Welcome

We welcome you to Sts. Peter & Paul! It's been a trying and difficult few months, but we're able to once again gather in love as Christ's Body. Many changes have been implemented in order to comply with the State of Maryland, local authorities, and the Metropolis of NJ Three Phase Reopening Plan. Please take the time review these changes by visiting our website for more details.

Coffee Hour has been suspended until further notice, so please exit the Church after receiving antidoron.

I pray that you continue to remain safe and in good health. God Bless!

Saints and Feasts

September 13

Cornelius the Centurion & Martyr

Saint Cornelius was a Roman by race, a pagan by religion, a centurion in rank, an inhabitant of Caesarea of Palestine, a man pious and God-fearing who gave many alms to the people and prayed continually unto God. In accordance with an angelic vision granted to him, he sent to Joppa that they might bring the Apostle Peter. Saint Peter catechized him in the Faith of Christ and baptized all his household (Acts, ch.10). This became the beginning and the first fruits of the calling of the nations. It is said that, after this, he became a bishop, as some say, of Caesarea; but others say of Scepsis, which is not far from Troas; and that he died as a martyr.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Let us worship the Word, O ye faithful, praising Him that with the Father and the Spirit is co-beginningless God, Who was born of a pure Virgin that we all be saved; for He was pleased to mount the Cross in the flesh that He assumed, accepting thus to endure death. And by His glorious rising, He also willed to resurrect the dead.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρὶ καὶ Πνεύματι, τὸν ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθέντα εἰς σωτηρίαν ἡμῶν, ἀνυμνήσωμεν πιστοὶ καὶ προσκυνήσωμεν, ὅτι ηὐδόκησε σαρκί, ἀνελθεῖν ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ, καὶ θάνατον ὑπομεῖναι, καὶ ἐγεῖραι τοὺς τεθνεῶτας, ἐν τῇ ἐνδόξῳ Ἀναστάσει αὐτοῦ.

Apolytikion for Forefeast of the Exaltation in the Second Mode

We offer Thee in mediation the life-giving Cross which, of Thy goodness, Thou hast given unto us, the unworthy, O Lord. Save Thy hierarchs and Thy flock, and grant Thou peace through the Theotokos, O only friend of man.

Τόν ζωοποιόν Σταυρόν τής σής αγαθότητος, όν εδωρήσω ημίν τοίς αναξίοις Κύριε, σοί προσάγομεν εις πρεσβείαν, Σώζε τούς βασιλείς καί τήν πόλιν σου, ειρηνεύοντας διά τής Θεοτόκου, μόνε φιλάνθρωπε.

Apolytikion for Temple of the Resurrection in the Fourth Mode

Thou hast shown the earthly beauty of the holy tabernacle of Thy glory to be like unto the splendour of the heavenly firmament, O Lord. Strengthen it for ever and ever, and accept our prayers which we unceasingly offer therein unto Thee, through the Theotokos, O Thou Who art the Life and Resurrection of all.

Ως τού άνω στερεώματος τήν ευπρέπειαν, καί τήν κάτω συναπέδειξας ωραιότητα, τού αγίου σκηνώματος τής δόξης σου Κύριε, Κραταίωσον αυτό εις αιώνα αιώνος, καί πρόσδεξαι ημών, τάς εν αυτώ απαύστως προσαγομένας σοι δεήσεις, πρεσβείαις τής Θεοτόκου, η πάντων ζωή καί ανάστασις.

Apolytikion for the Church in the First Mode

First in prominence among the Apostles, and teachers to the Universe, intercede to the Master of all for peace in the world and for our souls great mercy.

Οι τών Αποστόλων πρωτόθρονοι, καί τής Οικουμένης διδάσκαλοι, τώ Δεσπότη τών όλων πρεσβεύσατε, ειρήνην τή οικουμένη δωρήσασθαι, καί ταίς ψυχαίς ημών τό μέγα έλεος.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

The Church is shown to be a many-lighted heaven that doth shine a guiding light upon all them that do believe; wherein while standing we cry aloud: Do Thou Thyself now establish this house, O Lord.

Ουρανός πολύφωτος η Εκκλησία, ανεδείχθη άπαντας, φωταγωγούσα τούς πιστούς, εν ώ εστώτες κραυγάζομεν, Τούτον τόν οίκον, στερέωσον Κύριε.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18

Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

Sunday before Holy Cross
Πρὸς Γαλάτας 6:11-18

Ἀδελφοί, ἴδετε πηλίκοις ὑμῖν γράμμασιν ἔγραψα τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί. Ὅσοι θέλουσιν εὐπροσωπῆσαι ἐν σαρκί, οὗτοι ἀναγκάζουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, μόνον ἵνα μὴ τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ διώκωνται. Οὐδὲ γὰρ οἱ περιτετμημένοι αὐτοὶ νόμον φυλάσσουσιν, ἀλλὰ θέλουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, ἵνα ἐν τῇ ὑμετέρᾳ σαρκὶ καυχήσωνται. Ἐμοὶ δὲ μὴ γένοιτο καυχᾶσθαι εἰ μὴ ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ· διʼ οὗ ἐμοὶ κόσμος ἐσταύρωται, κἀγὼ τῷ κόσμῳ. Ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ οὔτε περιτομή τι ἰσχύει, οὔτε ἀκροβυστία, ἀλλὰ καινὴ κτίσις. Καὶ ὅσοι τῷ κανόνι τούτῳ στοιχήσουσιν, εἰρήνη ἐπʼ αὐτούς, καὶ ἔλεος, καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰσραὴλ τοῦ θεοῦ. Τοῦ λοιποῦ, κόπους μοι μηδεὶς παρεχέτω· ἐγὼ γὰρ τὰ στίγματα τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματί μου βαστάζω. Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί. Ἀμήν.

Gospel Reading

Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from John 3:13-17

The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."

Sunday before Holy Cross
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 3:13-17

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀναβέβηκεν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν εἰ μὴ ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς, ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ὁ ὤν ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ. καὶ καθὼς Μωϋσῆς ὕψωσε τὸν ὄφιν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οὕτως ὑψωθῆναι δεῖ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. Οὕτω γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ' ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ κόσμος δι' αὐτοῦ.

Parish Calendar

Parish Liturgical Services & Activities

September 13 to September 27, 2020

Sunday, September 13

8:30AM Orthros/Divine Liturgy

11:00AM Fall Greek Festival

11:30AM Agiasmos for the New School Year

5:00PM Great Vespers for The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross

Monday, September 14

9:00AM Orthros/Divine Liturgy The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross

11:00AM Fall Greek Festival

7:00PM Church School Training

Tuesday, September 15

11:00AM Fall Greek Festival

Wednesday, September 16

9:00AM Orthros/Divine Liturgy St. Euphemia the Great Martyr

11:00AM Fall Greek Festival

Thursday, September 17

9:00AM Orthros/Divine Liturgy for Sophia and Her Three Daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love

11:00AM Fall Greek Festival

5:00PM Bible Study (zoom meeting)

7:00PM Parish Council Meeting (Zoom)

Friday, September 18

11:00AM Fall Greek Festival

Saturday, September 19

11:00AM Fall Greek Festival

3:00PM Church School Classes Begin

5:00PM Great Vespers

Sunday, September 20

8:30AM Orthros/Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, September 22

5:00PM Bible Study (zoom meeting)

Thursday, September 24

5:00PM Bible Study (zoom meeting)

Saturday, September 26

9:00AM Orthros/Divine Liturgy The Falling Asleep of St. John the Evangelist and Theologian

5:00PM Great Vespers

Sunday, September 27

8:30AM Orthros/Divine Liturgy

Parish Ministries

Parish Council: George Lountos (President), Chrisoula Evans (Vice President), Bruce Flanders (Treasurer), Denise Beauclair (Secretary), Sue Manos, Elizabeth A. Kostas-Polston.

Greek School: Dr. George Lountos (Principal). Email: gtlountos@gmail.com or cell: 404-375-3180.

HOPE & JOY Ministry: Mrs. Christina Summers (Coordinator). Email: Mrs.Summers@aol.com

GOYA: Call the Church office for details.

Religious Education: Mrs. Despina Horst (Interim Principal). Email: horst7213@aol.com. Lessons begin after Holy Communion. We encourage our youth to participate in Sunday School, to learn and live the life of our Holy Orthodox Faith.

Kali Parea: This ministry is for adults 50 years and older. Come and join us! Contact Mrs. Bess Koutras, email: kikikoutras@yahoo.com or cell: 240-409-1431.

St. Eugenia Ladies Philoptochos: – Mrs. Maria Moungelis Bedard, President. All in the Parish are encouraged to be members of the Philoptochos Society. Contact Maria if interested in joining. Email ladies@sainteugeniaphiloptochos.net

Fellowship Ministry: Ms. Sue Manos coordinates Sunday Coffee Hour hosts. Please contact the Church Office if you're interested in hosting a Coffee Hour.

The Three Hierarchs Book Club: The book club meets monthly to discuss the book of the month. Please contact Fr. George if you're interested in joining. frgeorgemastakas@gmail.com

Hospital Ministry: Should you or a loved one need hospital or long term care, Fr. George would like to visit. Please be advised that Frederick Memorial Hospital (and most facilities) will not automatically notify Fr. George upon admission, but only when requested by the patient or caregiver.

Three Hierarchs Bookstore: Eleni Trivizas, Manager. The bookstore is located in the Social Hall and offers books, icons, censers, votives, and other spiritually edifying material. Anyone interested in volunteering to staff the bookstore on Sundays should reach out to Eleni or the Church office.

Announcements

Reminder: Please remember to wear a MASK upon entering the Church. Wearing a mask is not only for your protection, but more importantly for the protection of others around you. Please do not place ushers in an uncomfortable position to address this issue at Church.

As part of the Phase 1 Reopening Plan, Parishioners MUST reserve a seat for Sunday Services by NOON FRIDAY (You Do Not need to reserve a seat for weekday/Saturday services), but you will need to register at the entrance of the Church before entering. A limited amount of seats are reserved for those who do not use a computer. Please call the Church office and reserve a seat (301 663-0663).

CLICK HERE to reserve a seat for Sunday Liturgy.

This Sunday we will have an Agiasmos (Blessing) for Youth and all ministries of our parish.

A virtual tray will be hosted this Sunday by the St. Eugenia Ladies Philoptochos for the benefit of Holy Cross School Seminary scholarships. Please contribute by dropping off your donation at the Philoptochos offering stand in the narthex or by visiting https://sts-peter-and-paul-ladies-philoptochos-society.square.site/

Church School: We have an exciting NEW program for the upcoming year. The new web based program breaks away from the Sunday-only paradigm and now allows students to learn about their faith at home, as well as in a structured classroom setting.

The first component involves asynchronous learning in which children access their weekly material in Google Classroom and explore the weekly scripture reading through various interactive activities. Parents can easily participate and are strongly encouraged to join their children in engaging their faith at this time.

The second component involves synchronous learning, in which children study the weekly scripture reading in greater depth with their fellow students and instructors. Initially, students will meet virtually on zoom, but eventually will be carried over to in-person sessions at church.

Please register your children using the registration links below. Hope/Joy zoom class begins this Saturday at 4pm. Church School begins on Saturday, Sept. 19th at 3:00pm.

Sunday School Registration: Click here
Hope/Joy Registration: Click here
GOYA Registration: Click here

St. Eugenia Philoptochos has been at the forefront of our Church's efforts to assist those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. They have touched the lives of those left vulnerable from this pandemic by providing both spiritual and financial support. We ask that you prayerfully consider making a donation to the St. Eugenia Philoptochos Emergency Social Services Fund. These funds will be used for emergency social services assistance only. Please leave your donation in the Philoptochos offering stand or by visiting their website. God Bless! https://sts-peter-and-paul-ladies-philoptochos-society.square.site/

Fall Gyro Days: will be held Thursday, Sept. 10th through Sunday, Sept. 20th, this is a carry out only event. Please tell your family and friends of our fall fundraiser. Dimitri Olive Oil Farms will be available for purchases on the 12th, 13th, 19th, and 20th. St. Eugenia Ladies Philoptochos will be offering a special donation tray during the Fall Gyro Days, in support of the local food bank.

Church of the Holy Savior in Chora in Constantinople has been converted to a mosque by the Turkish authorities. This is but another blow to Orthodox Christians and the international community. Click to read an encyclical by His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos. Click here.

College Students – Congratulations to our students beginning or returning to college this fall via online or in person. If you would like to have Fr. George and the parish stay in contact with you, please send an email to Fr. George at frgeorgemastakas@gmail.com or the Church office at secretary@stspeterpaul.net .

As the threat of COVID-19 continues, the church office is following state guidelines and will be open by appointment only. Please call the church office if you need assistance.