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 Great Martyr Procopius in the Fourth Mode

Your Martyr, O Lord, was worthily awarded by You * the crown of incorruption, in that he contested for You our immortal God. * Since he possessed Your power, he defeated the tyrants, * dashing the demons' powerless displays of defiance. * O Christ God, at his fervent entreaties, save our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

O Protection of Christians that never falls, intercession with the Creator that never fails, we sinners beg you, do not ignore the voices of our prayers. O good Lady, we implore you, quickly come unto our aid, when we cry out to you with faith. Hurry to intercession, and hasten to supplication, O Theotokos who protect now and ever those who honor you.

Saints and Feasts

July 08

The Holy Great Martyr Procopius

The holy Martyr Procopius was born of a pious father named Christopher, but his mother Theodosia was an idolater. After Christopher's death, she presented Neanias - for this was the Saint's name before - to Diocletian, who was at Antioch in Syria. Diocletian made him Duke of Alexandria, and sent him there to punish the Christians. On the way to Alexandria, our Lord spoke to Neanias as once He had to Saul, and turned this new persecutor to faith in Him. Neanias turned back to Scythopolis, and preached Christ. He was betrayed by his own mother, and was arrested and tormented in Caesarea of Palestine. While he was in prison, the Lord appeared to him again and gave him the new name of Procopius (which is derived from the Greek word meaning "progress, advancement"). He was brought out of prison and taken to worship the idols, but at his prayer, the idols fell; many then believed in Christ and suffered martyrdom, among them certain soldiers, twelve women of senatorial rank, and the Saint's own mother, Theodosia. Saint Procopius, after further torments and imprisonment, was beheaded about the year 290.

July 08

Appearance of the Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos of Kazan

In Kazan, in 1579, the nine-year old Matrona, whose parents' home had burned down in a fire, had a dream in which she beheld an icon of the Theotokos and heard a voice commanding her to recover this icon from the ashes of the ruined house. The icon was found wrapped in an old piece of cloth under the stove, where it may have been hidden during the Tartar invasions. The icon was finally brought to the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, where it became renowned for the healings that the Mother of God wrought through it for the blind; hence the custom of praying before this holy icon for help in blindness and eye diseases. Tsar Ivan the Terrible had a convent built at the place of the icon's discovery; this, however, was destroyed by the Bolsheviks after the Revolution, and a factory was built in its stead. The feast was established in 1595. The icon of Kazan is one of the most beloved icons of the Mother of God in Russia.

July 09

The Holy Hieromartyr Pancratius, Bishop of Tauromenium in Sicily

This Saint, who was a contemporary of the Apostles, had Antioch as his homeland, where he was guided to the Faith of Christ by Peter, the Chief of the Apostles. Later, he came to Sicily, where he brought many to the Faith, and was finally put to death by the pagans.

July 10

45 Holy Martyrs of Nikopolis, Armenia

The Forty-five Martyrs of Nikopolis contested during the reign of Licinius, in the year 315. After many torments, they were burnt alive.

July 10

Deposition of the Precious Robe of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Moscow

After the Crucifixion of our Lord, His most precious robe was obtained by lot by a certain Elioz, a Georgian soldier who took part in the execution. He in turn brought it to Georgia where it remained until that land was overrun by the Persians. Shah Abbas, seeking to establish good relations with Tsar Michael Feodorovich, sent the Robe to Moscow as a gift for the Tsar and Patriarch Philaret. This took place in March of 1625, and was appointed to be celebrated on this day in July.

July 10

Righteous Father Anthony of the Kiev Caves

Saint Anthony, who was born in the province of Chernigov, was tonsured in the Monastery of Esphigmenou on the Holy Mountain, Athos, from whence he was sent by his abbot to Kiev to plant the monastic life in 1013, two years before the death of Saint Vladimir, Great Prince of Kiev. Dwelling at first as a hermit, the Saint gradually drew to himself others wishing to emulate his way of life. When the number of the brethren grew, a wooden church in honour of the Dormition of the Theotokos was built, thus laying the foundation of what was to become the renowned Kiev Caves Lavra. Refusing the abbotship, Saint Anthony entrusted this to his disciples, first to the blessed Barlaam, then to Saint Theodosius (See May 3), and his whole life struggled as a cave-dwelling hermit. He reposed in peace in 1073 at the age of ninety.

July 11

Euphemia the Great Martyr

In 451, during the reign of the Sovereigns Marcian and Pulcheria, the Fourth Ecumenical Council was convoked in Chalcedon against Eutyches and those of like mind with him. After much debate, the Fathers who were the defenders of Orthodoxy, being 630 in number, agreed among themselves and with those who were of contrary mind, to write their respective definitions of faith in separate books, and to ask God to confirm the truth in this matter. When they had prepared these texts, they placed the two tomes in the case that held Saint Euphemia's relics, sealed it, and departed. After three days of night-long supplications, they opened the reliquary in the presence of the Emperor, and found the tome of the heretics under the feet of the Martyr, and that of the Orthodox in her right hand. (For her life, see Sept. 16.)

July 11

The All-Praised Olga, Equal-to-the-Apostles, Princess of Kiev

Saint Olga, renowned for her wisdom and sobriety, in her youth became the wife of Igor, Great Prince of Kiev, who ruled during the tenth century. After her husband's death, she herself ruled capably, and was finally moved to accept the Faith of Christ. She traveled to Constantinople to receive Holy Baptism. The Emperor, seeing her outward beauty and inward greatness, asked her to marry him. She said she could not do this before she was baptized; she furthermore asked him to be her Godfather at the font, which he agreed to do. After she was baptized (receiving the name of Helen), the Emperor repeated his proposal of marriage. She answered that now he was her father, through holy Baptism, and that not even among the heathen was it heard of a man marrying his daughter. Gracefully accepting to be outwitted by her, he sent her back to her land with priests and sacred texts and holy icons. Although her son Svyatoslav remained a pagan, she planted the seed of faith in her grandson Vladimir (see July 15). She reposed in peace in 969.

July 12

Proclus & Hilary the Martyrs of Ancyra

These Martyrs contested in Ancyra in 106, during the reign of the Emperor Trajan. Saint Proclus was seized as a Christian and, confessing his faith, was burned on his sides and belly, was hung upon a beam with heavy stones tied to his feet, and finally was taken away to be shot with arrows. As he was being led forth, his nephew Hilary encountered him and greeted him, and was himself seized. After his uncle had been slain with arrows, Hilary, because he would not deny Christ, was tormented, then beheaded.

July 13

Synaxis of Archangel Gabriel

It is believed that the Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel was transferred to this day from March 26 so that it could be celebrated more festively than in the period of the Great Fast; and, in fact, all the miracles of the Archangel are celebrated on this feast day, which has been listed here in the church books since the ninth century.

July 13

Stephen of Mar Sabbas Monastery

According to some, the Saint Stephen celebrated today was a nephew of Saint John of Damascus, different from the one celebrated on October 28, who later also became a Bishop.

July 13

Holy Martyr Golinduc

Saint Golindoux was a Persian, living in the reign of Chosroes II, King of Persia (590-628), and of Maurice, Emperor of New Rome (582-602). Moved by a divine revelation to become a Christian, she was betrayed to Chosroes by her husband and was cast into a dungeon called Oblivion for eighteen years, withstanding all attempts to make her deny Christ, and preserved by the grace of God. Set at liberty through the visitation of an Angel, she went to Jerusalem, and then to Constantinople, where she fell asleep in peace. She was called Mary in holy Baptism.

July 14

Aquila the Apostle among the 70

Saint Aquila, who was from Pontus of Asia Minor, was a Jew by race and a tent-maker by trade. In the year 52 he and his wife Priscilla were in Corinth when Saint Paul first came there. They gave him hospitality, and the Apostle remained with them for many days, himself working at the same trade as they (Acts 18:2-3). And having believed in Christ through Paul, they followed him from that time on, working together with him and suffering perils with him for the sake of the preaching of the Gospel, as he himself testifies concerning them in his Epistle to the Romans, saying: "Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus: who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the nations" (Rom. 16:3-4). When and where they reposed is unknown.

July 14

Our Holy Father Joseph the Confessor, Archbishop of Thessalonica

Saint Joseph was the brother of Saint Theodore the Studite (see Nov. 11). He also is called Studite, especially when he is mentioned together with his brother. According to Codinus, both of them composed the canons of the Triodion during the reign of Leo the Armenian, while in the Church of Saint Romanus (see Nov. 18); he is not to be confused with Saint Joseph the Hymnographer (Apr. 3). When Saint Joseph became Archbishop of Thessalonica, he was exiled thrice because of his godly zeal for the holy icons, suffering many hardships, imprisonments in dark dungeons, hunger, thirst, and every tribulation, in the midst of which he departed unto eternal life in 833.

Ecclesiastical Feast

Of the 6th Sunday of Matthew.

Of the Holy Great-Martyr Prokopios, and our Righteous Father Theophilos the Myrrh-streamer of Athos.

Upcoming Church Services

Saturday, July 14

5:00 pm - Great Vespers

Saturday, July 21

5:00 pm - Great Vespers

Tuesday, July 24

7:00 pm - Ecumenical Vigil Service for Feast of St. Anna

AT Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament ON Woodward in Detroit

Saturday, July 28

NO Vespers

Wednesday, August 1

6:00 pm - Small Paraklesis

Friday, August 3

6:00 pm - Small Paraklesis

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Sixth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:36-53

At that time, Jesus, having risen from the dead, stood in the midst of his disciples and said to them, "Peace to you." But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? See my hands and feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them.

Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high."

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal First Mode. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 12:6-14.

Brethren, having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

Gospel Reading

6th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 9:1-8

At that time, getting into a boat Jesus crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say 'Rise and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" he then said to the paralytic -- "Rise, take up your bed and go home." And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

Wisdom of the Fathers

"Humility of soul helps more than everything else, however, and without it no one can overcome unchastity or any other sin – and not through his own effort and labor, but through the aid and protection of God."

St. John Cassian

Digging Deeper into the Divine Liturgy

by Fr. Anthony Cook

Part 46

Last week we outlined in full the portion of the Creed dealing with the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, the Son of God, Jesus Christ our Lord, and why it is the most substantial part of the Creed. This week we will continue from the name of the Lord and dig a little deeper into the next portion, as "the only-begotten Son of God," and what this means to us.

We should take careful note of how this is phrased. It does not say that Christ is the “only” Son of God, but that He is the only child of God that is begotten. As we know, of course, all of humankind are created and called to be children of God, sons and daughters of the Most-High…but only Christ has that particular, unique, intrinsic, eternal relationship with the Father that is characteristic of a natural Son. We are all children by creation, children by adoption since our rebellion. But Christ, as is indicated in many of the parables in the New Testament, is the heir, the very image of the Father’s glory.

Part 47

Last time we spoke of the reality that Jesus Christ is the only "begotten" Son of God, but that we are all called to be children of God. It is this work that Christ comes to accomplish, to reconcile us to the Father. However, the Fathers of the Church considered it a matter of paramount importance to emphasize that Jesus, although the Son of God, is truly and fully God, and not some lesser being. It is only because of the full and eternal Divinity of the Lord that we are able to be saved by His Incarnation, Death, and Resurrection. The points in the Creed that immediately follow emphasize this, and we will discuss them at length next week.

Part 48

We have been speaking about the beginning of the clause in the Creed which deals with the Son of God, Jesus Christ our Lord. It is important, both to our understanding of Who Christ is, and to our understanding of the history of the Christian Church, that we always begin with a discussion of His relationship with God the Father, as the "only-begotten Son of God." It is equally important, however, that we immediately offer the corrective for the misunderstanding which so easily follows upon that statement, that Christ, as the Son of God, must have been begotten at some later point, that He must be, in some sense, part of Creation, rather than the Creator Himself. These ideas, logical though they seem, are absolutely and utterly wrong, and are the essence of the heresy called "Arianism," the idea that the Son of God is lesser and later than the Father. It is explicitly to combat and rule out these ideas that we continue in the Creed with the explanation of how Christ was and was not begotten, that He is "begotten of the Father before all ages, Light of Light, True God of True God, begotten, not created, of one essence with the Father." With all this, we renounce the doctrines of Arius as utterly false, and affirm the full and complete Divinity, Infinity, and Eternal-ity of Christ our God.

We could easily discuss the details of this, the history of the heresy, the origins of the controversy, and the long and difficult process of its resolution, for weeks, if not months. The Church was troubled by the heresy for over 50 years, and indeed, we are still dealing with the repercussions of the heresy today, both in those confessions that remain Arian (such as the Mormons), and in the diversity and division of the many confessions of Christianity today, many of which trace their history to people groups that became Arians first when they left paganism, and only later embraced Orthodox Christianity, without ever fully reconciling with the ancient Church from which they had been estranged in their heresy. But to do so would be to go far afield from our topic, so let it suffice to say that this portion of the Creed is concerned with upholding the full Divinity of Christ, which all who are Orthodox MUST confess.

Announcements

From Fr. Anthony - Office Hours

The Church's office hours are 9-5 Monday-Friday, and you can stop by to speak with the office staff any time during those hours. If you have a specifically Church-related question, you should speak with Susan Solo, who is in the office Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday. If you need to meet with me, however, it's best to call first, as I may already be with another appointment, and am frequently called away to other visitations and appointments. If you prefer, I am happy to arrange a time in advance if you prefer. Please note that I am available for hospital visitations, but hospitals no longer give patient information to clergy. Please call me, or have someone in your family call me, so that I can come to visit you.

Church Etiquette

We ask that the doors of the Narthex be closed and no one enters the Church during the following portions of the service:

Epistle, Gospel, Sermon, Great Entrance, Creed, Consecration, and Lord's Prayer.

Please be respectful of the prayer and attention of those who are in the Church as you enter.

When it is time for Holy Communion, please remain in your pews until the young people of the Sunday school have finished receiving Communion. When they are finished, the Parish Council will usher you forward by row.

Forty-Day Blessing

The Forty-Day blessing today is for Kostadina Biselas and her mother, Amy. Congratulations to John and Amy on the birth of their daughter!

Sponsor Needed

Our annual Greek Festival will occur on Sunday, September 16, 2018! As in years past, we will again hold a raffle. We are seeking a donor to sponsor the raffle tickets this year (suggested donation: $500.00). If you are interested, please call the Church office and talk to Susan. Thank you.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We need coffee servers during the coffee hour on Sundays. If we do not have volunteers, we will not be able to have a coffee hour. Please consider serving our Lord in this capacity by signing up outside the church office. Thank you!

The Rule of Faith - Orthodox Study

Fr. Anthony prepares a weekly presentation on a catechetical topic, and posts an audio recording at theruleoffaith.typepad.com. You can comment there, call, email, or speak with him in person with comments or questions.

Literature Rack

To help make the Narthex area/candle counter congestion less, all flyers and news of interest, like festivals, fundraisers, etc., from our church and other churches will now be on the literature rack. Please look over the information that may be of interest to you.

Our Website: stgeorgesouthgate.org

We have a live calendar, video and audio recordings of sermons, services, and other events, and an archive of the last two months' Sunday bulletin. You can also reserve and pay for your seat to any upcoming lunch or dinner.

Email Info: stgeorgesouthgate@gmail.com

If you would like our weekly bulletin emailed to you, or to receive any other pertinent information from the Church, please call or e-mail us your information.

"Like" Us on Facebook!

Be sure to "like" the Church's facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/StGeorgeGOCSouthgate/)! Events and happenings are posted here as well as on our website.

Address Changes

If you have a new address, landline/cell number, and/or email address, please submit this information to the Church office so its records are up to date. Thank you!

FOCUS DETROIT SUMMER FEEDING PROGRAM 

"June through August FOCUS Detroit has a variety of hours, times (morning and evening), and days (even a couple Sunday nights) when you, your family or your group can volunteer to help prepare, assemble and serve children summer meals in person." We urge you all to sign-up at least once and take part in this wonderful opportunity. Please feel free to speak with Fr. Anthony, Eleni Gikas, Christian Tougas, or Bernie Malonson with any questions about what is involved, as we have all gone at least once.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0b48adaf2cabff2-help

Upcoming Events

Thursday, July 19

Noon - Seniors Luncheon

7:00 pm - Parish Council

Tuesday, July 31

7:00 pm - Investment Oversight

Please note:

Great Vespers services and some other events may be cancelled in July depending on the birth of Fr. & Presvytera's child. Please check the calendar on the website for up-to-date information.

Coffee Servers

Today: Peggy Ott

Volunteers are needed!

Please sign-up outside the Church office next to the bulletin board.

We need coffee servers during the coffee hour on Sundays. If we do not have volunteers, we will not be able to have a coffee hour. Please consider serving our Lord in this capacity. Thank you!

Memorial Service

Harry Grias - 40 days

Zaharoula Karaboyas - 40 days

May the Lord our God grant rest to their souls where the righteous repose, in a place where there is no pain, no sorrow, and no suffering, but rather everlasting life.

May their memory be eternal.

A light luncheon is given by both families. All are invited.

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Apolytikion for Great Martyr Procopius in the Fourth Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

Saints and Feasts

The Holy Great Martyr Procopius

Appearance of the Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos of Kazan

The Holy Hieromartyr Pancratius, Bishop of Tauromenium in Sicily

45 Holy Martyrs of Nikopolis, Armenia

Deposition of the Precious Robe of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Moscow

Righteous Father Anthony of the Kiev Caves

Euphemia the Great Martyr

The All-Praised Olga, Equal-to-the-Apostles, Princess of Kiev

Proclus & Hilary the Martyrs of Ancyra

Synaxis of Archangel Gabriel

Stephen of Mar Sabbas Monastery

Holy Martyr Golinduc

Aquila the Apostle among the 70

Our Holy Father Joseph the Confessor, Archbishop of Thessalonica

Ecclesiastical Feast

Upcoming Church Services

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Wisdom of the Fathers

Digging Deeper into the Divine Liturgy

Announcements

Upcoming Events

Coffee Servers

Memorial Service