September 17, 2017
Exaltation (Elevation) of the Holy CrossExaltation (Elevation) of the Holy CrossExaltation (Elevation) of the Holy CrossExaltation (Elevation) of the Holy Cross September 14
TTTT his Feast is celebrated as one of the most important in the Church Year because it commemorates two events of great significance. After St. Helen had found at Jerusalem the cross upon which Christ was crucified, she built a church on Mount Calvary to hold the precious relic. The Christians held the Holy Cross in such regard that they soon began to celebrate this Feast in honor of the finding of the Cross. In the year 614, the Persians invaded the Empire and took Jerusalem, and sent the case containing the Cross back to their country. For fifteen years, the Greek emperor Heraclius waged war against the Persians, and finally in 629 defeated them, force them to make peace, and to restore the Holy Cross to him. It is said that the case containing the sacred relics was returned to him with the seals still unbroken. The Relics were replaced in the Church with great rejoicing, and to the original Feast in honor of the finding of the Cross was added another, in honor of its safe return to Jerusalem. A special feature of the Church Services on this day is the procession in which the Cross is borne aloft on a tray of flowers and placed in the midst of the Church; the Priest then elevates it to the four corners of the compass, blessing thrice with it as he does so, and praying that God will protect and preserve the President and the Civil Authorities of our Country and the Armed Forces, and guard and guide the Archbishop and clergy of the Church, and protect and preserve all His faithful people from every evil. The Gospel of St. John 19:6-35 is the story of the Crucifixion and it is read to remind the people that Christ suffered death upon the Cross for the salvation of all mankind, and that by His death He conquered Death and triumphed over all the world.
September 17, 2017 Issue 590
�18100 Merriman Road � Livonia, Michigan 48152 � www.saintmarylivonia.com � Office: (734)-422-0010 �
Sunday Services
Confession: 8:30AM
Matins: 9:00AM
Divine Liturgy: 10:00AM
St. Mary’s Cultural
and Banquet Center
(734) 421-9220
Daily Confession by Appointment - Call the Church Office
“And the disciples were first called
Christians in Antioch.” Acts 11:26
The Antiochian Orthodox
Basilica of St. Mary
Fr. George Shalhoub - Pastor Fr. Jim King - Director of Youth & Pastoral Outreach Programs
Archdeacon Issa Rizkallah
313-690-2030
Deacon Dr. Dennis Bojrab Deacon Samer Hanna
Salim Sessine - Parish Council Chairman
Linda Lawson - Choir Director Stacey Badeen - Church Administrator Sonya Kassis - Parish Ministries
Coordinator Haitham Fakhouri - Communications
Richard Shebib/Sami Azzouz - Ushers
Dr. Tom Saba - Young Adults-
St. John Divine
Nancy Ghannam- Ladies Society
President Nicole Rumman & Natalie Samaan
Teen Soyo Co-Presidents
Lina Nunu - Arabic School Keith Rowe - Cultural Center General Manager 734-421-9220
The Light of Christ
AL-NOUR
PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY:
THE ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX BASILICA OF ST. MARY
Page 2 The Antiochian Orthodox Basilica of St. Mary
THE EPISTLE
How magnified are Thy works, O Lord! In Wisdom hast Thou made them all.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
The Reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians
Chapter 2:16-20
BBBB rethren, knowing that a person is not justified by the works of the Law, but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law: for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we sought to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? God forbid! For if I build up again those things which I destroyed, I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself up for me.
THE GOSPEL
The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark
Chapter 8:34-9:1
TTTT he Lord said, “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” And He said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Kingdom of God come with power.”
The Antiochian Orthodox Basilica of St. Mary Page 3
Please visit www.saintmarylivonia.com for details about events and ac�vi�es happening
at the Basilica of Saint Mary. If you have any ques�ons regarding Youth and Outreach Events,
please contact Fr. Jim or Sonya Kassis at (734) 422-0010.
The Basilica of Saint Mary
……………………………………………….. Church School Begins!
The first day of church school is this week! Thanks to the dedica�on of volunteers in our parish, we have a
commi+ed, passionate group of teachers ready to serve the children and families of our community. Our
goal is to edify and enrich the soul of every child of God in our community through providing a loving, safe
atmosphere, and by helping them build up their faith by growing closer to God. While the teachers will be
there each week, your help is important as well. Parents, grandparents and rela�ves can provide a vital
support network as subs�tutes, teacher aides, and event helpers. To volunteer this school year, please
contact the Parish Ministries Coordinator.
A Student’s Prayer
Christ my Lord, the Giver of light and wisdom, who opened the eyes of the blind man and transformed the fisherman into wise heralds and teachers of the Gospel through the coming of the Holy Spirit, shine also in my mind the light of the grace of the Holy Spirit. Grant me discernment, understanding and wisdom in learning. Enable me to complete my assignments and to abound in every good work, for to You I give honor and glory. Amen
WE NEED YOUR INPUT!
Please visit our website at www.stmarylivonia.com and
click the link on the homepage to take a brief survey
about church school. Your input is valuable as we plan for
the future of our church school program. Thank you!
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS
September 17: First Day of Church School and Procession with the Holy Cross
September 29: Ladies Society Fashion Show
October 6: First SOYO mee�ng/event
October 8: SOYO Officer Installa�on
October 15: Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive Begins-Compe��on between the classes
October 29: Annual Trunk-N-Treat
Page 4 The Antiochian Orthodox Basilica of St. Mary
PRAYER CORNER memorials
IIII am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me shall never die.” (John 11:25)
Sept. 17th - 40 day memorial in loving memory of Sami Oudeh offered by the family,
Thank You
“A Vigil Light is Burning” In Loving Devotion
FFFF or The Health and Well Being Of:
Natalie Cameron, Phiebe Musallam, Dina
Gikas
IIII n Memory Of: Joseph Michael
Mouaikel, George Abodeely,
HOLY BREAD OF OBLATION
HHHH oly Bread of Oblation
is offered by the families, for the
month of September, in loving
memory of:
Fred Ajlouny
Hanna S. Ajlouny
Ghazzi El Haj
Fred Essa
Aouni Fakhouri
Jalileh Fakhoury
Adil Ghannam
Jad Harb
Mona Jaghab
Issa and Hanna Khoury
Tanios and Wahiba Mecherfe
Shawky Mousa
Jano Saad
Hala Sackllah
Martha Sackllah
Leo Snage
HHHH oly Bread of Oblation
is offered by the families, for the
month of September, for the health
and well being of:
Samira Ajlouny
Harb Family
Dalal, John, Rami and
Reina Khoury
Noel, Patricia, Sharon, Elizabeth,
Michelle and their families
Musallam Family
LLLL ord, You are the physician of
our souls and body. We pray You
grant the following parishioners
good health and blessings:
Metropolitan PAUL Yazigi,
Archbishop Youhanna Ibrahim,
Bishop ANTOUN, Bishop
DEMETRI, Nazih, Linda, Nadia
Ayoub, Samir Faris, Dr. George
Zureikat, Fr. Anthony Sabbagh,
George Elias Gharib, Marcus, Marie
Abouassaly, Rob Nader, baby Hanna
Alrabady, Suad Jameel,
TTTT he following parishioners and
friends of the Basilica of St.
Mary have given special donations
to the Church in the past few
weeks:
$200-In loving memory of Issa and
Hanna Khoury and for the health
and well being of children offered
by Dalal Khoury,
$200-In loving memory of Georges
Nicola Lebbos offered by Souheil
and Nouhad Khalife,
$300-In loving memory of Basim
Naim Warra offered by his wife
Ferial Warra and family,
$500-For the health and well being
of newly baptized Hailee Kris
offered by parents Christopher and
Ashley (Warra) MacFarland,
$500-For the health and well being
of Moses Medvich offered by his
godfather Jeremiah Boyd,
$1000-For the health and well
being of newly baptized Edward
Robert Ansara offered by his great
grandfather Andrew Ansara, OUR NEW ARRIVALS
CCCC ongratulations and best
wishes to Michael and Mary Rafka
on the birth of their baby girl,
Tatiana. Proud grandparents are
Ghassan and Fadia Rafka and
Abdelmaseeh and Rita Bakhos.
May God bless parents,
grandparents and child.
Condolences
TTTT he clergy and
parishioners at the Basilica of
St. Mary extend their deepest
sympathy to Raymond and Julie
(Salah) Borg and the entire Borg
family on the passing of their
beloved father George (the late
Mary) Borg in Toronto.
TTTT he clergy and
parishioners at the Basilica of St.
Mary extend their deepest
sympathy to Bashar (Maye),
Bassam, Salwa, the grandchildren
and the entire Moussa family on
the passing of their beloved father,
Elyas Mousa.
May their memories be eternal.
Senior Heritage Fellowship
Welcome Back!
Our next luncheon will be held on:
Date: Thursday, September 28th
Place: Cultural Center East Room
Time: 11:00am Bible Study with
Fr. Jim
11:30-Lunch
Menu: Fish Roasted Potatoes,
Coleslaw, Dessert and
Coffee followed by Bingo
and Social Hour.
We look forward to seeing everyone!
The Antiochian Orthodox Basilica of St. Mary Page 5
18100 MERRIMAN ROAD � LIVONIA, MICHIGAN 48152
Return service requested
Dated Material
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
LIVONIA, MI PERMIT NO. 413
visit our website: www.saintmarylivonia.com
The Antiochian Orthodox Basilica of St. Mary
THANK YOU
We wish to thank the following for their kind and generous dona�ons/loans towards the purchase of 6.2 acres of land (for a
cost of $180,000) from the Livonia Board of Educa�on, which will bring approximately 22.2 acres your church will own. Your
Parish Council and Finance Commi+ee are purchasing the land for future genera�ons to have adequate land to expand for the
future. Please send in your form or call the church office if you would like to par�cipate. We have received approximately
$83,000 and are in need of $97,000 more to pay for the land. We thank those who have made the commitment and asking
God’s grace to influence you to do the same.
Mr. and Mrs. Fares Abdallah Mrs. Naimeh Abdelnour Mr. and Mrs. Jeries Abukhader
Mr. and Mrs. Nadim Ajlouny Mr. and Mrs. Elie Akel Mr. and Mrs. Wafi AlBarshini
Mrs. Evelyn Aneed Mr. and Mrs. Fouad Ansara Mr. Kevin Ansara
Mr. and Mrs. Nicola Antakli and family Dr. and Mrs. Suleiman Assaf Dr. and Mrs. Elie Banna
Mr. and Mrs. Nabeeh Beshara Mrs. Haifa Cataineau Mr. and Mrs. George Chalhoub
Mr. and Mrs. Zahi Dababneh Dr. and Mrs. Shukri David Dr. and Mrs. Nabeel El Amir
Mrs. Sabah Fakhouri Mr. and Mrs. Nidal Fakhoury Mrs. Rozalin Fakhoury
Mr. and Mrs. Bishara Freij & family Mr. Sami George Mr. and Mrs. George Ghareeb
Mr. and Mrs. Buolus Ghraib Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hayes Mr. Christopher Holwey
Ms. Aida Kakish Mr. and Mrs. Jamal Kakish Mr. and Mrs. Abe Karam
Dr. and Mrs. Christopher Kellogg Mr. and Mrs. Fadi Khalife Mr. and Mrs. David Khoury
Fr. and Mrs. Jim King Cameron & Lila (Shalhoub) Lippert Mr. and Mrs. Jim Lusko
Mr. and Mrs. Norman Mashni Mr. and Mrs. Nazih Moaikel Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mourad, Sr.
Dr. and Mrs. Hassan Nemeh Mr. and Mrs. Awni Qaqish Dr. and Mrs. Maher Rabah
Mr. and Mrs. Alton Root Mr. and Mrs. Waleed Saad Mrs. Janice Saba
Dr. and Mrs. Souheil Saba Mr. and Mrs. Issa Salloum Mr. and Mrs. George Samra
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Sears Mr. Salim Sessine Mr. and Mrs. Jamal Shahin
Drs. Alex & Melissa Shalhoub Fr. and Mrs. George Shalhoub Michael Shatara & Donna Haddad
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Snage Mr. and Mrs. Ghassan Souri Dr. and Mrs. Nabil Sultani
Drs. George & Jennifer Zacur