! FEBRUARY 2 ND, 2014 FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD

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1 St. Mark Antiochian Orthodox Church Self-ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, Diocese of the West Sky Park Circle, Irvine, CA (949) Website: Archpriest Michael Laffoon, Priest Patrick Irish Protodeacon George Moubayed, Sub Deacon Athanasius Fakhouri Choir Director Barbara Scholl Chanters: Jacob Bahbah, Theresa Joubran, Mark Ellis, Karim Youssef & Jake Bahbah Church Office Administrator: Lydia Wakileh Saturday evening Great Vespers 4:00 p.m. (Confessions after) Sunday Schedule: Orthros (Matins) & Confessions 8:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Church School After Holy Communion FEBRUARY 2 ND, 2014 FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD

2 JESUS CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE Refrain of the Second Antiphon Save us, O Son of God, Who wast borne in the arms of righteous Simeon; who sing to Thee. Alleluia. During the Little Entrance Troparion of the Presentation Tone 1: Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of grace From you shone the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those who sat in darkness. Rejoice and be glad, O righteous elder, you accepted in your arms the Redeemer of our souls, who grants us the Resurrection. Entrance Hymn Priest: The Lord hath made known His salvation; in the sight of the nations hath He revealed His righteousness. People: O Son of God risen from the dead, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia. HYMNS AFTER THE LITTLE ENTRANCE Troparion of the Resurrection in the Seventh Tone: 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. Troparion of the Presentation Tone 1: (Repeat as above) All: Troparion to St. Mark in the Fourth Tone: From thy childhood the light of truth enlightened thee, O Mark, and thou didst love the labor of Christ the Savior. Wherefore thou didst follow Peter with zeal and didst serve Paul as a fellow laborer and didst enlighten the world with thy holy Gospel. Priest: Kontakion of the Presentation Tone 1: Thou, O Christ God, who by thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin's womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon's arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom thou didst love; for thou alone art the Lover of mankind. Prokeimenon (Luke 1: 46, 48) My soul doth magnify the Lord. For He hath regarded the humiliation of His handmaid. The reading from Saint Paul's Letter to the Hebrews (7:7-17) Brethren, it is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. Here tithes are received by mortal men; there, by one of whom it is testified that he lives. One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchiz'edek

3 met him. Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levit'ical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchiz'edek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchiz'edek, who has become a priest, not according to a legal requirement concerning bodily descent but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchiz'edek." Alleluia Verses (Luke 2:29, 30, 32) Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation. A lighten to lighten the gentiles, and the glory of Thy people, Israel. The Reading from the Gospel according to St. Luke (2:22-40) At that time, the infant Jesus was brought up to Jerusalem by his parents to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel." And Joseph and his mother marveled at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed."

4 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phan'u-el, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him Special Hymns of the Day Instead of It is truly meet we sing O Theotokos, thou hope of all Christians; keep and shelter and preserve them that set their hope in thee. Let us magnify, O believers, the first-born Son, the eternal Word of the Father, First-born of a Mother who knew no man; for we have beheld in the shadow of the law and the Scriptures a sign, that every first-born male that openeth the womb is called holy to God. Communion Hymn for the Feast in Tone 8 I will receive the cup of salvation, and call upon the Name of the Lord Holy Oblations are given today by Walid & Danice Najjar and family in memory of Walid s father Assaad Najar departed this life 4 years and for the health of Walid s mother Gladys Najjar, and by the Bahbah family for the soul of their uncle s wife Clair Bahbah, deprted this life in Jordan last week. Coffee Hour is given today by the Coffee Hour Committee Please remember in your prayers: Samir Billeh, Mary Mansour, Odette Chade, Paul Anter, June Anter, Leilah Rodriquez, Genevieve Saba, Maha Kureh, Fr. Alexander Atty, Darlyne Dibs, Eleanor Wackeen, and the suffering people of Syria, Egypt, and all the Middle East Ushers serving this week: Dimitri Kort & Randy Bahbah Ushers serving next week: Don Skaff & Melad Hanna Altar boys serving this week: Noah Fortuna, Daniel Atallah, Connor Wilde. Altar boys serving next week: Samir Khamis, Joseph Attallah, Andrew bahbah

5 Quote from the Saints Suffering cleanses the soul infected with the filth of sensual pleasure and detaches it completely from material things by showing it the penalty incurred as a result of its affection for them. This is why God in His justice allows the devil to afflict men with torments. St. Maximos the Confessor Church Etiquette Please be on time for services; those arriving late should not approach the Chalice for Communion. To receive Communion, one must be a baptized/chrismated Orthodox Christian who has prepared by prayer, fasting, alms giving, and regular confession. Confessions are heard on Saturday evenings after Great Vespers and during the week by appointment. Men, women, and children: please dress modestly for services. Please remove lip balm or lipstick before receiving Communion or kissing the holy icons, Chalice, or Gospel. If you wish to stand for the entire service, please do so in the back or the aisle so as not to block the view of others who may need to sit. When seated, we should refrain from a posture of relaxation (e.g., crossing legs or arms). Pledges, Tithes, Donations: Giving 10% of one s income is God-pleasing, as are all gifts offered by a pious and cheerful giver with a humble heart. Membership forms, renewed annually, are located in the Hall. Children are welcome Yet, if they interfere with the prayers of the faithful, we all may need a break. Food and drink (and toys) are not allowed in the Temple. NOTE TO OUR VISTORS Welcome to St. Mark's We are pleased to have you here with us today. Please be informed that only those Orthodox Christians who are prepared through prayer, fasting, and the sacrament of confession should approach the Chalice for the Eucharist. The Orthodox Church does not practice "open communion" or intercommunion with other churches (non-orthodox). If you have any questions concerning this, please talk to Father Michael before taking communion. Visitors are welcome to venerate the cross at the end of the service and to receive some of the blessed bread, if they so desire.

6 Good Samaritan Fund Several years ago, St. Mark Church established a fund for assisting those in need, both within our parish and in the general community. From time to time we ask for contributions to the Good Samaritan Fund, and this is one of those times. If you are in need of assistance or you are aware of someone in our parish that needs financial assistance, please speak with Fr. Michael. Canned Food Drive As we all know, unemployment remains high. All relief agencies are seeing more needs and at the same time donations are down. In light of this, the on going canned food collection of our parish is a small but important way to help. Please try to bring something to go in the collection barrel every week. House blessing We are now in House Blessing Season. To schedule a house blessing, please contact Fr Michael by calling the church office, (949) or via at frmlaffoon@yahoo.com When Fr Michael comes to your home, please turn off all televisions and other distractions and prepare a list of the living to be remembered in the prayers. Today Ladies Guild Officer s meeting after church Junior H.S. class confession after Liturgy. Church School Confession Schedule February 9-5th and 6th grade class February 16-3rd and 4th grade class February 23-1st and 2nd grade class This week Fr. Michael leaves tomorrow for Alhambra to attend the Diocesan Clergy Seminar. He returns Thursday and then on Friday will leave for Phoenix (with some of our teens) to attend the Archdiocese level Teen SOYO Meetings. They will return on Sunday evening. Saturday February 8 th, Valentine s Day Dinner Dance, see flyer included for more information

7 Next week Monday February 10 th, 6:30 p.m. Parish Council Meeting Wednesday February 12 th, 6:30 p.m. Vespers St. Paul s Italian Dinner Night, followed boy Classical Piano Concert Piano Please join us for a lovely St. Paul's Italian Dinner Night on Wednesday, February 12, there is no fasting at all during this week of the Publican and the Pharisee even on Wednesday and Friday We plan to meet at 5:45 pm at the Irvine Olive Garden at 3755 Alton Pkwy., Irvine, CA (in the Albertson's shopping complex just west of the corner of Culver Dr. and Alton Pkwy.); phone: After dinner we plan to meet at the St. Paul s Parish Center at 7:30 pm at 4949 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA for an evening of beautiful piano music by Chopin, Beethoven, Bach, Schubert, Brahms and Gabriel Fauré. We plan to serve free dessert and coffee for all in attendance. For any further information please call Dean Langis at Please come and bring the whole family for either or both dinner and/or the concert Thursday February 13 th, 10:a.m. Bible Study Upcoming Services & Events Wednesday February 19 th, 6:30 p.m. Vespers Thursday February 20 and 21, West Cost Sacred Music Conference Antiochian Orthodox Christian Diocese of Los Angeles and the West 2014 Parish Life Conference July 1-6, 2014 Hosted by St. Nicholas Church, San Francisco, California PLEASE NOTE Newsletter/Bulletin Deadline; Bulletin: Thursday 12 noon. Newsletter: The 20 th of each month BUY SCRIP Our Ladies Guild buys scrip from many and various stores and Restaurants (see list included in this Bulletin) at a 3 to 10% discount. When you buy the scrip, which is accepted just like cash at the issuing store, the Parish benefits. You pay no more for these goods and services and are making a donation to our parish. You can purchase this scrip from Saeda Turk at the coffee hour. Presentation (Meeting) of the Lord (February 2)

8 When the most pure Mother and Ever-Virgin Mary's forty days of purification had been fulfilled, she took her first-born Son to Jerusalem on this, the fortieth day after His birth, that she might present Him in the temple according to the Law of Moses, which teaches that every first-born male child be dedicated to God, and also that she might offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons, as required by the Law (Luke 2:22-24; Exod. 13:2; Lev. 12:6-8). On this same day, a just and devout man, the greatly aged Symeon, was also present in the temple, being guided by the Holy Spirit. For a long time, this man had been awaiting the salvation of God, and he had been informed by divine revelation that he would not die until he beheld the Lord's Christ. Thus, when he beheld Him at that time and took Him up into his aged arms, he gave glory to God, singing: "Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, O Master..." And he confessed that he would close his eyes joyfully, since he had seen the Light of revelation for the nations and the Glory of Israel (Luke 2:25-32). From ancient times, the Holy Church has retained this tradition of the churching of the mother and new-born child on the fortieth day and of the reading of prayers of purification. St. Mark 2014 Stewardship Pledge Drive Progress Report Thank you to all of you who have made their 2014 Pledge Commitment to St. Mark. As of January 30 th we have a total of $179,610 pledged which is 91% of our total goal of $192,000. We have also successfully collected 129 pledge commitments If you haven t made your pledge commitment yet then please take a few minutes today during Coffee Hour to fill out a pledge card (extra cards are next to our pledge box in the Hall). In Christ, St. Mark Stewardship Committee St. Mark 2014 Stewardship Pledge

9 Total Pledges 129 Total pledges amount $179, 610 SLEIMAN & SEHAM ALDADA PAUL & JUNE ANTER SAMIR & AFIFA ARTOUL MICHAEL & MAY ASALY GHASSAN & GISELLE AWAYJAN SAMIR & MAYSSA AZZAM ANAHID AZZOUNI JACOB & VERA BAHBAH JOE & SALWA BAHBAH PHILLIP & TARIZE BAHBAH GHASSAN & GENY BAHOU WALLY & MUNA BATARSEH SAMIR & LUCY BILLEH YOUSEF & RITA BILLEH LEO & IRMA CHADE VLADIMIR & JOANNA CHENDLER RUTH CONN RANDY & MAY DABBAH SUE DABBAH MARWAN & RULA DABIT NOHA DAHER JOE & GOLDIE DARUTY SCOTT & DIANE DARUTY ALICE DE ABDO GEORGE & ROUDAINA DEBBAS KHALIL & MAJIDA DEBBAS LAURIS DEBBAS TONY DEBBAS EDNA DEEB DARLYNE DIBS MARY DIBS NICHOLAS DIBS JERALD DONOVAN SAMIRA EISSA CHARLOTTE EL-HINN MARK EL-HINN MARK & EILEEN ELLIS OMAR & FATIN FAKHOURI SAMI & WISAM FARRAJ MAJED & BNNIA FASHEH SPIRO & SAMIRA FASHEH KEVIN & SARA FORTUNA ELSA FRECH JAMES J. & CAROLE JO GOSON SANDELLA GOSON KAREEM (KEN) & ADELE HABEEB ANTON & NADIA HADDOUB ESPERENCE HADSHITI NORMAN & WETCKA HAFFTY GEORGE & CHARLOTTE HANNA MELAD & WAFA HANNA RICHARD & LORIE HANNA TOM & SHANNON HILMAR RICHARD & VERA JIRJIS SHAWKI & DOHA JIRJIS MICHEL & THERESA JOUBRAN MAURICE & NADIA KARKAR

10 WAEL & LOUISA KASHOU LILIAN KASSICIEH BACHIR & HELENE KASSIR ELIAS & HILDA KHAMIS IBRAHIM & DIANA KHAMIS ISA & BARBARA KHAMIS MARY-ANN KHAMIS MITRI KHAMIS ANTOUNE & MAYSSOUN KHOURY MICHAEL & CHARLOTTE KHOURY DIANA KHURY ELENA KHURY ELYAS & NAJAT KHURY OSAMA & RULA KISHEK SIMON & LOURICE KISHEK DIMITRI & KANDY KORT VIJAY & MALVINA KUMAR SAL KUREH EMILIE LAFFOON MICHAEL & DONNA LAFFOON JHONNY & SONIA LIQUETE LEWIS MALOUF GLORIA MAMEY NELSON & JERRI MAMEY MARY MANSOUR NABIL & ANNE MANSOUR ROBERT & LINDA MOKBEL SAM & ADEL MUNAYYER ELIAS & JEAN NASRAWI ELIZABEH NASSAR JAMIL NASSAR DON & DENISE NASSIF SAMMY & LANA NINO KYRA PELACHIK PAUL & SUSAN QAQUNDAH NADER & SUHAIR QOBORSI JACOB QUSHAIR NUHA QUSHAIR JAMAL & TAMMY QUTAMI ROBERT & KIMLA RANNEY EMAD & MUNA RIZKALLAH CARLOS & RHONDA RODRIGUEZ NAJIB & HEBA SAADEH FARAH & SYLVIA SABA SIHAM SABA YACOUB & GENEVIEVE SABA MANUEL & GEORGETTE SALAMEH RAMZI & RANDA SALAMEH MUFID & SALAM SAMARA JAMAL & HIAM SAYEGH STEVEN & BARBARA SCHOLL KENDALL & RONDA SCHORR DON JR & PENNY SKAFF THEODORE & KATHY SKAFF ROBERT & SARAH SMATHERS DAVID & JULIANA TANNOUS FOUAD & RIMA TARAZI DAVE & BRENDA TAX ROGER & CAROL TIERNEY ANTON & KEITIE TURK

11 AUSTIN & SAEDA TURK CHARLIE WAKILEH CHRISTOPHER WAKILEH IBRAHIM & LYDIA WAKILEH MICHAEL WAKILEH MATTHEW & SOPHIA WHITACRE ROBERT & THEODORA WHITEHEAD COURTNEY WILDE PATRICK & SUSAN WILDE KARIM & MARIZE YOUSSEF ADIB & NABILA ZABANEH MITCH & JENIFFER ZOGOB