Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 103.4,1.
Who makes his angels spirits and his ministers a flame of fire
Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God you are very great.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 2:2-10.

Brethren, if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his own will. For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. It has been testified somewhere, "What is man that thou art mindful of him, or the son of man, that thou carest for him? Thou didst make him for a little while lower than the angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet." Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for every one. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering.

Gospel Reading

7th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 8:41-56

At that time, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus' feet he besought him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As he went, the people pressed round him. And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years and had spent all her living upon physicians and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, "Who was it that touched me?" When all denied it, Peter and those who were with him said, "Master, the multitudes surround you and press upon you!" But Jesus said, "Some one touched me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from me." And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." While he was still speaking, a man from the ruler's house came and said, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more." But Jesus on hearing this answered him, "Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well." And when he came to the house, he permitted no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but he said, "Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, "Child, arise." And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

Saints and Feasts

November 08

Synaxis of the Archangel Michael & the other Bodiless Powers: Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salaphiel, Jegudiel, & Barachiel

All the Angels, according to the Apostle Paul, are ministering spirits, - sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation - (Heb. 1:14). God set them as overseers of every nation and people, and guides to that which is profitable (Deut. 32:8); and while one Angel is appointed to oversee each nation as a whole, one is also appointed to protect each Christian individually. He commands them to guard them that hope on Him, that nothing should harm them, neither should any evil draw nigh to their dwelling (Ps. 90:10-12). In the Heavens they always behold the face of God, sending up to Him the thrice-holy hymn and interceding with Him in our behalf, seeing they rejoice over one sinner that repents (Esaias 6:2-3; Matt. 18:10; Luke 15:7). In a word, they have served God in so many ways for our benefit, that the pages of Holy Scripture are filled with the histories thereof. It is for these reasons that the Orthodox Catholic Church, wisely honouring these divine ministers, our protectors and guardians, celebrates today the present Synaxis that is, our coming together in assembly for their common feast to chant their praises, especially for the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, who are mentioned in the Scriptures by name. The name Michael means "Who is like God?" and Gabriel means "God is mighty." The number of Angels is not defined in the divine Scriptures, where Daniel says that thousands of thousands ministered before Him, and ten thousands of ten thousands attended upon Him -(Dan. 7:10). But all of them are divided into nine orders which are called Thrones, Cherubim, Seraphim, Dominions, Powers, Authorities, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Tόν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρί καί Πνεύματι, τόν εκ Παρθένου τεχθέντα εις σωτηρίαν ημών, ανημνήσωμεν πιστοί καί προσκυνήσωμεν· ότι ηυδόκησε σαρκί, ανελθείν εν τώ Σταυρώ καί θάνατον υπομείναι, καί εγείραι τούς τεθνεώτας, εν τή ενδόξω Αναστάσει αυτού.

Ton sinanarhon logon Patri ke Pnevmati, ton ek Parthenou tehthenta is sotiria imon, animnisomen pisti ke proskinisomen. Oti ivdokise sarki, anelthin en to Stavro ke thanaton ipomine, ke egire tous tethneotas, en ti endoxo Anastasi aftou.

Eternal with the Father and the Spirit is the Word, Who of a Virgin was begotten for our salvation. As the faithful we both praise and worship Him, for in the flesh did He consent to ascend unto the Cross, and death did He endure and He raised unto life the dead/ through His all glorious resurrection.

Apolytikion for Synaxis of the Archangels in the Fourth Mode

O Chief Commanders of the heavenly armies, / we the unworthy now entreat you in earnest, / to fortify us by your supplications to the Lord, / and shelter us beneath the wings of your spiritual glory, / guarding us who run to you and fervently entreat you: / As the Commanders of the hosts on high, / rescue us faithful from dangers of every kind.

Hymn of Church in the First Mode

Ethnon se kirika ke fostira trismegiston, / Athineon didaskalon ekoumenis aglaisma, / efrosinos gereromen / tous agonas timomen ke tas vasanous thia Christon, / to septon sou martirion, / Agie Pavle Apostole, / presveve Christo to Theo, / sothine tas psichas imon.

O preacher to the gentiles and thrice grandest shining star, / the Athenians’ teacher and the universe’s ornament, / we joyously honor you. / We pay homage to the struggles that you had/for the sake of Christ, / and your dignified martyrdom, / Holy and glorious Apostle Paul, / intercede with Christ our God, / entreating Him to save our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

The Savior's most pure and immaculate temple, / the very precious bridal chamber and Virgin, / who is the sacred treasure of the glory of God, / on this day is introduced /into the House of the Lord, / and with herself she brings the grace in the divine Spirit. / She is extolled by the Angels of God. / A heavenly tabernacle is she.

Welcome

This Weeks Announcements

We extend greetings and a warm welcome to all visitors worshipping with us today. Please fill out a“visitor information card” located in the narthex and hand to one of the greeters. Following the Liturgy, please join us in our social hall for the coffee social.
Holy Communion in our Church is offered only to Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves through the disciplines of our faith. Speak to Fr. Costas for further details.

PLEASE NOTE: In light of the COVID-19 Virus, and until further notice, the following precautions will be taken:

We are pleased to announce that we have been given permission by Metropolitan Savas to enter into the “GREEN Phase”. Please note, ALL services and Divine Liturgies will continue to take place as scheduled but with the following guidelines:

Those over 65 years of age CAN now attend church services. Everyone must still wear a mask. We must continue to practice social distancing.
The church cannot be filled to more than 50% capacity. The only entrance that will be open is the glass doors by the elevator ~ all other entrances will be locked. Following services, we kindly ask that you return to your vehicle and enjoy the rest of your day. Those with immunocompromised conditions, no matter their age, should not be in church but rather follow the service online at home
LIVE services can be viewed on our Parish YouTube Page ~ click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKfvvY35FtK8GWWctrUqENg
During these difficult days, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call Fr. Costas on his cell at 440-669-1316.

Today ~ MNYMOSINO: 30 years for Petros H. Keares and for Evangelia Keares.
Today ~ ARTOCLASIA offered by the Vitakis family for the feast of the Holy Archangels.
Today ~ Philoptochos will be taking donations for Sts. Cosmas and Damian to benefit the philanthropic needs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. There will be a basket in the narthex.
Today ~ Choir has frozen trays of Spanakopita ($40) and Tirpoita ($30) for sale. See Athina Cotronakis.
Today ~ 11:30 a.m. Sunday School via ZOOM. Contact Toni Mannarino at SundaySchool@stpaulgoc.org for further instructions.
Today ~ 11:30 a.m. Adult Catechism via ZOOM with Elaine Poulos.
Today – November 28 ~ Sunday School students learn The Joy of Giving by making donations towards Christmas gift cards to be distributed by the North Royalton Hunger Center to local needy families. Donations can be made through our website.
Today – November 28 ~ GOYA will be taking names to be included in the Community Christmas Card. $15 per household. Name can also be submitted through our website.
Monday ~ feast of St. Nektrarios; 8:30 a.m. Orthros, 9:30 a.m. Liturgy with Artoclasia offered by the Vitakis family.
Monday ~ 5:30 p.m. Greek School via ZOOM.
Tuesday ~ 10:00 a.m. Women’s Study Group with Elaine Poulos via ZOOM.
Tuesday ~ 11:00 a.m. Triasagion and burial of Metropolitan Maximos at St. Gregory Palamas Monastery in Haysville, OH, for those interested in attending.
Tuesday ~ 6:30 p.m. Home Committee clean-up project. We need a few strong men to move some items into storage. Please volunteer! RSVP to messenger@stpaulgoc.org;
Tuesday ~ 6:30 p.m. Philoptochos ZOOM meeting.
Wednesday ~ 7:00 p.m. monthly Parish Council meeting.
Thursday ~ 7:00 p.m. Bible Study “The gifts of the Holy Spirit” with Father Costas via ZOOM.
Friday - Saturday ~ Metropolis GOYA Fall Virtual Retreat. “The Longest Journey is from Your Head to Your Heart” w/Fr. Nicholas Manuel. FREE. Registration required at y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org.
Stewardship ~Thanks to all who completed and returned their 2020 Stewardship Commitment Card. Please continue to mail your stewardship donation to the church office or subm~ it on our website. If there is anything the committee can do for you, call the office, leave a message, and someone will get back to you! God bless you and be safe.
Light a Candle and Say a Prayer ~ those attending church will have the opportunity to light a candle with the assistance of the ushers. Those at home can still light a candle online, but must place their request by 3:00 PM on Friday for the candles to be lit on Sunday. Visit https://www.stpaulgoc.org/about-us/candles. Questions? Call the church office.
New Digital Parish Directory is LIVE! Download the app on your mobile phone or laptop. Only parishioners will have access to information. Questions? Email directory@stpaulgoc.org. When you access your account, you will be able to edit your information, include as much or as little as you wish, and add a picture.

Upcoming Events in Our Parish – Respond Early

Next Sunday ~ Epistle Reading Corinthians 12:27-31; 13:1-8, Gospel Luke 16:19-31.
Next Sunday ~ MNYMOSINO: 40 days for John Rackas.
Next Sunday ~ Artoclasia for the health of members and families of Daughters of Penelope Erinys Chapter #355.
Next Sunday ~ Choir accepting donations of NEW socks in honor of Veterans. Socks may be dropped off in the church entrance lobby or purchased through our St Paul Amazon Wish List at https://smile.amazon.com/hz/charitylist/ls/245R8YO0POJSG/ref=smi_cl_wl_rd_cl.
Next Sunday ~ Carry-out Coffee Social sponsored by Daughters of Penelope as you exit through the Hellenic Center lobby. Proceeds to benefit St. Herman’s.
November 22 ~ Stewardship Sunday.
November 22 ~ 10:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Pastitsio Drive-Thru Lunch with proceeds to benefit St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church. Prepaid orders ONLY through our website. Questions? Contact Thalia Marakas or Irene Pontikos.
November 29 ~ 11:30 a.m. Parish Assembly Meeting in Hellenic Center maintaining social distancing. ZOOM link also available to members in good standing. Contact church office for details.

Events in the Greater Cleveland Area and Beyond

Saturday ~ Orthodox Young Adult Fall Retreat via ZOOM “In your Presence, There is Fullness of Joy”. FREE. Sign up at tinyurl.com/2020yafallretreat.