Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Mode

The stone had been secured with a seal by the Judeans, * and a guard of soldiers was watching Your immaculate body. * You rose on the third day, O Lord * and Savior, granting life unto the world. * For this reason were the powers of heaven crying out to You, O Life-giver: * Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ; * glory to Your eternal rule; * glory to Your dispensation, only One who loves mankind.

Apolytikion for Gregory the Illuminator in the Fourth Mode

Becoming a partner with the Apostles in way of life and successor to their thrones, O God-inspired Saint, in the active life you found an entrance to contemplation. Hence you rightly expounded the word of truth, and you shed your blood in struggling for the faith, O Hieromartyr Gregory. Intercede with Christ our God, beseeching Him to save our souls.

Apolytikion for the Church in the Fourth Mode

Liberator of captives, defender of the poor, physician of the sick and champion of kings, O trophy-bearer Great Martyr George, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.

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

September 30

Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop of Armenia

This Saint, a Parthian by race, was the son of Anak. He was born about the year 240 and was taught the Faith of Christ in Caesarea of Cappadocia. He entered the service of Tiridates, King of Armenia, but when discovered to be a Christian, he was subjected to many horrible torments at the King's hands, then was cast into a pit of mire with poisonous serpents and left to die. By the power of God, however, he abode there unharmed for fourteen years, his needs provided by a certain widow, until he was made known by revelation and set free. He converted to piety innumerable multitudes of Armenians, including Tiridates himself, and was consecrated bishop by Leontius, Archbishop of Caesarea, to shepherd the vast flock he had gained for Christ. He spent the last part of his life in retirement in the ascetical discipline, and reposed in peace about the year 325. Saint Gregory is honoured as the Illuminator of Armenia.

October 01

The Holy Protection of the Theotokos

The Feast of the Protection commemorates the appearance of the most holy Theotokos in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople in the early sixth century, as recorded in the life of Saint Andrew the Fool for Christ's sake. While the multitudes of the faithful were gathered in church, Epiphanius, the friend of Saint Andrew, through the Saint's prayers, beheld the Virgin Mary above the faithful and spreading out her veil over them, signifying her unceasing protection of all Christians. Because of this we keep a yearly feast of gratitude, imploring our Lady never to cease sheltering us in her mighty prayers.

In the Greek tradition, this feast is celebrated on October 28, while in the Slavic tradition, this feast is celebrated on October 1.

October 01

Ananias, Apostle of the 70

Saint Ananias, whose name means "God is gracious," was from Damascus, where by divine revelation he was commanded to baptize the Apostle Paul (Acts 9: 10-17). He completed the course of martyrdom when he was stoned to death during the proconsulate of Lucian.

October 01

Romanos the Melodist

Saint Romanos flourished during the reign of Anastasius (491-518). He was from Emesa of Syria, and apparently was born of Jewish parents, for a hymn written in his honour in Greek says he was "of Hebrew stock," and it has furthermore been noted that he uses many Semitic idioms in his writings. He was baptized an Orthodox Christian, and at some time became a deacon in the Church of Beirut. He was the first composer of the kontakia, the foremost of which is that of the feast of Christ's Nativity, On this day the Virgin .... In composing many of his kontakia. Saint Romanos was inspired by the hymns of Saint Ephraim of Syria.

October 02

The Holy Hieromartyr Cyprian and the Virgin Martyr Justina

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.

October 03

Dionysios the Areopagite

This Saint was from Athens, a learned man, and a member of the famous judicial court of Mars Hill (in Greek Aeros Pagos, hence the name Areopagite (see Acts 17:19-34). When Saint Paul preached in Athens, he was one of the first there to believe in Christ, and, according to some, became the first bishop of that city. Others say -- and this may be more probable--that he was the second Bishop of Athens, after Saint Hierotheus, whom Dionysios calls his friend and teacher "after Paul" (On the Divine Names, 3:2). With Saint Hierotheus he was also present at the Dormition of the most holy Theotokos; the Doxasticon of the Aposticha for the service of the Dormition is partly taken from a passage in Chapter III of On the Divine Names. According to ancient tradition, he received a martyr's end (according to some, in Athens itself) about the year 96.

October 04

Hierotheus, Bishop of Athens

According to some, Hierotheus, like Saint Dionysius, was a member of the court of Mars Hill. Having first been instructed in the Faith of Christ by Paul, he became Bishop of Athens. He, in turn, initiated the divine Dionysius more perfectly into the mysteries of Christ; the latter, on his part, elaborated more clearly and distinctly Hierotheus' concise and summary teachings concerning the Faith. He too was brought miraculously by the power of the Holy Spirit to be present at the Dormition of the Theotokos, when, together with the sacred Apostles, he became a leader of the divine hymnody. "He was wholly transported, wholly outside himself and was so deeply absorbed in communion with the sacred things he celebrated in hymnology, that to all who heard him and saw him and knew him, and yet knew him not, he seemed to be inspired of God, a divine hymnographer," as Dionysius says (On the Divine Names, 3:2). Having lived in a manner pleasing to God, he reposed in the Lord.

October 05

Peter, Alexis, Jonah, Hermogenes & Tikhon, Metropolitans of Moscow

The feast of the Hierarchs of Moscow was established during the reign of Tsar Theodore Ioannovich and Patriarch Job in the year 1596. Their individual feasts are: Saint Peter (+1326), December 21, and August 24, translation of holy relics; Saint Alexis (+14th cent.), February 12, and May 20, recovery of holy relics; Saint Jonah (+1461), March 31 and June 15, with the recovery of his holy relics celebrated on May 27. In 1875, at the proposal of Metropolitan Innocent of Moscow, to this feast was joined the commemoration of Saint Philip of Moscow (+1569), whose feast is kept on January 9, and the recovery of his holy relics on July 3. In more recent times, the holy Patriarchs Hermogenes (+1612) and Tikhon (+1925) have been added to the Synaxis. Saint Hermogenes, who was starved to death by the Poles, is also celebrated on February 17 and May 12, and Saint Tikhon, a confessor under the atheist yoke, on March 25. the Menaion service itself makes reference only to Saints Peter, Alexis, Jonah, and Philip.

October 06

The Holy and Glorious Apostle Thomas

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.

Ecclesiastical Feast

Of the 2nd Sunday of Luke.

Of the Holy Hieromartyr Gregory, Bishop of Greater Armenia, the Enlightener.

Upcoming Church Services

Saturday, October 6

5:00 pm - Great Vespers

Saturday, October 13

5:00 pm - Great Vespers

Saturday, October 20

5:00 pm - Great Vespers

Thursday, October 25

5:00-7:00 pm - Vespural Liturgy

Saturday, October 27

5:00 pm - Great Vespers

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

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

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

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. First Mode. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 9:6-11.

Brethren, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

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."

Wisdom of the Fathers

"If someone wants to be protected from tricks and remain healthy in the faith, he must confine his faith first to the authority of the Holy Scriptures, and secondly to the Tradition of the Church. But someone may ask, is not the canon of Scripture sufficient for everything, and why should we add thereto the authority of Tradition? This is because not everyone understands the Scriptures in the same way, but one explains them this way and another that way, so that it is possible to get therefrom as many thoughts as there are heads. Therefore it is necessary to be guided by the understanding of the Church ... What is tradition? It is that which has been understood by everyone, everywhere and at all times ... that which you have received, and not that which you have thought up ... So then, our job is not to lead religion where we wish it to go, but to follow it where it leads, and not to give that which is our own to our heirs, but to guard that which has been given to us."

St. Vincent of Lerins

Digging Deeper into the Divine Liturgy

by Fr. Anthony Cook

Part 63

We talked last time about how this phrase, that the Lord “rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures,” marks the beginning of the second half of the Creed, and that this movement from the first half to the second half also marks the Crucifixion and Resurrection of the Lord as the central point of history. On the one hand, all Creation, throughout time, up to that point, was eagerly awaiting the redemption that was to come through the Lord’s entrance into history, His assumption of our fallen nature, His healing of our brokenness, and the brokenness of all that is. On the other, all Creation since that point, and above all we ourselves, look back to that moment of the Lord’s Passion and Resurrection as the New Beginning for all that is. It is for this reason that, in the Church, the observance of this “third day” of the Lord’s Resurrection is remembered and celebrated as the “Eighth Day” of Creation, the beginning of a New Week, the establishment of a New Creation - and for this reason as well, we celebrate what is commonly called Bright Week, the week after Easter, more literally as the “Week of the New Creation,” as a foretaste of the glory that is being revealed in us.

In affirming that the Lord rose from the dead on the Third Day, we also affirm, once again, the historicity of this event. It isn’t just a story, in which details don’t matter, or in which details are manipulated to fit expectations. There is a clear and broadly accepted narrative, affirmed by multiple eyewitnesses, and in all it is unquestioned that this is the way it happened. Not after three full 24-hour days (for that would result in the Lord rising sometime Monday afternoon), but on the third day, as He gave up His spirit in the middle of the afternoon on Friday (the 1st day), lay in the tomb all day Saturday (the 2nd day), and rose from the dead in the middle of the night early Sunday morning (the 3rd day).

That also comes back to what is often seen in the hymnography of the Church, and in the Church’s theological understanding of the significance of this point. In lying in the tomb, the Lord completed the week of His Passion with a day of rest, in the tomb, on the Sabbath Day of Rest observed under the Law by the Hebrew people, in accordance with the Law of Moses, and in a reflection of the narrative of the 7 Days of Creation in Genesis. In this, the Church sees the Lord intentionally fulfilling a hidden prophecy contained in the first verses of Scripture, that the Creation account is not just describing what God DID, in the past, in the first moments of His creative action, but is communicating to us what God DOES to complete and perfect His Creation, to make it indeed “very good,” as is repeated throughout the Genesis account. Thus Christ, lying in the tomb on the 2nd day of His Death, the 7th Day of the sacred week, is indeed God, resting from all His labors. And when He rises from the dead on the 3rd day, the 1st day of the new week, it is indeed the previously unknown, but much hoped for 8th Day of the New Creation, the beginning of the age of the Church, of Christ in our midst, in which we are blessed to participate, to which we are called, for which we are ordained as a royal priesthood, a chosen generation, a holy nation, a people chosen by God to show forth the praises of Him Who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. And behold, it is indeed very good.

All this, then, is proclaimed and understood “according to the Scriptures,” which we must recognize did not originally mean what we assume now that it means, that this account of the Lord’s Passion, His Crucifixion, Burial, Resurrection, etc, is known to us because of the witness of the Apostles in the Four Gospels of the New Testament. It is true, of course, that this is indeed how we know about the Lord’s Incarnation, His saving presence in this world - but originally, this phrase “according to the Scriptures” referred to the Old Testament, to the prophecies of the coming of the Lord, and more broadly, then, to the fact that all creation has been yearning to see the great and terrible Day of the Lord, to be delivered from sin and corruption by the Creator Himself, present within His Creation. That the Lord rose from the dead on the third day, according to the Scriptures, not only marks the transition point from the age of expectation of the Messiah to the age of His presence in our midst, but it knits the two together into a seamless whole, so that it is all of us, all Creation, all of time and space, that is delivered and healed and sanctified and brought into communion with God Himself. And therefore, we rejoice greatly every Pascha, and every Sunday, as we celebrate the Lord’s resurrection, and the revelation of this great hope and joy to our eyes and our hearts.

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.

Sunday School

Our Sunday School started last Sunday! Children must have been 3 years old by Sept. 23, to enter the pre-K classroom. Thank you for your understanding. If you have not registered your child, please do so at the Reservation Table.

DeBuck's Corn Maze - TODAY!

The Ladies of Lydia have planned an outing to DeBuck's Corn Maze next Sunday, Sept. 30, after Church. Your child has been given a flyer to bring home with all the details!

Christmas Play Sign-up

Please sign-up your child for this year's Christmas Play (Sun., Dec. 23) on the wall across from the Church office. All parts are first come, first serve basis, so please sign-up your child asap. Rehearsals start Sun., Nov. 4, from 12:30-1:15 pm, in the Activity Room (except Sun., Nov. 25). Your child MUST ATTEND at least 4 rehearsals. Final Dress rehearsal will be Sat., Dec. 22, in the Grecian Center at noon. Please call Alesia Grinstead with questions at 734.341.4116.

Greek School Begins!

Greek School begins this Tuesday, October 2, from 5:30-7:30 pm!

Choir Spaghetti Luncheon

Next Sunday we'll have our Choir Spaghetti Luncheon in the Parthenon Hall following Divine Liturgy. You can reserve your seat today at the Registration Table, or online on our website. See the flyer at the literature rack.

Orthodox Life

We will be resuming a parish Bible Study this fall, Tuesday evenings from 6 to 7. We will begin this week, October 2, in the Library of the Church. We hope to see you all there!

Holy Trinity Monastery Benefit Dinner

If you are interested in the Benefit Dinner for the Monastery, please see the flyer on the Literature Rack for tickets. It will be held on Saturday, October 13, at Annunciation Cathedral in Detroit.

Fall General Assembly

On Sunday, October 14, we'll have our Fall General Assembly, following the Divine Liturgy, in the Apollo Hall. To participate, families must have paid their 2018 Stewardship in full or at least $250; for Seniors to participate, you must have paid your 2018 Stewardship in full or at least $170. Please speak with Susan in the Church office if you need to know where you stand regarding your stewardship for 2018.

Welcome Back! Luncheon

The Philoptochos is hosting a "Welcome Back" luncheon on Sunday, October 21, immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Cost: 12 years and up - $15.00/pp; 11 and under - Free! Please make your reservations online (starting Wednesday) or at the Reservation Table.

Greek Fest Winning Raffle Tickets!

1st Place: #5181; 2nd Place: #5518; 3rd Place: #5249! Congrats to all who won!

FOCUS Detroit Bags of Food for Needy Schoolchildren - Volunteers and Donations Needed!

Please note the new day and time - the third Thursday of each month!

Please use the link below to get to the sign-up sheet for this monthly event. You will notice that you can now sign-up all the way through May if you'd like. Please remember to list how many from your family will be coming to help out. Our goal is to provide enough supplies for all the bags ourselves! Please consider donating any of the following: Boxes of individual oatmeal packets - Cereal bowls or small individual cereal boxes - Fruit cups - Individual Cheez-Its or Goldfish bags - Mac & Cheese Cups - Chef Boyardee/Spaghettios pop top cans or cups - Ramen Noodles - Fruit snacks (the kind with real fruit juice and added Vitamin C 100%) - Cereal bars or ganola bars. Please call Eleni Gikas at 313.300.4903 to let her know what you plan to donate, or if you prefer to make a cash donation. All donated items can be dropped off in the Activity Room.

Our next meeting date will be on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, at 6:00 pm.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044facaa23a0f94-food1

Upcoming Events

Today

Coffee Hour in Apollo Hall

DeBuck's Corn Maze (after Sunday School)

Tuesday, October 2

5:30-7:30 pm - Greek School Begins

6:00 pm - Orthodox Life

Wednesday, October 3

7:00 pm - Philoptochos

Saturday, October 6

4:30-5:45 pm - Byzantine Chant-Kids

Sunday, October 7

After Liturgy - Choir Spaghetti Luncheon

Saturday, October 13

4:30-5:45 pm - Byzantine Chant-Kids

Coffee Servers

TODAY: Aphrodite Kostopoulos, Magda Voltzikos

10/7: Choir Spaghetti Luncheon

10/14: Lauren Tougas

10/21: Philoptochos "Welcome Back" Luncheon

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. Please consider serving our Lord in this capacity. Thank you!

Memorial Service

There are no memorials today.

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Mode

Apolytikion for Gregory the Illuminator in the Fourth Mode

Apolytikion for the Church in the Fourth Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

Saints and Feasts

Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop of Armenia

The Holy Protection of the Theotokos

Ananias, Apostle of the 70

Romanos the Melodist

The Holy Hieromartyr Cyprian and the Virgin Martyr Justina

Dionysios the Areopagite

Hierotheus, Bishop of Athens

Peter, Alexis, Jonah, Hermogenes & Tikhon, Metropolitans of Moscow

The Holy and Glorious Apostle Thomas

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