St. Mary of Egypt
ORTHODOX CHURCH
Parish News
September 13, 2026
Forefeast of the Holy Cross
TO OUR VISITORS
Welcome! We hope your time with us is healing and worshipful. Please note that, although we have much respect for other Christian traditions, Holy Communion is reserved for properly prepared members of the Orthodox Church. Everyone is invited to partake of the blessed bread after the conclusion of the Liturgy. May God’s blessing be upon you!
Hymns in Today’s Liturgy
Resurrectional Apolytikion (Tone 6)
Angelic Powers were above Thy tomb, and they that guarded Thee became as dead. And Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine immaculate Body. Thou hast despoiled Hades and wast not tried thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst grant us life. O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory be to Thee.
Apolytikion of the Forefeast of the Holy Cross (Tone 2)
We offer thee in mediation the life-giving Cross which, of Thy goodness, Thou hast given unto us, the unworthy, O Lord. Save Thy hierarchs and Thy flock, and grant Thou peace through the Theotokos, O only Lover of mankind.
Apolytikion of Holy Resurrection Church (Tone 4)
Thou hast revealed the earthly majesty of the dwelling place of the holy glory, O Lord, as the brilliance of the firmament on high. Make firm its foundation unto ages of ages and receive our fervent supplications which are offered to thee therein; through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Life and Resurrection of all.
Apolytikion of St. Mary of Egypt (Tone 8)
Through thee, the divine likeness was securely preserved, O mother Mary; for thou didst carry the cross and follow Christ. By example and precept, thou didst teach us to ignore the body because it is perishable and to attend to the concerns of the undying soul, Therefore, doth thy soul rejoice with the angels.
Kontakion of Holy Resurrection Church (Tone 4)
The Church is shown to be a many-lighted heaven that doth shine a guiding light upon all them that do believe; wherein while standing, we cry aloud: Do Thou Thyself now establish this house, O Lord.
THE EPISTLE
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 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.
THE GOSPEL
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 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.”
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UPCOMING AT ST MARY OF EGYPT
Saturday
Indy Serb Fest 12:00 @ St. Nicholas
Sunday
Setup 08:30 @ Friedens
Orthos & Divine Liturgy 09:00 @ Friedens
Fellowship 11:15 @ Friedens
Christian Education 11:45 @ Friedens
Takedown 12:45 @ Friedens
Tuesday
Columbus Orthodox Fellowship 18:00 @ Columbus, IN
Young Adult Indy Eleven Game 19:00 @ Carroll Stadium
Catechesis / Adult Education 19:00 @ Scotts'
Wednesday
Ladies' Book Study 18:30 @ Heermanns'
Book Study 19:00 @ Google Meet
Friday
Middle Eastern Festival 17:00 @ St. George, Fishers
Saturday
Indiana State Yo-Yo Contest 09:00 @ Irving Theater
Middle Eastern Festival 12:00 @ St. George, Fishers
Men of St. Mary 17:00 @ St. George, Fishers
Sunday
Setup 08:30 @ Friedens
Orthos & Divine Liturgy 09:00 @ Friedens
Fellowship 11:15 @ Friedens
Parish Council 11:30 @ Friedens
Christian Education 11:45 @ Friedens
Takedown 12:45 @ Friedens
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On the Road: We are now meeting on Sundays in Hayden Hall at:
Friedens United Church of Christ
8300 S Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46217
///fluent.cheaply.scrawl
for Orthros and Divine Liturgy at our normally scheduled time of 09:00. Please arrive at 08:30 to help set up.
Our mailing address is:
St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church
480 N Town Center Rd PMB 210
Mooresville, IN 46158-1379
Storage Room: The storage room at Friedens that we share with them and the other groups that meet there has been reorganized. When putting things away on Sundays, we need to ensure that all our items are within our area designated by the blue tape on the floor.
Young Adults: Register here by Sunday evening to let James know you're going to the Indy Eleven game Tuesday night, 2026‑09‑15 18:30–22:00. The event is open to young adults 18–35 regardless of marital status. This will be an excellent opportunity to meet other area Orthodox young adults so, please, make every effort to attend.
Congratulations!: Congratulations to Michael & Caitlin Frank on the birth of their son Anthony in Austin 2026‑09‑06 05:55.
Parish T-shirts: If you don't already have an official St. Mary of Egypt parish t-shirt, now's the time to get one for only $20. These shirts are great to wear to parish events, to other parishes' festivals, or just about anywhere! They're available in sizes from S to 3XL, so please let Barry know how many you want.
VanScoy-Hill Wedding: Their wedding registry may be found here on Amazon. They're also hoping for contributions towards purchasing The Orthodox Study Bible Companion.
Profile Photos and Information: Please be sure to upload a current photo and check your information in Realm to be sure that it's correct; if it's not and you need assistance updating it, please contact Fr. Peter.
Giving: Giving in Realm has now been implemented. There are presently three ways to give via Realm:
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Log into Realm and select “Giving”
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Visit https://onrealm.org/StMaryEgyptOrth/Give in your browser
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Text STMARYINDY to 73256, followed by your gift amount, to give online through text.*.
At present, we have 1 person who has received Realm invitations who has yet to respond. If you have not yet received a Realm invitation or have misplaced yours, please contact Fr. Peter. If you need help signing in or have general questions, please contact Jason.
**Standard text message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Text HELP to 73256 for help. Text STOP to 73256 to cancel.
Building Program: We have signed an agreement with Northpointe Engineering & Surveying for $34,000 to obtain easements for sewage, water, stormwater drainage, and road expansion. More updates will be issued as work progresses.
Fellowship Hour: This week, group B (led by Bobbi Cornelius) will oversee Fellowship Hour; next week, group C (led by Amal Hanania) will oversee Fellowship Hour.
We need more volunteers to help with Fellowship Hour! If you are not currently in a provider group and would like to join, please contact Amal. If you’d like to bring something one Sunday, please feel free!
Please also remember that, as guests of Friedens UCC, we do not currently have the use of a kitchen so everything we bring in must be taken out when we leave. We must also be finished in plenty of time to clean up and take down so that we are out of the building by 13:00 sharp.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Meal Train: Tom Heermann fell a few weeks ago and has needed multiple surgeries to repair his broken shoulder, humerus, and finger. Connie and Dylan need help with meals as she ensure he's being properly cared for while he recovers. Please sign up here to schedule a day to help feed them.
Canned Food: We are continuing to collect low salt and low sugar canned goods for Johnson County Senior Services. At this time, they are also in need of instant potatoes, spaghetti sauce, cereal (all kinds), soup beans (like pinto and navy), and boxes of mac and cheese. Please contact Kathy Herkamp for more information.
Hair Styling: Morgan Beaven is a professional hair stylist who is willing to offer a discount for her services, especially to our senior ladies who have trouble getting out and about. Please contact Morgan for more information.
Benevolence: In these increasingly tough economic times, we are constantly being approached by those in and around the community asking for financial help. If you would like to donate towards this cause, please contact Amal.
DATES TO REMEMBER
12 Sep Indy Serb Fest St. Nicholas
15 Sep Young Adult Indy Eleven Game IU Indianapolis
17–19 Sep OCAMPR Conference Mundelein, IL
18–20 Sep Middle Eastern Festival St. George, Fishers
19 Sep Indiana State Yo-Yo Contest Irving Theater
19 Sep Baby Shower for Micaiah Ponder Greenwood, IN
26 Sep The Journey of Marriage Ss. Constantine & Elena
Ladies' Lunch & Pottery Greenwood, IN
28 Sep IPA Meeting St. Stephen
2–4 Oct Connect Conference Mundelein, IL
8–11 Oct Centennial Celebration
10 Oct Emmaus Retreat Martinsville, IN
20–23 Oct Midwest Clergy Synaxis Brown County State Park
22–25 Oct Youth & Young Adult Ministry Summit Antiochian Village
24 Oct VanScoy-Hill Wedding Holy Trinity
6–7 Nov Doxacon Prime 2026 Washington, DC
6–8 Nov Midwest Basketball Tournament Canton, OH
6–8 Nov Orthodox Christian Laity Conference Washington, DC
7 Nov Men's Retreat St. George, Fishers
12–15 Nov Ancient Faith Women's Retreat Antiochian Village
4–5 Dec Christmas Market Joy of All Who Sorrow
2027
25–28 Feb Ancient Faith Singles' Retreat (30+) Antiochian Village
19–25 Jul 2027 Archdiocesan Convention Riverside, CA
PARISH PRAYER REQUESTS
Living: Metr. Nicholas, Archpriest Athanasius, Archpriest James, Archpriest Petar, Archpriest Philip, Archpriest Zachariah, Dcn. Lucian, Sdn. Alexander, Aaron (09‑13), Aaron (09‑29), Abraham, Alexander, Amira, Anastasia & child (02‑19), Anna Sophia (09‑28), Anthony (10‑15), Aubrey (09‑13), Brian (11‑01), Caitlin (10‑15), Cecilia (09‑28), Christian (10‑04), Christina & child (11‑01), Elen, Elena, Evgueni, Ezra (09‑26), Hannah (10‑15), Hannah, Ioanna, Jay (10‑18), Jennifer (10‑05), Judy, Kelly, Landon (10‑09), Lee, Lynn, Lynn, Micaiah & child (12‑24), Michael (10‑24), Mike (10‑24), Morgan & child (12‑15), Nathan, Nikolai, Paisley (10‑15), Renee (09‑13), Stacy (10‑24), Tom (10‑20)
Departed: Priest Jerome (10‑14), Tanya (09‑14), Carl (09‑15), Jane (10‑08), Don (10‑10), Adele (10‑18)
Please, notify Fr. Peter of any new prayer requests by Wednesday for inclusion in the bulletin.
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SYNAXARION
On 13 September, in the Holy Orthodox Church, we celebrate the Forefeast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross and commemorate the Consecration of the Church of the Holy Resurrection of Christ our God.
New Israel, fulfilling a law that is ancient,
Doth honor thy tomb, O Word, with this consecration.
On the thirteenth befell the consecration of the Resurrection’s fane.
Holy Resurrection in Jerusalem is honored above all others. Constantine the Great constructed it at the place of Golgotha, where our Savior was crucified and buried, then arose. For a long time this place had been purposely buried beneath the earth by the Jews and heathen; furthermore, during the reign of Hadrian (117–138), a temple dedicated to Aphrodite was built over the site so that this sacred place might be even further desecrated and fall into utter oblivion. It was here that the Cross was hidden. However, at the command of the pious Emperor Constantine, excavations were made and the tokens of the saving Passion were found. It was here, then, that the very great and magnificent temple named in honor of Christ God’s Resurrection was built under the supervision of the blessed Helen, while Macarius was Archbishop of Jerusalem. Macarius elevated the venerable Cross and consecrated this temple in the year 336.
On this day, we also commemorate the Hieromartyr Cornelius the centurion; and Venerable Hierotheos the Younger of Iviron monastery on Athos. By the intercessions of Thy Saints, O Christ God, have mercy on us. Amen.