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Holy Cross Church
Publish Date: 2022-03-27
Bulletin Contents
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Announcements
Prayer Requests
Ladies Philoptochos News
Employment Opportunity
Altar Boys
Memorial Donations to Holy Cross
Events, Announcements and Flyers
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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

DIVINE LITURGY

Sundays 10 am

OFFICE HOURS

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

10 am - 3 pm

(Closed Wednesday) 

Past Bulletins


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Seventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:1-10

On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

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."

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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

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Mode

By means of Your Cross, O Lord, You abolished death. * To the robber You opened Paradise. * The lamentation of the myrrhbearing women You transformed, * and You gave Your Apostles the order to proclaim to all * that You had risen, O Christ our God, * and granted the world Your 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 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!"
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Saints and Feasts

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March 27

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.

Iconclimacus
March 30

John Climacus the Righteous, author of The Divine Ladder of Ascent

This Saint gave himself over to the ascetical life from his early youth. Experienced both in the solitary life of the hermit and in the communal life of cenobitic monasticism, he was appointed Abbot of the Monastery at Mount Sinai and wrote a book containing thirty homilies on virtue. Each homily deals with one virtue, and progressing from those that deal with holy and righteous activity (praxis) unto those that deal with divine vision (theoria), they raise a man up as though by means of steps unto the height of Heaven. For this cause his work is called "The Ladder of Divine Ascent." The day he was made Abbot of Sinai, the Prophet Moses was seen giving commands to those who served at table. Saint John reposed in 603, at eighty years of age. See also the Fourth Sunday of the Fast.

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April 01

Mary of Egypt

When Mary was only twelve years old, she left her parents and departed to Alexandria, where she lived a depraved life for seventeen years. Then, moved by curiosity, she went with many pilgrims to Jerusalem, that she might see the Exaltation of the venerable Cross. Even in the Holy City she gave herself over to every kind of licentiousness and drew many into the depth of perdition. Desiring to go into the church on the day of the Exaltation of the Cross, time and again she perceived a certain invisible power preventing her entrance, whereas the multitude of people about her entered unhindered. Therefore, wounded in heart by this, she decided to change her way of life and reconcile herself to God by means of repentance. Invoking our Lady the Theotokos as her protectress, she asked her to open the way for her to worship the Cross, and vowed that she would renounce the world. And thus, returning once again to the church, she entered easily. When she had worshipped the precious Wood, she departed that same day from Jerusalem and passed over the Jordan. She went into the inner wilderness and for forty-seven years lived a most harsh manner of life, surpassing human strength; alone, she prayed to God alone. Toward the end of her life, she met a certain hermit named Zosimas, and she related to him her life from the beginning. She requested of him to bring her the immaculate Mysteries that she might partake of them. According to her request, he did this the following year on Holy and Great Thursday. One year after this, Zosimas again went thither and found her dead, laid upon the ground, and letters written in the sand near her which said: "Abba Zosimas, bury here the body of wretched Mary. I died on the very day I partook of the immaculate Mysteries. Pray for me." Her death is reckoned by some to have taken place in 378, by some, in 437, and by others, in 522. She is commemorated also on the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent. Her life was recorded by Saint Sophronius of Jerusalem.

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Announcements

UKRAINE RELIEF FUND

Click here to help. 

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GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

Sunday, April 10th @ 3:00 pm. Click here for details or see flyer attached. 

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CHURCH SCHOOL HOLY WEEK RETREAT

 April 16th after Liturgy. 

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 PHILOPTOCHOS PALM SUNDAY LUNCHEON

Sunday, April 17th. Click here for details or see flyer attached.

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COCC INTER-ORTHODOX LENTEN VESPERS

Click here for more information. Note: April 3rd is at Holy Cross!

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HOLY WEEK READER SIGN UP FORM

Sign up here. 

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GREAT LENT SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

Click here for more information.

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DISTRICT ORATORICAL FESTIVAL

Save the Date: April 30th, 2022 at Holy Cross.

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METROPOLIS OF DETROIT SUMMER CAMP 2022

Register now.

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MDSC 70th Anniversary

Saturday, May 21st. See flyer attached. Click here for ticket information.

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HOUSE BLESSINGS

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

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TODAY

Sunday, March 27 - Divine Liturgy @ 10:00 am 

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

             - Coffee Hour hosted by Debbie George & Bonnie Sitaras

             - Church School & Catechesis 

             - Young Adults Lenten Get-Together @ 12:00 pm

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UPCOMING

Monday, March 28 - Great Compline Service @ 7:00 pm

               - Bible Study "Heaven and Earth" @ 8:00 pm

Wednesday, March 30 - Presanctified Liturgy @ 6:00 pm

Thursday, March 31 - Choir Rehearsal @ 7:00 pm

Friday, April 1 - Salutations (GOYA Readers) @ 7:00 pm

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

              - Memorial (6 months) Peter Zervos

              - Coffee Hour hosted by Anna Zervos

              - Church School & Catechesis

              - COCC Lenten Vespers at Holy Cross @ 6:00 pm

                 (light refreshments to follow)

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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

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Prayer Requests

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

  • Estelle Bletsas
  • Fr. John Stavropoulos
  • Baby George
  • Ted Andris
  • Bettie Fekaris
  • Nancy Temple
  • Zoe Jaimee
  • Kalliope Christo
  • Mary Christo Alexiades
  • Heather
  • Irene Katsias
  • Mr. Adam Angelas
  • Elise Gorman
  • Paraskevi Theodorou
  • Niki Brogger
  • Dr. Nicholas Varveris
  • Irene Zervos
  • Tina Johnson
  • Tula Georgeson
  • Marilyn Georgeson
  • George Benardos
  • Gina Weiler
  • Terrie Stefanakis
  • Evelyn Morris
  • Dr. Pan Pesaros
  • Faye Prekeges
  • Dr. Maureen Kelly
  • Dr. Rick Wilson
  • 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, April 12, 2022 @ 6:30 pm

 

 

 

 

 

FLORENCE G. STEFANOU MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Open to graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate college students. Click here for more details and application.

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2022 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. Click here for the stewardship form.

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FLOWERS

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

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COFFEE HOUR

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

Sunday, March 27 - Debbie George & Bonnie Sitaras

Sunday,  April 3 - Anna Zervos

Sunday, Aprill 10 - Helen Sinanis

 

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Employment Opportunity

Preschool Teachers and Preschool Teacher Aides

Teachers: Qualifications required are Child Development Associate credentials (CDA), Associates in Early Childhood or ZA endorsement, 2 years’ experience at minimum and 2 letters of reference.

Teacher Aides: Qualifications required 2 years’ experience at minimum and 2 letters of reference.

We seek energetic, playful, loving, engaging nursery school teachers and nursery school assistants needed. Hours are flexible. Competitive pay. Room for growth. All applicants will need verifiable credentials, references and clear criminal history. The Farmington Hills Nursery School is a Church based non-denominational day care servicing the local community. We are licensed for 87 children ages 3 months to 4 years. We employ 13 staff members. If you are someone who loves being with children, can work well with others and wants to be apart of our family, please send resume and cover letter to Bonnie@FarmingtonNurserySchool.com. We are an equal opportunity employer.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

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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

​ Dimitri Sitaras (Cpt)

 Ioannis Yiannakis (Cpt)​​ 

 Stavros Fekaris

 Louis Foster

 Alex Matthews

 Christo Stilianos

 Mateo Pesaros

 Dino Thanos

 

  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

A​PR 3, 17

MAY 8, 22

MAY 1, 15, 29

JUN 5, 19

JUN 12

 

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Memorial Donations to Holy Cross

OUR THANKS

To those who in lieu of flowers gave monetary

contributions to the Holy Cross Church in memory of :

ANGERO SPETHOGIANIS

M/M Adam Angelas

MATTHEW MORRIS

Diane Morris

LULA PAPPAS

M/M Steve Fekaris

HELEN VARVERIS

M/M Doug Garber

KRISTIN SEAMAN

M/M James Heller

KYRIAKI (KOULLA) IOANOU

Elaine Ioanou

M/M George Katsias

Dr/M Marcus Zervos

M/M Doug Garber

Mrs. Anna Zervos

Michael & Evdokia Philippou

M/M David West

CHRIS RAFAILL

M/M Tom Casoglos

M/M John George

Mr. Harry Gaggos

Mrs. Anna Zervos

M/M Steve Economy

M/M Bill Williams

M/M Evans Lucas

M/M George Gaggos

M/M James Bournias

M/M Angelo Metas

Dr/M Marcus Zervos

M/M Bob Czech

M/M Tom Rafaill

Dennis Rafaill

M/M Edward Power

M/M George Katsias

M/M Steve Fekaris

M/M Lou Chalogianis

M/M James Heller

M/M Michael Blough

M/M John Liadis

Drs. Pamela Georgeson & Mark Decco

M/M Van Kyriakopoulos

M/M Albert Scaglione

M/M Dean Demos

M/M Peter Angelas

M/M Tino Boudouris

M/M Gus Stavropoulos

Margarita Shukla

M/M Anthony Barr

M/M George Stefanakis

Denise Liberty

Tula Georgeson

WILLIAM (BILL) HIOTAKY

Ellen Ernst

Mrs. Anna Zervos

M/M George Katsias

M/M Tad Krear

M/M Edward Power

Dr/M Marcus Zervos

M/M Kirk Dunlap

M/M Kostas Voutsinas

M/M Evans Lucas

M/M Tom Casoglos

M/M John George

M/M James Terry

M/M Limperis Zervos

Matthew Herbster

M/M Paul Wywrot

Elizabeth Exner

Kelly Gilling-Coburn

M/M Mike Sturm

M/M Andrew Bittinger

Denise McKewan

Catherine Pikulas

Margarita Shukla

M/M Bill Williams

Hountalas Family

Sophie Paron

Angelo P. Zervos & Family

M/M Steve Fekaris

Helen Hiotaky

M/M Jim Grove

Charlotte Van Neck

Todd Van Neck

Cynthia Porter

Rochelle McCrone

M/M James Heller

M/M Michael Blough

M/M John Liadis

Drs. Pamela Georgeson & Mark Decco

M/MTim Keros

M/M Van Kyriakopoulos

M/M Raymond Rowe

M/M Mark & Stacey Rogers

M/M Peter Angelas

M/M Tino Boudouris

Angela "Kixie" Cosma

M/M Patrick Murray

M/M Anthony Barr

M/M George Stefanakis

M/M Stelios Sinanis

Dr/M Angelo Zervos

M/MDoug Garber

The Jabbori-Ryan Family

Mr. James Vandenberg

M/M William Kroppe Sr.

Theresa Banka

Lucy Macres

Elaine Ioanou

M/M Peter Morris

Ellen Ernst

M/M Nick Ilitch & Family

M/M Kevin Barrett

M/M Michael Holland

M/M Martin Gehan

Forest Hills Swim Club Inc.

 MARITSA LOIZOS

M/M Nicholas & Victoria Madias

M/M Steve Fekaris

Drs. Pamela Georgeson & Mark Decco

M/M Edward Power

Elaine Ioanou

Maria Madias & Thomas Barkulis

Dr/M Marcus Zervos

Mrs. Anna Zervos

M/M Tim Keros

Susan Armstrong

Tula Georgeson

M/M George Katsias

VENA MARIE THANOS

Holy Cross Philoptochos

M/M Tad Krear & Family

M/M George Katsias

M/M James Heller & Family

M/M Evans Lucas

Dr/M Marcus Zervos

M/M Edward Power

M/M Michael Blough

M/M Tom Casoglos

M/M Lou Chalogianis

Elaine Ioanou

M/M Martin Gehan

M/M Doug Garber

Holy Cross GOYA

M/M John George

M/M John Liadis

Mrs. Mary Kargilis

James Sitaras

M/M Bill Williams

M/M Mike Sturm & Family

Denise Liberty

M/M Limperis Zervos

M/M Steve Fekaris

M/M Dan Dallas

Drs. Pamela Georgeson & Mark Decco

M/M Anthony Barr

M/M George Stefanakis

M/M Stelios Sinanis

M/M Peter Angelas

Mrs. Anna Zervos

 

 MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL

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Events, Announcements and Flyers

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