Sunday, May 24, 2020
Sixth Sunday of Pascha: Sunday of the Blind Man
Tone 5 and Eothinon 8
Venerable Stylites Simeon the Younger of the Mount of Wonders
and Nikitas of Pereyaslavl-Zalesski
Today’s Hymns and Readings
After “Blessed is the Kingdom…”, “Christ is risen…” (3 times) and the Paschal Stichera
During the Little Entrance, “Christ is risen…”
Entrance Hymn – In the gathering places bless ye God the Lord from the springs of Israel. O Son of God, who art risen from the dead, save us, who sing unto Thee. Alleluia!
Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 5
Let us believers praise and worship the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation. For he took pleasure in ascending the cross in the flesh to suffer death, and to raise the dead by his glorious resurrection.
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 Holy Pascha – Tone 8
Though thou, O deathless One, didst descend into the grave, thou didst destroy the power of hell and, as Victor, thou didst rise again, O Christ our God. Thou didst greet the ointment bearing women, saying, rejoice! Thou didst bestow peace upon thy Disciples, and resurrection upon those that are fallen.
Epistle – Acts 16:16-34 (Blind Man)
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.
IN THOSE DAYS, as we apostles were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by soothsaying. She followed Paul and us, crying, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she did for many days. But Paul was annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, “I charge you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.
But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market place before the rulers; and when they had brought them to the magistrates they said, “These men are Jews and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs which it is not lawful for us Romans to accept or practice.” The crowd joined in attacking them; and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and every one’s fetters were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out and said, “Men, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their wounds, and he was baptized at once, with all his family. Then he brought them up into his house, and set food before them; and he rejoiced with all his household that he had believed in God.
Gospel – John 9:1-38 (Sunday of the Blind Man)
AT THAT TIME, when Jesus was passing, he saw a man blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man’s eyes with the clay, saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Silo’am” [which means Sent]. So he went and washed and came back seeing. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar, said, “Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?” Some said, “It is he”; others said, “No, but he is like him.” He said, “I am the man.” They said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Silo’am and wash’; so I went and washed and received my sight.” They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”
They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. The Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” There was a division among them. So they again said to the blind man, “What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”
The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight, and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself.” His parents said this because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if any one should confess him to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue. Therefore, his parents said, “He is of age, ask him.”
So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, “Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner.” He answered, “Whether he is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see.” They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you too want to become his disciple?” And they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” The man answered, “Why this is a marvel! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if any one is a worshipper of God and does his will, God listens to him. Never since the world began has it been heard that any one opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out.
Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” He answered, “And who is he, Sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who speaks to you.” He said, “Lord, I believe”; and he worshipped him.
Megalynarion – Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem; for the glory of the Lord hath risen upon thee. Rejoice and exult now, O Zion, and thou, O pure one, Theotokos, rejoice at the Resurrection of thy Son.
Next week’s homework:
Acts 20:16-18, 28-36 (Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council)
John 17-1-13 (Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council)
HOLY BREAD – Linda and George Salamy have made a donation for the rest of the year! Additional donors are welcome for next week, June, and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.
MAY 24, 2020 – SIXTH SUNDAY OF PASCHA: SUNDAY OF THE BLIND MAN
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, MAY 24 – We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Madeleine Aboulsleman, Kamel Arida, Mitry Azar, Fares Deban, Alan Fadel, Thomas Gehshan, Archimandrite Agapios Golam, Edward Habre, Adel Jobe Inguilli, George Jasous, Anna Karkenny, Rose Makhoul, Victoria Makhoul, Nicholas Malouf, Phillip Manessa, Raymond Massad, Lorice Mulhern, Mary and Thomas Rahal, Sebastian Rothhammer, Badri Saleeby, Mildred Sarkis, Victor Samra Jr., Christ Sparsidis, Laurice Sarraf, and Theodore Tadross. Memory eternal!
Lily and Paul Lang offer Prayers of Oblation for the good health of Audrey and Charlie Sahadi. Many years!
Marian Russo offers Prayers of Oblation for the handmaiden of God Rose Brown. Many years!
NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 31 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Adele and Joseph Abouchar, Joseph G. Corey, Patricia Khouri Costa, George Fattouh, Rose Haddad, Nour El Khoury, Rose Khoury, George Monier, Alice Muscat, Sam Shamas, Adolph, Nicholas, and Rose Smatt. Memory eternal!
George Trisciuzzi will offer Prayers of Oblation and a Two-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Sebastian Rothhammer. Memory eternal!
POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving. Please reverently hear these prayers before beginning an online “chat.”
FOR THE INFIRM – Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Charlie Bryant, Albert Castley (FL), Nadim Dahdouh, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Susan Hadad, Louise Hamwi, George Khoury, Jr., Victor Khoury, Loulou Malouf, Emily Maren (ME), Alfred Nahas, Elena Paris, Louis Savarese, Evelyn Shamoun, 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.
FASTING DISCIPLINE – We maintain our typical pattern of fasting on Wednesday and Friday; however, some within the Patriarchate of Antioch suspend fasting until the Feast of the Ascension (May 28). There is no kneeling until the Feast of Pentecost (June 7).
FEAST OF THE ASCENSION – We will celebrate an Evening Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Ascension on Wednesday, May 27, at 7:00. Please join us via twitch.tv/smaoc.
LITURGICAL RESOURCES – Other online services are available in English at Holy Transfiguration Monastery at www.orthodoxmonasteryellwoodcity.org or in Arabic at Our Lady of Balamand Patriarchal Monastery at www.balamandmonastery.org.lb., or contact Fr. Meletios Zafaran at meletioszafaran@yahoo.com. Fr. Meletios is celebrating the Divine Liturgy in Arabic every Sunday morning. Services are also available in print on the Antiochian Archdiocese website at www.antiochian.org under “Liturgics” at the bottom of the home page.
APARTMENT AVAILABLE – A parishioner has a 2-bedroom apartment with living room and eat-in kitchen with access to a garage available for immediate occupancy. For more information, please call (917) 501-7305.
PLEDGE GIVING – During these extraordinary times we ask everyone to maintain their pledge giving as much as possible. Please remember that 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.
PASTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND – The current crisis provides us the unique opportunity to support each other in many ways. We encourage our parishioners to contact the office if they need assistance with shopping, cooking, errands or light housework, and we have received offers to help with these tasks from a number of our members; however, we are beginning to recognize the financial stresses our families are experiencing. The Pastor’s Discretionary Fund can dispense some financial assistance anonymously and would welcome contributions. Please make your check payable to St. Mary’s Church and write “PDF” in the memo line.
FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – In these stressful times our Lenten practice of almsgiving is of heightened importance. Many people will need help to weather this physical and economic crisis. Please continue using the traditional FFHP collection boxes. Remember the least of Christ’s brethren by depositing your extra change at the end of each day, and hold onto your box until we can all return to church. This year the resources of FFHP will be distributed to people in need within our Archdiocese. Please submit the names of anyone we know who may benefit from this program to Fr. Michael by email, telephone, or letter for anonymous submission before June 30.
ANTIOCHIAN WOMEN’S SCHOLARSHIP – Scholarships are available to women 26 years of age or older who are continuing their education in order to improve their circumstances and those of their families. See Fr. Michael, or go to www.antiochian.org/scholarships for applications and more information, or contact Dianne O’Regan, Grant Coordinator, at (512) 930-2671 or doregan@stites.com. Application deadline is June 1, 2020.
SHAGOURY SCHOLARSHIP – The Edith Shagoury Scholarship Fund offers an award for the coming academic year to an undergraduate student from St. Mary’s Church. The qualifications for this award are parish participation, scholarship, and financial need. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on the return on the fund’s investment. Please contact Fr. Michael for more information.
MAIONE SCHOLARSHIP – The Georgette Maione Memorial Scholarship will make its first award this year from the fund left to the church from Georgette’s estate. The Parish Council is in the process of finalizing the criteria for the award. Please contact Fr. Michael for more information.
FR. PAUL SCHNEIRLA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Teen SOYO will once again offer this scholarship in loving memory of our beloved former pastor. This scholarship is presented on the basis of academic excellence. Please contact Fr. Michael for more information.
SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE – Please note that this Friday, May 29, is the deadline to apply for the Antiochian Women’s Scholarship and all three scholarships offered by St. Mary’s Church. Please contact Fr. Michael ASAP to submit an application.
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
DATES TO REMEMBER
Wednesday, May 27 Leavetaking of Holy Pascha
Evening Divine Liturgy, 7:00 PM
Thursday, May 28 Feast of the Ascension of Christ
Saturday, May 30 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
Sunday, June 7 Feast of Pentecost
We will livestream all divine services via twitch.tv/smaoc.
FROM THE FATHERS – “Do not think that the virtue is beyond your strenth and is unrealizable for you, but having enlivened yourself with prayer and laid the beginnings, present your good efforts before God – and you will see what help He will give you to accomplish your virtuous deeds.”
- St. Dorotheos of Gaza
Christ is risen from the dead trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.
Al Maseeh qam min bain il amwat, wa wati al mawt bil bawt, wa wahabal hiyat lil la dhina fil qoobur.
Christos anesti ek nekron thanato thanaton patisas, kai tis en tis mnimaszi zoin, charisamenos.
“Christ is risen” “Truly/Indeed He is risen!
“Christos Anesti” “Alithos Anesti”
“Christos Voskrese” “Vo Istinu Voskrese”
“Al Maseeh Qam” “Ha’an Qam”
“Hristos a Inviat” “Adeverat a Inviat”
“Cristo ha resucitado” “Verdaderamente ha resucitado!
“Cristo e risorto” “E veramente risorto”
“Christ est Ressuscite” En Verite, Il est Resussuscite”
“Kriste aghsdga” Cheshmaritad aghsdga”
CHRIST IS RISEN! INDEED HE IS RISEN!