Sunday, December 29, 2019
Sunday after the Nativity of Christ
Tone 3 and Eothinon 6
Great Martyr Anastasia the Deliverer from Potions and her Teacher the Martyr Chrysogonos
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 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)
St. Matthew 3:13-17 (Epiphany)
DECEMBER 29, 2019 – SUNDAY AFTER THE NATIVITY 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 29 – We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Julie Aucar, Rachel Azar, George Couri, Anne DeMaio, Mary Elkat, Shukri Farkouh, Rose Hossan, Sabry Jallad, Mitchell Rezk, Hind Saadi, Wade Sahadi, Victor S. Samara, Najeeb Sydnawey, and Ines Tahan. Memory eternal!
Dr. Bassam and Naziha Aldaia offer Prayers and the Holy Bread of Oblation for the repose of the souls of their departed loved ones, Kazon, Michael, Wajih, Helen, Samitha, and Nicola. Memory eternal!
George Khoury, Jr. offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his father, the servant of God George Khoury, Sr. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 - We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Fred Arida, Dr. Hickmet Arida, Economous Faried Farkouh, Khouria Wassila Farkouh, Anna Habib, Gabriel Hamatie, Mary Hamwi, Olga Kalaf, Robert Malouf, Madeleine Malouf, Rose Merhige, Sally Renieri, Ronald Sadaka, Melia Saydah, Edward Saydah, Edward Shoucaire, Anne Marie Smatt, Demetri Zayat, and Nazli N. Zayat. 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 – Karen and Matthew Spolar offer today’s Holy Bread of Oblation as well as for the months of January and February. Many years! Donors are welcome for March and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.
FASTING DISCIPLINE – There is no fasting between the Nativity of Christ and January 4.
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
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. Thank you!
TODAY’S USHERS – Members of the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch will serve as ushers and readers. Because there is no Church School this week or next week, 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), Mary Ganim (Norwegian), Evelyn Shamoun (Perth Amboy), Charlie Bryant, Albert Castley (FL), Nadim Dahdouh, Anissa DeGroat, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Susan Hadad, Louise Hamwi, Malak Karkenny, George Khoury, Jr., Victor Khoury, Loulou Malouf, Emily Maren (ME), Alfred Nahas, Elena Paris, Raymond Saleeby, Louis Savarese, Leon Smatt, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), Marianne Trabulsi (NJ), Dr. Sam Zamaria (MD), 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.
ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH – As Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch Month closes, we encourage our faithful members to consider induction into the Order when Metropolitan JOSEPH visits for Epiphany next week. We already have four new inductees. The Order supports many ministries within the Archdiocese but has always placed particular emphasis on clergy retirement and the Antiochian Village Camp. Please see Fr. Michael, Order Ambassadors Marian Russo and Dianna Russo Kitchen, or any member of the Order for more information.
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS – Brenda and Bobby Sabbagh have donated the Christmas decorations and candles on the pews in loving memory of Beder and Sadallah Sabbagh, Eleanor and George Kalesh, George R. Sabbagh, Victoria and Edgar Saadi, Adele Trisciuzzi, Vivian and George Massab, Alice and Victor Ayoub, and Karen Ayoub. Memory eternal!
CHRISTMAS AND NATIVITY SET OFFERINGS – We acknowledge the offerings of Eli Abdallah and Christina Harvey, Albert Absey, Nicole Alrassi, Phyllis Arbeeny, Sandra Arida, Dr. Issam and Paula Arnuk, Michele Braca, Claudette and Sandor Budai, Christopher Castley, Sandra and Robert Coogan, Joan Bacon, Katherine and Hassan Dagher, Gloria Darzi, Barbara Deeb, Patricia Deluca, Fr. Michael and Laila Ellias, Fallah Family, Laurice Ganim, George Khoury, Lina and Samer Kaiami, Nicole and George Khouzami, John and Josette Generale, Lily and Paul Lang, Loulou Maalouf, Anne and Sabry Mackoul, Carol Makhoul, Camil Malouf, Renee and Ted Najjar, Kathryn and Dr. George Nassoor, Gail and Wade Saadi, Janet Sadaka, Audrey and Charles Sahadi, Louise Sahadi, Robert Sahadi, Roland Salloum, Wanda Salloum, Brenda Samman, Sam Salhany, Victor Samaha, Eve Schronstein, Barbara and Dennis Shawah, Gary Speer, Hiam Sukkarieh, Irene Tashji, Claudette Teen, Mimi Zahka, Malakie and Richard Zogob, and Greg Zrake.
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 93 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!
CHURCH SCHOOL – Beginning on Sunday, January 12, we will return to the previous schedule of beginning Church School classes following Holy Communion.
CANNED FOOD DRIVE AND WINTER COAT DRIVE – Teen SOYO has placed large containers in the narthex for their annual Canned Food and Winter Coat Drives. The Coat Drive includes gloves, hats, socks, blankets and sweaters, and will continue into January. Thank you!
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.
NATIVITY SET – We thank the Fallah Family for donating the new Nativity set for the lawn of the church. The Church will keep all the other donations received toward this project in a designated decorating fund for future use. Many years!
LITTLE-BIT-O-LUCK LOTTERY – We congratulate Rima and Elias Hazem (first prize), Dr. Alice B. Farkouh (second prize), and, Erica Mackoul (third prize), the winners of this year’s drawings. 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.”
DATES TO REMEMBER
Tuesday, December 31 New Year’s Eve Gala
Wednesday, January 1 Circumcision of Christ and Feast of St. Basil the Great
Saturday, January 4 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
Sunday, January 5 Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with Metropolitan JOSEPH
Followed by Ladies’ Epiphany Luncheon
Monday, January 13 Parish Council, 7:30 PM
Friday, January 17 Midnight Run, 8 PM
Monday, January 20 Endowment Fund Committee, 7:30 PM
FROM THE FATHERS – “The time is approaching when the era from the creation of the world to the Dread Judgment will finally be over. The fallen spirits suffer greatly, for they know that there will be a Judgment and that it will be just. They know that after the Judgment they will be isolated. Right now they have a certain freedom. They move among people, creating delusions and winning many people over to their side. They believe that victory will be theirs, but, in the end, Divine justice will prevail.”
- Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church.
December 2019
Dear parishioners and friends of St. Mary’s,
Another year is coming to a close and a new decade awaits us. As in all other years, we said good-bye to cherished loved ones, but also welcomed precious new life. We are once again enjoying our beautifully renovated Church. And we continue to pray for peace in Syria. The Holy Nativity and the great Feast of Epiphany will soon be upon us.
The Ladies of St. Mary’s cordially invite you to the annual Epiphany Luncheon in our Couri Hall on Sunday, January 5, 2020, immediately following the Divine Liturgy and the Blessing of the Waters. We are delighted that His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph will be with us to celebrate the Feast.
The luncheon will be catered by the incomparable Hayat and will feature mazza on each table, a buffet of Middle Eastern appetizers, salad, and entrees. Wine, soda, dessert, and coffee are also included. Tickets are $60.00 per person and $25.00 for children under 12 years of age. Tables for 8-10 can be arranged.
Please respond on the tear-off sheet below and return it by December 23, 2019. Checks should be made payable to the “Ladies of St. Mary’s.” For more information, please call Mrs. Linda Mantia at (718) 836-7146. We look forward to sharing this wonderful day with you as we usher in what we pray will
be a year of peace and good health for everyone.
Sincerely,
Sandra Arida, President
Ladies of St. Mary’s
M_______________________________________________________________will attend.
Enclosed is $____________________________for______________________________persons.
Please seat me with ________________________________________________________
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