St. George. Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church W. 14th Street, Cleveland OH St. John The Almsgiver Patriarch of Alexandria

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1 St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church 2587 W. 14th Street, Cleveland OH St. John The Almsgiver Patriarch of Alexandria Serving the Orthodox Christian Community of Greater Cleveland

2 St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church V. Rev Father John Ojaimi, Pastor Office: (216) Fax: (216) Cellular: (440) Archdeacon Yarid Sahley Subdeacon Sam Elias Pastor s frjojaimi@msn.com Parish office@stgeorgecleveland.com Sunday November 12, 2017 Tone 6/ Eothinon 01 John the almsgiver, Patriarch of Alexandria & Eighth Sunday of Luke Neilos the Faster of Sinai; Neilos the myrrh-streaming of the Great Lavra on Athos; Martin the wonderworker, bishop of Tours; New-martyrs Sabbas and Nicholas of Constantinople WELCOME TO OUR GUESTS We are glad you are worshiping with us today. There are Service Books in the pews. Orthodox Christians must be prepared for Holy Communion through Confession, Fasting, Prayer and by being at peace with others. Please seek and give forgiveness before receiving Holy Communion. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, please join us for coffee hour in the Parish Hall. t ½Êà The mission of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church Is to serve God and the community by commitment to the Gospel s command to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ through faith, hope, and love. It is a parish of the Self Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. The Orthodox Church follows the faith and practice of the apostles and disciples of Christ handed down by the ancient Christian fathers and twenty centuries of Church tradition. Genuine Christian life nurtures and stimulates our spiritual and moral development. The liturgical life of the Orthodox Church has been developing over the last 2000 years. By taking part in the mysteries of Christ s life, death and resurrection at the liturgical services, the community members are drawn to repentance and the gradual change of their inner selves. To join the community of St. George or to find out more information, please fill out the Guest Book in the Narthex. We hope this day will be spiritually rewarding for you. Fr John will be happy to answer any questions. Join us in the hall after Liturgy for our Coffee Hour and Fellowship.

3 Bread of oblation and the coffee hour are sponsored in memory of Habib Elias (1 Year), Victoria and George Elias Salim, Marta, George and Inam Roueiheb Amine, Anna and Deebe Jacob- Riad Chedid by Ziad & Nouha Roueiheb and family. Coffee Hour is offered in memory of Mae Rashid & Mary Koury by Leo & Lila Koury Candles are offered for the Health, Safety & Spiritual Welfare of: My sister Nowal Akar Family & Friends by George & Joie Haddad Candles are offered in Beloved Memory of: Michel Hayek by the Hayek Family My Beloved, Mother Mary, Father Abraham, Brothers Emile and James, Sitteh Zaineh & Uncle Kaiser by Emilie L. Easa Wadia Ameen by his wife Mary & Family Edward Haddad by his wife Edward Fadel by his wife & family for the sick, sufferings, shut-ins, needy, homeless, victims of disasters, war and violence in the whole universe. Then the Jews began to argue with one another, saying, How can this man give us His flesh to eat? So Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. John 6:52-54 With fear of God, faith And love draw near. Come to Church, Jesus loves you, we love you we are waiting for you. UPCOMING DIVINE SERVICES Sunday November 19, 2017 Matins 9:30 am, Hierarchal Divine am Confessions will be heard on Sundays Morning before Liturgy starts or by appointment. Sign up and take your turn in offering a Coffee Hour. Pick a birthday, memorial, anniversary etc.. or just a day that no one has sponsored.

4 Divine Liturgy Variables on Sunday November 12, 2017 Tone 6/Eothinon 01: John the almsgiver, Patriarch of Alexandria & Eighth Sunday of Luke Neilos the Faster of Sinai; Neilos the myrrh-streaming of the Great Lavra on Athos; Martin the wonderworker, bishop of Tours; New-martyrs Sabbas and Nicholas of Constantinople

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7 St. John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria Commemorated on November 12 Saint John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria, was born on Cyprus in the seventh century into the family of the illustrious dignitary Epiphanius. At the wish of his parents he entered into marriage and had children. When the wife and the children of the saint died, he became a monk. He was zealous in fasting and prayer, and had great love for those around him. His spiritual exploits won him honor among men, and even the emperor revered him. When the Patriarchal throne of Alexandria fell vacant, the emperor Heraclius and all the clergy begged Saint John to occupy the Patriarchal throne. The saint worthily assumed his archpastoral service, concerning himself with the moral and dogmatic welfare of his flock. As patriarch he denounced every soul-destroying heresy, and drove out from Alexandria the Monophysite Phyllonos of Antioch. He considered his chief task to be charitable and to give help all those in need. At the beginning of his patriarchal service he ordered his stewards to compile a list of all the poor and downtrodden in Alexandria, which turned out to be over seven thousand men. The saint ordered that all of these unfortunates be provided for each day out of the church s treasury. Twice during the week, on Wednesdays and Fridays, he emerged from the doors of the patriarchal cathedral, and sitting on the church portico, he received everyone in need. He settled quarrels, helped the wronged, and distributed alms. Three times a week he visited the sick-houses, and rendered assistance to the suffering. It was during this period that the emperor Heraclius led a tremendous army against the Persian emperor Chosroes II. The Persians ravaged and burned Jerusalem, taking a multitude of captives. The holy Patriarch John gave a large portion of the church treasury for their ransom. The saint never refused suppliants. One day, when the saint was visiting the sick, he met a beggar and commanded that he be given six silver coins. The beggar changed his clothes, ran on ahead of the Patriarch, and again asked for alms. Saint John gave him six more silver coins. When, however, the beggar sought charity a third time, and the servants began to chase the fellow away, the Patriarch ordered that he be given twelve pieces of silver, saying, Perhaps he is Christ putting me to the test. Twice the saint gave money to a merchant that had suffered shipwreck, and a third time gave him a ship belonging to the Patriarchate and filled with grain, with which the merchant had a successful journey and repaid his obligations. Saint John the Merciful was known for his gentle attitude towards people. Once, the saint was compelled to excommunicate two clergymen for a certain time because of some offense. One of them repented, but the other fellow became angry with the Patriarch and fell into greater sins. The saint wanted to summon him and calm him with kind words, but it slipped his mind. When he was celebrating the Divine Liturgy, the saint was suddenly reminded by the words of the Gospel: If you bring your gift to the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift before the altar... first, be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift (Mt. 5:23-24). The saint came out of the altar, called the offending clergyman to him, and falling down on his knees before him in front of all the people he asked forgiveness. The cleric, filled with remorse, repented of his sin, corrected himself, and afterwards was found worthy to be ordained to the priesthood. There was a time when a certain citizen insulted George, the Patriarch s nephew. George asked the saint to avenge the wrong. The saint promised to deal with the offender so that all of Alexandria would marvel at what he had done. This calmed George, and Saint John began to instruct him, speaking of the necessity for meekness and humility. Then he summoned the man who insulted George. When Saint John learned that the man lived in a house owned by the church, he declared

8 that he would excuse him from paying rent for an entire year. Alexandria indeed was amazed by such a revenge, and George learned from his uncle how to forgive offenses and to bear insults for God s sake. Saint John, a strict ascetic and man of prayer, was always mindful of his soul, and of death. He ordered a coffin for himself, but told the craftsmen not to finish it. Instead, he would have them come each feastday and ask if it was time to finish the work. Saint John was persuaded to accompany the governor Nicetas on a visit to the emperor in Constantinople. While on his way to visit the earthly king, he dreamed of a resplendent man who said to him, The King of Kings summons you. He sailed to his native island of Cyprus, and died at Amanthos, the saint peacefully fell asleep in the Lord ( ). In the life of the body a man is sometimes sick, and unless he takes medicine, he will die. Even so in the spiritual life a man is sick on account of sin. For that reason he needs medicine so that he may be restored to health; and this grace is bestowed in the Sacrament of Penance. -St. Thomas Aquinas The St. George Choir would like to ask all the parishioners and friends who would like their names listed as sponsors for our 2018 Christmas Card project to fill out their form and send it back to Church as soon as possible. Thank you. **ATTENTION GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS AND COLLEGE STUDENTS** The 60 year anniversary of the Debutante Ball of the Lebanese Syrian Junior League will take place July 14, 2018 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. High school juniors and seniors of Lebanese and Syrian descent will be presented to the Greater Cleveland community and have their accomplishments acknowledged. Act now to be a part of the celebration! For more information or applications, visit or contact Mona Capuano at RESERVE THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDER November 13 We host St. Herman House of Hospitality yearly pm November 19, 2017 Our Annual Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Thanksgiving Banquet ^ƵŶĚĂLJ ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ Ϭϯ ϮϬϭϳ ^ŝůğŷƚ ƵĐƟŽŶ Λ ƚśğ Žī ĞĞ, ŽƵƌ h ŶŝƋƵĞ, ĂŶĚŵĂĚĞ /ƚğŵɛͿ ^ƵŶĚĂLJ ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ ϭϳ ϮϬϭϳ ŶƟŽĐŚŝĂŶ t ŽŵĂŶ ĂŬĞ ^ĂůĞ

9 The Antiochian Women of St. George Will be selling Ornaments this year. These Ornaments are a perfect gift for any occasion. With the Nativity Season approaching, Please consider purchasing a Beautiful Ornament as a special gift For loved ones and friends. Ornaments are in the Display Case and are available for sale In Yarid Hall during Coffee Hour.

10 Antiochian Women ILENT AUCTION Season Tickets. Holiday Gifts.. Handmade Decorative Items Sunday 12, 03, 2017 After Liturgy in Metropolitan Hall Bidding 1:45PM $5 Adults only. This include Glass of Wine & Appetizers Open Buffet. Proceeds will be used to help offset the Elevator Project Expenses. Cash and checks are accepted

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17 The Teens Group Meets every Sunday after Church In The Teens Room If you re a Teen Join us For fun and Education ANTIOCHIAN WOMEN OF ST. GEORGE We will be having our next Meeting on Monday, Dec.04, :00 p.m. St. George s Men s Club Meets every First Sunday of the Month In The Yarid 7:00 pm Join us for Fellowship & Fun In Yarid Hall at the Church. God willing, see you there! St. George Orthodox Young Adult Ministy Thursday December 14, :30 pm St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church 2587 W.14th St. Cleveland.

18 For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. (Luke 12:48) Thank you to previous years wish list contributors List The Elevator and The Outside Ramp Project started 01, 02, The cost is $ We already received $ Anonymous 20 In memory of Edward Khouri by Son Clifford Imad Nader Pierre Aboukaled Dr. Salim Hayek 1200 Archdeacon Yarid & Diane 200 Dr. Adib Al Souss Dr. Marwan Hilal Ted Ziton Dr. Amir Alamir 2000 James Hussney George Dawed 200 Greg Caraboolad 150 Elias Karsheh 3000 Dr. George Hawwa Fadi Chaccour 250 Rami Karsheh Edward Caroll 30 Dr. Bachar Dergham 1 Dr. Wael Khoury 3000 St. George Fundraiser 9104 Sub. Sam Elias & Bonni 300 Hani Nader 3 Jerry Koncz Annonymous 11 LSAJL of Cleveland 125 Dr. Fadi Bashour 4000 Anonymous 2000 Dr. Afaf Zayat Tony Abdulkarim Leo Koury Dr. Bassem Zraik George & Joie Haddad 400 Anonymous Dr. Emile Sabbagh 1 Fred Koury 2 Nagi Abdulkarim Anna Deeb Dr Ghassan Ashkar Dr. Lutfi Nassar Dr. Basem Haddad Awwad Khourieh Barbara Sevchek Joyce Nader 200 Joseph & Audrey Bendetto 25 Fr. John Ojaimi Ronnie Harb Azar Khouri Ripepi Funeral Home Najdat Asad Dr. Khalil & Alma Korkor Daniel & Claudia Tanoos Irene Georgantas 150 Norma &Amelia Jacob Dr. Dergham Dergham George Bouchahine Dr. Ibrahim Bshara In memory of Samir Abdelkarim 250 Ronald Makhol American Lebanese Community Council 200 Elias Haddad Linda Ziton 20 Dr. George Jurjus Drs. Fadi & Samar Bashour 1 Dr. Gaby & Lea Khoury 400 Eric & Georgina Barnett 150 Joseph Maalouf Nuha Karsheh 300 The Arthur Gallagher Found. 1200

19 Dr. Bassem Zraik & Family 200 Beverly George 200 Jennie Sadallah William & Laverne Ameen 250 Mary Abdallah 25 Dr. Helen Hattab Mary Ameen in memory of Wadia Ameen 300 George & Christiane Abdulkarim Drs. Hassan & Julia Abbass in memory of Fr. Youssef Maalouly The Namy Family 3000 David & Kathy Jones 2000 In memory of Suheir Hanna 700 Juliet Thomas 300 Steve &Amanda Diedrik Dr. Robert Haddad & Family 200 Drs. Bassam & Natalie Haddad In memory of Joyce Nader Gregory Ziton 200 Ramona & Charmaine Darmour 250 In memory of Najib Ameen Saed Saed &Family 400 Milan Damljanovic 600 In memory of Linda Simon by her Family Dr. Yazan Al Madani Evelyn Haddad Lucy Aboid Greg Caraboolad & family Anthony Valore Karim & Minerva Gantose Charles & Joan Haddad 300 Samir & Clara Nader Please Help us to reach our Goal, we have to raise $39121 more. Also needed Two Cases of Orthodox Liturgical Wine for Communion $240 paid by William Tegreene 3 Communion Spoons and the Star for the Offering Tray $350 paid by Barbara Aboid Change the Yarid Light Hall Bulbs to LED $800 paid By Anonymous Remodeling the bathroom under the Church Labor are donated by Mazhar Kanneh $ needed for construction materials Replace the heating and air-conditioning units for the Church and Yarid Hall $9240 Fixing damaged walls and Painting the Yarid Hall $1840 Replace the damaged carpet in the rear end of Church, and replace the burned spot on the runner $3050. Also Replace the carpet on Church's Stairs, both sides, and in Yarid Hall $1785 Six cases of Taper Candles $89 each Forty Altar Pure Liquid Paraffin Quarts $8.50 each Sell the rest of the memorial tiles at the entrance of the office area. $150 each Replace the Carpet at the Rectory Change The Metropolitan Hall Light Bulbs to LED Replace the Aluminum Entry Door, back entrance to the Sunday school $4690 Thank you and may God bless you all.

20 What is Orthodoxy? First of all, Orthodoxy is right faith in God; it is that mighty power which makes each truly believing Orthodox Christian unwavering on the righteous and pious path of his life. To be Orthodox means to know correctly with the mind, to believe correctly with the heart, and to confess correctly with the lips all that God Himself has revealed to us about Himself, about the world and man, and about the tasks and aims of our life in the teaching on the attaining of our spiritual union with Him and our eternal salvation. Without such right faith, according to the word of the Apostle Paul, it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6). Orthodoxy is not only right faith and a right confession of the fundamental truths and dogmas of the Church of Christ, but also a right and virtuous life, founded on an unshakable law: the fulfilling of God s commandments, the permeating of the heart with humility, meekness and love for one s neighbor, the rendering of help to the needy and unfortunate, and the serving of one s church. The Apostle James teaches: Faith without works is dead (James 2:26). The Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the future Judge of the whole world, promises to reward every man according to his works (Matt. 16:27). The Apostle Paul testifies that every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor (1Cor. 3:8). Here is the Orthodox point of view. Right faith must be expressed in deeds, and deeds must serve as a manifestation of faith. One must be closely united with the other indissolubly, like soul and body. This only, then, is the Orthodox, the correct way leading us to God. Orthodoxy is not only right faith and a life according to faith, but also correct service to God. Our Lord Jesus Christ expressed the essence of the right worship of God in these brief but profound words: God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Only the inspired divine service of the Holy Orthodox Church, which is permeated by prayer, has realized this sacred worship of God in truth. Moreover, Orthodoxy is strict proportionality and correctness in the manifestations of all the powers of soul and body. In Orthodoxy, a proper place is allotted to everything: to the intellect, to the wants and needs of the heart, to the manifestations of man s free will, to labor and prayer, to abstinence and watchfulness, in a word, to everything of which man s life consists.