Bulletin for Sunday, February 23, 2025 - Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meat Fare)

81st Street and Ridge Boulevard Website: www.smaoc.org

Brooklyn, NY 11209 Church Office: (718) 238-8008

Email: churchsecretary@smaoc.org Rectory: (718) 745-8481

His Eminence Most Reverend Metropolitan SABA

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh

Email: pastor@smaoc.org farkouhfarid@gmail.com

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meat Fare)

Tone 2 and Eothinon 2

Hieromartyr Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna

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.

Today’s Hymns and Readings

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 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 Meat Fare Sunday – Tone 1

When thou comest, O God, to earth with glory, and all creatures tremble before thee, and the river of fire floweth before the Altar, and the books are opened and sins revealed, deliver me then from that unquenchable fire, and make me worthy to stand at thy right hand, O righteous Judge.

Epistle – I Corinthians 8:8-9:2 (Meat Fare Sunday)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 117.14, 18. The Lord is my strength and my son.

Verse. The Lord has chastened me sorely.

BRETHREN, food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Only take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one sees you, a man of knowledge, at table in an idol’s temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother’s falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall.

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

Gospel – Matthew 25:31-46 (Meat Fare Sunday)

THE LORD SAID, “When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see the hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to thee?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Next week’s homework: Romans 13:11-14:4 (Cheese Fare)

Matthew 6:14-21 (Cheese Fare)

POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving. Please reverently hear these prayers before beginning to “chat.”

PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.

FEBRUARY 23, 2025 – SUNDAY OF THE LAST JUDGMENT (MEAT FARE)

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, FEBRUARY 23 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Thomas Abdallah, Almaza Allawh, Margaret and Charles Assatly, Mary Samara D’Angelico, Vincent D’Angelico, Wadie Jabbour, Rt. Rev. Ananias Kassab, George Kassab, Lilly Malouf, Robert Sabbagh, Areff Samara, Robert Samara, Rose Araktingi Samara, and Wendy Sadaka Zavolas. Memory eternal!

Rhonda Byrnes offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of her parents, the servants of God Margaret and Charles Assatly. Memory eternal!

Irene Tashji offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her grandfather, the servant of God Thomas Abdallah. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 2 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Yvonne Absey, Najibi Anthony, Ronald J. Couri, William Haddad, Sr., and Mounir Kaba. Memory eternal!

HOLY BREAD – Farid Bassous has offered the Holy Bread for the month of February in memory of his brother, Michele Bassous. Memory eternal! Gloria Darzi and Family also offer the Holy Bread for the month of February in memory of Elias A. Darzi. Donors are welcome for March and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR FEBRUARY – This week we begin fasting from meat until Holy Pascha.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, John Petrick (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, Diana Finger, Gregory Hamaty, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Terry Mackoul, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, William Robinson, Raymond Saleeby, Joyce Samaha, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).

WINTER COAT DRIVE –Teen SOYO will continue receiving coats and winter outerwear through February. There is a large green box in the vestibule. We will distribute all items to the Pan-Orthodox Holy Cross Outreach Center on 4th Avenue and during the Midnight Run.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – The Annual Parish Meeting will take place today following the Divine Liturgy. Please sign in with the secretary so that we can confirm a quorum in order to conduct the parish’s business. Please submit your nominations for the Parish Council to Vice Chair Robert Sabbagh after securing the nominee’s willingness to serve. Teen SOYO will provide a light lunch in lieu of our usual Meat Fare Luncheon. The Teens welcome your offerings and support. We will begin the meeting as soon as possible.

BASKETBALL – We are offering basketball practice for children and teens on Saturday afternoons. Please see Lara Rustom Al-Laham for more information. All are welcome!

FORGIVENESS SUNDAY AND MISSIONS SUNDAY – Next Sunday, March 2, is both Forgiveness Sunday and Missions Sunday. There will be an appeal in next week’s bulletin in support of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC). After the Divine Liturgy and a brief Coffee Hour we will then return to the church for Great Vespers and the Rite of Forgiveness to inaugurate Great Lent.

ON-LINE GIVING – St. Mary's Church now accepts donations online. Just visit https://smaoc.squarespace.com/donate and pay securely by credit card, debit card, or checking account. There is an option to indicate gifts made in honor of or in remembrance of someone.

ESTATE PLANNING – On this Sunday of the Last Judgment we have an opportunity to consider our ultimate values. When we stand before the dread judgment seat of Christ, will we be able to say that we have fed the hungry, given drink to the thirsty, welcomed the stranger, clothed the naked, visited the sick and imprisoned? We as the Church do these things out of love for God and neighbor. Shouldn’t my estate plan support the ongoing work and life of Christ’s Holy Church?

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, February 23 Annual Parish Meeting

Saturday, March 1 Great Vespers, 5 PM

Sunday, March 2 Forgiveness Vespers

Monday, March 3 Great Lent Begins

Great Compline, 7 PM

Wednesday, March 5 “Our Time” Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Followed by Pot Luck supper

Friday, March 7 Little Compline with Akathist/Madayeh, 6:30 PM

Followed by dinner sponsored by Church School/PTO

Saturday, March 8 Divine Liturgy – Miracle of the Kollyva, 10:30 AM

Great Vespers, 5 PM

Sunday, March 9 Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers @ St. Nicholas, 5 PM

All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.

FROM THE FATHERS – “How precious the gift of the cross, how splendid to contemplate! In the cross there is no mingling of good and evil as in the tree of paradise: it is wholly beautiful to behold and good to taste. The fruit of this tree is not death but life, not darkness but light. This tree does not cast us out of paradise, but opens the way for our return. This was the tree on which Christ, like a king on a chariot, destroyed the devil, the lord of death, and freed the human race from his tyranny. This was the tree upon which the Lord like a brave warrior wounded in hands, feet and side, healed the wounds of sin that the evil serpent had inflicted on our nature. A tree once caused our death, but now a tree brings life.”

- St. Theodore the Studite

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, February 16, 2025 - Sunday of the Prodigal Son

81st Street and Ridge Boulevard Website: www.smaoc.org

Brooklyn, NY 11209 Church Office: (718) 238-8008

Email: churchsecretary@smaoc.org Rectory: (718) 745-8481

His Eminence Most Reverend Metropolitan SABA

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh

Email: pastor@smaoc.org farkouhfarid@gmail.com

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Tone 1 and Eothinon 1

Martyr Pamphilos, Priest of Caesarea in Palestine and His 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 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.

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 1

The stone being sealed by the Jews, and thy pure body being guarded by the soldiers, thou didst rise on the third day, O Saviour, granting life to the world. Wherefore, the heavenly powers acclaimed thee, O Giver of life, crying, glory to thy Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to thy kingdom! Glory to thy gracious providence, O thou only Lover of mankind.

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 the Prodigal Son – Tone 3

When I disobeyed in ignorance thy fatherly glory, I wasted in iniquities the riches that thou gavest me. Wherefore, I cry to thee with the voice of the prodigal son, saying, I have sinned before thee, O compassionate Father, receive me repentant, and make me as one of thy hired servants.

Epistle – I Corinthians 6:12-20 (Prodigal Son)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 32.22,1. Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.

Verse. Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous.

BRETHREN, “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything. “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food” – and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two shall become one flesh.” But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun immorality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body and in your spirit which belong to God.

Gospel – Luke 15:11-32 (Prodigal Son)

THE LORD SPOKE THIS PARABLE: “There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.’ And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.” And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to make merry.

Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.’ But the son was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost and is found.’”

Next week’s homework: I Corinthians 8:8-9:2 (Meat Fare)

Matthew 25:31-46 (Last Judgment)

FEBRUARY 16, 2025 – SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON

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, FEBRUARY 16 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Mary Alexander, Margaret Fiani Dib, George Ganim, Malak Karkenny, Emily Nassour, Renges Orfaly, Alice Puccariella, and Alberta Samaha. Memory eternal!

Peter Elkas offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his aunt, the handmaiden of God Emily Nassour. Memory eternal!

Farid Bassous offers Prayers of Oblation, the Holy Bread, and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of his twin brother, the servant of God Michelle Bassous, who departed this life in Brazil. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

Marie Bryant and Family offer Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Charlie Bryant. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Thomas Abdallah, Almaza Allawh, Margaret and Charles Assatly, Mary Samara D’Angelico, Vincent D’Angelico, Wadie Jabbour, Rt. Rev. Ananias Kassab, George Kassab, Lilly Malouf, Robert Sabbagh, Areff Samara, Robert Samara, Rose Araktingi Samara, and Wendy Sadaka Zavolas. Memory eternal!

Rhonda Byrnes will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of her parents, the servants of God Margaret and Charles Assatly. Memory eternal!

Irene Tashji will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her grandfather, the servant of God Thomas Abdallah. Memory eternal!

POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving. Please reverently hear these prayers before beginning to “chat.”

HOLY BREAD – Linda and George Salamy have once again offered the Holy Bread for the entire year. Many years! Farid Bassous has offered the Holy Bread for the month of February in memory of his brother, Michelle Bassous. Memory eternal! Additional donors are welcome for February and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR FEBRUARY – The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil or their byproducts) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays in February until Monday, February 24, when we begin fasting from meat until Holy Pascha.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, George Atallah (Richmond University), Terry Mackoul (NYU Langone), John Petrick (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, Diana Finger, Gregory Hamaty, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, William Robinson, Raymond Saleeby, Joyce Samaha, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).

OUR TIME – Our (over 50) senior fellowship, “Our Time”, meets every other Wednesday, including Wednesday, February 19, from 1-3 PM. All are welcome. Please see Marilyn Tulaney for more information. In addition, Our Time sponsors Pickleball on Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9 PM. All players and spectators are welcome.

WINTER COAT DRIVE – Teen SOYO will continue receiving coats and winter outerwear through February. There is a large green box in the vestibule. We will distribute all items to the Pan-Orthodox Holy Cross Outreach Center on 4th Avenue and during the Midnight Run.

VALENTINE’S DINNERS – Come and share a Father & Daughter Dinner on Monday, February 17, and a Mother & Son Dinner on Tuesday, February 18, both at 5 PM at Laila Restaurant. Please make your reservations by February 14 with Lara at (929) 666-9494. See the flyers in this bulletin for more information.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – The Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Sunday, February 23, following the Divine Liturgy. Please submit your nominations for the Parish Council to Vice Chair Robert Sabbagh after securing the nominee’s willingness to serve.

ESTATE PLANNING – Have I included St. Mary’s Church in my will or estate plan? It’s easy, it’s vital, and it won’t cost a penny during your lifetime. Simply say in your will, “I bequeath 25 shares of “Habibi Corporation” to St. Mary’s Orthodox Church of Brooklyn.” We have attorneys who can help.

PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, February 17 Father & Daughter Valentine’s Dinner @ Laila, 5 PM

Tuesday, February 18 Mother & Son Valentine’s Dinner @ Laila, 5 PM

Wednesday, February 19 Our Time Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Friday, February 21 Family Night, 7-9 PM

Midnight Run

Saturday, February 22 Saturday of the Souls Divine Liturgy, 10:30 AM

Sunday, February 23 Annual Parish Meeting

All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.

FROM THE FATHERS – “O my Strength, I will sing praises to thee, for thou, O God, art my fortress,the God who shows me steadfast love.”

- Psalm 59:17

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, February 9, 2025 - Sunday of the Pharisee and the Publican and the Leave-Taking of the Presentation of Christ

81st Street and Ridge Boulevard Website: www.smaoc.org

Brooklyn, NY 11209 Church Office: (718) 238-8008

Email: churchsecretary@smaoc.org Rectory: (718) 745-8481

His Eminence Most Reverend Metropolitan SABA

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh

Email: pastor@smaoc.org farkouhfarid@gmail.com

Sunday, February 9, 2025

Sunday of the Pharisee and the Publican and

Leave-Taking of the Presentation of Christ

Tone 8 and Eothinon 11

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 Presentation of Christ into the Temple – Tone 1

Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of grace, for from thee arose the Sun of justice, Christ our God, lighting those who are in darkness. Rejoice and be glad, O righteous old man, carrying in thine arms the Deliverer of our souls, who granteth us resurrection.

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 the Presentation of Christ in the Temple – Tone 1

Thou, O Christ God, who by thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom thou didst love; for thou alone art the Lover of mankind.

Epistle – II Timothy 3:10-15 (Pharisee and Publican)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 75.11, 1. Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.

Verse. God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

TIMOTHY, my son, you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions, my sufferings, what befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Gospel – Luke 18:10-14 (Pharisee and Publican)

THE LORD SPOKE THIS PARABLE: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Next week’s homework: I Corinthians 6:12-20 (Prodigal Son)

Luke 15:11-32 (Prodigal Son)

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.

POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving. Please reverently hear these prayers before beginning to “chat.”

HOLY BREAD – Farid Bassous has offered the Holy Bread for the month of February in memory of his brother, Michelle Bassous. Memory eternal! Gloria Zain Darzi and her daughters Yvette, Michele, and Nicole and their families offer the Holy Bread for the month of February in loving memory of Elias A. Darzi. Memory eternal! Additional donors are welcome for February and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR FEBRUARY – The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil or their byproducts) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays in February until Monday, February 24, when we begin fasting from meat until Holy Pascha.

FEBRUARY 9, 2025 – SUNDAY OF THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN AND THE LEAVE-TAKING OF THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST

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, FEBRUARY 9 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God David Bittar, Elias A. Darzi, Jacob Khoury, and Louis Sabah. Memory eternal!

Marie Bryant and Laila Ellias offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of their grandfather, the servant of God Jacob Khoury. Memory eternal!

Gloria Zain Darzi and Family offer Prayers of Oblation, the Holy Bread for the month of February, and a 10-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Elias A. Darzi. Memory eternal!

Susan Nelson offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Louis Sabah. Memory eternal!

The Family of Nadia Shafik Al Zaher offers Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of her soul. A Coffee Hour in her memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Mary Alexander, Margaret Fiani Dib, George Ganim, Malak Karkenny, Emily Nassour, Renges Orfaly, Alice Puccariella, and Alberta Samaha. Memory eternal!

Peter Elkas will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his aunt, the handmaiden of God Emily Nassour. Memory eternal!

Marie Bryant and Family will offer Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Charlie Bryant. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

Farid Bassous will offer Prayers of Oblation, the Holy Bread, and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of his twin brother, the servant of God Michele Bassous, who departed this life in Brazil. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, George Atallah (Clove Lakes), John Petrick (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, Diana Finger, Gregory Hamaty, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, William Robinson, Raymond Saleeby, Joyce Samaha, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - The Ladies of St. Mary’s will have their first meeting of 2025 today immediately following the Divine Liturgy. All women of the parish are invited and welcome!

ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP – The Antiochian Village will host Winter Camp on February 14-17 with Fr. Anthony Yazge, Deacon Marek Simon, and Fr. Michael Nasser. Also, registration for Summer Camp has opened. Open an account and register at www.avcamp.org. Scholarship assistance is available from the camp and from the parish.

WINTER COAT DRIVE – Teen SOYO will continue receiving coats and winter outerwear through February. There is a large green box in the vestibule. We will distribute all items to the Pan-Orthodox Holy Cross Outreach Center on 4th Avenue and during the Midnight Run.

VALENTINE’S DINNERS – Come and share a Father & Daughter Dinner on Monday, February 17, and a Mother & Son Dinner on Tuesday, February 18, both at 5 PM at Laila Restaurant. Please make your reservations by February 14 with Lara at (929) 666-9494. See the flyers in this bulletin for more information.

SUPER BOWL PARTY – Join us to watch the Super Bowl today at 5 PM. $25 for adults and $5 for children. B.Y.O.B. $32 at the door. Call Sam at (718) 288-7677 or Marwan at (347) 400-3633.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – The Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Sunday, February 23, following the Divine Liturgy. Please submit your nominations for the Parish Council to Vice Chair Robert Sabbagh after securing the nominee’s willingness to serve.

PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, February 9 Ladies of St. Mary’s Meeting

Super Bowl Party

Monday, February 10 Parish Council, 7 PM

Saturday, February 15 Anderson-Shuldham Wedding, 1 PM

Great Vespers, 5 PM

Monday, February 17 Father & Daughter Valentine’s Dinner @ Laila, 5 PM

Tuesday, February 18 Mother & Son Valentine’s Dinner @ Laila, 5 PM

Wednesday, February 19 Our Time Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Friday, February 21 Family Night, 7-9 PM

Midnight Run

Saturday, February 22 Saturday of the Souls Divine Liturgy, 10:30 AM

Sunday, February 23 Annual Parish Meeting

All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.

FROM THE FATHERS – “Nothing contributes to a virtuous and moral way of life as does the time you spend here in church. The time we spend here in church is the basis of every blessing.”

- St. John Chrysostom

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, February 2, 2025 - Feast of the Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ

81st Street and Ridge Boulevard Website: www.smaoc.org

Brooklyn, NY 11209 Church Office: (718) 238-8008

Email: churchsecretary@smaoc.org Rectory: (718) 745-8481

His Eminence Most Reverend Metropolitan SABA

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh

Email: pastor@smaoc.org farkouhfarid@gmail.com

Sunday, February 2, 2025

Presentation (Meeting) of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Tone 7 and Eothinon 10

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.

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 7

Thou didst shatter death by thy Cross. Thou didst open paradise to the thief. Thou didst turn the mourning of the ointment-bearing women into joy, and didst bid thine Apostles proclaim a warning that thou hast risen, O Christ, granting to the world thy Great Mercy.

Apolytikion of the Presentation of Christ into the Temple – Tone 1

Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of grace, for from thee arose the Sun of justice, Christ our God, lighting those who are in darkness. Rejoice and be glad, O righteous old man, carrying in thine arms the Deliverer of our souls, who granteth us resurrection.

Kontakion of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple – Tone 1

Thou, O Christ God, who by thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom thou didst love; for thou alone art the Lover of mankind.

Epistle – Hebrews 7:7-17 (Presentation of Christ into the Temple)

Prokeimenon: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

Verse: For he has regarded the humility of his servant.

BRETHREN, it is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. Here tithes are received by mortal men; there, by one whom it is testified that he lives. One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.

Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.

This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not according to a legal requirement concerning bodily descent but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him, “Thou art a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

Gospel – Luke 2:22-40 (Presentation of Christ to the Temple)

AT THAT TIME, the infant Jesus was brought up to Jerusalem by his parents to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel.”

And Joseph and his mother marveled at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own souls also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.”

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phan’u-el, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption in Jerusalem.

And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Next week’s homework: II Timothy 3:10-15 (Pharisee and Publican)

Luke 18:10-14 (Pharisee and Publican)

FEBRUARY 2, 2025 – FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

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, FEBRUARY 2 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Lila Zayat Ara, Dr. William and Hend Arida, Najla and Emil Arida, Louis Assatly, Elaine Ateyeh, Shamseh M. Dalack, Norman Alfred Galloway, and Violet Karkenny. Memory eternal!

Rima Alsifi and Elias Hazem offer Prayers of Oblation and the Holy Bread for the servants of God Jack Hazem and Mariejoe Sahyoun who will be joined in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony today. Many years!

Marc Galloway offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his father, the servant of God Norman Alfred Galloway. Memory eternal!

Victor Samaha offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of his parents, the servants of God Suraya and Samuel Samaha. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God David Bittar, Elias Darzi, Jacob Khoury, and Louis Sabah. Memory eternal!

The Family of Nadia Shafik Al Zaher will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of her soul. Memory eternal!

COFFEE HOUR – Dr. Kenneth and Mrs. Jeannie Arida and Family sponsor today’s Coffee Hour in memory of Dr. William and Hend Arida and Emil and Najla Arida. Memory eternal!

POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving. Please reverently hear these prayers before beginning to “chat.”

HOLY BREAD – Linda and George Salamy have once again offered the Holy Bread for the entire year. Many years! Farid Bassous has offered the Holy Bread for the month of February in memory of his brother, Michele Bassous. Memory eternal! Additional donors are welcome for February and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, George Atallah (Clove Lakes), John Petrick (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, Diana Finger, Gregory Hamaty, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, William Robinson, Raymond Saleeby, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR FEBRUARY – The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil or their byproducts) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays in February until Monday, February 24, when we begin fasting from meat until Holy Pascha.

OUR TIME – Our (over 50) senior fellowship, “Our Time”, meets every other Wednesday, including Wednesday, February 5, from 1-3 PM. All are welcome. Please see Marilyn Tulaney for more information. In addition, Our Time sponsors Pickleball on Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9 PM. All players and spectators are welcome.

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - The Ladies of St. Mary’s will have their first meeting of 2025 on Sunday, February 9, immediately following the Divine Liturgy. All women of the parish are invited and welcome!

WINTER COAT DRIVE – Teen SOYO will continue receiving coats and winter outerwear through February. There is a large green box in the vestibule. We will distribute all items to the Pan-Orthodox Holy Cross Outreach Center on 4th Avenue and during the Midnight Run.

SUPER BOWL PARTY – Watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 9, at 5 PM here in our social hall. $25 for adults and $5 for children. B.Y.O.B. $32 at the door. RSVP by February 3 to Sam at (718) 288-7677 or Marwan at (347) 400-3633.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – The Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Sunday, February 23, following the Divine Liturgy. Please submit your nominations for the Parish Council to Vice Chair Robert Sabbagh after securing the nominee’s willingness to serve.

PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, February 5 Our Time Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Friday, February 7 Family Night, 7-9 PM

Saturday, February 8 Great Vespers, 5 PM

Sunday, February 9 Ladies of St. Mary’s Meeting

Super Bowl Party

Monday, February 10 Parish Council, 7 PM

Sunday, February 23 Annual Parish Meeting

All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.

FROM THE FATHERS – “We abide in God insofar as we do not sin.”

- Venerable Bede

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, January 26, 2025 - Thirty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

81st Street and Ridge Boulevard Website: www.smaoc.org

Brooklyn, NY 11209 Church Office: (718) 238-8008

Email: churchsecretary@smaoc.org Rectory: (718) 745-8481

His Eminence Most Reverend Metropolitan SABA

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh

Email: pastor@smaoc.org farkouhfarid@gmail.com

Sunday, January 26, 2025

Thirty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 6 and Eothinon 9

Venerable Xenophon, His Wife, Mary, and Their Sons, Arkadios and John of Constantinople

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.

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 6

When Mary stood at thy grave looking for thy sacred body, angelic powers shone above thy revered tomb, and the soldiers who were to keep guard became as dead men. Thou led hades captive and wast not tempted thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst give life to the world; O thou that art risen from the dead! 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 the Presentation of Christ in the Temple – Tone 1

Thou, O Christ God, who by thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom thou didst love; for thou alone art the Lover of mankind.

Epistle – I Timothy 4:9-15 (Thirty-Second Sunday after Pentecost)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 28.11, 1. The Lord will give strength to his people.

Verse. Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.

TIMOTHY, my son, the saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

Command and teach these things. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Till I come, attend to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.

Gospel – Luke 19:1-10 (Fifteenth Sunday of Luke)

AT THAT TIME, Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Jesus, for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Next week’s homework: Hebrews 7:1-17 (Presentation of Christ)

Luke 2:22-40 (Presentation of Christ)

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.

POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving. Please reverently hear these prayers before beginning to “chat.”

HOLY BREAD – Linda and George Salamy have once again offered the Holy Bread for the entire year. Many years! Additional donors are welcome for February and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.

JANUARY 26, 2025 – THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

TODAY, JANUARY 26 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Charles Eugene Bryant, Najat Cristo, Katherine B. Cury, Siham Damalts, Josephine Hadad, Dr. Douglas George Kalesh, Marie Meena, Mitchell Merhige and Phillip Merhige, Victoria and Edgar Saadi, Yvonne Sahadi, Suraya and Samuel Samaha, William Shamoun, and Gail Hall Zarr. Memory eternal!

Sonia Abounaoum offers Prayers of Oblation and a 10-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Siham Damalts and 14 Years for the handmaiden of God Yvonne Sahadi. A Coffee Hour in their memories will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Lila Zayat Ara, Dr. William and Hend Arida, Najla and Emil Arida, Louis Assatly, Elaine Ateyeh, Shamseh M. Dalack, Norman Alfred Galloway, and Violet Karkenny. Memory eternal!

Rima AlSifi and Elias Hazem will offer Prayers of Oblation and the Holy Bread for the servants of God Jack Hazem and Mariejoe Sahyoun who will be joined in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Many years!

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, George Atallah (Clove Lakes), John Petrick (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, Diana Finger, Gregory Hamaty, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, William Robinson, Raymond Saleeby, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).

COFFEE HOUR – George Salamy sponsors today’s Coffee Hour in memory of the handmaiden of God Barbara Salamy. Memory eternal!

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR JANUARY – The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil or their byproducts) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays in January.

FEAST OF THREE HIERARCHS – Fr. Eugene Pappas and the faithful of Three Hierarchs Greek Orthodox Church invite us to share their feast day Great Vespers at 7 PM on Wednesday, January 29. The church is located at 1724 Avenue P in Brooklyn.

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - The Ladies of St. Mary’s will have their first meeting of 2025 on Sunday, February 9, immediately following the Divine Liturgy. All women of the parish are invited and welcome!

ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP – The Antiochian Village will host Winter Camp on February 14-17 with Fr. Anthony Yazge, Deacon Marek Simon, and Fr. Michael Nasser. Also, registration for Summer Camp has opened. Open an account and register at www.avcamp.org. Scholarship assistance is available from the camp and from the parish.

ORTHODOX RADIO – Did you know that Ancient Faith Radio is a 24-hour source for Orthodox music, lectures, podcasts and resources? You can hear them now on the internet at www.ancientfaith.com.

BLESSING OF HOMES – Fr. Michael has begun blessing homes. Please use the form in this bulletin to request a home visit.

WINTER COAT DRIVE – Teen SOYO will continue receiving coats and winter outerwear at least through February. There is a large green box in the vestibule. We will distribute all items to the Pan-Orthodox Holy Cross Outreach Center on 4th Avenue and during the Midnight Run.

BASKETBALL – Teen SOYO is sponsoring basketball practice for children and teens on Saturday afternoons. Please see Lara Rustom Al-Laham or the flyer in this bulletin for more information. All are welcome!

SUPER BOWL PARTY – Join us to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 9, at 5 PM. $25 for adults and $5 for children. B.Y.O.B. $32 at the door. RSVP by February 3 to Sam at (718) 288-7677 or Marwan at (347) 400-3633.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – The Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Sunday, February 23, following the Divine Liturgy. Please submit your nominations for the Parish Council to Vice Chair Robert Sabbagh after securing the nominee’s willingness to serve.

ON-LINE GIVING – St. Mary's Church now accepts donations online. Just visit https://smaoc.squarespace.com/donate and pay securely by credit card, debit card, or checking account. There is an option to indicate gifts made in honor of or in remembrance of someone.

ESTATE PLANNING – It’s time to take stock of how the Lord has blessed me. What will I leave to my parish so that those who come after me will share the same and even greater blessings?

DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, January 29 Great Vespers @ Three Hierarchs G.O. Church, 7 PM

Saturday, February 1 Great Vespers, 5 PM

Sunday, February 2 Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple

Wednesday, February 5 Our Time Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Sunday, February 9 Ladies of St. Mary’s Meeting

Super Bowl Party

Monday, February 10 Parish Council, 7 PM

Sunday, February 23 Annual Parish Meeting

All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.

FROM THE FATHERS – A devout man happened to be insulted by someone, and he said to the person, “I could say as much to you, but God’s commandment keeps my mouth shut.”

- Mother Theodora of the Desert

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, January 19, 2025 - Twenty-Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

81st Street and Ridge Boulevard Website: www.smaoc.org

Brooklyn, NY 11209 Church Office: (718) 238-8008

Email: churchsecretary@smaoc.org Rectory: (718) 745-8481

His Eminence Most Reverend Metropolitan SABA

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh

Email: pastor@smaoc.org farkouhfarid@gmail.com

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Twenty-Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 5 and Eothinon 8

Venerable Makarios of Alexandria

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 5

Let us believers praise and worship the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation. For he took pleasure in ascending the cross in the flesh to suffer death, and to raise the dead by his glorious resurrection.

Apolytikion of St. Makarios of Egypt – Tone 1

Thou didst prove to be a citizen of the desert, an angel in the flesh, and a wonderworker, O Makarios, our God-bearing Father. By fasting, vigil, and prayer thou didst obtain heavenly gifts, and thou healest the sick and the souls of them that have recourse to thee with faith. Glory to Him that hath given thee strength. Glory to Him that hath crowned thee. Glory to Him that worketh healings for all through 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 the Presentation of Christ in the Temple – Tone 1

Thou, O Christ God, who by thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom thou didst love; for thou alone art the Lover of mankind.

Epistle – Colossians 3:4-11 (Twenty-Ninth Sunday after Pentecost)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 103.24, 1. O Lord, how magnificent are your works. You have made all things in wisdom.

Verse. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

BRETHREN, when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away; anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.

Gospel – Luke 17:12-19 (Twelfth Sunday of Luke)

AT THAT TIME, as Jesus entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When Jesus saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed.

Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice, and fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then said Jesus, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

Next week’s homework: I Timothy 4:9-15 (32nd Sunday after Pentecost)

Luke 19:1-10 (Fifteenth Sunday of Luke)

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.

POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving. Please reverently hear these prayers before beginning to “chat.”

PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.

JANUARY 19, 2025 – TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

TODAY, JANUARY 19 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Albert G. Absey, Alexander Azar, George Elkas, Rev. Melatios Fiani and Loretta Basile-Matta Fiani, Claudette Golam, John, Louise, Ned, and Viola Kalesh, Alexander G. Orfaly, Jr., Barbara Salamy, Renate and George Sheheri, Minas Sparsidis, and Thomas Anthony Zarr. Memory eternal!

Peter Elkas offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God George Elkas. Memory eternal!

George Salamy offers Prayers of Oblation and the Holy Bread for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Barbara Salamy. A Coffee Hour in her memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Charles Eugene Bryant, Najat Cristo, Katherine B. Cury, Siham Damalts, Josephine Hadad, Dr. Douglas George Kalesh, Marie Meena, Mitchell Merhige and Phillip Merhige, Victoria and Edward Saadi, Yvonne Sahadi, Suraya and Samuel Samaha, William Shamoun, and Gail Hall Zarr. Memory eternal!

HOLY BREAD – Donors are welcome for January and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR JANUARY – The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil or their byproducts) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays in January.

COFFEE HOUR – In the absence of a sponsor for this week’s Coffee Hour the Parish Council will place a basket on the table for our free will offerings.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Dr. John Petrick (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Dr. Alice Farkouh, Diana Finger, Gregory Hamaty, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, William Robinson, Raymond Saleeby, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).

MEMORY ETERNAL! We were saddened to learn of the repose of the servant of God Anthony “Tony” Kirshy who departed this life in the hope of the Resurrection on January 9. He and his departed wife Terry were long-time members of the community before Tony’s move to Southampton. His funeral was at Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons on Saturday, January 11. We extend our sympathies to his children Anthony Kirshy (Anastasia), Dr. David Kirshy (Claire), and Marybeth Rogers, and their families, and we will commemorate Tony for the next 40 days. Memory eternal!

OUR TIME – Our (over 50) senior fellowship, “Our Time”, meets every other Wednesday, including Wednesday, January 22, from 1-3 PM. All are welcome. Please see Marilyn Tulaney for more information. In addition, Our Time sponsors Pickleball on Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9 PM. All players and spectators are welcome.

BLESSING OF HOMES – Fr. Michael has begun blessing homes. Please use the form in this bulletin to request a home visit.

ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP – The Antiochian Village will host Winter Camp on February 14-17 with Fr. Anthony Yazge, Deacon Marek Simon, and Fr. Michael Nasser. Also, registration for Summer Camp has opened. Open an account and register at www.avcamp.org. Scholarship assistance is available from the camp and from the parish.

WINTER COAT DRIVE –Teen SOYO will continue receiving coats and winter outerwear at least through January. There is a large green box in the vestibule. We will distribute all items to the Pan-Orthodox Holy Cross Outreach Center on 4th Avenue and during the Midnight Run.

BASKETBALL – Teen SOYO is sponsoring basketball practice for children and teens on Saturday afternoons. Please see Lara Rustom Al-Laham or the flyer in this bulletin for more information. All are welcome!

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – The Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Sunday, February 23, following the Divine Liturgy. Please submit your nominations for the Parish Council to Vice Chair Robert Sabbagh after securing the nominee’s willingness to serve.

ON-LINE GIVING – St. Mary's Church now accepts donations online. Just visit https://smaoc.squarespace.com/donate and pay securely by credit card, debit card, or checking account. There is an option to indicate gifts made in honor of or in remembrance of someone.

ESTATE PLANNING – Have I included St. Mary’s Church in my will or estate plan? It’s easy, it’s vital, and it won’t cost a penny during your lifetime. Simply say in your will, “I bequeath 25 shares of “Habibi Corporation” to St. Mary’s Orthodox Church of Brooklyn.”

DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, January 22 “Our Time” Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Saturday, January 25 Great Vespers, 5 PM

Tea Party!

Sunday, February 2 Feast of the Presentation of Christ

Monday, February 10 Parish Council, 7 PM

Sunday, February 23 Meat Fare Sunday and Annual Parish Meeting

All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.

FROM THE FATHERS – “O relatives and close ones of the dead! Do for them what is needful for them and within your power. Use your money not for outward adornment of the coffin and grave, but in order to help those in need, in memory of your close ones who have died, for churches, where prayers for them are offered. Show mercy to the dead, take care of their souls. Before us all stands the same path, and how we shall then wish that we would be remembered in prayer! Let us therefore be ourselves merciful to the dead.”

- St. John Maximovitch of San Francisco

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

January 12, 2025 - Sunday after The Theophany of Christ

81st Street and Ridge Boulevard Website: www.smaoc.org

Brooklyn, NY 11209 Church Office: (718) 238-8008

Email: churchsecretary@smaoc.org Rectory: (718) 745-8481

His Eminence Most Reverend Metropolitan SABA

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh

Email: pastor@smaoc.org farkouhfarid@gmail.com

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Sunday after the Theophany of Christ

Tone 4 and Eothinon 7

Martyr Tatiana of Rome and Those with Her

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 4

Having learned the joyful message of the Resurrection from the angel, the women disciples of the Lord cast from them their parental condemnation, and proudly broke the news to the disciples, saying, Death hath been spoiled. Christ God is risen, granting the world great mercy.

Apolytikion of Epiphany – Tone 1

By thy baptism, O Lord, in the River Jordan, worship to the Trinity hath made its appearance; for the voice of the Lord did come forth to thee with the testimony, naming thee His beloved Son; and the Spirit in the likeness of a dove, confirming the truth of the word. Wherefore, O thou who didst appear and lighted the world, O Christ, 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 Epiphany – Tone 4

Today thou hast appeared to the universe, O Lord, and thy light hath been shed upon us, who praise thee with knowledge, saying, Thou hast come and appeared, O unapproachable Light.

Epistle – Ephesians 4:7-13 (Sunday after Epiphany)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 32.22, 1. Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.

Verse. Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous.

BRETHREN, grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore, it is said, “When he ascended on high, he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Gospel - Matthew 4:12-17 (Sunday after Epiphany)

AT THAT TIME, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled;

“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles – the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Next week’s homework: Colossians 3:4-11 (Sunday of the Ten Lepers)

Luke 17:12-19 (Twelfth Sunday of Luke)

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.

POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving. Please reverently hear these prayers before beginning to “chat.”

PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.

JANUARY 12, 2025 – SUNDAY AFTER THE THEOPHANY OF CHRIST

TODAY, JANUARY 12 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Eli Abdallah, Nora and Kalil Ballan, Ameenie Freije, Emily and Edward Ghazal, Pauline Haddad, Leila M. Khouri, Riad Malouf, Edma Saab, Robert Samara, Edmund Arthur Swaya, Nora Trefz, and Emil Tweel. Memory eternal!

Deacon Farid and Aline Farkouh offer Prayers of Oblation for the health of Santiago Ogando who entered the Orthodox Church this morning through the Sacrament of Holy Chrismation. They will sponsor today’s Coffee Hour in his honor. Many years!

John M. Shama of Manassas, VA, offers Prayers of Oblation for the health of the Robert Madey Family. Many years!

Rose Abdallah offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her beloved husband, the servant of God Eli Abdallah. Memory eternal!

Naziha Mikhael Aldaia offers Prayers of Oblation and the Holy Bread for the repose of the souls of her parents, the servants of God Kazon and Michael. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Albert G. Absey, Alexander Azar, George Elkas, Rev. Melatios Fiani and Loretta Basile-Matta Fiani, Claudette Golam, John, Louise, Ned, and Viola Kalesh, Alexander G. Orfaly, Jr., Barbara Salamy, Renate and George Sheheri, Minas Sparsidis, and Thomas Anthony Zarr. Memory eternal!

Carol Furer will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of her grandparents, the servants of God Rev. Fr. Melatios and Kh. Loretta Basile-Matta Fiani. Memory eternal!

George Salamy will offer Prayers of Oblation and the Holy Bread for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Barbara Salamy. A Coffee Hour in her memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

HOLY BREAD – Donors are welcome for January and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Dr. Alice Farkouh (Eger, Staten Island), Gregory Hamaty (Mount Sinai), John Petrick (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Diana Finger, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, William Robinson, Raymond Saleeby, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).

MEMORY ETERNAL! We are saddened to announce that the handmaiden of God Nadia Zaher departed this life in the hope of the Resurrection on Wednesday. We will pray for the repose of her soul for the next 40 days. The Zaher Family will receive visitors this afternoon from 4-8 here in the church. Her funeral will be tomorrow at 10 AM. May her memory be eternal, and may the God of consolations and mercies be with her family.

WINTER COAT DRIVE –Teen SOYO will continue receiving coats and winter outerwear at least through January. There is a large green box in the vestibule. We will distribute all items to the Pan-Orthodox Holy Cross Outreach Center on 4th Avenue and during the Midnight Run.

PARISH COUNCIL – The Parish Council will meet tomorrow, January 13, at 7 PM.

BLESSING OF HOMES – Fr. Michael has begun blessing homes. Please use the form in this bulletin to request a home visit.

PRAYERS FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY – Deacon Farid and Aline Farkouh will once again organize our annual hosting of the Day of Prayer for Christian Unity following Great Vespers on Saturday, January 18. A light supper will follow the services. Please see Aline or the flyer in this bulletin for more information. All are welcome!

BASKETBALL – Teen SOYO is sponsoring basketball practice for children and teens on Saturday afternoons. Please see Lara Rustom Al-Laham or the flyer in this bulletin for more information. All are welcome!

ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP – The Antiochian Village will host Winter Family Camp on January 17-20 with newly ordained Deacon Dr. Gregory Abdalah and Winter Camp on February 14-17 with Fr. Anthony Yazge, Deacon Marek Simon, and Fr. Michael Nasser. Also, registration for Summer Camp opened last Sunday. Please open an account and register at www.avcamp.org. Scholarship assistance is available from the camp and from the parish.

ON-LINE GIVING – St. Mary's Church now accepts donations online. Just visit https://smaoc.squarespace.com/donate and pay securely by credit card, debit card, or checking account. There is an option to indicate gifts made in honor of or in remembrance of someone.

ESTATE PLANNING – What will I leave to my parish so that those who come after me will share the same and even greater blessings?

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, January 13 Parish Council, 7 PM

Saturday, January 18 Great Vespers, 5 PM

Service of Prayer for Christian Unity

Wednesday, January 22 Our Time Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.

FROM THE FATHERS – “We must train ourselves that the mind, as it were, swims in the law of God, under the guidance of which our life must be governed. It is very useful to be occupied with reading the Word of God in solitude and to read the whole Bible through with understanding. When a man so equips his soul with the Word of God, then he is filled with understanding of what is good and what is evil.”

- St. Seraphim of Sarov

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, January 5, 2025 - The Theophany of Our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ

81st Street and Ridge Boulevard Website: www.smaoc.org

Brooklyn, NY 11209 Church Office: (718) 238-8008

Email: churchsecretary@smaoc.org Rectory: (718) 745-8481

His Eminence Most Reverend Metropolitan SABA

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh

Email: pastor@smaoc.org farkouhfarid@gmail.com

Sunday, January 5, 2025

The Theophany of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ (Celebrated)

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.

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of Epiphany – Tone 1

By thy baptism, O Lord, in the River Jordan, worship to the Trinity hath made its appearance; for the voice of the Lord did come forth to thee with the testimony, naming thee His beloved Son; and the Spirit in the likeness of a dove, confirming the truth of the word. Wherefore, O thou who didst appear and lighted the world, O Christ, glory to thee.

Kontakion of Epiphany – Tone 4

Today thou hast appeared to the universe, O Lord, and thy light hath been shed upon us, who praise thee with knowledge, saying, Thou hast come and appeared, O unapproachable Light.

Instead of “Holy God…” “As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia.”

Epistle – Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7 (Epiphany)

Prokeimenon. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Verse. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

MY SON TITUS: The grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

Declare these things; exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard thee.

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

Gospel - St. Matthew 3:13-17 (Epiphany)

AT THAT TIME, Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it to be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Next week’s homework: Ephesians 4:7-13 (Sunday after Theophany)

St. Matthew 4:12-17 (Sunday after Theophany)

MEGALYNARION – All creation rejoiceth in thee, O thou who art full of grace: the angelic hosts and the race of men. O hallowed temple and spiritual paradise, glory of virgins, of whom God was incarnate and became a little child, even our God who is before all the ages; for he made thy womb a throne, and thy body more spacious than the heavens. All creation rejoiceth in thee, O thou who art full of grace. Glory to thee.

POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving. Please reverently hear these prayers before beginning to “chat.”

HOLY BREAD – Donors are welcome for January and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR JANUARY – The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil or their byproducts) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays in January.

PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.

JANUARY 5, 2025 – THE THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD, GOD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST (CELEBRATED)

TODAY, JANUARY 5 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Fred Arida, Economous Faried Farkouh and Khouryee Wassila Farkouh, Hooda Germack, Mary Hamwi, Maria Hindelly, Robert Malouf, Rose Merhige, Ronald Sadaka, Effie Shraky, Ann Marie Smatt, and Nazli N. and Demetri Zayat. Memory eternal!

Naziha Mikhael Aldaia offers Prayers of Oblation and the Holy Bread for the repose of the souls of her parents, the servants of God Kazon and Michael. Memory eternal!

Deacon Farid and Aline Farkouh offer Prayers of Oblation and the Holy Bread for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Economous Faried and Khouryee Wassila Farkouh. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Eli Abdallah, Nora and Kalil Ballan, Ameenie Freije, Emily and Edward Ghazal, Pauline Haddad, Leila M. Khouri, Riad Malouf, Edma Saab, Robert Samara, Edmund Arthur Swaya, Nora Trefz, and Emil Tweel. Memory eternal!

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Dr. Alice Farkouh (Eger, Staten Island), John Petrick (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Diana Finger, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, William Robinson, Raymond Saleeby, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).

VISITATION OF THE SICK AND HOUSE-BOUND – If someone in your household is sick at home, in the hospital or in a convalescent center, please notify the church office as soon as possible. Please do not assume that we will know simply “through the grapevine.”

WINTER COAT DRIVE –Teen SOYO will continue receiving coats and winter outerwear at least through January. There is a large green box in the vestibule. We will distribute all items to the Pan-Orthodox Holy Cross Outreach Center on 4th Avenue and during the Midnight Run.

OUR TIME – Our (over 50) senior fellowship, “Our Time”, meets every other Wednesday, including Wednesday, January 8, from 1-3 PM. All are welcome. Please see Marilyn Tulaney or the flyer in this bulletin for more information. In addition, Our Time sponsors Pickleball on Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9 PM. All players and spectators are welcome.

BLESSING OF HOMES – Fr. Michael will begin blessing homes this week. Please use the form in this bulletin to request a home visit.

PRAYERS FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY – Deacon Farid and Aline Farkouh will once again organize our annual hosting of the Day of Prayer for Christian Unity following Great Vespers on Saturday, January 18. A light supper will follow the services. Please see Aline or the flyer in this bulletin for more information. All are welcome!

ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP – The Antiochian Village will host Winter Family Camp on January 17-20 with newly ordained Deacon Dr. Gregory Abdalah and Winter Camp on February 14-17 with Fr. Anthony Yazge, Deacon Marek Simon, and Fr. Michael Nasser. Also, registration for Summer Camp opens this evening at 5:00 PM. Please open an account and register at www.avcamp.org. Scholarship assistance is available from the camp and from the parish.

CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS – We acknowledge the Christmas offerings from Nicole and Jeff Anderson, Euguene Arida, Sandra Arida, Joan Bacon, Michelle Braca, Claudette Budai, Rhonda Byrnes, Sandra and Robert Coogan, Katherine and Hassan Dagher, Gloria Darzi, Barbara M. Deeb, Janice Deeb, Nicole Darzi Eckert, Fr. Michael and Laila Ellias, Anita and John Eyd, Diana Finger, Josette and John Generale, Frances and Ronald Ghiz, Alyssa Haddad, James Harris, Lina and Samer Kaiami, George Khoury, Jr., Nicole and George Khouzami, Nataliya Latushkina, George Maalouf, Anne and Sabry Mackoul, Corrine and Michael Mallia, Linda Mantia, Clifford Massab, George Moore, Rauaa and Ibrahim Nader, Renee and Ted Najjar, Kathryn and George Nassoor, Tony Nehme, Rob and Amanda Rich, Marian Russo, Gail and Wade Saadi, Audrey and Charles Sahadi, Louise Sahadi, Robert Sahadi, Wanda Salloum, Roland Salloum, Victor Samaha, Brenda Samman, Karen and Carl Slater, Karen and Anthony Tadross, Irene Tashji, George Trisciuzzi, Diana Zamaria, and Kathleen and Karl Zarr.

ON-LINE GIVING – St. Mary's Church now accepts donations online. Just visit https://smaoc.squarespace.com/donate and pay securely by credit card, debit card, or checking account. There is an option to indicate gifts made in honor of or in remembrance of someone.

ESTATE PLANNING – What will I leave to my parish in my will or estate plan so that those who come after me will share the same and even greater blessings?

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, January 5 Great Feast of Epiphany – celebrated

Great Blessing of Water

Wednesday, January 8 “Our Time” Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Saturday, January 11 Great Vespers, 5 PM

Monday, January 13 Parish Council, 7 PM

All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.

FROM THE FATHERS – Do you see, beloved, how many and how great blessngs we would have lost, if the Lord had yielded to the exhortation of John, and declined baptism? For the heavens were shut before this; the region above was inaccessible. A reconciliation took place of the visible with the invisible; the celestial orders were filled with joy; the diseases of earth were healed; secret things were made known; those at enmity were restored to amity. For you have heard the word of the evangelist, saying, The heavens were opened to Him on account of three wonders. For when Christ the Bridegroom was baptized, it was meet that the bridal-chamber of heaven should open its brilliant gates. And in like manner also, when the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove, and the Father’s voice spread everywere, it was meet that the gates of heaven should be lifted up. And, lo, the heavens were opened to Him; and a voice was heard, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

- St. Hippolytus of Rome

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, December 29, 2024 - After-Feast of and Sunday After The Nativity of Christ

81st Street and Ridge Boulevard Website: www.smaoc.org

Brooklyn, NY 11209 Church Office: (718) 238-8008

Email: churchsecretary@smaoc.org Rectory: (718) 745-8481

His Eminence Most Reverend Metropolitan SABA

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh

Email: pastor@smaoc.org farkouhfarid@gmail.com

Sunday, December 29, 2024

After-Feast of and Sunday after the Nativity of Christ

Tone 2 and Eothinon 5

Commemoration of Joseph the Betrothed, David the Prophet and King,

and James the Brother of God

Today’s Hymns and Readings

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 Nativity of Christ – Tone 4

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath given rise to the light of knowledge in the world; for they that worshipped the stars did learn therefrom to worship thee, O Sun of justice, and to know that from the east of the Highest thou didst come. O Lord, glory to thee.

Apolytikion of the Sunday after the Nativity of Christ – Tone 2

Proclaim, O Joseph, to David, the grandparent of God, the amazing wonders; for thou hast seen a Virgin great with child; for with the shepherds thou didst give glory, with the Magi thou didst worship, and by the angel it was revealed to thee. Wherefore, plead thou with Christ God to save our souls.

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 the Nativity of Christ – Tone 3

Today the Virgin giveth birth to the Transcendent in essence; the earth offereth the cave to the unapproachable One; the angels with the shepherds glorify him; and the Magi with the star travel on their way; for a new child hath been born for our sakes, God before the ages.

Epistle – Galatians 1:11-19 (Sunday after the Nativity of Christ)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 67:35, 26. God is wonderful among his saints.

Verse. Bless God in the congregations.

BRETHREN, I would have you know that the gospel which was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus.

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.

Gospel – Matthew 2:13-23 (Sunday after the Nativity of Christ)

When the wise men had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him. And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called my son.”

Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men.

Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.”

But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Next week’s homework: Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7 (Epiphany - celebrated)

St. Matthew 3:13-17 (Epiphany - celebrated)

DECEMBER 29, 2024 – AFTER-FEAST OF AND SUNDAY AFTER THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST

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.

DECEMBER IS ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH MONTH

TODAY, DECEMBER 29 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Julie Aucar, Rachel Azar, George Couri, Sr., Wade Sahadi, and Victor S. Samara. Memory eternal!

Naziha Mikhael Aldaia offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of her departed family members, the servants of God Kazon, Michael, Wajhi, Badie, Helen, Nicola, Samiha, Nada, Shafic, and Theresa. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, January 5 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Fred Arida, Economous Faried Farkouh and Khouryee Wassila Farkouh, Hooda Germack, Mary Hamwi, Maria Hindelly, Robert Malouf, Rose Merhige, Ronald Sadaka, Effie Shraky, Ann Marie Smatt, and Nazli N. and Demetri Zayat. Memory eternal!

Naziha Mikhael Aldaia will offer Prayers of Oblation and the Holy Bread for the repose of the souls of her parents, the servants of God Kazon and Michael. Memory eternal!

Deacon Farid and Aline Farkouh will offer Prayers of Oblation and the Holy Bread for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Economous Faried and Khouryee Wassila Farkouh. Memory eternal!

POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving. Please reverently hear these prayers before beginning to “chat.”

HOLY BREAD – Linda and George Salamy have made an offering for the entire year. Many years! Additional donors are welcome for January and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Dr. Alice Farkouh (Eger, Staten Island), John Petrick (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Diana Finger, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, William Robinson, Raymond Saleeby, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).

FASTING DISICIPLINE – From December 25 through January 4, there is no fasting.

DECEMBER IS ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH MONTH – Members of the Order will read the epistle and assist the ushering. We ask current members to wear the ribbons or lapel pins. We have lost several members of the Order in the recent past, and we invite new members to step forward to continue this vital ministry. Please see Fr. Michael, any member, or our Order Ambassadors Dianna Russo Kitchen and Marian Russo for more information.

BOB SABBAGH MEMORIAL LOTTERY – Last Sunday we once again held the Little Bit ‘o Luck Drawing, now named in memory of Bob Sabbagh. First, second, and third prizes went to Marian Russo, Wade Saadi, and Dr. Maurice Rafiaa respectively. Congratulations!

WINTER COAT DRIVE –Teen SOYO will continue receiving coats and winter outerwear at least through January. There is a large green box in the vestibule. We will distribute all items to the Pan-Orthodox Holy Cross Outreach Center on 4th Avenue and during the Midnight Run.

SUMMER CAMP – Registration for Summer Camp opens on Sunday, January 5, at 5:00 PM. Please open an account and register at www.avcamp.org. Scholarship assistance is available from the camp and from the parish.

ON-LINE GIVING – St. Mary's Church now accepts donations online. Just visit https://smaoc.squarespace.com/donate and pay securely by credit card, debit card, or checking account. There is an option to indicate gifts made in honor of or in remembrance of someone.

ESTATE PLANNING – As the calendar year nears its end, it’s time to take stock of how the Lord has blessed me. What will I leave to my parish so that those who come after me will share the same and even greater blessings?

PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Tuesday, December 31 New Year’s Eve Party

Wednesday, January 1 New Year’s Day

Feast of the Circumcision of Christ

Feast of St. Basil the Great

Saturday, January 4 Great Vespers, 4 PM

Sunday, January 5 Great Feast of Epiphany – celebrated

Great Blessing of Water

Monday, January 13 Parish Council, 7 PM

All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.

FROM THE FATHERS – “Christ is Born, glorify Him! Christ hath come from the heavens, receive Him. Christ is on earth, elevate Him. Sing unto the Lord, all the earth; and ye nations, praise him with joy; for He hath been glorified.”

- St. Gregory Nazianzus

Bulletin for December 25, 2024 - The Nativity of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ

81st Street and Ridge Boulevard Website: www.smaoc.org

Brooklyn, NY 11209 Church Office: (718) 238-8008

Email: churchsecretary@smaoc.org Rectory: (718) 745-8481

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh

Email: pastor@smaoc.org farkouhfarid@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

The Nativity of Our Lord, God and Savior Christ

The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

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.

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Entrance Hymn – From the womb before the morning star have I begotten Thee. The Lord hath sworn, and He will not repent; thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Save us, O Son of God, Who wast born of a Virgin; who sing the Thee. Alleluia.

Apolytikion of the Nativity of Christ – Tone 4

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath given rise to the light of knowledge in the world; for they that worshipped the stars did learn therefrom to worship thee, O Sun of justice, and to know that from the east of the Highest thou didst come. O Lord, glory to thee.

Kontakion of the Nativity of Christ – Tone 3

Today the Virgin giveth birth to the Transcendent in essence; the earth offereth the cave to the unapproachable One; the angels with the shepherds glorify him; and the Magi with the star travel on their way; for a new child hath been born for our sakes, God before the ages.

Instead of the Trisagion Hymn (“Holy God…”), “As many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia!”

Epistle – Galatians 4:4-7 (Nativity of Christ)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 65.4, 1. Let all the earth worship and sing to you.

Verse. Shout with joy to God, all the earth.

BRETHREN, when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir of God through Christ.

Gospel – Matthew 2:1-12 (Nativity of Christ)

WHEN JESUS WAS BORN in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.’”

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared; and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

St. Basil Liturgy Megalynarion – All creation rejoiceth in thee, O thou who art full of grace; the angelic hosts and the race of men. O hallowed temple and spiritual paradise, glory of virgins, of whom God was incarnate and became a little child, even our God who is before all the ages; for he made thy womb a throne, and thy body more spacious than the heavens. All creation rejoiceth in thee, O thou who art full of grace. Glory to thee!.

Instead of “We have seen the true light…” the Apolytikion of the Nativity in Tone 4.

Next week’s homework: Galatians 1:11-19 (Sunday after the Nativity)

Matthew 2:13-23 (Sunday after the Nativity)

DECEMBER 25, 2024 – THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD, GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST

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.

DECEMBER IS ORDER OF ST. IGANTIUS OF ANTIOCH MONTH

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

TODAY, DECEMBER 25 - We pray for all the living and departed members of our community.

Marie and Tony Aflak of Mid-East Bakery have donated the Holy Bread of Oblation tonight for the health and safety of their children. Many years!

NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Julie Aucar, Rachel Azar, George Couri, Sr., Wade Sahadi, and Victor S. Samara. Memory eternal!

Our Parish Family will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Hooda Germack as we will do each year on the Sunday closest to her birthday, January 1. Memory eternal!

Naziha Mikhael Aldaia will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of her departed family members, the servants of God Kazon, Michael, Wajhi, Badie, Helen, Nicola, Samiha, Nada, Shafic, and Theresa. Memory eternal!

POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving. Please reverently hear these prayers before beginning to “chat.”

COFFEE HOUR – There will be no Coffee Hour tonight.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Dr. Alice Farkouh (Eger, Staten Island), Gloria Jabara (Cornell), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Marie Bryant, Patti DeLuca, Anita Eyd, Diana Finger, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, William Robinson, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).

FASTING DISICIPLINE – There is no fasting from Christmas Day until January 5 which is a strict fast day in anticipation of the Epiphany of Christ.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD – Many thanks to Marian Russo and Audrey Sahadi who once again coordinated our annual Community Christmas Card. We also thank Amanda Alexander Rich who produced the photography of our new iconography and the card layout! Well done, thou good and faithful servants!

DECEMBER IS ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH MONTH – Members of the Order will read the epistle and assist the ushering. We ask current members to wear the ribbons or lapel pins. We have lost several members of the Order in the recent past, and we invite new members to step forward to continue this vital ministry. Please see Fr. Michael, any member, or our Order Ambassadors Dianna Russo Kitchen and Marian Russo for more information.

BOB SABBAGH MEMORIAL LOTTERY – Last Sunday we once again held the Little Bit ‘o Luck Drawing, now named in memory of Bob Sabbagh. First, second, and third prizes went to Marian Russo, Wade Saadi, and Dr. Maurice Rafiaa respectively. Congratulations! We’ll see you all next year!

FEAST OF EPHIPHANY – Because the Great Feast of Epiphany falls on a Monday this year, we will celebrate Festal Orthros and the Divine Liturgy for Epiphany with the Great Blessing of Water next Sunday, January 5. We will begin blessing homes immediately thereafter. Please see Fr. Michael to make an appointment, or submit the form in this bulletin.

ON-LINE GIVING – St. Mary's Church now accepts donations online. Just visit https://smaoc.squarespace.com/donate and pay securely by credit card, debit card, or checking account. There is an option to indicate gifts made in honor of or in remembrance of someone.

ESTATE PLANNING – Have I included St. Mary’s Church in my will or estate plan? Today God is giving me the gift of His Son. What can I bequeath to His Body, the Church?

PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, December 25 Nativity of Christ (No services)

Tuesday, December 31 New Year’s Eve Party

Wednesday, January 1 New Year’s Day

Feast of the Circumcision of Christ

Feast of St. Basil the Great

Saturday, January 4 Great Vespers, 5 PM

Sunday, January 5 Great Feast of Epiphany – celebrated

Great Blessing of Water

Monday, January 13 Parish Council, 7 PM

All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.

FROM THE FATHERS – “This is the feast we celebrate today, in which God comes to live with human beings, that we may journey toward God, or return…that laying aside the old human being we may be clothed with the new, and that as in Adam we have died so we may live in Christ, born with Christ and crucified with him, buried with him and rising with him.”

- St. Gregory Nazianzus (Oration 38: On the Nativity of Christ)

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America