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Holy Cross Church
Publish Date: 2025-03-16
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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. 5th Mode. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

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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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 5th Mode

Let us worship the Word who is unoriginate * with the Father and the Spirit, and from a Virgin was born * for our salvation, O believers, and let us sing His praise. * For in His goodness He was pleased * to ascend the Cross in the flesh, and to undergo death, * and to raise up those who had died, * by His glorious Resurrection.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the 8th Mode

O Gregory the Miracle Worker, light of Orthodoxy, support and teacher of the Church, comeliness of Monastics, invincible defender of theologians, the pride of Thessalonica, and preacher of grace, intercede forever that our souls may be saved.

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 8th Mode

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!"
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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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Schedule

Calendar updates: holycrossgo.org/calendar

Schedule

 

TODAY

Sunday, March 16

  • 10:00 am | Divine Liturgy
  • 11:10 am | Memorial - (40 Day) Zoe & Angelo Jaimee
  • 11:15 am | Church School & Catechesis
  • 11:30 am | Coffee Hour - Julie Hiotaky

 

THIS WEEK

Monday, March 17

  • 07:00 pm | Great Compline
  • 08:00 pm | Lenten Bible Study - Spiritual Warfare (Guest speaker: Jim Peers)

Tuesday, March 18

  • 06:00 pm | Philoptochos Meeting

Wednesday, March 19

  • 06:30 pm | Presanctified Liturgy
  • 08:00 pm | YAL Catechism - Spiritual What?

Friday, March 21

  • 07:00 pm | Salutations Service (3/4)

Saturday, March 22

  • 11:00 am | GOYA Lenten Retreat @ St. George in Bloomfield Hills

 

UPCOMING

Sunday, March 23

  • 10:00 am | Sunday of the Holy Cross Divine Liturgy
  • 11:30 am | Catechesis
  • 11:30 am | Coffee Hour - The Hountalas Family

 

Announcements & Reminders

 

RENEW YOUR STEWARDSHIP TODAY. To do so, please visit our website at: www.holycrossgo.org/renew-pledge. Thank you.

CALI FIRES

Give to the Archdiocese's Emergency Relief Fund for the Los Angeles Fires. Click here to donate.

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 Debbie George or 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 office@holycrossgo.org 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

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Flyers

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Prayer Requests

Please continue to pray for the health and healing of the following friends

    • Metropolitan Nicholas

    • Metropolitan Isaiah
    • Fr. John Koen

    • Fr. Demetri Tonias
    • Fr. John Stavropoulos
    • Psa. Gabriela Pantea
    • Ted Andris
    • Adam Angelas
    • Andy Athens
    • George Benardos
    • Polydora Bourdouvalis
    • Tom Casoglos
    • Antonia Comer
    • Helene Cuscutis
    • Dan Dallas
    • Grace Decco
    • George
    • Marilyn Georgeson
    • Elise Gorman
    • Brian Heikkuri
    • Bill Hiotaky
    • Julie Hiotaky
    • Irene Katsias
    • Maureen Kelly
    • Zachary Alexander King
    • Niki Klimatianos
    • Eva Kocoves
    • Elaine Kourtakis
    • Audrey Kourtakis
    • Tom Lagos
    • Nayiri Misirliyan
    • Evelyn Morris
    • Baby Myles
    • Faye Prekeges
    • Dina Rand
    • Terrie Stefanakis
    • Paraskevi Theodorou
    • Pete Varvaresos
    • Nicholas Varveris
    • Rafael Vasu
    • Dennis Watkins
    • Gina Weiler
    • Rick Wilson
    • Bentley
    • Heather
    • Perris
    • Lexi
    • Kanella Katsikas
    • Ilie Roman
    • Erica Bittinger
    • Michael Diamond

 

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

 

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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 

  • 03/18  - Philoptochos Meeting @ 6:00 pm

 

COFFEE HOUR

  • 03/16 - Julie Hiotaky
  • 03/23 - The Hountalas Family
  • 03/30 - The Radulescu Family

  

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.

 

 

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Memorial Donations

~ In Loving Memory of ~     

  

ZOE JAMIEE

Family of Zoe Jamiee

Mr. & Mrs. Tom Casoglos

Dr. Pamela Georgeson & Dr. Mark Decco

Mr. & Mrs. George Katsias

Mr. & Mrs. John Keros & Family

Mr. & Mrs. Van Kyriakopoulos

Holy Cross Philoptochos

Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Smallwood

Ms. Peggy Theodore

 

EVANGELIA MADIAS

 Mr. & Mrs. Steve Fekaris

 

MATTHEW MORRIS

Ms. Diane Morris

 

 

 

 

 

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