Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 3:9-17.

Brethren, we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it. Let each man take care how he builds upon it. For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any one builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw - each man's work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If any one destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and that temple you are.

Gospel Reading

9th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 14:22-34

At that time, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. But immediately he spoke to them, saying "Take heart, it is I; have no fear."

And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they entered the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.

Saints and Feasts

August 22

The Holy Martyr Agathonicus

The Martyr Agathonicus, because he converted pagans to Christ, was seized in Nicomedia, violently beaten, haled about in bonds, and beheaded in Selyvria, during the reign of Maximian, in the year 298.

August 22

The Synaxis of the Icon of the Mother of God of Prusa

The wonderworking icon of the Mother of God of Prusa was saved from destruction at the hands of the Iconoclasts in the ninth century, when a certain nobleman of Prusa (near Constantinople) brought it secretly to Greece. There he lost the icon, but it miraculously appeared in a cave in the area of Litza and Agrapha, where the monastery and the shrine of the icon are presently found. The feast today was established in commemoration of the many signs and healings that the holy Theotokos has wrought through the icon.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Εξ ύψους κατήλθες ο Εύσπλαχνος, ταφήν κατεδέξω τριήμερον, ίνα ημάς ελευθερώσης τών παθών, η ζωή καί η ανάστασις ημών, Κύριε, δόξα Σοι.

Εx ipsous katilthes o Evsplahnos, tafin katedexo triimeron, ina imas, eleftherosis ton pathon, I zoi ke I anastasis imon, Kyrie, doxa si.

You descended from on high, O compassionate One, and condescended to be buried for three days, so that from the passions You might set us free. Our life and resurrection, O Lord, glory be to You.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Dormition in the First Mode

En ti Genisi tin parthenian afilaxas, en ti Kimisi ton kosmo, ou katelipes Theotoke, Metestis pros tin zoin, mitir iparhousa tin zoin, ke tes prsesvies tes ses litrumeni, ek thanatou tas psihas imon.

You gave birth yet preserved your virginity. You fell asleep in death yet did not desert the world, O Theotokos. You were transported to life, as you are Mother of Life and, by virtue of your intercessions, deliver our souls from death.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

The Theotokos is undying in intercession.| Immovable is our hope in her for protection. | Neither death nor burial prevailed over her. | As she is Mother of Life, she was removed to life by Him, | the Lord who lived in her ever-virgin womb.

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.

Welcome! We’re glad you’re here! Please know that MASKS are NOT required in our sanctuary. We do, however, have a RESERVED section for those who wish to wear masks and maintain social distancing.

Today ~ MNYMOSINO: 9 months for Bill Glaros [for Constantine and Despina Glaros | Bill Kokkalakis | Michael, Kocona, Anthony, Anthony and Dyonisia Vruvas].
Today ~ Blessing of backpacks for all children as they begin school. The day will continue with a parish picnic right after church. Come and Reconnect with your St. Paul Family. All parishioners, young and old, are invited to attend as we anticipate the beginning of a new Ecclesiastical year. Fun activities for children, bounce playhouse. Free to all.
Today ~ last day, there will be a special collection for the victims of the fires in Greece. Make donations to St. Paul Benevolent Fund, c/o Fires in Greece. All donations will be forwarded to the Archdiocese. Please be generous as we offer our love and support to those who have lost so much in this tragedy.
Thursday ~ 2:00 p.m. Senior Fellowship Hot Diggity Dog on the Deck. Main course provided, please bring a side dish to share. RSVP to Helen Dadas, Maria Regan, Sophie Steffas.
Monday – September 4 ~ Father away on vacation.
Sunday School ~ in person classes begin September 12^th. We ask all parents to register your children. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lBzNzl8riyGi7pAsNHwVoeBPD9hymg6zgI4aT3IWe7s/edit?usp=sharing_eil_m&ts=6119c2d3 Contact Presv. Nicole cnkeares@gmail.com or Michael Tartara michaeltartara@yahoo.com if you have any questions.
Greek School ~ in person classes begin Monday, September 20^th. In order for us to properly staff our classes, please complete the registration form no later than August 29^th. Contact Father Costas with any questions.
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.
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

Next Sunday ~ Epistle Reading Acts 13:25-33 | Gospel Mark 6:14-30.
Next Sunday ~ MNYMOSINA: 40 days for Angeline Kornelakis [for John and Stephen Kornelakis]; 40 days for Asymina Karas [for Stefos Karas].
September 6 ~ Labor Day | Office closed.
September 7 ~ 7:00 p.m. Home Committee meeting.
September 8 ~ Nativity of the Theotokos; 8:30 a.m. Orthros | 9:30 a.m. Liturgy.
September 8 ~ 7:00 p.m. monthly Parish Council meeting.
September 11 ~ 9:30 a.m. Pet Blessing by the soccer field.
September 12 ~ Sunday School begins following Holy Communion.
September 14 ~ 6:30 p.m. Philoptochos meeting.
September 16 ~ Philoptochos prepares meal for those 65 and older or with special circumstances. Meals are $10 each and must be ordered by September 8^th. Delivery provided upon request to certain cities. For reservations, questions or delivery, contact Angela Christian or Diana Steffas.
September 18 ~ 1:00 p.m. Altar Boy Seminar for those in grades 3 – 12. Call the office to RSVP if you’re planning to send your son.