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thanksgiving

This Week's Calendar

Wednesday, November 22 - The Church office will close today at 3:00 pm

Thursday, November 23 - Thanksgiving Day - Church Office Closed

Friday, November 24 - Church Office Closed

Saturday, November 25 - Catherine the Great Martyr of Alexandria
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
6:00 pm Nativity Basketball Practice at Hillside Middle School (Northville)
6-7 pm Biddies
7-8 pm Juniors
8-9 pm Intermediates and Seniors

Sunday, November 26 - Thirteenth Sunday of Luke
Click here to view the printed liturgy
8:45 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy

Monday, November 27
10:00 am Pre-K Greek School

Tuesday, November 28
11:00 am Bible Study with Fr. Nick JOIN ZOOM MEETING
12:00 pm Tuesday Lunch Group
5:00 pm Youth Greek School
6:30 pm Adult Greek Classes on Zoom

Wednesday, November 29
7:00 pm Paraklesis

Thursday, November 30 - Andrew the First-Called Apostle
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
6:30 pm Adult Greek Classes on Zoom

Saturday, December 2
6:00 pm Focus Detroit Gala at St. Nicks, Troy
6:00 pm Nativity Basketball Practice at Hillside Middle School (Northville)
6-7 pm Biddies
7-8 pm Juniors
8-9 pm Intermediates and Seniors

Sunday, December 3 - Fourteenth Sunday of Luke
Click here to view the printed liturgy
PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS - POLLS CLOSE AT 2:00 PM
8:45 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
11:30 am Sunday Church School & Catechesis
12:30 pm GOYA Meeting

Notice of Parish Council Elections

Parish Council elections will be held on December 3. Polls close at 2:00 pm. There are six openings on the Parish council

Incumbent PC Members up for Re-election: Nancy Kurys, Tom James, and Christina Tzilos.
Nominations and acceptances: Georgia Theophelis, Anne Randall, Alexander Davis, Marios Lambi, Michele Hunsinger.

2024 Election Committee: Kathy Beeny, Michael Szlinis, Charlene Galbraith (Alternate), Maria Kaplantzes (Alternate)

To be eligible to vote at the Parish Council Elections, you must submit a stewardship commitment card for 2023.

Happening this Week

SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL is taking a break this week (November 26) and will resume classes on Sunday, December 3.

Tuesday Bible Study with Father Nick returns on November 28 - We hope you can join him at 11 am for lively discussion and stay for food and fellowship (TUESDAY LUNCH GROUP) following Bible Study. You can also log in via Zoom JOIN ZOOM MEETING Meeting ID: 837 8367 3800 Passcode: 518100

Wednesday, November 29 - Paraklesis at 7:00 pm The service of Paraklesis is offered for the purpose of invoking Divine help through the Theotokos in the case of physical or spiritual illness or in case of other personal difficulties.

paraklesis

Parish News and Announcements

wreath sale

tree of love

FRIENDS OF THE METROPOLIS END-OF-YEAR APPEAL When you support the Friends of the Metropolis campaign, you become a greater part of the ministry of our Holy Orthodox Church to serve the people of God. The Friends Program funds activies to educate the youth, help our parishioners grow in their faith, share our Orthodox faith with our neighbors, and so much more. Learn more about the program on the bulletin insert below or visit the FRENDS OF THE METROPOLIS WEB PAGE

GOYA NEWS - Our next GOYA meeting will be Sunday December 3rd after Sunday School. Also, don't forget! GOYA will go caroling Friday and Saturday December 15 and 16.

NATIVITY CHURCH BASKETBALL SPIRITWEAR AVAILABLE - Show your support of Nativity's Basketball program - these would make great gifts. Click here to order online.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY - Do you or an exceptional undergraduate student you know qualify to be a PanHellenic Scholar? The 2023/2024 application is now open and accepting applications! See bulletin insert below or Click here to apply today!

HATS (and more) FOR THE HOMELESS - Nativity's Hope/Joy is collecting NEW WINTER CLOTHING items for men, women and children. These items will be donated to the Plymouth Community United Way. Bring NEW hats, gloves, scarves, socks, blankets, underwear, winter coats and boots to church and leave them in the box in the hallway. See bulletin insert below.

CHILD CARE PROVIDER NEEDED;Livonia family is seeking trustworthy nanny/babysitter to help with newborn child care. If you are aware of any one that may be interested, contact Helen Andreou at 586-651-8806.

FREE COVID TESTS - Get four free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests this fall. Visit covid.gov/tests to place an order or call 800-232-0233 if you need help placing an order for your at-home tests.

PARKVIEW CEMETERY LOTS AVAILABLE - These are old lots and maybe needed by people who want to be buried close to relatives. Ascension Area, Section 776, Lots 3-4 - $1,500 each. Contact Mike at 586-899-1407

Mark Your Calendar

THE CHRISTMAS AUCTION RETURNS! Preparations are underway for our 29th Annual Christmas Auction. We are seeking sponsors and donors for this event. Bulletin insert is attached below. We hope you can support this fundraiser through sponsorship, donations or just coming to join the fun of being in community.

CHRISTMAS AUCTION

PHILOPTOCHOS CHRISTMAS PARTY ON DECEMBER 11 - On the menu is Baked Plaki or Shrimp Fettuchini along with salad, dilled peas and dessert. DEADLINE TO RSVP IS DECEMBER 4. Contact Anna Petrou: [email protected], call or text 734-634-2266. See attached bulletin insert for more details.

christmas party

Upcoming Events from Focus Detroit

focus detroit christmas gala

Mark your calendar! COCC Nativity Concert All are invited to attend this free concert of Orthodox Christian music celebrating the birth of our Lord! Bring your family and friends too!

cocc concert

Those in Our Prayers

Nicholas the Bishop, John the Priest, John the Priest, Cassani the Presvytera,Kalliope the Presvytera, Kathy Ambler, Sevi Bertolis, Panayiotis Christodoulos, Mary Christopoulos, Constantin Dumitrescu, Kosta Efthimiou, Tracey Ford, Elaine Galbraith, Greg Georvassilis, Aaron Henning (Military USMC), Justin Henning (Military USAF), Zoe Jaimee, Kathy Jenaras, Maria Kalas, Helen Kaneris, Angela Kheir, George & Diane Kotsonas, Panayiota Koutoupa, Gus Kyriakou, Penelope Kyriakoula, Jim Lee, Nick Malamis, Bessie Marcus, Frank Maroudis, Freda Mollasis, Gregory Morakeas, Evelyn Morris, George Mortis, Alexander Nichoff, Carlo Nichoff, Marchela Papageorgakis, Stella Papasavva, Nikolia Pappas, Nicholas Pappas, Helen Peters, Katerina Peters, Costas Photsios, Penny Poulos, Pam Provgna, Maria Rifat, Elena (Pappas) Schils, Hayden Schils, Helen Sitaras, Vasillios Sotiropoulos, Chris Smith, Rick Stanley & Family, Evan Kostonas Stoecklein, Mike & Julia Tate, Jim Tsakos, Evris & Helen Tsaprazis, Pete Tsaprazis, John Vardouniotis, Alexander Varverakis, Jim Vlahakis, Irene Vouharas, Trevor Wilhelmi, Sandy Zembylas, Selina Zembylas-Hernandez, George Zervos, Little Jack and 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.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

You descended from on high, O compassionate One, and consented to a threeday burial, to free us from the passions. O Lord, our life and resurrection, glory to You!

Ἐξ ὕψους κατῆλθες ὁ εὔσπλαγχνος, ταφὴν καταδέξω τριήμερον, ἵνα ἡμᾶς ἐλευθερώσῃς τῶν παθῶν. Ἡ ζωὴ καὶ ἡ Ἀνάστασις ἡμῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Mode

On this day the Virgin Maid * goes to the grotto to give birth * to the pre-eternal Word * in an ineffable manner. * Dance for joy, all the inhabited earth, on hearing. * Glorify along with Angels and with the shepherds * Him who willed that He appear as * a newborn Child, * the pre-eternal God. [Automelon. Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον]

Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον, τὸν Προαιώνιον Λόγον, ἐν Σπηλαίῳ ἔρχεται, ἀποτεκεῖν ἀπορρήτως. Χόρευε ἡ οἰκουμένη ἀκουτισθεῖσα, δόξασον μετὰ Ἀγγέλων καὶ τῶν Ποιμένων, βουληθέντα ἐποφθῆναι, παιδίον νέον, τὸν πρὸ αἰώνων Θεόν.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 4:1-7.

Brethren, I, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.

Προκείμενον. Plagal Fourth Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 75.11,1.
Εὔξασθε καὶ ἀπόδοτε Κυρίῳ τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν.
Στίχ. Γνωστὸς ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ ὁ Θεός, ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ μέγα τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἐφεσίους 4:1-7.

Ἀδελφοί, παρακαλῶ οὖν ὑμᾶς ἐγώ, ὁ δέσμιος ἐν κυρίῳ, ἀξίως περιπατῆσαι τῆς κλήσεως ἧς ἐκλήθητε, μετὰ πάσης ταπεινοφροσύνης καὶ πρᾳότητος, μετὰ μακροθυμίας, ἀνεχόμενοι ἀλλήλων ἐν ἀγάπῃ, σπουδάζοντες τηρεῖν τὴν ἑνότητα τοῦ πνεύματος ἐν τῷ συνδέσμῳ τῆς εἰρήνης. Ἓν σῶμα καὶ ἓν πνεῦμα, καθὼς καὶ ἐκλήθητε ἐν μιᾷ ἐλπίδι τῆς κλήσεως ὑμῶν· εἷς κύριος, μία πίστις, ἓν βάπτισμα, εἷς θεὸς καὶ πατὴρ πάντων, ὁ ἐπὶ πάντων, καὶ διὰ πάντων, καὶ ἐν πᾶσιν ἡμῖν. Ἑνὶ δὲ ἑκάστῳ ἡμῶν ἐδόθη ἡ χάρις κατὰ τὸ μέτρον τῆς δωρεᾶς τοῦ Χριστοῦ.

Gospel Reading

13th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 18:18-27

At that time, a ruler came to Jesus and asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.' " And he said, "All these I have observed from my youth." And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus looking at him said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For 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." Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" But he said, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

13th Sunday of Luke
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 18:18-27

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἄρχων λέγων· διδάσκαλε ἀγαθέ, τί ποιήσας ζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσω; εἶπε δὲ αὐτῷ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· τί με λέγεις ἀγαθόν; οὐδεὶς ἀγαθὸς εἰ μὴ εἷς ὁ Θεός. τὰς ἐντολὰς οἶδας· μὴ μοιχεύσῃς, μὴ φονεύσῃς, μὴ κλέψῃς, μὴ ψευδομαρτυρήσῃς, τίμα τὸν πατέρα σου καὶ τὴν μητέρα σου. ὁ δὲ εἶπε· ταῦτα πάντα ἐφυλαξάμην ἐκ νεότητός μου. ἀκούσας δὲ ταῦτα ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ἔτι ἕν σοι λείπει· πάντα ὅσα ἔχεις πώλησον καὶ διάδος πτωχοῖς, καὶ ἕξεις θησαυρὸν ἐν οὐρανῷ, καὶ δεῦρο ἀκολούθει μοι. ὁ δὲ ἀκούσας ταῦτα περίλυπος ἐγένετο· ἦν γὰρ πλούσιος σφόδρα. ἰδὼν δὲ αὐτὸν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς περίλυπον γενόμενον εἶπε· πῶς δυσκόλως οἱ τὰ χρήματα ἔχοντες εἰσελεύσονται εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ! εὐκοπώτερον γάρ ἐστι κάμηλον διὰ τρυμαλιᾶς ῥαφίδος εἰσελθεῖν ἢ πλούσιον εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰσελθεῖν. εἶπον δὲ οἱ ἀκούσαντες· καὶ τίς δύναται σωθῆναι; ὁ δὲ εἶπε· τὰ ἀδύνατα παρὰ ἀνθρώποις δυνατὰ παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ ἐστιν.

Saints and Feasts

November 26

13th Sunday of Luke

November 26

Stylianos the Monk of Paphlagonia

St. Stylianos was from Paphlagonia living in the latter 6th century and early 7th century. He loved the Lord Jesus Christ with his whole heart and lived in strict asceticism. When he fell asleep in the Lord, his face shone like the sun and an angel appeared to take his soul to Glory. His prayers have worked many miracles, both during his earthly life and since. He is of special help to children who are ill and to childless couples. He is known as a protector of orphans.

November 26

Nikon Metanoeite

Saint Nicon, the son of a certain noble, was from Armenia. Forsaking his parents and homeland, he passed throughout the parts of the East, crying to all men, "Repent ye," because of which he received this name. Finally, he came to Lacedaemonia of the Peloponnesus, where he built a church in honour of Christ our Saviour. After having dwelt there many years in solitude, and having converted many from paganism, he departed to the Lord about the end of the ninth century.

November 30

Andrew the First- Called Apostle

This Saint was from Bethsaida of Galilee; he was the son of Jonas and the brother of Peter, the chief of the Apostles. He had first been a disciple of John the Baptist; afterwards, on hearing the Baptist's witness concerning Jesus, when he pointed Him out with his finger and said, "Behold the Lamb of God, Which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1.29,36), he straightway followed Christ, and became His first disciple; wherefore he is called the First-called of the Apostles. After the Ascension of the Saviour, he preached in various lands; and having suffered many things for His Name's sake, he died in Patras of Achaia, where he was crucified on a cross in the shape of an "X," the first letter of "Christ" in Greek; this cross is also the symbol of Saint Andrew.

Sacraments

40 Day Blessing

Congratulations to Peter and Eleni Mourtos
as they bring their daughter Arianna
for her 40 day blessing
on Saturday, November 25
Arianna the granddaughter of
Voula Zavos

Memorials and Trisagion

6 Year Memorial for Rev. Fr. Charles (Eustratios) Sarelis
8 Year Memorial for Alexandria Takis
11 Year Memorial for Presb. Angela (Angeliki) Sarelis
17 Year Memorial for John (Panayoitis) Takis

May their memory be eternal

Thank you to the Takis Family for providing special treats for the coffee hour.

Wisdom of the Fathers

Spiritual delight is not enjoyment found in things that exists outside the soul.

St. Isaac of Syria

Unknown, 7th century

Love of money is the worship of idols, a daughter of unbelief, an excuse for infirmities, a foreboder of old age, a harbinger of drought, a herald of hunger.

St. John Climacus

The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 16:2,7 and Step 17:1, 6th Century