Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church of Middletown, N.Y.

"Why is it that much is said and written about the sufferings of holy men and holy women? Because the saints alone are considered victors. Can anyone be a victo...r without conflict, pain and suffering? In ordinary earthly combat, no one can be considered victorious or heroic who has not been in combat, endured much or suffered greatly. The more so in spiritual combat, where the truth is known, and where self-boasting not only does not help at all but, indeed, hinders it. He who does not engage in combat for the sake of Christ, either with the world, with the devil or with one's self, how can he be counted among the soldiers of Christ? How then is it with Christ's fellow victors? St. Mary spoke about her savage spiritual combat to Elder Zosimas: "For the first seventeen years in this wilderness, I struggled with my deranged lusts as though with fierce beasts. I desired to eat meat and fish, which I had in abundance in Egypt. I also desired to drink wine, and here I did not have even water to drink. I desired to hear lustful songs. I cried and beat my breast. I prayed to the All-pure Mother of God to banish such thoughts from me. When I had sufficiently wept and beat my breast, it was then that I saw a light encompassing me on all sides, and a certain miraculous peace filled me."" From "Prologue of Ohrid" on 1st April according to Traditional Ecclesial Calendar written by St Bishop Nikolaj (Velimirovic) of Ohrid and Zica

Of all the hymns and prayers during Lent, the prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian can be considered the best known. Let's read it as often as we can and have a blessed Lent!

Wednesday 9th December 2020 Today we celebrate the Conception by St. Anna of the Most Holy Theotokos /

Arrow Prayers Short prayers used in personal devotion Many Church Fathers taught the use of the "arrow prayer", deliberately short prayers for personal devotion... that were easily remembered, and could communicate one's love for God, while seeking His help. They were like arrows being shot into the air, wholeheartedly demonstrating our sincerity in asking God's help. One of my personal favorites is an arrow prayer attributed to Saint Gregory Palamas. "Lord enlighten my darkness, Lord enlighten my darkness, Lord enlighten my darkness....." This is the perfect prayer when seeking God's help in keeping His commandments, and doing battle with habitual sins. By this prayer we are asking that grace abound and transformation take place. It is a prayerful plea for God's mercy, and that He makes us holy by coming quickly to our aid. It is the perfect prayer to utter at the very moment we are receiving the Holy Mysteries of Christ's Body and Blood, the hot coals that burn within and bring about healing of body and soul, and illumine our heart. It is a prayer in which we confess before God that we are living in a state of darkness, and asking Him to dispel all that darkness which keeps us from attaining holiness, and communing with Him. There is no need at all to make long discourses; it is enough to stretch out one’s hands and say, Lord, as you will, and as you know, have mercy. And if the conflict grows fiercer say, Lord, help! He knows very well what we need and he shows us his mercy (Saint Macarius the Great)." Love in Christ, Abbot Tryphon

Let us prepare ourselves for the coming of our Lord. O, brethren, what is required of us in order that we might avail ourselves of all the grace brought unto u...s from on high, by the coming to earth of the Son of God? What is necessary, first of all, is faith in the Son of God, in the Gospel as the salvation-bestowing heavenly teaching; a true repentance of sins and the correction of life and of heart; communion in prayer and in the mysteries [sacraments]; the knowledge and fulfillment of Christ’s commandments. Also necessary are the virtues: Christian humility, alms-giving, continence, purity and chastity, simplicity and goodness of heart. Let us, then, O brothers and sisters, bring these virtues as a gift to the One Who was born for the sake of our salvation let us bring them in place of the gold, frankincense and myrrh which the Magi brought Him, as to One Who is King, God, and Man, come to die for us. This, from us, shall be the most-pleasing form of sacrifice to Jesus Christ. St. John of Kronstadt

Yummy!!! https://fb.me/e/1A3rPlZPM

Thank you, Nicholas!

Prayer is powerful! Dina thanks everyone for their prayers. Vinny and Tina are now fine! Glory to God!Prayer is powerful! Dina thanks everyone for their prayers. Vinny and Tina are now fine! Glory to God!

Our prayers are with all those affected by the earthquake that struck both Greece & Turkey, especially Samos and Izmir. Natural disasters remind us that we're a...ll human beings, and the suffering of one is the suffering of us all. May God grant mercy, comfort, and relief to all. - . , . , . Dualarmz depremden zarar gören Türkiye ve Yunanistan, özellikle Samos ve zmir halklaryla birliktedir. Bu gibi afetler insanlmz hatrlatyor ve ortak acmz paylamamza sebep oluyor. Yüce Allah herkese merhamet ,teselli ve huzur balasn.

Unfortunately, the Vasilopita will not be available. The convent is not baking this year due to the virus situation. It was a last minute change. If you have ordered, please see Despina or Stephania for a refund.

Almost here! Call the church to place an order or stop by!

Thank you to Fr. Iakovos , Joseph Fitzpatrick, William Soule and Milan Zacorcic for all the work on the church "Bump-Out"! Glory to God!

On October 28, 1940, the Greek People said Yes to freedom, to conscience, and justice, even as they roared (NO) to the forces of fascism and tyranny. Le...t us honor their sacrifice with our prayers for their eternal memory and always courageously defend Democracy. 28/10/1940 "" "" . .

Stay humble. #WednesdayWisdom

Another St. Demetrius........

Little known Martyrs.....Memory Eternal

Today we celebrate St Demetrios the Myrrh-streamer. He was arrested and martyred under the rule of Maximan when it was discovered that he was a Christian; and this great saint’s relics continue to stream fragrant myrrh. St Demetrios, pray for us!

Let the children come to Church, even if they slept there, even if they played and ate, even if they came late, even if they talked and made noise... It is enou...gh that they chose the Church rather than going anywhere else! They shook off sleep and came to Church. They left their play and came to Church. Today they play and joke, tomorrow they will pray and chant, and after tomorrow they will serve, and afterwards they will become leaders in the church. Who amongst us didn’t behave like them when he was their age? Do not reproach a child or dismiss him. Whatever he does, do not reject his commitment to the Church. Be kind to them, be nice to them, and teach them with patience, compassion and wisdom. Smile to them. Give them gifts. Hug them kindly. Encourage them and make them feel how we rejoice that they are present with us. Today they connect emotionally with the Church, tomorrow they will connect spiritually. Of all that we have, children are the most precious. Our Lord Jesus Christ blessed children, hugged them, and had them stand in the midst, in front of everyone, to show that they should get the most attention and care. Anba Macarius General bishop of Al Menia and Abu Koras

Liturgy for St. Demetrios Monday, Oct. 26, 9:30 a.m.Liturgy for St. Demetrios Monday, Oct. 26, 9:30 a.m.