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 Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3.

IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

Saints and Feasts

March 31

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.

His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.

March 31

The Holy Hieromartyr Hypatius, Bishop of Gangra

This Saint, who was from Cilicia of Asia Minor, became Bishop of Gangra, the capital of Paphlagonia. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council. Because of his confession of the Orthodox Faith, he was put to death by the Novatians, a sect which denied that sins committed after Baptism could be forgiven.

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 Life Immortal, You rendered to Hades a mortal blow by the lightning of Your divinity, and when from the depths of darkness You also raised the dead, all the heavenly powers cried out: O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory to You.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Beacon of Orthodox belief, the strong support of the Church and her teacher inspired by God, you are the ornament of monks, the unassailable champion of theologians, O Gregory the Wonder-worker and the boast of Thessalonica, the messenger of grace. Forever earnestly entreat for the salvation of our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Welcome

This week’s Announcements

Welcome to all our guests. We are glad you are here worshiping with us today!

Holy Communion in the Orthodox Church is only offered to Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves through the disciplines of our faith. Speak to Fr. Costas for further details.

Today ~ Parish Council & Ushers ~ Team 2 | Altar Boys ~ Team 1 | Greeters ~ Team 3
Today ~ MNYMOSINO: 1 year for Soultana Page
Today ~ Adult Catechism with Elaine Poulos. Meet downstairs after Holy Communion.
Monday ~ 5:30 PM Greek School.
Monday ~ 6:00 PM Girls Group with Angelique Phyrillas for girls in grades 9-12. RSVP to girlsgroup@stpaulgoc.org.
Monday ~ 7:00 PM Great Compline service.
Monday ~ 10:00 AM Festival baking continues as we make almond cookies. We invite you to join us, even if you only have an hour to share. NOTE START TIME FOR THIS WEEK ONLY.
Tuesday ~ 1:00 PM GriefShare with Father Costas and Anastasis Phyrillas.
Tuesday ~ 6:30 PM Home Committee meeting.
Tuesday ~ 7:00 PM Family Ministry meeting in the Teen Room.
Wednesday ~ 5:00 PM Presanctified Liturgy followed by Lenten dinner sponsored by all Youth Groups. Senior OPA sponsors next week. For those who wish to receive Holy Communion, eat breakfast and a light lunch before church.
Wednesday ~ 5:45 PM Adult Greek School.
Friday ~ 7:00 PM 3^rd Salutations service.
Saturday ~ 10:00 AM Marriage Seminar for couples getting married. RSVP to messenger@stpaulgoc.org.
HOLY CONFESSION ~ During these Holy Days of Great Lent, it is good for all of us to go to confession and to focus more on our spiritual lives. Call or text Fr. Costas at 440-669-1316 to set up an appointment. Pick up a guide to confession in the outer narthex.
St Paul Prayer Chain ~ If you have a prayer request, send email to: prayerchain@stpaulgoc.org.
2024 Stewardship Cards ~ Thank you to all who have completed their commitment cards. If you have not made your commitment for 2024, please do so and mail or bring it to church. You can also make your commitment online on our church website. Thank you for your love and commitment!
The kiosk in the narthex is available for your assistance. If you have any questions, see an usher.

Upcoming Events in Our Parish and Beyond

Next Sunday ~ Parish Council & Ushers ~ Team 3 | Altar Boys ~ Team 1 | Greeters ~ Team 4
Next Sunday ~ Orthros John 21:14-25 | Epistle Reading Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6 | Gospel Mark 8:34-38; 9:1
Next Sunday ~ MNYMOSINO: 2 years for Theodore Diamond
Next Sunday ~ Greek School Loukoumades sale during coffee social.
Next Sunday ~ Dance Practice for all groups following Sunday School and costume measuring.
Next Sunday ~ 12:00 PM Greek Corner meets in the back classroom.
April 9 ~ 6:30 PM Philoptochos meeting.
April 10 ~ 7:00 PM Parish Council monthly meeting.
April 11 ~ 11:30 AM Agape Ovens meal pick up for those with special circumstances. For more information, contact Tessie Lekas or Mary Bozikis Olenik.
April 12 ~ 7:00 PM 3^rd Salutations service to the Virgin Mary.
April 13 ~ 9:00 AM GOYAns build beds for children in need through Good Knights. GOYA volunteers need. Visit http://tinyurl.com/stp-bedbuild to sign up.
April 13 ~ 1:00 PM Little Angels trip to the Great Lakes Science Center. Adults $12 | children $10. RSVP to Soci at aphyrillas@stpaulgoc.org.
April 14 ~ GOYA meeting following Sunday School. GOYAns will participate in the Metropolis Weekend of Service with Philoptochos by making a blanket to be given to Providence House for children newborn – 12 years-old actively living in crisis situations.
April 14 ~ 2:00 PM Stewardship Committee prepares home cooked meal to deliver to St Herman’s for dinner. Volunteer opportunities available. More information to follow.