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Holy Cross Church
Publish Date: 2020-12-13
Bulletin Contents
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Announcements
Prayer Requests
Ladies Philoptochos News
Altar Boys
Memorial Donations to Holy Cross
Events, Announcements and Flyers
Allsaint
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Holy Cross Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (248) 477-1677
  • Fax:
  • (248) 477-0231
  • Street Address:

  • 25225 Middlebelt Rd.

  • Farmington Hills, MI 48336

Contact Information

Fr. Alex Radulescu
Parish Priest

fralex@holycrossgo.org | (248) 306-9162

Bonnie Sitaras
​Office Administrator

bonnie@holycrossgo.org

Services Schedule

facebook: HolyCrossGreekOrthodoxChurch

DIVINE LITURGY SUNDAYS 10 A.M.

OFFICE HOURS 10 A.M.- 3 P.M.  MONDAY-TUESDAY & THURSDAY - FRIDAY  (CLOSED WEDNESDAY)

BONNIE SITARAS: OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

 

Past Bulletins


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:13-35

At that time, two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see." And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth 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 the Colossians 3:4-11.

Brethren, when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.

Gospel Reading

11th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 14:16-24

The Lord said this parable: "A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time of the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come; for all is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.' And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and there is still room.' And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.'"

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Wisdom of the Fathers

This parable ... proclaims beforehand both the casting out of the Jews, and the calling of the Gentiles; and it indicates together with this also the strictness of the life required, and how great the punishment appointed for the careless ....
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 69 on Matthew 22, 4th Century

And when were they bidden? By all the prophets; by John again; for unto Christ he would pass all on, saying, "He must increase, I must decrease;" by the Son Himself again, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you;" and again, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 69 on Matthew 22, 4th Century

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode

When Thou didst descend unto death, O Life Immortal, then didst Thou slay Hades with the lightning of Thy Divinity. And when Thou didst also raise the dead out of the nethermost depths, all the powers in the Heavens cried out: O Life-giver, Christ our God, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for 11th Sun. of Luke in the Second Mode

By faith didst Thou justify the Forefathers, when through them Thou didst betroth Thyself aforetime to the Church from among the nations. The Saints boast in glory that from their seed there is a glorious fruit, even she that bare Thee seedlessly. By their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Mode

On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.
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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
December 13

Lucia the Virgin-martyr

Saint Lucia was from Syracuse in Sicily, a virgin betrothed to a certain pagan. Since her mother suffered from an issue of blood, she went with her to the shrine of Saint Agatha at Catania to seek healing (see Feb. 5). There Saint Agatha appeared to Lucia in a dream, assuring her of her mother's healing, and foretelling Lucia's martyrdom. When her mother had been healed, Lucia gladly distributed her goods to the poor, preparing herself for her coming confession of Christ. Betrayed as a Christian by her betrothed to Paschasius the Governor, she was put in a brothel to be abased, but was preserved in purity by the grace of God. Saint Lucia was beheaded in the year 304, during the reign of Diocletian.

Allsaint
December 13

The Holy Martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius, and Orestes of Greater Armenia

The Five Martyrs were from Greater Armenia. Like their ancestors, they worshipped Christ in secret; during the persecution of Diocletian, they presented themselves before the Forum authorities, and having been tormented in diverse manners, by Lysius the proconsul, three of them ended their lives in torments. As for Saints Eustratius and Orestes, they survived and were sent to Sebastia to Agricolaus, who governed the whole East; by his command these Saints, received their end as martyrs by fire in 296. Saint Auxentius was a priest. Saint Eustratius was educated and an orator; he was the foremost among Lysius' dignitaries and the archivist of the province. In the Synaxarion he is given the Latin title of scriniarius, that is, "keeper of the archives." The prayer, "Magnifying I magnify Thee, O Lord," which is read in the Saturday Midnight Service, is ascribed to him. In the Third Hour and elsewhere there is another prayer, "O Sovereign Master, God the Father Almighty," which is ascribed to Saint Mardarius.

Elefther
December 15

Eleutherios the Hieromartyr, Bishop of Illyricum, and his mother Anthia

This Saint had Rome as his homeland. Having been orphaned of his father from childhood, he was taken by his mother Anthia to Anicetus, the Bishop of Rome (some call him Anencletus, or Anacletus), by whom he was instructed in the sacred letters (that is, the divine Scriptures). Though still very young in years, he was made Bishop of Illyricum by reason of his surpassing virtue, and by his teachings he converted many unbelievers to Christ. However, during a most harsh persecution that was raised against the Christians under Hadrian (reigned 117-138), the Saint was arrested by the tyrants. Enduring many torments for Christ, he was finally put to death by two soldiers about the year 126. As for his Christ-loving mother Anthia, while embracing the remains of her son and kissing them with maternal affection, she was also beheaded.

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Announcements

GOYA Christmas Tree Auction

GOYA will host a “live” online Zoom Auction Thursday, December 17 @ 6:30 pm.

 This year, our GOYAns are utilizing their unique charm to decorate a Christmas tree!

Each decorated table top tree will be available for bidding. The monies raised will be matched by GOYA (up to $500) and donated to International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC).

The trees will be available for pick up after church on Sunday, December 20 or in the church office Dec. 21 & 22 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.

Payment can be made by cash or check (payable to Holy Cross GOYA).

 In order to participate, please visit our GOYA's webpage: 

 www.holycrossgo.org/goya

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TODAY

• Sunday, December 13 - General Assembly and Parish Council Elections

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UPCOMING

• Tuesday, December 15 - Philoptochos Meeting @ 5:30 pm

• Thursday, December 17 - GOYA Christmas Tree Auction @ 6:30 pm via Zoom

• Friday, December 18 - Paraklessis @ 7:00 pm

• Sunday, December 20 - Memorial (3 year) Johnny Ioanou

• Thursday, December 24 - Vesperal Divine Liturgy @ 6:00 pm

• Friday, December 25 - Divine Liturgy @ 10:00 am

• Sunday, December 27 - Memorial (6 month) Marge Lazarou

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WORSHIP

THE CHURCH IS OPEN. Please join us in prayer. Check our COVID-19 safety measures and policy.

LITURGY BOOKS have been removed from the pews. 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.

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LIVESTREAM SERVICES

www.holycrossgo.org/webcam

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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.

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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.

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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:
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:

 

  • Bill & Kathy Williams
  • Evelyn Morris
  • Eugene Glenn Stackhouse
  • Dr. Pan Pesaros
  • Faye Prekeges
  • Fr. George Livanos
  • Christina Burke
  • Presv. Silvana & baby Casiana
  • Dr. Maureen Kelly
  • George Stefanakis
  • Dr. Rick Wilsom
  • 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!

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Ladies Philoptochos News

Philoptochos_seal_new

NEXT PHILOPTOCHOS MEETING:
Tuesday, December 15 @ 5:30 pm
at the home of Denise Liberty

Wear something festive!

 

 

 

• READY TO BAKE FILLOSWIRLZ SALE - See flyer attached
• OUTREACH PROJECT WITH THE PARK WEST FOUNDATION - See flyer attached

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FLOWERS

If you are interested in donating flowers to decorate the icons for a Paraklesis Service, a Feast Day, or Christmas, please contact Debbie George or the Church Office.

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COFFEE HOUR

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the colder weather approaching, we are discontinuing coffee hour until the spring, or until such time that the State and/or Metropolis restrictions are loosened.

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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).

 

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LIST OF ALTAR BOYS

 TEAM A

 TEAM B

​ Ioannis Yannakis (Captain)

​​ Dimitri Sitaras (Captain)

 Stavros Fekaris

 Alex Matthews

 Mateo Pesaros

 Dino Thanos

 Panos Stilianos

 Niko Thanos

 Christos Stilianos

 Benjamin Barnaby

 

 Nicholas Barnaby

SCHEDULE 2020-2021

 TEAM A

 TEAM B

 2020

 2020

 OCT. 18

 OCT. 25

 NOV. 1, 15, 29

 NOV. 8, 22

 DEC. 13, 27

 DEC. 6, 20

 2021

 2021

 JAN. 10, 24

 JAN. 3, 17, 31

 FEB. 7, 21

 FEB. 14, 28

 MAR. 7, 21

 MAR. 14, 28

 APR. 4, 18

 APR. 11, 25

 MAY 2, 16, 30

 MAY 9, 23

 JUNE 13, 27

 JUNE 6, 20

 



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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 :

GEORGIA MORRIS

M/M Peter Morris

KEVIN BURKE

Tula Georgeson

Dr. Pamela Georgeson & Dr. Mark Decco

KATHERINE LAGOS

M/M George Katsias

THOMAS THEODOROU

M/M Lanny Nuechterlein

M/M Edward Power

M/M Larry List

 David & Mary Swetich

Peggy Theodore

M/M Jerry Franchina

Nancy Phelps

Dr. Athena Demetriou

M/M Tom Casoglos

M/M Peter Zervos

Patty Spanos

M/M Todd Barnaby

Elaine Ioanou

MARIA PONIROS

Mrs. Elaine Ioanou

M/M George Fekaris

M/M Edward Power

M/M Peter Zervos

Mrs. Margarita Shukla

Peggy Theodore

M/M Steve Fekaris

Susan Armstrong

Maritsa Loizos

M/M Tom Casoglos

Tula Georgeson

Dr. Pamela Georgeson & Dr. Mark Decco

M/M George Katsias

M/M John Fekaris

M/M Van Kyriakopoulos

Patty Spanos

TULA KRONAS

Mrs. Elaine Ioanou

M/M George Katsias

PHILIP ARMSTRONG

M/M Peter Zervos

M/M Ed Power

Susan Armstrong

M/M Marty Gehan

KASIANI GIKAS

Elaine Ioanou

M/M Peter Morris

M/M George Katsias

VIOLA SAINATO

M/M James Heller

MANUEL CORTESSIS

M/M Steve Fekaris

THOMAS AND NINA ECONOMY

M/M Stephen Economy

JOHN AND IRENE KARAPHILLIS

M/M Stephen Economy

FR. JOHN MOUTAFIS

M/M Tim Keros

GEORGE CULLEY

M/M Doug Garber

M/M Steve Fekaris

M/M Evans Lucas

M/M George Katsias

M/M Scott Linzell

M/M Bill Williams

M/M Tom Casoglos

Mrs. Patty Spanos

Mrs. Elaine Ioanou

Kathleen A. Bauer

M/M John Zannis

Mr. Mike Kaczmarek

M/M Brian Robinson

M/M George Fekaris

M/M Jim Heller & Family 

M/M George Vlahakis

Ms. Susan Armstrong

M/M Peter Zervos

M/M Edward Power

M/M George Stefanakis

M/M Marty Gehan

M/M Anthony Barr

Drs. Pamela Georgeson & Mark Decco

Mrs. Tula Georgeson

M/M Andrew Bittinger

M/M Tim Keros

Mrs. Elaine Ioanou

M/M Neeraj Shah

MIKE RAMBUS

M/M Peter Morris

STRATIS MADIAS

M/M Edward Power

M/M Peter Zervos

M/M Steve Fekaris

M/M George Liadis

 Nicholas Liadis

Emilie Liadis

Mrs. Patty Spanos

M/M Adam Angelas

Madias Brothers, Inc

Maria Madias & Thomas Barkulis

M/M Nick Madias

JIM AND MARY C. MADIAS

M/M George Liadis

Nicholas Liadis

Emilie Liadis

Maria Madias & Thomas Barkulis

M/M Nick Madias

GEORGE BETSAKIS

M/M Evans Lucas

M/M Stephen Economy

M/M Albert Scaglione

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

M/M Anthony Barr

Mrs. Patty Spanos

M/M Andrew Bittinger

PRESVYTERA NIKIE ARTEMAS

 M/M Albert Scaglione

M/M Tim Keros

Harry & Maria Kokkinakis

GUS SPANOS 

M/M David Gordon

M/M Peter Morris

 

MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL

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Events, Announcements and Flyers

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