Bulletin for Sunday, May 26, 2024 - Fourth Sunday of Pascha: Sunday of the Paralytic

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, May 26, 2024

Fourth Sunday of Pascha: Sunday of the Paralytic

Tone 3 and Eothinon 5

Apostle Karpos of the Seventy

Today’s Hymns and Readings

After “Blessed is the Kingdom…”, “Christ is risen…” (3 times)

During the Little Entrance, “Christ is risen…”

Entrance Hymn – In the gathering places bless ye God the Lord from the springs of Israel. O Son of God, who art risen from the dead, save us, who sing unto Thee. Alleluia!

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 Holy Pascha – Tone 8

Though thou, O deathless One, didst descend into the grave, thou didst destroy the power of hell and, as Victor, thou didst rise again, O Christ our God. Thou didst greet the ointment bearing women, saying, rejoice! Thou didst bestow peace upon thy Disciples, and resurrection upon those that are fallen.

Epistle – Acts of the Apostles 9:32-42 (Sunday of the Paralytic)

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

Verse. Clap your hands, all you nations.

IN THOSE DAYS, as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints that lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing tunics and other garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, rise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

Gospel – John 5:1-15 (Sunday of the Paralytic)

AT THAT TIME, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethza’tha, which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water; whoever stepped in first after the troubling of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your pallet, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked.

Now that day was the Sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, “It is the Sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet.” But he answered them, “The man who healed me said to me, ‘Take up your pallet and walk.’” They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, “take up your pallet, and walk’?” Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you.” The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

MEGALYNARION FOR PASCHA (Tone 1) – Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord hath arisen upon thee; dance now and be glad, O Zion, and do thy exult, O pure Theotokos, in the arising of Him Whom thou didst bear.

COMMUNION HYMN (Tone 8) – Receive ye the body of Christ; taste ye the Fountain of immortality.

Next week’s homework: Acts 11:19-30 (Sunday of the Samaritan Woman)

John 4:5-42 (Sunday of the Samaritan Woman)

May 26, 2024 – FOURTH SUNDAY OF PASCHA: SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC

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.

CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN!

TODAY, MAY 26 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Fares Deban, Archimandrite Agapios Golam, James Vernon Harris, Rose and Victoria Makhoul, Nicholas Malouf, John and Maurice Moussy, Khalil Nader, Sebastian Rothhammer, Victor M. Samra, Jr., Christ Sparsidis, and Theodore Tadross. Memory eternal!

George Trisciuzzi offers Prayers of Oblation for the health of the servants of God Jay Milnor, Scott Milnor, and Chrystyne Scotto. Many years!

NEXT SUNDAY, JUNE 2 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Shafica Debagie, George Fattouh, Wadih Massab, Alice Muscat, Nicholas Orfaly, Henrietta Shawah, and Marianne Trabulsi. 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.”

FASTING DISCIPLINE – We have returned to our normal fasting practice. Within the Patriarchate of Antioch some suspend fasting until the Feast of the Ascension, June 13. There is also no kneeling until Holy Pentecost on June 23.

HOLY BREAD – Donors are welcome for May 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), Howard Samara (Upper East Side Rehab), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, George Khoury, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Wade Saadi, Victoria Sleyman, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi and Rose Zrake (at home).

TEENS AT ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE – Metropolitan SABA has invited all the teens of the deanery to join him at the Antiochian Archdiocese headquarters in Englewood, NJ, on Saturday, June 1, from 11-1 PM. Anyone interested in attending this event should contact Fr. Michael, Amanda Regnier, Leen Zgheib, or Dianna Russo in order to facilitate transportation.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS – We have several families who would benefit from a little additional scholarship assistance for campers to attend the Antiochian Village this summer. If you are able to help, please make checks payable to the Pastor’s Discretionary Account from which we will make confidential disbursements. All donations will be tax deductible.

HOME BLESSINGS – Several parishioners have requested spring time blessings of their homes. Please feel free to call for an appointment between now and the Feast of the Ascension (June 13).

EASTERN DIOCESES PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE – The parish of St. Mary of Hunt Valley, MD, will host this year’s Parish Life Conference at the beautiful Antiochian Village Conference and Retreat Center in Ligonier, PA, from June 26-30. Information and registration are now open on-line at www.antiochianevents.com. Please register and make room reservations now in order to secure a place at the conference center itself.

ESTATE PLANNING – Have I included St. Mary’s Church in my will or estate plan? It’s easy, it’s vital, and it won’t cost a penny during your lifetime. Simply say in your will, “I bequeath 25 shares of “Habibi Corporation” to St. Mary’s Orthodox Church of Brooklyn.”

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

Saturday, June 1 Teens @ Antiochian Archdiocese, 11-1 PM

Zeina Abou Naoum Baptism, 3 PM

Great Vespers, 5 PM

Wednesday, June 5 “Our Time” Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Friday, June 7 Family Night, 7-9 PM

Saturday, June 8 Great Vespers, 5 PM

Sunday, June 9 Savannah Saka Baptism, 1 PM

Monday, June 10 Parish Council, 7 PM

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

Christ is risen from the dead trampling down death by death,

and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.

Al Maseeh qam min bain il amwat, wa wati al mawt bil mawt,

wa wahabal hiyat lil la dhina fil qoobur.

Christos anesti ek nekron thanato thanaton patisas,

kai tis en tis mnimaszi zoin, charisamenos.

“Christ is risen” “Truly/Indeed He is risen!

“Christos Anesti” “Alithos Anesti”

“Christos Voskrese” “Vo Istinu Voskrese”

“Al Maseeh Qam” “Ha’an Qam”

CHRIST IS RISEN! INDEED HE IS RISEN!

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, May 19, 2024 - The Holy Myrrh-Bearing Women, Pious Joseph of Arimathea, and Pious Nicodemus

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, May 19, 2024

Third Sunday of Pascha: Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women,

Pious Joseph of Arimathea and Righteous Nicodemus

Tone 2 and Eothinon 4

Today’s Hymns and Readings

After “Blessed is the Kingdom…”, “Christ is risen…” (3 times)

During the Little Entrance, “Christ is risen…”

Entrance Hymn – In the gathering places bless ye God the Lord from the springs of Israel. O Son of God, who art risen from the dead, save us, who sing unto Thee. Alleluia!

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 Pious Joseph and the Myrrh Bearing Women – Tone 2

The pious Joseph, having brought down thy pure body from the Tree, wrapped it in fine linen, embalmed it with ointment, provided for it, and laid it in a new tomb. But thou didst rise, after three days, O Lord, granting the world the Great Mercy.

Apolytikion of the Myrrh Bearing Women – Tone 2

Verily, the angel came to the tomb and said to the ointment-bearing women, The ointment is meet for the dead, but Christ is shown to be remote from corruption. But cry ye, the Lord is risen, granting the world the Great Mercy.

Kontakion of Holy Pascha – Tone 8

Though thou, O deathless One, didst descend into the grave, thou didst destroy the power of hell and, as Victor, thou didst rise again, O Christ our God. Thou didst greet the ointment bearing women, saying, rejoice! Thou didst bestow peace upon thy Disciples, and resurrection upon those that are fallen.

Epistle – Acts of the Apostles 6:1-7 (Myrrh-Bearing Women)

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

Verse. The Lord has chastened me sorely.

IN THOSE DAYS, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochoros, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaos, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them.

And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Gospel – Mark 15:43-16:8 (Myrrh-Bearing Women)

AT THAT TIME, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. And Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether Jesus was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. And he bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud, and laid him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back – it was very large.

And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

MEGALYNARION FOR PASCHA (Tone 1) – The angel cried unto her that is full of grace: O pure Virgin, rejoice, and again I say, rejoice; for thy Son hath arisen from the grave on the third day. Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord hath arisen upon thee; dance now and be glad, O Zion, and do thy exult, O pure Theotokos, in the arising of Him Whom thou didst bear.

COMMUNION HYMN (Tone 8) – Receive ye the body of Christ; taste ye the Fountain of immortality.

Next week’s homework: Acts 9:32-42 (Sunday of the Paralytic)

John 5:1-15 (Sunday of the Paralytic)

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.”

MAY 19, 2024 – THE HOLY MYRRH-BEARING WOMEN, PIOUS JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA, AND PIOUS NICODEMUS

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.

CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN!

TODAY, MAY 19 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Madeleine Abousleman, George M. Alsifi, Lorraine and Rose Ghiz, Abraham J. Karkenny, Margaret Kassatly, Valerie J. Konecny, Brian E. Mackoul, Buddy B. Saleeby, Samuel G. Samman, Mildred Sarkis, and Gloria Rose Shawah. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 26 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Fares Deban, Archimandrite Agapios Golam, James Vernon Harris, Rose and Victoria Makhoul, Nicholas Malouf, John and Maurice Moussy, Khalil Nader, Sebastian Rothhammer, Victor M. Samra, Jr., Christ Sparsidis, and Theodore Tadross. Memory eternal!

FASTING DISCIPLINE – We have returned to our normal fasting practice. Within the Patriarchate of Antioch some suspend fasting until the Feast of the Ascension, June 13. There is also no kneeling until Holy Pentecost on June 23.

HOLY BREAD – Donors are welcome for May 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), Howard Samara (Upper East Side Rehab), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, George Khoury, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Wade Saadi, Victoria Sleyman, Jim Thompson (NJ), Claudette Teen, George Trisciuzzi and Rose Zrake (at home).

MEMORY ETERNAL! We are saddened to announce that a former parishioner, Edward Sadaka, 75, departed this life in South Carolina. We extend our sympathies to his daughters, Laura and Kristen. All services will be in South Carolina. Memory eternal!

SPECIAL INVITATION – The office of Metropolitan SABA has issued the following special invitation: "As we joyfully celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord, I invite you to join us for a special Pascha gathering with His Eminence. This gathering of our father and shepherd with his beloved children will take place on Saturday, May 25, from 4-7 PM at the Archdiocese headquarters. Please bring your parish council and other church attendees to join us in this uplifting occasion. Let us come together as a community to honor His Eminence and share in the blessings of this holy season." Anyone who has an interest in sharing this event should call Geri in the church office at (718) 238-8008 to make a reservation. There is no cost, and we will try to provide transportation or directions.

ANTIOCHIAN WOMEN’S SCHOLARSHIP – Scholarships are available to women 26 years of age or older who are continuing their education in order to improve their circumstances and those of their families. See Fr. Michael, or go to www.antiochian.org/scholarships for applications and more information, or contact Dianne O’Regan, Grant Coordinator, at (512) 930-2671 or doregan@stites.com. Application deadline is June 1, 2024.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, May 22 “Our Time” Senior Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Saturday, May 25 No Great Vespers

Reception at Antiochian Archdiocese, 4-7 PM

Saturday, June 1 Teens @ Antiochian Archdiocese

Naomi Abou Naoum Baptism, 3 PM

Great Vespers, 5 PM

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

Christ is risen from the dead trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.

Al Maseeh qam min bain il amwat, wa wati al mawt bil bawt, wa wahabal hiyat lil la dhina fil qoobur.

Christos anesti ek nekron thanato thanaton patisas, kai tis en tis mnimaszi zoin, charisamenos.

“Christ is risen” “Truly/Indeed He is risen!

“Christos Anesti” “Alithos Anesti”

“Christos Voskrese” “Vo Istinu Voskrese”

“Al Maseeh Qam” “Ha’an Qam”

CHRIST IS RISEN! INDEED HE IS RISEN!

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, May 12, 2024 - New Sunday

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, May 12, 2024

New Sunday or Anti-Pascha

Sunday of Thomas the Apostle, Called “The Twin”

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

Entrance Hymn – In the gathering places bless ye God the Lord from the springs of Israel. O Son of God, who art risen from the dead, save us, who sing unto Thee. Alleluia!

Troparion of Holy Pascha – Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!

Apolytikion of St. Thomas - Tone 7

While the tomb was sealed, thou didst shine forth from it, O Light. While the doors were closed, thou didst come in to thy Disciples, O Christ God, Resurrection of all, renewing in us through them an upright spirit, according to the greatness of thy mercy.

Kontakion of Holy Pascha – Tone 8

Though thou, O deathless One, didst descend into the grave, thou didst destroy the power of hell and, as Victor, thou didst rise again, O Christ our God. Thou didst greet the ointment bearing women, saying, rejoice! Thou didst bestow peace upon thy Disciples, and resurrection upon those that are fallen.

Epistle – Acts of the Apostles 5:12-20 (Thomas Sunday)

Prokeimenon. Psalms 146.5; 134.3. Great is our Lord, and great is his power.

Verse. Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.

IN THOSE DAYS, many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high honor. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and pallets, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

But the high priest rose up and all who were with him, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out and said, “Go, and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

Gospel – John 20:19-31 (Thomas Sunday)

ON THE EVENING OF THAT DAY, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

Next week’s homework: Acts 6:1-7 (Myrrh-Bearing Women)

Mark 15:43-16:8 (Myrrh-Bearing Women)

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.”

May 12, 2024 – NEW SUNDAY

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

CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN!

TODAY, MAY 12 - Asma Araman, Edward Ateyeh, Michael Davis, Nour Abu-Assali El Khoury, William Eyd, Diane Elkas Grinnell, Nadra and Hadbo Haddad, Rose Hanna, Murad Kaidy, Ibrahim Makarus Laham, Wadea Massab, Viola Mesnooh, Yvonne Najjar, Toufic E. Nehme, Gladys and Theodore Sadaka, Richard A. Sahadi, Ratiba Sukkarieh, Salma Torpey, Nada Traboulsi, and Careemy and George Zaher. Memory eternal!

Josette and John Generale offer Prayers of Oblation for the good health of Dn. Farid and Sh. Aline Farkouh. Many years!

Anita and John Eyd offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God William Eyd. Memory eternal!

Louise Sahadi will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her aunt, the handmaiden of God Salma Torpey. Memory eternal!

Leila and Ramond Trabulsi offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Marilyn Roll, the mother-in-law of Dr. Edward Trabulsi. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 19 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Madeleine Abousleman, George M. Alsifi, Lorraine and Rose Ghiz, Abraham J. Karkenny, Margaret Kassatly, Valerie J. Konecny, Brian E. Mackoul, Buddy B. Saleeby, Samuel G. Samman, Mildred Sarkis, and Gloria Rose Shawah. Memory eternal!

NO FASTING – Within the Patriarchate of Antioch some suspend fasting until the Feast of the Ascension, June 13. There is also no kneeling until Holy Pentecost on June 23.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Howard Samara (Upper East Side Rehab), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, George Khoury, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Wade Saadi, Victoria Sleyman, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzziand Rose Zrake (at home).

HOLY FRIDAY PROCESSION – John Alexander published an article in The Tablet, the newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, about the joining of our church with Holy Cross Church on Holy Friday evening. Please follow this link for a photo and the article: https://thetablet.org/first-time-two-brooklyn-greek-orthodox-parishes-celebrate-good-friday-together/

FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – Please remember to submit your FFHP donations as soon as possible. If writing a check, please make it payable to St. Mary’s Church with FFHP in the memo line.

MYRRH-BEARING WOMEN – Many thanks to the women, men, and girls who lovingly and beautifully adorned the Tomb of Christ for Holy Friday evening: Rima Alsifi Hazem, Sonia Abounaoum, Naziha Aldaia, Roula Alsifi, Sandra Arida, Joan Bacon, Nahla Bittar, Barbara Deeb, Laila Ellias, Joyce Katen, Arabella Kitchen, Samia Kyriaki, Chloe LeClair, Dianna Russo Kitchen, Asber Noma, Easa Noma, Christina Noma, Chaza Rafiaa, Alice Regnier, Susanna Regnier, Karen Spolar, Paula Spolar, Renna Yazge, and Lina Zaher.

CHOIR, CHANTERS AND READERS – Many thanks to Sandra Arida and our dedicated choir for their inspirational singing throughout Great Lent and Holy Week. We also thank the chanters and readers who served so faithfully and beautifully: Sonia Abounaoum, Chris Castley, Christopher Castley, Laila Ellias, Wilson Haddad, Oscar Hernandez, Michael Regnier, Irene Tashji, George Trisciuzzi, Andrea Zrake, and Anthony Zrake.

EASTER OFFERINGS AND EASTER FLOWERS – We thank and acknowledge everyone who donated toward the flowers and other necessities for the Paschal season: Rose Abdallah, Ghassan and Zouka Alrassi, Eugene Arida, Sandra Arida, Issam and Samia Arnouk, Patricia Aznavoorian, Joan Bacon, Marie Bryant, Claudette Budai, Rhonda Byrnes, Christopher Castley, Barbara Deeb, Janice Deeb, Jordan and Nadine Eisenberg, Gaby and Majdeline Elkhoury, Father Michael and Laila Ellias, John and Anita Eyd, Diana Finger, John and Josette Generale, Krassimira Ivanchev, Gloria Jabara, Marian and George Kaba, Samer and Lina Kaiami, George Khoury, Nidal and Christine Khoury, George and Nicole Khouzami, George Maalouf, Sabry and Anne Mackoul, Corrine and Michael Mallia, Linda Mantia, Janette Mellor, George and Kathryn Nassoor, Jackie and William Robinson, Marian Russo, Janet Sadaka, Theodore Sadaka, Robert Sahadi, Louise Sahadi, George Salamy, Raymond and Catherine Saleeby, Roland Salloum, Wanda Salloum, Victor Samaha, Brenda Samman, Anthony Speer, Matthew and Karen Spolar, Tony and Karen Tadross, George Trisciuzzi, Marilyn and Michael Tulaney, Diana Zamaria, Gale Zarr, Jimmy Zgheib, and Malakie and Richard Zogob.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, May 13 Parish Council, 7:00 PM

Saturday, May 18 No Great Vespers

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

“Christ is risen” “Truly/Indeed He is risen!

“Christos Anesti” “Alithos Anesti”

“Christos Voskrese” “Vo Istinu Voskrese”

“Al Maseeh Qam” “Ha’an Qam”

CHRIST IS RISEN! INDEED HE IS RISEN!

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, May 5, 2024 - Great and Holy Pascha

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, May 5, 2024

Great and Holy Pascha

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

Entrance Hymn – In the gathering places bless ye God the Lord from the springs of Israel. O Son of God, who art risen from the dead, save us, who sing unto Thee. Alleluia!

Troparion of Holy Pascha – Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!

Hypakoe of Holy Pascha – Tone 4

They who were with Mary came before the dawn, found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher, and heard the angels say unto them, Why seek ye him as man with the dead, who dwells in light eternal? Behold the grave wrappings; make haste and declare to the world that the Lord is risen, and hath caused death to die; for he is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind.

Kontakion of Holy Pascha – Tone 8

Though thou, O deathless One, didst descend into the grave, thou didst destroy the power of hell and, as Victor, thou didst rise again, O Christ our God. Thou didst greet the ointment bearing women, saying, rejoice! Thou didst bestow peace upon thy Disciples, and resurrection upon those that are fallen.

Epistle – Acts of the Apostles 1:1-8 (Holy Pascha)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 117.24, 29. This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Verse. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy endures forever.

IN THE FIRST BOOK, O Theophilos, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. To them he presented himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days, and speaking of the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “You heard from me, for John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom of Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.”

Gospel – John 1:1-17 (Holy Pascha)

IN THE BEGINNING was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but was to bear witness to the light.

The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own, and his own received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. John bore witness to him, and cried, “This is he of whom I said, ‘he who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.’” And from his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Next week’s homework: Acts 5:12-20 (Second Sunday of Holy Pascha)

John 20:19-31 (Thomas Sunday)

May 5, 2024 – GREAT AND HOLY PASCHA

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.

CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN!

TODAY, MAY 5 - On Holy Pascha we pray for all “the quick and the dead” of the parish. Memory eternal!

NO FASTING – The church prohibits fasting all week due to the joy of the Resurrection. Within the Patriarchate of Antioch some suspend fasting until the Feast of the Ascension, June 13. There is also no kneeling until Holy Pentecost on June 23.

NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 12 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Asma Araman, Edward Ateyeh, Michael Davis, Nour Abu-Assali El Khoury, William Eyd, Diane Elkas Grinnell, Nadra and Hadbo Haddad, Rose Hanna, Murad Kaidy, Ibrahim Makarus Laham, Wadea Massab, Viola Mesnooh, Yvonne Najjar, Toufic E. Nehme, Gladys and Theodore Sadaka, Richard A. Sahadi, Ratiba Sukkarieh, Salma Torpey, Nada Traboulsi, and Careemy, and George Zaher. Memory eternal!

Josette and John Generale will offer Prayers of Oblation for the good health of Dn. Farid and Sh. Aline Farkouh. Many years!

Peter Elkas will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his sister, the handmaiden of God Diane Elkas Grinnell. Memory eternal!

Louise Sahadi will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her aunt, the handmaiden of God Salma Torpey. Memory eternal!

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Howard Samara (Upper East Side Rehab), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, Helen and Fred Hadad, George Khoury, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Wade Saadi, Victoria Sleyman, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Richard Zogob, and Rose Zrake (at home).

AGAPE BREAKFAST - Audrey and Charles Sahadi and Robert Sahadi have once again underwritten the Breakfast for Holy Pascha in loving memory of Najla and Wade Sahadi, Richie Sahadi, and Ameenie Freije. Memory eternal!

AGAPE VESPERS – At Agape Vespers at noon on Holy Pascha, May 5, we will read the Gospel in many languages. Please see Fr. Michael if you would like to read the Gospel in a foreign language.

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

FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – Please remember to submit your FFHP donations as soon as possible. If writing a check, please make it payable to St. Mary’s Church with FFHP in the memo line.

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

ST. NICHOLAS CATHEDRAL MOTHER’S DAY GALA – St. Nicholas Cathedral invites everyone to share their Mother’s Day Gala on Friday, May 10, at Dyker Beach Golf Course. The Cathedral will honor the pastor, Archpriest Thomas Zain for his 30 years in the holy priesthood. To reserve please contact Siham Hazim at (347) 232-7542 or Christine Kaba at (646) 388-3679 immediately!

PALM SUNDAY MA-AMOUL SALE – We thank the faithful ladies who labored so lovingly this Great Lent to provide ma-amoul for our holiday celebrations. The proceeds from this project, estimated at $10,000, will go to International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) for their projects in support of the suffering people of Lebanon, Syria and Turkey.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

SHAGOURY SCHOLARSHIP – The Edith Shagoury Scholarship Fund offers an award for the coming academic year to an undergraduate student from St. Mary’s Church. The qualifications for this award are parish participation, scholarship, and financial need. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on the return on the fund’s investment. Please contact Fr. Michael for more information.

MAIONE SCHOLARSHIP – The Georgette Maione Memorial Scholarship will make its second award this year from the fund left to the church from Georgette’s estate. Please contact Fr. Michael for more information.

FR. PAUL SCHNEIRLA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Teen SOYO will once again offer this scholarship in loving memory of our beloved former pastor. This scholarship is presented at the Parish Life Conference on the basis of academic excellence. Please contact Fr. Michael for more information.

ANTIOCHIAN WOMEN’S SCHOLARSHIP – Scholarships are available to women 26 years of age or older who are continuing their education in order to improve their circumstances and those of their families. See Fr. Michael, or go to www.antiochian.org/scholarships for applications and more information, or contact Dianne O’Regan, Grant Coordinator, at (512) 930-2671 or doregan@stites.com. Application deadline is June 1, 2024.

FRANCIS MARIA SCHOLARSHIP – The Antiochian Archdiocese awards several scholarships of $5,000 each to students attending an accredited 4-year college. Applications must be postmarked by May 15, 2024. For more information and other scholarships offered by the Archdiocese, go to www.antiochian.org/scholarships.

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

ESTATE PLANNING – As we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, the feast of feasts and the holy day of all holy days, let us contemplate the incalculable gift that God has given us – eternal life in the unending light of the Kingdom of God! How can we put a price on our salvation, won for us by the Blood of Christ? Can we not at least make a provision in our will or estate plan to leave something to Christ’s Holy Church in order to assure that future generations will have a place to proclaim, “Christ is risen!”

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, May 5 Agape Vespers, 12:00 PM

Wednesday, May 8 “Our Time” Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Friday, May 10 St. Nicholas Cathedral Mother’s Day Gala

Saturday, May 11 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Sunday, May 12 Thomas Sunday

Monday, May 13 Parish Council, 7:00 PM

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

FROM THE FATHERS – A holy soul cares for his neighbor, either close at hand or far away. He cares where the homeless will spend the night, how the hungry will be fed, with what the naked will be clothed. He cares and he prays for the salvation of his neighbors: that their hearts may be filled with love towards God, that their minds may be directed towards God, that the wicked may turn from the paths of wickedness, that the hesitant may be confirmed in faith, that the firm may persevere, that the departed may behold the face of God, that the living may be written in the Book of Life in the Kingdom of Light.

- St. Nikolai Velimirov

Christ is risen from the dead trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.

Al Maseeh qam min bain il amwat, wa wati al mawt bil bawt, wa wahabal hiyat lil la dhina fil qoobur.

Christos anesti ek nekron thanato thanaton patisas, kai tis en tis mnimaszi zoin, charisamenos.

“Christ is risen” “Truly/Indeed He is risen!

“Christos Anesti” “Alithos Anesti”

“Christos Voskrese” “Vo Istinu Voskrese”

“Al Maseeh Qam” “Ha’an Qam”

CHRIST IS RISEN! INDEED HE IS RISEN!

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, April 28, 2024 - Glorious and Brilliant Entrance of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday)

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

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

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

His Eminence Metropolitan SABA

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

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

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

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Glorious and Brilliant Feast of the Entrance

of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday)

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Entrance Hymn of Palm Sunday

Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord: God is the Lord and hath appeared unto us. Save us, O Son of God, Who didst sit upon the foal of an ass; who sing to Thee. Allelluia.

Apolytikion of Righteous Lazarus – Tone 1

O Christ God, when thou didst raise Lazarus from the dead, before thy Passion, thou didst confirm the universal resurrection. Wherefore, we, like babes, carry the insignia of triumph and victory, and cry to thee, O Vanquisher of death, Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Apolytikion of Palm Sunday – Tone 4

O Christ God, when we were buried with thee in Baptism, we became deserving of thy resurrection to immortal life. Wherefore, we praise thee, crying, Hosanna in the highest, blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Kontakion for Palm Sunday – Tone 6

Upborne upon the heavenly throne, and seated upon the earthly foal, O Christ our God, receive the praises of angels and the hymns of men, exclaiming before thee, Blessed is he that cometh to restore Adam.

Epistle – Philippians 4:4-9 (Palm Sunday)

Prokeimenon. Psalm 117.26, 1. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Verse. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His mercy endures forever.

BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.

Gospel – John 12:1-18 (Palm Sunday)

SIX DAYS BEFORE THE PASSOVER, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus who had died was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, one of his disciples [he who was to betray Jesus], said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not because he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, “Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it; as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on an ass’s colt.”

His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with Jesus when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet Jesus was that they heard he had done this sign.

Next week’s homework: Acts 1:1-8 (Great and Holy Pascha)

John 1:1-17 (Great and Holy Pascha)

HOLY WEEK BEGINS THIS EVENING AT 7:00 PM WITH THE BRIDEGROOM MATINS.

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

APRIL 28, 2024 – GLORIOUS AND BRILLIANT ENTRANCE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST INTO JERUSALEM (PALM SUNDAY)

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, APRIL 28 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Helen Cook, James J. Coury, Thomas Gehshan, Yvonne and Alexander Hamwi, Michael Howie, Yvonne Khoury, Renee Matouk, Yvonne Nicholas, and Nazira and Gabriel Samen. Memory eternal!

Nasiba Abou Assaly offers Prayers of Oblation for the health of the servants of God Amal Baydoon and George Dagheem. Many years!

The Kaba Family offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Wajiha Kaba, Muneer Kaba, George Kadour, Afefeh Zaher, and Vicky Zaher. Memory eternal!

The Family of Thomas Gehshan offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of his soul on the 25th anniversary of his repose, as well as for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Atina, Albert and Edward Hanna. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 5 – On Holy Pascha we pray for all “the quick and the dead” of the parish.

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

FASTING DISCIPLINE – Today, Palm Sunday, fish, wine and oil are permitted. During Great and Holy Week (April 29-May 4) wine and olive oil are permitted on Holy Thursday (May 2) morning after the Divine Liturgy, and wine is permitted on Holy Saturday (May 4) after the Divine Liturgy. There is no fasting on Holy Pascha (May 5) and throughout Bright Week (May 5-11).

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Howard Samara (Upper East Side Rehab), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, George Khoury, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Wade Saadi, Victoria Sleyman, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Richard Zogob, and Rose Zrake (at home).

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

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

FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – Please remember to submit your FFHP donations as soon as possible. If writing a check, please make it payable to St. Mary’s Church with FFHP in the memo line.

LITURGICAL RESOURCES – Holy Week is here. Our parish Bookstore, dedicated to the memory of Elena Paris, has copies of the service books for Holy Week and Holy Pascha. Please contact Lorraine Deeb at ldeebsped@verizon.net or (718) 491-4996 to reserve your books.

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

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

VIGIL AT THE TOMB OF CHRIST – Teen SOYO has historically sponsored the Vigil at the Tomb of Christ after the Matins of Holy Saturday (on Friday evening) with the Lamentations until the Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great on Holy Saturday morning. Everyone is welcome to participate and to read the Psalms and the Gospel in English and Arabic.

PALM SUNDAY MA-AMOUL SALE – We thank the faithful ladies who labored so lovingly this week to provide ma-amoul for our holiday celebrations. Those who placed an order in advance may pick up their orders today following the Divine Liturgy. There will not be any additional items available today because of the robust pre-sales. The proceeds from this project will go to International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) for their projects in support of the suffering people of Lebanon, Syria and Turkey.

ST. NICHOLAS CATHEDRAL MOTHER’S DAY GALA – St. Nicholas Cathedral invites everyone to share their Mother’s Day Gala on Friday, May 10, at Dyker Beach Golf Course. The Cathedral will honor the pastor, Archpriest Thomas Zain for his 30 years in the holy priesthood. To reserve please contact Siham Hazim at (347) 232-7542 or Christine Kaba at (646) 388-3679 by April 30.

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

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

SHAGOURY SCHOLARSHIP – The Edith Shagoury Scholarship Fund offers an award for the coming academic year to an undergraduate student from St. Mary’s Church. The qualifications for this award are parish participation, scholarship, and financial need. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on the return on the fund’s investment. Please contact Fr. Michael for more information.

MAIONE SCHOLARSHIP – The Georgette Maione Memorial Scholarship will make its second award this year from the fund left to the church from Georgette’s estate. Please contact Fr. Michael for more information.

FR. PAUL SCHNEIRLA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Teen SOYO will once again offer this scholarship in loving memory of our beloved former pastor. This scholarship is presented at the Parish Life Conference on the basis of academic excellence. Please contact Fr. Michael for more information.

ANTIOCHIAN WOMEN’S SCHOLARSHIP – Scholarships are available to women 26 years of age or older who are continuing their education in order to improve their circumstances and those of their families. See Fr. Michael, or go to www.antiochian.org/scholarships for applications and more information, or contact Dianne O’Regan, Grant Coordinator, at (512) 930-2671 or doregan@stites.com. Application deadline is June 1, 2024.

FRANCIS MARIA SCHOLARSHIP – The Antiochian Archdiocese awards several scholarships of $5,000 each to students attending an accredited 4-year college. Applications must be postmarked by May 15, 2024. For more information and other scholarships offered by the Archdiocese, go to www.antiochian.org/scholarships.

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

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

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.”

WORD MAGAZINE – Every member of a parish in the Antiochian Archdiocese is entitled to receive the Word Magazine at their home. If you are not receiving the Word and wish to subscribe, go to https://forms.gle/sughatopgYmqJXXE7 to submit your address, or let Fr. Michael know. The Archdiocese also publishes the Word each month on its website www.antiochian.org.

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

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

HOME BLESSINGS – Several parishioners have requested spring time blessings of their homes. Please feel free to call for an appointment between now and the Feast of the Ascension (June 13).

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, April 28 Palm Sunday

Bridegroom Matins, 7:00 PM

Monday, April 29 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 9:00 AM

Bridegroom Matins, 7:00 PM

Tuesday, April 30 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 9:00 AM @ St. Nicholas

Bridegroom Matins, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, May 1 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 9:00 AM

Sacrament of Holy Unction, 7:00 PM

Thursday, May 2 Vesperal Divine Liturgy (Institution of the Eucharist), 10:00 AM

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

Friday, May 3 Royal Hours, 10:00 AM

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

Matins of Holy Saturday and Lamentations, 7:00 PM

Saturday, May 4 Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great, 10:00 AM

Nocturne, Rush, Orthros, Paschal Divine Liturgy, 10:00 PM

Sunday, May 5 Great and Holy Pascha

Agape Vespers, 12:00 PM

May 6-11 Fast Free Week

Wednesday, May 8 “Our Time” Senior Fellowship, 1:00-3:00 PM

Friday, May 10 St. Nicholas Cathedral Mother’s Day Gala @ Dyker Beach

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “If you want Christ to bless you and what you have, when you meet a poor individual, who is hungry and asks you for food, give him. Also, when you know a poor man, or a widow, or an orphan is hungry, do not wait for them to ask you for food, but give them. Give with pleasure, and be not afraid that you will become indigent. Have faith that Christ invisibly blesses your few possesions, and you shall never starve, nor will you be in want until the end of your life.”

- St. Arsenios of Paros

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, April 21, 2024 - Fifth Sunday of Great Lent

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

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

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

His Eminence Metropolitan SABA

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

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

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

Sunday, April 21, 2024

Fifth Sunday of Great Lent

Tone 5 and Eothinon 2

Commemoration of Our Righteous Mother Mary of Egypt

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 St. Mary of Egypt – Tone 8

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion of the Theotokos – Tone 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next week’s homework: Philippians 4:4-9 (Palm Sunday)

John 12:1-18 (Palm Sunday)

APRIL 21, 2024 – FIFTH SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT

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

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 21 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Mary Ayoub, Jean and George Fadool, Marie Farkouh, Albert Hanna, Edward Hanna, George Kaiatt, Edward S. Mackoul, Violet Mamary, Linda and William Nafash, Olga and Abraham Saba, Mary B. Savarese, Leon Smatt, Felipe Trabulsi, John Wizeman, Albert G. Zarr. Memory eternal!

Rose Abdallah offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Olga and Abraham Saba and Jean and George Fadool. Memory eternal!

Sandra and Robert Coogan offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Mary B. Savarese. Memory eternal!

Peter Elkas will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his uncle, the servant of God George Kaiatt. Memory eternal!

The Kaba Family offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Wajiha Kaba, Muneer Kaba, George Kadour, Afefeh Zaher, and Vicky Zaher. Memory eternal!

Drs. Lori and Michael Smatt offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Leon Smatt. Memory eternal!

The Ellias Family offers Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Archpriest Angelo Artemas. Memory eternal!

Anna Zarr and Family offer Prayers of Oblation and a 10-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Albert G. Zarr. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 28 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Helen Cook, James J. Coury, Thomas Gehshan, Yvonne and Alexander Hamwi, Michael Howie, Yvonne Khoury, Renee Matouk, Yvonne Nicholas, and Nazira and Gabriel Samen. Memory eternal!

The Family of Thomas Gehshan will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of his soul on the 25th anniversary of his repose, as well as for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Atina, Albert and Edward Hanna. Memory eternal!

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

FASTING DISICIPLINE – The Great Fast continues until our celebration of the Feast of Feasts, Pascha: Our Lord’s Resurrection (May 5). The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) is observed on all weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, wine and olive oil are allowed.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Howard Samara (Upper East Side Rehab), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, Alice Farkouh, George Khoury, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Wade Saadi, Victoria Sleyman, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Richard Zogob, and Rose Zrake (at home).

OUR TIME – Our (over 50) senior fellowship, “Our Time”, meets every other Wednesday, including Wednesday, April 24, 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.

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

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

FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – The traditional FFHP collection boxes are available in the narthex. Remember the least of Christ’s brethren by depositing your extra change at the end of each day, and return the box on or before Palm Sunday. “I have an agreement with God: I will empty my pockets in almsgiving, and He will fill them. He has never violated our agreement!” Elder Epiphanios of Athens

LENTEN LITURGICAL SCHEDULE – The final Great Compline of Great Lent will be here at St. Mary’s Church on Monday at 7 PM. On Wednesday we will celebrate the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts at 6:30 followed by a Pot Luck Supper. On Friday we will celebrate Little Compline with the Canon of St. Lazarus at 6:30 PM. On Saturday we will offer the Proskomedia/Prothesis (the preparation of the Holy Gifts) at 10 AM followed by the Divine Liturgy for Lazarus Saturday. There will be Great Vespers for Palm Sunday at 5 PM.

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

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

ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP – Registration for Summer Camp has opened. Please open an account and register at www.avcamp.org. Scholarship assistance is available from the camp and from the parish.

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

ESTATE PLANNING – We can support future generations of parishioners at every stage of our lives. In our 50s we can share our values through a gift in our wills or living trusts, and it costs us nothing today! In our 60s we can transform our retirement plan or life insurance policy into a powerful gift by adding St. Mary’s Church as a beneficiary. In our 70s we can make a gift from our IRA directly to the church and avoid paying income taxes on the money. In our 80s, 90s and beyond, we can carry on our values through any of these legacy gifts to support the work in God’s Vineyard.

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, April 22 Great Compline, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, April 24 “Our Time” Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Followed by Pot Luck Supper

Friday, April 26 Little Compline with Canon of Lazarus, 6:30 PM

Saturday, April 27 Public Prothesis, 10 AM

Divine Liturgy of Lazarus Saturday, 10:45 AM

Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Sunday, April 28 Palm Sunday

Bridegroom Matins, 7:00 PM

Monday, April 29 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 9:00 AM

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

FROM THE FATHERS – Prayer together with almsgiving can furnish us with countless good things from above. They can quench the fire of sin in our souls and can give us great freedom. Cornelius had recourse to these two virtues and sent his prayers up to heaven. Because of these two virtues he heard the angel say, “Thy prayers and thy alms have gone up and been remembered in the sight of God.”

- St. John Chrysostom

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, April 14, 2024 - Fourth Sunday of Great Lent

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

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

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

His Eminence Metropolitan SABA

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

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

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

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Fourth Sunday of Great Lent

Tone 4 and Eothinon 1

Commemoration of John Climacus, Author of “The Ladder”

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 St. John of the Ladder – Tone 8

The barren wilderness thou didst make fertile with the streams of thy tears; and by thy deep sighing thou hast given fruit through thy struggles a hundred-fold. Accordingly, thou hast become a star for the universe, sparkling with miracles. Therefore, O righteous Father John, intercede with Christ God to save our souls.

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion for the Sundays in Lent – Tone 8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next week’s homework: Hebrews 9:11-14 (Fifth Sunday of Great Lent)

Mark 10:32-45 (Fifth Sunday of Great Lent)

APRIL 14, 2024 – FOURTH SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT

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

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 14 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Annetta Absey, Najla Arida, Ray Farkouh, Mary C. Gehshan, Dr. George Ghiz, Wilfred Jabara, Lynn Lewis, Vivian S. Massab, Victoria and Esber Najjar, Maria Pallas, Marie Louise Tashji, Adele Trisciuzzi, and Isabel Araman Zain. Memory eternal!

The Farkouh Family offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of their parents and grandparents, Mary and Ray Farkouh. Memory eternal!

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

The Ladies of St. Mary’s offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Dr. Robert Haddad. Memory eternal!

Leila and Ray Trabulsi offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Dr. Robert Haddad. Memory eternal!

The Haddad Family offers Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Dr. Robert Haddad. Josette and John Generale will sponsor a Coffee Hour in his memory following the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

Malakeh Kswami and Family offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Hassan Kswami. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 21 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Mary Ayoub, Jean and George Fadool, Marie Farkouh, Albert Hanna, Edward Hanna, George Kaiatt, Edward S. Mackoul, Violet Mamary, Linda and William Nafash, Olga and Abraham Saba, Mary B. Savarese, Leon Smatt, Felipe Trabulsi, John Wizeman, Albert G. Zarr. Memory eternal!

Rose Abdallah will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Olga and Abraham Saba and Jean and George Fadool. Memory eternal!

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

Peter Elkas will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of his uncle, the servant of God George Kaiatt. Memory eternal!

The Kaba Family will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Wajiha Kaba, Muneer Kaba, George Kadour, Afefeh Zaher, and Vicky Zaher. Memory eternal!

Drs. Lori and Michael Smatt will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Leon Smatt. Memory eternal!

Ann Zarr and Family will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 10-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Albert G. Zarr. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

FASTING DISICIPLINE – The Great Fast continues until our celebration of the Feast of Feasts, Pascha: Our Lord’s Resurrection (May 5). The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) is observed on all weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, wine and olive oil are allowed.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Howard Samara (Upper East Side Rehab), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, John Eyd, Alice Farkouh, George Khoury, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Wade Saadi, Victoria Sleyman, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Richard Zogob, and Rose Zrake (at home).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, April 15 Great Compline @ St. Nicholas Cathedral, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, April 17 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Followed by Pot Luck Supper

Thursday, April 18 Little Compline with Great Cannon & Life of Mary of Egypt, 7

Friday, April 19 Little Compline with Akathist/Madayeh, 6:30 PM

Followed by “Our Time” Dinner

Saturday, April 20 All Parish Retreat

Great Vespers to follow the Retreat

Monday, April 22 Great Compline at St. Mary’s Church, 7:00 PM

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “If you continue your almsgiving, offering to the poor out of the little that you have, not only will you not be in want, but the Lord will bless and increase what you have. And for the few things which you will give here, in this temporary life, you will receive a thousand fold more in eternal life. You will hear the Lord saying to you: “I was hungry, and you gave me food.” And when you say to Him, “Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You?” He shall say, “Yes you did not see me, but you did see my poor brethren, the hungry. The bread which you gave them, it is the same as if you gave it to me. So now I grant unto you the eternal heavenly kingdom, and whatever goods I have, you shall have also and all those who fed the poor, the hungry, and showed mercy unto them.”

- St. Arsenios of Paros

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, April 7, 2024 - Third Sunday of Great Lent

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

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

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

His Eminence Metropolitan SABA

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

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

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

Sunday, April 7, 2024

Third Sunday of Great Lent

Tone 3 and Eothinon 11

Veneration of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 3

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

Apolytikion of the Holy Cross – Tone 1

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion for the Sundays in Lent – Tone 8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

APRIL 7, 2024 – THIRD SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT

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

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 7 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Robert Coogan, Jr., Adele Hadad, Philip Hamwi, Helen Livreri, Roger Sabah, Henry Salloum, Robert Samara, Raymond Sayeg, Marie Louise Tashji, Florence Zagby, and Najeeb Zrake. Memory eternal!

Sandra Coogan offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her son, the servant of God Robert Coogan, Jr. Memory eternal!

The Tashji Family offers Prayers of Oblation and a 5-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Marie Louise Tashji. A Coffee Hour in her memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 14 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Annetta Absey, Najla Arida, Raymond Farkouh, Mary C. Gehshan, Dr. George Ghiz, Wilfred Jabara, Lynn Lewis, Vivian S. Massab, Victoria and Esber Najjar, Maria Pallas, Adele Trisciuzzi, and Isabel Araman Zain. Memory eternal!

The Ladies of St. Mary’s will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Dr. Robert Haddad. Memory eternal!

The Haddad Family will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Dr. Robert Haddad. Josette and John Generale will sponsor a Coffee Hour in his memory following the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

Malakeh Kswami and Family will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Hassan Kswami. Memory eternal!

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Howard Samara (Upper East Side Rehab), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, John Eyd, Alice Farkouh, Joyce Katen, George Khoury, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Wade Saadi, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, Richard Zogob, and Rose Zrake (at home).

PARISH COUNCIL – The Parish Council will hold its regular monthly meeting tomorrow at 7:00 PM.

FASTING DISICIPLINE – The Great Fast continues until our celebration of the Feast of Feasts, Pascha: Our Lord’s Resurrection (May 5). The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) is observed on all weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, wine and olive oil are allowed.

OUR TIME – Our (over 50) senior fellowship, “Our Time”, meets every other Wednesday, including Wednesday, April 10, 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.

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

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

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, April 8 Parish Council, 7:00 PM

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

Wednesday, April 10 “Our Time” Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Followed by Pot Luck Supper

Thursday, April 11 Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 PM

Friday, April 12 Little Compline with Akathist/Madayeh, 6:30 PM

Followed by Parish Council Dinner

Saturday, April 13 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “Be the guardian of the eye that it might not look about in the manner of a thief; be the guardian of the ear, that it might not perceive falsehood. Be the guardian of the lips that slander, judgment, criticism and idle words might not come forth from them. Be the guardian of the heart that it might not be inclined to evil and might not work iniquity.”

- St. Ephraim the Syrian

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, March 31, 2024 - Second Sunday of Great Lent

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

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

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

His Eminence Metropolitan SABA

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

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

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

Sunday, March 31, 2024

Second Sunday of Great Lent

Tone 2 and Eothinon 10

Commemoration of Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 2

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

Apolytikion of St. Gregory Palamas - Tone 8

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion for the Sundays in Lent – Tone 8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark 8:34-9:1 (Third Sunday of Great Lent)

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

MARCH 31, 2024 – SECOND SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT

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

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

MARCH IS WOMEN’S MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE!

SUNDAY, MARCH 31 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Nadim Dahdouh, Dr. John D. Dalack, Matilda Eyd, Najibe Imtanios, George Kadour, Raphael and Mary Davis, Terez Ivantchev, Rose Klam, Maude Sarkis, and Michael Shraky. Memory eternal!

Dr. Gregory Dalack and Kh. Laila Ellias offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of their father, the servant of God Dr. John D. Dalack. Memory eternal!

Mary Ann Shraky offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Michael Shraky. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 7 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Robert Coogan, Jr., Adele Hadad, Philip Hamwi, Helen Livreri, Roger Sabah, Henry Salloum, Robert Samara, Raymond Sayeg, Marie Louise Tashji, Florence Zagby, and Najeeb Zrake. Memory eternal!

Sandra Coogan will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her son, the servant of God Robert Coogan, Jr. Memory eternal!

The Tashji Family will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 5-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the handmaiden of God Marie Louise Tashji. A Coffee Hour in her memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

FASTING DISICIPLINE – The Great Fast continues until our celebration of the Feast of Feasts, Pascha: Our Lord’s Resurrection (May 5). The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) is observed on all weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, wine and olive oil are allowed.

MARCH IS LADIES MONTH! Our ushers today are Angela Athineos, Majdeline Boutros Elkhoury, Rima Alsifi Hazem, and Chaza Rafiaa. The Epistle will be read by Amanda Regnier in English and Majdeline Boutros Elkhoury in Arabic. The Ladies will also assist at the distribution of the Holy Eucharist.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Howard Samara (Upper East Side Rehab), Richard Zogob (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, John Eyd, Alice Farkouh, Joyce Katen, George Khoury, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Wade Saadi, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, and Rose Zrake (at home).

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

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

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

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

ESTATE PLANNING – We should all make a will. Unless you have a valid will, the state will decide who will manage your affairs at your death. Have I included St. Mary’s Church in my will or estate plan?

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, April 1 Great Compline @ St. Nicholas Cathedral, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, April 3 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Followed by Pot Luck Supper

Friday, April 5 Little Compline with Akathist/Madayeh, 6:30 PM

Followed by Church School and PTO Dinner

Saturday, April 6 No Great Vespers

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “Fasting is an admirable thing, but it is more admirable to forgive insults. Through fasting a man is preparing for charity, but by forgiving insults, a person shows charity. Fasting precedes forgiveness, but fasting alone does not save without forgiveness.”

- St. Nicholai of Zica

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, March 24, 2024 - First Sunday of Great Lent (Sunday of Orthodoxy)

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

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

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

His Eminence Metropolitan SABA

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

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

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

Sunday, March 24, 2024

First Sunday of Great Lent (Sunday of Orthodoxy)

Tone 1 and Eothinon 9

Venerable Zachariah the Recluse

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 1

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

Apolytikion of the First Sunday of Lent - Tone 2

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion for the Sundays in Lent – Tone 8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

MARCH 24, 2024 – FIRST SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT (SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY)

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

MARCH IS WOMEN’S MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE!

SUNDAY, MARCH 24 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Raymonde Alexander, Atina Hanna, Albert Kaidy, Nazem Khoury, Frederick Makhoul, Michael Nassoor and Helen Nassoor, Abraham and Olga Saba, Edward A. Zraick and Pamela Zraick Nakleh. Memory eternal!

The Family of the servants of God Helen and Michael Nassoor offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of their souls. A Coffee Hour in their memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

Marie Bryant offers Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of her husband, the servant of God Charles Bryant. A Coffee Hour in his memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

The Ladies of St. Mary’s offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Charlie Bryant. Memory eternal!

George Trisciuzzi will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Sebastian Rothhammer at tomorrow evening’s Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 31 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Nadim Dahdouh, Dr. John D. Dalack, Matilda Eyd, Najibe Imtanios, Terez Ivantchev, George Kadour, Raphael and Mary Davis and Rose Klam, Maude Sarkis, and Michael Shraky. Memory eternal!

HOLY BREAD – Donors are welcome for March 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.”

MARCH IS LADIES MONTH! Our ushers today are Lorraine Deeb, Sh. Aline Farkouh, Lina Kaiami, and Dr. Yvonne Zrake. The Epistle will be read by Sh. Aline Farkouh in English and Lara Rustom in Arabic. Hilaneh Hana, Sh. Aline Farkouh, Dr. Yvonne Zrake, and Lina Kaiami will assist at the distribution of the Holy Eucharist.

FASTING DISICIPLINE – The Great Fast has begun and continues until our celebration of the Feast of Feasts, Pascha: Our Lord’s Resurrection (May 5). The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) is observed on all weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, wine and olive oil are allowed. On the Great Feast of the Annunciation (Monday, March 25) fish, wine and olive oil are permitted.

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Nicholas Massab (Norwegian), Vicky Nahas (MA), Howard Samara (Upper East Side Rehab), Richard Zogob (Norwegian), Rouda Abboud, Yvonne Allawh, Patti DeLuca, John Eyd, Alice Farkouh, Joyce Katen, George Khoury, Denise McBride, Alfred Nahas, Wade Saadi, Bob Sahadi, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, and Rose Zrake (at home).

FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION – We will celebrate the Evening Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom at 6:00 PM tomorrow, March 25, for the Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos. Fr. Thomas Zain and the faithful of St. Nicholas Cathedral will join us.

ORDER OF ST. IGNATIS OF ANTIOCH – The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch will host a Town Hall Meeting here at St. Mary’s Church tomorrow, March 25, following the Evening Divine Liturgy for the Annunciation. A light meal will follow the Divine Liturgy. Mr. Edward Assile, a past president of the Governing Council of the Order and its current Treasurer, will make a presentation about the work of the Order. All current and potential members are encouraged to attend.

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

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

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

LENTEN LITURGICAL SCHEDULE – There will be Great Compline each Monday night at 7:00 PM (except for tomorrow due to the Feast of the Annunciation), the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts each Wednesday at 6:30 PM and the Akathist/Madayeh Service each Friday at 6:30 PM. A Pot Luck Supper will follow each Wednesday service, and each parish organization will host a dinner after the Friday service. Great Vespers will continue each Saturday at 5:00 PM.

PARKING – We ask our faithful parishioners to reserve the limited parking spaces directly in front of the church for our senior members and for those with mobility issues. Thank you for your cooperation!

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

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

ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP – Registration for Summer Camp has opened. Please open an account and register at www.avcamp.org. Scholarship assistance is available from the camp and from the parish. Please see Fr. Michael in confidence.

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 – Today we will watch our children in procession with the holy icons. Lord, what can I include in my will or estate plan which will strengthen the ministry of my parish for these precious children, and, by your help, assure that the church will always be here for them until you come again?

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, March 25 Evening Divine Liturgy for the Annunciation, 6:00 PM

Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch Town Hall

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

Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Followed by Pot Luck Supper

Friday, March 29 Little Compline with Akathist/Madayeh, 6:30 PM

Followed by Dinner sponsored by Teen SOYO

Saturday, March 30 Lenten Retreat @ St. Stephen Church, South Plainfield

Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Monday, April 1 Great Compline @ St. Nicholas Cathedral, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, April 3 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Monday, April 8 Parish Council, 7:00 PM

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “Let us fast in a way that is acceptable and pleasing to the Lord. True fasting is flight from evils, temperance of the tongue, refrain from anger, separation from lustful desires, and from lies, from falsehood and from perjury. The absence of all these makes our fasting true and acceptable.”

- Aposticha idiomelon

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America