Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost & Fourteenth Sunday of Luke DECEMBER 3, 2017

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1 ST. NICHOLAS ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost & Fourteenth Sunday of Luke DECEMBER 3, East Paris Ave, Grand Rapids, MI V. Rev. Fr. Michael Nasser, Pastor Rev. Archdeacon David Khorey Rev. Deacon Clement Nicoloff Rev. Deacon Justin Adolphson Welcome to our guests! Thank you for attending today s Divine Liturgy. Please register your visit by completing the guest book located on the table in the narthex. We would appreciate getting to meet you, so feel free to join us for refreshments & fellowship in the Cultural Center. We believe Holy Communion to be a sign that in Christ we have all things in common, share an identical faith, and are united fully to the Orthodox Church. Anyone interested in learning more about our faith is encouraged to speak with one of our clergy. Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves through prayer, fasting, & regular confession are welcome to receive Holy Communion.

2 HYMNS 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. Thy work of justice did show thee to thy congregation a canon of faith, the likeness of humility, a teacher of abstinence, O Father Bishop Nicholas. Wherefore, by humility thou didst achieve exaltation, and by meekness richness. Intercede, therefore, with Christ to save our soul. The Virgin cometh today to the cave to give birth, ineffably to bring forth the Word eternal. Therefore, rejoice, O earth at the message with the angels and the shepherds give glory to him who shall appear by his own will as a young child, he who is from eternity God. EPISTLE Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous. The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians (5:8-19) Brethren, walk as children of light for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it is said, Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.

3 GOSPEL The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (18:35-43) At that time, when 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 Jesus, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. For the Health and Blessings of the Third Grade Church School Class, Sam and Arianna, on the occasion of their first confession, by their teacher, Jenny Khorey. May God grant you many years! For the Health and Blessings of the Fourth Grade Church School Class, Anwen, Maina, Eli, Emma, Nate, and Dieter, by their teacher, Jenny Khorey. May God grant you many years! For the Health and Blessings of Sara and Mary David, on their 18th birthday by their parents, Roger and Kima David. May God Grant them many years! For the Health & Blessings of Marwan & Shady Karadsheh on their birthdays by their family. May God grant them many, many years! Amen! In memory of the one-year falling asleep in the Lord of Nabeel Habaydeh by Marwan & Nadia Karadsheh. May Nabeel s Memory be Eternal! In memory of the St. Nicholas parishioners who fell asleep in the Lord in the month of November. Lord give comfort to the souls of thy departed servants. Memory Eternal!

4 LIVING: Vera Mijatovic Louise Whalen Janice Russell Linda McDonald Audrey Nicoloff Linda Zainia Ralph Thomas Bujorica Popovici Amanda Sutton David Corey Mary Martin Sarah Kaufman Steve Becker DEPARTED: Victims of the continued conflicts in the Middle East DEPARTED PARISHIONERS IN THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 12/01/1984 Joseph Salhaney 12/02/1944 Elias Salem 12/07/1982 Amine Nicola 12/07/1957 Mike Maloley 12/09/1995 Julia Maloley 12/10/1996 Esper Salhaney 12/12/2003 David Kitolsky 12/12/2009 Rose Nicola 12/13/1986 Helen Wawee 12/13/2008 Clara Kaleefy 12/16/1956 Michael Nassr 12/16/1965 Yamna Assaley 12/16/2005 Bertha Runyon 12/18/1965 Yanna Assaley 12/18/2007 Mitri Karadsheh 12/19/1944 J.S. Salhaney 12/20/1944 Mary Maloley 12/20/1991 Leo Henry 12/21/1972 Bud Fraam 12/22/1983 Jeannette Jazzar 12/24/1965 Nora Najjar 12/24/1975 George Semwar 12/24/1993 Ramsey Salhaney 12/25/1943 Edward Kaleefiey 12/26/1959 Ferris Ziton 12/30/2003 Awwad Haddad 12/31/1977 Edward Bell Let s kick off the Christmas Holiday Celebrations together with fun, surprises, songs, and laughter and of course good food and great company at Zeytin s Restaurant in Ada. This fun-filled gathering will take place at Zeytin s Restaurant in Ada tomorrow at 6 PM. RSVP to Judy Karolle at jak328@comcast.net.

5 Bishop ANTHONY is with us this Saturday & Sunday as we celebrate our Patron St. Nicholas. Please make every effort to participate in the scheduled events and services: Saturday, December 9 9 am Men of St. Nicholas breakfast with Bishop ANTHONY We will be decorating the Church for Christmas throughout the morning. Please plan to participate between the hours of 10 AM and Noon. 10am 11am 12pm 5pm Church School with Bishop ANTHONY Young Adults/College with Bishop ANTHONY Women of St. Nicholas luncheon with Bishop ANTHONY Great Vespers with Bishop ANTHONY Sunday, December 10 8:50am Matins and Orthodox Education Classes Colie Rock will be ordained to the position of subdeacon. His new name will be Subdeacon Nicholas. Please do your best to arrive early. 10am 11:30am Divine Liturgy All-parish St. Nicholas luncheon following Divine Liturgy. We are asking each family to bring a Lenten dessert or a fruit tray. Join us this week Tuesday at 9:30 AM at Meijer Gardens to celebrate the holiday season. We ll enjoy walking through Christmas trees from around the world and checking out the trains! If you don t have a membership, check in the FB group as some members can get additional people in for free. Cost is $15 for adults and $4 or free for kids. Join us on Thursday, December 14 at noon for a Potluck and a special program to follow. Our very own talented Linda and Elaine Audy will present a variety of songs for the season. Their voices will really help to celebrate this wonderful time of year and having you with us will even be better. Any age is welcome and bring your friends!

6 Let s join together for Christmas caroling on Sunday, December 17, 2:30pm. All ages welcome. Please sign up at the Parishioners' table in the Narthex if you would like to participate in this fun-filled event. Because we need to make transportation decisions, it is very important to sign-up so we can prepare accordingly. Contact Janalyn or Wobit with any questions. Once again we are partnering with Catholic Charities of West Michigan to support the Foster Care Christmas Drive. The children within this foster care system have been removed from their home due to abuse or neglect and are in need of additional love at this time of year. We are encouraging everyone to donate gifts. We always have many gifts for the younger children, so please be generous with gifts for older kids too. Place donated items in the bins as you enter church or on the table outside the Cultural Center. Please bring your donations beginning Sunday, November 26 through Sunday, December 10. Donations will be picked-up on Monday, December 11. We need 15 people to sort packages on Tuesday, December 12 at 5:30 PM at the Cathedral Square (360 Division Avenue S, Suite 3A). Parking available outside of Cathedral Square. Food and beverages will be served. Please contact Bruce Nicola by phone or if you re able to volunteer on Tuesday, December 12 at 5:30 PM. (bfn55@comcast.net) During our General Assembly on January 28, 2018, we will be electing 3 members and an alternate to the Parish Council. If you are interested in running, or have questions regarding Parish Council membership, please contact Fr. Michael, Mike, or Marwan Karadsheh, or any Parish Council member. Parish Council Qualifications The St. Nicholas constitution indicates that the following are eligibility requirements for those desiring to run for election to the Parish Council: One must be a member of St. Nicholas One must be a member in good standing, both financially and spiritually One must be at least 18 years of age One must have consistent attendance at church services One must be available to attend all Parish Council meetings One must be willing to serve on Parish Council committees or as an officer

7 Catholic Charities West Michigan Foster Care Christmas Gift Drive Gift Ideas For all age groups: hats, mittens, coats, boots, other cold weather apparel. Age group: 0-1 year Age appropriate books Teething toys Rattles Hats, mittens, coats Play gyms Rattles Walker toys Activity centers Bath toys Pajamas Musical/interactive toys Age group: 1-3 years Building blocks Dolls Trucks Puzzles Dress-up toys/accessories Musical toys/cds Shape sorters Toy trains Coloring/activity books Clothing Age group: 3-6 years Legos Building blocks Coloring/activity books Matching card games Puzzles Crayons/paint, other art supplies Age appropriate books Kitchen set accessories/other pretend play sets Playdough Age group: 6-9 years Card and board games Play cars Legos Barbie dolls (accessories) Action figures Winter sleds, other outdoor winter activity materials Age appropriate books Drawing/art supplies Sport equipment: basketballs, soccer balls, baseballs (mitten, bat etc.) Age group: years Craft kits Age appropriate books Clothing Skateboards/other outdoor activity materials Board games Nail polish, beauty supplies, scarves, purses etc. Gift cards: Game stop, Meijer, WalMart, Target, local movie theatre Age group: years Beauty supplies, nail polish, scarves, purses etc. Gift cards: Meijer, WalMart, Target, Itunes, local clothing stores CD, DVDs Sport team jerseys

8 A STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK The Lord said: Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me (Matthew 25:40). SUNDAY MINISTRIES Coffee Hour: Altar Servers: Today Grade 3 & 4 Church School Parents Team B Next Sunday St. Nicholas Day All-parish Luncheon Team A THIS WEEK S ACTIVITIES Monday, December 4 Girls Night Out at Zeytin s in Ada (6:00 PM) Tuesday, December 5 O.K. Mama! Moms and Kids Morning Meijer Gardens (9:30AM) Wednesday, December 6 Sixth Hour Prayer (Noon) Advent Paraklesis (6 PM) Thursday, December 7 Forerunners Leadership Meeting (2 PM) O.K. Mama! Moms Night Out (7:30 PM) Saturday, December 9 Fellowship Groups meet with His Grace (9 AM 1:30 PM) Church decorating for Christmas (10 AM Noon) Great Vespers w/ Artokalia (5 PM) Children will not want to miss this special service. Sunday, December 10 Matins & Orthodox Education (8:50 AM) Divine Liturgy (10 AM) St. Nicholas Day All-parish Luncheon LOOKING AHEAD Advent Paraklesis Wednesdays, November 29-December 20 (6 PM) Circumcision of Christ January 1, 2018 Matins (9 AM) Divine Liturgy (10 AM) Theophany Royal Hours, Friday, January 5 (9AM) Matins, Saturday, January 6 (9 AM) Divine Liturgy, Saturday January 6 (10 AM) House Blessings January 5-February 11

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10 We are in a fasting season called The Nativity Fast (also called Advent). In the weeks between now and December 25, we prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth in the flesh of our Lord, Jesus Christ. This 40-day fast should include increased liturgical and personal prayer, following a fasting discipline and more focus on loving our neighbor. This will prepare us for the coming of our Savior. Give careful consideration to how you and your family can apply the Church s prescription for fasting. You are urged to keep the fast in some way in preparation for the coming of the Lord. Your priest stands ready to assist you in adapting the Church s prescription to your family s situation. You will find great articles and suggestions on making this Advent and Christmas season truly enriching by perusing the resources on our Archdiocese Website s special page devoted to the Nativity Fast: The Church offers us a wonderful gift in the Sacrament of Confession. The Advent Season is an appropriate time to come to our Lord, repent of our sins and receive the Gift of His love and forgiveness. Confessions are heard without an appointment after Saturday s Great Vespers or by appointment Tuesdays through Fridays. The Paraklesis is a service of supplication for the welfare of the living. It is addressed to the Most Holy Theotokos or a Saint, whose intercessions are sought through the chanting of a supplicatory canon and other hymns. During the Nativity fast, we have the opportunity to pray the Advent Paraklesis service to the Theotokos. Join us on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM now through December 20. Looking for meaningful Advent and Christmas gifts for family & friends? : Prayer Corner candles Books on the Orthodox faith Incense burners Orthodox Christmas cards Children s books St. Nicholas Church night lights Icons Christmas Tree ornaments

11 MEIJER SIMPLY GIVE CASCADE MEIJER STORE Now December 30 Double Match Days: December 8 & 9 St. Nicholas partners with the other churches in our area offering support to our Camelot community neighbors. Church of the Servant (COS), a church not far from St. Nicholas, sponsors a food pantry that benefits Camelot community residents in need. St. Nicholas has agreed to help stock the COS food pantry by participating in the Meijer Simply Give campaign. Every $10 Simply Give Donation Card purchased at the Cascade Meijer store is converted into gift cards that COS will use to stock and replenish our neighborhood food pantry throughout the year. Follow these easy steps to help feed the hungry right here in our neighborhood. Step One: While in the checkout line at the Cascade Meijer pick-up one or more $10 Simply Give Donation Cards. Step Two: Have the donation card(s) added to your purchase. ALL donation cards purchased at the Cascade Meijer will benefit our neighborhood COS food pantry. Save your receipt. Donations made to the Meijer Simply Give campaign are tax deductible. Want the most bang for your buck? The campaign features Double Match Days on December 8 & 9. This means that for every $10 donation card purchased, Meijer will give $20 to our neighborhood COS food pantry, resulting in a $30 total donation. Giving couldn t be made easier! So in the spirit of St. Nicholas, please participate in this wonderful act of charity especially on December 8 & 9. Thank you!

12 MEIJER SIMPLY GIVE CASCADE MEIJER STORE Now December 30 Double Match Days: December 8 & 9 St. Nicholas partners with the other churches in our area offering support to our Camelot community neighbors. Church of the Servant (COS), a church not far from St. Nicholas, sponsors a food pantry that benefits Camelot community residents in need. St. Nicholas has agreed to help stock the COS food pantry by participating in the Meijer Simply Give campaign. Every $10 Simply Give Donation Card purchased at the Cascade Meijer store is converted into gift cards that COS will use to stock and replenish our neighborhood food pantry throughout the year. Follow these easy steps to help feed the hungry right here in our neighborhood. Step One: While in the checkout line at the Cascade Meijer pick-up one or more $10 Simply Give Donation Cards. Step Two: Have the donation card(s) added to your purchase. ALL donation cards purchased at the Cascade Meijer will benefit our neighborhood COS food pantry. Save your receipt. Donations made to the Meijer Simply Give campaign are tax deductible. Want the most bang for your buck? The campaign features Double Match Days on December 8 & 9. This means that for every $10 donation card purchased, Meijer will give $20 to our neighborhood COS food pantry, resulting in a $30 total donation. Giving couldn t be made easier! So in the spirit of St. Nicholas, please participate in this wonderful act of charity especially on December 8 & 9. Thank you!