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 24, 2024
Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
Tone 5 and Eothinon 11
After-Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos
Today’s Hymns and Readings
Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 5
Let us believers praise and worship the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation. For he took pleasure in ascending the cross in the flesh to suffer death, and to raise the dead by his glorious resurrection.
Apolytikion of the Entrance of the Theotokos in the Temple – Tone 4
Today the Virgin is the foreshadowing of the pleasure of God, and the beginning of the preaching of the salvation of mankind. Thou hast appeared in the Temple of God openly and hast gone before, preaching Christ to all. Let us shout with one thrilling voice, saying, Rejoice, O thou who art the fulfillment of the Creator’s dispensation.
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 Entrance of the Theotokos in the Temple – Tone 4
The all-pure temple of the Saviour, the most precious bridal-chamber and Virgin, the treasure-house of the glory of God, today entered the Temple of the Lord, bringing with her the grace which is in the divine Spirit: whom also the angels of God do celebrate in song; for she is the heavenly tabernacle.
Epistle – Galatians 6:11-18 (Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost)
Prokeimenon. Psalm 11.7, 1. You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse. Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.
BRETHREN, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and not only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God.
Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Gospel – Luke 18:18-27 (Thirteenth Sunday of Luke)
AT THAT TIME, a man came testing Jesus and asking, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” And the man said, “All these I have observed from my youth.” And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when the man heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus, seeing him sad, said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” But Jesus said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”
Next week’s homework: Ephesians 2:4-10 (Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost)
Luke 18:35-43 (Fourteenth Sunday of Luke)
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 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.
NOVEMBER 24, 2024 – TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
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.
TODAY, NOVEMBER 24 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Paul Dib, Albert Ganim, Antonia Khoury, Zakia Tannous Khoury, Edward Sarkis, Freda and Melkon Sayegh, Gladys Schroeder, and Souhaila Jada Sciacchitano. Memory eternal!
The Family of Albert Ganim offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of his soul. Memory eternal!
Marie Bryant and Family offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Zakia T. Khoury. Memory eternal!
George Khoury offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his mother, the handmaiden of God Antonia Khoury. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, December 1 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Nellie and George Ellien, Very Rev. Abdallah Khoury, Lian Massab, Pauline Nehme, Herta Schroers, Edith Shagoury, Marianne Trabulsi, and Virgina Zarr. Memory eternal!
HOLY BREAD – The Zarr Family will offer 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.
FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Dr. Alice Farkouh (Eger, Staten Island), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Anita Eyd, Diana Finger, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Wade Saadi, Raymond Saleeby, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).
FALL BIBLE STUDY – There will be no Bible Study this week. We will resume on Wednesday, December 4, at 7 PM.
LOTTERY – Dianna Russo Kitchen or George Trisciuzzi are managing this year’s annual Little-Bit-o-Luck Lottery in Deacon Farid’s absence. Please see Dianna or George to reserve your ticket.
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
CANNED FOOD AND WINTER COAT DRIVES –Teen SOYO has begun their annual Canned Food and Winter Coat Drives. Please bring your contributions between now and December 10. We will distribute all items to the Pan-Orthodox Holy Cross Outreach Center on 4th Avenue.
IOCC SUNDAY – Our November pledge envelopes included a yellow envelope for “International Orthodox Christian Charities” dated November 24. We annually receive this collection on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Our faithful can either drop their envelope in the collection tray 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.
CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE – The Ladies of St. Mary's are preparing for the Christmas Boutique in Couri Hall on Saturday, December 7, from 9:30 AM to 4 PM, and on Sunday, December 8 after church. Items will be sold and the gift baskets and 50/50 raffles 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 donations of china, elegant glassware, collectibles and new items. We need MEN VOLUNTEERS on Sunday afternoon December 8 to assist packing up after the Boutique. Please contact Gale Zarr (917) 771-2427 if you are available to help or have any questions.
NARROWS COMMUNITY THEATER – Our own Connor Mayrose and Susanna Regnier will appear in the Narrows Community Theater production of “The Best Christmas Pageant” December 6 (7 PM), 7 (2 PM and 7 PM), and 8 (2 PM) at the Fort Hamilton Army Base Theater. Go to www.nctheaterny.com and use the code “cheerio” for tickets and information.
CHRISTMAS GATHERING – Metropolitan SABA and the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch invite everyone to a Christmas Gathering at the Church of the Virgin Mary, 236 Grandview Blvd., Yonkers, on Friday, December 20. Vespers will begin at 6:30 PM followed by dinner, a few remarks, and Christmas caroling. RSVP to theorder@antiochian.org, or call (724) 238-3677 X410 before December 13.
COLLEGE CONFERENCE – Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) invites all college-aged young adults to the annual College Conference at the Antiochian Village Heritage and Learning Center on December 27-30, 2024. Please go to www.ocf.net/cc24 for more information. Scholarship assistance is available.
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Saturday, November 30 No Great Vespers
Wednesday, December 4 Bible Study, 7 PM
Thursday, December 5 Boutique Set-Up
Friday, December 6 Boutique Set-up
Saturday, December 7 Ladies’ Christmas Boutique, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Great Vespers, 5 PM
All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.