Sunday, November 10, 2019
Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
Tone 4 and Eothinon 10
Apostles Olympas, Rodion, Sosipater, Tertios, Erastos and Quartos of the Seventy
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 2:16-20 (Twenty-First 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, you know that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Gospel – Luke 10:25-37 (Eighth Sunday of Luke)
AT THAT TIME, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read?” And the lawyer answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And Jesus said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.”
But the lawyer, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, “Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” The lawyer said, “The one who showed mercy on him.” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Next week’s homework: Galatians 6:11-18 (Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost)
Luke 12:16-21 (Ninth Sunday of Luke)
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.
NOVEMBER 10, 2019 – TWENTY-FIRST 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 10 – We 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!
Oksana Eid offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her father, Michael Pigouski. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 - We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Eva Abdalla, Antanius N. Arida, 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, Aziz Malika, George Malouf, Louis Orfaly, Dorothy Dillon Page, Fuad Salamy, Adele Sarkees, George Shamyer, Moufid Taweel, and John Trabulsi. 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.”
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.
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.
PARISH COUNCIL – The Parish Council will hold its regular monthly meeting tomorrow, November 11, at 7:30 PM.
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church.
FALL HARVEST LUNCHEON – St. Mary’s Church School/PTO invites everyone to a Fall Harvest Luncheon after today’s Divine Liturgy. We will feature raffles for gift baskets, including from Battleview Orchards. Our Thanksgiving-themed baskets contain fruit, vegetables, pantry goods, and hostess items to help make the winners’ Thanksgiving celebrations special.
INQUIRER’S CLASS – We will conclude “An Introduction to Holy Orthodoxy” on Wednesday, November 13 at 7:00 PM. No experience necessary. Please see Fr. Michael for more information.
ADULT EDUCATION – Our Adult Education class for the fall will finish reading The Orthodox Way by Metropolitan KALLISTOS (Ware) on Thursday, November 14. Please see Fr. Michael on how to obtain a copy of the book. All are welcome!
MIDNIGHT RUN – Teen SOYO and the Young Adults will participate in this Friday’s Midnight Run. Please meet at Holy Cross Church at 8 PM for food and clothing preparation. Please see Deacon Farid, Andrea Zrake, or Diana Kaiami for more information.
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!
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. 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.
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 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.
CANNED FOOD AND WINTER COAT DRIVES – Teen SOYO will place specially marked boxes in the narthex next week 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.
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 check. There is an option to indicate gifts made in honor of or in remembrance of someone.
ARABIC WISDOM - With the help of one of our priests, we hope to begin sending out spiritual passages for the salvation of our souls, in the Arabic language. If you or anyone you know is interested in receiving quotes of the day, writings of the Fathers, lives of the saints, etc., in Arabic, please send your name and email address to meletioszafaran@yahoo.com.
DATES TO REMEMBER
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
Midnight Run
Saturday, November 16 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
Wednesday, November 20 Evening Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Entrance
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 – “In time of sorrow do not seek comfort from people. Most people are not experienced in affairs of salvation and are poor advisors. Make the Lord your only helpmate, comforter, and tutor, and from Him alone ask help. The man to whom the Lord sends afflictions is blessed a hundredfold, because it is afflictions that cure our souls. In enduring sorrows, a Christian is likened to Jesus Christ, who suffered for us. We should consider sorrows a gift from the Lord and a sign of His care for our salvation.”
- St. Innocent of Alaska
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America