Small Paraklesis - Wednesday 6:00PM
Great Vespers - Saturday 5:00PM
Matins - Sunday 8:30AM
Divine Liturgy - Sunday 9:30 AM
Confessions - Saturday after Vespers or upon request
Although the historical accounts differ somewhat, the Deposition that is celebrated today took place most likely during the reign of Emperor Arcadius (395-408), when the precious Cincture of the Mother of God was brought from Zela of Cappadocia to Constantinople, and placed in the Church of the Theotokos in the section of Chalcopratia.
Saint Cyprian was born of pagan parents in Carthage of Roman Africa about the year 190. An eloquent teacher of rhetoric, he was converted and baptized late in life, and his conversion from a proud man of learning to a humble servant of Christ was complete; he sold his great possessions and gave them to the poor, and because of his zeal and virtue, was ordained presbyter in 247, then Bishop of Carthage in 248. He was especially steadfast in defending the sanctity and uniqueness of the Baptism of the Church of Christ against the confusion of those who would allow some validity to the ministrations of heretics; his writings continue to guide the Church even in our own day. Having survived the persecution of Decius about the year 250, he was beheaded in confession of the Faith during the persecution of Valerian in 258, on September 14; that day being the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, his feast is kept today.
For the maintenance of their armed forces, the Roman emperors decreed that their subjects in every district should be taxed every year. This same decree was reissued every fifteen years, since the Roman soldiers were obliged to serve for fifteen years. At the end of each fifteen-year period, an assessment was made of what economic changes had taken place, and a new tax was decreed, which was to be paid over the span of the fifteen years. This imperial decree, which was issued before the season of winter, was named Indictio, that is, Definiton, or Order. This name was adopted by the emperors in Constantinople also. At other times, the latter also used the term Epinemisis, that is, Distribution (Dianome). It is commonly held that Saint Constantine the Great introduced the Indiction decrees in A.D. 312, after he beheld the sign of the Cross in heaven and vanquished Maxentius and was proclaimed Emperor in the West. Some, however (and this seems more likely), ascribe the institution of the Indiction to Augustus Caesar, three years before the birth of Christ. Those who hold this view offer as proof the papal bull issued in A.D. 781 which is dated thus: Anno IV, Indictionis LIII -that is, the fourth year of the fifty-third Indiction. From this, we can deduce the aforementioned year (3 B.C.) by multiplying the fifty-two complete Indictions by the number of years in each (15), and adding the three years of the fifty-third Indiction. There are three types of Indictions: 1) That which was introduced in the West, and which is called Imperial, or Caesarean, or Constantinian, and which begins on the 24th of September; 2) The so-called Papal Indiction, which begins on the 1st of January; and 3) The Constantinopolitan, which was adopted by the Patriarchs of that city after the fall of the Eastern Empire in 1453. This Indiction is indicated in their own hand on the decrees they issue, without the numeration of the fifteen years. This Indiction begins on the 1st of September and is observed with special ceremony in the Church. Since the completion of each year takes place, as it were, with the harvest and gathering of the crops into storehouses, and we begin anew from henceforth the sowing of seed in the earth for the production of future crops, September is considered the beginning of the New Year. The Church also keeps festival this day, beseeching God for fair weather, seasonable rains, and an abundance of the fruits of the earth. The Holy Scriptures (Lev. 23:24-5 and Num. 29:1-2) also testify that the people of Israel celebrated the feast of the Blowing of the Trumpets on this day, offering hymns of thanksgiving. In addition to all the aforesaid, on this feast we also commemorate our Saviour's entry into the synagogue in Nazareth, where He was given the book of the Prophet Esaias to read, and He opened it and found the place where it is written, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, for which cause He hath anointed Me..." (Luke 4:16-30).
It should be noted that to the present day, the Church has always celebrated the beginning of the New Year on September 1. This was the custom in Constantinople until its fall in 1453 and in Russia until the reign of Peter I. September 1 is still festively celebrated as the New Year at the Patriarchate of Constantinople; among the Jews also the New Year, although reckoned according to a moveable calendar, usually falls in September. The service of the Menaion for January 1 is for our Lord's Circumcision and for the memorial of Saint Basil the Great, without any mention of its being the beginning of a new year.
The feast today in honour of the Archangel Michael commemorates the great miracle he wrought when he delivered from destruction a church and holy spring named for him. The pagans, moved by malice, sought to destroy the aforesaid church and holy spring by turning the course of two rivers against them. But the Archangel appeared and, by means of the Cross and a great earthquake that shook the entire area, diverted the waters into an underground course. Henceforth, the name of that place changed from Colossae to Chonae, which means "funnels" in Greek.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery
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.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery
First Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Matthew 28:16-20
At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw Him they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Amen."
Prokeimenon. Third Mode. Luke 1: 46-48.
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
Verse: For he has regarded the humility of his servant.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:1-7.
BRETHREN, the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. For a tent was prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence; it is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain stood a tent called the Holy of Holies, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, which contained a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. These preparations having thus been made, the priests go continually into the outer tent, performing their ritual duties; but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood which he offers for himself and for the errors of the people.
12th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 19:16-26
At that time, a young man came up to Jesus, kneeling and saying, "Good Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?" And he said to him, "Why do you call me good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." He said to him, "Which?" And Jesus said, "You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to him, "All these I have observed; what do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.
And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, 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." When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Special Events: memorial service
2025 STEWARDSHIP as of 8/29/2025 Scan Here to Donate:
Goal: $550,000
Pledged: $521,570
Received: $355,028
Pledges Submitted: 183
Needed to be Pledged: $28,430
2025 SUMMER STOREHOUSES as of 8/29/2025
$ Received: $ 10,740
DOME ICONOGRAPHY financials as of 8/29/2025
Total Project value: $411,000
Balance in the account at the beginning of the campaign: $110,898
Pledged (including grant): $272,474
Number of pledges: 87
Needed: $27,628
TODAY, AFTER SERVICE:
· Summer Harvest Celebration – all are invited!
· Living Word Bookstore: Car License plates & Night Lights
· Dance Practice; Costume Fittings catch-up
UPCOMING EVENTS:
· Wednesday, Sept. 3, 7 pm: Gladsome Light Dialogues. We are reading “Wounded by Love” book – chapter: “On the Mystery of Repentance”
· Monday, Sept. 1, 7:00 pm: OCF (Orthodox College Fellowship) meeting
· Friday, Sept. 5, 10:30 am: Homeschool Co-op. All children 1 year and older are welcome
· Saturday. Sept. 6, 10 am – 2 pm: 1313 SJTB Trail Life Troop TX-1313 "Join the Adventure" meeting, on the deck.
· Sunday, Sept. 7, 12:15 pm: Explore Orthodoxy Class Starts
· Sunday, Sept. 7: Sunday School Starts
· Tuesday, Sept. 9, 10:00 am: St. Tabitha Tuesday Meeting
· Tuesday, Sept. 9, 8:30 pm: GOYA Evening Prayer on Google Meet
· Friday, Sept. 12, 2:00 pm: Ageless Wonders Meeting
· Sunday, Sept. 14: St. John’s Ministry Fair – Find your calling
· Saturday, Sept. 20, 10:30 am: Parish Town Hall Meeting.
ST. JOHN GREEK FOODFEST - October 3-4-5
· Volunteers Needed for the Festival: All parishioners needed for our church’s annual fundraiser! See volunteer coordinator Michael Strong ([email protected]) to sign up!
· Thursday, Oct. 2: TAVERNA NIGHT: Outdoor Dinner with Live Greek Music and Dance for parishioners. $55/person or $440 for a table of 8. Partial proceeds benefit the NICU at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital HEB. RSVP by Sunday, September 21 to Liz Strong 512-569-0903 or [email protected]. Reservation required. Payment due at the time of reservation. We will also sale tickets in the hall!
· TAVERNA NIGHT – SILENT AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED! Please consider donating an item (or two) that can be auctioned off. It can be anything from jewelry, gift cards, themed gift baskets, dish ware, cookware, tools, sports items, Christmas items or religious items, etc. The items need to be new or unused. Due Date to bring them: Sunday, Sept 28
Prayer Request – August 31, 2025
Members of our parish who are in hospital or rehab:
Name: Baptismal name:
Fr. Vasilios Christ Vasilios, Presbyter
Dylan Paddison *Dylan
Members of our parish who are ill / in recovery:
Name: Baptismal name:
· Susanik, the nun Susanik, the nun
· Leo Alexander Panteleimon
· Gabriel, Rita, Marina, Rafael Abanoub Gabriel, Rita, Marina & Rafael
· Norma Aguinaga *Norma
· Wes Albaugh *Wes
· Chrysanthi Andromalos Chrysanthi
· Adrian Antonescu Adrian
· Cassandra Ashford Zenaida
· Elias Bahou Elias
· Michael Bogdos Michael
· Kassandra Bogordos Kassandra
· Robin Boomstra *Robin
· Tami, Olivia & Nathaniel Brugman Dymphna, Theodora & Nathaniel
· John & Darrel Brugman *John & *Darrel
· Andrew Lucas Burlacu *Andrew Lucas
· Jason Caros Jason
· Ashley Choate Maria Magdalena
· Margaret Chokas Maria
· Tim Cline Timothy
· Edward Tex Collins Taxiarchon
· Elizabeth Cronin Elizabeth
· Mariana Cuceu Maria
· Raquel & Rebecca De Souza *Raquel & *Rebecca
· Helen Dieb Helen
· David Dube *David
· Orest & Refije Duka Anesti & Katherine
· Tamara Eftimie Tamara
· Timothy Elder Timothy
· Michael & Kathy Fox Michael & Katherine
· Awni & Maryan Haddad Awni & Moufida
· Betsy Hayes Isidora
· Susan Heaton *Susan
· Armando Herrera Sr. *Armando
· Jennifer Hock Zenobia
· Joyce Hofland *Joyce
· Steve Howton *Steve
· Samiha Gayed Samiha
· Michael, George, Kelvin Genovezos Michael, *Kelvin, *George, *Mary
· Heather Olivia Gregoire Mary
· Mavra Grimm Mavra
· Dr. Lucille Howton Lucille
· Domnica Iliescu Mihaela
· Filiratos & Alina Ionita Filiratos & Alina
· Petar & Slavica Ivovic Petar & Slavica
· Harry & Virginia Karegeannes Haralambos & Catherine
· Constantinos Katsikas Constantinos
· Gregory Kerbow Gregory
· John Koutsoufis Ioannis
· Emilia Lueth Emilia
· Abraham Maayeh Abraham
· George & Victoria Manos George & Victoria
· Themis & Zoe Mavrelli Euthymia & Zoe
· Catherine Macdonald Catherine
· Emily, Tempest & Maire MacLeod Emily, Michael & Maire Barachiel
· Jude, Erzsi & Brigid MacLeod Jude, Erzsi Rafael & Brigid Seraphim
· Michaela Miller Michaela
· George Neville *George
· Laurentiu, Laura & Liliana Nicolescu Laurentiu, Laura & Liliana Gabriela
· Ruby Phillips *Ruby
· Constantinos & Marlen Pachou Constantinos & Marlen
· Velva Johnson Heleni
· Cristina Popa Cristina
· Gail & Nancy Poriotis Evangelia & *Nancy
· Maria Lungu Post Maria
· Ashley Potter *Ashley
· Candice, Ricardo & Annette Reyes *Candice, *Ricardo, *Annette
· Donna, Michael Saada *Donna, *Michael
· Linda Saliba *Linda
· Ted Sarros John
· Marika Shackelford Maria
· Georgia Souris Georgia
· Robert Steffaro Rodion
· Elizabeth Strong Mary-Elizabeth
· Ann, Jason, Anastasia, Ariana Sullivan Ana, Jason, Anastasia, Ariana
· Madalina, Tanase, Marghioala Tache Madalina, Tanase Stefan, *Marghioala
· Rada, Valentin, Olimpiu Teodoreanu Rada, Valentin, Olimpiu-Adrian
· Dave & Shanna Trosko *Dave & *Shanna
· Sarah Varvaris Sara
· George Vittas George, Reader
· Georgia Vratinina Georgia
· Kristy, Ron, Martha, James Warkentin Paraskeva, *Ronald, *Martha, *James
· Jeremy William John
· Gary Winfrey *Gary
· Hellen Yu *Hellen
· Eleni; Tudora; Raphael; Nicoleta; Ryan Eleni, Tudora; Raphael; Nicoleta; Ryan
Family who fell asleep in the Lord in the last 40 days:
Vladimir; Anastasia; Maria
8:15AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
11:00AM 1 year memorial service for Yordan Ivanov and Elena Brandon
11:30AM Harvest Celebration
7:00PM OCF meeting
5:00PM Confessions
5:00PM Feed the Hungry - packing lunch bags for UGM
6:00PM Paraklesis
7:00PM Gladsome Light Dialogues
10:30AM Homeschool Co-op
10:00AM SJTB Trail Life Troop TX-1313 "Join the Adventure"
4:00PM Confessions
5:00PM Great Vespers
8:15AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
11:00AM Sunday School starts
11:00AM Coffee Hour - Potluck
12:15PM Explore Orthodoxy Class starts
7:00PM Parish Council Meeting
7:00PM OCF meeting
10:00AM St. Tabitha's Tuesday Meeting
8:30PM GOYA Evening Prayers on Google Meet.
5:00PM Confessions
6:00PM Paraklesis
7:00PM Gladsome Light Dialogues
10:30AM Homeschool Co-op
2:00PM Ageless Wonders Meeting - Ice Cream Social
4:00PM Confessions
5:00PM Great Vespers
8:15AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
11:00AM Sunday School
11:00AM St. John's Ministry Fair
12:15PM Explore Orthodoxy Class