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 Fourth Mode. Psalm 18.4,1.
Their voice has gone out into all the earth.
Verse: The heavens declare the glory of God.

The reading is from St. John's First Universal Letter 4:12-19.

No man has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his own Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we know and believe the love God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. In this is love perfected with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and he who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because he first loved us.

Gospel Reading

The Falling Asleep of St. John the Evangelist and Theologian
The Reading is from John 19:25-27; 21:24-25

At that time, standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. 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.

Wisdom of the Fathers

The sign that thou lovest God, is this, that thou lovest thy fellow; and if thou hatest thy fellow, thy hatred is towards God. For it is blasphemy if thou prayest before God while thou art wroth. For thy heart also convicts thee, that in vain thou multipliest words: thy conscience rightly judges that in thy prayers thou profitest nought.

St. Ephraim the Syrian

ON ADMONITION AND REPENTANCE.

'God is love', and he who seeks to establish its bounds is like a blind man attempting to count the grains of sand in the deeps of the sea. In quality, love is the likeness of God, as far as this is possible to mortals; in action, it is intoxication of the soul; in its properties, it is the source of faith, the abyss of long-suffering, the sea of humility. Love is real renunciation of every contrary thought, for it 'thinketh no evil' (I Cor. 13:5). Love, passionlessness and sonship differ only in name. As light, fire and flame are combined in one single action, so it is with these three.

Monks Callistus and Ignatius

Directions to Hesychasts no. 90, Writings from the Philokalia on Prayer of the Heart; Faber and Faber pg. 257

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Let us worship the Word who is unoriginate * with the Father and the Spirit, and from a Virgin was born * for our salvation, O believers, and let us sing His praise. * For in His goodness He was pleased * to ascend the Cross in the flesh, and to undergo death, * and to raise up those who had died, * by His glorious Resurrection.

Apolytikion for Translation of John the Theologian in the Second Mode

O Apostle, beloved of Christ our God, hasten to deliver a defenceless people. He that allowed thee to recline on His breast, receiveth thee bowing in intercession. Implore Him, O Theologian, to dispel the persistent cloud of the heathen, and ask for us His peace and great mercy.

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 Second Mode

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.

Saints and Feasts

September 26

The Falling Asleep of St. John the Evangelist and Theologian

This Apostle was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and was the son of Zebedee and Salome, and the brother of James the elder. First a fisherman by trade, he became an Apostle and the beloved Disciple of Christ. Only he of all the Disciples followed Him even to the Cross, and was entrusted with the care of our Saviour's Mother, as it were another son to her, and a brother of Christ the Teacher. After this, he preached throughout Asia Minor, especially in Ephesus. When the second persecution against the Christians began in the year 96 during the reign of Domitian, he was taken in bonds to Rome, and there was cast into a vat filled to the brim with boiling oil. Coming forth therefrom unharmed, he was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation. Returning again to Ephesus after the death of the tyrant, he wrote his Gospel (after the other Evangelists had already written theirs) and his three Catholic Epistles. In all, he lived ninety-five years and fell asleep in the Lord during the reign of Trajan in the year 100. He was called Theologian because he loftily expounded in his Gospel the theology of the inexpressible and eternal birth of the Son and Word of God the Father. It is for this cause that an eagle-a symbol of the Holy Spirit, as Saint Irenaeus says-is depicted in his icon, for this was one of the four symbolic living creatures that the Prophet Ezekiel saw (Ezek. 1:10).

September 30

Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop of Armenia

This Saint, a Parthian by race, was the son of Anak. He was born about the year 240 and was taught the Faith of Christ in Caesarea of Cappadocia. He entered the service of Tiridates, King of Armenia, but when discovered to be a Christian, he was subjected to many horrible torments at the King's hands, then was cast into a pit of mire with poisonous serpents and left to die. By the power of God, however, he abode there unharmed for fourteen years, his needs provided by a certain widow, until he was made known by revelation and set free. He converted to piety innumerable multitudes of Armenians, including Tiridates himself, and was consecrated bishop by Leontius, Archbishop of Caesarea, to shepherd the vast flock he had gained for Christ. He spent the last part of his life in retirement in the ascetical discipline, and reposed in peace about the year 325. Saint Gregory is honoured as the Illuminator of Armenia.

October 01

Romanos the Melodist

Saint Romanos flourished during the reign of Anastasius (491-518). He was from Emesa of Syria, and apparently was born of Jewish parents, for a hymn written in his honour in Greek says he was "of Hebrew stock," and it has furthermore been noted that he uses many Semitic idioms in his writings. He was baptized an Orthodox Christian, and at some time became a deacon in the Church of Beirut. He was the first composer of the kontakia, the foremost of which is that of the feast of Christ's Nativity, On this day the Virgin .... In composing many of his kontakia. Saint Romanos was inspired by the hymns of Saint Ephraim of Syria.

Announcements

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Early Childhood Center Director needed. Love of children, exceptional interpersonal skills with staff and families, quality leadership and organizational skills necessary. Applicants must possess the educational requirements and experience that meet State guidelines. Prior employment as an Early Childhood Director is required. Background in Education, Early Childhood Endorsement and advanced degree and/or Administrative Endorsement preferred. All applicants will need verifiable credentials, references and clear criminal history. The Early Childhood Program is a Church based non-denominational facility servicing the local community. We are licensed for 87 students ages 3 months to 4 years. We currently use the High-Scope curriculum. We employ 12 staff members. Salary commensurate with the applicant's experience, education and qualifications. We are an equal opportunity employer. Please send resume and cover letter to PAAESQ63@gmail.com.

Job Type: Full-time

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TODAY

Sunday, September 26 - Divine Liturgy @ 10:00 am

- GOYA Oath of Office

- Coffee Hour hosted by Pauline Yiannakis

- Church School & GOYA Catechesis

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UPCOMING

Monday, September 27 - Bible Study @ 7:00 pm (Genesis 31, 32, 33)

Thursday, September 30 - Choir Rehearsal

Sunday, October 3 - Divine Liturgy @ 10:00 am

- College Student Sunday (tray will be passed for OCF)

make checks payable to Holy Cross, OCF in memo line

- Coffee Hour hosted by Sophia Barr

- Church School & Catechesis

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MDSC 70TH ANNIVERSARY

Date change - see flyer attached.

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GREECE FIRES

See flyer attached.

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ICONS IN THE ALTAR

If you brought icons to be blessed in the altar, please retrieve them soon.

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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
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

Tuesday, October 19 @ 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 26 - Pauline Yiannakis

Sunday, October 3 - Sophia Barr

Sunday, October 10 - Presv. Olga Hountalas

Sunday, October 17 - TBD

Sunday, October 24 - Julie Hiotaky

Sunday, October 31 - Kathy Williams

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
Dimitri Sitaras (Cpt)	Ioannis Yiannakis (Cpt)
Stavros Fekaris	Christo Stilianos
Alex Matthews	Dino Thanos
Mateo Pesaros	Nikolas Thanos

SCHEDULE 2021-2022

TEAM A	TEAM B
2021	2021
SEP 26	SEP 19
OCT 10, 24	OCT 3, 17, 31
NOV 7, 21	NOV 14, 28
DEC 5, 19	DEC 12, 26
2022	2022
JAN 2, 16, 30	JAN 9, 23
FEB 13, 27	FEB 6, 20
MAR 13, 27	MAR 6, 20
APR 10, 24	APR 3, 17
MAY 8, 22	MAY 1, 15, 29
JUN 5, 19	JUN 12

Memorial Donations to Holy Cross

OUR THANKS

To those who in lieu of flowers gave monetary

contributions to the Church in memory of :

MARY PETERSON

M/M Steve Fekaris

M/M Basile Catsikopoulos & Family

MADELINE VINTZEL

M/M James Vintzel

WILLIAM POWER

M/M Peter Morris

GEORGIA MORRIS

M/M Peter Morris

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

M/M Todd Barnaby

M/M Andrew Bittinger

M/M Peter Angelas

M/M Christopher Tikka & Family

M/M George Katsias

M/M Scott Linzell

M/M Steve Fekaris

M/M Anthony Barr

Dr/M Marcus Zervos

Mrs. Patty Spanos

M/M Doug Garber

M/M Patrick Quinn

George Matheos

ANDREW PSERES

M/M Albert Scaglione

PETER ARTEMAS

Margarita Shukla

Mrs. Patty Spanos

Fr. John Artemas

PRESV. NIKIE ARTEMAS

Fr. John Artemas

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

M/M Todd Barnaby

M/M Scott Linzell

M/M Anthony Barr

Dr/M Marcus Zervos

Mrs. Patty Spanos

M/M Adam Angelas

M/M Doug Garber

M/M Peter Morris

GEORGE BLETSAS

M/M George Katsias

Elaine Ioanou

M/M Anthony Barr

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

MDSC 70th Anniversary

New date

2021 Greece Fires

Greece Fires Donate

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 Translation of John the Theologian in the Second Mode

Apolytikion for the Church in the First Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

Saints and Feasts

The Falling Asleep of St. John the Evangelist and Theologian

Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop of Armenia

Romanos the Melodist

Announcements

Prayer Requests

Ladies Philoptochos News

Altar Boys

Memorial Donations to Holy Cross

Events, Announcements and Flyers

MDSC 70th Anniversary

2021 Greece Fires