Sunday, January 13, 2013 Tone 7; Eothinon 10

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1 The Sunday after the Feast of Holy Theophany Commemorating the Martyrs Hermylos and Stratonikos of Belgrade; Martyrs Pachomios and Papyrinos of Greece; Venerable Maximos Kafsokalyvitis of Athos; Venerable Eleazar of Anzersk Island; Hilarion, Bishop of Poitiers Sunday, January 13, 2013 Tone 7; Eothinon 10 Apolytikion of the Resurrection (Tone 7) Thou didst shatter death by Thy Cross, Thou didst open paradise to the thief; Thou didst turn the sadness of the ointment-bearing women into joy. And didst bid Thine Apostles proclaim a warning, that Thou hast risen O Christ, granting to the world the Great Mercy. Apolytikion of the Feast of Holy Theophany (Tone 1) When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, worship of the Trinity wast made manifest; for the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, calling Thee His beloved Son. And the Spirit in the likeness of a dove confirmed the truthfulness of His word. O Christ our God, Who hath revealed Thyself and hath illumined the world, glory to Thee. Apolytikion of our Patron the Archangel Michael (Tone 4) O ye foremost of the heavenly hosts we beseech thee, though we are unworthy, pray that we may be encompassed with a shadow of Thy unearthly glory, preserving us who kneel and cry endlessly: deliver us from oppression since ye are the prince of the Highest Power. Kontakion of the Theophany of Christ (Tone 4) Today Thou hast appeared to the universe, O Lord, and Thy light hath been shed upon us, who praise Thee with knowledge, saying, Thou hast come and appeared, O unapproachable Light. Daily Readings THE EPISTLE (for the Sunday after Holy Theophany) Let Thy mercy, O Lord be upon us. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

2 The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians (4:7-13) Brethren, grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ s gift. Therefore it is said, When He ascended on high He led a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men. (In saying, He ascended, what does it mean but that He had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is He who also ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) And His gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ THE GOSPEL (for the Sunday after Holy Theophany) The Reading of the Holy Gospel is according to St. Matthew (4:12-17) At that time, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulon and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: The land of Zebulon and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned. From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. The Synaxarion On January 13 in the Holy Orthodox Church we continue to celebrate the Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ, and we commemorate the holy Martyrs Hermylos and Stratonikos of Belgrade. Verses Hermylos and Stratonikos ship was a basket, wherein they sailed a joint voyage to the bottom. On the thirteenth the Danube drowned Hermylos and companion.

3 The Emperor Licinius started a persecution against Christians, and so Hermylos was captured and led to court. When Hermylos was informed that he was being led away to be tortured, he greatly rejoiced. The emperor threatened him in vain. Hermylos responded, The Lord is with me; I fear not. What can man do against me? (Psalm 118:6). Following excruciating tortures, Hermylos was thrown into the dungeon. The guard Stratonikos, secretly a Christian, sympathized with the suffering of Hermylos. When it was reported to the emperor that Stratonikos was also a Christian, the emperor ordered that both of them be drowned in the Danube River. Three days later, their bodies washed ashore. Christians discovered their bodies and buried them about eighteen miles from Belgrade. These martyrs suffered for Christ and were glorified in 315. On this day we also commemorate the Martyrs Pachomios and Papyrinos of Greece; Venerable Maximos Kafsokalyvitis of Athos; Venerable Eleazar of Anzersk Island; and Hilarion, bishop of Poitiers. By the intercessions of Thy Saints, O Christ God, have mercy upon us. Amen. A Note Regarding Holy Communion Since we understand Communion to mean that we have all things in common, sharing an identical Faith, only those who are members of the Orthodox Church and who have prepared themselves through prayer, fasting and recent Confession may participate in Holy Communion. (We invite all, however, to partake of the blessed bread which is distributed at the dismissal.) Please see the Pastor for inquiries on how to become a member. GLOSSARY: Troparion (tro-pah-ree-on); plural, Troparia: A brief poem in accentual metre, expressing the theme of a feast. Kontakion (kon-tah-kee-on); plural, Kontakia: A special kind of Troparion that expresses the teaching of a Feast. It summarizes and applies the meaning of a feast of day. Orthros (Or-thros): The word literally means early morning. It is the name of the service, which by some has been called Matins, and still by others, Lauds, though it does not correspond exactly to either of the Western Services. Eothinon (ee-oh-thee-non): meaning pertaining to the dawn. They are the eleven assigned readings of the Gospel during the Orthros Service, pertaining to the eleven appearances of our Lord to His Disciples after the Resurrection. Synaxis (see-nax-sees) the gathering or coming together as it pertains to a celebration of a commemoration or feast. Following a major Feast a Synaxis commemorates the co-stars of the Feast, i.e., following the Feast of the Presentation of Christ (Ss. Simeon and Anna), following the Feast of the Birth of Christ (the Holy Virgin Mary), following the Feast of Holy Theophany (St. John the Baptist), etc. Synaxarion (see-nax-sah-ree-on) the summary of a Feast, describing a historical significance and meaning of a commemoration.

4 OFFERINGS Holy Bread and wheat* is being offered for the forty-day memorial of the newly-departed Patriarch IGNATIUS IV, of thrice-blessed memory and eternal repose (+5 December 2012). Holy Bread is being offered this morning by Father Timothy Baclig for his son, Michael o Kalani Baclig celebrating his 32 nd birthday (January 14 th ); Rebekah, and the children, Andrew Keoni, James Michael and Katherine Leilani. May God keep them in His protective care. Also for His Eminence, Archbishop JOSEPH s save travels and Episcopal ministry, and in thanksgiving for the many kindnesses of the faithful of our St. Michael Parish Community. Holy Bread is also being offered by the Deeb, Kouri and Najjar families in memory of Dr. Edward Deeb Sr. (+11 January 1997); also in honor of our Pastor, the Archpriest Timothy Baclig, on the occasion of his 30 th anniversary in the Holy Priesthood. Special offerings and requests for prayer are being made... by Ramona Darmour for the repose of the newly-departed servant of God, Linda Simon (+10 January, 2013) of Cleveland, Ohio. Memory eternal. by Charmaine Darmour for the speedy recovery and continued health of her mom, Ramona Darmour. for the speedy recovery of Elia Qushair. * The offering of wheat (amha) for memorial services is a practice that can be traced back to the middle of the fourth century. In earlier times, bread and wine with olives, cheese or rice were offered in charity, and those who partook of them would pray, Blessed be his/her memory. The wheat is cooked sometimes with honey or sugar, mixed with figs, raisins, nuts and other sweets. The grain and fruit brought to the commemoration of the dead signifies that the dead will truly rise again from the grave, for both grain, which is sown in the earth, and fruit, which is laid on the earth, decays first and afterwards brings forth abundant ripe, whole fruit. The honey or sugar used with the wheat signifies that after the resurrection of the Orthodox and the righteous, there awaits a joyous and blessed life in the Heavenly Kingdom and not a bitter sorrowful one. The wheat prepared from grain expresses the faith of the living in the resurrection of the dead to a better life, just as that seed, having fallen upon the ground, although undergoing corruption yet grows to attain a better appearance. (See I Corinthians 15:35-57)

5 NOTE At the end of the Liturgy during the veneration of the cross, please refrain from speaking loudly and keep in order that the prayers read after Holy Communion may be heard by everyone in the church. Thank you. ANNOUNCEMENTS Welcome! We welcome His Eminence, Archbishop JOSEPH who is presiding at this morning s Liturgy. May God grant him many years! We also welcome Mary Winstanley O Connor, from Boston, Massachusetts, National Chair of the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch. We also thankful to have with us, the members of Father Timothy s family who are here from Hilo and Honolulu, Hawaii, Bentonville, Arkansas and Huntington Beach, California. Annual Parish Meeting, and Report Booklet The Annual Meeting of the Voting Membership will be held on Sunday, January 27, 2013, immediately following the Divine Liturgy. In the best interest of time, a Report Booklet and PDF file is being prepared for distribution to our membership on Sunday, January 20, Our parishioners are asked to please inform us if you have any changes to your name, address, phone number or . Also, please let us know if you prefer that any of the information to be unlisted. You may Mary Ann Coury at: <Maryanncoury@aol.com>. Thank you. House Blessings Father Timothy will be available to bless homes by appointment. He may be reached by phone ( ) or <pastor@stmichael vannuys.org>. While pastoral visits to your home and house blessings may occur on almost day of the year, Father will be scheduling many house blessings up until the time of Great Lent (March 18, 2013). The purpose of the visit is for prayer with members of your family and the answering of any questions concerning our faith and practice. Planning a meal is not necessary, just provide an icon and candle for the blessing.

6 Have You Fulfilled Your 2012 Pledge? Have You Completed a Pledge Form for 2013? As a committed member of St. Michael Church, please complete a new 2013 form (provided with this bulletin) and return your form at your earliest convenience. Each year, everyone s circumstances may change, for this reason, all parishioners are asked to complete a new pledge form to assist us in preparing our Annual Budget. All adult members who are at least 18 years old and self-supporting are expected to complete a new pledge form. All information will remain strictly confidential with the exception of listing your name in our bulletin as a pledging/tithing member. May God bless us all in practicing good Christian stewardship. A Christian steward offers gifts to God as a child of faith rather than a Hired servant. Children of God make offerings to God as an expression of authentic love, whereas, hired servants simply fulfill legalistic duties. Christian stewardship is the manifestation of our love for God through the offering of time, talent, and treasure to Him, through Christ s Holy Church. By this offering of love a Christian steward extends the healing experience of Christ s Church through her ministry. SCHEDULE OF SERVICES The Feast of St. Anthony the Great January 17 Thirty-third Sunday after Pentecost; Feast of St. Euthymius the Great Saturday, January 19 Great Vespers, 5 p.m. Sunday, January 20 th Orthros, 8:45 a.m., Divine Liturgy, 10 a.m. Parish Council Meeting Monday, January 21 st, 7 p.m. 51 st Antiochian Archdiocese Convention July 21-28, 2013 Don t procrastinate. Register today for the Convention hosted by St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church (Houston, Texas) at the Hilton Americas Hotel in downtown Houston. Visit the convention website at: <

7 Upcoming Events (see the foyer bulletin board for more information) St. Nicholas Cathedral Men s Fellowship Crab Feed January 18, 2013 Cathedral Hall, 6:30 p.m., $35/adults, $15/children 12 and under Patronal Feast Day Vesperal Liturgy of St. Anthony Antiochian Orthodox Church (San Diego) Wednesday, January 17, 2013, 6:30 p.m. The Dedication of the Doors of the Church January 19, 2013, 4:30 p.m. Annual Meeting of the Voting Membership January 27, 2013 St. Nicholas Cathedral Debutante Ball February 17, 2013 Orthodox Book Project Used books for The Antiochian Orthodox Church of the Philippines are being collected from our parishes with the blessing of Archbishop JOSEPH. The church in the Philippines has grown over the past three years; however, resources are badly needed and the cost of purchasing new books, including shipping fees are prohibitive. If you have any extra prayer books, such as the red Antiochian pocket prayer book in particular, spiritual readings for children and adults, as well as small icons (only Orthodox materials please) please consider donating them to our collection. Gently used copies are requested for shipping as we don t want to give the appearance of shipping things that will be for sale. You may want to consider donating the used copies and buying yourself a new book. Please see Father Timothy for more information. Note to Coffee Hour hosts: coffee and paper goods will be provided each week. Holy Bread Offering List Coffee Hour Hosts Calendar Jan 20 Jamie & Joy Farr; Ron Zraick Jan 20 open Jan 27 Margaret Abdun-Nur Jan 27 Margaret Abdun-Nur The Soffa family Feb 02 open (Feast of the Presentation) Feb 03 Nicole & Robert Webster Feb 03 Nicole & Robert Webster Feb 10 open Feb 10 the Nassief and Soffa families Please contact Father Timothy (818/ ; pastor@stmichaelvannuys.org) to sign-up to offer Holy Bread for any of the open upcoming Sundays. Contact Charmaine Darmour at: ( ); cdarmour@sbcglobal.net) to host the Coffee Hour.

8 Thank you! Loaves and Fishes (the Van Nuys Catholic Charities food pantry) sends a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to all of our wonderful donors who support us throughout the year. Without your help we would not be able to continue our ministry of helping the working poor families and homeless individuals who come to our pantry seeking assistance daily. Please know that over 15,000 people benefit from your kindness. A special thank you to Cindy Tamoush who coordinated the collection and delivery of food I look forward to our continued association through the New Year. Please feel free to visit us anytime. We would love to share the Loaves and Fishes story with you. Happy New Year! [Barbara Ausburn, Director] GE-Regan Foundation Scholarship Program Is your son or daughter a high school student leader who will be graduating next spring? The GE-Regan Foundation Scholarship Program was created to honor the legacy and character of President Ronald Regan and annually rewards up to 20 college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship with $10,000 renewable scholarships (up to $40,000 per recipient). Applications are being accepted on-line up until January 10, Additional information on eligibility requirements is available on-line at: Calendar for: Holy Pascha May 5 April 20 April 12 First Day of Great Lent March 18 March 3 Western Easter March 31 April 20 April 05 Feast of Theophany Sunday January 6, 2013 Meat Fare Sunday Sunday March 10, 2013 Feast of the Annunciation Monday March 25, 2013 Feast of the Ascension Thursday June 13, 2013 Pentecost Sunday June 23, 2013 Feast of the Nativity Wednesday December 25, 2013

9 Why Do We Bless Houses? We bless houses for the same reason that we bless anything to restore that particular thing to its correct purpose. When we bless something we exorcise it and reclaim it from evil powers that are present in this fallen world, restore and renew it, by the grace of God. God created all that exists for man. Man was created by God to offer creation back to God as steward and manager of all that was placed in his care. Nothing was created to be used as an end it itself. Every created thing has its true value when it is used in reference to God. The world is fallen because it has fallen away from the awareness that God is the Source and Giver of every good and perfect gift. Water is used as a vehicle for the renewal of things when they are blessed because it is the basic element created by God as a means of life and not death (this is also the reason why we are also baptized with water). When water is blessed it does not become supernatural water; but it becomes what it was naturally created to be: a means of life. And so, when the Priest comes to bless your home, it is sanctified and dedicated to rightful purposes with our own personal commitment to Christ and principles of the Christian life. It is for this reason that all members of the household should be present to pray with the priest when he blesses your home. We should pray that God would enlighten us to be good stewards, and to fill us our home with His presence. St. John Chrysostom (Baptismal Instructions) When a man takes and melts down a gold statue that has become filthy with the filth of years and smoke and dirt and rust, he returns it to us all clean and shining. So, too, God takes this natures of ours when it is rusted with the rust of sin, when our faults have covered it with abundant soot, and when it has destroyed the beauty He put into it in the beginning, and He melts it anew. He plunges it into the waters as into the smelting furnace and lets the grace of the Spirit fall on it instead of the flames. Then He brings us forth from the furnace renewed like newly molded vessels, to rival the rays of the sun with our brightness. He has broken the old man to pieces but has produced a new man who shines brighter than the old. Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me the wisdom to see Your ways, and the strength to walk in them, to be renewed daily in Your service. A-men.

10 EOTHINON 10 TONE 7 الايوثينا 10 اللحن 7 Sunday after Theophany of Christ Martyrs Hermylos and Stratonikos of Belgrade; Martyrs Pachomios and Papyrinos of Greece; Venerable Maximos Kafsokalyvitis of Athos; Venerable Eleazar of Anzersk Island; Hilarion, bishop of Poitiers طروبارية القيامة على اللحن السابع حط مت بصليب ك الموت وفتحت للص الفردوس, وحو لت نوح حامالت الطيب, وأ م رت رسل ك أن يكرزوا بأن ك قد ق مت أي ھا المسيح اإلله مانحا العالم الرحمة العظمى. باعتماد ك يا ر ب في نه ر الا ردن, تق دم لك بالشهادة, الكلمة, فيا من ظهر ت وا نر طروبارية على اللحن الا ول مسميا ا ياك ابن ا محبوب ا, ت العالم, ظهر ت السجد ة للثالوث, لا ن صو ت الا ب والروح بهيي ة حمامة يو يد حقيق ة ا يها المسيح الا له المجد لك. طروبارية رؤساء المالئكة باللحن الرابع أي ھا المتقد مون على األجناد السماويين نتوس ل إليكم نحن غير المستحق ين حت ى أ ن كم بطلبات كم تكتنوفوننا بظل أجنحة مجد كم غير الھيولي حافظين إي انا نحن الجاثين والصارخين بغير فتور أنقذونا من الشدائد بما أن كم رؤساء مراتب القو ا ت العلوية. قنداق على اللحن الرابع اليوم ظهر ت للمسكونة يا ر ب, ونور ك قد ارتسم علينا نحن, قاي لين: لقد ا تي ت وظهر ت, ا يها النور الذي لا ي دنى منه. الذين نس بح ك بمعرفة

11 الرسالة.لتكن يا رب رحمت ك علينا, ابتھجوا أيھا الصد يقون بالرب.فصل من رسالة القديس بولس الرسول إلى أھل أفسس يا أخوة لكل واحد منا أ عطيت النعمة على ما مقدار ما وھب له المسيح, فالكتاب يقول: لم ا صعد إلى العلى سبى سبيا وأعطى البشر عطايا. وما المقصود بقوله "صعد" سوى أنه نزل أوال إلى أسافل األرض. وھذا الذي نزل ھو نفس ه صعد إلى فوق السماوات كل ھا, ليمأل كل شيء, وھو الذي أعطى بعض ھم أن يكونوا رسال وبعض ھم أنبياء وبعضھم مبشرين وبعضھم رعاة ومعلمين, ليجعل القديسين كاملين في عمل الخدمة وبنيان جسد المسيح, إلى أن نصل جميع نا إلى وحدة اإليمان ومعرفة ابن الله إلى اإلنسان الكامل,إلى مقدار.قامة المسيح في م ل ئھا اإلنجيل فصل شريف من بشارة القديس متى في ذلك الزمان, لم ا سمع يسوع باعتقال يوحنا, رجع إلى الجليل. ثم ترك الناصرة وسكن في كفرناحوم على شاطئ بحر الجليل في بالد زبلون ونفتاليم: يا أرض زبلون وأرض نفتاليم, على طريق "على لسان النبي إشعيا : ليتم ما قيل البحر, عبر األردن, جليل األمم! الشعب الجالس في الظالم أبصر نورا عظيما, ومن ذلك الوقت بدأ "والجالسون في بقعة الموت وظالله أشرق عليھم النور يسوع يبشر فيقول: "توبوا, فقد اقترب ملكوت السماوات". مالحظة بخصوص تناول القربان المقدس

12 إن مفھومنا لتناول القربان يعنى عمومية المشاركة فيه لذوى العقيدة الواحدة اال إن المشاركة في سر القربان المقدس ھنا مقتصر فقط على أعضاء الكنائس االرثوذكسية والذين يحضرون أنفسھم بالصالة والصوم واالعتراف منذ فترة قريبة (وعلى كل حال فإننا ندعو الجميع للمشاركة فى الخبز المقدس الذى يوزع عند إنتھاء مراسيم القداس.) رجاء مراجعة الكاھن.إذا رغبت أن تصبح عضوا فى الكنيسة االرثوذكسية. NOTE At the end of the Liturgy during the veneration of the cross, please refrain from speaking loudly and keep in order that the prayers read after Holy Communion may be heard by everyone in the church. Thank you.