Sunday, March 14, 2021
Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheese Fare)
Tone 7 and Eothinon 7
Venerable Benedict of Nursia
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’s Hymns and Readings
Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 7
Thou didst shatter death by thy Cross. Thou didst open paradise to the thief. Thou didst turn the mourning of the ointment-bearing women into joy, and didst bid thine Apostles proclaim a warning that thou hast risen, O Christ, granting to the world thy Great Mercy.
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 Cheese Fare Sunday – Tone 6
O Thou who guidest to wisdom, and givest understanding and intelligence, the instructor of the ignorant, and Helper of the poor, strengthen my heart and grant it understanding, O Master. Give me word, O Word of the Father; for behold, I shall not refrain my lips from crying to thee, O merciful One, have mercy upon me who am fallen.
Epistle – Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4 (Cheese Fare Sunday)
Prokeimenon. Psalm 46.6, 1. O chant unto our God, chant ye.
Verse. Clap your hands, all ye nations.
BRETHREN, now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk becomingly, as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in chambering and licentiousness, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.
But as for the one who is weak in faith, receive him, but not for disputes over opinions. For one believes he may eat anything; but the weak person eats herbs. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to be the judge over the servant of a stranger? To his own master he either stands or falls; but he will be made to stand; for God is able to make him stand.
Gospel – Matthew 6:14-21 (Cheese Fare Sunday)
THE LORD SAID, “If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Next week’s homework: Hebrews 11:24-26,32-40 (First Sunday of Great Lent)
John 1:43-51 (Sunday of Orthodoxy)
HOLY BREAD – Linda and George Salamy have made a donation for the Holy Bread for the balance of the year in memory of their departed loved ones. Memory eternal! Donors are welcome for March and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.
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 to “chat.”
LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - March is Ladies Month in the Antiochian Archdiocese. Our Ladies will be reading the Epistle each week. Today Amanda Regnier will read in English and Sonia Abou Naoum will read in Arabic.
MARCH 14, 2021 – SUNDAY OF FORGIVENESS (CHEESE FARE)
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.
MARCH IS LADIES’ MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE!
TODAY, MARCH 14 – We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Violet Akel, Alice Alekel, Michael Arout, Gladys Awad, Eleanor Couri, Dr. George B. Cury, James Deeb, Mary Farrah, Salwa Fauty, George Gehshan, Edward Jabara, Lorriane Jabara, Mary Kenan, Nicholas Khoury, Maurice Khzam, Alfred Makhoul, Nadima Makhoul, Violette Mahab, Laila Nassr, Beatrice Nebham, Thomas Russo, Walter Thabit, and William Zarick. Memory eternal!
Dr. Bassam and Naziha Aldaia offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of their departed family members Kazom, Michael, Badieh, Wajeh, Helen, Samiha, and Nicholas. Memory eternal!
Carlene DeFalco of St. Elias Church in Sylvania, OH, offers Prayers of Oblation and the Holy Bread today for the repose of the soul of her daughter, the handmaiden of God Tammy Lynn DeFalco. Memory eternal!
Dr. Alice B. Farkouh offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Dr. George B. Cury. Memory eternal!
The Kaba Family offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Mounir Kaba. Memory eternal!
The Bryant, Ellias, Nassr and Wallace Families offer Prayers of Oblation and a 5-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Laila Nassr. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 21 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Raymonde Alexander, Sadie Fletcher, Mary Hamaty, Atina Hanna, Edward Hawa, Wahiha Hayek, Terez Ivantchev, Albert Kaidy, Fredrick Makhoul, Pamela Zraick Nakleh, Helen Nassoor, Michael Nassoor, Abe Saba, Olga Saba, Frederick Schroeder, Nabeah Shamas, Elias Shawah, Bikturia Zaher, and Edward Zraick. Memory eternal!
CHURCH ATTENDANCE - We have increased 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 either to receive Holy Communion, holy bread, 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.
FOR THE INFIRM – Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Nadim Dahdouh, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Susan Hadad, Edward Hanna, Alfred Nahas, Louis Savarese, Evelyn Shamoun, Leon Smatt, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).
MEMORY ETERNAL! We have learned that our long-time member, Mr. Robert Thabit, Esq., departed this life last Sunday in California following a prolonged illness. Arrangements are not yet final, but the family hopes to transport Bob back to St. Mary’s Church for the funeral and interment. The family will receive visitors at McLaughlin Funeral Home on Tuesday, 2-5 and 7-9 PM. The funeral will be on Wednesday at 10 AM. We extend our sympathies to his family and pray for the repose of his soul.
FORGIVENESS VESPERS – We will inaugurate Great Lent with the celebration of Forgiveness Vespers with a modified Rite of Forgiveness after today’s Divine Liturgy. There will be a brief recess following the dismissal of approximately 15 minutes.
ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE ALUMNI HANGOUT – Today at 6:00 PM, brothers Anthony Zrake and Gregory Zrake will be the guest hosts for an AV Alumni Hangout. Join them as they discuss “forgiveness” and reminisce about Fr. John Namie and their contemporaries by using Zoom Link https://zoom.us/j/98813062760?wd=WUN0ZldQUFh6SDBJb2E5QW1VTWxUZz09#success.
FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – The traditional FFHP collection boxes are available in the narthex. Remember the least of Christ’s brethren by depositing your extra change at the end of each day, and return the box on or before Palm Sunday.
LENTEN LITURGICAL SCHEDULE – There will be Great Compline at St. Mary’s each Monday night at 7:00 PM, the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts each Wednesday at 7:00 PM, and the Akathist/Madayeh Service each Friday at 7:00 PM. We regret that due to pandemic conditions there will be no Pot Luck suppers or organization sponsored dinners this year. Great Vespers will continue each Saturday at 5:00 PM.
SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY VESPERS – St. Nicholas Cathedral will host the annual Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers next Sunday, March 21, at 5:00 PM. There will be no meal after the service.
FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR MARCH - This week, known as Pure Week, the Great Fast begins. The first three days are traditionally observed with what is popularly referred to as a “black fast.” This means that beginning with the first day of Great Lent (tomorrow) no food or drink is consumed until after the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts on Pure Wednesday. After the first three days of Pure Week, the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, cheese, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil or their by-products) is observed on all days with the exception of wine and olive oil being allowed on Saturdays and Sundays along with fish, wine, and olive oil being allowed on the Great Feast of the Annunciation (March 25).
SACRAMENT OF REPENTANCE (CONFESSION) – The Great Fast is THE TIME for all believers to receive the Sacrament of Repentance (Confession). The pastor hears confessions by appointment and before and after all the divine services. Please do not wait until the last minute! If you would like to go to one of the other Orthodox priests in Brooklyn, feel free to do so, but inform the pastor.
ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP – The Antiochian Village Camp has announced that Metropolitan JOSEPH has given his blessing for the camp to open this summer in a limited capacity and following all the necessary protocols and safety measures. The camp will send information concerning registration, protocols and procedures and updated information soon. Campers who had been accepted for 2020 will receive preference. If you would like to be added to the camp e-mail list please sign-up here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/1ghdk2P/signupAVemails.
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.
LENTEN RESOURCES – Great Lent is here. Our parish Bookstore, recently dedicated to the memory of Elena Paris, has copies of the service books for Great Lent, including Little Compline with the Akathist Hymn, the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, and Holy Week. There are also a few Lenten cookbooks available. Please contact Lorraine Deeb at ldeebsped@verizon.net or (718) 491-4996 to reserve your books.
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.
ESTATE PLANNING – Have I included St. Mary’s Church in my estate plan?
PLEASE MAKE SURE all electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Sunday, March 14 Forgiveness Sunday Vespers
Monday, March 15 Great Compline, 7:00 PM
Wednesday, March 17 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 7:00 PM
Friday, March 19 First Madayeh/Akathist, 7:00 PM
Saturday, March 20 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
Sunday, March 21 Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers @ St. Nicholas, 5 PM
Wednesday, March 24 Great Vespers, 7:00 PM
Thursday, March 25 Evening Divine Liturgy for the Annunciation, 7:00 PM
We livestream all divine services via twitch.tv/smaoc.
FROM THE FATHERS – “Now the antecedent purpose of our profession is purity of heart, while its ultimate end is the Kingdom of Heaven. It is impossible for the Kingdom of God to come to us without purity of heart. Thus, let our minds be fixed on this purpose at all times; let us be zealous always to direct our thoughts, words, and deeds to it. And if it should happen that our heart departs from the straight path, let us bring it back at once and rectify it – using our purpose like a carpenter’s plumb line.”
- St. John Cassian
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America