Sunday, August 11, 2019
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Tone 7 and Eothinon 7
After-Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ
Today’s Hymns and Readings
Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 7
Thou didst shatter death by thy Cross. Thou didst open paradise to the thief. Thou didst turn the mourning of the ointment-bearing women into joy, and didst bid thine Apostles proclaim a warning that thou hast risen, O Christ, granting to the world thy Great Mercy.
Apolytikion of the Transfiguration – Tone 7
When, O Christ our God, thou was transfigured on the mountain, thou didst reveal thy glory to thy Disciples in proportion as they could bear it. Let thine everlasting light also enlighten us sinners, through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O thou Bestower of light, glory to thee.
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 Transfiguration – Tone 7
Thou wast transfigured on the mount, and thy Disciples, in so far as they were able, beheld thy glory, O Christ our God: so that, when they should see thee crucified, they would remember that thy suffering was voluntary, and could declare to all the world that thou art truly the effulgent Splendour of the Father.
Epistle – I Corinthians 1:10-17 (Eighth Sunday after Pentecost)
Prokeimenon. Psalm 28.11, 1. The Lord will give strength to his people
Verse. Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.
BRETHREN, I appeal to you by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brethren. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispos and Gaius; lest any one should say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any one else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
Gospel – Matthew 14:14-22 (Eighth Sunday of Matthew)
AT THAT TIME, when Jesus went ashore he saw a great throng; and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a lonely place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And Jesus said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Then Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go before them to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.
Next week’s homework:
I Corinthians 3:9-17 (Ninth Sunday after Pentecost)
Matthew 14:22-34 (Ninth Sunday of Matthew)
HOLY BREAD – Linda and George Salamy have made a donation through the end of the year. Many years! Donors are welcome for August 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.
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and pagers are turned off in church.
AUGUST 11, 2019 – EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST AND THE AFTER-FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF CHRIST
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.
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, AUGUST 11 – We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Stephanie Bittar, Agnes Hamwi, Emile N. Jabbour, Alex Kalaf, George Kalesh, Aref Khoury, Salwa Khoury, Margaret Razook, Erna Saydah, Edward Zarick, and Ernest Zayat. Memory eternal!
Audrey and Charlie Sahadi offer Prayers of Oblation for the good health of Dr. Alice Farkouh on her birthday. Many years!
Dr. Alice B. Farkouh offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God William Beddy Cury. Memory eternal!
The Family of Georgette Maione offers Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of her soul. A special announcement will accompany this memorial. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 - We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Navya P. Aboud, Thuraya Abualehawareb, Olga Arida, Lorice Grasso, Leon Hattab, William Helal, Zedra Khoury, Braheem Merhige, Hennie Milkie, Sam Saad, Malaky Shamas, Celra Yared, Alex Zagby, George Zrike, and Valentine H. Zrike. Memory eternal!
The Family of Laya Nehme will offer Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of her soul. A Coffee Hour in her memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!
TODAY’S USHERS – Members of the Parish Council will serve as ushers and readers. Because Church School has ended for the season, 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.”
DORMITION FAST – The final fasting period of the church year, the Fast for the Dormition of the Theotokos, began on Thursday, August 1, and continues through Wednesday, August 14. The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and olive oil) is observed on all days except Saturdays and Sundays when there is katalysis for wine and olive oil, and on the Feast of the Transfiguration, August 6, when fish is permitted.
FEAST OF THE DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS – We will celebrate an Evening Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, August 14, at 7 PM in anticipation of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos. If you plan to receive Holy Communion, please begin your Eucharistic fast after an early and light lunch.
FOR THE INFIRM – Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), 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, Loulou Malouf, 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 a former altar server, Louis Haddad, departed this life in retirement in Spring Hill, FL, on August 1. His funeral was from Casey Funeral Home on Staten Island on Wednesday, August 7. We extend our sympathies to his mother Marie Haddad and his seven daughters. Memory eternal!
LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - The Ladies of St. Mary’s will hold their first meeting of the new season on Sunday, September 8, in the Church Hall. All ladies are welcome to join us! And it is free!
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!
FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS – In anticipation of our parish’s patronal feast day, the Nativity of the Theotokos on Sunday, September 8, we are planning a family Pot Luck Luncheon following the Divine Liturgy. Please prepare your favorite dish to pass and share. There is no fasting that day!
SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF OUTING – Save the date, Thursday, September 19, for our largest and most important fundraiser of the year! This year Raymond Saleeby will receive a special award for his contributions to the Golf Outing on its 10th Anniversary. Dorothy and Jimmy Howie will be honored with the Victor J. Samra, Jr. Memorial Award. A packet of information has now gone out. If you did not receive the packet, please see Daria Mayrose or Irene Tashji. The deadline for submissions to the Journal is August 31.
BAY RIDGE EATS FOR A CAUSE – BREFAC is back! Save the date. This very popular event featuring live music and food from some of the most popular restaurants in Bay Ridge will take place on Saturday, September 28. Please see Chair Denise Alexander if you can help with any aspect of this fun and profitable evening.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY/AUGUST! – The Parish Council has declared “Christmas in July!” We are hoping to raise approximately $8000 to replace our lawn Nativity set which was damaged during the original renovation and expansion of the church hall. If you would like to contribute to this special project, make your check payable to St. Mary’s Church earmarked “Nativity Set.” Our first donors were Patricia Deluca, Louise Sahadi, and Greg Zrake. Please see Parish Council Chair Daria Mayrose or Fr. Michael for more information.
CHURCH SCHOOL – The Church School is providing advance notice that the time for classes will change this September. Beginning on Sunday, September 8, the Church School will meet during Matins from 9:45 AM to 10:25 AM. All students will then sit with their parents during the Divine Liturgy. We hope to improve consistent attendance and to provide an adult education opportunity as well. For more information, please see Co-Directors Michael Regnier and Lorraine Deeb.
ADULT CAMP – The Antiochian Village will host Adult Camp for campers over age 21 on September 13-15. Adult Camp is for anyone who wants to come spend a weekend in the beautiful setting of the Antiochian Village Camp growing in our faith. Campers will enjoy fellowship, daily services, Christian Education, afternoon program, arts & crafts, evening program, and much more! Our Session Priest for 2019 is Fr. Nicholas Belcher! Register on-line at avcamp.org.
VILLAGE AT HOME – St. George Church in Little Falls, NJ, will host Village Camp at Home on Saturday, September 28 from 9 AM to 6 PM. Participants must be in Grades 3-11. This program requires pre-registration and parental consent. Please submit a signed consent form and check payment by Wednesday, September 11 to: PTA Treasurer, St. George Orthodox Church, 237 Long Hill Road, Little Falls, NJ 07424. For more information call (973) 256-8961, or email Mary Ellen at mesaba@stgeorgenj.com.
FALL RETREAT – The Antiochian Women of the East (AWE) will host a one-day retreat at Holy Protection Monastery, in White Haven, PA, (approximately 2 hours from Brooklyn) on Saturday, October 12. Fr. Donald Shadid will be the keynote speaker. For registration email AWEOrthodox1973@gmail.com by October 2, or call Angela Saliby at (703) 582-4232. For more information, please see Ladies of St. Mary’s President Sandra Arida.
DATES TO REMEMBER
August 1-14 Dormition Fast
August 5-23 Daytime Hall Rental
Wednesday, August 14 Evening Divine Liturgy for the Dormition, 7:00 PM
Thursday, August 15 Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos
Sunday, September 8 Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos
Thursday, September 19 10th Annual Saints and Sinners Golf Outing
Saturday, September 28 Bay Ridge Eats for a Cause
FROM THE FATHERS – “As long as you have hands, stretch them out to heaven in prayer.”
St. Isaac the Syrian
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America