Holy Cross Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-03-16
Bulletin Contents
Sunday March 16, 2025 - St. Gregory Palamas
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 March 16, 2025 - St. Gregory Palamas

     

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fifth Tone

Let us worship the Word, O ye faithful, praising Him that with the Father and the Spirit is co-beginningless God, Who was born of a pure Virgin that we all be saved; for He was pleased to mount the Cross in the flesh that He assumed, accepting thus to endure death. And by His glorious rising, He also willed to resurrect the dead.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Eighth Tone

Light of Orthdoxy, pillar and teacher of the Church, adornment of monastics, invincible champion of theologians, O Gregory thou wonderworker, boast of Thessalonica, herald of grace: ever pray that our souls be saved.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Eighth Tone

To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"

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 Plagal of the First Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
  • Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
  • Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone © Narthex Press
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    Gospel and Epistle Readings

    Matins Gospel Reading

    Fifth Orthros Gospel
    The Reading is from Luke 24:12-35

    At that time, [Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened. That very day] two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. And He said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" and they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered Him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And He said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find His body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see." And He said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was not it necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into this glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained Him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So He went in to stay with them. When He was at table with them, He took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road and how He was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

    Epistle Reading

    Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
    The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3

    IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

    Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.

    Gospel Reading

    Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
    The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

    At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

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    Wisdom of the Fathers

    Take up your bed. Carry the very mat that once carried you. Change places, so that what was the proof of your sickness may now give testimony to your soundness. Your bed of pain becomes the sign of healing, its very weight the measure of the strength that has been restored to you.
    St. Peter Chrysologus
    Homily 50.6. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol. 2: Mark. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 27.

    Now Matthew indeed saith, that "they brought him," but the others, that they also broke up the roof, and let him down. And they put the sick man before Christ, saying nothing, but committing the whole to Him.
    St. John Chrysostom
    Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

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    Saints and Feasts

    March 16

    Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

    This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.

    His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.

    March 16

    Sabine the Martyr of Egypt

    The holy Martyr Sabine was from Hermopolis in Egypt, and was known for his zeal and piety. During the persecution of Diocletian, he concealed himself with other Christians in a small dwelling outside the city. But when he was discovered, and professed his faith in Christ, he was taken before Arian the Governor, and after he had been tortured he was drowned in the river. Concerning Arian the Governor, See also December 14.

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    Announcements

    Lenten Worship

    During the Great Lent, the worship of the Church shifts. Services become a little longer, a little different in tone. This is to pull our souls to God. The Lenten Worship of the Church is only experienced Monday through Friday, and if we do not come to Church during the week, we will never really experience the Great Lent. Why Monday through Friday? It is only the weekdays of Great Lent that are "lenten". Every Sunday throughout the year is a Feast day! Every Sunday is a little Pascha and we proclaim and experience the Resurrection of our Lord. Every Saturday is the Sabbath. On the 7th day God rested after creating the world, on the 7th day Christ rests in the tomb. You may notice on your calendar, that this shift in the tone on the weekends is even expressed in our fasting. During the weekends of Great Lent we only strictly fast on weekdays. With the joy we experience of the weekend Resurrectional services, we lessen the fast and partake of wine and oil that "gladdens man's heart" as the Psalm says. It is because of this "little Pascha" we celebrate every Sunday that the focus of our Sunday worship is fully on the Resurrection and not Lenten.


    The Chair in the Front of the Church

    What is the chair in the front of the church? Why do we keep a picture of the bishop in it? Why does the priest cense this chair in the liturgy?

    This chair is the bishop's throne. The bishop's throne is a practical chair that holds a place of honor reserved for the bishop while he is at the parish, but it holds much more significance than that. The bishop's throne is a reminder of who is the Shepherd and leader of our parish. In the Orthodox Church, the local congregation does not have the authority to do whatever it wishes. The local community, the parish, is under the authority of their bishop who receives his administrative and spiritual authority from his canonical ordination as a bishop. At his ordination the bishop receives the Holy Spirit like at Pentecost and becomes a successor to the Apostles. The bishop is unable to be physically present at every parish in his diocese. Because of this, the bishop appoints a priest to administer the parishes on his behalf, and we place the bishop's throne in the church to remind us of our pastor and spiritual leader. 


    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. 

    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. 


    Bible Study

    Every Wednesday at 6 pm, our parish has Bible study! During Great Lent, we will serve the Presanctified Liturgy and have a potluck and bible study following. 

    Please come, and bring your friends!


    Prayer List

    Please keep the following in your prayers:

    Living:

    • Mary Ann 
    • Helen
    • JaBree & the child to be born of her

    Departed: 

    • Emil

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    Parish Calendar

    • Calendar

      March 16 to March 30, 2025

      Sunday, March 16

      9:00AM Matins

      10:00AM Divine Liturgy

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

      Monday, March 17

      7:00PM Parish Council Meeting

      Tuesday, March 18

      10:00AM Matins

      Wednesday, March 19

      10:00AM Matins

      6:00PM Presanctified Liturgy

      7:00PM Bible Study

      Friday, March 21

      Emil Hoty 40th Day

      Sunday, March 23

      10:00AM Divine Liturgy

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

      Tuesday, March 25

      🐟 Annunciation

      7:00PM Saint Emmelia

      Wednesday, March 26

      10:00AM Matins

      6:00PM Presanctified Liturgy

      7:00PM Bible Study

      Thursday, March 27

      10:00AM Matins

      Friday, March 28

      10:00AM Presanctified Liturgy - Holy Transfiguartion Ellwood City

      Saturday, March 29

      6:00PM Great Vespers

      Sunday, March 30

      9:00AM Matins

      10:00AM Divine Liturgy

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

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    Online Donations

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