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, November 12, 2023
John the Almsgiving, Patriarch of Alexandria
Tone 6 and Eothinon 1
Neilos the Faster of Sinai
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 John the Almsgiver, Patriarch of Alexandria – Tone 8
In thy patience thou hast won thy reward, O righteous father. Thou didst persevere unceasingly in prayer; thou didst love the poor, and didst provide for them in all things. Wherefore, intercede with Christ our God, O blessed John the Almsgiver, that our souls be saved.
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 – II Corinthians 9:6-11 (St. John the Merciful)
Prokeimenon. Psalm 115.15, 12. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Verse. What shall I render to the Lord for all that he has given me?
BRETHREN, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
Gospel – Luke 10:25-37 (Eighth Sunday of Luke)
AT THAT TIME, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read?” And the lawyer answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And Jesus said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.”
But the lawyer, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, “Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” The lawyer said, “The one who showed mercy on him.” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Next week’s homework: Ephesians 2:14-22 (Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost)
Luke 12:16-21 (Ninth Sunday of Luke)
HOLY BREAD – The Zarr Family offers the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of November in loving memory of their dearly departed family members George Zarr, Marie Zarr, Rose Zarr, Gregory Zarr, Gail Hall Zarr, Dolores Marinacci and Nazeer Almumen. Memory Eternal! Additional donors are welcome for November 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.”
NOVEMBER 12, 2023 – PATRIARCH JOHN THE ALMSGIVER, PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA
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 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.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Claire Banat, Dr. John L. Boojamra, Charlene Alekel Goldrick, George R. Haddad, Rashida Marie Haddad, Gabriella R. Sadaka, and Gregory Zarr. Memory eternal!
Dr. Robert M. Haddad offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his son, the servant of God George R. Haddad. Memory eternal!
The Ladies of St. Mary’s offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of their dear friend and supporter Rita Arlen. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Edward Richard Eadeh, Alice Elkas, Albert Ganim, Antonia Khoury, Zakia Tannous Khoury, Aziz Malika, George Malouf, Gladys Schroeder, Souhaila Jada Sciacchitano, and Moufid Taweel. Memory eternal!
Marie and Charlie Bryant, Laura, James, Luke and Oliver Wallace will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Zakia Tannous Khoury. Memory eternal!
FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Charlie Bryant (UPenn), Dr. Alice Farkouh (Ocean Medical Center), Robert Forcina (Calvary), Wajiha Kaba (NYU Lutheran), Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Lorraine Deeb, George Khoury, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Wade Saadi, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, and Rose Zrake (at home).
FASTING DISICIPLINE – On November 15 we begin the traditional 40-day Advent Fast in preparation for the Feast of the Nativity of Christ on December 25. The Fast is divided into two periods. The first period is November 15 through December 19 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, oil and their by-products) is observed. 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. Some Orthodox eat fish on all days except Wednesdays and Fridays. The second period is December 20 through 24 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil) is observed, with wine and oil permitted on Saturday and Sunday. From December 25 through January 4, there is no fasting.
FALL HARVEST LUNCHEON - St. Mary’s Church School is preparing for the annual Fall Harvest Luncheon on Sunday, November 19, following Divine Liturgy. To benefit the Christian Education of our parish children, all proceeds received from the sale of tickets and free will donations will support our Church School. There will also be a buffet of Thanksgiving favorites for everyone to enjoy. For additional information, please call Lorraine Deeb at (ldeebsped@verizon.net) or (917) 755-4758.
CANNED FOOD AND WINTER COAT DRIVES – Next week Teen SOYO will place two large boxes in the vestibule for their annual Canned Food and Winter Coat Drives. Please bring your contributions between now and December 10. We will distribute all items to local charities and recipients.
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 today. 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.
IOCC SUNDAY – Our November pledge envelopes included a yellow envelope for “International Orthodox Christian Charities” dated November 19. We annually receive this collection on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. 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 support of IOCC.
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 – Should I leave 1% of the sale of my house to St. Mary’s Church in my will?
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Tuesday, November 14 Choir Practice, 7:00 PM
Wednesday, November 15 Advent Begins
Bible Study, 7:30 PM
Saturday, November 18 Pet Blessing, 2:30 PM
Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
Tuesday, November 21 Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple Orthros, 9:30 and Divine Liturgy, 10:30
All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.
FROM THE FATHERS – “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!”
- I Corinthians 15:57
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America