Sunday, November 21, 2021
Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos
Tone 5 and Eothinon 11
Today’s Hymns and Readings
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 Entrance of the Theotokos in the Temple – Tone 4
Today the Virgin is the foreshadowing of the pleasure of God, and the beginning of the preaching of the salvation of mankind. Thou hast appeared in the Temple of God openly and hast gone before, preaching Christ to all. Let us shout with one thrilling voice, saying, Rejoice, O thou who art the fulfillment of the Creator’s dispensation.
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 – Hebrews 9:1-7 (Presentation of the Theotokos)
Prokeimenon. Luke 1.46, 48. My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
Verse. For he has regarded the humility of his servant.
BRETHREN, the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. For a tent was prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the presence; it is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain stood a tent called the Holy of Holies, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, which contained a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.
These preparations having thus been made, the priests go continually into the outer tent, performing their ritual duties; but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood which he offers for himself and for the errors of the people.
Gospel – Luke 10:30-42 and 11:27-28 (Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple)
AT THAT TIME, Jesus entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to Jesus and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.”
As Jesus said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked!” But Jesus said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”
Next week’s homework: Ephesians 2:4-10 (Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost)
Luke 18:18-27 (Thirteenth Sunday of Luke))
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.
UPDATED 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.
NOVEMBER 21, 2021 – ENTRANCE OF THE THEOTOKOS INTO THE TEMPLE
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 21 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of 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!
Marie and Charlie Bryant offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God of Zakia Tannous Khoury. Memory eternal!
The Family of the handmaiden of God Gladys Schroeder offers Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of her soul. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Joseph Davis, Rasheed Hajjar, Albert Hanna, Eva Jobe, Sylvia Khouri, Jasmine Lattof, Tewfik Lewis, Pauline Maloof, Albert Massab, Lian Massab, Rose Nahmee, Herta Schroers, Felipe Trabolsi, and Virginia Zarr. Memory eternal!
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.
COFFEE HOUR – We have resumed indoor Coffee Hours today only 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.” We will ask everyone to use hand sanitizer before and after touching anything. Unvaccinated children can eat at the table with their parents or outside, and we ask that children not run around freely. Although these conditions are not optimal, we believe that the importance of fellowship means that we must continue to exercise caution.
FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Robert Sabbagh (Clove Lakes), 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).
MEMORY ETERNAL! The handmaiden of God Clair Banat departed this life on Monday in the hope of the Resurrection. Her funeral was on Friday. We extend our sympathies to her sons George and Steven as well as to the Sabbagh Family. Memory eternal!
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 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 began 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.
BIBLE STUDY – We will continue our study of the Gospel of St. Matthew on Wednesday, December 1, at 7:00 PM, with chapters 20-22. Please bring your Orthodox Study Bible. All are welcome!
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.
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.
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.
PLEDGE REMINDER – As we approach the end of the calendar year we remind our faithful to complete their remaining pledge commitments and to consider prayerfully their commitment for the year ahead. Thank you.
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.
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.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Wednesday, November 24 No Bible Study
Saturday, November 27 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
Wednesday, December 1 Bible Study, 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 5 Church School Saints Nicholas and Barbara Day
All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.
FROM THE FATHERS – “A man should know that a devil’s sickness is on him if he is seized by the urge in conversation to assert his opinion, however correct it may be. If he behaves this way while talking to his equals, then a rebuke from his elders may heal him. But if he carries on in this way with those who are greater and wiser than he, his sickness cannot be cured by human means.”
- St. John Climacus