81st Street and Ridge Boulevard Website: www.smaoc.org
Brooklyn, NY 11209 Church Office: (718) 238-8008
Email: churchsecretary@smaoc.org Rectory: (718) 745-8481
His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH
Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America
Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh
Email: pastor@smaoc.org farkouhfarid@gmail.com
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Second Sunday of Great Lent
Tone 6 and Eothinon 6
Commemoration of Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica
Today’s Hymns and Readings
Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 6
When Mary stood at thy grave looking for thy sacred body, angelic powers shone above thy revered tomb, and the soldiers who were to keep guard became as dead men. Thou led hades captive and wast not tempted thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst give life to the world; O thou that art risen from the dead! O Lord, glory to thee.
Apolytikion of St. Gregory Palamas - Tone 8
O Star of Orthodoxy, support of the Church and its teacher, O comeliness of ascetics, and incontestable champion of those who speak in theology, Gregory the wonder-worker, the pride of Thessalonica and preacher of grace, implore thou constantly for the salvation of our souls.
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 for the Sundays in Lent – Tone 8
Verily, I, thy city, O Theotokos, inscribe to thee the banners of conquest, O defending soldier, and offer thee thanks as a deliverer from tribulations. And since thine is the unconquerable might, deliver me from sundry oppressions, that I may cry unto thee, Rejoice, O groomless bride.
Epistle – Hebrews 1:10-2:3 (Second Sunday in Lent)
Prokeimenon. Psalm 11.7, 1. You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse. Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.
“IN THE BEGINNING, you, O Lord, didst found the earth, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end.” But to what angel has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?” Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?
Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.
Gospel – Mark 2:1-12 (Second Sunday in Lent)
AT THAT TIME, when Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to Jesus a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus reasoned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you reason thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your pallet and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – he said to the paralytic – “I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home.” And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.
Next week’s homework: Hebrews 4:14-5:6 (Third Sunday of Great Lent)
Mark 8:34-9:1 (Third Sunday of Great Lent)
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.
MARCH 20, 2022 – SECOND SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT – COMMEMORATION OF GREGORY PALAMAS, ARCHBISHOP OF THESSALONICA
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 20 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Raymonde Alexander, Sadie Fletcher, Mary Hamaty, Atina Hanna, Gloria L. Harris, 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!
Carol Makhoul offers Prayers of Oblation for the health of her sister, Denise McBride. Many years!
George Trisciuzzi offers Prayers of Oblation for the health of the handmaiden of God Carmen Marie Khoury of Vienna, Austria. Many years!
Dr. Robert M. Haddad, now of Orono, ME, offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God William A. Haddad. Memory eternal!
Samer and Lina Kaiami and Family offer the Prayers of Oblation, the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of March, and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Nouhad Massouh Kaiami. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 27 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Nadim Dahdouh, Dr. John Dalack, Mary Davis, Raphael Davis, Matilda Eyd, Adele Hadad, Phillip Hamwi, Najibe Imtanios, Nazem Khoury, Rose Klam, Helen Livreri, Roger Sabah, Eli Zrake, and Najeeb Zrake. Memory eternal!
HOLY BREAD – Samer and Lina Kaiami and Family offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of March in loving memory of his beloved parents, Nouhad Massouh Kaiami and Toufik Kaiami. Memory eternal! James Harris and Family also offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Gloria L. Harris, Michael A. Arout and Linda Reynolds. Memory eternal!
Additional donors are welcome for March 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.
FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION – We will celebrate Matins at 9:30 AM and the Divine Liturgy at 10:30 AM on Friday, March 25, for the Feast of the Annunciation.
FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Yvonne Allawh, Claudette Budai, Diana Finger, Mary Ganim, Gabe Golam, Lily Lang, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Leon Smatt, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).
LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - March is Ladies Month in the Antiochian Archdiocese. Our Ladies will read the Epistle and serve as ushers each week. Today Angela Athineos, Barbara Deeb, Janice Deeb, and Elsa Khzam will usher. Angela Athineos will read the epistle in English, and Rima Alsaifi Hazem will read in Arabic.
MAN OF GOD – On Monday, March 21, at 7:00 PM the AMC Theater at Sheepshead Bay will present “Man of God,” the story of St. Nektarios of Aegina, a saint of the early 20th century. His story is very inspiring and is a welcome addition to a medium which often brings us unedifying content. Please see Daria Mayrose to see if we have any remaining tickets.
FIRST CONFESSION – The Church School historically has prepared second graders to participate in the Sacrament of Holy Confession/Reconciliation for the first time on Lazarus Saturday. Due to the pandemic a couple of classes have missed this opportunity; therefore, Laila Ellias will offer several special sessions to prepare the current class and two previous years’ students after the Divine Liturgy. Please see Laila, Church School Director Lorraine Deeb, or Dr. Yvonne Zrake for more information.
SENIOR FELLOWSHIP – We are happy to announce the start of “Our Time” at St. Mary’s. This is an opportunity for our seniors and their friends to gather in our church hall to socialize, play cards, bingo, backgammon or any other activity they would enjoy. The past two years have been very isolating for many. As the pandemic wanes and our masks come off, we would like to open the Church twice a month on Wednesdays at 1:00 and meet for a pleasurable two hours. So, bring your cards, games and friends for an afternoon of fellowship and fun. Watch for more information and share your thoughts and ideas with Marilyn Tulaney at (718) 208-2616.
BYZANTINE CHANT CLASS – In an effort to cultivate additional chanters and readers for the divine services the pastor will offer a class on the rudiments of Byzantine chant at 4:30 on Saturday afternoons prior to the celebration of Great Vespers. Singers and readers of all ages, experience, and abilities are welcome to participate.
FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – The traditional FFHP collection boxes will soon be 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 each Monday night at 7:00 PM, the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts each Wednesday at 6:30 PM, and the Akathist/Madayeh Service each Friday at 7:30 PM. A Pot Luck Supper will follow each Wednesday service, and each parish organization will host a dinner prior to the Friday service. Great Vespers will continue each Saturday at 5:00 PM. There will be no Great Compline tomorrow, March 21, only because of the special movie presentation. This Friday only we will celebrate Daily Vespers at 7:30 PM with the Third Stasis of the Akathist Hymn due to the Feast of the Annunciation.
FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR MARCH - 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).
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 – Every member of a parish in the Antiochian Archdiocese is entitled to receive the Word Magazine at their home. If you are not receiving the Word and wish to subscribe, go to https://forms.gle/sughatopgYmqJXXE7 to submit your address, or let Fr. Michael know. The Archdiocese also publishes the Word each month on its website www.antiochian.org.
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.
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.
ESTATE PLANNING – Have I included St. Mary’s Church in my estate plan?
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday, March 21 “Man of God” Movie, 7:00 PM
Wednesday, March 23 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM
Followed by Pot Luck Supper
Friday, March 25 Festal Orthros, 9:30 and Divine Liturgy, 10:30 AM
Parish Council Sponsors Dinner, 6:30 PM
Daily Vespers and 3rd Stasis of the Akathist Hymn, 7:30 PM
Saturday, March 26 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.
FROM THE FATHERS – “The work of prayer is the first work in Christian life. If in everyday affairs the saying “live and learn” is true, then so much more it applies to prayer, which never stops and which has no limit. We mst pray so that our mind and heart receive the content of the prayers that we read. In this way the act of praying becomes a font of true prayer in us. I will give here three very simple instructions: 1. Always begin praying with at least a little preparation. 2. Do not pray carelessly, but with attention and feeling, and 3. Do not go on to ordinary work immediately after prayer.”
- St. Theophan the Recluse
“The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (Acts 11:26)
Great Lent, 2022
TO BE READ FROM THE PULPIT AND PRINTED IN THE BULLETIN
Beloved Clergy and Faithful of our Archdiocese,
Blessings to you and your families in the name of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ!
As we enter Great Lent—this consecrated season of repentance—the Church summons us to focus even more intently on drawing near to God. She shows us proven paths of approach to Him: not just fasting and prayer but also sharing our material blessings with others. From the saints we learn that charitable giving is not just about helping our neighbor, but even more importantly, it is a means of approach to God. St. Paul encourages us, “Do not forget to do good and to share, for God is well pleased with such sacrifices” (Heb. 13:16), and he thus teaches us that charity is a form of holy sacrifice—an act of worship that shows our love for God and invites Him into our lives.
In the same vein, St. John Chrysostom describes philanthropy as a holy and priestly ministry, urging us to “put on the vestment of philanthropy, which is holier than the priestly clothing.” He goes on to exhort us: “When you see a poor believer, think that you behold an altar; when you see a miserable beggar, do not just refrain from insulting him but even reverence him” (Homily 20 on Second Corinthians). His words remind us that people in need do us a service, by providing us a way to show God love and honor. For, as our Lord said, “As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” (Matt. 25:40).
With this in mind, over the past 48 years our Archdiocese has encouraged you to give alms during Lent through Food for Hungry People and Charitable Outreach. Once again, we appeal to your generosity and your love of God, asking you to offer God a gift by putting food and other necessities into the hands of the poor. May your gift from the heart be received by God as a pleasing and holy sacrifice, and may He give you in return the joy of His presence.
With prayers that we all be granted strength for the holy struggle ahead and that we be found worthy to celebrate joyously the victory of our Crucified and Risen Lord, I remain,
Your Father in Christ,
+ JOSEPH
Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America