Sunday, April 9, 2020
After-Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ
Tone 8 and Eothinon 9
Apostle Matthias
Today’s Hymns and Readings
Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 8
O Compassionate One, thou didst descend from the heights; thou didst submit to the three-day burial, that thou mightest deliver us from passion. Thou art our Life and our Resurrection, O Lord, glory to thee.
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 3:9-17 (Ninth Sunday after Pentecost)
Prokeimenon. Psalm 75.11, 1. Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse. God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.
BRETHREN, we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it. Let each man take care how he builds upon it. For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any one builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw – each man’s work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If any one destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and that temple you are.
Gospel – Matthew 14:22-34 (Ninth Sunday of Matthew)
AT THAT TIME, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was in the middle of the sea, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against it. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.”
And Peter answered him, saying, “Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the mighty wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind became calm. And those in the boat came and worshipped Jesus, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennes’aret.
Next week’s homework: I Corinthians 4:9-16 (Tenth Sunday after Pentecost)
Matthew 17:14-23 (Tenth Sunday of Matthew)
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.”
PLEASE MAKE SURE all electronic devices are turned off in church/home.
AUGUST 9, 2020 – AFTER-FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION 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.
TODAY, AUGUST 9 – 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!
George Trisciuzzi offers Prayers of Oblation for the health of Jay Milnor of Boston, MA. Many years!
The Alsaifi and Hazem Families offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God George Alsaifi. Memory eternal!
Susan Nelson offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Salway Khoury. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 – 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, Laya Nehme, Sam Saad, Malaky Shamas, Celia Yared, Alex Zagby, George Zrike, and Valentine H. Zrike. Memory eternal!
FOR THE INFIRM – Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Loulou Malouf (NYU Lutheran), Charlie Bryant, Albert Castley (FL), Nadim Dahdouh, Dr. Alice Farkouh, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Susan Hadad, Louise Hamwi, Eddie Hanna, George Khoury, Jr., Victor Khoury, 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.
CHURCH ATTENDANCE - We are increasing capacity in line with civil and Archdiocese guidelines while still maintaining the social distancing of 6 feet. There is always a possibility that the church may reach social distance capacity in which case worshippers may wait safely 6 feet apart outside the church. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy people outside may enter the church as attendees exit to receive Holy Communion, holy bread, and/or light a candle. We still ask everyone who wants to attend in person either to call the church office or email pastor@smaoc.org ahead of time.
FASTING DISCIPLINE – The Dormition Fast began on Saturday, August 1, and continues until Friday, August 14. During this Fast we observe the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, dairy, fish, wine, and olive oil) Monday through Friday, with katalysis for wine and olive oil on Saturdays and Sundays.
PARISH COUNCIL – The Parish Council will hold its regular monthly meeting tomorrow, August 10, at 7:30 PM via Zoom. Chairman Christopher Athineos will send the link for the meeting.
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.
CHURCH SCHOOL TRIVIA NIGHT – The Church School will sponsor its second ”Trivia Night” via Zoom on Tuesday, August 11, at 7:00 PM. Although this event is sponsored by the Church School, everyone is invited to participate. Gather your household teams, and we’ll explain the procedure when we begin the broadcast. It will be fun and educational as well as a great way to see each other!
PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS – It is customary to celebrate this service during the Dormition Fast. We will offer these prayers on Wednesday, August 12, at 7:00 PM. A paraklesis is a service of supplication specifically for the living (as opposed to a memorial service, which is a supplication for the departed). This service is most often addressed to the Theotokos, but may be used to seek the intercessions of any saint. In Slavic practice, there is a similar service called a molieben.
TEEN TALK – Teen SOYO invites all the youth of the Church to an information conversation with Fr. Michael this Thursday, August 13, at 7:00 PM. Co-Presidents Johnny Alexander and Panyoti Athineos will provide access and topic information early this week.
FEAST OF THE DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS – We will celebrate Matins at 9:30 AM and the Divine Liturgy at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 15, for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.
MANY THANKS! Audrey and Charlie Sahadi hav0e donated an automatic hand sanitizer dispenser to the Church in addition to their previous contribution toward more frequent cleanings. God bless you!
ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE VIRTUAL CAMP - The Camp is offering a full schedule of virtual programs each week. The schedule for Week 9 is now available. For general information please go to office@avcamp.org, or email the Camp Director Fr. Christopher Shadid at frchris@avcamp.org. In order to receive daily text reminders about available programs text @villyav to the number 81010.
SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – We are pleased to announce that there will be an abbreviated and “socially distanced” outing this year on Thursday, September 24, at the Hempstead Country Club with only golf and tennis but no banquet. Please mark your calendars. This year only there will be no sponsors or honorees, but there will be a souvenir journal to mark the occasion. Additional information will follow next week. Fore!
NATIONAL CENSUS - It is time to fill out the census. Our city receives resources based on the number of people who fill out the census. Filling out the census is easy and you can do it quickly and safely from home. It’s just 10 questions, and takes less than 10 minutes to fill out online at my2020census.gov or over the phone at (844) 330-2020. You don’t even need a code to fill it out-- you can simply enter your address.
COLLEGE CONTACT – The Department of Campus Ministry will soon contact us for the names, addresses and e-mail addresses of our college students, military service personnel and college-aged young people. If you know that information at this time, please give it to Fr. Michael or call the church office so that we can stay in touch with those near and far. Thank you.
WORD MAGAZINE – All registered members of the parish are entitled to receive the Word Magazine at home. If you are not receiving the Word, please contact the church office so that we can submit your name for the mailing list. Thank you.
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
DATES TO REMEMBER
August 1-14 Dormition Fast
Monday, August 10 Parish Council via Zoom, 7:30 PM
Tuesday, August 11 Church School Trivia Night via Zoom, 7:00 PM
Wednesday, August 12 Paraklesis Service, 7:00 PM
Thursday, August 13 Teen Talk via Zoom, 7:00 PM
Saturday, August 15 Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos
Matins, 9:30 AM, Divine Liturgy, 10:30 AM
Ryan Haddad Baptism, 1:00 PM
Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
Saturday, August 22 Baladi Chrismations, 4:00 PM
Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
Thursday, September 24 Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing
We will livestream all divine services via twitch.tv/smaoc.
FROM THE FATHERS – “Authentic prayer – the warmth that accompanies the Jesus Prayer, for it is Jesus who enkindles fire on the earth of our hearts – consumes the passions like thorns and fills the soul with delight and joyfulness. Such prayer comes neither from right or left, nor from above, but wells up in the heart like a spring of water from the life-quickening Spirit. It is this prayer alone that you should aspire to realize and possess in your heart, always keeping your intellect free from images, concepts and thoughts. And do not be afraid, for He who says ‘Take heart; it is I; do not be afraid,’ is with us – He whom we seek and who protects us always. When we invoke God, we must be neither timid nor hesitant.”
- St. Gregory of Sinai
BEIRUT EXPLOSION – On Tuesday we learned of the horrific explosion which took place in the Port of Beirut. News reports indicate that many lives were lost, many more people were injured, many are still missing, and there was devastating damage to most of the city. We have heard from many people who have family and friends there about lives lost and missing loved ones. The hospitals are overflowing, and there is massive damage to both public and private property. I am including below an appeal from His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH which came in pdf format and which I sent out immediately on Wednesday as at attachment to our daily “St. Mary’s Church Update.” If writing a check to “St. Mary’s Church,” please write “Beirut” in the memo line.
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August 4, 2020
Brother Hierarchs, Reverend Clergy, Esteemed Members of the Archdiocese Board of
Trustees, Organizations and Department Heads, Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Greetings to you and your families as we progress in this holy fast dedicated to the
Mother of God, the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. I pray that you and
your families are safe and well as we continue to deal with the pandemic that is
plaguing our respective countries.
It is with a sense of shock and awe that I learned of the horrific explosion in Beirut.
I immediately called the Archdiocese of Beirut to check on His Eminence
Metropolitan Elias and the clergy and faithful of the archdiocese, as well as our
churches in Beirut. Thanks be to God, His Eminence was not harmed, and the clergy
are all safe. The same, however, cannot be said for the archdiocese headquarters, the
churches and our St. George Hospital. Many of our churches and institutions in
Beirut suffered devastating damage as well as the homes of many of the faithful.
Not only are these people our brothers and sisters in Christ, but for many of us they
are family and friends of the faithful of our Archdiocese. As such, we are making an
immediate appeal to all of you to do whatever you are able during this economically
difficult time and spare whatever penny you can, keeping in mind the parable of the
widow in the Gospel, “And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the
treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He
said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these
out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put
in all the livelihood that she had.” (Luke 21: 1-4). Please give to your local parish, and
your parish will forward the money to the Archdiocese in a timely manner. You may
also give directly to the Archdiocese and mark your check “Beirut” or give online
using the following link:
https://antiochian.networkforgood.com/projects/106179-financial-aid-followingbeirut-
explosion
During this time of distress, we appeal to the Mother of God as we sing the Paraklesis
service, crying out from the depths of our hearts and souls, “Preserve and save, O
Theotokos, thy servants from every danger. After God, do all of us for refuge flee
unto thee; a firm rampart art thou and our protection.”
As we continue to pray for those suffering and those who have reposed from COVID-19 in our own
Archdiocese, please remember the victims of this tragic explosion in Lebanon and all
those throughout the world who are suffering and in need of our prayers.
Wishing you all a blessed remainder of the Holy Dormition Fast, I remain,
Yours in the Service of Christ,
+JOSEPH
Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America