Come and Worship!

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

Upcoming Calendar Events

Friday, September 11
7pm AA meeting in Social Hall

Sunday, September 13 - Sunday before Holy Cross
Click here to view the printed liturgy
8:45 am Orthros
10am Divine Liturgy
11:30am Sunday Church School
12:30pm GOYA Meeting
7pm Great Vespers for the Elevation of the Holy Cross at Holy Cross

Monday, September 14 - Elevation of the Holy Cross
10am Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church
6pm Philoptochos Meeting

Tuesday, September 15
9am Visitation and Funeral
7pm Evening Bible Study Click here to join on Zoom

Wednesday, September 16
7pm Holy Unction at Nativity

Thursday, September 17
7pm Parish Council Meeting

Friday, September 18
6pm Hope and Joy Family Night
7pm AA meeting in Ed Center

Saturday, September 19
Private Rental Social Hall - Time TBD

Sunday, September 20 - Sunday after Holy Cross
Click here to view the printed liturgy
8:45 am Orthros
10am Divine Liturgy
11:30am Sunday Church School
12:30pm Altar Server orientation

PARISH NEWS AND UPDATES

SERVICES THIS WEEK

Services for The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross (all services at Holy Cross in Farmington)

Great Vespers at 7pm on Sunday, September 13
Divine Liturgy at 10am on Monday, September 14

Holy Unction is offered at Nativity on Wednesday, September 16 at 7pm.

PREPPED FOOD AVAILABLE FROM OUR BAKE SALE:

Half pans Galactobureko - $25 (10 available)
Half pans Pastitsio - $30 (32 available)
Full pans Spinach Pie - $65 (4 available)

You can get them on Sunday after liturgy or during normal business hours (Monday-Thursday 9am to 5pm). Please call the church office ahead to check availability.

BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK Please note that the morning bible study session will not meet this week. The evening session at 7pm focuses on the Acts of the Apostles. All are welcome to attend in person or via the zoom platform. Use Meeting ID: 340 526 4067 and Passcode: bible. CLICK HERE TO JOIN

SAVE THE DATE - HOLY TRINITY MONASTERY TRIP ON OCTOBER 1 - PLEASE RSVP SO WE CAN PLAN FOR TRANSPORTATION! Visit Sign up Genius or sign up on the bulletin board. We are also collecting supplies/donations to support the ministries of the Monastery. Items include olive oil, paper products, toilet paper and frozen raw cod, salmon and shrimp. More details coming soon.

UPCOMING GREEK FESTIVALS
On Saturday, September 12, St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Southgate host its yearly Greek Festival from Noon to 9 pm. There will be live Greek music and traditional Greek folk dancing by the parish’s Kefi Greek Dance Group. Enjoy our Greek culture, food and music in the beautiful Karmanos Park behind the church. Free parking and entrance rain or shine.

SAVE THE DATE - OCTOBER 23-25 - for the 33rd Annual Fellowship of St. Moses the Black Conference in Dearborn. We'll welcome representatives on October 4 during coffee hour to answer your questions and help with registration for this event.

THOSE IN OUR PRAYERS

Nicholas the Bishop, Demetri the Priest, Jim the Priest, Philemon The Priest, John the Priest, John the Priest, Cassani the Presvytera, Kalliope the Presvytera, Theodora Bageris, Tyler Cannon, Brandon Christodoulos, Panayiotis Christodoulos, Mary Christopoulos, Lisette Cotsopoulos, Constantin Dumitrescu, Kosta Efthimiou, Tracey Ford, Gregory Georvassilis, George Hrisoulis, Michelle Hunsinger, Kathy Jenaras, Maria Kalas, Vera Kalas, Abraham Kalasse, Eric Kamal, Ephraim Kosta, Elias Koumariotis, Jerry Koumariotis, Soula Koumariotis, Panayiota Koutoupa, Gus Kyriakou, Marios Lambi, Andrea Lee, Jim Lee, Nick Malamis, George Margaritis, Frank Maroudis, Bradley Merouf, Freda Mollasis, Gregory Morakeas, Evelyn Morris, Alexander Nichoff, Marchela Papageorgakis, Stella Papasavva, James Pappas, Nikolia Pappas, Nicholas Pappas & Family, Katerina Peters, Costas Photsios, Penny Poulos, George Prokos, Rene Prokos, Hayden Schils, Rick Stanley & Family, Evan Stoecklein, Brandon Taber, Mike & Julia Tate, Jim Tsakos, Nicholas Valice, Steve Valice, Chris Vardouniotis, John Vardouniotis, 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

SUNDAY SCHOOL UPDATES - we'll kick off fall Sunday School on September 13. Click here to download a registration or pick up a form on the table in the narthex. We'll be using the newly released curriculum from the Archdiocese - click here to learn more. Contact Jerry Takis for more information.

GOYA MEETING - Nativity's GOYA meets Sunday, September 13 following church school at 12:30 pm. GOYA is ministry to middle and high school Orthodox Christian teens. Youth should be in seventh through twelfth grades to participate.

HOPE & Joy BACKPACK BLESSING AND ICE CREAM SOCIAL, September 18 at 6pm. We'll gather for a shared meal, ice cream treats, backpack blessing and outdoor activities. Contact [email protected] for more information.

A NOTE FROM THE HOPE AND JOY TEAM - Our mission is to lead our children—from preschool through 6th grade—into a closer, personal relationship with our Lord. By cultivating a warm and welcoming environment, we help our youth experience the beauty of the Holy Orthodox faith.

Through engaging lessons, community service projects, and fun fellowship activities, HOPE (Holy Orthodox Primary Education) and JOY (Junior Orthodox Youth) prepare our children to become active, lifelong members of Christ’s Holy Church. We invite all of our young families to join us as we grow together in faith, love, and service to God and one another."

ALTAR SERVER ORIENTATION ON SEPTEMBER 20 Altar Servers or Acolytes assist the clergy during liturgical services, primarily the Divine Liturgy. They play a crucial role in the service, assisting with processions, carrying liturgical items, and generally facilitating the smooth and reverent conduct of worship. Bill Smith will provide Altar Server (acolyte) Orientation on September 20 following Divine Liturgy.

ATTENTION! PARENTS OF YOUNG ADULTS - We're seeking updated addresses for all of our young people who are away at college, off to other adventures or employment opportunities. We'd like to stay in touch, provide encouragement and remind them that they are loved by their church family. Send your young adult's contact information to [email protected]

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 12th Annual Dennis Ford Golf Outing at the Links in Novi. Cost is $65 for golfers, $25 for non-golfers. Tee Time is 2:30 pm. See the bulletin insert attached below, look for the flyer on the table in the Narthex , talk to Lynn Perakis, or Click here for more information.

Sponsors for the Dennis Ford Golf outing - Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, Nativity is proud to offer a basketball program that brings joy, fellowship, and lasting memories to our youth. While learning the game is part of the journey, it’s the lifelong friendships and shared experiences—among both kids and parents—that truly make Nativity Basketball so special. The beaming smiles at practices and games say it all! Talk to Lynn Perakis about sponsorship opportunities, visit the sponsorship form online to sponsor our 2026-2027 season or scan the QR Code on the form to fill out sponsorship form online.

FOCUS Detroit Updates

October 17th is the 4th annual Gala for Focus Detroit. Visit focusdetroit.org/gala for more information and to purchase your tickets.

As our Food Pantry expands to serve more individuals and families across our community, we are currently in the need of the following pantry items. With your help, we can keep ourselves stocked and ready for those who rely on this support and provide nourishing food and a sense of dignity to those facing hardship. NO EXPIRED ITEMS, please. Please note that canned vegetables and dried beans are not currently needed.

Canned especially flip top or individual packets of:

Tuna, chicken/meat, vienna sausages
Chili, soup, ravioli

Other Grocery Items:

Mac and Cheese, peanut butter & jelly
protein bars, granola bars, cheese/cracker snacks
Large or individual juices, shelf stable milk
Cereal, fruit cups, pancake syrup
Spaghetti and spaghetti sauce
Noodle cups, crackers

Non-food items: Bathroom Tissue

Thank you for your continued support of Focust Detroit Ministries.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE AT FOCUS DETROIT
The Nest is a new program designed to support new parents and help families thrive from the very beginning. The Nest is in need of items and volunteers. Here's how you can help:

Please visit The NEST Amazon wishlist to view and purchase items for this program.
We also need: 2T and 3T boys and girls summer clothes,
24 mos onesies, 2T-3T pull-ups
Sign up to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/thenest#

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! (Automelon. Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις.)

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 Forefeast of the Exaltation in the Second Mode

O benevolent Lord, as an intercessor we we present to You the life-giving Cross of Your goodness, which we the unworthy have as a gift from You. Save our leaders and our nation and keep them in peace, through the Theotokos.

Τόν ζωοποιόν Σταυρόν τής σής αγαθότητος, όν εδωρήσω ημίν τοίς αναξίοις Κύριε, σοί προσάγομεν εις πρεσβείαν, Σώζε τούς βασιλείς καί τήν πόλιν σου, ειρηνεύοντας διά τής Θεοτόκου, μόνε φιλάνθρωπε.

Apolytikion for Temple of the Resurrection in the Fourth Mode

You have made the earthly beauty of the holy tabernacle of Your glory to be like the majesty of the firmament on high, O Lord. Make it strong forever and ever, and accept our supplications that we unceasingly bring to You there, at the intercession of the Theotokos. For You are the life and resurrection of all.

Ως τού άνω στερεώματος τήν ευπρέπειαν, καί τήν κάτω συναπέδειξας ωραιότητα, τού αγίου σκηνώματος τής δόξης σου Κύριε, Κραταίωσον αυτό εις αιώνα αιώνος, καί πρόσδεξαι ημών, τάς εν αυτώ απαύστως προσαγομένας σοι δεήσεις, πρεσβείαις τής Θεοτόκου, η πάντων ζωή καί ανάστασις.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Lord, Your Church appears to us * to be like heaven * full of light, and guides with light * all who believe in You, O Christ. * And we who stand in it cry to You: * Savior, establish forever this holy house. (You revealed yourself today. Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον.)

Ουρανός πολύφωτος η Εκκλησία, ανεδείχθη άπαντας, φωταγωγούσα τούς πιστούς, εν ώ εστώτες κραυγάζομεν, Τούτον τόν οίκον, στερέωσον Κύριε.

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 Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18.

Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

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 Γαλάτας 6:11-18.

Ἀδελφοί, ἴδετε πηλίκοις ὑμῖν γράμμασιν ἔγραψα τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί. Ὅσοι θέλουσιν εὐπροσωπῆσαι ἐν σαρκί, οὗτοι ἀναγκάζουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, μόνον ἵνα μὴ τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ διώκωνται. Οὐδὲ γὰρ οἱ περιτετμημένοι αὐτοὶ νόμον φυλάσσουσιν, ἀλλὰ θέλουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, ἵνα ἐν τῇ ὑμετέρᾳ σαρκὶ καυχήσωνται. Ἐμοὶ δὲ μὴ γένοιτο καυχᾶσθαι εἰ μὴ ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ· διʼ οὗ ἐμοὶ κόσμος ἐσταύρωται, κἀγὼ τῷ κόσμῳ. Ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ οὔτε περιτομή τι ἰσχύει, οὔτε ἀκροβυστία, ἀλλὰ καινὴ κτίσις. Καὶ ὅσοι τῷ κανόνι τούτῳ στοιχήσουσιν, εἰρήνη ἐπʼ αὐτούς, καὶ ἔλεος, καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰσραὴλ τοῦ θεοῦ. Τοῦ λοιποῦ, κόπους μοι μηδεὶς παρεχέτω· ἐγὼ γὰρ τὰ στίγματα τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματί μου βαστάζω. Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί. Ἀμήν.

Gospel Reading

Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from John 3:13-17

The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."

Sunday before Holy Cross
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 3:13-17

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀναβέβηκεν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν εἰ μὴ ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς, ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ὁ ὤν ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ. καὶ καθὼς Μωϋσῆς ὕψωσε τὸν ὄφιν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οὕτως ὑψωθῆναι δεῖ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. Οὕτω γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ' ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ κόσμος δι' αὐτοῦ.

Saints and Feasts

September 13

Sunday before Holy Cross

September 13

The Consecration of the Church of the Holy Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre)

The church that is honoured far above all others is that of the Holy Resurrection, which Saint Constantine the Great constructed at the place of Golgotha, where our Saviour was crucified and buried. For a long time this place had been purposely buried beneath the earth by the Jews and heathen; furthermore, during the reign of Hadrian (117-138), a temple dedicated to Aphrodite was built over the site so that this sacred place might be even further desecrated and fall into utter oblivion. It was here that the Cross was hidden. However, at the command of the pious Emperor Constantine, excavations were made and the tokens of the saving Passion were found. It was here, then, that the very great and magnificent temple named in honour of Christ God's Resurrection-the Anastasis-was built under the supervision of the blessed Helen, while Dracilian was Eparch of Palestine and Macarius was Archbishop of Jerusalem. It was the latter, also, who exalted the venerable Cross and performed the consecration of this temple in the year 336.

September 14

The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross

Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the cross, about the year 325. A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been suffered. The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation. At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, "Lord have mercy." It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country (see Jan. 22, Saint Anastasius the Persian). Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place.

Rest from labour. A Fast is observed today, whatever day of the week it may be.

September 16

Euphemia the Great Martyr

Saint Euphemia was from Chalcedon and lived in virginity. According to some, she suffered martyrdom during the reign of Diocletian, in 303; according to others, in 307. Her sacred relics are preserved in the Patriarchate in Constantinople.

Wisdom of the Fathers

Our Redeemer and Maker, Who was Son of God before the ages, became Son of Man at the end of ages. Thus the One Who, through the power of His divinity, had created us to enjoy the happiness of everlasting life, might Himself restore us, through the weakness of our humanity, to recover the life we had lost.

St. Bede the Venerable

Homilies on the Gospels, 2.18. 7th Century. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: John 1-10. Intervarsity Press, 2006, p. 126.

For since Nicodemus had said, "We know that Thou art a teacher come from God," on this very point He sets him right, all but saying, "Think Me not a teacher in such manner as were the many of the prophets who were of earth, for I have come from heaven (but) now. None of the prophets hath ascended up thither, but I dwell there."

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

Diakonia Newsletter

Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday

https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-09-13?source=bulletin_web

September 13, 2026

Bulletin Inserts

Friends of the Metropolis

The Friends of the Metropolis program is a crucial initiative designed to support and expand various ministries and programs across the entire Metropolis of Detroit. By contributing to the Friends campaign, donors join a collective effort that provides the essential financial foundation for Metropolis-wide outreach, reinforcing the communal faith and joint ministry of service among the faithful. These contributions directly fund core operations and initiatives, including vital support for Youth and Young Adult Ministries across the Metropolis, helping to cultivate the next generation of Orthodox Christians. Furthermore, the funds bolster Outreach and Evangelism efforts, extending the mission of the Church to the wider community, and provide direct financial assistance to Hellenic College Holy Cross to educate future clergy and lay leaders.

Rise Up and Build Stewardship program

In the Old Testament we read about Nehemiah. After seeing the crumbling walls of Jerusalem, he calls the people to “Rise up and build." Nehemiah doesn't do it alone. He inspires the people, sharing his vision. And the response of the people? "Let us rise up and build."

Calendar

Nativity's Gmail Calendar

September 13 to September 27, 2026

Sunday, September 13

Sunday before Holy Cross

8:45AM Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

11:30AM Sunday Church School

12:30PM Goya Meeting

7:00PM Great Vespers at Holy Cross

Monday, September 14

☦️ The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross

9:00AM Divine Liturgy- Holy Cross

6:00PM Philoptochos Meeting

Tuesday, September 15

9:00AM Visitation and Funeral

7:00PM Evening Bible Study with Fr. Nick

Wednesday, September 16

7:00PM Holy Unction (at Nativity)

Thursday, September 17

7:00PM Parish Council Meeting

Friday, September 18

6:00PM Hope & Joy Family Night - Ice Cream Social & Backpack Blessing

7:00PM AA Meeting in Ed Center

Saturday, September 19

Private Rental - Social Hall

Sunday, September 20

Sunday after Holy Cross

8:45AM Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

11:30AM Sunday Church School

12:30PM Altar Server Orientation

Friday, September 25

7:00PM AA Meeting in Social Hall

Sunday, September 27

1st Sunday of Luke

Memorials and Trisagion

8:45AM Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

11:30AM Sunday Church School

12:00PM GOYA Frappe Fundraiser

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins