Bulletin for Sunday, April 2, 2023 - Fifth Sunday of Great Lent: Commemoration of Our Righteous Mother Mary of Egypt

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

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

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

His Eminence Metropolitan SABA

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

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

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

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Fifth Sunday of Great Lent: Commemoration of our Righteous Mother Mary of Egypt

Tone 1 and Eothinon 9

Venerable Titus the Wonderworker

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 1

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

Apolytikion of St. Mary of Egypt – Tone 8

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion of the Theotokos – Tone 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

APRIL 2, 2023 – FIFTH SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT: COMMEMORATION OF OUR RIGHTEOUS MOTHER MARY OF EGYPT

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, APRIL 2 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Adele Hadad, Philip Hamwi, Edward Hanna, Helen Livreri, Roger Sabah, Henry Salloum, Robert Samara, Raymond Sayeg, Michael Shraky, Florence Zagby, and Najeeb Zrake. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 9 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Annetta Absey, Robert Coogan, Jr., Mary C. Gehshan, Dr. George Ghiz, Wilfred Jabara, Esber and Victoria Najjar, Lynn Lewis, Marie Louise Tashji, Adele Trisciuzzi, Isabel Araman Zain. Memory eternal!

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

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

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Wade Saadi (Cornell), Rose Zrake (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, and Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD) (at home).

MEMORY ETERNAL! We are saddened to announce that the servant of God George Kadour departed this life on Monday, March 27. His funeral was on Friday here at St. Mary’s Church. We extend our sympathies to his wife Theresa and their three daughters as well as to his extended family. We will commemorate George for 40 days. Memory eternal!

PARISH COUNCIL – Due to the Lenten liturgical schedule and Holy Week, the Parish Council will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 4, at 7:30 PM.

FASTING DISICIPLINE – The Great Fast continues until our celebration of the Feast of Feasts, Pascha: Our Lord’s Resurrection. The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) is observed on all weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, wine and olive oil are allowed. On the Great Feast of the Lord’s Entrance into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday, April 9), fish, wine, and olive oil are permitted. There is no fasting after Holy Pascha (April 16) until the Great Feast of the Lord’s Ascension (May 25).

FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – The traditional FFHP collection boxes are available soon in the narthex. Remember the least of Christ’s brethren by depositing your extra change at the end of each day, and return the box on or before Palm Sunday. “Let us fill up what is lacking in our fasting with almsgiving for the poor.” - St. Leo the Great.

LENTEN RESOURCES – Holy Week approaches. Our parish Bookstore has copies of the service book for Holy Week and Holy Pascha. Bilingual texts are available. Please contact Lorraine Deeb at ldeebsped@verizon.net or (718) 491-4996 to reserve your book.

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

LENTEN LITURGICAL SCHEDULE – There will be Great Compline at St. Mary’s Church tomorrow at 7:00 PM, the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts on Wednesday at 6:30 PM followed by a Pot Luck Supper, and Little Compline with the Canon of Lazarus on Friday at 7:00 PM. On Lazarus Saturday we will celebrate a Public Prothesis at 10 AM followed by the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, and Great Vespers at 5:00 PM. Please see the schedule for Holy Week below.

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

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

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

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

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, April 3 Great Compline at St. Mary’s Church, 7:00 PM

Tuesday, April 4 Parish Council, 7:30 PM

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

Followed by Pot Luck Supper

Friday, April 7 Little Compline with Canon of Lazarus, 7:00 PM

Saturday, April 8 Public Prothesis, 10:00 AM

Divine Liturgy for Lazarus Saturday, 10:45 AM

Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Sunday, April 9 Palm Sunday

Bridegroom Matins, 7:00 PM

Monday, April 10 Bridegroom Matins, 7:00 PM

Tuesday, April 11 Bridegroom Matins, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, April 12 Sacrament of Holy Unction, 7:00 PM

Thursday, April 13 Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, 10:00 AM

Matins of Holy Friday with Twelve Gospels, 7:00 PM

Friday, April 14 Royal Hours, 10:00 AM

Great Vespers with Descent from the Cross, 3:00 PM

Matins of Holy Saturday with Lamentations, 7:00 PM

Saturday, April 15 Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, 10:00 AM

Midnight Office and Rush Service, 10:00 PM

Paschal Divine Liturgy, 11:00 PM

Sunday, April 16 Agape Vespers, 12:00 noon

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

FROM THE FATHERS – Hate operates and multiplies so powerfully in some people that they are not afraid to say, “Let me perish, yet I will get even with him!” Poor creature! Perhaps you do not know what destruction is? Put your hand to the fire, and you will taste its bitterness in part. You cannot stand it. Will you be able to stand the bitterness of the fire of Gehenna in which your entire person will be immersed and submerged and will burn forever and not be consumed? But if you look at yourself, you will see for yourself that the evil, the spirit of malice, works and speaks such words in you. You see, beloved Christian, how cruel and serious an evil malice is? The fruits of malice are evil and bitter, and evil and bitter is malice itself which gives birth to such fruit.

- St. Tikon of Zadonsk

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, March 26, 2023 - Fourth Sunday of Great Lent: Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel

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 SABA

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

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

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

Sunday, March 26, 2023

Fourth Sunday of Great Lent

Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel

Tone 8 and Eothinon 8

Stephen the Confessor, Abbot of Triglia

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 Archangels – Tone 4

O ye foremost of the heavenly hosts, we who are unworthy, beseech you that by your petitions ye encompass us with the shadow of your immaterial glory, preserving us who kneel and cry ceaselessly, deliver us from oppressions, since ye are the princes of the ranks of dominions on high.

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion for the Sundays in Lent – Tone 8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 26, 2023 – FOURTH SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT: SYNAXIS OF THE ARCHANGEL GABRIEL

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.

MARCH IS LADIES’ MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE!

TODAY, MARCH 26 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Michael Arout, Nadim Dahdouh, Dr. John D. Dalack, Mary and Raphael Davis, Matilda Eyd, Gloria L. Harris, Najibe Imtanios, Nazem Khoury, Rose Klam, Edward A. Zraick, and Pamela Zraick Nakleh. Memory eternal!

Dr. Michelle Dahdouh and David Solano offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Nadim Dahdouh. Memory eternal!

The Family of Albert Absey offers Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of his soul on what would have been his 100th birthday. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

The Dalack and Ellias Families offer Prayers of Oblation and a 5-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Dr. John D. Dalack. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 2 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Adele Hadad, Philip Hamwi, Edward Hanna, Helen Livreri, Roger Sabah, Henry Salloum, Robert Samara, Raymond Sayeg, Michael Shraky, Florence Zagby, and Najeeb Zrake. Memory eternal!

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - March is Ladies Month in the Antiochian Archdiocese. Our ushers today are Nahla Bittar, Terize Khouri, Razan Maalouf, and Chaza Rafiaa. The Epistle will be read by Amanda Regnier in English and Rima Alsifi Hazem in Arabic. Nahla Bittar, Hilandeh Hana, Joyce Katen, and Chaza Rafiaa will assist the distribution of Holy Communion.

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

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Wade Saadi (Cornell), Rose Zrake (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, and Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD) (at home).

MEMORY ETERNAL! Our most senior active member, Mary Ganim, departed this life in the hope of the Resurrection last Sunday. We extend our sympathies to her children George, Gareth and Lynette and their family. Mary’s funeral was here at St. Mary’s on Thursday.

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

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

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

FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – The traditional FFHP collection boxes are available in the narthex. Remember the least of Christ’s brethren by depositing your extra change at the end of each day, and return the box on or before Palm Sunday. “The grain in your barns belongs to the hungry. The coat in your closet belongs to the naked. The shoes rotting in your basement belong to the barefoot. The silver hidden in boxes belongs to the needy. You sin against all those whom you are able to help, but fail to do so.” - St. Basil the Great

LENTEN LITURGICAL SCHEDULE – There will be Great Compline each Monday night at 7:00 PM, the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts each Wednesday at 6:30 PM, and the Akathist/Madayeh Service each Friday at 7:30 PM. This week’s Great Compline will be at St. Nicholas Cathedral. A Pot Luck Supper will follow each Wednesday service, and each parish organization will host a dinner prior to the Friday service. Great Vespers will continue each Saturday at 5:00 PM. This will there will be an additional service, Little Compline with the (abridged) life of St. Mary of Egypt on Thursday at 7:00 PM.

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

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

FIRST CONFESSION – The Church School historically has prepared second graders to participate in the Sacrament of Holy Confession/Reconciliation for the first time on Lazarus Saturday. Due to the pandemic a couple of classes missed this opportunity; therefore, Laila Ellias will offer several special sessions to prepare the current class and two previous years’ students after the Divine Liturgy. Please see Laila, Church School Director Lorraine Deeb, or Dr. Yvonne Zrake for more information.

COMPANION NEEDED – A family in our community is looking for an Arabic-speaking companion to check in on their mother (76) who is showing early signs of cognitive decline for a couple of hours a day here in Bay Ridge. Compensation is available and negotiable. Please see Fr. Michael for more information.

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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 – We should all make a will. Unless you have a valid will, the state will have to decide who will manage your affairs at the time of your death. State laws will automatically transfer your property in equal amounts to your nearest relatives, regardless of your wishes. Have I included St. Mary’s Church in my will or estate plan?

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, March 27 Great Compline at St. Nicholas Cathedral, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, March 29 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Followed by Pot Luck Supper

Thursday, March 30 Little Compline with Life of St. Mary of Egypt, 7:00 PM

Friday, March 31 Teens Sponsor Dinner, 6:30 PM

5th Madayeh/Akathist, 7:30 PM

Saturday, April 1 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Monday, April 3 Great Compline at St. Mary’s Church, 7:00 PM

Tuesday, April 4 Parish Council, 7:30 PM

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

FROM THE FATHERS – There is nothing better than peace in Christ, for it brings victory over all the evil spirits on earth and in the air. When peace dwells in a man’s heart, it enables him to contemplate the grace of the Holy Spirit from within. He who dwells in peace collects spiritual gifts as it were with a scoop, and he sheds the light of knowledge on others. All our thoughts, all our desires, all our efforts, and all our actions should make us say constantly with the Church: “O Lord, give us peace!” When a man lives in peace, God reveals mysteries to him.

- St. Seraphim of Sarov

Bulletin for Sunday, March 19, 2023 - Third Sunday of Great Lent: Veneration of The Precious and Life-giving Cross

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, March 19, 2023

Third Sunday of Great Lent: Veneration of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross

Tone 7 and Eothinon 7

Martyrs Chrysanthos, Daria, and Those with Them of Rome

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 Holy Cross – Tone 1

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion for the Sundays in Lent – Tone 8

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

The Anti-Trisagion Hymn: Before Thy Cross, we bow down in worship, Master, and Thy Holy Resurrection we glorify.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 19, 2023 – THIRD SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT: VENERATION OF THE PRECIOUS AND LIFE-GIVING CROSS

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

MARCH IS LADIES’ MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE!

TODAY, MARCH 19 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Raymonde Alexander, Mary Hamaty, Terez Ivanchev, Bikturia Kaba, Albert Kaidy, Fredrick Makhoul, Helen and Michael Nassoor, Olga and Abraham Saba, Frederick P. Schroeder, and Elias Shawah. Memory eternal!

George Trisciuzzi offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaidens of God Shirley Joan Steo of Emmitsburg, MD, .and Dr. Louise Dorothea Kiesling of Klosterneuburg, Austria. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 26 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Michael Arout, Nadim Dahdouh, Dr. John D. Dalack, Mary and Raphael Davis, Matilda Eyd, Gloria L. Harris, Najibe Imtanios, Nazem Khoury, Rose Klam, Edward A. Zraick, and Pamela Zraick Nakleh. Memory eternal!

Dr. Michelle Dahdouh and David Solano will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Nadim Dahdouh. Memory eternal!

The Family of Albert Absey will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of his soul on what would have been his 100th birthday. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - March is Ladies Month in the Antiochian Archdiocese. Our ushers today are Audrey Sahadi, Marian Russo, Joan Arida Bacon, and Marianne Hindelly. Audrey Sahadi will read the Epistle in English and Nahla Bittar will read the Epistle in Arabic. Marianne Hindelly, Joan Bacon, Joyce Katen, and Marilyn Tulaney will assist during the distribution of Holy Communion.

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

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

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

FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION – We will celebrate Festal Orthros at 9:30 and the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 25, for the Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos.

FIRST CONFESSION – The Church School historically has prepared second graders to participate in the Sacrament of Holy Confession/Reconciliation for the first time on Lazarus Saturday. Due to the pandemic a couple of classes have missed this opportunity; therefore, Laila Ellias will offer several special sessions to prepare the current class and other students after the Divine Liturgy. Please see Laila, Church School Director Lorraine Deeb, or Dr. Yvonne Zrake for more information.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – At its first meeting this past Monday evening the new Parish Council elected its officers: Anthony Zrake (Chair), Dianna Russo Kitchen (Vice Chair), Diana Kaiami (Treasurer), and Aline Farkouh (Secretary). We will install the new Council and its officers upon the blessing of the new Metropolitan Archbishop. God grant them a fruitful year of service in the Lord’s Vineyard!

FLOWER DONORS – Donations are welcome for the decoration of the icon for the Madayeh/Akathist services on Friday evenings during Great Lent and for the flowers today for the commemoration of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross.

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

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

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

FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – The traditional FFHP collection boxes are available in the narthex. Remember the least of Christ’s brethren by depositing your extra change at the end of each day, and return the box on or before Palm Sunday. “He who loves God will certainly love his neighbor as well. Such a person cannot hoard money, but distributes it in a way befitting God, being generous to everyone in need.” - St. Maximos the Confessor

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

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

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, March 20 Great Compline at St. Mary’s Church, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, March 22 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Followed by Pot Luck Supper

Friday, March 24 Ladies of St. Mary’s Dinner, 6:30 PM

Great Vespers and 4th Stasis of the Akathist Hymn, 7:30 PM

Saturday, March 25 Festal Matins, 9:30 AM

Divine Liturgy for the Annunciation, 10:30 AM

Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “The mark of a great soul is to endure all things and to serve everyone. The example of this is near at hand: for the Son of Man Himself did not come to be served but to serve, and, what is even greater, He came to give His life as a ransom for many. For what could be greater and more marvelous than a man who not only serves, but who even dies for the sake of the one he serves? Yet the Lord’s serving and His humble lowering of Himself to be with us has become the exaltation and the glory of Him and all creation. For before He became man, He was known only to the angels, but after His incarnation and crucifixion, His glory is even geater and He reigns over all the earth.”

- St. Theophylact of Ochrid

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, March 12, 2023 - Second Sunday of Great Lent: Commemoration of Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, March 12, 2023

Second Sunday of Great Lent: Commemoration of

St. Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica

Tone 6 and Eothinon 6

Gregory the Dialogist, Pope of Rome

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. Gregory Palamas - Tone 8

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion for the Sundays in Lent – Tone 8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 12, 2023 – SECOND SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT: COMMEMORATION OF GREGORY PALAMAS, ARCHBISHOP OF THESSALONICA

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.

MARCH IS LADIES’ MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE!

TODAY, MARCH 12 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Eleanor Couri, Dr. George B. Cury, Salwa Fauty, Gloria and Edward Jabara, Sr., Maurice Khzam, Violette Shamas Mahab, Nadima and Alfred G. Makhoul, Laila Nassr, Thomas Russo, and Robert William Thabit. Memory eternal!

Marie and Charlie Bryant, Laura, James, Luke and Oliver Wallace offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Laila Nassr. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 19– We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Raymonde Alexander, Mary Hamaty, Gloria L. Harris, Terez Ivantchev, Bikturia Kaba, Albert Kaidy, Fredrick Makhoul, Helen and Michael Nassoor, Olga and Abraham Saba, Frederick P. Schroeder, and Elias Shawah. Memory eternal!

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - March is Ladies Month in the Antiochian Archdiocese. Barbara Deeb, Janice Deeb, Elsa Khzam, and Razan Maalouf will serve as ushers. The Epistle will be read by Angela Athineos in English and Lara Rustom in Arabic. Barbara Deeb, Janice Deeb, Razan Maalouf, and Terize Khouri will assist with the distribution of Holy Communion.

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

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

FASTING DISICIPLINE – The Great Fast began on February 27 and continues until our celebration of the Feast of Feasts, Pascha: Our Lord’s Resurrection. The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) is observed on all weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, wine and olive oil are allowed.

LADIES BATHROOM – The ladies’ bathroom on the hall level is under renovation. Please use the bathroom on the balcony or carefully share the men’s bathroom. We hope the temporary inconvenience will eventually be worth it!

SPRING FESTIVAL - Please join us after the Divine Liturgy for our first organizational meeting for our Spring Festival. We need volunteers to help with cooking, advertising, children's games, music, set-up, break-down and lots more. This is one of those events where each of our God given talents come together to showcase our community and faith. For more information call Chris Athineos at (347) 675-3655.

OUR TIME – Our “senior fellowship,” Our Time, will meet on Wednesday, March 15, 1-3 PM.

EARTHQUAKE RELIEF - Thank you to all who donated clothing and goods for the collection for Syria. The truck from Boston picked everything on Wednesday. The transporter will combine it with the rest of the donations from our sister churches in Allentown, Bergenfield, Little Falls and Yonkers as well as the New England churches and their respective communities. Everything will be shipped to Lebanon to the Balamand for distribution by our Patriarch JOHN X. This collection, along with our monetary where of our two churches (St. Nicholas and St. Mary) collected around $20,000 each, will help alleviate the pain and suffering in a small way. God bless you all!

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

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

FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – The traditional FFHP collection boxes will be available soon in the narthex. Remember the least of Christ’s brethren by depositing your extra change at the end of each day, and return the box on or before Palm Sunday.

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

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

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – We thank and congratulate Aline Farkouh for her excellent year of leadership as Parish Council Chair and for directing last week’s Annual Parish Meeting. We also thank outgoing members Irene Tashji and Dr. Yvonne Zrake. We welcome incoming elected members Sonia Abou Naoum, Christopher Athineos, and Anthony Zrake, and pastoral appointees Wade Saadi, Rob Sabbagh, and Nahla Bittar Fattouh. The Parish Council will elect its officers at tomorrow’s meeting.

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

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 – Have I included St. Mary’s Church in my will or estate plan?

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, March 12 Spring Festival Meeting

Monday, March 13 Great Compline at St. Nicholas Cathedral, 7:00 PM

Parish Council, 7:30 PM

Wednesday, March 15 “Our Time” Senior Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Followed by Pot Luck Supper

Thursday, March 16 Ronald Couri Funeral, 10:00 AM

Friday, March 17 “Fellowship” Dinner, 6:30 PM

Madayeh/Akathist, 7:30 PM

Saturday, March 18 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Saturday, June 10 Spring Festival

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “To have faith in Christ means more than simply despising the delights of this life. It means we should bear all our daily trials that may bring us sorrow, distress, or unhappiness, and bear them patiently for as long as God wishes and until He comes to visit us. For it is said, ‘I waited on the Lord and He came to me.’”

- St. Symeon the New Theologian

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, March 5, 2023 - First Sunday of Great Lent

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

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

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

Sunday, March 5, 2023

First Sunday of Great Lent: Sunday of Orthodoxy

Tone 5 and Eothinon 5

Hieromartyr Konon of Isauria

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 5

Let us believers praise and worship the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation. For he took pleasure in ascending the cross in the flesh to suffer death, and to raise the dead by his glorious resurrection.

Apolytikion of the First Sunday of Lent - Tone 2

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion for the Sundays in Lent – Tone 8

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

Epistle – Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40 (First Sunday in Lent)

Prokeimenon. Daniel 3:26, 27. Blessed are you, O Lord, God of our Fathers.

Verse. For you are righteous in all things you have done for us.

BRETHREN, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharoah’s daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets – who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign enemies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated – of whom the world was not worthy – wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 5, 2023 – FIRSTSUNDAY OF GREAT LENT

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.

MARCH IS LADIES’ MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE!

TODAY, MARCH 5 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Nicholas Ghiz, Atina Hanna, Laurice Merhige Schuh, Gloria Sparsidis. Memory eternal!

The Kaba Family offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Mounir Kaba. Memory eternal!

Trisha Aznavoorian and Barbara Stringile and Family will offer Prayers of Oblation, the Holy Bread, and a Memorial Service for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Mary and Samuel Bittar, Laurice and Samuel Arbeeny, and Diana Arbeeny Craigmyle. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 12– We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Eleanor Couri, Dr. George B. Cury, Salwa Fauty, Gloria and Edward Jabara, Sr., Maurice Khzam, Violette Shamas Mahab, Nadima and Alfred G. Makhoul, Laila Nassr, Thomas Russo, and Robert William Thabit. Memory eternal!

Marie and Charlie Bryan, Laura, James, Luke and Oliver Wallace will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Laila Nassr. Memory eternal!

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - March is Ladies Month in the Antiochian Archdiocese. Our ushers today are Lorraine Deeb, Chaza Rafiaa, Nahla Bittar, and Hilaneh Hana. The Epistle will be read by Karen Spolar in English and Sonia Abou Naoum in Arabic. Malakie Zogob, Aline Farkouh, Hilaneh Hana, and Chaza Rafiaa will assist with the distribution of Holy Communion

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

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – We will hold our Annual Parish Meeting today following the Divine Liturgy. Please submit the names of candidates for the Parish Council to Dianna Russo Kitchen or Fr. Michael after receiving the nominee’s consent to run.

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

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Rose Zrake (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Rhonda Byrnes, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Claudette Hadad, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Nancy Zarouni (at home).

FASTING DISICIPLINE – The Great Fast began on February 27 and continues until our celebration of the Feast of Feasts, Pascha: Our Lord’s Resurrection. The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) is observed on all weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, wine and olive oil are allowed.

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

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

FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – The traditional FFHP collection boxes are now available in the narthex. Remember the least of Christ’s brethren by depositing your extra change at the end of each day, and return the box on or before Palm Sunday. “The rich man is not one who has much, but one who gives much.” St. John Chrysostom

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

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

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

SPRING FESTIVAL - Please join us next Sunday after the Divine Liturgy for our first organizational meeting for our Spring Festival. We need volunteers to help with cooking, advertising, children's games, music, set-up, break-down and lots more. This is one of those events where each of our God given talents come together to showcase our community and faith. For more information call Chris Athineos at (347) 675-3655.

BOOKSTORE VOLUNTEERS – In an effort to expand our offerings of spiritual books, religious jewelry, icons, and other Orthodox materials we are seeking volunteers to help with the parish bookstore. We hope to reopen the bookstore during Coffee Hour on Sundays and to take orders for specific items upon request. Please see Lorraine Deeb to volunteer.

VISITATION OF THE SICK AND HOUSE-BOUND – If someone in your household is sick at home, in the hospital or in a convalescent center, please notify the church office as soon as possible. Please do not assume that we will know simply “through the grapevine.”

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 – Have I included St. Mary’s Church in my will or estate plan? Could I make the church the beneficiary of an insurance policy I no longer need?

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, March 5 Annual Parish Meeting

Monday, March 6 Great Compline at St. Mary’s Church, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, March 8 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Followed by Pot Luck Supper

Friday, March 10 Church School/PTO Dinner, 6:30 PM

Second Madayeh/Akathist, 7:30 PM

Saturday, March 11 Lenten Retreat @ St. Stephen, South Plainfield, NJ

No Great Vespers

Sunday, March 12 Spring Festival Organizing Meeting

Monday, March 13 Great Compline @ St. Nicholas Cathedral, 7:00 PM

Parish Council, 7:30 PM

Saturday, June 10 Spring Festival

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “Consider yourself, who you are, what resources have been entrusted to you, from whom you have received them…You have been made a minister of God’s goodness, a steward of your fellow servants…Resolve to treat the things in your possession as though belonging to others.”

- St. Basil the Great, To the Rich

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, February 26, 2023 - Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheese Fare)

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, February 26, 2023

Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheese Fare)

Tone 4 and Eothinon 4

Porphyrios, Bishop of Gaza

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 4

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion of Cheese Fare Sunday – Tone 6

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

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

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

Verse. Clap your hands, all ye nations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next week’s homework: Hebrews 11:24-36, 32-40 (First Sunday of Great Lent)

John 1:43-51 (Sunday of Orthodoxy)

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

HOLY BREAD – Donors are welcome for March 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.

FEBRUARY 26, 2023 – SUNDAY OF FORGIVENESS (CHEESE FARE)

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

AXIOS! AXIOS! AXIOS!

The Holy Spirit has inspired the Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch to elect His Eminence, Metropolitan SABA (Esper), formerly of Hauran, as the new Metropolitan Archbishop of New York and All North America. God grant him many happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous years!

TODAY, FEBRUARY 26 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Yvonne Absey, Najibi Anthony, Mary Samara D’Angelico, Vincent D’Angelico, William Haddad, Mounir Kaba, Lillian Malouf, Robert Malouf, Robert Sabbagh, Areff Samara, Robert Samara, Rose Araktingi Samara, and Wendy Sadaka Zavolas. Memory eternal!

Brenda Sabbagh and Family offer Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Robert Sabbagh. Memory eternal! In lieu of a coffee hour the family will make a donation to St. Mary’s.

NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 5 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Nicholas Ghiz, Laurice Merhige Schuh, Gloria Sparsidis. Memory eternal!

The Kaba Family will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Mounir Kaba. Memory eternal!

Trisha Aznavoorian and Barbara Stringile and Family will offer Prayers of Oblation, the Holy Bread, and a Memorial Service for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Mary and Samuel Bittar, Laurice and Samuel Arbeeny, and Diana Arbeeny Craigmyle. Memory eternal!

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Rose Zrake (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Rhonda Byrnes, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Nancy Zarouni (at home).

FORGIVENESS VESPERS – After the Divine Liturgy, please go to the hall for coffee or water and a bite to eat before returning to church for the celebration of Forgiveness Vespers with the Rite of Forgivenss.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – We will hold our Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, March 5, the first Sunday of Great Lent, following the Divine Liturgy. Please submit the names of candidates for the Parish Council to Dianna Russo Kitchen or Fr. Michael after receiving the nominee’s consent to run.

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

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

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

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, February 27 Great Lent Begins

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

Wednesday, March 1 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Followed by Pot Luck Supper

Friday, March 3 First Madayeh/Akathist, 7:30 PM

Saturday, March 4 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Games Festival, 6-9 PM

Sunday, March 5 Annual Parish Meeting

Saturday, March 11 St. Stephen Church, South Plainfield, NJ

Saturday, June 10 Spring Festival

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “Each person must bear the weaknesses of others. Who is perfect? Who can boast that he has kept his heart undefiled? Hence, we are all sick, and whoever condemns his brother does not perceive that he himself is sick, because a sick person does not condemn another sick person.”

- Elder Ephraim of the Holy Mountain

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, February 19, 2023 - Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meat Fare)

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, February 19, 2023

Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meat Fare)

Tone 3 and Eothinon 3

Apostles Archippos, Philemon and Apphias of the Seventy

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

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 3

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion of Meat Fare Sunday – Tone 1

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

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

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

Verse. The Lord has chastened me sorely.

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

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

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

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

Next week’s homework: Romans 13:11-14:4 (Sunday of Forgiveness)

Matthew 6:14-21 (Cheese Fare)

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

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

FEBRUARY 19, 2023 – SUNDAY OF THE LAST JUDGMENT (MEAT FARE)

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

TODAY, FEBRUARY 19 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Thomas Abdallah, Mary Alexander, Almaza Allawh, Charles Assatly, Margaret Assatly, Margaret Fiani Dib, Rt. Rev. Ananias Kassab, George Kassab, Renges Orfaly, and Alice Puccarielli. Memory eternal!

Trisha Aznavoorian and Barbara Stringile and Family offer Prayers of Oblation, the Holy Bread, and a Memorial Service for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Mary and Samuel Bittar, Laurice and Samuel Arbeeny, and Diana Arbeeny Craigmyle. Memory eternal!

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

NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Yvonne Absey, Najibi Anthony, Mary Samara D’Angelico, Vincent D’Angelico, William Haddad, Mounir Kaba, Lillian Malouf, Robert Malouf, Robert Sabbagh, Areff Samara, Robert Samara, Rose Samara, and Wendy Sadaka Zavolas. Memory eternal!

Brenda Sabbagh and Family will offer Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Robert Sabbagh. Memory eternal! In lieu of a coffee hour the family will make a donation to St. Mary’s.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Rose Zrake (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Nancy Zarouni (at home).

FASTING DISICIPLINE – Meat Fare Sunday (today) is the last day we eat meat, poultry, and their by-products until Holy Pascha (April 16). The traditional fasting discipline during this Cheese Fare Week (no red or white meat and poultry) is observed on all days meaning eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil and their by-products may be consumed on all days. Sunday, February 26, is Cheese Fare Sunday and the last day we eat eggs, cheese, dairy and their by-products until Holy Pascha. The Great Fast begins on February 27 and continues until the Feast of Feasts, Pascha: Our Lord’s Resurrection. The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) is observed on all weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, wine and olive oil are allowed.

HOUSE BLESSINGS – Please note that there is only one more Sunday before the beginning of Great Lent. If you would like the priest to bless your home, please make an appointment as soon as possible.

FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – As Great Lent approaches, we prepare for the annual Food for Hungry People program which is especially important this year following the earthquake in Syria and Turkey. This year the organizers are encouraging families to prepare their own individual alms boxes for use at home. If writing a check, please make it payable to St. Mary Church earmarked “FFHP.” “The rich man is not one who has much, but one who gives much.” – St. John Chrysostom

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – We will hold our Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, March 5, the first Sunday of Great Lent, following the Divine Liturgy. Please submit the names of candidates for the Parish Council to Dianna Russo Kitchen or Fr. Michael after receiving the nominee’s consent to run.

ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP – It is time to start planning for summer camp! Registration for all programs except Family Camp has opened. Parents, please register your campers as soon as possible. We expect this year to return to normal following the pandemic years. Go to www.avcamp.org to open an account and register. Scholarships are available through Fr. Michael.

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

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, February 19 Meat Fare Sunday Luncheon

Saturday, February 25 Great Vespers, 5 PM

Sunday, February 26 Forgiveness Vespers

Monday, February 27 Great Lent Begins

Great Compline @ St. Nicholas Cathedral, 7 PM

Wednesday, March 1 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Friday, March 3 First Akathist/Madayeh, 7:30 PM

Saturday, March 4 Games Festival, 6-9 PM

Sunday, March 5 Annual Parish Meeting

Saturday, June 10 Spring Festival

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “We are not asked merely to call ourselves Christians; we are asked to be Chistians through our deeds.”

- St. Ignatius of Antioch

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, February 12, 2023 - Sunday of the Prodigal Son

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, February 12, 2023

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Tone 2 and Eothinon 2

Meletios, Archbishop of Antioch

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 Prodigal Son – Tone 3

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

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

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

Verse. Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous.

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

Gospel – Luke 15:11-32 (Prodigal Son)

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

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

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

Matthew 25:31-46 (Meat Fare)

FEBRUARY 12, 2023 – SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON

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

TODAY, FEBRUARY 12 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God David Bittar, George Ganim, Emileen Hanna, Malak Karkenny, Emily Nassour, George Sabah, and Alberta Samaha. Memory eternal!

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

NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Thomas Abdallah, Mary Alexander, Almaza Allawh, Charles Assatly, Margaret Assatly, Margaret Fiani Dib, Rt. Rev. Ananias Kassab, George Kassab, Renges Orfaly, and Alice Puccarielli. Memory eternal!

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

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

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Rose Zrake (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Mary Ganim, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Nancy Zarouni (at home).

FASTING DISICIPLINE – Meatfare Sunday (February 19) is the last day we eat meat, poultry, and their by-products until Holy Pascha (April 16). The traditional fasting discipline during this Cheesefare Week (no red or white meat and poultry) is observed on all days meaning eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil and their by-products may be consumed on all days. Sunday, February 26, is Cheesefare Sunday and the last day we eat eggs, cheese, dairy and their by-products until Holy Pascha. The Great Fast begins on February 27 and continues until our celebration of the Feast of Feasts, Pascha: Our Lord’s Resurrection. The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) is observed on all weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, wine and olive oil are allowed.

SATURDAY OF THE SOULS – We will celebrate the traditional Divine Liturgy for the Saturday of the Souls on Saturday, February 18, at 10:30 AM. Orthros will begin at 9:30 AM. Please give your list of commemorations for the departed to Fr. Michael in advance of those services. This service always precedes Meatfare Sunday which is February 19 this year.

EARTHQUAKE RELIEF – We will receive a collection in support of the victims of the recent earthquake in southern Turkey and northern Syria each Sunday of this month. We will then send one check from our parish to the Antiochian Archdiocese which will distribute the funds through the Department of Ecumenical Affairs and Development (DERD) of the Patriarchate of Antioch. Please go to www.antiochian.org for additional ways to donate directly.

PARISH COUNCIL – The Parish Council will hold its regular monthly meeting tomorrow, February 13, at 7:30 PM

ESTATE PLANNING – Have I included St. Mary’s Church in my will or estate plan? We are blessed to announce that the Nassoor Family has donated a portion of the sale of their family house on Ridge Boulevard and 82nd Street to the St. Mary’s Church Endowment Fund. God grant rest and repose to the departed members of the Nassoor Family and long life and good health to their living descendants. May we all emulate their example.

OUR TIME – Our senior fellowship, “Our Time,” will meet this Wednesday, February 15, from 1-3 PM.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – We will hold our Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, March 5, the first Sunday of Great Lent, following the Divine Liturgy. Please submit the names of candidates for the Parish Council to Dianna Russo Kitchen or Fr. Michael after receiving the nominee’s consent to run.

FAMILY NIGHT – There will be no Family Night this coming Friday, February 17. Rather, the group will hold a Super Bowl viewing party this evening here in the church hall. Please see the flyer in this bulletin for more information.

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, February 12 Super Bowl Party, 6-10 PM

Monday, February 13 Parish Council, 7:30 PM

Wednesday, February 15 “Our Time” Senior Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Saturday, February 18 Saturday Orthros, 9:30 AM

Saturday of the Souls Divine Liturgy, 10:30 AM

Great Vespers, 5 PM

Sunday, February 19 Meatfare Sunday Luncheon

Monday, February 27 Great Lent Begins

Sunday, March 5 Annual Parish Meeting

Saturday, June 10 Spring Festival

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “Bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”

- I Timothy 4:8

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, February 5, 2023 - Sunday of the Pharisee and Publican and the After-Feast of The Presentation (Meeting) of Christ

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Sunday of the Pharisee and the Publican and

After-Feast of the Presentation (Meeting) of Christ

Tone 1 and Eothinon 1

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 Presentation of Christ into the Temple – Tone 1

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next week’s homework: I Corinthians 6:12-20 (Thirty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost)

Luke 15:11-32 (Prodigal Son)

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

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

FASTING DISICIPLINE – There is no fasting from February 5-11.

HOLY BREAD – Linda and George Salamy have made a donation for the entire year. Many years! Additional donors are welcome for February 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.

FEBRUARY 5, 2023 – SUNDAY OF THE PHARISEE AND PUBLICAN AND THE AFTER-FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION (MEETING) OF CHRIST

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

TODAY, FEBRUARY 5 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Lila Zayat Ara, Shamseh M. Dalack, Elias Darzi, Wadie Jabbour, Jacob Khoury, and Louis Sabah. Memory eternal!

Dr. Kenneth and Jeannie Arida offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of Ken’s parents, the servants of God Dr. William and Hend Arida. Memory eternal!

Marie and Charlie Bryant offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Jacob Khoury. Memory eternal!

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

NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Mary Alexander, David Bittar, George Ganim, Emileen Hanna, Malak Karkenny, Emily Nassour, George Sabah, and Alberta Samaha. Memory eternal!

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

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Rose Zrake (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Marc Galloway (SC), Mary Ganim, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Brenda Samman, Renee Setteducato, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Nancy Zarouni, (at home).

SATURDAY OF THE SOULS – We will celebrate the traditional Divine Liturgy for the Saturday of the Souls on Saturday, February 18, at 10:30 AM. Orthros will begin at 9:30 AM. Please give your list of commemorations for the departed to Fr. Michael in advance of those services. This service always precedes Meatfare Sunday which is February 19 this year.

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - The Ladies of St. Mary’s will meet after Liturgy on Sunday, February 12, 2023. All ladies welcome!

MEATFARE SUNDAY – The deadline for reservations for this event on Sunday, February 19, following the Divine Liturgy, has already passed. Please see the flyer in this week’s bulletin. If you plan to attend, please see Rima Alsaifi Hazem today!

ESTATE PLANNING – Have I included St. Mary’s Church in my will or estate plan? We are blessed to announce that the Nassoor Family has donated a portion of the sale of their family house on Ridge Boulevard and 82nd Street to the St. Mary’s Church Endowment Fund. God grant rest and repose to the departed members of the Nassoor Family and long life and good health to their living descendants. May we all emulate their example.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – We will hold our Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, March 5, the first Sunday of Great Lent, following the Divine Liturgy. Please submit the names of candidates for the Parish Council to Dianna Russo Kitchen or Fr. Michael after receiving the nominee’s consent to run.

HOUSE BLESSINGS – We will accept appointments for house blessings following Epiphany until February 27. We will then resume after Holy Pascha. Contact Fr. Michael for an appointment.

ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP – It is time to start planning for summer camp! Registration for all programs except Family Camp has opened. Parents, please register your campers as soon as possible. We expect this year to return to normal following the pandemic years. Go to www.avcamp.org to open an account and register. Scholarships are available through Fr. Michael.

BOOKSTORE VOLUNTEERS – In an effort to expand our offerings of spiritual books, religious jewelry, icons, and other Orthodox materials we are seeking volunteers to help with the parish bookstore. We hope to open the bookstore during Coffee Hour on Sundays and to take orders for specific items upon request. Please see Lorraine Deeb to volunteer.

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

February 5-11 Fast free Week

Saturday, February 11 Massouh-Tannous Wedding, 3:00 PM

Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Monday, February 13 Parish Council, 7:30 PM

Saturday, February 18 Saturday of the Souls Divine Liturgy, 10:30 AM

Sunday, February 19 Meatfare Sunday Luncheon

Monday, February 27 Great Lent Begins

Sunday, March 5 Annual Parish Meeting

Saturday, June 10 Spring Festival

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “The soul is always awake and active. Our bodies are unable to follow the soul in this activity and need sleep. During sleep the body and the soul are in a way separated for a time, while the body is resting and renewing its energy. During that time the soul is in a world of its own. There it can come into contact with the souls of the dead and with spiritual realms.”

- Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, January 29, 2023 - Seventeenth 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

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

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

Sunday, January 29, 2023

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 8 and Eothinon 11

Translation of the Relics of Ignatius the God-Bearer of Antioch

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 Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer, Bishop of Antioch – Tone 4

By choosing the Apostles’ way of life, you succeeded to their throne. Inspired by God you found the way to divine contemplation through the practice of virtue. After teaching the word of truth without error, you defended the Faith to the very shedding of your blood. O holy martyr among bishops, Ignatius, 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 Presentation of Christ in the Temple – Tone 1

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

Epistle – II Corinthians 6:16-7:1 (Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost)

Prokeimenon. 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 the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.

Gospel – Matthew 15:21-28 (Seventeenth Sunday of Matthew)

AT THAT TIME, Jesus went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon.” But Jesus did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying after us.” Jesus answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And Jesus answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed at that very hour.

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

Luke 18:10-14 (Pharisee and Publican)

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.

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

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

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

JANUARY 29, 2023 – SEVENTEENTH 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, JANUARY 29 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Louis Assatly, Elaine Ateyeh, Georgette Captain, Siham Damalts, Yvonne Sahadi, Josephine Hadad, Violet Karkenny, Mitchell Merhige, Phillip Merhige, Victoria and Edgar Saadi, Suraya and Samuel Samaha, William Shamoun, and Gail Hall Zarr. Memory eternal!

Michele Ateyeh offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her mother, the handmaiden of God Elaine Ateyeh. Memory eternal!

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

George Trisciuzzi offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of his parents, Adele Mary and Teodoro Trisciuzzi. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Lila Zayat Ara, Shamseh M. Dalack, Elias Darzi, Wadie Jabbour, Jacob Khoury, and Louis Sabah. Memory eternal!

Marie and Charlie Bryant will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Jacob Khoury. Memory eternal!

FASTING DISCIPLINE – In February we follow our normal practice of fasting on Wednesday and Friday; however, there is no fasting from Sunday, February 5 through Saturday, February 11 in anticipation of the period of the Triodion.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Khalil Eid (Hamilton Park), Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Rose Zrake (NYU Lutheran), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Diana Finger, Robert Forcina, Marc Galloway (SC), Mary Ganim, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Brenda Samman, Renee Setteducato, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Dr. Samir Zamaria (MD), and Nancy Zarouni (at home).

FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF CHIRST – We will celebrate an Evening Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, February 1, at 7:00 PM, in anticipation of the Great Feast of the Presentation of Christ. Communicants should begin their Eucharistic fast after an early and light lunch.

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - The Ladies of St. Mary’s will meet after Liturgy on Sunday, February 12, 2023. All ladies welcome!”

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – We will hold our Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, March 5, the first Sunday of Great Lent, following the Divine Liturgy. Please submit the names of candidates for the Parish Council to Dianna Russo Kitchen or Fr. Michael after receiving the nominee’s consent to run.

ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP – It is time to start planning for summer camp! Registration for all programs except Family Camp has opened. Parents, please register your campers as soon as possible. We expect this year to return to normal following the pandemic years. Go to www.avcamp.org to open an account and register. Scholarships are available through Fr. Michael.

BOOKSTORE VOLUNTEERS – In an effort to expand our offerings of spiritual books, religious jewelry, icons, and other Orthodox materials we are seeking volunteers to help with the parish bookstore. We hope to open the bookstore during Coffee Hour on Sundays and to take orders for specific items upon request. Please see Lorraine Deeb to volunteer.

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 – Have I included St. Mary’s Church in my will or estate plan? It’s easy, it’s vital, and it won’t cost a dime in your lifetime. Say in your will something like, “I bequeath 10% of the residue of my estate to St. Mary’s Orthodox Church of Brooklyn after all other specific bequests, debts and taxes have been paid.” Consult your attorney or financial advisor for professional guidance.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, February 1 “Our Time” Senior Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Evening Divine Liturgy – Feast of the Presentation, 7 PM

Friday, February 3 Family Night, 7-9 PM

Saturday, February 4 Great Vespers, 5 PM

Sunday, February 12 Ladies of St. Mary’s Meeting

Monday, February 13 Parish Council, 7:30 PM

Saturday, February 18 Saturday of the Souls Divine Liturgy, 10:30 AM

Sunday, February 19 Meatfare Sunday Luncheon

Monday, February 27 Great Lent Begins

Sunday, March 5 Annual Parish Meeting

Saturday, June 10 Spring Festival

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “According to the Gospel, it should be said that undoubtedly each person is given his own saving cross. This cross has grown on the soil of our heart, and it is only through this cross that we can be saved. From this it follows that if we refuse to carry our cross of obedience for no legitimate reason, we refuse to go by the way of Christ, by the saving way, and we want to invent for ourselvs another way, free of labor, for attaining the Kingdom of Heaven. But this cannot be.”

- St. Anatoly of Optina

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America