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Holy Cross Church
Publish Date: 2022-10-02
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Holy Cross Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (248) 477-1677
  • 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, [Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened. That very day] 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 not it necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into this 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. Grave Mode. Psalm 28.11,1.
The Lord will give strength to his people.
Verse: Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:1-10.

Brethren, working together with him, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, "At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation." Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in any one's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watching, hunger; by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.


Gospel Reading

2nd Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 6:31-36

The Lord said, "As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."


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Wisdom of the Fathers

There is an old saying: 'Excesses meet.' Too much fasting and too much eating come to the same end. Keeping too long a vigil brings the same disastrous cost as ... sluggishness... Too much self-denial brings weakness and induces the same condition as carelessness. Often I have seen men who would not be snared by gluttony fall, nevertheless, through immoderate fasting and tumble in weakness into the very urge which they had overcome. Unmeasured vigils and foolish denial of rest overcame those whom sleep could not overcome. Therefore, 'fortified to right and to left in the armor of justice,' as the apostle says (2 Cor. 6:7), life must be lived with due measure and, with discernment for a guide, the road must be traveled between the two kinds of excess so that in the end we may not allow ourselves to be diverted from the pathway of restraint which has been laid down for us nor fall through dangerous carelessness into the urgings of gluttony and self-indulgence.
St. John Cassian
Conferences, Conference Two: On Discernment no. 16; Paulist Press pg. 76, 5th century

There are three things that impel us towards what is holy: natural instincts, angelic powers and probity of intention. Natural instincts impel us when, for example, we do to others what we would wish them to do to us (cf. Luke 6:31), or when we see someone suffering deprivation or in need and naturally feel compassion. Angelic powers impel us when, being ourselves impelled to something worthwhile, we find we are providentially helped and guided. We are impelled by probity of intention when, discriminating between good and evil, we choose the good.
St. Maximos the Confessor
Second Century on Love no. 32, Philokalia Vol. 2 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 71, 7th 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 Martyrs Cyprian and Justina in the Fourth Mode

As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O Hieromartyr Cyprian. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

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

A protection of Christians unshamable, intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering, please reject not the prayerful cries of those who are in sin. Instead, come to us, for you are good; your loving help bring unto us, who are crying in faith to you: hasten to intercede and speed now to supplicate, as a protection for all time, Theotokos, for those who honor you.
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Saints and Feasts

Cyprianjustine
October 02

Cyprian the Holy Martyr, Justina the Virgin-martyr of Nicomedea

Saint Justina who was from Damascus, lived in virginity for the sake of Christ. Saint Cyprian, who was from Antioch, began as an initiate of magic and worshipper of the demons. A certain foolish young man who had been smitten with Justina's beauty hired Cyprian to draw her to love him; when Cyprian had wed every demonic device he knew, and had failed, being repulsed by the power of Christ Whom Justina invoked, he understood the weakness of the demons and came to know the truth. Delivered from demonic delusion, he came to Christ and burned all his books of magic, was baptized, and later ascended the episcopal throne in his country. Later, he and Justina were arrested by the Count of Damascus, and having endured many torments at his hands, they were sent finally to Diocletian in Nicomedia, where they were beheaded about the year 304.


Thomas
October 06

Thomas the Apostle of the 12

The name Thomas means, "twin." He was one of the Twelve, a Galilean by birth. Sophroneus (not the famous Patriarch of Jerusalem [7th Century, celebrated March 11], but a friend of Jerome's), quoted also by Jerome, says that Saint Thomas preached to the Parthians, Pesians, Medes, Hyrcanians, Bactrians, and neighbouring nations. According to Heracleon, the Apostle died a natural death; according to other accounts, he was martyred at Meliapur His tomb was known by Saint John Chrysostom to be at Edessa in Syria, to which city his holy relics may have been translated from India in the fourth century.


Allsaint
October 08

Pelagia the Righteous

This Saint was a prominent actress of the city of Antioch, and a pagan, who lived a life of unrestrained prodigality and led many to perdition. Instructed and baptized by a certain bishop named Nonnus (Saint Nonnus is commemorated Nov. 10), she departed for the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem, where she lived as a recluse, feigning to be a eunuch called Pelagia. She lived in such holiness and repentance that within three or four years she was deemed worthy to repose in an odour of sanctity, in the middle of the fifth century. Her tomb on the Mount of Olives has been a place of pilgrimage ever since.


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Announcements

ST. PHOTIOS NATIONAL SHRINE 2022 ESSAY CONTEST

Click here for details. 

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UKRAINE RELIEF FUND

 Click here to help.

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TODAY

Sunday, October 2 - Divine Liturgy @ 10:00 am

           - College Student Sunday - tray will be passed for OCF

              Checks payable to Holy Cross, OCF in memo line 

              Click here for more information on OCF.

           - Memorial (1 year) Alexander Kargilis

           - Memorial (1 year) Peter E. Zervos

           - Church School & Catechesis          

           - Coffee Hour hosted by Kargilis & Zervos families

           - GOYA Fireside Chat @ 5:00 pm at Lucas Residence

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UPCOMING

Monday, October 3 - Bible Study (Judges 5-12) @ 7:00 pm

Wednesday, October 5 - Transformative Christianity Webinar @ 7:000 pm 

Sunday, October 9 - Divine Liturgy @ 10:00 am

           - Church School & Catechesis          

           - Coffee Hour hosted by Elaine Moundros & Harriet Bills

Tuesday, October 11 - Philoptochos Meeting @ 6:30 pm

Thursday, October 13 - Parish Council Meeting @ 7:000 pm

Friday, October 14 - Paraklesis @ 6:00 pm

        - Bible Study @ 7:00 pm            

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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

  • Elaine Moundros
  • Preston Dimitries
  • Maria George
  • Beth Tudehope Moore
  • 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
  • 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, October 11 @ 6:30 pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ATTENTION ALL PHILOPTOCHOS MEMBERS

On Saturday, October 22, we will gather a group to visit the Holy Dormition Monastery (75 minutes from church). Liturgy starts at 8:45 a.m. followed by a luncheon and a tour. This is in Rives Junction, Michigan (near Grass Lake).  We will arrange a meeting point once we know who is going for those who want to carpool. Strict dress code required including socks, long skirt (below knee) or dress, be conservative/demure and bring a scarf for your head.

PLEASE RSVP by October 16 to Elaine Moundros @ 248-345-0972.

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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

Sunday, October 2 - Kargilis & Zervos families

Sunday, October 9 - Elaine Moundros & Harriet Bills

Sunday, October 16 - Presvytera Olga Hountalas

Sunday, October 23 - Helene Garber

Sunday, October 30 - Limperis & Cynthia Zervos

 

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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).

SUMMER SCHEDULE IS OPEN.

 

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LIST OF ALTAR BOYS 

 TEAM A

 TEAM B

​ Ioannis Yiannakis (Cpt)

 Mateo Pesaros (Cpt)​​ 

 Stephen Mihos

 Stavros Fekaris

 Dino Thanos

 Louis Foster

 Nikolas Thanos

 Cristo Stilianos

 

 Stelios Stilianos

SCHEDULE 2022-2023 

TEAM A

TEAM B

2022

2022

SEP 18

​SEP 25

OCT 2, 16, 30

OCT 9, 23

NOV 13, 27

NOV 6, 20 

DEC 11, 25* 

DEC 4, 18

2023

2023

JAN 8, 22

JAN 1, 15, 29

FEB 5, 19

FEB 12, 26 

MAR 5*, 19

MAR 12, 26 

APR 2, 16*, 30

A​PR 9*, 23

MAY 14, 28

MAY 7, 21

JUN 11, 25*

JUN 4, 18 

 * all teams can serve

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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 :

 

ALEXANDER KARGILIS

M/M Tom Casoglos

PETER E. ZERVOS

M/M Tom Casoglos

THOMAS THEODOROU

Elaine Ioanou

WILLIAM POWELL

M/M James Heller

CONSTANDINA GIKAS

M/M Anthony Barr

GEORGIA MORRIS

M/M Tom Casoglos

M/M Edward Power

Dr/Mrs. Marcus Zervos

M/M George Katsias

Elaine Ioanou

M/M Anthony Barr

ANDREW PAPPAS

M/M George Fekaris

Elaine Ioanou

ANDREW PSERES

M/M Albert Scaglione

GEORGE, ALIA & TASIA DEMOPOULOS

M/M Patrick Quinn

KALYPSO SPANOS

M/M Patrick Quinn

TONCHO, IVANKA, GERGINA, PETAR

Mrs. Galina Mihaylova

MARIKA GAGAS

M/M James Heller

 

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 MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL

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Events, Announcements and Flyers

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