Flocknote

Bulletin of Sunday, September 13, 2026
Sunday Before the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Preparation of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Dedication of the Basilica of the Resurrection

Dedication of the Basilica of the Resurrection of Christ Our God in Jerusalem; Preparation of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross; commemoration of the Holy-Hieromartyr Cornelius the Centurion.
The Basilica of the Holy Resurrection in Jerusalem was built by Constantine in 325, in thanksgiving for the religious peace which followed the Council of Nicea and the bitter struggles brought about by the Arian heresy. The See of Jerusalem was then held by Bishop Macarius. The Basilica of the Resurrection contained five naves, divided by four rows of columns. It resembled originally another church of about the same period, that of Bethlehem which still stands. The tomb of Christ was enshrined in the Basilica of the Resurrection beneath a huge dome. The date of September 13 had been chosen to counteract a pagan celebration in honor of the dedication of the temple of Jupiter on the Capital in Rome, which fell on the same date.
The Byzantine Church seems to commemorate two distinct saints named Cornelius: the centurion of the "Italian" cohort who was ordered by an angel to go to Peter in the town of Joppa to be instructed in the ways of the Lord. He was the first convert from paganism (Acts. 10:1-48). The other is Cornelius, Pope of Rome, martyred in the year 253, after he had transferred the relics of SS. Peter and Paul from the Catacombs to their place of martyrdom.

Scripture Memory

“Every house is founded by someone, but the founder of all is God” (Hebrews 3:4).

“Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:14-15).

We celebrate Sunday’s Divine Liturgy for

The repose of the souls of:

Alaa Abdulnour (September 7, 2026).

One Week Memorial.

Fr. Alam Alam (August 16, 2026)
Alan Perkins (September 2026)
Adele Qsar (September 2, 2026)
Diana Strauss (August 27, 2026)
Elian Ewis (August 23, 2026)
Jihad Elsheini (August 22, 2026)
Dorothy Rose (Augst 6, 2026)
Alice Georges Estephan (July 31, 2026)
Ralph Walker (July 20, 2026)
Ikbal (Koki) Choueiri (October 11, 2024)
Danny Lutfi (September 25, 2024)
Samir Finan (September 9, 2023)
Alice Kattan (September 14, 2021)
Nael Ayoub Khoury

(September 13, 1992)

The health, safety & blessings of:
Fr. Alexei Woltornist

Deacon John Fleshman
Salima Boulos
Dee Ketner
Tom Langan
Ken Lewis

For all the volunteers who support Holy Cross Church
For peace in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Sudan, Iraq, and all the troubled regions around the world
For vocations to the priesthood, monastic life, and lay parish ministries

Sunday Readings

September 13, 2026

Hebrews 3:1-6
John 3:13-17

Income

Thank you for your ongoing generous donations:

Sunday, September 6, 2026
Sunday Contribution/Operations: $3,819

Building Fund: $108.10

Total August Operations/Sunday Contributions Income:

$17,388

Expenses

August 2026
Church: $20,021.68
Rectory: $1,333.28

Total August Expenses: $21,354.96

Total: - $3,966.96

You can sign up online at

giving.parishsoft.com/giving/FD-1088

For Donor Support contact ParishSOFT

donorsupport@parishsoft.com or call #866-930-4774 option 6

You can also Donate with PayPal

PayPal.Me/holycrossmelkite

We are grateful for your generous support as we continue to build a healthy spiritual future for you, your family, and our Church community.

Saint Peter reminds us: “As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10).

THE DIVINE LITURGY

Sunday

11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy

THE HOLY MYSTERIES

MYSTERIES OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION:

The three Mysteries of Baptism, Chrismation and Holy Eucharist are always celebrated together in one ceremony. One month notice is required and one baptismal preparation meeting is required with the priest.

MYSTERY OF HOLY CROWNING:

Six month notice, an initial meeting with the priest, marriage preparation sessions, and a wedding license are required.

You must be an active member of the parish.

MYSTERY OF HOLY CONFESSION:

By Appointment

MYSTERY OF HOLY ANOINTING:

Available for anyone who is ill.

PLEASE NOTE: There is no charge for the celebration of the Sacramental Mysteries, however, it is appropriate to offer a gift of thanksgiving.

We suggest an offering of $200 for Baptisms; $500 for Weddings; $400 for Funerals; and $200 for a Memorial Service

Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church

451 West Madison Avenue, Placentia, CA 92870-4537

Telephone: (714) 985-1710