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Holy Cross Church
Publish Date: 2026-09-20
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Holy Cross Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (248) 477-1677
  • Street Address:

  • 25225 Middlebelt Rd.

  • Farmington Hills, MI 48336


Contact Information






Services Schedule

holycrossgo.org/calendar

DIVINE LITURGY

Sundays 10am

OFFICE HOURS

Monday-Friday, 10am - 3pm


Past Bulletins


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

Prokeimenon. 7th Mode. Psalm 28.11,1.
The Lord will give strength to his people.
Verse: Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 2:16-20.

Brethren, knowing that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.


Gospel Reading

Sunday after Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."




Wisdom of the Fathers

The key to knowledge is the humility of Christ. The door of the Kingdom of Heaven is open, not to those who only know in their learned minds the mysteries of faith and the commandments of their Creator, but to those who have progressed far enough to live by them.
St. Bede the Venerable
Unknown, 8th century

To deny oneself means to give up one's bad habits; to root out of the heart all that ties us to the world; not to cherish bad thoughts and desires; to suppress every evil thought; to avoid occasions of sin; not to desire or to do anything out of self-love, but to do everything out of love for God. To deny oneself, according to St. Paul means "to be dead to sin. . . but alive to God."
St. Innocent of Alaska
The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 147, 19th Century



Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 7th Mode

You destroyed death by Your Cross, You opened Paradise to the Robber. You turned the Myrrh-bearing Women’s lament into joy, and You commanded Your Apostles to preach that You rose, O Christ God, granting the world the great mercy.

Apolytikion for Martyr Eustathius and His Companions in the 4th Mode

Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Apolytikion for the Church in the 1st Mode

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy, and by Your Cross protecting Your commonwealth.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 4th Mode

Lifted up on the Cross by Your free will, Christ God, grant mercies to the new commonwealth that bears Your name. Gladden our faithful rulers by Your power, giving them victories over their adversaries. May Your alliance be for them a weapon for peace, an invincible standard.


Saints and Feasts

September 20

Sunday after Holy Cross


September 20

Eustathius the Great Martyr, his wife and two children

The holy Martyr Eustathius before his baptism was an illustrious Roman general named Placidas in the days of the Emperor Trajan. While hunting in the country one day, he was converted to the Faith of Christ through the apparition of an uncommonly majestic stag, between whose antlers he saw the Cross of Christ, and through which the Lord spoke to him with a human voice. Upon returning home, he learned that his wife Tatiana had also had a vision in which she was instructed to become a Christian. They sought out the Bishop of the Christians and were baptized, Placidas receiving the name Eustathius, and Tatiana the name Theopiste; their two sons were baptized Agapius and Theopistus. The family was then subjected to such trials as Job endured. Their servants died, all their goods were stolen, and on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem they were scattered abroad, each not even knowing if the others were still alive. By the providence of God, they were united again after many years, and returned to Rome in glory. Nevertheless, when they refused to sacrifice to the idols-a public sacrifice from which no Roman general could be absent-the Emperor Hadrian, who had succeeded Trajan, had them put into a large bronze device in the shape of a bull, which was heated with fire until they died. When their holy bodies were removed, they were found to be without harm. They suffered martyrdom about the year 126.




Schedule

Calendar updates: holycrossgo.org/calendar

Schedule

TODAY

Sunday, September 20

  • 09:15 am | Orthros
  • 10:00 am | Divine Liturgy 
  • 11:10 am | Trisagion - John Sinanis
  • 11:20 am | Church School & Catechesis Start - Agiasmos
  • 11:30 am | Coffee Hour - Julie Hiotaky
  • 12:00 pm | GOYA Kickoff & Elections

 

THIS WEEK

Monday, September 21

  • 06:00 pm | Paraklesis
  • 07:00 pm | Bible Study (Isaiah 17-18)

Thursday, September 24

  • 12:00 pm | Senior Monthly Luncheon - The Senate Restaurant (Northville)

 

UPCOMING

Sunday, September 27

  • 09:15 am | Orthros
  • 10:00 am | Divine Liturgy 
  • 11:10 am | Memorial: Mary Strates (40 Day)
  • 11:15 am | Church School & Catechesis 
  • 11:20 am | Coffee Hour - Choir

 

Announcements & Reminders

FLOWERS

If you are interested in donating to purchase flowers to decorate an icon for a feast day, or to decorate the church for Pascha, please contact the Church Office or look for donation box on the pangari.

PROSPHORA

Interested in sponsoring prosphora? Please contact the Church Office.

ICONS IN THE ALTAR

If you brought icons to be blessed in the altar, please retrieve them after 40 days. 

WORSHIP

Please download the Daily Readings App Lite (free download) for the daily Gospel & Epistle readings.

LIVESTREAM SERVICES

www.holycrossgo.org/live

STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE

Please continue to support our Chuch via your Stewardship pledge and donations. Please mail your checks directly to the church or donate online by clicking on the "GIVE" button on our website. Visit the Stewardship webpage to fill out your annual pledge card and/or to pay your stewardship.

VIGIL CANDLES

If you would like us to light a vigil candle for you, please call the Church Office or email [email protected] with your name(s) and Fr. Alex will light a vigil candle for you and say a prayer.

SHOP AT ACE HARDWARE? 5% minus tax = (!)

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church or #214538. 5% line discount off everyday pricing in the store Ace Rewards as well as 6% Tax Exempt will come off automatically. 2% Ace Rewards

SHOP AT KROGER?

Register your card in a few steps. Each May the registration needs to be renewed,
so if you were part of the program last year and haven't renewed, please do so. Go to:
www.krogercommunityrewards.com
Holy Cross' ID # 83567



Flyers



Prayer Requests

Please continue to pray for the health and healing of:

  • Metropolitan Nicholas
  • Metropolitan Isaiah
  • Psa. Gabriela Pantea
  • Andy Athens
  • George Benardos
  • Polydora Bourdouvalis
  • Antonia Comer
  • Helene Cuscutis
  • Dan Dallas
  • Grace Decco
  • Marilyn Georgeson
  • Elise Gorman
  • Brian Heikkuri
  • Bill Hiotaky
  • Julie Hiotaky
  • Irene Katsias
  • Maureen Kelly
  • Zachary King
  • Niki Klimatianos
  • Eva Kocoves
  • Elaine Kourtakis
  • Tom Lagos
  • Nayiri Misirliyan
  • Faye Prekeges
  • Dina Rand
  • Paraskevi Theodorou
  • Pete Varvaresos
  • Nicholas Varveris
  • Rafael Vasu
  • Dennis Watkins
  • Gina Weiler
  • Rick Wilson
  • Bentley
  • Heather
  • Perris
  • Lexi
  • Kanella Katsikas
  • Erica Bittinger
  • Michael Diamond
  • Archie
  • Jason
  • Sophie Paron
  • Gheorghia Cherpes
  • Baby Elias
  • Allison Ricardi
  • Virginia, John & Olivia Koutsouros
  • Alexandra Anton
  • Christine & Vasili Zoyes
  • George R.
  • Soledad Liadis
  • Aria Sophia Liadis
  • Evelyn Morris
  • James
  • Tommy
  • Phyllis
  • Andrea Szczygiel
  • Jackie
  • Lori
  • Michael
  • Amanda
  • Ayva
  • Joyce
  • Karolyn
  • Jason
  • Tracey
  • Sorin
  • Pat Thrubis
  • Michelle Madau
  • Allen George
  • Tom and Mary Casoglos
  • Bob Zocco
  • Steve N.

 

Please email the office if you want to add your name or loved ones to the prayer list. Thank you!

 



Philoptochos

INVITATION TO JOIN HOLY CROSS PHILOPTOCHOS

All women 18 years old and over are encouraged to join our Holy Cross Philoptochos. New and returning members are welcome! The 2025 Philoptochos Stewardship Form is attached.

 

NEXT MEETING 

  • October 21st @ 5:30 pm

COFFEE HOUR

  • 09/20 - Julie Hiotaky
  • 09/27 - Choir
  • 10/04 - The Angelas Family
  • 10/11 - The Power Family
  • 10/18 - Elaine Moundros & Harriet Bills
  • 10/25 - The Kourtakis Families, Audrey & George, Demetrius & Elaine, and George & Irene Katsias

 

NOTE ABOUT THE COFFEE HOUR:  Philoptochos would like to thank our parishioners who support us throughout the year by sponsoring our Sunday Coffee Hour and bringing delicious treats to share. Your sponsorship and sharing promote fellowship and we are so grateful.

Please consider hosting a Sunday Coffee Hour by signing up on the sheet in the church lobby or contacting Bonnie Sitaras at 248-259-0986.

When scheduling a memorial through the Church Office and you would like to host coffee hour that day, please let Michelle in the office know so we can plan accordingly. 

Thank you.

 

 



Memorial Donations

In Loving Memory

 

ADAM P. ANGELAS

Mr. & Mrs. George Angelas

Mr. & Mrs. Pete Angelas

Zita Baziliauskas

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Blough

Mr. & Mrs. Constantino Boudouris

Anna Carroll

Mr. & Mrs. Tom Casoglos

Despina Catsikopulos

Mr. & Mrs. Louis Chalogianis

Patricia Clemmons

Nanette Cortese

Helen Dimitriou Carlson

Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Chonacas

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Coe

Greg Demopoulos 

Mr. & Mrs. George Economos

Mr. & Mrs. Evanovich

Mr. & Mrs. Steve Fekaris

Michael Francesco & Katherine Alioto

Stamatia Garris

Mr. & Mrs. Martin Gehan

Mr. & Mrs. John George

Marianthy Haight

Georgia Hampel

Rev. Fr. Dean & Presvytera Olga Hountalas

 Elaine Ioanou

Lorraine J. Goffredo

Michael Kalasz

Mr. & Mrs. Evans Lucas

Annette Madias

Nickolaos Madias

Mr. & Mrs. Dean Makricostas

Mr. & Mrs. James Makricostas

The Marquardt Family

George Matheos

Mr. & Mrs. George Mihos

Diane Morris

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Moundros

Mr. & Mrs. Nikolaos Papanikolaou

Dr. & Mrs. Antonios Paras

Mr. & Mrs. Chris Partis

Stefanie Psarakis

Mrs. Kalli Sarigiannis

Margarita Shukla

Cynthia Sikina

Basil Simon

Haroula Sinanis

Dianne Stackhouse

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Sturm

The Theodore Family

Daniella Toma

Mr. & Mrs. Bill Williams

Mr. & Mrs. Gus Zervos

Dr. Marcus & Mrs. Zervos

 

HELEN HOUNTRAS

Mr. & Mrs. Steve Fekaris

Elaine Ioanou

 

HELEN MIGHION

Elaine Ioanou

 

GEORGIA MORRIS

Mr. & Mrs. George Katsias

Mr. & Mrs. Peter Morris

 

PAULINE PARTHENIS

Elaine Ioanou

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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