Nativity of The Virgin Mary Church
Publish Date: 2024-10-06
Bulletin Contents

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Nativity of The Virgin Mary Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (734) 420-0131
  • Fax:
  • (734) 420-0602
  • Street Address:

  • 39851 Five Mile Road

  • Plymouth Township, MI 48170


Contact Information








Services Schedule

Sundays
8:45am - Orthros 
10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

 

Abundant Online Giving 

PARISH SUPPORT STAFF OFFICE HOURS

  • Bill’s weekday office hours are Monday-Thursday
  • Kathy's weekday office hours are Monday-Thursday

 


Past Bulletins


Come and Worship!

Join us in person for Liturgy or watch online on our Facebook page or Youtube 

This Week's Calendar 

Friday, October 4
7:00 pm Choir Practice

Sunday, October 6 - 3nd Sunday of Luke
Click here to view the printed liturgy
8:45 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy with installation of GOYA Board
11:30 am Sunday Church School and Catechism
12:30 pm GOYA meeting

Monday, October 7
6:00 pm Philoptochos Meeting

Tuesday, October 8
10:00 am Visitation - Dimitrios "Jim" Kavalos
11:00 am Funeral - Dimitrios "Jim" Kavalos  
12:00 pm Senior Lunch Group
5:00 pm First Day of Youth Greek Classes
6:00 pm Agiasmos/Blessing at NEC
7:00 pm Festival Wrap-up meeting

Wednesday, October 9
7:00 pm Paraklesis

Thursday, November 10
7:00 pm Parish Council Meeting

Saturday,  October 12
6:00 pm Metropolitan Nicholas Enthronement Anniversary Celebration

Sunday, October 13 -  Sunday of  the 7th Ecumenical Council
Click here to view the printed liturgy
8:45 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
11:30 am Sunday Church School and Catechism
12:00 pm Hot Diggety Dog Fundraiser
2:30 pm Hope/Joy to Three Cedars Farm

Parish News and Updates

DO YOU LIKE TO SING? Join the choir!  The next choir practice is Friday, October 4 at 7 pm. We will continue with choir practice every other Friday through December 13. Contact Louis Poulos if you have questions.  

choir practice

GOYA NEWS - the newly elected GOYA Board will be installed on Sunday, October 6.  The regular GOYA Meeting will follow Sunday Church School that same day.  Congratulations to the following young people who have been elected to serve:

  • Dimitri Goffas - President
  • Tommy Stein - Vice President
  • Matthew Floros - Treasurer
  • Georgie Perakis - Recording Secretary
  • Zoe Christodoulos - Corresponding Treasurer
  • Sofia Kaplantzes - Social Media

PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS - Our next meeting is Monday, October 7 at 6 pm. We are collecting hygiene items for Focus Detroit. Bags and list of items are available at church.  In addition, be sure to check out the sign-up sheets for Hot Diggety Dog on October 13, Soup Luncheon on November 3 and donations for turkeys for a raffle in November.

NATIVITY SENIORS - The first Senior Lunch this fall will be October 8 at noon.

FESTIVAL WRAP-UP MEETING ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 8 AT 7 PM.  Festival team leads would like your input and evaluations so we can improve our festival in 2025.  Bring your ideas and suggestions for 2025 on Tuesday.  

ATTENTION PARENTS OF YOUNG ADULTS—we’re looking for contact information to your children who are off to University or new beginnings.  Send their address, email and phone to Kathy in the church office.  We’d like to send them notes of encouragement as they step out into the world. 

PANHELLENIC SCHOLARSHIP - Do you or an exceptional undergraduate student you know qualify to be a PanHellenic Scholar? The 2024/2025 application is now open and accepting applications!  Click here to apply.

AN EVENING OF GRATITUDE - 2ND ANNUAL FOCUS DETROIT GALA will be held at St. Mary's Basilica in Livonia on October 26, 2024 at 6 pm.  This evening of dinner, drinks, and dancing will support the work of serving those in need in Detroit.  See the Pdf attached below or visit https://focusdetroit.org/gala/ for more details. 

HOT DIGGETY DOG OCTOBER 13 This Annual Philoptochos fundraiser for breast cancer awareness is scheduled of Sunday, October 13 at noon.  Plan to stay for a hot dog lunch following worship.

Hot Diggety Dog

HOPY/JOY TRIP TO 3 CEDARS - Families are invited to an afternoon at 3 Cedars on Sunday, October 13.  We'll gather at the hay ride at 2:30 pm.  Cider and Donuts provided by Nativity.

3 cedars

HOLY UNCTION OFFERED THIS FALL - The Holy Unction Service is a Sacrament of the Church meant to bring healing of body and soul. We will offer this service by rotation at the three sister parishes mentioned in the schedule. Please check their calendars for any changes that may occur.  Nativity will host Holy Unction on Wednesday, October 16 at 7 pm.

HELP WANTED - Nativity is seeking someone with website design skills to help update and refresh our web page.  It could be as little or as much work as someone would want to take on. In particular, it could be a good opportunity for a student looking to boost their resume.  Contact Lynn Perakis <[email protected]> if you can help.  

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS AUCTION ON DECEMBER 6!  Presvytera Liza and Maria Kaplantzes are heading up this fundraiser for Nativity. Donations are welcome but they must be new items WITH SALES RECEIPT.  

Basketball News 

ORTHODOX YOUTH BASKETBALL– important dates to note:

  • Basketball Practice begins on Saturday, October 12
  • November 8-10, 2024: St. John’s Holiday Hoops Tournament
  • February 14-16, 2025: Dayton Tournament
  • March 14-16, 2025: Pan Orthodox Tournament 

Click here to register or see the bulletin insert below.

We offer thanks for this year's sponsors.  You can view the entire list of sponsors on the bulletin insert below.  We offer special thanks to the following:

Platinum Sponsors:

  • Data Surveys, Inc. is a full-service investigative firm providing aggressive, results oriented, and cost efficient investigative services.  Visit their web page at https://www.datasurveys.com/
  • WICO Metal Products is an automotive supplier specializing in steel and aluminum stampings with an emphasis on integrated fastener solutions, in-die assemblies, and welded sub-assemblies.

Gold Sponsors:

  • The Family of Dennis Ford
  • NoIR Lazer Co provides Internationally Certified Laser Safety Eyewear, Laser Windows And Low Vision Sunglasses. Visit https://www.noirinsight.com/
  • Precision Stamping Group is one of the largest producers of deep drawn stampings in the Midwest.
  • Seaway Painting  offers more than 50 years of supreme knowledge in the industrial and commercial painting industry.  They are a regular supporter of Nativity’s mission and ministries.
  • Senate Coney Island and Restaurant serves fresh, delicious, authentic Greek food + Wine, Beer & Cocktails.  They are a regular supporter of Nativity’s mission and ministries.
  • Coach Steve Perakis and Family

And thank you to the numerous Silver sponsors! The success of the Nativity Basketball program would not be possible without the support of our amazing community! Our children thank you! 

Those in Our Prayers 

Nicholas the Bishop, John the Priest, John the Priest, Cassani the Presvytera,Kalliope the Presvytera, Sevi Bertolis, Panayiotis Christodoulos, Mary Christopoulos, Constantin Dumitrescu, Kosta Efthimiou, Tracey Ford, Greg Georvassilis , Randa Istephan, Zoe Jaimee, Kathy Jenaras, Maria Kalas, Diane Kotsonas, Panayiota Koutoupa, Elias Koumariotis, Gus Kyriakou, Penelope Kyriakoula, Jim Lee, Nick Malamis, Frank Maroudis, Freda Mollasis, Gregory Morakeas, Evelyn Morris, George Mortis, Alexander Nichoff, Marchela Papageorgakis, Stella Papasavva, Nikolia Pappas, Nicholas Pappas, George Peters, Helen Peters, Katerina Peters, Costas Photsios, Penny Poulos, Pam Provgna, Helen Sitaras, Vasillios Sotiropoulos, Rick Stanley & Family, Randa Istephan, Evan Kotsonas Stoecklein, Mike & Julia Tate, Jim Tsakos, Evris & Helen Tsaprazis, John Vardouniotis, Alexander Varverakis , Jim Vlahakis, Irene Vouharas, Trevor Wilhelmi, Sandy Zembylas, Selina Zembylas-Hernandez, George Zervos, Little Jack, Sofia. 

THE CHURCH IS HERE FOR YOU In times of need or times of celebration, there are a number of pastoral situations that warrant contacting Father Nick.  

  • Any Hospital Stay: Illness, Surgery, etc.
  • Death - Call when a person is dying and at the actual time of death, regardless of the hour!
  • Substance abuse involving you or a loved one.
  • Domestic problems of any sort, Marital or children.
  • When you desire spiritual direction.
  • Birth of a child, (naming, and 40 day blessing).
  • When you become engaged and are planning a wedding.   

 

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Mode

When the angelic powers appeared at Your tomb, the soldiers guarding it feared and became as dead. And standing by the sepulcher was Mary, who was seeking Your immaculate body. Unassailed by Hades, You divested it of spoils. Then You met the Virgin. You granted life. O Lord, risen from the dead, glory to You!
Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου, καὶ οἱ φυλάσσοντες ἀπενεκρώθησαν, καὶ ἵστατο Μαρία ἐν τῷ τάφῳ, ζητοῦσα τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα. Ἐσκύλευσας τὸν ᾍδην, μὴ πειρασθεὶς ὑπ' αὐτοῦ, ὑπήντησας τῇ Παρθένῳ, δωρούμενος τὴν ζωήν, ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ των νεκρῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Apostle Thomas in the Third Mode

O holy Apostle Thomas, make intercession to our merciful God, that He grant our souls forgiveness of offenses.
Απόστολε Άγιε Θωμά, πρέσβευε τώ ελεήμονι Θεώ ίνα πταισμάτων άφεσιν, παράσχη ταίς ψυχάς ημών.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

O Protection of Christians that never falls, intercession with the Creator that never fails, we sinners beg you, do not ignore the voices of our prayers. O good Lady, we implore you, quickly come unto our aid, when we cry out to you with faith. Hurry to intercession, and hasten to supplication, O Theotokos who protect now and ever those who honor you. [
Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία πρὸς τὸν Ποιητὴν ἀμετάθετε. Μὴ παρίδῃς ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλὰ πρόφθασον, ὡς ἀγαθή, εἰς τὴν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν, τῶν πιστῶς κραυγαζόντων σοι· Τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καὶ σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προστατεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε, τῶν τιμώντων σε.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Second Mode. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 4:6-15.

Brethren, it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, "I believed, and so I spoke," we too believe, and so we speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

Προκείμενον. Plagal Second Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 27.9,1.
Σῶσον, Κύριε τὸν λαὸν σου καὶ εὐλόγησον τὴν κληρονομίαν σου.
Στίχ. Πρὸς σἐ, Κύριε, κεκράξομαι ὁ Θεός μου.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Κορινθίους β' 4:6-15.

Ἀδελφοί, ὁ θεὸς ὁ εἰπὼν ἐκ σκότους φῶς λάμψαι, ὃς ἔλαμψεν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν πρὸς φωτισμὸν τῆς γνώσεως τῆς δόξης τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν προσώπῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Ἔχομεν δὲ τὸν θησαυρὸν τοῦτον ἐν ὀστρακίνοις σκεύεσιν, ἵνα ἡ ὑπερβολὴ τῆς δυνάμεως ᾖ τοῦ θεοῦ, καὶ μὴ ἐξ ἡμῶν· ἐν παντὶ θλιβόμενοι, ἀλλʼ οὐ στενοχωρούμενοι· ἀπορούμενοι, ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἐξαπορούμενοι· διωκόμενοι, ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἐγκαταλειπόμενοι· καταβαλλόμενοι, ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἀπολλύμενοι· πάντοτε τὴν νέκρωσιν τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι περιφέροντες, ἵνα καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι ἡμῶν φανερωθῇ. Ἀεὶ γὰρ ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες εἰς θάνατον παραδιδόμεθα διὰ Ἰησοῦν, ἵνα καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ φανερωθῇ ἐν τῇ θνητῇ σαρκὶ ἡμῶν. Ὥστε ὁ μὲν θάνατος ἐν ἡμῖν ἐνεργεῖται, ἡ δὲ ζωὴ ἐν ὑμῖν. Ἔχοντες δὲ τὸ αὐτὸ πνεῦμα τῆς πίστεως, κατὰ τὸ γεγραμμένον, Ἐπίστευσα, διὸ ἐλάλησα, καὶ ἡμεῖς πιστεύομεν, διὸ καὶ λαλοῦμεν· εἰδότες ὅτι ὁ ἐγείρας τὸν κύριον Ἰησοῦν καὶ ἡμᾶς διὰ Ἰησοῦ ἐγερεῖ, καὶ παραστήσει σὺν ὑμῖν. Τὰ γὰρ πάντα διʼ ὑμᾶς, ἵνα ἡ χάρις πλεονάσασα διὰ τῶν πλειόνων τὴν εὐχαριστίαν περισσεύσῃ εἰς τὴν δόξαν τοῦ θεοῦ.


Gospel Reading

3rd Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 7:11-16

At that time, Jesus went to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people!"

3rd Sunday of Luke
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 7:11-16

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἐπορεύετο εἰς πόλιν καλουμένην Ναΐν· καὶ συνεπορεύοντο αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἱκανοὶ καὶ ὄχλος πολύς. ὡς δὲ ἤγγισε τῇ πύλῃ τῆς πόλεως, καὶ ἰδοὺ ἐξεκομίζετο τεθνηκὼς υἱὸς μονογενὴς τῇ μητρὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ αὕτη ἦν χήρα, καὶ ὄχλος τῆς πόλεως ἱκανὸς ἦν σὺν αὐτῇ. καὶ ἰδὼν αὐτὴν ὁ Κύριος ἐσπλαγχνίσθη ἐπ᾿ αὐτῇ καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῇ· μὴ κλαῖε· καὶ προσελθὼν ἥψατο τῆς σοροῦ, οἱ δὲ βαστάζοντες ἔστησαν, καὶ εἶπε· νεανίσκε, σοὶ λέγω, ἐγέρθητι. καὶ ἀνεκάθισεν ὁ νεκρὸς καὶ ἤρξατο λαλεῖν, καὶ ἔδωκεν αὐτὸν τῇ μητρὶ αὐτοῦ. ἔλαβε δὲ φόβος πάντας καὶ ἐδόξαζον τὸν Θεόν, λέγοντες ὅτι προφήτης μέγας ἐγήγερται ἐν ἡμῖν, καὶ ὅτι ἐπεσκέψατο ὁ Θεὸς τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ.


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Saints and Feasts

October 06

3rd Sunday of Luke


October 06

The Holy and Glorious Apostle Thomas

The name Thomas means, "twin." He was one of the Twelve, a Galilean by birth. Sophroneus (not the famous Patriarch of Jerusalem [7th Century, celebrated March 11], but a friend of Jerome's), quoted also by Jerome, says that Saint Thomas preached to the Parthians, Pesians, Medes, Hyrcanians, Bactrians, and neighbouring nations. According to Heracleon, the Apostle died a natural death; according to other accounts, he was martyred at Meliapur His tomb was known by Saint John Chrysostom to be at Edessa in Syria, to which city his holy relics may have been translated from India in the fourth century.


October 12

Provos, Andronicus, & Tarachos, Martyrs of Tarsus

The holy Martyrs contested for Christ during the reign of Diocletian, in the year 296 or 304. Tarachus was advanced in years, of Roman birth, and had been a soldier; Probus was from Side in Pamphylia, and Andronicus from Ephesus. They were taken together in Cilicia and subjected to manifold exceedingly cruel tenures. Tarachus was beaten on his cheeks and neck with stones, his hands were burned, he was hanged on a post and smoke was put underneath him to choke him; vinegar was forced down his nostrils; after enduring further tortures, he was carved to pieces. Probus was thrashed with whips, his feet were burned with red hot irons, his back and sides were pierced with heated spits; finally he also was cut up with knives, and received the crown of martyrdom. Andronicus suffered similar tortures, and also finished his course being cut to pieces, commending his soul into the hands of God.


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Memorials and Trisagion

 

40 day memorial for George Kotsonas
7 year memorial for Dean Kotsonas

May their memory be eternal.

Thank you to the Kotsonas family for sponsoring coffee hour.

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Wisdom of the Fathers

He who truly wishes to believe in God must be lifted above himself, his mind, and even the whole world. For this reason, the value of faith is considered higher than the value of man. It is even higher than the value of the whole world. Therefore, the reward of faith should be higher than all of man's possessions along with the glories of this world. The reward of faith is God.
Fr. Matthew the Poor
Orthodox Prayer Life: The Interior Way, p. 74, 20th century

That dead man was being buried, and many friends were conducting him to his tomb. But there meets him Christ, the Life and Resurrection, for He is the destroyer of death and of corruption; He it is "in Whom we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28); He it is Who has restored the nature of man to that which it originally was; and has set free our death-fraught flesh from the bonds of death.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke, Homily 36.42, p. 153., 5th Century

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Three Hierarchs Greek School

Χαίρετε! 

Hello everyone!

Greek School registration is now open! More details coming soon.

Quick links for registration

Children: YOUTH Student Registration 2024-2025

Adults:  ADULT Student Registration 2024-2025

Click here for Greek School info and calendar for 2024-2025

Classes begin October 8 with Agiasmos and Blessing of Students and Teachers.  

 

 Regards,

Anna Liakou-Hentnik
Director/Teacher
[email protected]   

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Nativity's Gmail Calendar

  • Nativity of the Virgin Mary Google Calendar

    October 6 to October 20, 2024

    Sunday, October 6

    Memorials and Trisagion

    Installation of GOYA Board

    3rd Sunday of Luke

    8:45AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    11:30AM Church School & Catechism

    12:30PM GOYA Meeting

    Monday, October 7

    6:00PM Philoptochos Meeting

    Tuesday, October 8

    10:00AM Visitation & Funeral - Dimitrios "Jim" Kavalos

    12:00PM Senior Lunch Group

    5:00PM YOUTH GREEK CLASSES

    6:00PM Agiasmos/Blessing at NEC

    7:00PM Festival Wrap-up Meeting

    Wednesday, October 9

    7:00PM Paraklesis

    Saturday, October 12

    6:00PM Basketball Practice

    6:00PM Metropolitan Nicholas - 25th Enthronement Anniversary Celebration

    Sunday, October 13

    Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council

    8:45AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    11:30AM Church School & Catechism

    12:00PM Philoptochos Hot Diggety Dog

    2:30PM Hope/Joy to 3 Cedars Farm

    Monday, October 14

    10:00AM FIRST DAY OF PRE-K Greek Classes

    Tuesday, October 15

    Little Logos Article Deadline

    11:00AM Bible Study with Father Nick

    12:00PM Tuesday Lunch Group

    5:00PM YOUTH GREEK CLASSES

    6:30PM FIRST DAY OF ADULT GREEK CLASSES 101 (on Zoom)

    Wednesday, October 16

    7:00PM Holy Unction at Nativity

    Thursday, October 17

    5:00PM FIRST DAY OF ADULT GREEK CLASSES 102, 103, 201 (on Zoom)

    7:00PM Parish Council Meeting

    Friday, October 18

    ☦️ Luke the Evangelist

    9:00AM Orthros and Divine Liturgy: St Luke the Evangelist

    6:00PM Hope/Joy Family Night - Prosphora Baking

    7:00PM Choir Practice

    Saturday, October 19

    Goya Dodgeball Tournament @Assumption St Claire Shores

    6:00PM Basketball Practice

    Sunday, October 20

    Memorials and Trisagion

    6th Sunday of Luke

    8:45AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    11:30AM Church School & Catechism

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Bulletin Inserts

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