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. 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.

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."

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

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Let us worship the Word, O ye faithful, praising Him that with the Father and the Spirit is co-beginningless God, Who was born of a pure Virgin that we all be saved; for He was pleased to mount the Cross in the flesh that He assumed, accepting thus to endure death. And by His glorious rising, He also willed to resurrect the dead.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 17

Sophia & her three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love

These Saints were from Italy and contested for the Faith about the year 126, during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian. Faith was twelve years old, Hope, ten, and Love, nine; each was tormented and then beheaded, from the eldest to the youngest. Their mother Sophia mourned at their grave for three days, where she also fell asleep in peace; because of her courageous endurance in the face of her daughters' sufferings, she is also counted a martyr. The name Sophia means "wisdom" in Greek; as for her daughters' names, Faith, Hope, and Love (Charity), they are Pistis, Elpis, and Agape in Greek, and Vera, Nadezhda, and Lyubov in Russian.

Holy Cross Notices

Welcome Fr. Alex, Presvytera Silvana, Gabriel and Zoe!

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UPCOMING

* Sunday, September 13 - Great Vespers @ 7:00 pm

* Monday, September 14 - Divine Liturgy for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross @ 10:00 am

Vasiliko and Artoklasia needed for both services. Please contact Church Office if intending to bring either/both. Thank you!

* Friday, September 25- Paraklessis @ 7:00 pm

WELCOME BACK! CHURCH IS OPEN!

WE REMAIN IN PHASE TWO REOPENING, UNTIL FURTHER NOTTICE.

*PLEASE SEE ATTACHED LETTER WITH GUIDELINES FROM THE METROPOLIS OF DETROIT

*LITURGY BOOKS HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE PEWS. PLEASE USE THIS LINK TO VIEW THE DIVINE LITURGY BOOK

https://www.goarch.org/-/the-divine-liturgy-of-saint-john-chrysostom

*PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE DAILY READING LITE AP (free download) FOR THE GOSPEL & EPISTLE

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PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK TO LIVESTREAM SERVICES:

Holy Cross Livestream

You can also click on the link below to be redirected to the Archdiocese site listing all live internet broadcasts of church services, including our sister churches in the Metropolis of Detroit.

https://www.goarch.org/live-broadcast

STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE: Please continue to support our Chuch during this difficult time via your Stewardship pledge and donations. Please mail your checks directly to

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 25225 Middlebelt Rd., Farmington Hills MI 48336

VIGIL CANDLES: If you would like us to light a vigil candle for you, please call the Church Office or email holycross1969@gmail.com with your name(s) and we will make sure to light a vigil candle for you and say a prayer. You can send in your donation by mail (please write vigil candle in the memo line).

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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 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
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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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Prayer Requests

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

Fr. George Livanos

Christina Burke

Dr. Maureen Kelly

George Stefanakis

Dr. Rick Wilsom

Dina Rand

Mary Poniros

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

office@holycrossgo.org

Ladies Philoptochos News

NEXT PHILOPTOCHOS MEETING:

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

At the home of Debbie George

@6:00 pm Social/Dinner

@7:00 pm Meeting

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COFFEE HOUR:

We are currently able to host Coffee Hour, outdoors on the Endearment Walk, as long as social distancing and protective measures are in place. Please contact Debbie George or Bonnie Sitaras in the Church Office to sign up and for more details.

September 13: TBD

September 20: TBD

September 27: TBD

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

Altar Boy List

HOLY CROSS ALTAR BOYS 2020-2021

* currently we cannot have anyone under 18 years of age serving in the altar *

Captains: TBD

_______________________________________

TEAM 1 TEAM 2

TBD TBD

______________________________________

Team 1 Team 2

TBD TBD

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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Memorial Donations to Holy Cross

OUR THANKS

To those who in lieu of flowers gave monetary

contributions to the Church in memory of :

ANN CHRISTO

Mrs. Kaliope Christo

Christine Naife

Aggeliki Zafiropoulos

GEORGE BETSAKIS

M/M Evans Lucas

M/M Stephen Economy

CHARLES CHAPMON

M/M James Heller

SHERYL CONN

M/M James Heller

JAMES BITTINGER SR.

M/M Edward Power

M/M James Heller

Drs. Pamela Georgeson & Mark Decco

Mrs. Tula Georgeson

M/M George Katsias

Dr./M James Stewart

ALIA DEMOPOULOS

Mr. Richard Peresky

LUCILLE KOURTAKIS

M/M Demetrius Kourtakis

JOSEPH ARTUSO

M/M Alexander Kargilis

Mrs. Anita Kargilis

ODY & EVELYN YEZBACK

M/M Evans Lucas & Calli Lucas

PAULINE YEZBACK

M/M Evans Lucas & Calli Lucas

PRESVYTERA NIKIE ARTEMAS

M/M John George

M/M Evans Lucas

M/M Jim Sitaras

Holy Cross Philoptochos

M/M William Hiotaky

Mrs. Elaine Ioanou

M/M James Heller & Family

Hountalas Family

M/M William Williams

M/M Andy Moundros

M/M George Malis

Dr/M James Stewart

Margarita Shukla

Dr/M Marcus Zervos

M/M Steve Fekaris

M/M George Katsias

M/M Robert Blake

M/M Thomas Casoglos

Ms. Sophie Paron

St. John the Theologian- Kali Parea

Mr. William A. Michas

St. Philothea Philoptochos of St. John Chapter # 1034

M/M Andrew Bittinger

Mrs. Peggy Theodore

PTO/Mother's Club of St. John the Theologian

Fr. George Parsenios

M/M Chris & Elaine Tikas & Family

M/M Joe Putre

M/M Jerome Maragliano

M/M Larry Goldman

M/M Antony Kontos

Holy Cross Choir

M/M Scott & Angel Linzell

Norm Fletcher & Lindy Link

M/M Edward Power

Ms. Susan Armstrong

M/M John Vlahakis

Andon Family

M/M Demetrios Bayiokos

M/M Peter Zervos

M/M Steve Galiotos

M/M George Fekaris

Mrs. Penelope Bellas & Family

M/M Anthony Barr

M/M Kent Alcott

Ms. Frances Spanos

M/M Michael Rand

M/M George Staphos

Mr. Benjamin Jankowski

M/M Eric Nelson

Mr. Thomas Stathopoulos

Drs. Pamela Georgeson & Mark Decco

Mrs. Tula Georgeson

M/M George Stefanakis

CALIOPE MADIAS MUZITHRAS

M/M Steve Fekaris

M/M George Liadis

Mr. Costas Koutouras

M/M Adam Angelas

MIKE RAMBUS

M/M Evans Lucas

M/M Lou Chalogianis

M/M Thomas Casoglos

Mrs. Peggy Theodore

Dr. & Mrs. Marcus Zervos

Mr. & Mrs. Peter Zervos

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Power

M/M Scott & Angel Linzell

M/M Anthony Barr

M/M Douglas Garber

Ms. Margarita Shukla

M/M James Heller

Drs. Pamela Georgeson & Mark Decco

Mrs. Tula Georgeson

M/M George Stefanakis

MARIA KOUTOURAS

Mr. Costas Koutouras

EVGENIA ROZOS

M/M George Liadis

NICHOLAS AND MARGE LAZAROU

Dr/M James Stewart & Family

M/M Andrew Bittinger & Family

FR. JOHN MOUTAFIS

M/M Steve Fekaris

Ms. Kassiane Power

M/M Edward Power

M/M Peter Zervos

Dr/M Marcus Zervos

M/M George Stefanakis

MARGE LAZAROU

M/M Anthony Barr

Ms. Anastasia Spanos

M/M Tad Krear

Dr. & Mrs. Harry Mighion

Holy Cross Philoptochos

M/M Gus Kavalaris

Mr. Jim Kavalaris

M/M Demetri Preonas

M/M Chris Liakonis

Meadowlake Farms No One Property Owners

M/M William Hiotaky

Mrs. Peggy Theodore

M/M Peter Angelas

Maria Heide & Family

Nina Papas

Bill Papas & Family

M/M Douglas Garber

M/M George Stefanakis

GUS SPANOS

M/M Tad Krear

M/M Marty Gehan

Mrs. Lula Abbo & Family

Dr/M Angelo M. Zervos

Mrs. Harriet Hountalas

Mr. George Koutouras

M/M George Stefanakis

ANGIE PERESKY

M/M Marty Gehan

MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL

Events, Announcements and Flyers

COVID procedures update

COVID procedures updated 8/27/2020

Reopening our Churches

Reopening Plan

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Wisdom of the Fathers

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Apolytikion for Forefeast of the Exaltation in the Second Mode

Apolytikion for Temple of the Resurrection in the Fourth Mode

Apolytikion for the Church in the First Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Saints and Feasts

Cornelius the Centurion & Martyr

The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross

Sophia & her three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love

Holy Cross Notices

Prayer Requests

Ladies Philoptochos News

Altar Boy List

Memorial Donations to Holy Cross

Events, Announcements and Flyers

COVID procedures update

Reopening our Churches