Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to Titus 3:8-15.

Titus, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.

When I send Artemas or Tychicos to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.

All who are with me send greeting to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council
The Reading is from Luke 8:5-15

The Lord said this parable: "A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold." And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience." As he said these things, he cried out "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

Saints and Feasts

October 17

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council

On the Sunday that falls on or immediately after the eleventh of this month, we chant the Service to the 350 holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, which gathered in Nicaea in 787 under the holy Patriarch Tarasius and during the reign of the Empress Irene and her son, Constantine Porphyrogenitus, to refute the Iconoclast heresy, which had received imperial support beginning with the Edict issued in 726 by Emperor Leo the Isaurian. Many of the holy Fathers who condemned Iconoclasm at this holy Council later died as Confessors and Martyrs for the holy Icons during the second assult of Iconoclasm in the ninth century, especially during the reigns of Leo the Armenian and Theophilus.

October 17

Andrew the Righteous Monk-martyr of Crete

Saint Andrew was from the island of Crete, where he lived the monastic life. During the reign of Constantine Copronymus, he came to Constantinople and suffered many things in defence of the veneration of the holy icons. Finally, he was dragged through the market, bound by the feet, one of which was severed by a fishmonger wielding a cleaver, and thus the Saint surrendered his spirit unto God in the year 761. His sacred relics were buried at a certain place called "The Judgment."

October 17

Hosea the Prophet

According to some, Hosea, whose name means "God is help," was from the tribe of Issachar, or more likely, from that of Reuben; he was the son of Beeri. He is the first in order of the twelve minor Prophets and the most ancient of all. He prophesied in the days of the divided Kingdom; the Lord told him to take a harlot to wife (Hosea 1:2), and then an adulteress (ibid., 3:1). The harlot, a known sinner, was a figure of the Kingdom of Israel in Samaria, which openly worshipped idols; the adulteress, lawfully married yet sinning secretly with her lovers, was a figure of the Kingdom of Judah in Jerusalem, which, while having the Temple, and the priesthood, and the divine worship according to the Law, stealthily served the idols also. The Prophet Hosea prophesied for sixty years, and lived for some ninety years, from 810 to 720 B.C. His book is divided into fourteen chapters.

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 Sun. of the 7th Ecumenical Council in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Supremely blessed are You, O Christ our God. You established the holy Fathers upon the earth as beacons, and through them You have guided us all to the true Faith, O greatly merciful Once, glory be to You.

Hymn of Church in the First Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

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 ~ following Holy Communion, Adult Catechism with Elaine Poulos, IN PERSON or via ZOOM with the book “For They Shall See God”, which is available in our bookstore for $14.
Today ~ Coffee Social hosted Greek School and HOPE/JOY | Kalucis and Economou families hosts next week.
Today ~ Throughout the Archdiocese we acknowledge the contribution of Leadership 100. Fr. Costas will read an encyclical from the Archbishop at the end of the service.
Today ~ Dance practice for all groups.
Today – October 31 ~ Philoptochos VIRTUAL fundraiser with proceeds to benefit May Dugan Center and Philoptochos charities. Visit our website for more details.
Monday ~ 5:30 p.m. Greek School
Tuesday ~ 10:00 a.m. Women’s Study Group with Elaine Poulos IN PERSON or via ZOOM with the book “Flames of Wisdom”, which is available in our bookstore for $14.
Wednesday ~ 6:30 p.m. Choir rehearsal in preparation to start singing in church by November.
Wednesday ~ 7:00 p.m. monthly Parish Council meeting.
Thursday ~ Philoptochos Agape Ovens prepares meal for those 65 and older or with special circumstances. Meals are $10 each. Order by October 13. Delivery provided upon request to certain cities. For reservations, questions or delivery, contact Angela Christian or Ellie Pantazoglou.
Thursday ~ 5:30 p.m. Adult Greek School.
Thursday ~ 7:00 p.m. Bible Study with Father Costas.
Saturday ~ 9:00 a.m. in honor of Make a Difference Day, Philoptochos is sponsoring a volunteer day at St. Herman Housefor an outdoor workday / fall cleanup and possibly painting of outdoor furniture. Anyone interested can contact Mary Olenik at 216.392.8687 or mbozikis@sbcglobal.net.
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.

Upcoming Events in Our Parish and Beyond

Next Sunday ~ Epistle Reading II Corinthians 9:6-11 | Gospel Luke 8:26-39.
Next Sunday ~ MNYMOSINA: 3 months for Sylvia Karas | 1 year for Dr John Kalucis [for Aristi Kalucis and Mary Zanoudakis] | 3 years for Dr Peter Economou [Cal, Gregory, and Theodora Economou; Athansios and Maria Kamakari; for Georgios and Ioanna Prekete].
Next Sunday ~ in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Daughters of Penelope Erinys Chapter #355 and the St. Paul Stewardship Committee are collecting gift cards to support the “Journey Center for Safety and Healing”. Journey Center’s mission is to provide services that foster safety and healing for those affected by child abuse and domestic violence; and to prevent abuse through education, advocacy, and systemic change.
Next Sunday ~ 4:30 p.m. HOPE / JOY Fall fun at Trunk or Treat in church parking lot. Pizza provided. RSVP to Elena Giatis via text/call 440.829.1340 by October 20. Let her know what snack/drink you are bringing. Also bring candy for Trunk or Treat.
November 6 ~ 8:00 p.m. Basile the Comedian. Purchase tickets at https://events.eventgroove.com/event/Basile-The-Comedian-At-St-Paul-Church-54001.
November 13 ~ 9:00 a.m. Metropolis Regional Couples Retreat “Renewed Day by Day: Enlivening Our Marriage Commitment” with Fr. Alexander Goussetis in the Hellenic Center. Register at:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/couples-retreat-st-paul-north-royalton-tickets-181336842377. Free to all Orthodox couples from all churches. Attend and invite your friends.
November 15 ~ 5:30 p.m. Philoptochos Baking Class with Athina Cotronakis – choice of Spanakopita or Tiropita. $30/person. Sign up on our website or during coffee social.

Events in the Greater Cleveland Area and Beyond

Today ~ 2:00 p.m. Orthodox Christian Women of Akron Welcome and Fellowship Tea presenting Presvytera Zafera Bartz “Our History, Challenge, and Vision for the Future” at Presentation of our Lord Orthodox Church in Fairlawn. RSVP to Sandy Menhorn 330.354.7792.
October 25 ~ 6:00 p.m. Great Vespers for St. Demetrios at St. Demetrios Rocky River.
October 26 ~ feast of St. Demetrios; 8:20 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Liturgy at St. Demetrios Rocky River followed by luncheon.
November 8 ~ 6:30 p.m. St. Herman House annual fundraiser at Sts. Constantine and Helen, Cleveland Hts. Musical performances and artwork from current and former St. Herman House residents and members of the St. Herman House community. Tickets $25 at https://sainthermans.org/event/. Contact Santhe Loizos for more info.
December 27 – 30 ~ OCF College Conference at Antiochian Village in Bolivar PA. “Lord, It Is Good for Us to Be Here” with keynote speaker Fr. James Shadid. Register at https://www.ocf.net/college-conference/. Cost is $340 with need-based scholarships available.