Bulletin for Sunday, October 24, 2021

Sunday, October 24, 2021

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 1 and Eothinon 7

Great-Martyr Arethas (Al-Haarith) and Companions in Arabia

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 St. Arethas and Companions – Tone 1

 Be Thou entreated for the sake of the sufferings of Thy Saints which they endured for Thee, O Lord, and do Thou heal all our pains, we pray, O Friend of man.

 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 9:6-11 (Eighteenth 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, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work.  As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”  He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness.  You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

 Gospel – Luke 8:26-39 (Sixth Sunday of Luke)

             AT THAT TIME, Jesus arrived at the country of the Gad’arenes, which is opposite Galilee.  And as he stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time, he had worn no clothes, and he lived not in a house but among the tombs.  When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, “What have I to do with you, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?  I beseech you, do not torment me.”  For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man.  [For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.]  Jesus then asked him “What is your name?”  And he said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him.  And they begged Jesus not to command them to depart into the abyss.

            Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged Jesus to let them enter these.  So he gave them leave.  Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

            When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country.  Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.  And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed.  Then all of the people of the surrounding country of the Gad’arenes asked Jesus to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so he got into a boat and returned.  The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with Jesus; but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare all that God has done for you.”  And he went away, proclaiming through the whole city all that Jesus had done for him.

 Next week’s homework:          II Corinthians 11:31-12:9 (Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost)

                                                Luke 16:19-31 (Sixth Sunday of Luke)

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

OCTOBER 24, 2021 – EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

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

 OCTOBER IS YOUTH MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE!

TODAY, OCTOBER 24 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Zakia Abdalla, Ameen K. Arida, Spiro Haddad, Afif Hazem, Samia, Fareed, Hazel, Angel, and George Khoury, Gabriel Kouchary, John Martin, Selma McKaba, Maria Ann Sabah, Michel Al-Kirsheh, Matilda Couri Boutross, Aleer Couri, Delia Deeb, Alfred Farkouh, Rose Jabron, Lily Karkenny, Anthony Kinge, Gabriel Kouchary, Najla Sahadi, Edith Khoury Tadross, Mitchell A. Tadross, Susan Texeira, and Loraine Zraick.  Memory eternal!

  NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Michel Al-Kirsheh, Nicholas L. Assatly, Alfred Farkouh, Henry Haddad, Fareeza Hallal, Assad Hanna, Alfred Helal, Delores, Olga, Paul, and Salem Jabara, Anthony Kinge, Evelyn Mouracade, Helweh Sayage, Josephine Tadross, Lorraine Zraick, and Mary and Richard Zraick.  Memory eternal!

 The Family of Hanna Nehme will offer Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of his soul.  A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy.  Memory eternal!

 HOLY BREAD – James Harris offers the Holy Bread of Oblation in memory of his mother, Margaret M. Harris, for the month of October.  Memory eternal!   Additional donors are welcome for October, November, and succeeding months.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

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

 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 are returning today to a limited group of vaccinated singers in our choir.

 FASTING DISICIPLINE – We maintain the traditional fasting discipline on Wednesday and Friday through the month of October.

STREET NAMING – 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, today following the Divine Liturgy.  There will be an outdoor reception following the dedication.

 COFFEE HOUR – We will resume indoor Coffee Hours on Sunday, October 31, for the fully vaccinated in accordance with NYC requirements for indoor dining.  Just as we do in church, we will ask people to wear a mask when moving around the hall but not when seated.   Servers wearing masks and gloves will distribute coffee and “grab and go snacks.”  We will ask everyone to use hand sanitizer before and after touching anything.  Unvaccinated children can eat at the table with their parents or outside, and we ask that children not run around freely.  Although these conditions are not optimal, we believe that the importance of fellowship means that we must continue to exercise caution.

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

 THEOLOGICAL OFFERING – Our October pledge envelopes included a green envelope marked “Theological Offering.”  This account is one of the three mandatory “trays” we collect each year for the Antiochian Archdiocese and supports our seminaries in North America.  Our minimum contribution as a parish is $500.  Our faithful can either drop their envelope in the collection tray on Sundays or return it to the church office.  If you are not receiving pledge envelopes, please inform the church office so that we can add you to our list of supporters.  Thank you for your generous support of our seminaries.

 BIBLE STUDY – We will continue our study of the Gospel of St. Matthew on Wednesday, October 27, at 7:00 PM, with chapters 10-12. Please bring your Orthodox Study Bible.  All are welcome!

 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.

  DATES TO REMEMBER

            Wednesday, October 27            Bible Study, 7:00 PM

            Saturday, October 30                NO GREAT VESPERS

            Friday, November 5                   Vigil for St. Raphael @ St. Nicholas Cathedral, 6:30 PM

            Saturday, November 6               Blessing of Animals, 4:00 PM

                                                             Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

            Sunday, November 7                 Daylight Savings Time ends

            Monday, November 8                Parish Council, 7:30 PM

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

   FROM THE FATHERS – “Never better!.”

-        Archpriest Paul W.S. Schneirla

Bulletin for Sunday, October 17, 2021

Sunday, October 17, 2021

Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council

Tone 8 and Eothinon 6

Prophet Hosea

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 8

 O Compassionate One, thou didst descend from the heights; thou didst submit to the three-day burial, that thou mightest deliver us from passion.  Thou art our Life and our Resurrection, O Lord, glory to thee.

 Apolytikion of the 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 – Luke 8:5-15 (Fourth Sunday of Luke)

       THE LORD SPOKE THIS PARABLE:  “A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it.  And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture.  And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it.  And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold.”

            And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, Jesus said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.  Now the parable is this:  The seed is the word of God.  The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be saved.  And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.  And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.  And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience.”  As Jesus said this, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

 Next week’s homework:          II Corinthians 9:6-11 (Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost)

                                                 Luke 8:26-39 (Sixth Sunday of Luke)

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

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

OCTOBER 17, 2021 – SUNDAY OF THE HOLY FATHERS OF THE SEVENTH ECUMENICAL COUNCIL

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

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

  OCTOBER IS YOUTH MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE!

TODAY, OCTOBER 17 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Selma Abouchar, Edward Arida, Selma Assatly, Hazel, Fareed, Mary and Sophie Fauty, Angel Folsey, Henry Hadad, Sr., George P. James, Samia and George Khoury, George, Beder and Sadallah Sabbagh, and Temam Samra.  Memory eternal!

 The Family of Terry Tashji offers Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of his soul.  Memory eternal!

  NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Zakia Abdalla, Ameen K. Arida, Spiro Haddad, Afif Hazem, Gabriel Kouchary, John Martin, Selma McKaba, Maria Ann Sabah, Michel Al-Kirsheh, Matilda Couri Boutross, Aleer Couri, Delia Deeb, Alfred Farkouh, Rose Jabron, Lily Karkenny, Anthony Kinge, Gaberiel Kouchary, Najla Sahadi, Susan Texeira, and Lorraine Zraick.  Memory eternal!

 HOLY BREAD – James Harris offers the Holy Bread of Oblation in memory of his mother, Margaret M. Harris, for the month of October.  Memory eternal!   Additional donors are welcome for October, November, and succeeding months.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

 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.

 FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Clair Banat (Lutheran NYU), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Dr. Amer Rafiaa (NYU Lutheran), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Yvonne Allawh, Claudette Budai, 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).

 STREET NAMING – 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.  Weather permitting, there will be an outdoor reception following the dedication.

 COFFEE HOUR – Weather permitting, there will be a “Grab and Go” Coffee Hour in front of the church today following the Divine Liturgy.  We would welcome anyone who would like to volunteer to set up and/or clean up.  Donations are always welcome!  We will resume indoor Coffee Hours on Sunday, October 31 only for the fully vaccinated in accordance with NYC requirements for indoor dining.  Just as we do in church, we will ask people to wear a mask when moving around but not when seated.   Servers wearing masks and gloves will distribute coffee and “grab and go snacks.”  We will ask everyone to use hand sanitizer before and after touching anything.  Unvaccinated children can eat at the table with their parents or outside, and we ask that children not run around freely.  Although these conditions are not optimal, we believe that the importance of fellowship means that we must continue to exercise caution.

 FASTING DISICIPLINE – We maintain the traditional fasting discipline on Wednesday and Friday through the month of October.

 THEOLOGICAL OFFERING – Our October pledge envelopes included a green envelope marked “Theological Offering.”  This account is one of the three mandatory “trays” we collect each year for the Antiochian Archdiocese and supports our seminaries in North America.  Our minimum contribution as a parish is $500.  Our faithful can either drop their envelope in the collection tray on Sundays or return it to the church office.  If you are not receiving pledge envelopes, please inform the church office so that we can add you to our list of supporters.  Thank you for your generous support of our seminaries.

 BIBLE STUDY – We will continue our study of the Gospel of St. Matthew on Wednesday, October 20, at 7:00 PM with chapters 7-9. Please bring your Orthodox Study Bible.  All are welcome!

 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.

  DATES TO REMEMBER

             Sunday, October 17                  Kish-Fattouh Wedding, 1:30 PM

Special Olympics Awareness Day

            Wednesday, October 20            Bible Study, 7:00 PM

            Saturday, October 23                Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

            Sunday, October 24                  Street Naming in honor of Fr. Paul Schneirla

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

            FROM THE FATHERS – “Seek help of our merciful Lord Jesus Chist whose loving wounded heart is open to all.  His pure blood is always there to wash away our sins.  Keep near the great physician.  Seek Him, call Him, knock at the door.”

-        St.   Macarius of Optina

Bulletin for Sunday, October 10, 2021

Sunday, October 10, 2021

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 7 and Eothinon 5

Holy Martyrs Eulampios and Eulampia at Nicomedia

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 Martyrs Eulampios and Eulampia – Tone 4

 Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God.  For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons’ strengthless presumption.  O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

 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 (Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost)

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

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

             BRETHREN, working together with him, then, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain.  For he says, “At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation.”  Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.  We put no obstacle in any one’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way:  through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watching, hunger; by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute.  We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

 Gospel – Luke 7:11-16 (Third Sunday of Luke)

             AT THAT TIME, Jesus went to a city called Na’in, and many of his disciples and a great crowd went with him.  As he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her.  And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”  And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still.  And Jesus said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.”  And the dead man sat up, and began to speak.  And Jesus gave him to his mother.  Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!”

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

                                                Luke 8:5-15 (Fourth Sunday of Luke)

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

 HOLY BREAD – James Harris offers the Holy Bread of Oblation in memory of his mother, Margaret M. Harris, for the month of October.  Memory eternal!   Additional donors are welcome for October, November, and succeeding months.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

 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.

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

OCTOBER 10, 2021 – SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

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

 TODAY, OCTOBER 10 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Doris Farkouh Creidy, Zahaya Dahab, Janet M. Gehshan, John G. Golam, James Haddad, Raymond Halabi, Margaret Mackoul, Joan Maffetone, Lynda Massawir, Helen Orfaly, Rose Rowady, Virginia M. and George A. Sahadi, Michael Zarouni, Victor N. Zrake, and George Zraick.  Memory eternal!

 Danielle Gehshan Morris, Janine Gehshan Mansukhani, and Linda Gehshan Salamy offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Janet M. Gehshan and Donald Farkouh.  Memory eternal!

 Gabriel Golam offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God John G. Golam.  Memory eternal!

 Louise Sahadi offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God, her parents, Virginia and George Sahadi.  Memory eternal!

  NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Selma Abouchar, Edward Arida, Selma Assatly, Hazel, Fareed, Mary and Sophie Fauty, Angel Folsey, Henry Hadad, Sr., George P. James, Samia and George Khoury, George, George, Beder and Sadallah Sabbagh, and Temam Samra.  Memory eternal!

 TODAY’S USHERS – October is Youth Month in the Antiochian Archdiocese.  Members of Teen SOYO will serve as ushers and readers.  The ushers will assist us in proceeding row by row so that we can distribute Holy Communion “decently and in order.”  We ask the Church School students, teachers and volunteers to receive Communion first so that they can proceed to their classes on a timely basis.

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!

 FASTING DISCIPLINE – We maintain the traditional fasting discipline on Wednesday and Friday through the month of October.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Yvonne Allawh, Claudette Budai, 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).

 FIRST FORTY DAYS/COLLEGE CONTACT – Orthodox Campus Fellowship (OCF) is requesting the names and contact information for all college students and college-age young adults in order to maintain contact with them while they are away.  Please send the names, email address, student phone, college or military unit to pastor@smaoc.org.

 THEOLOGICAL OFFERING – Our October pledge envelopes included a green envelope marked “Theological Offering.”  This account is one of the three mandatory “trays” we collect each year for the Antiochian Archdiocese and supports our seminaries in North America.  Our minimum contribution as a parish is $500.  Our faithful can either drop their envelope in the collection tray on Sundays or return it to the church office.  If you are not receiving pledge envelopes, please inform the church office so that we can add you to our list of supporters.  Thank you for your generous support of our seminaries.

 BIBLE STUDY – We will continue our study of the Gospel of St. Matthew on Wednesday, October 13, at 7:00 PM with chapters 5-7. Please bring your Orthodox Study Bible.  All are welcome!

 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.

 STREET NAMING – 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.

  DATES TO REMEMBER

  Monday, October 11                  Parish Council, 7:30 PM

Wednesday, October 13            Bible Study, 7:00 PM

Saturday, October 16                Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

            Sunday, October 17                  Special Olympics Awareness Day

                                                            Kish-Fattouh Wedding, 1:30 PM

            Sunday, October 24                  Street Naming in honor of Fr. Paul Schneirla

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

            FROM THE FATHERS – “Any desire, no matter how good it appears, cannot rival the desire for Christ or for the Panagia.  When I give my heart to God, will not God give me His entire Self in return?  God seek’s man’s heart:  My son, give me your heart (Proverbs 23:26).  If man gives God his heart, God will grant him his heart’s desires – as long as they will not be harmful to him.  Only a heart given to Christ is not wasted, and only in Christ does one find – in abundance – the gift of divine life in this life, and heavenly exaltation in the next life.”

-        Elder Paisios the Athonite

Bulletin for Sunday, October 3, 2021

Sunday, October 3, 2021

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 6 and Eothinon 4

Hieromartyr Dionysios the Areopagite

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 Hieromartyr Dionysios the Areopagite – Tone 4

 Since thou hadst been instructed in uprightness thoroughly and wast vigilant in all things, thou wast clothed with a good conscience as befitteth one holy.  Thou didst draw from the Chosen Vessel ineffable mysteries; and having kept the faith, thou didst finish a like course, O Hieromartyr Dionysios.  Intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.

 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 4:6-15 (Fifteenth 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, it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

            But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us.  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.  For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.  So death is at work in us, but life in you.

            Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we too believed, and so we speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.  For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

 Gospel – Luke 6:31-36 (Second Sunday of Luke)

 THE LORD SAID, “As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.  If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?  For even sinners love those who love them.  And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you?  For even sinners do the same.  And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you?  Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again.  But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish.  Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”

 Next week’s homework:          II Corinthians 6:1-10 (16th Sunday after Pentecost)

                                                Luke 7:11-16 (Third Sunday of Luke)

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

HOLY BREAD – James Harris offers the Holy Bread of Oblation in memory of his mother, Margaret M. Harris, for the month of October.  Memory eternal!   Linda and George Salamy have also made a donation for the entire year.  Many years!  Additional donors are welcome for October, November, and succeeding months.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

 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.

OCTOBER 3, 2021 – FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

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

 OCTOBER IS YOUTH MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE!

 TODAY, OCTOBER 3 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Dorothy Howie, Bernice Wardi Lutfy, Nora Manolescu, Elias Massabni, Alice S. Merhige, Edmund Shawah, Herbert Trabulsi, Fred Zahka, Antoun Zgheib, and Edna and Philip Zrike.  Memory eternal!

 Clemencia Saleeby offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Alice Ghazal.  Memory eternal!

 NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Doris Farkouh Creidy, Zahaya Dahab, Janet M. Gehshan, John G. Golam, James Haddad, Raymond Halabi, Gary Kassatly, Margaret Mackoul, Joan Maffetone, Lynda Massawir, Helen Orfaly, Rose Rowady, Virginia M. and George A. Sahadi, Edith Khoury Tadross, Mitchell A. Tadross, Michael Zarouni, Victor N. Zrake, and George Zraick.  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, Clair Banat (Norwegian), Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Yvonne Allawh, Claudette Budai, 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).

 FASTING DISICIPLINE – We maintain the traditional fasting discipline on Wednesday and Friday through the month of October.

 BIBLE STUDY – We will continue our study of the Gospel of St. Matthew on Wednesday, October 6, at 7:00 PM with chapters 3 and 4. Please bring your Orthodox Study Bible.  All are welcome!

FIRST FORTY DAYS/COLLEGE CONTACT – Orthodox Campus Fellowship (OCF) is requesting the names and contact information for all college students and college-age young adults in order to maintain contact with them while they are away.  Please send the names, email address, student phone, college or military unit to pastor@smaoc.org.

 THEOLOGICAL OFFERING – Our October pledge envelopes included a green envelope marked “Theological Offering.”  This account is one of the three mandatory “trays” we collect each year for the Antiochian Archdiocese and supports our seminaries in North America.  Our minimum contribution as a parish is $500.  Our faithful can either drop their envelope in the collection tray on Sundays or return it to the church office.  If you are not receiving pledge envelopes, please inform the church office so that we can add you to our list of supporters.  Thank you for your generous support of our seminaries.

 HURRICANE IDA – Please see the letter from Metropolitan JOSEPH in today’s bulletin concerning the collection for the victims of Hurricane Ida from our St. Basil Church in Metairie, LA.  Today will be our final appeal before forwarding our collection.  Please make your check payable to St. Mary’s Church with “Ida” in the memo line.

 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.

 STREET NAMING – 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.

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

 DATES TO REMEMBER

            Wednesday, October 6              Bible Study, 7:00 PM

            Saturday, October 9                 Yang-Li Wedding, 2:30 PM @ Holy Cross G.O. Church

Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

            Monday, October 11                 Parish Council, 7:30 PM

            Sunday, October 17                  Special Olympics Awareness Day

            Sunday, October 24                  Street Naming in honor of Fr. Paul Schneirla

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

            FROM THE FATHERS – “When heavy with overeating, the body makes the intellect spiritless and sluggish; likewise, when weakened by excessive abstinence, the body makes the contemplative faculty of the soul dejected an disinclined to concentrate.  We should therefore regulate our food according to the condition of the body, so that it is appropriately disciplined when in good health and adequately nourished when weak.  The body of one pursuing the spiritual way must not be enfeebled; he must have enough strength for his labors, so that the soul may be suitably purified through bodily exertion as well.”

-        St. Diadochos of Photiki

Bulletin for Sunday, September 26, 2021

Sunday, September 26, 2021

Repose of St. John the Evangelist and Theologian

Tone 5 and Eothinon 3 

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 Repose of St. John the Theologian – Tone 2

 O Apostle, speaker of divinity, the beloved of Christ God, hasten and deliver thy people powerless in argument; for he on whose bosom thou didst lean accepteth thee as an intercessor.  Beseech him, therefore, to disperse the cloud of the stubborn nations, asking for us safety and 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 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 – I John 4:12-19 (St. John the Divine)

 Prokeimenon.  Psalm 18:4, 1.  His sound has gone forth into all the earth.

Verse.  The heavens declare the glory of God!

            THAT WHICH WAS FROM THE BEGINNING, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our own eyes, that which we have beheld, and which our hands handled, concerning the Word of Life – for the Life was manifested, and we have seen it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the Eternal Life, which was with the Father, and was manifested to us – that which we have seen and heard we proclaim to you, that you also may have communion with us; and indeed our communion is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.  And we write these things to you, that our joy may be fulfilled.  And this is the proclamation which we have heard from Him and proclaim it to you:  that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.  If we say that we have communion with Him and walk in darkness, we lie, and we do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light, as He is in the Light, we have communion with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

 Gospel – John 19:25-27; 21:24-25 (Repose of St. John the Divine)

            AT THAT TIME, standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene.  When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!”  Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!”  And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

            This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true.

            But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

 Next week’s homework:          II Corinthians 4:6-15 (15th Sunday after Pentecost)

                                                Luke 6:31-36 (Second Sunday of Luke)

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

 HOLY BREAD – The Salloum Family will offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of September in loving memory of the servant of God Oscar Salloum.  Memory eternal!  Donors are welcome for October and succeeding months.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

 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.

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

 SEPTEMBER 26, 2021 – REPOSE OF SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST AND THEOLOGIAN

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

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

 TODAY, SEPTEMBER 26 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Lorraine Georgette Assatly, Nicholas Awad, Zakia Awad, Albert Ayoub, Victoria Baloutine, Victoria F. Dib, Ghassan Fattouh, Avjon and Dimitry Golam, Werda Hadad, George Haddad, Emileen Hanna, Stephen Paul James, Eleanor Kalesh, Shamseh Kaydouh, Alexander Khoury, Nazera Kinge, George K. Moore, Addie, Alfred, Mary Alice and Edmund Nahas, Donald O. Page, Adrienne Poulakakos, Matilda Saba, Barbara Salamy, Very Rev. Fr. W.P.S. Schneirla, Shirley Schneirla, William Sutfin Schneirla, Jr., Sadie Shamoun,  Edward, Ronald, and Valerie and Victoria Tadross.  Memory eternal!

 Dorothy Downie offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Donald O. Page, Archpriest Paul Schneirla, Kh. Shirley Schneirla, and William Sutfin Schneirla, Jr.  Memory eternal!

 Alice Carolyn and David Furer offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of Carol’s mother, Victoria Fiani Dib.  Memory eternal!

Gabriel Golam offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Avjon and Dimitry Golam.  Memory eternal!

 George Salamy offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Barbara Salamy.  Memory eternal!

 NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Dorothy Howie, Gary Kassatly, Bernice Wardi Lutfy, Nora Manolescu, Elias Massabni, Alice S. Merhige, Edmund Shawah, Herbert Trabulsi, Fred Zahka, Antoun Zgheib, and Edna and Philip Zrike.  Memory eternal!

 TODAY’S USHERS – Members of the Parish Council will serve as ushers.  Please allow the Church School students, teachers and volunteers to receive Holy Communion first so that they can proceed to their classes and begin in a timely fashion.   The ushers will assist us in proceeding row by row so that we can distribute Holy Communion “decently and in order.”

COFFEE HOUR – Weather permitting, there will be a “Grab and Go” Coffee Hour in front of the church following the Divine Liturgy.  We 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.

 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), Marcel Kinani (NYU Lutheran), Nataliya Latushkina (Mineola), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Claudette Budai, 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).

 TEEN SOYO – Teen SOYO will meet after today’s Divine Liturgy.  All teens (12-19) are welcome and encouraged to participate.  Please see Joseph Khouzami, Luke Spolar, Anna Athineos or Advisors Daria Mayrose and Angela Athineos for more information.

 BIBLE STUDY – We will continue our study of the Gospel of Matthew this Wednesday at 7:00 PM.  Please bring your Orthodox Study Bible.  All are welcome, no experience necessary.

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

 SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – We extend our heartiest congratulations to the Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing Committee for its very successful 12th edition of this event last Monday at the Hempstead Golf and Country Club.  Special thanks to Co-Chairs Bob Mackoul and Daria Mayrose, and to their committee, including Denise Alexander, Josette and John Generale, Janette Mellor, Cathy and Ray Saleeby, and Irene Tashji, as well as to all the volunteers, golfers, tennis players, donors and supporters.  God’s blessings on the major sponsors – the Sabbagh and Basso Families, the Mackoul Family, and Audrey and Charlie Sahadi, Robert Sahadi, and all of their enterprises.  God willing, we will see everyone next year for #13!

 STREET NAMING – The City of New York will dedicate the corner of Ridge Boulevard and 81st Street in honor of Very Rev. Fr. Paul W.S. Schneirla on Sunday, October 24, following the Divine Liturgy.

 DATES TO REMEMBER

             Wednesday, September 29        Bible Study, 7:00 PM

            Saturday, October 2                  Diwan Baptisms, 2:00 PM

                                                            Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

            Saturday, October 9                  Yang-Lee Wedding, 2:30 PM

                                                            Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

            Monday, October 11                 Parish Council, 7:30 PM

            Sunday, October 24                  Street Naming in honor of Fr. Paul Schneirla

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

            FROM THE FATHERS – “As long as you have hands, stretch them out to heaven in prayer.”

-        St. Isaac the Syrian

Bulletin for Sunday, September 19, 2021

Sunday, September 19, 2021

Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross

Tone 4 and Eothinon 2

Martyrs Trophimos, Dorymedon and Savvatios

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 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 Holy Cross – Tone 4

 Do thou, who of thine own good will wast elevated upon the Cross, bestow thy bounties upon the new people, which is called by thy Name, O Christ our God; make glad with thy might our believing kings, granting them victory over their adversaries.  May thine aid be a panoply of peace, a trophy invincible.

 Epistle – Galatians 2:16-20 (The Sunday after the Elevation of the Precious Cross)

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

Verse.  Bless the Lord, O my soul.

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

 Gospel – Mark 8:34-9:1 (The Sunday after the Elevation of the Precious Cross)

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

 Next week’s homework:          I John 4:12019 (Repose of St. John the Theologian)

                                                John 19:25-27, 21:24-25 (Repose of St. John the Theologian)

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

 HOLY BREAD – The Salloum Family will offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of September in loving memory of the servant of God Oscar Salloum.  Memory eternal!  Donors are welcome for October and succeeding months.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

 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.

 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!

SEPTEMBER 19, 2021 – SUNDAY AFTER THE ELEVATION OF THE LIFE-GIVING CROSS

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

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

 TODAY, SEPTEMBER 19 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Elizabeth Ganim Cohen, George Fauty, Victor Hamaty, Emileen Hanna, Alexander Orfaly, Wajieha Sabbagh, and Edward M. Trabulsi.  Memory eternal!

 Drs. Amal and Gregory Dalack offer Prayers of Oblation for the health of their grandsons Michael Nassif and Peter Najeeb Dalack.  Many years!

 NEXT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Lorraine Georgette Assatly, Nicholas Awad, Zakia Awad, Albert Ayoub, Victoria Baloutine, Victoria F. Dib, Ghassan Fattouh, Avjon and Dimitry Golam, Werda Hadad, George Haddad, Stephen Paul James, Eleanor Kalesh, Shamseh Kaydouh, Alexander Khoury, Nazera Kinge, George K. Moore, Addie, Alfred, Mary Alice and Edmund Nahas, Donald O. Page, Adrienne Poulakakos, Matilda Saba, Barbara Salamy, Very Rev. Fr. W.P.S. Schneirla, Shirley Schneirla, William Sutfin Schneirla, Jr., Sadie Shamoun,  Edward, Ronald, and Valerie Tadross and Victoria Tadross,.  Memory eternal!

 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, Claudette Budai, 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).

 TODAY’S USHERS – Members of the Parish Council will serve as ushers.  Please allow the Church School students, teachers and volunteers to receive Holy Communion first so that they can proceed to their classes and begin in a timely fashion.   The ushers will assist us in proceeding row by row so that we can distribute Holy Communion “decently and in order.”

 WELCOME!  We are pleased to continue the tradition of receiving seminarians from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Yonkers, NY.  Christopher Abdelahad is a third year seminarian from Worcester, MA.  He is the son of a priest and the grandson of a priest, and he is an outstanding chanter.  Ghassan Haddad, also a third year seminarian, was with us this past Holy Week and will graduate in December.  You will hear sermons from both men in coming weeks.  Please welcome them.

 ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH – We congratulate our newest inductees into the Order of St. Ignatius – Dr. Jean McCrossan, Amanda and Michael Regnier.  Many years!

 CHURCH SCHOOL – We will begin the new Church School year with classes today following the procession with the Holy Cross.  Students will report to Church School Director Lorraine Deeb for class assignments, introduction to teachers, and the school year calendar.  We will observe all appropriate safety regulations

 BIBLE STUDY – We will resume our Adult Education series on Wednesday, September 22, at 7:30 PM.  Classes will be in person, but we will try to provide an online option.  We will begin the study of the Gospel of Matthew which is the topic for this year’s Bible Bowl at the Parish Life Conference at the Antiochian Village in Bolivar, PA, tentatively scheduled for June 30-July 3, 2022.  All are welcome.  We will use the Orthodox Study Bible as the text.  Watch for an announcement about when the Teen SOYO study will begin.

 FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR SEPTEMBER – The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) is observed on Wednesday and Friday.

 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 tomorrow Monday, September 20, at Hempstead Country Club.  Please pray for “seasonable” weather.

 STREET NAMING – 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. Please save that date.

 PARISH WEBSITE – Did you know that we post the weekly bulletin on the web?  Simply go to www.smaoc.squarespace.com/bulletin, and view the bulletin at home.  Also, find us on Facebook.

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

 DATES TO REMEMBER

             Monday, September 20             Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

            Wednesday, September 22         Bible Study, 7:00 PM

            Saturday, September 25             Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

            Sunday, October 24                   Street Naming in honor of Fr. Paul Schneirla

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

 FROM THE FATHERS – “May the soul that has sought refuge in Thy Cross and inherited eternal incorruptible treasure, praise and exalt Thee together with the spirits that number her among Thy ranks.”

-        St. Ephraim the Syrian

Bulletin for Sunday, September 12, 2021

Sunday, September 12, 2021

Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy Cross

Tone 3 and Eothinon 1

Leave-taking of the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos

We are pleased to welcome you to worship with us today.  Please note that only Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves with prayer, fasting and a recent confession may approach to receive Holy Communion.  Everyone is welcome to 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 3

 Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad; for the Lord hath done a mighty act with his own arm.  He hath trampled down death and become the First-born from the dead.  He hath delivered us from the depth of hades, granting the world the Great Mercy.

 Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

 Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

 By thy holy birth-giving, O pure one, Joachim and Anne were delivered from the reproach of barrenness; and Adam and Eve were delivered from the corruption of death; thy people do celebrate it, having been saved from the stain of iniquity, crying unto thee, the barren doth give birth to the Theotokos, who nourisheth our life.

Epistle – Galatians 6:11-18 (Sunday before the Holy Cross)

 Prokeimenon.  Psalm 27:9, 1.  O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.

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

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

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

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

 Gospel – John 3:13-17 (Sunday before the Elevation of the Precious Cross)

 THE LORD SAID, “No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man.  And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

 Next week’s homework:          I Corinthians 9:2-12 (Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost)

                                                Matthew 18:23-35 (Eleventh Sunday of Matthew)

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

 HOLY BREAD – The Salloum Family will offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of September in loving memory of the servant of God Oscar Salloum.  Memory eternal!  Marianne Hindelly also offers this week’s Holy Bread.  Donors are welcome for October and succeeding months.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

 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.

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

 SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 – SUNDAY BEFORE THE ELEVATION OF THE PRECIOUS AND LIFE-GIVING CROSS AND THE LEAVETAKING OF THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS

 Today it is our blessing to welcome our Father-in-Christ, His Eminence, the Most Reverend Metropolitan JOSEPH, to provide at the divine services.  We had postponed the Metropolitan’s customary archiepiscopal visit at Theophany in the hopes that the pandemic would have subsided by September.  The Parish Council will host a small gathering for His Eminence following this morning’s Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.  Many years, Master!

 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, SEPTEMBER 12 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Gloria Dirbas, Elie Khouri, Latifie Kiamie, Olga Lewis, Louise M. Martin, Nicholas Lian Massab, George Manessa, Adele Sadaka, Muneer Salamy, Mary Zagby, Alfred Zaher, Adla and Victoria Zimmerman.  Memory eternal!

 NEXT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Elizabeth Ganim Cohen, George Fauty, Victor Hamaty, Katherine and Wilfred Jabara, Alexander Orfaly, Wajieha Sabbagh, and Edward M. Trabulsi.  Memory eternal!

 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, Claudette Budai, 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).

 FEAST OF THE ELEVATION OF THE CROSS – Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church invites us to share Great Vespers on Monday at 7:00 PM in anticipation of the Feast of the Elevation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross.  Worshippers may also attend Matins at 8:15 and the Divine Liturgy on Tuesday, September 14.  Donors are welcome for the flowers for next Sunday’s procession with the Holy Cross.

 PARISH COUNCIL – Because of Great Vespers for the Feast of the Cross, we will move our monthly meeting to Tuesday, September 14, at 7:30 PM.

 FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR SEPTEMBER – The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, whine, wine, olive oil, and they by-products) is observed on Wednesday and Friday.  On Tuesday, September 14, a day of strict fast, we follow the same practice in celebration of the Elevation of the Holy Cross.

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

 GREAT VESPERS – We have resumed the celebration of Great Vespers at 5:00 PM each Saturday evening.

 CHURCH SCHOOL – We will begin the new Church School year with classes next Sunday following the procession with the Holy Cross.  Students will report to Church School Director Lorraine Deeb for class assignments, introduction to teachers, and the school year calendar.  We will observe all appropriate safety regulations

 TEEN SOYO – The Teens will hold their first monthly meeting next Sunday, September 19, following the Divine Liturgy.  All teens, ages 12-19 are welcome and encouraged to participate.  Please see Teen officers Joseph Khouzami, Luke Spolar, or Anna Athineos, or Advisors Angela Athineos or Daria Mayrose for more information.

 SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – The annual “Golf Outing” is scheduled for Monday, September 20, at Hempstead Country Club.  Please see Daria Mayrose or Irene Tashji for any last minute arrangements, and pray for good weather!

 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.

 DATES TO REMEMBER

             Monday, September 13            Great Vespers @ Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 7 PM

            Tuesday, September 14             Divine Liturgy @ Holy Cross G.O. Church, 9:30 AM

                                                            Parish Council, 7:30 PM

            Saturday, September 18            Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

            Sunday, September 19              Church School classes begin after the Cross Procession

                                                            Teen SOYO Meeting

Baptism of Elizabeth Diana Bittar, 1:00 PM

            Monday, September 20             Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

            Sunday, October 24                  Street Naming in honor of Fr. Paul Schneirla

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

           FROM THE FATHERS – “The first stage of the spiritual life, the beginning of it all, is to gain some control over the passions.  The second stage is to devote oneself to the vocal recitation of the psalms, for when the passions have been calmed and prayer has brough some order in our quest for pleasure, then the psalms can bring us great delight, and they are pleasing in God’s sight.  The third stage is to pray with our mind.  The fourth is when we ascend to contemplation.”

-        St. Symeon the New Theologian

Bulletin for Sunday, September 5, 2021

Sunday, September 12, 2021

Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy Cross

Tone 3 and Eothinon 1

Leave-taking of the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos

We are pleased to welcome you to worship with us today.  Please note that only Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves with prayer, fasting and a recent confession may approach to receive Holy Communion.  Everyone is welcome to 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 3

 Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad; for the Lord hath done a mighty act with his own arm.  He hath trampled down death and become the First-born from the dead.  He hath delivered us from the depth of hades, granting the world the Great Mercy.

 Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

 Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

 By thy holy birth-giving, O pure one, Joachim and Anne were delivered from the reproach of barrenness; and Adam and Eve were delivered from the corruption of death; thy people do celebrate it, having been saved from the stain of iniquity, crying unto thee, the barren doth give birth to the Theotokos, who nourisheth our life.

Epistle – Galatians 6:11-18 (Sunday before the Holy Cross)

 Prokeimenon.  Psalm 27:9, 1.  O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.

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

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

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

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

 Gospel – John 3:13-17 (Sunday before the Elevation of the Precious Cross)

 THE LORD SAID, “No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man.  And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

 Next week’s homework:          I Corinthians 9:2-12 (Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost)

                                                Matthew 18:23-35 (Eleventh Sunday of Matthew)

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

 HOLY BREAD – The Salloum Family will offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of September in loving memory of the servant of God Oscar Salloum.  Memory eternal!  Marianne Hindelly also offers this week’s Holy Bread.  Donors are welcome for October and succeeding months.  We ask for a donation of $50/week.

 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.

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

 SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 – SUNDAY BEFORE THE ELEVATION OF THE PRECIOUS AND LIFE-GIVING CROSS AND THE LEAVETAKING OF THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS

 Today it is our blessing to welcome our Father-in-Christ, His Eminence, the Most Reverend Metropolitan JOSEPH, to preside at the divine services.  We had postponed the Metropolitan’s customary archiepiscopal visit at Theophany in the hopes that the pandemic would have subsided by September.  The Parish Council will host a small gathering for His Eminence following this morning’s Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.  Many years, Master!

 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, SEPTEMBER 12 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Gloria Dirbas, Elie Khouri, Latifie Kiamie, Olga Lewis, Louise M. Martin, Nicholas Lian Massab, George Manessa, Adele Sadaka, Muneer Salamy, Mary Zagby, Alfred Zaher, Adla and Victoria Zimmerman.  Memory eternal!

 NEXT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Elizabeth Ganim Cohen, George Fauty, Victor Hamaty, Katherine and Wilfred Jabara, Alexander Orfaly, Wajieha Sabbagh, and Edward M. Trabulsi.  Memory eternal!

 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, Claudette Budai, 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).

 FEAST OF THE ELEVATION OF THE CROSS – Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church invites us to share Great Vespers on Monday, September 13, at 7:00 PM in anticipation of the Feast of the Elevation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross.  Worshippers may also attend Matins at 8:15 and the Divine Liturgy on Tuesday, September 14.  Donors are welcome for the flowers for next Sunday’s procession with the Holy Cross.

 PARISH COUNCIL – Because of Great Vespers for the Feast of the Cross, we will move our monthly meeting to Tuesday, September 14, at 7:30 PM.

 FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR SEPTEMBER – The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, whine, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) is observed on Wednesday and Friday.  On Tuesday, September 14, we follow the same practice in observance of the Elevation of the Holy Cross.

 GREAT VESPERS – We have resumed the celebration of Great Vespers at 5:00 PM each Saturday evening.

CHURCH SCHOOL – We will begin the new Church School year with classes next Sunday following the procession with the Holy Cross.  Students will report to Church School Director Lorraine Deeb for class assignments, introduction to teachers, and the school year calendar.  We will observe all appropriate safety regulations

 TEEN SOYO – The Teens will hold their first monthly meeting next Sunday, September 19, following the Divine Liturgy.  All teens, ages 12-19 are welcome and encouraged to participate.  Please see Teen officers Joseph Khouzami, Luke Spolar, or Anna Athineos, or Advisors Angela Athineos or Daria Mayrose for more information.

 SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – The annual “Golf Outing” is scheduled for Monday, September 20, at Hempstead Country Club.  Please see Daria Mayrose or Irene Tashji for any last minute arrangements or to make raffle donations.  Pray for “seasonable” weather!

 BIBLE STUDY – We will resume our Adult Education series on Wednesday, September 22, at 7:30 PM.  Classes will be in person, but we will try to provide an online option.  We will begin the study of the Gospel of Matthew which is the topic for this year’s Bible Bowl at the Parish Life Conference at the Antiochian Village in Bolivar, PA.  All are welcome.  We will use the Orthodox Study Bible as the text.  Watch for an announcement about when the Teen SOYO study will begin.

 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.

 DATES TO REMEMBER

             Monday, September 13            Great Vespers @ Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 7 PM

            Tuesday, September 14             Divine Liturgy @ Holy Cross G.O. Church, 9:30 AM

                                                            Parish Council, 7:30 PM

            Friday, September 17                Midnight Run

            Saturday, September 18            Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

            Sunday, September 19              Church School classes begin after the Cross Procession

                                                            Teen SOYO Meeting

Baptism of Elizabeth Diana Bittar, 1:00 PM

            Monday, September 20             Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

            Wednesday, September 22        Bible Study, 7:30 PM

            Sunday, October 24                  Street Naming in honor of Fr. Paul Schneirla

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

            FROM THE FATHERS – “The first stage of the spiritual life, the beginning of it all, is to gain some control over the passions.  The second stage is to devote oneself to the vocal recitation of the psalms, for when the passions have been calmed and prayer has brought some order in our quest for pleasure, then the psalms can bring us great delight, and they are pleasing in God’s sight.  The third stage is to pray with our mind.  The fourth is when we ascend to contemplation.”

-        St. Symeon the New Theologian

Bulletin for Sunday, August 29, 2021

Sunday, August 29, 2021

Beheading of the Holy Forerunner and Baptist John

Tone 1 and Eothinon 10

Venerable Theodora of Thessalonica

 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 Beheading of St. John the Baptist – Tone 2

 The memory of the righteous is in praise.  And thee, Forerunner, the testimony of the Lord sufficeth; for in truth thou hast been revealed as nobler than all the Prophets, for having been considered worthy to baptize in running waters him who was preached.  Therefore, thou didst strive for the truth happily.  Thou didst proclaim to those in hades God appearing in the body, the Lifter up of the sin of the world, who granteth us 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 Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

 By thy holy birth-giving, O pure one, Joachim and Anne were delivered from the reproach of barrenness; and Adam and Eve were delivered from the corruption of death; thy people do celebrate it, having been saved from the stain of iniquity, crying unto thee, the barren doth give birth to the Theotokos, who nourisheth our life.

 Epistle – Acts 13:25-33 (Beheading of the Forerunner and Baptist John)

Prokeimenon.  Psalm 63:10.  The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord.

Verse.  Hearken unto my voice, O God!

             IN THOSE DAYS, as John was fulfilling his course, he said “Who do you suppose that I am?  I am not He.  But behold, there comes One after me the shoes of whose feet I am not worthy to unloose.”  Men, brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you is the word of this salvation sent forth.  For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read on ever Sabbath, fulfilled these by condemning Him.  And though they found no cause of death in Him, yet they asked Pilate that He should be slain.  And when they had fulfilled all the things that were written of Him, they took Him down from the tree, and laid him in a tomb.  But God raised Him from the dead; and for many days He was seen by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now His witnesses to the people.  And we bring you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, that God has fulfilled the same to us their children, in that He raised up Jesus again.

 Gospel – Mark 6:14-30 (Beheading of St. John the Baptist)

 AT THAT TIME, Jesus’ name had become known, and King Herod heard of it.

Some said, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him.”  But others said, “It is Elijah.”  And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.”  But when Herod heard of it he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”  For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; because he had married her.  For John said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”  And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him.  But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe.  When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly.  But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee.  For when Herodias’ daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it.”  And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.”  And she went out, and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?”  And she said, “The head of John the baptizer.”  And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”  And the king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oath and his guests he did not want to break his word to her.  And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head.  He went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.  When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb

 Next week’s homework:          I Corinthians 9:2-12 (Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost)

                                                Matthew 18:23-35 (Eleventh Sunday of Matthew)

AUGUST 29, 2021 – THE BEHEADING OF THE HONORABLE AND GLORIOUS PROPHET, FORERUNNER AND BAPTIST JOHN

 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 29 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Elizabeth Azar, Linda Fauty, Victoria M. Makhoul, Amelia Rezk, Blanche Shahood, Alfred, Antoine, Amin, Dan and Mary Shagoury, Teddy Shultz, and George Tadross.  Memory eternal!

 NEXT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Watfa Richeh and Oscar Salloum.  Memory eternal!

 HOLY BREAD – Donors are welcome for September 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 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.

 FASTING DISCIPLINE – Today, the Feast of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, is a fast day.

 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.

 METROPOLITAN’S VISIT – Please note that we have cancelled the luncheon scheduled in conjunction with the visit of Metropolitan JOSEPH on Sunday, September 12.  We will gladly return all reservation checks.

 ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH – As we approach the episcopal visit of Metropolitan JOSEPH on September 12, we encourage our faithful members to consider induction into the Order of St. Ignatius.  We especially encourage parents and grandparents of Antiochian Village Camp alumni!

 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

            Sunday, August 29                    Beheading of St. John the Baptist – Fast Day

            Tuesday, September 7              Evening Divine Liturgy, 7:00 PM

            Wednesday, September 8          Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos

            Sunday, September 12              Metropolitan JOSEPH visits

            Sunday, September 19              Church School classes begin

            Monday, September 20             Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

            Sunday, October 24                  Street Naming in Honor of Fr. Paul Schneirla

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

            FROM THE FATHERS – “Because God is present everywhere, the fallen spirits cannot do what they want.  They can harm us mostly through other people.  We can protect ourselves from them only with the power of God.  Man has been given great strength, and if we could only concentrate our thoughts in prayer, the fallen spirits would not be able to harm us or to do anything contrary to the will of God.  Where there is prayer, the fallen spirits have no power.”

-        Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica

Bulletin for Sunday, August 22, 2021

Sunday, August 22, 2021

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 8 and Eothinon 9

After-Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

Today’s Hymns and Readings

 Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 8

 O Compassionate One, thou didst descend from the heights; thou didst submit to the three-day burial, that thou mightest deliver us from passion.  Thou art our Life and our Resurrection, O Lord, glory to thee.

 Apolytikion of the 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 – I Corinthians 3:9-17 (Ninth Sunday after Pentecost)

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

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

             BRETHREN, we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.

            According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it.  Let each man take care how he builds upon it.  For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if any one builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw – each man’s work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.  If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward.  If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

            Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?  If any one destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him.  For God’s temple is holy, and that temple you are.

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

             AT THAT TIME, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.  And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.  When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was in the middle of the sea, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against it.  And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.  But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!”  And they cried out for fear.  But immediately, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.”

            And Peter answered him, saying, “Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water.”  Jesus said, “Come.”  So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the mighty wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”  Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?”  And when they got into the boat, the wind became calm.  And those in the boat came and worshipped Jesus, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

            And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennes’aret.

 Next week’s homework:          Acts 13:25-33 (Beheading of John the Baptist)

                                                 Mark 6:14-30 (Beheading of John the Baptist)

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

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

AUGUST 22, 2021 – NINTH 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 22 - We 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, George Marge, William Nafash, Rose Marie Sabah, Louise B. Savarese, Gladys Senior, and George Zarr.  Memory eternal!

 Sandra Coogan offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her mother, the handmaiden of God Louise B. Savarese.  Memory eternal!

 Drs. Amal and Gregory Dalack offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Khouryee Alice Kerbaway.  Memory eternal!

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

 Marie Zarr and family offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul her beloved husband and their father, the servant of God, George S. Zarr, Sr. Memory eternal!

The Deeb Family offers Prayers of Oblation and a 25-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Laurice Antaky Deeb, as well as prayers for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Alex Deeb, Zakieh and Emile Deeb, and Mary and Nadim Antaky.   Memory eternal!

 NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 29 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Elizabeth Azar, Linda Fauty, Victoria M. Makhoul, Amelia Rezk, Watfa Richeh, Blanche Shahood, Alfred, Antoine, Amin, Dan and Mary Shagoury, Teddy Shultz, and George Tadross.  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!

 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.

 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).

 FASTING DISCIPLINE – This week we follow the traditional fast on Wednesday and Friday.  Next Sunday, August 29, is a fast day in commemoration of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist.

 ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH – As we approach the episcopal visit of Metropolitan JOSEPH on September 12, we encourage our faithful to consider induction into the Order of St. Ignatius.  We especially encourage parents and grandparents of Antiochian Village Camp alumni!

 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.

 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

             Sunday, August 29                    Beheading of St. John the Baptist – Fast Day

            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 in honor of Fr. Paul Schneirla

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

            FROM THE FATHERS – “When we declare ourselves to be disciples of Christ, we claim that we want Him to cure our spiritual and moral disease.  Yet in truth we want Him to relieve the symptoms, such as misery, discontent, despair, and so on.  Jesus, by contrast, knows that He cannot relieve these symptoms unless He overcomes their deep, inner cause.  And this is where the problems arise.  While we would like to be rid of the symtoms, we stubbornly resist the efforts of Jesus to penetrate our souls.  We do not want our deep-set feelings and attitudes to be changed.  But only when we truly open our souls to the transforming grace of God will the symptoms of spiritual disease begin to disappear.”

-        St. John Chrysostom