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Holy Cross Church
Publish Date: 2022-05-15
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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






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

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. Third Mode. Psalm 46.6,1.
Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse: Clap your hands, all you nations.

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 9:32-42.

In those days, as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints that lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed." And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, "Please come to us without delay." So Peter rose and went with them. And when he had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing tunics and other garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, rise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Paralytic
The Reading is from John 5:1-15

At that time, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water; whoever stepped in first after the troubling of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your pallet, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked.

Now that day was the sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet." But he answered them, "The man who healed me said to me, 'Take up your pallet, and walk.' "They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your pallet, and walk'?" Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you." The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

In that case [Matt 9:2] there was remission of sins, (for He said, "Thy sins be forgiven thee,") but in this, warning and threats to strengthen the man for the future; "Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto you."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 37 on John 1, 4th Century

Great is the profit of the divine Scriptures, and all-sufficient is the aid which comes from them ... For the divine oracles are a treasury of all manner of medicines, so that whether it be needful to quench pride, to lull desire to sleep, to tread under foot the love of money, ... from them one may find abundant resource.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 37 on John 5, 4th Century

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Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal First Mode

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and bestowing life on those in the graves.

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Mode

Let the heavens sing for joy, and let everything on earth be glad. * For with His Arm the Lord has worked power. * He trampled death under foot by means of death; * and He became the firstborn from the dead. * From the maw of Hades He delivered us; * and He granted the world His great mercy.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades' power, and You rose the victor, Christ God, saying to the myrrh-bearing women, "Hail!" and granting peace to Your disciples, You who raise up the fallen.
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Saints and Feasts

Jcparal1
May 15

Sunday of the Paralytic

Close to the Sheep's Gate in Jerusalem, there was a pool, which was called the Sheep's Pool. It had round about it five porches, that is, five sets of pillars supporting a domed roof. Under this roof there lay very many sick people with various maladies, awaiting the moving of the water. The first to step in after the troubling of the water was healed immediately of whatever malady he had.

It was there that the paralytic of today's Gospel way lying, tormented by his infirmity of thirty-eight years. When Christ beheld him, He asked him, "Wilt thou be made whole?" And he answered with a quiet and meek voice, "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool." The Lord said unto him, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." And straightaway the man was made whole and took up his bed. Walking in the presence of all, he departed rejoicing to his own house. According to the expounders of the Gospels, the Lord Jesus healed this paralytic during the days of the Passover, when He had gone to Jerusalem for the Feast, and dwelt there teaching and working miracles. According to Saint John the Evangelist, this miracle took place on the Sabbath.


21_conshel
May 21

Constantine and Helen, Equal-to-the Apostles

This great and renowned sovereign of the Christians was the son of Constantius Chlorus (the ruler of the westernmost parts of the Roman empire), and of the blessed Helen. He was born in 272, in (according to some authorities) Naissus of Dardania, a city on the Hellespont. In 306, when his father died, he was proclaimed successor to his throne. In 312, on learning that Maxentius and Maximinus had joined forces against him, he marched into Italy, where, while at the head of his troops, he saw in the sky after midday, beneath the sun, a radiant pillar in the form of a cross with the words: "By this shalt thou conquer." The following night, our Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him in a dream and declared to him the power of the Cross and its significance. When he arose in the morning, he immediately ordered that a labarum be made (which is a banner or standard of victory over the enemy) in the form of a cross, and he inscribed on it the Name of Jesus Christ. On the 28th Of October, he attacked and mightily conquered Maxentius, who drowned in the Tiber River while fleeing. The following day, Constantine entered Rome in triumph and was proclaimed Emperor of the West by the Senate, while Licinius, his brother-in-law, ruled in the East. But out of malice, Licinius later persecuted the Christians. Constantine fought him once and again, and utterly destroyed him in 324, and in this manner he became monarch over the West and the East. Under him and because of him all the persecutions against the Church ceased. Christianity triumphed and idolatry was overthrown. In 325 he gathered the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, which he himself personally addressed. In 324, in the ancient city of Byzantium, he laid the foundations of the new capital of his realm, and solemnly inaugurated it on May 11, 330, naming it after himself, Constantinople. Since the throne of the imperial rule was transferred thither from Rome, it was named New Rome, the inhabitants of its domain were called Romans, and it was considered the continuation of the Roman Empire. Falling ill near Nicomedia, he requested to receive divine Baptism, according to Eusebius (The Life of Constantine. Book IV, 61-62), and also according to Socrates and Sozomen; and when he had been deemed worthy of the Holy Mysteries, he reposed in 337, on May 21 or 22, the day of Pentecost, having lived sixty-five years, of which he ruled for thirty-one years. His remains were transferred to Constantinople and were deposed in the Church of the Holy Apostles, which had been built by him (see Homily XXVI on Second Corinthians by Saint John Chrysostom).

As for his holy mother Helen, after her son had made the Faith of Christ triumphant throughout the Roman Empire, she undertook a journey to Jerusalem and found the Holy Cross on which our Lord was crucified (see Sept. 13 and 14). After this, Saint Helen, in her zeal to glorify Christ, erected churches in Jerusalem at the sites of the Crucifixion and Resurrection, in Bethlehem at the cave where our Saviour was born, another on the Mount of Olives whence He ascended into Heaven, and many others throughout the Holy Land, Cyprus, and elsewhere. She was proclaimed Augusta, her image was stamped upon golden coins, and two cities were named Helenopolis after her in Bithynia and in Palestine. Having been thus glorified for her piety, she departed to the Lord being about eighty years of age, according to some in the year 330, according to others, in 336.


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Announcements

CHRIST IS RISEN! ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ! HRISTOS A INVIAT!

ΤRULY HE IS RISEN! ΑΛΗΘΩΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ! ADEVARAT A INVIAT!

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 CLASS OF 2022

Please submit your name here ASAP. We will be honoring all our graduates on June 19th.

Scholarship Opportunities: 

Faith Endowment Scholarship opportunity

Florence G. Stefanou Memorial Scholarship opportunity.

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MEMORIAL DAY CEMETERY PRAYERS

By appointment only. Please call the Church Office or book your appointmet online here .

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GUS' NIGHT OF EXCELLENCE

Friday, June 17th. See flyer attached.

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METROPOLIS OF DETROIT SUMMER CAMP 2022

Register now.

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 UKRAINE RELIEF FUND

 Click here to help.

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TODAY

Sunday, May 15 - Divine Liturgy @ 10:00 am

              - Coffee Hour hosted by Cathy Blough

              - Church School & Catechesis     

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UPCOMING

Monday, May 16 - Bible Study @ 7:00 pm (Leviticus 16-17)

Tuesday, May 17 - Philoptochos Meeting with Prosphora Demonstration @ 6:00 pm

Friday, May 20 - Vespers @ Sts. Constantine & Helen @ 6:30 pm

Saturday, May 21 - Liturgy @ Sts. Constantine & Helen @ 10:00 am

Sunday, May 22 - Divine Liturgy @ 10:00 am

            - Coffee Hour hosted by Mary & Evans Lucas

            - Church School & Catechesis 

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FLOWERS

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

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PROSPHORA

Interested in sponsoring prosphora? Please contact Church Office.

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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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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:

  • Fr. John Stavropoulos
  • Baby George
  • Ted Andris
  • 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, May 17, 2022 @ 6:00 pm

Demonstration on how to make prosphora.

 

 

 

 

 

METROPOLIS PHILOPTOCHOS NO SHOW EVENT

In honor or in memory of men in your life. See flyer attached. 

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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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COFFEE HOUR

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

Sunday, May 15 - Cathy Blough

Sunday, May 22 - Evans & Mary Lucas

Sunday, May 29 - Presv. Silvana

 

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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

Stephen Mihos

 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

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 :

 

KATHERINE CULLEY

Holy Cross Philoptochos

M/M Tom Casoglos

Dr/Mrs. Marcus Zervos

M/M Michael Blough

M/M John George

M/M Evans Lucas

M/M James Heller

M/M Steve Fekaris

M/M Limperis Zervos

M/M Tim Keros

M/M George Katsias

M/M Edward Power

Mrs. Anna Zervos

Margarita Shukla

M/M John Liadis

MUNIM KAJY

M/M John Liadis

GUS SPANOS

The Hountalas Family

Dr/Mrs. Marcus Zervos

CELIA GONZALES

The Heller Family

MATTHEW MORRIS

Diane Morris

THOMAS & GEORGIA MORRIS

M/M Peter Morris

ANGERO SPETHOGIANIS

M/M Adam Angelas

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

M/M Anthony Barr

 

 MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL

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Events, Announcements and Flyers

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