Holy Cross Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-03-02
Bulletin Contents
Sunday March 2, 2025 - Forgiveness Sunday
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Saints and Feasts
Announcements
Parish Calendar
Online Donations

Organization Icon
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 March 2, 2025 - Forgiveness Sunday

     

BACK TO TOP

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Tone

Let the Heavens rejoice; let earthly things be glad; for the Lord hath wrought might with His arm, He hath trampled upon death by death. The first-born of the dead hath He become. From the belly of Hades hath He delivered us, and hath granted great mercy to the world.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Sixth Tone

O Master, Prudence, Guide of Wisdom, Instruction to the foolish and Defender of the poor, strengthen my heart and grant it discernment. Give me words, Word of the Father, for behold, I shall not keep my lips from crying out to You, "O Merciful One, have mercy on me who has fallen."

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 Third Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
  • Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal of the Second Tone © Narthex Press
    • BACK TO TOP

    Gospel and Epistle Readings

    Matins Gospel Reading

    Third Orthros Gospel
    The Reading is from Mark 16:9-20

    When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

    After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. After this He appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table and He upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw Him after He had risen. And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."

    So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.

    Epistle Reading

    Forgiveness Sunday
    The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4

    Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

    As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for God is able to make him stand.

    Gospel Reading

    Forgiveness Sunday
    The Reading is from Matthew 6:14-21

    The Lord said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

    "And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

    "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

    BACK TO TOP

    Wisdom of the Fathers

    Spiritual delight is not enjoyment found in things that exists outside the soul.
    St. Isaac of Syria
    Unknown, 7th century

    Do we forgive our neighbors their trespasses? God also forgives us in His mercy. Do we refuse to forgive? God, too, will refuse to forgive us. As we treat our neighbors, so also does God treat us. The forgiveness, then, of your sins or unforgiveness, and hence also your salvation or destruction, depend on you yourself, man. For without forgiveness of sins there is no salvation.
    St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
    Unknown, 18th century

    The value of fasting consists not in abstinence only from food, but in a relinquishment of sinful practices, since he who limits his fasting only to an abstinence from meat is he who especially disparages it. The change in our way of life during these blessed days will help us to gain holiness. Therefore we should let our soul rejoice during the fast.
    St. John Chrysostom
    Fourth Century

    BACK TO TOP

    Saints and Feasts

    March 02

    Forgiveness Sunday

    The Holy Fathers have appointed the commemoration of Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight here, on the eve of the holy Forty-day Fast, demonstrating to us not by simple words, but by actual deeds, how beneficial fasting is for man, and how harmful and destructive are insatiety and the transgressing of the divine commandments. For the first commandment that God gave to man was that of fasting, which the first-fashioned received but did not keep; and not only did they not become gods, as they had imagined, but they lost even that blessed life which they had, and they fell into corruption and death, and transmitted these and innumerable other evils to all of mankind. The God-bearing Fathers set these things before us today, that by bringing to mind what we have fallen from, and what we have suffered because of the insatiety and disobedience of the first-fashioned, we might be diligent to return again to that ancient bliss and glory by means of fasting and obedience to all the divine commands. Taking occasion from today's Gospel (Matt. 6:14-21) to begin the Fast unencumbered by enmity, we also ask forgiveness this day, first from God, then from one another and all creation.

    March 02

    Hesychius the Martyr

    Holy martyr Hesychius lived during the reign of king Maximian in 302. He was the first and the leader in the royal palace and the Senate, because he was magistrianus by office. When Maximian ordered that all Christians who were royal soldiers ought to be deprived of their belts (which were a sign of their royal merit) and live as civilians and without honour, many Christians preferred to live without any outward honour due to this illegal order than to be honoured and lose their soul. St. Hesychius was numbered with these Christians as well. When the king heard this, he ordered that the saint ought to be stripped of the expensive clothes, which he used to wear, and be dressed with a shabby mantle without sleeves woven from hair and to be as disgraced and disdained as to consort with women.

    When this had been carried out, the king invited him and asked him: "Aren't you ashamed, Hesychius, that you lost the honour and office of magistrianus and that you have been debased to this kind of life? Or maybe you don't know that the Christians, whose way of life you preferred, have no power to restore you to your previous great honour and office?" The saint replied: "Your honour, o king, is temporary but the honour and glory which Christ gives is eternal and without end." Because of these words the king got angry and ordered his men to tie a great millstone around the saint's neck and then to throw him in the middle of river Orontus, which lies in Coele Syria and which is commonly called Oronge. Thus, the blessed man received the crown of martyrdom from the Lord.

    BACK TO TOP

    Announcements

    Great Lent

    "When a man leaves on a journey, he must know where he is going. Thus with Lent. Above all, Lent is a spiritual journey and its destination is Easter, 'The Feast of Feasts.' It is the preparation for the 'Fulfilment of Pascha, the true Revelation.' We must therefore by trying to understand this connection between Lent and Easter, for it reveals something very essential, very crucial about our Christian faith and life." - Fr. Alexander Schememann, Great Lent

    Though for some of us Lent may seem like a time full of rules and regulations, it is much more. It is our communal journey to the Resurrection. The "rules" have no meaning in and of themselves. Everything we do in the Great Lent is preparation for approaching the Holy resurrection of Christ our God. Fast as well as you can. When you fail at fasting, may it be a reminder of our weakness and the strength that exists in Christ. When we complete the fast, may we acknowledge the Grace of God that has allowed us to do so, and not fall into our own pride. 

    Fasting and prayer rules are not meant to be self-prescribed. Dispensation from fasting or altering of the fasting plans and our prayer rules must be done in conjunction with and the blessing of our spiritual father. If anyone has any questions on fasting, prayer, or anything in our journey of Lent, please speak with Fr. Spyridon. 


    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

    Next Saint Emmelia meeting is this Tuesday, March 11th 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

    BACK TO TOP

    Parish Calendar

    • Calendar

      March 2 to March 16, 2025

      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*

      Tuesday, March 11

      7:00PM Saint Emmelia

      Wednesday, March 12

      10:00AM Matins

      6:00PM Presanctified Liturgy

      7:00PM Bible Study

      Thursday, March 13

      10:00AM Matins

      Friday, March 14

      10:00AM Presanctified Liturgy

      Saturday, March 15

      6:00PM Great Vespers

      Sunday, March 16

      9:00AM Matins

      10:00AM Divine Liturgy

      5:00PM Lenten Vespers *St. John Warren*

    BACK TO TOP

    Online Donations

    BACK TO TOP