Sunday, November 7, 2021
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Tone 3 and Eothinon 9
Venerable Lazarus the Wonderworker of Magnesia
Today’s Hymns and Readings
Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 3
Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad; for the Lord hath done a mighty act with his own arm. He hath trampled down death and become the First-born from the dead. He hath delivered us from the depth of hades, granting the world the Great Mercy.
Apolytikion of St. Lazarus of Magnesia – Tone 8
In thy vigilant prayers, thou didst drench thy pillar with streams of tears; by thy sighs from the depths, thou didst bear fruit a hundredfold in labors; and thou became a shepherd, granting forgiveness to them that came to thee, O our righteous Father Lazarus. Intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.
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 Theotokos – Tone 2
O undisputed intercessor of Christians, the mediatrix unrejected by the Creator, turn not away from the voice of our petitions, though we be sinners. Come to us in time, who cry to thee in faith, with assistance; for thou art good. Hasten to us with intercessions, O Theotokos, who dost ever intercede for those who honour thee.
Epistle – Galatians 1:11-19 (Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost)
Prokeimenon. Psalm 46.6, 1. Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse. Clap your hands, all you nations.
BRETHREN, I would have you know that the gospel which was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus.
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.
Gospel – Luke 8:41-56 (Seventh Sunday of Luke)
AT THAT TIME, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus’ feet, he besought him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.
As Jesus went, the people pressed round him. And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had spent all her living upon physicians, and could not be healed by any one, came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the multitudes surround you and press upon you, and you say, ‘Who touched me?’” But Jesus said, “Some one touched me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”
While Jesus was speaking, a man from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well.” And when Jesus came to the house, he permitted no one to enter with him, except Peter and James and John, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but Jesus said, “Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand Jesus called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and Jesus directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.
Next week’s homework: I Corinthians 4:9-16 (Philip the Apostle)
Luke 10:25-37 (Eighth Sunday of Luke)
NOVEMBER 7, 2021 – TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
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 7 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Dr. John L. Boojamra, Linda Cassatly, Leila Dahdouh, Stanley Fadel, Charlene Alekel Goldrick, Rashida Marie Haddad, Victoria Khouri, Dorothy Madey, George Massabni, Nora K. Nahas, Nicholas Sahadi, Charles Salloum, Victor Smatt, Alex Zahka, and Gregory Zarr. Memory eternal!
Dn. Farid Farkouh offers Prayers of Oblation for the long life and good health of the children of God Elias, Andre, and Charbel Aldawalibi as well as for their parents and godparents. Many years!
NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14 – We will 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!
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, Memory eternal!
Theodore Sadaka will offer Prayers of Oblation, the Holy Bread, and a 20-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of his dearly departed wife Gabrielle R. Sadaka. A Coffee Hour in her memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. 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.
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.
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, Alfred Nahas, Louis Savarese, Evelyn Shamoun, Leon Smatt, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).
COFFEE HOUR – We have resumed indoor Coffee Hours 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.
BIBLE STUDY – We will continue our study of the Gospel of St. Matthew on Wednesday, November 3, at 7:00 PM, with chapters 14-16. Please bring your Orthodox Study Bible. All are welcome!
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.
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.
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.
CARE FOR CREATION - What is important when it comes to caring for God's creation and protecting it from further damage at the hands of the human species? International conferences such as COP-26? Legislation to address climate change issues? Caring for our neighborhood parks and gardens? Reducing our own individual needless consumption? The answer: all of the above! “Sometimes people think they have to do big things in order to make change. But if each one of us would light a candle we’d have tremendous light.” - Sister Thea Bowman
LADIES OF ST. MARY’S – The Ladies of St. Mary’s have sent out the raffle tickets for their annual 50/50 drawing as well as a form to order a wreath to hang on the church’s fence. If you have not received this mailing, please contact Sandra Arida, or call the church office.
PARISH COUNCIL – The Parish Council will hold its regular monthly meeting tomorrow at 7:30 PM.
FASTING DISICIPLINE – On November 15 we will 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.
ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP NEWS:
Annual Appeal – begins 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.
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday, November 8 Parish Council, 7:30 PM
Wednesday, November 10 Bible Study, 7:00 PM
Saturday, November 13 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
Monday, November 15 Advent Begins
All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.
FROM THE FATHERS – “Our own will is like a wall of brass between us and God, preventing us from coming near to Him or contemplating His mercy.”
- St. Poemen the Great