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, April 23, 2023
New Sunday or Anti-Pascha
Sunday of Thomas the Apostle, Called “The Twin”
Great Martyr and Trophy Bearer George
Today’s Hymns and Readings
Entrance Hymn – In the gathering places bless ye God the Lord from the springs of Israel. O Son of God, who art risen from the dead, save us, who sing unto Thee. Alleluia!
Troparion of Holy Pascha – Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!
Apolytikion of St. Thomas - Tone 7
While the tomb was sealed, thou didst shine forth from it, O Light. While the doors were closed, thou didst come in to thy Disciples, O Christ God, Resurrection of all, renewing in us through them an upright spirit, according to the greatness of thy mercy.
Apolytikion of St. George – Tone 4
Since thou are a liberator and deliverer of captives, a help and succour of the poor and needy, a healing physician of the sick, a contender and fighter for kings, O great among Martyrs, the victory-clad George; intercede with Christ God for the salvation of our souls.
Kontakion of Holy Pascha – Tone 8
Though thou, O deathless One, didst descend into the grave, thou didst destroy the power of hell and, as Victor, thou didst rise again, O Christ our God. Thou didst greet the ointment bearing women, saying, rejoice! Thou didst bestow peace upon thy Disciples, and resurrection upon those that are fallen.
Epistle – Acts 12:1-11 (St. George)
Prokeimenon. The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord.
Verse. Hear my voice, O God.
IN THOSE DAYS, Herod the king laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword; and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. So Peter was kept in prison; but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the Church. The very night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison; and behold, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, “Wrap your mantle around you and follow me.” And he went out and followed him; he did not know that was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened to them of its own accord, and they went out and passed on through one street; and immediately the angel left him. And Peter came to himself, and said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”
Gospel – John 20:19-31 (Thomas Sunday)
ON THE EVENING OF THAT DAY, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.
Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.
Next week’s homework: Acts 6:1-7 (Myrrh-Bearing Women)
Mark 15:43-16:8 (Myrrh-Bearing Women)
APRIL 23, 2022 – NEW SUNDAY AND GREAT MARTYR GEORGE THE TROPHY BEARER
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.
CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN!
TODAY, APRIL 23 – We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Mary Ayoub, Jean and George Fadool, Marie Farkouh, Raymond Farkouh, Albert Hanna, George Kaiatt, Edward S. Mackoul, Violet Mamary, Vivian S. Massab, Linda and William Nafash, Stanley Najjar, Maria Pallas, Olga and Abraham Saba, Marie B. Savarese, Felipe Trabulsi, John Wizeman, and Albert G. Zarr. Memory eternal!
Rose Abdallah offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Olga and Abraham Saba and Jean and George Fadool. Memory eternal!
Sandra Coogan offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the sol of her grandmother, the handmaiden of God Mary Savarese. Memory eternal!
George Elkas offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God George Kaiatt. Memory eternal!
Louise Sahadi offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Patricia Sweeney. Memory eternal!
The Ladies of St. Mary’s offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of our dearly departed sisters, the handmaidens of God Mary Ganim and Marie Zarr. Memory eternal!
The Family of Mary Ganim offers 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!
The Family of Marie Zarr offers Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of her soul. In lieu of a Coffee Hour, the family will make a donation to the Ladies’ Christmas Boutique in her memory. Memory eternal!
The Family of Mary Pallas offers Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of her soul, as well as prayers for the servants of God Chris Pallas, James Pallas, and Amelia Tenentes. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 30 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Helen Cook, James J. Coury, Yvonne and Alexander Hamwi, Michael Howie, Yvonne Khoury, Renee Matouk, Yvonne Nicholas, and Gabriel and Nazira Samen. Memory eternal!
The Kadour Family will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God George Kadour. Memory eternal!
The Family of Leon Smatt will offer Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of his soul. Memory eternal
FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Wade Saadi (Cornell), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD) and Rose Zrake (at home).
FASTING DISCIPLINE – We now return to our normal fasting practice. Within the Patriarchate of Antioch some suspend fasting until the Feast of the Ascension, June 2. There is also no kneeling until Holy Pentecost on June 12.
ENTHRONEMENT – The enthronement of His Eminence, the Most Reverend Metropolitan Archbishop SABA, will take place on Saturday, May 13, at 11:00 AM at St. Nicholas Cathedral. A banquet will follow the enthronement at the Marriott Hotel on Adams Street. Reservation details will follow soon.
HOLY BREAD – Donors are welcome for April and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.
AXIOS! Third year seminarian Rev. Fr. Joseph Thornburg was ordained to the Holy Priesthood during the Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Holy Thursday morning at St. Anthony Church in Bergenfield, NJ, at the hands of His Eminence, Metropolitan SABA. God grant him, Marina and the children many happy, healthy and fruitful years of service in the Lord’s Vineyard!
PATRIARCH – Our pledge envelopes for the month of April included a pink envelope marked “Patriarch.” Please use this envelope to support the Metropolitan’s annual appeal on behalf of the Patriarch of Antioch, especially in the wake of the recent earthquake. Our minimum contribution as a parish is $500. If anyone is currently not receiving pledge envelopes, please see Fr. Michael or Parish Council Chair Anthony Zrake.
FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – Please remember to submit your FFHP donations as soon as possible. If writing a check, please make it payable to St. Mary’s Church with FFHP in the memo line.
“OUR TIME” – Due to the Holy Week postponement of their regular schedule, there will be an additional gathering this month of “Our Time,” our senior fellowship, on Wednesday, April 26, from 1:00-3:00 PM. We will resume the regular schedule of the first and third Wednesday of each month on May 3. All are welcome! Please see Marilyn Tulaney for more information.
MYRRH-BEARING WOMEN – Many thanks to the women, men, and girls who lovingly and beautifully adorned the Tomb of Christ for Holy Friday evening: Rima Alsifi Hazem, Sonia Abounaoum, Naziha Aldaia, Roula Alsifi, Sandra Arida, Joan Bacon, Nahla Bittar, Barbara Deeb, Laila Ellias, Joyce Katen, Arabella Kitchen, Samia Kyriaki, Chloe LeClair, Dianna Russo Kitchen, Asber Noma, Easa Noma, Christina Noma, Chaza Rafiaa, Alice Regnier, Susanna Regnier, Karen Spolar, Paula Spolar, Renna Yazge, and Lina Zaher.
CHOIR, CHANTERS AND READERS – Many thanks to Sandra Arida and our dedicated choir for their inspirational singing throughout Great Lent and Holy Week. We also thank the chanters and readers who served so faithfully and beautifully: Sonia Abounaoum, Chris Castley, Christopher Castley, Laila Ellias, Wilson Haddad, Oscar Hernandez, Michael Regnier, Irene Tashji, George Trisciuzzi, Andrea Zrake, and Anthony Zrake.
SPECIAL COLLECTION – Next week we will pray for the repose of the soul of a 39-year-old man who leaves behind a wife and three young daughters. Donors who would like to make a contribution for this family may make checks payable to St. Mary Church with “GK” in the memo line, and the church will accumulate a gift of love.
EMAIL ADDRESSES – Please submit or update all your family email addresses to pastor@smaoc.org, so that we can contact our parishioners with timely news.
SHAGOURY SCHOLARSHIP – The Edith Shagoury Scholarship Fund offers an award for the coming academic year to an undergraduate student from St. Mary’s Church. The qualifications for this award are parish participation, scholarship, and financial need. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on the return on the fund’s investment. Please contact Fr. Michael for more information.
MAIONE SCHOLARSHIP – The Georgette Maione Memorial Scholarship will make its second award this year from the fund left to the church from Georgette’s estate. Please contact Fr. Michael for more information.
FR. PAUL SCHNEIRLA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Teen SOYO will once again offer this scholarship in loving memory of our beloved former pastor. This scholarship is presented at the Parish Life Conference on the basis of academic excellence. Please contact Fr. Michael for more information.
FRANCIS MARIA SCHOLARSHIP – The Antiochian Archdiocese awards several scholarships of $5,000 each to students attending an accredited 4-year college. Applications must be postmarked by May 15, 2023. For more information and other scholarships offered by the Archdiocese, go to www.antiochian.org/scholarships.
EASTERN DIOCESES PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE – The parish of St. Moses the Black will host this year’s Parish Life Conference at the beautiful Antiochian Village Conference and Retreat Center in Ligonier, PA, from June 28-July 2. Information and registration are now open on-line at www.antiochianevents.com. Please register and make room reservations now in order to secure a place at the conference center itself.
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
56th Antiochian Archdiocese Convention, Phoenix, AZ – Sunday, July 23, 2023-Sunday, July 30, 2023 – Hosted by St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Phoenix, AZ, at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa. To book rooms at the hotel, register for the convention, purchase convention event tickets and obtain forms to place a message in the Souvenir Journal, go to www.ac2023az.org. Rooms are booking quickly for this historic convention.
ESTATE PLANNING – A bequest is one of the easiest gifts to make in order to impact the ministry of the Church significantly. An estate plan can include a provision that leaves a lasting gift to St. Mary’s Church. A bequest could be a gift of specific assets, a dollar amount, or a percentage of the estate. A bequest could also be the residue of an estate after all gifts have been made to heirs. Consider naming St. Mary’s as a beneficiary on your retirement accounts (such as an IRA). Qualified charities are able to receive the full value of dollars in these plans without incurring income taxes
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Wednesday, April 26 “Our Time” Senior Fellowship, 1-3 PM
Saturday, April 29 No Great Vespers
Friday, May 5 Family Night, 7:00-9:00 PM
Saturday, May 6 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
Monday, May 8 Parish Council, 7:30 PM
Saturday, May 13 Enthronement of Metropolitan SABA
Thursday, May 25 Feast of the Ascension of Christ
All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.
FROM THE FATHERS – “The man who has found love eats and drinks Christ evrey day and hour and so is made immortal. Whoever eats of this bread, He says, which I will give him, will never taste death. Blessed is he who consumes the bread of love, which is Jesus! He who eats of love eats Christ, the God over all, as John bears witness, saying, God is love.”
- St. Isaac the Syrian
Christ is risen from the dead trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.
Al Maseeh qam min bain il amwat, wa wati al mawt bil bawt, wa wahabal hiyat lil la dhina fil qoobur.
Christos anesti ek nekron thanato thanaton patisas, kai tis en tis mnimaszi zoin, charisamenos.
“Christ is risen” “Truly/Indeed He is risen!
“Christos Anesti” “Alithos Anesti”
“Christos Voskrese” “Vo Istinu Voskrese”
“Al Maseeh Qam” “Ha’an Qam”
CHRIST IS RISEN! INDEED HE IS RISEN!