Sunday, September 10, 2017
Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy Cross
After-feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos
Martyrs Menodora, Metrodora and Nymphodora of Bithynia; Empress Pulcheria; Peter, bishop of Nicaea
Welcome visitors. We are honored by your company.
Today is Grandparent’s Day!
Nourishment of the Soul: “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” – 2 Corinthians 3:18
Hurricane Harvey Appeal: Special collections throughout the month of September will be forwarded to our parishes to alleviate a little of the pain and suffering of the good people of the affected area. Give generously as you are able. Make checks payable to All Saints. Last week’s appeal at All Saints raised $550. (Check antiochian.org for updates.)
Do You Know that Kindness or Brotherly Love or Love for One’s Neighbor, is the virtue which counters the sin of envy. Envy, in contradiction to God’s law of love, is manifest in a person’s sorrow and distress over the good fortune of another person. Conversely, kindness and brotherly love is manifest in the unprejudiced, compassionate and charitable concern for others. One of the Seven Capital Virtues
Congratulations to April Blair who received a scholarship from the Antiochian Women as she begins graduate studies! Axios!
Food Pantry: The shelves are nearly empty! Please donate as you are able: peanut butter, cereal, hotdogs, frozen entrees, chicken, green beans, name brand soup, canned meat/ fish, boxed mac and cheese, and pasta/ pasta sauce. Donations to the charitable fund are accepted at all times. Please put food donations in Marcia’s office or the freezer.
Coffee Hour: Scheduled contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with Be-F; however you may contribute as you are able.
Receiving the Eucharist: We invite you to receive the Holy Eucharist if you are an Orthodox Christian who has prepared yourself through fasting, prayer, and recent confession. If you are not Orthodox, or are Orthodox but have not prepared, we invite you to receive a piece of the blessed bread in the wooden bowls held by the altar servers at the front of the church.
News from the Myrrh Bearers
The Myrrh Bearers “Treasures” are in the hallway this week and next. Prices are left to your discretion. Income supports the women’s outreach activities. Thank you for your generosity!
There is a festival meeting today.
THIS WEEK
Tuesday, September 12: Bible Study at Kh. Marilyn’s home 7:00-8:30
Wednesday, September 13: The Elevation of the Holy Cross Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00; Orthodoxy 101 follows. Father Peter’s topic: “The Cross of Christ in World History.”
Thursday, September 14: Bible Study at Becky Hrisomalos’s home – 3:00 – 5:00
Saturday, September 16: Great Vespers at 5:00
Sunday, September 17: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Parish Council meets around noon.
LOOKING AHEAD
September 24: College Student Welcome Meal – We are blessed year after year by our students.
September 29: Annual Orthodox Christians for Life meal following the Akathist to the Protection of the Theotokos
October 14: Annual Festival on Fairfax
FAMILY NOTES
Anniversary Memories: Matthew & Gabby C (11th); Subdeacon Daniel & Linda B (12th)
Happy Birthday: Elena R (10th); Felicity A (11th); John A (12th)
Blessed Name Day: Steve B (St. Cornelius – 13th)
Memory Eternal: David; Joe (14th); Heather; Kh. Mary Sue Walker (27th)
Prayer List: Fr. Peter Jon; Adrian (Olga’s brother); Bosa; Cathy;”For the suffering Christians of Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine and victims of Hurricane Harvey”; Fr. Steven Rudy (cancer); Finley (infant girl); Fr. Basil; Fr. Philip; Grant (Leukemia); Chris; Doug & Dorothy Barrett; Eileen; Mary Ann & Jen; Dee and Don; Kh. Kristina; Betsy and Hannah; Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; James; Becky H; Tom; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Julian; Vicki; Hoppes & Jesse Brandow (Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriest George; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Emily D; Emma; Nancy; Neal; Bob R; Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley: Gabriel; Mary; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; Marty; Charles; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Ruth; Steve; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie, Caleb D; Megan & Colin; Bill & Sandy; Sabrina; Christy; Pete; Phil & Barb; Tammy
Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings
Prokeimenon: “O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.”
Verse: “To Thee, O Lord, I have cried, O my God!” – Psalm 27:9,1
Epistle: The Reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians. (6:11-18)
(For the Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy Cross)
Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the Law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all, who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (3:13-17)
(For the Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy Cross)
The Lord said, “No one has ascended into heaven but He who descended from heaven, the Son of man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”
Divine Liturgy Variables
Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 5
Let us believers praise and worship the Word; co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation. For, He took pleasure in ascending the Cross in the flesh to suffer death; and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection.
Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone
Thy nativity, O Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to the whole world; for from thee hath dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, annulling the curse and bestowing the blessing, abolishing death and granting us life everlasting.
Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4
Joachim and Anna were freed from the reproach of childlessness, and Adam and Eve from the corruption of death, O immaculate one, by thy holy Nativity, which thy people, redeemed from the guilt of offenses, celebrate by crying to thee: The barren woman giveth birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our life.