Saints and Feasts

April 06

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed.

April 06

Eutychius, Patriarch of Constantinople

Born in Theia Kome of Phrygia, Eutychius was the son of illustrious parents, from whom he received a pious upbringing. He studied in Constantinople, and became a monk in a certain monastery of Amasia. In 552 he was chosen Patriarch of New Rome, but was exiled in 565 as a result of the machinations of the Origenists. In 577 he was restored to his throne and reposed on April 6, 582.

April 07

Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and Enlightener of North America

Born in 1865 in the region of Pskov, our Father among the Saints Tikhon was tonsured a monk in 1891 and ordained to the priesthood in the same year. In 1897 he was consecrated Bishop of Lublin, and a year later appointed Bishop of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, with his see extending to all of North America from 1900 onwards. He did much to unite the Orthodox Christians of a great many ethnic backgrounds in North America, so that there was indeed one flock under one shepherd. In 1907 he was made Archbishop of Yaroslavl and Rostov, and in 1913, Archbishop of Lithuania.

In 1917, when he was Metropolitan of Moscow, he was elected to be the first Patriarch of Russia in over 200 years, in times that could not have been more difficult. After the Revolution of 1917, the persecution of the Russian Church by the atheist government grew more bold and more fierce with every year. By nature a meek and peace-loving man, Tikhon sought to determine, while giving only to God that which is God's, what could be given to Caesar to preserve peace and avoid the shedding of blood. At his departure on the feast of the Annunciation in 1925, Saint Tikhon made the sign of the Cross thrice, pronouncing the words, "Glory to Thee, O God!" Because of the many unspeakable sufferings he endures as Patriarch, he is honoured as a Confessor.

Note: St. Tikhon's repose was on the Feast of the Annunciation according to the Old Calendar (March 25), but on the New Calendar his repose falls on April 7.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

From on high didst Thou descend, O Compassionate One; to burial of three days hast Thou submitted that Thou mightest free us from our passions. O our Life and Resurrection, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Mary of Egypt in the Plagal Fourth Mode

In thee the image was preserved with exactness, O Mother; for taking up thy cross, thou didst follow Christ, and by thy deeds thou didst teach us to overlook the flesh, for it passeth away, but to attend to the soul since it is immortal. Wherefore, O righteous Mary, thy spirit rejoiceth with the Angels.

Apolytikion of the Synaxis of John the Forerunner in the Second Mode

The memory of the just is celebrated with hymns of praise * but the Lord's testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner, * for thou wast proved to be truly even more venerable than the Prophets * since thou wast granted to baptize in the running waters * Him Whom they proclaim. * Wherefore having contested for the Truth, * thou didst rejoice to announce the good tidings even to those in Hades * that God has appeared in the flesh * taking away the sin of the world * and granting us great mercy.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eighth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:11-18

At that time, Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus has lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni," which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, "Do not touch Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God." Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and she told them that He had said these things to her.

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 Hebrews 9:11-14.

BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from Mark 10:32-45

At that time, Jesus took his twelve disciples, and he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant of James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Wisdom of the Fathers

Before He humbled Himself, only the angels knew him. After He humbled Himself, all human nature knew Him. You see how His humbling of Himself did not make Him have less but produced countless benefits, countless deeds of virtue, and made His glory shine forth with greater brightness? God wants for nothing and has need of nothing. Yet, when He humbled Himself, He produced such great good, increased His household, and extended His kingdom. Why, then, are you afraid that you will become less if you humble yourself?

St. John Chrysostom

On the Incomprehensible Nature of God. 8.46-47. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: Mark. Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 143.

But let no man be troubled at the apostles being in such an imperfect state. For not yet was the cross accomplished, not yet the grace of the Spirit given. But if thou wouldest learn their virtue, notice them after these things, and thou wilt see them superior to every passion.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

Hear at least how this same John, he who now came to Him for these things, everywhere gives up the first place to Peter, both in addressing the people, and in working miracles, in the Acts of the Apostles. And he conceals not Peter's good deeds, but relates both the confession, which he openly made when all were silent, and his entering into the tomb, and puts the apostle before himself.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

Parish Activities

Special Service: 3 years Memorial Service for Kaliope Mavias Schmidt

2025 STEWARDSHIP as of 4/6/2025

Goal:                                        $550,000

Pledged:                                     $488,735

Pledges Submitted:                   150

Needed to be Pledged:             $61,265
DOME ICONOGRAPHY financials as of 4/6/2025

Total Project value: $411,000

Balance in the account at the beginning of the campaign: $110,898

Pledged (including grant): $245,782

Number of pledges: 66

Needed: $54,320

TODAY, AFTER SERVICE:
- 2^nd tray collection for Kouvouklion flowers. There will be a Philoptochos member at the doors with a collection basket for Kouvouklion flowers today and next week. Also, please consider joining us when we decorate the kouvouklion after morning services on Holy Friday.
- Sunday School – How Do We Respond to Christ? Philanthropy only with Christ’s Blessing.
- 12:15 pm: Explore Orthodoxy Class
- Philoptochos membership drive wraps up this week. We welcome the new members that have joined and are thankful for the “veterans” rejoining that help us continue the work. Grab a pledge form today and return by April 13.
- Due date for Philoptochos Pascha Bake Sale forms
- 6:00 pm: Pan Orthodox Vespers at St. Seraphim Orthodox Cathedral in Dallas.
- Living Word Bookstore: NEW Baptismal crosses
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Mon, April 7, 7 pm – Parish Council Meeting
- Tue, April 8, 7:00 pm – OCF meeting
- Tue, April 8, 8:30 pm – GOYA Evening Prayers on Zoom
- Wed, April 9, 7 pm: BOOK & SOUP for the SOUL (ch. 4)
- Fri, April 11, 11:00 am: Homeschool Co-op.
- Sat, April 12: 9:00 am–1 pm: Sunday School Lenten Retreat for children 4 & up. We will meet in the church for Divine Liturgy and lesson then have Lunch, Confession for 7-year-old and up, Pascha crafts and fold Palm Crosses. All parents are welcome to stay and help. Register on Realm.
- It is with great joy to announce our primary phase of the Dome Iconography project is completing in time for Pascha. Our sincere thanks to Vladimir Grigorenko and his team for making this a reality! During Holy Week, on April 14-16 between 8am - 5pm construction crews will be on-site to remove the scaffolding and protective materials, re-install pews and perform a post-construction cleaning. To ensure a safe work zone, parishioners should minimize any entry into the Church during construction on these days. If required to enter the Church, only use the front door. Any questions or concerns, please contact Project Manager Joe Sullivan (817-733-0978)
- Sun. May 11 – Mother’s Day Celebration – please see the form in narthex

Prayers Request

Prayer Request – April 6, 2024

(Use the baptismal name when commemorating. If not available, please use the first name)

Members of our parish who are in hospital or rehab:

Name: Baptismal name:

Fr. Vasilios Christ Vasilios, Presbyter

Members of our parish who are in assisted living or nursing home:

Name: Baptismal name:

Leo Alexander Panteleimon
Joyce Hofland
Rada & Valentin Teodoreanu Rada & Valentin
Velva Johnson Heleni

Members of our parish who are ill / in recovery:

Name: Baptismal name:

Norma Aguinaga
Wes Albaugh
Chrysanthi Andromalos Chrysanthi
Adrian Antonescu Adrian
Elias Bahou Elias
Sorana Bitea Sorana
Michael Bogdos Michael
Kassandra Bogordos Kassandra
Robin Boomstra
Jason Caros Jason
Margaret Chokas Maria
Charlie Clark
Tim Cline Timothy
Edward Tex Collins Taxiarchon
Mariana Cuceu Maria
Vladimir Dempsey Vladimir
Helen Dieb Helen
David Dube
Orest & Refije Duka Anesti & Katherine
Tamara Eftimie Tamara
Timothy Elder Timothy
Michael & Kathy Fox Michael & Katherine
Awni & Maryan Haddad Rafael & Maryan
Betsy Hayes Isidora
Jennifer Hock Zenobia
Steve Howton
Heather Olivia Gregoire Mary
Harry & Virginia Karegeannes Haralambos & Catherine
Filiratos & Alina Ionita Filiratos & Alina
Petar & Slavica Ivovic Petar & Slavica
Abraham Maayeh Abraham
George & Victoria Manos George & Victoria
Themis & Zoe Mavrelli Euthymia & Zoe
Catherine Macdonald Catherine
Laura & Liliana Nicolescu Laura & Liliana Gabriela
Ruby Phillips
Cristina Popa Cristina
Candice, Ricardo & Annette Reyes
Linda Saliba
Ted Sarros John
Robert Steffaro Rodion
Elizabeth Strong Elizabeth
Dave & Shanna Trosko
Georgia Vratinina Georgia
Gary Winfrey; Helen Yu

Members of our parish who have chronic illnesses:

Name: Baptismal name:

Gabriel, Rita & Marina Abanoub Gabriel, Rita & Marina
Tami, Olivia & Nathaniel Brugman Dymphna, Theodora & Nathaniel
John & Darrel Brugman
Andrew Lucas Burlacu
Ashley Choate Maria Magdalena
Elizabeth Cronin Elizabeth
Samiha Gayed Samiha
Michael Genovezos Michael
Mavra Grimm Mavra
Gregory Kerbow Gregory
John Koutsoufis Ioannis
Emilia Lueth Emilia
Constantinos & Marlen Pachou Constantinos & Marlen
Maria Lungu Post Maria
Emily & Michael MacLeod Emily & Michael
Jude & Maire Barachiel MacLeod Jude & Maire Barachiel
Erzsi Rafael MacLeod Erzsi Rafael
Brigid Seraphim MacLeod Brigid Seraphim
Michaela Miller Michaela
Andreas Mihalakeas Andreas
Gail Poriotis Evangelia
Georgia Souris Georgia
Ann, Jason, Anastasia Sullivan Ana, Jason, Anastasia
Madalina, Tanase, Maria, Pipita Tache Madalina, Tanase Stefan, Maria, Pipita
Sarah Varvaris Sara
Kristy, Ronald, Martha Warkentin Paraskeva, Ronald & Martha
George Vittas George, Reader

Members of our parish with limited mobility:

Name: Baptismal name:

Dr. Lucille Howton Lucille
Constantinos Katsikas Constantinos
Marika Shackelford Maria

Family members who fell asleep in the Lord in the last 40 days:

- Leslie - George - Veselina - Maria – Josine - Jessica - Emilia - Linda

Church Calendar

STJB Calendar

April 6 to April 20, 2025

Sunday, April 6

8:15AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM Sunday School

11:00AM 3 years Memorial Service for Kaliope Mavias Schmidt

11:15AM Coffee Hour - Potluck

12:15PM Explore Orthodoxy Class

6:00PM Pan Orthodox Vespers at St. Seraphim Orthodox Cathedral in Dallas

Monday, April 7

5:00PM Confessions

6:00PM Great Compline

7:00PM Parish Council Meeting

Tuesday, April 8

7:00PM OCF Meeting

8:30PM GOYA Evening Prayers on Google Meet.

Wednesday, April 9

5:30PM Presanctified Liturgy

7:00PM Book and Soup for the Soul

Friday, April 11

11:00AM Homeschool Co-op

5:00PM Confessions

6:00PM Small Compline with Canon of St. Lazarus

Saturday, April 12

8:00AM Orthros, Divine Liturgy

10:00AM Lenten Sunday School Retreat

10:00AM Philoptochos Baking Day for Pascha Bake Sale (using the kitchen)

11:30AM Acolytes Retreat

2:00PM Choir Rehearsal

4:00PM Confession

5:00PM Great Vespers

Sunday, April 13

8:15AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM Sunday School

11:00AM Coffee Hour - Potluck

11:00AM Philoptochos Pascha Bake Sale Pick Up

12:15PM Explore Orthodoxy Class

7:00PM Bridegroom Service

Monday, April 14

6:00AM Presanctified Liturrgy

7:00PM Bridegroom Service

Tuesday, April 15

6:00AM Presanctified Liturrgy

7:00PM Bridegroom Service

Wednesday, April 16

3:30AM New Event

6:00AM Presanctified Liturrgy

5:00PM Holy Unction Service

7:00PM Mystical Supper Orthros

Thursday, April 17

10:00AM Vesperal Liturgy Mystical Supper

11:30AM Washing of the Feet of the Disciples

6:30PM Passions Service

Friday, April 18

8:00AM Royal Hours of Pascha

10:00AM Philoptochos - Kouvouklion decoration

3:00PM Apokathelosis/Unnailing Vespers

7:00PM Lamentations Service

Saturday, April 19

8:00AM Baptisms and Chrismations

10:00AM Vesperal Liturgy of Descent into Hades

11:00PM Resurrection Service

Sunday, April 20

12:00PM Agape Vespers Service

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins

Saints and Feasts

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

Eutychius, Patriarch of Constantinople

Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and Enlightener of North America

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Mary of Egypt in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Apolytikion of the Synaxis of John the Forerunner in the Second Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Wisdom of the Fathers

Parish Activities

Prayers Request

Church Calendar

STJB Calendar

April 6 to April 20, 2025