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Holy Cross Church
Publish Date: 2026-10-11
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Holy Cross Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (248) 477-1677
  • Street Address:

  • 25225 Middlebelt Rd.

  • Farmington Hills, MI 48336


Contact Information






Services Schedule

holycrossgo.org/calendar

DIVINE LITURGY

Sundays 10am

OFFICE HOURS

Monday-Friday, 10am - 3pm


Past Bulletins


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eighth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:11-18

At that time, Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus has lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni," which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, "Do not touch Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God." Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and she told them that He had said these things to her.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. 4th Mode. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to Titus 3:8-15.

Titus, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.

When I send Artemas or Tychicos to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.

All who are with me send greeting to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council
The Reading is from Luke 8:5-15

The Lord said this parable: "A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold." And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience." As he said these things, he cried out "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."




Wisdom of the Fathers

When you see life's pleasures, beware that they might not distract you, for they conceal death's snares. Likewise a fisherman casts not his hook to no purpose. As bait for his hook, the enemy uses the delusion of sensuality to arouse desire, that he might thereby catch men's souls and subject them to himself. A soul which has been caught to serve the enemy's will then serves as a snare for other souls, for it conceals the grief of sin with its apparent delight.
St. Ephraim the Syrian
A Spiritual Psalter no 43, pg. 74, 4th century

Since there are certain people who find great fault with us for adoring and honoring both the image of the Savior and that of our Lady, as well as those of the rest of the saints and servants of Christ, let them hear how from the beginning God made man to His own image. For what reason, then, do we adore one another, except because we have been made to the image of God? As the inspired Basil, who is deeply learned in theology, says: "the honor paid to the image conveys to the original.," and the original is the thing imaged from which the copy is made.
St. John of Damascus
The Orthodox Faith, 4.16. Catholic University of America Press in Washington D.C. Translated by Frederic H. Chase, Jr. volume 37, page 370., 8th Century



Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 2nd Mode

When You descended unto Death, O Lord, You who are immortal Life put Hades to death, by the lightning of Your divinity. And when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the hosts of heaven sang aloud to You, “O Christ God, Giver of life, glory to You!”

Apolytikion for Sun. of the 7th Ecumenical Council in the 8th Mode

You are greatly glorified, O Christ our God, who established our Fathers as luminaries upon the earth, and through them led us all to the true Faith. O Most compassionate, glory to You.

Apolytikion for the Church in the 1st 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 2nd Mode

A protection of Christians unshamable, intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering, please reject not the prayerful cries of those who are in sin. Instead, come to us, for you are good; your loving help bring unto us, who are crying in faith to you: hasten to intercede and speed now to supplicate, as a protection for all time, Theotokos, for those who honor you.


Saints and Feasts

October 11

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council

On the Sunday that falls on or immediately after the eleventh of this month, we chant the Service to the 350 holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, which gathered in Nicaea in 787 under the holy Patriarch Tarasius and during the reign of the Empress Irene and her son, Constantine Porphyrogenitus, to refute the Iconoclast heresy, which had received imperial support beginning with the Edict issued in 726 by Emperor Leo the Isaurian. Many of the holy Fathers who condemned Iconoclasm at this holy Council later died as Confessors and Martyrs for the holy Icons during the second assult of Iconoclasm in the ninth century, especially during the reigns of Leo the Armenian and Theophilus.


October 11

Philip the Apostle of the 70, one of the 7 Deacons

Saint Philip, who had four daughters that prophesied, was from Caesarea of Palestine. He preached throughout Samaria; it was he also who met the eunuch of Candace, the Queen of the Ethiopians, as the eunuch was reading the Prophet Esaias, and he instructed and baptized him (Acts 8:26-39). He reposed in Tralles of Asia Minor while preaching the Gospel.




Schedule

Calendar updates: holycrossgo.org/calendar

Schedule

TODAY

Sunday, October 11

  • 09:15 am | Orthros
  • 10:00 am | Divine Liturgy
  • 11:10 am | Memorial: Peter Zervos (5 years)
  • 11:15 am | Church School
  • 11:30 am | Coffee Hour - The Power Family
  • 05:00 pm | GOYA Fireside Chat

 

THIS WEEK

Monday, October 12

  • 06:00 pm | Adult Catechism (Session 3)
  • 07:15 pm | Bible Study (Isaiah 24-26)

 

UPCOMING

Sunday, October 18

  • 09:15 am | Orthros
  • 10:00 am | Divine Liturgy
  • 11:15 am | Church School
  • 11:30 am | Coffee Hour - Elaine Moundros & Harriet Bills

 

Announcements & Reminders

FLOWERS

If you are interested in donating to purchase flowers to decorate an icon for a feast day, or to decorate the church for Pascha, please contact the Church Office or look for donation box on the pangari.

PROSPHORA

Interested in sponsoring prosphora? Please contact the Church Office.

ICONS IN THE ALTAR

If you brought icons to be blessed in the altar, please retrieve them after 40 days. 

WORSHIP

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

LIVESTREAM SERVICES

www.holycrossgo.org/live

STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE

Please continue to support our Chuch 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 [email protected] with your name(s) and Fr. Alex will light a vigil candle for you and say a prayer.

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



Flyers



Prayer Requests

Please continue to pray for the health and healing of:

  • Metropolitan Nicholas
  • Metropolitan Isaiah
  • Psa. Gabriela Pantea
  • Andy Athens
  • George Benardos
  • Polydora Bourdouvalis
  • Antonia Comer
  • Helene Cuscutis
  • Dan Dallas
  • Grace Decco
  • Marilyn Georgeson
  • Elise Gorman
  • Brian Heikkuri
  • Bill Hiotaky
  • Julie Hiotaky
  • Irene Katsias
  • Maureen Kelly
  • Zachary King
  • Niki Klimatianos
  • Eva Kocoves
  • Elaine Kourtakis
  • Tom Lagos
  • Nayiri Misirliyan
  • Faye Prekeges
  • Dina Rand
  • Paraskevi Theodorou
  • Pete Varvaresos
  • Nicholas Varveris
  • Rafael Vasu
  • Dennis Watkins
  • Gina Weiler
  • Rick Wilson
  • Bentley
  • Heather
  • Perris
  • Lexi
  • Kanella Katsikas
  • Erica Bittinger
  • Michael Diamond
  • Archie
  • Jason
  • Sophie Paron
  • Gheorghia Cherpes
  • Baby Elias
  • Allison Ricardi
  • Virginia, John & Olivia Koutsouros
  • Alexandra Anton
  • Christine & Vasili Zoyes
  • George R.
  • Soledad Liadis
  • Aria Sophia Liadis
  • Evelyn Morris
  • James
  • Tommy
  • Phyllis
  • Andrea Szczygiel
  • Jackie
  • Lori
  • Michael
  • Amanda
  • Ayva
  • Joyce
  • Karolyn
  • Jason
  • Tracey
  • Sorin
  • Pat Thrubis
  • Michelle Madau
  • Allen George
  • Tom and Mary Casoglos
  • Bob Zocco
  • Steve N.
  • Nancy Temple

 

Please email the office if you want to add your name or loved ones to the prayer list. Thank you!

 



Philoptochos

INVITATION TO JOIN HOLY CROSS PHILOPTOCHOS

All women 18 years old and over are encouraged to join our Holy Cross Philoptochos. New and returning members are welcome! The 2025 Philoptochos Stewardship Form is attached.

 

NEXT MEETING 

  • October 21st @ 5:30 pm

COFFEE HOUR

  • 10/11 - The Power Family
  • 10/18 - Elaine Moundros & Harriet Bills
  • 10/25 - The Kourtakis Families, Audrey & George, Demetrius & Elaine, and George & Irene Katsias

 

NOTE ABOUT THE COFFEE HOUR:  Philoptochos would like to thank our parishioners who support us throughout the year by sponsoring our Sunday Coffee Hour and bringing delicious treats to share. Your sponsorship and sharing promote fellowship and we are so grateful.

Please consider hosting a Sunday Coffee Hour by signing up on the sheet in the church lobby or contacting Bonnie Sitaras at 248-259-0986.

When scheduling a memorial through the Church Office and you would like to host coffee hour that day, please let Michelle in the office know so we can plan accordingly. 

Thank you.

 

 



Memorial Donations

In Loving Memory

 

ADAM P. ANGELAS

Mr. & Mrs. George Angelas

Mr. & Mrs. Peter A. Angelas

Mr. & Mrs. Peter K. Angelas

Susan Armstrong

Zita Baziliauskas

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Blough

Mr. & Mrs. Constantino Boudouris

Anna Carroll

Mr. & Mrs. Tom Casoglos

Despina Catsikopulos

Mr. & Mrs. Louis Chalogianis

Patricia Clemmons

The Conrad Family

Nanette Cortese

Helen Dimitriou Carlson

Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Chonacas

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Coe

Greg Demopoulos 

Mr. & Mrs. George Economos

Mr. & Mrs. Evanovich

Mr. & Mrs. Steve Fekaris

Michael Francesco & Katherine Alioto

Stamatia Garris

Mr. & Mrs. Martin Gehan

Mr. & Mrs. John George

Marianthy Haight

Georgia Hampel

Rev. Fr. Dean & Presvytera Olga Hountalas

 Elaine Ioanou

Lorraine J. Goffredo

Michael Kalasz

Mr. & Mrs. Evans Lucas

Annette Madias

Maria Madias

Nickolaos Madias

Mr. & Mrs. Dean Makricostas

Mr. & Mrs. James Makricostas

The Marquardt Family

George Matheos

Mr. & Mrs. George Mihos

Diane Morris

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Moundros

Mr. & Mrs. Nikolaos Papanikolaou

Dr. & Mrs. Antonios Paras

Mr. & Mrs. Chris Partis

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Power

Stefanie Psarakis

Mrs. Kalli Sarigiannis

Margarita Shukla

Cynthia Sikina

Basil Simon

Haroula Sinanis

Mr. & Mrs. Stylianos Sinanis

Mr. & Mrs. PJ Smith

Dianne Stackhouse

The Stravelakis Family

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Sturm

The Theodore Family

Daniella Toma

The Walmroth Family

Mr. & Mrs. Bill Williams

Mr. & Mrs. Gus Zervos

Dr. Marcus & Mrs. Zervos

 

DEMETRIUS KOURTAKIS

Mr. & Mrs. Demetrius Kourtakis

 

GEORGE & AUDREY KOURTAKIS

Mr. & Mrs. Demetrius Kourtakis

 

MARY STRATES

Elaine Ioanou

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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