Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Grave Mode. Psalm 28.11,1.
The Lord will give strength to his people.
Verse: Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 2:16-20.

Brethren, knowing that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Gospel Reading

Sunday after Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

Saints and Feasts

September 20

Eustathius the Great Martyr, his wife and two children

The holy Martyr Eustathius before his baptism was an illustrious Roman general named Placidas in the days of the Emperor Trajan. While hunting in the country one day, he was converted to the Faith of Christ through the apparition of an uncommonly majestic stag, between whose antlers he saw the Cross of Christ, and through which the Lord spoke to him with a human voice. Upon returning home, he learned that his wife Tatiana had also had a vision in which she was instructed to become a Christian. They sought out the Bishop of the Christians and were baptized, Placidas receiving the name Eustathius, and Tatiana the name Theopiste; their two sons were baptized Agapius and Theopistus. The family was then subjected to such trials as Job endured. Their servants died, all their goods were stolen, and on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem they were scattered abroad, each not even knowing if the others were still alive. By the providence of God, they were united again after many years, and returned to Rome in glory. Nevertheless, when they refused to sacrifice to the idols-a public sacrifice from which no Roman general could be absent-the Emperor Hadrian, who had succeeded Trajan, had them put into a large bronze device in the shape of a bull, which was heated with fire until they died. When their holy bodies were removed, they were found to be without harm. They suffered martyrdom about the year 126.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Mode

Κατέλυσας τώ Σταυρώ σου τόν θάνατον· ηνέωξας τώ ληστή τόν Παράδεισον· τών Μυροφόρων τόν θρήνον μετέβαλες· καί τοίς σοίς Αποστόλοις κηρύττειν επέταξας· ότι ανέστης Χριστέ ο Θεός, παρέχων τώ κόσμω τό μέγα έλεος.

Κatelisas to Stavro sou ton thanaton, ineoxas to listi ton Paradison, ton Miroforon ton thrinon metevales, ke tis sis Apostolis kiritin epetaxas, oti anestis Hriste o Theos, parehon to kosmo to mega eleos.

By Your Cross, O Lord, You shattered death; to the thief You opened Paradise. You transformed the Myrrhbearers’ lamentation, and commanded Your Apostles to proclaim that You arose, Christ our God, granting to the world Your great mercy.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Holy Cross in the First Mode

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy, and by Your Cross protecting Your commonwealth.

Apolytikion for Martyr Eustathius and His Companions in the Fourth Mode

Your Martyrs, O Lord, were worthily awarded by You | the crowns of incorruption, in that they contested for You our immortal God. | Since they possessed Your power, they defeated the tyrants, | dashing the demons’ powerless displays of defiance. | O Christ God, at their fervent entreaties, save our souls.

Hymn of Church in the First Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

You who were lifted on the cross voluntarily, | O Christ our God, bestow Your tender compassions | upon Your new community to which You gave Your name. | Cause our faithful emperors to be glad in Your power, | granting them the victories against their adversaries. | And for an ally, Lord, may they have You, | peace as their armor, the trophy invincible.

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 3 | Altar Boys ~ 1 | Greeters ~ Team 4
Today ~ MNYMOSINA 2 years for Stella Harriston | 3 years for George Harriston [for George & Helen Maropis | for Kathy Harris | for Michael & Hope Harriston] | 4 years for Christine Alex
Today ~ Collection for the Holy Cross Scholarship Fund to benefit our seminarians. The collection basket will be in the back by the baptistery. Please be generous.
Today ~ GOYA Popcorn Sale. $4 per bag. Choose from cheddar cheese, caramel dittos, or buttered popcorn. Learn more at tinyurl.com/GOYAPopcorn.
Today ~ 11:30 AM Philoptochos meeting.
Today ~ 12:00 PM HOPE | JOY Kickoff Saints & Sundaes. Enjoy an ice cream party following Sunday School and learn about your individual saint or feast day. RSVP here!
Monday ~ 5:30 PM Greek School.
Monday ~ 6:00 PM Catechism.
Thursday ~ 7:00 PM Bible Study with Fr. Costas. Join us via Teams at tinyurl.com/BibleStudySTP.
Prayer Chain ~ If you have a prayer request, send an email to: [email protected].
New position open in our parish ~ We are looking to fill the position of Choir Director. All recommendations are to be forwarded to Fr. Costas.
Seeking ~ Part-time childcare in Strongsville for 4-month old infant. Tuesday through Thursday from 10-2. Contact Adriana at 440-570-9846.

Upcoming Events Next Week and Beyond

Next Sunday ~ Parish Council & Ushers ~ Team 3 | Altar Boys ~ 2 | Greeters ~ Team 4
Next Sunday ~ Orthros: Luke 24:36-53 | Epistle: II Corinthians 6:16-18;7:1 | Gospel: Luke 5:1-11
Next Sunday ~ 2:00 PM Dr. John & Helen Collis Lecture in Greek & Byzantine Art: Are Pictures Worth More Than Words? Ancient Greek Painters as Storytellers. For more information and to reserve free tickets, visit https://hpsneo.org.
October ~ Youth Coffee Socials Families involved in the youth ministries: Dance, HOPE/JOY, Greek School, Sunday School, and GOYA are invited to host the coffee socials in October leading to Youth Sunday on November 1st. Sign up to bring something here: tinyurl.com/STPyouth-sundays
October 3 ~ 9:00 AM Philoptochos Craft Fair. Interested volunteers can contact tinyurl.com/26CraftFairVolunteer. Learn more about the craft fair here: tinyurl.com/26CraftFair.
October 8~ 11:30 PM Agape Ovens meal pick up for those with special circumstances. Contact Tessie Lekas or Mary Bozikis Olenik for more details.
October 18 ~ 4:00 PM HOPE | JOY Trunk or Treat. Dress up in your favorite costume, decorate your car trunk, and join us in the church parking lot! Signup at tinyurl.com/STP2026TrunkorTreat.
October 18 ~ 6:00 PM GOYA Bonfire. More information to come.
October 25 ~ 6:00 PM Great Vespers will be held at St. Demetrios in Rocky River.
October 26 ~ Saint Demetrios | 8:30 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Liturgy. Services will be held at St. Demetrios in Rocky River.
November 1 ~ Youth Sunday Our youths are invited to take on roles like greeter, usher, and reading the Epistle this day. Learn more at tinyurl.com/STPYouth-Sundays.
November 14 ~ 6:00 PM St. Paul "Celebrating 60 years and still groovin". Music through the decades with food stations. Adults $75, Children $40. Sponsorship opportunities are available. All proceeds to benefit the Endowment Fund. Visit tinyurl.com/StPaul60Years or see Pres. Nicole or Dena Wilson during Coffee Social.