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 his 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!" So, the word went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die; but Jesus did not say to him that he would not 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. Second Mode. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 9:2-12.

Brethren, you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to our food and drink? Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a wife, as the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the crop. If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? If others share this rightful claim upon you, do not we still more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.

Gospel Reading

11th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 18:23-35

The Lord said this parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the torturers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."

Wisdom of the Fathers

Wherefore then did He not do this, nor forgive the debt before the account? Desiring to teach him, from how many obligations He is delivering him, that in this way at least he might become more mild towards his fellow servant .... He gave more than he asked, remission and forgiveness of the entire debt.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 61 on Matthew 18, 4th Century

When then you are minded to be revengeful, consider that against yourself are you revengeful, not against another; that you art binding up your own sins, not your neighbors ....

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 61 on Matthew 18, 4th Century

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode

When You descended unto death, O Lord who yourself are immortal Life, then did You mortify Hades by the lightning flash of Your Divinity. Also when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the Powers of the heavens were crying out: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory be to You.

Apolytikion for Zacharias the Prophet in the Fourth Mode

In the vesture of a priest, according to the Law of God, thou didst offer unto Him well-pleasing whole-burnt offerings, as it befitted a priest, O wise Zacharias. Thou wast a shining light, a seer of mysteries, bearing in thyself clearly the signs of grace; and in God's temple, O wise Prophet of Christ God, thou wast slain with the sword. Hence, with the Forerunner, make entreaty that our souls find salvation.

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

In your holy birth, Immaculate One, Joachim and Anna were rid of the shame of childlessness; Adam and Eve of the corruption of death. And so your people, free of the guilt of their sins, celebrate crying: "The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, who nourishes our life."

Saints and Feasts

September 05

Holy Prophet Zacharias, Father of the Venerable Forerunner

According to the opinion of many Fathers of the Church, based on an ancient tradition, this is the Zacharias whom, as our Lord said, the Jews slew between the temple and the altar (Matt. 23:35), first, because even after the Virgin Mary gave birth, he continued to refer to her as virgin and number her among the virgins; second, because Zacharias' son John was not found during the slaughter of the Innocents, since the elderly Elizabeth had taken him and carefully hid him while he was yet an infant, in an unnamed place somewhere in the desert, where, according to the Evangelist, "the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel" (Luke 1:80). When the child was not found, his father was slain by Herod's command.

September 08

The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

According to the ancient tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was born of barren and aged parents, Joachim and Anna, about the year 16 or 17 before the birth of Christ. Joachim was descended from the royal line of David, of the tribe of Judah. Anna was of the priestly tribe of Levi, a daughter of the priest Matthan and Mary, his wife.

September 09

The Holy & Righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna

Today, the day following the Nativity of the most holy Theotokos, we celebrate the synaxis of Saints Joachim and Anna, honouring them as her parents.

Announcements

FEAST DAY OF THE ELEVATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

See flyer attached. Please bring basil.

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BAPTISMAL DAY INVITATION

For Konstantinos V. Hountalas. See attached.

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CHURCH SHOOL, GOYA, AND ALTAR BOY REGISTRATION

Classes start September 12. Please use the following links to register online ASAP.

Church School Registration

GOYA Registration

Altar Boy Registration

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ALTAR BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT

Please use this link and/or see flyer attached.

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OFFICE CLOSED

Friday, September 3 and Monday, September 6.

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TODAY

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

- Coffee Hour hosted by George & Irene Katsias

- Baptism of Konstantinos V. Hountalas

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UPCOMING

Tuesday, September 7 - Philoptochos Cleaning of Church @ 10:00 am

Wednesday,September 8 - Parish Council Meeting @ 7:30 pm

Thursday, September 9 - Choir Rehearsal @ 7:00 pm

Sunday, September 12 - Divine Liturgy @ 10:00 am (Choir starts)

- Church School & Catechesis

- Coffee Hour TBD

Monday, September 13 - Vespers for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross @ 7:00 pm

- Fellowship & Bake Sale hosted by Philoptochos to follow.

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

- Bake Sale hosted by Philoptochos to follow.

Friday, September 17 - Bible Study @ 5:30 pm (Genesis 27-28)

- Paraklesis @ 7:00 pm

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HOUSE BLESSINGS

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

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PROSPHORA

Interested in sponsoring prosphora? Please contact Church Office.

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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.

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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

Prayer Requests

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

Peter E. Zervos
Niki Brogger
Dr. Nicholas Varveris
Mary Peterson
George Anthony Angelas
Tina Johnson
Irene Zervos
Maria Heller
Tula Georgeson
Tasi Kanellopoulos
Rena Protopsaltis
Jack Gougoutas
Marilyn Georgeson
George Benardos
Gina Weiler
Terrie Stefanakis
Evelyn Morris
Dr. Pan Pesaros
Faye Prekeges
Dr. Maureen Kelly
Dr. Rick Wilson
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!

Ladies Philoptochos News

NEXT PHILOPTOCHOS MEETING

Wednesday, September 22 @ 6:30 pm

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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 click here.

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FLOWERS

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

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COFFEE HOUR

If you are interested in hosting Coffee Hour, please contact Denise Liberty or the Church Office.

Sunday, September 5 - George & Irene Katsias

Sunday, September 12 - TBD

Sunday, September 19 - Pelly Dallas

Sunday, September 26 - TBD

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

Memorial Donations to Holy Cross

OUR THANKS

To those who in lieu of flowers gave monetary

contributions to the Church in memory of :

HARRIET HOUNTALAS

M/M John George

M/M James Heller

M/M Dan Dallas

M/M Evans Lucas

Margarita Shukla

Elaine Ioanou

M/M Bill Williams

M/M Tim Keros

M/M Edward Power

ANDREW PSERES

M/M Albert Scaglione

PETER ARTEMAS

Margarita Shukla

JANET STEWART

Dr. James Stewart Jr.

M/M Andrew Bittinger & Family

M/M James Heller

M/M Edward Power

Margarita Shukla

M/M Steve Fekaris

M/M John George

M/M George Katsias

James Sitaras

M/M Evans Lucas

M/M Bill Williams

M/M Tad Krear

M/M Peter Angelas

M/M Tim Keros

GEORGE BLETSAS

M/M George Katsias

Elaine Ioanou

JEANETTE MURRISH

M/M James Heller

KAREN LEE STANKEVICH

M/M James Heller

GEORGE VICHOS

M/M Albert Scaglione

NIKI MASOURAS

M/M Dan Dallas

JEFFREY HIOTAKY

Helen Hiotaky

M/M William Hiotaky

ATHENA HIOTAKY

Helen Hiotaky

M/M William Hiotaky

GEORGE PARON

Helen Hiotaky

M/M William Hiotaky

STEVE & GUINN HIOTAKY

Helen Hiotaky

M/M William Hiotaky

EILEEN LUDWIG

Drs. Pamela Georgeson & Mark Decco

ANGELO GAGGOS

M/M Richard Fuher

M/M Gus Stavropoulos

Mr. Harry Gaggos

M/M George Mortis

M/M Tom Casoglos

M/M Evans Lucas

M/M George Fotias

Drs. Pamela Georgeson & Mark Decco

Joanna Floros

M/M George Gaggos

M/M Ted Papakonstantinou

M/M Steve Fekaris

M/M Martin Gehan

M/M Anthony Barr

M/M Sam Porco

M/M Peter Zervos

M/M Costandinos Tsagaratos

M/M Michael Blough

M/M Jameg Gaggos

M/M Paul Mihos

ESTHER STASSINOPOULOS

M/M George Katsias

M/M Tom Casoglos

M/M Steve Fekaris

M/M Van Kyriakopoulos

M/M Peter Zervos

Margarita Shukla

Holy Cross Philoptochos

M/M Robert Zafaran

M/M Tim Keros

M/M Scott Linzell

M/M James Heller

MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL

Events, Announcements and Flyers

Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross

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 Second Mode

Apolytikion for Zacharias the Prophet in the Fourth Mode

Apolytikion for the Church in the First Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Saints and Feasts

Holy Prophet Zacharias, Father of the Venerable Forerunner

The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

The Holy & Righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna

Announcements

Prayer Requests

Ladies Philoptochos News

Altar Boys

Memorial Donations to Holy Cross

Events, Announcements and Flyers

Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross

Baptismal Day Invitation

Altar Beautification Project

2021 Greece Fires

MDSC 70th