Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 117.26,1.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Verse: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians 4:4-9.

BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.

Gospel Reading

Palm Sunday
The Reading is from John 12:1-18

Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazaros was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me."

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazaros, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazaros also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazaros out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.

Saints and Feasts

April 13

Palm Sunday

On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the Law, the Lord came from Bethany to Jerusalem. Sending two of His disciples to bring Him a foal of an ass, He sat thereon and entered into the city. When the multitude there heard that Jesus was coming, they straightway took up the branches of palm trees in their hands, and went forth to meet Him. Others spread their garments on the ground, and yet others cut branches from the trees and strewed them in the way that Jesus was to pass; and all of them together, especially the children, went before and after Him, crying out: "Hosanna: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel" (John 12:13). This is the radiant and glorious festival of our Lord's entry into Jerusalem that we celebrate today.

The branches of the palm trees symbolize Christ's victory over the devil and death. The word Hosanna means "Save, I pray," or "Save, now." The foal of an ass, and Jesus' sitting thereon, and the fact that this animal was untamed and considered unclean according to the Law, signified the former uncleanness and wildness of the nations, and their subjection thereafter to the holy Law of the Gospel.

April 13

Martin the Confessor, Pope of Rome

Saint Martin was born in Tuscany. He had been the papal delegate at Constantinople; upon the death of Pope Theodore, Saint Martin was elected his successor. At this time the Emperor Constans II, also known as Constantine Pogonatus (reigned 641-668), was seeking support of his confession of faith called the Typos, which espoused the Monothelite heresy, that is, that there is only one will and energy in the Incarnate Son of God. But the newly-consecrated Pope not only did not accept the Typos, but convened the Lateran Council of 649 (attended by 105 of his bishops, and Saint Maximus the Confessor, who was then in Rome), which anathematized the Typos and the Monothelite heresy. Because of this Saint Martin was seized by an imperial force in 653 and brought to Constantinople, where he was charged with sending money to the Saracens and conspiring with them, and blaspheming against the most holy Mother of God. Though innocent of these accusations, he was exiled to Cherson on the Black Sea, where, after many sufferings and privations, he received the crown of his courageous confession in the year 655.

April 13

Theodosios the Martyr

April 13

Zoilos the Martyr

Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the First Mode

In confirming the common Resurrection, O Christ God, Thou didst raise up Lazarus from the dead before Thy Passion. Wherefore, we also, like the children, bearing the symbols of victory, cry to Thee, the Vanquisher of death: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the Fourth Mode

As by baptism we were buried with Thee, O Christ our God, so by Thy Resurrection we were deemed worthy of immortal life; and praising Thee, we cry: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Second Mode

In Heaven, He is seated upon a Throne and on earth He rides upon a foal. O Christ our God, accept the praise of the Angels and the hymn of the Children who cry out to You, "Blessed are You who comes to recall Adam."

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 3 | Greeters ~ Team 1

Today ~ Philoptochos Easter Bake Sale.

Today ~ Palm Sunday | luncheon to follow Liturgy. Make reservations early to help us prepare enough food. $15 Plaki; $8 Pasta; children 5 and under free.

Today ~ ZOE for Life!® baby shower stewardship outreach opportunity. Col

Palm Sunday | Holy Monday | Holy Tuesday ~ 7:00 PM Nymphios Bridegroom Service.

Holy Wednesday ~ 9:00 AM Presanctified Liturgy | 4:00 PM Holy Unction | 7:00 PM Orthros with Anointing.

Holy Thursday ~ 9:00 AM Vesperal Liturgy | 7:00 PM Holy Passion Service.

Holy Friday ~ 9:00 AM Royal Hours | Holy Friday Retreat for students in K – 12^th grade [register at https://tinyurl.com/stp-HolyFriday] | 3:00 PM Apokathelosis service | 7:00 PM Lamentations and outside procession.

Holy Saturday ~ 9:00 AM Vesperal Liturgy | 11:00 PM Resurrection Service with Liturgy followed by Resurrection meal.

HOLY CONFESSION ~ During these Holy Days, 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.

Luminaria ~ Luminary bags are available to light our way during Holy Friday. Visit our GOYAns during coffee social or https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZWB3/home to make your purchase.

Prayer Chain ~ If you have a prayer request, send email to: [email protected]. Holy Week and Pascha ~ Donations are being accepted at https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZWB3/home for flowers (palms, wreaths, etc.)in memory of or for the health of your loved one.

Upcoming Events Next Week and Beyond

Next Sunday ~Parish Council & Ushers ~ Team 3 | Altar Boys ~ Team 1 | Greeters ~ Team 3

Next Sunday ~ Orthros Matthew 21:1-11; 15-17 | Epistle Reading Philippians 4:4-9 | Gospel John 12:1-18

Holy Pascha ~ 11:00 AM Egg Hunt for children 10 and under | 11:30 AM Agape Service.

PLAN AHEAD AND SCHEDULE TO COME TO AS MANY SERVICES AS YOU CAN

April 21 ~ Office Closed.

April 22 ~ Festival baking resumes as we make tiropita. We invite you to join us!

April 23 ~ feast of St George | 8:30 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Liturgy.

April 25 ~ feast of the Life-Giving Fountain | 8:30 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Liturgy.

April 29 ~ Young Women’s Book Club with Presvytera Angelique.

May 3 ~ 4:00 PM St Photios Awards Banquet in Pittsburgh.

May 9 ~ 12:00 PM Eastern Orthodox Women’s Guild Pan-Orthodox Luncheon at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Hall in Parma. See Evangeline Bozikis for tickets as they will not be sold at the door; Adults $15, children 6-12 $7.50, children under 6 free.

June 8 ~ 1:00 PM St Paul annual Golf Outing at Pine Hills Golf Course in Hinckley. All proceeds to benefit the St Paul Capital Improvement Fund.

June 11 – 13 ~ 12:00 PM Greek Cultural Camp. $50 per student. Register at https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z01D/campaign/C-15EEE.