Sunday, May 12, 2019
Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women, Pious Joseph of Arimathea and Righteous Nicodemus
Today’s Hymns and Readings
After “Blessed is the Kingdom…”, “Christ is risen…” (3 times) and the Paschal Stichera
During the Little Entrance, “Christ is risen…”
Entrance Hymn – In the gathering places bless ye God the Lord from the springs of Israel. O Son of God, who art risen from the dead, save us, who sing unto Thee. Alleluia!
Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 2
When thou, O immortal Life, didst humble thyself unto death, then didst thou destroy death by the brightness of thy Godhead; and when thou didst raise the bowels of the earth, then all the heavenly powers exclaimed, O Christ, thou art the Giver of life! Glory to thee, O our God!
Apolytikion of the Pious Joseph and the Myrrh Bearing Women – Tone 2
The pious Joseph, having brought down thy pure body from the Tree, wrapped it in fine linen, embalmed it with ointment, provided for it, and laid it in a new tomb. But thou didst rise, after three days, O Lord, granting the world the Great Mercy.
Apolytikion of the Myrrh Bearing Women – Tone 2
Verily, the angel came to the tomb and said to the ointment-bearing women, The ointment is meet for the dead, but Christ is shown to be remote from corruption. But cry ye, the Lord is risen, granting the world the Great Mercy.
Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4
Thy nativity, O Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to the whole universe. For from thee did shine forth the Sun of justice, Christ our God, annulling the curse, and bestowing the blessing, abolishing death and granting us life everlasting.
Kontakion of Holy Pascha – Tone 8
Though thou, O deathless One, didst descend into the grave, thou didst destroy the power of hell and, as Victor, thou didst rise again, O Christ our God. Thou didst greet the ointment bearing women, saying, rejoice! Thou didst bestow peace upon thy Disciples, and resurrection upon those that are fallen.
Epistle – Acts of the Apostles 6:1-7 (Myrrh-Bearing Women)
Prokeimenon. Psalm 117.14, 18. The Lord is my strength and my son.
Verse. The Lord has chastened me sorely.
IN THOSE DAYS, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochoros, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaos, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them.
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Gospel – Mark 15:43-16:8 (Myrrh-Bearing Women)
AT THAT TIME, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. And Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether Jesus was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. And he bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud, and laid him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.
And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back – it was very large.
And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
Next week’s homework: Acts 9:32-42 (Sunday of the Paralytic)
John 5:1-15 (Sunday of the Paralytic)
MAY 12, 2019 – THIRD SUNDAY OF PASCHA: SUNDAY OF THE MYRRH-BEARING WOMEN, PIOUS JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA, AND RIGHTEOUS NICODEMUS
We are pleased to welcome you to worship with us today. Please note that only Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves with prayer, fasting and a recent confession may approach to receive Holy Communion. Everyone is welcome to receive the blessing and partake of the blessed bread at the dismissal. Please introduce yourself to our pastor during the coffee hour and ask him about membership in the Orthodox Church.
Mission Statement - The mission of St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church of Brooklyn, NY, is to love and worship God through participation in the liturgical life of the Church, and to live and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We carry out this mission through education, outreach, fellowship, and works of mercy with love for each other, our neighbors, and our diverse world.
CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN!
TODAY, SUNDAY, MAY 12 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Anita, George, Matilda, Nicholas and Yvonne Alwon, Asma Araman, Julia Awad, Michael Davis, Albert Farrah, Hadbo and Nadra Haddad, Murad Kaity, Ibrahim Laham, Liza Mashnouh, Wadea Massab, Yvonne Najjar, Toufic Nehme, Richard Sahadi, Samuel Samman, Nicholas, Peter and Rose Smatt, Ratiba Sukkarieh, Donald Texeira, and Careemy and George Zaher. Memory eternal!
Josette and John Generale sponsor today’s Coffee Hour in memory of her parents, Nadra and Habdo Haddad. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 19 - Albert Abdelnoor, George Alsifi, George Awad, William Eyd, Naseeba Farkouh, Joseph Figuccio, Lorraine and Rose Ghiz, Kate Haddad, James Vernon Harris, Abraham Karkenny, Margaret Kassatly, Freida Khoury, Valerie Konecny, Brain Mackoul, Victor Saadi, George and Marie Saab, Spiro Sarkees, and Gloria Shawah. Memory eternal!
TODAY’S USHERS – Members of the Parish Council will serve as ushers and readers. Please allow the Church School students, teacher and volunteers to receive Holy Communion first so that classes can begin in a timely fashion. The ushers will assist us in proceeding row by row so that we can distribute Holy Communion “decently and in order.”
HOLY BREAD – Sonia Abou Naoum offers the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of May in loving memory of her mother, Yvonne Sahadi, and her sister, Siham Damalts. Memory eternal! Donors are welcome for June and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week. Linda and George Salamy have also made an offering through the end of the year. Many years!
FOR THE INFIRM – Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Charlie Bryant, Albert Castley (FL), Nadim Dahdouh, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Susan Hadad, Louise Hamwi, Rayanne (Haddad) Harney, Malak Karkenny, George Khoury, Jr., Victor Khoury, Loulou Malouf, Alfred Nahas, Elena Paris, Louis Savarese, Leon Smatt, Bill Soued, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), Marianne Trabulsi (PA), and Rose Zrake (at home). If a member of your family is in the hospital or recuperating at home, please call the church office and let us know as soon as possible.
PARISH COUNCIL – The Parish Council will meet tomorrow, May 13, at 7:30 PM.
SPECIAL MOVIE PRESENTATION - "Parallel Love: The Story of a Band Called Luxury" follows the path of Luxury, a band who, on the cusp of success suffered a devastating wreck. In the intervening years, they continue to make records and three members of the band become Eastern Orthodox priests. Through interviews and archival footage, "Parallel Love" tells the gripping and poignant story of Luxury and documents the making of a new record, now as priests. See it at The Roxy Theater in Tribeca from May 15-19.
ORTHODOXY ON TAP – Archbishop MICHAEL (Dahulich) of the OCA Diocese of New York and New Jersey will be the guest speaker on Thursday, May 16 at 7:00 PM at Pier A, 22 Battery Place in Manhattan.
MIDNIGHT RUN – The next Midnight Run will be this Friday, May 17. Please see Deacon Farid Farkouh or Andrea Zrake if you are available to participate. Please see the flyer in this bulletin for the spring items which would be helpful for distribution to the homeless at this time of the year.
FESTIVAL ORIENTATION MEETING – We are coming down the home stretch. We will be meeting for Great Vespers at 5:00 PM on Saturday, May 18, for prayer. Immediately following vespers, we will meet around 6:00 PM to go over logistics, duties/tasks, food prep and serving protocol. Whoever is volunteering should attend the meeting. We will hand out a festival t-shirt and hat at this meeting. Anyone available on Friday, May 17, and/or earlier in the day on Saturday, May 18, to help with set up and other related tasks, please email Chris Athineos at cathineos@aol.com, or call him at (347) 675-3655, and let him know the times you are available. We will need all hands on deck for set up on Sunday morning, May 19, as well as break down later in the evening. We appreciate all of your help, and a most special thanks to all of the ladies who have helped in cooking, prep, shopping, etc., for this festival. We could not do this without you!
HOME BLESSINGS – Several parishioners have requested spring time blessings of their homes. Please feel free to call the church office for an appointment between now and the Feast of the Ascension (June 6).
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church.
FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – Please remember to return your FFHP boxes as soon as possible. If writing a check, please make it payable to St. Mary’s Church earmarked “FFHP.”
ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE – It’s time to sign up for Summer Camp at the Antiochian Village. Please do not delay as some sessions have already filled. Scholarship assistance is available. Please see Fr. Michael. Go to www.avcamp.org asap!
ANTIOCHIAN WOMEN’S SCHOLARSHIP – Scholarships are available to women 26 years of age or older who are continuing their education in order to improve their circumstances and those of their families. Women must meet certain other requirements. See Fr. Michael, or go to www.antiochian.org/scholarships for applications and more information, or contact Laila Ferris, Grant Coordinator, at (915) 565-1088 or lferris130@yahoo.com. Application deadline is June 1, 2019
SHAGOURY SCHOLARSHIP – The Edith Shagoury Scholarship Fund offers awards for the coming academic year to undergraduate and graduate students from St. Mary’s Church. The qualifications for these awards are parish participation, scholarship and financial need. The number and amounts of the scholarship vary depending on the return on the fund’s investment. Please see Marian Russo or Dr. Alice Farkouh for more information.
FRANCIS MARIA SCHOLARSHIP – The Antiochian Archdiocese awards several scholarships of $2,500 each to students attending an accredited 4-year college. Applications must be postmarked by May 15, 2019. For more information and other scholarships offered by the Archdiocese, go to www.antiochian.org/scholarships.
ARCHDIOCESE CONVENTION – St. Nicholas Church of Grand Rapids, MI, will host the 54th Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese Convention from July 21-28. Event registration forms are available at the mahrida, or register online at www.ac2019gr.org.
EASTERN DIOCESES PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE – St. John Chrysostom Church of York, PA, will host this year’s Parish Life Conference at the beautiful Antiochian Village Conference and Retreat Center in Ligonier, PA, from June 26-June 30. Information and registration are now open on-line at www.antiochianevents.com. Please register and make room reservations now in order to secure a place at the conference center itself.
EMAIL ADDRESSES – Please use the welcome card in the pew book racks to submit or update all your family email addresses so that we can contact our parishioners with timely news.
WORD MAGAZINE – The Word is the official news magazine of the Antiochian Archdiocese. If you are a member of St. Mary’s Church in good financial standing and do not already receive a free copy of The Word, or would like to subscribe for $20 per year, or change your address, you can do so at www.antiochian.org/address-updates.
OFFICE CLOSED – The church office will be closed on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day, and again on Thursday, May 30, while a production company uses our office space for a filming session of 12-14 hours.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday, May 13 Parish Council, 7:30 PM
Thursday, May 16 Orthodoxy on Tap @ Pier A, 7:00 PM
Friday, May 17 Midnight Run
Saturday, May 18 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
Volunteer Orientation Meeting, 6:00 PM
Sunday, May 19 St. Mary’s Food Festival, 1:00 – 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 25 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
Monday, May 27 Memorial Day – Office Closed
Thursday, May 30 Movie Rental – Office Closed
Saturday, June 1 Jamal and Eisenberg Baptisms, 11:00 AM
Sunday, June 2 +40-Day Memorial – Marie Tashji
Wednesday, June 5 Evening Divine Liturgy, 7:00 PM
Thursday, June 6 Feast of the Ascension
Sunday, June 9 Church School Graduation
Sunday, June 16 Holy Pentecost
Wednesday, June 18 Ladies’ Closing Dinner @ Hunter’s, 6:00 PM
June 26-30 Parish Life Conference @ Antiochian Village
FROM THE FATHERS – “We have Christ our God, the one who died and rose again for us, as our example and prototype.”
Mother Theodora of the Desert
Christ is risen from the dead trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.
Al Maseeh qam min bain il amwat, wa wati al mawt bil bawt, wa wahabal hiyat lil la dhina fil qoobur.
Christos anesti ek nekron thanato thanaton patisas, kai tis en tis mnimaszi zoin, charisamenos.
“Christ is risen” “Truly/Indeed He is risen!
“Christos Anesti” “Alithos Anesti”
“Christos Voskrese” “Vo Istinu Voskrese”
“Al Maseeh Qam” “Ha’an Qam”
“Hristos a Inviat” “Adeverat a Inviat”
“Cristo ha resucitado” “Verdaderamente ha resucitado!
“Cristo e risorto” “E veramente risorto”
“Christ est Ressuscite” “En Verite, Il est Resussuscite”
“Kriste aghsdga” “Cheshmaritad aghsdga”
CHRIST IS RISEN! INDEED HE IS RISEN!
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America