Sunday, November 17, 2019
Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
Tone 5 and Eothinon 11
Gennadios and Maximos, Patriarchs of Constantinople
Today’s Hymns and Readings
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.
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 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 Entrance of the Theotokos in the Temple – Tone 4
The all-pure temple of the Saviour, the most precious bridal-chamber and Virgin, the treasure-house of the glory of God, today entered the Temple of the Lord, bringing with her the grace which is in the divine Spirit: whom also the angels of God do celebrate in song; for she is the heavenly tabernacle.
Epistle – Galatians 6:11-18 (Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost)
Prokeimenon. Psalm 11.7, 1. You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse. Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.
BRETHREN, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and not only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God.
Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Gospel – Luke 12:16-21 (Ninth Sunday of Luke)
THE LORD SPOKE THIS PARABLE: “The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
As he said this, Jesus called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Next week’s homework: Ephesians 2:4-10 (Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost)
Luke 18:18-27 (Thirteenth Sunday of Luke)
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. We ask for a donation of $50/week.
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.
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.
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church.
NOVEMBER 17, 2019 – TWENTY-SECOND 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.
TODAY, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 – We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Eva Abdalla, Antanius N. Arida, Aziz Malika, Fred Brahamsha, Louise Dibbs, Sahab Dibbs, Edward Richard Eadeh, Alice Elkas, Richard H. Habeeb, George R. Haddad, Paul David Khoury, John G. Klele, Sophie Kotite, John A. Livreri, George Malouf, Louis Orfaly, Dorothy Dillon Page, Fuad Salamy, Adele Sarkees, George Shamyer, Moufid Taweel, and John Trabulsi. Memory eternal!
Peter Elkas offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his mother, Alice Elkas. Memory eternal!
Loulou Malouf and Family offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God George Malouf. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 - We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Basil Kazan, Paul Dib, Albert Ganim, Diab Hattoum, Eva Jobe, Antonia Khoury, Zakia Tannous Khoury, Theresa Kirshy, Mary Monier, Pauline Nehme, Elias Rahhal, Edward Sarkis, Melkon Sayegh, Freda Sayegh, and Souhaila Jada Sciacchitano. Memory eternal!
George Khoury, Jr. will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his mother, Antonia Khoury. Memory eternal!
The Family of Mikhail Elsouss will offer Prayers of Oblation, the Holy Bread, and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of his soul. Memory eternal!
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.”
COFFEE HOUR – In the absence of a specific donor for today’s Coffee Hour the Parish Council will place a basket on the table for our free will offerings.
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 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.
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.
MEMORY ETERNAL! We are saddened to announce that the handmaiden of God Nouhad Khouzami departed this life on Wednesday, November 13. Her funeral was from St. Mary’s yesterday followed by interment at Green-Wood Cemetery. We extend our deepest sympathies to her sons George and Michael and their family. Memory eternal!
FALL HARVEST LUNCHEON – Last week’s luncheon was a great success thanks to all the hard work of those who prepared the sumptuous meal, donated toward the event and raffles and donated their time. Thanks to you all for helping us exceed our goal for the new Nativity set!
HUMANITARIAN PROJECT - The Ladies of St. Mary’s thank everyone who has donated a hygiene kit for the Midnight Run to the homeless. We have collected 85 kits so far, and our goal is 100! If you have not had the chance to donate one yet, please try to make one and forward it to any of the Ladies. In a one-gallon Zip-lock bag, please put one washcloth, one bar of soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, one disposable razor, a comb, and three Band-Aids. Thank you as always for your kindness and charity!”
THANKSGIVING FUNDRAISING EVENT – The Holy Cross Brooklyn Outreach Center will host a Thanksgiving Fundraising Event tomorrow, November 18, at Mussels and More, 8001 5th Avenue, from 7:00-9:00 PM. Please see the flyer in this bulletin for more information.
FEAST OF THE ENTRANCE OF THE THEOTOKOS – We will celebrate an Evening Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, November 20, at 7:30 PM in anticipation of the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple. The Young Adult Fellowship will offer a free supper following the liturgy to welcome our recent group of catechumens. All are welcome.
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. 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 Sunday afternoon 11/24 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 (917) 771-2427 if you are available.
CANNED FOOD AND WINTER COAT DRIVES – Teen SOYO has placed specially marked boxes in the narthex for their annual Canned Food Drive and Winter Coat Drive. Both of these projects will benefit the hungry and homeless of Brooklyn and New York City.
FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR DECEMBER – On November 15 we begin the traditional 40-day Advent Fast in preparation for the Feast of the Nativity of Christ on December 25. The Fast is divided into two periods. The first period is November 15 through December 19 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, oil and their by-products) is observed. On Tuesdays and Thursdays during this time, wine and oil are permitted. On Saturdays and Sundays during this time, fish, wine and oil are permitted. Some Orthodox eat fish on all days except Wednesdays and Fridays. The second period is December 20 through 24 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil) is observed, with wine and oil permitted on Saturday and Sunday. From December 25 through January 4, there is no fasting.
LITTLE-BIT-O-LUCK LOTTERY – Please see Bob Sabbagh or Deacon Farid Farkouh after church to secure one of 100 $100 tickets for the annual drawing.
ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH – Save the date for the Order of St. Ignatius Christmas Gathering on Friday, December 20, 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.
BOOKSTORE – The Bookstore will be open weekly. Feel free to browse our featured Nativity items and spiritual materials. We are looking for volunteers to help with the management and operation of our parish Bookstore. Please see Lorraine Deeb or Carol Makhoul with any questions.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday, November 18 Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch Meeting, 7:30 PM
Fundraiser at Mussels and More for the Outreach Center
Wednesday, November 20 Evening Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Entrance
Thursday, November 21 Adult Education, 7:30 PM
Saturday, November 23 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
Thursday, December 5 Ladies baking and Christmas Boutique set-up
Friday, December 6 Christmas Boutique set-up
Saturday, December 7 Christmas Boutique
Sunday, December 8 Christmas Boutique
FROM THE FATHERS – We live in this vain world and are truly ignorant – or rather, we have not yet understood why we are alive, what goal this life of ours has, and what purpose man has on earth! Unfortunately, we have become almost like the irrational beasts; we live without consiering that the time of our life here is the most precious thing for our future restoration. We use up and waste this time with no regret, and when we come to our senses, we shall be unable to bring this time back. Therefore, how truly wise is the man who has realized the great value of time in this transient life and takes advantage of it accordingly, enriching his life with good works, so that when the grievous hour of death comes, his conscience will be confident and say in his defense before the spiritual prosecutors, the demons: “I have done what I should. So why are you still raging?”
- St. Cyril of Jerusalem
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America