Epistle Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6 page 140 Gospel Reading: Mark 8:34-38; 9:1 page 141

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1 St. John Greek Orthodox Church Sterling Heights, Michigan Phone: /Emergency Web site: Parish Priest: Father Nicholas Kyritses March 11 ~ Sunday of the Holy Cross Love and remember your church in your will! Holy Communion can receive only the Greek Orthodox faithful who are spiritually prepared! Epistle Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6 page 140 Gospel Reading: Mark 8:34-38; 9:1 page 141 Today at St. John Procession of the Holy Cross after Holy Communion Sunday School after the Procession of the Holy Cross Opportunities for the Week Monday, March 12 Basketball Practice for kids of all ages 6:30pm at Joe Dumars Philoptochos Meeting 7:30pm Tuesday, March 13 Greek School 4:30 pm / Adult Greek School 6:30pm Reverse Raffle Meeting 7:00pm Council Meeting 7:00 pm Wednesday March 14 Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm Lecture by Christos Strubakos 7:00pm Thursday, March 15 Greek School 4:30 pm / Adult Greek School 6:30pm Friday, March 16 4 th Salutations to the Theokotos 6:30pm Fill out your 2018 Stewardship form, or visit our website

2 Third Sunday of Lent: Adoration of the Holy Cross The third Sunday of Lent marks the middle of the Lenten Season. During the early days of the Christian Church, this forty-day Lenten period was the most solemn period of the church year. All Christians maintained a strict fast. Meat, oil and dairy products were strictly forbidden. It was a period of fasting and prayer. Bible reading was accentuated and every Orthodox Christian performed good works of Christian charity. Many attended religious retreats at nearby monasteries and monastic communities. This forty-day period soon became known as a period of self-denial, self-sacrifice and repentance. Christians prepared themselves to suffer the agony undergone by our Saviour as he was tempted by the devil in the desert and as he suffered and died upon the Cross of salvation. Since this very same Cross has been the symbol of victory of good over evil, life over death and eternal life over extinction, the Fathers of the Church saw fit to observe the third Sunday of Lent (the half-way mark in Lent) as Adoration Sunday of the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ. By pausing during this Holy period of fasting, we receive courage and reassurance of God s continued grace by viewing the Cross of Christ. The service is similar to the feast day celebration of the Church. During today s service, the Cross is carried aloft by the Priest and flowers are distributed after the procession. This is symbolical of the beauty of the Resurrection of our Blessed Lord, which we await to celebrate with great anticipation. During ancient times in many far away lands the warring Kings, after winning victory on the fields of battle, would invariably dispatch a messenger back to the capital of the country in great haste to inform the people of the great victory and also of the coming triumphant return of the victorious King to the city. In so doing, the people were given the opportunity to prepare a giant celebration and reception for their leader. In the same way the Church, during the Service of the Adoration of the Holy Cross, has brought forward the Cross of Jesus Christ to remind us of the coming victory of Jesus Christ over death and evil. We are given reassurance of the greatest battle and the most significant victory in all human history the victory of Jesus Christ over death. The Easter hymn tells us of this victory: Christ has risen from the dead, by death trampling upon death and bestowing life to those in the tombs. This is the message, which the mother Church wishes to convey today. The cross of Jesus Christ has been our symbol of victory for 2000 years. Never lose sight of this it is ours to share if we but take up arms against the forces of evil that surround us in a materialistic world and labor side by side for a better today and a finer tomorrow for all mankind. St. John s Oratorical Festival Sunday, March 18 th For SUnday School Grades 7, 8 and SEnior Forum.

3 Every Sunday 9:00am Orthros ~ 10:00am Divine Liturgy March 18 Godparents Sunday Parish General Assembly St. John s Oratorical Festival March 25 Greek Independence Parade April 20 St. John Reverse Raffle and Dinner at St. John Hall May 19 Metropolis St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival August 20 Golf Outing November 9, 10, 11 St John Holiday Hoops Basketball Tournament Winter 2018 Orthodox Lecture Series by Christos Strubakos The goal of this series is to gather at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church on Wednesday evenings throughout the period of the Triodion, and following a service, to have a talk followed by a discussion on various aspects of our faith. The schedule and topics are listed below. All are welcome to attend and to participate with questions and insights. We look forward to seeing everybody. Wednesday, March 14: The Bible in Orthodoxy Wednesday, March 21: Holy Tradition in Orthodoxy Wednesday, March 28: Participating in Holy Week PLEASE TAKE YOUR 2018 OFFERING ENVELOPES. If you do not see your name on an envelope box but would like to have offering envelopes, please contact he church office

4 Flowers needed for the Easter Season 2018 Please return this form to the church office if you are interested in donating flowers. Friday February 23 rd - 1st Salutation Carnations Donated Friday March 2 nd - 2nd Salutation Carnations Donated Friday March 9 th - 3rd Salutation Carnations Donated Sunday March 11th - Veneration of the Holy Cross Daffodils Partial Payment Friday March 16-4th Salutation Carnations Donated Friday March 23 rd - Akathist Hymn Carnations Donated Sunday April 1 - Palm Sunday Palm Trees Crosses Partial Payment Sunday April 1 - Palm Sunday - Bay Leaves Donated Thursday - April 5 th - Holy Thursday Wreath for the Crucifix Donated Friday April 6 - Holy Friday Epitaphios Flowers Donated Sunday April 8 - Holy Easter Resurrection Wreath Donated Icon: Name Donated Eggs: Name Donated

5 St. John Greek Orthodox Church presents REVERSE RAFFLE NIGHT GRAND PRIZE - $3,000 WITH $1,300 ADDITIONAL CASH PRIZES PLUS GREAT GIVEAWAYS!! ONLY 250 TICKETS SOLD! FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2018 $150. per ticket includes chance to win and dinner Additional person $50. for dinner $100. per ticket for non attendees 6:30 PM GOURMET DINNER AND OPEN BAR, 7:30 PM RAFFLE FOR RESERVATIONS ONLINE, PLEASE GO TO CONTACT KATHY DEMETRIOU AT OR SEND IN FORM BELOW: NAME: ADDRESS: telephone #: Amt. of check enclosed $ i will not be attending the event, but wish to purchase a ticket** credit card # EXP. DATE: mastercard visa amex **Please make checks payable to St. John greek orthodox church **NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN St. John Greek Orthodox Church Metropolitan Pkwy, Sterling Heights, MI 48312

6 Saturday, March 10, :30am - 7:00pm All GOYAns are invited to attend this annual Lenten gathering of faith and fellowship. This event is FREE thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Metropolis and the Sts. Constantine and Helen parish. Workshops will also be available for adults in attendance. Lenten meals will be provided. All participants (youth & chaperones) must register online by February 24,

7 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival The St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival will be held in our church chapel on Sunday, March 18th at 9:30 a.m. Please arrive no later than 9:15 a.m. Below you will find the links to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website pages that include the topics for the Junior and Senior Divisions as well as the rules. Juniors are Grades 7-9 and Seniors are Grades If you are participating, please Sandy Moceri with your name, division/grade, and topic number by Sunday, March 11. Here are the topics, tips, and resources for both divisions: Here is a link to the 2018 Oratorical Festival page on the GOARCH.ORG website that may be helpful as well: As you may already know, participation in the Oratorical Festival is an honor pin requirement for 7th and 8th graders. In addition, 1st place in each division will receive a $300 prize to be used toward MDSC Camp, Ionian Village, or other pursuit connected to the development of the student's Orthodox Christian spirituality. We are looking forward to a great festival this year! In Christ, St. John Sunday School

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9 ST. JOHN HALL RENOVATION PROJECT Fellow parishioners, As you may have noticed we are nearing the completion of the construction of our renovated hall. We are so thankful to the tireless efforts of our renovation committee shepherded by Larry Stavrou, Evans Caruso and Gus Kondoleon. A special thank you to all the many volunteers who gave of their time and talent in the demolition and cleaning of the hall during this process (the list of volunteers is too large to document here but you all know who you are and you are appreciated!) We want to thank all of those who have given their time, talent and treasure to date and encourage all of those who have not had the opportunity to give, to please prayerfully consider making an offering today. To date we have received pledges and contributions from the following members of our church: Mr. & Mrs. Nikos & Mika Backos - Donor Mrs. Sophia Borgaonkar - Donor Mr. John Geottes Donor Mr. & Mrs Adoni Kalatzis and Family - Donor Mr. Matthew Vasilakis - Donor Mrs. Vekos Gloria - Donor Mr. & Mrs. John Hanjiantoniou - Donor Mr. & Dr. Michael & Joyce (Patouhas) Aho- Donor Jeffrey Morgan - Donor Perring Family - Donor Miss Elena Vasilakis Donor Mr. & Mrs. Joann and Timothy Welch - Donor Mr. & Mrs. Tom Aitas and Family Friend Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Baros and Family-Friend Mrs. Diana Chantis Friend Mr. Nino Corsetti Friend Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Giacona - Friend Mr. & Dr. John & Zoy Gilbert Friend Mr. Nick Kasotakis Family Friend Mr. & Mrs. Constantine Manousakakis-Friend Mr. & Mrs. John & Becky Patouhas - Friend J. Gargasoulas & K. Patsarikas Families - Friend Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Theodorou Friend Mr. Gerry Floros Friend Mr & Mrs Aristides & Koula Andreopoulos- Patron Mr. & Mrs. Bill Andreopoulos - Patron Mr. & Mrs. George Balalas and Family- Patron Mr. Constantine Cavis- Patron Mr. & Mrs. Lilian and Gus Demas Patron Mr. & Mrs. George & Kathy Demetriou Patron Dr. & Mrs. Demetri Demetriou & Family- PatronMr. & Mrs. John Papakonstantinou - Patron Dr. & Mrs. Nick Papakonstantinou - Patron Mr. & Mrs. George Collins and Family Patron Mr. & Mrs. Menas (Ted) Georgeson - Patron Mr. & Mrs. Alex Kourtesis and Family Patron Mr. & Mrs. Michael Karamichas - Patron Mr. & Mrs. John Kyritses and Family Patron Rev. Father Nicholas Kyritses Patron Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Marselis - Patron Miss Anne Simopoulos - Patron Mr. & Mrs. Phil Tangalos and Family Patron Mr. & Mrs. Constantinos Tsitsis- Patron Mr. & Mrs. John Polyzois and Family- Patron Mr. & Mrs. Nick Prantzalos and Family - Patron Dr. & Mrs. Andy Kotsis and Family Patron Mrs. Harriet Shafkalis - Patron St. John Senior Citizen s Patron Mr. & Mrs. Daniel & Paulette Szajna & Family - Patron Mr. & Dr. Alex & Maria Aretakis Supporter Mr. & Mrs. Alex & Linda Boosalis Supporter Mr. & Mrs. Bill Caruso and Family-Supporter Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos C. Marselis -Supporter Mr. & Mrs. John Tangalos and Family - Supporter The Souris Family Visionary Dr. & Mrs. Ted Tangalos and Family Visionary Dr. & Mrs. Steve Kotsonis and Family Visionary St. John Ladies Philoptochos Visionary St. John Youth - Visionary Please select an offering level below and remember that this offering is sincerely requested to be in addition to your current annual Stewardship Offering. Sincerely, St. John s Parish Council Donate today towards the renovation of our Church Hall! Name: phone: Sponsorship Levels $ Donor Up to $500 $ Friend $500 $999 $ Patron $1,000 $2,499 $ Supporter $2,500 $4,999 $ Contributor $5,000 $9,999 $ Benefactor $10,000 $14,999 $ Visionary $15,000 plus WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM THE ABOVE GROUPS AND PARISHIONERS ABOUT $ 134, WE STILL NEED $66, ALL OUR PARISHIONERS MUST PARTICIPATE IN THIS FUND RAISING

10 St. John GOC Youth Basketball Please come and join us at the end of the year basketball party. Parents are invited to play in a basketball game against our Older Boy teams. Please come dressed ready to play and wear your sneakers Where: Joe Dumar s Fieldhouse When: Monday, March 19 from 6:30 8:30 pm Pizza Salad Soft Drinks will be served Donations are Welcomed

11 SAINT JOHN GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH STERLING HEIGHTS MI 2018 STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE CARD What is Stewardship? Stewardship is the management of the gifts bestowed upon us by God. These gifts are time, talent and treasure. It is through these gifts that bring us closer together as a Church and as a community. What is a Steward? A steward is a member of our St. John community that volunteers their time, talent and treasure. How can I volunteer my time and talent? Our St. John community offers many ministries. We encourage everyone to join and participate in a ministry. How much treasure should I give? This is a personal decision. Every year we should look at our finances and determine how much we should give back to God. These funds are used for the daily operation of the church and for funding our ministries. The economic reality is that our church requires $1,260 per day ($460,000 annually) to operate and we are currently a parish of almost 300 Stewards. To meet our current budget each year we need to average at least $1,560 per Steward annually or $30 per week STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE CARD Name: Spouse Name: Orthodox Christian: Y or N Orthodox Christian: Y or N Date of birth: Date of birth: Home Phone: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Cell Phone: Address: Address: City, State, Zip: City, State, Zip: Child 1: Orthodox Christian: Y or N Cell: DOB: Child 2: Orthodox Christian: Y or N Cell: DOB: Child 3: Orthodox Christian: Y or N Cell: DOB: Child 4: Orthodox Christian: Y or N Cell: DOB: Child 5: Orthodox Christian: Y or N Cell: DOB: IN GRATITUDE FOR GOD S BLESSINGS, I/WE COMMIT TO CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH THE FOLLOWING AMOUNT: $30/week($1,560 yearly) $25/week($1,300 yearly) $20/week(1,040 yearly) /week or /month or /year Credit Card (Visa/Master Card): exp: code: Name: Signature: Date: Visit to register as a Steward or turn this form into our church office Stewards who submitted addresses will receive a link to a Stewardship Update Form which can be completed online for 2018.

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13 ed ng BRIDGING GENERATIONS MUSEUM MISSION: To promote and preserve our Hellenic Culture, Heritage, History and Language NIKE Last opportunity-visit the NIKE Exhibit Greece s Critical Role in Nazi Germany s Defeat Coming September, 2018, the exciting exhibit on The Story of Greek Immigration to Michigan: Assimilating and Contributing to American Life Museum Hours Sundays 1-5 pm Special Parade Weekend Tours - Saturday March 24, 12-5 pm Group tours available by calling E Kirby Hellenic Museum of Michigan Midtown Detroit, Michigan (Across from the DIA) Phone: Visit our website -

14 Godparents sunday March 18, 2018 The godparent at a baptism is recorded as early as the year 200 by Tertullian in his book De Paptismo. St. John Chrysostom mentions godparents in his book On the Psalms. In the early church, adults, primarily, were baptized. Godparents were chosen for each person. They were nearly always of the same sex of the person to be baptized. Their role was to assure the Church of the moral character of the candidate, to assist at the baptism itself, and to watch over his or her growth in the faith. By the 6th century, the practice of infant baptism became dominant. Together, with their previous duties, the godparents assumed the responsibility to guide the newly baptized child in the faith. Together with the parents, the godparent is responsible for the spiritual and moral growth of the child. In the East, the godparent is known as Anadohos which literally means one who takes responsibility for another which shows both the role and the significance of the godparent. According to the teaching of the Church,the following cannot be godparents: the parents of the person being baptized, the spouse, non-christian, non-orthodox, Orthodox who have been denied the right to receive Holy Communion, for whatever reason; the clergy of all ranks (with exceptions, if necessity requires it), those who live a scandalous immoral life, persons not fully conscious of the meaning and function of the role of godparent, such as infants and little children. All other Orthodox Christians, men, women, young and old, may assume this important task in the Church s life. In the early Western Church, the term Godparent (godmother or godfather) was used to indicate the spiritual parenthood of the anadohos. When you become a child s Godparent, you become the spiritual and religious mentor and guide of your godchild, for the duration of both of your lives. The sponsor is a very important person in the baptismal service and in the life of the baptized Christian. In the early Church the majority of persons entering the Church were adults. This meant that they were able to make their own profession of faith, to reject evil and sin, and personally commit themselves to Christ. In infant baptism, which otherwise has much to commend it, this is not possible. The parents make the decision to baptize their child, thus bringing the child into the life of redemption. It is the godparent, however, who rejects the devil, accepts Christ, and who makes the profession of faith on behalf of the child. It is a mistake for godparents to think of their role as merely a social one. It is primarily religious and spiritual. The task of the godparent does not consist simply in buying a cross and some new clothing, and participating in the service of baptism (saying words mentioned above), anointing the child with oil, receiving the child from the font, processing around the font, bringing the child to its first Holy Communion. All these things are merely the beginning of the responsibilities of the sponsor. For with these acts, the sponsor assumes a lifelong commitment to care for the spiritual aspects of the life of his or her godchild. This means several things. First to see it together with the parents that the child is taught the necessary things for the living of the Christian life. This includes attendance at church, religious education classes, and most importantly frequent participation in the sacrament of Holy Communion. Godparents should also have close personal ties with their godchildren. They should visit with them regularly, in person, by letter, or on the phone. They should remember their godchildren on their name days, birthdays and other holidays. All this should be accompanied by loving counsel and concern in reference to the various stages of their lives, with a view to the Christian formation of the godchild. In later years, during the teens, a godparent who has done these things during childhood years, may prove to be the only one who can influence a young person during those trying and difficult times. Finally, the godparent should include his or her godchild in daily prayers.