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, May 4, 2025
Third Sunday of Pascha: Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women,
Pious Joseph of Arimathea and Righteous Nicodemus
Tone 2 and Eothinon 4
Today’s Hymns and Readings
After “Blessed is the Kingdom…”, “Christ is risen…” (3 times)
During the Little Entrance, “Christ is risen…”
Entrance Hymn – In the gathering places bless ye God the Lord from the springs of Israel. O Son of God, who art risen from the dead, save us, who sing unto Thee. Alleluia!
Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 2
When thou, O immortal Life, didst humble thyself unto death, then didst thou destroy death by the brightness of thy Godhead; and when thou didst raise the bowels of the earth, then all the heavenly powers exclaimed, O Christ, thou art the Giver of life! Glory to thee, O our God!
Apolytikion of the Pious Joseph and the Myrrh Bearing Women – Tone 2
The pious Joseph, having brought down thy pure body from the Tree, wrapped it in fine linen, embalmed it with ointment, provided for it, and laid it in a new tomb. But thou didst rise, after three days, O Lord, granting the world the Great Mercy.
Apolytikion of the Myrrh Bearing Women – Tone 2
Verily, the angel came to the tomb and said to the ointment-bearing women, The ointment is meet for the dead, but Christ is shown to be remote from corruption. But cry ye, the Lord is risen, granting the world the Great Mercy.
Kontakion of Holy Pascha – Tone 8
Though thou, O deathless One, didst descend into the grave, thou didst destroy the power of hell and, as Victor, thou didst rise again, O Christ our God. Thou didst greet the ointment bearing women, saying, rejoice! Thou didst bestow peace upon thy Disciples, and resurrection upon those that are fallen.
Epistle – Acts of the Apostles 6:1-7 (Myrrh-Bearing Women)
Prokeimenon. Psalm 117.14, 18. The Lord is my strength and my son.
Verse. The Lord has chastened me sorely.
IN THOSE DAYS, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochoros, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaos, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them.
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Gospel – Mark 15:43-16:8 (Myrrh-Bearing Women)
AT THAT TIME, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. And Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether Jesus was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. And he bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud, and laid him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.
And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back – it was very large.
And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
MEGALYNARION FOR PASCHA (Tone 1) – The angel cried unto her that is full of grace: O pure Virgin, rejoice, and again I say, rejoice; for thy Son hath arisen from the grave on the third day. Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord hath arisen upon thee; dance now and be glad, O Zion, and do thy exult, O pure Theotokos, in the arising of Him Whom thou didst bear.
COMMUNION HYMN (Tone 8) – Receive ye the body of Christ; taste ye the Fountain of immortality.
Next week’s homework: Acts 9:32-42 (Sunday of the Paralytic)
John 5:1-15 (Sunday of the Paralytic)
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.”
May 4, 2025 – THE HOLY MYRRH-BEARING WOMEN, PIOUS JOSEPH OF ARIMATHAEA, AND RIGHTEOUS NICODEMUS
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.
CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN!
TODAY, MAY 4 – We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Edward Ateyeh, Nour Abu-Assali El Khoury, Diane Elkas Grinnell, Margaret Hanna, Rose Hanna, Renee Matouk, Viola Mesnooh, Gladys and Theodore Sadaka, Salma Torpey, and Nada Traboulsi.
Rima Al Sifi Hazem offers Prayers of Oblation for the health of the handmaiden of God Maria Simo. Many years!
Malakie and Richard Zogob offer Prayers of Oblation for the health of the servant of God, Parish Council Chair Christopher Athineos. Many years!
Peter Elkas offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his sister, the handmaiden of God Diane Elkas Grinnell. Memory eternal!
Louise Sahadi offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her aunt, the handmaiden of God Selma Torpey. Memory eternal!
Anne Mackoul and Family offer Prayers of Oblation, the Holy Bread, and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Sabry Mackoul. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!
Nicolas El-Khoury offers Prayers of Oblation, the Holy Bread, and a 10-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of his mother, the handmaiden of God Nour Abouassali El-Khoury. Memory eternal!
NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 11 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Asma Araman, Michael Davis, William Eyd, Nadra and Hadbo Haddad, Murad Kaidy, Wadea Massab, Yvonne Najjar, Toufic E. Nehme, Ibrahim Makarus Laham, Richard A. Sahadi, Ratiba Sukkarieh, and Careemy and George Zaher. Memory eternal!
FASTING DISCIPLINE – Within the Patriarchate of Antioch some suspend fasting until the Feast of the Ascension, May 29. There is also no kneeling until Holy Pentecost on June 8.
FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Alice Farkouh (Richmond University, SI), John Petrick (Norwegian), Charlie Sahadi (NYU Langone), Joyce Samaha (Heritage Rehab), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Diana Finger, George Khoury, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Renee Setteducato, Victoria Sleyman, and Anthony Speer (at home).
MYRRH-BEARING WOMEN – Many thanks to the women, men, boys and girls who lovingly and beautifully adorned the Tomb of Christ and the church for Holy Friday evening: Rima Alsifi Hazem, Sonia Abounaoum, Naziha Aldaia, Jack Alsaifi, Sandra Arida, Angela Athineos, Nahla Bittar, Barbara Deeb, Janice Deeb, Laila Ellias, Marie Ellias, Arabella Kitchen, Dianna Russo Kitchen, Nahla Laham, Therese Maalouf, Asber Noma, Christina Noma, Easa Noma, Christina Noma, Alice Regnier, Isaac Regnier Susanna Regnier, Karen Spolar, Paula Spolar, Irene Vivcharyk, and Renna Yazji.
CHOIR, CHANTERS AND READERS – Many thanks to Sandra Arida and our dedicated choir for their inspirational singing throughout Great Lent and Holy Week. We also thank the chanters and readers who served so faithfully and beautifully: Sonia Abounaoum, Lara Rustom Al-Laham, Chris Castley, Christopher Castley, Laila Ellias, Wilson Haddad, Asber Noma, Christina Noma, Isaac Regnier, Michael Regnier, Susana Regnier, Irene Tashji, George Trisciuzzi, Andrea Zrake, Christina Zrake, and Anthony Zrake.
EASTER OFFERINGS AND EASTER FLOWERS – We thank and acknowledge everyone who donated toward the flowers and other necessities for the Paschal season: Rose Abdallah, Sonia and Henry Abou Naoum, Naziha and Bassam Aldaia, Eugene Arida, Sandra Arida, Majed Atalla, Angela and Christopher Athineos, Joan Bacon, Timothy Bittar, Marie Bryant, Claudette Budai, Rhonda Byrnes, Katherine and Hassan Dagher, Barbara Deeb, Janice Deeb, Jordan and Nadine Eisenberg, Gaby and Majdeline Elkhoury, Father Michael and Laila Ellias, Nahla Fattouh, Diana Finger, Gary and Kim Gangone, Josette and John Generale, Frances and Ronald Ghiz, Lara and Henry Hadad, James Harris, Marianne Hindelly, Gloria Jabara, Christine Kaiami, Diana Kaiami, Lina and Samer Kaiami, George Khoury, Victor Khoury, Bassam and Razan Maalouf, George Maalouf, Corrine and Michael Mallia, Camil Malouf, Linda Mantia, Janette Mellor, Kathryn and George Nassoor, Christine Perry, Jackie and William Robinson, Dianna Russo Kitchen, Marian Russo, Charles and Audrey Sahadi, Louise Sahadi, Robert Sahadi, George and Linda Salamy, Catherine and Raymond Saleeby, Roland Salloum, Wanda Salloum, Brenda Samman, Samar and Sam Shahem, Barbara and Dennis Shawah, Tamam Sheheri, Gary Speer, Karen and Tony Tadross, Irene Tashji, Waffa and Milad Tohme, George Trisciuzzi, Marilyn and Michael Tulaney, Miriam Zahka, Diana Zamaria, Gale Zarr, Leen Zgheib, and Malakie and Richard Zogob.
FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – Please remember to submit your FFHP donations as soon as possible. If writing a check, please make it payable to St. Mary’s Church with FFHP in the memo line.
PALM SUNDAY MA-AMOUL SALE – We thank the faithful ladies who labored so lovingly this Great Lent to provide ma-amoul for our holiday celebrations. The proceeds from this project, will go to International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) for their projects in support of the suffering people of Lebanon and Syria.
ST. NICHOLAS CATHEDRAL MOTHER’S DAY GALA – St. Nicholas Cathedral invites everyone to share their Mother’s Day Gala on Friday, May 9, at Russo’s on the Bay. To reserve please contact Siham Hazim at (347) 232-7542 or Christine Kaba at (646) 388-3679 immediately!
HOME BLESSINGS – Several parishioners have requested spring time blessings of their homes. Please feel free to call for an appointment between now and the Feast of the Ascension (May 29).
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.
PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Friday, May 9 St. Nicholas Cathedral Mother’s Day Gala @ Russo’s
Saturday, May 10 NO GREAT VESPERS
Monday, May 12 Parish Council, 7:00 PM
Tuesday, May 20 1700-Year Anniversary of Council of Nicea, 7:30 PM @
Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Cathedral
All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.
Christ is risen from the dead trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.
Al Maseeh qam min bain il amwat, wa wati al mawt bil bawt, wa wahabal hiyat lil la dhina fil qoobur.
Christos anesti ek nekron thanato thanaton patisas, kai tis en tis mnimaszi zoin, charisamenos.
“Christ is risen” “Truly/Indeed He is risen!
“Christos Anesti” “Alithos Anesti”
“Christos Voskrese” “Vo Istinu Voskrese”
“Al Maseeh Qam” “Ha’an Qam”
CHRIST IS RISEN! INDEED HE IS RISEN!
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America