SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
September 13, 2026
Saturday, September 12 SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
4:00 PM God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners
Sunday, September 13 SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
8:30 AM Olha Zherebetska – Mariya Palashchuk
Monday, September 14 EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS(Myrovania)
8:30 AM God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners
Saturday, September 12 SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
4:00 PM John Ostrum- Louise Hubiak
Sunday, September 13 SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners
SEPTEMBER 11 FACTS: 19 Muslim men hijacked four fuel-loaded U.S. commercial airlines bound for west coast destinations. This terrorist attack on the United States was orchestrated by al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. A total of 2,977 people of many nationalities were killed in New York City, Washington, DC, and outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania, in this terrorist attack. At the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan, 2,753 people were killed when hijacked American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 were intentionally crashed in the north and south towers. Of those who perished during the initial attacks and the subsequent collapses of the towers, 343 were New York City firefighters, another 23 were New York City police officers and 37 others were officers of the Port Authority, again from many different backgrounds. The victims ranged in age from two to 85 years. Approximately 75-80 percent of the victims were men. At the Pentagon in Washington, 184 people were killed when hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building. Near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, 40 passengers and crew members aboard United Airlines Flight 93 died when the plane crashed into a field. It is known that the hijackers crashed the plane in that location, rather than their unknown target, after the passengers and crew attempted to retake control of the flight deck. As of September 2015 A.D., 1,640 of 2,753 WTC victims’ remains have been positively identified.
On October 2001, the United States Congress passed a joint resolution designating that every September 11th be observed as “Patriot Day.” The resolution requests that U.S. government entities and interested organizations and individuals display the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day and that the people of the United States observe a moment of silence in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In 2009, a presidential proclamation declared that Patriot Day is also a “National Day of Service.” The proclamation calls on Americans to “participate in community service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe this day with other ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services … to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.”
The angels come at the time of the Divine Liturgy to fill the Cathedral to celebrate with the priest. The Angels actually perform the Liturgy with him. In the procession the Gospel is preceded by altar servers carrying candles representing the angels. John Chrysostom reports an incident with a priest who witnessed a large number of angels clothed in bright robes luminous like the sun. He said he was carried up to the altar offering their help, bowing their head in great respect, and then surrounded the Holy Table. At times they stood in silence and others chanted liturgical hymns along with the chanters uplifting their melody. (Gregory Hiermonk, The Divine Liturgy Commentary, p178)
ASK FATHER A QUESTION? Father, why do we exalt the Holy Cross on September 14? Don’t we have Exaltation of the Cross on Easter? Why do we put roses on the cross and what do they symbolize? All the Saints and Instruments of Salvation and God’s Creation are remembered in the calendar of the martyrs. The church venerates the cross in honor of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross conquering sin and death and offering salvation to all men. If you are curious why September 14, THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE was consecrated on September 13, 335 A.D. This church was built on the place where Christ was crucified on the cross. The Synaxis of the Consecration of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was September 14 and the tradition of the Church followed in venerating the Holy Cross on this date. Roses are generally used, but it can be any red flower, because Christ poured out his blood to atone for our sins. Roses are preferred if feasible, because it is viewed as the most pure and pleasant fragrant flower. Nearly every miracle testified by the Church and Saints, the people tell of smelling roses. The flowers around the Cross represent the apostles who died witnessing Jesus, this is why you will find eleven flowers around the cross to represent the faithful apostles and that none where lost except the one destined to be lost
Iconography of Archangels and Angels in Orthodox Christianity
Within the Church tradition, the vivid representation of archangels and angels speaks volumes about their venerated status. Their depictions serve multiple purposes, and it’s fascinating how these images are woven intricately into the fabric of my faith. Firstly, icons act as portals, bridging the gap between the divine and the earthly realms. When I stand before an icon, the belief is that I’m in the presence of the entity it represents. The striking images of archangels, often clad in elaborate warrior garb or bearing symbols of their roles, don’t just adorn the walls of the churches for aesthetic reasons. They are there to remind worshippers of the ever-present protection and guidance these celestial beings provide. The iconography does more than just depict their likeness; it makes the angel present and also teaches. For instance, Archangel Michael is frequently illustrated stepping on a defeated serpent, a powerful show of his role as a protector against Satan. Archangel Gabriel, famously depicted announcing the birth of Christ to the Virgin Mary, carries the lily or the trumpet, signifying purity and the divine message. As we delve deeper into the iconography, we learn that colors, symbols, and postures are not randomly chosen. They’re steeped in theology. The use of gold, for example, isn’t just to exhibit wealth or beauty; gold leaf in icons signifies the uncreated light of God, setting a background in which the angels stand as beings of light.
Here are some key elements in angelic iconography:
- Halos: Signifying sacredness and divine light of Christ radiating out.
- Wings: Representing swift obedience and the ability to traverse the heavenly and earthly domains.
- Specific colors: Each carries a meaning; blue for the heavenly, red for divine life, and green for earth and rest.
Understanding these symbols enriches my engagement with the icons, as each visit to a church becomes a nuanced lesson in theology and the sacred mysteries that envelop these heavenly messengers. Indubitably, the iconography of archangels and angels isn’t just about veneration; it’s also about edification and connection. In silent contemplation before these holy images, there is a sense of being part of a grander narrative, one that transcends the present and connects me with the divine.
Honoring Archangels and Angels in Orthodox Worship
In the Church, honoring archangels and angels during worship is a deeply ingrained tradition. Icons are integral in these practices, often strategically placed within the church and used during specific liturgical services to facilitate veneration.
The liturgy of the Church is abundant with references and prayers directed to archangels and angels. During the Divine Liturgy, the presence of angels is invoked, acknowledging their unceasing worship of God and beseeching their intercession. Hymns such as the Cherubic Hymn are sung, uniting the church’s congregants with the hosts of angels.
- The Great Doxology includes praises sung directly to angelic beings
- Feast days dedicated to archangels, particularly the Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and All Angels, intensify this veneration
www.orthodoxchristianity101.com
The Altar Candles are requested by David Youells IMO Mary Ann Youells for the month of September.
The is no request for the Sanctuary Light this week.
WOMEN’S SOCIETY RUMMAGE SALE: The Women’s Society is holding a Rummage Sale (soup and baked goods will also be sold) October 2nd and 3rd at the church hall. A Basket Raffle for Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine will also be held. Help is needed to assure this fundraiser is successful. Here are some ways you can help.
– donate gently used household items
– make a basket for the raffle
– bake goods are needed on the two days of the sale
– come and support the sale!!
ALTAR CANDLES & SANCTUARY LIGHT: There are many weeks available for sanctuary lights and months for the altar candles. The lists are in the back of the church. They are a special way to remember our dearly departed loved ones or for special intentions.
“PASTIE SALE. Saints Peter & Paul, Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, North Wilkes-Barre is taking orders for Pasties for pick-up on Saturday, September 26th, 2026. Our Pasties are made with seasoned ground beef and potatoes wrapped in a pie crust pastry and are available with or without onions. Pasties are $9.00 each and Gravy is available for $1.00 for an 8 oz. cup. Call (570) 829-3051 to place your order. (Please specify with or without onions.) Pick-up from 2:00 to 4:00pm in our School Hall, corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, Wilkes-Barre. Remember, when Baba cooks… everybody’s happy!”
LONGBRANCH, NJ: Father will be on retreat from September 28- October 1.
MOVIE: As fall looms ahead and the days get shorter & cooler…… WHY not have another movie afternoon at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church? The date is yet to be determined- the movie A SECRET. No flying monkeys though!
The Sign of the Cross
In exploring why we make the sign of the cross in the Church, it’s crucial to dive into the rich layers of it’s meaning. The gesture is not merely a religious routine but a silent proclamation of faith deeply embedded with meaning.
For starters, the cross itself is paramount in Christian belief, representing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the salvation of mankind. By marking ourselves with the cross, we are aligning with Christ’s suffering and resurrection. It’s a physical manifestation of our acceptance of His gift of eternal life.
The motion of the sign is significant too. When I touch my forehead, then my chest, followed by my shoulders, it’s a reminder of the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This act reinforces the core Christian doctrine every time it’s performed.
Additionally, the four points touched during the sign symbolize the universal love of God:
- Forehead: I call to mind God’s blessing
- Chest: I invite the truth of Christ into my heart
- Right shoulder: I acknowledge His strength and justice
- Left shoulder: I embrace His mercy and compassion
I also can’t ignore the protective aspect of the sign. For centuries, the Church have been marking themselves with the cross to ward off evil and to seek divine protection in their daily lives. It serves as a shield, an ever-present reminder that God is with us.
Furthermore, the physical act of bowing as we make the sign serves as a gesture of humility and worship, It is acknowledging our smallness in the face of the divine. By physically lowering ourselves, we elevate God’s status in our lives.
The sign of the cross in the Church is indeed a silent yet profound declaration of what we stand for. It’s an embodiment of doctrine, worship, and supplication that unites us in a common identity. Every time I make the sign, it’s a reaffirmation of my commitment to follow Christ’s teachings and to lead a life reflective of His love and sacrifice.
The Gesture of the Sign of the Cross
When delving into the depths of the Church, there is a profound significance behind the routine gestures, particularly the sign of the cross. It’s more than just a physical movement; it’s a powerful prayer, a consecration of the body and spirit.
To create the sign, place your thumb, index, and middle fingers together, reminding you of the Holy Trinity – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Place your remaining two fingers down to the palm, representing the dual nature of Christ as both God and man. This configuration teaches volumes without speaking a word.
Then, touch your forehead and move to the abdomen, the right shoulder followed by the left shoulder. This motion not only conveys reverence but also engraves the Truth onto yourself. Each point touched during the sign echoes a pillar of faith – the head for belief, the stomach for spiritual nourishment, and the shoulders for strength to bear the yoke of Christ. The priest offers you the cross, and following his hand, we willfully take the cross upon ourselves.
