Sunday, December 15, 2019
Sunday of the Holy Ancestors of Christ
Tone 1 and Eothinon 4
Hieromartyr Eleutherios, Bishop of Illyria
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 Forefathers – Tone 2
Thou hast justified by faith the ancient forefathers and through them thou hast gone before and betrothed unto thyself the Church of the Gentiles. Let the saints, therefore, take pride in glory; for from their seed sprouted forth a noble fruit, and she it was who gave birth to thee without seed. Wherefore, by their pleadings, O Christ God, 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.
December 15- Hieromartyr Eleutherios
Being comely adorned in thy sacred priestly robes, and newly drenched with the streams of thy pure and sanctified blood, thou didst soar aloft to stand before thy Master, Christ; hence never cease to intercede for those honoring with faith thy mighty and blessed contest, thou overthrower of Satan, O wise and blessed Eleutherios.
Kontakion of the Pre-Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 3
On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to God the Word ineffably, Who was before all the ages. Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing the gladsome tidings; with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him Who is willing to be gazed on as a young Child Who before the ages is God.
Epistle – II Timothy 1:8-18 (Hieromartyr Eleutherios, Bishop of Illyria)
Prokeimenon: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saint.
Verse. What shall we render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto us?
TIMOTHY, my son, do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God, Who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of our works but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus ages ago, and now has manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, Who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, and therefore I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know Whom I have believed, and I am sure that He is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus; guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit Who dwells within us. You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, and among them Phygelos and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the house hold of Onesiphoros, for he often refreshed me; he was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome, he searched for me eagerly and found me. May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day, and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.
Gospel – Luke 14-16-24 (Sunday of the Forefathers)
THE LORD SPOKE THIS PARABLE: “A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for all is now ready.’ But, one by one, they all began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Next week’s homework: Hebrews 11:9-10, 32-40 (Sunday before the Nativity of Christ)
Matthew 1:1-25 (Sunday of the Genealogy of Christ)
DECEMBER 15, 2019 – SUNDAY OF THE HOLY FOREFATHERS (ANCESTORS) 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.
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.
DECEMBER IS ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE
TODAY, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 – We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Bertha Abouchar, Josephine Awad, Alexander E. Deeb, Kazan El-Hajj, Jean Fadool, Charles Farkouh, Richard Farkouh, Hafina Haddad, Gloria Hawaweeny, James Jobe, Najla Khoury, Nabeeha Klam, Edward Mannessa, Edward Mamary, Elizabeth Nader, Michael Takla, Edward Thabit, Zouhat Thabit, Virginia Zarr, Eli Zrake, and Najeeb Zrake. Memory eternal!
The Deeb Family offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of their father and grandfather, Alexander Deeb. Memory eternal!
Dr. Alice B. Farkouh offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her husband, former Parish Council Chairman Charles Farkouh. Memory eternal!
Nicole and George Khouzami and Kristi and Joseph Khouzami and Families offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Nouhad Khouzami. A Coffee Hour in her memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 - We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Evelyn L. Deschner, Albert N. Dibs, Anna Ghiz, Nicholas and Nora Hawa, George Khoury, Malvina Khouri, Nabeh Kotite, Haleem Migdalene, Zahia Migdalene, Robert A. Monier, Andrew N. Samaan, William S. Schneirla Jr., Alfred E. Shagoury, Toufek Shagoury, Arthur Swaya, Emily Swaya, Lily Sydnawey, Mary Traboulcy, Bassem Trabulsi, George Zain, and Rose Zarr. Memory eternal!
George Khoury, Jr. will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his father, the servant of God George Khoury, Sr. Memory eternal!
Dr. Amer and Chaza Rafiaa will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of Chaza’s father, Madhat Abou Khater, who departed this life in Syria. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!
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.
HOLY BREAD – Donors are welcome for December and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.
TODAY’S USHERS – Members of the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch 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, Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Evelyn Shamoun (Alameda, Perth Amboy), Charlie Bryant, Albert Castley (FL), Nadim Dahdouh, Anissa DeGroat, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Susan Hadad, Louise Hamwi, Malak Karkenny, George Khoury, Jr., Victor Khoury, Loulou Malouf, Emily Maren (ME), Alfred Nahas, Elena Paris, Louis Savarese, Leon Smatt, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), Marianne Trabulsi (NJ), 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.
NATIVITY FAST – The Nativity Fast began on Friday, November 15. This Fast is divided into two periods: the first is November 15 through December 19 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, and olive oil) is observed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with katalysis for wine and olive oil (some also permit fish) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and for fish, wine, and olive oil on Saturdays and Sundays; the second is the period of the Forefeast, December 20 through 24, when the traditional fasting discipline is observed Monday through Friday, with katalysis for wine and olive oil on Saturday and Sunday.
SACRAMENT OF REPENTANCE (CONFESSION) – The Advent Fast is one of the four times each year faithful Orthodox should receive the Holy Sacrament of Repentance (Confession). Fr. Michael hears Confessions on Sundays between 9:15 and 10:15 during Matins, by appointment during the week, and on Saturday evenings after Great Vespers.
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!”
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.
CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE - The Ladies of St. Mary's thank everyone who supported and worked for their annual event which was extended by one day due to popular demand. See you next year.
MIDNIGHT RUN – Our Teen SOYO and Young Adult Fellowship invite everyone to join them in the Midnight Run in conjunction with our brethren at Holy Cross Brooklyn Outreach Center. Volunteers gather at Holy Cross around 8:00 PM this Friday, December 20, to prepare food and clothing for the homeless on the streets of New York City. They then distribute these offerings directly to recipients in Manhattan. Please see Deacon Farid for more information.
CHRISTMAS FLOWER OFFERING – Our December offering envelopes will contain an envelope marked “Special Offering” or “Flower Offering.” Please be as generous as possible at the end of the calendar year and simultaneously maximize your taxable charitable deductions! If you are not receiving pledge envelopes or do not have an official pledge, please see Fr. Michael, Parish Council Chair Daria Mayrose, or Treasurer Diana Kaiami.
ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH – The Order of St. Ignatius Christmas Gathering will take place on Friday, December 20, at 7:00 PM at St. George Church in Little Falls, NJ. This year everyone is invited, not just current members of the Order. For more information contact Zlata Ryan, Administrator of the Order, at (724) 238-3677 x410, or email theorder@antiochianvillage.org. Did you know that the Order of St. Ignatius provides scholarship assistance to any camper who wishes to attend the Antiochian Village each summer? See Fr. Michael, Order Ambassadors Marian Russo and Dianna Kitchen, or any member of the Order for more information. Please consider induction into the Order when Metropolitan JOSEPH visits on January 5. We already have four new commitments!
ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE - Summer Camp registration opened on Tuesday, December 10. Go to www.avcamp.org/summer-camp. Winter Family Camp will be January 17-20. Go to www.avcamp.org/other-programs/winter-camp.
2020 CHURCH CALENDARS – The 2020 Church Calendars are available in the narthex. We thank our sponsors, McLaughlin Funeral Home and Bay Ridge Honda and the Robert Sabbagh Family.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT - ‘Tis the season! St. Mary’s Choir invites all our parishioners and friends to join them for a Christmas Carol Sing in the Church immediately following Coffee Hour, next Sunday December 22, 2019. Bring your voices! Words provided!
ADULT EDUCATION – We will conclude our meditations on the theme of the Nativity of Christ on Wednesday, December 18 at 7:30 PM. Please see the flyer in this bulletin.
NEW YEAR’S EVE – Toast the New Year at St. Mary’s Church. Enjoy a full course Middle Eastern mazza, dinner, dessert, including Black Label, wine, and soft drinks. $100 per adult, $65 for children 4-15. RSVP to Josephine Zgheib at (718) 666-8973 or Lama Rajha at (929) 372-5711.
EPIPHANY LUNCHEON - The Ladies of St. Mary’s cordially invite our parishioners to the annual Epiphany Luncheon, to be held in Couri Hall, on Sunday, January 5, 2020, immediately following the Divine Liturgy. His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH will be our honored guest. Tickets are $60 for adults and $25 for children under 12. Please contact Linda Mantia at (718) 836-7146 for reservations.
ESTATE PLANNING – Have I included St. Mary’s Church in my estate plan?
LITTLE-BIT-O-LUCK LOTTERY – We will hold this year’s drawing next Sunday following the Divine Liturgy. We thank Bob Sabbagh and Deacon Farid Farkouh for managing this project once again.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES – The Pastor’s Discretionary Account welcomes contributions during the Christmas-Epiphany season to support cases of urgent need both inside and outside the parish. Make your check payable to St. Mary’s Church earmarked “PDA.” This year we make a special appeal for one of our eighth graders who has an opportunity to participate in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage Youth Symposium in Athens, Greece. We have already received half of our goal of $1300.
APARTMENT NEEDED – Our parishioner George Khoury, Jr. has called the church to see if anyone has an available apartment. He must vacate his Staten Island apartment by December 31. Please contact Fr. Michael if you have a lead or an available space.
YEAR END GIVING – Avoid capital gains taxes on appreciated securities, or reduce the pain of declining issues, by donating them to St. Mary’s Church!
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.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Wednesday, December 18 Advent Meditation Series, 7:30 PM
Thursday, December 19 DGK Parochial School Christmas Program, 6:00 PM
Friday, December 20 Great Vespers @ St. George Church, Little Falls, NJ, 6 PM
Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch Reception
Midnight Run, 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Saturday, December 21 No Great Vespers
Fr. Joseph Allen Retirement Banquet
Sunday, December 22 Choir Christmas Concert and Carol Sing
Tuesday, December 24 Vespral Divine Liturgy, 10:00 AM followed by Pageant
Festal Matins, 10:00 PM, Divine Liturgy, 11:00 PM
Saturday, December 28 No Great Vespers
Tuesday, December 31 New Year’s Eve Gala
Saturday, January 4 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM, followed by baptism of catechumen
Sunday, January 5 Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with Metropolitan JOSEPH
Followed by Ladies’ Epiphany Luncheon
Monday, January 6 Great Feast of Epiphany/Theophany
FROM THE FATHERS – “Pride deprives us of God’s help, making us over-reliant on ourselves and arrogant towrds other people.”
- St. Thalassios the Libyan
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America