ST. ELIJAH ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH 15000 N. May, Oklahoma City, OK 73134 Church Office: 755-7804 Church Website: www.stelijahokc.com Church Email: stelijah@stelijahokc.com AUGUST 24, 2014 Issue 26 Number 34 Saints of the Day: Martyr Eutyches, disciple of John the Theologian; New Hieromartyr Cosmas Aitolos, equal-to-the-apostles and evangelizer of southern Albania; recovery of the relics of Dionysios, bishop of Zakinthos and of Peter, metropolitan of Moscow DIRECTORY V. Rev. Fr. John Salem Pastor 410-9399 Rev. Fr. Jeremy Davis Associate Pastor 625-0675 V. Rev. Fr. Constantine Nasr Pastor Emeritus 749-8491 V. Rev. Fr. Basil McMurry Attached Rev. Dn. Ezra Ham Administrator 602-9914 Erin Ghata Youth Director 410-9456 Mom s Day Out & Pre-K Roxy Self Director 639-2679 Email: mdo@stelijahokc.com Facebook: St Elijah Mom s Day Out Twitter: StElijahMDO DYNAMIS: Daily Bible Readings www.dynamispublications.org Ancient Faith Radio ancientfaith.com WELCOME We welcome all our visitors. It is an honor to have you worshipping with us. You may find the worship of the Ancient Church very different. We welcome your questions. Please join us for our Reception held in the Church Hall immediately following the Divine Liturgy. We understand Holy Communion to be an act of our unity in faith. While we work toward the unity of all Christians, it regrettably does not now exist. Therefore, only baptized Orthodox Christians (who have properly prepared) are permitted to participate in Holy Communion. However, everyone is welcome to partake of the blessed bread that is distributed at the end of the service. We look forward to meeting you during the Reception that follows the service. PARTICIPATION IN WORSHIP Orthros: Red Service Book p. 44 The Divine Liturgy Red Divine Liturgy Book p. 9 Memorial Service Red Service Book p. 183 Churching Service Red Service Book p. 216 Removal of Crowns Red Service Book p. 181
VARIATIONS IN TODAY S DIVINE LITURGY A B C D E The 1 st Antiphon: As usual The 2 nd Antiphon: As usual The 3 rd Antiphon: Troparion of the Resurrection Tone 2 The Entrance Hymn: O come let us worship Troparion of the Resurrection Tone 2 When Thou didst submit Thyself unto death, O Thou Deathless and Immortal One, then Thou didst destroy Hell with Thy Godly power; and when Thou didst raise the dead from beneath the earth, all the powers of Heaven did cry aloud unto Thee: O Christ Thou Giver of Life, glory to Thee! Troparion of St. Elijah Tone 4 Angelic Body, Pillar of Prophets and their Corner Stone, Forerunner of the Second-Coming of Christ; thou didst send Grace from on high to Elisha, to dispel sickness and to purify lepers, Glorious Elijah, thou dost overflow with healing to those who honor thee. Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos Tone 4 By thy holy nativity, O pure one, Joachim and Anna were delivered from the reproach of barrenness, and Adam and Eve from the corruption of death; thy people celebrate it, having been saved from the penalty of their transgressions, crying unto thee: "The barren doth give birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our Life." F The Thrice-Holy Hymn G THE READINGS THE EPISTLE The Lord is my strength and my song. With chastisement has the Lord chastened me! The reading is from St. Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians (9:2-12) Brethren, the seal of my apostleship are you in the Lord. My defense to those who would examine me is this: Do we have no authority regarding what to eat and what to drink? Do we have no authority to lead about a wife, who is a sister, as the rest of the apostles, even as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no authority to refrain from working? Which soldier ever served at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit thereof? Or who shepherds a flock and does not eat from the milk of the flock? Do I speak of these things according to human nature? Or does not the law say the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, "Thou shalt not muzzle an ox which treads out the grain." Is it for oxen that God cares, or does he say it altogether for our sakes? Indeed, for our sakes it was written: because he who plows ought to plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope, so that the same might partake in hope. If we have sown in you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we should reap your carnal things? If others are partakers of this authority over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this authority, but we endure all things, in order that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.
THE GOSPEL From the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew (18:23-35) The Lord spoke this parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart." H I J The Megalynarion It is truly meet The Communion Hymn Praise the Lord.Alleluia. We have seen the true light OFFERINGS HOLY BREAD is offered by Dr. Garo and Arsine Basmadjian for the good health and the good health of the Basmadjian, Hammersley, and Baghdayan families. It is especially offered in memory of Sarkis Baghdayan (Arto's dad), who reposed in Doha, Qatar. May his memory be eternal. HOLY BREAD is offered by Franklin Naifeh for his good health and the good health of his family. It is also offered in memory of Zeak, Rose, Robert, Selma, Robert, and Baby James Naifeh. It is especially offered in memory of his wife Connie (5 years). May her memory be eternal. HOLY BREAD is offered by Mona and Mike Spivey, George, Karla, Kasey, Dr. Adam and Alexandra Cohlmia for their good health. It is especially offered in memory of Minerva Cohlmia (2 years). May her memory be eternal. HOLY BREAD is offered by Annie, Arto, Areen, and Armen Baghdayan for their good health and the good health of the Baghdayan family. It is especially offered as a memorial service for Arto's father Sarkis, who reposed on 8/10. May his memory be eternal. HOLY BREAD is offered by George and Karla Cohlmia for their good health and the good health of their children and the Cohlmia, Shadid, Massad, Samara, Demetree, and Barkett families. It is especially offered for Adam and Alexandra on the blessing of their marriage yesterday and for Kasey as she begins a new school year. May God grant them many years. HOLY BREAD is offered by Jacque Massad for her good health and the good health of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. It is especially offered in memory of her husband Omar (22 years). May his memory be eternal.
ANNOUNCEMENTS WELCOME. We welcome all visitors. We are delighted you are worshipping with us and look forward to meeting you personally. COFFEE HOUR is hosted by 20/40 Fellowship. Please join us immediately following Divine Liturgy. Visitors are especially welcome. SYMPATHY is extended to Arto and Annie Baghdayan on the repose of his father Sarkis overseas on August 10. May his memory be eternal. CONGRATULATIONS to Amos and Brittanny Ham on the birth of their son Esper Thomas on August 15. He was 20 1/2 inches long and weighed 9lbs., 10 oz. May God grant him many years. CONGRATULATIONS to Chad and Julie Homsey on the baptism of their daughters Ava Mary and Reese Margaret yesterday, August 23. May God grant them many years. CONGRATULATIONS to Dr. Adam and Alexandra Cohlmia on the blessing of their marriage yesterday, August 23. May God grant them many years. DIVINE LITURGY in memory of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist will be held at 9am this Friday, August 29. THANK YOU. I want to extend my thanks to my church family that have prayed and shown loving support during my time of recuperation after surgery. I appreciate my church and the love shown during this time. Robert Smith GET READY! GET SET! THE BAKE SALE IS COMING! OCTOBER 24 TH AND 25 TH C O F F E E H O U R Below is the schedule of those who will host Coffee Hour on upcoming Sundays. August 31 - The Kaiser Family September 7 - Antiochian Women's Onion Burger Luncheon 14 - (Fasting) MDO 21 - Anniversary Luncheon 28 - Cultural Ministry HAPPY BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK AUG. 24-30 David Farris Stacy Shadid Alix Samara Nadia Shaheen Marika Kaiser Cyril Kaiser Nancy Nayfa Charleigh Addison Gabriel Hare Todd Naifeh Jeanette Shadid Petra Sweiss Caslyn Toma Nancy Farha Janet Jaime Sarah Stuart Today we remember those who reposed in the Lord during this week in years past: Nahi Abyad Matilda Adwon Omar K. Massad Andy Kraker Constance "Connie" Kay Naifeh Mable (Maheeba) Nayfa Eddie Jacob Bird Hanne Burgess Mrs. Saida Farha Woodrow Farris
Sunday School 2014-2015! Our classes will begin Sunday, September 7th! We will enjoy a kick-off luncheon hosted by the Antiochian Women and then have our bowling party at Heritage Lanes. We are looking forward to another great year of learning and fellowship. This year Sunday School Registration may be submitted online at www.stelijahokc.com! If you prefer, please fill out the form below and return it to Erin or the office. Parent Names: Home Phone: Parent Email: Parent Cell Phone: Student Email: Child s Name Grade Birthday Saint s Name
A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who helped prepare and deliver the chicken spaghetti casseroles. We had a great turnout. It was truly a team effort and a success. We made 18 large and 17 small casseroles that we delivered to our community agencies - the YWCA Battered Women's Shelter and the Holy Family Home - as well as our Agape casseroles to our own St. Elijah families. On behalf of the Community Connection and myself, thank you for taking time to help with this rewarding project. It would not have been possible without all your hard work and labor of love. God bless you. Your sister in Christ, Tami Simon To our Fathers and Church Parish, The Fellowship of St. John the Divine would like to say thank you to all for attending our luncheon this past Sunday. Your generous donations go a long way in providing our organization the opportunity to reach out to those less fortunate and often forgotten in our community. Our mission is to provide a spiritual balance for the faithful and to those in need, to live a Christ-centered life protected by the timetested witness of the Church, and the prayers of patron and intercessor, St. John the Divine, the Evangelist, the Theologian and the Beloved. As a body, each of you help us make a difference in changing the lives of those in need. For that, we humbly thank you all. God's Blessing. Jim Fox, President Fellowship of St. John the Divine
Sunday School will begin on September 7th! Parents can register their child on the St. Elijah website under the Parishioner and Youth tabs! Please register your children soon. We are looking forward to another great year! Sunday School Kick-Off Bowling Party! After the luncheon on September 7th, all Sunday School students, teachers and their families are invited to a Bowling Party at Heritage Lanes (122nd and Penn)! We will bowl from 2:30 to 4:30 and celebrate the start of another school year! A big thank you to all the teens and chaperones who came to the Redhawks game last night for the SOYO Kick- Off Party! It was a grand slam! (cheesy baseball jokes are fun) DOWAMA SOYO Basketball Tournament: October 3-5! Our speaker will be Kh. Gigi Shadid! Please see Erin and get a registration form today! Don't miss this Diocese-wide teen event! Teen Chats this Wednesday! 7:00p.m. in the Teen Room! Registration is now open for the Wichita YES Trip September 12-14! Go to www.yesnorthamerica.org to sign-up for this great weekend of fellowship and service!
Worship and Spiritual Life Sunday Matins at 8:50 am Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am Wednesday Vespers at 6:15 pm Tuesday Matins at 7:00 am Saturday Vespers at 5:00 pm Confessions throughout the week. Call one of the Fathers for an appointment. Study Sunday Sunday School: Children s Classes after Communion Adult Class at 9:00 am. No classes during the summer. Wednesday Family Night 7-9 pm. Runs in 8-week blocks. Look for announcements of upcoming sessions. A full Program of Seminars and Classes for Adults, Children and Youth for both Orthodox and Non-Orthodox. Bible Study Thursdays at 10:30 am; nursery provided Fellowship & Parish Development Coffee Hour Sundays following the Divine Liturgy 20/40 Fellowship monthly as announced Ladies Aid Meetings as announced Teen Chats Wednesday Nights Adult Fellowship Meetings as announced Antiochian Women s Guild as scheduled and announced Parish Council every 3 rd Tuesday at 7 pm Choir see Al Mamary (364-8904) St. Elijah Charities To be determined Membership To become a member, you need to pray with us at our worship services, complete the Inquirer s Classes, and talk with our priests about your interest in the Orthodox faith. This process normally takes 12 months. We welcome you on your journey of faith and invite you to learn of the ancient and unchanging Holy Orthodox Church. AUGUST 24, 2014 USHERS: Dru Alleman, Guy Crain, Zac Farris, Raymond Heckard, Phil Nasr, Toby Pedford, Jacob Simon, Charlie Ward ALTAR SERVERS: Joseph Pendergraft, Emile Karam, Joshua Cohlmia, Kristian Khoury, Boris Ganchev, Joseph Harroz, Nicholas Hathaway, Ian Baker, Emerson Wyrick EPISTLE READER: Jeff Massad ELDERS: Dr. Ray Cohlmia, Geary Green, Reggie Jaime, Bill Massad, George Rizek, John Shadid, Muhsen Sweis, John Wilson BOOKSTORE: Lawrence Clemens DEADLINE FOR THE BULLETIN IS 5:00 PM ON TUESDAY CALENDAR Sunday Aug. 24 Monday Aug. 25 Tuesday Aug. 26 Matins Exercise Wednesday Aug. 27 Vespers Teen Chats Family Night Thursday Aug. 28 Orthodox Study Fellowship Friday Aug. 29 Exercise Divine Liturgy - Beheading of St. John the Baptist Saturday Aug. 30 Vespers 7:00 am 8:30 am 6:15 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 10:30 am 8:30 am 9:00 am 5:00 pm