Holy Cross Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-09-08
Bulletin Contents
Sunday September 8, 2024 - Nativity of the Theotokos
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Saints and Feasts
Announcements
Parish Calendar

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Holy Cross Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • 724-346-9937
  • Street Address:

  • 950 Maple Dr

  • Hermitage, PA 16148-2333

Contact Information

The Most Rev. NATHANIEL
Archbishop


Rev. Father Spyridon Ickes
Parish Priest

[email protected] | 216-372-6217

Services Schedule

Wednesdays: Daily Vespers 6 pm; Bible Study after

Saturdays: Great Vespers 6 pm; Confessions heard after

Sundays: Matins 9 am, Divine Liturgy 10 am

 

Past Bulletins


Sunday September 8, 2024 - Nativity of the Theotokos

     

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode

When Thou didst descend unto death, O Life Immortal, then didst Thou slay Hades with the lightning of Thy Divinity. And when Thou didst also raise the dead out of the nethermost depths, all the powers in the Heavens cried out: O Life-giver, Christ our God, glory be to Thee.
When You descended unto Death, O Lord, You who are immortal Life put Hades to death, by the lightning of Your divinity. And when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the hosts of heaven sang aloud to You, “O Christ God, Giver of life, glory to You!”

Apolytikion for Nativity of the Theotokos in the Fourth Mode

Thy Nativity, O Theotokos, hath procliamed joy to the whole world; for from thee hath dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, annulling the curse and bestowing the blessing, abolishing death and granting us life everlasting.
Your Nativity, O Theotokos, imparted joy to the entire earth, for out of you has risen the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God. He nullified the curse and instead gave His blessing; and causing death to be neutralized, He granted us eternal life.

The translations of hymns are under copyright and used by permission. All rights reserved. These works may not be further reproduced, in print or on other websites or in any other form, without the prior written authorization of the copyright holder:

  • Resurrectional Apolytikion in Second Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
  • Apolytikion for Nativity of the Theotokos in the Fourth Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
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    Gospel and Epistle Readings

    Matins Gospel Reading

    The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
    The Reading is from Luke 1:39-49, 56

    In those days, Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."

    And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name." And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.

    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.

    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."

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    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

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    Saints and Feasts

    September 08

    Sunday before Holy Cross

    September 08

    The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

    According to the ancient tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was born of barren and aged parents, Joachim and Anna, about the year 16 or 17 before the birth of Christ. Joachim was descended from the royal line of David, of the tribe of Judah. Anna was of the priestly tribe of Levi, a daughter of the priest Matthan and Mary, his wife.

    September 09

    The Holy & Righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna

    Today, the day following the Nativity of the most holy Theotokos, we celebrate the synaxis of Saints Joachim and Anna, honouring them as her parents.

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    Announcements

    Parish Feast Day

    Please join us This coming Saturday the 14th as we celebrate the feast of our parish, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Divine Liturgy at 10am. 


    Festal Banquet September 15th

      Menu:  Baked Chicken,  Rice Pilaf, Mixed Vegetables,  Salad, Bread, and Dessert
     
            Sponsors needed            Help needed             Reservation sign-up sheet at Candle Stand
     
            Contact  Adela Price or Mary Sankey

    Pumpkin Rolls

    PUMPKIN ROLLS       $17.00 @ roll
     
           Baking Tuesdays September  24 to November 19        9 AM
     
           Selling  October 2  to  November 27
     
             Sign up to Help
     
            Contact Adela Price or Mary Sankey

    Memorial Service for Betty

    Because many parishioners were unable to attend the funeral service for Betty Pappas, we will be offering a parastas for Betty at her grave on her 40th day after her death. We will meet at Saint John's Orthodox Cemetery on September 14th at 6 pm. We encourage all of our parishioners to come and pray for Betty. Please note that as this is a Saturday, we will be serving the Parastas in place of vespers. Saturday is the day marked in the weekly cycle for the departed as well as the 14th being our Parish Feast Day. I can not imagine a better time for us to get together as a parish and pray for one of our own.


    Bible Study

    Starting on September 11th, our parish will be offering a weekly bible study. Our bible study will start at 6 pm in the Church with prayer. Invite your friends!


    Lipstick

    Please avoid kissing the holy icons while wearing lipstick. The lipstick leaves a residue on the icons that can actually seep into the paint and permanently stain the icons. We also ask that you please remove your lipstick before partaking in communion. Wearing lipstick while taking communion results in the spoon and ultimately the body and blood of Christ being stained by the lipstick. 


    Pastoral Meetings by Appointment

    Father Spyridon is available by appointment to serve your pastoral needs. Please do not hesitate to contact him via email or phone to set up appointments.  


    Commemoration Slips

    You will now find commemoration slips at the candle stand. These slips are for people to be added to our parish prayer list. Names should be added of people who have recently fallen ill, pregnancies, newborns, or recently departed. If the person is not an Orthodox Christian, their name should be added only under the non-Orthodox spot. If there is someone you wish to have commemorated who departed this life more than 40 days ago, please give the name directly to Father and he will pray for them during Proskomedia. After filling out the commemoration slip, please place it in the small basket on the candle stand. The altar boys will collect them during Liturgy so that they can be added to our prayers.


    Family Prayer Lists

    Before the Divine Liturgy, the priest prays for the people. To assist with this, we ask that all parishioners create a list of living family members and a list of departed family members to be commemorated before the Divine Liturgy. Please note all names on the list must be Orthodox Christians.


    Prayer List

    Please keep the following in your prayers:

    Living:

    • Psa. Sarah and the child to be born of her
    • Mary Ann
    • Virginia 
    • Helen
    • Janet

    Departed:

    • Betty
    • Elena

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    Parish Calendar

    • Calendar

      September 8 to September 22, 2024

      Sunday, September 8

      Nativity of the Theotokos

      9:00AM Matins

      10:00AM Divine Liturgy

      Wednesday, September 11

      6:00PM Bible Study

      Friday, September 13

      6:00PM Great Vespers - Holy Cross

      Saturday, September 14

      Exaltaion of the Holy Cross

      10:00AM Divine Liturgy

      6:00PM Parastas Betty Pappas

      Sunday, September 15

      9:00AM Matins

      10:00AM Divine Liturgy

      11:30AM Festal Banquet

      Wednesday, September 18

      6:00PM Bible Study

      Saturday, September 21

      6:00PM Great Vespers

      Sunday, September 22

      9:00AM Matins

      10:00AM Divine Liturgy

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