Sunday, November 3, 2019
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Tone 3 and Eothinon 9
Martyrs Akepsimas, Joseph & Aeithalas of Persia
Dedication of St. George Church in Lydda of Palestine
Today’s Hymns and Readings
Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 3
Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad; for the Lord hath done a mighty act with his own arm. He hath trampled down death and become the First-born from the dead. He hath delivered us from the depth of hades, granting the world the Great Mercy.
Apolytikion for the Persian Martyrs – Tone 4
Thy martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For, since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons’ strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.
Apolytikion of St. George – Tone 4
Since thou are a liberator and deliverer of captives, a help and succour of the poor and needy, a healing physician of the sick, a contender and fighter for kings, O great among Martyrs, the victory-clad George; intercede with Christ God for the salvation of 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 Theotokos – Tone 2
O undisputed intercessor of Christians, the mediatrix unrejected by the Creator, turn not away from the voice of our petitions, though we be sinners. Come to us in time, who cry to thee in faith, with assistance; for thou art good. Hasten to us with intercessions, O Theotokos, who dost ever intercede for those who honour thee.
Epistle – Galatians 1:11-19 (Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost)
Prokeimenon. Psalm 46.6, 1. Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse. Clap your hands, all you nations.
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 – Luke 16:19-31 (Fifth Sunday of Luke)
THE LORD SAID, “There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table; moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.’”
Next week’s homework: Galatians 1:11-19 (Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost)
Luke 16:19-31 (Fifth Sunday of Luke)
NOVEMBER 3, 2019 – TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
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.
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, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3 – We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Michel Al-Kirsheh, Nicholas L. Assatly, Alfred Farkouh, Henry Haddad, Farezza Hallal, Assad Hanna, Alfred Helal, Delores, Olga, Paul, Salem Jabara, Anthony Kinge, Evelyn Mouracade, Helweh Sayage, Josephine Tadross, Lorraine Zraick, and Mary and Richard Zraick. Memory eternal!
The Antiochian Village Camp Alumni offer Prayers of Oblation and the Trisagion Prayers for the repose of the soul of the camp’s first director, Rt. Rev. Fr. John Namie. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 - We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Dr. John L. Boojamra, Linda Cassatly, Leila Dahdouh, Stanley Fadel, Charlene Alekel Goldrick, Rashida Marie Haddad, Victoria Khouri, Dorothy Madey, George Massabni, Nora K. Nahas, Gabriella R. Sadaka, Nicholas Sahadi, Charles Salloum, Victor Smatt, Alex Zahka, and Gregory Zarr. Memory eternal!
HOLY BREAD – Gale Zarr and Marie Zarr will offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God George Zarr, Sr., Gregory Zarr, Gail Hall Zarr, Rose Zarr, and Dolores Marinacci for the month of November. Donors are welcome for December and succeeding months. Linda and George Salamy have also made a donation through the rest of the year. We ask for a donation of $50/week.
TODAY’S USHERS – Members of the Parish Council will serve as ushers and readers. Because Church School is taking place during Matins, the students can remain with their parents so that families can receive Holy Communion together. The ushers will assist us in proceeding row by row so that we can distribute Holy Communion “decently and in order.”
POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – As the faithful approach to reverence the cross, receive a blessing and a piece of antidoron (holy bread) at the dismissal, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving. Please greet each other quietly as we reverently hear these prayers.
COFFEE HOUR – In the absence of a specific sponsor today the Parish Council will place a basket on the table for our free will offerings.
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church.
FOR THE INFIRM – Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Clair Banat (Norwegian), Charlie Bryant, Albert Castley (FL), Nadim Dahdouh, Anissa DeGroat, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Susan Hadad, Louise Hamwi, Rayanne (Haddad) Harney, Malak Karkenny, George Khoury, Jr., Victor Khoury, George Lewis, Jr., Loulou Malouf, Emily Maren (ME), Alfred Nahas, Elena Paris, Louis Savarese, Evelyn Shamoun, Leon Smatt, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), Marianne Trabulsi (PA), and Rose Zrake (at home). If a member of your family is in the hospital or recuperating at home, please call the church office and let us know as soon as possible.
EPISTLE READERS – We would like to include as many people as possible in the liturgical celebrations. If you would like to read the epistle in either English or Arabic, please see Fr. Michael.
LADIES OF ST. MARY’S – The Ladies of St. Mary’s will meet today following the Divine Liturgy. All women of the parish are welcome and encouraged to participate. Please see President Sandra Arida.
HUMANITARIAN PROJECT - The Ladies of St. Mary’s invite all of our parishioners to join them in a vital humanitarian project this Fall. We will be preparing hygiene kits once again, to be distributed to the homeless during the Midnight Runs. Our goal is 100 kits! In a one gallon Ziplock bag, please include: 1 washcloth, bar of soap, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clipper, disposable razor, and 3 band-aids. You may give your kit to any member of the Ladies, and we will forward them. Thank you for your generosity and charity!
INQUIRER’S CLASS – We offer “An Introduction to Holy Orthodoxy” on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM. No experience necessary. Please see Fr. Michael for more information.
ADULT EDUCATION – Our Adult Education class for the fall is reading The Orthodox Way by Metropolitan KALLISTOS (Ware) on the Thursdays; however, there is no class this Thursday, November 7. Please see Fr. Michael on how to obtain a copy of the book. All are welcome!
FALL HARVEST LUNCHEON – St. Mary’s Church School/PTO invites everyone to a Fall Harvest Luncheon next Sunday, November 10. We will feature raffles for gift baskets, including from Battleview Orchards. There will also be a buffet of Thanksgiving favorites. All proceeds from the sale of tickets and free will donations will support the new Nativity Set. We are accepting donations towards the meal and raffle baskets. Our Thanksgiving-themed baskets contain fruit, vegetables, pantry goods, and hostess items to help make the winners’ Thanksgiving celebrations special. Basket donations can be in the form of items, complete baskets, or donations toward the purchase of items. For more information, please contact Lorraine Deeb at ldeebsped@verizon.net or (917) 755-4758.
NEW NATIVITY SET – The Parish Council declared “Christmas in July!” We are replacing our lawn Nativity set which was damaged during the renovation and expansion of the church hall. Although the temperatures are in the 60’s, Winter will be here soon, and we want to be ready. If you would like to contribute to this special project, make your check payable to St. Mary’s Church earmarked “Nativity Set.” To date we have received donations from Patricia Zraick Deluca, Audrey and Charlie Sahadi, Louise Sahadi, Robert Sahadi, Roland Salloum, Wanda Salloum, Victor Samaha, Gregory Zrake and Rose Zrake. Please see Parish Council Chair Daria Mayrose or Fr. Michael for more information.
HOLIDAY DRAWING – Robert Sabbagh and Deacon Farid Farkouh are once again co-chairing this year’s Little-Bit-o-Luck Holiday Drawing. Please see Bob or Deacon Farid after church.
LOST AND FOUND – We have placed a box for items left behind in the hallway opposite the church office. We will hold things there for one month and then donate them to the homeless.
BOOKSTORE VOLUNTEERS – We are looking for volunteers to help with the management and operation of our parish Bookstore. If you are interested and available, please see Lorraine Deeb or Parish Council Chair Daria Mayrose.
CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE - The Ladies of St. Mary's are preparing for the Annual Christmas Boutique in Couri Hall on Saturday, December 7, (9:00am - 4:30pm) and Sunday, December 8, (12:30pm - 3:30pm). We are hoping that our very talented bakers will generously donate their specialties. If you would like to donate baked goods, please contact Marian Russo at (718) 836-7876, or Nahla Fattouh at (718) 909-6727. By today, we would appreciate receiving donations of costume and better jewelry, liquor, and new merchandise for the raffle baskets. Other new items and gently used items should be brought to the church on Thursday, December 5, to be sold at the Ladies’ tables. We need MEN VOLUNTEERS on a Sunday afternoon (date to be determined) to pick up Christmas decorations. MEN VOLUNTEERS are also needed on Sunday afternoon, December 8, to pack up after the Boutique. Please contact Gale Zarr at (917) 771-2427 if you are available.
IOCC SUNDAY – Our November pledge envelopes included a yellow envelope for “International Orthodox Christian Charities” dated November 17. We annually receive this collection on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Our faithful can either drop their envelope in the collection tray on Sundays or return it to the church office. If you are not receiving pledge envelopes, please inform the church office so that we can add you to our list of supporters. Thank you for your support of IOCC.
ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH – Save the date for the Order of St. Ignatius Christmas Gathering on Sunday, December 22, following Great Vespers at 6 PM at St. George Church in Little Falls, NJ. This year everyone is invited, not just current members of the Order. A formal invitation will follow. Please consider induction into the Order when Metropolitan JOSEPH visits on January 5.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Wednesday, November 6 Inquirers Class, 7:00 PM
Thursday, November 7 No Adult Education Class
Saturday, November 9 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
Sunday, November 10 Fall Harvest Luncheon
Monday, November 11 Parish Council, 7:30 PM
Wednesday, November 13 Inquirers Class, 7:00 PM
Thursday, November 14 Adult Education, 7:30 PM
Friday, November 15 Advent Begins
FROM THE FATHERS – “One cannot possibly understand the teaching of the saints unless one has a pure mind and is trying to imitate their life.”
- St. Athanasius the Great
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America