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, January 7, 2024
Synaxis of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John
New Martyr Athanasios of Atalia
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 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 Epiphany – Tone 1
By thy baptism, O Lord, in the River Jordan, worship to the Trinity hath made its appearance; for the voice of the Lord did come forth to thee with the testimony, naming thee His beloved Son; and the Spirit in the likeness of a dove, confirming the truth of the word. Wherefore, O thou who didst appear and lighted the world, O Christ, glory to thee.
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.
Apolytikion of the Synaxis of John the Baptist – Tone 2
The memory of the righteous is celebrated with songs of praise, but the Lord’s testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner. Thou wast shown indeed to be the most honorable of the prophets, for in the waters thou didst baptize Him Who had been proclaimed. After suffering with joy in behalf of the truth, thou didst proclaim even to those in Hades the God Who appeared in the flesh, Who takest away the sin of the world, and granteth us the Great Mercy.
Kontakion of Epiphany – Tone 4
Today thou hast appeared to the universe, O Lord, and thy light hath been shed upon us, who praise thee with knowledge, saying, Thou hast come and appeared, O unapproachable Light.
Epistle – Acts 19:1-8 (Synaxis of St. John the Baptist)
Prokeimenon. The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord.
Verse. O God, hear my prayer.
IN THOSE DAYS, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the One Who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve of them in all. And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, arguing and pleading about the Kingdom of God.
Gospel – John 1:29-34 (Synaxis of the Honorable, Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John)
AT THAT TIME, John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; for this I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John bore witness, “I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him; but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”
Next week’s homework: Ephesians 4:7-13 (Sunday after Theophany)
Matthew 4:12-17 (Sunday after Theophany)
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.
JANUARY 7, 2024 – SYNAXIS OF THE HOLY PROPHET, FORERUNNER AND BAPTIST JOHN
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.
Today we are honored and blessed that His Eminence, the Most Reverend Metropolitan SABA, Metropolitan of New York and All North America of the Antiochian Orthodox Church, will preside at the divine services. His Eminence first visited St. Mary Church on Holy Friday last year, but today is his first official archpastoral visit here. Many years, Master!
SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Nora and Kalil Ballan, Ameenie Freije, Pauline Haddad, Mary Hamwi, Maria Hindelly, Leila M. Khouri, Robert Malouf, Ronald Sadaka, Alberta Samaha, and Emil Tweel. Memory eternal!
Rima Alsaifi Hazem offers Prayers of Oblation and the Holy Bread for the health of her son, the servant of God Jack. Many years!
NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Eli Abdallah, Alexander Azar, Emily and Edward Ghazal, Robert Samara, Riad Malouf, Edma Saab, Edmund Arthur Swaya, and Nora Trefz. Memory eternal!
The Family of Robert Forcina will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of his soul. Memory eternal!
Dr. Iyad Nader and Family will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Sarah El Haddad, who departed this life in Syria on December 12. A Coffee Hour in her memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!
HOLY BREAD – Linda and George Salamy have made a donation for the entire year. Many years! Additional donors are welcome for January and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.
FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Charlie Bryant (UPenn), John Eyd (Centra State, Freehold), Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Patti 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).
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.”
FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR JANUARY – The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil or their byproducts) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays in January.
CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS – We acknowledge the Christmas offerings from Rose Abdallah, Fadi Albishara, Nicole and Jeff Anderson, Sandra Arida, the Arnouk Family, Michael and Maria Azar, Joan Bacon, Claudette Budai, Rhonda Byrnes, Christopher Castley, Sandra and Robert Coogan, Hassan and Katherine Dagher, Barbara M. Deeb, Janice Deeb, Fr. Michael and Laila Ellias, Matthew and Jessica Ellias, John and Anita Eyd, Diana Finger, John and Josette Generale, Ronald and Frances Ghiz, Robert Haddad, James Harris, Krassimira Ivanchev, Gloria Jabara, Diana Kaiami, Samer and Lina Kaiami, George Khoury, George and Nicole Khouzami, Paul Lang and Family, Nataliya Latushkina, George Maalouf, Sabry and Anne Mackoul, Carol Makhoul, Corrine and Michael Mallia, Linda Mantia, Denise McBride, George Moore, Tony Nehme, Essa Noma Family, Chaza and Amer Rafiaa, Rob and Amanda Rich, Jackie and William Robinson, Marian Russo, Charles and Audrey Sahadi, Louise Sahadi, Robert Sahadi, Wanda Salloum, Eve Schornstein, Dennis and Barbara Shawah, Irene Tashji, Naser and Samar Yazigi, Mimi Zahka, and Gale Zarr.
BOB SABBAGH MEMORIAL LOTTERY – Once again Deacon Farid Farkouh has chaired the former Little Bit ‘o Luck Drawing, now named in memory of Bob Sabbagh. First, second, and third prizes went to Dianna Russo Kitchen, Edgar Saadi of Los Angeles, and Marian Russo, respectively. Congratulations! We’ll see you all next year!
WINTER COAT DRIVE – The Teen SOYO Winter Coat Drive will continue through February. Coats, scarves, gloves, blankets, and other cold weather attire are welcome. Please place your offerings on the table in the vestibule. We will distribute all items to local charities and recipients.
OUR TIME – Our (over 50) senior fellowship, “Our Time”, meets every other Wednesday, including Wednesday, January 17, 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.
BLESSING OF HOMES – Fr. Michael will begin blessing homes this week. Please use the form in this bulletin to request a home visit.
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 at www.avcamp.org. Scholarship assistance is available from the camp and from the parish.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday, January 8 Parish Council, 7:00 PM
Saturday, January 13 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM
All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.
FROM THE FATHERS – “As long as you have hands, stretch them out to heaven in prayer.”
- St. Isaac the Syrian
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America