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 1, 2024
Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
Tone 6 and Eothinon 1
Holy Prophet Nahum
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 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 2:4-10 (Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost)
Prokeimenon. Psalm 27.9, 1. O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse. To you, O Lord, have I cried, O my God.
BRETHREN, God who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God – not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
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 2:14-22 (Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost)
Luke 13:10-17 (Tenth Sunday of Luke)
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.
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.”
HOLY BREAD – Linda and George Salamy have made an offering for the entire year. Many years! Additional donors are welcome for December and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
DECEMBER 1, 2024 – TWENTY-THIRD 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.
TODAY, DECEMBER 1 - We 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!
NEXT SUNDAY, December 8 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Jean Fadool, Charles Farkouh, Jamiel Howie, Laura Makhoul, Robert Mouracade, Josephine Razook, Nicholas Sabah, Nancy Schmidt, Evelyn Shamoun, Isabel Zrake, and George Zrike. Memory eternal
DECEMBER IS ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH MONTH – Members of the Order will read the epistle and assist the ushers. We ask current members to wear their ribbons or lapel pins. We have lost several members of the Order in the recent past, and we invite new members to step forward to continue this vital ministry. Please see Fr. Michael, any member, or our Order Ambassadors Dianna Russo Kitchen and Marian Russo for more information.
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, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).
FALL BIBLE STUDY – Our study of the Gospel of Luke will resume on Wednesday, December 4, at 7 PM. For remote access use the Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81008521083?pwd=QUEyZm8wdmc4aUxTdTdOMzVPN2lRUT09.
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 10. We will distribute all items to the Pan-Orthodox Holy Cross Outreach Center on 4th Avenue.
LITTLE-BIT-O-LUCK– 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 for a ticket.
CHOIR CHRISTMAS PROGRAM – St. Mary’s Choir will offer its annual Christmas Sing and Parish Sing-Along on Sunday, December 15, immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Everyone is welcome. Word sheets will be provided!
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 students and college-aged young adults to the annual College Conference at the Antiochian Village Heritage and Learning Center in Ligonier, PA, December 27-30, 2024. Please go to www.ocf.net/cc24 for more information. Scholarship assistance is available.
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 – Why should I include St. Mary’s Church in my will or estate plan? So that I can express to my children and grandchildren what the Church means to me!
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.
DATES TO REMEMBER
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
Monday, December 9 Parish Council, 7 PM
Sunday, December 15 Choir Christmas Program
All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.
FROM THE FATHERS – “All Christians, clergy, laity, and monks, when rising from sleep must first think of and remember Christ.”
- St. Paisius Velichkovsky