Bulletin for Sunday, January 19, 2020

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Twenty-Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 6 and Eothinon 9

Venerable Makarios the Great of Egypt, the Anchorite

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 St. Makarios of Egypt – Tone 1

Thou didst prove to be a citizen of the desert, an angel in the flesh, and a wonderworker, O Makarios, our God-bearing Father. By fasting, vigil, and prayer thou didst obtain heavenly gifts, and thou healest the sick and the souls of them that have recourse to thee with faith. Glory to Him that hath given thee strength. Glory to Him that hath crowned thee. Glory to Him that worketh healings for all through thee.

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

Thy nativity, O Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to the whole universe. For from thee did shine forth the Sun of justice, Christ our God, annulling the curse, and bestowing the blessing, abolishing death and granting us life everlasting.

Kontakion 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 – Colossians 3:4-11 (Twenty-Ninth Sunday after Pentecost)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 103.24, 1. O Lord, how magnificent are your works. You have made all things in wisdom.

Verse. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

BRETHREN, when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away; anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.

Gospel – Luke 17:12-19 (Twelfth Sunday of Luke)

AT THAT TIME, as Jesus entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When Jesus saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed.

Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice, and fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then said Jesus, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

Next week’s homework: I Timothy 4:9-15 (32nd Sunday after Pentecost)

Luke 19:1-10 (Fifteenth Sunday of Luke)

POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – As the faithful approach to reverence the cross, receive a blessing and a piece of antidoron (holy bread) at the dismissal, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving. Please greet each other quietly as we reverently hear these prayers.

HOLY BREAD – Karen and Matthew Spolar offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the months of January and February. Many years! The Farkouh Family also offers the Holy Bread for the month of January in memory of the Economous Farid and Khouryee Wassila Farkouh. Memory eternal! Donors are welcome for March and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

TODAY’S USHERS – Members of the Parish Council will serve as ushers and readers. Because there is no church school today, the children may stay with their parents to receive Holy Communion together. The ushers will assist us in proceeding row by row so that we can distribute Holy Communion “decently and in order.”

JANUARY 19, 2020 – TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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 reverence the cross and to partake of the blessed bread at the dismissal. Please introduce yourself to our pastor, and ask him about membership in the Orthodox Church.

Mission Statement - The mission of St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church of Brooklyn, NY, is to love and worship God through participation in the liturgical life of the Church, and to live and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We carry out this mission through education, outreach, fellowship, and works of mercy with love for each other, our neighbors, and our diverse world.

TODAY, SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 – We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Ida and Gabriel Ashie, Alexander Azar, Barbara Boragi, Leon Ayoub Brown, Mary Fadool, Loretta Fianni, Rev. Melatios Fianni, Nora Hawa, Ramez Elhelou, Alex A. Howie, Riad Malouf, Frank Morgan, James D. Pappas, Ethel K. Phillips, Farieda Sarafien, Robert Samara, George and Renate M. Sheheri, Minas Sparsidis, Edmund Swaya, and Thomas A. Zarr. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 - We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Margaret Assatly, Laura Sayeg Awad, Georgette Captain, George Corey, Jameel Farhood, Siham Damalts, Katherine B. Cury, George Elkas, Eleanor Forzly, Claudette Golam, Josephine Hadad, Yvonne Hebeeka, Tofeek Kaidy, John and Louise Kalesh, Ned Kalesh, Viola Kalesh, Constantine Karram, John Kerge, Naji Khoury, Athina Basheer Lattof, Walter Lattof, Marie Meena, Mitchell Merhige, Philip Merhige, Edgar Saadi, Victoria Saadi, Barbara Salamy, Madeleine H. Salamy, Samuel and Suraya Samaha, William Shamoun, Alexander G. Orfaly, Jr., Adele Simon, and Gail Hall Zarr. Memory eternal!

FOR THE INFIRM – Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Charlie Bryant, Albert Castley (FL), Nadim Dahdouh, Anissa DeGroat, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Susan Hadad, Louise Hamwi, Malak Karkenny, George Khoury, Jr., Victor Khoury, Loulou Malouf, Emily Maren (ME), Alfred Nahas, Elena Paris, Raymond Saleeby, Louis Savarese, Evelyn Shamoun, Leon Smatt, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), Marianne Trabulsi (NJ), Dr. Sam Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home). If a member of your family is in the hospital or recuperating at home, please call the church office and let us know as soon as possible.

CHURCH SCHOOL – Please note that the Church School has returned to its previous class time. Aall students will receive Communion together, then proceed downstairs for classes. We have begun to discuss this year's Archdiocese Creative contests theme: "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the word, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:17)

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S – The Ladies of St. Mary’s thank all parishioners who contributed to our humanitarian project this past Fall. We have reached our goal of almost 100 hygiene kits for distribution to the homeless during the Midnight Run. Thank you all! The Ladies will meet on Feb. 2, 2020 after Liturgy. All women are invited and encouraged to attend!

MEMORY ETERNAL! We are saddened to announce that the handmaiden of God Eleanor Sleyman departed this life in the hope of the resurrection last week. Her funeral was from St. Mary’s on Wednesday. We extend our sympathies to her daughter Victoria and her 16 nephews and nieces. Memory eternal!

ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE SCHOLARSHIP – St. Ignatius Parish Financial Assistance is now available. If your camper is interested in a scholarship for this summer, please see Fr. Michael before March 1.

PLEDGE REMINDER – As we begin the new calendar year we remind our faithful to consider prayerfully their commitment for the year ahead. There is a pledge card in the January offering envelopes, and there are pledge cards in the back of the church. And always remember to include St. Mary’s in your will or estate plan! Thank you.

WINTER COAT DRIVE – Teen SOYO has placed large containers in the narthex for their annual Winter Coat Drive. The Coat Drive includes gloves, hats, socks, blankets and sweaters, and will continue through January. Thank you!

ESTATE PLANNING – A bequest is one of the easiest gifts to make in order to impact the ministry of the Church significantly. An estate plan can include a provision that leaves a lasting gift to St. Mary’s Church. A bequest could be a gift of specific assets, a dollar amount, or a percentage of the estate. A bequest could also be the residue of an estate after all gifts have been made to heirs.

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 check. There is an option to indicate gifts made in honor of or in remembrance of someone.

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, January 20 Endowment Fund Committee, 7:30 PM

Saturday, January 25 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Wednesday, January 29 Great Vespers @ Three Hierarchs G.O. Church, 7 PM

Sunday, February 2 Feast of the Presentation of Christ

Ladies of St. Mary’s Meeting

Saturday, February 8 Teen Valentine’s Day Dance

Sunday, March 8 Annual Parish Meeting

FROM THE FATHERS – “Everything we do, our every objective, must be undertaken for the sake of purity of heart. We must practice the reading of Scripture, together with all the other virtuous activities in order to hold our hearts free of the harm of every dangerous passion and in order to rise step by step to the high point of love.”

- St. John Cassian

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, January 12, 2020

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Sunday after the Theophany of Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ

Tone 5 and Eothinon 8

Martyr Tatiana of Rome and Those with Her

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 Epiphany – Tone 1

By thy baptism, O Lord, in the River Jordan, worship to the Trinity hath made its appearance; for the voice of the Lord did come forth to thee with the testimony, naming thee His beloved Son; and the Spirit in the likeness of a dove, confirming the truth of the word. Wherefore, O thou who didst appear and lighted the world, O Christ, glory to thee.

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

Thy nativity, O Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to the whole universe. For from thee did shine forth the Sun of justice, Christ our God, annulling the curse, and bestowing the blessing, abolishing death and granting us life everlasting.

Kontakion of Epiphany – Tone 4

Today thou hast appeared to the universe, O Lord, and thy light hath been shed upon us, who praise thee with knowledge, saying, Thou has come and appeared, O unapproachable Light.

Epistle – Ephesians 4:7-13 (Sunday after Epiphany)

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

Verse. Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous.

BRETHREN, grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it is said, “When he ascended on high, he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Gospel - Matthew 4:12-17 (Sunday after Epiphany) AT THAT TIME, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled;

“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles – the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Next week’s homework: Colossians 3:4-11 (29th Sunday after Pentecost)

Luke 17:12-19 (Twelfth Sunday of Luke)

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 reverence the cross and to partake of the blessed bread at the dismissal. Please introduce yourself to our pastor, and ask him about membership in the Orthodox Church.

POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – As the faithful approach to reverence the cross, receive a blessing and a piece of antidoron (holy bread) at the dismissal, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving. Please greet each other quietly as we reverently hear these prayers.

HOLY BREAD – Karen and Matthew Spolar offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the months of January and February. Many years! The Farkouh Family also offers the Holy Bread for the month of January in memory of the Economous Farid and Khouryee Wassila Farkouh. Memory eternal! Donors are welcome for March and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

JANUARY 12, 2020 – SUNDAY AFTER THE THEOPHANY 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, SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 – We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Eli T. Abdallah, Juad Arida, Pearl Arida, Nora and Kalel Ballan, Samia Arida, Adele Azeez, Ameenie Freije, Edward Ghazal, Emily Ghazal, Pauline Haddad, James Hamod, Maria Hindelly, Tofeek Kaidy, Leila M. Khouri, George John Nahas, Edma Saab, Madeleine H. Salamy, Alberta Samaha, Alexander Trabolsi, Nora Trefz, and Emil Tweel. Memory eternal!

Rose Abdallah and Family offer Prayers of Oblation and a 10-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Eli Abdallah. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 - We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Ida and Gabriel Ashie, Alexander Azar, Barbara Boragi, Leon Ayoub Brown, Mary Fadool, Loretta Fianni, Rev. Melatios Fianni, Nora Hawa, Ramez Elhelou, Alex A. Howie, Riad Malouf, Frank Morgan, James D. Pappas, Ethel K. Phillips, Farieda Sarafien, Robert Samara, George and Renate M. Sheheri, Minas Sparsidis, Edmund Swaya, and Thomas A. Zarr. Memory eternal!

TODAY’S USHERS – Members of the Parish Council will serve as ushers and readers. Because there is no church school today, they children may stay with their parents to receive Holy Communion together. The ushers will assist us in proceeding row by row so that we can distribute Holy Communion “decently and in order.”

FOR THE INFIRM – Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Mary Ganim (Norwegian), Charlie Bryant, Albert Castley (FL), Nadim Dahdouh, Anissa DeGroat, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Susan Hadad, Louise Hamwi, Malak Karkenny, George Khoury, Jr., Victor Khoury, Loulou Malouf, Emily Maren (ME), Alfred Nahas, Elena Paris, Raymond Saleeby, Louis Savarese, Evelyn Shamoun, Leon Smatt, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), Marianne Trabulsi (NJ), Dr. Sam Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home). If a member of your family is in the hospital or recuperating at home, please call the church office and let us know as soon as possible.

CHURCH SCHOOL - As of TODAY, Church School as returned to our prior schedule. All students will receive Holy Communion together, then proceed downstairs for classes. We will begin to discuss this year's Archdiocese Creative contests theme: "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the word, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:17)

POINSETTIAS – Please feel free to take home a poinsettia after today’s Divine Liturgy. The church would appreciate any free will offerings.

BROOKLYN CLERGY LECTURE SERIES – The Clergy Brotherhood of Brooklyn sponsors a lecture series each year. The theme this year is Living the Life of the Apostles: Then and Now, A Contemporary View of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles. St. Mary’s Church will host the first lecture this Thursday, January 16, at 7:00 PM. Fr. Gerasimos Makris, pastor of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, will speak on “The Life of the Early Christians (Acts 2:43-47, 4:32-5:11). Light refreshments will follow the lecture. All are welcome, and there is no cost.

PROJECT MEXICO – St. Mary’s Church and Holy Cross Church, under the auspices of Project Mexico, are planning to build a house for a needy Mexican family in Baja California, Mexico, from Thursday, June 25 to Wednesday, July 1, 2020. Come join us on this beautiful offering of love. To register and for more information please contact Christina at Holy Cross at (718) 836-3510 or Angela Athineos at (646) 522-2859. Please see the flyer in this bulletin.

MIDNIGHT RUN – On the third Friday of each month our Teens and Young Adults participate in the “Midnight Run” in cooperation with Holy Cross G.O. Church. If you would like to offer any donations of clothing or toiletries, kindly bring them to the church before that Friday each month. The next Midnight Run is this Friday, January 17. If you would like to volunteer preparing food for the homeless, please meet at Holy Cross at 8 PM on Friday. If you would like to go on the Midnight Run to deliver the food and clothing right into the hands of those in need, they leave at 10 PM and are usually back in Bay Ridge by 2 AM. Please see Angela Athineos or Deacon Farid Farkouh for more information.

PLEDGE REMINDER – As we begin the new calendar year we remind our faithful to consider prayerfully their commitment for the year ahead. There is a pledge card in the January offering envelopes, and there are pledge cards in the back of the church. And always remember to include St. Mary’s in your will or estate plan! Thank you.

WINTER COAT DRIVE – Teen SOYO has placed large containers in the narthex for their annual Winter Coat Drive. The Coat Drive includes gloves, hats, socks, blankets and sweaters, and will continue through January. Thank you!

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, January 13 Parish Council, 7:30 PM

Thursday, January 16 Brooklyn Clergy Lecture, 7:00 PM

Friday, January 17 Midnight Run

Saturday, January 18 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Monday, January 20 Endowment Fund Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM

FROM THE FATHERS – “The signs accompanying grace are much joy, peace, love and truth. Such truth impels man to seek truth. But the signs of sin are accompanied by turnoil, not joy and love toward God.”

- St. Macarius the Great

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, January 5, 2020

Sunday, January 5, 2020

The Theophany of Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ

Today’s Hymns and Readings

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 reverence the cross and to partake of the blessed bread at the dismissal. Please introduce yourself to our pastor, and ask him about membership in the Orthodox Church.

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of Epiphany – Tone 1

By thy baptism, O Lord, in the River Jordan, worship to the Trinity hath made its appearance; for the voice of the Lord did come forth to thee with the testimony, naming thee His beloved Son; and the Spirit in the likeness of a dove, confirming the truth of the word. Wherefore, O thou who didst appear and lighted the world, O Christ, glory to thee.

Entrance Hymn – Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. The Lord is God and hath appeared unto us. O Son of God, who was baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing unto thee, Alleluia.

Apolytikion of Epiphany – Tone 1

Kontakion of Epiphany – Tone 4

Today thou hast appeared to the universe, O Lord, and thy light hath been shed upon us, who praise thee with knowledge, saying, Thou has come and appeared, O unapproachable Light.

Instead of the Trisagion Hymn (“Holy God…”), “As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have truly put on Christ. Alleluia.”

Epistle – Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7 (Epiphany)

Prokeimenon. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Verse. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

MY SON TITUS: The grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

Declare these things; exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard thee.

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

Gospel - St. Matthew 3:13-17 (Epiphany)

AT THAT TIME, Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it to be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

The rest of the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

On “Especially…” Ninth Ode of the First Canon – Tone 2 – Verily all tongues are at a loss to praise thee properly; and every mind, even though transcending the world, is distracted in thy praise, O Theotokos. But because thou art good, accept our faith, having known our divine longing. Wherefore, since thou art the aider of Christians, we do magnify thee.

Communion Hymn – “The grace of God our Savior hath appeared to all men. Alleluia.”

Instead of “We have seen the true light…” Apolytikion of the Epiphany, Tone 4

Next week’s homework: Ephesians 4:7-13 (Sunday after Epiphany)

Matthew 4:12-17 (Sunday after Epiphany)

JANUARY 5, 2020 – THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST (celebrated)

This morning we are honored and blessed to welcome our father in Christ, Most Reverend Archbishop JOSEPH, Metropolitan of New York and of all North America, to St. Mary’s Church to preside at this Hierarchical Epiphany Divine Liturgy and to bless the waters. We are also pleased to welcome Rev. Deacon John El Massih. Many years!

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, SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 – We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Fred Arida, Dr. Hickmet Arida, Economous Faried Farkouh, Khouria Wassila Farkouh, Anna Habib, Gabriel Hamatie, Mary Hamwi, Olga Kalaf, Robert Malouf, Madeleine Malouf, Rose Merhige, Sally Renieri, Ronald Sadaka, Melia Saydah, Edward Saydah, Edward Shoucaire, Anne Marie Smatt, Demetri Zayat, and Nazli N. Zayat. Memory eternal!

Nicholas Massab offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Donna P. McCarthy on the one-year anniversary of her passing. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 - We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Eli T. Abdallah, Juad Arida, Pearl Arida, Nora and Kalel Ballan, Samia Arida, Adele Azeez, Mary Fadool, Ameenie Freije, Edward Ghazal, Emily Ghazal, Pauline Haddad, James Hamod, Maria Hindelly, Tofeek Kaidy, Leila M. Khouri, George John Nahas, Edma Saab, Madeleine H. Salamy, Alberta Samaha, Alexander Trabolsi, Nora Trefz, and Emil Tweel. Memory eternal!

Rose Abdallah and Family will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 10-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Eli Abdallah. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – As the faithful approach to reverence the cross, receive a blessing and a piece of antidoron (holy bread) at the dismissal, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving. Please greet each other quietly as we reverently hear these prayers.

HOLY BREAD – Karen and Matthew Spolar offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the months of January and February. Many years! The Farkouh Family also offers the Holy Bread for the month of January in memory of the Economous Farid and Khouryee Wassila Farkouh. Memory eternal! Donors are welcome for March and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

TODAY’S USHERS – Members of the Parish Council will serve as ushers and readers. Because there is no church school today, the children may stay with their parents to receive Holy Communion together. The ushers will assist us in proceeding row by row so that we can distribute Holy Communion “decently and in order.”

FOR THE INFIRM – Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Mary Ganim (Norwegian), Evelyn Shamoun (Perth Amboy), Charlie Bryant, Albert Castley (FL), Nadim Dahdouh, Anissa DeGroat, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Susan Hadad, Louise Hamwi, Malak Karkenny, George Khoury, Jr., Victor Khoury, Loulou Malouf, Emily Maren (ME), Alfred Nahas, Elena Paris, Raymond Saleeby, Louis Savarese, Leon Smatt, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), Marianne Trabulsi (NJ), Dr. Sam Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home). If a member of your family is in the hospital or recuperating at home, please call the church office and let us know as soon as possible.

ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH – As Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch Month closes, we encourage our faithful members to consider induction into the Order when Metropolitan JOSEPH visits for Epiphany next week. We already have four new inductees. The Order supports many ministries within the Archdiocese but has always placed particular emphasis on clergy retirement and the Antiochian Village Camp. Please see Fr. Michael, Order Ambassadors Marian Russo and Dianna Russo Kitchen, or any member of the Order for more information.

CHURCH SCHOOL - On Sunday, January 12, Church School will return to our prior time frame. All students will receive Communion together, then proceed downstairs for classes. We will begin to discuss this year's Archdiocese Creative contests theme: "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the word, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:17) We wish everyone a safe, happy, healthy New Year and a Blessed Epiphany!

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS – Brenda and Bobby Sabbagh have donated the Christmas decorations and candles on the pews in loving memory of Beder and Sadallah Sabbagh, Eleanor and George Kalesh, George R. Sabbagh, Victoria and Edgar Saadi, Adele Trisciuzzi, Vivian and George Massab, Alice and Victor Ayoub, and Karen Ayoub. Memory eternal!

NATIVITY SET – We thank the Fallah Family for donating the new Nativity set for the lawn of the church. The Church will keep all the other donations received toward this project in a designated decorating fund for future use. Many years!

CHRISTMAS AND NATIVITY SET OFFERINGS – We acknowledge the offerings of Eli Abdallah and Christina Harvey, Albert Absey, Phyllis Arbeeny, Sandra Arida, Nicole Alrassi, Issam Arnuk, Michelle Braca, Marie and Charles Bryant, Claudette Budai, Christopher Castley, Robert Coogan, Robert and Sandra Coogan, Hassan Dagher, Elias Darzi, Gloria Darzi, Barbara Deeb, Father Michael and Leila Ellias, Anita and John Eyd, Laurice Ganim, John and Josette Generale, Lina and Samer Kaimi, George Khoury, Jr., George and Nicole Khouzami, Lily and Paul Lang, George Maalouf, Sabry, Mackoul, Carol Makhoul, Camil Malouf, Theodore Najjar, Wade Saadi, Janet Sadaka, Audrey and Charles Sahadi, Sam Salhany, Eve Schornstein, Dennis and Barbara Shawah, Gary Speer, Hiam Sukkarieh, Irene Tashji, Claudette Teen, Marianne Trabuzzi, Mimi Zahka, Richard and Malakie Zogub

WINTER COAT DRIVE – Teen SOYO has placed a large container in the narthex for their annual Winter Coat Drive. The Coat Drive includes gloves, hats, socks, blankets and sweaters, and will continue through January. Thank you!

HUMANITARIAN PROJECT - The Ladies of St. Mary’s thank everyone who has donated a hygiene kit for the Midnight Run to the homeless. We have collected 93 kits so far, and our goal is 100! If you have not had the chance to donate one yet, please try to make one and forward it to any of the Ladies. In a one gallon Zip-lock bag, please put one washcloth, one bar of soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, one disposable razor, a comb, and three band-aids. Thank you as always for your kindness and charity!”

POINSETTIAS – Please feel free to take home a poinsettia after today’s Divine Liturgy. The church would appreciate any free will offerings.

PLEDGE REMINDER – As we begin the new calendar year we remind our faithful to consider prayerfully their commitment for the year ahead. There is a pledge card in the January offering envelopes, and there are pledge cards in the back of the church. And always remember to include St. Mary’s in your will or estate plan! Thank you.

2020 CHURCH CALENDARS – The 2020 Church Calendars are available in the narthex. We thank our sponsors, McLaughlin Funeral Home and Bay Ridge Honda and the Robert Sabbagh Family.

LITTLE-BIT-O-LUCK LOTTERY – We congratulate Rima and Elias Hazem (first prize), Dr. Alice B. Farkouh (second prize), and Erica Mackoul (third prize), the winners of this year’s drawings. We thank Bob Sabbagh and Deacon Farid Farkouh for managing this project once again.

ESTATE PLANNING – A bequest is one of the easiest gifts to make in order to impact the ministry of the Church significantly. An estate plan can include a provision that leaves a lasting gift to St. Mary’s Church. A bequest could be a gift of specific assets, a dollar amount, or a percentage of the estate. A bequest could also be the residue of an estate after all gifts have been made to heirs.

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, January 5 Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with Metropolitan JOSEPH

Followed by Ladies’ Epiphany Luncheon

Saturday, January 11 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Monday, January 13 Parish Council, 7:30 PM

Thursday, January 16 Brooklyn Clergy Brotherhood Lecture here, 7:00 PM

Friday, January 17 Midnight Run

Monday, January 20 Endowment Fund Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM

Sunday, February 2 Presentation of Christ in the Temple

FROM THE FATHERS – “Do not delay in coming to grace, but hasten, lest the robber outstrip you, lest the adulterer pass you by, lest the insatiate be satisfied before you, lest the murderer seize the blessing first, or the publican or the fornicator, or any of these violent ones who take the Kingdom of heaven by force (cf. Mt.11:12). For it suffers violence willingly, and is tyrannized over through goodness.”

- St. Gregory the Theologian

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

When Thou, O Lord, were baptized in the Jordan, worship of the Trinity was made manifest. For the voice of the Father bare witness unto thee, and called thee His beloved Son. And the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed these words. O Christ our God, who has appeared to us and has enlightened the world, glory to thee!

- Troparion of the Feast of Epiphany, Tone 1

EPIPHANY 2020

Blessing of Homes

The blessing of homes during the season of Theophany is a long-standing tradition of our Orthodox Church. Following the Great Blessing of Water, it is customary for the priest to visit the homes of the faithful, bringing with him the “blessings of the Jordan.” Through the solemn prayers, we rededicate our home to be a place where a family is guided by Jesus Christ. Since this is the time in our Church Year when we remember the coming of Christ and the beginning of His ministry, when He descended into the Jordan to be baptized by St. John the Forerunner, it is fitting that the Lord enter our homes and our hearts now. It reminds us that we must “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17) This is why our homes must be blessed and sanctified on a regular basis.

When the priest comes for the house blessing, please use these guidelines:

1. Have as many family members as possible present for the appointment.

2. Set up a place for prayer in the dining room or kitchen with an icon and candle.

3. Print a list of the first names of all family members, making a distinction between the living and the departed.

4. Turn off the television, radio, stereo, computer or any other distraction.

5. Make the priest aware of any special needs or issues you may have.

6. Tell the priest about any family members who are ill or in need of a visit.

Either complete the form below and return it to the office, or call the office at (718) 238-8008. The Church also blesses homes between Holy Pascha and Pentecost and between the Feast of the Cross and October 1.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Father Michael:

I/we would like to have you bless my/our home in 2020.

Name: _________________________________ Phone: _____________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________

Best Season: Between Epiphany (January 6) and Great Lent (March 2)

(Please circle one) Between Holy Pascha (April 19) and Pentecost (June 7)

Between the Feast of the Cross (September 14) and October 1

Best Day: Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun (Please circle)

Best Time: ________________ AM

Bulletin for Sunday December 29, 2019

Sunday, December 29, 2019

Sunday after the Nativity of Christ

Tone 3 and Eothinon 6

Great Martyr Anastasia the Deliverer from Potions and her Teacher the Martyr Chrysogonos

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 Christ – Tone 4

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath given rise to the light of knowledge in the world; for they that worshipped the stars did learn therefrom to worship thee, O Sun of justice, and to know that from the east of the Highest thou didst come. O Lord, glory to thee.

Apolytikion of the Sunday after the Nativity of Christ – Tone 2

Proclaim, O Joseph, to David, the grandparent of God, the amazing wonders; for thou hast seen a Virgin great with child; for with the shepherds thou didst give glory, with the Magi thou didst worship, and by the angel it was revealed to thee. Wherefore, plead thou 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 of the Nativity of Christ – Tone 3

Today the Virgin giveth birth to the Transcendent in essence; the earth offereth the cave to the unapproachable One; the angels with the shepherds glorify him; and the Magi with the star travel on their way; for a new child hath been born for our sakes, God before the ages.

Epistle – Galatians 1:11-19 (Sunday after the Nativity of Christ)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 67:35, 26. God is wonderful among his saints.

Verse. Bless God in the congregations.

BRETHREN, I would have you know that the gospel which was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus.

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.

Gospel – Matthew 2:13-23 (Sunday after the Nativity of Christ)

When the wise men had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him. And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called my son.”

Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men.

Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.”

But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Next week’s homework: Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7 (Epiphany)

St. Matthew 3:13-17 (Epiphany)

DECEMBER 29, 2019 – SUNDAY AFTER THE NATIVITY 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.

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.

DECEMBER IS ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE

TODAY, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 – We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Julie Aucar, Rachel Azar, George Couri, Anne DeMaio, Mary Elkat, Shukri Farkouh, Rose Hossan, Sabry Jallad, Mitchell Rezk, Hind Saadi, Wade Sahadi, Victor S. Samara, Najeeb Sydnawey, and Ines Tahan. Memory eternal!

Dr. Bassam and Naziha Aldaia offer Prayers and the Holy Bread of Oblation for the repose of the souls of their departed loved ones, Kazon, Michael, Wajih, Helen, Samitha, and Nicola. Memory eternal!

George Khoury, Jr. offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his father, the servant of God George Khoury, Sr. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 - We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Fred Arida, Dr. Hickmet Arida, Economous Faried Farkouh, Khouria Wassila Farkouh, Anna Habib, Gabriel Hamatie, Mary Hamwi, Olga Kalaf, Robert Malouf, Madeleine Malouf, Rose Merhige, Sally Renieri, Ronald Sadaka, Melia Saydah, Edward Saydah, Edward Shoucaire, Anne Marie Smatt, Demetri Zayat, and Nazli N. Zayat. Memory eternal!

POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – As the faithful approach to reverence the cross, receive a blessing and a piece of antidoron (holy bread) at the dismissal, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving. Please greet each other quietly as we reverently hear these prayers.

HOLY BREAD – Karen and Matthew Spolar offer today’s Holy Bread of Oblation as well as for the months of January and February. Many years! Donors are welcome for March and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FASTING DISCIPLINE – There is no fasting between the Nativity of Christ and January 4.

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

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

TODAY’S USHERS – Members of the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch will serve as ushers and readers. Because there is no Church School this week or next week, the students can remain with their parents so that families can receive Holy Communion together. The ushers will assist us in proceeding row by row so that we can distribute Holy Communion “decently and in order.”

FOR THE INFIRM – Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Mary Ganim (Norwegian), Evelyn Shamoun (Perth Amboy), Charlie Bryant, Albert Castley (FL), Nadim Dahdouh, Anissa DeGroat, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Susan Hadad, Louise Hamwi, Malak Karkenny, George Khoury, Jr., Victor Khoury, Loulou Malouf, Emily Maren (ME), Alfred Nahas, Elena Paris, Raymond Saleeby, Louis Savarese, Leon Smatt, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), Marianne Trabulsi (NJ), Dr. Sam Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home). If a member of your family is in the hospital or recuperating at home, please call the church office and let us know as soon as possible.

ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH – As Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch Month closes, we encourage our faithful members to consider induction into the Order when Metropolitan JOSEPH visits for Epiphany next week. We already have four new inductees. The Order supports many ministries within the Archdiocese but has always placed particular emphasis on clergy retirement and the Antiochian Village Camp. Please see Fr. Michael, Order Ambassadors Marian Russo and Dianna Russo Kitchen, or any member of the Order for more information.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS – Brenda and Bobby Sabbagh have donated the Christmas decorations and candles on the pews in loving memory of Beder and Sadallah Sabbagh, Eleanor and George Kalesh, George R. Sabbagh, Victoria and Edgar Saadi, Adele Trisciuzzi, Vivian and George Massab, Alice and Victor Ayoub, and Karen Ayoub. Memory eternal!

CHRISTMAS AND NATIVITY SET OFFERINGS – We acknowledge the offerings of Eli Abdallah and Christina Harvey, Albert Absey, Nicole Alrassi, Phyllis Arbeeny, Sandra Arida, Dr. Issam and Paula Arnuk, Michele Braca, Claudette and Sandor Budai, Christopher Castley, Sandra and Robert Coogan, Joan Bacon, Katherine and Hassan Dagher, Gloria Darzi, Barbara Deeb, Patricia Deluca, Fr. Michael and Laila Ellias, Fallah Family, Laurice Ganim, George Khoury, Lina and Samer Kaiami, Nicole and George Khouzami, John and Josette Generale, Lily and Paul Lang, Loulou Maalouf, Anne and Sabry Mackoul, Carol Makhoul, Camil Malouf, Renee and Ted Najjar, Kathryn and Dr. George Nassoor, Gail and Wade Saadi, Janet Sadaka, Audrey and Charles Sahadi, Louise Sahadi, Robert Sahadi, Roland Salloum, Wanda Salloum, Brenda Samman, Sam Salhany, Victor Samaha, Eve Schronstein, Barbara and Dennis Shawah, Gary Speer, Hiam Sukkarieh, Irene Tashji, Claudette Teen, Mimi Zahka, Malakie and Richard Zogob, and Greg Zrake.

HUMANITARIAN PROJECT - The Ladies of St. Mary’s thank everyone who has donated a hygiene kit for the Midnight Run to the homeless. We have collected 93 kits so far, and our goal is 100! If you have not had the chance to donate one yet, please try to make one and forward it to any of the Ladies. In a one gallon Zip-lock bag, please put one washcloth, one bar of soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, one disposable razor, a comb, and three band-aids. Thank you as always for your kindness and charity!

CHURCH SCHOOL – Beginning on Sunday, January 12, we will return to the previous schedule of beginning Church School classes following Holy Communion.

CANNED FOOD DRIVE AND WINTER COAT DRIVE – Teen SOYO has placed large containers in the narthex for their annual Canned Food and Winter Coat Drives. The Coat Drive includes gloves, hats, socks, blankets and sweaters, and will continue into January. Thank you!

NEW YEAR’S EVE – Toast the New Year at St. Mary’s Church. Enjoy a full course Middle Eastern mazza, dinner, dessert, including Black Label, wine, and soft drinks. $100 per adult, $65 for children 4-15. RSVP to Josephine Zgheib at (718) 666-8973 or Lama Rajha at (929) 372-5711.

EPIPHANY LUNCHEON - The Ladies of St. Mary’s cordially invite our parishioners to the annual Epiphany Luncheon, to be held in Couri Hall, on Sunday, January 5, 2020, immediately following the Divine Liturgy. His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH will be our honored guest. Tickets are $60 for adults and $25 for children under 12. Please contact Linda Mantia at (718) 836-7146 for reservations.

NATIVITY SET – We thank the Fallah Family for donating the new Nativity set for the lawn of the church. The Church will keep all the other donations received toward this project in a designated decorating fund for future use. Many years!

LITTLE-BIT-O-LUCK LOTTERY – We congratulate Rima and Elias Hazem (first prize), Dr. Alice B. Farkouh (second prize), and, Erica Mackoul (third prize), the winners of this year’s drawings. We thank Bob Sabbagh and Deacon Farid Farkouh for managing this project once again.

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES – The Pastor’s Discretionary Account welcomes contributions during the Christmas-Epiphany season to support cases of urgent need both inside and outside the parish. Make your check payable to St. Mary’s Church earmarked “PDA.”

DATES TO REMEMBER

Tuesday, December 31 New Year’s Eve Gala

Wednesday, January 1 Circumcision of Christ and Feast of St. Basil the Great

Saturday, January 4 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Sunday, January 5 Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with Metropolitan JOSEPH

Followed by Ladies’ Epiphany Luncheon

Monday, January 13 Parish Council, 7:30 PM

Friday, January 17 Midnight Run, 8 PM

Monday, January 20 Endowment Fund Committee, 7:30 PM

FROM THE FATHERS – “The time is approaching when the era from the creation of the world to the Dread Judgment will finally be over. The fallen spirits suffer greatly, for they know that there will be a Judgment and that it will be just. They know that after the Judgment they will be isolated. Right now they have a certain freedom. They move among people, creating delusions and winning many people over to their side. They believe that victory will be theirs, but, in the end, Divine justice will prevail.”

- Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica

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

December 2019

Dear parishioners and friends of St. Mary’s,

Another year is coming to a close and a new decade awaits us.  As in all other years, we said good-bye to cherished loved ones, but also welcomed precious new life. We are once again enjoying our beautifully renovated Church.  And we continue to pray for peace in Syria.  The Holy Nativity and the great Feast of Epiphany will soon be upon us.

The Ladies of St. Mary’s cordially invite you to the annual Epiphany Luncheon in our Couri Hall on Sunday, January 5, 2020, immediately following the Divine Liturgy and the Blessing of the Waters.  We are delighted that His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph will be with us to celebrate the Feast.

The luncheon will be catered by the incomparable Hayat and will feature mazza on each table, a buffet of Middle Eastern appetizers, salad, and entrees. Wine, soda, dessert, and coffee are also included.  Tickets are $60.00 per person and $25.00 for children under 12 years of age.  Tables for 8-10 can be arranged.

Please respond on the tear-off sheet below and return it by December 23, 2019.  Checks should be made payable to the “Ladies of St. Mary’s.”  For more information, please call Mrs. Linda Mantia at (718) 836-7146.  We look forward to sharing this wonderful day with you as we usher in what we pray will
be a year of peace and good health for everyone.

Sincerely,

Sandra Arida, President

Ladies of St. Mary’s

M_______________________________________________________________will attend.

Enclosed is $____________________________for______________________________persons.

Please seat me with ________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Bulletin for Sunday, December 15, 2019

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Sunday of the Holy Ancestors of Christ

Tone 1 and Eothinon 4

Hieromartyr Eleutherios, Bishop of Illyria

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 Forefathers – Tone 2

Thou hast justified by faith the ancient forefathers and through them thou hast gone before and betrothed unto thyself the Church of the Gentiles. Let the saints, therefore, take pride in glory; for from their seed sprouted forth a noble fruit, and she it was who gave birth to thee without seed. Wherefore, by their pleadings, O Christ God, save our souls.

Apolytikion of 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.

December 15- Hieromartyr Eleutherios

Being comely adorned in thy sacred priestly robes, and newly drenched with the streams of thy pure and sanctified blood, thou didst soar aloft to stand before thy Master, Christ; hence never cease to intercede for those honoring with faith thy mighty and blessed contest, thou overthrower of Satan, O wise and blessed Eleutherios.

Kontakion of the Pre-Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 3

On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to God the Word ineffably, Who was before all the ages. Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing the gladsome tidings; with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him Who is willing to be gazed on as a young Child Who before the ages is God.

Epistle – II Timothy 1:8-18 (Hieromartyr Eleutherios, Bishop of Illyria)

Prokeimenon: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saint.

Verse. What shall we render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto us?

TIMOTHY, my son, do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God, Who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of our works but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus ages ago, and now has manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, Who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, and therefore I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know Whom I have believed, and I am sure that He is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus; guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit Who dwells within us. You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, and among them Phygelos and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the house hold of Onesiphoros, for he often refreshed me; he was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome, he searched for me eagerly and found me. May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day, and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.

Gospel – Luke 14-16-24 (Sunday of the Forefathers)

THE LORD SPOKE THIS PARABLE: “A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for all is now ready.’ But, one by one, they all began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Next week’s homework: Hebrews 11:9-10, 32-40 (Sunday before the Nativity of Christ)

Matthew 1:1-25 (Sunday of the Genealogy of Christ)

DECEMBER 15, 2019 – SUNDAY OF THE HOLY FOREFATHERS (ANCESTORS) 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.

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.

DECEMBER IS ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE

TODAY, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 – We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Bertha Abouchar, Josephine Awad, Alexander E. Deeb, Kazan El-Hajj, Jean Fadool, Charles Farkouh, Richard Farkouh, Hafina Haddad, Gloria Hawaweeny, James Jobe, Najla Khoury, Nabeeha Klam, Edward Mannessa, Edward Mamary, Elizabeth Nader, Michael Takla, Edward Thabit, Zouhat Thabit, Virginia Zarr, Eli Zrake, and Najeeb Zrake. Memory eternal!

The Deeb Family offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of their father and grandfather, Alexander Deeb. Memory eternal!

Dr. Alice B. Farkouh offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her husband, former Parish Council Chairman Charles Farkouh. Memory eternal!

Nicole and George Khouzami and Kristi and Joseph Khouzami and Families offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Nouhad Khouzami. A Coffee Hour in her memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 - We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Evelyn L. Deschner, Albert N. Dibs, Anna Ghiz, Nicholas and Nora Hawa, George Khoury, Malvina Khouri, Nabeh Kotite, Haleem Migdalene, Zahia Migdalene, Robert A. Monier, Andrew N. Samaan, William S. Schneirla Jr., Alfred E. Shagoury, Toufek Shagoury, Arthur Swaya, Emily Swaya, Lily Sydnawey, Mary Traboulcy, Bassem Trabulsi, George Zain, and Rose Zarr. Memory eternal!

George Khoury, Jr. will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his father, the servant of God George Khoury, Sr. Memory eternal!

Dr. Amer and Chaza Rafiaa will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of Chaza’s father, Madhat Abou Khater, who departed this life in Syria. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – As the faithful approach to reverence the cross, receive a blessing and a piece of antidoron (holy bread) at the dismissal, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving. Please greet each other quietly as we reverently hear these prayers.

HOLY BREAD – Donors are welcome for December and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

TODAY’S USHERS – Members of the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch will serve as ushers and readers. Because Church School is taking place during Matins, the students can remain with their parents so that families can receive Holy Communion together. The ushers will assist us in proceeding row by row so that we can distribute Holy Communion “decently and in order.”

FOR THE INFIRM – Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Evelyn Shamoun (Alameda, Perth Amboy), Charlie Bryant, Albert Castley (FL), Nadim Dahdouh, Anissa DeGroat, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Susan Hadad, Louise Hamwi, Malak Karkenny, George Khoury, Jr., Victor Khoury, Loulou Malouf, Emily Maren (ME), Alfred Nahas, Elena Paris, Louis Savarese, Leon Smatt, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), Marianne Trabulsi (NJ), and Rose Zrake (at home). If a member of your family is in the hospital or recuperating at home, please call the church office and let us know as soon as possible.

NATIVITY FAST – The Nativity Fast began on Friday, November 15. This Fast is divided into two periods: the first is November 15 through December 19 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, and olive oil) is observed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with katalysis for wine and olive oil (some also permit fish) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and for fish, wine, and olive oil on Saturdays and Sundays; the second is the period of the Forefeast, December 20 through 24, when the traditional fasting discipline is observed Monday through Friday, with katalysis for wine and olive oil on Saturday and Sunday.

SACRAMENT OF REPENTANCE (CONFESSION) – The Advent Fast is one of the four times each year faithful Orthodox should receive the Holy Sacrament of Repentance (Confession). Fr. Michael hears Confessions on Sundays between 9:15 and 10:15 during Matins, by appointment during the week, and on Saturday evenings after Great Vespers.

HUMANITARIAN PROJECT - The Ladies of St. Mary’s thank everyone who has donated a hygiene kit for the Midnight Run to the homeless. We have collected 85 kits so far, and our goal is 100! If you have not had the chance to donate one yet, please try to make one and forward it to any of the Ladies. In a one gallon Zip-lock bag, please put one washcloth, one bar of soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, one disposable razor, a comb, and three band-aids. Thank you as always for your kindness and charity!”

CANNED FOOD AND WINTER COAT DRIVES – Teen SOYO has placed specially marked boxes in the narthex for their annual Canned Food Drive and Winter Coat Drive. Both of these projects will benefit the hungry and homeless of Brooklyn and New York City.

CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE - The Ladies of St. Mary's thank everyone who supported and worked for their annual event which was extended by one day due to popular demand. See you next year.

MIDNIGHT RUN – Our Teen SOYO and Young Adult Fellowship invite everyone to join them in the Midnight Run in conjunction with our brethren at Holy Cross Brooklyn Outreach Center. Volunteers gather at Holy Cross around 8:00 PM this Friday, December 20, to prepare food and clothing for the homeless on the streets of New York City. They then distribute these offerings directly to recipients in Manhattan. Please see Deacon Farid for more information.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER OFFERING – Our December offering envelopes will contain an envelope marked “Special Offering” or “Flower Offering.” Please be as generous as possible at the end of the calendar year and simultaneously maximize your taxable charitable deductions! If you are not receiving pledge envelopes or do not have an official pledge, please see Fr. Michael, Parish Council Chair Daria Mayrose, or Treasurer Diana Kaiami.

ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH – The Order of St. Ignatius Christmas Gathering will take place on Friday, December 20, at 7:00 PM at St. George Church in Little Falls, NJ. This year everyone is invited, not just current members of the Order. For more information contact Zlata Ryan, Administrator of the Order, at (724) 238-3677 x410, or email theorder@antiochianvillage.org. Did you know that the Order of St. Ignatius provides scholarship assistance to any camper who wishes to attend the Antiochian Village each summer? See Fr. Michael, Order Ambassadors Marian Russo and Dianna Kitchen, or any member of the Order for more information. Please consider induction into the Order when Metropolitan JOSEPH visits on January 5. We already have four new commitments!

ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE - Summer Camp registration opened on Tuesday, December 10. Go to www.avcamp.org/summer-camp. Winter Family Camp will be January 17-20. Go to www.avcamp.org/other-programs/winter-camp.

2020 CHURCH CALENDARS – The 2020 Church Calendars are available in the narthex. We thank our sponsors, McLaughlin Funeral Home and Bay Ridge Honda and the Robert Sabbagh Family.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT - ‘Tis the season! St. Mary’s Choir invites all our parishioners and friends to join them for a Christmas Carol Sing in the Church immediately following Coffee Hour, next Sunday December 22, 2019. Bring your voices! Words provided!

ADULT EDUCATION – We will conclude our meditations on the theme of the Nativity of Christ on Wednesday, December 18 at 7:30 PM. Please see the flyer in this bulletin.

NEW YEAR’S EVE – Toast the New Year at St. Mary’s Church. Enjoy a full course Middle Eastern mazza, dinner, dessert, including Black Label, wine, and soft drinks. $100 per adult, $65 for children 4-15. RSVP to Josephine Zgheib at (718) 666-8973 or Lama Rajha at (929) 372-5711.

EPIPHANY LUNCHEON - The Ladies of St. Mary’s cordially invite our parishioners to the annual Epiphany Luncheon, to be held in Couri Hall, on Sunday, January 5, 2020, immediately following the Divine Liturgy. His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH will be our honored guest. Tickets are $60 for adults and $25 for children under 12. Please contact Linda Mantia at (718) 836-7146 for reservations.

ESTATE PLANNING – Have I included St. Mary’s Church in my estate plan?

LITTLE-BIT-O-LUCK LOTTERY – We will hold this year’s drawing next Sunday following the Divine Liturgy. We thank Bob Sabbagh and Deacon Farid Farkouh for managing this project once again.

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES – The Pastor’s Discretionary Account welcomes contributions during the Christmas-Epiphany season to support cases of urgent need both inside and outside the parish. Make your check payable to St. Mary’s Church earmarked “PDA.” This year we make a special appeal for one of our eighth graders who has an opportunity to participate in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage Youth Symposium in Athens, Greece. We have already received half of our goal of $1300.

APARTMENT NEEDED – Our parishioner George Khoury, Jr. has called the church to see if anyone has an available apartment. He must vacate his Staten Island apartment by December 31. Please contact Fr. Michael if you have a lead or an available space.

YEAR END GIVING – Avoid capital gains taxes on appreciated securities, or reduce the pain of declining issues, by donating them to St. Mary’s Church!

EPISTLE READERS – We would like to include as many people as possible in the liturgical celebrations. If you would like to read the epistle in either English or Arabic, please see Fr. Michael.

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, December 18 Advent Meditation Series, 7:30 PM

Thursday, December 19 DGK Parochial School Christmas Program, 6:00 PM

Friday, December 20 Great Vespers @ St. George Church, Little Falls, NJ, 6 PM

Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch Reception

Midnight Run, 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Saturday, December 21 No Great Vespers

Fr. Joseph Allen Retirement Banquet

Sunday, December 22 Choir Christmas Concert and Carol Sing

Tuesday, December 24 Vespral Divine Liturgy, 10:00 AM followed by Pageant

Festal Matins, 10:00 PM, Divine Liturgy, 11:00 PM

Saturday, December 28 No Great Vespers

Tuesday, December 31 New Year’s Eve Gala

Saturday, January 4 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM, followed by baptism of catechumen

Sunday, January 5 Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with Metropolitan JOSEPH

Followed by Ladies’ Epiphany Luncheon

Monday, January 6 Great Feast of Epiphany/Theophany

FROM THE FATHERS – “Pride deprives us of God’s help, making us over-reliant on ourselves and arrogant towrds other people.”

- St. Thalassios the Libyan

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, December 8, 2019

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 8 and Eothinon 3

Forefeast of the Conception of the Theotokos

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 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 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 Pre-Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 3

 On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to God the Word ineffably, Who was before all the ages.  Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing the gladsome tidings; with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him Who is willing to be gazed on as a young Child Who before the ages is God.

Epistle – Ephesians 4:1-7 (Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost)

 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, I, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  There is only body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all.  But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

 Gospel – Luke 13:10-17 (Tenth Sunday of Luke)        

 AT THAT TIME, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.  And there was a woman who had had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself.  And when Jesus saw her, he called her and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.”  And he laid his hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God.  But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed and not on the sabbath day.”  Then the Lord answered him, “You hypocrite!  Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger, and lead it away to water it?  And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?”  As Jesus said this, all his adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him.

 Next week’s homework:          II Timothy 1:8-18 (Hieromartyr Eleutherios)

                                                Luke 14:16-24 (Sunday of the Holy Forefathers of Christ)

 POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – As the faithful approach to reverence the cross, receive a blessing and a piece of antidoron (holy bread) at the dismissal, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving.  Please greet each other quietly as we reverently hear these prayers.

 HOLY BREAD – Gale Zarr and Marie Zarr will offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God George Zarr, Sr., Gregory Zarr, Gail Hall Zarr, Rose Zarr, and Dolores Marinacci for the month of November.  Donors are welcome for December and succeeding months.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

 EPISTLE READERS – We would like to include as many people as possible in the liturgical celebrations.  If you would like to read the epistle in either English or Arabic, please see Fr. Michael.

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

DECEMBER 8, 2019 – TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Mission Statement - The mission of St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church of Brooklyn, NY, is to love and worship God through participation in the liturgical life of the Church, and to live and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We carry out this mission through education, outreach, fellowship, and works of mercy with love for each other, our neighbors, and our diverse world.

DECEMBER IS ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE

TODAY, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 – We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Albert Assatly, George Ayoub, George Ellien, Nellie Ellien, Helen Figuccio, Maria Hajjar, Jamiel Howie, Very Rev. Abdallah Khoury, Fred Khoury, Laura Makhoul, Faris Razook, Josephine Razook, Nicholas Sabah, Nancy Schmitt one year, Edith B. Shagoury, Mary Shahin, Mike Simon, Adele Sullivan, Sarah Zarouni, Isabel Zrake, and George Zrike.  Memory eternal!

Georgette Macrina and Louise Sahadi offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Gloria Hawaweeny and Charles Macrina.  Memory eternal!

 Madeline Rosenberger of Leawood, KS, offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Isabel Zrake and George Zrike.  Memory eternal!

 George Trisciuzzi offers Prayers of Oblation and an 18-month memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Sebastian Rothhammer.  Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 - We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Bertha Abouchar, Josephine Awad, Alexander E. Deeb, Kazan El-Hajj, Jean Fadool, Charles Farkouh, Richard Farkouh, Hafina Haddad, Gloria Hawaweeny, James Jobe, Najla Khoury, Nabeeha Klam, Edward Mannessa, Edward Mamary, Elizabeth Nader, Michael Takla, Edward Thabit, Zouhat Thabit, Eli Zrake, and Najeeb Zrake.  Memory eternal!

Nicole and George Khouzami and Kristi and Joseph Khouzami and Families will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Nouhad Khouzami.  Memory eternal!

HOLY BREAD – Donors are welcome for December and succeeding months.  Linda and George Salamy have made a donation for the rest of the year.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

TODAY’S USHERS –  Members of the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch will serve as ushers and readers.  Because Church School is taking place during Matins, the students can remain with their parents so that families can receive Holy Communion together.  The ushers will assist us in proceeding row by row so that we can distribute Holy Communion “decently and in order.”

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

FOR THE INFIRM – Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Clair Banat (Norwegian), Charlie Bryant, Albert Castley (FL), Nadim Dahdouh, Anissa DeGroat, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Susan Hadad, Louise Hamwi, Rayanne (Haddad) Harney, Malak Karkenny, George Khoury, Jr., Victor Khoury, Loulou Malouf, Emily Maren (ME), Alfred Nahas, Elena Paris, Louis Savarese, Evelyn Shamoun, Leon Smatt, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), Marianne Trabulsi (NJ), and Rose Zrake (at home).  If a member of your family is in the hospital or recuperating at home, please call the church office and let us know as soon as possible.

HUMANITARIAN PROJECT - The Ladies of St. Mary’s thank everyone who has donated a hygiene kit for the Midnight Run to the homeless.  We have collected 85 kits so far, and our goal is 100!  If you have not had the chance to donate one yet, please try to make one and forward it to any of the Ladies.  In a one gallon Zip-lock bag, please put one washcloth, one bar of soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, one disposable razor, a comb, and three band-aids.  Thank you as always for your kindness and charity!”

CANNED FOOD AND WINTER COAT DRIVES – Teen SOYO has placed specially marked boxes in the narthex for their annual Canned Food Drive and Winter Coat Drive.  Both of these projects will benefit the hungry and homeless of Brooklyn and New York City.

CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE - The Ladies of St. Mary's invite everyone to join them for the second day of their Christmas Boutique this afternoon.

ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH – Save the date for the Order of St. Ignatius Christmas Gathering on Friday, December 20, following Great Vespers at 6 PM at St. George Church in Little Falls, NJ.  This year everyone is invited, not just current members of the Order.  A formal invitation will follow.  Please consider induction into the Order when Metropolitan JOSEPH visits on January 5.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT - ‘Tis the season!  St. Mary’s Choir invites all our parishioners and friends to join them for a Christmas Carol Sing in the Church immediately following Coffee Hour, on Sunday December 22, 2019.  Bring your voices!  Words provided!

CHRISTMAS WREATHS – For the first time, the Ladies of St. Mary’s invite everyone to sponsor a wreath to hang on our fence.  Your name will appear on the inside of the wreath.  For more information, please see Gale Zarr, Sandra Arida, or any member of the Ladies.

ADULT EDUCATION – We will offer two more weeks of meditations on the theme of the Nativity of Christ on Wednesdays, December 11, and 18 at 7:30 PM.  Please see the flyer in this bulletin.

2020 CHURCH CALENDARS – We will distribute the new calendars at the end of the Divine Liturgy, and a supply will be available in the narthex.  We thank our sponsors, McLaughlin Funeral Home and Bay Ridge Honda and the Robert Sabbagh Family.

NEW YEAR’S EVE – Toast the New Year at St. Mary’s Church.  Enjoy a full course Middle Eastern mazza, dinner, dessert, including Black Label, wine, and soft drinks.  $100 per adult, $65 for children 4-15.  RSVP to Josephine Zgheib at (718) 666-8973 or Lama Rajha at (929) 372-5711.

EPIPHANY LUNCHEON - The Ladies of St. Mary’s cordially invite our parishioners to the annual Epiphany Luncheon, to be held in Couri Hall, on Sunday, January 5, 2020, immediately following the Divine Liturgy.  His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH will be our honored guest. Tickets are $60 for adults and $25 for children under 12.  Please contact Linda Mantia at 718-836-7146 for reservations.

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES – The Pastor’s Discretionary Account welcomes contributions during the Christmas-Epiphany season to support cases of urgent need both inside and outside the parish.  Make your check payable to St. Mary’s Church earmarked “PDA.”

YEAR END GIVING – Avoid capital gains taxes on appreciated securities, or reduce the pain of declining issues, by donating them to St. Mary’s Church!

ESTATE PLANNING – Have I included St. Mary’s Church in my estate plan?

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 check. There is an option to indicate gifts made in honor of or in remembrance of someone.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, December 8                 Christmas Boutique after Divine Liturgy until 3:30 PM

Monday, December 9                Parish Council, 7:30 PM

Wednesday, December 11         Advent Reflection Series, 7:30 PM

Saturday, December 14             Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

                                                Family Night – Saints Nicholas and Barbara

Wednesday, December 18        Advent Reflection Series, 7:30 PM

Thursday, December 19            DGK Parochial School Christmas Program, 6:00 PM

Friday, December 20                 Great Vespers @ St. George Church, Little Falls, NJ, 6 PM

Saturday, December 21             Retirement Banquet for Fr. Joseph Allen

Sunday, December 22               Choir Christmas Concert after Coffee Hour

Tuesday, December 24             Vespral Divine Liturgy, 10:00 AM followed by Pageant

                                                Festal Matins, 10:00 PM, Divine Liturgy, 11:00 PM

FROM THE FATHERS – “All the unpleasant things which are within your soul and cause you anxiety can become occasions for the glorification of God and cease to torment you.  Have trust in God.  Then you will forget your worries and become His instruments.  Distress shows that we are not entrusting our life to Christ.  Doesn’t St. Paul say, ‘We are afflicted on every side, but not distressed?’  Deal with everything with love, kindness, meekness, patience and humility.  Be rocks.  Let all the waves break over you and burn back leaving you untroubled.   You’ll say, ’That sounds fine, but is it possible?’  The answer is ‘Yes, always – with the grace of God.’  If we look at things in human terms, of course, it is impossible.  But instead of affecting you adversely, all these things can be of benefit to you, increasing your patience and your faith.  Because all the difficulties that surround us represent a kind of gymnastics for us.  We exercise ourselves in patience and endurance.

-        Elder Prophyrios the Kapsokalyvite

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, December 1, 2019

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 7 and Eothinon 2

Holy Prophet Nahum

We are pleased to welcome you to worship with us today.  Please note that only Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves with prayer, fasting and a recent confession may approach to receive Holy Communion.  Everyone is welcome to receive the blessing and partake of the blessed bread at the dismissal.  Please introduce yourself to our pastor during the coffee hour and ask him about membership in the Orthodox Church.

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 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 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 Pre-Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 3

 On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to God the Word ineffably, Who was before all the ages.  Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing the gladsome tidings; with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him Who is willing to be gazed on as a young Child Who before the ages is God.

 Epistle – Ephesians 2:14-22 (Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost)

 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, Christ is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end.  And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.  So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

 Gospel – Luke 18:35-43 (Fourteenth Sunday of Luke)

             AT THAT TIME, when Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant.  They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”  And he cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”  And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”  And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”  He said, “Lord, let me receive my sight.”  And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.’  And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

 Next week’s homework:          Ephesians 4:1-7 (Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost)

                                                Luke 13:10-17 (Tenth Sunday of Luke)

 POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – As the faithful approach to reverence the cross, receive a blessing and a piece of antidoron (holy bread) at the dismissal, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving.  Please greet each other quietly as we reverently hear these prayers.

 HOLY BREAD – Gale Zarr and Marie Zarr will offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God George Zarr, Sr., Gregory Zarr, Gail Hall Zarr, Rose Zarr, and Dolores Marinacci for the month of November.  Donors are welcome for December and succeeding months.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

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

DECEMBER 1, 2019 – TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

 Mission Statement - The mission of St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church of Brooklyn, NY, is to love and worship God through participation in the liturgical life of the Church, and to live and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We carry out this mission through education, outreach, fellowship, and works of mercy with love for each other, our neighbors, and our diverse world.

 DECEMBER IS ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE

TODAY, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 – We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Joseph Davis, Rasheed Hajjar, Alfred Hanna, Eva Jobe, Sylvia Khouri, Jasmine Lattof, Tewfik Lewis, Pauline Maloof, Albert Massab, Lian Massab, Rose Nahmee, Herta Schroers, Felipe Trabolsi, and Virginia Zarr.  Memory eternal!

 Lauraice Ganim offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Albert Ganim.  Memory eternal!

Souad Haddad and sons Andrew and Anthony offer Prayers of Oblation and a 20-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of their husband and father, the servant of God Ghassan Haddad.  A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy.  Memory eternal!

 NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 - We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Albert Assatly, George Ayoub, George Ellien, Nellie Ellien, Helen Figuccio, Maria Hajjar, Jamiel Howie, Very Rev. Abdallah Khoury, Fred Khoury, Laura Makhoul, Faris Razook, Josephine Razook, Nicholas Sabah, Nancy Schmitt one year, Edith B. Shagoury, Mary Shahin, Mike Simon, Adele Sullivan, Sarah Zarouni, Isabel Zrake, and George Zrike.  Memory eternal!

 Georgette Macrina and Louise Sahadi will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Gloria Hawaweeny and Charles Macrina.  Memory eternal!

 Rana Yaziji offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Raja Yaziji, Iskandar Yaziji, and Maher Khayat Kahale.  Memory eternal!

 George Trisciuzzi will offer Prayers of Oblation and the Trisagion Prayers for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Sebastian Rothhammer.  Memory eternal!

 TODAY’S USHERS –  Members of the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch will serve as ushers and readers.  Because Church School is taking place during Matins, the students can remain with their parents so that families can receive Holy Communion together.  The ushers will assist us in proceeding row by row so that we can distribute Holy Communion “decently and in order.”

 EPISTLE READERS – We would like to include as many people as possible in the liturgical celebrations.  If you would like to read the epistle in either English or Arabic, please see Fr. Michael.

 HOLY BREAD – Donors are welcome for December and succeeding months.  Linda and George Salamy have made a donation for the rest of the year.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FOR THE INFIRM – Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Clair Banat (Norwegian), Charlie Bryant, Albert Castley (FL), Nadim Dahdouh, Anissa DeGroat, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Susan Hadad, Louise Hamwi, Rayanne (Haddad) Harney, Malak Karkenny, George Khoury, Jr., Victor Khoury, George Lewis, Jr., Loulou Malouf, Emily Maren (ME), Alfred Nahas, Elena Paris, Louis Savarese, Evelyn Shamoun, Leon Smatt, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), Marianne Trabulsi (NJ), and Rose Zrake (at home).  If a member of your family is in the hospital or recuperating at home, please call the church office and let us know as soon as possible.

 HUMANITARIAN PROJECT - The Ladies of St. Mary’s thank everyone who has donated a hygiene kit for the Midnight Run to the homeless.  We have collected 85 kits so far, and our goal is 100!  If you have not had the chance to donate one yet, please try to make one and forward it to any of the Ladies.  In a one gallon Zip-lock bag, please put one washcloth, one bar of soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, one disposable razor, a comb, and three band-aids.  Thank you as always for your kindness and charity!”

 CANNED FOOD AND WINTER COAT DRIVES – Teen SOYO has placed specially marked boxes in the narthex for their annual Canned Food Drive and Winter Coat Drive.  Both of these projects will benefit the hungry and homeless of Brooklyn and New York City.

 CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE - The Ladies of St. Mary's are preparing for the Annual Christmas Boutique in Couri Hall on Saturday, December 7, (9:00am - 4:30pm) and Sunday, December 8 (12:30pm - 3:30pm).  We are hoping that our very talented bakers will generously donate their specialties.  If you would like to donate baked goods, please contact Marian Russo at (718) 836-7876 or Nahla Fattouh at (718) 909-6727.  New items and gently used items should be brought to the church on Thursday, December 5, to be sold at the Ladies’ tables.  MEN VOLUNTEERS are needed on Sunday afternoon, December 8, to pack up after the Boutique.  Please contact Gale Zarr (917) 771-2427 if you are available.

 ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH – Save the date for the Order of St. Ignatius Christmas Gathering on Friday, December 20, following Great Vespers at 6 PM at St. George Church in Little Falls, NJ.  This year everyone is invited, not just current members of the Order.  A formal invitation will follow.  Please consider induction into the Order when Metropolitan JOSEPH visits on January 5.

 CHRISTMAS WREATHS – For the first time, the Ladies of St. Mary’s invite everyone to sponsor a wreath to hang on our fence.  Your name will appear beside the wreath.  For more information, please see Gale Zarr, Sandra Arida, or any member of the Ladies.

 ADULT EDUCATION – We will offer three weeks of meditations on the theme of the Nativity of Christ on Wednesdays, December 4, 11, and 18 at 7:30 PM.  Please see the flyer in this bulletin.

 RETIREMENT BANQUET - Fr. Joseph Allen, the pastor of our sister parish of St. Anthony in Bergenfield, NJ, is retiring after 53 years. A celebration weekend is planned, December 21-22. If interested in attending, details are available at www.stanthonybergenfield.org.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT - ‘Tis the season!  St. Mary’s Choir invites all our parishioners and friends to join them for a Christmas Carol Sing in the Church immediately following Coffee Hour, on Sunday December 22, 2019.  Bring your voices!  Words provided!

 NEW YEAR’S EVE – Toast the New Year at St. Mary’s Church.  Enjoy a full course Middle Eastern mazza, dinner, dessert, including Black Label, wine, and soft drinks.  $100 per adult, $65 for children 4-15.  RSVP to Josephine Zgheib at (718) 666-8973 or Lama Rajha at (929) 372-5711.

 EPIPHANY LUNCHEON - The Ladies of St. Mary’s cordially invite our parishioners to the annual Epiphany Luncheon, to be held in Couri Hall, on Sunday, January 5, 2020, immediately following the Divine Liturgy.  His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH will be our honored guest. Tickets are $60 for adults and $25 for children under 12.  Please contact Linda Mantia at 718-836-7146 for reservations.

 LITTLE-BIT-O-LUCK LOTTERY – Please see Bob Sabbagh or Deacon Farid Farkouh after church to secure one of 100 $100 tickets for the annual drawing.  Only four tickets remain.

 ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE - Summer Camp registration will open on Tuesday, December 10.  Go to www.avcamp.org/summer-camp.  Winter Family Camp will be January 17-20.  Go to www.avcamp.org/other-programs/winter-camp.

 ESTATE PLANNING – Have I included St. Mary’s Church in my estate plan?

 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 check. There is an option to indicate gifts made in honor of or in remembrance of someone.

 LOST AND FOUND – We have placed a box for items left behind in the narthex.  We will hold things there for one month and then donate them to the homeless.

 DATES TO REMEMBER

  Monday, December 2                Endowment Foundation Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM

Wednesday, December 4          Advent Reflections, 7:30 PM

Thursday, December 5              Ladies baking and Christmas Boutique set-up, 9:30 AM

Friday, December 6                   Christmas Boutique set-up, 11:30 AM

Saturday, December 7               Christmas Boutique, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

                                                Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Sunday, December 8                 Christmas Boutique after Divine Liturgy until 3:30 PM

Monday, December 9                Parish Council, 7:30 PM

Saturday, December 14             Family Night – SS Nicholas and Barbara Party

 FROM THE FATHERS – “All Christians, clergy, laity, and monks, when rising from sleep must first think of and remember Christ.”

-        St. Paisius Velichkovsky

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, November 24, 2019

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 6 and Eothinon 1

After-Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos

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 Entrance of the Theotokos in the Temple – Tone 4

 Today the Virgin is the foreshadowing of the pleasure of God, and the beginning of the preaching of the salvation of mankind.  Thou hast appeared in the Temple of God openly and hast gone before, preaching Christ to all.  Let us shout with one thrilling voice, saying, Rejoice, O thou who art the fulfillment of the Creator’s dispensation.

 Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

 Thy nativity, O Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to the whole universe.  For from thee did shine forth the Sun of justice, Christ our God, annulling the curse, and bestowing the blessing, abolishing death and granting us life everlasting.

 Kontakion of the Entrance of the Theotokos in the Temple – Tone 4

 The all-pure temple of the Saviour, the most precious bridal-chamber and Virgin, the treasure-house of the glory of God, today entered the Temple of the Lord, bringing with her the grace which is in the divine Spirit:  whom also the angels of God do celebrate in song; for she is the heavenly tabernacle.

Epistle – Ephesians 2:4-10 (Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost)

Prokeimenon.  Psalm 27.9, 1.  O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.

Verse.  To you, O Lord, have I cried, O my God.

             BRETHREN, God who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God – not because of works, lest any man should boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

 Gospel – Luke 18:18-27 (Thirteenth Sunday of Luke)

             AT THAT TIME, a man came testing Jesus and asking, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”  And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good?  No one is good but God alone.  You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’”  And the man said, “All these I have observed from my youth.”  And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, “One thing you still lack.  Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”  But when the man heard this he became sad, for he was very rich.  Jesus, seeing him sad, said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!  For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

            Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?”  But Jesus said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

 Next week’s homework:          Ephesians 2:14-22 (Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost)

                                                Luke 18:35-43 (Fourteenth Sunday of Luke)

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 – As the faithful approach to reverence the cross, receive a blessing and a piece of antidoron (holy bread) at the dismissal, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving.  Please greet each other quietly as we reverently hear these prayers.

 HOLY BREAD – Gale Zarr and Marie Zarr will offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God George Zarr, Sr., Gregory Zarr, Gail Hall Zarr, Rose Zarr, and Dolores Marinacci for the month of November.  Donors are welcome for December and succeeding months.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

NOVEMBER 24, 2019 – TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

 Mission Statement - The mission of St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church of Brooklyn, NY, is to love and worship God through participation in the liturgical life of the Church, and to live and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We carry out this mission through education, outreach, fellowship, and works of mercy with love for each other, our neighbors, and our diverse world.

TODAY, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 – We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Basil Kazan, Paul Dib, Albert Ganim, Diab Hattoum, Eva Jobe, Antonia Khoury, Zakia Tannous Khoury, Theresa Kirshy, Mary Monier, Pauline Nehme, Elias Rahhal, Edward Sarkis, Melkon Sayegh, Freda Sayegh, and Souhaila Jada Sciacchitano.  Memory eternal!

 Leila and Ray Trabulsi of Lincoln, RI, offer Prayers of Oblation for the health of Joseph and Kristi Khouzami, George and Nicole Khouzami, and Samir and Lorraine Katen and Families.  Many years!

 Albert Absey offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Edward Sarkis, Fred Sayegh, and Melkon Sategh.  Memory eternal!

 George Khoury, Jr. offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his mother, Antonia Khoury.  Memory eternal!

 Gerald Scrosati offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Robert L. Sabah.  Memory eternal!

 The Family of Mikhail Elsouss offers Prayers of Oblation, the Holy Bread, and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of his soul.  Memory eternal!

 NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 - We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Joseph Davis, Rasheed Hajjar, Alfred Hanna, Eva Jobe, Sylvia Khouri, Jasmine Lattof, Tewfik Lewis, Pauline Maloof, Albert Massab, Lian Massab, Rose Nahmee, Herta Schroers, Felipe Trabolsi, and Virginia Zarr.  Memory eternal!

 TODAY’S USHERS –  Members of the Parish Council will serve as ushers and readers.  Because Church School is taking place during Matins, the students can remain with their parents so that families can receive Holy Communion together.  The ushers will assist us in proceeding row by row so that we can distribute Holy Communion “decently and in order.”

 EPISTLE READERS – We would like to include as many people as possible in the liturgical celebrations.  If you would like to read the epistle in either English or Arabic, please see Fr. Michael.

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

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

FOR THE INFIRM – Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Clair Banat (Norwegian), Charlie Bryant, Albert Castley (FL), Nadim Dahdouh, Anissa DeGroat, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Susan Hadad, Louise Hamwi, Rayanne (Haddad) Harney, Malak Karkenny, George Khoury, Jr., Victor Khoury, George Lewis, Jr., Loulou Malouf, Emily Maren (ME), Alfred Nahas, Elena Paris, Louis Savarese, Evelyn Shamoun, Leon Smatt, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), Marianne Trabulsi (NJ), and Rose Zrake (at home).  If a member of your family is in the hospital or recuperating at home, please call the church office and let us know as soon as possible.

 NATIVITY FAST – The Nativity Fast began on Friday, November 15.  This Fast is divided into two periods:  the first is November 15 through December 19 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, and olive oil) is observed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with katalysis for wine and olive oil (some also permit fish) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and for fish, wine, and olive oil on Saturdays and Sundays; the second is the period of the Forefeast, December 20 through 24, when the traditional fasting discipline is observed Monday through Friday, with katalysis for wine and olive oil on Saturday and Sunday.  There is an informal dispensation for Thanksgiving Day!

 HUMANITARIAN PROJECT - The Ladies of St. Mary’s thank everyone who has donated a hygiene kit for the Midnight Run to the homeless.  We have collected 85 kits so far, and our goal is 100!  If you have not had the chance to donate one yet, please try to make one and forward it to any of the Ladies.  In a one gallon Zip-lock bag, please put one washcloth, one bar of soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, one disposable razor, a comb, and three band-aids.  Thank you as always for your kindness and charity!”

LOST AND FOUND – We have placed a box for items left behind in the hallway opposite the church office.  We will hold things there for one month and then donate them to the homeless.

 BOOKSTORE VOLUNTEERS – We are looking for volunteers to help with the management and operation of our parish Bookstore.  If you are interested and available, please see Lorraine Deeb or Parish Council Chair Daria Mayrose.

 CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE - The Ladies of St. Mary's are preparing for the Annual Christmas Boutique in Couri Hall on Saturday, December 7, (9:00am - 4:30pm) and Sunday, December 8 (12:30pm - 3:30pm).  We are hoping that our very talented bakers will generously donate their specialties.  If you would like to donate baked goods, please contact Marian Russo at (718) 836-7876 or Nahla Fattouh at (718) 909-6727.  New items and gently used items should be brought to the church on Thursday, December 5, to be sold at the Ladies’ tables.  We need MEN VOLUNTEERS on Sunday afternoon 11/24 to pick up Christmas decorations.  MEN VOLUNTEERS are also needed on Sunday afternoon, December 8, to pack up after the Boutique.  Please contact Gale Zarr (917) 771-2427 if you are available.

 ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH – Save the date for the Order of St. Ignatius Christmas Gathering on Friday, December 20, following Great Vespers at 6 PM at St. George Church in Little Falls, NJ.  This year everyone is invited, not just current members of the Order.  A formal invitation will follow.  For more information contact Zlata Ryan, Administrator of the Order, at (724) 238-3677 x410, or email theorder@antiochianvillage.org.  Please consider induction into the Order when Metropolitan JOSEPH visits on January 5.  Please see Fr. Michael, Dianna Russo Kitchen, or any member of the Order for more information.  We already have four new commitments!

CHRISTMAS WREATHS – For the first time, the Ladies of St. Mary’s invite everyone to sponsor a wreath to hang on our fence.  You may offer a wreath in a loved one’s memory or to honor a living person.  Your name and dedication will appear on the inside of the wreath.  For more information, please see Gale Zarr, Sandra Arida, or any member of the Ladies.

 ADULT EDUCATION – We will offer three weeks of meditations on the theme of the Nativity of Christ on Wednesdays, December 4, 11, and 18 at 7:30 PM.  Please see the flyer in this bulletin.

 NEW YEAR’S EVE – Toast the New Year at St. Mary’s Church.  Enjoy a full course Middle Eastern mazza, dinner, dessert, including Black Label, wine, and soft drinks.  $100 per adult, $65 for children 4-15.  RSVP to Josephine Zgheib at (718) 666-8973 or Lama Rajha at (929) 372-5711.

 LITTLE-BIT-O-LUCK LOTTERY – Please see Bob Sabbagh or Deacon Farid Farkouh after church to secure one of 100 $100 tickets for the annual drawing.  Only 10 remain.

 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 check. There is an option to indicate gifts made in honor of or in remembrance of someone.

 ARABIC WISDOM - With the help of one of our priests, we hope to begin sending out spiritual passages for the salvation of our souls, in the Arabic language.  If you or anyone you know is interested in receiving quotes of the day, writings of the Fathers, lives of the saints, etc., in Arabic, please send your name and email address to meletioszafaran@yahoo.com.

 DATES TO REMEMBER

  Saturday, November 30             Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Monday, December 2               Endowment Foundation Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM

Wednesday, December 4        Advent Reflections, 7:30 PM

Thursday, December 5             Ladies baking and Christmas Boutique set-up, 9:30 AM

Friday, December 6                   Christmas Boutique set-up, 11:30 AM

Saturday, December 7              Christmas Boutique, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

                                                Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Sunday, December 8                Christmas Boutique after Divine Liturgy until 3:30 PM

 FROM THE FATHERS – “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

-        II Corinthians 9:6-11

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, November 17, 2019

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 5 and Eothinon 11

Gennadios and Maximos, Patriarchs of Constantinople

Today’s Hymns and Readings

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.

 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 Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

 Thy nativity, O Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to the whole universe.  For from thee did shine forth the Sun of justice, Christ our God, annulling the curse, and bestowing the blessing, abolishing death and granting us life everlasting.

 Kontakion of the Entrance of the Theotokos in the Temple – Tone 4

 The all-pure temple of the Saviour, the most precious bridal-chamber and Virgin, the treasure-house of the glory of God, today entered the Temple of the Lord, bringing with her the grace which is in the divine Spirit:  whom also the angels of God do celebrate in song; for she is the heavenly tabernacle.

 Epistle – Galatians 6:11-18 (Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost)

 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.

             BRETHREN, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.  It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and not only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.  For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh.  But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.  For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.  Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God.

            Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

            The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren.  Amen.

 Gospel – Luke 12:16-21 (Ninth Sunday of Luke)

             THE LORD SPOKE THIS PARABLE:  “The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’  And he said, ‘I will do this:  I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods.  And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.’  But God said to him, ‘Fool!  This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’  So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

            As he said this, Jesus called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

 Next week’s homework:          Ephesians 2:4-10 (Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost)

                                                Luke 18:18-27 (Thirteenth Sunday of Luke)

 HOLY BREAD – Gale Zarr and Marie Zarr will offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God George Zarr, Sr., Gregory Zarr, Gail Hall Zarr, Rose Zarr, and Dolores Marinacci for the month of November.  Donors are welcome for December and succeeding months.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

 POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – As the faithful approach to reverence the cross, receive a blessing and a piece of antidoron (holy bread) at the dismissal, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving.  Please greet each other quietly as we reverently hear these prayers.

 EPISTLE READERS – We would like to include as many people as possible in the liturgical celebrations.  If you would like to read the epistle in either English or Arabic, please see Fr. Michael.

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

NOVEMBER 17, 2019 – TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

 Mission Statement - The mission of St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church of Brooklyn, NY, is to love and worship God through participation in the liturgical life of the Church, and to live and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We carry out this mission through education, outreach, fellowship, and works of mercy with love for each other, our neighbors, and our diverse world.

TODAY, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 – We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Eva Abdalla, Antanius N. Arida, Aziz Malika, Fred Brahamsha, Louise Dibbs, Sahab Dibbs, Edward Richard Eadeh, Alice Elkas, Richard H. Habeeb, George R. Haddad, Paul David Khoury, John G. Klele, Sophie Kotite, John A. Livreri, George Malouf, Louis Orfaly, Dorothy Dillon Page, Fuad Salamy, Adele Sarkees, George Shamyer, Moufid Taweel, and John Trabulsi.  Memory eternal!

 Peter Elkas offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his mother, Alice Elkas.  Memory eternal!

 Loulou Malouf and Family offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God George Malouf.  Memory eternal!

 NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 - We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Basil Kazan, Paul Dib, Albert Ganim, Diab Hattoum, Eva Jobe, Antonia Khoury, Zakia Tannous Khoury, Theresa Kirshy, Mary Monier, Pauline Nehme, Elias Rahhal, Edward Sarkis, Melkon Sayegh, Freda Sayegh, and Souhaila Jada Sciacchitano.  Memory eternal!

 George Khoury, Jr. will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his mother, Antonia Khoury.  Memory eternal!

 The Family of Mikhail Elsouss will offer Prayers of Oblation, the Holy Bread, and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of his soul.  Memory eternal!

 TODAY’S USHERS –  Members of the Parish Council will serve as ushers and readers.  Because Church School is taking place during Matins, the students can remain with their parents so that families can receive Holy Communion together.  The ushers will assist us in proceeding row by row so that we can distribute Holy Communion “decently and in order.”

 COFFEE HOUR – In the absence of a specific donor for today’s Coffee Hour the Parish Council will place a basket on the table for our free will offerings.

 IOCC SUNDAY – Our November pledge envelopes included a yellow envelope for “International Orthodox Christian Charities” dated November 17.  We annually receive this collection on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.  Our faithful can either drop their envelope in the collection tray or return it to the church office.  If you are not receiving pledge envelopes, please inform the church office so that we can add you to our list of supporters.  Thank you for your support of IOCC.

 FOR THE INFIRM – Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Clair Banat (Norwegian), Charlie Bryant, Albert Castley (FL), Nadim Dahdouh, Anissa DeGroat, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Susan Hadad, Louise Hamwi, Rayanne (Haddad) Harney, Malak Karkenny, George Khoury, Jr., Victor Khoury, George Lewis, Jr., Loulou Malouf, Emily Maren (ME), Alfred Nahas, Elena Paris, Louis Savarese, Evelyn Shamoun, Leon Smatt, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), Marianne Trabulsi (PA), and Rose Zrake (at home).  If a member of your family is in the hospital or recuperating at home, please call the church office and let us know as soon as possible.

 MEMORY ETERNAL!  We are saddened to announce that the handmaiden of God Nouhad Khouzami departed this life on Wednesday, November 13.  Her funeral was from St. Mary’s yesterday followed by interment at Green-Wood Cemetery.  We extend our deepest sympathies to her sons George and Michael and their family.  Memory eternal!

 FALL HARVEST LUNCHEON – Last week’s luncheon was a great success thanks to all the hard work of those who prepared the sumptuous meal, donated toward the event and raffles and donated their time.  Thanks to you all for helping us exceed our goal for the new Nativity set!

 HUMANITARIAN PROJECT - The Ladies of St. Mary’s thank everyone who has donated a hygiene kit for the Midnight Run to the homeless.  We have collected 85 kits so far, and our goal is 100!  If you have not had the chance to donate one yet, please try to make one and forward it to any of the Ladies.  In a one-gallon Zip-lock bag, please put one washcloth, one bar of soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, one disposable razor, a comb, and three Band-Aids.  Thank you as always for your kindness and charity!”

 THANKSGIVING FUNDRAISING EVENT – The Holy Cross Brooklyn Outreach Center will host a Thanksgiving Fundraising Event tomorrow, November 18, at Mussels and More, 8001 5th Avenue, from 7:00-9:00 PM.  Please see the flyer in this bulletin for more information.

 FEAST OF THE ENTRANCE OF THE THEOTOKOS – We will celebrate an Evening Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, November 20, at 7:30 PM in anticipation of the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple.  The Young Adult Fellowship will offer a free supper following the liturgy to welcome our recent group of catechumens.  All are welcome.

 CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE - The Ladies of St. Mary's are preparing for the Annual Christmas Boutique in Couri Hall on Saturday, December 7, (9:00am - 4:30pm) and Sunday, December 8 (12:30pm - 3:30pm).  We are hoping that our very talented bakers will generously donate their specialties.  If you would like to donate baked goods, please contact Marian Russo at (718) 836-7876 or Nahla Fattouh at (718) 909-6727.  New items and gently used items should be brought to the church on Thursday, December 5, to be sold at the Ladies’ tables.  We need MEN VOLUNTEERS on Sunday afternoon 11/24 to pick up Christmas decorations.  MEN VOLUNTEERS are also needed on Sunday afternoon, December 8, to pack up after the Boutique.  Please contact Gale Zarr (917) 771-2427 if you are available.

 CANNED FOOD AND WINTER COAT DRIVES – Teen SOYO has placed specially marked boxes in the narthex for their annual Canned Food Drive and Winter Coat Drive.  Both of these projects will benefit the hungry and homeless of Brooklyn and New York City.

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR DECEMBER – On November 15 we begin the traditional 40-day Advent Fast in preparation for the Feast of the Nativity of Christ on December 25.  The Fast is divided into two periods.  The first period is November 15 through December 19 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, oil and their by-products) is observed.  On Tuesdays and Thursdays during this time, wine and oil are permitted.  On Saturdays and Sundays during this time, fish, wine and oil are permitted.  Some Orthodox eat fish on all days except Wednesdays and Fridays.  The second period is December 20 through 24 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil) is observed, with wine and oil permitted on Saturday and Sunday.  From December 25 through January 4, there is no fasting.

 LITTLE-BIT-O-LUCK LOTTERY – Please see Bob Sabbagh or Deacon Farid Farkouh after church to secure one of 100 $100 tickets for the annual drawing.

 ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH – Save the date for the Order of St. Ignatius Christmas Gathering on Friday, December 20, following Great Vespers at 6 PM at St. George Church in Little Falls, NJ.  This year everyone is invited, not just current members of the Order.  A formal invitation will follow.  Please consider induction into the Order when Metropolitan JOSEPH visits on January 5.

 BOOKSTORE – The Bookstore will be open weekly.  Feel free to browse our featured Nativity items and spiritual materials.  We are looking for volunteers to help with the management and operation of our parish Bookstore.  Please see Lorraine Deeb or Carol Makhoul with any questions.

 DATES TO REMEMBER

             Monday, November 18              Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch Meeting, 7:30 PM

                                                             Fundraiser at Mussels and More for the Outreach Center

Wednesday, November 20         Evening Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Entrance

Thursday, November 21            Adult Education, 7:30 PM

Saturday, November 23             Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Thursday, December 5              Ladies baking and Christmas Boutique set-up

Friday, December 6                   Christmas Boutique set-up

Saturday, December 7               Christmas Boutique 

Sunday, December 8                 Christmas Boutique

            FROM THE FATHERS – We live in this vain world and are truly ignorant – or rather, we have not yet understood why we are alive, what goal this life of ours has, and what purpose man has on earth!  Unfortunately, we have become almost like the irrational beasts; we live without consiering that the time of our life here is the most precious thing for our future restoration.  We use up and waste this time with no regret, and when we come to our senses, we shall be unable to bring this time back.  Therefore, how truly wise is the man who has realized the great value of time in this transient life and takes advantage of it accordingly, enriching his life with good works, so that when the grievous hour of death comes, his conscience will be confident and say in his defense before the spiritual prosecutors, the demons:  “I have done what I should.  So why are you still raging?”

-        St. Cyril of Jerusalem

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for November 10, 2019

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 4 and Eothinon 10

Apostles Olympas, Rodion, Sosipater, Tertios, Erastos and Quartos of the Seventy

Today’s Hymns and Readings

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.

 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 Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

 Thy nativity, O Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to the whole universe.  For from thee did shine forth the Sun of justice, Christ our God, annulling the curse, and bestowing the blessing, abolishing death and granting us life everlasting.

 Kontakion of the Entrance of the Theotokos in the Temple – Tone 4

 The all-pure temple of the Saviour, the most precious bridal-chamber and Virgin, the treasure-house of the glory of God, today entered the Temple of the Lord, bringing with her the grace which is in the divine Spirit:  whom also the angels of God do celebrate in song; for she is the heavenly tabernacle.

Epistle – Galatians 2:16-20 (Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost)

 Prokeimenon.  Psalm 103.24,1.  O Lord, how magnificent are your works.  You have made all things in wisdom.

Verse.  Bless the Lord, O my soul.

             BRETHREN, you know that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified.  But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin?  Certainly not!  But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor.  For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God.  I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

 Gospel – Luke 10:25-37 (Eighth Sunday of Luke)

 AT THAT TIME, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”  Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law?  How do you read?”  And the lawyer answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”  And Jesus said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.”

            But the lawyer, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”  Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead.  Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side.  So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.  But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.  And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, “Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’  Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?”  The lawyer said, “The one who showed mercy on him.”  And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

 Next week’s homework:          Galatians 6:11-18 (Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost)

                                                Luke 12:16-21 (Ninth Sunday of Luke)

 POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – As the faithful approach to reverence the cross, receive a blessing and a piece of antidoron (holy bread) at the dismissal, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving.  Please greet each other quietly as we reverently hear these prayers.

 EPISTLE READERS – We would like to include as many people as possible in the liturgical celebrations.  If you would like to read the epistle in either English or Arabic, please see Fr. Michael.

NOVEMBER 10, 2019 – TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

 Mission Statement - The mission of St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church of Brooklyn, NY, is to love and worship God through participation in the liturgical life of the Church, and to live and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We carry out this mission through education, outreach, fellowship, and works of mercy with love for each other, our neighbors, and our diverse world.

TODAY, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 – We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Dr. John L. Boojamra, Linda Cassatly, Leila Dahdouh, Stanley Fadel, Charlene Alekel Goldrick, Rashida Marie Haddad, Victoria Khouri, Dorothy Madey, George Massabni, Nora K. Nahas, Gabriella R. Sadaka, Nicholas Sahadi, Charles Salloum, Victor Smatt, Alex Zahka, and Gregory Zarr.  Memory eternal!

 Oksana Eid offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her father, Michael Pigouski.  Memory eternal!

 NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 - We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Eva Abdalla, Antanius N. Arida, Fred Brahamsha, Louise Dibbs, Sahab Dibbs, Edward Richard Eadeh, Alice Elkas, Richard H. Habeeb, George R. Haddad, Paul David Khoury, John G. Klele, Sophie Kotite, John A. Livreri, Aziz Malika, George Malouf, Louis Orfaly, Dorothy Dillon Page, Fuad Salamy, Adele Sarkees, George Shamyer, Moufid Taweel, and John Trabulsi.  Memory eternal!

 TODAY’S USHERS –  Members of the Parish Council will serve as ushers and readers.  Because Church School is taking place during Matins, the students can remain with their parents so that families can receive Holy Communion together.  The ushers will assist us in proceeding row by row so that we can distribute Holy Communion “decently and in order.”

 FOR THE INFIRM – Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Clair Banat (Norwegian), Charlie Bryant, Albert Castley (FL), Nadim Dahdouh, Anissa DeGroat, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Susan Hadad, Louise Hamwi, Rayanne (Haddad) Harney, Malak Karkenny, George Khoury, Jr., Victor Khoury, George Lewis, Jr., Loulou Malouf, Emily Maren (ME), Alfred Nahas, Elena Paris, Louis Savarese, Evelyn Shamoun, Leon Smatt, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), Marianne Trabulsi (PA), and Rose Zrake (at home).  If a member of your family is in the hospital or recuperating at home, please call the church office and let us know as soon as possible.

 HOLY BREAD – Gale Zarr and Marie Zarr will offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God George Zarr, Sr., Gregory Zarr, Gail Hall Zarr, Rose Zarr, and Dolores Marinacci for the month of November.  Donors are welcome for December and succeeding months.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

 PARISH COUNCIL – The Parish Council will hold its regular monthly meeting tomorrow, November 11, at 7:30 PM.

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

 FALL HARVEST LUNCHEON – St. Mary’s Church School/PTO invites everyone to a Fall Harvest Luncheon after today’s Divine Liturgy.  We will feature raffles for gift baskets, including from Battleview Orchards.  Our Thanksgiving-themed baskets contain fruit, vegetables, pantry goods, and hostess items to help make the winners’ Thanksgiving celebrations special.

 INQUIRER’S CLASS – We will conclude “An Introduction to Holy Orthodoxy” on Wednesday, November 13 at 7:00 PM.  No experience necessary.  Please see Fr. Michael for more information.

 ADULT EDUCATION – Our Adult Education class for the fall will finish reading The Orthodox Way by Metropolitan KALLISTOS (Ware) on Thursday, November 14.  Please see Fr. Michael on how to obtain a copy of the book.  All are welcome!

 MIDNIGHT RUN – Teen SOYO and the Young Adults will participate in this Friday’s Midnight Run.  Please meet at Holy Cross Church at 8 PM for food and clothing preparation.  Please see Deacon Farid, Andrea Zrake, or Diana Kaiami for more information.

 HUMANITARIAN PROJECT - The Ladies of St. Mary’s invite all of our parishioners to join them in a vital humanitarian project this Fall.  We will be preparing hygiene kits once again, to be distributed to the homeless during the Midnight Runs.  Our goal is 100 kits!  In a one gallon Ziplock bag, please include:  1 washcloth, bar of soap, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clipper, disposable razor, and 3 band-aids.  You may give your kit to any member of the Ladies, and we will forward them.  Thank you for your generosity and charity!

 BOOKSTORE VOLUNTEERS – We are looking for volunteers to help with the management and operation of our parish Bookstore.  If you are interested and available, please see Lorraine Deeb or Parish Council Chair Daria Mayrose.

 CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE - The Ladies of St. Mary's are preparing for the Annual Christmas Boutique in Couri Hall on Saturday, December 7, (9:00am - 4:30pm) and Sunday, December 8 (12:30pm - 3:30pm).  We are hoping that our very talented bakers will generously donate their specialties.  If you would like to donate baked goods, please contact Marian Russo at (718) 836-7876 or Nahla Fattouh at (718) 909-6727.  New items and gently used items should be brought to the church on Thursday, December 5, to be sold at the Ladies’ tables.  We need MEN VOLUNTEERS on Sunday afternoon 11/24 to pick up Christmas decorations.  MEN VOLUNTEERS are also needed on Sunday afternoon, December 8, to pack up after the Boutique.  Please contact Gale Zarr (917) 771-2427.

 IOCC SUNDAY – Our November pledge envelopes included a yellow envelope for “International Orthodox Christian Charities” dated November 17.  We annually receive this collection on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.  Our faithful can either drop their envelope in the collection tray on Sundays or return it to the church office.  If you are not receiving pledge envelopes, please inform the church office so that we can add you to our list of supporters.  Thank you for your support of IOCC.

 ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH – Save the date for the Order of St. Ignatius Christmas Gathering on Friday, December 20, following Great Vespers at 6 PM at St. George Church in Little Falls, NJ.  This year everyone is invited, not just current members of the Order.  A formal invitation will follow.  Please consider induction into the Order when Metropolitan JOSEPH visits on January 5.

CANNED FOOD AND WINTER COAT DRIVES – Teen SOYO will place specially marked boxes in the narthex next week for their annual Canned Food Drive and Winter Coat Drive.  Both of these projects will benefit the hungry and homeless of Brooklyn and New York City.

 FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR DECEMBER – On November 15 we begin the traditional 40-day Advent Fast in preparation for the Feast of the Nativity of Christ on December 25.  The Fast is divided into two periods.  The first period is November 15 through December 19 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, oil and their by-products) is observed.  On Tuesdays and Thursdays during this time, wine and oil are permitted.  On Saturdays and Sundays during this time, fish, wine and oil are permitted.  Some Orthodox eat fish on all days except Wednesdays and Fridays.  The second period is December 20 through 24 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil) is observed, with wine and oil permitted on Saturday and Sunday.  From December 25 through January 4, there is no fasting.

 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 check. There is an option to indicate gifts made in honor of or in remembrance of someone.

 ARABIC WISDOM - With the help of one of our priests, we hope to begin sending out spiritual passages for the salvation of our souls, in the Arabic language. If you or anyone you know is interested in receiving quotes of the day, writings of the Fathers, lives of the saints, etc., in Arabic, please send your name and email address to meletioszafaran@yahoo.com.

DATES TO REMEMBER

 Monday, November 11              Parish Council, 7:30 PM

Wednesday, November 13          Inquirers Class, 7:00 PM

Thursday, November 14            Adult Education, 7:30 PM

Friday, November 15                 Advent Begins

                                                Midnight Run

Saturday, November 16             Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Wednesday, November 20         Evening Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Entrance

Thursday, December 5              Ladies baking and Christmas Boutique set-up

Friday, December 6                   Christmas Boutique set-up

Saturday, December 7               Christmas Boutique 

Sunday, December 8                 Christmas Boutique

 FROM THE FATHERS – “In time of sorrow do not seek comfort from people.  Most people are not experienced in affairs of salvation and are poor advisors.  Make the Lord your only helpmate, comforter, and tutor, and from Him alone ask help.  The man to whom the Lord sends afflictions is blessed a hundredfold, because it is afflictions that cure our souls.  In enduring sorrows, a Christian is likened to Jesus Christ, who suffered for us.  We should consider sorrows a gift from the Lord and a sign of His care for our salvation.”

-        St. Innocent of Alaska

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America