Sunday, November 14, 2021
Holy Apostle Philip
Tone 4 and Eothinon 10
Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica
Today’s Hymns and Readings
Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 4
Having learned the joyful message of the Resurrection from the angel, the women disciples of the Lord cast from them their parental condemnation, and proudly broke the news to the disciples, saying, Death hath been spoiled. Christ God is risen, granting the world great mercy.
Apolytikion of the Holy Apostle Philip – Tone 3
O Holy Apostle Philip, intercede with our merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of sins.
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 Entrance of the Theotokos in the Temple – Tone 4
The all-pure temple of the Saviour, the most precious bridal-chamber and Virgin, the treasure-house of the glory of God, today entered the Temple of the Lord, bringing with her the grace which is in the divine Spirit: whom also the angels of God do celebrate in song; for she is the heavenly tabernacle.
Epistle – I Corinthians 4:9-16 (Holy Apostle Philip)
Prokeimenon. Psalm 18.4, 1. Their voice has gone out into all the earth.
Verse. The heavens declare the glory of God.
BRETHREN, God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the offscouring of all things.
I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me.
Gospel – Luke 10:25-37 (Eighth Sunday of Luke)
AT THAT TIME, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read?” And the lawyer answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And Jesus said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.”
But the lawyer, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, “Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” The lawyer said, “The one who showed mercy on him.” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Next week’s homework: Hebrews 9:1-7 (Entrance of the Theotokos)
Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28 (Entrance of the Theotokos)
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 electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.
NOVEMBER 14, 2021 – HOLY APOSTLE PHILIP
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 reverence the cross and to partake of the blessed bread at the dismissal. Please introduce yourself to our pastor, and ask him about membership in the Orthodox Church.
TODAY, NOVEMBER 14 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Eva Abdalla, Antanius N. Arida, Fred Brahamsha, Louise Dibbs, Sahab Dibbs, Edward Richard Eadeh, Alice Elkas, Richard H. Habeeb, George R. Haddad, Henry Haddad, Jr., Paul David Khoury, John G. Klele, Sophie Kotite, John A. Livreri, George Malouf, Aziz Malika, Louis Orfaly, Dorothy Dillon Page, Gabriella R. Sadaka, Fuad Salamy, Adele Sarkees, George Shamyer, Moufid Taweel, and John Trabulsi. Memory eternal!
Prayers of Oblation and the Holy Bread are offered for the speedy and full recovery of Dr. Paul Maravel. Many years!
The Antiochian Village Camp Alumni will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 20-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the camp’s first director, Rt. Rev. Fr. John Namie, A Coffee Hour in her memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!
Theodore Sadaka offers Prayers of Oblation, the Holy Bread, and a 20-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of his dearly departed wife Gabriella R. Sadaka. A Coffee Hour in her memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Basil Kazan, Paul Dib, Albert Ganim, Diab Hattoum, Eva Jobe, Antonia Khoury, Zakia Tannous Khoury, Theresa Kirshy, Mary Monier, Pauline Nehme, Elias Rahhal, Edward Sarkis, Melkon Sayegh, Freda Sayegh, Gladys Schroeder, and Souhaila Jada Sciacchitano. Memory eternal!
The Family of the handmaiden of God Gladys Mouracade Schroeder will offer Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of her soul. Memory eternal!
COFFEE HOUR – We have resumed indoor Coffee Hours for the fully vaccinated in accordance with NYC requirements for indoor dining. Just as we do in church, we will ask people to wear a mask when moving around the hall but not when seated. Servers wearing masks and gloves will distribute coffee and “grab and go snacks.” Unvaccinated children can eat at the table with their parents or outside, and we ask that children not run around freely. Please see Sh. Aline Farkouh to sign up to help with the preparation and cleanup of Coffee Hour.
COVID POLICY – Worshippers who have completed the vaccination process (both injections of Pfizer or Moderna, or the single Johnson and Johnson vaccine, plus two weeks) may remove their masks while seated but must replace them when moving around the church.
FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Yvonne Allawh, Claudette Budai, Diana Finger, Mary Ganim, Gabe Golam, Lily Lang, Alfred Nahas, Louis Savarese, Evelyn Shamoun, Leon Smatt, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).
HOLY BREAD – The Khouzami Family offers the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of November in loving memory of Nouhad Khouzami. Memory eternal! James Harris also offers the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of November in loving memory of Samir Saleeby. Memory eternal! Marie Zarr and Gale Zarr also offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of November in loving memory of our dearly departed family members George Zarr, Rose Zarr, Gregory Zarr, Gail Hall Zarr, Dolores Marinacci and Nazeer Almumen. Memory Eternal! Linda and George Salamy have also made a donation for the entire year. Many years! Additional donors are welcome for December and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.
IOCC SUNDAY – Our November pledge envelopes included a yellow envelope for “International Orthodox Christian Charities” dated November 21. We annually receive this collection on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Our faithful can either drop their envelope in the collection tray on Sundays or return it to the church office. If you are not receiving pledge envelopes, please inform the church office so that we can add you to our list of supporters. Thank you for your support of IOCC.
FASTING DISICIPLINE – On November 15 we begin the traditional 40-day Advent Fast in preparation for the Feast of the Nativity of Christ on December 25. The Fast is divided into two periods. The first period is November 15 through December 19 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, oil and their by-products) is observed. On Tuesdays and Thursdays during this time, wine and oil are permitted. On Saturdays and Sundays during this time, fish, wine and oil are permitted. Some Orthodox eat fish on all days except Wednesdays and Fridays. The second period is December 20 through 24 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil) is observed, with wine and oil permitted on Saturday and Sunday. From December 25 through January 4, there is no fasting.
LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - The Ladies of St. Mary’s invite all our parishioners (men too!) to participate in our humanitarian project this year. We once again request the preparation of hygiene kits to be distributed to the homeless during the Midnight Run each month. In a one gallon ZipLock bag please include: 1 washcloth, bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clipper, comb, 3 band-aids, disposable razor (optional). Feel free to prepare more than one kit! The kits can be given to Sandra Arida or any one of the Ladies. Thank you all for your support.
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.
BIBLE STUDY – We will continue our study of the Gospel of St. Matthew on Wednesday, November 10, at 7:00 PM, with chapters 17-19. Please bring your Orthodox Study Bible. All are welcome!
CANNED FOOD AND WINTER COAT DRIVES – Teen SOYO has placed two large boxes in the vestibule for their annual Canned Food and Winter Coat Drives. Please bring your contributions between now and December 13. We will distribute all items to local charities and recipients.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION RESOURCES – For those parents, grandparents, and godparents who are looking for additional resources to continue their children’s Christian education in the absence of Church School, we would highly recommend materials from Potamitis Publishing – Orthodox Children’s Books. These full color publications explore the basics of the faith as well as the lives of ancient and modern saints in an approachable and readable manner. Visit their website at www.potamitis.us. These books would make excellent Christmas presents.
ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP NEWS:
Annual Appeal – began November 9. This yearly fundraiser helps sustain our ministry throughout the year. We are thankful to announce that a generous donor has agreed to match all donations during this campaign up to $100,000, whether one-time gifts or monthly gifts, to help us sustain our ministry!
Winter Family Camp – January 14-17, 2022. Fr. Paul and Kh. Kristina Abernathy will speak on the topic, “Family: Our First Ministry”. Together they run the Neighborhood Resilience Project in Pittsburgh where they provide support to those in need in the Hill District.
Summer Family Camp – May 27-30, 2022. Fr. John Salem of St. Elijah Church in Oklahoma City, OK, will be our speaker. Registration will open in January.
Arch Weeks – Summer 2022. This brand new program is for anyone who graduates in 2022, and serves to “bridge the gap” to life after high school. More information will follow and registration opens on January 8!
Help Needed - We are searching for nurses who are interested in working at Antiochian Village Camp for Summer 2022. If you or anyone that you know is interested in a seasonal nursing position, please email Fr. Chris Shadid at frchris@avcamp.org, or call the camp office at 724-238-9565.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Wednesday, November 17 Bible Study, 7:00 PM
Saturday, November 20 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
Sunday, November 21 Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple
Thursday, November 25 Thanksgiving
All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.
FROM THE FATHERS – “Make sure that you do not limit your prayer merely to a particular part of the day. Turn to prayer at any time.”
- St. John Chrysostom