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.

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

June 21

Julian the Martyr of Tarsus

This Martyr, who was born to a pagan father and a Christian mother, was from Cilicia, confessed the Christian Faith before the Proconsul Marcian, and was perfected in martyrdom at the age of eighteen, when he was put into a sack with sand and venomous serpents and cast into the sea. Saint John Chrysostom has a homily in his honour.

June 22

Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata

After the expulsion of Eudoxius from the see of Antioch, the Arians of Antioch, believing that Meletius of Armenia would uphold their doctrines, petitioned the Emperor Constantius to appoint Meletius Bishop of Antioch, while signing a document jointly with the Orthodox of Antioch, unanimously agreeing to Meletius' appointment (see Feb. 12); this document was entrusted to Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata. Meletius, however, after his Orthodoxy became apparent, was banished, and the Arians persuaded Constantius to demand the document back from Eusebius, as it convicted their perfidy. Imperial officers were sent; Eusebius refused to surrender the document without the consent of all who had signed it; the officers returned to the Emperor, who furiously sent them back to Eusebius with threats. But so great a zealot for the true Faith, so staunch an enemy of the Arians, so fearless a man of valor was Saint Eusebius, that when Constantius' officers arrived, threatening to cut off his right hand unless he surrendered the document, Eusebius held out both hands. When Constantius learned of it, he was struck with astonishment and admiration.

This took place in 361, the last year of the reign of Constantius; he was succeeded by Julian the Apostate, who was slain in Persia in 363; Jovian succeeded Julian, and Valentinian succeeded Jovian in 364, making his brother Valens Emperor of the East. Valens, who supported the Arians, exiled Eusebius to Thrace in 374. The bearer of the edict of Eusebius' banishment arrived in the evening; Eusebius bade him keep silence, or else the people, learning why he had come, would drown him: and Eusebius, though an old man, left his house alone on foot by night. After Valens was slain at Adrianopole in 378 (see Saint Isaacius, Aug. 3), the holy Eusebius returned from exile under the Emperor Gratian, and he ordained for the churches of Syria men known for their virtue and Orthodoxy. About the year 380, as he was entering a certain village to enthrone its bishop, whom he had consecrated, an Arian woman threw a clay tile from the roof, and it crushed his head; as he was dying, he bound the bystanders with oaths that they not take the least vengeance. Saint Gregory the Theologian addressed several letters to him (PG 37:87, 91, 126-130); he had such reverence for him, that in one letter to him, commending himself to Saint Eusebius' prayers, he said, "That such a man should deign to be my patron also in his prayers will gain for me, I am persuaded, as much strength as I should have gained through one of the holy martyrs.

June 23

Agrippina the Martyr of Rome

This Martyr was from Rome and lived in virginity, having Christ alone as her Bridegroom. Of her own accord she courageously presented herself to the pagans as a Christian, and was tortured to death, according to some, in the reign of Valerian (253-260). Her holy relics were then taken to Sicily, where they immediately became a source of great miracles.

June 24

Nativity of the Forerunner John the Baptist

He that was greater than all who are born of women, the Prophet who received God's testimony that he surpassed all the Prophets, was born of the aged and barren Elizabeth (Luke 1: 7) and filled all his kinsmen, and those that lived round about, with gladness and wonder. But even more wondrous was that which followed on the eighth day when he was circumcised, that is, the day on which a male child receives his name. Those present called him Zacharias, the name of his father. But the mother said, "Not so, but he shall be called John." Since the child's father was unable to speak, he was asked, by means of a sign, to indicate the child's name. He then asked for a tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And immediately Zacharias' mouth was opened, his tongue was loosed from its silence of nine months, and filled with the Holy Spirit, he blessed the God of Israel, Who had fulfilled the promises made to their fathers, and had visited them that were sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, and had sent to them the light of salvation. Zacharias prophesied concerning the child also, saying that he would be a Prophet of the Most High and Forerunner of Jesus Christ. And the child John, who was filled with grace, grew and waxed strong in the Spirit; and he was in the wilderness until the day of his showing to Israel (Luke 1:57-80). His name is a variation of the Hebrew "Johanan," which means "Yah is gracious."

June 25

The Righteous Martyr Febronia

This Martyr practiced the ascetic discipline in Nisibis of Mesopotamia; she was of such great beauty that the report of her came to the persecutor Selenus, and every attempt was made to make her deny Christ. After many horrible tortures, she was cruelly dismembered by the executioners, then beheaded, in the year 310 (or, according to some, in 302, during the reign of Diocletian).

June 26

David the Righteous of Thessalonika

Saint David, who was from Thessalonica, lived a most holy and ascetical life. For some years, he took up his dwelling in the branches of an almond tree, exposed to all the elements and extremes of the weather. He reposed in peace during the reign of Saint Justinian the Great, in the sixth century.

June 26

Appearance of the Icon of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos of Tikhvin

According to one tradition, this icon was painted by Saint Luke the Evangelist. It was formerly situated in the famous Church of Blachernae in Constantinople. In 1383, it appeared upon the waters of Lake Ladoga, whence it travelled miraculously through the air to the city of Tikhvin; there, it remained by the River Tikhvinka, and a monastery was built to shelter the icon. In 1613-14 this monastery miraculously withstood the many attacks of the Swedish invaders. In the early twentieth century it was brought to America and was returned to Russia in 2004. The holy icon is renowned for a great many miracles wrought through it by the all-holy Mother of God, especially for the healing of children.

June 27

Samson the Hospitable

Saint Samson was from Rome and flourished during the reign of Saint Justinian the Great. Being a physician, he came to Constantinople, where he so distinguished himself for his virtue and his love for the sick and the poor that Patriarch Menas ordained him priest. The Emperor Justinian was healed by him, and out of gratitude built him a large hospital, which was afterwards known as "The Hospice of Samson." Saint Samson is one of the Holy Unmercenaries.

Ecclesiastical Feast

Of the 2nd Sunday of Matthew.

Of the Holy Martyr Julianos of Cilicia and of the Holy Hieromartyr Terentios, Bishop of Iconium.

Of the Holy New-Martyr Niketas of Nisyros.

On this day, the 2nd Sunday of Matthew, we observe the commemoration of all our Righteous and God-bearing Fathers, who shone forth on the Holy Mountain of Athos.

Upcoming Church Services

You can watch the Services via live stream at

https://www.youtube.com/c/franthonyc-stgeorgesouthgate

Saturday, June 27

5:00 pm - Great Vespers

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Second Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:1-8

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back, for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid.

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 Letter to the Romans 2:10-16.

Brethren, glory and honor and peace for every one who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality. All who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. When Gentiles who have not the law do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

Gospel Reading

2nd Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 4:18-23

At that time, as Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left their boat and their father, and followed him. And he went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.

Wisdom of the Fathers

"Prayer, fasting, vigil and all other Christian practices, however good they may be in themselves, do not constitute the aim of our Christian life, although they serve as the indispensable means of reaching this end. The true aim of our Christian life consists in the acquisition of the Holy Spirit of God.”

St. Seraphim of Sarov

Prayer List / Visitation

Please remember in your prayers the following:

Angela Matt, Fotini Kollias, Ioan, Phyllis Hionis, Peter, Kyriaki and family, Gus & Maria Grias, Marianthi Pappas, Virginia Sikavitsas, Lillian Constantakis, Nick, Bobbie, & Aleko Tsahtsiris, Bobbie Cotton, Vicki Anastasiou, Foula Kotsou, Penelope Kakaris, Koula Stathis, Ari Gaitanis, Marina Kandrevas, Garefo Kollias, Andrew, Jennifer, Nicholas, Gary, George, Nicoletta, Maria

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.

It is important to care for the elderly and those whose immune systems are compromised for other reasons among us - ensuring that they have all that they need, and that we check in with them frequently, must be our highest responsibility in this time. Please be attentive to those in the parish who have smaller families or whose families live farther away. Please be proactive to care for them yourselves, and to inform Fr. Anthony or the Church office so that we can add our efforts to yours.

SPECIAL PRAYERS

Besides our local ongoing service live streams (and those of countless other churches around the world) there are two ongoing efforts at united prayer by ALL the Faithful. Locally, our Faithful are urged to join together in singing the Troparion of the Holy Cross (Σῶσον Κύριε…) each evening at 6 pm. Around the world, the monastic Fathers of Mount Athos invite all the Orthodox Faithful to join in praying “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on Your world” between 10 and 10:15 pm each day.

Announcements

From Fr. Anthony

As we move toward a full reopening, the church office will remain closed for the coming week. Susan or Susie may be present during regular office hours to answer calls or return messages - however, they will not be able to let anyone into the building. Please note that Susan has 24/7 access to our office email at stgeorgesouthgate@gmail.com and will check the answering machine regularly. The church office phone number is 734-283-8820. In emergency situations, please call Fr. Anthony directly at 734-716-2268.

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Due to COVID-19, all social events are cancelled.

As we begin to reopen for public Church Services, we are limited in how many Faithful can be present in the pews for each service. We are maintaining a sign-up sheet on the Church website for each service, so those who wish to reserve a spot can do so. Please check the website each week for these signups, or call the Church office.

For those who prefer to continue to use the Live Stream to participate during this period, all services will continue to be live streamed at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/franthonyc-stgeorgesouthgate

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Forty-Day Blessing

The Forty-Day blessing today is for Luiza and her mother, Asimina. Congratulations to Ryan & Asimina Dayne on the birth of their daughter!

Summer Classes @ St George

During the months of July and August, Fr. Anthony is offering online summer classes on a variety of topics for anyone who is interested. There is no age limit, no cost, and no required homework - sessions will be scheduled according to the needs of those who sign up. Each class will last about a month, and will meet weekly. Please click on this SUMMER CLASS FORM and sign-up for a summer class today!

Orthodox Life (Bible Study)

Orthodox Life is suspended for the summer months.

Online Giving

We have set up an option for online donations from either a credit card or directly from your bank account on the Church website. Please click on this GIVING FORM to donate to St. George Church. That said - we know that these same uncertainties face all of us. Please do not feel an obligation to support the Church if your regular income has been disrupted - we all have a primary responsibility to care for those whom God has entrusted to our care. But if you are still working, either as an essential employee, or from home, please consider giving some additional support to the Church in this time. And if you have your regular Sunday offering envelopes set aside from the last several weeks, please consider sending those to the Church in the mail. On a related note - if you, or anyone you know, are facing challenges at this time, whether financial or practical, please do not hesitate to contact Fr. Anthony. There are several volunteers from the parish ready and waiting to lend a hand should one be needed.

Communion

We can no longer distribute Holy Communion, either during a pastoral visit, or at the Church. All pastoral visits are prohibited outside of dire emergencies. In these circumstances, we urge all our Faithful to begin a discipline of prayer within the home, either by participating in the Live Streams, or (even better) by beginning or increasing their family rule of prayer in the home. As we are kept away from the Church for this time, we have the opportunity to make each of our homes into a Church, and turn these difficult circumstances into an opportunity to draw closer to the Lord and to one another. You can find texts for Services that can be done without a priest at all times of the day at http://www.agesinitiatives.com/dcs/public/dcs/dcs.html. It is possible to do any service except the Divine Liturgy and other sacraments without a priest - you simply say “Lord, have mercy” three times every time there is a set of petitions, and say “Through the Prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us” every time there is a prayer or exclamation by the Priest. If you have questions regarding how to do Readers’ Services - please call or email Fr. Anthony. I would love to help you all develop this beautiful practice in your homes!

Subscriptions

In this time of lockdown, we have limited ways of keeping in touch with all of you. If you know of anyone who is not on the Listserv list, please provide their email address to Susan or Fr. Anthony, or urge them to do so. If you use Facebook, please like and begin to follow our parish page (https://www.facebook.com/StGeorgeGOCSouthgate/). You can also befriend Fr. Anthony on Facebook, if you wish, to keep touch with him more easily through this time (https://www.facebook.com/franthonyc). Finally, we urge you all to subscribe to our Youtube channel, so that you may receive notifications every time we begin a Live Stream. The channel may be found at https://www.youtube.com/c/franthonyc-stgeorgesouthgate.

Prayer/Candle Requests

If you would like for us to light a candle in the Church in prayer for you and your family, please click on this PRAYER/CANDLE REQUEST FORM. You can pay by credit card or send a check in the mail to the Church.

Memorial Services

Although we will not have memorial services with koliva, you can still submit the names of your departed loved ones for the priest to read during the Sunday Divine Liturgies. You can also make arrangements for private memorial services at the cemetery with only the priest and immediate family.

Appointments

All appointments will be held via phone or video-conference. You may make an appointment for confession by contacting Fr. Anthony by email (franthonyc@mac.com) or phone (734.716.2268).

Grecian Center

The Grecian Center remains closed, but staff may be present during regular office hours to answer calls or return messages. Any visits to the facility are by appointment only.

Church Beautification

We know these times are very difficult but as we also know that they will not last forever, we will continue to include the announcement below in the hope of better days to come.

Since we began to raise funds for Church Beautification last summer, we have found donors for almost all of the items, including the new Epitaphios, the new Kouvouklion, and the white, gold, and purple Kalimata for the Holy Table and the Proskynitaria. The only color remaining is Green, used on several high occasions throughout the Church year, including feasts of the Forerunner, Palm Sunday, and Pentecost. The Green set will cost $2,435. If you are interested in donating this item, please contact the Church office or speak with Fr. Anthony.

Basic Information for St. George "Shelter in Place"

Church Website: http://stgeorge.mi.goarch.org

Online Giving: https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/giving/st1630219

Church LiveStream: https://www.youtube.com/c/franthonyc-stgeorgesouthgate

Service Texts: http://www.agesinitiatives.com/dcs/public/dcs/dcs.html

Prayer/Candle Requests: https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Form/386d5ce0-a634-45e9-923b-03d58137967b

Parish Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/StGeorgeGOCSouthgate/

Fr. Anthony Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/franthonyc

Fr. Anthony Cell Phone: 734-716-2268

Archdiocese Resources/Activities/Lessons/Crafts for this Sunday: https://www.goarch.org/-/religious-ed-at-home-week-3?inheritRedirect=true

PARISH ZOOM INFORMATION

Zoom Meeting Join: https://zoom.us/j/9419524282