Publish-header
Holy Cross Church
Publish Date: 2021-04-04
Bulletin Contents
03_calvary
Organization Icon
Holy Cross Church

General Information

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

  • 25225 Middlebelt Rd.

  • Farmington Hills, MI 48336


Contact Information






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

Tenth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:1-14

At that time, being raised from the dead, Jesus revealed himself to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.


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 Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6.

BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."


Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."


BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

And see how He also makes His discourse unexceptionable: not saying at all, "whether you will, or no, you must suffer this," but how? "If any man will come after me."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century

"I force not, I compel not, but each one I make lord of his own choice; wherefore also I say, 'If any man will.' For to good things do I call you, not to things evil, or burdensome; not to punishment and vengeance, that I should have to compel.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century

BACK TO TOP

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 Sun. of the Holy Cross in the First Mode

Save, O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou unto the faithful victory over adversaries. And by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"
BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

03_calvary
April 04

Sunday of the Holy Cross

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.


Allsaint
April 07

Calliopus and Akylina the Martyrs

The holy Martyr Calliopius was from Perga in Pamphylia, brought up in piety by his godly mother Theocleia. When the persecution of Maximian broke out, Saint Calliopius presented himself of his own accord before the Governor Maximus in Pompeiopolis of Galatia. After he had suffered many torments, his mother visited him in prison and encouraged him in his martyrdom. After this, his thrice-blessed mother, upon learning that he was to be crucified on Holy and Great Thursday, bribed the tyrants to defer it one day, that he might imitate the Lord's Crucifixion on the same day that He suffered it. The holy Martyr Calliopius received the crown of martyrdom on Holy and Great Friday in the year 304, being crucified upside down.


Allsaint
April 07

Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and Enlightener of North America

Born in 1865 in the region of Pskov, our Father among the Saints Tikhon was tonsured a monk in 1891 and ordained to the priesthood in the same year. In 1897 he was consecrated Bishop of Lublin, and a year later appointed Bishop of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, with his see extending to all of North America from 1900 onwards. He did much to unite the Orthodox Christians of a great many ethnic backgrounds in North America, so that there was indeed one flock under one shepherd. In 1907 he was made Archbishop of Yaroslavl and Rostov, and in 1913, Archbishop of Lithuania.

In 1917, when he was Metropolitan of Moscow, he was elected to be the first Patriarch of Russia in over 200 years, in times that could not have been more difficult. After the Revolution of 1917, the persecution of the Russian Church by the atheist government grew more bold and more fierce with every year. By nature a meek and peace-loving man, Tikhon sought to determine, while giving only to God that which is God's, what could be given to Caesar to preserve peace and avoid the shedding of blood. At his departure on the feast of the Annunciation in 1925, Saint Tikhon made the sign of the Cross thrice, pronouncing the words, "Glory to Thee, O God!" Because of the many unspeakable sufferings he endures as Patriarch, he is honoured as a Confessor.

Note: St. Tikhon's repose was on the Feast of the Annunciation according to the Old Calendar (March 25), but on the New Calendar his repose falls on April 7.


Allsaint
April 08

The Holy Apostles of the Seventy Herodion, Agabus, Rufus, Asyncritus, Phlegon, and Hermes

The Apostle Herodion, whom Saint Paul mentions in his Epistle to the Romans (16:11) and calls his "kinsman," was ordained presbyter and then Bishop of New Patras, where he was slain by Jews and pagans. Saint Agabus is mentioned in Acts 21:10-11, where he prophesied Saint Paul's arrest in Jerusalem at the hands of the Jewish leaders. In Acts 11:27-28 it is mentioned also that this Saint foretold the great famine that would come to pass in the time of Claudius Caesar. Having preached the Gospel throughout various regions, he departed to the Lord. The Apostle Rufus became Bishop of Thebes in Greece. The Apostles Asyncritus and Phlegon preached Christ in many places, suffered many afflictions at the hands of the pagans and Jews, and departed unto the Lord. The Apostle Hermes is mentioned with them in the Epistle to the Romans (16:13-14).


BACK TO TOP

Announcements

 

GREAT LENT AND HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE 2021

Please use this link.

+++ 

HOLY WEEK READERS  

Please contact the Church Office or use this link to submit your name.

 +++ 

HOUSE BLESSINGS

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

+++  

PROSPHORA

Interested in sponsoring prosphora? Please contact Maria Heller. 

+++

TODAY

  Sunday, April 4  - Divine Liturgy @ 10:00 am

                             - Sunday of the Holy Cross (Procession with the Cross)

                             - Coffee Hour (weather permitting)

 +++

UPCOMING

• Monday, April 5 & 12 - Great Compline @ 7:00 pm

                                    - Bible Study @ 8:00 pm

• Wednesday, April 7 & 14 - Presanctified Liturgy @ 6:00 pm

• Friday, April 9 & 16 - Salutations (Akathist) @ 7:00 pm

• Sunday, April 11 - Divine Liturgy @ 10:00 am

• Sunday, April 18 - Divine Liturgy @ 10:00 am

                             - 1 year Memorial: Gus Spanos

                             - 40 day Memorial: Markella Matheos

 

 +++

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.

+++

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

BACK TO TOP

Prayer Requests

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

  • Marilyn Georgeson
  • George Benardos
  • Gina Weiler
  • Terrie Stefanakis
  • Evelyn Morris
  • Dr. Pan Pesaros
  • Faye Prekeges
  • Fr. George Livanos
  • Dr. Maureen Kelly
  • Dr. Rick Wilsom
  • Dina Rand
  • Casiana

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

BACK TO TOP

Ladies Philoptochos News

Philoptochos_seal_new

NEXT PHILOPTOCHOS MEETING
Tuesday, April 20, 2021 @ 5:30 pm

At Church. 

 

  +++ 

FILLOSWIRLZ ORDERS

Please see attached flyer. For online orders click here.

+++ 

2021 STEWARDSHIP

New and returning members are encouraged to complete the stewardship form. New members and new ideas are always welcome, so please consider joining and attending a meeting. Please see flyer attached.

+++ 

FLOWERS

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

+++

COFFEE HOUR

Coffee Hour will be served on the Endearment Walk weather permitting. If you are interested in hosting Coffee Hour, please contact Debbie George or the Church Office.  

BACK TO TOP

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).

 

+++

 

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

 



BACK TO TOP

Memorial Donations to Holy Cross

OUR THANKS

To those who in lieu of flowers gave monetary

contributions to the Church in memory of :

DR. JOHN & ELIZABETH LUCAS

Diane Morris

MATTHEW MORRIS

Diane Morris

RON FIELDS

Diane Morris

C. "BO" BOWMASTER

M/M James Heller

MARKELLA MATHEOS

Mrs. Maritsa Loizos

Patty Spanos

Daniel Hildreth & JoAnna Spanos

Karl & Sarah Zimmermann

M/M Ed Power

M/M Peter Zervos

Susan Armstrong

George & Margarita Madias

Dean & Grete Madias

Christine Middleton

Alexandra Keros

M/M Van Kyriakopoulos

M/M Steve Fekaris

Helen Catsimpiris

M/M Marty Gehan

Nicholas & Marianthe Madias &

Jayne & Marianne

Bob & Betty Blackburn

JOHN IOANOU

Elaine Ioanou

SOPHIE ETHANS

Denise Liberty

M/M Peter Zervos

PHILIP ARMSTRONG

Patty Spanos

KIKI ZAFERES

Mrs. Lula Abbo & Family

PRESV. NIKIE ARTEMAS

Christy Gouletas

BESS GROBER

M/M Scott & Angel Linzell

Margarita Shukla

M/M George Katsias

HELEN COSTA

Sophie Paron

M/M William S. Hiotaky

M/M Gust Bills

William Cheek

Lorna Danz

M/M Scott & Angel Linzell

M/M Peter Zervos

M/M Edward Power

M/M John Warncke

M/M Patrick O'Neil

M/M Van Kyriakopoulos

M/M Anthony Barr

THEODORE STRATIGOS

M/M Jim Heller

M/M Scott & Angel Linzell

M/M Anthony Barr

HARRY KAITAS

Denise Liberty

MYRA HERMIZ

M/M Jim Heller

M/M Evans Lucas

M/M George Fekaris

M/M Martin Gehan

M/M Albert Scaglione

M/M Dan Dallas

M/M Scott & Angel Linzell

M/M Peter Zervos

Patty Spanos

M/M Ed Power

HELEN WILLIAMS

M/M Bill Williams

M/M Evans Lucas

M/M Martin Gehan

M/M Tom Casoglos

M/M Jim Heller

M/M Scott & Angel Linzell

M/M Peter Zervos

M/M Edward Power

Patty Spanos

M/M Anthony Barr

THEODORE J. KUKUNAS

M/M Steve Fekaris

M/M Peter Zervos

ANGERO SPETHOGIANIS

M/M Adam Angelas

MARY PONIROS

M/M George Liadis

CHRISTINA BURKE

M/M George Liadis

MAMOSH SANDIHA

M/M John Liadis

EUGENE PENCAK

M/M Limperis Zervos

M/M Peter Zervos

BILL VASILIDES 

M/M Alex Kargilis

AGGELIKI ZAFIROPOULOS

M/M George Stefanakis

M/M Scott & Angel Linzell

NICK KARAMIHAS

M/M George Stefanakis

 

MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL

BACK TO TOP

Events, Announcements and Flyers

BACK TO TOP