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, December 3, 2023
Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Tone 1 and Eothinon 4
Holy Prophet Zephaniah
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.
Today’s Hymns and Readings
Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 1
The stone being sealed by the Jews, and thy pure body being guarded by the soldiers, thou didst rise on the third day, O Saviour, granting life to the world. Wherefore, the heavenly powers acclaimed thee, O Giver of life, crying, glory to thy Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to thy kingdom! Glory to thy gracious providence, O thou only Lover of mankind.
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 Preparation for the Nativity – Tone 3
Today the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth in an ineffable manner to the Word before the ages. Rejoice, therefore, O universe, when thou hearest, and glorify with the angels and shepherds him who shall appear by his own will as a new babe, being God before the ages.
Epistle – Ephesians 5:8-19 (Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost)
Prokeimenon. Psalm 32.22, 1. Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse. Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous.
BRETHREN, walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.”
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.
Gospel – Luke 18:35-43 (Fourteenth Sunday of Luke)
AT THAT TIME, when Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
Next week’s homework: Ephesians 5:8-19 (Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost)
Luke 18:35-43 (Fourteenth Sunday of Luke)
HOLY BREAD – Linda and George Salamy have made a donation for the entire year. Many years! Additional donors are welcome for December 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.”
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION – The Advent Fast is one of the four major periods when the Church recommends that believers participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession/Repentance. The pastor is available before or after any of the divine services or by appointment.
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.
DECEMBER 3, 2023 – TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
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.
DECEMBER IS ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH MONTH
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Jamiel Howie, Very Rev. Abdallah Khoury, Laura Makhoul, Lian Massab, Robert Mouracade, Josephine Razook, Nancy Schmidt, Herta Schroers, Marianne Trabulsi, Nellie and George Ellien, and Virginia Zarr. Memory eternal!
Marianne Hindelly offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her aunt, the handmaiden of God Violet Banat, who departed this life on Wednesday in Jacksonville, FL. Memory eternal!
Carol Makhoul and Denise McBride offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of their mother, the handmaiden of God Laura Makhoul. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Alexander Deeb, Charles Farkouh, Gloria Hawaweeny and Charles Macrina, Nabeeha Klam, Edward Mamary, Elizabeth Nader, Nicholas Sabah, Evelyn Shamoun, and Eli and Najeeb Zrake, Isabel Zrake, and George Zrike. Memory eternal!
The Deeb Family will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Laurice and Alexander Deeb, Mary and Nadim Antaky, and Zakieh and Emile Deeb. Memory eternal!
FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Charlie Bryant (UPenn), Alice Farkouh (Ocean Medical Center), Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Patty DeLuca, George Khoury, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Wade Saadi, Raymond Saleeby, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, and Rose Zrake (at home).
FASTING DISICIPLINE – On November 15 we began 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.
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
CANNED FOOD AND WINTER COAT DRIVES – Teen SOYO has placed two large boxes in the vestibule for their annual Canned Food and Winter Coat Drives. Please bring your contributions between now and December 13. We will distribute all items to local charities and recipients.
CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE - The Ladies of St. Mary's conclude their Christmas Boutique today until 3:00 pm. We need MEN VOLUNTEERS to assist packing up after the Boutique.
FEAST OF ST. NICHOLAS – St. Nicholas Cathedral will celebrate its patronal feast with Orthros at 6:00 PM followed by the Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, December 5.
OUR TIME – Our (over 50) senior fellowship, “Our Time”, meets every other Wednesday, including this Wednesday, December 6, from 1-3 PM. All are welcome. Please see Marilyn Tulaney for more information. In addition, Our Time sponsors Pickleball on Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9 PM. All players and spectators are welcome.
BOB SABBAGH MEMORIAL LOTTERY – Deacon Farid Farkouh has tickets available for the former and annual Little Bit ‘o Luck Drawing. Please see Deacon at the Coffee Hour, or contact him at farkouhfarid@gmail.com.
ST. BARBARA COSTUME PARTY – Please see the flyer in this bulletin about the December 9 St. Barbara Costume Party for children. All are welcome!
CHOIR CHRISTMAS PROGRAM - St. Mary’s Choir will offer a program of Christmas music immediately following the Divine Liturgy on December 17. We cordially invite all our parishioners to enjoy! Word sheets will be provided.
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 – Let me consider including a memorial gift in my estate plan to remember the life of a loved one.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Sunday, December 3 Ladies’ Christmas Boutique after Church
Tuesday, December 5 Orthros & Divine Liturgy @ St. Nicholas Cathedral, 6 PM
Wednesday, December 6 “Our Time” Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM
Saturday, December 9 St. Barbara Costume Party after Great Vespers
Monday, December 11 Parish Council, 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 17 Choir Christmas Program
Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch Sunday and Reception at
Archdiocese Headquarters
FROM THE FATHERS – “Punishment sometimes quickly follows sin as the day follows the night, yet sometimes slowly, as year follows year. But it never fails to come, except where repentance takes the place of punishment. ”
- St. Nicholai of Zica