Sunday, March 10, 2019
Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheese Fare)
Tone 8 and Eothinon 8
Martyr Kodratos of Corinth and His Five Companions
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 reverence the cross and to partake of the blessed bread at the dismissal. Please introduce yourself to our pastor, and ask him about membership in the Orthodox Church.
Today’s Hymns and Readings
Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 8
O Compassionate One, thou didst descend from the heights; thou didst submit to the three-day burial, that thou mightest deliver us from passion. Thou art our Life and our Resurrection, O Lord, glory to thee.
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 Cheese Fare Sunday – Tone 6
O Thou who guidest to wisdom, and givest understanding and intelligence, the instructor of the ignorant, and Helper of the poor, strengthen my heart and grant it understanding, O Master. Give me word, O Word of the Father; for behold, I shall not refrain my lips from crying to thee, O merciful One, have mercy upon me who am fallen.
Epistle – Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4 (Cheese Fare Sunday)
Prokeimenon. Psalm 46.6, 1. O chant unto our God, chant ye.
Verse. Clap your hands, all ye nations.
BRETHREN, now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk becomingly, as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in chambering and licentiousness, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.
But as for the one who is weak in faith, receive him, but not for disputes over opinions. For one believes he may eat anything; but the weak person eats herbs. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to be the judge over the servant of a stranger? To his own master he either stands or falls; but he will be made to stand; for God is able to make him stand.
Gospel – Matthew 6:14-21 (Cheese Fare Sunday)
THE LORD SAID, “If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will you heart be also.”
Next week’s homework:
Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40 (First Sunday of Great Lent)
John 1:43-51 (First Sunday of Great Lent)
POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – As the faithful approach to reverence the cross, receive a blessing and a piece of antidoron (holy bread) at the dismissal, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving. Please greet each other quietly as we reverently hear these prayers.
TODAY’S USHERS – March is Ladies’ Month in the Antiochian Archdiocese. Members of the Ladies of St. Mary’s will serve as ushers (Chaza Rafiaa, Dr. Yvonne Zrake, Rose Abdallah, and Lorraine Deeb), read the epistle (Amanda Regnier, English and Aline Farkouh, Arabic), and assist with the distribution of the Holy Eucharist (Dr. Yvonne Zrake, Chaza Rafiaa, Barbara Deeb, and Janice Deeb). Please allow the Church School students, teachers and volunteers to receive Holy Communion first so that they can proceed to their classes and 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.”
SUNDAY, MARCH 10 – SUNDAY OF FORGIVENESS (CHEESE FARE)
MARCH IS LADIES’ MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE
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.
TODAY, MARCH 10 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Albert Bittar, Nicholas Ghiz, Emeline Halibi, Maude Sarkis, Laurice Merhige Schuh, Gloria Sparsidis, Georgette Hamwi, Adma Jabran, Charles Kassatly, and William Simon. Memory eternal!
Rose Zrake offers Prayers of Oblation for the health of the handmaiden of God Marie Tashji. Many years!
Nicholas L. Massab offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Donna Jean Pollack McCarthy. Memory eternal!
Arlene and Michael Nassr offer Prayers of Oblation and a Memorial Service for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Zakia Khoury, Laila and Edward Nassar, and Shamseh and Dr. John Dalack. A Coffee Hour in their memories will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 17 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Violet Alekel, Alice Alekel, Michael Arout, Gladys Awad, Eleanor Couri, Dr. George B. Cury, James Deeb, Mary Farrah, Salwa Fauty, George Gehshan, Edward Jabara, Lorriane Jabara, Mary Kenan, Nicholas Khoury, Maurice Khzam, Alfred Makhoul, Nadima Makhoul, Violette Mahab, Laila Nassr, Beatrice Nebham, Thomas Russo, Walter Thabit, and William Zarick. Memory eternal!
Marie and Charlie Bryant will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Laila Nassr. Memory eternal!
Dr. Alice B. Farkouh will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Dr. George B. Cury. Memory eternal!
HOLY BREAD – Rafik J. Mahab offers the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of March in loving memory of his mother, Violette Chammas. Memory eternal! Donors are welcome for April and succeeding months. We ask for an offering of $50/week.
SEMINARIANS – Our pledge envelopes for the month of March included a blue envelope marked “Seminarians.” Please use this envelope to support Metropolitan JOSEPH’s annual appeal on behalf of our theological students. Our minimum contribution as a parish is $500. If anyone is currently not receiving pledge envelopes, please see Fr. Michael or Parish Council Chair Daria Mayrose.
FOR THE INFIRM – Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), George Arbeeny, Charlie Bryant, Albert Castley (FL), Nadim Dahdouh, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Susan Hadad, Louise Hamwi, Malak Karkenny, George Khoury, Jr., Victor Khoury, Loulou Malouf, Alfred Nahas, Elena Paris, Louis Savarese, Leon Smatt, Marie Tashji, 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.
RESTORATION PROJECT UPDATE – We are now in the final stage of preparation in anticipation of returning to our church by mid-April. As usually happens in projects of this nature, the Church has run into unbudgeted expenses which the Parish Council discussed at the Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, March 3. These expenses make it vitally important that everyone does what he or she can to bring this project to a successful conclusion. If you have not yet made a pledge or contribution toward this project, please find a pledge card on the table at the back of the hall, or see any Parish Council member. The pledge card will provide an opportunity to make a one-time donation or a pledge for payment over a period of six months. To date the following friends and families have made pledges or donations towards this project:
Renee Abate, Rose Abdallah, Albert Absey, Fadi Albishara and Ann Nardone, Beverly and Alexander Araman, Dr. Kenneth and Euginia Arida, Sandra Arida, Michele Ateyeh, Angela and Christopher Athineos, Theresa and Mike Awad, Kenneth Azar, Michael and Maria Azar, Richard Aznavoorian, Joan Bacon, Kim Bianco, Diana and Timothy Bittar, Charles and Marie Bryant, Nancy Collette, John A. Couri, Drs. Gregory and Amal Dalack, Michael Nassif Dalack, Gloria Darzi, Barbara Deeb, Janice Deeb, Patricia Deluca, Fr. Michael and Laila Ellias, John and Anita Eyd, Peter Elkas, Deacon Farid and Aline Farkouh, Diana Finger, Alice Carolyn and David Furer, Gary Gagnone, Marc and Helen Galloway, Mary Ganim, Josette and John Generale, Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Ghiz, Dr. Robert Haddad, Nissar Haddad, Gregory Hamaty, Lola Hamra, Edward Hanna, Holly and Gary Hanna, Marianne Hindelly, Gloria and Kenneth Jabara, Lina and Sam Kaiami, Violet Karkenny(+), Joyce Katen, Nicole and George Khouzami, Nouhad Khouzami, Anthony Kirshy, Shelly and Patricia Kaufman, George Khoury, Jr., Dr. Nidal and Christine Khoury, Lily and Paul Lang, Debbie and Robert Mackoul, Sabry and Anne Glynn Mackoul, Rafik Mahab, Carol Makhoul, Michael and Corrine Mallia, Camil Malouf, Linda Mantia, Denise and Christopher McBride, Dr. Jean and Drew McCrossan, Renee and Theodore Najjar, Dr. George and Kathryn Nassoor, Lisa Newman, Susan and Michael Obel, Edith Tadross O’Donnell, Chrysoula Photopoulos, Dr. Amer and Chaza Rafiaa, Karen and Robert Rich, Marian Russo, Andrea and Wade Saadi, Karen Sadaka, Theodore Sadaka, Audrey and Charles Sahadi, Louise Sahadi, Robert Sahadi, Kerry and Ronald Sahadi, Linda and George Salamy, Cathy and Raymond Saleeby, Roland Salloum, Wanda Salloum, Victor and Joyce Samaha, Louis Saverese, Caroline and Peter Schneirla, Gladys Schroeder, Dennis and Barbara Shawah, William and Nadia Soued, Anthony Speer, Karen and Matthew Spolar, Hiam Sukkarieh, Karen and Tony Tadross, Michael Tadross, Irene Tashji, Marie Tashji, Marilyn and Michael Tulaney, Gisele and George Wardi, Henry Wardi, Christine and Patrick Whelan, Drs. Samar and Naser Yazigi, Jeffrey Zahka, Mimi Zahka, Gale Zarr, Marie Zarr, Metropolitan JOSEPH, Malakie and Richard Zogob, Cindy and Gregory Zrake, and Rose Zrake.
WINTER COAT DRIVE – Teen SOYO has placed a large container in the “narthex” for their annual Winter Coat Drive. The Coat Drive includes gloves, hats, socks, blankets and sweaters, and will continue through March. Thank you for your support.
FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR MARCH - This week, known as Pure Week, the Great Fast begins. The first three days are traditionally observed with what is popularly referred to as a “black fast.” This means that beginning with the first day of Great Lent (tomorrow) no food or drink is consumed until after the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts on Pure Wednesday. After the first three days of Pure Week, the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, cheese, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil or they by-products) is observed on all days with the exception of wine and olive oil being allowed on Saturdays and Sundays along with fish, wine, and olive oil being allowed on the Great Feast of the Annunciation (March 25).
FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – The traditional FFHP boxes will be available today after church.
CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS – It’s time to think about Summer Camp at the Antiochian Village! We have assigned our full scholarship from The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch, but we are now seeking donations to other campers who may need assistance. If you are able and interested, please give your check to Fr. Michael payable to St. Mary’s Church with “camp scholarship” in the memo line.
ANNIE THE MUSICAL - Ridge Chorale presents “Annie” featuring our own Connor Mayrose and Scarlet Diviney. Friday, March 22, 8 PM, Saturday March 23, 2 PM and 8 PM, Sunday March 24, 2 PM, Friday, March 29, 8 PM, Saturday, March 20, 2 PM and 8 PM, Sunday March 31, 2 PM, at Our Lady of Angels Auditorium, 74th Street and 4th Avenue. Order online at www.ridgechorale.com to choose your own seats, or call (718) 989-9566 to reserve.
ESTATE PLANNING – Have I included St. Mary’s Church in my estate plan?
PARISH WEBSITE – Did you know that we post the weekly bulletin on the web? Simply go to www.smaoc.squarespace.com/bulletin, and view the bulletin at home. Also, find us on Facebook.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Sunday, March 10 Cheese Fare Sunday and Forgiveness Vespers
Monday, March 11 Great Lent Begins
Parish Council, 7:30 PM
Wednesday, March 13 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 7:00 PM
Followed by Pot Luck Supper
Friday, March 15 Lenten Supper hosted by Church School/Parents Guild, 6:30
First Little Compline and Akathist Hymn, 7:30 PM
Saturday, March 16 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
Sunday, March 17 Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers @ St. Nicholas, 4:00 PM
FROM THE FATHERS – “The more days of fasting there are, the better the healing is; the longer the period of abstinence, the more abundant the gain of salvation is.”
St. Augustine of Hippo
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and pagers are turned off in church.
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America