Holy Cross Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-11-17
Bulletin Contents
Sunday November 17, 2024 - Saint Gregory the Wonder Worker and Bishop of Neo-Caesarea
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Saints and Feasts
Announcements
Parish Calendar
Thanksgiving Collection

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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


Right. Rev. ANDREI
Vicar Bishop


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 November 17, 2024 - Saint Gregory the Wonder Worker and Bishop of Neo-Caesarea

     

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone

Having learned the joyful proclamation of the Resurrection from the Angel, and having cast off the ancestral condemnation, the women disciples of the Lord spake to the Apostles exultantly: Death is despoiled and Christ God is risen, granting great mercy to the world.

Apolytikion for Gregory the Wonderworker in the Eighth Tone

By vigilance in prayer, and continuance in the working of wonders, thou didst acquire thine achievements as a surname; wherefore, intercede with Christ our God, O Father Gregory, to enlighten our souls, lest we sleep in sin unto death.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone

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.

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 Fourth Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
  • Apolytikion for Gregory the Wonderworker in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
  • Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone © Narthex Press
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    Gospel and Epistle Readings

    Matins Gospel Reading

    Tenth Orthros Gospel
    The Reading is from John 21:1-14

    At that time, Jesus revealed Himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and He revealed Himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas, called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after He was raised from the dead. .

    Epistle Reading

    21st Sunday after Pentecost
    The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 2:16-20

    Brethren, knowing that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

    Gospel Reading

    9th Sunday of Luke
    The Reading is from Luke 12:16-21

    The Lord said this parable: "The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." As he said these things, he cried out: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

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    Wisdom of the Fathers

    When I remember the disobedience of Eve, I weep. But when I view the fruit of Mary, I am again renewed. Deathless by descent, invisible through beauty, before the ages light of light; of God the Father You were begotten; being Word and Son of God, You did take on flesh from the Virgin Mary, in order that You might completely renew Adam who You had fashioned by Your holy hand.
    St. Gregory the Wonderworker
    Homily Concering the Holy Mother of God, Ever-Virgin, 3rd Century

    Since the hour when Christ despoiled Hades, men have danced in Triumph over death.
    St. Gregory the Wonderworker
    3rd Century

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    Saints and Feasts

    November 17

    9th Sunday of Luke

    November 17

    Gregory the Wonderworker & Bishop of Neo-Caesarea

    Saint Gregory was born in Neocaesarea of Pontus to parents who were not Christians. He studied in Athens, in Alexandria, in Beirut, and finally for five years in Caesarea of Palestine under Origen, by whom he was also instructed in the Faith of Christ. Then, in the year 240, he became bishop of his own city, wherein he found only seventeen Christians. By the time the Saint reposed about the year 265, there were only seventeen unbelievers left there. Virtually the whole duration of his episcopacy was a time of continual, marvellous wonders worked by him. Because of this, he received the surname "Wonderworker"; even the enemies of the truth called him a second Moses (see Saint Basil the Great's On the Holy Spirit, ch. 29).

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    Announcements

    New Birth

    Glory to God for the new child in our parish. Nektaria Maria Ickes was born November 11th to Fr. Spyridon and Psa. Sarah Ickes. Father and Preoteasā thank everyone for their prayers and support. Nektaria will be baptized in our parish on January 4th, with a reception to follow. The time will be announced at a later date. All parishioners are invited to attend.


    Saint Nicholas Day Party

    Our parish will be hosting a Saint Nicholas Day party on Saturday, December 7th at 11 am. This party will include a brunch and plenty of activities for children and families. You might even expect a visit from Saint Nicholas himself. Be sure to bring your shoes and your appetite and your friends. 


    Nativity Fast

    The Nativity Fast has begun. The Nativity Fast is a time of fasting prescribed by the Holy Orthodox Church from November 15th to December 24th. This fast is not as strict as the Great Lent. In the Byzantine tradtion, followed by our diocese, the fast allows fish, wine, and oil on every day except Wednesdays and Fridays from November 15th to December 11th. From December 12th till Christmas Eve, it is a strict fast (that is, no meat, dairy, fish, wine, or oil). As always, with every fast, we are not fasting for the sake of fasting itself. True fasting is done in the absence of pride and along with prayer and almsgiving. As American Thanksgiving falls within the Nativity Fast, Father Spyridon would like to offer a blessing to all parishioners to break the fast on Thanksgiving. Let us be Thankful for all the Lord has given us!

    People who should not fast:

    • Pregnant and breastfeeding women
    • Those suffering from illness or other medical issues
    • Those who are fasting in the absence of prayer
    • Young children
    • Anyone who has not yet developed a practice of fasting. If this is you, fast to the extent you can. Do not try too hard and bring yourself to failure. Fast as you can and always with prayer!

    A final reminder from the Liturgical hymns of the Church

    If you have abstained from meat and dairy for the whole of the fast, but have failed to love your brother. You have not fasted at all!


    Akathist of Thanksgiving

    On the eve of American Thanksgiving, November 27th at 6pm, our parish will offer the Akathist Hymn "Glory to God for All Things," also known as the Akathist of Thanksgiving. This Akathist gets its name from the final words of Saint John Chrysostom as he died in exile. The service was written by Metropolitan Tryphon of Dimitrov while being persecuted by the Soviet Communists. It has become a local tradtion in American parishes of all ethnic backgrounds to pray this Akathist on the Eve of Thanksgiving as we remember our own thankfulness and remember to give "Glory to God for all Things". As this is a Wednesday, this will replace daily vespers and be followed with our weekly bible study. 


    Virgina Shank Parastas

    On November 27 directly following the Akathist Glory to God for All Things, we will celebrate a Parastas (memorial service) for Virginia Shank on the 40th day of her falling asleep. Please continue to keep Virginia and her family in your prayers. 


    Bible Study

    Every Wednesday, our parish has Bible study! We meet at 6 pm in the church for daily vespers, and then start our bible study right after. Please come, and bring your friends! We are currently studying the Gospel of Mark.


    Pumpkin Rolls

    Ladies Aid is selling Pumpkin Rolls!

    Pumpkin Rolls cost $17 each and are available with or without nuts.

    Baking: every Tuesday till November 19th

    Selling: every Wednesday till December 4th


    Prayer List

    Please keep the following in your prayers:

    Living:

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

    Departed: 

    • Virginia 

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    Parish Calendar

    • Calendar

      November 17 to December 1, 2024

      Sunday, November 17

      9:00AM Matins

      10:00AM Divine Liturgy

      Wednesday, November 20

      6:00PM Bible Study

      Saturday, November 23

      6:00PM Great Vespers

      Sunday, November 24

      9:00AM Matins

      10:00AM Divine Liturgy

      12:00PM Parish Council Meeting

      Wednesday, November 27

      11:00AM Funeral Janet Tolci

      6:00PM Akathist of Thanksgiving/Parastas - Bible Study to Follow

      Thursday, November 28

      9:00AM +Virgina Shank 40th Day+

      Saturday, November 30

      6:00PM Great Vespers

      Sunday, December 1

      9:00AM Matins

      9:00AM Parastas - Virginia

      10:00AM Divine Liturgy

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    Thanksgiving Collection

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