Come and Worship!

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

Upcoming Calendar Events

Friday, June 13
Father/Son Weekend at MDSC

Saturday, June 14
Father/Son Weekend at MDSC
Private Rental Social Hall

Sunday, June 15 - The Sunday of All Saints
Click here to view the printed liturgy
Father/Son Weekend at MDSC
8:45am Orthros
10am Divine Liturgy

Monday, June 16 - Apostles' Fast Begins

Tuesday, June 17
10am Festival Food Prep: Pastitsio
6:30pm Greek Dance Practice: Biddies
7pm Greek Dance Practice: Juniors
7pm Evening Bible Study (Click here to join)
7:30pm Greek Dance Practice: Intermediates
8:30pm Greek Dance Practice: Revma

Wednesday, June 18
10am Festival Food Prep: Pastitsio
7pm Paraklesis

Thursday, June 19
10am Festival Food Prep: Pastitsio
12pm GOYA TO Tigers Game (Tentative)
7pm Parish Council Meeting

Friday, June 20
7pm AA Meeting in Social Hall

Saturday, June 21
Private Rental Social Hall

Sunday, June 22 - Second Sunday of Matthew
Click here to view the printed liturgy
8:45am Orthros
10am Divine Liturgy
11:30am Ice Cream Social

Parish News and Updates

We extend a warm welcome Fr. Vasilios Pliakas, who is serving in Fr. Nick’s absence on Sunday.

VOTE 4 THE BEST Click here to nominate Nativity's "A Taste of Greece Festival" on channel 4's campaign. Nominations close on June 15. Click here to learn more.

APOSTLES FAST BEGINS MONDAY, JUNE 16 - The Fast of the Holy Apostles dates back to the early days of the Church, when the faithful would prepare themselves through fasting to celebrate the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29th. The primary goal of this fast is to emulate the dedication, sacrifice, and missionary zeal of the Apostles. Orthodox Christians are called to deepen their faith, engage in repentance, and recommit to spreading the Good News, just as the Apostles did.

The Fast of the Holy Apostles is a time for Orthodox Christians to reflect on the sacrifices and contributions of the Apostles, seeking to embody their unwavering faith and commitment to Christ. It is an opportunity for spiritual growth, renewal, and a rekindling of the missionary spirit within the heart of every believer.

LET'S MAKE PASTITSIO! Next week, beginning on Tuesday, June 17, we will make Pastitsio for the festival. Your help is much appreciated! We hope to see you next week!

BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES - JUNE 17 Tuesday morning bible study WILL NOT MEET ON JUNE 17. HOWEVER, THE EVENING STUDY WILL MEET. All are welcome to attend in person or via the zoom platform (Meeting ID: 340 526 4067 Passcode: bible) ONE LINK FOR ZOOM BIBLE STUDY - LINKS ARE ABOVE, BELOW AND ON OUR GOOGLE CALENDAR. Please be sure to update your zoom app and use the link for both: CLICK HERE TO JOIN

FRIENDS OF THE METROPOLIS - join forces with the faithful throughout the Metropolis of Detroit in support of the ministries which are part of the Office of the Metropolitan. Click here to visit the Friends of Metropolis page and make a donation to support the program. See the bulletin insert below for more information.

SUNDAE SUNDAY - JUNE 22 - following Liturgy, Hope & Joy will be providing ice cream treats to parishioners during fellowship in the hall. Please join us for some treats.

Seeking your Family History for our Commemorative Book! We would love to include your Family History as a parishioner of our Nativity of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in our commemorative book! Share any details about your family, faith, and experiences as a parishioner at Nativity and you can include pictures! For example, you may want to share about baptisms/chrismations, weddings, memories as a volunteer, honoring our Greek Orthodox faith and heritage.

All histories are welcome, regardless of how long you have been a member of our parish! Samples are available at the church hall. We are kindly asking for a $100 contribution for one-page to help offset the associated costs. Please send your Family History by email to [email protected] or see Golfo Wernette or Charlene Galbraith before August 20, 2025.

ANNIVERSARY TEAM SEEKING PHOTOS, ALBUMS & MEMORABILIA from the past 50 years of the people, events, etc. of our church. We will use these items for display at the dinner/dance and/or commemorative book. Leave them in the container in the hallway—be sure to include your contact information so we can return the items to you.

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN WOMEN EVENTS - June 21 at St. Nicks Ann Arbor - Aging though Wellness: A lifestyle Medicine Perspective. Annual OCW Retreat - July 19, 2025 at Dormition Monastery in Rives Junction - Weathering the Hurricaines of Life. See the bulletin inserts attached for more information or email [email protected].

Those in Our Prayers

Nicholas the Bishop, John the Priest, John the Priest, Cassani the Presvytera, Kalliope the Presvytera, Panayiotis Christodoulos, Mary Christopoulos, Constantin Dumitrescu, Kosta Efthimiou, Tracey Ford, Gregory Georvassilis, George Hrisoulis, Charles Hunsinger, Michelle Hunsinger, Roy Hunsinger, Kathy Jenaras, Maria Kalas, Abraham Kalasse, Kanella Katsikas, Ephraim Kosta, Diane Kotsonas, Elias Koumariotis, Panayiota Koutoupa, Gus Kyriakou, Jim Lee, Nick Malamis, George Margaritis, Frank Maroudis, Freda Mollasis, Gregory Morakeas, Evelyn Morris, Alexander Nichoff, Niko Nikolakis, Marchela Papageorgakis, Stella Papasavva, James Pappas, Nikolia Pappas, Nicholas Pappas & Family, George Peters, Katerina Peters, Costas Photsios, Penny Poulos, Hayden Schils, Rick Stanley & Family, Evan Kotsonas Stoecklein, Mike and Julia Tate, Jim Tsakos, Helen Tsaprazis, Nicholas Valice, Steve Valice, Chris Vardouniotis, John Vardouniotis, Jim Vlahakis, Irene Vouharas, Nicodemus Williams, Sandy Zembylas, Selina Zembylas-Hernandez, Little Jack.

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.

Youth and Young Adult Ministry

ATTENTION NATIVITY DANCERS! Dance practice for the 2025 Greek Festival starts on Tuesday June 3. Rehearsal times - BIDDIES (Grades K-2) 6:30-7:00 pm, JUNIORS (Grades 3-5) 7:00-7:30 pm, INTERMEDIATES (Grades 6-8) 7:30-8:30 pm, REVMA (High School/College/Post College) 8:30-9:30 pm or later.

Your child’s grade is the grade that he/she will be entering in the Fall.

We would like everyone to register and pay before/when dance practice begins. To register and pay for your dancers, please click on the link below. The cost is $50 a dancer (if you have any financial difficulties, please see Ms. Peggy; the Men’s Club will cover your cost.) Click here to register.

Finally, we are asking dance parents to please sign up for a date to bring and serve a healthy nut-free snack for your child's dance group. Click here to sign up for snacks.

See the bulletin insert attached below for more information and watch your email for details about registration, payments and snacks.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

You descended from on high, O compassionate One, and consented to a three-day 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.

Apolytikion for All Saints in the Fourth Mode

Your Church is arrayed in the holy blood of Your Martyrs who witnessed throughout the world, as though in purple and fine linen. Through them she cries to You, Christ our God, “Send down to Your people Your tender love, grant peace from above to Your commonwealth, and to our souls Your great mercy.”

Τῶν ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ κόσμῳ Μαρτύρων σου, ὡς πορφύραν καὶ βύσσον τὰ αἵματα, ἡ Ἐκκλησία σου στολισαμένη, δι' αὐτῶν βοᾷ σοι· Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, τῷ λαῷ σου τοὺς οἰκτιρμούς σου κατάπεμψον, εἰρήνην τῇ πολιτείᾳ σου δώρησαι, καὶ ταῖς ψυχαῖς ἡμῶν τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

O Planter of creation, Lord, to You does the entire world bring as an offering the God-bearing martyr Saints, as being nature’s first fruits. At their earnest entreaties, keep Your Church in a state of profoundest peace, through the Theotokos, O Lord abundantly merciful. (Automelon. Ὡς ἀπαρχάς)

Ὡς ἀπαρχὰς τῆς φύσεως, τῷ φυτουργῷ τῆς κτίσεως, ἡ οἰκουμένη προσφέρει σοι Κύριε, τοὺς θεοφόρους Μάρτυρας, ταῖς αὐτῶν ἱκεσίαις, ἐν εἰρήνῃ βαθείᾳ, τὴν Ἐκκλησίαν σου, διὰ τῆς Θεοτόκου συντήρησον, πολυέλεε.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 67.35,26.
God is wonderful among his saints.
Verse: Bless God in the congregations.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 11:33-40; 12:1-2.

Brethren, all the saints through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated - of whom the world was not worthy - wandering over deserts and mountains and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.

Προκείμενον. Fourth Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 67.35,26.
Θαυμαστὸς ὁ Θεὸς ἐν τοῖς Ἁγίοις αὐτοῦ.
Στίχ. Ἐν Ἐκκλησίαις εὐλογεῖτε τὸν Θεὸν.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 11:33-40, 12:1-2.

Ἀδελφοί, οἱ Ἅγιοι πάντες διὰ πίστεως κατηγωνίσαντο βασιλείας, εἰργάσαντο δικαιοσύνην, ἐπέτυχον ἐπαγγελιῶν, ἔφραξαν στόματα λεόντων, ἔσβεσαν δύναμιν πυρός, ἔφυγον στόματα μαχαίρας, ἐνεδυναμώθησαν ἀπὸ ἀσθενείας, ἐγενήθησαν ἰσχυροὶ ἐν πολέμῳ, παρεμβολὰς ἔκλιναν ἀλλοτρίων. Ἔλαβον γυναῖκες ἐξ ἀναστάσεως τοὺς νεκροὺς αὐτῶν· ἄλλοι δὲ ἐτυμπανίσθησαν, οὐ προσδεξάμενοι τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν, ἵνα κρείττονος ἀναστάσεως τύχωσιν· ἕτεροι δὲ ἐμπαιγμῶν καὶ μαστίγων πεῖραν ἔλαβον, ἔτι δὲ δεσμῶν καὶ φυλακῆς· ἐλιθάσθησαν, ἐπρίσθησαν, ἐπειράσθησαν, ἐν φόνῳ μαχαίρας ἀπέθανον· περιῆλθον ἐν μηλωταῖς, ἐν αἰγείοις δέρμασιν, ὑστερούμενοι, θλιβόμενοι, κακουχούμενοι - ὧν οὐκ ἦν ἄξιος ὁ κόσμος - ἐν ἐρημίαις πλανώμενοι καὶ ὄρεσιν καὶ σπηλαίοις καὶ ταῖς ὀπαῖς τῆς γῆς. Καὶ οὗτοι πάντες, μαρτυρηθέντες διὰ τῆς πίστεως, οὐκ ἐκομίσαντο τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν, τοῦ θεοῦ περὶ ἡμῶν κρεῖττόν τι προβλεψαμένου, ἵνα μὴ χωρὶς ἡμῶν τελειωθῶσιν. Τοιγαροῦν καὶ ἡμεῖς, τοσοῦτον ἔχοντες περικείμενον ἡμῖν νέφος μαρτύρων, ὄγκον ἀποθέμενοι πάντα καὶ τὴν εὐπερίστατον ἁμαρτίαν, διʼ ὑπομονῆς τρέχωμεν τὸν προκείμενον ἡμῖν ἀγῶνα, ἀφορῶντες εἰς τὸν τῆς πίστεως ἀρχηγὸν καὶ τελειωτὴν Ἰησοῦν.

Gospel Reading

The Sunday of All Saints
The Reading is from Matthew 10:32-33; 37-38; 19:27-30

The Lord said to his disciples, "Every one who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny him before my Father who is in heaven. He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." Then Peter said in reply, "Lo, we have left everything and followed you. What then shall we have?" Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of man shall sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. But many that are first will be last, and the last first."

The Sunday of All Saints
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 10:32-33, 37-38, 19:27-30

Εἶπεν ὁ Κὐριος τοῖς ἑαυτοῦ μαθηταῖς· Πᾶς οὖν ὅστις ὁμολογήσει ἐν ἐμοὶ ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ὁμολογήσω κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτῷ ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς. ὅστις δ᾿ ἂν ἀρνήσηταί με ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ἀρνήσομαι αὐτὸν κἀγὼ ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς. ῾Ο φιλῶν πατέρα ἢ μητέρα ὑπὲρ ἐμὲ οὐκ ἔστι μου ἄξιος· καὶ ὁ φιλῶν υἱὸν ἢ θυγατέρα ὑπὲρ ἐμὲ οὐκ ἔστι μου ἄξιος· καὶ ὃς οὐ λαμβάνει τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀκολουθεῖ ὀπίσω μου, οὐκ ἔστι μου ἄξιος. Τότε ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Πέτρος εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ἰδοὺ ἡμεῖς ἀφήκαμεν πάντα καὶ ἠκολουθήσαμέν σοι· τί ἄρα ἔσται ἡμῖν; ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι ὑμεῖς οἱ ἀκολουθήσαντές μοι, ἐν τῇ παλιγγενεσίᾳ, ὅταν καθίσῃ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐπὶ θρόνου δόξης αὐτοῦ, καθίσεσθε καὶ ὑμεῖς ἐπὶ δώδεκα θρόνους κρίνοντες τὰς δώδεκα φυλὰς τοῦ ᾿Ισραήλ. καὶ πᾶς ὃς ἀφῆκεν οἰκίας ἢ ἀδελφοὺς ἢ ἀδελφὰς ἢ πατέρα ἢ μητέρα ἢ γυναῖκα ἢ τέκνα ἢ ἀγροὺς ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀνόματός μου, ἑκατονταπλασίονα λήψεται καὶ ζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσει. Πολλοὶ δὲ ἔσονται πρῶτοι ἔσχατοι καὶ ἔσχατοι πρῶτοι.

Saints and Feasts

June 15

The Sunday of All Saints

Honouring the friends of God with much reverence, the Prophet-King David says, "But to me, exceedingly honourable are Thy friends, O Lord" (Ps. 138:16). And the divine Apostle, recounting the achievements of the Saints, and setting forth their memorial as an example that we might turn away from earthly things and from sin, and emulate their patience and courage in the struggles for virtue, says, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every burden, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" (Heb. 12:1).

This commemoration began as the Sunday (Synaxis) of All Martyrs; to them were added all the ranks of Saints who bore witness (the meaning of "Martyr" in Greek) to Christ in manifold ways, even if occasion did not require the shedding of their blood.

Therefore, guided by the teaching of the Divine Scriptures and Apostolic Tradition, we the pious honour all the Saints, the friends of God, for they are keepers of God's commandments, shining examples of virtue, and benefactors of mankind. Of course, we honour the known Saints especially on their own day of the year, as is evident in the Menologion. But since many Saints are unknown, and their number has increased with time, and will continue to increase until the end of time, the Church has appointed that once a year a common commemoration be made of all the Saints. This is the feast that we celebrate today. It is the harvest of the coming of the Holy Spirit into the world; it is the "much fruit" brought forth by that "Grain of wheat that fell into the earth and died" (John 12:24); it is the glorification of the Saints as "the foundation of the Church, the perfection of the Gospel, they who fulfilled in deed the sayings of the Saviour" (Sunday of All Saints, Doxasticon of Vespers).

In this celebration, then, we reverently honour and call blessed all the Righteous, the Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, Shepherds, Teachers, and Holy Monastics, both men and women alike, known and unknown, who have been added to the choirs of the Saints and shall be added, from the time of Adam until the end of the world, who have been perfected in piety and have glorified God by their holy lives. All these, as well as the orders of the Angels, and especially our most holy Lady and Queen, the Ever-virgin Theotokos Mary, do we honour today, setting their life before us as an example of virtue, and entreating them to intercede in our behalf with God, Whose grace and boundless mercy be with us all. Amen.

June 19

Thaddeus (Jude) the Apostle & Brother of Our Lord

The Apostle Jude was of the choir of the Twelve, and by Luke was called Jude, the brother of James the Brother of God (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13), and therefore also a kinsman of the Lord according to His humanity. But by Matthew (10:3), he is called Lebbaeus, surnamed Thaddeus (he is not the Thaddeus who healed the suffering of Abgar, as Eusebius says in his Eccl. Hist., 1:13; see Aug. 21). Saint Jude preached in Mesopotamia, Arabia, Idumea, and Syria, and, it is said, completed the path of his divine apostleship by martyrdom in Beirut in the year 80. Written after the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus, his is the last of the Catholic (General) Epistles to the believing Jews in the Diaspora. His name (a variant of Judah) means "Praise."

Blessings, Baptisms and Weddings

40 Day Blessing

Congratulations to Tina and Faqar Saleh

as they bring their son Noah Harrison for his 40 day blessing

Noah is the grandson of Harry and Anastasia Katopodis

Wisdom of the Fathers

For in a contest there is much labor needed--and after the contest victory falls to some, to others disgrace. Is the palm ever given or the crown granted before the course is finished? ... Therefore no one can receive a reward, unless he has striven lawfully; nor is the victory a glorious one, unless the contest also has been toilsome.

St. Ambrose of Milan

Chapter 15, Three Books on the Duties of the Clergy, 4th century

Moses... was himself saved by means of wood and water before the Law was given, when he was exposed to the Nile's currents, hidden away in an Ark (Exod. 2:3-10). And by means of wood and water he saved the people of Israel, revealing the Cross by the wood, Holy Baptism by water (Exod. 14:15-31). Paul, who had looked upon the mysteries, says openly, 'They were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud' (I Cor. 10:2). He also bears witness that, even before the events concerning the sea and his staff, Moses willingly endured Christ's Cross, 'Esteeming', he says, 'the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt' (Heb. 11:26). For the Cross is the reproach of Christ from the standpoint of foolish men. As Paul himself says of Christ, 'He endured the cross, despising the shame' (Heb. 12:2).

St. Gregory Palamas

Homilies Vol. 1, Homily Eleven para. 14; Saint Tikhon's Seminary Press pg. 123, 14th century

Nativity's Gmail Calendar

Nativity of the Virgin Mary Google Calendar

June 13 to June 30, 2025

Friday, June 13

5:30PM Father Son Weekend @ MDSC

Sunday, June 15

The Sunday of All Saints

Father's Day

8:45AM Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

Monday, June 16

Apostles' Fast Begins

Tuesday, June 17

10:00AM Festival Food Prep: Pastitsio

11:00AM Morning Bible Study with Father Nick

12:00PM Tuesday Lunch Group

6:30PM Greek Dance Practice: Biddies

7:00PM Evening Bible Study with Fr. Nick

7:00PM Greek Dance Practice: Juniors

7:30PM Greek Dance Practice: Intermediates

8:30PM Greek Dance Practice: Revma

Wednesday, June 18

10:00AM Festival Food Prep: Pastitsio

7:00PM Paraklesis

Thursday, June 19

10:00AM Festival Food Prep: Pastitsio

7:00PM Parish Council Meeting

Friday, June 20

Hall Rental Set Up For Saturday

7:00PM AA Meeting in Ed Center

Saturday, June 21

5:00PM Private Rental Social Hall

Sunday, June 22

Ice Cream Social with HOPE & JOY

🐟 2nd Sunday of Matthew

8:45AM Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, June 24

11:00AM Morning Bible Study with Father Nick

12:00PM Tuesday Lunch Group

6:30PM Greek Dance Practice: Biddies

7:00PM Evening Bible Study with Fr. Nick

7:00PM Greek Dance Practice: Juniors

7:30PM Greek Dance Practice: Intermediates

8:30PM Greek Dance Practice: Revma

Wednesday, June 25

Festival Food Prep: Spinach and Cheese Pies

7:00PM Paraklesis

Thursday, June 26

Festival Food Prep: Spinach and Cheese Pies

7:00PM FESTIVAL TEAM MEETING

Friday, June 27

Festival Food Prep: Spinach and Cheese Pies

7:00PM AA Meeting in Social Hall

Sunday, June 29

Peter and Paul, the Holy Apostles

Apostles' Fast Ends

8:45AM Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

Monday, June 30

Synaxis of the Twelve Holy Apostles

Bulletin Inserts

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins