Bulletin for November 5, 2023 - Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

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

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

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

His Eminence Metropolitan 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, November 5, 2023

Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 5 and Eothinon 11

Martyrs Galaktion and Episteme of Homs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gospel – Luke 16:19-31 (Fifth Sunday of Luke)

THE LORD SAID, “There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table; moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.’”

Next week’s homework: II Corinthians 9:6-11 (St. John the Merciful)

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

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

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

NOVEMBER 5, 2023 – TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Leila Dahdouh, Stanley Fadel, Victoria Khouri, Dorothy Madey, George Massabni, Nicholas Sahadi, and Charles Salloum. Memory eternal!

Victor and Janice Hili offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Stanley Fadel. Memory eternal!

Yvonne and Charles Salloum offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Charles Salloum. Memory eternal!

The Alumni of the Antiochian Village Camp offer Prayers of Oblation and a 22-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Rt. Rev. Archimandrite John Namie, the first and beloved director of the camp. A Coffee Hour will follow the Divine Liturgy in his memory. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Claire Banat, Dr. John L. Boojamra, Charlene Alekel Goldrick, George R. Haddad, Rashida Marie Haddad, Gabriella R. Sadaka, and Gregory Zarr. Memory eternal!

HOLY BREAD – The Zarr Family offers the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of November in loving memory of their dearly departed family members George Zarr, Marie Zarr, Rose Zarr, Gregory Zarr, Gail Hall Zarr, Dolores Marinacci and Nazeer Almumen. Memory Eternal! Linda and George Salamy have made a donation for the balance of the year. Many years! Additional donors are welcome for November and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Robert Forcina (Calvary), Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Wade Saadi (MSK), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Lorraine Deeb, Patty DeLuca, George Khoury, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, and Rose Zrake (at home).

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR NOVEMBER – We observe the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) on Wednesdays and Fridays through November 15 when the Advent Fast begins.

BIBLE STUDY – We will continue our study of the Book of Romans on Wednesday, November 8, at 7:30 PM. This book is the subject of this year’s Bible Bowl at the Parish Life Conference. Both teens and adults are encouraged to attend. Please read chapters 14-16. Bring your Orthodox Study Bibles.

GAMES FESTIVAL – Please see the flyer in this bulletin about the Games Festival for children following Great Vespers this Saturday, November 11.

OUR TIME – Our (over 50) senior fellowship, “Our Time”, meets every other Wednesday, including this Wednesday, November 8, from 1-3 PM. All are welcome. Please see Marilyn Tulaney for more information. In addition, Our Time sponsors Pickleball on Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9 PM. All players and spectators are welcome.

SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – We congratulate Bob Mackoul, Daria Mayrose, Irene Tashji and their whole committee on another outstanding event this past Monday. We will announce final figures when available. We especially thank the Mackoul, Sabbagh, and Sahadi Families and their business for their long-time and generous support of this event. Many years!

SECOND FRIDAY – The St. Julien Discussion Group will meet Friday, November 10, at 7:30 PM.

CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE - The Ladies of St. Mary's are preparing for the Christmas Boutique in Couri Hall on Saturday. December 2, and Sunday, December 3 after church. Items will be sold and the gift baskets and 50/50 raffle will be drawn. We are hoping that our very talented bakers will generously donate their specialties. If you would like to donate baked goods, please contact Nahla Bittar at (718) 909 - 6727. This year we are accepting only donations of costume and better jewelry. If you can donate jewelry, please contact Marianne Hindelly at (917) 309-5302 today. We need MEN VOLUNTEERS on Sunday afternoon December 3 to assist packing up after the Boutique. Please contact Gale Zarr (917) 771 – 2427 if you are available or have any questions.

FLU SHOTS – One of our brilliant pharmacists is offering to provide flu shots to anyone over 18 who has not yet had their seasonal vaccine. On Sunday, November 12 bring your ID cards and insurance cards. Anyone over 65 should bring their Medicare parts A, B and D card. Consent forms will be available here at the church. To make a reservation use the sign-up sheet at the Coffee Hour.

IOCC SUNDAY – Our November pledge envelopes included a yellow envelope for “International Orthodox Christian Charities” dated November 19. We annually receive this collection on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Our faithful can either drop their envelope in the collection tray on Sundays or return it to the church office. If you are not receiving pledge envelopes, please inform the church office so that we can add you to our list of supporters. Thank you for your support of IOCC.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, November 8 “Our Time” Senior Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Bible Study, 7:30 PM

Friday, November 10 Second Friday – St. Julien Discussion Group, 7:30 PM

Saturday, November 11 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Church School/PTO Games Festival, 6-9 PM

Wednesday, November 15 Advent Begins

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “As the poor should give thanks to God and love the rich who do them good, even more should the rich give thanks to God and love the poor; for they are saved by the providence of God because of their alms.”

- St. Peter of Damascus

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for October 29, 2023 - Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost

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

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

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

His Eminence Metropolitan 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, October 29, 2023

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 4 and Eothinon 10

Venerable Martyr Anastasia of Rome

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

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

Verse. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

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

Gospel – Luke 8:41-56 (Seventh Sunday of Luke)

AT THAT TIME, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus’ feet, he besought him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.

As Jesus went, the people pressed round him. And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had spent all her living upon physicians, and could not be healed by any one, came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the multitudes surround you and press upon you, and you say, ‘Who touched me?’” But Jesus said, “Some one touched me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

While Jesus was speaking, a man from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well.” And when Jesus came to the house, he permitted no one to enter with him, except Peter and James and John, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but Jesus said, “Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand Jesus called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and Jesus directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

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

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

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

OCTOBER 29, 2023 – TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

OCTOBER IS YOUTH MONTH AND SEMINARY MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Nicholas L. Assatly, Henry Hadad, Assad Hanna, Olga and Salem Jabara and Delores and Paul Jabara, Evelyn Mouracade, Josephine Tadross, Mary and Richard Zraick. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Leila Dahdouh, Stanley Fadel, Victoria Khouri, Dorothy Madey, George Massabni, Nicholas Sahadi, Charles Salloum, and Alexander Zahka. Memory eternal!

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

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

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Robert Forcina (Calvary), Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Lorraine Deeb, George Khoury, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Wade Saadi, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, and Rose Zrake (at home).

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR NOVEMBER – We observe the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) on Wednesdays and Fridays through November 15 when the Advent Fast begins.

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S – The Ladies of St. Mary’s will hold a meeting today following the Divine Liturgy in anticipation of their Christmas Boutique. All women of the parish are welcome and invited to participate. Please see Sandra Arida for more information.

BIBLE STUDY – We will continue our study of the Book of Romans on Wednesday, November 1, at 7:30 PM. This book will be the subject of this year’s Bible Bowl at the Parish Life Conference. Both teens and adults are encouraged to attend. This week we will cover chapters 12 and 13. Bring your Orthodox Study Bibles.

TEEN SOYO ¬– We congratulate newly elected officers Therese Maalouf and Alice Regnier (Co-Presidents), Marc Alsaifi (Vice President), and Paula Spolar and Arabella Kitchen (Secretaries).

SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – Due to inclement weather the Golf and Tennis Outing scheduled for September 18 was postponed until tomorrow, Monday, October 30. Let us pray for “seasonable weather” this time!

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

VIGIL FOR ST. RAPHAEL – St. Nicholas Cathedral will host Great Vespers, Artoklasia, Orthros and Divine Liturgy for the Feast of St. Raphael of Brooklyn on Friday, November 3, beginning at 6:00 PM.

GREAT VESPERS – There will be no Great Vespers this Saturday, November 4.

FLU SHOTS – One of our brilliant, young pharmacists is offering her services to provide flu shots to anyone over 18 who has not yet had their seasonal vaccine. On Sunday, November 12, bring your ID cards and insurance cards. Anyone over 65 should bring their Medicare parts A, B and D card. Consent forms will be available here at the church. To register use the sign-up sheet at the Coffee Hour.

CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE - The Ladies of St. Mary's are preparing for the Christmas Boutique in Couri Hall on Saturday. December 2, and Sunday, December 3 after church. items will be sold and the gift baskets and 50/50 raffle will be drawn. We are hoping that our very talented bakers will generously donate their specialties. If you would like to donate baked goods, please contact Nahla Bittar at (718) 909 - 6727. This year we are accepting only donations of costume and better jewelry. If you can donate jewelry, please contact Marianne Hindelly at (917) 309-5302 by Sunday, November 5. We need MEN VOLUNTEERS on Sunday afternoon December 3 to assist packing up after the Boutique. Please contact Gale Zarr (917) 771–2427 if you are available or have any questions.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME – Remember to turn the clocks back one hour next Saturday!

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, October 29 Ladies of St. Mary’s Meeting

Wednesday, November 1 Bible Study, 7:30 PM

Friday, November 3 Vigil for St. Raphael @ St. Nicholas Cathedral, 6:00 PM

Saturday, November 4 NO GREAT VESPERS

Saturday, November 11 Games Festival, 6:00 PM

Sunday, November 12 Flu Shot Clinic

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “Just as the most bitter medicine drives out poisonous creatures, so prayer joined to fasting drives evil thoughts away.”

- Amma Syncletica of the Desert

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for October 22, 2023 - Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

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

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

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

His Eminence Metropolitan 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, October 22, 2023

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 3 and Eothinon 9

Averkios the Wonderworker, Equal-to-the-Apostles and Bishop of Hierapolis

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.

Apolytkion of St. Averkios – Tone 4

Thy works of justice did reveal thee to thy community as a canon of faith, the likeness of humility and teacher of abstinence, O Father Bishop Averkios. Wherefore, by humility thou hast achieved exaltation, and by thy meekness wealth. Intercede, therefore, with Christ God to save our souls.

Apolytkion of the Seven Ephesian Youths – Tone 4

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion of the Theotokos – Tone 2

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

Epistle – Galatians 1:11-19 (Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost)

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

Verse. Clap your hands, all you nations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next week’s homework: Galatians 2:16-20 (Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost)

Luke 8:41-56 (Seventh Sunday of Luke)

OCTOBER 22, 2023 – TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

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

OCTOBER IS YOUTH MONTH AND SEMINARY MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Matilda Couri Boutross, Aleer Couri, John Martin, Elena Paris, Najla Sahadi, Susan Texeira, and Lorraine Zraick. Memory eternal!

Edith O’Donnell offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Samia Khoury, Fareed Khoury, Angele Khoury Folsey, George Khoury, Anne Khoury, Hazel Khoury, Mitchell Tadross, and Edith Khoury Tadross. Memory eternal!

Elaine and John Couri offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Aleer Couri. Memory eternal!

The Family of Lorraine Zraick offers Prayers of Oblation and a 20-Year Memorial for the repose of her soul. A Coffee Hour in her memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Nicholas L. Assatly, Henry Hadad, Assad Hanna, Olga and Salem Jabara and Delores and Paul Jabara, Evelyn Mouracade, Josephine Tadross, Mary and Richard Zraick. Memory eternal!

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

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

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Robert Forcina, George Khoury, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Wade Saadi, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, and Rose Zrake (at home).

BIBLE STUDY – We will continue our study of the Book of Romans on Wednesday, October 25, at 7:30 PM. This book is the subject of this year’s Bible Bowl at the Parish Life Conference. Both teens and adults are encouraged to attend. Please read chapters 9-11. Bring your Orthodox Study Bibles.

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

OUR TIME FELLOWSHIP – Our “senior” fellowship, “Our Time,” will meet on Wednesday, October 25, from 1-3 PM. Please see Marilyn Tulaney for more information.

RADIO BINGO – The Young Adult Fellowship will sponsor an evening of Radio Bingo on Saturday, October 28, following Great Vespers. Although the Young Adults are sponsoring this event, everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate. Please see the flyer in this bulletin, or contact Amanda Alexander Rich or Diana Kaiami for more information.

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S – The Ladies of St. Mary’s will meet next Sunday, October 29, after the Divine Liturgy in anticipation of their Christmas Boutique on Saturday, December 2. All women of the parish are welcome, invited and encouraged to attend.

SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – Due to inclement weather the Golf and Tennis Outing scheduled for September 18 was postponed until Monday, October 30. This postponement enables us to accept additional dinner reservations and sponsorship donations. Please see Daria Mayrose for more information.

FALL HARVEST LUNCHEON - The Parish Council is planning the Fall Harvest Luncheon for Sunday, November 19. Donations of completed raffle baskets or items for raffle baskets are welcome. Please see Lorraine Deeb. Please direct contributions towards the meal itself to Nahla Bittar Fattouh.

CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE - The Ladies of St. Mary's are preparing for the Christmas Boutique in Couri Hall on Saturday. December 2, and Sunday, December 3 after church. Items will be sold and the gift baskets and 50/50 raffle will be drawn. We are hoping that our very talented bakers will generously donate their specialties. If you would like to donate baked goods, please contact Nahla Bittar at (718) 909 - 6727. This year we are accepting only donations of costume and better jewelry. If you can donate jewelry, please contact Marianne Hindelly at (917) 309-5302 by Sunday, November 5. We need MEN VOLUNTEERS on Sunday afternoon December 3 to assist packing up after the Boutique. Please contact Gale Zarr (917) 771 – 2427 if you are available or have any questions.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, October 25 “Our Time” Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Bible Study, 7:30 PM

Saturday, October 28 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Young Adult Fellowship Radio Bingo

Sunday, October 29 Ladies of St. Mary’s Meeting

Monday, October 30 Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

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

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, October 15, 2023 - Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council

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

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

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

His Eminence Metropolitan 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, October 15, 2023

Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council

Tone 2 and Eothinon 8

Hieromartyr Lucian of Antioch

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 Holy Fathers – Tone 8

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion of the Theotokos – Tone 2

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

Epistle – Titus 3:8-15 (Holy Fathers)

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

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

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

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

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

Grace be with you all. Amen.

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

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

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

Next week’s homework: Galatians 1:11-19 (Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost)

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

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

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

OCTOBER 15, 2023 – SUNDAY OF THE HOLY FATHERS OF THE SEVENTH ECUMENICAL COUNCIL

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

OCTOBER IS YOUTH MONTH AND SEMINARY MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Edward Arida, Selma Assatly, Mary and Sophie Fauty, Henry Hadad, Sr., George P. James, Marie Khoury, Beder and Sadallah Sabbagh, Virginia M. and George A. Sahadi, and Temam Kotite Samra. Memory eternal!

Diane Zamaria offers Prayers of Oblation and the Holy Bread for the health of the servants of God Renee, Diane, Memphis, Nathaniel, William, Justin, and Wayne on the upcoming birthdays. Many years! She also offers prayers for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Helen and Michael Nassoor and Dr. Samir Zamaria. Memory eternal!

Louise Sahadi offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Virginia M. and George A. Sahadi. Memory eternal!

The Family of Annette Lattof offers Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of her soul. A Coffee Hour in her memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Matilda Couri Boutross, Aleer Couri, John Martin, Elena Paris, Najla Sahadi, Susan Texeira, and Lorraine Zraick. Memory eternal!

Edith O’Donnell will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Samia Khoury, Fareed Khoury, Angele Khoury Folsey, George Khoury, Anne Khoury, Hazel Khoury, Mitchell Tadross, and Edith Khoury Tadross. Memory eternal!

The Family of Lorraine Zraick will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 20-Year Memorial for the repose of her soul. A Coffee Hour in her memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

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

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Robert Forcina, George Khoury, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Wade Saadi, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, and Rose Zrake (at home).

BIBLE STUDY – We will continue our study of the Book of Romans on Wednesday, October 18, at 7:30 PM. This book will be the subject of this year’s Bible Bowl at the Parish Life Conference. Both teens and adults are encouraged to attend. This week we will read chapters 3-6. Bring your Orthodox Study Bibles.

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

FAMILY NIGHT – Everyone is welcome to share Family Game Night on the first and third Monday of each month from 7-9 PM. The next event is Friday, October 20.

RADIO BINGO – The Young Adult Fellowship will sponsor an evening of Radio Bingo on Saturday, October 28, following Great Vespers. Although the Young Adults are sponsoring this event, everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate. Please see the flyer in this bulletin, or contact Amanda Alexander Rich for more information.

CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE - The Ladies of St. Mary's are preparing for the Christmas Boutique in Couri Hall on Saturday. December 2, and Sunday, December 3 after church. Items will be sold and the gift baskets and 50/50 raffle will be drawn. We are hoping that our very talented bakers will generously donate their specialties. If you would like to donate baked goods, please contact Nahla Bittar at (718) 909-6727. This year we are accepting only donations of costume and better jewelry. If you can donate jewelry, please contact Marianne Hindelly at (917) 309-5302 by Sunday, November 5. We need MEN VOLUNTEERS on Sunday afternoon December 3 to assist packing up after the Boutique. Please contact Gale Zarr (917) 771–2427 if you are available or have any questions.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, October 18 Bible Study, 7:30 PM

Friday, October 20 Family Game Night

Saturday, October 21 Hall Rental, 8 AM – 3 PM

Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Sunday, October 22 Teen SOYO Meeting

Saturday, October 28 Young Adult Fellowship Radio Bingo

Sunday, October 29 Ladies of St. Mary’s Meeting

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

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, October 8, 2023 - Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

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

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

His Eminence Metropolitan 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, October 8, 2023

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 1 and Eothinon 7

Righteous Mother Pelagia the Penitent of Antioch

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. Pelagia the Righteous – Tone 8

Through thee, the divine likeness was securely preserved, O mother Pelagia; for thou didst carry the cross and follow 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 – II Corinthians 9:6-11 (Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost)

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

Verse. Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR OCTOBER – We observe the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) on Wednesdays and Fridays.

BIBLE STUDY – We will continue our study of the Book of Romans on Wednesday, October 11, at 7:30 PM. This book will be the subject of this year’s Bible Bowl at the Parish Life Conference. Both teens and adults are encouraged to attend. Bring your Orthodox Study Bibles.

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

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

OCTOBER 8, 2023 – EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

OCTOBER IS YOUTH MONTH AND SEMINARY MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Doris Farkouh Creidy, Zahaya Dahab, Janet M. Gehshan, John G. Golam, Margaret Mackoul, Helen Orfaly, Rose Rowady, Edith and Mitchell A. Tadross, Samia, Fareed, George, Hazel Khoury and Angel Folsey, and Michael Zarouni. Memory eternal!

Deborah and Robert Mackoul offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Margaret Mackoul. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Edward Arida, Selma Assatly, Mary and Sophie Fauty, Henry Hadad, Sr., George P. James, Marie Khoury, Beder and Sadallah Sabbagh, George A. and Virginia M. Sahadi, and Temam Kotite Samra. Memory eternal!

Louise Sahadi will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Virginia M. and George A. Sahadi. Memory eternal!

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

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

PARISH COUNCIL – The Parish Council will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 10, at 7:00 PM

BIBLE STUDY – We will continue study of the Book of Romans on Wednesday, October 11, at 7:30 PM. This book will be the subject of this year’s Bible Bowl at the Parish Life Conference. Both teens and adults are encouraged to attend. This week read Romans 1 and 2. Bring your Orthodox Study Bibles.

OUR TIME FELLOWSHIP – Our “senior” fellowship, “Our Time,” will meet on Wednesday, October 11, from 1-3 PM. Please see Marilyn Tulaney for more information.

ST. JULIEN DISCUSSION GROUP – On the second Friday of each month we are hosting an informal discussion with the pastor concerning matters of interest. Everyone is invited. The next gathering will be on Friday, October 13, at 7:30 PM.

FALL HAFLI – Last call for reservations! Please see Rima Alsaifi Hazem today!

SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – The Golf and Tennis Outing on September 18 was postponed until Monday, October 30. This postponement enables us to accept additional dinner reservations and sponsorship donations. Please see Daria Mayrose for more information.

TEEN SOYO – The Teens will meet next Sunday, October 15, to elect officers and to plan the year. All teens (12-19) are welcome to participate. Please see Angela Athineos, Amanda Regnier, Dianna Russo Kitchen, or Leen Zgheib for more information.

THEOLOGICAL OFFERING – Our October pledge envelopes included a green envelope marked “Theological Offering.” We make this appeal each year in support of our seminaries in North America. Our minimum contribution as a parish is $500. Our faithful can either drop their envelope in the collection tray on Sundays or return it to the church office. If you are not receiving pledge envelopes, please inform the church office so that we can add you to our list of supporters.

RADIO BINGO – The Young Adult Fellowship will sponsor Radio Bingo on Saturday, October 28. Although the Young Adults are sponsoring this event, everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate. Contact Amanda Alexander Rich for more information.

COLLEGE CONFERENCE – The Antiochian Village will host the 2023 College Conference on December 23-30. Go to https://www.ocf.net/cc23/ to register and for more information. The cost is $385 for early bird registrants. We would appreciate donors to help us underwrite the cost of tuition and transportation. Please see Fr. Michael in confidence for scholarship assistance.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Tuesday, October 10 Parish Council, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, October 11 “Our Time” Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Bible Study, 7:30 PM

Friday, October 13 St. Julien Discussion Group, 7:30 PM

Saturday, October 14 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Fall Hafli

Sunday, October 15 Teen SOYO Meeting

Saturday, October 28 Young Adult Fellowship Radio Bingo

Sunday, October 29 Ladies of St. Mary’s Meeting

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “There is no sin which cannot be pardoned except the one which lacks repentance.”

- St. Isaac the S

Bulletin for Sunday, October 1, 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

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, October 1, 2023

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 8 and Eothinon 6

Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, First Bishop of Damascus and

Righteous Father Romanos the Melodist

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 Apostle Ananias – Tone 3

O holy Apostle Ananias, intercede with our merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

Apolytikion of St. Romanos – Tone 8

Through thee, the divine likeness was securely preserved, O father Romanos; for thou didst carry the cross and follow 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 – 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 – Luke 6:31-36 (Second Sunday of Luke)

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

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

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

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

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

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR OCTOBER – We observe the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) on Wednesdays and Fridays.

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

OCTOBER 1, 2023 – SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

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

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Dorothy Howie, Gary Kassatly, Bernice Wardi Lutfy, Edmund Shawah, Edward, Ronald, Valerie, and Victoria Tadross, Herbert Trabulsi, Fred Zahka, Antoun Zgheib, and Edna and Philip Zrike. Memory eternal!

Rafat Kaba offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God George Kadour. Memory eternal!

The Kaba Family offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God George Kadour. They will sponsor a Coffee Hour in his memory after the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Kaufman offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Dorothy Howie. Memory eternal!

Catherine Lutfy offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Bernice Wardi Lutfy. Memory eternal!

George Trisciuzzi offers Prayers of Oblation for the health of the servant of God Joseph Schechla. Many years!

NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Doris Farkouh Creidy, Zahaya Dahab, Janet M. Gehshan, John G. Golam, Margaret Mackoul, Helen Orfaly, Rose Rowady, Edith and Mitchell A. Tadross, Samia, Fareed, George, Hazel Khoury, Angel Folsey, and Michael Zarouni. Memory eternal!

Alice Carolyn Furer will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Victoria Fiani Dib. Memory eternal!

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

GREAT VESPERS - There will be no Great Vespers this Saturday, October 7, at St. Mary’s Church.

SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – Due to inclement weather the Golf and Tennis Outing scheduled for September 18 was postponed until Monday, October 30. This postponement enables us to accept additional dinner reservations and sponsorship donations. Please see Daria Mayrose for more information.

BIBLE STUDY – We will begin a study of the Book of Romans on Wednesday, October 4, at 7:30 PM. This book will be the subject of this year’s Bible Bowl at the Parish Life Conference. Both teens and adults are encouraged to attend. Bring your Orthodox Study Bibles.

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

TEEN RETREAT – On Saturday, October 7, our Teen SOYO will host a Teen Retreat at St. Vladimir’s Seminary in Yonkers, NY, on behalf of the Eastern Dioceses. Please see Teen Advisors Dianna Kitchen, Angela Athineos, or Amanda Regnier

RADIO BINGO – The Young Adult Fellowship will sponsor an evening of Radio Bingo on Saturday, October 28, following Great Vespers. Although the Young Adults are sponsoring this event, everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate. Please see the flyer in this bulletin, or contact Amanda Alexander Rich for more information.

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

ESTATE PLANNING – Have I made a provision in my will or estate plan for St. Mary’s Church?

DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, October 4 Bible Study, 7:30 PM

Friday, October 6 Family Game Night, 7-9 PM

Saturday, October 7 Teen Retreat @ St. Vladimir’s Seminary

No Great Vespers

Monday, October 9 Parish Council, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, October 11 “Our Time” Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Friday, October 13 St. Julien Discussion Group, 7:30 PM

Saturday, October 14 Fall Hafli

Saturday, October 28 Young Adult Fellowship Radio Bingo

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age. Amen.”

- Matthew 28:20

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, September 24, 2023 - Proto-Martyr Thekla, Equal-to-the-Apostles

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, September 24, 2023

Proto-Martyr Thekla, Equal-to-the-Apostles

Tone 7 and Eothinon 5

Venerable Silouan of Athos

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 St. Thekla – Tone 3

O glorious Thekla, companion of Paul the divine, thou wast enflamed with the love of thy Creator, by the teaching of the divine preacher. Thou didst despise the passing earthly pleasures, and offered thyself to God as an acceptable and pleasing sacrifice, disregarding all suffering. Intercede with Christ thy Groom to grant us His Great Mercy.

Apolytikion of St. Silouan the Athonite – Tone 4

By prayer thou didst receive Christ as thy teacher in the way of humility, and the Spirit bore witness to salvation in thy heart. Wherefore, all peoples called unto hope rejoice in this day of thy memorial, O sacred Father Silouan. Pray unto Christ our God 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 of the Theotokos – Tone 2

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

Epistle – II Timothy 3:10-15 (Great Martyr Thekla, Equal-to-the-Apostles)

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

Verse. Bless God in the congregations.

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 5:1-11 (First Sunday of Luke)

AT THAT TIME, Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret. And he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, Jesus asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when Jesus had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

Next week’s homework: II Timothy 3:10-15 (Protomartyr Thekla)

Luke 5:1-11 (First Sunday of Luke)

HOLY BREAD – Roland Salloum and Wanda Salloum offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of September for the repose of the soul of their brother, the servant of God Oscar Salloum and all the departed members of the Salloum Family. Memory eternal! Additional donors are welcome for October and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 – PROTO-MARTYR THEKLA, EQUAL-TO-THE-APOSTLES

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.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Lorraine Assatly, Victoria F. Dib, Ghassan Fattouh, Avjon Golam and Dimitry Golam, George Haddad, Werda Hadad, Emileen Hanna, Stephen Paul James, Eleanor Kalesh, Alexander Khoury, George K. Moore, Addie, Mary Alice, Alfred Nahas, Edmund Nahas, Adrienne Poulakakos, Barbara Salamy, Very Rev. Fr. Paul W.S. Schneirla, Shirley Schneirla, William Sutfin Schneirla Jr., and Donald O. Page. Memory eternal!

The Family of George Kadour offers Prayers of Oblation and a 6-Month Memorial for the repose of his soul. Memory eternal!

Dr. Shadi Badin and Mrs. Oula Sayig offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of Oula’s father, Nafez Sayegh, who departed this life in Syria. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Dorothy Howie, Gary Kassatly, Bernice Wardi Lutfy, Edmund Shawah, Edward, Ronald, Valerie, and Victoria Tadross, Herbert Trabulsi, Fred Zahka, Antoun Zgheib, Philip and Edna Zrike. Memory eternal!

The Kaba Family will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God George Kadour. They will sponsor a Coffee Hour in his memory after the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

Catherine Lutfy will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Bernice Wardi Lutfy. Memory eternal!

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

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

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - The Ladies of St. Mary’s will have their first meeting of the new ecclesiastical year today after Divine Liturgy. All ladies welcome and invited to attend!

SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – Due to inclement weather the Golf and Tennis Outing scheduled for last Monday was postponed until Monday, October 30. This postponement enables us to accept additional dinner reservations and sponsorship donations. Please see Daria Mayrose for more information.

OUR TIME FELLOWSHIP – Our “senior” fellowship, “Our Time,” will meet on Wednesday, September 27, from 1-3 PM. Please see Marilyn Tulaney for more information.

TEEN RETREAT – On Saturday, October 7, our Teen SOYO will host a Teen Retreat at St. Vladimir’s Seminary in Yonkers, NY, on behalf of the Eastern Dioceses. Please see Teen Advisors Dianna Kitchen, Angela Athineos, or Amanda Regnier

BIBLE STUDY – We will begin a study of the Book of Romans on Wednesday, October 3, at 7:30 PM. This book will be the subject of this year’s Bible Bowl at the Parish Life Conference. Both teens and adults are encouraged to attend. Bring your Orthodox Study Bibles.

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 – Lord, should I leave 1% of my estate to Your Holy Church?

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, September 24 Ladies of St. Mary’s Meeting

William Bittar Baptism, 1:30 PM

Wednesday, September 27 “Our Time” Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Saturday, September 30 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Wednesday, October 3 Bible Study, 7:30 PM

Friday, October 6 Family Game Night, 7-9 PM

Saturday, October 7 Teen Retreat @ St. Vladimir’s Seminary

No Great Vespers

Monday, October 9 Parish Council, 7:00 PM

Saturday, October 14 Fall Hafli

Saturday, October 28 Young Adult Fellowship Radio Bingo

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

- Psalm 91:11

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, September 17, 2023 - Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy 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

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, September 17, 2023

Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross

Tone 6 and Eothinon 4

Martyrs Sophia and Her Daughters Faith, Love, and Hope

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 6

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

Apolytikion of the Holy Cross – Tone 1

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion of the Holy Cross – Tone 4

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

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

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

Verse. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

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

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

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

Next week’s homework: II Timothy 3:10-15 (Protomartyr Thekla)

Luke 5:1-11 (First Sunday of Luke)

HOLY BREAD – Roland Salloum and Wanda Salloum offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of September for the repose of the soul of their brother, the servant of God Oscar Salloum and all the departed members of the Salloum Family. Memory eternal! Additional donors are welcome for September and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR SEPTEMBER – We observe the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) on Wednesdays and Fridays.

FLOWERS FOR THE HOLY CROSS – Donors are welcome for the procession with the precious and life-giving Cross. Please make your check payable to St. Mary’s Church with “flowers” in the memo line.

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.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2023 – SUNDAY AFTER THE ELEVATION OF THE HOLY 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.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Elizabeth Ganim Cohen, George Fauty, Victor Hamaty, Katherine and Wilfred Jabara, Alexander Orfaly, Wajieha Sabbagh, and Edward M. Traboulsi. Memory eternal!

Brenda Samman offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her husband, former Parish Council Chair Sam Samman. Memory eternal

NEXT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Lorraine Assatly, Victoria F. Dib, Ghassan Fattouh, Avjon Golam and Dimitry Golam, George Haddad, Werda Hadad, Emileen Hanna, Stephen Paul James, Eleanor Kalesh, Alexander Khoury, George K. Moore, Addie, Mary Alice, Alfred Nahas, Edmund Nahas, Adrienne Poulakakos, Barbara Salamy, Very Rev. Fr. Paul W.S. Schneirla, Shirley Schneirla, William Sutfin Schneirla, Jr., and Donald O. Page. Memory eternal!

Alice Carolyn Furer will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Victoria Fiane Dib. Memory eternal!

Rafat Kaba will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God George Kadour. Memory eternal!

Dr. Shadi Badin and Mrs. Oula Sayig will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of Oula’s father, Nafez Sayegh who departed this life in Syria. Memory eternal!

Our Parish Family will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 10-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of our former and long-time pastor, V. Rev. Fr. Paul W.S. Schneirla. Memory eternal!

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

SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – The annual Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing will take place tomorrow, September 18. This year we are honoring Sam Kaiami with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Marie Louise Tashji with the Victor Samra, Jr. Memorial Award. May God grant us seasonable weather!

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - The Ladies of St. Mary’s will have their first meeting of the new ecclesiastical year on Sunday, September 24, after Divine Liturgy. All ladies welcome and invited to attend!

OUR TIME FELLOWSHIP – Our “senior” fellowship, “Our Time,” will meet on Wednesday, September 27, from 1-3 PM. Please see Marilyn Tulaney for more information.

CHURCH SCHOOL – Please allow the Church School students, teachers, and assistants to receive Holy Communion first so that they can go to their classes in a timely fashion. Please see Lorraine Deeb to enroll your students ages 4 through 18.

TEEN RETREAT – On Saturday, October 7, our Teen SOYO will host a Teen Retreat at St. Vladimir’s Seminary in Yonkers, NY, on behalf of the Eastern Dioceses. Please see Teen Advisors Dianna Kitchen, Angela Athineos, or Amanda Regnier

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 – Why should I include St. Mary’s Church in my will or estate plan? In order to assure that my children and grandchildren will have a place to worship God, to baptize their children, to get married, to bury their dead, and to share the fellowship of fellow Christians – no matter what economic conditions there may be in the future!

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, September 18 Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

Saturday, September 23 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Sunday, September 24 Ladies of St. Mary’s Meeting

William Bittar Baptism, 1:30 PM

Wednesday, September 27 “Our Time” Senior Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Saturday, October 7 Teen Retreat @ St. Vladimir’s Seminary

Monday, October 9 Parish Council, 7:00 PM

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “Christ is the Bread of Life; let us therefore lay aside our care about other bread. The God who gives us the Body and Blood of his Son for food and drink will likewise give us our natural bread. He who clothes our soul in Christ will likewise clothe our body. He who condescends to dwell in us will not deprive us of a perishable dwelling.”

- St. John of Kronstadt

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, September 10, 2023 - Sunday before The Elevation of The Holy 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

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, September 10, 2023

Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy Cross

After-Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos

We are pleased to welcome you to worship with us today. Please note that only Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves with prayer, fasting and a recent confession may approach to receive Holy Communion. Everyone is welcome to 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 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 Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next week’s homework: Galatians 2:16-20 (Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross)

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

HOLY BREAD – Roland Salloum and Wanda Salloum offer the Holy Bread of Oblation for the month of September for the repose of the soul of their brother, the servant of God Oscar Salloum and all the departed members of the Salloum Family. Memory eternal! Additional donors are welcome for September and succeeding months. We ask for a donation of $50/week.

FLOWERS FOR THE HOLY CROSS – Donors are welcome for the procession with the precious and life-giving Cross next Sunday, September 17. Please make your check payable to St. Mary’s Church with “flowers” in the memo line.

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.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2023 – SUNDAY BEFORE THE ELEVATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

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.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Gloria Dirbas, Olga Lewis, Louise M. Martin, Nicholas Lian Massab, and Mary Zagby. Memory eternal!

George Trisciuzzi offers Prayers of Oblation for the health of the servant of God Dr. Emile Tryzlaar of Amsterdam. Many years!

NEXT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Elizabeth Ganim Cohen, George Fauty, Victor Hamaty, Katherine and Wilfred Jabara, Alexander Orfaly, Wajieha Sabbagh, and Edward M. Traboulsi. Memory eternal!

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

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR SEPTEMBER – We observe the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) on Wednesdays and Fridays. On Thursday, September 14, we remember the Elevation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross with the traditional fasting discipline.

BACKPACK PROJECT – Teen SOYO delivered 48 backpacks for underprivileged students in District 20 of the NYC Department of Education this week in cooperation with FOCUS. We are still looking for a few donors at $30/backpack. Please make checks payable to St. Mary’s Church with “backpacks” in the memo line. The Teens thank you for supporting their community outreach project!

SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – The annual Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing will take place on Monday, September 18. Although the event journal has now gone to press, it is not too late to make reservations for the dinner. This year we are honoring Sam Kaiami with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Marie Louise Tashji with the Victor Samra, Jr. Memorial Award. See Daria Mayrose for more information.

CHURCH SCHOOL – Church School classes resume today. Please see Lorraine Deeb to enroll your students ages 4 through 18. Please see the flyer in this week’s bulletin for the Pancake Breakfast.

OUR TIME FELLOWSHIP – Our “senior” fellowship, “Our Time,” will resume meeting on Wednesday, September 13, from 1-3 PM. Please see Marilyn Tulaney for more information.

FAMILY GAME NIGHT – Everyone is welcome to share Family Game Night on the first and third Friday of each month from 7-9 PM. The next event is Friday, September 15.

MIDNIGHT RUN – Deacon Farid will lead our team for the Midnight Run into Manhattan to feed and clothe the homeless and immigrants this Friday, September 15. Please see the deacon if you wish to participate in the preparations or the actual distribution.

FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS – Our sisters and brothers at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church invite us to share Great Vespers for the Feast of the Holy Cross on Wednesday, September 13, at 7:00 PM. We will also share Orthros and the Divine Liturgy for the feast on Thursday morning.

LADIES OF ST. MARY’S - The Ladies of St. Mary’s will have their first meeting of the new church year on Sunday, September 24, after Divine Liturgy. All ladies welcome to attend!

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 – Do we remember when St. Mary’s Church had over 300 children in its Sunday School? Many of our faithful members do. God willing, we should plan for that many children again! “All things are possible” with Christ (Matthew 19:26). Invest in your grandchildren, support Christ’s Church, and bear witness to the faith through your will or estate plan.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, September 10 Church School resumes

Tuesday, September 12 Parish Council, 7:30 PM

Wednesday, September 13 “Our Time” Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Great Vespers @ Holy Cross G.O. Church, 7:00 PM

Friday, September 15 Family Game Night, 7-9 PM

Midnight Run

Saturday, September 16 Coan Twins Baptism, 11 AM

Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Monday, September 18 Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

Sunday, September 24 10-Year Memorial – Fr. Paul Schneirla

Ladies of St. Mary’s Meeting

William Bittar Baptism, 1:30 PM

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “If you are making something, you must call to mind the Creator of all things; if you see the light, remember the Giver of it. If you put on your clothes, recall whose gift they are, and thank Him who provides for your life. In short, let every action be a cause of your remembering and praising God, and lo, you will be praying without ceasing and therein your soul will always rejoice.”

- St. Peter of Damascus

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, August 27, 2023 - Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

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

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

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

His Eminence Metropolitan 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, August 27, 2023

Twelfth Sunday after Holy Pentecost

Tone 3 and Eothinon 1

Righteous Father Pimen the Great 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.

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 3

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Epistle – I Corinthians 15:1-11 (Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost)

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

Verse. Clap your hands, all you nations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next week’s homework: I Corinthians 16:13-24 (Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost)

Matthew 21:33-42 (Thirteenth Sunday of Matthew)

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

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

AUGUST 27, 2023 – TWELFTH 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.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God God Helen Allison, Khouryee Alice Kerbaway Dalack, Linda S. Fauty, Gabriel Maloof, Agnes Hamwi, and, Watfa Richeh. Memory eternal!

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

The Family of Claudette Hadad offers Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of her soul. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Hannah Nehme and Oscar Salloum. Memory eternal!

Dr. and Mrs. Firas Marsheh will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Fouad Marsheh. Memory Eternal!

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

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR AUGUST – On Tuesday, August 29, we remember the Beheading of St. John the Baptist with the traditional fasting discipline.

FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS – Our patronal feast day is Friday, September 8, the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos. We will celebrate Great Vespers with Artoklasia on Thursday, September 7, at 7 PM, and we will invite our sister parishes and neighboring clergy to share the celebration. We will then celebrate Festal Orthros at 9:30 and the Divine Liturgy at 10:30 on Friday morning.

BACKPACK PROJECT – Teen SOYO will once again volunteer to assemble 48 backpacks for underprivileged students in District 20 of the NYC Department of Education in cooperation with FOCUS. The Teens are asking for a donation of $30 to cover the cost of the backpack and supplies. We plan to assemble the backpacks and deliver them to the school next week. Please make checks payable to St. Mary’s Church with “backpacks” in the memo line. The Teens thank you for supporting their community outreach project!

SAINTS AND SINNERS GOLF AND TENNIS OUTING – The annual Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing will take place on Monday, September 18. Please support this major event generously as we have large capital expenditures happening this year. Even if you cannot attend, please consider a sponsorship in the journal. This year we are honoring Sam Kaiami with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Marie Louise Tashji with the Victor Samra, Jr. Memorial Award. See Daria Mayrose for more information.

FAMILY GAME NIGHT – Everyone is welcome to share Family Game Night on the first and third Monday of each month from 7-9 PM. In September those nights are September 1 and 15.

OUR TIME FELLOWSHIP – Our “senior” fellowship, “Our Time,” will resume meeting on Wednesday, September 13, from 1-3 PM. Please see Marilyn Tulaney for more information.

CHURCH SCHOOL – Church School classes will resume on Sunday, September 10. Please see Lorraine Deeb to enroll your students ages 4 through 18.

ESTATE PLANNING – August is National Make-a-Will Month (MAWM). As Christians, our ultimate security in life comes from God and the truth revealed in His word; however, that does not mean we play a passive role in preparing for the future. We are called to be diligent stewards of the time and resources God entrusts to us. Creating a will and estate plan allows us to communicate important financial and healthcare decisions, helping to prepare for whatever the future may hold. A will allows us to provide for our loved ones and steward all the resources God has given us. By including a legacy gift in our wills, we can sustain the ministry of St. Mary’s Church for future generations.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Friday, September 1 Family Game Night, 7-9 PM

Thursday, September 7 Great Vespers with Artoklasia, 7 PM

Friday, September 8 Nativity of the Theotokos

Sunday, September 10 Church School resumes

Wednesday, September 13 “Our Time” Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Monday, September 18 Saints and Sinners Golf and Tennis Outing

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

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “When we want to ask things for other people, we should ask for them secretly, with prayer which is in secret and does not appear outwardly. Worry and distraction do not help prayer. Forget about telephone calls, communications and long conversations with people. If the Lord doesn’t assist, what will our own efforts achieve? So what is required is prayer, prayer with love. It is preferable for us to help people from a distance with prayer. In that way we help them in the best and most perfect manner.”

- Elder Porphyrios the Kapsokalyvite

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America