Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church July 8-9, 2017

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Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church July 8-9, 2017 RELIC OF THE BLESSED MASSABKI BROTHERS We have been blessed to receive a First- Class Relic of the Blessed Massabki Brothers from Bishop Samir

We thank Saydena Samir and Louis for their beautiful gift in the hope that we can in some way imitate the life of the Blessed Massabki Brothers.

This priest lived with his family in "Masback el barrani," a quarter of Damascus.

In 1293, Father Ya'qoub was ordained Bishop of Damascus, but persecution forced him to flee the city, along with other Maronite families, and to take refuge in Cyprus where the respected Prelate

" Ne'meh Massabki A man of the faith, Ne'meh raised his children in the fear of the Lord.

1 Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church July 8-9, 2017 RELIC OF THE BLESSED MASSABKI BROTHERS We have been blessed to receive a First- Class Relic of the Blessed Massabki Brothers from Bishop Samir Nassar of Damascus and from Mr. Louis Ragy. The relic is for the parish of Saint Maron Church, Philadelphia, to be kept in a worthy place for devotion and blessings. We thank Saydena Samir and Louis for their beautiful gift in the hope that we can in some way imitate the life of the Blessed Massabki Brothers. MASSABKI BROTHERS Towards the end of the XIII century, there lived in Damascus a married Maronite priest named Ya'qoub. This priest lived with his family in "Masback el barrani," a quarter of Damascus. The Damascans, who highly respected this "zealous and honorable" priest, gave his descendants the last name of "Massabki," for the name of the quarter in which he lived. In 1293, Father Ya'qoub was ordained Bishop of Damascus, but persecution forced him to flee the city, along with other Maronite families, and to take refuge in Cyprus where the respected Prelate died, mourning the death of his son Francis, massacred at Zabadani (Syria). In the XV century, his sons and grandsons returned to Damascus where they were known by the name of "Massabki." Ne'meh Massabki A man of the faith, Ne'meh raised his children in the fear of the Lord. He had four boys: Francis, Abdul Mohti, Raphael-who shed their blood for their faith-and Father Abdallah; and two girls, Mary and Martha. Francis Ne'meh Massabki Francis married Elizabeth Chiha, who gave birth to three boys and five girls. Francis was a tall, handsome man with clear eyes, gentle and humble, but with a strong will in the face of difficulty. He wore the dress (gunbaz) that was in the style of his time and covered his head with a large black turban. He was a generous man. His vast home was open to everybody, particularly foreigners and pilgrims. Francis possessed fabulous wealth, acquired through untiring toil and integrity in business: he was involved in the sale of natural silk. The Lebanese entrusted their products to him, which he then sold in Syria and elsewhere. He was charged with attending to the spiritual and material affairs of the Maronite Patriarch in Syria. Before going about his business, Francis said his morning prayers with his family, attended Liturgy, and took communion. He was always at the disposal of the priests in his community, devoting his time and money to them. His magnanimity and his generosity were not limited to his family and fellow churchgoers. His popularity went beyond the Syrian borders, and in Lebanon, it was told, they announced his arrival from village to village by tolling bells. Abdel Mohti Ne'meh Massabki Thin and slender, Abdel Mohti preferred solitude. He lived with his wife and children in his brother Francis's house. Abdel Mohti spent his life raising and educating his children. His teachings were impregnated with a deep faith and true piety. One of his students testified that Abdel Mohti would often repeat to them: "The Christian must always be ready to spill his blood for the love of Christ, and that man's greatest joy is to receive the grace of martyrdom." Abdel Mohti attended the Holy Sacrament each day and fasted all of Lent, without tasting even oil. He observed all holy days and religious ceremonies and taught his children the psalms and religious chants. In church, Abdel Mohti kneeled directly on the ground, erect, without leaning, and stayed thus throughout each Liturgy. His knees, according to his student George, became hard and callous. Tired of his teaching career, he went into business; but his delicate conscience forced him to close shop for fear of "deceiving his customers." From that day forward, he dedicated his life to prayer and meditation. Raphael Ne'meh Massabki Raphael was short, feeble-bodied, blackeyed, and simple-hearted. Devout, he prayed to the Virgin Mary with a pure and filial heart; he often turned to her in his business dealings. Raphael was humble. He lived a poor bachelor, but rich in the love of QUOTE OF THE WEEK The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. Tertullian Fr. Vincent Farhat, Pastor Fr. Richard Cannuli, Weekend Assistance Mrs. Zeina Topalian, Religious Education Director Address: 1013 Ellsworth Street, Philadelphia, PA Office: Hall Reservations: Evening Emergency Number: or Website: Church Office: saintmaronphiladelphia@hotmail.com Instagram Facebook Page: Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church of Philadelphia OFFICE HOURS: The Church office will be open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.

2 God, and received the grace of martyrdom with his brothers. In 1860, Ahmed Pasha ruled Syria. A sectarian tyrant, nothing would prevent him from achieving his ends. July 9 of that year, by a special and secret order, Ahmed Pasha's henchmen traced crosses in the streets of Damascus and made it known that the "Children of the Christians" were the authors. Spirits were troubled and reprisals were unleashed. Fear permeated the Christian quarters. The trouble was distasteful to honest Muslims, and with the Council of Powers, they demanded of Ahmed to put an end to the trouble for the peace of the inhabitants and the safety of peoples' lives. So Ahmed sent his emissaries to imprison some Christians charged with "disturbing the public peace," and then quickly released them. At sundown, the governor gave the order to his agents, with the help of some hoodlums, to go in to the streets and start fires. Having arrived in front of the Orthodox Church, they set it afire after a bloody massacre. The fire spread, and theft and plundering rampaged through house after house. On the morning of July 10, the Christians were massacred, their houses destroyed and their goods stolen. The survivors took refuge in the citadel, aided by the great Emir Abdel- Kader of Algeria, and by several Muslims. Around 8 o'clock in the evening, while fire took hold of the Orthodox Christian quarters, Francis, Abdel Mohti, and Raphael were at home. Fearing the furor and ferocity of the massacres, they left their wives and children and headed for the Franciscan convent. At 11 o'clock, the Mission Superior closed and barricaded the doors, and invited the refugees into the church. After the litany, the Fathers heard confession and gave communion to all of the devoted present. From the church, they climbed to the convent terrace; only Francis remained kneeling before the altar of the Sorrowful Mother. At one hour past midnight, the slaughterers infiltrated the house by a secret door shown to them by Hassan Allaf, the house manager. Some refugees took flight. Ahmed's agents seized the Superior who promised to show them the hiding place of a treasure. They followed him in delirious joy. The Father descended into the church, lighted two candelabras, opened the tabernacle, and swallowed the Blessed Hosts. He was killed upon the altar. Francis remained kneeling before the Virgin. Ahmed's agents recognized him. They advanced towards him and said: "Sheik Abdallah has sent us to save you from death; you, your brothers, your families, and all those who depend upon you for protection, on the condition that you deny your faith and convert to Islam." Francis responded calmly: "Sheik Abdallah can take the money I lent him, he can also take my life; but my faith, no one can make me deny. I am a Maronite Christian and on the faith of Christ, I will die." "We will kill you," they cried. "I will be with my Lord." Francis then began a prayer, which he finished in heaven. The slaughterers massacred him with swords, hatchets, and daggers. Abdel Mohti was on the church terrace, when the convent fell into the hands of the assassins. He ran to the church to take refuge near his brother, but at the chapel door, he was seized and asked to deny his faith in order to enter Islam. His life would be spared. In a clear voice, he proclaimed: "I am a Christian, kill me, I am ready." Daggers and hatchets severed his body and he fell at the church door. As for Raphael, he was hiding in a corner of the convent. They found him and propositioned him: "become a Muslim, you will be saved." Raphael fell to his knees and appealed to the Holy Virgin. He was beheaded and trampled. Once the calm had returned, witnesses assure, the three martyred brothers were buried with the Franciscan Priests, martyrs for their faith. The Canonization Sixty years passed from the time of the heroic death of the three Massabki brothers. God then allowed the revival of their memory. In accordance with the Patriarch, the Apostolic Nuncio, and the community Bishops, Msgr. Chemaly, Maronite archbishop of Damascus, addressed a letter to the Vatican imploring the Holy Father to join the beatification of the three Maronite martyrs to that of their companions, the Franciscan Priests: "It was on the same date" said he, "and for the same faith, that they gave their lives." The letter also begged the Holy Father to pay particular attention to this request, so that the beatification of the three martyrs would be a source of grace for the Damascus community and a rebirth of Christian life in the hearts of the Eastern faithful. This letter aroused particular interest in Pius XI, who ordered Msgr. Salotti to attend to the matter without delay. On May 10, Msgr. Chemaly received a letter from Msgr. Salotti, requesting documents and testimonials of the martyrdom of the Massabkis. A telegram provided the requisite assurances to Msgr. Salotti, who arrived in Beirut September 6. The Committee began studying the documents and interrogating several witnesses. Three days later, the Committee returned to Damascus where they heard the deposition of Sir Nicholas Kadi and the testimony of several noteworthy Damascans. To conclude the study, it heard the testimony of the Maronite Vicar of Damascus, Father Abraham Massabki. Before returning to Rome, Msgr. Salotti confided to Msgr. Chemaly: "If I die on the way, your martyrs' cause will not perish."on October , His Holiness Pirus XI proclaimed the beatification of the three brothers."by the power of these lines are named Most Blessed Martyrs the servants of God Francis, Abdel Mohti, and Raphael Massabki, Maronites of Damascus and we hereby permit the display of their relies before all the devout, and the celebration, on their day of remembrance, of the Liturgy of the Martyrs. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION) Please know that confession is available before liturgies. You may also call to set up an appointment. PASTORAL VISIT FROM BISHOP GREGORY MANSOUR We will be honored to have Bishop Gregory join our community on July 29 th and 30 th for a pastoral visit to Saint Maron. It is always a pleasure to have him among us. May Almighty God continue to bless his ministry and bless him with good health. Weclome Sayedna! OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY The parish of Saint Maron extends our deepest sympathy to George and Micheline Dib and family on the passing of George s mother Mary Dib who passed away this week. We also send our thoughts and prayers to George s brothers and sisters in Lebanon and for the soul of Mary. May Almighty God welcome Mary into His kingdom and may her soul rest in peace. A 40 Day Memorial is scheduled for Sunday, August 13, 2017, at 11:00 AM, here at St. Maron. Allah yer hamma. MYA CLOTHING AND BOOK DRIVE The MYA is sponsoring a Clothing and Book drive during the summer months which will be donated to charity in the fall. If you have any clothes or books that you do not want or need please bring them with you to the Church and give them to one of the MYA members. Keep up the great work and God bless you all.

LITURGY INTENTIONS Saturday, July 8, 2017, @ 6:00 PM, liturgy is being offered for the soul of Thomas Baxter requested by Evelyn Small and Alfred and Norman Karam and Family.

May their souls rest in peace. Saturday, July 15, 2017, @ 6:00 pm, Liturgy is offered for the soul of Michael Chubby Simon requested by Frank and Ritamarie Olivieri. May his soul rest in peace.

PRAYER OF THE BLESSED MASSABKI BROTHERS FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST O Christ our God, we remember the three Massabki Martyrs, Francis, Abdul-Mooti, and Raphael, who gave their lives because of their

3 LITURGY INTENTIONS Saturday, July 8, 6:00 PM, liturgy is being offered for the soul of Thomas Baxter requested by Evelyn Small and Alfred and Norman Karam and Family. May his soul rest in peace. Sunday, July 9, 11:00 AM, liturgy is offered for the soul of Julie Chkeir, Soleiman and Nahi Rai and Maurice Al Shouli requested by Aliss Raie and Family. May their souls rest in peace. Saturday, July 15, 6:00 pm, Liturgy is offered for the soul of Michael Chubby Simon requested by Frank and Ritamarie Olivieri. May his soul rest in peace. Sunday, July 16, 11:00 am,. Liturgy is offered for the souls of souls of Shushan and Fouad Rai requested by Khalil and Madeline Raie and family. May their souls rest in peace. PRAYER OF THE BLESSED MASSABKI BROTHERS FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST O Christ our God, we remember the three Massabki Martyrs, Francis, Abdul-Mooti, and Raphael, who gave their lives because of their faith in you. Let us raise glory, honor, and praise to Christ the Martyr, who shed his blood and quenched the thirst of the holy martyrs; to the One, who strengthens the faithful, crowns those who persevere, and rejoices in their feast. The martyrs endured great suffering and bitter persecution because of their love for you and their trust in your mercy. They won crowns of victory, making their relics sources of grace, healing, and blessings. We remember the three Massabki Martyrs, known for their piety, goodness, and genuine concern for the poor. O Lord, we ask you, through the prayers and intercession of your three beloved martyrs to strengthen us in our daily struggles, forgive our sins, and grant us your grace. Have mercy on those who have faith in you, and lead all peoples to you. May we walk on your path in the light of your Gospel, keeping your commandments and following in the footsteps of our holy martyrs, that we may receive their crown in your eternal dwellings. O Lord on high, hidden from all creation, you are peace reconciling those who are enemies and rescuing the persecuted and displaced of your flock. Lord, we raise our prayers and ask through the intercession of the Blessed Massabki brothers, for peace in the Middle East, especially Syria, Iraq and Lebanon, lands which continue to face oppression and bloodshed. Three Massabki martyrs. Pray for us. Amen UPCOMING EVENTS AT SAINT MARON CHURCH Saint Sharbel Church, Newtown Square, PA, will be having their annual summer festival on Saturday, July 22, from noon to 11:00 PM, and on Sunday, July 23, from 12:30-9:00 PM. Let us show our support to our brothers and sisters. Our Lady Star of the East Church, in Pleasantville, NJ, will be having their annual summer festival on Friday, July 28, from 4:00 PM to Midnight, Saturday, July 29, from Noon to Midnight, and on Sunday, July 30, from 2:00 PM to Midnight. Let us show our support to our brothers and sisters. Saint Maron Church BBQ, Sunday September 10, 2017, following Divine Liturgy in the Church. This BBQ will be in the Church hall as well as the alley way. Food will be provided but we ask each family to bring a side dish to pass. FR. VINCENT OUT OF TOWN Fr. Vincent will be attending the National Maronite Convention in South Carolina from June 26 th June 30 th, and then will be attending the USCCB Conference in Orlando, Florida, June 30 th July 4 th. The office will be open during regular business hours Monday through Thursday from 9:30 4:30. In case of an emergency you may call me on my cell number. If I don t respond immediately it means that I am in a meeting. I will return your call as soon as possible. Thank you and have a blessed July 4 th!!!! IN OUR PRAYERS Please keep in your prayers Jenny DiCicco, Bob Rosner, Nicholas Carine, Elizabeth Bou Daher, Amelia Habib, Baby Elle Isgro, Suzanne Haney, Lisa Alestra, John Nader, Joseph Alestra, Rita Impo, Albert Boulos, Mary Fetterman, Issa Mazahreh, Aminee Skaf, Carmen Marrone, Helen Butrus, Rose Kouri, Yasmine Myers, Joey Gdowick, Francis Joseph Kerns, Albert Saleem, Albert Anderson, Jr., Michelina Krewda, Samer Chokeir, Kathy Newman, Vickey Saulino, Rita Arrigale, Helen Freedenberg, Maryann Bratton, Renee Sahar, Joann Divon, Jane Trevelino, Sister Nahida Al Sawa, Virginia Ramano, Rose De Jesse, James Cordisio, Stacey Fuentes, Debbie Freedenberg, Noel Andjuhar, Eddie Gussin, Angel Salerno, Dennis McGiney, Emilia and Alan Sacilowski, Donny Pizzi, Betty Antrilli, and Bonnie Sabatini. We ask Almighty God to bless them with good health so that they may join us in the Church and give glory and thanksgiving to God. Please notify the Church office of any family member who is ill so that we may remember them in our daily prayers and on our altar of intentions. WEEKLY COLLECTION FOR July1-2, 2017 Collection $ Coffee Hour $ Total: $

4 PLEASE REMEMBER TO SILENCE YOUR CELL PHONES AND BEEPERS WHEN YOU ENTER THE CHURCH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

5 Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church First Reading Corinthians 12:12-13, July 8-9, 2017 A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians. Your blessing father Brothers and Sisters: Just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body Jews or Greeks, slaves or free and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Praise be to God always. بولس القديس رسالة فصل من األولى إلى أهل قورنتس أ ن ه ا ك ث ير ة هي ج س د يا إخوتي ك م ا أ ن الج س د ه و و اح د ول ه أ ع ض اء ك ث ير ة وأ ع ض اء الج س د ك ل ه ا مع الم س يح أ ي ض ا. ف ن ح ن ج م يع ا ي ه ود ا وي ون ان ي ين ع ب يد ا وأ ح ر ار ا ق د ت ع م د ن ا في ر وح و اح د ل ن ك ون و اح د ك ذ ل ك ج س د ا و اح د ا وس ق ين ا ج م يع ا ر وح ا و اح د ا. فأ ن ت م ج س د الم س يح وأ ع ض اء ف يه ك ل و اح د ك م ا ق س م ل ه. فق د و ض ع للا في الك ن يس ة الر س ل أ و ال واأل ن ب ي اء ث ان ي ا والم ع ل م ين ث ال ث ا ث م األ ع م ال الق د ير ة ث م م و اه ب الش ف اء و إ ع ان ة وح س ن الت د ب ير وأ ن و اع األ ل س ن. أ ل ع ل الج م يع ر س ل أ ل ع ل الج م يع أ ن ب ي اء أ ل ع ل الج م يع م ع ل م ون اآلخ ر ين أ ل ع ل الج م يع ص ان ع و أ ع م ال ق د ير ة أ ل ع ل ل لج م يع مو اه ب الش ف اء أ ل ع ل الج م يع ي ت ك ل م ون ب األ ل س ن أ ل ع ل الج م ي ع ي ت ر ج م ون األ ل س ن والتسبيح هلل دائما.

6 Gospel Reading Saint Matthew 10:16-25 The Apostle Writes: See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household! This is the truth. Peace be with you. مت ى الق د يس إنجيل من قال الرب ي سوع ل تالميذ ه :»ه ا أ ن ا أ ر س ل ك م ك الخ ر اف ب ي ن الذ ئ اب. ف ك ون وا ح ك م اء ك الح ي ات وو د ع اء ك الح م ام. ن إ ح ذ ر وا الن اس! ف إ ن ه م س ي س ل م ون ك م إ لى الم ج ال س وفي م ج ام ع ه م ي ج ل د ون ك م. وت س اق ون إ لى الو الة والم ل وك م أ ج لي ش ه اد ة ل ه م و ل أل م م. وح ي ن ي س ل م ون ك م ال ت ه ت م وا ك ي ف أ و ب م اذ ا ت ت ك ل م ون ف إ ن ك م س ت ع ط ون في ت ل ك م ف ي ك م. وس اع ة م ا ت ت ك ل م ون ب ه. ه و الم ت ك ل ي س ل م األ خ أ خ اه إ لى ف ل س ت م أ ن ت م ٱلم ت ك ل م ي ن ب ل ر وح أ ب ي ك م الس ٱس م ي وم ن الد ع لى و ال د ي ه م وي ق ت ل ون ه م. وي ب غ ض ك م ج م ي ع الن اس م ن أ ج ل الم وت واأل ب ٱب ن ه وي ت م ر د األ و المد ين ة أ ه ر ب وا إ لى غ ي ر ه ا. ف ٱلح ق أ ق ول ل ك م: ل ن ي صب ر إ لى الم ن ت ه ى ي خ ل ص. وإ ذ ا ٱض ط ه د وك م في هذ ه ح س ب إ س ر ائ يل ي أ ت ي ح ت ى ٱب ن اإل ن س ان. ل ي س ت ل ميذ أ ف ض ل م ن م ع ل م ه وال ع ب د م ن س ي د ه. ت ب ل غ وا آخ ر م د ن الت ل م يذ أ ن ي ص ي ر م ث ل م ع ل ب ع ل ز ب ول ف ك م ب األ ح ر ى أ ه ل م ه ه والع ب د م ث ل س ي د ه. ف إ ن ك ان س ي د الب ي ت ق د س م و ب ي ت ه حق ا واألمان لجميعكم.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE HOLY CROSS

Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church October 7-8, 2017 FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE HOLY CROSS REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS The events of this past week have left many of us in a daze as we witnessed the senseless