Sundays:
9 am - Orthros
10 am - Divine Liturgy
Weekday Services:
Please check the Sacred Services schedule in the bulletin or call the Church office.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Fr. Seraphim Dedes
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Fr. Seraphim Dedes
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Fr. Seraphim Dedes
According to the ancient tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was born of barren and aged parents, Joachim and Anna, about the year 16 or 17 before the birth of Christ. Joachim was descended from the royal line of David, of the tribe of Judah. Anna was of the priestly tribe of Levi, a daughter of the priest Matthan and Mary, his wife.
Today, the day following the Nativity of the most holy Theotokos, we celebrate the synaxis of Saints Joachim and Anna, honouring them as her parents.
Saint Severian, a senator from Sebastia, was both an illustrious man of wealth and a fearless Christian. Because he encouraged the holy Forty Martyrs of Sebastia to stand fast in their confession, he was given over to terrible torments, and received his own crown during the reign of Licinius and Lysius the Duke, about the year 315.
These Martyrs, sisters according to the flesh, were from Bithynia. They lived in virginity on a mountain near the Pythian hot springs of Bithynia, devoting themselves to asceticism and prayer. Betrayed to the local governor, Fronto, they were subjected to frightful tortures, and so gave up their holy souls into the hands of God. They contested for the Faith during the reign of Maximian, in the year 304.
This saint lived in the fifth century. Out of remorse for the adultery that she committed with another man, she fled from her husband's house, renamed herself Theodore, clothed herself as a man, and pretending to be a eunuch, entered a monastery of men. Her identity as a woman was discovered only after her death.
This saint was a bishop in Italy. Fleeing from the persecution of Diocletian in 298, he came to Bithynia, where he went from place to place converting many from the idols to the true God. Because of this, one day as he was celebrating the Divine Liturgy in the Church of the Archangels, they who worshipped wood and stones fell upon him and beat him to death with staves and stones.
The church that is honoured far above all others is that of the Holy Resurrection, which Saint Constantine the Great constructed at the place of Golgotha, where our Saviour was crucified and buried. For a long time this place had been purposely buried beneath the earth by the Jews and heathen; furthermore, during the reign of Hadrian (117-138), a temple dedicated to Aphrodite was built over the site so that this sacred place might be even further desecrated and fall into utter oblivion. It was here that the Cross was hidden. However, at the command of the pious Emperor Constantine, excavations were made and the tokens of the saving Passion were found. It was here, then, that the very great and magnificent temple named in honour of Christ God's Resurrection-the Anastasis-was built under the supervision of the blessed Helen, while Dracilian was Eparch of Palestine and Macarius was Archbishop of Jerusalem. It was the latter, also, who exalted the venerable Cross and performed the consecration of this temple in the year 336.
Saint Cornelius was a Roman by race, a pagan by religion, a centurion in rank, an inhabitant of Caesarea of Palestine, a man pious and God-fearing who gave many alms to the people and prayed continually unto God. In accordance with an angelic vision granted to him, he sent to Joppa that they might bring the Apostle Peter. Saint Peter catechized him in the Faith of Christ and baptized all his household (Acts, ch.10). This became the beginning and the first fruits of the calling of the nations. It is said that, after this, he became a bishop, as some say, of Caesarea; but others say of Scepsis, which is not far from Troas; and that he died as a martyr.
Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the cross, about the year 325. A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been suffered. The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation. At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, "Lord have mercy." It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country (see Jan. 22, Saint Anastasius the Persian). Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place.
Rest from labour. A Fast is observed today, whatever day of the week it may be.
Of the Sunday Before the Elevation of the Cross.
The Nativity of our All-Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary.
Friday, September 13
7:30 pm - Vespers AT HOLY CROSS IN FARMINGTON HILLS
Saturday, September 14
Exaltation of the Holy Cross
8:50 & 10 am - Orthros/Liturgy
5:00 pm - Great Vespers
Saturday, September 21
5:00 pm - Great Vespers
Saturday, September 28
5:00 pm - Great Vespers
The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
The Reading is from Luke 1:39-49, 56
In those days, Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."
And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name." And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.
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 Galatians 6:11-18.
Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from John 3:13-17
The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."
Please remember in your prayers the following:
Lillian Constantakis, John Bass, Anastasia Handrinos, Nick, Bobbie, & Aleko Tsahtsiris, Bobby Cotton, Gary, Deborah.
If you would like the Church to pray for you, please contact the Church office to add your name, of the names of your loved ones, to the Prayer List. If you are willing to serve in the visitation ministry of the Church, calling or visiting those who are shut in at home or sick in the hospitals or nursing homes, please contact the Church office.
Please note that Fr. Anthony is available for hospital visitations, but hospitals no longer give patient information to clergy. Please call Fr. Anthony, or have someone in your family call him, so that he can come to visit you.
From Fr. Anthony
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 general Church-related question, you should speak with Susan Solo, who is in the office Tuesday, Wednesday, and 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.
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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 members of the Parish Council come to your pew to usher you forward by row. In this way, we can ensure that our approaching of the Sacred Mysteries will be accomplished in an appropriate and orderly manner.
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OPA Family Event -- Today!
The St. George Orthodox Parents Association (OPA) is hosting a bon fire, pizza, and s'mores family event in the Park from 1:00-3:00 pm today. Come and enjoy the fellowship!
This Saturday's Service
For this Saturday's Service for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, please bring any sprigs of basil with you to the Liturgy. Thanks!
Welcome Back! Luncheon
The Ladies Philoptochos are hosting a Welcome Back! Luncheon on Sunday, September 22, following Divine Liturgy. Cost: Adults 12 years & up: $15; Children 11 & under: free. Please make your reservations at the Reservation Table, online, or the Church office no later than Wed., Sept. 18. You can also become a sponsor of this luncheon by filling out the bottom portion of the form.
During the luncheon, we are having an Organization Fair, to give all of us a chance see the different groups and ministries of our Church, and consider serving the Lord and getting more involved in the Church in one of the many areas presented.
Sunday School News!
Please mark your calendars for Sunday, Sept. 22 - the start of Sunday School! A letter and registration forms will be mailed soon. Can't wait? You can fill out a registration form at our website under "Ministries," then click on "Sunday School" (email or drop off at the Church office).
Greek Fest Help Needed
Please fill out the volunteer form in today's bulletin, or pick up a copy at the Literature Rack, fill it out, and return it to the Church office. Thank you for your willingness to serve.
Greek Fest Yard Signs
If you stored your Greek Fest yard sign from last year's Festival, please pick up a sticker at the Church office with the new date. We ask that you take a yard sign, located across from the Church office, and display it in your front yard. Please sign the sign-out form and either return it after the Festival or store it at your home until next year. Thank you!
2020 Calendar Sponsor Needed
We are looking for a sponsor for our Archdiocese calendars for the year 2020. If you are interested, please contact Susan in the Church office. Donation: $700.00.
Thank You!
We would like to thank Georgia Stahl for coordinating the efforts of our Church in the donation of school items for the Ann Visger School on Ecorse in River Rouge. We also want to thank the Tsipras girls: Vasilia, Katerina, and Giorgia for organizing and counting the donations, and the Dionyssopoulos family for delivering the donations to the school.
The following was donated by you:
82 notebooks, 57 markers, 440 pencils, 65 boxes of crayons, 20 rulers, 10 bottles of glue, 20 glue sticks, 40 erasers - in packages of 2-3 in each box, 3 packages pencil top erasers, 40 single erasers, 6 pairs girls socks, 6 pair boys socks, 10 boys boxer shorts, 13 girls briefs , No granola bars
Coffee Servers Needed
Please sign-up outside the Church office next to the bulletin board to help serve Coffee on Sunday mornings during Coffee Hour.
Church Beautification
This past summer we began a new push to beautify the Church. We have a number of items that will be replaced, for which we already have prospective donors, but we plan to purchase altar cloth sets in several colors to allow us to adorn the Church appropriately for every liturgical season. Depending on the period of the Church year, the Holy Table and other Church furniture are to be covered in red, blue, white, green, gold, or purple cloths, of which we currently only have red (burgundy) and blue.
A complete set of altar cloths includes the large cloth to cover the Holy Table inside the altar, a smaller cloth for the Gospel, the set of cloths for the chalice and paten, include the Aer, the four cloths for the icon stands (proskynitaria) at the front of the Church, and then two cloths for the proskynitaria in the Narthex, with two small covers for the children's icons in the Narthex.
There are two levels of donations that we need, one smaller donation, and one larger. The smaller is to complete the burgundy and blue velvet altar cloth sets that we have, which currently do not include the four cloths for the Narthex. The larger is for the four sets that we currently lack, in white, green, gold, and purple.
The cost for completing each of the sets we currently have is $1,070.
The costs for the new sets vary, depending on whether the brocade cloth being used uses real metal threads or not. For beauty and durability, we will be purchasing real metal brocade for the white, the gold, and the purple altar cloth sets, while for the green, as it is used less frequently, we will purchase a brocade that does not use real metal threads. The cost for a complete altar cloth set in real metal brocade is $3,045, while the cost for a complete altar cloth set in normal brocade is $2,435.
Therefore we need the following donations:
Red velvet completion set: $1,070
Blue velvet completion set: $1,070
Green normal brocade complete altar cloth set: $2,435
Gold real metal brocade complete altar cloth set: $3,045
White/silver real metal brocade complete altar cloth set: $3,045
Purple real metal brocade complete altar cloth set: $3,045
If you are interested in donating any of these items, please contact the Church office or speak with Fr. Anthony. If you would like to see the fabric swatches we have selected for each color, please speak with Fr. Anthony.
Today
Dance (Beg-11:30a; Jun-12:00p; Sen-12:30p)
OPA Family Event:
Smore's & More (Park) (1-3 pm)
Tuesday, September 10
6:00 pm - Orthodox Life
Thursday, September 12
9:00 am-1:00 pm - Chicken Kabob Prep
Friday, September 13
8a-1p - Spanakopita/Baklava Prep
Saturday, September 14
8:00 am - Tzatziki Making
11a-1p - Pastitsio/Galaktoboureko Prep
5:00-6:00 pm - Festival Setup
Servers Today: Memorial Luncheon
9/15: GREEK FEST
9/22: Welcome Back! Lunch
9/29: Athena Grias, SERVERS NEEDED
SERVERS ARE NEEDED
Please sign-up outside the Church office.
Christine Karimalis - 40 days
May the Lord our God grant rest to her soul where the righteous repose, in a place where there is no pain, no sorrow, and no suffering, but rather everlasting life.
May her memory be eternal.
The donuts and light luncheon are offered by the family.