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 10, 2024
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Tone 3 and Eothinon 9
Apostles Olympas, Rodion, Sosipater, Tertios, Erastos and Quartos of the Seventy
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 3
Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad; for the Lord hath done a mighty act with his own arm. He hath trampled down death and become the First-born from the dead. He hath delivered us from the depth of hades, granting the world the Great Mercy.
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 1:11-19 (Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost)
Prokeimenon. Psalm 46.6, 1. Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse. Clap your hands, all you nations.
BRETHREN, I would have you know that the gospel which was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus.
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.
Gospel – Luke 10:25-37 (Eighth Sunday of Luke)
AT THAT TIME, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read?” And the lawyer answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And Jesus said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.”
But the lawyer, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, “Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” The lawyer said, “The one who showed mercy on him.” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Next week’s homework: Galatians 2:16-20 (Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost)
Luke 12:16-21 (Ninth Sunday of Luke)
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.
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.
NOVEMBER 10, 2024 – TWENTIETH 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, NOVEMBER 10 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Michele Ateyeh, John L. Boojamra, Leila Dahdouh, Rashida Marie Haddad, Wajiba Kaba, Victoria Khoury, Dorothy Madey, George Massabni, Gabriella R. Sadaka, and Nicholas Sahadi. Memory eternal!
The Friends of Michele Ateyeh offer Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of her soul. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Claire Banat, Paul Dib, Edward Richard Eadeh, Alice Elkas, Robert A. Forcina, Charlene Alekel Goldrick, George R. Haddad, Robert E. Mackoul, Aziz Malika, George Malouf, Moufid Taweel, and Gregory Zarr. Memory eternal!
FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Anita Eyd, Alice Farkouh, Diana Finger, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Wade Saadi, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).
FASTING DISICIPLINE – On November 15 we begin 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.
MEMORY ETERNAL! We are saddened to announce that the handmaiden of God Rose Zrake departed this life in the hope of the Resurrection last Sunday. Her funeral was from St. Mary’s Church on Thursday. We extend our deepest sympathies to her brother Larry and to all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Memory eternal!
HARVEST LUNCHEON - The Parish Council invites the parish family to the Fall Harvest Luncheon following the Divine Liturgy.
FAMILY NIGHT AND MIDNIGHT RUN – There will be a Family Night this Friday from 7-9, and Marwan Al-Laham and Sam Maalouf will lead our delegation on the Midnight Run into Manhattan to minister to the homeless and immigrant communities.
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 on Sundays 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.
OUR TIME – Our senior fellowship, “Our Time,” will meet on Wednesday, November 20. The fellowship also sponsors pickleball on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9. Everyone is welcome!
BIBLE STUDY – We continue our Bible Study at 7 PM on Wednesdays. We will study the Gospel of Luke. We will use the Orthodox Study Bible. For remote access use the Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81008521083?pwd=QUEyZm8wdmc4aUxTdTdOMzVPN2lRUT09.
PET BLESSING – Teen SOYO will host their annual Pet Blessing this Saturday, November 16, at 2 PM on the Ridge Boulevard lawn. See the flyer in this week’s bulletin for more information.
CANNED FOOD AND WINTER COAT DRIVES – Next week Teen SOYO will place two large boxes in the vestibule for their annual Canned Food and Winter Coat Drives. Please bring your contributions before December 17. We will distribute all items to the Holy Cross Brooklyn Outreach Center.
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.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Sunday, November 10 Fall Harvest Luncheon
Allaham Baptism, 4:30 PM
Wednesday, November 13 Bible Study, 7 PM
Friday, November 15 Advent Fast Begins
Family Night, 7-9 PM
Midnight Run
Saturday, November 16 Pet Blessing, 2 PM
Great Vespers, 5 PM
Monday, November 18 Parish Council, 7 PM
All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.
FROM THE FATHERS – “Let our enemy too understand that we have taken much pains, in order to do what is well-pleasing unto God.”
- St. John Chrysostom
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America