October 14, Holy Fathers of the 7 th Ecumenical Council and 4 th Sunday of Luke

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1 A parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America October 14, 2018 Holy Fathers of the 7 th Ecumenical Council and 4 th Sunday of Luke FOR NON-ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS We welcome all people across all religions to pray with us. However, it is an unfortunate consequence that there are divisions in Christianity, and therefore, we cannot extend to you a general invitation to receive the Eucharist (Holy Communion). Orthodox Christians believe that the Eucharist is an action of the celebrating community, signifying a oneness in faith, life, and worship. Reception of the Eucharist by Christians not fully united with the Orthodox Church would imply a oneness, which does not yet exist, and for which we must all pray. We invite you to receive the blessed and holy bread that is given out to all at the end of the service, and are thrilled that you have joined us this morning! Christ is in our midst! He is and ever shall be!

2 His Eminence The Most Reverend Metropolitan JOSEPH Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESE OF NORTH AMERICA October 4, 2018 Beloved in Christ, Greetings in the Name of Our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ! As we enter the new ecclesiastical year in September, we experience all of the busyness surrounding the beginning of a new school year. Over the past few weeks, a new generation of Orthodox Christian college students began a new chapter in their young lives and matriculated on campuses throughout our land. Recent studies show that about seventy percent of religiously affiliated teens disengage from their faith during that initial year in college. Our own young people are not immune from these national trends. When our college students leave home for the first time, they are challenged by a multiplicity of worldviews, and they are given the freedom to choose for themselves whether or not to make the Faith their own and to participate in the life of the Church of their own volition. I give thanks to the many clergy and faithful who work so hard to offer them the ministry of Orthodox Christian Fellowship, which is a vital part of keeping our college students connected to the Church and offering them a place to question and grow in their Orthodox Faith. The Assembly of Bishops has designated the first weekend of October as College Student Sunday and asks all of the faithful of our land to support this Pan-Orthodox ministry and to support our college students as they navigate their lives on campuses that are becoming ever more hostile to traditional Christianity. I wholeheartedly support this effort, and I ask our parishes to generously offer gifts to OCF that will bear good and holy fruit in the lives of our young people. Asking all of God s blessings on our college students and those who minister to them through OCF, I remain, Your Father in Christ, +JOSEPH Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11: 26) 358 Mountain Road, P.O. Box 5238, Englewood, NJ (201) T Archdiocese@antiochian.org (201) F 2

3 THE SYNAXARION On October 14 th in the Holy Orthodox Church, we commemorate the Martyrs Nazarius, Gervasius, Protasius and Celsus of Milan; Cosmas the Hymnographer, Bishop of Maiuma; and Venerable Paraskeva the New of Thrace. : On this day we commemorate the holy and blessed Fathers who came together for the second time in Nicaea, during the reign of the pious and Christ-loving Sovereigns Constantine and Irene, against those who impiously, ignorantly and foolishly asserted that the Church of God worshippeth idols, and rejected the august and holy icons. Verses Thy champions, O Word, with words as their weapons, Turn to flight the foes of the venerable icons. The Council met in 787 to refute the Iconoclast heresy, whose camp believed that all depictions of Christ, His Mother and the saints should be destroyed. The iconophiles believed that icons served to preserve the doctrinal teachings of the Church; and they considered icons to be man s dynamic way of expressing the divine through art and beauty. The council decreed that the veneration of icons was not idolatry (Exodus 20:4-5), because the honor shown to them is not directed to the wood or paint, but passes to the prototype, or the person depicted. It also upheld the possibility of depicting Christ, Who became man and took flesh at His Incarnation. The Father, on the other hand, cannot be represented in His eternal nature, because no man has seen God at any time (John 1:18). By the intercessions of the Holy Fathers, O Christ God, have mercy upon us. Amen. 3

4 TODAY S LITURGY INSERTS RESURRECTIONAL TROPARION (TONE 3) Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord hath done a mighty act with His own arm. He hath trampled down death by death, and became the first-born from the dead. He hath delivered us from the depths of Hades, granting the world the Great Mercy. ولت ب ت ه ج األ رض ي ات أل ن الر ب ل ت فر ح الس ماو ي ات وصار و ط ئ الم وت ب الم وت ص ن ع ع ز ا ب ساع د ه و و م ن ح أ نق ذ نا م ن ج وف الج حيم ب كر األ موات و العال م الر حم ة الع ظمى. TROPARION OF THE HOLY FATHERS (TONE 8) Thou, O Christ, art our God of exceeding praise Who didst establish our Holy Fathers as luminous stars upon earth, and through them didst guide us unto the true Faith, O most merciful One, glory to Thee. أ ن ت أ ي ها الم سيح إل ه نا الفائ ق الت سبيح يا م ن أ س س ت وب ه م آباء نا الق د يسين ع لى األ ر ض ك واك ب الم ع ة ه د ي ت نا جميعا الح قيقي إلى اإليمان يا ج زيل الر ح م ة الم ج د ل ك. TROPARION OF ST. GEORGE THE GREAT MARTYR (TONE 4) Since thou art a liberator and deliverer of captives, a help and succour of the poor and needy, a healing physician of the sick, a contender and fighter for kings, O great among Martyrs, the victory clad George; intercede with Christ God for the salvation of our souls. بما أن ك للمأس ورين م ح رر وم عت ق وللف ق ارء والم س اكين عاض د ون اص ر وللم رض ى طبيب وش اف وعن المؤم نين م كاف ح وم ح ار ب أيها العظيم في الش هداء جاورجيوس الآلب س الظ ف ر ت ش ف ع إلى المسيح اإلله في خ الص ن ف وس نا. KONTAKION FOR ORDINARY SUNDAYS (TONE 2) O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the Creator most constant, O despise not the suppliant voices of those who have sinned; but be thou quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee. 4 الوسيط ة ل د ى يا ش فيع ة الم سيحيين الغ ي ر الخاز ي ة الخال ق غ ي ر الم ر د ودة ال ت ع ر ض ي ع ن أصوات ط ل ب ات نا نحن الخ ط أ ة ب ل ت دار كينا بالم عون ة ب ما أن ك صال ح ة نح ن الصار خ ين إلي ك بإيمان : باد ر ي إل ى الشفاع ة وأسر ع ي في الط ل ب ة يا والدة اإلل ه الم ت ش ف ع ة دائ م ا ب م ك ر م يك.

5 KONTAKION FOR OUR LADY OF CICERO (TONE 8) Only at St. George in Cicero To thee the champion leader, I thy city ascribe thank-offerings of victory. For thou hast delivered me from terrors O Theotokos. But as thou hast that power which is invincible. From all dangers set me free that I may cry out unto thee: Hail, O Bride without Bridegroom. Blessed are Thou, O Lord, the God of our Fathers. For Thou art just in all that Thou hast done. The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to St. Titus. (3:8-15) Titus, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissension, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned. When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful. All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. THE EPISTLE (For the Holy Fathers) إني أنا عبد ك يا والدة اإلله اكت ب لك اريات الغلبة يا جندي ة م حامية وأ قدم لك الش كر ك م نقذة من الش دائد لكن بما أن لك الع ز ة التي ال ت ح ار ب اعتق يني من صنوف الشدائد حتى أصر خ إليك إفرحي يا عروسا ال عروس لها. وت س ب ح تي الر ب أ د با أد ب ني الر ب. ق و تي ف ص ل م ن ر سال ة الق د يس بول س الر سول الثان ي ة إلى تيط س. )3:8-15( و ل دي تيط س صادقة هي الك ل م ة وإي اها يا أريد أن ت قر ر حت ى ي ه تم الذين آمنوا باهلل في الح س ن ة الح س ن ة. فهذه هي األعمال القيام باألعمال والناف ع ة * أم ا الم باح ثات اله ذيان ي ة واألن ساب والخ صومات والم ماح كات الناموس ي ة ف اج ت ن ب ها فإن ها غي ر ناف ع ة وباط لة * ور ج ل الب د ع ة بعد اإلن ذار م ر ة وأ خرى أ عر ض عنه * عال ما أن م ن ه و ك ذل ك وه و في الخ طيئة ي ق ضي ب ن ف س ه على اع ت س ف ق د أ ر سل ت إليك أ ر ت ماس أ و تيخيكوس و م تى ن فس ه * ف باد ر أ ن ت أ ت ي ني إلى نيكوبول س أل ن ي ق د ع ز م ت أ ن أ ش ت ي ه ناك * أم ا زيناس م ع ل م الناموس وأ ب ل وس ف اج ت ه د في ت ش ييع ه ما م ت أ ه ب ي ن ل ئ ال ي ع و ز ه ما ش ي ء * ول ي ت ع ل م ذ وونا أ ن ي قوموا باألعمال الصال ح ة ل ل حاجات الض روري ة حت ى ال يكونوا غير م ث م رين* سل م على الذين ي سل م عليك جميع الذين م عي* ي ح ب ون نا في اإليمان. الن عمة م ع ك م أجمعين. آمين. 5

6 The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (8:5-15) The Lord spoke this parable: A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold. And when His Disciples asked Him what this parable meant, Jesus said, To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience. As Jesus said this, He called out, He who has ears to hear, let him hear. THE GOSPEL (For the 4 th Sunday of Luke) اإلن جيل ي * ف ص ل ش ريف م ن ب شار ة الق د يس لوقا الب شير والتل ميذ الطاه ر. )8:5-15( قال الر ب ه ذا الم ث ل: خ ر ج ال ازر ع ليزر ع س ق ط ب ع ض على الطريق زر ع ه * وفيما هو يزر ع س ق ط على فو ط ئ وأ ك ل ت ه ط يور السماء * والب ع ض الص خ ر ف ل م ا ن ب ت ي ب س ألن ه ل م ت ك ن ل ه ر طوب ة * و ك م ع ه و ك ف ن ب ت الش وب ع ض سق ط بين الش ف خ ن ق ه * وب ع ض سق ط في األرض الصال ح ة ف ل م ا ف س أ ل ه تالميذ ه ما ع سى ن ب ت أ ث م ر مائ ة ض ع ف * أ ن ي كون هذا ال م ث ل * ف قال : ل ك م قد ي أ عط أن ف ب أ م ثال ل ك ي أ س ارر م ل كوت هللا وأ م ا الباق ون ت ع ر ف وا ال ينظ ر وا وه م ناظ رون وال ي ف ه م وا وه م سام ع ون* ه و الم ث ل: الز ر ع ه و ك ل م ة هللا* والذين على وه ذا ي س م عون ث م ي أ تي إبليس وي ن ز ع الط ريق ه م الذين ف ي خ ل صوا* والذين الك ل م ة م ن ق لوب ه م ل ئ ال ي ؤم نوا ع لى الص خ ر ه م الذين ي سم عون الك ل م ة وي ق ب لون ها ب ف ر ح ول كن ل ي س ل ه م أ صل وإن ما ي ؤم نون إلى س ق ط في و ق ت الت ج ر ب ة ي ر ت د ون* والذي حين وفي الش وك ه م الذين ي سم عون ث م ي ذ ه بون ف ي خ ت ن قون و م ل ذ ات ها ف ال ي أ تون ب ه موم ه ذ ه الح ياة وغ ناها ف ه م سق ط في األ ر ض الج ي د ة ب ث م ر * وأم ا الذي ي س م عون الك ل م ة ف ي ح ف ظون ها في ق ل ب ج ي د الذين صال ح وي ث م رون بالصب ر * ول م ا قال ه ذا ناد ى: لل سم ع فل ي سم ع. م ن ل ه أ ذ نان 6

7 Sun, Oct 14: Sat, Oct 20: Sun, Oct 21: Fri, Oct 26: Sun, Oct 28: SERVICE SCHEDULE Wed, Oct 24 th Paraklesis 7pm Wed, Nov 14 th Paraklesis 7pm Wed, Nov 28 th Paraklesis 7pm HOLY BREAD إيفا سكاف والعائلة. family. Today Eva Skaff and Oct 21 st Teen SOYO. Calendar of Events Adult Education in Nadi after Liturgy Feed My Starving Children 6:30-9pm (see ad) Choir Rehearsal 12:30pm (see ad) Camp St. George Carmel Apple Sale Lifeline Screening (see flyer) Sunday School Open House (all students parents invited) الصويو. يوسف وماري سليم والعائلة. family. Oct 28 th Youssef and Mary Selim & COFFEE HOST إيفا سكاف والعائلة. family. Today Eva Skaff and Oct 21 st Teen SOYO. الصويو. جمال وحنان الصوص والعائلة. family. Oct 28 th Jamal and Hanan Sous and BLESSED NEWBORNS Today Congratulations to Fr. Mark & Kh. Barbara Sahady on the birth of their 2 nd grandchild, Anna Sophia Theodoropoulos. Congratulations to parents George & Heba Barhoumeh and grandparents Elias & Hala Barhoumeh, on the birth of their son/grandson, Lukas. مربوك! نتقدم باجمل التهاني لألب مارك والخورية باربرة بالحفيدة الثانية آنا صوفيا ثيودوروبولوس. نتقدم باجمل التهاني الى جورج وهبا برهومة بالمولود الجديد لوكاس. واجمل التهاني الى جديه الياس وهاال برهومة. 7

8 BAPTISMS Oct 28 th Mia, daughter of Gabriel & Suhad Santana. Joseph & Jacklyn, children of Gus & Ruba Khoury. Oct 27 th WEDDINGS Wedding of Christopher, son of Jerry & Sharon Zayed, to Judy, daughter of Yousef & Mary Zayed. م ي ا ابنة غبريال وسهاد سانتانا. جوزيف وجاكلني اوالد غ س ورىب خوري. زواج كريستوفر ابن جيري وشارن ازيد على اآلنسة جودي ابنة يوسف وماري ازيد. * AUDITIONS! * AUDITIONS! * AUDITIONS! * 2018 Christmas Pageant The Christmas Shepherd TODAY Sunday, October 14 th from 9:30-10:20am in the Sunday school rooms ~ There are reading and non-reading parts. ~ All participants will sing ALL the music. ~ If you audition, you ll be in the cast. Please note ALL rehearsals: Every Sunday, Oct 21 st - Dec 23 rd 9:20 10:30am There will be 2 dress rehearsals (times TBD) The Performance will be December 23 th right after liturgy. Mrs. Olga Karam will be leading/directing this production. If there are any questions, please ask. We are looking forward to this year s production of The Christmas Shepherd! 8 Please NOTE all announcements for inclusion in the St. George Weekly Bulletin must be submitted directly via to office@stgeorgecicero.org or call (708) no later than Wednesday by 4pm. Thank you!

9 October 2018 ALL OCTOBER: Sun, Oct 14: Sat, Oct 20: Sun, Oct 21: Sat, Oct 27: Sun, Oct 28: Teen SOYO Calendar of Events Usher, Epistle, Altar Servers, Coffee Hour General Meeting (2 nd Sunday of every month) Feed My Starving Children 6:30-9pm (see ad) Special Olympics Collection Coffee Hour/Holy Bread (see sign-up) Fall Retreat with Pumpkin Carving 3pm start, 5pm vespers/dinner Officers Meeting (last Sunday of every month) November 2018 Fri, Nov 2: Community Christmas Card Stuffing Sat, Nov 10: Ladies Guild hosts Thanksgiving Dinner Sun, Nov 11: General Meeting & Volunteer Project (2 nd Sunday of every month) December 2018 Sun, Dec 2: Officers Meeting Sun, Dec 9: Christmas Caroling (in lieu of meeting) TBD: Christmas Party SS & Teens Fri-Sat, Dec 28-29: Teen Retreat April 2019 January 2019 Sun, Jan 13: General Meeting Sun, Apr 14: Sun, Apr 21: Sat, Jan 19: Bowling Sun, Jan 27: Officers Meeting Fri, Apr 26: General Meeting Palm Sunday Candles (prep April 20 th ) Good Friday Vigil February 2019 Sun, Feb 3: Sun, Feb 10: Sun, Feb 24: IOCC Souper Bowl Sunday General Meeting Officers Meeting May 2019 Sun, May 12: June 2019 TBA: Mother s Day Flowers Parish Life Conference March 2019 Sun, Mar 10: TBD: Sun, Mar 31: General Meeting Lenten Retreat Officers Meeting July 2019 TBA: National Convention August 2019 Sat-Sun, Aug 24-25: St. George Family Retreat 9

10 10 It s that time of year again FLU SEASON! Get your FLU SHOT here TODAY! Walgreens and Mousa Dahdal will be giving flu shots today after Liturgy. Insurance accepted, no out-of-pocket charges!

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13 Saturday, October 20 th 6:30-9:00 p.m. Feed My Starving Children Schaumburg 1072 National Pkwy, Schaumburg, IL Event sponsored by Teen SOYO Open to ages 5 and over! Bring the whole family to volunteer! ONLY 100 SPOTS RESERVED! Register online at: éêéêéêéêéê OCCA Young Adult Outreach SS. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church 1401 Wagner Road, Glenview, Illinois Friday, October 26, :30-8:30 p.m. Agenda to include: Greetings and Dinner Discussion on Young Adult Collaboration through OCCA Bonfire and S mores Please RSVP to Fr. Mark at (724) or fathermarksahady@yahoo.com NO LATER than October 22 nd! 13

14 October 26, 2018 at St George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 1220 S. 60th Ct, Cicero, IL

15 H O L Y T R I N I T Y C A T H E D R A L P R E S E N T S Honoring A Shared Heritage Through stories from Ozark African American oral history, Fr. Moses will show how Orthodoxy is the true heritage of his community, and of all Americans." Saturday, October 27th 3:00p admission is free 1121 N. Leavitt St. Chicago, IL holytrinitycathedral.net Fr. Moses Berry, a priest of the Orthodox Church in America, lives with his wife, Magdalena, in Ash Grove, Missouri, a small town in the Ozarks, on the farm his great-grandfather built in Because they are an African American family, the Berrys are notable in Southwest Missouri for owning and living on the same property for over 135 years. Fr. Moses has restored a family cemetery established in 1875 and dedicated to Slaves, Indians and Paupers. This cemetery is now on the Greene County Register of Historic Sites and the National Register as well. Fr. Moses is also curator of the Ozarks Afro-American Heritage Museum. After 10 years in a small storefront, the museum collection is now available on line at oaahm.omeka.net. It has an extensive collection of photographs and artifacts of rural Afro-American life in the surrounding areas, preserved by the Berrys and other families over many years. Fr. Moses is a contributor to An Unbroken Circle: Linking Ancient African Christianity to the African American Experience; co-founder of the annual Ancient Christianity Conferences sponsored by the Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black and is in demand locally as a speaker on African American history, and nationally on issues in African American spirituality and Orthodox Christian mission. He has appeared on Good Morning America and on the National Geographic channel. Fr. Moses parish, Theotokos Unexpected Joy Mission, stands close to an enormous sycamore tree--the same tree that his ancestors used as a shelter for church picnics and other celebrations for over a century. 15

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17 Do you like to sing?! It s been said that, Those who sing, pray twice! Join the St. George Choir! Rehearsal 1 ST & 3 RD SUNDAYS of Every 12:30pm Join us for the Midwest College Conference December 27-30, 2018 Iakovos Retreat Center th Avenue, Kansasville, Wisconsin It is a fantastic opportunity for Orthodox College students (age 18-25) from all different backgrounds to gather to learn about their faith, take a break, meet new people, and worship together in a beautiful new Orthodox retreat center, nestled in the beautiful woods of Wisconsin. Spots are filling fast. This conference is a BLAST and, simply put, can be life-changing. If you aren t a student and are a parent, Godparent, grandparent, or a friend, I urge you to reach out to college students to attend this conference. They will not regret it. For more information or to register: Or contact Peter Karos with ANY QUESTIONS: ccmidweststudent@ocf.net 17

18 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28: The Kenya Mission team has been invited by His Grace Athanasios, Bishop of Kisumu and West Kenya. TRIP DATES: NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 8, Purpose - Provide Teachings of the Orthodox Faith. The focus is on Icons. The team will be working with youth from the Diocese of Kisumu. The youth retreat will be held for five days at the Kemoloi Boys School in Nandi district. These youth are from diverse backgrounds and different tribes and are very eager to grow in their Orthodox faith, and meet Orthodox Christians from other parts of the world. We will teach them about icons, and the various saints of the Church, as well as do icon related art projects with them. Background - Orthodoxy is relatively new in Kenya, and the Church was founded by two charismatic African men searching for truth and orthodoxia in the 1920 s. Today the number of Orthodox Kenyans tops 600,000, according to the World Council of Churches website. OCMC has been involved in assisting and nurturing the church in Kenya through supporting priests, building schools, and churches. The Orthodox Church in Kenya continues to make great contributions to the social, economic and educational development of the country. Please keep us in prayer as we prepare for this missionary journey. It truly is awesome and humbling at the same time. Your prayers and/or your financial support would be a great way for you to participate in this endeavor, and will be much appreciated. If you would be willing to donate, please go to the website: Click on MRS. ANNA KURIAN - to donate. Alternatively, cash or check donations may be made in person to Robert Sweis or Anna Kurian.

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20 2019 BIBLE BOWL St. Paul's Letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians Join the competition in these age groups: Pre-teens: Ages Teens: Ages * Adults: Ages 20+ * The Diocese of Los Angeles and the West has two teen groups: & P P Study Questions, Rules, Contacts, Bible Bowl Registration and other information are available online at: All Bible Bowl Teams must be registered two weeks in advance of your Diocesan Parish Life Conference. The Bible Bowl is run by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese Department of Youth and Parish Ministries All questions will come from St. Paul s Letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians as found in the Orthodox Study Bible. Available from Ancient Faith Publishing and other fine bookstores. u Please keep the following in mind as you lead your Bible Study on these letters: 1. These three letters should be studied separately and not to be combined. 2. In addition, we must point out that although these letters were written to specific cities: a. they were really in a nutshell written to the Roman Empire at the time b. these cities are important i. Ephesus was the capital of its province. ii. Colossus is to remind people that God is even greater than those who lived there and their habits and behavior. iii. Philippi reminds us that the Roman Empire came and conquered by the mighty army and the horse. The strength of God is through Christ. Hence chapter 4 verse 13. What is Christ? He is a message of love. Not a sword or army. These letters of St Paul call us to always serve others, to lift up others and to comfort others, not to conquer and not to divide. 20

21 C 2019 ORATORI AL FESTIVAL An Opportunity for Orthodox Christian Teens to Share their Faith with Others u I can do all things through C hrist who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 The Oratorical Festival is run by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese Department of Youth and Parish Ministries u ORATORICAL INSTRUCTIONS Please utilize one or more of the following focus points in developing your Oration. P one What is the significance of Philippians 4:13 for your life and for the Church? Look at the words of St. Paul throughout Chapter 4 to understand this line in the broader context of the chapter. Keep in mind that: The verse is referring to all things profitable for our souls and for the sake of the Gospel. The verse describes a relationship of love between Christ and ourselves. The greater our love grows for Him, the more His grace is drawn to us and emanates from us towards others. We become the living Gospel. (e.g. He first loves us which allows us to emulate His example - we learn to love Him through many things around us such as the Church, its services and sacraments, other people, nature and especially prayer.) The Gospel is best spread by both our words and our way of living, matching Christ s example. Whatever we do, it is for the sake of the Gospel and the spreading of the Good News, and it must always be in service of Christ and our neighbor. When St. Paul says, I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me... the context indicates that he can endure whatever happens for the sake of preaching the Gospel; it has nothing to do with encouraging people to follow their personal desires, as some people often interpret. Continued on other side... For registration and more information go 21

22 Oratorical instructions P two In the Service of Baptism, we sing, As many as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27). Describe how living your life in Christ strengthens you. Consider how your love for our Lord is increased by: Nurturing your life through prayer Participating in the Church and its services Learning how the Saints lived a life in Christ Other exercises of your spiritual strength P three How does Christ strengthen us in the special places and events organized by various ministries of the Church, such as at the camps and conference centers, Parish Life Conferences, SOYO retreats, delegates meetings, SOYO gatherings, Creative Arts Festivals, Bible Bowl, Vacation Bible Schools, etc.? Our Scriptural Theme appears on the arch over the entrance of the Antiochian Village Camp. Reflecting on this, Metropolitan Joseph writes: Since 1978, the Antiochian Village has been the Mount Tabor of our Archdiocese. It has been our home where we gather to encounter our transfigured Lord; to be ourselves transfigured. As much as we can bear our Lord s glory, we can bring His glory to the world. The Antiochian Village is where our bishops, clergy, adults and children gather to study, worship, have fellowship and rejuvenate our faith. We have invested much of ourselves in this place where we meet and are fed by God. How does Phil. 4:13 relate to your activities at various church settings such as the Antiochian Village, Camp St. Nicholas, Camp St. Thekla, Camp St. Raphael, Camp St. George, Camp Transfiguration and other settings across North America where our youth and adults gather? How have your experiences in this type of setting strengthened you to participate in the other areas of your life? P four The early Church gathered for both worship and fellowship. Share your experience and discuss the importance of finding places and opportunities where we can gather together as members of the Holy Orthodox Church. Explore how these gatherings and relationships with other Orthodox youth strengthen your love for Christ, your faith and your knowledge of God. For registration and more information go 22

23 CONTACT INFORMATION HIERARCHS: His Eminence, Metropolitan Joseph Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America His Grace, The Right Reverend Anthony Auxiliary Bishop of Toledo and the Midwest CLERGY: The Very Reverend Economos Fr. Nicholas Dahdal, Pastor (630) (cell) Very Rev. Fr. Mark Sahady, Assistant Pastor (724) (cell) Subdeacon Mazen Khalifeh (708) (cell) Subdeacon David Rayahin (847) (cell) CHANTERS: Protopsaltis Jameel Haddad, Chadi Karam, Sara Kurian CHOIR DIRECTOR: Trevor Lenhart HEAD USHER: Adel Alfakhori WEBMASTER: Suhail Qumri BOOKSTORE: Robert Sweiss stgeorgecicero.org PARISH COUNCIL: CHAIRWOMAN: Darlene N. Haddad VICE-CHAIR: Rammy Zanayed SECRETARY: Mina Rantisi TREASURER: Suhail Qumri FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Mazen Rihani MEMBERS: Adel Alfakhori, Steve Bynum, Maher Eseed, Joseph Homsy, Hania Kahoush, Trevor Lenhart, Michael Mufarreh, Hani Rihani, Mariana Saba, Yousef Selim COUNCIL HONORARY MEMBERS: Mansour Rayan, Eid Swais LADIES GUILD: Samar Rihani (President) YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY: Lauren Rihani (President) SOYO: Michael Nawas (President) SUNDAY SCHOOL: Karen Nawas (Principal) CHURCH OFFICE: SECRETARY: Samar Rihani OFFICE HOURS: Tue Fri 10am 5pm TELEPHONE: FAX: WEBSITE: Address: 1220 S. 60th Ct, Cicero, IL, WEEKLY SERVICES SCHEDULE: Saturday Great Vespers: 5:00pm Sunday Orthros (Matins): 9:15am Sunday Divine Liturgy: 10:30am 23

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