Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Second Mode. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 11:31-33; 12:1-9.

Brethren, the God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed for ever, knows that I do not lie. At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas guarded the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped his hands.

I must boast; there is nothing to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into Paradise --whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows -- and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. Though if I wish to boast, I shall not be a fool, for I shall be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Gospel Reading

5th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 16:19-31

The Lord said, "There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazaros, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazaros in his bosom. And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazaros to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazaros in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' But Abraham said, 'They have Moses, and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to them, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.'"

Saints and Feasts

October 31

The Holy Martyr Epimachus of Egypt

The Martyr Epimachus, who was from Egypt, had lived the ascetical life on Mount Pelusium. He came to Alexandria during the reign of Decius, and was arrested by Apellianus the Governor. He suffered martyrdom in the year 251.

October 31

Amplias, Apelles, Stachys, Urban, Aristobulus & Narcissus of the 70

Of these holy Apostles, Stachys became the first Bishop of Byzantium, consecrated by the Apostle Andrew. Having shepherded his people for sixteen years, he reposed in the Lord. As for the others, each one shone forth in the episcopal see appointed to him: Apelles, Bishop of Heraclea; Amplias, Bishop of Odyssopolis; Urban, Bishop of Macedonia; Narcissus, Bishop of Athens; and Aristobulus, Bishop of Britain.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode

Ότε κατήλθες πρός τόν θάνατον, η ζωή η αθάνατος, τότε τόν Άδην ενέκρωσας, τή αστραπή τής Θεότητος· ότε δέ καί τούς τεθνεώτας, εκ τών καταχθονίων ανέστησας, πάσαι αι Δυνάμεις τών επουρανίων εκραύγαζον· Ζωοδότα Χριστέ ο Θεός ημών δόξα Σοι.

Όte katilthes pros ton thanaton, I zoe athanatos, tote ton Adin enekrosas, ti astrapi tis Theotitos. Ote de ke tous tethneotas ek ton katakthonion anestisas, pase e Dinamis ton epuranion ekravgazon. Zoodota Christe o Theos imon doxa Si.

When You descended unto death, O Lord who yourself are immortal Life, then did You mortify Hades by the lightning flash of Your Divinity. Also when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the Powers of the heavens were crying out: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to You.

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 ~ MNYMOSINA: 1 year for Bill Glaros [Michael, Kocona, Anthony, Dyonisia, Anthony Vruvas; Constantine and Despina Glaros; Emmanuel and Bill Kokkalakis; Adam Michalos]; 5 years for Epaminondas Makroglou; 28 years for Zafiro Makroglou.
Today ~ Artoclasia for the health of the George and Sandy Asmis family.
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 ~ in honor of their patron saints, Cosmas and Damianos, Philoptochos will have a special basket by the baptismal font for a collection to benefit the philanthropic needs of our Ecumenical Patriarchate. Checks can be made payable to St Paul Philoptochos with Patriarchate on the memo line. Please be generous.
Today ~ Coffee Social hosted by Greek Corner and the Makroglou family | Stewardship hosts next week.
Last Day ~ Philoptochos VIRTUAL fundraiser with proceeds to benefit May Dugan Center and Philoptochos charities. Visit our website for more details.
Last Day ~ Philoptochos is accepting names and donations for those who are serving or have served our country, all our veterans, to create a booklet. DEADLINE October 31^st. See Georgia Gallaher.
Monday ~ 5:30 p.m. Greek School.
Tuesday ~ 10:00 a.m. Women’s Study Group with Elaine Poulos via ZOOM with the book “Flames of Wisdom”, which is available in our bookstore for $14.
Tuesday ~ 6:30 p.m. Philoptochos Board meeting.
Wednesday ~ 6:30 p.m. Choir rehearsal in preparation to start singing in church by November.
Thursday ~ 5:30 p.m. Adult Greek School.
Thursday ~ 7:00 p.m. Bible Study with Father Costas via ZOOM only. Link will be sent this week.
Saturday ~ 8:00 p.m. Basile the Comedian. Purchase tickets at https://events.eventgroove.com/event/Basile-The-Comedian-At-St-Paul-Church-54001.
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 Galatians 1:11-19 | Gospel Luke 8:41-56.
Next Sunday ~ MNYMOSINO: 1 year for Metropolitan Maximos.
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 14 ~ in honor of Veteran’s Day, Choir will be collecting donations of new socks (all styles, both men and women) to be donated to the Cleveland Grays. Drop-off during coffee social.
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.
November 18 ~ Philoptochos Agape Ovens prepares meal intended for parishioners with special circumstances only. Free will donation Order by November 10. Delivery provided upon request to certain cities. For reservations, questions or delivery, contact Angela Christian or Joanna Kokkas.

Events in the Greater Cleveland Area and Beyond

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 Houseresidents and members of the St. Herman House community. Tickets $25 at https://sainthermans.org/event/. Contact Santhe Loizos for more info.
November 13 ~ 8:00 p.m. Annual Nafpaktian Glendi at the Nafpaktian Building in Olmsted Falls. Admission $15. For reservations, call Vickie Douzos 440.734.8795 or Zoe Mavrakis 330.425.9623.