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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2021-04-04
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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (919) 781-4548
  • Fax:
  • (919) 781-4568
  • Street Address:

  • 5000 Lead Mine Road

  • Raleigh, NC 27612


Contact Information








Services Schedule

Orthros/ Matins: Sunday: 8:30 a.m.


Liturgy: Sunday: 10:00 a.m. ;  Weekday: Please see Parish Newsletter.


Vespers: See Parish Bulletin.


Bible Study: Please see Sunday Bulletin for details.


Other Parish Info: Book Club, please see Sunday Bulletin for details.


Past Bulletins


Parish News & Events

 

 

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

 

Raleigh, NC

 

SUNDAY OF THE HOLY CROSS

 

APRIL 4, 2021

 

 

We invite you to join us this Sunday to celebrate the Divine Liturgy whether in person or virtually. We also extend a special welcome to all newcomers. 

 

 

CHILDREN’S CHANGE FOR CHANGE SUNDAY

 

This Sunday is “Children’s Change for Change.”  Please be prepared to contribute any extra change to the basket for this very worthy fund as you leave the Liturgy.

 

 

ATTEND LITURGY VIRTUALLY OR IN PERSON

 

Online Registration is required!

 

Due to the continued impact of COVID-19 and the decision to practice precaution for everyone, we are maintaining, but slightly increasing, the number of attendees at any given service to 70 parishioners.  While we have increased the attendance to 70 parishioners/visitors, we ask that everyone remain diligent in social distancing and wearing masks. We request that facemasks be worn regardless of vaccine status.  Instructions for registering to attend in person are provided below. 

Reminder: If for some reason, you cannot attend service after signing up, PLEASE remove your name(s) from the signup at the website.  

For all who do not attend in-person, please join in with us on YouTube, the link can be found here:  http://www.holytrinityraleigh.org/community/parish-ministries/audio-visual-broadcasting.  

Please arrive early to Sunday service, before 9:45, giving time for check inWhen attending the service, please wear a mask at all times, sign in upon entering, allow your temperature to be taken, and maintain proper distance with those attending.  

Check in will include answering the COVID-19 questions below. 

If you answer “yes” to any of the following COVID-19 questions, we ask that you not sign up for a church service at this time. 

  1. Do you have any of the following symptoms that are new or worsening: cough, congestion, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, fever or feeling feverish, chills, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea?
  2. Have you had close contact with a person with confirmed COVID-19 in the last 21 days?
  3. Have you tested positive in the last 21 days for COVID-19? 

If you have any difficulty signing up, please email: htgocrsignup@gmail.com 

 

SIGN UP FOR SERVICES  

Please click here to register for 3rd SALUTATIONS TO THE THEOTOKOS 

Friday, April 2 at 6:30 P.M.  

Please click here to register for Liturgy, SUNDAY OF THE HOLY CROSS 

Sunday, April 4 at 10:00 A.M.  

Please click here to register for 4TH PRE-SANCTIFIED LITURGY 

Wednesday, April 7 at 6:00 P.M.  

Please click here to register for 4th SALUTATIONS TO THE THEOTOKOS 

Friday, April 9 at 6:30 P.M.  

Please click here to register for Liturgy, SUNDAY OF ST. JOHN CLIMACUS 

Sunday, April 11 at 10:00 A.M.  

Please click here to register for Liturgy, 5TH PRE-SANCTIFIED LITURGY 

Wednesday, April 14 at 6:00 P.M.  

Please click here to register for Liturgy, THE AKATHIST HYMN 

 Friday, April 16 at 6:30 P.M.  

Please click here to register for Liturgy, SUNDAY OF ST. MARY OF EGYPT 

Sunday, April 18 at 10:00 A.M. 

 

 

2021 VIRTUAL LENTEN SERIES 

JOIN US THIS WEEK!

 

The 4th virtual Lenten Lectures will begin Tuesday, April 6 at 7:00 pm via Zoom, with Fr Robert Lawrence.  He will speak “On Discernment”.  

To attend this Zoom meeting, beginning at 6:55 p.m., please click this link:
https://goarch.zoom.us/j/91784768722  

Here is the Lenten Series line up for the final weeks: 

  • Fr Hieromonk Polycarp Strosnider – April 13, “On Fear”
  • Fr Demetri Kangelaris – April 20, “On Vainglory/Humbling Ourselves” 

The link will be provided each week here in the bulletin. 

Please plan to attend these next sessions!

 

2021 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN 

Thank you to those of you who have submitted your commitment forms and pledges for this year’s campaign. We appreciate everyone being engaged and loyal in this critical ministry, especially during these extraordinary times. THANK YOU!  

SPECIAL REQUEST: When you complete your commitment cards, please fill out the section on volunteer interests. As Covid vaccines are being distributed each and every day, and our state begins opening up, our many ministries will also open up and get back on schedule. When this wonderful time comes, we’d love to have member’s talent & interests documented so we can contact you for appropriate outreach and involvement. Thank you! 

 

Members can now submit their 2021 Commitment Cards ONLINE! For those of you who would like to remotely handle your stewardship this year, please click on the box that is titled Submit 2021 Stewardship Commitment Form Online on either the church home page (http://www.holytrinityraleigh.org/community/parish-ministries/stewardship-ministry/) or stewardship page (http://www.holytrinityraleigh.org/), and it will take you to a Google Document to capture all the information that is on the typical paper commitment card. This active link can also be accessed at:(https://forms.gle/wMYzun2vQciEmrew6). 

 

Now that this new feature is enabled, members can submit their commitment cards electronically and use our online giving portal, Abundant Giving, (https://abundant.co/holytrinityraleigh/give), to set up your pledge and payment schedule online for the pledge component for the 2021 Stewardship Campaign. 

 

Outside of this new online submit/online process, you can also submit your commitment card and pledge support via the usual methods: 

 

BY MAIL your stewardship commitment card with pledge amount to Judy’s attention atHoly Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 5000 Lead Mine Road, Raleigh, NC 27612 

 

BY EMAIL your scanned commitment card with pledge amount to Judy athtraleighoffice@gmail.com 

 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the 2021 campaign, the new online commitment card submission process, or your stewardship in general, please contact Angela Georgallis, Stewardship Co-Chair, at 919-339-3169 or acgeorgallis@gmail.com. 

 

 

ORATORICAL FESTIVAL 

We are proud of you! 

Lillian Jaho and Paul Dombalis, from our junior division, and Eirena Klemes and Emilia Tropsha, from our senior division, will advance to the Regional Oratorical Festival on Saturday, April 3. We are so proud of all our presenters this year. Our judges were challenged by all our great talent and would have liked to award all our participants: Sophia Manuel, Grace Brunk, Alba Bica, Evan Byers, Theodora Tsikentzoglou, Chrissoula Tsikentzoglou, Rebecca Demos, Maxwell Noffsinger, and Mary Hatch. 

You all did an amazing job on your speeches!  

We have a gift for you in the church office along with your certificates. 

Please pick them up during office hours (M-F 9 am – 4 pm) or on Sunday during Church. 

If you have questions, please contact Shae Noffsinger: shaejn@yahoo.com 

 

 

DONATIONS FOR EASTER FLOWERS 

If you would like to donate money for Easter flowers this year, there will be a form to complete in the church office beginning this Sunday as well as a list of choices for your donations.  Please make checks out to: HTGOC Easter Flowers.  If you have any questions, please contact: Elham Flaherty at (704) 408-5463

Thanks in advance for your donations. 

 

 

ALMSGIVING - ANGELS HOPE & JOY AND ST. JOHN’S MINISTRY 

Showing generosity and love during Lent! 

Almsgiving is a fancy word for loving our neighbor. It is providing for others who are poor and in need of our help. Let’s come together and join AHJ and STJM in this Lenten journey and help create a Almsgiving basket for a STJM family.  If you are interested in participating please see the below sign up link. Thank you again for all your SUPPORT.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E4CA8A929A7FB6-ahjand1 

 

 

PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS 

The Ladies Philoptochos Society will be in the back of the church today with baskets for the Lenten donation to Holy Cross Hellenic College. Please give generously to support our seminarians and other students.  If you are attending services virtually and would like to make a donation, please mail your check to the attention of Ladies Philoptochos and note on the check it is for Holy Cross.  

The Ladies Philoptochos will be selling Tsoureki, our wonderful Pascha treat, for $15.00 a loaf. Our fabulous baker, Julie Theocles, will be making them and if you would like to place an order for pickup on April 24th, please text Estell O'Connor at 973-517-4983 or email her at estelle_oconnor@yahoo.com 

 

 

2021 HOLY TRINITY SCHOLARSHIPS  

High School Senior, College and Graduate Students 

Parish families have offered many wonderful scholarships for our students. These scholarships are open to High School Seniors, College and Graduate students from our parish. The application is at holytinirtyraleigh.org under Resources. The deadline is April 9. Please contact Penny Gallins at pgb0728@gmail.com with questions. 

 

 

BOOKSTORE NEWS 

Copies of the “Service of the Akathist Hymn to the Most Holy Theotokos” are available for purchase.  If you would like to purchase one, a Parish Council member can assist you following the Divine Liturgy or you may stop by the church office to pick one up (9:00-4:00 M-F). The cost is $14.50 and you may pay with cash or a check made out to: Holy Trinity Bookstore.  For questions, contact: Tamara at tamcosta@aol.com

 

 

SERVICES AT HOLY TRINITY 

Registrations to attend in-person are required.   

Maximum capacity seventy (70) people per service 

 

FRIDAY APRIL 2ND, 2021 

3RD SALUTATIONS TO THE THEOTOKOS

 

6:30 P.M. SERVICE

 

 (BROADCAST BEGINS AT 6:25 P.M.)

 

Please click here to register for Service Friday, April 2 at 6:30 P.M.

 

 

SUNDAY APRIL 4TH , 2021 

SUNDAY OF THE HOLY CROSS

 

10:00 A.M. LITURGY

 

 (BROADCAST BEGINS AT 9:45 A.M., DOXOLOGY AT 9:50 A.M.)

 

Please click here to register for Liturgy Sunday, April 4 at 10:00 A.M.

 

 

 

WEDNESDAY APRIL 7TH, 2021 

4TH PRE-SANCTIFIED LITURGY

 

6:00 P.M. LITURGY

 

 (BROADCAST BEGINS AT 5:55 P.M.)

 

Please click here to register for Liturgy Wednesday, April 7 at 6:00 P.M.

 

 

 

FRIDAY APRIL 9TH, 2021 

4TH SALUTATIONS TO THE THEOTOKOS

 

6:30 P.M. SERVICE

 

 (BROADCAST BEGINS AT 6:25 P.M.)

 

Please click here to register for Service Friday, April 9 at 6:30 P.M.

 

 

 

SUNDAY APRIL 11TH , 2021 

SUNDAY OF ST. JOHN CLIMACUS

 

10:00 A.M. LITURGY

 

 (BROADCAST BEGINS AT 9:45 A.M., DOXOLOGY AT 9:50 A.M.)

 

Please click here to register for Liturgy Sunday, April 11 at 10:00 A.M. 

 

 

 

WEDNESDAY APRIL 14TH, 2021 

5TH PRE-SANCTIFIED LITURGY

 

6:00 P.M. LITURGY

 

 (BROADCAST BEGINS AT 5:55 P.M.)

 

Please click here to register for Liturgy Wednesday, April 14 at 6:00 P.M.

 

 

 

FRIDAY APRIL 16TH, 2021 

THE AKATHIST HYMN

 

6:30 P.M. LITURGY

 

 (BROADCAST BEGINS AT 6:25 P.M.)

 

Please click here to register for Service Friday, April 16 at 6:30 P.M.

 

 

 

SUNDAY APRIL 18TH , 2021 

SUNDAY OF ST. MARY OF EGYPT

 

10:00 A.M. LITURGY

 

 (BROADCAST BEGINS AT 9:45 A.M., DOXOLOGY AT 9:50 A.M.)

 

Please click here to register for Liturgy Sunday, April 18 at 10:00 A.M.

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy the beauty of spring!

 

Have a wonderful week.

 

 

 

 

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode

When Thou didst descend unto death, O Life Immortal, then didst Thou slay Hades with the lightning of Thy Divinity. And when Thou didst also raise the dead out of the nethermost depths, all the powers in the Heavens cried out: O Life-giver, Christ our God, glory be to Thee.
Ὅτε κατῆλθες πρὸς τὸν θάνατον, ἡ Ζωὴ ἡ ἀθάνατος, τότε τὸν ᾅδην ἐνέκρωσας τῇ ἀστραπῇ τῆς Θεότητος, ὅτε δὲ καὶ τοὺς τεθνεῶτας ἐκ τῶν καταχθονίων ἀνέστησας, πᾶσαι αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν ἐπουρανίων ἐκραύγαζον·Ζωοδότα Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Sun. of the Holy Cross in the First Mode

Save, O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou unto the faithful victory over adversaries. And by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.
Σώσον Κύριε τόν λαόν σου καί ευλόγησον τήν κληρονομίαν σου, νίκας τοίς Βασιλεύσι κατά βαρβάρων δωρούμενος καί τό σόν φυλάττων διά τού Σταυρού σου πολίτευμα.

Hymn of our Holy Trinity Church Community in the First Mode

O blessed are You, O Christ our God.  Who by sending down the Holy Spirit upon them, made the fisherman wise and through them illumined the world.  And to you the Universe was ever drawn, all glory to You, O Lord.

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!"
Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοὶ ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε, Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοί, Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Tenth Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 21:1-14

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἐφανέρωσεν ἑαυτὸν πάλιν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τοῖς μαθηταῖς ἐπὶ τῆς θαλάσσης τῆς Τιβεριάδος· ἐφανέρωσε δὲ οὕτως. ἦσαν ὁμοῦ Σίμων Πέτρος, καὶ Θωμᾶς ὁ λεγόμενος Δίδυμος, καὶ Ναθαναὴλ ὁ ἀπὸ Κανᾶ τῆς Γαλιλαίας, καὶ οἱ τοῦ Ζεβεδαίου, καὶ ἄλλοι ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ δύο. λέγει αὐτοῖς Σίμων Πέτρος· ὑπάγω ἁλιεύειν. λέγουσιν αὐτῷ· ἐρχόμεθα καὶ ἡμεῖς σὺν σοί. ἐξῆλθον καὶ ἐνέβησαν εἰς τὸ πλοῖον εὐθύς, καὶ ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ νυκτὶ ἐπίασαν οὐδέν. πρωΐας δὲ ἤδη γενομένης ἔστη ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἰς τὸν αἰγιαλόν· οὐ μέντοι ᾔδεισαν οἱ μαθηταὶ ὅτι ᾿Ιησοῦς ἐστι. λέγει οὖν αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· παιδία, μή τι προσφάγιον ἔχετε; ἀπεκρίθησαν αὐτῷ· οὔ. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· βάλετε εἰς τὰ δεξιὰ μέρη τοῦ πλοίου τὸ δίκτυον, καὶ εὑρήσετε. ἔβαλον οὖν, καὶ οὐκέτι αὐτὸ ἑλκύσαι ἴσχυσαν ἀπὸ τοῦ πλήθους τῶν ἰχθύων. λέγει οὖν ὁ μαθητὴς ἐκεῖνος, ὃν ἠγάπα ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς, τῷ Πέτρῳ· ὁ Κύριός ἐστι. Σίμων οὖν Πέτρος ἀκούσας ὅτι ὁ Κύριός ἐστι, τὸν ἐπενδύτην διεζώσατο· ἦν γὰρ γυμνός· καὶ ἔβαλεν ἑαυτὸν εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν· οἱ δὲ ἄλλοι μαθηταὶ τῷ πλοιαρίῳ ἦλθον· οὐ γὰρ ἦσαν μακρὰν ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς, ἀλλ᾽ ὡς ἀπὸ πηχῶν διακοσίων, σύροντες τὸ δίκτυον τῶν ἰχθύων. ὡς οὖν ἀπέβησαν εἰς τὴν γῆν, βλέπουσιν ἀνθρακιὰν κειμένην καὶ ὀψάριον ἐπικείμενον καὶ ἄρτον. λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· ἐνέγκατε ἀπὸ τῶν ὀψαρίων ὧν ἐπιάσατε νῦν. ἀνέβη Σίμων Πέτρος καὶ εἵλκυσε τὸ δίκτυον ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, μεστὸν ἰχθύων μεγάλων ἑκατὸν πεντήκοντα τριῶν· καὶ τοσούτων ὄντων οὐκ ἐσχίσθη τὸ δίκτυον. λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· δεῦτε ἀριστήσατε. οὐδεὶς δὲ ἐτόλμα τῶν μαθητῶν ἐξετάσαι αὐτὸν σὺ τίς εἶ, εἰδότες ὅτι ὁ Κύριός ἐστιν. ἔρχεται οὖν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς καὶ λαμβάνει τὸν ἄρτον καὶ δίδωσιν αὐτοῖς, καὶ τὸ ὀψάριον ὁμοίως. Τοῦτο ἤδη τρίτον ἐφανερώθη ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ ἐγερθεὶς ἐκ νεκρῶν.

Tenth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:1-14

At that time, being raised from the dead, Jesus revealed himself to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.


Epistle Reading

Προκείμενον. Plagal Second Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 27.9,1.
Σῶσον, Κύριε τὸν λαὸν σου καὶ εὐλόγησον τὴν κληρονομίαν σου.
Στίχ. Πρὸς σἐ, Κύριε, κεκράξομαι ὁ Θεός μου.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 4:14-16, 5:1-6.

Ἀδελφοί, ἔχοντες οὖν ἀρχιερέα μέγαν, διεληλυθότα τοὺς οὐρανούς, Ἰησοῦν τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ θεοῦ, κρατῶμεν τῆς ὁμολογίας. Οὐ γὰρ ἔχομεν ἀρχιερέα μὴ δυνάμενον συμπαθῆσαι ταῖς ἀσθενείαις ἡμῶν, πεπειραμένον δὲ κατὰ πάντα καθʼ ὁμοιότητα, χωρὶς ἁμαρτίας. Προσερχώμεθα οὖν μετὰ παρρησίας τῷ θρόνῳ τῆς χάριτος, ἵνα λάβωμεν ἔλεον, καὶ χάριν εὕρωμεν εἰς εὔκαιρον βοήθειαν. Πᾶς γὰρ ἀρχιερεύς, ἐξ ἀνθρώπων λαμβανόμενος, ὑπὲρ ἀνθρώπων καθίσταται τὰ πρὸς τὸν θεόν, ἵνα προσφέρῃ δῶρά τε καὶ θυσίας ὑπὲρ ἁμαρτιῶν· μετριοπαθεῖν δυνάμενος τοῖς ἀγνοοῦσιν καὶ πλανωμένοις, ἐπεὶ καὶ αὐτὸς περίκειται ἀσθένειαν· καὶ διὰ ταύτην ὀφείλει, καθὼς περὶ τοῦ λαοῦ, οὕτως καὶ περὶ ἑαυτοῦ, προσφέρειν ὑπὲρ ἁμαρτιῶν. Καὶ οὐχ ἑαυτῷ τις λαμβάνει τὴν τιμήν, ἀλλὰ καλούμενος ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ, καθάπερ καὶ Ἀαρών. Οὕτως καὶ ὁ Χριστὸς οὐχ ἑαυτὸν ἐδόξασεν γενηθῆναι ἀρχιερέα, ἀλλʼ ὁ λαλήσας πρὸς αὐτόν, Υἱός μου εἶ σύ, ἐγὼ σήμερον γεγέννηκά σε. Καθὼς καὶ ἐν ἑτέρῳ λέγει, Σὺ ἱερεὺς εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισεδέκ.

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
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 8:34-38, 9:1

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· Εἴ τις θέλει ὀπίσω μου ἐλθεῖν, ἀπαρνησάσθω ἑαυτὸν καὶ ἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι. ὃς γὰρ ἂν θέλῃ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ σῶσαι, ἀπολέσει αὐτήν· ὃς δ᾿ ἂν ἀπολέσῃ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ψυχὴν ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ καὶ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, οὗτος σώσει αὐτήν. τί γὰρ ὠφελήσει ἄνθρωπον ἐὰν κερδήσῃ τὸν κόσμον ὅλον, καὶ ζημιωθῇ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ; ἢ τί δώσει ἄνθρωπος ἀντάλλαγμα τῆς ψυχῆς αὐτοῦ; ὃς γὰρ ἐὰν ἐπαισχυνθῇ με καὶ τοὺς ἐμοὺς λόγους ἐν τῇ γενεᾷ ταύτῃ τῇ μοιχαλίδι καὶ ἁμαρτωλῷ, καὶ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐπαισχυνθήσεται αὐτὸν ὅταν ἔλθῃ ἐν τῇ δόξῃ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἀγγέλων τῶν ἁγίων. Καὶ ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι εἰσί τινες τῶν ὧδε ἑστηκότων, οἵτινες οὐ μὴ γεύσωνται θανάτου ἕως ἂν ἴδωσι τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐληλυθυῖαν ἐν δυνάμει.

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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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
April 04

Righteous Zosimas

Saint Zosimas was a monk from Palestine who lived in a monastery since his infancy. He became famous for his spiritual qualities, but searching for further illumination he went to a new monastery in the desert. The monks of this particular monastery left every year for the desert from the first week of Great Lent until Palm Sunday so as to live in complete isolation.

One year, Zosimas saw a shadowy figure in the distance and, chasing after it, discovered a female ascetic by the name of Mary (see April 1st and the 5th Sunday of Great Lent). Mary instructed Zosimas to meet her at the Jordan River on Holy Thursday of the following year to giver her Holy Communion. He did this and was again instructed by her to meet her yet again the next year during Great Lent. Zosimas entered the desert at the appointed time the following year and found the body of the blessed Mary lying dead near the place he first encountered her. A lion approached to dig a grave for Mary, and Zosimas recited the usual burial prayers. He returned to his monastery and spread the news about this blessed woman. Zosimas remained in that monastery until his death the age of 100.


Allsaint
April 04

George the Righteous of Maleon

This Saint took up the monastic life from his youth, and went to Mount Maleon, where a community of monks gathered about him. He foretold his death from three years before, and reposed in an odour of sanctity.


Allsaint
April 05

Monk-Martyrs Claudius, Diodore, Victor, Victorinus, and those with them

Of these Martyrs, Saint Claudius died when his arms and legs were severed; Saint Diodore was burned alive; Saints Victor, Victorinus, and Nicephorus were crushed to death by a large boulder; Saint Serapion was burned alive; Saint Pappias was cast into the sea. According to some accounts, they contested in Corinth under Decius in 251; according to others, in Diospolis in Egypt under Numerian in 284.


Allsaint
April 06

Eutychius, Patriarch of Constantinople

Born in Theia Kome of Phrygia, Eutychius was the son of illustrious parents, from whom he received a pious upbringing. He studied in Constantinople, and became a monk in a certain monastery of Amasia. In 552 he was chosen Patriarch of New Rome, but was exiled in 565 as a result of the machinations of the Origenists. In 577 he was restored to his throne and reposed on April 6, 582.


03_calvary
April 04

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.


Allsaint
April 07

Calliopus and Akylina the Martyrs

The holy Martyr Calliopius was from Perga in Pamphylia, brought up in piety by his godly mother Theocleia. When the persecution of Maximian broke out, Saint Calliopius presented himself of his own accord before the Governor Maximus in Pompeiopolis of Galatia. After he had suffered many torments, his mother visited him in prison and encouraged him in his martyrdom. After this, his thrice-blessed mother, upon learning that he was to be crucified on Holy and Great Thursday, bribed the tyrants to defer it one day, that he might imitate the Lord's Crucifixion on the same day that He suffered it. The holy Martyr Calliopius received the crown of martyrdom on Holy and Great Friday in the year 304, being crucified upside down.


Allsaint
April 07

Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and Enlightener of North America

Born in 1865 in the region of Pskov, our Father among the Saints Tikhon was tonsured a monk in 1891 and ordained to the priesthood in the same year. In 1897 he was consecrated Bishop of Lublin, and a year later appointed Bishop of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, with his see extending to all of North America from 1900 onwards. He did much to unite the Orthodox Christians of a great many ethnic backgrounds in North America, so that there was indeed one flock under one shepherd. In 1907 he was made Archbishop of Yaroslavl and Rostov, and in 1913, Archbishop of Lithuania.

In 1917, when he was Metropolitan of Moscow, he was elected to be the first Patriarch of Russia in over 200 years, in times that could not have been more difficult. After the Revolution of 1917, the persecution of the Russian Church by the atheist government grew more bold and more fierce with every year. By nature a meek and peace-loving man, Tikhon sought to determine, while giving only to God that which is God's, what could be given to Caesar to preserve peace and avoid the shedding of blood. At his departure on the feast of the Annunciation in 1925, Saint Tikhon made the sign of the Cross thrice, pronouncing the words, "Glory to Thee, O God!" Because of the many unspeakable sufferings he endures as Patriarch, he is honoured as a Confessor.

Note: St. Tikhon's repose was on the Feast of the Annunciation according to the Old Calendar (March 25), but on the New Calendar his repose falls on April 7.


Allsaint
April 09

The Holy Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea

This holy Martyr was from the parts of Cappadocia, and lived a blameless life with his wife. During the reign of Julian the Apostate, this blessed one was filled with divine zeal and, with other Christians, destroyed the pagan temple dedicated to Fortune. Because of this he received the crown of martyrdom by beheading in the year 362.


Allsaint
April 07

George, Bishop of Lesvos

The righteous George struggled in behalf of the holy icons, and reposed in peace about the year 821.


Raphnicholasirene
April 09

Raphael, Nicholas, Irene, & Olympias of Mytilene

For more on these saints, see Renewal (Bright) Tuesday.


Allsaint
April 10

Terence and his Companions beheaded at Carthage

These Saints were from Africa, and they all contested during the reign of Decius, in 251. After many torments, they were beheaded at the command of Fortunatus the Governor.


Climicus
April 11

Sunday of St. John Climacus

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on March 30, where his biography may be found. He is celebrated today because his book, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, is a sure guide to the ascetic life, written by a great man of prayer experienced in all forms of the monastic polity; it teaches the seeker after salvation how to lay a sound foundation for his struggles, how to detect and war against each of the passions, how to avoid the snares laid by the demons, and how to rise from the rudimental virtues to the heights of Godlike love and humility. It is held in such high esteem that it is universally read in its entirety in monasteries during the Great Fast.


Antipas
April 11

Antipas, Bishop of Pergamum

Saint Antipas was a contemporary of the holy Apostles, by whom he was made Bishop of Pergamum. He contested during the reign of Domitian, when he was cast, as it is said, into a bronze bull that had been heated exceedingly. The Evangelist John writes of him in the Book of Revelation, and says (as it were from the mouth of Christ, Who says to the Angel [that is, the Bishop] of the Church of Pergamum): "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is; and thou holdest fast My Name, and hast not denied My Faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful Martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth" (Rev. 2:13). The faithful pray to this Saint for ailments of the teeth.


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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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