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 Most Reverend 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 15, 2024
Sunday of the Forefathers (Ancestors) of Christ
Tone 8 and Eothinon 3
Hieromartyr Eleutherios, Bishop of Illyria
Today’s Hymns and Readings
Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 8
O Compassionate One, thou didst descend from the heights; thou didst submit to the three-day burial, that thou mightest deliver us from passion. Thou art our Life and our Resurrection, O Lord, glory to thee.
Apolytikion of the Forefathers – Tone 2
Thou hast justified by faith the ancient forefathers and through them thou hast gone before and betrothed unto thyself the Church of the Gentiles. Let the saints, therefore, take pride in glory; for from their seed sprouted forth a noble fruit, and she it was who gave birth to thee without seed. Wherefore, by their pleadings, O Christ God, save our souls.
Apolytikion of St. Eleutherios of Illyria – Tone 5
Being comely adorned in thy sacred priestly robes, and newly drenched with the streams of thy pure and sanctified blood, thou didst soar aloft to stand before thy Master, Christ; hence never cease to intercede for those honoring with faith thy mighty and blessed contest, thou overthrower of Satan, O wise and blessed Eleutherios.
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 – II Timothy 1:8-18 (Hieromartyr Eleutherios, Bishop of Illyria)
Prokeimenon: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saint.
Verse. What shall we render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto us?
TIMOTHY, my son, do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God, Who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of our works but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus ages ago, and now has manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, Who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, and therefore I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know Whom I have believed, and I am sure that He is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus; guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit Who dwells within us. You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, and among them Phygelos and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the house hold of Onesiphoros, for he often refreshed me; he was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome, he searched for me eagerly and found me. May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day, and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.
Gospel – Luke 14:16-24 (Sunday of the Forefathers)
THE LORD SPOKE THIS PARABLE: “A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for all is now ready.’ But, one by one, they all began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Next week’s homework: Hebrews 11:9-10, 32-40 (Sunday before the Nativity)
Matthew 1:1-25 (Sunday of the Genealogy)
DECEMBER 15, 2024 – SUNDAY OF THE FOREFATHERS (ANCESTORS) OF CHRIST
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, DECEMBER 15 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Alexander Deeb, Anna Ghiz, Gloria Hawaweeny, Nabeeha Klam, Charles Macrina, Edward Mamary, Elizabeth Nader, Louis Savarese, and Najeeb and Eli Zrake. Memory eternal!
Sandra Coogan offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her uncle, the servant of God Louis Savarese. Memory eternal!
The Deeb Family offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Laurice and Alexander Deeb, Mary and Nadim Antaky, and Zakieh and Emile Deeb. Memory eternal!
George Trisciuzzi offers Prayers of Oblation for the health of the handmaiden of God Elena Gallo. Many years!
The Zrake Family offers Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Rose Zrake. A Coffee Hour in her memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Evelyn Z. Deschner, Nora and Nicholas Hawa, George Khoury, William S. Schneirla, Jr., Emily and Arthur Swaya, Lily Sydnawey, Mary Traboulcy, George Zain, and Rose Zarr. Memory eternal!
The Family of Nadia Zahr Kaba will offer 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!
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
FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Dr. Rouda Abboud (Staten Island University), Alice Farkouh (Eger, Staten Island), John Petrick (Norwegian), Josette and John Generale, Gloria Jabara, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Marie Bryant, Patti DeLuca, Diana Finger, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, William Robinson, Luke Spolar, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).
FASTING DISICIPLINE – Until December 19 we observe the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, oil and their by-products). On Tuesday and Thursday during this time, wine and oil are permitted. Some Orthodox eat fish on all days except Wednesdays and Fridays. From Friday, December 20, through Tuesday, December 24, we follow the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil) with wine and oil permitted on Saturday and Sunday. From December 25 through January 4, there is no fasting.
DECEMBER IS ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH MONTH – Members of the Order will read the epistle and assist the ushering. We ask current members to wear the 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.
CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE – Many thanks to the numerous people who supported this year's 35th Christmas Boutique. This includes those who donated, picked up wreaths, made wreath donor cards, hung the wreaths on the church fence in cold, windy conditions, solicited Bay Ridge shopkeepers for donations for the Gift Baskets, collected the 50/50 raffle and wreath donations, set up tables and Santa's workshop, made the church hall look like a winter wonderland, baked at home and after work late into the night, greeted customers and sold at tables, kitchen, and bakery, and then packed and cleaned up and left the church hall spotless. It takes everyone's hard work and dedication to host the Christmas Boutique every year. Even though the Christmas Boutique is sponsored by the Ladies' of St. Mary's, both ladies and men assisted as needed. Besides church parishioners, numerous people from other churches happily joined us in hosting this event. Everyone's efforts and dedication are greatly appreciated. See you at the Christmas Boutique 2025!
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD – We congratulate Marian Russo and Audrey Sahadi for once again organizing our Community Christmas Card, and we acknowledge Amanda (Alexander) Rich for her photography of our new iconography and the design of the card. God bless you all!
BIBLE STUDY – Our study of the Gospel of Luke will conclude for the fall on Wednesday on-line only at 7 PM. Use the Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81008521083?pwd=QUEyZm8wdmc4aUxTdTdOMzVPN2lRUT09.
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.
BOB SABBAGH MEMORIAL 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 for a ticket.
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 as soon as possible. We will distribute all items to the Pan-Orthodox Holy Cross Outreach Center on 4th Avenue.
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 on December 27-30, 2024. Please go to www.ocf.net/cc24 for more information. Scholarship assistance is available.
HUMANITARIAN APPEAL – The Pastor’s Discretionary Account would welcome donations to assist members of the community who have experienced hardships. The funds will assist with rent, utilities, clothing and household items, especially during the holidays and winter months. Out of respect for privacy, the pastor will make confidential distributions. Please make your tax deductible contributions to St. Mary’s Church with the memo “Pastor’s Discretional Account.” Your assistance with this appeal is a great blessing. Thank you!
ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP – Even before the Nativity arrives, it is time to begin thinking about Summer Camp! Registration for the Antiochian Village Camp begins on Sunday, January 5, at 5 PM. In order to register, establish an account at www.avcamp.org, or if you already have an account, update all contact information. Space is always limited, so plan to register on January 5.
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday, December 16 Parish Council, 7 PM
Wednesday, December 18 Bible Study On-Line, 7 PM
Friday, December 20 Archdiocese Christmas Gathering at Yonkers
Midnight Run
Saturday, December 21 Great Vespers, 5 PM
Tuesday, December 24 Royal Hours for the Nativity, 9 AM
Festal Orthros, 9 PM
Divine Liturgy for the Nativity, 10 PM
Wednesday, December 25 No Services
Saturday, December 28 Great Vespers, 5 PM
Tuesday, December 31 New Year’s Eve Party
All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.
FROM THE FATHERS – “Let us become like Christ, since Christ became like us. Let us become gods because of Him, since He for us became man. He took upon Himself a low degree that He might give us a higher one. He became poor, that in His poverty we might become rich.”
- St. Gregory of Nazianzus