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