If You Believe, He Who Welcomed the Thief will Welcome You Also

Eastern Christian Bulletin Service -- PO Box 3909 -- Fairfax, VA 22038-3909 www.ecbulletin.com Ph: 703-691-8862 Fax: 703-691-0513

Icon of Saint John Chrysostom -- January 27th

Fifteenth Sunday of Luke

St. Mary Antiochian

Orthodox Christian Church A Parish of the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese (antiochian.org) … and …

The Diocese of Charleston, Oakland & The Mid-Atlantic (antiochian.org/east) (“…the Disciples were called Christians first in Antioch!” Acts 11:26)

111 Alberta Avenue – Johnstown, PA 15905-3002

stmaryaocc.org // office@stmaryaocc.org

Most Rev. Metropolitan PHILIP – Archbishop & Primate

Right Rev. Bishop THOMAS – Bishop of Charleston / Oakland and

Asst. to the Metropolitan

Very Rev. Fr. Donald E. Shadid, D.Min. – Archpriest & Pastor

Edward Makdad – Parish Council Chairperson

Fr. Don – Home: 814-255-4077 – frdon@stmaryaocc.org – Office: 814-255-2148

+ THE THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST + January 27, 2013

The Translation of the Relics of JOHN CHRYSOSTOM; MARCIANA the Empress;

New-Martyr DEMETRIOS of Constantinople … and … Venerable CLEMENT.

Glory be to Jesus Christ! Glory be to Him Forever!

January is “Teen SOYO Education Month!”

A WARM WELCOME TO ALL! We welcome all of you, our Faithful and our visitors, to St. Mary Orthodox Church! It is a pleasure to

have you with us as we glorify and praise the Name of our God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Please

sing along with our Choir during the Liturgy.

Please note that the Sacrament of Holy Communion can only be given to Orthodox Christians who have

prepared themselves by prayer, fasting, regular Confession (at least twice per year … 7 Yrs. old & up),

who attend Liturgy regularly & on time … and … are at peace with all people.

When receiving Holy Communion, please fold your arms over your chest, open your mouth wide, tip

your head back slightly and allow the priest to place the elements in your mouth.

For our non-Orthodox brethren, we welcome you to sing and pray with us, venerate the Cross and

receive the Holy Bread at the end of the Divine Liturgy. Please join us again soon. May God Bless

You Always!

month, the sponsorship will expire at the end of the month, no matter when it

is started in that month.

PARKING LOT NOTES: Our Parish Council would like to ask the younger

members of our Parish Family if they would please park their cars in the Back &

Side Parking Lots, or in the Bank Parking Lot adjacent to our Church, so that

the spaces in the Front Lot alongside Alberta Ave. & the Fellowship Hall could

remain open for the senior members of our Parish Family. All parishioners are

reminded that in inclement weather, they are welcome to enter the Church

Building through the Front Church School Facility Doors (near the Classrooms).

Thank you for your cooperation! ... and … Please note that during the cold

weather, our Parking Lot can be slippery, especially due to the melting & re-

freezing that occurs when temperatures go up and down. Please be careful

when walking on the Lot, and watch out for the “Black Ice” (thin layers of ice

which are hard to see on the blacktop). Note also that our building is very

accessible…all front entrances (along Alberta Avenue) are at ground level and

the Church School Building Entrances/Exits are close to the side Parking Lot.

A Spiritual Gem … (compiled by Fr. Noah Bushelli – St. Philip Antiochian Orthodox Church – Souderton, PA)

Masters, Fathers, Mothers, Brothers & Sisters, Bless!

I hope you will all be edified, as I was, by the following regarding our Gospel for today.

St. Cyril of Alexandria (126 Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke) reflects on the Blindman’s apostolic work, sharing the good news of his healing by Christ.

“Now that he was delivered from his blindness, did he neglect the duty of loving Christ? He certainly did not. It says, ‘He followed Him, offering Him glory like to God.’ He was set free from double blindness. Not only did he escape from the blindness of the body but also from that of the mind and heart. He would not have glorified him as God, had he not possessed spiritual vision. He became the means of others giving Christ glory, for it says that all the people gave glory to God.” … and …

“Which of the prophets had ever healed in this manner, with such power? His voice, proceeding from Him Who is the True Light, became light to the Blind Man. See also the gratitude of the healed man: he followed Jesus, glorifying God, and causing others to do the same.” (St. Theophylact of Ochrid – Commentary on Luke, 246.)

May we all be such Fruitful Missionaries!

In Christ, Fr. Noah

and all of his Family in your prayers, asking that God watch over them and

bless them! May God Grant Many Years of Health, Joy, Peace (John 14:27) &

Happiness to Luke and all within his Family.

NEW ICONS OFFERED TO OUR PARISH FAMILY!: Fr. Don is pleased to

announce that New Icons have been offered to our St. Mary Parish Family:

Icons of Christ & Virgin Mary – Offered by the Hamaty & Bertino Families for

the health of their Loved Ones and in beloved memory of their Loved Ones

who have “Fallen-Asleep in the Lord” … and … Icon of The Holy Trinity

(Hospitality of Abraham) – Offered by the Hamaty & Bertino Families for the

health of Butch & Renee D’Ettorre and their Families, with special prayers for

them as they celebrate their Birthdays and their 45th Wedding Anniversary.

These Icons were blessed with Holy Water on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. They are

located above the Kitchen Serving Window in our Fellowship Hall. May God

Grant Many, Many Years to Marjorie Hamaty & Family, Lottie & Larry Bertino

and Family and Butch & Renee D’Ettorre and their Family.

House Blessings Now Begin! … NEW! NEW! NEW! … If you would like your Home Blessed this year, please call the Church Office and ask to be put on the House Blessing List for 2013, letting us know what days and times are good for you … Thank You! The Church Secretary or Fr. Don will then contact you to schedule the Blessing of your Home!

St. Mary Parish Financial Snapshot As of December 31, 2012

December 2012 Year to Date (YTD) Parishioner Giving (Income) $ 15,618.00 $ 137,114.00 Expenses Paid $ 10,226.00 $ 125,675.00 Parishioner Giving vs. Expenses Paid $ 5,392.00 $ 11,438.00

MONTHLY CANDLES: The 2013 Monthly Candle Prayer Sheets are now on the

Brochure Table in the Hallway. The three candles available are the Paschal

Candles (2 large candles in front of the Iconostasis and on each side of the

Holy Doors), the Proskamedia Candle (candle on the Holy Altar) and the

Seven-Branched Candle (7 branched candle at the back of the Holy Altar).

Please note that the requested donation for each candle is $20.00 / month.

Also, please note that unless a candle is being sponsored for more than one

HOLY OBLATION: Offered by Fr. Don & Khouria Janet Shadid in beloved

memory of Miss Mary Ann Canty (Mentor of Fr. Don – Peoria, IL) and James

Maloof (former Mayor & Family Friend – Peoria, IL).

PASCHAL CANDLES: Offered in beloved memory of: (1) parents, Alexander &

Elizabeth, siblings (Mary, Frieda, Catherine, Jennie, Fred & John), nieces,

Arlene & Susan, nephew, Johnny and Ruth by Tony Abraham; (2) son, Jay,

brother, Robert Farrah, sister, Marian (Farrah) Tony, parents, George & Abla

Farrah and Jacob & Mary Salem, sister & brother-in-law, Helen (Salem) & Ray

Shahade and Eddie Martin by Dr. George & Jane (Farrah) Salem … and …

(3) Eddie Martin, in remembrance of his Birthday (Jan. 4), by mother, Huda

(Sayegh) and Family.

PROSKAMEDIA CANDLE: Offered for the health of daughter & sister, Marissa

Ghantous, as she celebrates her Birthday on January 30, by Albert, Mary Jo

& Elias Ghantous.

PRAYERS OF LITURGICAL REMEMBRANCE: Offered for the health of Toni

Cakouros, the Archpriest Alexander Atty, Genevieve Milkie, George Milkie

Alvanette Kennan, John Kennan, Phil Catanese & Katie Huss by Lisa

Catanese.

For The Living – “God Grant Them Many Years!”…and… For The Departed – “May Their Memory Be Ever Eternal!”

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

- VARIATIONS & NOTES ON THE LITURGY -

THIRD ANTIPHON: (Troparion During The Little Entrance – Tone One)

See “Troparion of The Resurrection” Below.

AFTER THE LITTLE ENTRANCE:

TROPARION OF THE RESURRECTION: (Tone One)

While the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers were guarding Thy

most pure Body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Savior, granting life to

the world; for which cause the heavenly powers cried aloud unto Thee, O

Giver of Life: Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ; glory to Thy Kingdom; glory

to Thy Providence, O Thou Who alone art the Lover of mankind!

TROPARION OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM: (Tone Eight)

Grace shining forth from thy mouth like a beacon hath illumined the

universe, and disclosed to the world treasures of uncovetousness, and shown

us the heights of humility; but whilst instructing us by thy words, O Father John

Chrysostom, intercede with the Word, Christ our God, to save our souls.

TROPARION OF THE DORMITION OF THE VIRGIN MARY: (Patron Feast Day - Tone 1)

In thy birth-giving, O Theotokos, thou didst keep and preserve virginity; and in

thy falling-asleep thou hast not forsaken the world for thou wast translated

into life, being the Mother of Life. Wherefore, by thine intercessions, deliver

our souls from death.

KONTAKION OF THE MEETING OF THE LORD: (Tone One)

Thou, who didst sanctify the virginal womb by Thy nativity and didst bless the

hands of Simeon, hast come this day and saved us, O Christ God. Grant

peace and strength to the Orthodox people whom Thou hast loved, O only

Lover of Mankind.

EPISTLE: Hebrews 7:26-8:2 (St. John Chrysostom)

HOLY GOSPEL: Luke 18:35-43 (The Fourteenth Sunday Of Luke)

Concerning the “Kiss of Peace,” prior to the Nicene Creed, we encourage you to greet those around

you with a handshake, saying: “Christ is in our Midst!”…the response being: “He is and Always

Shall Be!” In this way, we express: (1) our Joy that God has acted to restore our Communion with

Him … and … (2) our Hope in the Resurrection from the Dead that is offered to us by our Lord’s

own “trampling down death by death!” God is With Us (“Emmanuel”)!

KOINONIKON (Communion Hymn – Tone Eight):

Refrain: “Praise ye the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest.

Alleluia!” (Note: The “Alleluia!” is done at the end of the Refrain only after the last Verse has been sung.)

Verse: Praise Him, all ye His angels; praise Him, all ye His hosts. (Refrain)

Verse: Praise Him, O sun and moon; praise Him, all ye stars and light.

(Refrain)

Verse: Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens, and thou water that art above

the heavens. (Refrain)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

- THIS WEEK’S EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - (Church Office: Miscellaneous Hours)

Tuesday, Jan. 29 & Thursday, Jan. 31 – DAILY MATINS – 8 AM.

Wednesday, January 30 – DAILY VESPERS – 6 PM.

Thurs., Jan. 31, Fri., Feb.1 & Sat., Feb. 2 – “FEAST FROM THE EAST” – See

Schedule on Back Page of Bulletin.

Friday, February 1 – EVENING LITURGY – FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF

OUR LORD IN THE TEMPLE – 6 PM … Followed by Feast From The East Prep.

Saturday, February 2 – GREAT VESPERS – 5 PM.

Sunday, February 3 – MATINS @ 8:15 AM & DIVINE LITURGY @ 9:30 AM …

Followed by Church School & Fellowship.

+ + + C O N F E S S I O N S C H E D U L E + + + Before All Weekday & Saturday Services and By Appointment.

Due to Fr.’s Commitment to Matins, Confession Will Not Be Offered On Sunday Mornings.

THOSE IN SPECIAL NEED OF OUR PRAYERS: CONEMAUGH HOSPITAL – Lee

Campus: Dr. Sahar Elias (Crichton Ctr. – #448); HARMONY HOUSE MANOR:

Vivian Salem (#11 // 601 Lamberd Ave. // 15904); LAUREL VIEW VILLAGE

(2000 Cambridge Dr. // Davidsville, PA 15928): Very Rev. John Govrusik

(#104-L) & George Heider (#210); WILLIAMSPORT RETIREMENT VILLAGE (154 N.

Artizan St. // Williamsport, MD 21795): Edward Joseph (#223-B) … and … IN

TREATMENT, RECOVERING AND / OR “SHUT-IN AT HOME: Becky Azar;

Mitchell Azar; Vivian (Saleeba) Curry; Renee D’Ettorre; Elaine Emeigh; Kelli

Hines; Paul Hodge; Jill Jaber; Genevieve Milkie; Dr. Robert Nelson; Samuel

Shahade; Greg & Mary Evelyn (Finley) Smith and their infant son, Simeon Lee

and Mitchell Spanovich. May God Be With All of Them & All Of Those Who

are Sick and / or In Need!

IT’S A BOY!: We are pleased to announce the birth of Luke Andrew, son of

Adam & Carrie (Parseghian) Curry! Luke was born on Wednesday, January

23, 2013 (6 lb. 13 oz. & 19.5 in.). Please keep Luke, his parents, his brother,

Benjamin, his grandparents (Darryl & Lisa Curry /// Mark & Kathy Parseghian)

TROPARION OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM: (Tone Eight)

Grace shining forth from thy mouth like a beacon hath illumined the

universe, and disclosed to the world treasures of uncovetousness, and shown

us the heights of humility; but whilst instructing us by thy words, O Father John

Chrysostom, intercede with the Word, Christ our God, to save our souls.

TROPARION OF THE DORMITION OF THE VIRGIN MARY: (Patron Feast Day - Tone 1)

In thy birth-giving, O Theotokos, thou didst keep and preserve virginity; and in

thy falling-asleep thou hast not forsaken the world for thou wast translated

into life, being the Mother of Life. Wherefore, by thine intercessions, deliver

our souls from death.

KONTAKION OF THE MEETING OF THE LORD: (Tone One)

Thou, who didst sanctify the virginal womb by Thy nativity and didst bless the

hands of Simeon, hast come this day and saved us, O Christ God. Grant

peace and strength to the Orthodox people whom Thou hast loved, O only

Lover of Mankind.

EPISTLE: Hebrews 7:26-8:2 (St. John Chrysostom)

HOLY GOSPEL: Luke 18:35-43 (The Fourteenth Sunday Of Luke)

Concerning the “Kiss of Peace,” prior to the Nicene Creed, we encourage you to greet those around

you with a handshake, saying: “Christ is in our Midst!”…the response being: “He is and Always

Shall Be!” In this way, we express: (1) our Joy that God has acted to restore our Communion with

Him … and … (2) our Hope in the Resurrection from the Dead that is offered to us by our Lord’s

own “trampling down death by death!” God is With Us (“Emmanuel”)!

KOINONIKON (Communion Hymn – Tone Eight):

Refrain: “Praise ye the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest.

Alleluia!” (Note: The “Alleluia!” is done at the end of the Refrain only after the last Verse has been sung.)

Verse: Praise Him, all ye His angels; praise Him, all ye His hosts. (Refrain)

Verse: Praise Him, O sun and moon; praise Him, all ye stars and light.

(Refrain)

Verse: Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens, and thou water that art above

the heavens. (Refrain)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

- THIS WEEK’S EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - (Church Office: Miscellaneous Hours)

Tuesday, Jan. 29 & Thursday, Jan. 31 – DAILY MATINS – 8 AM.

Wednesday, January 30 – DAILY VESPERS – 6 PM.

Thurs., Jan. 31, Fri., Feb.1 & Sat., Feb. 2 – “FEAST FROM THE EAST” – See

Schedule on Back Page of Bulletin.

Friday, February 1 – EVENING LITURGY – FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF

OUR LORD IN THE TEMPLE – 6 PM … Followed by Feast From The East Prep.

Saturday, February 2 – GREAT VESPERS – 5 PM.

Sunday, February 3 – MATINS @ 8:15 AM & DIVINE LITURGY @ 9:30 AM …

Followed by Church School & Fellowship.

+ + + C O N F E S S I O N S C H E D U L E + + + Before All Weekday & Saturday Services and By Appointment.

Due to Fr.’s Commitment to Matins, Confession Will Not Be Offered On Sunday Mornings.

THOSE IN SPECIAL NEED OF OUR PRAYERS: CONEMAUGH HOSPITAL – Lee

Campus: Dr. Sahar Elias (Crichton Ctr. – #448); HARMONY HOUSE MANOR:

Vivian Salem (#11 // 601 Lamberd Ave. // 15904); LAUREL VIEW VILLAGE

(2000 Cambridge Dr. // Davidsville, PA 15928): Very Rev. John Govrusik

(#104-L) & George Heider (#210); WILLIAMSPORT RETIREMENT VILLAGE (154 N.

Artizan St. // Williamsport, MD 21795): Edward Joseph (#223-B) … and … IN

TREATMENT, RECOVERING AND / OR “SHUT-IN AT HOME: Becky Azar;

Mitchell Azar; Vivian (Saleeba) Curry; Renee D’Ettorre; Elaine Emeigh; Kelli

Hines; Paul Hodge; Jill Jaber; Genevieve Milkie; Dr. Robert Nelson; Samuel

Shahade; Greg & Mary Evelyn (Finley) Smith and their infant son, Simeon Lee

and Mitchell Spanovich. May God Be With All of Them & All Of Those Who

are Sick and / or In Need!

IT’S A BOY!: We are pleased to announce the birth of Luke Andrew, son of

Adam & Carrie (Parseghian) Curry! Luke was born on Wednesday, January

23, 2013 (6 lb. 13 oz. & 19.5 in.). Please keep Luke, his parents, his brother,

Benjamin, his grandparents (Darryl & Lisa Curry /// Mark & Kathy Parseghian)

and all of his Family in your prayers, asking that God watch over them and

bless them! May God Grant Many Years of Health, Joy, Peace (John 14:27) &

Happiness to Luke and all within his Family.

NEW ICONS OFFERED TO OUR PARISH FAMILY!: Fr. Don is pleased to

announce that New Icons have been offered to our St. Mary Parish Family:

Icons of Christ & Virgin Mary – Offered by the Hamaty & Bertino Families for

the health of their Loved Ones and in beloved memory of their Loved Ones

who have “Fallen-Asleep in the Lord” … and … Icon of The Holy Trinity

(Hospitality of Abraham) – Offered by the Hamaty & Bertino Families for the

health of Butch & Renee D’Ettorre and their Families, with special prayers for

them as they celebrate their Birthdays and their 45th Wedding Anniversary.

These Icons were blessed with Holy Water on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. They are

located above the Kitchen Serving Window in our Fellowship Hall. May God

Grant Many, Many Years to Marjorie Hamaty & Family, Lottie & Larry Bertino

and Family and Butch & Renee D’Ettorre and their Family.

House Blessings Now Begin! … NEW! NEW! NEW! … If you would like your Home Blessed this year, please call the Church Office and ask to be put on the House Blessing List for 2013, letting us know what days and times are good for you … Thank You! The Church Secretary or Fr. Don will then contact you to schedule the Blessing of your Home!

St. Mary Parish Financial Snapshot As of December 31, 2012

December 2012 Year to Date (YTD) Parishioner Giving (Income) $ 15,618.00 $ 137,114.00 Expenses Paid $ 10,226.00 $ 125,675.00 Parishioner Giving vs. Expenses Paid $ 5,392.00 $ 11,438.00

MONTHLY CANDLES: The 2013 Monthly Candle Prayer Sheets are now on the

Brochure Table in the Hallway. The three candles available are the Paschal

Candles (2 large candles in front of the Iconostasis and on each side of the

Holy Doors), the Proskamedia Candle (candle on the Holy Altar) and the

Seven-Branched Candle (7 branched candle at the back of the Holy Altar).

Please note that the requested donation for each candle is $20.00 / month.

Also, please note that unless a candle is being sponsored for more than one

HOLY OBLATION: Offered by Fr. Don & Khouria Janet Shadid in beloved

memory of Miss Mary Ann Canty (Mentor of Fr. Don – Peoria, IL) and James

Maloof (former Mayor & Family Friend – Peoria, IL).

PASCHAL CANDLES: Offered in beloved memory of: (1) parents, Alexander &

Elizabeth, siblings (Mary, Frieda, Catherine, Jennie, Fred & John), nieces,

Arlene & Susan, nephew, Johnny and Ruth by Tony Abraham; (2) son, Jay,

brother, Robert Farrah, sister, Marian (Farrah) Tony, parents, George & Abla

Farrah and Jacob & Mary Salem, sister & brother-in-law, Helen (Salem) & Ray

Shahade and Eddie Martin by Dr. George & Jane (Farrah) Salem … and …

(3) Eddie Martin, in remembrance of his Birthday (Jan. 4), by mother, Huda

(Sayegh) and Family.

PROSKAMEDIA CANDLE: Offered for the health of daughter & sister, Marissa

Ghantous, as she celebrates her Birthday on January 30, by Albert, Mary Jo

& Elias Ghantous.

PRAYERS OF LITURGICAL REMEMBRANCE: Offered for the health of Toni

Cakouros, the Archpriest Alexander Atty, Genevieve Milkie, George Milkie

Alvanette Kennan, John Kennan, Phil Catanese & Katie Huss by Lisa

Catanese.

For The Living – “God Grant Them Many Years!”…and… For The Departed – “May Their Memory Be Ever Eternal!”

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

- VARIATIONS & NOTES ON THE LITURGY -

THIRD ANTIPHON: (Troparion During The Little Entrance – Tone One)

See “Troparion of The Resurrection” Below.

AFTER THE LITTLE ENTRANCE:

TROPARION OF THE RESURRECTION: (Tone One)

While the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers were guarding Thy

most pure Body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Savior, granting life to

the world; for which cause the heavenly powers cried aloud unto Thee, O

Giver of Life: Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ; glory to Thy Kingdom; glory

to Thy Providence, O Thou Who alone art the Lover of mankind!

St. Mary Antiochian

Orthodox Christian Church A Parish of the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese (antiochian.org) … and …

The Diocese of Charleston, Oakland & The Mid-Atlantic (antiochian.org/east) (“…the Disciples were called Christians first in Antioch!” Acts 11:26)

111 Alberta Avenue – Johnstown, PA 15905-3002

stmaryaocc.org // office@stmaryaocc.org

Most Rev. Metropolitan PHILIP – Archbishop & Primate

Right Rev. Bishop THOMAS – Bishop of Charleston / Oakland and

Asst. to the Metropolitan

Very Rev. Fr. Donald E. Shadid, D.Min. – Archpriest & Pastor

Edward Makdad – Parish Council Chairperson

Fr. Don – Home: 814-255-4077 – frdon@stmaryaocc.org – Office: 814-255-2148

+ THE THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST + January 27, 2013

The Translation of the Relics of JOHN CHRYSOSTOM; MARCIANA the Empress;

New-Martyr DEMETRIOS of Constantinople … and … Venerable CLEMENT.

Glory be to Jesus Christ! Glory be to Him Forever!

January is “Teen SOYO Education Month!”

A WARM WELCOME TO ALL! We welcome all of you, our Faithful and our visitors, to St. Mary Orthodox Church! It is a pleasure to

have you with us as we glorify and praise the Name of our God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Please

sing along with our Choir during the Liturgy.

Please note that the Sacrament of Holy Communion can only be given to Orthodox Christians who have

prepared themselves by prayer, fasting, regular Confession (at least twice per year … 7 Yrs. old & up),

who attend Liturgy regularly & on time … and … are at peace with all people.

When receiving Holy Communion, please fold your arms over your chest, open your mouth wide, tip

your head back slightly and allow the priest to place the elements in your mouth.

For our non-Orthodox brethren, we welcome you to sing and pray with us, venerate the Cross and

receive the Holy Bread at the end of the Divine Liturgy. Please join us again soon. May God Bless

You Always!

month, the sponsorship will expire at the end of the month, no matter when it

is started in that month.

PARKING LOT NOTES: Our Parish Council would like to ask the younger

members of our Parish Family if they would please park their cars in the Back &

Side Parking Lots, or in the Bank Parking Lot adjacent to our Church, so that

the spaces in the Front Lot alongside Alberta Ave. & the Fellowship Hall could

remain open for the senior members of our Parish Family. All parishioners are

reminded that in inclement weather, they are welcome to enter the Church

Building through the Front Church School Facility Doors (near the Classrooms).

Thank you for your cooperation! ... and … Please note that during the cold

weather, our Parking Lot can be slippery, especially due to the melting & re-

freezing that occurs when temperatures go up and down. Please be careful

when walking on the Lot, and watch out for the “Black Ice” (thin layers of ice

which are hard to see on the blacktop). Note also that our building is very

accessible…all front entrances (along Alberta Avenue) are at ground level and

the Church School Building Entrances/Exits are close to the side Parking Lot.

A Spiritual Gem … (compiled by Fr. Noah Bushelli – St. Philip Antiochian Orthodox Church – Souderton, PA)

Masters, Fathers, Mothers, Brothers & Sisters, Bless!

I hope you will all be edified, as I was, by the following regarding our Gospel for today.

St. Cyril of Alexandria (126 Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke) reflects on the Blindman’s apostolic work, sharing the good news of his healing by Christ.

“Now that he was delivered from his blindness, did he neglect the duty of loving Christ? He certainly did not. It says, ‘He followed Him, offering Him glory like to God.’ He was set free from double blindness. Not only did he escape from the blindness of the body but also from that of the mind and heart. He would not have glorified him as God, had he not possessed spiritual vision. He became the means of others giving Christ glory, for it says that all the people gave glory to God.” … and …

“Which of the prophets had ever healed in this manner, with such power? His voice, proceeding from Him Who is the True Light, became light to the Blind Man. See also the gratitude of the healed man: he followed Jesus, glorifying God, and causing others to do the same.” (St. Theophylact of Ochrid – Commentary on Luke, 246.)

May we all be such Fruitful Missionaries!

In Christ, Fr. Noah

Epistle Priest: Let us attend.

Reader: My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.

Verse: Hear this, all ye nations!

Priest: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading is taken from The Holy Apostle Paul’s Letter to The Hebrews (7:26-8:2) Priest: Let us attend.

BRETHREN, it was most fitting that we should have such a High Priest, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and more exalted than the heavens, Who has no need, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices daily, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people; for this He did once for all, when He offered up Himself. For the Law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, perfected for evermore. Now in the things which we are saying the chief point is this: We have such a High Priest, who sat down at the right hand on the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a liturgical minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which was pitched “by the Lord,” and not by a human.

+ + + Over + + +

Holy Gospel

The reading is taken from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke (18:35-43)

AT THAT TIME, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to Him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

May God Be With You!

Epistle Priest: Let us attend.

Reader: My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.

Verse: Hear this, all ye nations!

Priest: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading is taken from The Holy Apostle Paul’s Letter to The Hebrews (7:26-8:2) Priest: Let us attend.

BRETHREN, it was most fitting that we should have such a High Priest, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and more exalted than the heavens, Who has no need, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices daily, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people; for this He did once for all, when He offered up Himself. For the Law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, perfected for evermore. Now in the things which we are saying the chief point is this: We have such a High Priest, who sat down at the right hand on the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a liturgical minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which was pitched “by the Lord,” and not by a human.

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Holy Gospel

The reading is taken from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke (18:35-43)

AT THAT TIME, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to Him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

May God Be With You!

The Saints Of The Day – January 27, 2013*

SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, THE GOLDEN TRUMPET OF ORTHODOXY

The memory of this illuminary of the Church is celebrated on November 13 and January 30 but, on this date, the Church celebrates the translation of his honorable relics from the Armenian village of Comana, where he died in exile, to Constantinople, where earlier he had governed the Church. Thirty years after his death, Patriarch Proculus delivered a homily in memory of his spiritual father and teacher. He so enflamed the love of the people and Emperor Theodosius the Younger toward this great saint that all of them desired that Chrysostom's relics be translated to Constantinople. It was said that the sarcophagus, containing the relics of St. John Chrysostom, did not allow itself to be moved from its resting place until the emperor wrote a letter to Chrysostom begging him for forgiveness (for Theodosius' mother, Eudoxia, was the culprit responsible for the banishment of this saint) and appealing to him to come to Constantinople, his former residence. When this letter of repentance was placed on the sarcophagus, its weight became extremely light. At the time of the translation of his relics, many who were ill and who touched the sarcophagus were healed. When the relics arrived in the capital, then the emperor in the name of his mother as though she herself was speaking over the relics, again, prayed to the saint for forgiveness. "While I lived in this transient life, I did you malice and, now, when you live the immortal life, be beneficial to my soul. My glory passed away and it helped nothing. Help me, father; in your glory, help me before I am condemned at the Judgment of Christ!" When the saint was brought into the Church of the Twelve Apostles and placed on the patriarchal throne, the masses of people heard the words from St. Chrysostom's mouth saying: "Peace be to you all." The translation of the relics of St. John Chrysostom was accomplished in the year 438 A.D.

REFLECTION

Fasting is a great thing but love is even greater. If by fasting demons are cast out, passions tamed, the body pacified, the spirit composed then, by love, God takes up abode in man. The Lord Himself emphasized fasting as necessary but stressed love as the main commandment. In the first half of the last century, Jeladin Bey ruled in Ohrid, a renegade from the Sultan and an independent ruler. At that time, the Church was governed by Metropolitan Kalinikos. Even though of different faiths, Jeladin Bey and Kalinikos were very good friends and often visited one another. It happened that Jeladin Bey condemned twenty-five Christians to be hanged. They were scheduled to be hanged on Great and Holy Friday [Good Friday]. The Metropolitan, totally disturbed because of this incident, went to Jeladin Bey and began to implore him to be more lenient with the punishment. While they were conversing, the time for lunch arrived and the Bey invited the Metropolitan to dine. Lamb was prepared for lunch. The Metropolitan excused himself, saying that because of fasting he could not remain for lunch, and he prepared to leave. The Bey was sorry and said to the Metropolitan: "Choose; either you will dine with me and free twenty-five men from the gallows, or you will not dine and allow them to be hanged." The Metropolitan crossed himself and sat down to eat and Jeladin freed the condemned from the punishment of death.

To God Be Glory and Praise Always! Amen. *Taken from The Prologue from Ochrid by Saint Nicholas (Velimirovich)

bpthomasjoseph@gmail.com

January 30, 2013

Bearing all Troubles Patiently St. Macarius the Great

“He who wishes to be an imitator of Christ, so as to become a son of God born of the Spirit, must first of all bear generously and patiently all the troubles that befall him, such as bodily illnesses, offenses, wrongs, and insults from men, and the attacks of invisible enemies; because it is by the permission of God that various temptations are allowed to holy souls, so that it may become clear which souls sincerely love God. It has ever been the mark of the Saints and Patriarchs and Prophets and Apostles and Martyrs that they went by the narrow way of trials and troubles, and so pleased God. The soul that desires to please God needs first of all patience and hope, because one of the tricks of the devil is, in time of trouble, to make us despondent and divert us from hope and trust in God. God never allows those who trust in Him to be overwhelmed by temptations so as to reach utter exhaustion; for says the Apostle, God is faithful and He will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation, He will also dispose the issue of it, and enable you to bear it [I Cor. 10:13]. The devil does not worry a soul as much as he would like, but as much as he is permitted by God. If men know what weight can be borne by a horse, a donkey, or a camel, and load them accordingly; if a potter knows how long vessels must be kept in the fire so as not to be cracked by being baked longer than necessary and so as not to be unfit for use through being taken out of the fire too soon – if in a man their so much knowledge, then how much more and incomparable more does the wisdom of God know the amount of temptation each soul must bear so that, by being tested by it, it may become capable of inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven. From St. Macarius the Egyptian, Word 7, Ch. 18

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Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John

Chrysostom Troparion - Tone 1 Let us who love their words gather together and honor with hymns the three great torch-bearers of the triune Godhead: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom. These men have enlightened the world with the rays of their divine doctrines. They are sweetly-flowing rivers of wisdom filling all creation with springs of heavenly knowledge. Ceaselessly they intercede for us before the Holy Trinity! Kontakion - Tone 2 O Lord, You have taken up to eternal rest and to the enjoyment of Your blessings the divinely-inspired heralds, the greatest of Your teachers, for You have accepted their labors and deaths as a sweet-smelling sacrifice, for You alone are glorified in Your saints!

WANTED: Your Help … !

WHY: We Are Having a Fundraiser … & … Your Parish Family Needs You!

WITH: “Super Bowl Feast From The East!” … Saturday, February 2, 2012

NEEDED: (a) Men, Women … all ages … anyone who is willing to help!

(b) Monetary Donations!

(c) Arabic or Greek Pastries (i.e. Kanafe, Ma’Moul, etc.)

WHEN & WHAT: (a) Sun., Jan. 20 – Rolling Grapeleaves after Church

(b) Sun., Jan. 27 – Rolling Grapeleaves after Church

(c) Thurs., Jan. 31 – 6 PM – Making Hoomus, etc.

(d) Fri., Feb. 1 – 7 PM – Setting-Up & Packaging

(e) Sat., Feb. 2 – 10 AM – Baking Kibbee, Filling

Orders, etc.

Please see Janet Shadid if you can help and / or donate

towards this Fundraiser for our Parish Family!

If You Believe, He Who Welcomed the Thief will Welcome You Also

Eastern Christian Bulletin Service -- PO Box 3909 -- Fairfax, VA 22038-3909 www.ecbulletin.com Ph: 703-691-8862 Fax: 703-691-0513

Icon of Saint John Chrysostom -- January 27th

Fifteenth Sunday of Luke