Saints and Feasts

November 08

Synaxis of the Archangel Michael & the other Bodiless Powers: Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salaphiel, Jegudiel, & Barachiel

All the Angels, according to the Apostle Paul, are ministering spirits, - sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation - (Heb. 1:14). God set them as overseers of every nation and people, and guides to that which is profitable (Deut. 32:8); and while one Angel is appointed to oversee each nation as a whole, one is also appointed to protect each Christian individually. He commands them to guard them that hope on Him, that nothing should harm them, neither should any evil draw nigh to their dwelling (Ps. 90:10-12). In the Heavens they always behold the face of God, sending up to Him the thrice-holy hymn and interceding with Him in our behalf, seeing they rejoice over one sinner that repents (Esaias 6:2-3; Matt. 18:10; Luke 15:7). In a word, they have served God in so many ways for our benefit, that the pages of Holy Scripture are filled with the histories thereof. It is for these reasons that the Orthodox Catholic Church, wisely honouring these divine ministers, our protectors and guardians, celebrates today the present Synaxis that is, our coming together in assembly for their common feast to chant their praises, especially for the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, who are mentioned in the Scriptures by name. The name Michael means "Who is like God?" and Gabriel means "God is mighty." The number of Angels is not defined in the divine Scriptures, where Daniel says that thousands of thousands ministered before Him, and ten thousands of ten thousands attended upon Him -(Dan. 7:10). But all of them are divided into nine orders which are called Thrones, Cherubim, Seraphim, Dominions, Powers, Authorities, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.

November 09

Nektarius the Wonderworker, Metropolitan of Pentapolis

Saint Nektarius was born in Selyvria of Thrace on October 1, 1846. After putting himself through school in Constantinople with much hard labour, he became a monk on Chios in 1876, receiving the monastic name of Lazarus; because of his virtue, a year later he was ordained deacon, receiving the new name of Nektarius. Under the patronage of Patriarch Sophronius of Alexandria, Nektarius went to Athens to study in 1882; completing his theological studies in 1885, he went to Alexandria, where Patriarch Sophronius ordained him priest on March 23, 1886 in the Cathedral of Saint Sabbas, and in August of the same year, in the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, made him Archimandrite. Archimandrite Nektarius showed much zeal both for preaching the word of God, and for the beauty of God's house. He greatly beautified the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, and years later, when Nektarius was in Athens, Saint Nicholas appeared to him in a dream, embracing him and telling him he was going to exalt him very high.

On January 15, 1889, in the same Church of Saint Nicholas, Nektarius was consecrated Metropolitan of the Pentapolis in eastern Libya, which was under the jurisdiction of Alexandria. Although Nektarius' swift ascent through the degrees of ecclesiastical office did not affect his modesty and childlike innocence, it aroused the envy of lesser men, who convinced the elderly Sophronius that Nektarius had it in his heart to become Patriarch. Since the people loved Nektarius, the Patriarch was troubled by the slanders. On May 3, 1890, Sophronius relieved Metropolitan Nektarius of his duties; in July of the same year, he commanded Nektarius to leave Egypt.

Without seeking to avenge or even to defend himself, the innocent Metropolitan left for Athens, where he found that accusations of immorality had arrived before him. Because his good name had been soiled, he was unable to find a position worthy of a bishop, and in February of 1891 accepted the position of provincial preacher in Euboia; then, in 1894, he was appointed dean of the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School in Athens. Through his eloquent sermons his unwearying labours to educate fitting men for the priesthood, his generous alms deeds despite his own poverty, and the holiness, meekness, and fatherly love that were manifest in him, he became a shining light and a spiritual guide to many. At the request of certain pious women, in 1904 he began the building of his convent of the Holy Trinity on the island of Aegina while yet dean of the Rizarios School; finding later that his presence there was needed, he took up his residence on Aegina in 1908, where he spent the last years of his life, devoting himself to the direction of his convent and to very intense prayer; he was sometimes seen lifted above the ground while rapt in prayer. He became the protector of all Aegina, through his prayers delivering the island from drought, healing the sick, and casting out demons. Here also he endured wicked slanders with singular patience, forgiving his false accusers and not seeking to avenge himself. Although he had already worked wonders in life, an innumerable multitude of miracles have been wrought after his repose in 1920 through his holy relics, which for many years remained incorrupt. There is hardly a malady that has not been cured through his prayers; but Saint Nektarius is especially renowned for his healings of cancer for sufferers in all parts of the world.

November 13

John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople

This greatest and most beloved of all Christian orators was born in Antioch the Great in the year 344 or 347; his pious parents were called Secundus and Anthusa. After his mother was widowed at the age of twenty, she devoted herself to bringing up John and his elder sister in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. John received his literary training under Anthragathius the philosopher, and Libanius the sophist, who was the greatest Greek scholar and rhetorician of his day. Libanius was a pagan, and when asked before his death whom he wished to have for his successor, he said, "John, had not the Christians stolen him from us." With such a training, and with such gifts as he had by nature, John had before him a brilliant career as a rhetorician. But through the good example of his godly mother Anthusa and of the holy Bishop Meletius of Antioch (see Feb. 12), by whom he was ordained reader about the year 370, he chose instead to dedicate himself to God. From the years 374 to 381 he lived the monastic life in the hermitages that were near Antioch. His extreme asceticism undermined his health, compelling him to return to Antioch, where Saint Meletius ordained him deacon about the year 381. Saint Meletius was called to Constantinople later that year to preside over the Second Ecumenical Council, during which he fell asleep in the Lord. In 386 Bishop Flavian ordained John presbyter of the Church of Antioch. Upon his elevation to the priesthood his career as a public preacher began, and his exceptional oratorical gifts were made manifest through his many sermons and commentaries. They are distinguished by their eloquence and the remarkable ease with which rich imagery and scriptural allusions are multiplied; by their depth of insight into the meaning of Scripture and the workings of God's providence; and, not least of all, by their earnestness and moral force, which issue from the heart of a blameless and guileless man who lived first what he preached to others. Because of his fame, he was chosen to succeed Saint Nectarius as Patriarch of Constantinople. He was taken away by stealth, to avoid the opposition of the people, and consecrated Patriarch of Constantinople on February 28, 398, by Theophilus, Patriarch of Alexandria, who was to prove his mortal enemy.

At that time the Emperor of the East was Arcadius, who had had Saint Arsenius the Great as his tutor (see May 8); Arcadius was a man of weak character, and much under the influence of his wife Eudoxia. The zealous and upright Chrysostom's unsparing censures of the lax morals in the imperial city stung the vain Eudoxia; through Theophilus' plottings and her collaboration, Saint John was banished to Pontus in 403. The people were in an uproar, and the following night an earthquake shook the city; this so frightened the Empress Eudoxia that she begged Arcadius to call Chrysostom back. While his return was triumphant, his reconciliation with the Empress did not last long. When she had a silver statue of herself erected in the forum before the Church of the Holy Wisdom (Saint Sophia) in September of 403, and had it dedicated with much unseemly revelry, Saint John thundered against her, and she could not forgive him. In June of 404 he was exiled to Cucusus, on the borders of Cilicia and Armenia. From here he exchanged letters with Pope Innocent of Rome, who sent bishops and priests to Constantinople requesting that a council be held. Saint John's enemies, dreading his return, prevailed upon the Emperor to see an insult in this, and had John taken to a more remote place of banishment called Pityus near the Caucasus. The journey was filled with bitter sufferings for the aged bishop, both because of the harshness of the elements and the cruelty of one of his 310 guards. He did not reach Pityus, but gave up his soul to the Lord near Comana in Pontus, at the chapel of the Martyr Basiliscus (see May 22), who had appeared to him shortly before, foretelling the day of his death, which came to pass on September 14, 407. His last words were "Glory be to God for all things." His holy relics were brought from Comana to Constantinople thirty-one years later by the Emperor Theodosius the Younger and Saint Pulcheria his sister, the children of Arcadius and Eudoxia, with fervent supplications that the sin of their parents against him be forgiven; this return of his holy relics is celebrated on January 27.

Saint John was surnamed Chrysostom ("Golden-mouth") because of his eloquence. He made exhaustive commentaries on the divine Scriptures and was the author of more works than any other Church Father, leaving us complete commentaries on the Book of Genesis, the Gospels of Saints Matthew and John, the Acts, and all the Epistles of Saint Paul. His extant works are 1,447 sermons and 240 epistles. Twenty-two teachers of the Church have written homilies of praise in his honour. Besides his feasts today and on January 27, he is celebrated as one of the Three Hierarchs on January 30, together with Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory the Theologian.

It should be noted that, because September 14 is the Exaltation of the Cross, the Saint's memory has been transferred to this day.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Mode

Angelic powers were above Thy tomb, and they that guarded Thee became as dead. And Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine immaculate Body. Thou hast despoiled Hades and wast not tried thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst grant us life. O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for Synaxis of the Archangels in the Fourth Mode

Supreme Commanders of the Hosts of Heavens, we, the unworthy, importune and beseech thee that by thy supplications thou encircle us in the shelter of the wings of thine immaterial glory, guarding us who now fall down and cry to thee with fervour: Deliver us from dangers of all kinds, as the great marshal of the heavenly hosts on high.

Apolytikion of the Synaxis of John the Forerunner in the Second Mode

The memory of the just is celebrated with hymns of praise * but the Lord's testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner, * for thou wast proved to be truly even more venerable than the Prophets * since thou wast granted to baptize in the running waters * Him Whom they proclaim. * Wherefore having contested for the Truth, * thou didst rejoice to announce the good tidings even to those in Hades * that God has appeared in the flesh * taking away the sin of the world * and granting us great mercy.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Today, the most pure temple of the Savior, the precious bridal chamber and Virgin, the sacred treasure of God, enters the house of the Lord, bringing the grace of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She is the heavenly tabernacle.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

First Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Matthew 28:16-20

At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw Him they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Amen."

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 103.4,1.
Who makes his angels spirits and his ministers a flame of fire
Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God you are very great.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 2:2-10.

Brethren, 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, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his own will. For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. It has been testified somewhere, "What is man that thou art mindful of him, or the son of man, that thou carest for him? Thou didst make him for a little while lower than the angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet." Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for every one. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering.

Gospel Reading

7th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 8:41-56

At that time, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus' feet he besought him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As he went, the people pressed round him. And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years and had spent all her living upon physicians and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, "Who was it that touched me?" When all denied it, Peter and those who were with him said, "Master, the multitudes surround you and press upon you!" But Jesus said, "Some one touched me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from me." And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." While he was still speaking, a man from the ruler's house came and said, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more." But Jesus on hearing this answered him, "Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well." And when he came to the house, he permitted no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but he said, "Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, "Child, arise." And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

Wisdom of the Fathers

We advance toward humility by means of trials. He who rests on his virtue without suffering tribulation has the door of pride open before him.

St. Isaac of Syria

Homily 57, in Ascetical Homilies, p. 283, 7th century

For in a contest there is much labor needed--and after the contest victory falls to some, to others disgrace. Is the palm ever given or the crown granted before the course is finished? ... Therefore no one can receive a reward, unless he has striven lawfully; nor is the victory a glorious one, unless the contest also has been toilsome.

St. Ambrose of Milan

Chapter 15, Three Books on the Duties of the Clergy, 4th century

Parish Activities

Special Service: none

2026 STEWARDSHIP & STOREHOUSE as of 11/5/2026

Goal: $570,000

Pledged: $562,021

Pledges Submitted: 207

Needed to be Pledged: $7,979

PAID: $426,345

REMANING TO BE PAID: $135,675

TODAY, AFTER SERVICE:

· 2^nd tray collection for Camp for the Future Sunday benefiting our Metropolis Mount Tabor Camp and Retreat Center in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The Camp is prepared to become a permanent spiritual home for our youth, families, clergy, and ministries.

· Coffee Hour: Fr. Vasile's Final Talk on his Renewal Journey; Fundraiser luncheon benefiting FOTIA dancers

· Bookstore – Psalter Books $20 – pocket version

· Sunday School: We study about Saints! Everyone is welcome to join us, Preschool - 12^th grade. Lesson: Wonderworkers (St. Herman of Alaska and St. Seraphim of Sarov)

· 4:00 pm Adults Sunday School Zoom Class. Zoom Link in Forerunner or text (972)821-6161. Wonderworkers

· 6:30 pm - Trail Life Men Meeting

UPCOMING EVENTS:

· Monday, Nov. 9, 6 pm – Parish council Meeting

· Tuesday, Nov. 10, 7 pm: Explore Orthodoxy Class. Open to anyone curious about the Orthodox Christian Faith, whether new to Orthodoxy, considering conversion, or a longtime member. Reading Assignment: Chapter 1.5 – Most Holy Theotokos

· Friday, Nov. 6, 10 am: Homeschool Co-op. We have classes for 4-year-old to High school. Contact Jennifer Hock for questions. [email protected]

· Friday. Nov. 13 to Sunday Nov. 15: Byzantine Chant Workshop at our church. More information on the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver website. Registration $150 for adults and $125 for students. Scholarship provided.

· Sunday, Nov. 15: NATIVITY LENT STARTS.

· PSALTER READING GROUPS. The Psalter is the Book of Psalms divided into 20 chapters (kathismata). During the 40-day Lent period, we are making groups of 20 people who can read one kathisma/day. We will have a reading schedule, and each person will read the whole Psalter twice during Lent.

We will read from November 15 until December 24.

The reading is done at home, at your convenience, and takes about 15-30 min. Call/text Cristina Korzun (972) 821-6161 if you would like to participate or have questions about it.

Prayers Request

Prayer Request – November 8, 2026

Please use Baptismal Names for commemoration

Names: Baptismal names:

Members & Family of our parish who are in hospice care:

· Elizabeth Cronin Elizabeth

Members & Family of our parish who are in hospital or rehab:

· Scott Cole *Scott

· Michael Easley *Michael

· Donald Lovett Donald*

Members & Family of our parish who are in assisted living or nursing home:

· Leo Alexander Panteleimon

· Joyce Bishop *Joyce

· Helen Dieb Helen

· Eleni Mavromichalis Eleni

· Rada, Valentin Teodoreanu Rada, Valentin

Members & Family of our parish who are ill / in recovery:

· Rev. Fr. Florin, Rev. Fr. Vasilios Florin & Vasilios, Presbyters

· Theodora, Haralambia the nuns Theodora & Haralambia the nuns

· Chrysanthi Andromalos Chrysanthi

· Constantin & Mindy Armeanu Constantin, Ruth

· Joseph Averitt *Joseph

· Grayson Beauvais *Grayson

· Joanne Bishop Joanna

· Harriet Blake Hariklea

· Robin Boomstra *Robin

· Weston Burks *Weston

· Jason Caros Jason

· Tim Cline Timothy

· David Cole *David

· Mariana, Maria Cuceu Mariana, Maria

· David Dube *David

· Kathy Fox Katherine

· Margareta Fratila Maria Margareta

· Samiha Gayed Samiha

· Beverly Hallett *Beverly

· Orfelina Hererra *Orfelina

· Andrew Hollinger Micah

· John Khol John

· Slavica Ivovic Slavica

· Jeraldo Peterson *Jeraldo

· Ian, Jamison Pope *Ian, *Jamison

· Talita Rossi *Talita

· Ted Sarros John

· Walther Scull *Walther

· Katherine Sullivan *Katherine

· Oleg Tiganiuc Oleg

· Rhiannon Voicu Anastasia

· Mary Wilson *Mary

Members & Family of our parish who have chronic illnesses:

· Raphael Abddulnour Raphael

· Pat Ballas Panayiota

· Michael, Tera Bogdos Michael, Sotiria

· Tami, Olivia, Nathaniel Brugman Dymphna, Teodora, Nathaniel

· Rildo DeSouza *Rildo

· Boris Michael Dimitrov *Boris Michael

· Ian Fullerton Maximus

· Michael Genovezos Michael

· Mavra Grimm Mavra

· Armando Herrera Sr *Armando,

· Jennifer Hock Zenobia

· Gregory Kerbow Gregory

· John Koutsoufis Ioannis

· Alina Ionita Alina

· Jude Thadeus Livsey Jude Thaddeus

· Norma Aguinaga Londot *Norma

· Emilia Lueth Emilia

· Abraham Maayeh Abraham

· Emily, Tempest, Maire Manyai Emily, Michael, Maire Barachiel

· Jude, Erzsi, Brigid Manyai Jude, Erzsi Rafael, Brigid Serafim

· Nicholas, Michaela Miller Jeremiah, Michaela

· George, Katherine Neville *George, Katherine

· Laura, Liliana, Laurentiu Nicolescu Laura, Liliana Gabriela, Laurentiu

· Filiratos, Constantinos, Valetina Pachos Filiratos, Constantin, Valentina

· Eleni Papadakos Eleni

· Maria Paslariu Maria

· Cristina Popa Cristina

· Maria Lungu Post Maria

· Riley Richardson *Riley

· Karen Steffaro Karen Ann

· Ann, Jason Sullivan Ana, Jason

· Kristy, Ron, Warkentin Paraskeva, *Ronald

· Teodora Yeakey Teodora

Members & Family of our parish with limited mobility:

· Darrel Behring *Darrel

· Kassandra Bogordos Kassandra

· John Brugman *John

· Gabriel Corlew *Mathew Gabriel

· Awni, Maryan Haddad Awni, Moufidah

· Dr. Lucille Howton Lucille

· Constantinos Katsikas Constantinos

· Michael & Mary Mavias Michael, Mary

· Themis, Zoe Mavrelli Euthymia, Zoe

· Gail Poriotis Evangelia

· Marika Shackelford Maria

Departed in the last 40 days:

Church Calendar

STJB CAL

November 8 to November 22, 2026

Sunday, November 8

8:15AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

11:00AM Coffee Hour - Fr. Vasile's Final Talk on his Renewal Journey; Fundraiser Luncheon benefiting FOTIA

4:00PM Zoom Sunday School for Adults

6:30PM Trail Life Meeting

Monday, November 9

5:30AM Orthros, Divine Liturgy and Memorial Service

6:00PM Parish Council Meeting

Tuesday, November 10

7:00PM Explore Orthodoxy Class

Wednesday, November 11

5:00PM Confessions

6:00PM Paraklesis

Thursday, November 12

6:00PM Vigil

Friday, November 13

6:00AM Hours and Divine Liturgy

10:00AM Homeschool Co-op Meeting

12:00PM Byzantine Chant Workshop

Saturday, November 14

10:00AM Byzantine Chant Workshop

3:00PM Wedding Tyler Bethke & Katherine

4:00PM Confessions

5:00PM Great Vespers

Sunday, November 15

8:15AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

11:00AM Coffee Hour

12:15PM Philoptochos Meeting

4:00PM Zoom Sunday School for Adults

6:30PM Trail Life Meeting

Monday, November 16

5:30AM Orthros, Divine Liturgy

6:30PM FoodFest Board Meeting

Tuesday, November 17

7:00PM Explore Orthodoxy Class

Wednesday, November 18

5:00PM Confessions

6:00PM Paraklesis

Friday, November 20

10:00AM Homeschool Co-op Meeting

6:00PM Vespers

Saturday, November 21

8:00AM Orthros and Divine Liturgy

4:00PM Confessions

5:00PM Great Vespers

Sunday, November 22

8:15AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

11:00AM Fall General Assembly

4:00PM Zoom Sunday School for Adults

6:30PM Trail Life Meeting

Diakonia Newsletter

Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday

https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-11-08?source=bulletin_web

November 8, 2026

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