Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy Cross After-feast of the Nativity of the Venerable Theodora of Alexandria; Righteous Euphrosynos the Cook; Martyrs Demetrios, Evanthia and Demetrianos; translation of relics of Venerable Sergios and Herman of Valaam

2250 East Paris Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-954-2700 ▪ [email protected] ▪ stnicholasgr.com

V. Rev. Fr. Elias Mitchell, Pastor Emeritus V. Rev. Fr. Nasser, Pastor Rev. Archdeacon Khorey 616- 216-3537 Rev. Dn. Clement Nicoloff [email protected] Rev. Dn. Justin Adolphson

Welcome to our guests! Thank you attending today’s Divine Liturgy. Please register your visit by completing the guest book located on the table in the narthex. We would appreciate getting to meet you, so feel free to join us for refreshments & fellowship in the Cultural Center.

We believe Holy Communion to be a sign that in Christ we have all things in common, share an identical faith, and are united fully to the Orthodox Church. Anyone interested in learning more about our faith are encouraged to speak with one of our clergy. Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves through prayer, fasting, & regular confession are welcome to receive Holy Communion.

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord hath done a mighty act with His own arm. He hath trampled down death by death, and become the first-born from the dead. He hath delivered us from the depths of Hades, granting the world the Great Mercy.

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.

Thy work of justice did show thee to thy congregation a canon of faith, the likeness of humility, a teacher of abstinence, O Father Nicholas. Wherefore, by humility thou didst achieve exaltation, and by meekness richness. Intercede, therefore, with Christ to save our soul.

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.

O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. To Thee, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians. (6:11-18)

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 uncircum- cision, 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.

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (3:13-17)

The Lord said, “No one has ascended into heaven but He who descended from heaven, the Son of man. And as 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.”

If Christ is our Salvation, the cross is the means to receiving that salvation. The Cross is the only sign worthy of our total allegiance. Our salvation comes by the only true and lasting victory of the crucifixion of Christ and our co-crucifixion with him. When we elevate the Cross and bow down before it in veneration and worship to God, we proclaim that we belong to the Kingdom “not of this world,” and that our only true and enduring citizenship is with the in the “city of God”.

Metropolitan Paul (in captivity) Kh. Khristina Gillquist Silvia Yova Archbishop John (in captivity) Kh. Norma Ghantous Anthony Avouris Archpriest Elias Bitar Kh. Charlotte Smith Jim Nassar Archpriest William Olnhausen Kh. Carole Lucia Hackney Millard Laramy Thank you for your prayers and the wonderful gift basket while I was in the hospital for back surgery. Archpriest George Rados Clemence Bassett Those suffering in the Middle Archpriest Patrick Kinder Dawn Shaheen East, Ukraine, and Flint Dn. Benjamin Mann Thomas & Jean

Archpriest Boniface Black Rusalin Simeria (9/11) Victims of the continued conflicts Kh. Loretta Wilson Marcie David (10/2) in the Middle East Fred Wilson

9/02/1970 Mary Sayfee 9/19/1987 Rt. Rev. Ellis Khouri 9/06/1959 Alex J.Ruffin 9/21/1946 Faris Nickola 9/07/1956 Leena Majerezak 9/22/1960 Sellen Yared 9/07/1987 John Wawee 9/22/2001 Demetra Yared 9/08/1986 Nicholas Salhaney 9/23/1944 Hattem Corey 9/08/1998 Robert Mickel 9/23/1984 James Mickel 9/10/2009 John Ayoub 9/26/1963 Haddad 9/11/1966 Fred Maloley 9/27/1976 Mitchell Salhaney 9/13/1977 Seth Salhaney 9/28/1996 Josephine Wozniak 9/17/2004 Mountaha Rizk 9/30/1996 James Mickel We are honored by His Grace, +Bishop Anthony’s visit to St. Nicholas. We are thankful for his participation in yesterday’s golf outing, benefiting the Diocesan Mission Fund, as well as the time he spent this morning with our Church School.

Blood pressure readings will be held during Coffee Hour in the St. Herman & St. Sophia classrooms today during Coffee Hour.

Tickets go on sale today for the October 20 Mediterranean Take-Out Dinner. Please purchase tickets for you and your family and also pick-up a ticket packet (containing 10 tickets) to sell to your friends, family, and co-workers. We need everyone to assist in this parish fundraiser. Please do your part!

+Bishop ANTHONY has asked that the parishioners of St. Nicholas join him at the Patronal Feast Day (Elevation of the Holy Cross) at Holy Cross Orthodox Mission in Dorr this week Tuesday. 5:00 pm Matins 6:00 pm Divine Liturgy (followed by a potluck dinner)

Decorating for the Elevation of the Holy Cross Feast Icon has been cancelled. Due to St. Nicholas joining Holy Cross Orthodox Mission in Dorr for this Feast.

Keith will be out-of-town this week Wednesday–Friday. Please submit bulletin announcements by Tuesday at 4:00 pm. Voice messages will be checked on a regular basis; however, if you have an emergency that requires pastoral attention, please contact Fr. Michael.

Join us for our kick-off event at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park this week Thursday. Meet at St. Nicholas at 1:00 pm. While visiting the Gardens, we will enjoy a narrated tram ride seeing the new Japanese Garden, the various sculptures including The American Horse, and so many other beautiful attractions. Don’t miss out!

Rides are available for anyone not driving—call Eileen Adolphson (791-0779) or Nora Ayoub (942-0123)

Nora, Eileen, & Marion are available after today’s Divine Liturgy to receive your money and to reserve your spot for this event.

Join us next Sunday for our first day of class in the St. John of Damascus Chapel as we read & discuss Tito Colliander’s book: The Way of Ascetics.

This book is an introduction to the narrow way that leads to life. It is a simple yet profound exposition of the spiritual life and is a portal to the vast spiritual experience of the desert fathers, and an insight into the spiritual lives of the saints (Williams, M., The Orthodox Pathway 2009).

This book can be purchased through our Church bookstore.

The women of St. Nicholas are invited to a Baby Shower next Sunday from 5:00-7:00 pm being held in the Cultural Center. If you are 18 years old or older and have not received your invitation, please contact Jenny Khorey. R.S.V.P. to Jenny so that she can plan appropriately.

Coffee Hour hosts are needed for the following Sundays: next week, September 18; October 30; November 20 (Nativity Fast) & November 27(Nativity Fast).

Sign-up on the Coffee Hour sheet located on the table in the narthex.

Saturday: 6:00 pm Vespers & Confession Sunday: 9:50 am Church School & Adult Class; 10:00 am Divine Liturgy

Let’s get together for a BBQ & enjoy the musical talents of Nick Ayoub at Shepherds of Independence on Saturday, September 24 from noon to 3:00 pm. We need 10-15 volunteers to serve food or interact with the residents. Sign-up at the table in the narthex or contact Nick or Elizabeth Ayoub.

Shepherds of Independence provides shelter and care that meets physical, mental, spiritual, and social needs, while fostering dignity and independence in an affordable, warm, home-like atmosphere.

We have launched the Orthodox in Ministry for God campaign. The goal of this campaign is to encourage every parishioner to engage in at least one of the 44 current ministries at St. Nicholas. On Sunday, September 25, each of these ministries will be stationed throughout the Church after the Divine Liturgy so that you can ask questions, learn more about these ministries, and consider being a part of at least one of them.

It is time to reserve your hotel rooms for the July 23-30, 2017 Convention. Rooms have already begun to sell out. The Convention website can be found at http://www.ac2017miami.org/

Thanks to all of the golfers who participated and all of the volunteers who worked so hard to make the 2nd Annual Midwest Diocesan Mission Fund Golf Outing a success. A very special thanks to Mark Sielaff, Bob Golm, & Joe David whose tireless efforts made it possible for everyone to enjoy the day. Also, thank you top His Grace +Bishop ANTHONY whose attendance & blessing made the day even more enjoyable.

We had over 30 sponsors who donated several thousand dollars to the Midwest Mission Fund & close to 50 golfers with dozens more non-golfers joining us for dinner.

We’ve set the bar high for 2017!

Please return your completed College Information Card to the Church office.

Family Haven is a shelter for homeless families in Grand Rapids and St. Nicholas has partnered with them by preparing breakfast for 10-15 people. We need 4-5 volunteers to assist in preparing breakfast on Saturday, October 1 from 9:30-noon. Sign-up at the table in the narthex or by contacting Greg Storey: [email protected]

A re-match has been set! The festivities will begin with lunch at 1:00 pm on Sunday, October 2 at Manhattan Park. Burger & hot dogs will be provided. Please bring a side dish to pass. First pitch is at 2:30 pm. Contact Scott Storey if you’d like to play or have questions: [email protected].

Seeing is Believing: Encountering God in Sacred Art On Saturday, October 15 from 1:00-6:00 pm.

Join us for an afternoon of speakers and exhibits exploring the role of art in the early Christian Church. Lectures include: Honoring the Living God in His Image by Mother Gabriella; Discovering the Word through Holy Image by Mother Olympia; and Reflecting the Image of Christ in the Church by Dr. Charles Makhoul.

Admission is free. Invite your friends and neighbors. Posters are available if you desire to post one at your place of employment.

Our original plan for iconography in the church included a decorative design for the 4 columns of the church along with the archway over the altar & along the side walls. This element of design helps to unify the iconography. A couple of families have graciously chosen to designate funds for this project which means that the church will be undergoing some aesthetic changes in the upcom- ing month. Watch the YouTube video to see the changes that will enhance our worship experience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buCG-iHfHeU

The more you give the more God gives to you to give away

"Regarding giving to God, the Lord told the Prophet Moses, when the children of Israel appeared before the Lord at the appointed times of the year, “They shall not appear before the Lord your God empty-handed. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing the Lord your God gave you” (Deuteronomy 16: 16-17).

Tuesday, September 13: Meatpies Tuesday, September 20: Meatpies Tuesday, September 27: Cheese Bread Tuesday, October 4: Cheese Bread

Today Thursday, September 15 * Blood Pressure Checks * Frederik Meijer Garden Outing (1:00 pm)

Tuesday, September 13 Saturday, September 17 Elevation of the Holy Cross * Baby Shower Set-up (10:00 am) @Holy Cross Church in Dorr * Vespers (6:00 pm) * Matins (5:00 pm)

* Divine Liturgy (6:00 pm)

Today: Next Week: Epistle Reader: Nick Ayoub Nick Ayoub Tithes & Offering Team: Sam, Emily, Brian JoAnn, Marwan, Bob Coffee Hour Hosts: Dan & Kim Hoodhood Host Needed

Sunday, September 18 Tuesday, September 20 * Matins & Orthodox Education (8:50 am) * Choir Practice (7:00 pm) * Divine Liturgy (10:00 am) * Byzantine Chanting Practice (8:00 pm)

* $5 Book Sale Saturday, September 24 * Women of St. Nicholas Baby Shower (5:00 pm) * Shepherds of Independence BBQ & concert w/Nick Ayoub (noon-3:00 pm) * Vespers (6:00 pm)