St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church
Publish Date: 2026-09-13
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Holy Bread Offering:
Announcements
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Calendar
Saints and Feasts
Wisdom of the Fathers
Weekly Bulletin Inserts
service schedule
Diakonia Newsletter

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St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (316) 264-1576
  • Street Address:

  • 344 S Martinson St.

  • Wichita, KS 67213-4044

Contact Information

Parish Priest: Fr Aaron Warwick


[email protected]

Fr. John Baize, Attached



Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America His Eminence Metropolitan Saba



Archiepiscopal Vicar Fr Calinic Berger



Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

SUNDAY SERVICE ATTENDANCE in the First Tone

Last Sunday Attendance: 194; 52-Week Average Attendance: 159; 2025 Average Attendance: 148

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Sixth Tone

When Mary stood at thy grave looking for thy sacred body, angelic powers shone above thy revered tomb, and the soldiers who were to keep guard became as dead men. Thou led hades captive and wast not tempted thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst give life to the world. Thou who art risen from the dead, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion for Forefeast of the Exaltation in the Second Tone

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.

Apolytikion for Temple of the Resurrection in the Fourth Tone

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.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone

The Church is revealed to all as a brilliantly lit heaven, leading the faithful in the way of light. Standing therein, we cry aloud: Make firm the foundation of this house, O Lord.


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Sixth Tone. 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 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.

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."



Holy Bread Offering:

HOLY BREAD

Holy Bread (Prosphora) and Coffee Hour is offered by: Darren & Amy Minks

Orthodox servants of God, that they may have mercy, life, peace, health, salvation and visitation: Darren, Amy, Brian, Danny, Kacy, Nathan, Lee, AND Katelyn, Ashleigh, Trevor, Olivia, Hazel, Tatum, Truman, Brecken, Jackson, Sutton, Dawson, Adley

The Orthodox servants of God departed this life in the hope of resurrection unto life eternal: Albert, Alberta, Duane, Marla

Your prayers are requested:

Nadia Abdelmaseh, George Augst, Kh. Cindy Baize, Dawneen Banks, Karl Beal, Dn. Stephen Beasley,  Anita Bourgerie, Dennis Bourgerie, Joseph Broz, Jim Buckler, Teresa C., Deana Carothers, Roy Clark, George Cochran, Elisabeth Esquivel, Weine Habtemariam, Jacqueline Howk, Jordan Kaab, Edwin Kerley & family, Kandace Khoury,  Mary Ann Khoury, Michael and Robin Khoury and family, Marlo and Sue Kinsey, Sean and Valerie Lehl & family, Matthew and Erica Lockwood, Linda Love, Donna Namee, Robbie Namee, Barbara Nassif, Lee Rosenbaum, Dolores Shaheen, Michelle Shaheen, Annalise Shearer, Danny Shipman, Brian Smith, Bonita Somerhalder, Rod & Becky Steven, Jacob Taylor, Corina, Cristian, and Iulian Todorache, Autumn and Kim Volhein, Sam Vulgamore, Andrea Vulgamore, Christina Vulgamore, Mary Vulgamore, Davin and Auggie Wallace, Glen Willett, Jadallah Wolf, Kouri Wolf, Marcia Pinkerton-Wolfe, Elena Zamfir

May God remember all of them and us in His Kingdom.




Announcements

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Our monthly newsletter, The Scroll, is available online. Each issue of The Scroll includes enriching articles about the faith, as well as pictures from recent events. In addition, we provide a monthly financial update to ensure we are fulfilling the biblical principle of transparency. You may access The Scroll here: The Scroll | St. Mary Orthodox Christian Church


WICHITA MISSION - INITIAL GATHERING

On Monday, September 14, at 6:30 pm, an initial gathering of the Wichita Orthodox Mission Church will be held at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church (8021 W 21st St N, Wichita, KS 67205). In addition to praying the Little Compline service together, the focus of the meeting will be identifying a future location for worship and meetings, as well as the best time of the week to regularly meet. We might also begin assigning individuals/committees with tasks to get the mission started. Attendees are asked to bring a Lenten dish to share at the meal since 9/14 is the Feast of the Cross and, thus, a fast day.


BOOK STUDY - THE ORTHODOX WAY

Beginning on Wednesday, September 9, following Daily Vespers each Wednesday we will have a Book Study. The book we will be using is "The Orthodox Way" by Bishop Kallistos Ware. We will also continue the Bible Study, but it will move to Thursday evenings beginning in September. If you wish to order your own copy of "The Orthodox Way" for this study from our parish bookstore, please let Eric or Nico know ASAP. You can find one or both of them in the bookstore Sundays after Liturgy.


ST MARY FEAST DAY PICNIC

The St. Mary Feast Day Picnic is TODAY, September 13th, following the Divine Liturgy. The location is the same as prior years - Edgemoor Recreation Center, 5815 East 9th street, Wichita. The parish will provide a main course (fried chicken); plates, utensils, cups, napkins and ice water. Parishioners attending are asked to bring a side dish, dessert, and/or beverage (if you are a visitor today, please join us and do not feel obliged to bring any food!). The meal will start at approximately 12:30 p.m. Parishioners are also asked to bring softball equipment, if they wish to play. 


CATECHISM CLASS SEPTEMBER 20

The next catechism class meets on Sunday, September 20, at 10:30 am and will review the Church's liturgical calendar, with special emphasis on the 12 Great Feasts of the Church Year. Those who want to join the church are required to attend catechism classes, but anyone interested may attend (including those who are already members of our parish who want to learn more). 


PRISON MINISTRY TRAINING

Those interested in joining Fr. Aaron in his prison ministry involvement at Winfield Correctional Facility are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming volunteer training sessions. Because paperwork and approval are required beforehand, please express interest as early as possible so there is enough time to complete the necessary forms. In addition, please contact Fr. Aaron to let him know you are planning to attend a training session. 

2026 Training Dates

  • Tuesday, September 22 — 5:30–9:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 10 — 7:30–11:00 a.m.
  • Tuesday, December 1 — 5:30–9:30 p.m.

For more information, contact 

Janie -   [email protected]    620-705-7051   

Lori Chrisman - [email protected]  316-300-3254


ONLINE GIVING OPTION

Many of our parishioners and friends have asked for an online option to make contributions to our parish. We now have this option on our website. You can make donations online for any reason: pledges, memorial gifts and special collections. You simply need to earmark your donation if it is for a memorial/special collection. If you choose to give online, we respectfully request you cover the associated fees. To give, you may visit the following webpage: Donate to St. Mary


TEXT UPDATES/REMINDERS

Our text message system operates through tithe.ly. We need anyone who wants to receive text messages from the church to sign up for this service (even if you had already signed up using our previous Remind system). You can join by following these quick steps: 
 
- Text the phone number 855-516-9861 with the following phrase in the message box: STMARYTEXT 
 
- Click on the link sent back to you via text and fill out your name (having your name will make it much easier for us in the future to create separate groups, such as the Parish Council, the Belles of St Mary, etc.).

- Check the box giving permission to receive texts.

- Click the "Submit" button. 

Once you have done this, you should be automatically added to our text message list. Contact Fr Aaron if you have any issues. 




Birthdays and Anniversaries

Celebrations this week

Mikaela Wangsgaard (9/17), Joan Ferris (9/18).   

May God grant them many years!




Calendar

  • St. Mary Parish Calendar

    September 13 to September 27, 2026

    Sunday, September 13

    8:50AM Matins

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy w/Chrismations

    12:30PM Feast Day Celebration @ Edgemoor Park

    5:00PM Dynamic Marriage - Pre-session

    6:00PM Great Vespers w/Procession of the Cross ~ Elevation of the Cross

    Monday, September 14

    Fast Day ~ Elevation of the Cross

    8:00AM Divine Liturgy ~ Elevation of the Cross

    6:30PM Wichita Mission Church - Initial Gathering (Location TBA)

    6:30PM Belles Meeting @ Robbie's (1958 N Sedgwick)

    Wednesday, September 16

    6:00PM Daily Vespers

    6:30PM Book Study ("The Orthodox Way")

    Thursday, September 17

    6:30PM Bible Study

    Saturday, September 19

    9:00AM Teen Breakfast for our Neighbors

    4:30PM Confession

    5:00PM Great Vespers

    Sunday, September 20

    8:50AM Matins

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Catechism Class

    11:00AM Church School

    5:00PM Lord's Diner

    6:00PM Dynamic Marriage - Session 1

    Wednesday, September 23

    6:00PM Daily Vespers

    6:30PM Book Study ("The Orthodox Way")

    Thursday, September 24

    CSA Golf Classic & Dinner

    6:30PM Bible Study

    Friday, September 25

    6:00PM Divine Liturgy ~ St John the Evangelist, Apostle, & Theologian

    Saturday, September 26

    4:30PM Confession

    5:00PM Great Vespers

    6:00PM Chant Class

    Sunday, September 27

    OYM Sunday

    8:50AM Matins

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    11:00AM Church School

    12:00PM Altar Server Training

    6:00PM Dynamic Marriage - Session 2



Saints and Feasts

September 13

The Consecration of the Church of the Holy Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre)

The church that is honoured far above all others is that of the Holy Resurrection, which Saint Constantine the Great constructed at the place of Golgotha, where our Saviour was crucified and buried. For a long time this place had been purposely buried beneath the earth by the Jews and heathen; furthermore, during the reign of Hadrian (117-138), a temple dedicated to Aphrodite was built over the site so that this sacred place might be even further desecrated and fall into utter oblivion. It was here that the Cross was hidden. However, at the command of the pious Emperor Constantine, excavations were made and the tokens of the saving Passion were found. It was here, then, that the very great and magnificent temple named in honour of Christ God's Resurrection-the Anastasis-was built under the supervision of the blessed Helen, while Dracilian was Eparch of Palestine and Macarius was Archbishop of Jerusalem. It was the latter, also, who exalted the venerable Cross and performed the consecration of this temple in the year 336.

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.

September 14

The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross

Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the cross, about the year 325. A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been suffered. The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation. At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, "Lord have mercy." It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country (see Jan. 22, Saint Anastasius the Persian). Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place.

Rest from labour. A Fast is observed today, whatever day of the week it may be.

September 16

Euphemia the Great Martyr

Saint Euphemia was from Chalcedon and lived in virginity. According to some, she suffered martyrdom during the reign of Diocletian, in 303; according to others, in 307. Her sacred relics are preserved in the Patriarchate in Constantinople.

September 16

Ninian the Enlightener of Scotland

Saint Ninian was born in Cumberland in Britain around the year 360, about a half century after the Emperor Constantius Chlorus died in the British city of York, and his son Constantine, who was with him when he died, was proclaimed Emperor. Ninian was born of Christian parents of noble lineage, at a time when paganism was still strong in his native land. As a young man he went to Rome, where he spent many years in study and ascetical struggles. At Rome, Saint Ninian was consecrated some time after the death of Pope Damasus in 384, and was sent back to his native island about the end of the fourth century. On his return journey, it is likely that he passed through Tours and met Saint Martin; what is certain is that many churches and cells associated with Saint Ninian, including his own cathedral in Whithorn, were named in honour of Saint Martin. When Saint Ninian returned to Cumberland, he established monasteries that fostered both the life of prayer and missionary labours. By his preaching, his godly life, and his miracles, he ministered to his own countrymen, the Britons, and also converted many of the pagan Picts, who inhabited the northern regions (in today's Scotland). He reposed in peace at his see of Whithorn in Galloway in 432.
September 17

Sophia & her three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love

These Saints were from Italy and contested for the Faith about the year 126, during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian. Faith was twelve years old, Hope, ten, and Love, nine; each was tormented and then beheaded, from the eldest to the youngest. Their mother Sophia mourned at their grave for three days, where she also fell asleep in peace; because of her courageous endurance in the face of her daughters' sufferings, she is also counted a martyr. The name Sophia means "wisdom" in Greek; as for her daughters' names, Faith, Hope, and Love (Charity), they are Pistis, Elpis, and Agape in Greek, and Vera, Nadezhda, and Lyubov in Russian.





Weekly Bulletin Inserts





Diakonia Newsletter

Diakonia Newsletter

Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday

https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-09-13?source=bulletin_web

September 13, 2026

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