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
This saint was known for the many miracles he worked and for his apostolic zeal in shepherding the flock of Sinope. He contested for the Faith during the reign of the Emperor Trajan, in the year 102, when he was burned to death in a bath-house. A homily in his honour was composed by Saint John Chrysostom. The translation of his holy relics is celebrated on July 23.
This came to pass fifteen months before the birth of Christ, after the vision of the Angel that Zacharias, the father of the Forerunner, saw in the Temple while he executed the priest's office in the order of his course during the feast of the Tabernacles, as tradition bears witness. In this vision, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias and said to him, "Thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John" (Luke 1:13). Knowing that Elizabeth was barren, and that both he and she were elderly, Zacharias did not believe what the Angel told him, although he had before him the example of Abraham and Sarah, of Hannah, mother of the Prophet Samuel, and of other barren women in Israel who gave birth by the power of God. Hence, he was condemned by the Archangel to remain speechless until the fulfilment of these words in their season, which also came to pass (Luke 1:7-24).
This saint was from the city of Iconium. When she was eighteen years of age, she was instructed in the Faith of Christ and the hope of the resurrection by the Apostle Paul, whom also she followed, forsaking her betrothed and espousing a life of virginity for the sake of the Heavenly Bridegroom. Having preached Christ in various cities and suffered many things, she reposed in Seleucia of Cilicia at the age of 90.
Our righteous Mother Euphrosyne, who lived during the reign of Saint Theodosius the Younger (408-450), was the daughter of Paphnutius of Egypt. Forsaking her father and his wealth, she renamed herself Smaragdus, and pretending to be a eunuch of the imperial palace, she dressed herself as a man and entered a monastery of men where her identity remained unknown until her repose thirty-eight years later.
Our righteous Father Sergius was born in Rostov, north of Moscow, about the year 1314. Named Bartholomew in Baptism, he was brought up in Radonezh, and at the death of his parents he withdrew to the wilderness to become a monk. It is notable that without having been trained in a monastery, he was of such a spiritual stature as to be able to take up the perilous eremitical life from the beginning, without falling into delusion or despondency. When he had endured with courage the deprivations of the solitary life, other monks began to come to him, for whom he was made abbot against his will. On the counsel of Philotheus, Patriarch of Constantinople, he organized his monks according to the cenobitic life, appointing duties to each. While Anthony and Theodosius of Kiev, and the other righteous Fathers before Sergius, had established their monasteries near to cities, Sergius was the leader and light of those who went far into the wilderness, and after his example the untrodden forests of northern Russia were settled with monks. When Grand Duke Demetrius Donskoy was about to go to battle against the invading Tartars, he first sought the blessing of Saint Sergius, through whose prayers he was triumphant. Saint Sergius was adorned with the highest virtues of Christ-like humility and burning love for God and neighbour, and received the gift of working wonders, of casting out demons, and of discretion for leading souls to salvation. When he served the Divine Liturgy, an Angel served with him visibly; he was also vouchsafed the visitation of the most holy Theotokos with the Apostles Peter and John. He was gathered to his Fathers on September 25, 1392. At the recovery of his holy relics on July 5, 1422, his body and garments were found fragrant and incorrupt. His life was written by the monks of Epiphanius, who knew him.
This Apostle was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and was the son of Zebedee and Salome, and the brother of James the elder. First a fisherman by trade, he became an Apostle and the beloved Disciple of Christ. Only he of all the Disciples followed Him even to the Cross, and was entrusted with the care of our Saviour's Mother, as it were another son to her, and a brother of Christ the Teacher. After this, he preached throughout Asia Minor, especially in Ephesus. When the second persecution against the Christians began in the year 96 during the reign of Domitian, he was taken in bonds to Rome, and there was cast into a vat filled to the brim with boiling oil. Coming forth therefrom unharmed, he was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation. Returning again to Ephesus after the death of the tyrant, he wrote his Gospel (after the other Evangelists had already written theirs) and his three Catholic Epistles. In all, he lived ninety-five years and fell asleep in the Lord during the reign of Trajan in the year 100. He was called Theologian because he loftily expounded in his Gospel the theology of the inexpressible and eternal birth of the Son and Word of God the Father. It is for this cause that an eagle-a symbol of the Holy Spirit, as Saint Irenaeus says-is depicted in his icon, for this was one of the four symbolic living creatures that the Prophet Ezekiel saw (Ezek. 1:10).
These Martyrs contested for the Faith during the reign of Diocletian, in the year 288. Saint Callistratus was arrested as a Christian, and after being tormented, was enclosed in a sack and cast into the sea. The sack burst, and the Saint came to dry land safe and sound. Forty-nine soldiers, seeing this, also confessed Christ, and with him were cast into prison, then beheaded.
Saint Chariton was born in the city of Iconium during the reign of Aurelian, about the year 274. He was arrested, tortured, and condemned to death because of his Christian Faith, but finally set free by imperial edict. He came to Palestine, where he took up the ascetic life. He also brought many Jews and pagans to the Faith. Having dwelt in the desert of Judea for many years, and established several monasteries throughout the region, he reposed in peace.
The Prophet Baruch was the son of Nerias, and the disciple of the Prophet Jeremias ( Jer. 39:12; 43:4 LXX). The extant prophetical book that he wrote is divided into five chapters; it was composed in the fifth year of the Babylonian Captivity of the Jews during the years of Sedekias, 583 B.C. The prophetic lection that is read on the eve of the Feast of Christ's Nativity, which bears Jeremias' name, is taken from the prophecy of Baruch (Bar. 3:35-4:4). His name means "blessed."
Of the 1st Sunday of Luke.
Of the Holy Hieromartyr Phocas, Bishop of Sinope, the Wonderworker.
Phocas of Kipouros and the Holy Martyrs Isaac and Martin.
Saturday, September 28
NO Great Vespers
Saturday, October 5
5:00 pm - Great Vespers
Saturday, October 12
5:00 pm - Great Vespers
Saturday, October 19
5:00 pm - Great Vespers
Saturday, October 26
5:00 pm - Great Vespers
Third Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:9-20
When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."
So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.
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 Second Letter to the Corinthians 1:21-24; 2:1-4.
Brethren, it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has commissioned us; he has put his seal upon us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
But I call God to witness against me - it was to spare you that I refrained from coming to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith; we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. For I made up my mind not to make you another painful visit. For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. For I wrote you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.
1st Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 5:1-11
At that time, as Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For he was astonished, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
Please remember in your prayers the following:
Lillian Constantakis, John Bass, Anastasia Handrinos, Nick, Bobbie, & Aleko Tsahtsiris, Bobby Cotton
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.
_______________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________
Welcome Back! Luncheon
Today, the Ladies Philoptochos are hosting a Welcome Back! Luncheon following Divine Liturgy. Cost: Adults 12 years & up: $15; Children 11 & under: free.
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!
Sunday School started today! If you haven't already registered your child, please do so promptly by filling out the registration form that was sent home or at our website under "Ministries," then click on "Sunday School" (email or drop off at the Church office).
Children's Christmas Play
This year's children's Christmas play, "The Light of the World," will be on Sun., Dec. 22. Today through Sun., Oct. 20, you can sign-up your children on the wall across from the Church office. Practice starts Sun., Oct. 27-Sun. Dec. 15, from 12:30-1:15 pm; with dress rehearsal on Sat., Dec. 21. There will be no practice Thanksgiving weekend. This is Alesia's 23rd year directing the Christmas plays! Thank you for your dedication, Alesia!
Saint George Outreach
On Sunday, October 6th, after the Spaghetti Luncheon, we will be preparing 100 meals for the hungry and homeless of Downriver. We need many volunteers to help, so please plan to stay and lend a hand. We will provide all the ingredients, but we need helping hands to make sandwiches. We are also looking for donations of warm blankets to hand out. If you have any questions, please speak with Eleni Dionyssopoulos.
Greek School News!
Our Greek School will begin on Tuesday, October 1. A letter, registration form, and cost information was mailed last week. Please register your child as soon as possible.
Choir Spaghetti Luncheon
Our Choir will host a Luncheon on Sunday, October 6, following Divine Liturgy. Be sure to make your reservations no later than Wed., Oct. 2 by filling out a reservation form online or at the Reservation Table. Adults 12 years and up: $10; Children 11 and under: Free! Enjoy 3 sauces, garlic bread, garden salad, and pumpkin pie with whipped topping for dessert!
Greek Fest Yard Signs
Please either return the yard sign or store it at your home until next year. Thank you!
Fall General Assembly
Our Fall General Assembly will be held on Sunday, October 20, following Divine Liturgy. To participate, seniors must have met a minimum amount of stewardship of $170 (out of $200 for the year), and families must have met a minimum of $250 (out of $300 for the year). There will be a light luncheon for those in attendance. If you are unsure what you have donated thus far in 2019 toward your stewardship, please contact Susan in the Church office (Tue., Wed., and Fri.).
Thank You!
We take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who worked so hard for the Greek Festival. The Festival was very successful, and none of it could have happened without the many parishioners and other volunteers who worked tirelessly to make it happen.
Altar Group
At Hellenic College/Holy Cross, all the first-year students are assigned to an “Altar Group,” which has the responsibility on a rotating basis to care for the Chapel at the seminary for one week out of each month. Male and female students together arrive early before morning and evening services to prepare the chapel, and during the services the male students serve in the altar while the female students manage the candles and other responsibilities in the Narthex and throughout the chapel. Following the service, all of them clean the chapel together, leaving it ready for the next service.
This year, we will be taking this beautiful tradition as a model for a new program in the parish. We have always had a strong and active group of Altar Boys, who serve the essential tasks of helping the priest behind the Iconostasis - this year, we will ask the young women of the parish to fill a similar role outside of the altar, taking on an active responsibility for the good order and care of the Church.
There are many jobs that need to be done throughout the Church, but in order to not overburden our young people and families, we will start small and begin by asking all the young people of the Sunday School age 8 and up to help with the regular changing of the beautiful new altar cloths that have been generously donated by several of our parishioners. As we move through the Church year, the tradition of the Church calls for the colors of the altar covers to change, depending on the season. We use burgundy and gold for feasts of the Lord, blue for feasts of the Panagia, purple for Lent, green for Palm Sunday, Pentecost, and some of the “normal seasons” of the Church year, and bright white for Pascha. In this way the vestments of the Church change with the season, just like the vestments of the Priest.
The first change is coming up next Sunday, September 29th. On that Sunday, we ask all the young people and their families to arrive a little early, between 9:30 and 9:40 am, to prepare and replace the altar coverings throughout the Church during the final minutes of Orthros. The young women will change the covers on the four icon stands at the front of the Church and the four icon stands in the Narthex, while the young men will help me to change the altar covers inside the Altar.
We will keep all the Sunday School families informed in advance of the next time the covers need to be changed, and will continue to work to determine the best way for all of our young people to serve the Lord and the parish of St. George.
We thank you for your participation, and for your love for the Lord.
+Fr. Anthony Cook
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. We now are missing only green and white cloths to have all the colors we need.
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.
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 have purchased velvet cloths in blue and burgundy, and real metal brocade for the gold and purple altar cloth sets. The white and silver set we are planning to purchase will also use a real metal brocade, while the great will be an all cloth brocade. 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:
Green normal brocade complete altar cloth set: $2,435
White/silver real metal brocade complete altar cloth set: $3,045
If you are interested in donating either 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
Sunday School Begins
Welcome Back! Luncheon
Organization Fair
2:30-4:00 pm - GOYA Wallyball
Monday, September 23
7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal
Tuesday, September 24
NO Orthodox Life
Sunday, September 29
12:15 pm - S.S. Teachers Meeting
1:00 pm - Greek Fest post-Meeting
1:00-4:00 pm - St. George Outreach (Sandwich Prep)
Servers Today: Welcome Back! Lunch, Servers Needed
9/29: Athena Grias, SERVERS NEEDED
10/6: Spaghetti Lunch; Servers Needed
10/13: Malonson Family
SERVERS ARE NEEDED
Please sign-up outside the Church office.
There are no memorials today.