Bulletin for Sunday, August 15, 2021

Sunday, August 15, 2021

Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

Tone 7 and Eothinon 8

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 Dormition of the Theotokos – Tone 1

 In thy birth-giving, O Theotokos, thou didst keep and preserve virginity; and in thy falling-asleep thou hast not forsaken the world; for living thou wast translated, being the Mother of Life.  Wherefore, by thine intercessions, deliver our souls from death.

 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 Dormition of the Theotokos – Tone 2

 Verily, the Theotokos, who is ever watchful in intercessions, who is never rejected, neither tomb nor death could control.  But being the Mother of Life, he who dwelt in her ever-virgin womb did translate her to life.

 Epistle – Philippians 2:5-11 (Dormition of the Theotokos)

 Prokeimenon.  Luke 1:46, 48.  My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

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

             BRETHREN, have in mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.  Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 Gospel – Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28 (Dormition of the Theotokos)

            AT THAT TIME, Jesus entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house.  And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to his teaching.  But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to Jesus and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?  Tell her then to help me.”  But Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful.  Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.”

            As Jesus said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked!”  But Jesus said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

 Megalynarion of the Feast – Tone 1

 All we the generations ever call thee blessed, the only Theotokos.  The bounds of nature are overcome in thee, O immaculate Virgin; for thy childbirth is virginal, and thy death is the espousal of life.  O thou who after childbirth art virgin, and who after death art living, do thou, O Theotokos, ever save thine inheritance.

 Next week’s homework:          I Corinthians 3:9-17 (Ninth Sunday after Pentecost)

                                                Matthew 14:22-34 (Ninth Sunday of Matthew)

 HOLY BREAD – The Family of Itidal Makdissi offers the Holy Bread this week.   Donors are welcome for August and succeeding months.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

 POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving.  Please reverently hear these prayers before beginning to “chat.”

AUGUST 15, 2021 – DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS

 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 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, AUGUST 15 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Navya P. Aboud, Thuraya Abualehawareb, Olga Arida, Peter Boragi, Victoria Boragi, Michel Elssous, Lorice Grasso, Leon Hattab, William Helal, Zedra Khoury, Itidal Makdissi, Braheem Merhige, Hennie Milkie, Laya Nehme, Sam Saad, Malaky Shamas, Celia Yared, Alex Zagby, Laila Zamlout, George Zrike, and Valentine H. Zrike.  Memory eternal!

 Carolyn (Howie) and Peter Boyle of San Francisco, CA, offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of their son, PJ Boyle.  Memory eternal!

 Dr. Caroline Grasso offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her mother, the handmaiden of God Lorice Grasso.  Memory eternal!

 Corinne and Michael Mallia offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the recently departed servants of God Linda DeVoe and Martin Mastromarino.  Memory eternal!

 The Family of Itidal Makdissi offers the Holy Bread, Prayers of Oblation, and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of her soul. 

 NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 22 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Helen Allison, Nassif K. Arida, Raphael Arida, Laurice Deeb, Zakieh Deeb, Khouryee Alice Kerbaway Dalack, Dr. Antoine Fernaine, Michael Gehshan, Baheeya Jabara, Dr. Gabriel Jureidini, Irene Karkenny, Judith Kassatly, William Nafash, Rose Marie Sabah, Louise B. Savarese, Gladys Senior, and George Zarr.  Memory eternal!

 May Fernaine will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the of her husband, the servant of God Dr. Antoine Fernaine.  Memory eternal!

 COFFEE HOUR – Weather permitting, there will be a “Grab and Go” Coffee Hour in front of the church following the Divine Liturgy.  We would welcome anyone who would like to volunteer to set up and/or clean up.  Please see Parish Council Chair Chris Athineos or Vice Chair Dianna Russo Kitchen.  Donations are always welcome!

 FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Yvonne Allawh (Vanderbilt, S.I.), Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Diana Finger, Mary Ganim, Alfred Nahas, Louis Savarese, Evelyn Shamoun, Leon Smatt, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).

 UPDATED COVID POLICY – Worshippers who have completed the vaccination process (both injections of Pfizer or Moderna, or the single Johnson and Johnson vaccine, plus two weeks) may remove their masks while seated but must replace them when moving around the church.  Due to the uptick in Delta variant infections, we are again temporarily suspending choral singing and chanting.

 PLEDGE GIVING – During these extraordinary times we ask everyone to maintain their pledge giving as much as possible.  Please remember that 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.

 SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – The annual “Golf Outing” is scheduled for Monday, September 21, at Hempstead Country Club.  Please note that the deadline for submitting subscriptions to the commemorative journal is Monday, August 30.  This journal is an excellent opportunity to recognize this year’s recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Sonia Abounaoum.

 STREET NAMING – We are pleased to announce that the City of New York will dedicate the corner of Ridge Boulevard and 81st Street in honor of our long-time pastor, Very Rev. Fr. Paul W.S. Schneirla, of blessed memory, on Sunday, October 24, following the Divine Liturgy. More details will follow, but please save that date.

 SPECIAL SERVICE PROJECT – Teen SOYO thanks everyone who supported their project to provide 48 backpacks full of school supplies to elementary school students here in NYC DOE District 20 who are living in homeless shelters or transitional housing.

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

             Friday, August 20                     Midnight Run

            Wednesday, September 8          Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos

            Sunday, September 12               Metropolitan JOSEPH visits

            Monday, September 20             Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

            Sunday, October 24                  Street Naming for Fr. Paul Schneirla

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

            FROM THE FATHERS – “For, at present, she is the only one who has a place in heaven with her divinely glorified body in the company of her Son.  Earth, the grave, and death could not ultimately detain her life-giving body, which has held God and been a more beloved habitation for Him than heaven and the heaven of heavens.”

-        St.   Gregory Palamas

Bulletin for Sunday, August 8, 2021

Sunday, August 8, 2021

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 6 and Eothinon 7

After-Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ

 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 Transfiguration – Tone 7

 When, O Christ our God, thou was transfigured on the mountain, thou didst reveal thy glory to thy Disciples in proportion as they could bear it.  Let thine everlasting light also enlighten us sinners, through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O thou Bestower of light, 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 Transfiguration – Tone 7

 Thou wast transfigured on the mount, and thy Disciples, in so far as they were able, beheld thy glory, O Christ our God:  so that, when they should see thee crucified, they would remember that thy suffering was voluntary, and could declare to all the world that thou art truly the effulgent Splendour of the Father.

Epistle – Romans 15:1-7 (Seventh 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, we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him.  For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me.”  For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.  May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

            Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

 Gospel – Matthew 9:27-35 (Seventh Sunday of Matthew)

             AT THAT TIME, when Jesus was passing by, two blind men followed him, crying aloud and saying, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.”  When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”  They said to him, “Yes, Lord.”  Then Jesus touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.”  And their eyes were opened.  And Jesus sternly charged them, “See that no one knows it.”  But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

            As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to Jesus.  And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.”  But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.”

            And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity of the people.

 Next week’s homework:          Philippians 2:5-11 (Dormition of the Theotokos)

                                                Matthew 9:27-35 (Dormition of the Theotokos)

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

 POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving.  Please reverently hear these prayers before beginning to “chat.”

 FASTING DISCIPLINE –  From August 1 through August 14 we observe the Dormition Fast in anticipation of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15.

 COFFEE HOUR – Weather permitting, there will be a “Grab and Go” Coffee Hour in front of the church following the Divine Liturgy.  We would welcome anyone who would like to volunteer to set up and/or clean up.  Please see Parish Council Chair Chris Athineos or Vice Chair Dianna Russo Kitchen.  Donations are always welcome!

AUGUST 8, 2021 – SEVENTH 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.

 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, AUGUST 8 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Robert E. Awad, Stephanie Bittar, Agnes Hamwi, Emile N. Jabbour, Alex Kalaf, George Kalesh, Aref Khoury, Salwa S. Khoury, Margaret Razook, Erna Saydah, Edward Zarick, and Ernest Zayat.  Memory eternal!

 Susan and Gordon Nelson offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Salwa Khoury.  Memory eternal!

 The Salloum Family offers Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Badih Salloum who departed this life in Romania.  Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 15 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Navya P. Aboud, Thuraya Abualehawareb, Olga Arida, Peter Boragi, Victoria Boragi, Michel Elssous, Lorice Grasso, Leon Hattab, William Helal, Zedra Khoury, Itidal Makdissi, Braheem Merhige, Hennie Milkie, Laya Nehme, Sam Saad, Malaky Shamas, Celia Yared, Alex Zagby, Laila Zamlout, George Zrike, and Valentine H. Zrike.  Memory eternal!

 Carolyn (Howie) and Peter Boyle of San Francisco, CA, will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of their son, PJ Boyle.  Memory eternal!

 The Family of Itidal Makdissi will offer the Holy Bread, Prayers of Oblation, and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of her soul. 

 FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Yvonne Allawh (Vanderbilt, S.I.), Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Diana Finger, Mary Ganim, Alfred Nahas, Louis Savarese, Evelyn Shamoun, Leon Smatt, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).

 UPDATED COVID POLICY – Worshippers who have completed the vaccination process (both injections of Pfizer or Moderna, or the single Johnson and Johnson vaccine, plus two weeks) may remove their masks while seated but must replace them when moving around the church.  Due to the uptick in Delta variant infections, we are again temporarily suspending choral singing and chanting.

PLEDGE GIVING – During these extraordinary times we ask everyone to maintain their pledge giving as much as possible.  Please remember that 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.

 FASTING DISCIPLINE – The Dormition Fast began on August 1, and continues through the eve of the great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos on Saturday, August 14. The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese, eggs, wine and olive oil) is observed Monday through Friday with katalysis for wine and olive oil on Saturday and Sunday, and for fish, wine and olive oil on the great feast of the Transfiguration on Friday, August 6.

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

 SPECIAL SERVICE PROJECT – In cooperation with FOCUS, our Teen SOYO has provided 48 backpacks full of school supplies to elementary school students here in NYC DOE District 20 who are living in homeless shelters or transitional housing.  The backpacks have already been filled and delivered to the District 20 office on 89th Street between 4th and 5th Avenues.  We invite our faithful members to contribute $30 to cover the cost of one backpack with supplies.  Please make your check payable to Teen SOYO with “backpack” in the memo line.

STREET NAMING – We are pleased to announce that the City of New York will dedicate the corner of Ridge Boulevard and 81st Street in honor of our long-time pastor, Very Rev. Fr. Paul W.S. Schneirla, of blessed memory, on Sunday, October 24, following the Divine Liturgy. More details will follow, but please save that date.

 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 or at home.

DATES TO REMEMBER

             August 1-14                              Dormition Fast

            Monday, August 9                     Parish Council, 7:30 PM

            Sunday, August 15                    Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

            Wednesday, September 8          Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos

            Sunday, September 12              Metropolitan JOSEPH visits

            Monday, September 20             Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

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

            FROM THE FATHERS – “There are many who live in the mountains and behave as if they were in the town, and they are wasting their time.  It is possible to be a solitary in one’s mind while living in a crowd, and it is possible for one who is a solitary to live in the crowd of personal thoughts.”

-        Mother Syncletica of the Desert

Bulletin for Sunday, August 1, 2021

Sunday, August 1, 2021

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 5 and Eothinon 6

The Seven Maccabean Youths, Their Mother Solomonia and Eleazar Their Teacher

 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 the Holy Cross – Tone 1

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

 Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

 Kontakion of the Transfiguration – Tone 7

 Thou wast transfigured on the mount, and thy Disciples, in so far as they were able, beheld thy glory, O Christ our God:  so that, when they should see thee crucified, they would remember that thy suffering was voluntary, and could declare to all the world that thou art truly the effulgent Splendour of the Father.

 Epistle – Romans 12:6-15 (Sixth 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, having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them:  if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

            Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor.  Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord.  Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.  Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality.

            Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

 Gospel – Matthew 9:1-8 (Sixth Sunday of Matthew)

  AT THAT TIME, Jesus got into a boat, crossed over and came to his own city.  And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”  And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.”  But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?  For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?  But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – he then said to the paralytic – “Rise, take up your bed and go home.”  And he rose and went home.  When the crowds saw it, they marveled, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

 Next week’s homework:          Romans 15:1-7 (Seventh Sunday after Pentecost)

                                                Matthew 9:27-35 (Seventh Sunday of Matthew)

 HOLY BREAD – Linda and George Salamy have made a donation for the balance of the year.  Additional donors are welcome for August and succeeding months.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

 POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving.  Please reverently hear these prayers before beginning to “chat.”

 FASTING DISCIPLINE –  From August 1 through August 14 we observe the Dormition Fast in anticipation of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15.

 COFFEE HOUR – Weather permitting, there will be a “Grab and Go” Coffee Hour in front of the church following the Divine Liturgy.  We would welcome anyone who would like to volunteer to set up and/or clean up.  Please see Parish Council Chair Chris Athineos or Vice Chair Dianna Russo Kitchen.  Donations are always welcome!

AUGUST 1, 2021 – SIXTH 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.

 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, AUGUST 1 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Mary Assatly, Vivian Biele, William B. Cury, Nabiha Dibbs, Adele Forzly, Louis Haddad, Henry Joseph Halaby, lll, Victoria Katen, Selma Klele, Adrienne Poulakakos, and Victor Samra Sr.  Memory eternal!

 The Family of Loulou Malouf offers Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of her soul.  Memory eternal!

 NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 8 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Robert E. Awad, Stephanie Bittar, Agnes Hamwi, Emile N. Jabbour, Alex Kalaf, George Kalesh, Aref Khoury, Salwa S. Khoury, Margaret Razook, Erna Saydah, Edward Zarick, Ernest Zayat, Loulou Malouf, and Itidal Makdissi.  Memory eternal!

 The Salloum Family will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Badih Salloum who departed this life in Romania.  Memory eternal!

 FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Evelyn Shamoun (NYU Lutheran), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Yvonne Allawh, Diana Finger, Gary Gangone, Mary Ganim, Alfred Nahas, Louis Savarese, Leon Smatt, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).

 UPDATED COVID POLICY – Worshippers who have completed the vaccination process (both injections of Pfizer or Moderna, or the single Johnson and Johnson vaccine, plus two weeks) may remove their masks while seated but must replace them when moving around the church.  Due to the uptick in Delta variant infections, we are again temporarily suspending choral singing and chanting.

  PLEDGE GIVING – During these extraordinary times we ask everyone to maintain their pledge giving as much as possible.  Please remember that 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.

 FASTING DISCIPLINE – The Dormition Fast begins on Sunday, August 1, and continues through the eve of the great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos on Saturday, August 14. The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese, eggs, wine and olive oil) is observed Monday through Friday with katalysis for wine and olive oil on Saturday and Sunday, and for fish, wine and olive oil on the great feast of the Transfiguration on Friday, August 6.

 FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION – We will celebrate Orthros at 9:30 AM and the Divine Liturgy at 10:30 AM on Friday, August 6, for the Great Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ. 

 STREET NAMING – We are pleased to announce that the City of New York will dedicate the corner of Ridge Boulevard and 81st Street in honor of our long-time pastor, Very Rev. Fr. Paul W.S. Schneirla, of blessed memory, on Sunday, October 24, following the Divine Liturgy. More details will follow, but please save that date.

 SPECIAL SERVICE PROJECT – In cooperation with FOCUS, our Teen SOYO will conduct a special service project to provide 48 backpacks full of school supplies to elementary school students here in NYC DOE District 20 who are living in homeless shelters or transitional housing.  The backpacks have already arrived, and we placed the order for the school supplies this week.  We invite our faithful members to contribute $30 to cover the cost of one backpack with supplies.  Please make your check payable to Teen SOYO with “backpack” in the memo line.  We will set a date to ask for volunteers to come and help assemble the backpacks either this week or in early August.  We will then deliver everything to the District 20 office on 89th Street between 4th and 5th Avenues for distribution before the beginning of the new school year.

WORD MAGAZINE – All registered members of the parish are entitled to receive the Word Magazine at home.  If you are not receiving the Word, please contact the church office so that we can submit your name for the mailing list.  Thank you.

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

 DATES TO REMEMBER

             August 1-14                              Dormition Fast

            Friday, August 6                        Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ

                                                            Orthros, 9:30 AM, Divine Liturgy, 10:30 AM

            Saturday, August 7                    Church School Organizational Meeting, 2:00 PM

            Monday, August 9                     Parish Council, 7:30 PM

            Sunday, August 15                    Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

            Wednesday, September 8          Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos

            Sunday, September 12              Metropolitan JOSEPH visits

            Monday, September 20             Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

            Sunday, October 24                  Street Naming for Fr. Paul Schneirla

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

            FROM THE FATHERS – “Riches are not forbidden, but the pride of them is.”

-        St. John Chrysostom

Bulletin for Sunday, July 25, 2021

Sunday, July 25, 2021

Dormition of Righteous Anna, Mother of the Theotokos

Tone 4 and Eothinon 5

Righteous Mother Olympias, Deaconess of Constantinople

 Today’s Hymns and Readings

 Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 4

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

 Apolytikion of the Dormition of the Righteous Anna - Tone 4

 O Godly-minded Anna, thou didst give birth to the Theotokos, the spotless Mother of Life.  Wherefore, thou hast been translated now in gladness to thy heavenly end, which is the abode of all who rejoice, seeking forgiveness of sins for those who eagerly honor thee, O ever-blessed one.

 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 Righteous Anna – Tone 2

 Let us celebrate with faith, the memory of the righteous ancestors of Christ, requesting their help in faith for our deliverance from all tribulations.  We who cry unto thee, be with us, O Lord, as thou were pleased to glorify them.

Epistle – Galatians 4:22-28 (Dormition of the Righteous Anna)

Prokeimenon.  Psalm 26.35, 26.  God is wonderful among his saints.

Verse.  Bless God in the congregations.

 BRETHREN, Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and one by a free woman.  But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, the son of the free woman through promise.  Now this is an allegory:  these women are two covenants.  One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar.  Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.  But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.  For it is written, “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and shout, you who are not in travail; for the children of the desolate one are many more than the children of her that is married.”

 Gospel – Matthew 8:28-34; 9:1 (Fifth Sunday of Matthew)

             AT THAT TIME, when Jesus came to the country of the Gergesenes, two demoniacs met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way.  And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God?  Have you come here to torment us before the time?”  Now a herd of many swine was feeding at some distance from them.  And the demons begged him, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of swine.”  And he said to them, “Go.”  So they came out and went into the swine; and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and perished in the waters.  The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, and what had happened to the demoniacs.  And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood.

            And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city.

 Next week’s homework:          Romans 12:6-14 (Sixth Sunday after Pentecost)

                                                Matthew 9:1-8 (Sixth Sunday of Matthew)

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

 POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving.  Please reverently hear these prayers before beginning to “chat.”

 FASTING DISCIPLINE –  From August 1 through August 14 we observe the Dormition Fast in anticipation of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15.

 COFFEE HOUR – Weather permitting, there will be a “Grab and Go” Coffee Hour in front of the church following the Divine Liturgy.  We would welcome anyone who would like to volunteer to set up and/or clean up.  Please see Parish Council Chair Chris Athineos or Vice Chair Dianna Russo Kitchen.  Donations are always welcome!

JULY 25, 2021 – DORMITION OF RIGHTEOUS ANNA, MOTHER OF THE THEOTOKOS

 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 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, JULY 25 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Evelyn Arwady, Dewey and Rose Awad, Mabel Backal, Leonard Coury, Alexander and Yvonne Hamwi, Ronald A. Jabara, Kh. Rose Khoury, George Sabbagh, Lulu Sahdala, Vivian Salem, Georgette and John Shahood, Laurice Swaya, and Thomas Zaglool.  Memory eternal!

 NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 1 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Mary Assatly, Vivian Biele, William B. Cury, Nabiha Dibbs, Adele Forzly, Louis Haddad, Henry Joseph Halaby, lll, Victoria Katen, Selma Klele, Adrienne Poulakakos, and Victor Samra Sr.  Memory eternal!

 The Family of Loulou Malouf will offer Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of her soul.  Memory eternal!

 FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Evelyn Shamoun (NYU Lutheran), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Yvonne Allawh, Diana Finger, Gary Gangone, Mary Ganim, Alfred Nahas, Louis Savarese, Leon Smatt, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).

 UPDATED COVID POLICY – Worshippers who have completed the vaccination process (both injections of Pfizer or Moderna, or the single Johnson and Johnson vaccine, plus two weeks) may remove their masks while seated but must replace them when moving around the church.  Due to the uptick in Delta variant infections, we are again temporarily suspending choral singing and chanting.

 PLEDGE GIVING – During these extraordinary times we ask everyone to maintain their pledge giving as much as possible.  Please remember that 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 or at home.

FASTING DISCIPLINE – The Dormition Fast begins on Sunday, August 1, and continues through the eve of the great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos on Saturday, August 14. The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese, eggs, wine and olive oil) is observed Monday through Friday with katalysis for wine and olive oil on Saturday and Sunday, and for fish, wine and olive oil on the great feast of the Transfiguration on Friday, August 6.

 FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION – We will celebrate Orthros at 9:30 AM and the Divine Liturgy at 10:30 AM on Friday, August 6, for the Great Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ. 

 STREET NAMING – We are pleased to announce that the City of New York will dedicate the corner of Ridge Boulevard and 81st Street in honor of our long-time pastor, Very Rev. Fr. Paul W.S. Schneirla, of blessed memory, on Sunday, October 24, following the Divine Liturgy. More details will follow, but please save that date.

 SPECIAL SERVICE PROJECT – In cooperation with FOCUS, our Teen SOYO will conduct a special service project to provide 48 backpacks full of school supplies to elementary school students here in NYC DOE District 20 who are living in homeless shelters or transitional housing.  The backpacks have already arrived, and we placed the order for the school supplies this week.  We invite our faithful members to contribute $30 to cover the cost of one backpack with supplies.  Please make your check payable to Teen SOYO with “backpack” in the memo line.  We will set a date to ask for volunteers to come and help assemble the backpacks either this week or in early August.  We will then deliver everything to the District 20 office on 89th Street between 4th and 5th Avenues for distribution before the beginning of the new school year.

WORD MAGAZINE – All registered members of the parish are entitled to receive the Word Magazine at home.  If you are not receiving the Word, please contact the church office so that we can submit your name for the mailing list.  Thank you.

 DATES TO REMEMBER

             August 1-14                              Dormition Fast

            Friday, August 6                        Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ

                                                            Orthros, 9:30 AM, Divine Liturgy, 10:30 AM

            Sunday, August 15                    Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

            Wednesday, September 8          Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos

            Sunday, September 12              Metropolitan JOSEPH visits

            Sunday, September 19              Church School Opens

            Monday, September 20             Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

            Sunday, October 24                  Street Naming for Fr. Paul Schneirla

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

       FROM THE FATHERS – “Ask for repentance in your prayer and nothing else, neither for divine lights, nor miracles, nor prophecies, nor spiritual gifts – nothing but repentance.  Repentance will bring you humility, humility will bring the grace of God, and God will have in His grace everything you need for your salvation, or anything you might need to help another soul.”

-        Elder Paisios the Athonite

Bulletin for Sunday July 18, 2021

Sunday, July 18, 2021

Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council

Tone 3 and Eothinon 4

Martyr Emilianos of Silistria in Bulgaria

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 Holy Fathers – Tone 8

 Thou, O Christ, art our God of exceeding praise who didst establish our holy Fathers as luminous stars upon earth, and through them didst guide us unto the true Faith, O most merciful One, 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 Theotokos – Tone 2

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

Epistle – Titus 3:8-15 (Holy Fathers)

 Prokeimenon.  Psalm 31.11, 1.  Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous.

Verse.  Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven.

             TITUS, my son, the saying is sure.  I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men.  But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile.  As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.

            When I send Artemas or Tychicos to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.  Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing.  And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.

            All who are with me send greetings to you.  Greet those who love us in the faith. 

            Grace be with you all.  Amen.

 Gospel – Matthew 5:14-19 (Holy Fathers)

            THE LORD SAID to his disciples, “You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hid.  Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

            “Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them.  For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.  Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

 Next week’s homework:          Galatians 4:22-27 (Dormition of St. Anna)

                                                Matthew 8:29-9:1 (Fifth Sunday of Matthew)

 HOLY BREAD – Although she is currently away, Rima Hazem has baked enough Holy Bread for the next three weeks!  Additional donors are welcome for next week, August, and succeeding months.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

 POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving.  Please reverently hear these prayers before beginning to “chat.”

 FASTING DISCIPLINE –  For the month of July we return to our standard fasting days of Wednesdays and Fridays.

 JULY 18, 2021 – SUNDAY OF THE HOLY FATHERS OF THE FOURTH ECUMENICAL COUNCIL

 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 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, JULY 18 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Donald Abraham Ballan, Jamila Eadeh, Victor Farkouh, Fr. Wakeem Dalack, Gloria Saba Galloway, Joseph Imtanios, Edmund A. Nahas, Josephine Khoury, Eissa Makarious Laham, Amelia Mansfield, Rose S. Razook, Odette Saadi, Marguerite Sabah, William Anthony Soued, and George Zrake.  Memory eternal!

 Patricia Ballan offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her beloved husband, the servant of God Donald Abraham Ballan.  Memory eternal!

 Marc Galloway offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his mother, the handmaiden of God Gloria Saba Galloway.  Memory eternal!

 Nadia Soued offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her beloved husband, the servant of God William Anthony Soued.  Memory eternal!

 Rose Zrake offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her beloved husband, the servant of God George Zrake, who departed this life 43 years ago on July 18.  Memory eternal!

 NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 25 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Evelyn Arwady, Dewey and Rose Awad, Mabel Backal, Leonard Coury, Alexander and Yvonne Hamwi, Ronald A. Jabara, Kh. Rose Khoury, George Sabbagh, Lulu Sahdala, Vivian Salem, Georgette and John Shahood, Laurice Swaya, and Thomas Zaglool.  Memory eternal!

 COFFEE HOUR – Weather permitting, there will be a “Grab and Go” Coffee Hour in front of the church following the Divine Liturgy.  We would welcome anyone who would like to volunteer to set up and/or clean up.  Please see Parish Council Chair Chris Athineos or Vice Chair Dianna Russo Kitchen.  Donations are always welcome!

 FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Yvonne Allawh (NYU), Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Mary Ganim, Diana Finger, Alfred Nahas, Louis Savarese, Evelyn Shamoun, Leon Smatt, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).

UPDATED COVID POLICY – Worshippers who have completed the vaccination process (both injections of Pfizer or Moderna, or the single Johnson and Johnson vaccine, plus two weeks) may remove their masks while seated but must replace them when moving around the church.  We have removed the blue caution tape from the pews, but we ask everyone to maintain personal space.  We are also no longer collecting contact tracing information.  Please see the complete policy recently endorsed at the July 12 Parish Council meeting as a page in this bulletin.

 ARCHDIOCESE CONVENTION – On Friday, July 23, and Saturday, July 24, the Antiochian Archdiocese will host a virtual Archdiocese Convention.  Most of us have not had an opportunity to attend a convention, and this virtual offering provides an opportunity to get a sense of what takes place under normal circumstances.  Although the agenda is very abbreviated, this online gathering will permit our faithful members to hear directly from Metropolitan JOSEPH and to learn about subjects ranging from financial management to youth ministry.  Please see the schedule in this bulletin and avail yourself of the opportunity to learn more about our archdiocese.  Go to www.antiochianevents.us6.list-manage.com  to register for free.

 PLEDGE GIVING – During these extraordinary times we ask everyone to maintain their pledge giving as much as possible.  Please remember that 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.  The second quarter pledge statements went into the mail on Tuesday.  Please call the church office if you have questions about your pledge amount or any errors.

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

             July 23-July 24                          Virtual Archdiocese Convention

            August 1-14                              Dormition Fast

            Friday, August 6                        Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ

            Sunday, August 15                    Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

            Wednesday, September 8          Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos

            Sunday, September 12              Metropolitan JOSEPH visits

            Monday, September 20             Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

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

           FROM THE FATHERS – “You cannot be too gentle, too kind.  Shun even to appear harsh in your treatment of each other.  Joy, radiant joy, streams from the face of one who gives and kindles joy in the heart of one who receives.  All condemnation is from the devil.  Never condemn each other, not even those whom you catch committing an evil deed.  We condemn others only because we shun knowing ourselves.  When we gaze at our own failings, we see such a morass of filth that nothing in another can equal it.  That is why we turn away and make much of the faults of others.  Keep away from the spilling of speech.  Instead of condemning others, strive to reach inner peace.  Keep silent, refrain from judgment.  This will raise you above the deadly arrows of slander, insult, outrage, and will shield your glowing hearts against the evil that creeps around.”

-        St. Seraphim of Sarov

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The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (Acts 11: 26)

Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

358 Mountain Road, P.O. Box 5238, Englewood, NJ 07631-5238

(201) 871-1355 T, (201) 871-7954 F Archdiocese@antiochian.org

 His Eminence, The Most Reverend Metropolitan JOSEPH

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America

2021 Virtual Archdiocesan Convention

Schedule of Events

(All times are EST)

Friday, July 23, 2021:

3:00PM – 5:00PM       Order of St. Ignatius Meeting

5:00PM – 7:30PM       Antiochian Women Meeting

9:00PM – 10:30PM     Teen SOYO Virtual Event

9:00PM – 10:30PM     Young Adults Virtual Event

 Saturday, July 24, 2021:

10AM – 11:00AM Breakout Rooms where members can

choose to join particular topics related to current parish

matters such as:

·       Finance: Mr. Salim Abboud, Fr. Michael Tassos, Dr. Elias Hebeka

·       Youth: Fr. Nicholas Belcher

·       Stewardship: Mr. William Morrison

·       Pandemic: Dr. Badie Alnemr, Dr. James Rossetti

11:00AM – 11:45AM Fr. Joseph Huneycutt, guest speaker

11:45AM - 12:30PM BREAK – Lunch

12:30PM - 3:00PM General Assembly Meeting and closing

·       12:30PM - 1:30PM Sayedna’s speech

·       Mr. Salim Abboud – Department of Finance

·       Fr. Nicholas Belcher – Young Adult Ministry, Department of Christian Education, Department

of Youthand Department of Camping

·       Archdn. Emile P. Sayegh, Chancellor

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    Union Church of Bay Ridge

[Presbyterian Church (USA)]

7915 RIDGE BLVD.

ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE ON 80TH ST. / INFO CALL (718) 745-0438

COVID-19 VACCINE SITE

Pfizer vaccine – now available for ALL NEW YORKERS age 12+ 

 regardless of immigration status

WALK-INS are welcome!

 FIRST DOSE EVENT:

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021, 9:00 AM. to 1:00 PM

SECOND DOSE EVENT:

THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2021   9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THE VACCINATION?

A Maimonides Vaccination Team will be available to answer your questions throughout the day.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO WEAR A FACE MASK

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St. Mary’s Church COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for Worshippers

as of 7/15/21

 As the global pandemic is still occurring, New York State has recently lifted restrictions because of high vaccination rates and low positivity for COVID.  In an effort to keep us all safe, St. Mary’s has lifted some restrictions but still maintains guidelines and safety protocols so that we may all worship safely.

 1. Those who are NOT fully vaccinated must keep masks on at ALL TIMES.

 2. Any parishioner who is FULLY vaccinated may remove their mask WHILE SEATED.  When entering, leaving, receiving the Eucharist, or any other time moving about, masks must be worn.

3. You cannot attend services if:

  a) You are sick; or

b) You have been in contact with someone with COVID; or

c) You have travelled internationally within the past 2 weeks unless fully vaccinated and test

negative within 3 days of leaving and 3 to 5 days after returning. You still need to stay

masked for 14 days.

 4. No congregational singing.

 5. Only a limited fully vaccinated and vetted choir members may sing without a mask in the choir loft. No one else should sit in the choir loft at this time.

 6. Everyone must maintain good hygiene. Please hand sanitize before and after touching any surface that may have been touched by multiple folks.

7. You may place your 7-Day candle while wearing a mask.  You may kiss icons while wearing a mask. At the end of service, Father will give the blessing by touching the cross to your forehead.

 8. You may seat yourself. Please mind the blue tape reserved seating. If you are unvaccinated, please social distance yourself. Please cooperate with the ushers if they need to move you to accommodate others.

 9. Please do not shake hands, hug or kiss fellow parishioners, the priest, deacon or chanters.

 10. When receiving the Eucharist, wear your mask until it is your turn, then remove your mask, place cloth under chin, open your mouth wide, tilt your head back, let Father drop the communion in your mouth, and don’t wipe your mouth on the cloth.

 11. Antidoron (holy bread) will only be distributed by the deacon (or an acolyte) with clean gloves at the end of the service. Please do not help yourself.  You should then proceed down the right aisle to exit the church.  Please do not congregate inside the church.

 12. If you are not able to attend a service, please continue to join us online at www.twitch.tv/smaoc every Sunday at 9:30 am for Orthros and 10:30 am for Divine Liturgy.  Anyone feeling more vulnerable to COVID-19 should continue to participate with the live streamed service from home.

Bulletin for Sunday, July 11, 2021

Sunday, July 11, 2021

Great-Martyr Euphemia the All-Praised

Tone 2 and Eothinon 3

Olga (Helen), Princess of Kiev

 Today’s Hymns and Readings

 Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 2

 When thou, O immortal Life, didst humble thyself unto death, then didst thou destroy death by the brightness of thy Godhead; and when thou didst raise the bowels of the earth, then all the heavenly powers exclaimed, O Christ, thou art the Giver of life!  Glory to thee, O our God!

 Apolytikion of St. Euphemia the All-Praised – Tone 3

 O Euphemia, Christ’s comely virgin, thou didst fill the Orthodox with gladness and didst cover with shame all the heretics; for at the holy Fourth Council in Chalcedon, thou didst confirm what the Fathers decreed aright.  O all-glorious Great Martyr, do thou entreat Christ God that His great mercy may be granted unto us.

 Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

 Kontakion of the Theotokos – Tone 2

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

Epistle – II Corinthians 6:1-10 (St. Euphemia)

Prokeimenon.  Psalm 67.35, 26.  God is wondrous in His saints.

Verse.  Bless God in the congregations.

             BRETHREN, since we are fellow workers, we entreat you also not to receive the grace of God in vain – for He says, “At an acceptable season I hearkened unto thee, and in a day of salvation I helped thee;” behold, now is “the acceptable season;” behold, now is “the day of salvation” – giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that the ministry is not blamed, but in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in vigils, in fasts, in purity, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in love unfeigned, in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

 Gospel – Matthew 6:22-33 (Third Sunday of Matthew)

             THE LORD SAID, “The eye is the lamp of the body.  So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light but if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness.  If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

            “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and mammon.

            “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on.  Is not the soul more than food, and the body more than clothing?  Look at the birds of heaven:  they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?  And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his stature?  And why are you anxious about clothing?  Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon himself in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith?  Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things shall be yours as well.”

 Next week’s homework:         Titus 3:8-15 (Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council)

                                                Matthew 5:14-19 (Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council)

 JULY 11, 2021 – GREAT-MARTYR EUPHEMIA THE ALL-PRAISED

 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 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, JULY 11 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Wajiha Arees, Joseph Arida, Joseph Fadool, Mary Farkouh, Ferris Samara, Amelia Khoury, John Molfino, Victor Makhoul, Nora Khoury, Joseph Klam, Edmund Saleeby, and Bassem Sukkarieh.  Memory eternal!

 Deacon Farid and Aline Farkouh offer the Holy Bread and Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Mary and Ray Farkouh, Diana and Jossie Mansur, Pierre Mansur, and Julia and Elias Serror. Memory eternal!

 Joey and Gareth Ganim offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God John Molfino.  Memory eternal!

 Ata and Ida Haddad and Family offer Prayers of Oblation and a 6-Month Memorial for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Fadwa Haddad as well as a 3-Month Memorial for the handmaiden of God Najla Ishak.  Memory eternal!

 NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 18 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Jamila Eadeh, Victor Farkouh, Fr. Wakeem Dalack, Gloria Saba Galloway, Joseph Imtanios, Edmund A. Nahas, Josephine Khoury, Eissa Makarious Laham, Amelia Mansfield, Rose S. Razook, Odette Saadi, Marguerite Sabah, George Zrake, Donald Abraham Ballan, and William Anthony Soued.  Memory eternal!

 Nadia Soued will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her beloved husband, the servant of God William Soued.  Memory eternal!

 HOLY BREAD – Additional donors are welcome for July and succeeding months.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

 POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving.  Please reverently hear these prayers before beginning to “chat.”

 FASTING DISCIPLINE –  For the month of July we return to our standard fasting days of Wednesdays and Fridays.

COFFEE HOUR – Weather permitting, there will be a “Grab and Go” Coffee Hour in front of the church following the Divine Liturgy.  This week Lara and Marwan Al-Laham will sponsor the Coffee Hour.  We would welcome anyone who would like to volunteer to set up and/or clean up.  Please see Parish Council Chair Chris Athineos or Vice Chair Dianna Russo Kitchen.  Donations are always welcome!

 FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Yvonne Allawh (Clove Lakes), Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Diana Finger, Mary Ganim, Alfred Nahas, Louis Savarese, Evelyn Shamoun, Leon Smatt, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).

 PARISH COUNCIL – The Parish Council will hold its regular monthly meeting tomorrow, July 12, at 7:30 PM.

 AIR CONDITIONING – We will set the A/C at a comfortable temperature, but if you feel the need, please remember to bring a sweater.  We cannot adjust the temperature for individual needs.

 WORD MAGAZINE – All registered members of the parish are entitled to receive the Word Magazine at home.  If you are not receiving the Word, please contact the church office so that we can submit your name for the mailing list.  Thank you.

BULLETIN ON-LINE – Miss church one Sunday?  Did you know that we post the weekly bulletin on the web?  Simply go to www.smaoc.org, and view the bulletin at home.

 OFFERING ENVELOPES – Please note that if you receive monthly envelopes and do not use them, we cannot guarantee proper credit to you account.  There are always envelopes in the vestibule for this purpose.  Kindly use one of these envelopes if you have forgotten your own instead of just depositing a check in the basket.  If you do not receive monthly envelopes, kindly inform the office, and the secretary will submit your name to the mailing company.  Thank you!

 ALTAR SERVERS – We ask that all altar servers continue to wear long pants and hard shoes through the summer months.  Shirts and ties are preferable.  Servers must also arrive prior to the start of the Divine Liturgy.  Thank you for your faithful service.

UPDATED COVID POLICY – Worshippers who have completed the vaccination process (both injections of Pfizer or Moderna, or the single Johnson and Johnson vaccine, plus two weeks) may remove their masks while seated but must replace them when moving around the church.  We have removed the blue caution tape from the pews, but we ask everyone to maintain personal space.  We are also no longer collecting contact tracing information.

 ARCHDIOCESE CONVENTION – As with the Parish Life Conference, there will be a “virtual” Archdiocese Convention on Friday, July 23, and Saturday, July 24.  See the flyer in this bulletin.

 PLEDGE GIVING – During these extraordinary times we ask everyone to maintain their pledge giving as much as possible.  Please remember that 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.

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

            Monday, July 12                        Parish Council, 7:30 PM

            July 23-July 24                          Virtual Archdiocese Convention

            August 1-14                              Dormition Fast

            Sunday, August 15                    Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

            Sunday, September 12              Metropolitan JOSEPH visits

            Monday, September 20             Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

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

            FROM THE FATHERS – “The demons cunningly withdraw for a time in the hope that we will cease to guard our heart, thinking we have now attained peace; then they suddenly attack our unhappy soul and seize it like a sparrow.  Gaining possession of it, they drag it down mercilessly into all kinds of sin, worse than those which we have already committed and for which we have asked forgiveness.  Let us stand, therefore, with fear of God and keep guard over our heart, practicing the virtues which check the wickedness of our enemies.”

-        St. Isaiah the Solitary

**********************************************************************************************

Union Church of Bay Ridge

[Presbyterian Church (USA)]7915 RIDGE BLVD.

ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE ON 80TH ST. / INFO CALL (718) 745-0438

COVID-19 VACCINE SITE

Pfizer vaccine – now available for ALL NEW YORKERS age 12+ 

 regardless of immigration status

WALK-INS are welcome!

 FIRST DOSE EVENT:

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021, 9:00 AM  to 1:00 PM

SECOND DOSE EVENT:

THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2021   9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THE VACCINATION?

A Maimonides Vaccination Team will be available to answer your questions throughout the day.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO WEAR A FACE MASK

******************************************************************************************

“The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (Acts 11: 26)

ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESE OF NORTH AMERICA

358 Mountain Road, P.O. Box 5238, Englewood, NJ 07631-5238

(201) 871-1355 T, (201) 871-7954 F Archdiocese@antiochian.org

 His Eminence, The Most Reverend Metropolitan JOSEPH

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America

2021 Virtual Archdiocesan Convention

Schedule of Events

(All times are EST)

Friday, July 23, 2021:

3:00PM – 5:00PM       Order of St. Ignatius Meeting

5:00PM – 7:30PM       Antiochian Women Meeting

9:00PM – 10:30PM     Teen SOYO Virtual Event

9:00PM – 10:30PM     Young Adults Virtual Event

 Saturday, July 24, 2021:

10AM – 11:00AM Breakout Rooms where members can choose to join particular topics related to current parish matters such as:

·       Finance: Mr. Salim Abboud, Fr. Michael Tassos, Dr. Elias Hebeka

·       Youth: Fr. Nicholas Belcher

·       Stewardship: Mr. William Morrison

·       Pandemic: Dr. Badie Alnemr, Dr. James Rossetti

11:00AM – 11:45AM Fr. Joseph Huneycutt, guest speaker

11:45AM - 12:30PM BREAK – Lunch

12:30PM - 3:00PM General Assembly Meeting and closing

12:30PM - 1:30PM Sayedna’s speech

·       Mr. Salim Abboud – Department of Finance

·       Fr. Nicholas Belcher – Young Adult Ministry, Department of Christian Education,

Department of Youth and Department of Camping

·       Archdn. Emile P. Sayegh, Chancellor

Bulletin for Sunday, July 4, 2021

Sunday, July 4, 2021

Second Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 1 and Eothinon 2

Andrew, Archbishop of Crete, Author of the Great Canon

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 the Resurrection – Tone 1

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

 Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

 Kontakion of the Theotokos – Tone 2

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

Epistle – Romans 2:10-16 (Second Sunday after Pentecost)

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

Verse.  Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous.

             BRETHREN, glory and honor and peace for every one who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek.  For God shows no partiality.

            All who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.  For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.  When Gentiles who have not the law do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law.  They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

 Gospel – Matthew 4:18-23 (Second Sunday after Pentecost)

             AT THAT TIME, as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.  And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  Immediately they left their nets and followed him.  And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them.  Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

            And he went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.

 Next week’s homework:          II Corinthians 6:1-10 (Great Martyr Euphemia)

                                                Matthew 6:22-33 (Third Sunday of Matthew)

 HOLY BREAD – Linda and George Salamy have made a donation for the balance of the year.  Additional donors are welcome for July and succeeding months.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

 POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving.  Please reverently hear these prayers before beginning to “chat.”

 COFFEE HOUR – Weather permitting, there will be a “Grab and Go” Coffee Hour in front of the church following the Divine Liturgy.  We would welcome anyone who would like to volunteer to set up and/or clean up.  Please see Parish Council Chair Chris Athineos.  Donations are always welcome!

 FASTING DISCIPLINE –  For the month of July we return to our standard fasting days of Wednesdays and Fridays.

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

JULY 4, 2021 – 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, JULY 4 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Toufic Ayoub, Dr. Fuad Yousef Dirbas, Michael Eyd, Marguerite and Fred Farkouh, Nora Hamod, Michael Jureidini, Olga Kaity, Abraham Kalaf, Kaleel Kalaf, Alfred A. Khouri, George Lewis, William Lewis, Yvette Milkie, Fred Nassoor, George Shammah, Valentine Trabulsi, Viola Kazan, and Georgette Maione.  Memory eternal!

 Ruth Caro-Abdelnoor offers Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of her husband, the servant of God George Abdelnoor.  Memory eternal!

 Regina and Brian Farkouh offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Marguerite and Fred Farkouh.  Memory eternal!

 Leila and Raymond Trabulsi of Lincoln, RI, offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Lillian and Leon Hattab and Baseem and Valentine Trabulsi.  Memory eternal!

 NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 11 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God George Abdelnoor, Jr., Wajiha Arees, Joseph Arida, Joseph Fadool, Mary Farkouh, Ferris Samara, Amelia Khoury, John Molfino, Victor Makhoul, Nora Khoury, Joseph Klam, Edmund Saleeby, and Bassem Sukkarieh.  Memory eternal!

 Ata and Ida Haddad and Family will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 6-Month Memorial for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Fadwa Haddad as well as a 3-Month Memorial for the handmaiden of God Najla Ishak.  Memory eternal!

 FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Rouda Abboud (Richmond University), Yvonne Allawh (Clove Lakes), Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Mary Ganim (Heritage Rehab), Albert Absey, Diana Finger, Alfred Nahas, Louis Savarese, Evelyn Shamoun, Leon Smatt, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).

 UPDATED COVID POLICY – Worshippers who have completed the vaccination process (both injections of Pfizer or Moderna, or the single Johnson and Johnson vaccine, plus two weeks) may remove their masks while seated but must replace them when moving around the church.  We have removed the blue caution tape from the pews, but we ask everyone to maintain personal space.  We are also no longer collecting contact tracing information.

 ARCHDIOCESE CONVENTION – As with the Parish Life Conference, there will be a “virtual” Archdiocese Convention on Friday, July 23, and Saturday, July 24.  Please reserve those dates, and more information will follow.

 PLEDGE GIVING – During these extraordinary times we ask everyone to maintain their pledge giving as much as possible.  Please remember that 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.

PRAYERS BEFORE TRAVEL – Lord Jesus Christ my God, be my companion, guide and protector during my journey.  Keep me from all danger, misfortune and temptation.  By Your divine power grant me a peaceful and successful journey and safe arrival.  In You I place my home and trust, and You I praise, honor and glorify, together with Your Father and Holy Spirit now and ever and unto ages of ages.  Amen.

 ESTATE PLANNING – A bequest is one of the easiest gifts to make in order to support the ministry of the Church in the future.  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 an estate.  A bequest could also be the residue of an estate after all gifts have been made to heirs, and it can tell our heirs where our values and priorities lie – in the Kingdom of God!

 WORD MAGAZINE – All registered members of the parish are entitled to receive the Word Magazine at home.  If you are not receiving the Word, please contact the church office so that we can submit your name for the mailing list.  Thank you.

 AIR CONDITIONING – We will set the new A/C system at a comfortable temperature, but if you feel the need, please remember to bring a sweater.  We cannot adjust the temperature for individual needs.

 DATES TO REMEMBER

             Monday, July 12                        Parish Council, 7:30 PM

            July 23-July 24                          Virtual Archdiocese Convention

            August 1-14                              Dormition Fast

            Sunday, August 15                    Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

            Wednesday, September 8          Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos

            Sunday, September 12              Metropolitan JOSEPH visits

            Monday, September 20             Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

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

       FROM THE FATHERS – “Often when someone throws a rock at a dog, rather than rushing at the person who threw the stone, the dog will run and bite the stone.  We do the same thing.  The temper uses someone else to tempt us, either in word or deed, and rather than deal with the tempter, who threw the stone, we bite the rock, our fellow man that the hater of the good used against us.”

-        Elder Amhilochios of Patmos

Bulletin for Sunday, June 27, 2021

Sunday, June 27, 2021

First Sunday after Pentecost:  All Saints Sunday

Tone 8 and Eothinon 1

Righteous Sampson the Host of Strangers

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 All Saints – Tone 4

 Thy Church, O Christ God, hath regaled herself in the blood of thy Martyrs, throughout all the world, as in porphyry and purple.  Through them she lifteth her voice, crying, Turn with thy compassion to thy people, and grant peace to thy city, and to our souls the Great Mercy.

 Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

 Kontakion of the Saints – Tone 8

 To thee, O Lord and Author of all creation, the universe offereth as first-fruits of nature the divinity-bearing Martyrs.  Wherefore, by their implorings preserve thou thy Church in perfect safety, for the sake of the Theotokos, O most Merciful One.

Epistle – Hebrews 11:33-40; 12:1-2 (First Sunday and the Sunday of All Saints)

Prokeimenon.  Psalm 67.35, 26.  God is wonderful among his saints.

Verse.  Bless God in the congregations.

             BRETHREN, all the saints through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.  Women received their dead by resurrection.  Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life.  Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment.  They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated – of whom the world was not worthy – wandering over deserts and mountains and in dens and caves of the earth.

            And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

            Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfection of our faith.

 Gospel – Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38; 19:27-30 (Sunday of All Saints)

            THE LORD SAID TO HIS DISCIPLES, “Every one who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

            “He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”

            Then Peter said in reply, “Lo, we have left everything and followed you.  What then shall we have?”  Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of man shall sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundred-fold, and inherit eternal life.  But many that are first will be last, and the last first.”

 Next week’s homework:          I Corinthians 4:9-16 (Synaxis of the Twelve Apostles)

                                                Matthew 9:36-10:8 (Synaxis of the Twelve Apostles)

 POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS – At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a reader will read the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving.  Please reverently hear these prayers before beginning to “chat.”

Next week’s homework:          Romans 2:10-16 (Second Sunday after Pentecost)

                                                Matthew 4:18-23 (Second Sunday of Matthew)

 PLEASE MAKE SURE all electronic devices are turned off in the house/church.

JUNE 27, 2021 – FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST:  ALL SAINTS SUNDAY

 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 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.

 Fr. Michael and Deacon Farid are away this weekend celebrating the marriage of George Farkouh and Valerie Clements in Greenville, SC.  They will both return later today.  We are pleased and blessed to welcome Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, President of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Crestwood, NY, to preside at the divine services.

 TODAY, JUNE 27 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Linda Abdallah, Victor Arida, Wadiha and Edward Baloutine, Mabel Bittar, Angela Boojamra, Janelle and Basil Couri, Nancy Davis, Florence Lewis Dibbs, Margarete Hadad, James Haddad, Mary and Phillip Hanna, Gloria Jabara, Farid Khoury, Lorraine Lewis, Lydia Lewis, John Massabni, Victor Merhige, Ferris Samara, Marie Sayegh, Margaret Soued, Victoria and George Tadross, Adeeba Tweel, Helen Sahadi, Mae Karram, Maggy Karam, and Salvatore Savarese.  Memory eternal!

 The Ellias Family offers Prayers of Oblation for the health of Matthew Gregory Ellias, Sr., on his birthday.  Many years!

 Sandra Coogan offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her father, the servant of God Salvatore Savarese.  Memory eternal!

 Corinne and Michael Mallia offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Maggy Karam.  Memory eternal!

 NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 4 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Toufic Ayoub, Dr. Fuad Yousef Dirbas, Michael Eyd, Marguerite and Fred Farkouh, Nora Hamod, Michael Jureidini, Olga Kaity, Abraham Kalaf, Kaleel Kalaf, Alfred A. Khouri, George Lewis, William Lewis, Yvette Milkie, Fred Nassoor, George Shammah, Valentine Trabulsi, Viola Kazan, and Georgette Maione.  Memory eternal!

 Ruth Abdelnoor will offer Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of her husband, the servant of God George Abdelnoor.  Memory eternal!

 COFFEE HOUR – Weather permitting, there will be a “Grab and Go” Coffee Hour in front of the church following the Divine Liturgy.  We would welcome anyone who would like to volunteer to set up and/or clean up.  Please see Parish Council Chair Chris Athineos.  Donations are always welcome!

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Rouda Abboud (Richmond University), Yvonne Allawh (Clove Lakes), Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Mary Ganim (Heritage Rehab), Albert Absey, Diana Finger, Alfred Nahas, Louis Savarese, Evelyn Shamoun, Leon Smatt, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).

 HOLY BREAD – Gloria Darzi offers the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of June in loving memory of the handmaiden of God Wadia Zain.  Linda and George Salamy have made a donation for the balance of the year.  Additional donors are welcome for July and succeeding months.

 FASTING DISCIPLINE – The Fast of the Apostles begins on the Monday following All Saints Sunday and continues until the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29.  Due to the date of Holy Pascha this year this fast will last precisely one day – tomorrow, June 28.  Please observe this day of fasting in remembrance of the missionaries who continue the apostolate of Saints Peter and Paul, and please consider a donation to the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) and its Support a Mission Priest (SAMP) program.  Contact OCMC at samp@ocmc.org or (904) 829-5132.

 UPDATED COVID POLICY – Worshippers who have completed the vaccination process (both injections of Pfizer or Moderna, or the single Johnson and Johnson vaccine, plus two weeks) may remove their masks while seated but must replace them when moving around the church.  We have removed the blue caution tape from the pews, but we ask everyone to maintain personal space.  We are also no longer collecting contact tracing information.

 PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE – The “virtual” Parish Life Conference sponsored by Holy Cross Church in Linthicum, MD, concludes on Wednesday, June 30, at 7:30 PM.  The theme is “Restoring Our Relationships:  The Impact of the Pandemic and Technology on the Church and Society.”  This will be a two-part session followed by a panel discussion.  Syndicated Columnist Terry Mattingly will address “What Our Screens Do to Us:  In Home Life and in Parish Life.”  Licensed Clinical Psychologist Erik Hadden will address “Coming Back to Ourselves:  Revitalizing Healthy Parish Relationships Post COVID.”  You must register in advance in order to receive the Zoom link.  Go to https://www.holycrossonline.org/plc2021 to register.

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

                    Sunday, June 27                     Feast of All Saints

            Monday, June 28                   Apostles Fast

            Tuesday, June 29                    Feast of Saints Peter and Paul

            Wednesday, June 30               Parish Life Conference Panel Discussion, 7:30 PM

            Monday, September 20          Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

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

            FROM THE FATHERS – “Do not seek Christian perfection in human virtues.  It is not there; it is mystically preserved in the Cross of Christ.”

-        St. Ignatius Brianchaninov

Bulletin for Sunday, June 20, 2021

Sunday, June 20, 2021

Great Feast of Holy Pentecost

Today’s Hymns and Readings

 During the Little Entrance – O Lord, in Thy strength the king shall be glad, and in Thy salvation shall he rejoice exceedingly.  The desire of his heart hast Thou granted unto him, and hast not denied him the request of his lips.  Thou wentest before him with blessings of goodness, Thou has set upon his head a crown of precious stones.  He asked life of Thee, and Thou gavest him length of days unto ages of ages.

 Entrance Hymn – Be thou exalted, O Lord, in thy own strength.  We will sing and praise thy mighty acts.  Save us, O good Comforter, as we sing to Thee:  Alleluia.

 Apolytikion of Pentecost – Tone 8

 Blessed art thou, O Christ our God, who has revealed the fishermen as most wise, having sent upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them thou has fished the universe, O Lover of mankind, glory to thee.

 Kontakion of Pentecost – Tone 8

 When the high One descended, confusing tongues, he divided the nations.  And when he distributed the fiery tongues he called all to one unity.  Wherefore, in unison we glorify the most Holy Spirit.

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

  Epistle – Acts 2:1-11 (Sunday of Pentecost)

 Prokeimenon.  Psalm 18.4, 1.  Their voice has gone out into all the earth.

Verse.  The heavens declare the glory of God.

             WHEN THE DAY OF PENTECOST had come, they were all together in one place.  And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

            Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.  And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.  And they were amazed and wondered, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?  And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?  Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontos and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

 Gospel – John 7:37-52, 8:12 (Sunday of Pentecost)

             ON THE LAST DAY OF THE FEAST, the great day, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, “If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink.  He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, ‘Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.’”  Now this he said about the Spirit, which those who believed in him were to receive; for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

            When they heard these words, many of the people said, “This is really the prophet.”  Others said, “This is the Christ.”  But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee?  Has not the scripture said that the Christ is descended from David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?”  So there was a division among the people over him.  Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.

            The officers then went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring him?”  The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this man!”  The Pharisees answered them, “Are you led astray, you also?  Have any of the authorities or of the Pharisees believed in him?  But this crowd, who do not know the law, are accursed.”  Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them, “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?”  They replied, “Are you from Galilee too?  Search and you will see that no prophet is to rise from Galilee.”

            Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

 Next week’s homework:          Hebrews 11:33-40; 12:1-2 (First Sunday and Sunday of All Saints)

                                                Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38; 19:27-30 (Sunday of All Saints)

 FASTING DISCIPLINE – The week following the Sunday of Pentecost is fast-free.

 JUNE 20, 2021 – GREAT FEAST OF HOLY 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.      

 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, JUNE 20 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Adahlia David, Atina David, Susan Paula Dib, Rose Elkas, John Massabni, Nicholas Massabni, George Metry, Lillian Sadaka, Adama Salamy, Rose and George Samman, Najla and Thomas Shohfi, Evelyn Shoucair, Olga and Albert Wardi, and Wadia Zain.  Memory eternal!

 George Trisciuzzi offers Prayers of Oblation for the health of the handmaiden of God Dr. Jane L. Delgado of Washington, DC, on her birthday.  Many years!

 NEXT SUNDAY, JUNE 27 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Linda Abdallah, Victor Arida, Wadiha and Edward Baloutine, Mabel Bittar, Angela Boojamra, Janelle and Basil Couri, Nancy Davis, Florence Lewis Dibbs, Margarete Hadad, James Haddad, Mary and Phillip Hanna, Gloria Jabara, Farid Khoury, Lorraine Lewis, Lydia Lewis, John Massabni, Victor Merhige, Ferris Samara, Marie Sayegh, Margaret Soued, Victoria and George Tadross, Adeeba Tweel, Helen Sahadi, Mae Karram, Maggy Karam, and Salvatore Savarese.  Memory eternal!

 FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Rouda Abboud (Richmond University), Yvonne Allawh (Clove Lakes), Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Mary Ganim (Heritage Rehab), Albert Absey, Diana Finger, Alfred Nahas, Louis Savarese, Evelyn Shamoun, Leon Smatt, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).

 HOLY BREAD – Gloria Darzi offers the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of June in memory of the handmaiden of God Wadia Zain.  Linda and George Salamy have also made a donation for the balance of the year.  Additional donors are welcome for July and succeeding months.

 COFFEE HOUR – Weather permitting, there will be a “Grab and Go” Coffee Hour in front of the church following the Divine Liturgy.  We would welcome anyone who would like to volunteer to set up and/or clean up.  Please see Parish Council Chair Chris Athineos.  Donations are always welcome!

 PASTORAL EMERGENCY – Both Fr. Michael and Deacon Farid will be away from Friday, June 25 through Sunday, June 27, for the wedding of George Farkouh and Valerie Clements in Greenville, SC.  In the event of a pastoral emergency, please call Fr. Thomas Zain at (718) 748-7940 or (917) 771-4120.  Fr. Chad Hatfield, President of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, will preside at the Divine Liturgy.

UPDATED COVID POLICY – The Governor of New York has issued new safety guidelines.  Accordingly, worshippers who have completed the vaccination process (both injections of Pfizer or Moderna, or the single Johnson and Johnson vaccine, plus two weeks) may remove their masks while seated but must replace them when moving around the church.  We have removed the blue caution tape from the pews, but we ask everyone to maintain personal space.  We are also no longer collecting contact tracing information.

 PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE – The “virtual” Parish Life Conference sponsored by Holy Cross Church in Linthicum, MD, continues on Wednesday, June 23 at 7:30 PM.  Author Summer Kinard will address “Exalting the Valley of Accessibility.”  Summer will provide an interactive workshop focusing on how we can be a more inclusive community of God, incorporating people of all abilities and backgrounds in our worship and activities.  You must register in advance in order to receive the Zoom link.  Go to https://www.holycrossonline.org/plc2021 to register.

 ARCHDIOCESE CONVENTION – As with the Parish Life Conference, there will be a “virtual” Archdiocese Convention on Friday, July 23, and Saturday, July 24.  Please reserve those dates, and more information will follow.

 APOSTLES FAST – Each year the “Apostles Fast” or the “Fast of Saints Peter and Paul” extends from the Monday following All Saints Sunday (next week) until the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (June 29).  In 2021 this fast will last exactly one day because of the late date of Holy Pascha and Holy Pentecost.  Let’s use this short fast to pray for all those who lost their lives during the pandemic, for those surviving families who sustained losses, and for the Holy Spirit to draw everyone back to church.

 PLEDGE GIVING – During these extraordinary times we ask everyone to maintain their pledge giving as much as possible.  Please remember that 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.

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

               Wednesday, June 23                 Parish Life Conference Presentation, 7:30 PM

            Saturday, June 26                     NO GREAT VESPERS

            Sunday, June 27                       Feast of All Saints

            Monday, June 28                     Apostles Fast

            Tuesday, June 29                      Feast of Saints Peter and Paul

            Wednesday, June 30                 Parish Life Conference Panel Discussion, 7:30 PM

Monday, September 20            Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

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

 FROM THE FATHERS – “The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, Who fills the whole universe, passes through all believing, meek, humble, good and simple human souls, dwelling in them, vivifying and strengthening them.  He becomes one spirit with them and everything to them – light, strength, peace, joy, success in their undertakings, especially to a pious life, and everything good.”

-        St. John of Kronstadt-        St. John of Kronstadt

Bulletin for Sunday, June 13, 2021

Sunday, June 13, 2021

Sunday of the After-Feast of the Ascension

Tone 6 and Eothinon 10

Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council

 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 Ascension – Tone 4

 Thou hast ascended in glory, O Christ our God, and gladdened thy Disciples with the promise of the Holy Spirit, having become confident of the blessing.  Verily, thou art the Son of God, and Deliverer of the world.

 Apolytikion of the Holy Fathers – Tone 8

 Thou, O Christ, art our God of exceeding praise who didst establish our holy Fathers as luminous stars upon earth, and through them didst guide us unto the true Faith, O most merciful One, 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 Ascension – Tone 6

 When thou didst fulfill thy dispensation for our sakes, uniting the terrestrials with the celestials, thou didst ascend in glory, O Christ our God, inseparable in space, but constant without separation, and crying unto thy beloved, I am with you, and no one shall be against you.

 Epistle – Acts 20:16-18, 28-36 (Sunday of the Holy Fathers of Nicea)

Prokeimenon.  Hymn of the Three Children.  Daniel 3.26-27.  Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.

Verse.  For you are just in all you have done.

             IN THOSE DAYS, Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

            And from Miletos he sent to Ephesus ad called to him the elders of the church.  And when they came to him, he said to them:

            “Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son.  I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.  Therefore, be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.  And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.  I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel.  You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me.  In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

            And when he had spoken thus, he knelt down and prayed with them all.

 Gospel – John 17:1-13 (Sunday of the Holy Fathers of Nicea)

             AT THAT TIME, Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify thy Son that the Son may glorify thee, since thou has given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom thou has given him.  And this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.  I glorified thee on earth, having accomplished the work which thou gavest me to do; and now, Father, glorify thou me in thy own presence with the glory which I had with thee before the world was made.

            “I have manifested thy name to the men whom thou gavest me out of the world; thine they were, and thou gavest them to me, and they have kept thy word.  Now they know that everything that thou hast given me is from thee; for I have given them the words which thou gavest me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from thee; and they have believed that thou didst send me.  I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom thou hast given me, for they are thine; all mine are thine, and thine are mine, and I am glorified in them.  And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to thee.  Holy Father, keep them in thy name, which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.  While I was with them, I kept them in thy name, which thou hast given me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled.  But now I am coming to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.”

 Next week’s homework:          Acts 2:1-11 (Holy Pentecost)

                                                 John 7:37-52, 8:12 (Holy Pentecost)

JUNE 13, 2021 – SUNDAY OF THE AFTER-FEAST OF THE ASCENSION

 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 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, JUNE 13 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Fouad Allawh, Nesen Coury, Shafica Debagie, Kathleen Halloran, Michael Haje, Georgette Jabbour, Eleanor Khoury, Eduardo Khouzami, Emile Malluk, Edward, George, Georgette, and Olga Manessa, Joseph G. Mashamesh, Betty Massab, Wadih Massab, Fred Massad, Nicholas Orfaly, Albert T. Sabah, Blanche Shahood, Nicholas Ablan Shahood, Henrietta Shawah, Adele Unis, and Alfred Zrike.  Memory eternal!

 George Trisciuzzi offers Prayers of Oblation for the health of the servants of God Elaine and Leonard Gelstein.  Many years!

 NEXT SUNDAY, JUNE 20 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Adahlia David, Atina David, Susan Paula Dib, Rose Elkas, John Massabni, Nicholas Massabni, George Metry, Lillian Sadaka, Adama Salamy, Rose and George Samman, Najla and Thomas Shohfi, Evelyn Shoucair, Olga and Albert Wardi, and Wadia Zain.  Memory eternal!

 FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Albert Absey (NY Presbyterian), Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Mary Ganim (Heritage Rehab), Diana Finger, Alfred Nahas, Louis Savarese, Evelyn Shamoun, Leon Smatt, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).

 HOLY BREAD – Gloria Darzi offers the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of June.  Linda and George Salamy have also made a donation for the balance of the year.  Additional donors are welcome for July and succeeding months.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

 PARISH COUNCIL – The Parish Council will hold its regular monthly meeting tomorrow, June 14, at 7:30 PM in person.

 UPDATED MASK POLICY – After the discomfort caused by the heat and lack of air conditioning last Sunday, the COVID response committee met this week to address the situation.  After extensive discussion the committee has decided that worshippers who have completed the vaccination process (both injections of Pfizer or Moderna, or the single Johnson and Johnson vaccine, plus two weeks) may remove their masks while seated but must replace them when moving around the church.  The committee will bring other recommendations to the Parish Council tomorrow for further discussion as we make every attempt to return to normal as safely as possible.

COFFEE HOUR – Weather permitting, there will be a “Grab and Go” Coffee Hour in front of the church following the Divine Liturgy.  We would welcome anyone who would like to volunteer to set up and/or clean up.  Please see Parish Council Chair Chris Athineos.  Donations are always welcome!

 PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE – The “virtual” Parish Life Conference sponsored by Holy Cross Church in Linthicum, MD continues on Wednesday, June 16 at 7:30 PM.  Metropolitan JOSEPH and Bishop THOMAS will speak about our relationships with each other in the context of the Church and our relationship with Christ.  Their words will be followed by a question and answer period.  You must register in advance in order to receive the Zoom link.  Go to https://www.holycrossonline.org/plc2021 to register.

 ARCHDIOCESE CONVENTION – As with the Parish Life Conference, there will be a “virtual” Archdiocese Convention on Friday, July 23, and Saturday, July 24.  Please reserve those dates, and more information will follow.

 GREAT VESPERS – We will celebrate the final Great Vespers of the summer on Saturday, June 19, at 5:00 PM in anticipation of the Feast of Holy Pentecost.  We note that only one person viewed last week’s service online, and that person wanted to send “demons” upon us!

 PLEDGE GIVING – During these extraordinary times we ask everyone to maintain their pledge giving as much as possible.  Please remember that 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 or at home.

DATES TO REMEMBER

            Monday, June 14                     Parish Council, 7:30 PM

            Wednesday, June 16                 PLC Presentation – Met JOSEPH and Bp Thomas, 7:30 PM

            Saturday, June 19                     Pylak Baptism, 11:00 AM

Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

            Sunday, June 20                       Holy Pentecost

                                                            Father’s Day

            Saturday, June 26                     Farkouh-Clements Wedding, Greenville, SC

           Monday, September 20            Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

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

  FROM THE FATHERS – “A manifest sign of love for God is a heartfelt gladness in God, for we rejoice in what we love.  Likewise love of God cannot exist without joy, and whenever one feels the sweetness of the love of God within his heart, he rejoices in God.  For so sweet a virtue as love cannot be felt without joy.  As honey sweetens our throat when we taste of it, so the love of God makes our heart glad when we taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 33:9).  Such joy in God is found in many places in Holy Scriptures, and is portrayed most of all in the holy Psalms.  This joy is spiritual and heavenly, and is a foretaste of the sweetness of eternal life.”

-        St. Tikhon of Zadonsk