Holy Cross Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-02-23
Bulletin Contents
Sunday February 23, 2025 - Sunday of the Last Judgment
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Saints and Feasts
Announcements
Parish Calendar
Online Donations

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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 February 23, 2025 - Sunday of the Last Judgment

     

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Tone

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.

Seasonal Kontakion in the First Tone

O God, when You come upon the earth in glory, the whole world will tremble. A river of fire will bring all before Your Judgment Seat and the books will be opened, and everything in secret will become public. At that time, deliver me from the fire which never dies, and enable me to stand by Your right hand, O Judge most just.

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
  • Seasonal Kontakion in the First Tone © Narthex Press
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    Gospel and Epistle Readings

    Matins Gospel Reading

    Second Orthros Gospel
    The Reading is from Mark 16:1-8

    When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back - it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, He is not here; see the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter that He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him, as He told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

    Epistle Reading

    Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)
    The Reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 8:8-13; 9:1-2

    Brethren, food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Only take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one sees you, a man of knowledge, at table in an idol's temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother's falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall.

    Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

    Gospel Reading

    Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)
    The Reading is from Matthew 25:31-46

    The Lord said, "When the Son of man comes in his glory and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

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    Wisdom of the Fathers

    "Christian love is the 'possible impossibility' to see Christ in another man, whoever he is..."
    Fr. Alexander Schmemann
    Great Lent, 20th Century

    So great was the honour and providential care which God bestowed upon man that He brought the entire sensible world into being before him and for his sake. The kingdom of heaven was prepared for him from the foundation of the world (cf. Matt. 25:34); God first took counsel concerning him, and then he was fashioned by God's hand and according to the image of God (cf. Gen. 1:26-27). God did not form the whole man from matter and from the elements of this sensible world, as He did the other animals. He formed only man's body from these materials; but man's soul He took from things supercelestial or, rather, it came from God Himself when mysteriously He breathed life into man (cf. Gen. 2:7).
    St. Gregory Palamas
    Topics of Natural and Theological Science no. 24, The Philokalia Vol. 4 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 356, 14th century

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    Saints and Feasts

    February 23

    Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)

    The foregoing two parables -- especially that of the Prodigal Son -- have presented to us God's extreme goodness and love for man. But lest certain persons, putting their confidence in this alone, live carelessly, squandering upon sin the time given them to work out their salvation, and death suddenly snatch them away, the most divine Fathers have appointed this day's feast commemorating Christ's impartial Second Coming, through which we bring to mind that God is not only the Friend of man, but also the most righteous Judge, Who recompenses to each according to his deeds.

    It is the aim of the holy Fathers, through bringing to mind that fearful day, to rouse us from the slumber of carelessness unto the work of virtue, and to move us to love and compassion for our brethren. Besides this, even as on the coming Sunday of Cheese-fare we commemorate Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight -- which exile is the beginning of life as we know it now -- it is clear that today's is reckoned the last of all feasts, because on the last day of judgment, truly, everything of this world will come to an end.

    All foods, except meat and meat products, are allowed during the week that follows this Sunday.

    February 23

    Polycarp the Holy Martyr & Bishop of Smyrna

    This apostolic and prophetic man, and model of faith and truth, was a disciple of John the Evangelist, successor of Bucolus (Feb. 6), and teacher of Irenaeus (Aug. 23). He was an old man and full of days when the fifth persecution was raised against the Christians under Marcus Aurelius. When his pursuers, sent by the ruler, found Polycarp, he commanded that they be given something to eat and drink, then asked them to give him an hour to pray; he stood and prayed, full of grace, for two hours, so that his captors repented that they had come against so venerable a man. He was brought by the Proconsul of Smyrna into the stadium and was commanded, "Swear by the fortune of Caesar; repent, and say, 'Away with the atheists.'" By atheists, the Proconsul meant the Christians. But Polycarp, gazing at the heathen in the stadium, waved his hand towards them and said, "Away with the atheists." When the Proconsul urged him to blaspheme against Christ, he said: "I have been serving Christ for eighty-six years, and He has wronged me in nothing; how can I blaspheme my King Who has saved me?" But the tyrant became enraged at these words and commanded that he be cast into the fire, and thus he gloriously expired about the year 163. As Eusebius says, "Polycarp everywhere taught what he had also learned from the Apostles, which also the Church has handed down; and this alone is true" (Eccl. Hist., Book IV, ch. 14,15).

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    Announcements

    Pan-Orthodox Lenten Vespers

    During Great Lent, our parish will be participating along with the other parish belonging to the Eastern Orthodox Clergy Association of Greater Youngstown. During Great Lent, there will be a Sunday Lenten Vespers held at a different area parish that will be attended by the faithful of Greater Youngstown and served by the clergy of the various Orthodox Dioceses. 

    Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers 3/9/25

    5 pm Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church 

    401 12th St Campbell, OH 44405

    Lenten Vespers 3/16/25

    5 pm Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church

    2220 Reeves Rd NE Warren, OH 44483

    Lenten Vespers 3/23/25

    5 pm Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church

    2053 North Rd NE Warren, OH 44483

    Lenten Vespers 3/30/25

    5 pm Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church

    429 High St NE Warren, OH 44481

    Lenten Vespers

    5 pm Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

    220 N. Walnut St Youngstown, OH 44503


    The Holy Altar

    It has always been the ancient custom of the Holy Church that only clergy may enter the Holy Altar. The Altar is a sacred and Holy place. In keeping with the Holy Tradtion and Cannon Law of the Church, we remind you that no one besides the ordained clergy may enter the altar for any reason. The only exception to when a layperson may enter the altar is with the specific blessing of the parish priest. If you have not recived a blessing from Fr. Spyridon to enter the altar, then you may not. Those who do receive a blessing to enter the Holy Altar are reminded that we must show reverence when in the Altar. Upon entering the Altar, cross yourself and bow to the Holy Table. No one besides the ordained clergy may stand in front of or touch the Holy Table or any item that is on the Holy Table. The laity are also forbidden from touching the Proskomidi table and any item on it. If you have any need to enter the Holy Altar, for any reason, you must first ask for and receive the blessing of the parish priest. This includes any all reasons for enter the Altar. ie, cleaning purposes, maintenance, retrieval of book and or items stored in the Holy Altar. 


    Membership Form 2025

    You will find at the candle stand the membership form for 2025. It is very important to fill out this form and return it to the parish. These forms, help us keep our records up to date, and properly budget for the coming year. You will a few more question on this years form, such as birthday and anniversery dates. Such information allows Father Spyridon, and the parish to be able to celebrate the milestones of our lifes. 


    Use of Parish Facilities

    Please be aware that any use of any parish facilities must have the blessing of Fr. Spyridon. As the Bylaws of the ROEA remind us, "Nothing may take place in the parish without the blessing of the parish priest." Please note that this includes any and all events, rentals, choir rehearsals, or anything that takes place at the parish. No one besides the parish priest is able to authorize the use of parish facilities and property. Please be aware that the parish council, parish council members, and parish council president are unable to authorize the use of parish facilities and property. 


    Emil Hoyt - Memory Eternal

    On Sunday February 9th, Emil Hoyt fell asleep in the Lord. Please keep Emil and his family in your prayers. Emil has been a memberof our parish for the past 100 years, and has been a strong supporter over the years. Let us keep his memory eternal by continuing the support and love for the Church that Emil so clearly showed to us. 

    Memory Eternal!!!


    Saint Emmelia Women’s Group

    We are happy to announce a successful start to the Saint Emmelia Women's Group. Many of the women of our parish joined in fellowship and prayer last Tuesday and we pray for many more Tuesdays after this. 

    The new ministry for all the women of our community. This ministry provides a time and place for the fostering of relationships of women with each other and ultimately with Christ to our God. Saint Emmelia will meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 7pm in the home of Fr. Spyridon and Psa. Sarah. 

    Why Saint Emmelia? Saint Emmelia is known as "the mother of the saints". Saint Emmelia raised five children recognized today by the Eastern Orthodox Church as saints! Mothers, God Mothers, and all Christians can learn from the Godly example Christ has given us in this His Saint. Saint Emmelia, pray to God for us!

    Next Saint Emmelia meeting is this Tuesday, February 25th at 7pm, see you there!


    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.

    During Great Lent, we will serve the prescribed Lenten services instead of daily vespers.

    Please come, and bring your friends!


    Prayer List

    Please keep the following in your prayers:

    Living:

    • Mary Ann 
    • Helen

    Departed: 

    • Emil

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    Parish Calendar

    • Calendar

      February 23 to March 9, 2025

      Sunday, February 23

      🍗 Meat Fare Sunday

      9:00AM Matins

      10:00AM Divine Liturgy

      Tuesday, February 25

      7:00PM Saint Emmelia

      Wednesday, February 26

      6:00PM Bible Study

      Saturday, March 1

      6:00PM Great Vespers

      Sunday, March 2

      🧀 Forgiveness Sunday

      9:00AM Matins

      10:00AM Divine Liturgy

      11:30AM Forgivness Vespers

      Monday, March 3

      Great Lent Begins

      6:00PM Canon of Saint Andrew

      Tuesday, March 4

      10:00AM Matins

      6:00PM Canon of Saint Andrew

      Wednesday, March 5

      10:00AM Presanctified Liturgy

      6:00PM Canon of Saint Andrew

      7:00PM Bible Study

      Thursday, March 6

      10:00AM Matins

      6:00PM Canon of Saint Andrew

      Friday, March 7

      10:00AM Presanctified Liturgy

      Saturday, March 8

      6:00PM Great Vespers

      Sunday, March 9

      9:00AM Matins

      10:00AM Divine Liturgy

      5:00PM Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers *Archangel Michael Campbell*

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    Online Donations

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