Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Tone

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord by His mighty arm has created a Dominion. He has conquered death by death and become the first-born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of Hades and has granted the world great mercy.

Apolytikion for Venerable Sash of the Theotokos in the Eighth Tone

O Ever-virgin Theotokos, protection of humankind, you have granted to your city the garment and cincture of your immaculate body, a mighty vesture which through your Son, seedlessly conceived, remained immutable, for in you, both time and nature are renewed. Wherefore we beseech you, grant peace to your world and to our souls great mercy.

Hymn of St. Haralambos in the Fourth Tone

O wise Haralambos, you were proven an unshakable pillar of the Church of Christ; an ever-shining lamp of the universe. You shone in the world by your martyrdom. You delivered us from the moonless night of idolatry O blessed one. Wherefore, boldly intercede to Christ that we may be saved.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Tone

O Theotokos, your precious cincture which encompassed your God–receiving womb, is an invincible power for your city and an inexhaustible treasure of good, O only ever-Virgin birth-giver.

Saints and Feasts

August 31

The Placing of the Honorable Sash of the Most Holy Theotokos

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 Cincture 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.

August 31

Cyprian the Hieromartyr & Bishop of Carthage

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.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

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."

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Third Tone. Luke 1: 46-48.
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
Verse: For he has regarded the humility of his servant.

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.

Gospel Reading

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."

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sunday, August 31, 2025

Officiating: Fr. Michael Pallad

8:45 am Matins Service

10:00 am Divine Liturgy

Epistle: Heb 9:1-7

Gospel: St Mathew 19:16-26

Today's Coffee Hour will be hosted by: Philoptochos

Please join us in the Fellowship Room following the Divine Liturgy.

Monday, September 1, 2025

Office closed for Labor Day

Thursday, September 4, 2025

6:00 P.M: Parish Council Meeting

Saturday, September 6, 2025

9:00 a.m: Divine Liturgy - Miracle of Archangel Michael

10:30 a.m: Philoptochos Membership Brunch

Square Kiosk

The Square credit card kiosk now has added set up to accept donations to Philoptochos.

Stewardship 2025

Please note that all parishioners are encouraged to become Stewards by filling out and sending the annual Stewardship form. Upon receiving this, your name will be added to the list of parish Stewards and those permitted to vote at parish General Assemblies.

Please donate nonperishable food items into the food box in the Observation Room. The Food Bank needs donations even more so during the holiday months.

Food Bank

Please help those in Need and donate!