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 SABA
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, October 22, 2023
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Tone 3 and Eothinon 9
Averkios the Wonderworker, Equal-to-the-Apostles and Bishop of Hierapolis
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.
Apolytkion of St. Averkios – Tone 4
Thy works of justice did reveal thee to thy community as a canon of faith, the likeness of humility and teacher of abstinence, O Father Bishop Averkios. Wherefore, by humility thou hast achieved exaltation, and by thy meekness wealth. Intercede, therefore, with Christ God to save our souls.
Apolytkion of the Seven Ephesian Youths – Tone 4
Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. Since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons’ strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.
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 8:26-39 (Sixth Sunday of Luke)
AT THAT TIME, Jesus arrived at the country of the Gad’arenes, which is opposite Galilee. And as he stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time, he had worn no clothes, and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, “What have I to do with you, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech you, do not torment me.” For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. [For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.] Jesus then asked him “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. And they begged Jesus not to command them to depart into the abyss.
Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged Jesus to let them enter these. So he gave them leave. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.
When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed. Then all of the people of the surrounding country of the Gad’arenes asked Jesus to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so he got into a boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with Jesus; but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare all that God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming through the whole city all that Jesus had done for him.
Next week’s homework: Galatians 2:16-20 (Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost)
Luke 8:41-56 (Seventh Sunday of Luke)
OCTOBER 22, 2023 – TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
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.
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.
OCTOBER IS YOUTH MONTH AND SEMINARY MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Matilda Couri Boutross, Aleer Couri, John Martin, Elena Paris, Najla Sahadi, Susan Texeira, and Lorraine Zraick. Memory eternal!
Edith O’Donnell offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Samia Khoury, Fareed Khoury, Angele Khoury Folsey, George Khoury, Anne Khoury, Hazel Khoury, Mitchell Tadross, and Edith Khoury Tadross. Memory eternal!
Elaine and John Couri offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Aleer Couri. Memory eternal!
The Family of Lorraine Zraick offers Prayers of Oblation and a 20-Year Memorial for the repose of her soul. A Coffee Hour in her memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Nicholas L. Assatly, Henry Hadad, Assad Hanna, Olga and Salem Jabara and Delores and Paul Jabara, Evelyn Mouracade, Josephine Tadross, Mary and Richard Zraick. Memory eternal!
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 – James Harris offers the Holy Bread for the month of October in loving memory of Margaret Mary Harris. Memory eternal! Additional donors are welcome for October and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.
FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Robert Forcina, George Khoury, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Wade Saadi, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, and Rose Zrake (at home).
BIBLE STUDY – We will continue our study of the Book of Romans on Wednesday, October 25, at 7:30 PM. This book is the subject of this year’s Bible Bowl at the Parish Life Conference. Both teens and adults are encouraged to attend. Please read chapters 9-11. Bring your Orthodox Study Bibles.
THEOLOGICAL OFFERING – Our October pledge envelopes included a green envelope marked “Theological Offering.” This account is one of the three mandatory “trays” we collect each year for the Antiochian Archdiocese and supports our seminaries in North America. Our minimum contribution as a parish is $500. 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 generous support of our seminaries.
OUR TIME FELLOWSHIP – Our “senior” fellowship, “Our Time,” will meet on Wednesday, October 25, from 1-3 PM. Please see Marilyn Tulaney for more information.
RADIO BINGO – The Young Adult Fellowship will sponsor an evening of Radio Bingo on Saturday, October 28, following Great Vespers. Although the Young Adults are sponsoring this event, everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate. Please see the flyer in this bulletin, or contact Amanda Alexander Rich or Diana Kaiami for more information.
LADIES OF ST. MARY’S – The Ladies of St. Mary’s will meet next Sunday, October 29, after the Divine Liturgy in anticipation of their Christmas Boutique on Saturday, December 2. All women of the parish are welcome, invited and encouraged to attend.
SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – Due to inclement weather the Golf and Tennis Outing scheduled for September 18 was postponed until Monday, October 30. This postponement enables us to accept additional dinner reservations and sponsorship donations. Please see Daria Mayrose for more information.
FALL HARVEST LUNCHEON - The Parish Council is planning the Fall Harvest Luncheon for Sunday, November 19. Donations of completed raffle baskets or items for raffle baskets are welcome. Please see Lorraine Deeb. Please direct contributions towards the meal itself to Nahla Bittar Fattouh.
CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE - The Ladies of St. Mary's are preparing for the Christmas Boutique in Couri Hall on Saturday. December 2, and Sunday, December 3 after church. Items will be sold and the gift baskets and 50/50 raffle will be drawn. We are hoping that our very talented bakers will generously donate their specialties. If you would like to donate baked goods, please contact Nahla Bittar at (718) 909 - 6727. This year we are accepting only donations of costume and better jewelry. If you can donate jewelry, please contact Marianne Hindelly at (917) 309-5302 by Sunday, November 5. We need MEN VOLUNTEERS on Sunday afternoon December 3 to assist packing up after the Boutique. Please contact Gale Zarr (917) 771 – 2427 if you are available or have any questions.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Wednesday, October 25 “Our Time” Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM
Bible Study, 7:30 PM
Saturday, October 28 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
Young Adult Fellowship Radio Bingo
Sunday, October 29 Ladies of St. Mary’s Meeting
Monday, October 30 Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing
All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America