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St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2021-05-09
Bulletin Contents
Thomsund
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St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (440) 237-8998
  • Street Address:

  • 4548 Wallings Road

  • North Royalton, OH 44133-3121


Contact Information




Services Schedule

WEEKDAY SERVICES

   8:30 AM   Orthros
   9:30 AM   Liturgy

 

SUNDAY SERVICES

   8:15 AM   Orthros
   9:30 AM   Liturgy

Sunday School begins immediately following Holy Communion September through May


Past Bulletins


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 146.5;134.3.
Great is our Lord, and great is his power.
Verse: Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 5:12-20.

In those days, many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high honor. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and pallets, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. But the high priest rose up and all who were with him, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out and said, "Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life."


Gospel Reading

Thomas Sunday
The Reading is from John 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them: "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him: "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them: "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe."

Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said: "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.


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Saints and Feasts

Thomsund
May 09

Thomas Sunday

Though the doors were shut at the dwelling where the disciples were gathered for fear of the Jews on the evening of the Sunday after the Passover, our Saviour wondrously entered and stood in their midst, and greeted them with His customary words, "Peace be unto you." Then He showed unto them His hands and feet and side; furthermore, in their presence, He took some fish and a honeycomb and ate before them, and thus assured them of His bodily Resurrection. But Thomas, who was not then present with the others, did not believe their testimony concerning Christ's Resurrection, but said in a decisive manner, "Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe." Wherefore after eight days, that is, on this day, when the disciples were again gathered together and Thomas was with them, the Lord Jesus came while the doors were shut, as He did formerly. Standing in their midst, He said, "Peace be unto you"; then He said to Thomas, "Bring hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and bring hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not unbelieving, but believing."

And Thomas, beholding and examining carefully the hands and side of the Master, cried out with faith, "My Lord and my God." Thus he clearly proclaimed the two natures - human and divine - of the God-man (Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-29).

This day is called Antipascha (meaning "in the stead of Pascha," not "in opposition to Pascha") because with this day, the first Sunday after Pascha, the Church consecrates every Sunday of the year to the commemoration of Pascha, that is, the Resurrection.


Isaiah
May 09

The Holy Prophet Esaias (Isaiah)

The Prophet Esaias, the son of Amos, was descended from a royal tribe. He prophesied in the days of Ozias (who is also called Azarias), Joatham, Ahaz, and Hezekias, Kings of Judah. About 681 B.C, in the reign of Manasses, the son and successor of the most pious Hezekias, when this Prophet was censuring Manasses' impiety and lawlessness, he was sawn asunder with a wooden saw, and thus received a martyr's end.

Of all the Prophets, he is called the most eloquent because of the beauty and loftiness of his words. His book of prophecy, divided into sixty-six chapters, is ranked first among the greater Prophets. The Fifth Ode of the Psalter, "Out of the night my spirit waketh at dawn unto Thee, O God . . ." is taken from his book. It was this holy Prophet who foretold that a Virgin would conceive in the womb (7:14); that not an ambassador, nor an angel, but the Lord Himself would save fallen man (63:9); that the Messiah would suffer, bearing our sins (ch. 53). His name means "Yah is helper."


Christopher2
May 09

Christopher the Martyr of Lycea

Saint Christopher was at first named Reprobus. Seeing the Christians persecuted, he rebuked the tyrants for their cruelty. Soldiers were sent to bring him to appear before the ruler; but he converted them to Christ, and with them was baptized, receiving the name Christopher. After he appeared before the ruler, he was imprisoned and two harlots were sent to seduce him, but he converted them also, and encouraged them in their martyrdom. He was subjected to torments and finally beheaded in the days of Decius. Many marvellous and mythical things are said about him out of ignorance and superstition, one of which is that it is impossible for one to die suddenly from some unexpected cause on the day on which one looks at the Saint's icon. This is the origin of that proverb that is quoted in various quarters: "If on Christopher thou shouldst gaze, thou shalt safely wend life's ways." The etymology of his name, which means "Christ-bearer," has undoubtedly moved iconographers to depict him carrying the infant Jesus on his shoulders; it is completely erro-neous, however, to depict him, as some uninformed iconographers do, having the head of a dog, because of a statement in his life that he was dog-faced, by which is meant only that his countenance was exceedingly frightful to look upon.


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Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal First Mode

Χριστός Ανέστη εκ νεκρών, θανάτω θάνατον πατήσας, καί τοίς εν τοίς μνήμασι, ζωήν, χαρισάμενος.
Christos anesti ek nekron, thanato thanaton patisas, ke tis en ti mnimasi zoi, harisamenos.
Christ is Risen from the dead/ by death trampling down upon death/ and to those in the tombs He has/ granted life.

Apolytikion for Thomas Sun. in the Grave Mode

O Life, You rose from the sepulcher, even though the tomb was secured with a seal, O Christ God. And though the doors had been bolted, You came to Your disciples, O Resurrection of all. Through them You renew a right spirit in us, according to Your great mercy.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Into the grave you descended, Immortal One, | yet you destroyed the power of Hades, | and as victor | you arose, O Christ our God; | you proclaimed to the myrrh-bearing women a greeting of joy, | you brought peace to your holy apostles, | and to the fallen you granted resurrection.
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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 now in 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 and practice social distancing. See the new seating diagram that is posted.
  • 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.
  • For those not able to attend church, LIVE services can be viewed on our Parish YouTube Page ~ click here: https://tinyurl.com/5ybuhzxs.   
  • Fr. Costas has now received both vaccinations. If any of our elderly or anyone else wants a visit from him, please feel free to call him on his cell at 440-669-1316 to make arrangements.
    1. Today ~ Mother’s Day! Our GOYAns will be distributing a flower to all the mothers. Praying our Lord bless all the mothers in our community.
    2. Today – May 14th ~Fr. Costas will be away on vacation.
    3. Today ~ 11:45 a.m. Adult Catechism via Zoom.
    4. Monday ~ 5:30 p.m. Greek School via ZOOM.
    5. Tuesday ~ Women’s Study Group with Elaine Poulos via ZOOM
    6. Tuesday ~ 6:30 p.m. Philoptochos meeting via ZOOM.
    7. Thursday ~ Bible Study with Father Costas will resume in September.  
    8. Saturday ~ Sts. Constantine and Helen Philoptochos Gyro pastry sale. Drive-thru pickup only. Order online at www.clevelandgreek.com.
    9. Saturday ~ 12:00 p.m. EOWG Pan-Orthodox Benefit Luncheon at Holy Trinity Church Hall in Parma. Contact Maria Lovejoy for tickets.
    10. Please note the KIOSK in the outer narthex ~ not everyone carries cash with them all the time. The kiosk is placed in the outer narthex for your convenience. Ask Parish Council for assistance if needed.
    11. North Royalton Hunger Center ~ Remember to bring any non-perishable items when you come to church to place in the basket at the top of the stairs for those in need. Please check the expiration date.
    12. Stewardship ~ Please take time to fill out, bring to church, mail to the office, or complete online on our website the 2021 Stewardship cards. If there is anything the committee can do for you, call the office, leave a message, and someone will get back to you!   
    13. Light a Candle and Say a Prayer ~ place your request by 3:00 PM on Friday through our website for candles to be lit on Sunday. Questions? Call the church office.
    14. New Digital Parish Directory is LIVE! Download the app on your mobile phone or laptop. See instructions in Messenger. 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 and Beyond

    1. Next Sunday ~ Epistle Reading Acts 1:1-8 | Gospel John 1:1-17.
    2. Next Sunday ~ MNYMOSINO: 40 days for Helen Timas [for Anthony Timas].
    3. Next Sunday ~ Graduate Sunday.  High School and College students are asked to complete a short information form https://tinyurl.com/STP-Graduate in order to be recognized by MAY 11, 2021.
    4. Next Sunday ~ 11:00 a.m. Philoptochos Greek-On-The-Go ~ Gyros & More drive-thru.  Place your order at https://tinyurl.com/STPPhiloptochos.
    5. May 18 ~ 7:00 p.m. Cultivating the Love of Scripture via ZOOM sponsored by the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Religious Education Commission. Advanced registration: https://tinyurl.com/LoveOfScripture.
    6. May 19 ~ 7:00 p.m. monthly Parish Council meeting via ZOOM.
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Flyers

    NEW Online Giving Platform

    NEW Online Giving Platform

    Online Giving has just gotten easier! Try it today!!!


    May 15, 2021

    May 15, 2021

    EOWG Pan-Orthodox Luncheon


    May 16, 2021

    May 16, 2021

    Graduate Sunday | High School and College Graduates are asked to complete a short information form at https://tinyurl.com/STP-Graduate by May 11, 2021


    May 16, 2021

    May 16, 2021

    Philoptochos Drive-Thru | Greek-On-The-Go ~ Gyros & More


    May 18, 2021

    May 18, 2021

    Cultivating the Love of Scripture


    June 5, 2021

    June 5, 2021

    Metropolis GOYA Volleyball Tournament hosted by St Paul GOYA. Those interested volunteering are asked to send email to GOYA@stpaulgoc.org.


    June 13, 2021

    June 13, 2021

    Annual Golf Outing


    June 13, 2021

    June 13, 2021

    Golf Sponsorship Information


    June 21 - 25, 2021

    June 21 - 25, 2021

    Vacation Church School | Register today!!!


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