St. George. Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church W. 14th Street, Cleveland OH St. Nicholas The Wonderworker

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1 St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church 2587 W. 14th Street, Cleveland OH St. Nicholas The Wonderworker 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 December 06, 2015 Tone 2/ Eothinon 05 Nicholas the wonderworker, archbishop of Myra in Lycia & Tenth Sunday of Luke Nicholas, bishop of Patara; New-martyr Nicholas of Karamania in Asia Minor 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 Coffee Hour is offered for the Health & Safety of Jim Farr & Family by Leo & Lila Koury Candles are offered for the Health, Safety & Spiritual Welfare of: Family & Friends by George & Joie Haddad Family & Friends by Hal & Louise Bouhasin 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 Prayers for the Health & Spiritual Welfare of our parishioners: Olivia Abdallah, Melissa Aboid, Evelyn Baldassari, Shirley Courey, Ann Deeb, Emilie Easa, James Eassey, Helena Elias, Minerva Gantose, Odeh Hanna, Pauline Hanna, Samia Harb, Baby Alma Maria Issa, Corrine Khouri, Hanadi Khouri, Joyce Nader, Kaukab Nader, Virginia Nader, Jennie Sadallah, Christopher Fadel-Samuel, Norma Shami, Alvera Shiekh, Christine Simon, Asma Zaboura. UPCOMING DIVINE SERVICES Sunday December 13, 2015 Matins 9:30 am, Divine am Confessions will be heard on Sundays Morning before Liturgy starts or by appointment. Began Sunday, November 15, This is a joyous fast in anticipation of the Nativity of Christ. In the weeks between Nov. 15, and December 25, Orthodox Christians prepare themselves to celebrate the birth in the flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ. 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. 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, December 06, 2015 Tone 2/ Eothinon 05; Nicholas the wonderworker, archbishop of Myra in Lycia & Tenth Sunday of Luke Nicholas, bishop of Patara; New-martyr Nicholas of Karamania in Asia Minor

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11 Please help us to witness to and help those in need. You can either take home with you an alms box fill it and return it or buy us WallMart gift cards. No amount is too small or too large! The collected money will be send to the Archdiocese as St. George contribution to the: and the Gift Cards are to help many families to purchase meals, clothes for their children etc. **ATTENTION GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS AND COLLEGE STUDENTS** The Lebanese Syrian American Junior League will again be awarding scholarships to young men and women of Lebanese and Syrian descent residing in the greater Cleveland area. The application process begins on January 31st. High school seniors should request applications from their guidance 11/30/15 counselors. College students can request applications by contacting Scholarship Chair Karen (Haddad) Ziton at or (440) All applications MUST be received by March 31, If you have any questions or would like further information regarding this notice, please feel free to call me at

12 NINE REASONS WHY WE SHOULD TITHE According to Hebrews 11:6, God says without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarded of those who diligently seek Him. When you tithe to God, you are truly walking by faith and not by sight. Most of us normally don't have enough money to spare. So when we tithe, we're putting God to the test. We're saying, "Yes, Lord, I believe you are the God of your Word, and I am giving by faith". You have to use your faith to please God. As you step out in faith to give your tithes and offering, you are showing God that you believe him, and great shall be your reward eventually. Be faithful day in and day out, week in and week out, month in and month out, year in and year out, and you will see the windows of heaven shower blessings on you and your family that are so great, that there will eventually be an overflowing in your life. What is tithing? "Tithe" means 10% or "a tenth part". God's Word tells us that the first 10% of everything we earn or receive belongs to Him. God says in Malachi 3:8, if you don't give your tithes and offerings to Him, you are a thief. In verse 9, He says that we bring lots of problems on ourselves if we don't tithe. The only way God's work will be doing on this earth is if God's people give of their finances. Certainly, the world isn't going to finance the end time harvest. It's the responsibility of the church, or God's people. What's the difference between the "Tithe" and "Offerings"? The tithe is to be the first 10% of everything you receive financially. An offering is any amount you would give above the tithe. Well, I thought tithing was Old Testament Jewish Law that's not for today. No! According to Galatians 3:17, the Law came 430 years after God instituted the promise and tithing with Abraham. If tithing was under the Jewish Law, why did Abraham tithe 430 years before the Law was given? According to Genesis 14:20, Abraham tithed to the Priest Melchizedek from the very beginning, hundreds of years before the Law. I can't afford to tithe! If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, you can't afford not to tithe! You need God's supernatural help if you're ever going to get out of debt. If you wait for your ship to come in before you tithe, you may be waiting a long time. Put your faith into action today by giving Him the first 10% of everything you earn or receive, and watch how He helps you get out of debt. I would also encourage you to teach your children to tithe to God from an early age, so they will be blessed all the days of their lives. NINE REASONS WHY WE SHOULD TITHE 1. God commands it. In Malachi 3:10, God says, "bring the whole tithe into the storehouse ". The storehouse refers to the place where you worship. The tithe is to be given to your home church, the place where you are spiritually fed. When you give to support charities and other

13 ministries, you should be giving out of your offerings. The whole tithe belongs to the local church. 2. Tithing proves God's Word is true. God' says, if you will put Him to the test in tithes and offerings, eventually you will see great blessings overtake your life, even to the point that you will see God open the windows of blessing upon you and your family. 3. God will rebuke the devourer. According to Malachi 3:11, you have an enemy that will steal all your finances, but, when you bring God the whole tithe, and give offerings as He leads you, God will rebuke the enemy. When you become a follower of Jesus Christ, the enemy targets you and your finances. You need God's help if you're going to make it financially in today's world and the tough times that we live in. God actually challenges every believer to "put Him to the test" in their giving, and watch what He does in their lives. It's time to put God to the test, and watch God's blessings flow toward you. Do it today! 4. Tithing teaches me to put God first. According to Deuteronomy 14:23, the purpose of tithing is to teach you to always put God first in your life. If God has our finances, then we know He has our hearts. If we refuse to tithe, we prove that He really isn't first in the first place. 5. Jesus recognized tithing. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus recognized or commended the Pharisees for tithing. Tithing was the only thing they were doing right. 6. Tithing is essential to spiritual growth. God tells us in Luke 16:11, "if therefore you have not been faithful in the use of money, how can you expect Him to entrust greater riches to you?" Many Christians don't grow spiritually, and remain spiritual babies because they are not faithful to obey God in the tithes and offering. 7. Tithing proves you love the Lord. In 2 Corinthians 8:8, God says that your giving tests the sincerity of your love. You say you love the Lord, but you prove you love him when you give. Talk is cheap, and actions speak louder than words. 8. Tithing is an investment for eternity. In Matthew 6:19, Jesus told us to "store up treasure in heaven." When you give your tithes and offerings to the Lord's work, you are investing your money in souls for the Kingdom, and helping to get people to heaven. 9. You cannot "out-give" God. In Galatians 6:7, God says, "do not be deceived, God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows that he will also reap." God is watching, and whatever you give to Him, He will give back to you. Giving unlocks heaven's gates on your behalf. You cannot out-give God. The more you give to Him, the more He'll give back to you. Should one make a pledge as an individual or a couple? There is no hard and fast rule. Most married couples sign one pledge card. Some people feel strongly about making their own individual pledge. Each young person who works is invited to make his or her own pledge, even if he or she is living in the family home.

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18 BAPTISMS Child s Name Yasmeen Maria Estfan Mario Anthony Estfan Maria Mouded Eliza Marie Slife Samuel Thomas Bendetta Timothy Michel Chapman Isabella Haddad Rami Yacoub Karsheh Jr. Naya Oubeid Gabriella Sunnaa Bassam Dayoub Lucas Karadsheh Michael Rinehart Olivia Grace Karim Lilly Marie Karim George Oubeid John Oubeid Bryce Owen Wan Joseph Kash Parents Name Mr. & Mrs. Bassam & Rouba Mouded Mr. & Mrs. Bassam & Rouba Mouded Dr. & Mrs. Rami & Line Mouded Mr. & Mrs. Daniel & Natalie Slife Mr. & Mrs. Jared & Alana Bendetta Mr. & Mrs. David & Claude Chapman Mr. & Mrs. Charlie & Jacqueline Haddad Mr. & Mrs. Rami & Ashley Karsheh Mr. & Mrs. Ayham & Hanan Oubeid Mr. & Mrs. William & Roula Sunnaa Mr. & Mrs. Iyad and Mona Dayoub Mr. & Mrs. Yazan & Baraa Karadsheh Mr. & Mrs. Eric & Samer Rinehart Mr. & Mrs. Fadi and Kelly Karim Mr. & Mrs. Fadi and Kelly Karim Mr. & Mrs. Danny & Khwana Oubeid Mr. & Mrs. Danny & Khwana Oubeid Mr. & Mrs. Kearey & Alyssa Wan Mr. & Mrs Jason & Leona Kash Date of Baptism January 17, 2015 January 17, 2015 January 17, 2015 March 22, 2015 April 18, 2015 May 15, 2015 May 17, 2015 May 17, 2015 May 24, 2015 May 24, 2015 June 07,2015 June 13, 2015 August 15, 2015 September 27,2015 September 27, 2015 October 04, 2015 October 04, 2015 October 25, 2015 December 6, 2015 MARRIAGES Married Couples Names Omar & Sandy (Eid) Haddad Date of Marriage May 2, 2015 DEATHS Names Date of Burial George Harb Yacoub Karsheh Rita Courey Elaine ( Harb) Sheheen Michel Hayek Issa Harb Roudi Zaboura Edward Khouri Becky Magas Diane Castanaras January 02, 2015 February 25, 2015 April 10, 2015 May 27, 2015 June 05, 2015 June 25, 2015 June 29, 2015 September 21, 2015 October 30, 2015 November 30, 2015

19 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 Two Cases of Orthodox Liturgical Wine for Holy Communion $240 by William Tegreene 800 Plastic Holy Water Bottles for Epiphany $675 Paid by Emilie Easa Nine Large Refiliable Oil Candles $1008 paid by Nuha Karsheh Copying and Binding 150 Holy Friday Service Books $600 by James Hussney. Six cases of Taper Candles $385 Paid by an Anonymous Donor & $145 by William Tegreene Twenty Four Altar Pure Liquid Paraffin Quarts $312 paid by Samir & Clara Nader Replace the walk-in cooler evaporator and condenser $5676 Donated by George & Carol Sarkes Eleven large Refillable Oil Candles $1232 paid by Anonymous Replace the Furnace at the Rectory $4430 Sell the rest of the memorial tiles at the entrance of the office area. $150 each Replace The Metropolitan Hall Light Bulbs to LED Replace the Yarid Light Hall Bulbs to LED Replace the Aluminum Entry Door, back entrance to the Sunday school $4690 Move the Church Power Switch Box from the Cry Room to inside the Altar Thank you. RESERVE THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDER Sunday December 20, 2015 Sunday School Christmas Pageant Thursday December 31, 2015 New Years Eve. ^ƵŶĚĂLJ :ĂŶƵĂƌLJ ϭϭ January ϮϬϭϲ WĂƌŝƐŚ ŶŶƵĂů D ĞĞƟŶŐ His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph visits St. George January 30, 2016 A Magical Feast

20 The Orthodox Advent Wreath 1st week FAITH (Green Candle or bow) Advent is beginning and one candle we light; The color is green and the flame is so bright. We think about faith in God's promise now done; He promised to send us his one and only son. (Isaiah 9:2,6-7; 40:3-5; 52:7) 4th week PEACE (White Candle or bow) Shortly before Jesus' blessed birth The Angels told shepherds, "Peace on Earth." Our white candle means peace, peace from on high, The peace that God gives; his peace will not die. (Luke 2:1-18) 2nd week HOPE (Blue Candle or bow) Advent continues with week number two; Our candle means hope and the color is blue: Hope in God's wisdom hope in God's love Hope that Christ will come, bringing joy from above. (Luke 1:5-31) 5th week REPENTANCE (Purple Candle or bow) The color is purple on this fifth of Advent; It is time to examine ourselves and repent: Repent of our sins that keep us away From God's message of love brought on Christmas Day. (Mark 1:1-8, 14-15) 3rd week LOVE (Gold or Yellow Candle or bow) Christmas is closer, the candles are three. Christ is coming and he sets us free: Freedom from sin free as a dove. First we had Faith, then Hope, now Love. (Luke 1:26-38) 6th week HOLY COMMUNION (Red Candle or bow) Christmas is near; the day is a soon one. Our candle is red and we ponder Communion. In Bethlehem God is with us; he is called Emanuel, And he's with us each Sunday in the chalice as well. (John 1:1-18, 6:52-58)