Sunday, December 12, 2021
Sunday of the Forefathers (Ancestors) of Christ
Tone 8 and Eothinon 3
Spyridon, Bishop of Trimythous, the Wonderworker
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 Forefathers – Tone 2
Thou hast justified by faith the ancient forefathers and through them thou hast gone before and betrothed unto thyself the Church of the Gentiles. Let the saints, therefore, take pride in glory; for from their seed sprouted forth a noble fruit, and she it was who gave birth to thee without seed. Wherefore, by their pleadings, O Christ God, save our souls.
Apolytikion of St. Spyridon the Wonderworker – Tone 1
Thou didst appear as a contender for the first council and a wonder-worker, O our Father, God-mantled Spyridon. Therefore, thou didst converse with the dead woman in the tomb and didst convert a serpent into gold. And at thy chanting of thy holy prayers the angels did accompany thee in the service. O most pure one, glory be to him who glorified thee; glory be to him who crowned thee; glory be to him who worketh healing for all through 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 Pre-Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 3
On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to God the Word ineffably, Who was before all the ages. Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing the gladsome tidings; with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him Who is willing to be gazed on as a young Child Who before the ages is God.
Epistle – Ephesians 5:8-19 (St. Spyridon the Wonder-Worker, Bishop of Trimythous)
Prokeimenon. Psalm 149.5, 1. The saints will rejoice in glory.
Verse. Sing to the Lord a new son.
BRETHREN, walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.”
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drink with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.
Gospel – Luke 14-16-24 (Sunday of the Forefathers)
THE LORD SPOKE THIS PARABLE: “A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for all is now ready.’ But, one by one, they all began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Next week’s homework: Hebrews 11:9-10, 32-40 (Sunday before the Nativity)
Matthew 1:1-25 (Sunday before the Nativity – Genealogy)
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.
DECEMBER 12, 2021 – SUNDAY OF THE FOREFATHERS (ANCESTORS) 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.
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, DECEMBER 12 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Bertha Abouchar, Josephine Awad, Alexander E. Deeb, Kazan El-Hajj, Jean Fadool, Charles Farkouh, Richard Farkouh, Hafina Haddad, Gloria Hawaweeny, James Jobe, Najla Khoury, Nabeeha Klam, Charles Macrina, Edward Mannessa, Edward Mamary, Elizabeth Nader, Michael Takla, Edward Thabit, Zouhat Thabit, Eli Zrake, Najeeb Zrake, George Zrike, and Isabel Zrike. Memory eternal!
The Ellias Family offers Prayers of Oblation for the health of Kh. Laila on her birthday. Many years!
The Deeb Family offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Laurice and Alex Deeb. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Evelyn L. Deschner, Albert N. Dibs, Anna Ghiz, Nora and Nicholas Hawa, George Khoury, Malvina Khouri, Nabeh Kotite, Haleem Migdalene, Zahia Migdalene, Robert A. Monier, Andrew N. Samaan, William S. Schneirla, Jr., Alfred E. Shaoury, Toufek Shagoury, Arthur Swaya, Emily Swaya, Lily Sydnawey, Mary Traboulcy, Bassem Trabulsi, George Zain, and Rose Zarr. Memory eternal!
HOLY BREAD – Marie Zarr and Gale Zarr offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of December for the good health of all the ladies and men who have assisted with past Christmas Boutiques. Many Years! They also commemorate all of our dearly departed ladies and men who have helped with previous Christmas Boutiques. Memory eternal! Additional donors are welcome for December and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.
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.
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.
FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Yvonne Allawh, Alex Araman, Claudette Budai, Diana Finger, Gary Gangone, Mary Ganim, Gabe Golam, Lily Lang, Alfred Nahas, Robert Sabbagh, Louis Savarese, Leon Smatt, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).
MEMORY ETERNAL! We are deeply saddened to announce that the handmaiden of God Evelyn Shamoun departed this life in the hope of the Resurrection on Thursday morning. Her family will receive visitors at McLaughlin Funeral Home today from 4-9 PM, and her funeral will be here at St. Mary’s tomorrow at 10 AM. We extend our sympathies to her children, Cathy, Donna, and James, and to their entire family. Memory eternal!
FASTING DISICIPLINE – The traditional 40-day Advent Fast in preparation for the Feast of the Nativity of Christ continues until December 25. Until December 19 we observe the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, oil and their by-products). 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. From December 20 through 24 we observe the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil), with wine and oil permitted on Saturday and Sunday.
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 again request the preparation of hygiene kits to be distributed to the homeless during the Midnight Run. In a one gallon ZipLock bag please include: 1 washcloth, bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clipper, comb, 3 band-aids, disposable razor (optional). The kits can be given to Sandra Arida or any one of the Ladies. Thank you all for your support.
BIBLE STUDY – We will conclude our study of the Gospel of St. Matthew on Wednesday, December 15, at 7:00 PM, with chapters 26-28. Please bring your Orthodox Study Bible. All are welcome!
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.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday, December 13 Parish Council, 7:30 PM
Wednesday, December 15 Bible Study, 7:00 PM
Friday, December 17 Order of St. Ignatius Reception @ Bergenfield, 7-9 PM
Saturday, December 18 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
Sunday, December 19 Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch Sunday
Friday, December 24 Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, 10:00 AM
Church School Christmas Pageant
Festal Matins, 9:30 PM, Divine Liturgy, 10:30 PM
All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc