Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Second Mode. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6.

BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the 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

April 07

Sunday of the Holy Cross

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.

April 07

Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and Enlightener of North America

Born in 1865 in the region of Pskov, our Father among the Saints Tikhon was tonsured a monk in 1891 and ordained to the priesthood in the same year. In 1897 he was consecrated Bishop of Lublin, and a year later appointed Bishop of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, with his see extending to all of North America from 1900 onwards. He did much to unite the Orthodox Christians of a great many ethnic backgrounds in North America, so that there was indeed one flock under one shepherd. In 1907 he was made Archbishop of Yaroslavl and Rostov, and in 1913, Archbishop of Lithuania.

In 1917, when he was Metropolitan of Moscow, he was elected to be the first Patriarch of Russia in over 200 years, in times that could not have been more difficult. After the Revolution of 1917, the persecution of the Russian Church by the atheist government grew more bold and more fierce with every year. By nature a meek and peace-loving man, Tikhon sought to determine, while giving only to God that which is God's, what could be given to Caesar to preserve peace and avoid the shedding of blood. At his departure on the feast of the Annunciation in 1925, Saint Tikhon made the sign of the Cross thrice, pronouncing the words, "Glory to Thee, O God!" Because of the many unspeakable sufferings he endures as Patriarch, he is honoured as a Confessor.

Note: St. Tikhon's repose was on the Feast of the Annunciation according to the Old Calendar (March 25), but on the New Calendar his repose falls on April 7.

April 07

Calliopus and Akylina the Martyrs

The holy Martyr Calliopius was from Perga in Pamphylia, brought up in piety by his godly mother Theocleia. When the persecution of Maximian broke out, Saint Calliopius presented himself of his own accord before the Governor Maximus in Pompeiopolis of Galatia. After he had suffered many torments, his mother visited him in prison and encouraged him in his martyrdom. After this, his thrice-blessed mother, upon learning that he was to be crucified on Holy and Great Thursday, bribed the tyrants to defer it one day, that he might imitate the Lord's Crucifixion on the same day that He suffered it. The holy Martyr Calliopius received the crown of martyrdom on Holy and Great Friday in the year 304, being crucified upside down.

April 07

George, Bishop of Mytilene

The righteous George struggled in behalf of the holy icons, and reposed in peace about the year 821.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Mode

Ευραινέσθω τά ουράνια, αγαλλιάσθω τά επίγεια, ότι εποίησε κράτος εν βραχίονι αυτού ο Κύριος· επάτησε τώ θανάτω τόν θάνατον· πρωτότοκος τών νεκρών εγένετο, εκ κοιλίας Άδου ερρύσατο ημάς, καί παρέσχε τώ κόσμω τό μέγα έλεος.

Εfrenestho ta ourania, agaliasto ta epigia, oti epiise kratos, en vrahioni aftou o Kirios, epatise to thanato ton thanaton, prototokos ton nekron egeneto, ek kilias adou erisato imas, ke paresche to kosmo to mega eleos.

Let the heavens rejoice; let the earth be glad, for the Lord has shown the mighty power of His arm. He trampled down death by death and became the firstborn of the dead. From the depths of Hades, He delivered us and granted to the world great mercy.

Apolytikion for Sun. of the Holy Cross in the First Mode

Soson, Kyrie, ton laon Sou ke evloyison tin klironomian Sou, nikas tis vasilefsi kata varvaron thoroumenos ke to son filaton, thia tou Stavrou Sou, politevma.

Save, O Lord, Your people, and bless Your inheritance. Grant victory to our leaders against the enemy, and protect our nation through the might of Your Cross.

Hymn of Church in the First Mode

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 3 | Altar Boys ~ Team 1 | Greeters ~ Team 4
Today ~ MNYMOSINO: 2 years for Theodore Diamond
Today ~ Philoptochos will offer a basket for donations in the Narthex in support of our Holy Cross Seminary. Checks can be made payable to St Paul Philoptochos Society.
Today ~ We welcome Archimandrite Porphyrios Frangakos, a member of the brotherhood of St. Catherine Monastery on Mt. Sainai, who is accompanying the Africa & Byzantium Art exhibitat the Cleveland Museum of Art, which will be exhibited from April 14^th though July 1st. This is a collection of icons and Christian artifacts from Northern Africa.
Today ~ Adult Catechism with Elaine Poulos. Meet downstairs after Holy Communion.
Today ~ Greek School Loukoumades sale during coffee social. Beautiful Easter eggs and towels also available for purchase.
Today ~ Dance Practice for all groups following Sunday School and costume measuring.
Today ~ 12:00 PM Greek Corner meets in the back classroom.
Monday ~ 5:30 PM Greek School.
Monday ~ 7:00 PM Great Compline service.
Tuesday & Wednesday ~ 9:00 AM Festival baking continues as we make kourambiethe, almond cookies, and galactobouriko. We invite you to join us, even if you only have an hour to share.
Tuesday ~ 1:00 PM GriefShare with Father Costas and Anastasis Phyrillas.
Tuesday ~ 6:30 PM Home Committee special meeting.
Tuesday ~ 6:30 PM Philoptochos meeting.
Wednesday ~ 5:00 PM Presanctified Liturgy followed by Lenten dinner sponsored by Senior OPA. Parish Council 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.
Wednesday ~ 7:00 PM Parish Council monthly meeting.
Thursday ~ 11:30 AM Agape Ovens meal pick up for those with special circumstances. For more information, contact Tessie Lekas or Mary Bozikis Olenik.
Friday ~ 7:00 PM 4^th Salutations service.
Saturday ~ 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.
Saturday ~ 1:00 PM Little Angels trip to the Great Lakes Science Center. Adults $12 | children $10. RSVP to Soci at aphyrillas@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 4 | Altar Boys ~ Team 2 | Greeters ~ Team 1
Next Sunday ~ Orthros Matthew 28:16-20 | Epistle Reading Hebrews 6:13-20 | Gospel Mark 9:17-31
Next Sunday ~ 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.
Next Sunday ~ 2:00 PM Stewardship Committee prepares home cooked meal to deliver to St Herman’s for dinner. Learn more to volunteer https://tinyurl.com/STPmeal.
April 15 ~ 6:00 PM Girls Group for girls in grades 9 – 12. RSVP to girlsgroup@stpaulgoc.org.
April 19 ~ 7:00 PM Akathist Hymn service to the Virgin Mary.
April 21 ~ Spring Parish Assembly following Liturgy in the Teen Room.
April 21 ~ Dance Practice for all groups following Sunday school.
April 24 ~ 9:00 AM Presanctified Liturgy at St Gregory Palamas Monastery.
April 27 ~ Lazarus Saturday | 8:30 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Liturgy followed by continental breakfast and palm folding.
April 28 ~ Palm Sunday Luncheon following Liturgy. Make your reservations early. Late fee applies after April 24^th.