September 4, 2022 - Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

81st Street and Ridge Boulevard Website: www.smaoc.org

Brooklyn, NY 11209 Church Office: (718) 238-8008

Email: churchsecretary@smaoc.org Rectory: (718) 745-8481

His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh

Email: pastor@smaoc.org farkouhfarid@gmail.com

Sunday, September 4, 2022

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 3 and Eothinon 1

Hieromartyr Babylas, Bishop of Antioch

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 St. Babylas of Antioch – Tone 4

By choosing the Apostles’ way of life, thou hast succeeded to their throne. Inspired by God, thou didst find the way to divine contemplation through the practice of virtue. After teaching the Word of Truth without error, thou didst defend the Faith to the very shedding of thy blood, O Hieromartyr Babylas. Entreat the Lord our God to save our souls.

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

By thy holy nativity, 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 – I Corinthians 15:1-11 (Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 46.6, 1. Sing praises to our God, sing praises.

Verse. Clap your hands, all you nations.

BRETHREN, I would remind you in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you are saved, if you hold it fast – unless you believed in vain.

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God which is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Gospel – Matthew 19:16-26 (Twelfth Sunday of Matthew)

AT THAT TIME, a young man came to Jesus, kneeling before him and saying, “Good Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? There is no good but One, and that is God. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to Jesus, “Which?” And Jesus said, “You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to Jesus, “All these I have observed from my youth; what do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.

And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Next week’s homework: Galatians 6:11-18 (Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy Cross)

John 3:13-17 (Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy Cros)

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.”

SEPTEMBER 4, 2022 – TWELFTH 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 receive the blessing and partake of the blessed bread at the dismissal. Please introduce yourself to our pastor during the coffee hour and ask him about membership in the Orthodox Church.

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 4 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Hannah Nehme and Oscar Salloum. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Gloria Dirbas, Olga Lewis, Louise M. Martin, and Nicholas Lian Massab. Memory eternal!

The Family of Kenneth Jabara will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of his soul. Memory eternal!

HOLY BREAD – Wanda Salloum and Roland Salloum offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of September in loving memory of their brothers Oscar and Charles, sister Giselle, nephew Badih, and niece Magda. Memory eternal! Marianne Hindelly also offers the Holy Bread for the first two weeks of September. Many years! Additional donors are welcome for September and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Robert Forcina (Ditmas Park Rehab), Nicholas Massab (NYU Lutheran), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Yvonne Allawh, Claudette Budai, Diana Finger, Mary Ganim, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Renee Setteducato, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR SEPTEMBER – We will observe the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil or their by-products) on all Wednesdays and Fridays in September. On Wednesday, September 14, we will celebrate the Great Feast of the Elevation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross. Although this day is a great feast, it is also a fast day with the traditional fasting discipline.

FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS – We will celebrate the patronal feast day of our parish with a Vesperal Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, September 7 at 7:00 PM. The actual feast falls on Thursday, September 8. There will be a luncheon for the feast on Sunday, September 11, following the Divine Liturgy. Please see the invitation letter and form in this bulletin to make reservations for the luncheon. All are welcome.

CHURCH SCHOOL – Church School will resume next Sunday, September 11, following Holy Communion and prior to the luncheon with a brief introductory session. Please see Director Lorraine Deeb to register your students and for more information.

TEEN SOYO ¬– The Teens will hold a brief meeting next Sunday to elect officers for the new year and to discuss some upcoming events. All teens are encouraged to attend. Please see Daria Mayrose or Angela Athineos for more information.

ENDOWMENT GIFT – We are blessed to announce that Dr. Caroline Grasso and Mr. Charles Voorhees have made a donation of $10,000 to the St. Mary’s Church Endowment Fund. We will keep the Grasso, Voorhees, and Babick Families in our prayers. May others follow their example.

BACKPACK PROJECT – Representatives of District 20 picked up the backpacks this week and were overjoyed to receive them. The Teens thank you for supporting their community outreach project!

SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – The Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing will be on Monday, September 19, at the Hempstead Golf and Country Club. This year we will honor Dr. Alice Farkhouh with our Lifetime Achievement Award, and we will remember Dina and George Moore with the Victor J. Samra, Jr. Memorial Award. The deadline for the journal has extended to September 5. Please see Daria Mayrose for more information.

ORTHODOX CAMPUS FELLOWSHIP – Our offering envelopes for September included a blue envelope for Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), the official campus ministry of the Assembly of Bishops. We will receive that offering on Sunday, September 18. Please be generous. If you are not receiving pledge envelopes in the mail, please speak to Fr. Michael or Aline Farkouh.

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, September 7 Vesperal Divine Liturgy, 7:00 PM

Thursday, September 8 Nativity of the Theotokos

Saturday, September 10 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Sunday, September 11 Church School Begins

Teen SOYO Meeting on balcony

St. Mary’s Feast Day Celebration

Monday, September 19 Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

Friday, September 30 Fall Hafli

Saturday, October 8 Church School Sidewalk Sale

Saturday, October 15 Bay Ridge Eats for a Cause

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “Prayer is the flower of gentleness and of freedom from anger. Prayer is the fruit of joy and thankfulness. Prayer is the remedy for gloom and despondency.”

- Abba Evagrius the Solitary

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, August 28, 2022 - Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

81st Street and Ridge Boulevard Website: www.smaoc.org

Brooklyn, NY 11209 Church Office: (718) 238-8008

Email: churchsecretary@smaoc.org Rectory: (718) 745-8481

His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh

Email: pastor@smaoc.org farkouhfarid@gmail.com

Sunday, August 28, 2022

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 2 and Eothinon 11

Righteous Father Moses of Ethiopia

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 2

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

Apolytikion of St. Moses the Ethiopian – Tone 1

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

By thy holy nativity, 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 – I Corinthians 9:2-12 (Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 117:14, 18. The Lord is my strength and my song.

Verse. The Lord has chastened me sorely.

BRETHREN, you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to our food and drink? Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a wife, as the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some of the milk?

Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the crop. If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? If others share this rightful claim upon you, do not we still more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.

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

THE LORD SPOKE THIS PARABLE: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will pray you everything.’ And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Next week’s homework: I Corinthians 15:1-11 (Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost)

Matthew 19:16-26 (Twelfth Sunday of Mathew)

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

AUGUST 28, 2022 – ELEVENTH 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 receive the blessing and partake of the blessed bread at the dismissal. Please introduce yourself to our pastor during the coffee hour and ask him about membership in the Orthodox Church.

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, AUGUST 28 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Helen Allison, Khouryee Alice Kerbaway Dalack, Linda S. Fauty, and Watfa Riche. Memory eternal!

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

Carol Makhoul offers Prayers of Oblation for the health of her sister, the handmaiden of God Denise McBride. Many years!

Dr. Sam and Samar Shahem offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Watfa Richeh. Memory eternal

NEXT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Hannah Nehme and Oscar Salloum. Memory eternal!

HOLY BREAD – James Harris and Family offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of August in loving memory of the handmaiden of God Barbara Ann Harris. Memory eternal! Additional donors are welcome for August and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

COFFEE HOUR – In August the parish will host simplified Coffee Hours following the Divine Liturgy. In the future we will be seeking volunteers to help with preparation and clean up.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Robert Forcina (Ditmas Park Rehab), Nicholas Massab (NYU Lutheran), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Yvonne Allawh, Claudette Budai, John Eyd, Diana Finger, Mary Ganim, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Renee Setteducato, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).

FALL HAFLI – We have posted a new flyer on the bulletin board for the Fall Halfi, and we sent a mass email to the parish on Monday. Please see Chair Rima Alsifi Hazem for more information.

FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS – We will celebrate the patronal feast day of our parish with a Vesperal Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, September 7 at 7:00 PM. The actual feast falls on Thursday, September 8. There will be a luncheon for the feast on Sunday, September 11, following the Divine Liturgy. Please see the invitation letter and form in this bulletin to make reservations for the luncheon. All are welcome.

SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – The invitations for this year’s Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing on Monday, September 19, at the Hempstead Golf and Country Club have gone out. This year we will honor Dr. Alice Farkhouh with our Lifetime Achievement Award, and we will remember Dina and George Moore with the Victor J. Samra, Jr. Memorial Award. The deadline for the journal is August 31. Please see Daria Mayrose for more information.

ON-LINE GIVING – St. Mary's Church now accepts donations online. Just visit https://smaoc.squarespace.com/donate and pay securely by credit card, debit card, or checking account. There is an option to indicate gifts made in honor of or in remembrance of someone.

ESTATE PLANNING – As we approach the end of one church year and the beginning of another, we have an opportunity to think about the long-term stability of our parish. Have I included my beloved St. Mary’s Church in my will or estate plan for the benefit of my grandchildren?

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER - “Listen to the voice of creation” is the theme and invitation of this year’s Season of Creation. The ecumenical phase begins on September 1 with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. It is a specific time for all Christians to pray and to work together to care for our common home. St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church will host a prayer service for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, on Thursday, September 1, at 9 AM.

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, September 7 Vesperal Divine Liturgy, 7:00 PM

Thursday, September 8 Nativity of the Theotokos

Saturday, September 10 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Sunday, September 11 St. Mary’s Feast Day Celebration

Monday, September 19 Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

Friday, September 30 Fall Hafli

Saturday, October 1 Church School Sidewalk Sale

Saturday, October 15 Bay Ridge Eats for a Cause

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “Faith is the key of Gpd’s treasury. She dwells in simple, kind, loving hearts. ‘All things are possible to him that believeth.’ Faith is a spiritual mouth, the more freely it opens the greater the stream by which the Divine springs enter into it; let this mouth freely open, as your bodily one does; do not let your lips be compressed by doubt and unbelief: if you compress them by doubt and unbelief, the treasury of Gods’ blessings will be closed to you.”

- St. John of Kronstadt

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, August 21, 2022 - Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

81st Street and Ridge Boulevard Website: www.smaoc.org

Brooklyn, NY 11209 Church Office: (718) 238-8008

Email: churchsecretary@smaoc.org Rectory: (718) 745-8481

His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh

Email: pastor@smaoc.org farkouhfarid@gmail.com

Sunday, August 21, 2022

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 1 and Eothinon 10

After-Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

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 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 4:9-16 (Tenth 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, God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the offscouring of all things.

I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me.

Gospel – Matthew 17:14-23 (Tenth Sunday after Pentecost)

AT THAT TIME, a man came up to Jesus and kneeling before him said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.” And Jesus answered, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.” And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” Jesus said to them, “Because you have no faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith, even as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. This kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.”

As they were traveling together through Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him and he will rise on the third day.”

Next week’s homework: I Corinthians 4:9-16 (Tenth Sunday after Pentecost)

Matthew 17:14-23 (Tenth Sunday of Mathew)

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 – James Harris and Family offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of August in loving memory of the handmaiden of God Barbara Ann Harris. Memory eternal! Additional donors are welcome for August and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

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

AUGUST 21, 2022 – TENTH 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 receive the blessing and partake of the blessed bread at the dismissal. Please introduce yourself to our pastor during the coffee hour and ask him about membership in the Orthodox Church.

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, AUGUST 21 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Nassif K. Arida, Raphael Arida, Laurice and Zakieh Deeb, Dr. Antoine Fernaine, Michael Gehshan, Baheeya Jabara, Dr. Gabriel Jureidini, Irene Karkenny, Judith Kassatly, William Nafash, Rose Marie Sabah, Louise B. Savarese, Gladys Senior, and George Zarr. Memory eternal!

The children of Nassif K. Arida offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of their beloved father on the 40th anniversary of his repose. Memory eternal!

Sandra and Robert Coogan offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of Sandra’s mother, the handmaiden of God Louise B. Savarese. Memory eternal!

The Deeb Family offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Laurice and Alex Deeb, Mary and Nadim Antaky, and Zakieh and Emile Deeb. Memory eternal!

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

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

NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 28 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Helen Allison, Khouryee Alice Kerbaway Dalack, Linda S. Fauty, and Watfa Richel. Memory eternal!

COFFEE HOUR – In August the parish will host simplified Coffee Hours following the Divine Liturgy. In the future we will be seeking volunteers to help with preparation and clean up.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Robert Forcina (Ditmas Park Rehab), Nicholas Massab (NYU Lutheran), Theodore Sadaka (NYU Rusk), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Yvonne Allawh, Claudette Budai, John Eyd, Diana Finger, Mary Ganim, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Renee Setteducato, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).

MEMORY ETERNAL! - We are saddened to announce that the servant of God Gabriel Golam departed this life on Monday in the hope of the Resurrection. His funeral was from St. Mary’s Church on Friday. We extend our sympathies to his daughter, Laura Noury and her family. Memory eternal!

BACKPACK PROJECT – Teen SOYO will once again volunteer to assemble 48 backpacks for underprivileged students in District 20 of the NYC Department of Education in cooperation with FOCUS. Please see the list of items to go into the backpacks on the flyer in this week’s bulletins. We ask our supporters to purchase the items and to bring them to church, or make a donation of $30 (payable to St. Mary’s Church earmarked “backpacks”), and we will shop, so that we can assemble the backpacks and deliver them to the school before the beginning of the academic year. The Teens thank you for supporting their community outreach project!

SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – The invitations for this year’s Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing on Monday, September 19, at the Hempstead Golf and Country Club have gone out. This year we will honor Dr. Alice Farkhouh with our Lifetime Achievement Award, and we will remember Dina and George Moore with the Victor J. Samra, Jr. Memorial Award. The deadline for the journal will be August 31. Please see Daria Mayrose for more information.

ARABIC FOR STUDENTS - The Classical Learning Resource Center (CLRC) announces that registration is open for its Arabic class, which is designed to meet the needs of students in elementary, middle, or high school. CLRC's “Arabic for All Ages” is structured to assist students in every grade, even those without prior exposure to the modern Arabic language. Students learn to write the Arabic alphabet, to form letters into words, and then to form sentences using demonstrative, interrogative, and personal pronouns. Adverbs and basic descriptive vocabulary are also covered. For more information, go to https://www.clrconline.com.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, August 21 Frank Albishara Baptism, 1:00 PM

Wednesday, September 7 Vesperal Divine Liturgy, 7:00 PM

Thursday, September 8 Nativity of the Theotokos

Sunday, September 11 St. Mary’s Feast Day Celebration

Monday, September 19 Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

Friday, September 30 Fall Hafli

Saturday, October 1 Church School Sidewalk Sale

Saturday, October 15 Bay Ridge Eats for a Cause

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “Imagine two ladders: one leading upward to Heaven while the other, down toward hell, and you are standing on the ground between them. Do not think and do not say how can you fly up from earth and find yourself in Heaven, ie., on top of the ladder. Just beware of going down by committing evil. Try to rise little by little, doing any good which comes along. Your every good deed will be a step upwards. Thus, rising from one level to another – with God’s help – you will eventually reach the top of the ladder.”

- St. Dorotheus of Gaza

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, August 14, 2022 - Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

81st Street and Ridge Boulevard Website: www.smaoc.org

Brooklyn, NY 11209 Church Office: (718) 238-8008

Email: churchsecretary@smaoc.org Rectory: (718) 745-8481

His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh

Email: pastor@smaoc.org farkouhfarid@gmail.com

Sunday, August 14, 2022

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 8 and Eothinon 9

Forefeast 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 Forefeast of the Dormition of the Theotokos – Tone 4

In faith, O ye people, leap for joy while clapping your hands; and gather in gladness on this day with longing and shout in radiant jubilance. For the Theotokos cometh nigh to departing from the earth unto the heights; and we glorify her with glory as the Mother of God in our unceasing hymns.

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 Forefeast of the Dormition of the Theotokos – Tone 4

In the Immaterial Spirit, the whole world hath been mystically adorned upon thy glorious memory; and it doth cry to the joyously: Rejoice, O Virgin, thou boast of the Christian race.

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: I Corinthians 4:9-16 (Tenth Sunday after Pentecost)

Matthew 17:14-23 (Tenth Sunday of Mathew)

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

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

AUGUST 14, 2022 – NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

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, AUGUST 14 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Thuraya Abualehawareb, Stephanie Bittar, Lorice Grasso, Leon Hattab, Braheem Merhige, Laya Nehme, Alex Zagby, and Laila Zamlout. Memory eternal!

Carolyn and Peter Boyle and Family offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of their son Peter James (PJ) on the fourth anniversary of his repose. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Nassif K. Arida, Raphael Arida, Laurice and Zakieh Deeb, Dr. Antoine Fernaine, Michael Gehshan, Baheeya Jabara, Dr. Gabriel Jureidini, Irene Karkenny, Judith Kassatly, William Nafash, Rose Marie Sabah, Louise B. Savarese, Gladys Senior, and George Zarr. Memory eternal!

The children of Nassif K. Arida will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of their beloved father on the 40th anniversary of his repose. Memory eternal!

The Deeb Family will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Laurice and Alex Deeb, Mary and Nadim Antaky, and Zakieh and Emile Deeb. Memory eternal!

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

HOLY BREAD – James Harris and Family offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of August in loving memory of the handmaiden of God Barbara Ann Harris. Memory eternal! Additional donors are welcome for August and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

COFFEE HOUR – In August the parish will host simplified Coffee Hours following the Divine Liturgy. In the future we will be seeking volunteers to help with preparation and clean up.

MIDNIGHT RUN – On the third Friday of each month Deacon Farid leads a group to participate in the Midnight Run which distributes food and clothing to the homeless on the streets of New York City. Volunteers can help in the early evening to prepare food for distribution, or they can make the actual trip a little later. The next Midnight Run will be on Friday, August 18. Please see Deacon Farid to volunteer or for more information.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Gabe Golam (Homestead, Newton, NJ), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Yvonne Allawh, Charles Bryant, Claudette Budai, John Eyd, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Renee Setteducato, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).

BACKPACK PROJECT – Teen SOYO will once again volunteer to assemble 48 backpacks for underprivileged students in District 20 of the NYC Department of Education in cooperation with FOCUS. Please see the list of items to go into the backpacks on the flyer in this week’s bulletins. We ask our supporters to purchase the items and to bring them to church, or make a donation of $30 (payable to St. Mary’s Church earmarked “backpacks”), and we will shop, so that we can assemble the backpacks and deliver them to the school before the beginning of the academic year.

FALL HAFLI – We have posted a new flyer on the bulletin board for the Fall Halfi, and we sent a mass email to the parish on Monday. Please see Chair Rima Alsifi Hazem for more information.

FEAST OF THE DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS - We invite everyone to attend the Divine Liturgy tomorrow at our sister church here in Brooklyn, Kimisis tns Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, at 224 18th Street. Matins begins at 8:30 AM followed by the Divine Liturgy.

SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – The invitations for this year’s Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing on Monday, September 19, at the Hempstead Golf and Country Club have gone out. This year we will honor Dr. Alice Farkhouh with our Lifetime Achievement Award, and we will remember Dina and George Moore with the Victor J. Samra, Jr. Memorial Award. The deadline for the journal will be August 31. Please see Daria Mayrose for more information.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, August 15 Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

Wednesday, September 7 Vesperal Divine Liturgy, 7:00 PM

Thursday, September 8 Nativity of the Theotokos

Sunday, September 11 St. Mary’s Feast Day Celebration

Monday, September 19 Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

Friday, September 30 Fall Hafli

Saturday, October 1 Church School Sidewalk Sale

Saturday, October 15 Bay Ridge Eats for a Cause

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “Since we sinners do not have the boldness to run directly to God from the start, we cry out to His Mother. She regenerates us; she intercedes; she anticipates all our afflictions. She is our protectress and helper, more honorable than all the angels, beyond compare more glorious than the Cherubim and Seraphim, second in rank only to the Holy Trinity. Oh, but she is so good…so sweet, that you want to embrace her at every moment and obtain consoling grace. The more you love, the more you are loved.”

- Elder Joseph the Hesychast

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, August 7, 2022 - Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

81st Street and Ridge Boulevard Website: www.smaoc.org

Brooklyn, NY 11209 Church Office: (718) 238-8008

Email: churchsecretary@smaoc.org Rectory: (718) 745-8481

His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh

Email: pastor@smaoc.org farkouhfarid@gmail.com

Sunday, August 7, 2022

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 7 and Eothinon 8

After-Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 7

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

Apolytikion of the Transfiguration – Tone 7

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion of the Transfiguration – Tone 7

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

Epistle – I Corinthians 1:10-17 (Eighth 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, I appeal to you by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brethren. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispos and Gaius; lest any one should say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any one else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Gospel – Matthew 14:14-22 (Eighth Sunday of Matthew)

AT THAT TIME, when Jesus went ashore he saw a great throng; and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a lonely place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And Jesus said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Then Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go before them to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.

Next week’s homework: I Corinthians 3:9-1717 (Ninth Sunday after Pentecost)

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

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 – James Harris and Family will offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of August in loving memory of the handmaiden of God Barbara Ann Harris. Memory eternal! Linda and George Salamy have also made a donation for the balance of the year. Additional donors are welcome for August and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

COFFEE HOUR – In August the parish will host simplified Coffee Hours following the Divine Liturgy. In the future we will be seeking volunteers to help with preparation and clean up.

AUGUST 7, 2022 – EIGHTH 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 receive the blessing and partake of the blessed bread at the dismissal. Please introduce yourself to our pastor during the coffee hour and ask him about membership in the Orthodox Church.

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, AUGUST 7 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God William B. Cury, George J. Kalesh, Salwa Khoury, Loulou Malouf, Margaret Razook, and Victor Samra, Sr. Memory eternal!

Deacon Farid and Aline Farkouh offer Prayers of Oblation and the Holy Bread for the repose of the soul of Aline’s mother, Loulou Malouf. Memory eternal!

George Trisciuzzi offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Araldo Gallo. Memory eternal!

Dr. Yvonne and Anthony Zrake offer the grapes for today’s blessing for the Transfiguration of Christ. Many years!

NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Thuraya Abualehawareb, Stephanie Bittar, Lorice Grasso, Leon Hattab, Braheem Merhige, Laya Nehme, Alex Zagby, and Laila Zamlout. Memory eternal!

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Yvonne Allawh, Charles Bryant, Claudette Budai, John Eyd, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Gabe Golam, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Renee Setteducato, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).

MEMORY ETERNAL! We are saddened to announce that the servant of God Kenneth Jabara departed this life in the hope of the Resurrection last Saturday evening. His funeral was at St. Mary’s Church on Thursday. We extend our sympathies to his wife Gloria and their family. Memory eternal!

MEMORY ETERNAL! We are saddened to announce that the handmaiden of God Lily Lang, a former president of the Ladies of St. Mary’s, departed this life in the hope of the Resurrection last Sunday morning. Her funeral was at St. Mary’s Church on Friday. We extend our sympathies to her husband Paul and their family. Memory eternal!

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

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

PARAKLESIS – We will celebrate a Paraklesis to the Theotokos tomorrow at 7 PM during the Dormition Fast. A paraklesis is a service of supplication specifically for the living (as opposed to a Memorial Service, which is a supplication for the departed). Please submit your names of the living to Fr. Michael today at pastor@smaoc.org.

FEAST OF THE DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS – Because the feast falls on a Monday this year, we will commemorate the feast next Sunday; however, we invite everyone to attend the Divine Liturgy on the feast itself at our sister church here in Brooklyn, Kimisis tns Theotokou, at 224 18th Street.

BACKPACK PROJECT – Teen SOYO will once again volunteer to assemble 48 backpacks for underprivileged students in District 20 of the NYC Department of Education in cooperation with FOCUS. Please see the list of items to go into the backpacks on the flyer in this week’s bulletins. We ask our supporters to purchase the items and to bring them to church by Sunday, July 31, or make a donation of $30 (payable to St. Mary’s Church earmarked “backpacks”), and we will shop, so that we can assemble the backpacks and deliver them to the school before the beginning of the academic year. The Teens thank you for supporting their community outreach project!

SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – The invitations for this year’s Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing on Monday, September 19, at the Hempstead Golf and Country Club have gone out. Please let us know if you did not receive an invitation packet. The deadline for the journal will be August 31. Please see Daria Mayrose for more information.

DATES TO REMEMBER

August 1-14 Dormition Fast

Monday, August 8 Paraklesis, 7 PM

Saturday, August 13 Oneline Orthodox Education Day @ SVS, 10AM-4PM

Monday, August 15 Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

Sunday, August 21 Frank Albishara Baptism, 1:00 PM

Wednesday, September 7 Vesperal Divine Liturgy, 7:00 PM

Thursday, September 8 Nativity of the Theotokos

Sunday, September 11 St. Mary’s Feast Day Celebration

Monday, September 19 Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

Friday, September 30 Fall Hafli

Saturday, October 1 Church School Sidewalk Sale

Saturday, October 15 Bay Ridge Eats for a Cause

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “Mercy imitates God and disappoints Satan.”

- St. John Chrysostom

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, July 31, 2022 - Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

81st Street and Ridge Boulevard Website: www.smaoc.org

Brooklyn, NY 11209 Church Office: (718) 238-8008

Email: churchsecretary@smaoc.org Rectory: (718) 745-8481

His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh

Email: pastor@smaoc.org farkouhfarid@gmail.com

Sunday, July 31, 2022

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 6 and Eothinon 7

Holy and Just Eudokimos of Cappadocia

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 6

When Mary stood at thy grave looking for thy sacred body, angelic powers shone above thy revered tomb, and the soldiers who were to keep guard became as dead men. Thou led hades captive and wast not tempted thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst give life to the world; O thou that art risen from the dead! O Lord, glory to thee.

Apolytikion of St. Eudokimos – Tone 4

The One that hath called thee from the earth to Heaven to dwell preserveth thy body uncorrupted after thy death, O saintly Eudokimos; for in living modestly and chastely, O blest one, thou didst keep thy flesh free of all stain and defilement; with boldness, therefore, pray unto Christ that we may all 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 Transfiguration – Tone 7

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

Epistle – Romans 15:1-7 (Seventh Sunday after Pentecost)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next week’s homework: I Corinthians 1:10-17 (Eighth Sunday after Pentecost)

Matthew 14:14-22 (Eighth Sunday of Mathew)

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

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

COFFEE HOUR – In July and August the parish will host simplified Coffee Hours following the Divine Liturgy. In the future we will be seeking volunteers to help with preparation and clean up.

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

JULY 31, 2022 – SEVENTH 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 receive the blessing and partake of the blessed bread at the dismissal. Please introduce yourself to our pastor during the coffee hour and ask him about membership in the Orthodox Church.

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

TODAY, JULY 31 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Victoria and Peter Boragi, Agnes Hamwi, Alex N. Kalaf, Sr., Victoria Katen, Selma Klele, and Itidal Makdissi. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 7 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God William B. Cury, George J. Kalesh, Salwa Khoury, Lou Lou Malouf, Margaret Razook, and Victor Samra, Sr. Memory eternal!

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Kenneth Jabara (Lehigh Valley), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Yvonne Allawh, Charles Bryant, Claudette Budai, John Eyd, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Gabe Golam, Lily Lang, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Renee Setteducato, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).

BACKPACK PROJECT – Teen SOYO will once again volunteer to assemble 48 backpacks for underprivileged students in District 20 of the NYC Department of Education in cooperation with FOCUS. Please see the list of items to go into the backpacks on the flyer in this week’s bulletins. We ask our supporters to purchase the items and to bring them to church by Sunday, July 31, or make a donation of $30 (payable to St. Mary’s Church earmarked “backpacks”), and we will shop, so that we can assemble the backpacks and deliver them to the school before the beginning of the academic year. The Teens thank you for supporting their community outreach project!

MIDNIGHT RUN – On the third Friday of each month Deacon Farid leads a group to participate in the Midnight Run which distributes food and clothing to the homeless on the streets of New York City. Volunteers can help in the early evening to prepare food for distribution, or they can make the actual trip a little later. The next Midnight Run will be on Friday, August 18. Please see Deacon Farid to volunteer or for more information.

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

FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION – We will celebrate Orthros at 9:00 AM and the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 6, for the Great Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ.

PARAKLESIS – We will celebrate a Paraklesis to the Theotokos on Mondays, August 1 and 8 at 7 PM during the Dormition Fast. A paraklesis is a service of supplication specifically for the living (as opposed to a Memorial Service, which is a supplication for the departed). Please submit your names of the living to Fr. Michael today at pastor@smaoc.org.

SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – The invitations for this year’s Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing on Monday, September 19, at the Hempstead Golf and Country Club will go out this week. This year we will honor Dr. Alice Farkhouh with our Lifetime Achievement Award, and we will remember Dina and George Moore with the Victor J. Samra, Jr. Memorial Award. The deadline for the journal will be August 31. Please see Daria Mayrose for more information.

FALL HAFLI – Please save the date, Friday, September 30, for our Fall Hafli. Please see Chair Rima Alsifi Hazem for more information.

ON-LINE GIVING – St. Mary's Church now accepts donations online. Just visit https://smaoc.squarespace.com/donate and pay securely by credit card, debit card, or checking account. There is an option to indicate gifts made in honor of or in remembrance of someone.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, July 31 Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday

August 1-14 Dormition Fast

Monday, August 1 Paraklesis, 7 PM

Saturday, August 6 Feast of the Transfiguration

Orthros, 9:00 AM and Divine Liturgy, 10:00 AM

Ryan Queen Baptism, 12:30 PM

Monday, August 8 Paraklesis, 7 PM

Monday, August 15 Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

Wednesday, September 7 Vesperal Divine Liturgy, 7:00 PM

Thursday, September 8 Nativity of the Theotokos

Sunday, September 11 St. Mary’s Feast Day Celebration

Monday, September 19 Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

Friday, September 30 Fall Hafli

Saturday, October 1 Church School Sidewalk Sale

Saturday, October 15 Bay Ridge Eats for a Cause

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “O God, make speed to save me: O Lord, make haste to help me. For this verse has, not undeservedly, been taken out of the whole of Scripture for this purpose. It contains allthe feeling that can come upon human nature; it is very rightly and properly suited for every situation and for evey need that may come upon us.”

- St. John Cassian

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, July 24, 2022 - Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

81st Street and Ridge Boulevard Website: www.smaoc.org

Brooklyn, NY 11209 Church Office: (718) 238-8008

Email: churchsecretary@smaoc.org Rectory: (718) 745-8481

His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh

Email: pastor@smaoc.org farkouhfarid@gmail.com

Sunday, July 24, 2022

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 5 and Eothinon 6

Great-Martyr Christina of Tyre

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 Great Martyr Christina of Tyre – Tone 4

O Lord Jesus, unto Thee Thy lamb doth cry with a great voice: O my Bridegroom, Thee I love; and seeking Thee, I now contest, and with Thy baptism am crucified and buried. I suffer for Thy sake, that I may reign with Thee; for Thy sake I die, that I may live in Thee: accept me offered out of longing to Thee as a spotless sacrifice. Lord, save our souls through her intercessions, since Thou art great in 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 – Romans 12:6-15 (Sixth Sunday after Pentecost)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 11.7, 1. You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.

Verse. Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COFFEE HOUR – In July and August the parish will host simplified Coffee Hours following the Divine Liturgy. In the future we will be seeking volunteers to help with preparation and clean up.

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

JULY 24, 2022 – SIXTH 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 receive the blessing and partake of the blessed bread at the dismissal. Please introduce yourself to our pastor during the coffee hour and ask him about membership in the Orthodox Church.

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

TODAY, JULY 24 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Rose and Dewey Awad, Khourieh Rose Khoury, George Sabbagh, Georgette and John Shahood, and Laurice Swaya. Memory eternal!

Albert Khoury offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Khourieh Rose Khoury. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 31 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Peter and Victoria Boragi, Agnes Hamwi, Alex N. Kalaf, Sr., Victoria Katen, Selma Klele, and Itidal Makdissi. Memory eternal!

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Yvonne Allawh, Charles Bryant, Claudette Budai, John Eyd, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Gabe Golam, Lily Lang, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Renee Setteducato, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).

BACKPACK PROJECT – Teen SOYO will once again volunteer to assemble 48 backpacks for underprivileged students in District 20 of the NYC Department of Education in cooperation with FOCUS. Please see the list of items to go into the backpacks on the flyer in this week’s bulletins. We ask our supporters to purchase the items and to bring them to church by Sunday, July 31, or make a donation of $30 (payable to St. Mary’s Church earmarked “backpacks”), and we will shop, so that we can assemble the backpacks and deliver them to the school before the beginning of the academic year. The Teens thank you for supporting their community outreach project!

MIDNIGHT RUN – On the third Friday of each month Deacon Farid leads a group to participate in the Midnight Run which distributes food and clothing to the homeless on the streets of New York City. Volunteers can help in the early evening to prepare food for distribution, or they can make the actual trip a little later. The next Midnight Run will be on Friday, August 18. Please see Deacon Farid to volunteer or for more information.

FALL HAFLI – Please save the date, Friday, September 30, for our Fall Hafli. Please see Chair Rima Alsifi Hazem for more information.

POLL QUESTION – Would you rather attend a Vesperal Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Transfiguration on Friday, August 5, at 7 PM, or Matins at 9:30 and the Divine Liturgy at 10:30 on Saturday, August 6? Send Fr. Michael an email at pastor@smaoc.org with your preference.

SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – The invitations for this year’s Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing on Monday, September 19, at the Hempstead Golf and Country Club will go out this week. This year we will honor Dr. Alice Farkhouh with our Lifetime Achievement Award, and we will remember Dina and George Moore with the Victor J. Samra, Jr. Memorial Award. The deadline for the journal will be August 31. Please see Daria Mayrose for more information.

ON-LINE GIVING – St. Mary's Church now accepts donations online. Just visit https://smaoc.squarespace.com/donate and pay securely by credit card, debit card, or checking account. There is an option to indicate gifts made in honor of or in remembrance of someone.

ESTATE PLANNING – A bequest is one of the easiest gifts to make in order to impact the ministry of the Church significantly. An estate plan can include a provision that leaves a lasting gift to St. Mary’s Church. A bequest could be a gift of specific assets, a dollar amount, or a percentage of the estate. A bequest could also be the residue of an estate after all gifts have been made to heirs. Consider naming St. Mary’s as a beneficiary on your retirement accounts (such as an IRA). Qualified charities are able to receive the full value of dollars in these plans without incurring income taxes

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, July 31 Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday

August 1-14 Dormition Fast

Saturday, August 6 Feast of the Transfiguration

Monday, August 15 Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

Wednesday, September 7 Vesperal Divine Liturgy, 7:00 PM

Thursday, September 8 Nativity of the Theotokos

Sunday, September 11 St. Mary’s Feast Day Celebration

Monday, September 19 Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

Friday, September 30 Fall Hafli

Saturday, October 1 Church School Sidewalk Sale

Saturday, October 15 Bay Ridge Eats for a Cause

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “What is the essence of Christianity? This – that the All-mighty, All-knowing Creator of the universe has such love and compassion for humankind, such care for people and their salvation, that He gave up His Only-Begotten Son to shame, the Cross and death. He cares not only for mankind as a whole, but for every person individually; each and every minute He holds him in His hand, protecting him from visible and invisible foes, granting him wisdom through other people, books, and life’s circumstances. If it is necessry to chastise a person in order to instruct him or to prevent him from falling into a worse mishap, He does so with mercy, and if a person is able to accept this in the right spirit, He rewards him greatly, as though He feels sorry for having issued the punishment.”

- Abbot Nikon (Vorobiev)

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, July 17, 2022 Holy Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council

81st Street and Ridge Boulevard                               Website:                         www.smaoc.org

Brooklyn, NY  11209                                                  Church Office:             (718) 238-8008

Email:  churchsecretary@smaoc.org                        Rectory:                      (718) 745-8481

His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor                          Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh

Email:  pastor@smaoc.org                                       farkouhfarid@gmail.com

Sunday, July 17, 2022

Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council

Tone 4 and Eothinon 5

Great-Martyr Marina of Antioch in Pisidia

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 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 Great Martyr Marina – Tone 4

O Lord Jesus, unto Thee Thy lamb doth cry with a great voice:  O my Bridegroom, Thee I love; and seeking Thee, I now contest, and with Thy baptism am crucified and buried.  I suffer for Thy sake, that I may reign with Thee; for Thy sake I die, that I may live in Thee:  accept me offered out of longing to Thee as a spotless sacrifice.  Lord, save our souls through her intercessions, since Thou art great in 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.

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Kontakion of the Theotokos – Tone 2

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

Epistle – Titus 3:8-15 (Holy Fathers)

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

Verse.  Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven.

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

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

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

            Grace be with you all.  Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JULY 17, 2022 – HOLY FATHERS OF THE FOURTH 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 receive the blessing and partake of the blessed bread at the dismissal.  Please introduce yourself to our pastor during the coffee hour and ask him about membership in the Orthodox Church.

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

TODAY, JULY 17 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Donald Abraham Ballan, Very Reverend Father Wakeem Dalack, Victor Farkouh, Gloria Saba Gallloway, Joseph Imtanios, Joseph A. Khoury, Eissa Makarious Laham, Marguerite Sabah, William Anthony Soued, and George Zrake.  Memory eternal!

Patricia Ballan offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Donald Abraham Ballan.  Memory eternal!

Helene and Marc Galloway offer prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Gloria Saba Galloway.  Memory eternal!

Nadia Soued offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God William Anthony Soued.  Memory eternal!

Irene Tashji offers Payers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Linda Abdallah.  Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 24 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Rose and Dewey Awad, Khourieh Rose Khoury, George Sabbagh, Georgette and John Shahood, and Laurice Swaya.  Memory eternal!

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

COFFEE HOUR – In July and August the parish will host simplified Coffee Hours following the Divine Liturgy.  In the future we will be seeking volunteers to help with preparation and clean up.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Yvonne Allawh, Charles Bryant, Claudette Budai, John Eyd, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Gabe Golam, Lily Lang, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Renee Setteducato, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).

PASTORAL EMERGENCY – Fr. Michael will be at the Antiochian Village from today through Friday for the Biennial Clergy Symposium.  In case of a pastoral emergency please call Fr. Michael’s mobile number – (917) 670-3857.  The reception at the Village is poor, so please be persistent and patient.

BACKPACK PROJECT – Teen SOYO has once again volunteered to assemble 48 backpacks for underprivileged students in District 20 of the NYC Department of Education in cooperation with FOCUS.  Please see the list of items to go into the backpacks on the flyer in this week’s bulletins.  We ask our supporters to purchase the items and to bring them to church by Sunday, July 31, or make a donation of $30 (payable to St. Mary’s Church earmarked “backpacks”), and we will shop, so that we can assemble the backpacks and deliver them to the school before the beginning of the academic year.  The Teens thank you for supporting their community outreach project!

FAMILY NIGHT – We have resumed our Family Night gatherings at the church.  Our next gathering will be on Friday, July 22, at 7:00 PM.  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.

ESTATE PLANNING – A bequest is one of the easiest gifts to make in order to impact the ministry of the Church significantly.  An estate plan can include a provision that leaves a lasting gift to St. Mary’s Church.  A bequest could be a gift of specific assets, a dollar amount, or a percentage of the estate.  A bequest could also be the residue of an estate after all gifts have been made to heirs.  Consider naming St. Mary’s as a beneficiary on your retirement accounts (such as an IRA). Qualified charities are able to receive the full value of dollars in these plans without incurring income taxes

DATES TO REMEMBER

            July 18-22                                 Clergy Symposium @ Antiochian Village

            Friday, July 22                          Family Night, 7 PM

            August 1-14                              Dormition Fast

            Saturday, August 6                    Feast of the Transfiguration

            Monday, August 15                   Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

            Wednesday, September 7          Vesperal Divine Liturgy, 7 PM

            Thursday, September 8             Nativity of the Theotokos

            Sunday, September 11              St. Mary’s Feast Day Barbecue

            Monday, September 19             Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

            Friday, September 30                Fall Hafli

            Saturday, October 1                  Church School Sidewalk Sale

Saturday, October 15                Bay Ridge Eats for a Cause

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.”

-        II Corinthians 2:14

Bulletin for Sunday, July 10, 2022 - Hieromartyr Joseph of Damascus and His Companions

81st Street and Ridge Boulevard                               Website:                         www.smaoc.org

Brooklyn, NY  11209                                                  Church Office:             (718) 238-8008

Email:  churchsecretary@smaoc.org                        Rectory:                      (718) 745-8481

His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor                          Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh

Email:  pastor@smaoc.org                                       farkouhfarid@gmail.com

Sunday, July 10, 2022

Hieromartyr Joseph of Damascus and His Companions

Tone 3 and Eothinon 4

45 Martyrs at Nikopolis in Armenia

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 St. Joseph of Damascus – Tone 5

Come, ye faithful, let us honor the martyr of Christ, a priest of the Church of Antioch; who by the word of the Word, and by his blood and the blood of his companions, baptized the land of Syria, its Church and its people.  Being immersed in the light of the Gospel from his youth, he worked and taught and defended the Church of Christ and her flock.  O father Joseph of Damascus, be for us an example, defending us and interceding for us fervently before the Savior.

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 Timothy 2:1-10 (St. Joseph of Damascus)

Prokeimenon.  The saints shall boast in glory, and they shall rejoice upon their beds.

Verse.  Sing unto the Lord a new song; His praise is in the church of the saints.

            Timothy, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.  Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him.  An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.  It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.  Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything.  Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my gospel, the gospel for which I am suffering and wearing fetters like a criminal.  But the word of God is not fettered.  Therefore, I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory.

Gospel – Matthew 8:5-13 (Fourth Sunday of Matthew)

            AT THAT TIME, Jesus entered Capernaum, and a centurion came forward to him, beseeching him and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, in terrible distress.”  And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”  But the centurion answered him, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.  For I am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”  When Jesus heard him, he marveled, and said to those who were following him, “Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.  I tell you, many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.”  And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; be it done for you as you have believed.”  And the servant was healed at that very moment.

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

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

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

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

COFFEE HOUR – In July and August the parish will host simplified Coffee Hours following the Divine Liturgy.  In the future we will be seeking volunteers to help with preparation and clean up.

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

JULY 10, 2022 – HIEROMARTYR JOSEPH OF DAMASCUS AND HIS COMPANIONS

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

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

TODAY, JULY 10 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Mary Farkouh, Amelia Khoury, Victor Makhoul, John Molfino, Edmund Saleeby, Ferris Samara, and Bassem Sukkarieh.  Memory eternal!

Ruth Carol-Abdelnoor offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her beloved husband, the servant of God George Abdelnoor.  Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 17 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Donald Abraham Ballan, Very Reverend Father Wakeem Dalack, Victor Farkouh, Gloria Saba Gallloway, Joseph Imtanios, Joseph A. Khoury, Eissa Makarious Laham, Marguerite Sabah, William Anthony Soued, and George Zrake.  Memory eternal!

Patricia Ballan will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Donald Abraham Ballan.  Memory eternal!

Helene and Marc Galloway will offer prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Gloria Saba Galloway.  Memory eternal!

Nadia Soued will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God William Anthony Soued.  Memory eternal!

Rose Zrake will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her beloved husband, the servant of God George Zrake.  Memory eternal!

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Yvonne Allawh, Charles Bryant, Claudette Budai, John Eyd, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Gabe Golam, Robert Karkenny (CA), Lily Lang, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Renee Setteducato, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).

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

FAMILY NIGHT – We have resumed our Family Night gatherings at the church.  Our next gathering will be on Friday, July 22, at 7:00 PM.  All are welcome!

BACKPACK PROJECT – Teen SOYO will once again volunteer to assemble 48 backpacks for underprivileged students in District 20 of the NYC Department of Education in cooperation with FOCUS.  Please see the list of items to go into the backpacks on the flyer in this week’s bulletins.  We ask our supporters to purchase the items and to bring them to church by Sunday, July 31 so that we can assemble the backpacks and deliver them to the school before the beginning of the academic year.  The Teens thank you for supporting their community outreach project!

MIDNIGHT RUN – On the third Friday of each month Deacon Farid leads a group to participate in the Midnight Run which distributes food and clothing to the homeless on the streets of New York City. Volunteers can help in the early evening to prepare food for distribution, or they can make the actual trip a little later.  The next Midnight Run will be on Friday, July 15.  Please see Deacon Farid to volunteer or for more information.

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.

ESTATE PLANNING – Have I included St. Mary’s Church in my will or estate plan?  What better way is there for me to set an example for my children and grandchildren about the importance of the church in my life?

DATES TO REMEMBER

            Monday, July 11                        Parish Council, 7:30 PM

            Friday, July 15                          Midnight Run

            July 18-22                                 Clergy Symposium @ Antiochian Village

            August 1-14                              Dormition Fast

            Saturday, August 6                    Feast of the Transfiguration

            Thursday, September 8             Nativity of the Theotokos

            Sunday, September 11              St. Mary’s Feast Day Barbecue

            Saturday, September 17            Church School Sidewalk Sale

            Monday, September 19             Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

            Friday, September 30                Fall Hafli

            Saturday, October 15                Bay Ridge Eats for a Cause

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “If you wish not to grow angry against one who offends, you should diligently, from your whole heart, pray for him to God and give him some kind of gift or a small consolation.  Go to him yourself when you see that he has come to himself from the anger, and speak about being forgiven your sin, find out the reason for his anger, and sow him yet greater love.”

-        St. Paisius Velichkovsky

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, July 3, 2022 - Third Sunday after Pentecost

81st Street and Ridge Boulevard                               Website:                         www.smaoc.org

Brooklyn, NY  11209                                                  Church Office:             (718) 238-8008

Email:  churchsecretary@smaoc.org                        Rectory:                      (718) 745-8481

His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Pastor                          Rev. Deacon Farid Farkouh

Email:  pastor@smaoc.org                                       farkouhfarid@gmail.com

Sunday, July 3, 2022

Third Sunday After Pentecost

Tone 2 and Eothinon 3

Martyr Hyacinth and His Companions of Caesarea

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

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 2

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion of the Theotokos – Tone 2

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

Epistle – Romans 5:1-10 (Third Sunday after Pentecost)

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

Verse.  The Lord has chastened me sorely.

            BRETHREN, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God.  More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.

            While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.  Why, one will hardly die for a righteous man – though perhaps for a good man one will dare even to die.  But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.  Since, therefore, we are now justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.  For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.  Not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received our reconciliation.

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

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

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

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

Next week’s homework:          II Timothy 2:1-10 (St. John of Damascus)

                                                Matthew 8:5-13 (Fourth Sunday of Matthew)

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

JULY 3, 2022 – THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

TODAY, JULY 3 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God George Abdelnoor, Jr., Dr. Fouad Dirbas, Jamila Eadeh, Michael Eyd, Norma Hamod, Marguerite and Fred Farkouh, Viola Kazan, George T. Lewis, and Georgette Maione.  Memory eternal!

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

Albert Khoury and Family offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his aunt, the handmaiden of God Georgette Maione.  Memory eternal!

Sandra and Robert Coogan offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Salvatore Savarese.  Memory eternal!

Josephine Dellano offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Georgette Maione.  Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 10 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God George Abdelnoor, Jr., Mary Farkouh, Amelia Khoury, Victor Makhoul, John Molfino, Edmund Saleeby, Ferris Samara, and Bassem Sukkarieh.  Memory eternal!

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

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

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Rouda Abboud, Albert Absey, Yvonne Allawh, Charles Bryant, Claudette Budai, John Eyd, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Gabe Golam, Lily Lang, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Renee Setteducato, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Rose Zrake (at home).

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.

BACKPACK PROJECT – Teen SOYO will once again volunteer to assemble 48 backpacks for underprivileged students in District 20 of the NYC Department of Education in cooperation with FOCUS.  Please see the list of items to go into the backpacks on the flyer in this week’s bulletins.  We ask our supporters to purchase the items and to bring them to church by Sunday, July 31 so that we can assemble the backpacks and deliver them to the school before the beginning of the academic year.  The Teens thank you for supporting their community outreach project!

FAMILY NIGHT – We have resumed our Family Night gatherings at the church.  Our next gathering will be on Friday, July 8, at 7:00 PM.  All are welcome!

MIDNIGHT RUN – On the third Friday of each month Deacon Farid leads a group to participate in the Midnight Run which distributes food and clothing to the homeless on the streets of New York City. Volunteers can help in the early evening to prepare food for distribution, or they can make the actual trip a little later.  The next Midnight Run will be on Friday, July 15.  Please see Deacon Farid to volunteer or for more information.

COFFEE HOUR – In July and August the parish will host simplified Coffee Hours following the Divine Liturgy.  In the future we will be seeking volunteers to help with preparation and clean up.

ESTATE PLANNING – A bequest is one of the easiest gifts to make in order to impact the ministry of the Church significantly.  An estate plan can include a provision that leaves a lasting gift to St. Mary’s Church.  A bequest could be a gift of specific assets, a dollar amount, or a percentage of the estate.  A bequest could also be the residue of an estate after all gifts have been made to heirs.  Consider naming St. Mary’s as a beneficiary on your retirement accounts (such as an IRA). Qualified charities are able to receive the full value of dollars in these plans without incurring income taxes

DATES TO REMEMBER

            Monday, July 11                        Parish Council, 7:30 PM

            Friday, July 15                          Midnight Run

            July 18-22                                 Clergy Symposium @ Antiochian Village

            August 1-14                              Dormition Fast

            Saturday, August 6                    Feast of the Transfiguration

            Thursday, September 8             Nativity of the Theotokos

            Sunday, September 11              St. Mary’s Feast Day Barbecue

            Saturday, September 17            Church School Sidewalk Sale

            Monday, September 19             Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

            Friday, September 30                Fall Hafli

            Saturday, October 15                Bay Ridge Eats for a Cause

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “He who wishes to overcome temptations without prayer and patient endurance will not succeed in driving them away, but will, in fact, become more entangled in them.”

-        St. Mark the Ascetic

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America