Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 103.24,1.
O Lord, how manifold are your works. You have made all things in wisdom.
Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 2:16-20.

Brethren, knowing that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Gospel Reading

Sunday after Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

Saints and Feasts

September 19

Trophimus, Sabbatius, & Dorymedon the Martyrs

In 278, during the reign of Probus, Saints Trophimus and Sabbatius came to Antioch, and seeing the city celebrating the festival of Apollo at Daphne lamented the blindness of the people, and presented themselves as Christians to Atticus the Governor. Saint Trophimus was stripped of his clothing, and was stretched out and beaten until the earth was red with his blood. Then he was hung up, scraped on his sides, and imprisoned in torments. Saint Sabbatius was tortured so savagely that he gave up his spirit in his sufferings. Trophimus was sent to Synnada, wearing iron shoes fitted with sharp iron nails within; he was further tormented without mercy, then cast into prison. Dorymedon, a counsellor, and a pagan, came to the prison and cared for Trophimus. When a certain feast came, Dorymedon was asked why he did not sacrifice to the idols; he proclaimed himself a Christian, for which he was imprisoned, pierced with heated spits, frightfully punished, and finally beheaded with Saint Trophimus.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Mode

Τό φαιδρόν τής Αναστάσεως κήρυγμα, εκ τού Αγγέλου μαθούσαι αι τού Κυρίου Μαθήτριαι, καί τήν προγονικήν απόφασιν απορρίψασαι, τοίς Αποστόλοις καυχώμεναι έλεγον· Εσκύλευται ο θάνατος, ηγέρθη Χριστός ο Θεός, δωρούμενος τώ κόσμω τό μέγα έλεος.

Το fethron tis Anastaseos kirigma, ek tou Agelou mathouse e tou Kyriou Mathitrie, ke tin progonikin apofasin aporipsase, tis Apostolis kafhomene elegon. Eskilefte o thanatos, igerthi Christos o Theos, doroumenos to kosmo to mega eleos.

When the women Disciples of the Lord had learned from the Angel the joyful message of the Resurrection and rejected the ancestral decision, they cried aloud to the Apostles triumphantly: Death has been despoiled, Christ God has risen, granting His great mercy to the world.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Holy Cross in the First Mode

Soson Kyrie ton laon sou/ ke evlogison tin klironomia sou./ Nikas tis vasilefsi/ kata varvaron doroumenos./ Ke ton son filaton,/ dia tou Stavrou sou politevma.

Save, O Lord, Your people / and bless Your inheritance, / granting victory to the faithful/ over the enemy, / and by Your Cross protecting / Your commonwealth.

Hymn of Church in the First Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

You who were lifted on the cross voluntarily, / O Christ our God, bestow Your tender compassions / upon Your new community to which You gave your name. / Cause our faithful emperors to be glad in Your power, / granting tem the victories against their adversaries. / And for an ally, Lord, may they have You, / peace as their armor, the trophy invincible.

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 ~ 11:15 a.m. Special Parish Assembly in Teen room; updating of the Parish Bylaws.
Today ~ Festival Favorites for $5 (koulourakia, kourambiethe, and finikia) will be available during coffee hour. You will also be able to purchase frozen trays of pastitsio and tiropites. Cash, check, or credit cards accepted. You can also purchase on our website.
Today ~ Coffee Social sponsored by St. Mary of Egypt. Proceeds to benefit their food bank.
Today ~ 3:00 p.m. HOPE | JOY (children in Pre-school – 6^th grade) hayride. We will meet at Hillside Farms. 2397 Center Rd. Hinkley, OH. RSVP necessary: https://tinyurl.com/8knn6z4e.
Monday ~ 5:30 p.m. IN PERSON Greek School classes begin with Ayiasmo (blessing of Holy Water) followed by classes.
Tuesday ~ 7:00 p.m. monthly Parish Council meeting.
Wednesday ~ 7:00 p.m. Grief Share sessions to support those who have lost a loved one. Please RSVP if you’re planning to attend.
Thursday ~ 2:00 p.m. Senior Fellowship Ice Cream Social Kafenio. Everyone welcome!
Thursday ~ 5:30 p.m. Adult Greek School with Kathy Glaros in the Teen Room. $300.00 | members; $400.00 | non-members. Register here...
Thursday ~ 7:00 p.m. Bible Study with Father Costas.
Salute to Veteran’s ~ Philoptochos is accepting names and donations for those who are serving or have served our country to create a booklet. DEADLINE October 31^st. See Georgia Gallaher.
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. Andy will be available today to take your picture in the hall entrance area.

Upcoming Events in Our Parish and Beyond

Next Sunday ~ Epistle Reading I John 4:12-19 | Gospel John 19:25-27; 21:24-25.
Next Sunday ~ MNYMOSINO: 1 year for Maria Seeley.
Next Sunday ~ Adult Catechism with Elaine Poulos begins following Holy Communion with the book “For They Shall See God”, which is available in our bookstore for $14. Open to everyone!
September 28 ~ 10:00 a.m. Women’s Study Group with Elaine Poulos begins via ZOOM with the book “Flames of Wisdom”, which is available in our bookstore for $14. Contact the church office for ZOOM link.

Events in the Greater Cleveland Area and Beyond

September 26 ~ 2:00 p.m. the Dr. John & Helen Collis Lecture VIRTUAL EVENT “Viewing Saint Catherine’s Monastery at Sinai. Registration required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/viewing-saint-catherines-monastery-at-sinai-tickets-164359687249.
October 2 ~ 10:00 a.m. St Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary presents Educational Event and Book Launch Orthodoxy & Evangelism with book author, Dr. Bradley Nassif, at St Mary Romanian Orthodox Cathedral on Warren Rd. | Cleveland. RSVP for this FREE event at www.svots.edu/events.
October 8 – 10 ~ YAL Conference in Pittsburgh. To obtain more information or to register, visit https://y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org/ya/2021-yal-conference.
October 14 ~ 6:00 p.m. Eastern Orthodox Women’s Guild Annual Pasta Dinner at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church on Broadview Road in Parma. See Evangeline Bozikis for tickets and details.