Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal First Mode. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3.

IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

Saints and Feasts

March 16

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.

His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.

March 16

Sabine the Martyr of Egypt

The holy Martyr Sabine was from Hermopolis in Egypt, and was known for his zeal and piety. During the persecution of Diocletian, he concealed himself with other Christians in a small dwelling outside the city. But when he was discovered, and professed his faith in Christ, he was taken before Arian the Governor, and after he had been tortured he was drowned in the river. Concerning Arian the Governor, See also December 14.

March 16

Christodulus the Wonderworker of Patmos

Saint Christodulus, who was from the region of Nicaea of Bithynia, was the son of Theodore and Anna, and was given the name John. He assumed the monastic habit in his youth and was renamed Christodulus ("slave of Christ" in Greek). At first, he lived the ascetical life in various places, then he received permission and monetary aid from the Emperor Alexis I Comnenus (reigned 1081-1118), and built on the island of Patmos a church and monastery named in honour of Saint John the Evangelist. These buildings stand to this day. However, when the Arabs attacked that place, he fled with his disciples and went to Euboia (Euripus), where also he completed the course of his life about the end of the eleventh century on the 16th of March. The disciples of this righteous man took his sacred incorrupt remains and transferred them to his own monastery, where they repose to this day for the sanctification of those who have recourse to them with faith.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Tόν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρί καί Πνεύματι, τόν εκ Παρθένου τεχθέντα εις σωτηρίαν ημών, ανημνήσωμεν πιστοί καί προσκυνήσωμεν· ότι ηυδόκησε σαρκί, ανελθείν εν τώ Σταυρώ καί θάνατον υπομείναι, καί εγείραι τούς τεθνεώτας, εν τή ενδόξω Αναστάσει αυτού.

Ton sinanarhon logon Patri ke Pnevmati, ton ek Parthenou tehthenta is sotiria imon, animnisomen pisti ke proskinisomen. Oti ivdokise sarki, anelthin en to Stavro ke thanaton ipomine, ke egire tous tethneotas, en ti endoxo Anastasi aftou.

Let us the faithful give praise and worship to the Logos, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation; for of His own goodwill He consented to ascend the cross in the flesh and endured death and raised the dead by His glorious resurrection.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Beacon of Orthodox belief, the strong support of the Church and her teacher inspired by God, you are the ornament of monks, the unassailable champion of theologians, O Gregory the Wonder-worker and the boast of Thessalonica, the messenger of grace. Forever earnestly entreat for the salvation of our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

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 detail

Today ~ Parish Council & Ushers ~ Team 2 | Altar Boys ~ Team 2 | Greeters ~ Team 1
Today ~ MNYMOSINO | 2 years for Soultana Page
Today ~ Adult Catechism with Elaine Poulos following Holy Communion.
Today ~ Greek School Independence Day program following Liturgy. Students sponsor Loukoumades and Frappe sale.
Today ~ Learn more about the online directory for parishioners and have your picture taken. Look for the photo booth during coffee social.
Today ~ Diaper collection for ZOE for Life!® sponsored by Maids of Athena.
Monday ~ 1:00 PM Festival baking begins! Note the new start time for today. We will be making koulourakia until 7:00 PM to allow Greek School parents and others to join us after work.
Monday ~ 5:30 PM Greek School.
Monday ~ 7:00 PM Great Compline.
Tuesday ~ 9:00 AM Festival baking will continue as we finish making 10,000 koulourakia!
Wednesday ~ 4:00 PM Women’s Study Group with Elaine Poulos via Teams https://tinyurl.com/WomenStudySTP.
Wednesday ~ 5:00 PM Presanctified Liturgy followed by Lenten Dinner hosted by ALL the youth groups of our parish. Senior OPA hosts next week.
Wednesday ~ 5:30 PM Greek School beginner class; 6:30 PM intermediate class.
Wednesday ~ 7:00 PM Parish Council monthly meeting.
Thursday ~ 7:00 PM Bible Study with Father Costas via Teams. Join us at https://tinyurl.com/BibleStudySTP.
Friday ~ 7:00 PM 3^rd Salutations Service.
Saturday ~ 12:00 PM Great Doxology for Greek Independence Day at Annunciation Cleveland. Parade will follow. Come support our Greek School and dance students as they march in the parade.
HOLY CONFESSION ~ During these Holy Days of Great Lent, it is good for all of us to go to confession and to focus more on our spiritual lives. Call or text Fr. Costas at 440-669-1316 to set up an appointment. Pick up a guide to confession in the outer narthex.
Scholarship Opportunities ~ visit the GOYA page on our website
Prayer Chain ~ If you have a prayer request, send email to: [email protected].
Stewardship ~ Please prayerfully complete and return to the church your 2025 Stewardship Commitment Card. You can also do so online through our church website.

Upcoming Events Next Week and Beyond

Next Sunday ~Parish Council & Ushers ~ Team 3 | Altar Boys ~ Team 3 | Greeters ~ Team 2
Next Sunday ~ Orthros Luke 24:36-53 | Epistle Reading Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6 | Gospel Mark 8:34-38; 9:1
March 23 ~ 2:30 PM Stewardship Outreach Opportunity to prepare, deliver, and serve a meal for St Herman House. Volunteers and donations needed.
March 24 ~ 9:00 AM Festival baking team invites you to join them as they make apple and cherry rolls.
March 24 ~ 7:00 PM Great Vespers for the feast of the Annunciation in Cleveland.
March 25 ~ feast of Annunciation | 8:30 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Liturgy at Annunciation Cleveland followed by luncheon.
March 25 ~ 6:00 PM Stewardship meeting.
April 1 ~ 6:30 PM Home Committee meeting.
April 4-6 ~ GOYAns attend Metropolis Spring Retreat.
April 12 ~ Lazarus Saturday | 8:30 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Liturgy followed by light breakfast and palm folding.
April 13 ~ Palm Sunday | luncheon to follow Liturgy. Make reservations early to help us properly prepare enough food. $15 Plaki; $8 Pasta; children 5 and under free.