Bulletin for Sunday, April 6, 2025 - Fifth Sunday of Great Lent - Commemoration of Our Righteous Mother Mary of Egypt

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, April 6, 2025

Fifth Sunday of Great Lent

Tone 8 and Eothinon 8

Commemoration of Our Righteous Mother Mary of Egypt

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 St. Mary of Egypt – Tone 8

Through thee the divine likeness was securely preserved, O Mother Mary; for thou didst carry the cross and followed Christ. By example and precept thou didst teach us to ignore the body because it is perishable, and to attend to the concerns of the undying soul. Therefore, doth thy soul rejoice with the angels.

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 Theotokos – Tone 2

O undisputed intercessor of Christians, the mediatrix unrejected by the Creator, turn not away from the voice of our petitions, though we be sinners. Come to us in time, who cry to thee in faith, with assistance; for thou art good. Hasten to us with intercessions, O Theotokos, who dost ever intercede for those who honour thee.

Epistle – Hebrews 9:11-14 (Fifth Sunday in Lent)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 75.11, 1. Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.

Verse. God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Gospel – Mark 10:32-45 (Fifth Sunday in Lent)

AT THAT TIME, Jesus took his twelve disciples, and began to tell them what was to happen to him saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and scourge him, and spit upon him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise again.”

And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And Jesus said to them, “What do you want me to do for you? And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be servant of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Megalynarion – In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation: the angelic hosts, and the race of men, O hallowed temple and noetic paradise, glory of virgins, of whom God was incarnate and became a little child, even our God Who is before all the ages; for He made thy womb a throne and thy body He made more spacious than the heavens. In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation; and it glorifieth thee.

During Great Lent we celebrate the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great.

Next week’s homework: Philippians 4:4-9 (Palm Sunday)

John 12:1-18 (Palm Sunday)

APRIL 6, 2025 – FIFTH SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT – COMMEMORATION OF OUR RIGHTEOUS MOTHER MARY OF EGYPT

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.

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, APRIL 6 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Adele Hadad, Philip Hamwi, Helen Livreri, Roger Sabah, Henry Salloum, Robert Samara, Raymond Sayeg, Michael Shraky, Felipe Trabulsi, Florence Zagby, and Najeeb Zrake. Memory eternal!

Maryann Gullo offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Michael Shraky. Memory eternal!

Karen Slater offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Helen Livreri. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 13 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Annetta Absey, Najla Arida, Robert Coogan, Jr., Jean and George Fadool, Raymond Farkouh, Mary C. Gehshan, Dr. George Ghiz, Edward Hanna, Wilfred Jabara, Lynn Lewis, Violet Mamary, Vivian S. Massab, Victoria and Esber Najjar, Maria Pallas, Adele Trisciuzzi, and Isabel Araman Zain. Memory eternal!

Rose Abdallah will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Jean and George Fadool and Olga and Abraham Saba. 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.”

FASTING DISICIPLINE – The Great Fast continues until our celebration of the Feast of Feasts, Pascha: Our Lord’s Resurrection (April 20). The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) is observed on all weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, wine and olive oil are allowed.

HOLY BREAD – Diana Zamaria and Family offer the Holy Bread for the month of April for the health of their family and friends and for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Dr. Sam Alexander Zamaria, Helen and Michael Nassoor, and all their departed loved ones. Memory eternal! Additional donors are welcome for April and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, John Petrick (Norwegian), Joyce Samaha (Heritage Rehab), Renee Setteducato (Morristown), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, Diana Finger, George Khoury, Terry Mackoul, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Victoria Sleyman, and Anthony Speer (at home).

MEMORY ETERNAL! We are deeply saddened to announce that the servant of God Victor Samaha departed this life in the hope of the Resurrection on Thursday. The family will receive visitors at McLaughlin Funeral Home today from 2-6 PM, and the funeral will be tomorrow at 10 AM. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Joyce and to all of their family.

SERVICE BOOKS – As we approach the end of Great Lent, it is time to prepare for Holy Pascha. The Bookstore has copies of the bilingual service book for the paschal vigil and liturgy. Please contact Lorraine Deeb at ldeebsped@verizon.net or (718) 491-4996 to reserve your books.

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE – There will be Great Compline on Monday night at 7:00 PM at St. Nicholas Cathedral, the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts on Wednesday at 6:30 PM, Little Compline with Canon of Lazarus on Friday at 6:30 PM. Father Michael will celebrate the Public Prothesis at 10:00 followed by the Divine Liturgy for Lazarus on Saturday. Great Vespers will occur at 5:00 PM.

PARISH COUNCIL – Due to Great Compline on Monday evening, the Parish Council will meet on Tuesday, April 8, at 7 PM.

PATRIARCH OFFERING – Our pledge envelopes for the month of April included a pink envelope marked “Patriarch Offering.” Please use this envelope to support the Metropolitan’s annual appeal on behalf of the Patriarch of Antioch, especially in the wake of the ongoing violence. Our minimum contribution as a parish is $500. If anyone is currently not receiving pledge envelopes, please see Fr. Michael or Parish Council Chair Chris Athineos or Treasurer Irene Tashji.

FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – This year marks the 51st anniversary of this charitable project. The traditional FFHP collection boxes are no longer available, and the committee recommends that children and families prepare their own “alms box” for home use. Remember the least of Christ’s brethren, and return the box and offerings on or before Palm Sunday. “We are not asked merely to call ourselves Christians; we are asked to be Christians through our deeds.” - St. Ignatius of Antioch

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - The Ladies of St. Mary’s invite all our parishioners (men too!) to participate in our humanitarian project this year. We once again request the preparation of hygiene kits to be distributed to the homeless during the Midnight Run each month. In a one-gallon ZipLock bag please include: 1 washcloth, bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clipper, comb, 3 band-aids, disposable razor (optional). Feel free to prepare more than one kit! The kits can be given to Sandra Arida or any one of the Ladies. Thank you all for your support.

SACRAMENT OF REPENTANCE (CONFESSION) – The Great Fast is THE TIME for all believers to receive the Sacrament of Repentance (Confession). The pastor hears confessions by appointment and before and after all the divine services. Please do not wait until the last minute! If you would like to go to one of the other Orthodox priests in Brooklyn, feel free to do so, but inform the pastor.

PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE – The Eastern Dioceses Parish Life Conference will take place June 25-28 at the Antiochian Village. Event registration is now open at https://www.antiochianevents.org/events/diocese-of-new-york-and-charleston-mid-atlantic/registration. Room reservations at the Heritage and Learning Center are available at the same site or by calling the Antiochian Village Front Desk at 724-238-3677 x 300.

ARCHDIOCESE CONVENTION – Registration is now open for this year’s Archdiocese Convention in Chicago, IL, July 20-27. Go to AC2025CHICAGO.org for event registration. The Early Bird discount ends on April 30. Make hotel reservations at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago at (847) 696-1234.

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 – On this Sunday when we are commemorating our Righteous Mother among the Saints Mary of Egypt, we contemplate someone who abandoned every earthly possession and pleasure in order to control her passions and to work out her salvation. May we be inspired by her example to dedicate some portion of our possessions to the work of salvation in Christ’s Holy Church by making provision for St. Mary’s Church in our wills and estate plans.

PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, April 7 Great Compline @ St. Nicholas Cathedral, 7 PM

Tuesday, April 8 Parish Council, 7 PM

Wednesday, April 9 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Followed by Pot Luck Supper

Thursday, April 10 Arabic Great Compline, 6:30 PM

Friday, April 11 Little Compline and Canon of Lazarus, 6:30 PM

Saturday, April 12 Public Prothesis, 10 AM

Divine Liturgy for Lazarus Saturday, 10:45 AM

Great Vespers, 5 PM

Sunday, April 13 Palm Sunday

Bridegroom Matins, 7 PM

All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.

FROM THE FATHERS – “You have the power and the weapons to conquer the thoughts that attack your heart and mind. Here is what Holy Scripture says on the subject: ‘For the weapons of our spiritual warfare against evil are not carnal, but have the power from God to pull down strongholds and thoughts’ (II Corinthians 10:4-5). But if – while having at your disposal such an effectively powerful arsenal against them – you do not destroy evil thoughts as soon as they assail your mind, then you show that it is from lack of faith that you love the pleasure of these thoughts and keep company with them. In this case, you, not some remnant of ancestral sin, are responsible for this sinful activity.”

- St. Mark the Ascetic

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, March 30, 2025 - Fourth Sunday of Great Lent - Commemoration of John Climacus, Author of "The Ladder"

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, March 30, 2025

Fourth Sunday of Great Lent

Tone 7 and Eothinon 7

Commemoration of John Climacus, Author of “The Ladder”

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 7

Thou didst shatter death by thy Cross. Thou didst open paradise to the thief. Thou didst turn the mourning of the ointment-bearing women into joy, and didst bid thine Apostles proclaim a warning that thou hast risen, O Christ, granting to the world thy Great Mercy.

Apolytikion of St. John of the Ladder – Tone 8

The barren wilderness thou didst make fertile with the streams of thy tears; and by thy deep sighing thou hast given fruit through thy struggles a hundred-fold. Accordingly, thou hast become a star for the universe, sparkling with miracles. Therefore, O righteous Father John, intercede with Christ God to save our souls.

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 Sundays in Lent – Tone 8

To thee, the Champion Leader, do I offer thanks of victory, O Theotokos, thou who hast delivered me from terror; but as thou that has that power invincible, O Theotokos, thou alone can set me free: from all forms of danger free me and deliver me, that I may cry unto thee: Hail, O Bride without Bridegroom.

Epistle – Hebrews 6:13-20 (Fourth Sunday in Lent)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 28.11, 1. The Lord will give strength to his people.

Verse. Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.

BRETHREN, when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore to himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he interposed with an oath, so that through two changeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Gospel – Mark 9:17-31 (Fourth Sunday in Lent)

AT THAT TIME, a man came to Jesus, kneeling down and saying unto him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit; and wherever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” And Jesus answered him, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” And they brought the boy to him; and when the spirit saw Jesus, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at his mouth. And Jesus asked his father, “How long has he had this?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again.” And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when Jesus had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And Jesus said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.”

They went out from there and passed through Galilee. And Jesus would not have anyone know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and after he is killed, he will rise on the third day.”

Megalynarion – In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation: the angelic hosts, and the race of men, O hallowed temple and noetic paradise, glory of virgins, of whom God was incarnate and became a little child, even our God Who is before all the ages; for He made thy womb a throne and thy body He made more spacious than the heavens. In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation; and it glorifieth thee.

During Great Lent we celebrate the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great.

Next week’s homework: Hebrews 9:11-14 (Fifth Sunday of Great Lent)

Mark 10:32-45 (Fifth Sunday of Great Lent)

MARCH 30, 2025 – FOURTH SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT – COMMEMORATION OF JOHN CLIMACUS, AUTHOR OF “THE LADDER”

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.

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.

MARCH IS WOMEN’S MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE!

TODAY, MARCH 30 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Raymonde Alexander, Nadim Dahdouh, Dr. John D. Dalack, Mary and Raphael Davis, Matilda Eyd, Najibe Imtanios, George Kadour, Nazem Khoury, Rose Klam, and Maude Sarkis. Memory eternal!

Rafatt Kaba offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God George Kadour and Nadia Zaher. Memory eternal!

The Family of Dr. Robert Madey offers Prayers of Oblation, the Holy Bread, and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of his soul. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 6 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Adele Hadad, Philip Hamwi, Helen Livreri, Roger Sabah, Henry Salloum, Robert Samara, Raymond Sayeg, Michael Shraky, Felipe Trabulsi, Florence Zagby, and Najeeb Zrake. Memory eternal!

Karen Slater will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Helen Livreri. 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.”

MARCH IS LADIES MONTH! Our ushers today are Angela Athineos, Hilaneh Hana, Elsa Khzam, and Janette Mellor. Angela Athineos will read the Epistle in English and Sonia Abou Naoum will read the Epistle in Arabic.

FASTING DISICIPLINE – The Great Fast continues until our celebration of the Feast of Feasts, Pascha: Our Lord’s Resurrection (April 20). The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) is observed on all weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, wine and olive oil are allowed.

HOLY BREAD – The Zarr Family offers the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of March in loving memory of their beloved parents, the servants of God George Zarr and Marie Zarr. Memory eternal! Rafik Mahab offers the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of March in loving memory of his mother, the handmaiden of God Violette Chammas. Memory eternal! Additional donors are welcome for March and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, John Petrick (Norwegian), Joyce Samaha (NYU Lutheran), Renee Setteducato (Morristown), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, Diana Finger, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Terry Mackoul, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Victor Samaha, Victoria Sleyman, and Anthony Speer (at home).

OUR TIME – Our (over 50) senior fellowship, “Our Time”, meets every other Wednesday, including Wednesday, April 2, from 1-3 PM. All are welcome. Please see Marilyn Tulaney for more information. In addition, Our Time sponsors Pickleball on Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9 PM. All players and spectators are welcome.

LENTEN RESOURCES – As Holy Week and Holy Pascha approach, now is the time to purchase the liturgical books for these beautiful liturgical services. Please contact Lorraine Deeb at ldeebsped@verizon.net or (718) 491-4996 to reserve your books.

FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – This year marks the 51st anniversary of this charitable project. The traditional FFHP collection boxes are no longer available, and the committee recommends that children and families prepare their own “alms box” for home use. Remember the least of Christ’s brethren, and return the box and other offerings on or before Palm Sunday. “God asks little, but He gives much.”

- St. John Chrysostom

LENTEN LITURGICAL SCHEDULE – There will be Great Compline each Monday night at 7:00 PM, the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts each Wednesday at 6:30 PM and the Akathist/Madayeh Service each Friday at 6:30 PM. A Pot Luck Supper will follow each Wednesday service, and each parish organization will host a dinner after the Friday service. This Thursday we will celebrate Little Compline with the Life of St. Mary of Egypt at 6:30 PM. Great Vespers will continue each Saturday at 5:00 PM.

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - The Ladies of St. Mary’s invite all our parishioners (men too!) to participate in our humanitarian project this year. We once again request the preparation of hygiene kits to be distributed to the homeless during the Midnight Run each month. In a one-gallon ZipLock bag please include: 1 washcloth, bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clipper, comb, 3 band-aids, disposable razor (optional). Feel free to prepare more than one kit! The kits can be given to Sandra Arida or any one of the Ladies. Thank you all for your support.

PATRIARCH OFFERING – Our pledge envelopes for the month of April included a pink envelope marked “Patriarch Offering.” Please use this envelope to support the Metropolitan’s annual appeal on behalf of the Patriarch of Antioch, especially in the wake of the current upheaval in Syria and Lebanon. Our minimum contribution as a parish is $500. If anyone is currently not receiving pledge envelopes, please see Fr. Michael or Parish Council Chair Christopher Athineos.

SEMINARIANS – Our pledge envelopes for the month of March included a blue envelope marked “Seminarians.” Please use this envelope to support the Metropolitan’s annual appeal on behalf of our theological students. Our minimum contribution as a parish is $500. If anyone is currently not receiving pledge envelopes, please see Fr. Michael or Parish Council Chair Christopher Athineos.

PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE – The Eastern Dioceses Parish Life Conference will take place June 25-28 at the Antiochian Village. Event registration is now open at https://www.antiochianevents.org/events/diocese-of-new-york-and-charleston-mid-atlantic/registration. Room reservations at the Heritage and Learning Center are available at the same site or by calling the Antiochian Village Front Desk at 724-238-3677 x 300.

ARCHDIOCESE CONVENTION – Registration is now open for this year’s Archdiocese Convention in Chicago, IL, July 20-27. Go to AC2025CHICAGO.org for event registration. The Early Bird discount ends on April 30. Make hotel reservations at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago at (847) 696-1234.

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 – When we consider the icon of St. John Climacus’ Ladder of Divine Ascent, we see Jesus Himself awaiting the faithful at the top of the ladder. Can we help the next generation make the spiritual climb by providing for Christ’s Holy Church in our wills and estate plans?

PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, March 31 Great Compline, 7:00 PM

Tuesday, April 1 Great Compline in Arabic, 6:30 PM

Wednesday, April 2 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts,6:30 PM

Followed by Pot Luck Supper

Thursday, April 3 Little Compline & Life of St. Mary of Egypt, 6:30 PM

Friday, April 4 Little Compline with Akathist Hymn (Madayeh), 6:30 PM

Followed by dinner sponsored by Parish Council

Saturday, April 5 Great Vespers, 5 PM

Monday, April 7 Great Compline @ St. Nicholas Cathedral, 7:00 PM

Tuesday, April 8 Parish Council

All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.

FROM THE FATHERS – “One must not trust one’s feelings, since because of his limitedness a man cannnot know everything, and therefore his judgment is also relatively limited. Even if you see with your own eyes that someone sins, do not judge, for the eyes also may be deceived. One must in every way flee from judging, and pray in secret for those who have sinned. This form of love is pleasing to God. Judging is bound up with impudence and is incompatible with true repentance.”

- St. John Climacus

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, March 23, 2025 - Third Sunday of Great Lent - Veneration of the Precious and Life-giving Cross

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, March 23, 2025

Third Sunday of Great Lent

Tone 6 and Eothinon 6

Veneration of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross

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 Holy Cross – Tone 1

O Lord, save thy people and bless thine inheritance, granting our believing kings victory over the Barbarians, and by the power of thy Cross preserving thy commonwealth.

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 Sundays in Lent – Tone 8

To thee, the Champion Leader, do I offer thanks of victory, O Theotokos, thou who hast delivered me from terror; but as thou that has that power invincible, O Theotokos, thou alone can set me free: from all forms of danger free me and deliver me, that I may cry unto thee: Hail, O Bride without Bridegroom.

Epistle – Hebrews 4:14-5:6 (Third Sunday in Lent)

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, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was.

So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee”; as he says also in another place, “Thou art a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

Gospel – Mark 8:34-9:1 (Third Sunday in Lent)

THE LORD SAID, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” And Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.”

Megalynarion – In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation: the angelic hosts, and the race of men, O hallowed temple and noetic paradise, glory of virgins, of whom God was incarnate and became a little child, even our God Who is before all the ages; for He made thy womb a throne and thy body He made more spacious than the heavens. In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation; and it glorifieth thee.

During Great Lent we celebrate the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great.

Next week’s homework: Hebrews 6:13-20 (Fourth Sunday of Great Lent)

Mark 9:17-31 (Fourth Sunday of Great Lent)

FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIAITON – We will celebrate Great Vespers tomorrow, March 24, at 7 PM at St. Nicholas Cathedral in anticipation of the Feast of the Annunciation. We will then celebrate Festal Orthros at 9:30 and the Divine Liturgy for the feast at 10:30 on Tuesday morning. In the fasting tradition, fish is permitted on this feast.

MARCH 23, 2025 – THIRD SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT – VENERATION OF THE PRECIOUS AND LIFE-GIVING CROSS

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.

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.

MARCH IS WOMEN’S MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE!

TODAY, MARCH 23 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Mary Ganim, Mary Hamaty, Atina Hanna, Gloria L. Harris, Terez Ivantchev, Bikturia Kaba, Albert Kaidy, Frederick Makhoul, Helen and Michael Nassoor, Olga and Abraham Saba, Marie Zarr, Edward A. Zraick, and Pamela Zraick Nakleh. Memory eternal!

The Family of Helen and Michael Nassor offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of their souls. A Coffee Hour in their memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 30 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Raymonde Alexander, Nadim Dahdouh, Dr. John D. Dalack, Mary and Raphael Davis, Matilda Eyd, Najibe Imtanios, George Kadour, Nazem Khoury, Rose Klam, and Maude Sarkis. Memory eternal!

The Family of Dr. Robert Madey will offer Prayers of Oblation, the Holy Bread, and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of his soul. Memory eternal!

MARCH IS LADIES MONTH! Our ushers today are Barbara Deeb, Janice Deeb, Lorraine Deeb, and Chaza Rafiaa. Barbara Deeb will read the Epistle in English, and Samia Keriaky will read in Arabic.

FASTING DISICIPLINE – The Great Fast continues until our celebration of the Feast of Feasts, Pascha: Our Lord’s Resurrection (April 20). The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) is observed on all weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, wine and olive oil are allowed. On the Great Feast of the Annunciation (Tuesday, March 25) fish, wine and olive oil are permitted.

SEMINARIANS – Our pledge envelopes for the month of March included a blue envelope marked “Seminarians.” Please use this envelope to support the Metropolitan’s annual appeal on behalf of our theological students. Our minimum contribution as a parish is $500. If anyone is currently not receiving pledge envelopes, please see Fr. Michael or Parish Council Chair Chris Athineos.

HOLY BREAD – The Zarr Family offers the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of March in loving memory of their beloved parents, the servants of God George Zarr and Marie Zarr. Memory eternal! Rafik Mahab offers the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of March in loving memory of his mother, the handmaiden of God Violette Chammas. Memory eternal! Additional donors are welcome for March and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, John Petrick (Norwegian), Joyce Samaha (NYU Lutheran), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, Diana Finger, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Terry Mackoul, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, William Robinson, Victor Samaha, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).

FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – This year marks the 51st anniversary of this charitable project. The traditional FFHP collection boxes are no longer available, and the committee recommends that children and families prepare their own “alms box” for home use. Remember the least of Christ’s brethren by depositing your extra change at the end of each day, and return the box on or before Palm Sunday.

LENTEN LITURGICAL SCHEDULE – There will be Great Compline each Monday night at 7:00 PM (except for this Monday), the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts each Wednesday at 6:30 PM and the Akathist/Madayeh Service each Friday at 6:30 PM. A Pot Luck Supper will follow each Wednesday service, and each parish organization will host a dinner after the Friday service. Great Vespers will continue each Saturday at 5:00 PM. This week there will be Great Vespers at St. Nicholas Cathedral tomorrow at 7 PM in anticipation of the Feast of the Annunciation.

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - The Ladies of St. Mary’s invite all our parishioners (men too!) to participate in our humanitarian project this year. We once again request the preparation of hygiene kits to be distributed to the homeless during the Midnight Run each month. In a one-gallon ZipLock bag please include: 1 washcloth, bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clipper, comb, 3 band-aids, disposable razor (optional). Feel free to prepare more than one kit! The kits can be given to Sandra Arida or any one of the Ladies. Thank you all for your support.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, March24 Great Vespers @ St. Nicholas Cathedral, 7 PM

Tuesday, March 25 Festal Orthros, 9:30 AM

Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Annunciation, 10:30 AM

Great Compline in Arabic, 6:30 PM

Wednesday, March 26 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Followed by Pot Luck Supper

Friday, March 28 Little Compline with Akathist Hymn/Madayeh, 6:30 PM

Followed by dinner sponsored by the Ladies of St. Mary’s

Saturday, March 29 Great Vespers, 5 PM

All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.

FROM THE FATHERS – “The joy of human life springs forth from the Cross.”

- Elder Ephraim of Katounakia

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, March 16, 2025 - Second Sunday of Great Lent - Commemoration of Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica

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, March 16, 2025

Second Sunday of Great Lent

Tone 5 and Eothinon 5

Commemoration of Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica

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 St. Gregory Palamas - Tone 8

O Star of Orthodoxy, support of the Church and its teacher, O comeliness of ascetics, and incontestable champion of those who speak in theology, Gregory the wonder-worker, the pride of Thessalonica and preacher of grace, implore thou constantly for the salvation of our souls.

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 Sundays in Lent – Tone 8

To thee, the Champion Leader, do I offer thanks of victory, O Theotokos, thou who hast delivered me from terror; but as thou that has that power invincible, O Theotokos, thou alone can set me free: from all forms of danger free me and deliver me, that I may cry unto thee: Hail, O Bride without Bridegroom.

Epistle – Hebrews 1:10-2:3 (Second Sunday in Lent)

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.

“IN THE BEGINNING, you, O Lord, didst found the earth, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end.” But to what angel has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?” Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.

Gospel – Mark 2:1-12 (Second Sunday in Lent)

AT THAT TIME, when Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to Jesus a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus reasoned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you reason thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your pallet and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – he said to the paralytic – “I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home.” And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

Megalynarion – In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation: the angelic hosts, and the race of men, O hallowed temple and noetic paradise, glory of virgins, of whom God was incarnate and became a little child, even our God Who is before all the ages; for He made thy womb a throne and thy body He made more spacious than the heavens. In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation; and it glorifieth thee.

During Great Lent we celebrate the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great.

Next week’s homework: Hebrews 4:14-5:6 (Third Sunday of Great Lent)

Mark 8:34-9:1 (Sunday of the Holy Cross)

MARCH 16, 2025 – SECOND SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT – COMMEMORATION OF GREGORY PALAMAS, ARCHBISHOP OF THESSALONICA

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.

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.

MARCH IS WOMEN’S MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE!

TODAY, MARCH 16 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Eleanor Couri, Dr. George B. Cury, Salwa Fauty, Gloria and Edward Jabara Sr., Maurice Khzam, Violette Shamas Mahab, Nadima and Alfred G. Makhoul, Thomas Russo, Frederick P. Schroeder, and Elias Shawah. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 23 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Mary Ganim, Mary Hamaty, Atina Hanna, Gloria L. Harris, Terez Ivantchev, Bikturia Kaba, Albert Kaidy, Frederick Makhoul, Helen and Michael Nassoor, Olga and Abraham Saba, Marie Zarr, Edward A. Zraick, and Pamela Zraick Nakleh. 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.”

FASTING DISICIPLINE – The Great Fast has begun and continues until our celebration of the Feast of Feasts, Pascha: Our Lord’s Resurrection (April 20). The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) is observed on all weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, wine and olive oil are allowed. On the Great Feast of the Annunciation (Tuesday, March 25) fish, wine and olive oil are permitted.

HOLY BREAD – The Zarr Family offers the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of March in loving memory of their beloved parents, the servants of God George Zarr and Marie Zarr. Memory eternal! Rafik Mahab offers the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of March in loving memory of his mother, the handmaiden of God Violette Chammas. Memory eternal! Additional donors are welcome for March and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

MARCH IS LADIES MONTH! Our ushers today are Joyce Katen, Amanda Regnier, Marian Russo, and Gale Zarr. Barbara Deeb will read the Epistle in English, and Rana Yazji will read in Arabic.

PLEDGE GIVING - Our most recent Treasurer’s Report shows that our pledge giving is $15,000 behind last year at this time. Do we need to say more?

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, John Petrick (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, Diana Finger, Gregory Hamaty, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Terry Mackoul, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, William Robinson, Raymond Saleeby, Joyce Samaha, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – The Annual Parish Meeting elected Gary Gangone, Dianna Kitchen, and Matthew Spolar to full three-year terms on the Parish Council. Fr. Michael appointed Diana Kaiami, Rob Sabbagh, and George Trisciuzzi to one-year terms. The newly constituted Council elected Christopher Athineos as Chair, Rob Sabbagh as Vice-Chair, Irene Tashji as Treasurer, and George Trisciuzzi as Secretary. We will install the new Parish Council and officers upon receipt of the blessing of Metropolitan SABA. God bless your efforts on behalf of Christ’s Holy Church!

LIVING FAITH SERIES – The Antiochian Women of the East will host Metropolitan SABA this evening at 6:30 PM as he shares thoughts from his new book, “Á Life Testimony.” Please see the flyer in this bulletin for registration information and the Zoom link.

OUR TIME – Our (over 50) senior fellowship, “Our Time”, meets every other Wednesday, including Wednesday, March 19, from 1-3 PM. All are welcome. Please see Marilyn Tulaney for more information. In addition, Our Time sponsors Pickleball on Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9 PM. All players and spectators are welcome.

LENTEN RESOURCES – Great Lent is here. Our parish Bookstore, dedicated to the memory of Elena Paris, has copies of the service books for Great Lent, including Little Compline with the Akathist Hymn, the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, and Holy Week. There are also a few Lenten cookbooks available. Please contact Lorraine Deeb at ldeebsped@verizon.net or (718) 491-4996 to reserve your books.

FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – This year marks the 51st anniversary of this charitable project. The traditional FFHP collection boxes are no longer available, and the committee recommends that children and families prepare their own “alms box” for home use. Remember the least of Christ’s brethren by depositing your extra change at the end of each day, and return the box on or before Palm Sunday. “The rich man is not one who has much, but one who gives much.” St. John Chrysostom

LENTEN LITURGICAL SCHEDULE – There will be Great Compline each Monday night at 7:00 PM, the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts each Wednesday at 6:30 PM and the Akathist/Madayeh Service each Friday at 6:30 PM. A Pot Luck Supper will follow each Wednesday service, and each parish organization will host a dinner after the Friday service. Great Vespers will continue each Saturday at 5:00 PM.

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - The Ladies of St. Mary’s invite all our parishioners (men too!) to participate in our humanitarian project this year. We once again request the preparation of hygiene kits to be distributed to the homeless during the Midnight Run each month. In a one-gallon ZipLock bag please include: 1 washcloth, bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clipper, comb, 3 band-aids, disposable razor (optional). Feel free to prepare more than one kit! The kits can be given to Sandra Arida or any one of the Ladies. Thank you all for your support.

SACRAMENT OF REPENTANCE (CONFESSION) – The Great Fast is THE TIME for all believers to receive the Sacrament of Repentance (Confession). The pastor hears confessions by appointment and before and after all the divine services. Please do not wait until the last minute! If you would like to go to one of the other Orthodox priests in Brooklyn, feel free to do so, but inform the pastor.

SEMINARIANS – Our pledge envelopes for the month of March included a blue envelope marked “Seminarians.” Please use this envelope to support the Metropolitan’s annual appeal on behalf of our theological students. Our minimum contribution as a parish is $500. If anyone is currently not receiving pledge envelopes, please see Fr. Michael or Parish Council Chair Christopher Athineos.

ARCHDIOCESE CONVENTION – Registration is now open for this year’s Archdiocese Convention in Chicago, IL, July 20-27. Go to AC2025CHICAGO.org for event registration. The Early Bird discount ends on April 30. Make hotel reservations at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago at (847) 696-1234.

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 – Today as St. Gregory Palamas encourages us to embrace silence in seeking the Lord, let us also silently make a provision for Christ’s Holy Church in our will or estate plan, not blowing a trumpet or making a big announcement, but knowing that we are in silence supporting generations yet to come.

PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, March 17 Great Compline, 7 PM

Tuesday, March 18 Great Compline in Arabic, 6:30 PM

Wednesday, March 19 “Our Time” Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Followed by Pot Luck Supper

Friday, March 21 Little Compline with Akathist/Madayeh, 6:30 PM

Followed by Our Time-sponsored Supper

Saturday, March 22 Great Vespers, 5 PM

Monday, March24 Great Vespers @ St. Nicholas Cathedral, 7 PM

Tuesday, March 25 Feast of the Annunciation

Festal Orthros, 9:30 AM

Divine Liturgy, 10:30 AM

All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.

FROM THE FATHERS – “If you want Christ to bless you and what you have, when you meet a poor individual, who is hungry and asks you for food, give him. Also, when you know a poor man, or a widow, or an orphan is hungry, do not wait for them to ask you for food, but give them. Give with pleasure, and be not afraid that you will become indigent. Have faith that Christ invisibly blesses your few possessions, and you shall never starve, nor will you be in want till the end of your life.”

- St. Arsenios of Paros

Bulletin for Sunday, March 9, 2025 - First Sunday of Great Lent (Sunday of Orthodoxy)

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, March 9, 2025

First Sunday of Great Lent (Sunday of Orthodoxy)

Tone 4 and Eothinon 4

Holy and Great Forty Martyrs of Sebastia

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 4

Having learned the joyful message of the Resurrection from the angel, the women disciples of the Lord cast from them their parental condemnation, and proudly broke the news to the disciples, saying, Death hath been spoiled. Christ God is risen, granting the world great mercy.

Apolytikion of the First Sunday of Lent - Tone 2

Thy pure image do we venerate, O good One, asking forgiveness of our sins, O Christ our God; for by thine own will thou didst ascend the Cross in thy body, to save thy creatures from the bondage of the enemy. Thou hast verily filled all with joy, since thou didst come, O our Saviour, to save the world.

Apolytikion of the Forty Holy Martyrs of Sebastia – Tone 1

By the reason of the sufferings the saints endure out of love for you, we implore you, O Lord and Lover of Mankind, to deliver us from all our pains.

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 Sundays in Lent – Tone 8

To thee, the Champion Leader, do I offer thanks of victory, O Theotokos, thou who hast delivered me from terror; but as thou that has that power invincible, O Theotokos, thou alone can set me free: from all forms of danger free me and deliver me, that I may cry unto thee: Hail, O Bride without Bridegroom.

Epistle – Hebrews 12:1-10 (Forty Holy Martyrs of Sebastia)

BRETHREN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as sons? – “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers to discipline us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time at their pleasure, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.

Gospel – John 1:43-51 (First Sunday in Lent)

AT THAT TIME, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” Nathanael said to Jesus, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, truly I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.”

Megalynarion – In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation: the angelic hosts, and the race of men, O hallowed temple and noetic paradise, glory of virgins, of whom God was incarnate and became a little child, even our God Who is before all the ages; for He made thy womb a throne and thy body He made more spacious than the heavens. In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation; and it glorifieth thee.

During Great Lent we celebrate the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great.

Next week’s homework: Hebrews 1:10-2:3 (Second Sunday of Great Lent)

Mark 2:1-12 (Second Sunday of Great Lent)

MARCH 9, 2025 – FIRST SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT (SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY)

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.

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.

MARCH IS WOMEN’S MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE!

TODAY, MARCH 9 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Dr. Robert Haddad, Laila Nassr, Laurice Merhige Schuh, Gloria Sparsidis, and Robert William Thabit. Memory eternal!

The Family of Dr. Robert Haddad and his brother William Haddad offer Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of Robert’s soul and a 20-Year Memorial for the repose of William’s soul. A Coffee Hour in their memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 16 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Eleanor Couri, Dr. George B. Cury, Salwa Fauty, Gloria and Edward Jabara Sr., Maurice Khzam, Violette Shamas Mahab, Nadima and Alfred G. Makhoul, Thomas Russo, Frederick P. Schroeder, and Elias Shawah. 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 – The Zarr Family offers the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of March in loving memory of their beloved parents, the servants of God George Zarr and Marie Zarr. Memory eternal! Rafik Mahab offers the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of March in loving memory of his mother, the handmaiden of God Violette Chammas. Memory eternal! Additional donors are welcome for March and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

MARCH IS LADIES MONTH! Our ushers today are Terize Khouri, Razan Maalouf, Leen Zgheib, and Dr. Yvonne Zrake. The Epistle will be read by Amanda Regnier in English and Nahla Bittar in Arabic.

MEMORY ETERNAL! We are saddened to announce that the handmaiden of God Claudette Teen departed this life on Monday in the hope of the Resurrection. Her funeral was from St. Mary’s Church yesterday. We extend our sympathies to her daughters Joanna Guadagno and Janet Paik and to their families.

FASTING DISICIPLINE – The Great Fast has begun and continues until our celebration of the Feast of Feasts, Pascha: Our Lord’s Resurrection (April 20). The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) is observed on all weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, wine and olive oil are allowed. On the Great Feast of the Annunciation (Tuesday, March 25) fish, wine and olive oil are permitted.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, John Petrick (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, Diana Finger, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Terry Mackoul, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, William Robinson, Joyce Samaha, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).

PARISH COUNCIL – The new Parish Council will hold its first meeting tomorrow, March10, at 7 PM.

LENTEN RESOURCES – Great Lent is here. Our parish Bookstore, dedicated to the memory of Elena Paris, has copies of the service books for Great Lent, including Little Compline with the Akathist Hymn, the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, and Holy Week. There are also a few Lenten cookbooks available. Please contact Lorraine Deeb at ldeebsped@verizon.net or (718) 491-4996 to reserve your books.

FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – This year marks the 51st anniversary of this charitable project. The traditional FFHP collection boxes are no longer available, and the committee recommends that children and families prepare their own “alms box” for home use. Remember the least of Christ’s brethren by depositing your extra change at the end of each day, and return the box on or before Palm Sunday.

LENTEN LITURGICAL SCHEDULE – There will be Great Compline each Monday night at 7:00 PM, the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts each Wednesday at 6:30 PM and the Akathist/Madayeh Service each Friday at 6:30 PM. A Pot Luck Supper will follow each Wednesday service, and each parish organization will host a dinner after the Friday service. Great Vespers will continue each Saturday at 5:00 PM. This week’s Great Compline will be at St. Nicholas Cathedral.

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - The Ladies of St. Mary’s invite all our parishioners (men too!) to participate in our humanitarian project this year. We once again request the preparation of hygiene kits to be distributed to the homeless during the Midnight Run each month. In a one-gallon ZipLock bag please include: 1 washcloth, bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clipper, comb, 3 band-aids, disposable razor (optional). Feel free to prepare more than one kit! The kits can be given to Sandra Arida or any one of the Ladies. Thank you all for your support.

SACRAMENT OF REPENTANCE (CONFESSION) – The Great Fast is THE TIME for all believers to receive the Sacrament of Repentance (Confession). The pastor hears confessions by appointment and before and after all the divine services. Please do not wait until the last minute! If you would like to go to one of the other Orthodox priests in Brooklyn, feel free to do so, but inform the pastor.

SEMINARIANS – Our pledge envelopes for the month of March included a blue envelope marked “Seminarians.” Please use this envelope to support the Metropolitan’s annual appeal on behalf of our theological students. Our minimum contribution as a parish is $500. If anyone is currently not receiving pledge envelopes, please see Fr. Michael or Parish Council Chair Anthony Zrake.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS – Each year the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch offers scholarships for campers at the Antiochian Village Summer Camp. Please let Fr. Michael know if your children are planning to attend camp this summer before March 31.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – At the Annual Parish Meeting the assembly elected Gary Gangone, Dianna Russo Kitchen, and Matthew Spolar to full three-year terms. Fr. Michael appointed Diana Kaiami, Robert Sabbagh, and George Trisciuzzi to one-year terms. The newly constituted council will elect its officers at tomorrow’s monthly meeting.

CHURCH SCHOOL EMAIL – As suggested at the Annual Parish Meeting, I am publishing the email address for St. Mary's Church School Notes stmarysbrooklyn@substack.com. Each week Michael Regnier sends out a summary of his high school Church School class in order to keep everyone up to date and to reinforce the previous week’s lesson. It is recommended reading for everyone!

ARCHDIOCESE CONVENTION – Registration is now open for the 57th Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese Convention hosted by St. George Church of Cicero, IL, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago Hotel. For more information call (708) 656-2927, or email Info@AC2025Chicago.org. The convention website is www.AC2025Chicago.org. The room rate is $189/night. Early Bird registration is available at $330 until April 30.

ESTATE PLANNING – Today we will watch our children in procession with the holy icons. Lord, what can I include in my will or estate plan which will strengthen the ministry of my parish for these precious children, and, by your help, assure that the church will always be here for them until you come again?

PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, March 9 Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers @ St. Nicholas, 5 PM

Monday, March10 Great Compline @ St. Nicholas Cathedral, 7 PM

Parish Council, 7 PM

Wednesday, March 12 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Followed by Pot Luck Supper

Friday, March 14 2nd Little Compline with Akathist/Madayeh, 6:30 PM

Followed by Teens-sponsored dinner

Saturday, March 15 Great Vespers, 5 PM

Tuesday, March 25 Feast of the Annunciation

All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.

FROM THE FATHERS – “There are people who desire the destruction, the torment of hell-fire of their enemies, or the enemies of the Church. They think like this because they have not learned divine love from the Holy Spirit, for he who has learned the love of God will shed tears for the whole world.”

- St. Silouan the Athonite

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, March 2, 2025 - Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheese Fare)

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, March 2, 2025

Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheese Fare)

Tone 3 and Eothinon 3

Martyr Hesychios the Senator

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 Cheese Fare Sunday – Tone 6

O Thou who guidest to wisdom, and givest understanding and intelligence, the instructor of the ignorant, and Helper of the poor, strengthen my heart and grant it understanding, O Master. Give me word, O Word of the Father; for behold, I shall not refrain my lips from crying to thee, O merciful One, have mercy upon me who am fallen.

Epistle – Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4 (Cheese Fare Sunday)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 46.6, 1. O chant unto our God, chant ye.

Verse. Clap your hands, all ye nations.

BRETHREN, now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk becomingly, as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in chambering and licentiousness, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.

But as for the one who is weak in faith, receive him, but not for disputes over opinions. For one believes he may eat anything; but the weak person eats herbs. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to be the judge over the servant of a stranger? To his own master he either stands or falls; but he will be made to stand; for God is able to make him stand.

Gospel – Matthew 6:14-21 (Cheese Fare Sunday)

THE LORD SAID, “If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Next week’s homework: Hebrews 12:1-10 (Forty Martyrs of Sebastia)

John 1:43-51 (First Sunday of Great Lent)

FASTING DISICIPLINE – Today is the last day we eat eggs, cheese, dairy and their by-products until Holy Pascha. The Great Fast begins tomorrow and continues until our celebration of the Feast of Feasts, Pascha: Our Lord’s Resurrection (April 20). The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) is observed on all weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, wine and olive oil are allowed. On the Great Feast of the Annunciation (Tuesday, March 25) fish, wine and olive oil are permitted.

HOLY BREAD – Linda and George Salamy have made an offering for the whole year. Many years! The Zarr Family offers the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of March in loving memory of their beloved parents, the servants of God George Zarr and Marie Zarr. Memory eternal! Rafik Mahab offers the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of March in loving memory of his mother, the handmaiden of God Violette Chammas. Memory eternal! Additional donors are welcome for March and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

MARCH 2, 2025 – SUNDAY OF FORGIVENESS (CHEESE FARE)

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.

MARCH IS WOMEN’S MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE!

TODAY, MARCH 2 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Yvonne Absey, Najibi Anthony, Ronald J. Couri, Nicholas Ghiz, William Haddad, Sr., and Mounir Kaba. Memory eternal!

COFFEE HOUR – In the absence of a sponsor for this week’s Coffee Hour the Parish Council will place a basket on the table for our free will offerings. Thank you!

NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 9 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Dr. Robert Haddad, Laila Nassr, Laurice Merhige Schuh, Gloria Sparsidis, and Robert William Thabit. 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.”

FORGIVENESS VESPERS – We will celebrate Forgiveness Vespers today following the Coffee Hour. All are welcome and encouraged to participate.

The Family of Dr. Robert Haddad and William Haddad will offer Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of Robert’s soul and a 20-Year Memorial for the repose of William’s soul. A Coffee Hour in their memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, John Petrick (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, Diana Finger, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Terry Mackoul, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, William Robinson, Raymond Saleeby, Joyce Samaha, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).

MARCH IS LADIES MONTH! Our ushers today are Joan Bacon, Marianne Hindelly, Linda Mantia, and Marilyn Tulaney. Karen Spolar will read the Epistle in English, and Sonia Abou-Naoum will read in Arabic.

OUR TIME – Our (over 50) senior fellowship, “Our Time”, meets every other Wednesday, including Wednesday, March 5, from 1-3 PM. All are welcome. Please see Marilyn Tulaney for more information. In addition, Our Time sponsors Pickleball on Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9 PM. All players and spectators are welcome.

OCMC SUNDAY – Today is Missions Sunday in the Orthodox Churches in North America. Please see the appeal from the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in this bulletin, and we will receive an offering at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.

SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY – St. Nicholas Cathedral will host Great Vespers for the Sunday of Orthodoxy next Sunday, March 9, at 5 PM. Please see the flyer in this bulletin for more information.

SEMINARIANS – Our pledge envelopes for the month of March included a blue envelope marked “Seminarians.” Please use this envelope to support the Metropolitan’s annual appeal on behalf of our theological students. Our minimum contribution as a parish is $500. If anyone is currently not receiving pledge envelopes, please see Fr. Michael or Parish Council Chair Anthony Zrake.

LENTEN RESOURCES – Great Lent is here. Our parish Bookstore, dedicated to the memory of Elena Paris, has copies of the service books for Great Lent, including Little Compline with the Akathist Hymn, the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, and Holy Week. There are also a few Lenten cookbooks available. Please visit the bookstore after the Divine Liturgy, or contact Lorraine Deeb at ldeebsped@verizon.net or (718) 491-4996 to reserve your books.

FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – This year marks the 51st anniversary of this charitable project. The traditional FFHP collection boxes are no longer available, and the committee recommends that children and families prepare their own “alms box” for home use. Remember the least of Christ’s brethren by depositing your extra change at the end of each day, and return the box on or before Palm Sunday. “Let us fill up what is lacking in our fasting with almsgiving for the poor.” Leo the Great

LENTEN LITURGICAL SCHEDULE – There will be Great Compline each Monday night at 7:00 PM, the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts each Wednesday at 6:30 PM and the Akathist/Madayeh Service each Friday at 6:30 PM. A Pot Luck Supper will follow each Wednesday service, and each parish organization will host a dinner after the Friday service. Great Vespers will continue each Saturday at 5:00 PM. This Saturday, March 8, we will celebrate Orthros at 9:30 and the Divine Liturgy for the Miracle of Kollyva at 10:30 AM. Volunteers are welcome to prepare the kollyva.

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - The Ladies of St. Mary’s invite all our parishioners (men too!) to participate in our humanitarian project this year. We once again request the preparation of hygiene kits to be distributed to the homeless during the Midnight Run each month. In a one-gallon ZipLock bag please include: 1 washcloth, bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clipper, comb, 3 band-aids, disposable razor (optional). Feel free to prepare more than one kit! The kits can be given to Sandra Arida or any one of the Ladies. Thank you all for your support.

SACRAMENT OF REPENTANCE (CONFESSION) – The Great Fast is THE TIME for all believers to receive the Sacrament of Repentance (Confession). The pastor hears confessions by appointment and before and after all the divine services. Please do not wait until the last minute! If you would like to go to one of the other Orthodox priests in Brooklyn, feel free to do so, but inform the pastor.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS – Each year the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch offers scholarships for campers at the Antiochian Village Summer Camp. Please let Fr. Michael know if your children are planning to attend camp this summer before March 31.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – At last week’s Annual Parish Meeting the assembly elected Gary Gangone, Dianna Russo Kitchen, and Matthew Spolar to full three-year terms. Fr. Michael appointed Diana Kaiami, Robert Sabbagh, and George Trisciuzzi to one-year terms. The newly constituted council will elect its officers at its Monday, March 10, monthly meeting.

ANTIDORON – After receiving Holy Communion and at the end of the Divine Liturgy, it is customary to receive a piece of blessed bread or antidoron, the bread that remains after the preparation of the Holy Communion. While antidoron is not Holy Communion, it is blessed, and as such should be eaten carefully so that crumbs do not fall. Both adults and children should always remember to treat and consume the antidoron with respect.

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 – The Elder Epiphanios of Athens once said, “I have an agreement with God: I will empty my pockets in almsgiving, and He will fill them. He has never violated our agreement. Will I violate it? May it never happen!” Our first act of almsgiving should be to our church. In addition to making provision for the custody and material wellbeing of our children in our estate plans, we should also provide for their spiritual wellbeing by designating something for St. Mary’s Church and her future.

PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, March 3 Great Compline, 7 PM

Wednesday, March 5 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Followed by Pot Luck Supper

Friday, March 7 First Little Compline with Akathist Hymn, 6:30

Followed by dinner sponsored by Church School/PTO

Saturday, March 8 Matins, 9:30 AM

Divine Liturgy of the Kollyva, 10:30 AM

Great Vespers, 5 PM

Sunday, March 9 Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers @ St. Nicholas, 5 PM

Monday, March 10 Parish Council, 7 PM

All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.

FROM THE FATHERS – “Let us fast in a way that is acceptable and pleasing to the Lord. True fasting is flight from evils, temperance of the tongue, refrain from anger, separation from lustful desires, and from lies, from falsehood and from perjury. The absence of all these makes our fasting true and acceptable.”

- Aposticha idiomelon

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, February 23, 2025 - Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meat Fare)

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, February 23, 2025

Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meat Fare)

Tone 2 and Eothinon 2

Hieromartyr Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna

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 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 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 Meat Fare Sunday – Tone 1

When thou comest, O God, to earth with glory, and all creatures tremble before thee, and the river of fire floweth before the Altar, and the books are opened and sins revealed, deliver me then from that unquenchable fire, and make me worthy to stand at thy right hand, O righteous Judge.

Epistle – I Corinthians 8:8-9:2 (Meat Fare Sunday)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 117.14, 18. The Lord is my strength and my son.

Verse. The Lord has chastened me sorely.

BRETHREN, food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Only take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one sees you, a man of knowledge, at table in an idol’s temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother’s falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall.

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

Gospel – Matthew 25:31-46 (Meat Fare Sunday)

THE LORD SAID, “When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see the hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to thee?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Next week’s homework: Romans 13:11-14:4 (Cheese Fare)

Matthew 6:14-21 (Cheese Fare)

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.”

PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.

FEBRUARY 23, 2025 – SUNDAY OF THE LAST JUDGMENT (MEAT FARE)

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, FEBRUARY 23 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Thomas Abdallah, Almaza Allawh, Margaret and Charles Assatly, Mary Samara D’Angelico, Vincent D’Angelico, Wadie Jabbour, Rt. Rev. Ananias Kassab, George Kassab, Lilly Malouf, Robert Sabbagh, Areff Samara, Robert Samara, Rose Araktingi Samara, and Wendy Sadaka Zavolas. Memory eternal!

Rhonda Byrnes offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of her parents, the servants of God Margaret and Charles Assatly. Memory eternal!

Irene Tashji offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her grandfather, the servant of God Thomas Abdallah. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 2 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Yvonne Absey, Najibi Anthony, Ronald J. Couri, William Haddad, Sr., and Mounir Kaba. Memory eternal!

HOLY BREAD – Farid Bassous has offered the Holy Bread for the month of February in memory of his brother, Michele Bassous. Memory eternal! Gloria Darzi and Family also offer the Holy Bread for the month of February in memory of Elias A. Darzi. Donors are welcome for March and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR FEBRUARY – This week we begin fasting from meat until Holy Pascha.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, John Petrick (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, Diana Finger, Gregory Hamaty, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Terry Mackoul, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, William Robinson, Raymond Saleeby, Joyce Samaha, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).

WINTER COAT DRIVE –Teen SOYO will continue receiving coats and winter outerwear through February. There is a large green box in the vestibule. We will distribute all items to the Pan-Orthodox Holy Cross Outreach Center on 4th Avenue and during the Midnight Run.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – The Annual Parish Meeting will take place today following the Divine Liturgy. Please sign in with the secretary so that we can confirm a quorum in order to conduct the parish’s business. Please submit your nominations for the Parish Council to Vice Chair Robert Sabbagh after securing the nominee’s willingness to serve. Teen SOYO will provide a light lunch in lieu of our usual Meat Fare Luncheon. The Teens welcome your offerings and support. We will begin the meeting as soon as possible.

BASKETBALL – We are offering basketball practice for children and teens on Saturday afternoons. Please see Lara Rustom Al-Laham for more information. All are welcome!

FORGIVENESS SUNDAY AND MISSIONS SUNDAY – Next Sunday, March 2, is both Forgiveness Sunday and Missions Sunday. There will be an appeal in next week’s bulletin in support of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC). After the Divine Liturgy and a brief Coffee Hour we will then return to the church for Great Vespers and the Rite of Forgiveness to inaugurate Great Lent.

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 – On this Sunday of the Last Judgment we have an opportunity to consider our ultimate values. When we stand before the dread judgment seat of Christ, will we be able to say that we have fed the hungry, given drink to the thirsty, welcomed the stranger, clothed the naked, visited the sick and imprisoned? We as the Church do these things out of love for God and neighbor. Shouldn’t my estate plan support the ongoing work and life of Christ’s Holy Church?

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, February 23 Annual Parish Meeting

Saturday, March 1 Great Vespers, 5 PM

Sunday, March 2 Forgiveness Vespers

Monday, March 3 Great Lent Begins

Great Compline, 7 PM

Wednesday, March 5 “Our Time” Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Followed by Pot Luck supper

Friday, March 7 Little Compline with Akathist/Madayeh, 6:30 PM

Followed by dinner sponsored by Church School/PTO

Saturday, March 8 Divine Liturgy – Miracle of the Kollyva, 10:30 AM

Great Vespers, 5 PM

Sunday, March 9 Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers @ St. Nicholas, 5 PM

All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.

FROM THE FATHERS – “How precious the gift of the cross, how splendid to contemplate! In the cross there is no mingling of good and evil as in the tree of paradise: it is wholly beautiful to behold and good to taste. The fruit of this tree is not death but life, not darkness but light. This tree does not cast us out of paradise, but opens the way for our return. This was the tree on which Christ, like a king on a chariot, destroyed the devil, the lord of death, and freed the human race from his tyranny. This was the tree upon which the Lord like a brave warrior wounded in hands, feet and side, healed the wounds of sin that the evil serpent had inflicted on our nature. A tree once caused our death, but now a tree brings life.”

- St. Theodore the Studite

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, February 16, 2025 - Sunday of the Prodigal Son

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, February 16, 2025

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Tone 1 and Eothinon 1

Martyr Pamphilos, Priest of Caesarea in Palestine and His Companions

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 1

The stone being sealed by the Jews, and thy pure body being guarded by the soldiers, thou didst rise on the third day, O Saviour, granting life to the world. Wherefore, the heavenly powers acclaimed thee, O Giver of life, crying, glory to thy Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to thy kingdom! Glory to thy gracious providence, O thou only Lover of mankind.

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 Prodigal Son – Tone 3

When I disobeyed in ignorance thy fatherly glory, I wasted in iniquities the riches that thou gavest me. Wherefore, I cry to thee with the voice of the prodigal son, saying, I have sinned before thee, O compassionate Father, receive me repentant, and make me as one of thy hired servants.

Epistle – I Corinthians 6:12-20 (Prodigal Son)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 32.22,1. Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.

Verse. Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous.

BRETHREN, “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything. “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food” – and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two shall become one flesh.” But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun immorality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body and in your spirit which belong to God.

Gospel – Luke 15:11-32 (Prodigal Son)

THE LORD SPOKE THIS PARABLE: “There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.’ And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.” And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to make merry.

Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.’ But the son was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost and is found.’”

Next week’s homework: I Corinthians 8:8-9:2 (Meat Fare)

Matthew 25:31-46 (Last Judgment)

FEBRUARY 16, 2025 – SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON

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, FEBRUARY 16 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Mary Alexander, Margaret Fiani Dib, George Ganim, Malak Karkenny, Emily Nassour, Renges Orfaly, Alice Puccariella, and Alberta Samaha. Memory eternal!

Peter Elkas offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his aunt, the handmaiden of God Emily Nassour. Memory eternal!

Farid Bassous offers Prayers of Oblation, the Holy Bread, and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of his twin brother, the servant of God Michelle Bassous, who departed this life in Brazil. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

Marie Bryant and Family offer Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Charlie Bryant. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Thomas Abdallah, Almaza Allawh, Margaret and Charles Assatly, Mary Samara D’Angelico, Vincent D’Angelico, Wadie Jabbour, Rt. Rev. Ananias Kassab, George Kassab, Lilly Malouf, Robert Sabbagh, Areff Samara, Robert Samara, Rose Araktingi Samara, and Wendy Sadaka Zavolas. Memory eternal!

Rhonda Byrnes will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of her parents, the servants of God Margaret and Charles Assatly. Memory eternal!

Irene Tashji will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her grandfather, the servant of God Thomas Abdallah. 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 once again offered the Holy Bread for the entire year. Many years! Farid Bassous has offered the Holy Bread for the month of February in memory of his brother, Michelle Bassous. Memory eternal! Additional donors are welcome for February and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR FEBRUARY – The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil or their byproducts) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays in February until Monday, February 24, when we begin fasting from meat until Holy Pascha.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, George Atallah (Richmond University), Terry Mackoul (NYU Langone), John Petrick (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, Diana Finger, Gregory Hamaty, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, William Robinson, Raymond Saleeby, Joyce Samaha, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).

OUR TIME – Our (over 50) senior fellowship, “Our Time”, meets every other Wednesday, including Wednesday, February 19, from 1-3 PM. All are welcome. Please see Marilyn Tulaney for more information. In addition, Our Time sponsors Pickleball on Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9 PM. All players and spectators are welcome.

WINTER COAT DRIVE – Teen SOYO will continue receiving coats and winter outerwear through February. There is a large green box in the vestibule. We will distribute all items to the Pan-Orthodox Holy Cross Outreach Center on 4th Avenue and during the Midnight Run.

VALENTINE’S DINNERS – Come and share a Father & Daughter Dinner on Monday, February 17, and a Mother & Son Dinner on Tuesday, February 18, both at 5 PM at Laila Restaurant. Please make your reservations by February 14 with Lara at (929) 666-9494. See the flyers in this bulletin for more information.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – The Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Sunday, February 23, following the Divine Liturgy. Please submit your nominations for the Parish Council to Vice Chair Robert Sabbagh after securing the nominee’s willingness to serve.

ESTATE PLANNING – Have I included St. Mary’s Church in my will or estate plan? It’s easy, it’s vital, and it won’t cost a penny during your lifetime. Simply say in your will, “I bequeath 25 shares of “Habibi Corporation” to St. Mary’s Orthodox Church of Brooklyn.” We have attorneys who can help.

PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, February 17 Father & Daughter Valentine’s Dinner @ Laila, 5 PM

Tuesday, February 18 Mother & Son Valentine’s Dinner @ Laila, 5 PM

Wednesday, February 19 Our Time Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Friday, February 21 Family Night, 7-9 PM

Midnight Run

Saturday, February 22 Saturday of the Souls Divine Liturgy, 10:30 AM

Sunday, February 23 Annual Parish Meeting

All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.

FROM THE FATHERS – “O my Strength, I will sing praises to thee, for thou, O God, art my fortress,the God who shows me steadfast love.”

- Psalm 59:17

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, February 9, 2025 - Sunday of the Pharisee and the Publican and the Leave-Taking of the Presentation of Christ

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, February 9, 2025

Sunday of the Pharisee and the Publican and

Leave-Taking of the Presentation of Christ

Tone 8 and Eothinon 11

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 Presentation of Christ into the Temple – Tone 1

Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of grace, for from thee arose the Sun of justice, Christ our God, lighting those who are in darkness. Rejoice and be glad, O righteous old man, carrying in thine arms the Deliverer of our souls, who granteth us resurrection.

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 Presentation of Christ in the Temple – Tone 1

Thou, O Christ God, who by thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom thou didst love; for thou alone art the Lover of mankind.

Epistle – II Timothy 3:10-15 (Pharisee and Publican)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 75.11, 1. Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.

Verse. God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

TIMOTHY, my son, you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions, my sufferings, what befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Gospel – Luke 18:10-14 (Pharisee and Publican)

THE LORD SPOKE THIS PARABLE: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Next week’s homework: I Corinthians 6:12-20 (Prodigal Son)

Luke 15:11-32 (Prodigal Son)

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.

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 – Farid Bassous has offered the Holy Bread for the month of February in memory of his brother, Michelle Bassous. Memory eternal! Gloria Zain Darzi and her daughters Yvette, Michele, and Nicole and their families offer the Holy Bread for the month of February in loving memory of Elias A. Darzi. Memory eternal! Additional donors are welcome for February and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR FEBRUARY – The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil or their byproducts) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays in February until Monday, February 24, when we begin fasting from meat until Holy Pascha.

FEBRUARY 9, 2025 – SUNDAY OF THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN AND THE LEAVE-TAKING OF THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST

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, FEBRUARY 9 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God David Bittar, Elias A. Darzi, Jacob Khoury, and Louis Sabah. Memory eternal!

Marie Bryant and Laila Ellias offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of their grandfather, the servant of God Jacob Khoury. Memory eternal!

Gloria Zain Darzi and Family offer Prayers of Oblation, the Holy Bread for the month of February, and a 10-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Elias A. Darzi. Memory eternal!

Susan Nelson offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Louis Sabah. Memory eternal!

The Family of Nadia Shafik Al Zaher offers 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!

NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Mary Alexander, Margaret Fiani Dib, George Ganim, Malak Karkenny, Emily Nassour, Renges Orfaly, Alice Puccariella, and Alberta Samaha. Memory eternal!

Peter Elkas will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his aunt, the handmaiden of God Emily Nassour. Memory eternal!

Marie Bryant and Family will offer Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Charlie Bryant. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

Farid Bassous will offer Prayers of Oblation, the Holy Bread, and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of his twin brother, the servant of God Michele Bassous, who departed this life in Brazil. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, George Atallah (Clove Lakes), John Petrick (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, Diana Finger, Gregory Hamaty, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, William Robinson, Raymond Saleeby, Joyce Samaha, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - The Ladies of St. Mary’s will have their first meeting of 2025 today immediately following the Divine Liturgy. All women of the parish are invited and welcome!

ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP – The Antiochian Village will host Winter Camp on February 14-17 with Fr. Anthony Yazge, Deacon Marek Simon, and Fr. Michael Nasser. Also, registration for Summer Camp has opened. Open an account and register at www.avcamp.org. Scholarship assistance is available from the camp and from the parish.

WINTER COAT DRIVE – Teen SOYO will continue receiving coats and winter outerwear through February. There is a large green box in the vestibule. We will distribute all items to the Pan-Orthodox Holy Cross Outreach Center on 4th Avenue and during the Midnight Run.

VALENTINE’S DINNERS – Come and share a Father & Daughter Dinner on Monday, February 17, and a Mother & Son Dinner on Tuesday, February 18, both at 5 PM at Laila Restaurant. Please make your reservations by February 14 with Lara at (929) 666-9494. See the flyers in this bulletin for more information.

SUPER BOWL PARTY – Join us to watch the Super Bowl today at 5 PM. $25 for adults and $5 for children. B.Y.O.B. $32 at the door. Call Sam at (718) 288-7677 or Marwan at (347) 400-3633.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – The Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Sunday, February 23, following the Divine Liturgy. Please submit your nominations for the Parish Council to Vice Chair Robert Sabbagh after securing the nominee’s willingness to serve.

PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, February 9 Ladies of St. Mary’s Meeting

Super Bowl Party

Monday, February 10 Parish Council, 7 PM

Saturday, February 15 Anderson-Shuldham Wedding, 1 PM

Great Vespers, 5 PM

Monday, February 17 Father & Daughter Valentine’s Dinner @ Laila, 5 PM

Tuesday, February 18 Mother & Son Valentine’s Dinner @ Laila, 5 PM

Wednesday, February 19 Our Time Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Friday, February 21 Family Night, 7-9 PM

Midnight Run

Saturday, February 22 Saturday of the Souls Divine Liturgy, 10:30 AM

Sunday, February 23 Annual Parish Meeting

All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.

FROM THE FATHERS – “Nothing contributes to a virtuous and moral way of life as does the time you spend here in church. The time we spend here in church is the basis of every blessing.”

- St. John Chrysostom

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, February 2, 2025 - Feast of the Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ

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, February 2, 2025

Presentation (Meeting) of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Tone 7 and Eothinon 10

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 7

Thou didst shatter death by thy Cross. Thou didst open paradise to the thief. Thou didst turn the mourning of the ointment-bearing women into joy, and didst bid thine Apostles proclaim a warning that thou hast risen, O Christ, granting to the world thy Great Mercy.

Apolytikion of the Presentation of Christ into the Temple – Tone 1

Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of grace, for from thee arose the Sun of justice, Christ our God, lighting those who are in darkness. Rejoice and be glad, O righteous old man, carrying in thine arms the Deliverer of our souls, who granteth us resurrection.

Kontakion of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple – Tone 1

Thou, O Christ God, who by thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom thou didst love; for thou alone art the Lover of mankind.

Epistle – Hebrews 7:7-17 (Presentation of Christ into the Temple)

Prokeimenon: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

Verse: For he has regarded the humility of his servant.

BRETHREN, it is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. Here tithes are received by mortal men; there, by one whom it is testified that he lives. One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.

Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.

This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not according to a legal requirement concerning bodily descent but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him, “Thou art a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

Gospel – Luke 2:22-40 (Presentation of Christ to the Temple)

AT THAT TIME, the infant Jesus was brought up to Jerusalem by his parents to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel.”

And Joseph and his mother marveled at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own souls also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.”

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phan’u-el, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption in Jerusalem.

And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Next week’s homework: II Timothy 3:10-15 (Pharisee and Publican)

Luke 18:10-14 (Pharisee and Publican)

FEBRUARY 2, 2025 – FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

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, FEBRUARY 2 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Lila Zayat Ara, Dr. William and Hend Arida, Najla and Emil Arida, Louis Assatly, Elaine Ateyeh, Shamseh M. Dalack, Norman Alfred Galloway, and Violet Karkenny. Memory eternal!

Rima Alsifi and Elias Hazem offer Prayers of Oblation and the Holy Bread for the servants of God Jack Hazem and Mariejoe Sahyoun who will be joined in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony today. Many years!

Marc Galloway offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his father, the servant of God Norman Alfred Galloway. Memory eternal!

Victor Samaha offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of his parents, the servants of God Suraya and Samuel Samaha. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God David Bittar, Elias Darzi, Jacob Khoury, and Louis Sabah. Memory eternal!

The Family of Nadia Shafik Al Zaher will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of her soul. Memory eternal!

COFFEE HOUR – Dr. Kenneth and Mrs. Jeannie Arida and Family sponsor today’s Coffee Hour in memory of Dr. William and Hend Arida and Emil and Najla Arida. 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 once again offered the Holy Bread for the entire year. Many years! Farid Bassous has offered the Holy Bread for the month of February in memory of his brother, Michele Bassous. Memory eternal! Additional donors are welcome for February and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, George Atallah (Clove Lakes), John Petrick (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Isla Albishara, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, Diana Finger, Gregory Hamaty, George Khoury, Joseph Khouri, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, William Robinson, Raymond Saleeby, and Victoria Sleyman (at home).

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR FEBRUARY – The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil or their byproducts) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays in February until Monday, February 24, when we begin fasting from meat until Holy Pascha.

OUR TIME – Our (over 50) senior fellowship, “Our Time”, meets every other Wednesday, including Wednesday, February 5, from 1-3 PM. All are welcome. Please see Marilyn Tulaney for more information. In addition, Our Time sponsors Pickleball on Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9 PM. All players and spectators are welcome.

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - The Ladies of St. Mary’s will have their first meeting of 2025 on Sunday, February 9, immediately following the Divine Liturgy. All women of the parish are invited and welcome!

WINTER COAT DRIVE – Teen SOYO will continue receiving coats and winter outerwear through February. There is a large green box in the vestibule. We will distribute all items to the Pan-Orthodox Holy Cross Outreach Center on 4th Avenue and during the Midnight Run.

SUPER BOWL PARTY – Watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 9, at 5 PM here in our social hall. $25 for adults and $5 for children. B.Y.O.B. $32 at the door. RSVP by February 3 to Sam at (718) 288-7677 or Marwan at (347) 400-3633.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – The Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Sunday, February 23, following the Divine Liturgy. Please submit your nominations for the Parish Council to Vice Chair Robert Sabbagh after securing the nominee’s willingness to serve.

PLEASE MAKE SURE all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off in church or at home.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, February 5 Our Time Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Friday, February 7 Family Night, 7-9 PM

Saturday, February 8 Great Vespers, 5 PM

Sunday, February 9 Ladies of St. Mary’s Meeting

Super Bowl Party

Monday, February 10 Parish Council, 7 PM

Sunday, February 23 Annual Parish Meeting

All services will be live streamed via twitch.tv/smaoc.

FROM THE FATHERS – “We abide in God insofar as we do not sin.”

- Venerable Bede

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America