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 10, 2023
Twenty-Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Tone 2 and Eothinon 5
Martyrs Menas, Eugraphos and Hermogenes of Alexanria
Today’s Hymns and Readings
Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 2
When thou, O immortal Life, didst humble thyself unto death, then didst thou destroy death by the brightness of thy Godhead; and when thou didst raise the bowels of the earth, then all the heavenly powers exclaimed, O Christ, thou art the Giver of life! Glory to thee, O our God!
Apolytikion of Saints Menas, Eugraphos and Hermogenes – Tone 8
Since they had slain through their abstinence and struggles the fiery ragings and fierce motions of the passions, the staunch martyrs of Christ God laid hold on the graces to drive off the pains and illnesses of the sick and work wonders both while living and after death. Strange indeed is the miracle: that these bare bones should pour forth such overflowing streams of cures. Glory be to our only God.
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 6:10-17 (Twenty-Seventh Sunday after Pentecost)
Prokeimenon. Psalm 117.14, 18. The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse. The Lord has chastened me sorely.
BRETHREN, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand, therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breast plate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Gospel – Luke 13:10-17 (Tenth Sunday of Luke)
AT THAT TIME, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And there was a woman who had had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.” And he laid his hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed and not on the sabbath day.” Then the Lord answered him, “You hypocrite! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger, and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?” As Jesus said this, all his adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him.
Next week’s homework: Colossians 3:4-11 (Forefathers of Christ)
Luke 14:16-24 (Eleventh 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.
DECEMBER 10, 2023 – TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
DECEMBER IS ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH MONTH
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 - We 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, Herta Schroers, Evelyn Shamoun, Eli and Najeeb Zrake, Isabel Zrake, and George Zrike. Memory eternal!
The Deeb Family offers 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!
Anita Eyd offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her mother, the handmaiden of God Herta Schroers. Memory eternal!
Louise Sahadi offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Gloria Hawaweeny and Charles Macrina. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Evelyn Z. Deschner, Anna Ghiz, George Khoury, Louis Savarese, William S. Schneirla, Jr., Arthur and Emily Swaya and Nicolas and Nora Hawa, Lily Sydnawey, Mary Traboulcy, George Zain, and Rose Zarr. Memory eternal!
Naziha Aldaia will offer Prayers of Oblation and the Holy Bread for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Michael, Kazon, Wajih, Badeeh, Nicola, Samiha, Helen, Nada, Shafic, and Theresa. Memory eternal!
The Ladies of St. Mary’s will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40 Day Memorial for their dear, departed sister-in-Christ Michele “Mickey” Ateyeh on Sunday, December 17. Memory eternal!”
The Family of Wajiha Kaba will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of her soul. A Coffee Hour in her memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!
Gisele Wardi and Family will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of their husband and father, the servant of God George Wardi. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!
COFFEE HOUR – In the absence of a sponsor for this week’s Coffee Hour the Parish Council will place a basket on the table for our free will offerings. Thank you!
FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Charlie Bryant (UPenn), Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Patty DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, 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 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.
CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE – A big round of applause for Chair Gale Zarr and the Ladies of St. Mary’s for last week’s beautiful and very successful Christmas Boutique. Many people have said that this year’s event was the best one ever. God bless you all!
PARISH COUNCIL – The Parish Council will meet tomorrow, December 11, at 7:00 PM.
MIDNIGHT RUN – On the third Friday of each month our Teens and Young Adults participate in the “Midnight Run” in cooperation with Holy Cross G.O. Church. If you would like to offer any donations of clothing or toiletries, kindly bring them to the church before that Friday each month. If you would like to volunteer preparing food for the homeless, please meet at Holy Cross at 8 PM on Friday. If you would like to go on the Midnight Run to deliver the food and clothing right into the hands of those in need, they leave at 10 PM and are usually back in Bay Ridge by 1 AM. Please see Deacon Farid Farkouh for more information.
HOLY LAND RELIEF – In response to Metropolitan SABA’s November appeal on behalf of the suffering people of the Holy Land, we have received approximately $1,200 so far. If anyone would like to make an additional contribution before we send the total to the archdiocese, please do so ASAP.
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 before December 15. We will distribute all items to local charities and recipients.
BOB SABBAGH MEMORIAL LOTTERY – Once again Deacon Farid Farkouh has tickets available for the former Little Bit ‘o Luck Drawing. Please see Deacon at the Coffee Hour, or contact him at farkouhfarid@gmail.com.
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.
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP – The Antiochian Village will host Winter Camp for teens in grades 7-12 on February 16-19. Registration forms for campers and staff are available online at https://avcamp.org/programs/winter-camp/. Also, registration for Summer Camp opens on Sunday, January 7, at 6:00 PM. Please open an account and register ASAP at www.avcamp.org. Scholarship assistance is available both from the camp and from the parish. Please see Fr. Michael for more information.
COLLEGE CONFERENCE – We encourage all of our college students and college-aged parishioners to attend the annual OCF College Conference at the Antiochian Village Heritage and Learning Center December 27-30. Go to https://www.ocf.net/cc23/ for more information and to register. Scholarship assistance is available. Please see Fr. Michael in confidence.
WORD MAGAZINE – All registered members of the parish are entitled to receive the Word Magazine at home. If you are not receiving the Word, please contact the church office so that we can submit your name for the mailing list, or go to https://forms.gle/89UzjjM2Ad4ubiC5A to subscribe or change your contact information directly.
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 penny during your lifetime. Simply say in your will, “I bequeath 25 shares of “Habibi Corporation” to St. Mary’s Orthodox Church of Brooklyn.”
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday, December 11 Parish Council, 7:00 PM
Friday, December 15 Family Night, 7-9 PM and Midnight Run
Saturday, December 16 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
Sunday, December 17 Choir Christmas Program
Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch Sunday and Reception at
Archdiocese Headquarters
Friday, December 22 Royal Hours for the Nativity, 9-10:30 AM
Saturday, December 23 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
Sunday, December 24 Orthros, 9:30 and Divine Liturgy, 10:30 AM
Church School Christmas Pageant
Festal Orthros, 9:00 and Nativity Divine Liturgy, 10:00 PM
Sunday, December 31 New Year’s Eve Party
Friday, January 5 Royal Hours for Epiphany, 9-10:30 AM
Festal Orthros, 6:00 PM & Divine Liturgy for Epiphany
With the Great Blessing of Water
Great Vespers, 5:00 PM & Teen Retreat, 6-8 PM
All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.
FROM THE FATHERS – “One need not look at the money he gives to beggars, but rather one should mix up the money in his pocket and give only what the hand removes. That hand will draw out whatever God’s providence ordains.”
- St. Philaret the Almsgiver