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

Bulletin for Sunday, March 17, 2024 - Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheese Fare)

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

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

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

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 17, 2024

Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheese Fare)

Tone 8 and Eothinon 8

Venerable Alexios the “Man of God” and Patrick, Bishop of Armagh and Enlightener of Ireland

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

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 8

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion of Cheese Fare Sunday – Tone 6

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

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

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

Verse. Clap your hands, all ye nations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next week’s homework: Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40 (First Sunday of Lent)

John 1:43-51 (Sunday of Orthodoxy)

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

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

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

MARCH 17, 2024 – SUNDAY OF FORGIVENESS (CHEESE FARE)

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

MARCH IS WOMEN’S MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE!

SUNDAY, MARCH 17 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Dr. George B. Cury, Mary Ganim, Mary Hamaty, Gloria L. Harris, Gloria and Edward Jabara Sr., Bikturia Kaba, Maurice Khzam, Violette Shamas Mahab, Nadima and Alfred G. Makhoul, Thomas Russo, Frederick P. Schroeder, Elias Shawah, and. Robert Thabit. Memory eternal!

Mona Thabit of LaJolla, CA, offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of her father, the servant of God Robert (Bob) Thabit, Esq. Memory eternal!

Refaat Kabah offers Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God George Kaddour and prayers for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Dr. Vicky Zaher, Monir Kaba, Wajiha Kaba and Afifa Zaher. Memory eternal!

Gale Zarr offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Dr. Robert Haddad. Memory eternal!

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

Marie Bryant will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 40-Day Memorial for the repose of the soul of her husband, the servant of God Charles Bryant. Memory eternal!

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

MARCH IS LADIES MONTH! Our ushers today are Elsa Khzam, Marian Russo, Audrey Sahadi, and Gale Zarr. The Epistle will be read by Audrey Sahadi in English and Nahla Bittar in Arabic. The Ladies will also assist with the distribution of the Holy Eucharist.

FORGIVENESS VESPERS – After the Divine Liturgy, please go to the hall for coffee or water and a bite to eat. During the Coffee Hour there will be a brief presentation about the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC). We will then return to church for the celebration of Forgiveness Vespers with the Rite of Forgiveness.

OCMC SUNDAY – Today is Missions Sunday in the Orthodox Churches in North America. We welcome Dan Christopulos from the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) to address us both at the end of the Divine Liturgy and during the Coffee Hour. We also welcome Mrs. Jeannie Arida from the OCMC Board of Trustees who will have materials available about Orthodox missions.

FASTING DISICIPLINE – Today is the last day we eat eggs, cheese, dairy and their by-products until Holy Pascha. The Great Fast begins tomorrow and continues until our celebration of the Feast of Feasts, Pascha: Our Lord’s Resurrection (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).

MEMORY ETERNAL! We are deeply saddened to announce that in the hope of the Resurrection the servant of God Dr. Robert Haddad departed this life last Friday. Bob Haddad was one of the great intellectual lights of Antiochian Orthodoxy and a faithful servant of the Archdiocese for many years. He was professor emeritus of Smith College in Northampton, MA, and a former president of the American University of Beirut. We extend our deepest sympathies to his sister, Josette Generale, as well as to his daughters Emily, Josette, and Laila and their families. Memory eternal!

MEMORY ETERNAL! We are deeply saddened to announce that in the hope of the Resurrection the servant of God Paul Lang departed this life on Tuesday. Paul was the widower of the former president of the Ladies of St. Mary’s, Lily Lang. His funeral was in Basking Ridge, NJ, on Friday. We extend our sympathies to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Memory eternal!

SATURDAY OF THE SOULS – There will be a Divine Liturgy for the “Miracle of the Kollyva” and the Saturday of the Souls on Saturday, March 23, at 10:30 AM. Please give the names of your departed loved ones to Fr. Michael.

FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION – We will celebrate the Evening Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom at 6:00 PM on Monday, 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 on Monday, 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 welcome and encouraged to attend. Please see the flyer in this bulletin for reservation details.

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. “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.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, March 17 Cheese Fare/Forgiveness Sunday

Monday, March 18 Clean Monday – Great Lent Begins

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

Wednesday, March 20 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Friday, March 22 Little Compline with Akathist/Madayeh, 6:30 PM

Saturday, March 23 Divine Liturgy of Kollyva & Saturday of the Souls, 10:30 AM

Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

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

Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch Town Hall

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “The amount we give is not judged by the largeness of our gifts but the largeness of our hearts.”

- St. John Chrysostom

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, March 10, 2024 - Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meat Fare)

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

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

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

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 10, 2024

Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meat Fare)

Tone 7 and Eothinon 7

Martyr Kondratos of Corinth and His Five Companions

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

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 7

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion of Meat Fare Sunday – Tone 1

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

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

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

Verse. The Lord has chastened me sorely.

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

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

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

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

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

Matthew 6:14-21 (Cheese Fare)

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

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

MARCH 10, 2024 – SUNDAY OF THE LAST JUDGMENT (MEAT FARE)

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

MARCH IS WOMEN’S MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE!

Today we are privileged and blessed to welcome Rt. Rev. Archimandrite Jeremy Davis to preside at the divine services in the absence of Fr. Michael. Fr. Jeremy is the Protosyngellos of the clergy and Administrative Assistant to Metropolitan SABA at the Antiochian Archdiocese Headquarters in Englewood, NJ.

SUNDAY, MARCH 10 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Eleanor Couri, Salwa Fauty, Laila Nassr, Mary Samara D’Angelico, Areff Samara, Vincent D’Angelico, Robert Samara and Rose Araktingi Samara, and Gloria Sparsidis. Memory eternal!

Raymond, Leila and Joyce Trabulsi offer Prayers of Oblation for the health of the servant of God Dr. Robert Hadad. Many yeas!

NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 17 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Dr. George B. Cury, Mary Ganim, Mary Hamaty, Gloria L. Harris, Gloria and Edward Jabara Sr., Bikturia Kaba, Maurice Khzam, Violette Shamas Mahab, Nadima and Alfred G. Makhoul, Thomas Russo, Frederick P. Schroeder, Elias Shawah and Robert Thabit, Esq. Memory eternal!

Mona Thabit of LaJolla, CA, will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Robert (Bob) Thabit, Esq. Memory eternal!

Refaat Kabah will offer Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God George Kadour and prayers for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Dr. Vicky Zaher, Monir Kaba, Wajiha Kaba and Afifa Zaher. Memory eternal!

Lynette Ganim will offer Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of her mother, the handmaiden of God Mary Ganim at Great Vespers this Saturday, March 16. Memory eternal!

Our Parish Family will offer Prayers of Oblation and a 10-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP of thrice-blessed memory (March 19). Memory eternal!

MARCH IS LADIES MONTH! Our ushers today are Barbara Deeb, Janice Deeb, Samia Keriaky, and Therese Khouri. The Epistle will be read by Angela Athineos in English and Samia Keriaky in Arabic. Leen Zgheib and Razan Maalouf will assist with Holy Communion.

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR MARCH – Today, Meat Fare, is the last day to eat meat and its by-products, and Sunday, March 17, is Cheese Fare, the last day we eat dairy. Great Lent begins on Monday, March 18.

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

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Dr. Robert Hadad (ME), 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, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, and Rose Zrake (at home).

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – The Annual Parish Meeting elected Bassam Maalouf, Irene Tashji, and Leen Zgheib to three-year terms, and the pastor appointed Nahla Bittar, Rob Sabbagh, and George Trisciuzzi to one-year terms. The new council then re-elected Anthony Zrake as chair and Aline Farkouh as secretary, and elected Rob Sabbagh as vice-chair and Irene Tashji as treasurer. We thank Diana Kaiami, Dianna Kitchen and Daria Mayrose for their outstanding service as they leave the council, as well as Wade Saadi who continues his recovery. Many years!

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.

OUR TIME – Our (over 50) senior fellowship, “Our Time”, meets every other Wednesday, including Wednesday, March 13, 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.

FAMILY NIGHT AND MIDNIGHT RUN – There will be a Family Night on Friday, March 15, from 7-9 PM, and Deacon Farid will lead our delegation on the Midnight Run into Manhattan to minister to the homeless and the immigrant population. Deacon usually goes to Holy Cross Church around 8 PM to help with the preparation of the food and clothing for distribution, and the group typically leaves around 9 PM for the city. The group returns to Bay Ridge around midnight. Please see Deacon Farid if you wish to participate.

FORGIVENESS SUNDAY AND MISSIONS SUNDAY – Next Sunday, March 17, is both Forgiveness Sunday and Missions Sunday. Dan Christopulos from the Orthodox Christian Missions Center (OCMC) will address us both at the end of the Divine Liturgy and with a brief presentation at the Coffee Hour which OCMC will sponsor. Jeannie Arida, a member of the OCMC Board of Trustees, will also be present to distribute literature. We will then return to the church for Great Vespers and the Rite of Forgiveness to inaugurate Great Lent.

FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION – We will celebrate the Evening Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom at 6:00 PM on Monday, 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 TOWN HALL – The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch will host a Town Hall Meeting here at St. Mary’s Church on Monday, 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.

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 WOMEN’S SCHOLARSHIP – The Antiochian Women of North America offer several scholarships each year, usually in the amount of $500 each. Applicants must be women over 26 years of age and in good standing in their home parish. Applicants must be actively involved in their parishes and must be applying for or be registered in an academic or trade program of study. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need. Please see Ladies’ President Sandra Arida or Fr. Michael for an application. The application deadline is June 1, 2024.

ESTATE PLANNING – On this day when we contemplate our standing before the dread judgment seat of Christ, let me ask myself what I can leave in my will or estate plan to the church.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, March 10 Meat Fare Sunday Luncheon

Monday, March 11 Parish Council, 7 PM

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

Friday, March 15 Family Night, 7-9 PM and Midnight Run

Saturday, March 16 Great Vespers, 5 PM

One-Year Memorial – Mary Ganim

Sunday, March 17 Cheese Fare/Forgiveness Sunday/Missions Sunday

Monday, March 18 Clean Monday – Great Lent Begins

Great Compline @ St. Nicholas Cathedral, 7 PM

Wednesday, March 20 Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 6:30 PM

Friday, March 22 First Little Compline/Akathist/Madayeh, 6:30 PM

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

Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch Town Hall, 7:15 PM

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “The fire which man will experience in the next life will be different from the fire of the present life. The fire of this life is extinguished in various ways, whereas the fire of the next life remains unextinguished.”

- St. Gregory of Nyssa

Bulletin for Sunday, March 3, 2024 - Sunday of the Prodigal Son

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

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

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

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 3, 2024

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Tone 6 and Eothinon 6

Martyrs Eutropios, Kleonikos, and Basilikos of Amasea

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

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 6

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion of the Prodigal Son – Tone 3

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

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

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

Verse. Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous.

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

Gospel – Luke 15:11-32 (Prodigal Son)

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

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

Next week’s homework: I Corinthians 8:8-9-2 (Last Judgment)

Matthew 25:31-46 (Meat Fare)

MARCH 3, 2024 – SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON

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

MARCH IS WOMEN’S MONTH IN THE ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE!

SUNDAY, MARCH 3 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Yvonne Absey, Najibi Anthony, Ronald J. Couri, Nicholas Ghiz, William Haddad, Sr., Mounir Kaba, Robert Sabbagh, Laurice Merhige Schuh, and Marie Zarr. Memory eternal!

Irene Tashji offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Thomas Abdallah. Memory eternal!

Anita Absey and Robert Absey offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of their mother, the handmaiden of God Yvonne Absey. Memory eternal!

The Couri Family offers Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Ronald J. Couri. Memory Eternal!

The Zarr Family offers Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of their beloved mother and grandmother, Marie Zarr. Memory Eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 10 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Eleanor Couri, Salwa Fauty, Laila Nassr, Mary Samara D’Angelico, Areff Samara, Vincent D’Angelico, Robert Samara and Rose Araktingi Samara, Gloria Sparsidis, and Robert William Thabit. Memory eternal!

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

MARCH IS LADIES MONTH! Our ushers today are Joan Bacon, Marianne Hindelly, Linda Mantia, and Marilyn Tulaney. The Epistle will be read by Karen Spolar in English and Sonia Abou-Naoum in Arabic.

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

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Dr. Robert Hadad (ME), 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, Victoria Sleyman, Claudette Teen, Jim Thompson (NJ), George Trisciuzzi, and Rose Zrake (at home).

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

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.”

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – The Annual Parish Meeting will take place today following the Divine Liturgy. Please register with the secretary in order to receive your ballot. Teen SOYO will offer a light lunch at a minimal cost underwritten by Gale Zarr in loving memory of her mother, Marie Zarr.

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR MARCH – This week we fast on Wednesday and Friday. Next Sunday, Meat Fare, is the last day to eat meat and its by-products, and Sunday, March 17, is Cheese Fare, the last day we eat dairy. Great Lent begins on Monday, March 18.

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.

BLESSING OF HOMES – Please see the flyer in this bulletin to request a home blessing prior to the beginning of Great Lent on Monday, March 18. The pastor will also bless homes following Holy Pascha.

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!

ESTATE PLANNING – The Prodigal Son squandered his inheritance in loose living. Can I dedicate a portion of my inheritance to the church through my will or estate plan to promote righteous living?

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, March 10 Meat Fare Sunday

Monday, March 11 Parish Council, 7:00 PM

Friday, March 15 Family Night, 7-9 PM, and Midnight Run

Saturday, March 16 Great Vespers, 5 PM

One-Year Memorial – Mary Ganim

Sunday, March 17 Cheese Fare/Forgiveness Sunday

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “For this is the work of the Father’s loving-kindness and goodness, that not only should He make him alive from the dead, but that He should render His grace illustrious through the Spirit. Therefore, instead of corruption, He clothes him with an incorruptible garment; instead of hunger, He kills the fatted calf; instead of far journeys, [the Father] watched for his return, providing shoes for his feet; and, what is most wonderful, placed a divine signet ring upon his hand; while by all these things He begot him afresh in the image of the glory of Christ. These are the gracious gifts of the Father, by which the Lord honors and nourishes those who abide with Him, and also those who return to Him and repent.”

- St, Athanasius the Great

Bulletin for Sunday, February 25, 2024 - Sunday of the Pharisee and Publican

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, February 25, 2024

Sunday of the Pharisee and Publican

Tone 5 and Eothinon 5

Tarasios the Confessor, Archbishop of Constantinople

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

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 5

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion of the Pharisee and the Publican – Tone 4

Let us run away from the words of the boastful Pharisee, and learn the humility of the publican, crying with sighs to the Saviour, Have mercy upon us, O thou alone of true reconciliation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next week’s homework: I Corinthians 6:12-20 (Prodigal Son)

Luke 15:11-32 (Prodigal Son)

Today we are privileged and blessed to welcome Rt. Rev. Archimandrite Jeremy Davis to preside at the divine services in the absence of Fr. Michael. Fr. Jeremy is the Protosyngellos of the Archdiocese and Administrative Assistant to Metropolitan SABA at the Antiochian Archdiocese Headquarters in Englewood, NJ.

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR FEBRUARY– There is no fasting the week of the Pharisee and Publican (February 25-March 2).

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

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

BLESSING OF HOMES – Please see the flyer in this bulletin to request a home blessing.

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

FEBRUARY 25, 2024 – SUNDAY OF THE PHARISEE AND PUBLICAN

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, FEBRUARY 25 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Thomas Abdallah, Margaret and Charles Assatly, Wadie Jabbour, Rt. Rev. Ananias Kassab and George Kassab, Lilly Malouf, and Wendy Sadaka Zavolas. Memory eternal!

Rhonda Byrnes offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of her parents, the servants of God Margaret and Charles Assatly. A Coffee Hour in their memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 3 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Yvonne Absey, Najibi Anthony, Ronald J. Couri, Nicholas Ghiz, William Haddad, Sr., Mounir Kaba, Robert Sabbagh, Laurice Merhige Schuh, and Marie Zarr. Memory eternal!

Anita Absey and Robert Absey will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the soul of their mother, the handmaiden of God Yvonne Absey. Memory eternal!

The Zarr Family will offer Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of the soul of their beloved mother and grandmother, Marie Zarr. A Coffee Hour in her memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory Eternal!

FOR THE INFIRM - Please remember our ailing brethren in your daily intercessions, especially, Dr. Robert Hadad (ME), 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).

WINTER COAT DRIVE – The Teen SOYO Winter Coat Drive will continue through February. Coats, scarves, gloves, blankets, and other cold weather attire are welcome. Please place your offerings on the table in the vestibule. We will distribute all items to local charities and recipients.

OUTREACH CENTER – The Holy Cross Brooklyn Outreach Center will hold a fundraising event at Cebu on Monday, February 26, from 6-9 PM. Please see the flyer in this bulletin for more information.

OUR TIME – Our (over 50) senior fellowship, “Our Time”, meets every other Wednesday, including Wednesday, February 28, 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.

TEEN SOYO – Teen SOYO will attend Great Vespers next Saturday, March 2, before hosting a Black and Purple Neon Party featuring a Karaoke Night. All teens 12 and up are welcome to attend. Please see the flyer in this bulletin for more information.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – The Annual Parish Meeting will take place next Sunday, March 3, following the Divine Liturgy. Please submit your nominations for the Parish Council to Vice Chair Dianna Russo Kitchen after securing the nominee’s willingness to serve. Teen SOYO will offer a light lunch at a minimal cost underwritten by Gale Zarr in loving memory of her mother, Marie Zarr.

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!

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 – Everyone who has children should make provision for them in the event of a calamity through a will or estate plan. That plan should also provide for the spiritual welfare of the children by including something for the long-term stability and ministry of the church.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, February 28 “Our Time” Senior Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Saturday, March 2 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Teen Glow-in-the-Dark Karaoke Party

Sunday, March 3 Annual Parish Meeting

Saturday, March 9 No Great Vespers

Sunday, March 10 Meat Fare Sunday

Monday, March 11 Parish Council, 7:00 PM

Sunday, March 17 Cheese Fare/Forgiveness Sunday

Monday, March 18 Clean Monday – Great Lent Begins

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

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “There must be an inner contrition with sincere repentance, in order for a person to be corrected. This is why St. Mark the Ascetic says, ‘If one does not feel contrition commensurate to his fault, he will easily fall into the same fault again.’ In other words, if the mistake is minor, the repentance can also be less severe; but if the mistake is major, then more severe repentance is required. When people do not grasp the severity of their sins and do not experience grief ‘commensurate to their fault,’ then they can easily fall into the same – or even greater -- fault.”

- Elder Paisios of Mount Athos

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, February 18, 2024 - Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

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

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

His Eminence Metropolitan SABA

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

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

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

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 4 and Eothinon 4

Leo the Great, Pope of Rome

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

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 4

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion of the Theotokos – Tone 2

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

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

Prokeimenon. Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.

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

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

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

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

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

Luke 18:10-14 (Pharisee and Publican)

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR FEBRUARY– The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil or their byproducts) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays in February. There is no fasting the week of the Pharisee and Publican (February 25-March 2).

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

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

BLESSING OF HOMES – Please see the flyer in this bulletin to request a home blessing.

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

FEBRUARY 18, 2024 – SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Mary Alexander, Almaza Allawh, Margaret Fiani Dib, Malak Karkenny, Renges Orfaly, and Alice Puccariella. Memory eternal!

Lisa Karkenny offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of her parents, the servants of God Violet and Malak Karkenny. Memory eternal!

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

NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Thomas Abdallah, Margaret and Charles Assatly, Wadie Jabbour, Rt. Rev. Ananias Kassab and George Kassab, Lilly Malouf, and Wendy Sadaka Zavolas. Memory eternal!

Rhonda Byrnes will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of her parents, the servants of God Margaret and Charles Assatly. A Coffee Hour in their memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

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

WINTER COAT DRIVE – The Teen SOYO Winter Coat Drive will continue through February. Coats, scarves, gloves, blankets, and other cold weather attire are welcome. Please place your offerings on the table in the vestibule. We will distribute all items to local charities and recipients.

OUR TIME – Our (over 50) senior fellowship, “Our Time”, meets every other Wednesday, including Wednesday, February 28, 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.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – The Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Sunday, March 3, following the Divine Liturgy. Please submit your nominations for the Parish Council to Vice Chair Dianna Russo Kitchen after securing the nominee’s willingness to serve.

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!

GREAT VESPERS – Fr. Michael will be out of town for a wedding this weekend, so there will be no Great Vespers on Saturday, February 24. We will resume as usual next week. Fr. Jeremy Davis will celebrate next Sunday’s Orthros and Divine Liturgy.

TEEN SOYO – Teen SOYO will attend Great Vespers next Saturday, March 2, before hosting a Black and Purple Neon Party featuring a Karaoke Night. All teens 12 and up are welcome to attend. Please see the flyer in this bulletin for more information.

OUTREACH CENTER – The Holy Cross Brooklyn Outreach Center will hold a fundraising event at Cebu on Monday, February 26, from 6-9 PM. Please see the flyer in this bulletin for more information.

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.

PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE – Registration is now open for this year’s Parish Life Conference at the Antiochian Village Heritage and Learning Center in Ligonier, PA. To register go to https://antiochianevents.com/ny. Please make your room reservation as soon as possible because space is limited at the Center.

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 – I wonder if I’ll get a tax refund this year? If I do, should I dedicate part of that refund to the future ministry of the parish by giving it to the Endowment Fund?

DATES TO REMEMBER

Saturday, February 24 No Great Vespers

Monday, February 26 Outreach Center Fundraiser at Cebu, 6-9 PM

Saturday, March 2 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Teen SOYO Glow-in-the-Dark Karaoke Party

Sunday, March 3 Annual Parish Meeting

Sunday, March 10 Meat Fare Sunday

Monday, March 11 Parish Council, 7:00 PM

Sunday, March 17 Cheese Fare/Forgiveness Sunday

Monday, March 18 Clean Monday – Great Lent Begins

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “Short and fleeting are the joys of this world’s pleasures which endeavors to turn aside from the path of life those who are called to eternity. The faithful and religious spirit, therefore, must desire the things which are heavenly, and being eager for the divine promises, lift itself to the love of the incorruptible Good and the hope of the true Light.”

- St. Leo the Great

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Bulletin for Sunday, February 11, 2024 - Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

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

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

His Eminence Metropolitan SABA

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

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

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

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Tone 3 and Eothinon 3

Hieromartyr Blaise, Bishop of Sebastia, and His Companions

Today’s Hymns and Readings

Apolytikion of the Resurrection – Tone 3

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

Apolytikion of St. Blaise – Tone 4

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

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

Kontakion of the Theotokos – Tone 2

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

Epistle – II Corinthians 6:1-10 (Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost)

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

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

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

Gospel – Matthew 25:14-30 (Sixteenth Sunday of Matthew)

THE LORD SPOKE THIS PARABLE: “A man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.’ And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.’ He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not winnow; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.’”

As he said this, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Next week’s homework: II Corinthians 6:16-7:1 (Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost)

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

FEBRUARY 11, 2024 – SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

We are pleased to welcome you to worship with us today. Please note that only Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves with prayer, fasting and a recent confession may approach to receive Holy Communion. Everyone is welcome to 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, FEBRUARY 11 - We pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Dr. William and Hend Arida, David Bittar, Elias Darzi, George Ganim, Jacob Khoury, Emily Nassour, George Sabah, and Louis Sabah. Memory eternal!

Dr. Kenneth and Jeannie Arida offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Dr. William and Hend Arida. A Coffee Hour in their memory will follow the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

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

Lisa Hurter offers Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Albert, Mabel, Stephanie, and Dr. David Bittar. Memory eternal!

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

NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18 – We will pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Mary Alexander, Almaza Allawh, Margaret Fiani Dib, Malak Karkenny, Renges Orfaly, and Alice Puccariella. Memory eternal!

Lisa Karkenny will offer Prayers of Oblation for the repose of the souls of her parents, the servants of God Violet and Malak Karkenny. Memory eternal!

The Family of Joseph Rosa will offer Prayers of Oblation and a One-Year Memorial for the repose of his soul. Memory eternal!

FASTING DISCIPLINE FOR FEBRUARY– The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil or their byproducts) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays in January. There is no fasting the week of the Pharisee and Publican (February 25-March 2).

PARISH COUNCIL – The Parish Council will hold its final monthly meeting before the Annual Parish Meeting tomorrow, February 12, at 7:00 PM.

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

MEMORY ETERNAL! We are saddened to announce that the servant of God Henry J. Wardi, Esq., 94, departed this life in Florida last Sunday in the hope of the Resurrection. Services will be on February 25 in Hollywood, FL. We extend our sympathies to his niece, Lori Anne Wardi.

WINTER COAT DRIVE – The Teen SOYO Winter Coat Drive will continue through February. Coats, scarves, gloves, blankets, and other cold weather attire are welcome. Please place your offerings on the table in the vestibule. We will distribute all items to local charities and recipients.

OUR TIME – Our (over 50) senior fellowship, “Our Time”, meets every other Wednesday, including Wednesday, February 14, 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.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – The Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Sunday, March 3, following the Divine Liturgy. Please submit your nominations for the Parish Council to Vice Chair Dianna Russo Kitchen after securing the nominee’s willingness to serve.

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. We welcome donations to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund to help send our children to the Antiochian Village Camp.

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

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, February 11 Super Bowl Watch Party, 5-10 PM

Monday, February 12 Parish Council, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, February 14 “Our Time” Adult Fellowship, 1-3 PM

Friday, February 16 Family Night, 7- 9 PM & Midnight Run

Saturday, February17 Great Vespers, 5:00 PM

Monday, February 26 Holy Cross Brooklyn Outreach Fundraiser at Cebu, 6-9 PM

Saturday, March 2 Teen SOYO Karaoke Glow in the Dark Party after Vespers

Sunday, March 3 Annual Parish Meeting

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “Nothing contributes to a virtuous and moral way of life as does the time you spend here in church. The time we spend here in church is the basis of every blessing.”

- St. John Chrysostom

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America