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Daylight Saving Time Ends on Sunday, November 3 - be sure to set your clock back before going to bed on Satuday.

DST

This Week's Calendar

Friday, November 1
7:00 pm Choir Practice

Saturday, November 2
6:00 pm Youth Basketball Practice

Sunday, November 3 - 5th Sunday of Luke
Click here to view the printed liturgy
Daylight Saving Time Ends
8:45 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
11:30 am Sunday Church School and Catechism
12:00 pm Philoptochos Soup Luncheon
12:30 pm GOYA meeting

Monday, November 4
6:00 PM Philoptochos Meeting

Tuesday, November 5
11:00 am Bible Study with Fr. Nick Zoom Link
12:00 pm Tuesday Lunch Group
6:00 pm Youth Greek Classes (Ed Center)
6:30 pm Adult Greek Classes (online)

Wednesday, November 6
7:00 pm Paraklesis

Thursday, November 7
5:00 pm Adult Greek Classes (online)

Friday, November 8, Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and other Bodiless Powers
7:00 pm Vigil for St. Nektarius the Wonderworker

Saturday, November 9, St. Nektarius the Wonderworker
6:00 pm Youth Basketball Practice

Sunday, November 10 - 8th Sunday of Luke
Click here to view the printed liturgy
8:45 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
11:30 am Sunday Church School and Catechism

Notice of Fall General Assembly

THE FALL GENERAL ASSEMBLY is scheduled for Sunday, November 17, following Divine Liturgy. Ministry leaders should prepare reports and get them to the church office no later than Sunday, November 10. Parish Council Elections will be Sunday, December 8.

As a reminder, you must be a steward (with a signed stewardship commitment for 2024 on file) in order to vote at the Fall Assembly and Parish Council Elections. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CURRENT LIST OF STEWARDS. Please contact the church office if you believe your name should be on this list.

Parish News and Updates

DO YOU LIKE TO SING? - COME TO CHOIR PRACTICE ON FRIDAY NIGHT AND JOIN THE CHOIR! The next choir practice is Friday, November 1 at 7 pm. We will continue with choir practice every other Friday through December 13. Contact Louis Poulos if you have questions.

SOUP FOR YOU! Our Ladies of Philoptochos will serve up delicious soups on Sunday, November 3. Plan to stay after liturgy for food and fellowship.

GOYA NEWS - The next GOYA Meeting is Sunday, November 3, following Sunday Church School.

PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS - Our next meeting is Monday, November 4 at 6 pm. Mark your calendar to help bake pies on November 22 and 23 in preparation for our pie sale on November 24.

pie sale

TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY WITH FR. NICK ON November 5 - We hope you can join him at 11 am for lively discussion and stay for food and fellowship (TUESDAY LUNCH GROUP) following Bible Study. Join Zoom Meeting, Meeting ID: 833 1117 3595, Passcode: bible

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN AN EVENING BIBLE STUDY? - PLEASE FILL OUT THIS SURVEY! This survey is being conducted to determine when Father Nick should hold a Bible Study to meet the needs of those who cannot attend Tuesday Bible Study held during daytime hours. What days/times work best for you? This survey will collect information through the month of November and we will begin the Bible Study in January 2025. Paper copies are available at church on the candlestand.

FEAST DAY SERVICES FOR ST. NEKTARIUS - Join us for the Vigil for the feastday of this beloved saint on Friday, November 8 at 7 pm. The Vigil service includes Great Vespers, Matins and Divine Liturgy.

WIN TWO AIRLINE TICKETS TO GREECE! Our Christmas Auction Team is selling raffle tickets to win a voucher for two airline tickets to Greece. See insert below for details. Tickets are $100 and are available at church - see Fr. Nick, Maria Kaplantzes or inquire in the church office during regular business hours. Plan to attend our Christmas Auction and Raffle on December 6 - It's always a good time with some really awesome prizes to win.

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.

ORTHODOX YOUTH BASKETBALL– important dates to note:

November 8-10, 2024: St. John’s Holiday Hoops Tournament
February 14-16, 2025: Dayton Tournament
March 14-16, 2025: Pan Orthodox Tournament

THE LIVING ARK - A RETREAT FOR WOMEN ON NOVEMBER 9 - Please join the women of Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church inLivonia as we gather for an afternoon of learning, prayer, fellowship,and refreshments. The topic will be the upcoming Feast of theEntrance of the Theotokos into the Temple and its significance in ourown lives. See the bulletin insert below for details or contact [email protected].

NATIVITY SENIOR LUNCH is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at noon. All Nativity members age 50 or older are invited to come on the second Tuesday of the month for delicious food, fellowship and conversation. We hope to see you there!

Senior Lunch

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. Holy Cross will host Holy Unction on Wednesday, November 13 at 7 pm.

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.

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.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode

When You descended unto Death, O Lord, You who are immortal Life put Hades to death, by the lightning of Your divinity. And when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the hosts of heaven sang aloud to You, “O Christ God, Giver of life, glory to You!”

Ὅτε κατῆλθες πρὸς τὸν θάνατον, ἡ Ζωὴ ἡ ἀθάνατος, τότε τὸν ᾅδην ἐνέκρωσας τῇ ἀστραπῇ τῆς Θεότητος, ὅτε δὲ καὶ τοὺς τεθνεῶτας ἐκ τῶν καταχθονίων ἀνέστησας, πᾶσαι αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν ἐπουρανίων ἐκραύγαζον·Ζωοδότα Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Martyrs Ascepsimas, Joseph & Aeithalas in the Fourth Mode

Your Martyrs, O Lord, were worthily awarded by You * the crowns of incorruption, in that they contested for You our immortal God. * Since they possessed Your power, they defeated the tyrants, * dashing the demons’ powerless displays of defiance. * O Christ God, at their fervent entreaties, save our souls. (Ἦχος δʹ. Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε. Come quickly)

Οι Μάρτυρές σου, Κύριε, εν τή αθλήσει αυτών, στεφάνους εκομίσαντο τής αφθαρσίας, εκ σού τού Θεού ημών, σχόντες γάρ τήν ισχύν σου, τούς τυράννους καθείλον, έθραυσαν καί δαιμόνων, τά ανίσχυρα θράση. Αυτών ταίς ικεσίαις, Χριστέ ο Θεός, σώσον τάς ψυχάς ημών.

Apolytikion for Dedication of the Temple of St. George in the Fourth Mode

As the one renowned for setting captives free and for defending those in poverty, the physician of the sick and the champion of emperors, great and victorious Martyr George, intercede with Christ our God, beseeching Him to save our souls.

Ως τών αιχμαλώτων ελευθερωτής, καί τών πτωχών υπερασπιστής, ασθενούντων ιατρός, βασιλέων υπέρμαχος, τροπαιοφόρε μεγαλομάρτυς Γεώργιε, πρέσβευε Χριστώ τώ Θεώ, σωθήναι τάς 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.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Second Mode. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 11:31-33; 12:1-9.

Brethren, the God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed for ever, knows that I do not lie. At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas guarded the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped his hands.

I must boast; there is nothing to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into Paradise --whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows -- and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. Though if I wish to boast, I shall not be a fool, for I shall be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Προκείμενον. Second Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 117.14,18.
Ἰσχύς μου καὶ ὕμνησίς μου ὁ Κύριος.
Στίχ. Παιδεύων ἐπαίδευσέ με ὁ Κύριος.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Κορινθίους β' 11:31-33, 12:1-9.

Ἀδελφοί, Ὁ θεὸς καὶ πατὴρ τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ οἶδεν, ὁ ὢν εὐλογητὸς εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας, ὅτι οὐ ψεύδομαι. Ἐν Δαμασκῷ ὁ ἐθνάρχης Ἀρέτα τοῦ βασιλέως ἐφρούρει τὴν Δαμασκηνῶν πόλιν, πιάσαι με θέλων· καὶ διὰ θυρίδος ἐν σαργάνῃ ἐχαλάσθην διὰ τοῦ τείχους καὶ ἐξέφυγον τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ. Καυχᾶσθαι δὴ οὐ συμφέρει μοι· ἐλεύσομαι γὰρ εἰς ὀπτασίας καὶ ἀποκαλύψεις κυρίου. Οἶδα ἄνθρωπον ἐν Χριστῷ πρὸ ἐτῶν δεκατεσσάρων - εἴτε ἐν σώματι οὐκ οἶδα· εἴτε ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματος οὐκ οἶδα· ὁ θεὸς οἶδεν - ἁρπαγέντα τὸν τοιοῦτον ἕως τρίτου οὐρανοῦ. Καὶ οἶδα τὸν τοιοῦτον ἄνθρωπον - εἴτε ἐν σώματι, εἴτε ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματος, οὐκ οἶδα· ὁ θεὸς οἶδεν - ὅτι ἡρπάγη εἰς τὸν παράδεισον, καὶ ἤκουσεν ἄρρητα ῥήματα, ἃ οὐκ ἐξὸν ἀνθρώπῳ λαλῆσαι. Ὑπὲρ τοῦ τοιούτου καυχήσομαι· ὑπὲρ δὲ ἐμαυτοῦ οὐ καυχήσομαι, εἰ μὴ ἐν ταῖς ἀσθενείαις μου· ἐὰν γὰρ θελήσω καυχήσασθαι, οὐκ ἔσομαι ἄφρων· ἀλήθειαν γὰρ ἐρῶ· φείδομαι δέ, μή τις εἰς ἐμὲ λογίσηται ὑπὲρ ὃ βλέπει με, ἢ ἀκούει τι ἐξ ἐμοῦ. Καὶ τῇ ὑπερβολῇ τῶν ἀποκαλύψεων ἵνα μὴ ὑπεραίρωμαι, ἐδόθη μοι σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί, ἄγγελος Σατᾶν, ἵνα με κολαφίζῃ, ἵνα μὴ ὑπεραίρωμαι. Ὑπὲρ τούτου τρὶς τὸν κύριον παρεκάλεσα ἵνα ἀποστῇ ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ. Καὶ εἴρηκέν μοι, Ἀρκεῖ σοι ἡ χάρις μου· ἡ γὰρ δύναμίς μου ἐν ἀσθενείᾳ τελειοῦται. Ἥδιστα οὖν μᾶλλον καυχήσομαι ἐν ταῖς ἀσθενείαις μου, ἵνα ἐπισκηνώσῃ ἐπʼ ἐμὲ ἡ δύναμις τοῦ Χριστοῦ.

Gospel Reading

5th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 16:19-31

The Lord said, "There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazaros, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazaros in his bosom. And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazaros to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazaros in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' But Abraham said, 'They have Moses, and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to them, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.'"

5th Sunday of Luke
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 16:19-31

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· ῎Ανθρωπος δέ τις ἦν πλούσιος, καὶ ἐνεδιδύσκετο πορφύραν καὶ βύσσον εὐφραινόμενος καθ᾿ ἡμέραν λαμπρῶς. πτωχὸς δέ τις ἦν ὀνόματι Λάζαρος, ὃς ἐβέβλητο πρὸς τὸν πυλῶνα αὐτοῦ ἡλκωμένος καὶ ἐπιθυμῶν χορτασθῆναι ἀπὸ τῶν ψιχίων τῶν πιπτόντων ἀπὸ τῆς τραπέζης τοῦ πλουσίου· ἀλλὰ καὶ οἱ κύνες ἐρχόμενοι ἀπέλειχον τὰ ἕλκη αὐτοῦ. ἐγένετο δὲ ἀποθανεῖν τὸν πτωχὸν καὶ ἀπενεχθῆναι αὐτὸν ὑπὸ τῶν ἀγγέλων εἰς τὸν κόλπον ᾿Αβραάμ· ἀπέθανε δὲ καὶ ὁ πλούσιος καὶ ἐτάφη. καὶ ἐν τῷ ᾅδῃ ἐπάρας τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ, ὑπάρχων ἐν βασάνοις, ὁρᾷ τὸν ᾿Αβραὰμ ἀπὸ μακρόθεν καὶ Λάζαρον ἐν τοῖς κόλποις αὐτοῦ. καὶ αὐτὸς φωνήσας εἶπε· πάτερ ᾿Αβραάμ, ἐλέησόν με καὶ πέμψον Λάζαρον ἵνα βάψῃ τὸ ἄκρον τοῦ δακτύλου αὐτοῦ ὕδατος καὶ καταψύξῃ τὴν γλῶσσάν μου, ὅτι ὀδυνῶμαι ἐν τῇ φλογὶ ταύτῃ. εἶπε δὲ ᾿Αβραάμ· τέκνον, μνήσθητι ὅτι ἀπέλαβες σὺ τὰ ἀγαθά σου ἐν τῇ ζωῇ σου, καὶ Λάζαρος ὁμοίως τὰ κακά· νῦν δὲ ὧδε παρακαλεῖται, σὺ δὲ ὀδυνᾶσαι· καὶ ἐπὶ πᾶσι τούτοις μεταξὺ ἡμῶν καὶ ὑμῶν χάσμα μέγα ἐστήρικται, ὅπως οἱ θέλοντες διαβῆναι ἔνθεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς μὴ δύνωνται, μηδὲ οἱ ἐκεῖθεν πρὸς ἡμᾶς διαπερῶσιν. εἶπε δέ· ἐρωτῶ οὖν σε, πάτερ, ἵνα πέμψῃς αὐτὸν εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ πατρός μου· ἔχω γὰρ πέντε ἀδελφούς· ὅπως διαμαρτύρηται αὐτοῖς, ἵνα μὴ καὶ αὐτοὶ ἔλθωσιν εἰς τὸν τόπον τοῦτον τῆς βασάνου. λέγει αὐτῷ ᾿Αβραάμ· ἔχουσι Μωϋσέα καὶ τοὺς προφήτας· ἀκουσάτωσαν αὐτῶν. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν· οὐχί, πάτερ ᾿Αβραάμ, ἀλλ᾿ ἐάν τις ἀπὸ νεκρῶν πορευθῇ πρὸς αὐτούς, μετανοήσουσιν. εἶπε δὲ αὐτῷ· εἰ Μωϋσέως καὶ τῶν προφητῶν οὐκ ἀκούουσιν, οὐδὲ ἐάν τις ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῇ πεισθήσονται.

Saints and Feasts

November 03

5th Sunday of Luke

November 08

Synaxis of the Archangel Michael & the other Bodiless Powers: Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salaphiel, Jegudiel, & Barachiel

All the Angels, according to the Apostle Paul, are ministering spirits, - sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation - (Heb. 1:14). God set them as overseers of every nation and people, and guides to that which is profitable (Deut. 32:8); and while one Angel is appointed to oversee each nation as a whole, one is also appointed to protect each Christian individually. He commands them to guard them that hope on Him, that nothing should harm them, neither should any evil draw nigh to their dwelling (Ps. 90:10-12). In the Heavens they always behold the face of God, sending up to Him the thrice-holy hymn and interceding with Him in our behalf, seeing they rejoice over one sinner that repents (Esaias 6:2-3; Matt. 18:10; Luke 15:7). In a word, they have served God in so many ways for our benefit, that the pages of Holy Scripture are filled with the histories thereof. It is for these reasons that the Orthodox Catholic Church, wisely honouring these divine ministers, our protectors and guardians, celebrates today the present Synaxis that is, our coming together in assembly for their common feast to chant their praises, especially for the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, who are mentioned in the Scriptures by name. The name Michael means "Who is like God?" and Gabriel means "God is mighty." The number of Angels is not defined in the divine Scriptures, where Daniel says that thousands of thousands ministered before Him, and ten thousands of ten thousands attended upon Him -(Dan. 7:10). But all of them are divided into nine orders which are called Thrones, Cherubim, Seraphim, Dominions, Powers, Authorities, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.

November 09

Nektarios the Wonderworker, Bishop of Pentapolis

Saint Nektarius was born in Selyvria of Thrace on October 1, 1846. After putting himself through school in Constantinople with much hard labour, he became a monk on Chios in 1876, receiving the monastic name of Lazarus; because of his virtue, a year later he was ordained deacon, receiving the new name of Nektarius. Under the patronage of Patriarch Sophronius of Alexandria, Nektarius went to Athens to study in 1882; completing his theological studies in 1885, he went to Alexandria, where Patriarch Sophronius ordained him priest on March 23, 1886 in the Cathedral of Saint Sabbas, and in August of the same year, in the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, made him Archimandrite. Archimandrite Nektarius showed much zeal both for preaching the word of God, and for the beauty of God's house. He greatly beautified the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, and years later, when Nektarius was in Athens, Saint Nicholas appeared to him in a dream, embracing him and telling him he was going to exalt him very high.

On January 15, 1889, in the same Church of Saint Nicholas, Nektarius was consecrated Metropolitan of the Pentapolis in eastern Libya, which was under the jurisdiction of Alexandria. Although Nektarius' swift ascent through the degrees of ecclesiastical office did not affect his modesty and childlike innocence, it aroused the envy of lesser men, who convinced the elderly Sophronius that Nektarius had it in his heart to become Patriarch. Since the people loved Nektarius, the Patriarch was troubled by the slanders. On May 3, 1890, Sophronius relieved Metropolitan Nektarius of his duties; in July of the same year, he commanded Nektarius to leave Egypt.

Without seeking to avenge or even to defend himself, the innocent Metropolitan left for Athens, where he found that accusations of immorality had arrived before him. Because his good name had been soiled, he was unable to find a position worthy of a bishop, and in February of 1891 accepted the position of provincial preacher in Euboia; then, in 1894, he was appointed dean of the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School in Athens. Through his eloquent sermons his unwearying labours to educate fitting men for the priesthood, his generous alms deeds despite his own poverty, and the holiness, meekness, and fatherly love that were manifest in him, he became a shining light and a spiritual guide to many. At the request of certain pious women, in 1904 he began the building of his convent of the Holy Trinity on the island of Aegina while yet dean of the Rizarios School; finding later that his presence there was needed, he took up his residence on Aegina in 1908, where he spent the last years of his life, devoting himself to the direction of his convent and to very intense prayer; he was sometimes seen lifted above the ground while rapt in prayer. He became the protector of all Aegina, through his prayers delivering the island from drought, healing the sick, and casting out demons. Here also he endured wicked slanders with singular patience, forgiving his false accusers and not seeking to avenge himself. Although he had already worked wonders in life, an innumerable multitude of miracles have been wrought after his repose in 1920 through his holy relics, which for many years remained incorrupt. There is hardly a malady that has not been cured through his prayers; but Saint Nektarius is especially renowned for his healings of cancer for sufferers in all parts of the world.

Wisdom of the Fathers

By these words it is surely shown that in his [the rich man] daily feasting he had frequently sinned by his tongue, seeing that, while burning all over, he demanded to be cooled especially in his tongue. Again, that levity of conduct follows closely upon gluttony sacred authority testifies ... For the most part also edacity leads us even to lechery, because, when the belly is distended by repletion, the stings of lust are excited.

St. Gregory the Dialogist

The Book of Pastoral Rule, Chapter XIX, 6th century

The man who has once chosen pleasure in this life, and has not cured his inconsiderateness by repentance, places the land of the good beyond his own reach; for he has dug against himself the yawning impassable abyss of a necessity that nothing can break through.

St. Gregory of Nyssa

Stewardship and Online Giving

See our Church as it Could Be

One church member was heard to say, “I just want the church to be here long enough to have my funeral here.” This is a church in survival mode, just paying the bills. We ask, “What does it cost?” “What are the dues?” “How much do I owe?” These are earthly questions. A better question would be, “What can I give so that my church can become all it is meant to be – the Body of Christ on earth.” With a vision for the future of our parish we can say, “I want the church to be here for my grandchildren’s grandchildren.”

COMMIT TO SHARING YOUR TIME, TALENTS AND TREASURES IN 2025 Help us share the good news of Christ’s redemptive work through His death and resurrection. 2025 Stewardship forms are available on the table in the Narthex.

We give thanks for all who have submitted their stewardship commitments for 2024 We now look ahead to 2025 as we enter into the fall and traditional time of Stewardship. Our goal for 2025 is to update the information in our member database so we can produce and updated directory. Please be sure to complete all of the information on your Stewardship Card. A printable copy is attached below. or visit bit.ly/2025nvm-stewardship to fill out the stewardship commitment form online.

GIVE ONLINE IN 2025 - Abundant is Nativity's online giving service! You can donate by ACH/EFT or Credit Card by App (available for Apple or Android devices) by web (click here to visit Abundant online giving page) We can help you set up your electronic giving - it's safe and easy and best of all, it connects directly with our parish data system - so your stewardship gifts are imported directly into your record.

DONATION WITHOUT TAXATION Donations from a qualifying Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) directly to Nativity is a tax free way to support our ministries. By contrast, if you receive the money first and then donate to Nativity, you must pay federal income tax on the "income." The recent increase in the standard deduction means that most people will not benefit from using charitable contributions as a deduction in computing federal income tax. Now is the time to work with your financial institution in order to assign all or part of the RMD, which will be distributed during 2025. For more information consult your financial institution or contact Kathy in the Church Office.

2024 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS will be sent via email to those who have a working email in our Parish Database. Paper copies available upon request for those who do not have an email on file. Please contact the church office if you have any concerns or if changes need to be made.

Nativity's Gmail Calendar

Nativity of the Virgin Mary Google Calendar

November 1 to November 17, 2024

Friday, November 1

MCOC Conference for Young Professionals

Sunday, November 3

Stewardship Sunday

Pass Tray for Sts Cosmos & Damian

5th Sunday of Luke

8:45AM Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

11:30AM Church School & Catechism

12:00PM Philiotochos Soup Sunday

12:30PM GOYA Meeting

Monday, November 4

6:00PM Philoptochos Meeting

Tuesday, November 5

11:00AM Bible Study with Father Nick

12:00PM Tuesday Lunch Group

5:00PM YOUTH GREEK CLASSES

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

Wednesday, November 6

7:00PM Paraklesis

Thursday, November 7

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

Friday, November 8

🍇 Synaxis of the Archangel Michael & the other Bodiless Powers: Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salaphiel, Jegudiel, & Barachiel

Holiday Hoops @ St. John

7:00PM Vigil for St Nektarios 7pm

Saturday, November 9

Nektarius the Wonderworker, Metropolitan of Pentapolis

Holiday Hoops @ St. John

Sunday, November 10

8th Sunday of Luke

Holiday Hoops @ St. John

Stewardship Sunday

8:45AM Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

11:30AM Church School & Catechism

Monday, November 11

Veterans Day - Church Office Closed

Tuesday, November 12

11:00AM Bible Study with Father Nick

12:00PM Senior Lunch Group

6:00PM Greek School Oxi Program

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

Wednesday, November 13

John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople

9:00AM Orthros and Divine Liturgy: St John Chrysostom

7:00PM Holy Unction at Holy Cross

Thursday, November 14

Philip the Apostle

9:00AM Orthros and Divine Liturgy - St Philip the Apostle

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

Friday, November 15

☦️ Nativity Fast Begins

6:00PM Hope/Joy Family Night

7:00PM Choir Practice

Saturday, November 16

🐟 Matthew the Apostle & Evangelist

10:00AM FOCUS Detroit Thanksgiving Basket Distribution

6:00PM Basketball Practice

Sunday, November 17

🐟 9th Sunday of Luke

GOYA Frappe Fundraiser during coffee hour

8:45AM Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

11:30AM Church School & Catechism

12:00PM Fall General Assembly

Bulletin Inserts

2025 Stewardship Commitment form

Use this form to make your stewardship commitment for 2025.

Vigil for Nektarius the Wonderworker, Metropolitan of Pentapolis

Save the date - November 8 - Vigil for St. Nektarius. Vigil includes Vespers, Orthros and Divine Liturgy.

THE LIVING ARK - A RETREAT FOR WOMEN ON NOVEMBER 9

Please join the women of Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church in Livonia as we gather for an afternoon of learning, prayer, fellowship, and refreshments. The topic will be the upcoming Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple and its significance in our own lives. See the bulletin insert below for details or contact [email protected].

Holy Unction Schedule

Updated schedule for Holy Unction with our sister parishes.

Christmas Auction and Raffle

Christmas Auction on December 6 - Save the Date

Sunday School Registration

Win Two Tickets to Greece!

Our Christmas Auction Team is selling raffle tickets to win a voucher for two airline tickets to Greece. Tickets cost $100 and are available at church - see Fr. Nick, Maria Kaplantzes or inquire in the church office during regular business hours. Plan to attend our Christmas Auction and Raffle on December 6 - It's always a good time with some really awesome prizes to win.

Ushers and Coffee Hour

Updated Usher and coffee hour servers.

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins