer attached for details.

HOUSE BLESSINGS

Please contact the Church Office to schedule your annual house blessing with Fr. Alex.

MORTGAGE ELIMINATION CAMPAIGN

Click here to pledge or donate online.

HURRICAINE IAN EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND

Click here to help.

UKRAINE RELIEF FUND

Click here to help.

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TODAY

Sunday, January 29- Divine Liturgy @ 10:00 am

- Church School & Catechesis

- Memorials - George & Matrona Liadis, Irene Skourbedis

- Coffee Hour hosted by John & Kathy Liadis

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UPCOMING

Monday, January 30 - Bible Study (1 Chronicles 15-21) @ 7:00 pm

Thursday, February 2 - Divine Liturgy for the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple @ 10:00 am

Saturday, February 4 - Parish Oratorical Festival @ 9:00 am

Sunday, February 5 - Divine Liturgy @ 10:00 am

- Parish Oratorical Festival Finalists Speeches

- Memorials: John Ioanou (5 yrs) & Kyriaki Ioanou (1 yr)

- Church School & Catechesis

- Coffee Hour hosted by Elaine Ioanou

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FLOWERS

If you are interested in donating to purchase flowers to decorate an icon for a feast day, please contact Debbie George or the Church Office.

PROSPHORA

Interested in sponsoring prosphora? Please contact Church Office.

ICONS IN THE ALTAR

If you brought icons to be blessed in the altar, please retrieve them soon.

WORSHIP

THE CHURCH IS OPEN. Please join us in prayer.

Please use this link to view the Divine Liturgy book.

Please download the Daily Readings App Lite (free download) for the daily Gospel & Epistle readings.

LIVESTREAM SERVICES

www.holycrossgo.org/webcam

STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE

Please continue to support our Chuch during this difficult time via your Stewardship pledge and donations. Please mail your checks directly to the church or donate online by clicking on the "GIVE" button on our website. Visit the Stewardship webpage to fill out your annual pledge card and/or to pay your stewardship.

VIGIL CANDLES

If you would like us to light a vigil candle for you, please call the Church Office or email office@holycrossgo.org with your name(s) and Fr. Alex will light a vigil candle for you and say a prayer. Donations are optional.

SHOP AT ACE HARDWARE? 5% minus tax = (!)

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church or #214538. 5% line discount off everyday pricing in the store Ace Rewards as well as 6% Tax Exempt will come off automatically. 2% Ace Rewards

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:
www.krogercommunityrewards.com
Holy Cross' ID # 83567

Prayer Requests

Please continue to pray for the health and healing of the following friends

Fr. Angelo Artemas
Grace Decco
Demetrius Kourtakis
Elaine Kourtakis
Bentley
Tom Casoglos
Robert James Anderson
Fr. Demetri Tonias
Bill Hiotaky
Dennis Watkins
Dr. Andy Athens
Elaine Moundros
Maria George
Beth Tudehope Moore
Fr. John Stavropoulos
Baby George
Ted Andris
Zoe Jaimee
Heather
Irene Katsias
Mr. Adam Angelas
Elise Gorman
Paraskevi Theodorou
Niki Brogger
Dr. Nicholas Varveris
Marilyn Georgeson
George Benardos
Gina Weiler
Terrie Stefanakis
Evelyn Morris
Dr. Pan Pesaros
Faye Prekeges
Dr. Maureen Kelly
Dr. Rick Wilson
Dina Rand

If you would like to add your name or a loved one's to the prayer list, please email the office. Thank you!

Ladies Philoptochos News

NEXT PHILOPTOCHOS MEETING

Tuesday, February 7th, 2023 @ 6:30 pm - Wear red!

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INVITATION TO JOIN HOLY CROSS PHILOPTOCHOS

2023 Philoptochos Stewardship Form attached.

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COFFEE HOUR

Sunday, January 29 - John & Kathy Liadis (Memorial)

Sunday, February 5 - Elaine Ioanou (Memorial)

Sunday, February 12 - Zervos Family (Memorial)

Sunday, February 19 - Makaronatha

Sunday, February 26 - Cathy Blough

Altar Boys

NOTICE FOR ALTAR BOYS & PARENTS

Being an Altar Server is a GREAT RESPONSIBILITY AND COMMITMENT to the Lord. Please BE ON TIME (arrive at least 15 minutes prior to any Church Service).

SUMMER SCHEDULE IS OPEN.

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LIST OF ALTAR BOYS

TEAM A	TEAM B
Ioannis Yiannakis (Cpt)	Mateo Pesaros (Cpt)
Stephen Mihos	Stavros Fekaris
Dino Thanos	Louis Foster
Nikolas Thanos	Cristo Stilianos
	Stelios Stilianos

SCHEDULE 2022-2023

TEAM A	TEAM B
2022	2022
SEP 18	SEP 25
OCT 2, 16, 30	OCT 9, 23
NOV 13, 27	NOV 6, 20
DEC 11, 25*	DEC 4, 18
2023	2023
JAN 8, 22	JAN 1, 15, 29
FEB 5, 19	FEB 12, 26
*MAR 5, 19**	MAR 12, 26
*APR 2, 16, 30**	*APR 9, 23**
MAY 14, 28	MAY 7, 21
JUN 11, 25*	JUN 4, 18

* all teams can serve

Memorial Donations to Holy Cross

OUR THANKS

To those who in lieu of flowers gave monetary

contributions to Holy Cross Church in memory of :

GEORGE & MATRONA LIADIS, IRENE SKOUBERDIS

M/M John Liadis

IRENE ZERVOS

Holy Cross Philoptochos

Allor Family & Solomon Plumbing

Zervos Financial Services

Kevin Black

Shirley Black

Brian & Luann Black

Michael & Julie Black Davis

Daniel & Kathryn Souphis

George Matheos

M/M John George

Margarita Shukla

Elaine Ioanou

M/M James Heller

Kanella Katsikas

Mary Frango

M/M Dan Dallas

Dn/Mrs. George Fekaris

Hountalas Family

M/M George Katsias

Bill Madias

M/M Evans Lucas

M/M William Orlow

M/M John Sinanis

Connie Kourtakis Balint

M/M Tom Casoglos

M/M Simon Boulos

Peter Kapas

Saundra Degeneste

Jane Mitchell

M/M Edward Power

M/M Stephen Economy

M/M Rod Sullivan

Scott & Angel Linzel

M/M Bill Williams

M/M Lou Chalogianis

Peggy Theodore

M/M Theodore Souphis

M/M David Frink

M/M David Lange

M/M Tad Krear

Mandel Allweil & Catherine Brown

M/M Pantelis Karatsinides

M/M Tim Keros

Nativity of the Virgin Mary Men's Club

M/M Anthony Barr

Mary Kargilis

M/M Van Kyriakopoulos

Dr/Mrs Angelo M. Zervos

Dr/Mrs Marcus Zervos

M/M Gus Mackris

M/M Stylianos Sinanis

M/M Andy Moundros

M/M Steve Fekaris

M/M John Zannis

Al Helmkamp

Olkowski & Boose Family

M/M Ron Fletcher

M/M James Vlahakis

Marceta Family

Peggy Cassel

Safari Club International - Novi Chapter

M/M Dean Perakis

M/M John Floros

M/M Paul Albanelli

Sophia Vlahakis

Stella Karras

M/M George Vlahakis

M/M Douglas Abraham

M/M Pete Moundros

M/M John Liadis

WILLIAM HIOTAKY

Julie Hiotaky

Ellen Ernst Dowson

M/M George Katsias

Anastasia Spanos

PETE MIHOS

M/M George Mihos

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* donations received after January 1, 2023 *

MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL

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