News & Information

Upcoming Special Services
Orthros 8am / Divine Liturgy 9am
Monday, September 14th - Elevation of the Cross

Classes
Bible Study Begins Wednesday, August 26th @ 6pm https://meet.google.com/vdq-qtix-hmr
Catechism & Sunday School Begin Sept. 6th

Sunday School sign-up: https://forms.gle/NHx2qvoRKkH86mhm7

Adult Catechism Sign-up: https://forms.gle/EDBTPVC1iuHrFj4z5

Holy Trinity GOC Greek School
The Greek School of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church offers children and adults the opportunity to learn the Modern Greek language and become familiar with Greek culture and history. Students develop reading, writing, and speaking skills in Greek while also learning about their cultural heritage. All classes are offered online and are open to everyone in the greater Roanoke area, with priority given to members of our parish. Please note that we teach Modern Greek, not Koine (New Testament) Greek. Children need to be able to read and write in English before enrolling.

Registration forms are available on the Church website at https://www.holytrinityroanoke.com/greek-school/ or you can find printed copies at the Church

(Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 30 Huntington Blvd, NE, Roanoke, VA 24012).

The Adult Beginner Greek Class has been filled to capacity and we will have a few names on a waiting list in case of withdrawals. Unfortunately, we cannot accept additional adult registrations for this school year. We apologize for not being able to accommodate everyone due to the limited availability of qualified teachers, but we appreciate the great interest in learning Modern Greek!

Thank you,

The Greek School Teachers:

Tom Contos, Rea Dania, Georgia Liagki

Greek School starts in October. Registration will be open until Sept. 30th.
For more information please contact: [email protected]

Virginia Tech Services at the War Memorial Chapel
601 Drillfield Dr., Blacksburg, VA 24061
All Orthodox Christians living in the New River Valley area are welcome to join us.
Monday, September 14th ⋅ 6:00pm
Monday, September 28th ⋅ 6:00pm

Philoptochos

Philoptochos is in need of donations of non perishable snacks. Cookies, crackers, nuts, chips and kid drinks. All donations are appreciated.

Community Game Night
A game night for those who want to play a wide assortment of games and get to know your fellow parish members better in a group setting! Have a favorite? Bring it! Newcomers welcome!
Every 1st and 3rd Saturday After Vespers at 5pm In The Fellowship Hall!
18+ Unless accompanied by an adult

Big Fat Greek Drive-Thru

The Big Fat Greek Drive-Thru is right around the corner! It’s time to sign-up and volutneer for our largest fundraiser of the year! The Drive-thru will be held on September 25, 26 & 27.

Sign up today at https://bit.ly/4oZyPW4 or stop by the volunteer table in the Fellowship Hall each Sunday to sign up in person. Please volunteer as much time as possible! All baking and workdays are listed on the church’s online calendar. Mark your calendar for these IMPORTANT DATES.

· Set-up begins the week of September 21 – as of today 1 volunteer has signed up for Monday, NO VOLUNTEERS, Tuesday and Wednesday and 3 volunteers have signed up for Thursday

· Drive-Thru Days: September 25, 26 & 27

· Tear-down: Monday, September 28 – 3 volunteers have signed up as of today!

WE NEED STRONG MEN TO HELP WITH SET-UP AND TEAR DOWN! AS OF RIGHT NOW WE DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH HELP!

One great way to promote our event is by sharing billstuffers and posters with your friends, family, and community. You can find all the printed materials on the table at the entrance of the Fellowship Hall. It takes everyone’s effort to promote our event!

BIG FAT GREEK DRIVE-THRU VOLUNTEER T-SHIRTS – Show Your Spirit and Support Our Cause! We kindly ask all volunteers to wear a Drive-Thru t-shirt each day they work. Every day features a specific t-shirt color, helping us stay coordinated, and stand out while moving vehicles are in the parking lot! If you were with us last year, we will use the same colored t-shirts. If you are new to our community or need to replace last year’s t-shirt, we will have them available this Sunday, September 13 and September 20. If you are able, we welcome monetary donations toward the cost of the t-shirts. Proceeds will go toward supporting this year’s charities, making your contribution even more impactful. The t-shirt colors are as follows: on Friday we will wear the Sangria t-shirt, Saturday the Orange t-shirt and Sunday the White t-shirt. Thank you for your support and for being a part of something meaningful!

· CHURCH DUMPSTER GUIDELINES
The GFL dumpster located in the church parking lot is designated exclusively for church-related
events. It is NOT INTENDED for personal use or disposal of household items. Please continue
to place ALL COFFEE HOUR TRASH IN THE CITY TRASH CANS, NOT IN THE
DUMPSTER.
The church is responsible for all dumpster service and disposal costs. We have recently noticed
items being discarded that do not appear to be related to church functions. At this time, there
should be NO TRASH PLACED IN THE DUMPSTER. Because of the summer heat, trash
can quickly create unpleasant odors. In addition, the dumpster is serviced only when it reaches
capacity, making it important that it be used only for its intended purpose.
We appreciate everyone's cooperation in helping keep our church grounds clean and ensuring
that the dumpster remains available for church-related events.

Previous Announcements

Philoptochos
New members may join with a $30 membership fee. Returning members' dues can be paid now. You may pay at the membership table on Sunday.

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Welcome to All Visitors!
Communion
For those visiting an Orthodox Church for the first time, please be aware that Holy Communion is a sign of unity of faith, which is only offered to Baptized and Chrismated Orthodox Christians. However, all are welcome to come forward and receive the antidoron (or blessed bread) which is distributed at the end of the service.
Fellowship
Following Divine Liturgy, we invite you to join us for fellowship and refreshments in our hall. Please introduce yourself to one of our Parish Council or welcoming committee members who are gathered near the candle stand in the entrance area, so that we may have the chance to greet and welcome you properly. We strongly encourage you to fill out a Welcome to our Church form.
Office Hours
Fr. Theodore Lyketsos is our parish priest. Office hours are Monday-Thursday 9am until 2pm. Confession is available by appointment during this time as well as after Vespers on Saturday. If a need/emergency arises please contact the Church Office

Church Website

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 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.

Προκείμενον. Plagal Second Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 27.9,1.
Σῶσον, Κύριε τὸν λαὸν σου καὶ εὐλόγησον τὴν κληρονομίαν σου.
Στίχ. Πρὸς σἐ, Κύριε, κεκράξομαι ὁ Θεός μου.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα 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.

Wisdom of the Fathers

Our Redeemer and Maker, Who was Son of God before the ages, became Son of Man at the end of ages. Thus the One Who, through the power of His divinity, had created us to enjoy the happiness of everlasting life, might Himself restore us, through the weakness of our humanity, to recover the life we had lost.

St. Bede the Venerable

Homilies on the Gospels, 2.18. 7th Century. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: John 1-10. Intervarsity Press, 2006, p. 126.

For since Nicodemus had said, "We know that Thou art a teacher come from God," on this very point He sets him right, all but saying, "Think Me not a teacher in such manner as were the many of the prophets who were of earth, for I have come from heaven (but) now. None of the prophets hath ascended up thither, but I dwell there."

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

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.

Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου, καὶ οἱ φυλάσσοντες ἀπενεκρώθησαν, καὶ ἵστατο Μαρία ἐν τῷ τάφῳ, ζητοῦσα τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα. Ἐσκύλευσας τὸν ᾍδην, μὴ πειρασθεὶς ὑπ' αὐτοῦ, ὑπήντησας τῇ Παρθένῳ, δωρούμενος τὴν ζωήν, ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ των νεκρῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.

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.

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.

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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