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.

Gospel Reading

Synaxis of the Twelve Holy Apostles
The Reading is from Matthew 9:36, 10:1-8

At that time, when Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaios, and Thaddaios; Simon the Cananaean. and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And preach as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay."

Saints and Feasts

June 30

Synaxis of the Twelve Holy Apostles

The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew, the First-called; James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who was also the Evangelist and Theologian; Philip, and Bartholomew (see also June 11); Thomas, and Matthew the publican, who was also called Levi and was an Evangelist; James the son of Alphaeus, and Jude (also called Lebbaeus, and surnamed Thaddaeus), the brother of James, the Brother of God; Simon the Cananite ("the Zealot"), and Matthias, who was elected to fill the place of Judas the traitor (see Aug. 9).

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Εξ ύψους κατήλθες ο Εύσπλαχνος, ταφήν κατεδέξω τριήμερον, ίνα ημάς ελευθερώσης τών παθών, η ζωή καί η ανάστασις ημών, Κύριε, δόξα Σοι.

Εx ipsous katilthes o Evsplahnos, tafin katedexo triimeron, ina imas, eleftherosis ton pathon, I zoi ke I anastasis imon, Kyrie, doxa si.

From on high You descended, Most Merciful; for us You condescended to a three-day burial to set us free from the passions. O Lord, our Resurrection and our Life, glory to You!

Apolytikion for Synaxis of the 12 Apostles in the Third Mode

O Theotokos, revealed through you to us on earth was the mystery, that was hidden for ages and unknown by the angels. God became incarnate, uniting natures without confusion, and for us He voluntarily accepted crucifixion, through which He resurrected the first-formed man, and He saved ur souls from death.

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.

Welcome

This week’s Announcements

Welcome to all our guests. We are glad you are here worshiping with us today!

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Mission Statement | St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church is a community that worships the Holy Trinity and lives out the gospel of Christ as Orthodox Christians. We seek to do God’s will, while sharing the Faith and serving others as we pursue salvation in Christ.
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Holy Communion in the Orthodox Church is only offered to Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves through the disciplines of our faith. Speak to Fr. Costas for further details.

Today ~ Parish Council & Ushers ~ Team 1 | Altar Boys ~ Team 2 | Greeters ~ Team 4
Today ~ 40-day Churching for the son of Andrei & Francesca (Alex) Neculi.
Today – Friday ~ National Clergy Laity in SanDiego CA attended by Father Costas, Parish and Philoptochos delegates. Please contact Father Costas on his cell for any pastoral emergency requests and he will make arrangements for a priest to visit.
Thursday ~ Independence Day | Office closed.
St Paul Prayer Chain ~ If you have a prayer request, send email to: [email protected].
The kiosk in the Narthex is available for your assistance. If you have any questions, see an usher.

Upcoming Events in Our Parish and Beyond

Next Sunday ~ Parish Council & Ushers ~ Team 2 | Altar Boys ~ Team 1 | Greeters ~ Team 1
Next Sunday ~ Orthros Mark 16:1-8 | Epistle Reading Galatians 3:23-29; 4:1-5 | Gospel Matthew 4:18-23
Next Sunday ~ MNYMOSINO: 40 days for George Psarras [for Althea Psarras]
Next Sunday ~ Dance practice for all groups following Liturgy.
July 11 ~ 11:30 AM Agape Ovens meal pick up for those with special circumstances. Contact Tessie Lekas or Mary Bozikis Olenik for more information or to reserve a meal.
July 12 ~ feast of St Paisios | 8:30 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Liturgy.
July 18 – 21 ~ St Paul Greek Fest

Volunteer | Learn how you can offer your time to make this year’s festival a success at https://tinyurl.com/VolunteerGreekFEST. Someone will also be available during weekly coffee social to assist you in signing up.
Sponsorship | Opportunities are available to showcase your business, offer a personal message, or include your name. Visit https://tinyurl.com/STPFestSponsor for more information. Artwork and logos can be emailed to [email protected].

July 26 ~ feast of St Paraskevi | 8:30 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Liturgy.
July 27 ~ feast of St Panteleimon | 8:30 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Liturgy.
July 28 ~ Honoring Healthcare Workers who will receive a special blessing following Liturgy.
July 29 – August 2 ~ 9:00 AM - Noon Vacation Church School “Feasts of the Lord” for students in K-6^th grade. Register at https://tinyurl.com/STP-VCS. Only $30/student!
NEW Healthcare Ministry ~ Healthcare workers (i.e., doctors, nurses, EMT workers, etc.) are invited to be a part of this new ministry. Learn more… https://tinyurl.com/HealthcareMinistry.