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
Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh
Email: pastor@smaoc.org farkouhfarid@gmail.com
Sunday, January 8, 2023
Sunday after the Theophany of Christ
Tone 5 and Eothinon 8
Righteous Mother Domnica of Constantinople and Her Companions
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 Epiphany – Tone 1
By thy baptism, O Lord, in the River Jordan, worship to the Trinity hath made its appearance; for the voice of the Lord did come forth to thee with the testimony, naming thee His beloved Son; and the Spirit in the likeness of a dove, confirming the truth of the word. Wherefore, O thou who didst appear and lighted the world, O Christ, glory to 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 Epiphany – Tone 4
Today thou hast appeared to the universe, O Lord, and thy light hath been shed upon us, who praise thee with knowledge, saying, Thou hast come and appeared, O unapproachable Light.
Epistle – Ephesians 4:7-13 (Sunday after Epiphany)
Prokeimenon. Psalm 32.22, 1. Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse. Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous.
BRETHREN, grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore, it is said, “When he ascended on high, he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
Gospel - Matthew 4:12-17 (Sunday after Epiphany)
AT THAT TIME, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled;
“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles – the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”
From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Next week’s homework: Colossians 3:4-11 (29th Sunday after (Pentecost)
Luke 17:12-19 (Twelfth Sunday of Luke)
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 receive the blessing and partake of the blessed bread at the dismissal. Please introduce yourself to our pastor during the coffee hour, and ask him about membership in the Orthodox Church.
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.”
HOLY BREAD – Linda and George Salamy have made a donation for the entire year. Many years! Additional donors are welcome for January and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.
FASTING DISCIPLINE – We now resume our standard practice of fasting on Wednesday and Friday.
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.
JANUARY 8, 2023 – SUNDAY AFTER THE THEOPHANY 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.
TODAY, JANUARY 8 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Eli Abdallah, Nora and Kalil Ballan, Ameenie Freije, Emily and Edward Ghazal, Pauline Haddad, Maria Hindelly, Leila M. Khouri, Edma Saab, Alberta Samaha, Nora Trefz, and Emil Tweel. Memory eternal!
Rose Abdallah offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Eli Abdallah. Memory eternal!
Michele Ateyeh offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Leila M. Khouri. Memory eternal!
Carol Furer offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her grandfather, Fr. Melatios Fiani, and grandmother, Loretta Matta Fiani. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Alexander Azar, Rev. Melatios Fiani and Loretta Fiani, Riad Malouf, Robert Samara, Renate and George Sheheri, Minas Sparsidis, Edmund Arthur Swaya, and Thomas Anthony Zarr. Memory eternal!
COFFEE HOUR – We will resume our usual Coffee Hour today following the Divine Liturgy. Your donations are always welcome.
FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Albert Absey (Hamilton Park), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Marc Galloway (SC), Gary Gangone, Mary Ganim, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Brenda Samman, Renee Setteducato, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), Nancy Zarouni, and Rose Zrake (at home).
LITTLE BIT ‘O LUCK ¬– Many thanks to Deacon Farid Farkouh for continuing this tradition following the repose of Robert Sabbagh, may his memory be eternal. The first and second place winners, Kevin Sweeney and Nick DiMaria of Bay Ridge Honda, both donated their prizes back to the church in Bob’s memory, and third place winner Dennis Saleeby will also return some of the winnings. Congratulations and thanks to all three. We’ll see you again next year!
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD – Many thanks to Marian Russo and Audrey Sahadi who once again coordinated our annual Community Christmas Card. Thanks to their work and your subscriptions, the project netted approximately $3000. Well done!
CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS – We acknowledge the Christmas offerings from Albert Absey, Sandra Arida, Rita Arlen, Joan Bacon, Marie and Charles Bryant, Claudette Budai, Rhonda Byrnes, Sandra and Robert Coogan, Hassan and Katherine Dagher, Barbara Deeb, Janice Deeb, Dr Nicolas El-Khoury, Fr. Michael and Laila Ellias, Anita and John Eyd, Valerie and George Farkouh, Diana Finger, Josette and John Generale, Dr. Ronald and Frances Ghiz, James Harris, Rima and Elias Hazem, Krassimira Ivanchev, George Khoury, Christine and Nidal Khoury, Paul Lang, Carol Makhoul, Corrine and Michael Mallia, Linda Mantia, Clifford Massab, Denise McBride, Katherine and George Nassoor, Tony Nehme, Dr. Amer and Chaza Rafiaa, Marian Russo, Theodore Sadaka, Audrey and Charles Sahadi, Louise Sahadi, Robert Sahadi, Roland Salloum, Wanda Salloum, Brenda Samman, Eve Schornstein, Irene Tashji, Gale Zarr, Kathleen and Karl Zarr, and Marie Zarr. This year we dedicate the Christmas decorations to the memory of long-time supporter Robert Sabbagh. Memory eternal!
ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP – It is time to start planning for summer camp! Registration for all programs except Family Camp opened yesterday. Parents, please register your campers as soon as possible. We expect this year to return to normal following the pandemic years. Go to www.avcamp.org to open an account and register. Scholarships are available through Fr. Michael.
PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY – St. Mary’s Church will host the annual Prayer for Christian Unity immediately following Great Vespers on Saturday, January 21. Please see Aline Farkouh for more information.
ON-LINE GIVING – St. Mary's Church now accepts donations online. Just visit https://smaoc.squarespace.com/donate and pay securely by credit card, debit card, or checking account. 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 will or estate plan? It’s easy, it’s vital, and it won’t cost a dime in your lifetime. Say in your will something like, “I bequeath 10% of the residue of my estate to St. Mary’s Orthodox Church of Brooklyn after all other specific bequests, debts and taxes have been paid.” Consult your attorney or financial advisor for professional guidance.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday, January 9 Parish Council, 7:30 PM
January 12-13 Nominating Archdiocese Convention, Dallas, TX
Wednesday, January 18 “Our Time” Senior Fellowship, 1-3 PM
Saturday, January 14 No Great Vespers
Friday, January 20 Family Night, 7-9 PM
Saturday, January 21 Saka Baptism, 11 AM
Great Vespers, 5 PM
Prayer for Christian Unity, 5:45 PM
All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.
FROM THE FATHERS – “Let us love the light, long to understand it and thirst after it so that led by it we may come to it, and there live forever.”
- Blessed Augustine of Hippo
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America