Wednesdays: Daily Vespers 6 pm; Bible Study after
Saturdays: Great Vespers 6 pm; Confessions heard after
Sundays: Matins 9 am, Divine Liturgy 10 am
O Lord save your people and bless your heritage. Grant victory to Orthodox Christians over the enemy, and preserve your people by your cross.
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First Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Matthew 28:16-20
At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw Him they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Amen."
The Placing of the Honorable Sash of the Most Holy Theotokos
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:1-7
BRETHREN, the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. For a tent was prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence; it is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain stood a tent called the Holy of Holies, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, which contained a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. These preparations having thus been made, the priests go continually into the outer tent, performing their ritual duties; but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood which he offers for himself and for the errors of the people.
12th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 19:16-26
At that time, a young man came up to Jesus, kneeling and saying, "Good Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?" And he said to him, "Why do you call me good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." He said to him, "Which?" And Jesus said, "You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to him, "All these I have observed; what do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.
And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Although the historical accounts differ somewhat, the Deposition that is celebrated today took place most likely during the reign of Emperor Arcadius (395-408), when the precious Belt of the Mother of God was brought from Zela of Cappadocia to Constantinople, and placed in the Church of the Theotokos in the section of Chalcopratia.
Saint Cyprian was born of pagan parents in Carthage of Roman Africa about the year 190. An eloquent teacher of rhetoric, he was converted and baptized late in life, and his conversion from a proud man of learning to a humble servant of Christ was complete; he sold his great possessions and gave them to the poor, and because of his zeal and virtue, was ordained presbyter in 247, then Bishop of Carthage in 248. He was especially steadfast in defending the sanctity and uniqueness of the Baptism of the Church of Christ against the confusion of those who would allow some validity to the ministrations of heretics; his writings continue to guide the Church even in our own day. Having survived the persecution of Decius about the year 250, he was beheaded in confession of the Faith during the persecution of Valerian in 258, on September 14; that day being the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, his feast is kept today.
The ROEA Congress takes place this coming week in Chicago. During the Congress, the relics of the newly glorified Saint Olga of Alaska will be present for all sessions. Holy Mother Olga of Alaska pray for us!
On September 21st, we will start Divine Liturgy with an Instructional Proskomidi. Proskomidi is a short liturgical service that takes place before every Divine Liturgy in the Holy Altar. This service is only done by the priest, and a deacon if present. This service prepares the gifts so that they may be used in Divine Liturgy. For educational purposes, this service will be served at the start of the Divine Liturgy in the Nave so that we may witness the service.
Please do not hesitate to contact Fr. Spyridon with any pastoral issues that you may have. For scheduling meetings, it is best to contact Father through text or email. If you call Father and he is unable to pick up, please leave a voicemail.
Things to contact Father about:
In celebration of our patronal feast, Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we will be hosting a festive banquet. As the Great Feast of the Exalation of the Holy Cross is a fast day, we will have the banquet in its celebration on Sunday, September 7th, following the Divine Liturgy, in anticipation of our Parish Feast. Please see the sign-up sheet located on the candle stand.
Today is the last day to sign up!
Today after Liturgy
Ever wanted to learn more about your faith?
On the third Sunday of every month, our parish will be offering an "Orthodoxy 101" class. These classes are designed to help us deepen our understanding of the Orthodox faith.
How is this different from Bible Study?
Great question. In our Bible Study, we work our way through different books of the Holy Scriptures. We discuss in detail the particular passages and how they help us understand how God reveals Himself to us. In Orthodoxy 101, we will discuss more broadly the Orthodox Church, her traditions, and how developing a better understanding of the Church helps us draw nearer to Christ.
Who is this for?
If you are reading this, then Orthodoxy 101 is for you. Though Orthodoxy 101 is especially helpful for inquirers and catechumens, all of us have so much more to learn.
Next Orthodoxy 101 is September 21st
Bible Study every Wednesday at 6 pm. We are currently studying Romans.
St. Emmeliea 7 pm on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. Please see Psa. Sarah, for additional information.
Next St. Emmeliea is this Tuesday, August 27th at 7 pm.
No Bible Study this week due to ROEA Congress!
Please keep the following in your prayers:
Living:
Departed:
9:00AM Matins
10:00AM Divine Liturgy
9:00AM Matins
10:00AM Divine Liturgy
11:30AM Holy Cross Banquet
Nativity of the Theotokos
10:00AM Divine Liturgy
7:00PM Saint Emmelia
6:00PM Bible Study
6:00PM Great Vespers
Exaltaion of the Holy Cross
9:00AM Matins
10:00AM Divine Liturgy
You may now donate to Holy Cross Online!