2013 St. George Church Staff and Organizations Pastor The Very Rev. Anthony G. Sabbagh Administrative Committee Albert Bitar, Treasurer Rehab Tabchi Robert Mimari Abe Assad Nasser Sabbagh George Nassoor Office Administrator Donna Becker Custodian Adnan Sabbagh Building/Planning Eli Mimari Dr. George Nassoor Altar Servers Peter Attar, Subdeacon Joseph Landino, Seminarian Anthony Youwakim, Altar Boy Captain Joe Wakim, Altar Boy Captain Choir Naida Abraham, Treasurer Members: Kh. Minerva Sabbagh Mary Landino Christina Attar Jouhayna Al-Amm Mishleen Bashour Sean Thornton Wayne Burke David T. Davis George Nassoor Vilma Abraham Delores Edwards Helena Yurconic Ron Benner Amjed Khalil Chanters Hweida Moussa Marwan Sabbagh Antoun Saba The Fellowship of St. John the Divine Christina Attar, Chair Abe Assad, Co-Chair Rehab Tabchi, Treasurer Ladies Altar Society Diane Gharzouzi, President Suzanna Zoudeh, Vice President Ebtisam Richie, Treasurer Fay Moses, Secretary Children s Relief Fund Kh. Minerva Sabbagh Sunday School Ebtisam Moussa, Director Teachers: Abe Assad Jennifer Alraei Sana Bitar Ida Tabchi Sahar Tabchi Nadia Davis Jaklin Sabbagh Reem Haddad Teen SOYO The Very Rev. Anthony G. Sabbagh, Spiritual Advisor Naife Khalouf, Advisor Ghassan Makdsi, Advisor Nicole Hamoui, President Takla Zaghtiti, Vice President Tony Sankari, Treasurer Mishleen Bahsour, Recording Secretary Hilda Souid, Corresponding Secretary Clara Yazji, Media Secretary St. George Bookstore Mary Landino, Chair Kh. Minerva Sabbagh, Treasurer Rehab Tabchi Charitable Ministries Annual Appeal for Syrian Orphanages Kamal Abboud, Chair Pastoral Discretionary Fund The Very Rev. Anthony G. Sabbagh Albert Bitar Newcomer Committee Naim Dergham, Chair Ghassan Makdsi Antoun Saba Marwan Sabbagh August 4, 2013 Tone 5, Eothinon 6 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost On this day, we commemorate: The Seven Youths of Ephesus; Martyr Eudokia of Persia Divine Liturgy Epistle Romans 12:6-14 (6th Sunday after Pentecost) Thou, O Lord, wilt preserve us: and keep us from this generation. Save, O Lord; for the godly man ceaseth. The Reading is from St. Paul s Letter to the Romans BRETHREN, having gifts that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you bless and do not curse them. Gospel Matthew 9:1-8 (6th Sunday of Matthew) The Reading of the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew At that time, Jesus got into a boat, crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, Take heart, my son; your sins are for-
given. And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, This man is blaspheming. But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, Your sins are forgiven, or to say, Rise and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins --he then said to the paralytic-- Rise, take up your bed and go home. And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they marveled, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men. Orthodox thought for the day St. Nicholai Velimirovich (Homilies, vol. 2, p. 54 & 55) brings the galvanizing effect of Christ s gospel to bear on our own days as well. Christ is like a watershed. Wherever He appears, men are immediately divided into two camps: those who rejoice in good and those who do not. It is so today with men, and it was so in the days when the Lord walked the earth, clad in human flesh. Today s Gospel gives an account of this fearsome division among men in the presence of the Revealer of good, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ... - St. Nicholai of South Canaan Upcoming Feast Day: Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary One of the features of Orthodox Christianity is its emphasis on celebrating Feast Days of the Church during the Liturgical year. Orthodox Christians kow that the feasts are timeless and significant to personal growth in the faith. Join us on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 7 pm for Vespers and Thursday, Aug. 15, 10 am for Divine Liturgy. Holy Bread The Holy Bread is sponsored by: Diyolet Hanna, children and family in loving memory of Robert Ibrahim Akal 1992-2013 (40-Day Memorial) The Holy Bread is offered before the Altar of God by Father Anthony for the living servants of God: Diyolet Hanna, children and family; Labiby and Michelle Joseph; Mary Jane Koury; Joseph and Souha Hadeed; Marvin and Karla Hadeed; Bassim, Khouzma and Marilyn Abboud; Salim and Diane Shahoud; Tony and Mildred DeBellis; Naziha Assad and Family; Afifeh Skaf; Fairouz Salloum and Family; Faisal and Nadia Daher; Naife Khalouf; Nour Atiyeh; Lawahiz, Abe, John, Kate Assad; Mary Assad; Tom Pavlick; Joshua Assad Pavlick; George Assad; Michael, Mona, Wail, Heather, Mitchell, Mallory, Abeer, Elyssa and Eyanna; Albert, Shadia and Christian Bitar; Ron Hanna; Charbel Elias and Family; Georges Bitar and Family; Sueliman Bitar and Family; The Madbak Family; Vilma Abraham; Thomas Abraham and Family; for the departed servants of God: Robert Ibrahim Akal; Salwa Hadeed; Alan Abraham; Fouad Assad; Elias Salloum; Zaki Skaf; Elias and Danny Khalouf; Youssef Atiyeh; Hanna Daher; Jamileh Abboud; Wajih Hanna; John Ray and Sameer Assad; Badih Bitar; Ilona Hanna; Abdo Elias; Bassam Bitar; Khalil and Nizha Bitar. Memorial Service A Memorial Service is held for the rest of the soul of the servant of God: Robert Ibrahim Akal May the Lord grant rest to His servant and remember him in His kingdom, now and forever.
Coffee Hour We thank the following family for sponsoring today s Coffee Hour. Please join us immediately folllowing Divine Liturgy. Diyolet Hanna, children and family Special donations to the Church We acknowledge families and friends who have honored dear ones with monetary gifts given in the spirit of loving kindness. $ Diyolet Hanna, children and family to the Charity Fund in loving memory of Robert Ibrahim Akal. $ Labiby and Michelle Joseph to the Church in loving memory of Salwa Hadeed. $ Mary Jane Koury to the Church in loving memory of Alan Abraham. $ Joseph and Souha Hadeed and Family to the Church in loving memory of Salwa Hadeed. $ Joseph and Souha Hadeed and Family to the Ladies Altar Society in loving memory of Salwa Hadeed. $ Marvin and Karla Hadeed and Family to the Church in loving memory of Salwa Hadeed. $ Marvin and Karla Hadeed and Family to the Ladies Altar Society in loving memory of Salwa Hadeed. $ Bassim, Khouzma and Marilyn Abboud to the Church in loving memory of Salwa Hadeed. $ Bassim, Khouzma and Marilyn Abboud to the Ladies Altar Society in loving memory of Salwa Hadeed. $ Salim and Diane Shahoud to the Church in loving memory of Salwa Hadeed. $ Salim and Diane Shahoud to the Ladies Altar Society in loving memory of Salwa Hadeed. $ Tony and Mildred DeBellis to the Church in loving memory of Alan Abraham. $ Naziha Assad and Family to the Church in loving memory of Fouad Assad. $ Afifeh Skaf to the Church in loving memory of Zaki Skaf. $ Faisal and Nadia Daher to the Church in loving memory of Hanna Daher, Jamileh Abboud and Wajih Hanna. $ Naife Khalouf to the Church in loving memory of Elias and Danny Khalouf; Youssef Atiyeh; for the good health of Nour Atiyeh. $ Abe Assad and Mary Assad to Church School for the good health of the Assad and Pavlick Families; Lawahiz, Abe, John, Kate Assad, Mary Assad; Tom Pavlick and Joshua Assad Pavlick; George Assad; in loving memory of John Ray and Sameer Assad. $ The Bitar Family to the Church in loving memory of Badih Bitar and for the good health of Michael, Mona, Wail, Heather, Mitchell, Mallory, Abeer, Elyssa and Eyanna; Albert, Shadia and Christian Bitar. $ Ron Hanna to the Church in loving memory of Ilona Hanna. $ Charbel Elias and Family to the Church in loving memory of Abdo Elias. $ Georges Bitar and Family; Sueliman Bitar and Family to the Church in loving memory of Bassam Bitar; Khalil and Nizha Bitar. $ Family and friends to the Church in loving memory of Alan Abraham. $ Family and friends to the Church in loving memory of Salwa Hadeed. $300 Fairouz Salloum and children to the Ladies Altar Society in loving memory of Elias Salloum. Abducted bishops alive and well I share with you great news concerning our abducted Metropolitan Paul Yazigi and Bishop John Ibrahim. Congressman Charles Dent informed me that the State Department advised him that Metropolitan Paul Yazigi and Bishop Ibrahim are healthy and well. As to where they are or who holds them we have no information. I inquired from Congressman Dent if this news is genuine and he responded with joy positively yes. Father Anthony
Within the Church We wish each parishioner and friend of St. George Church a Happy Birthday or Anniversary. May God s blessings shine down upon them throughout the coming year. Please keep the church office (610) 439-1232 informed of birthdays, anniversaries and special family events. Best wishes for a wonderful Birthday/Anniversary and a year filled with good health and happiness! May happiness be yours on this special day and in the year ahead! Happy Birthday 8/4 Cheryl Kilpatrick 8/10 Georgette Hamoui Isabelle Moses Mounera Youwakim 8/6 George N. Jarrah Christopher Kelly 8/7 Elizabeth Nassoor Ronia Allan David Fries 8/8 Joseph Younes Jr. Happy Anniversary 8/9 Sylvia Bandak 8/9/81 Najeed & Badrieh Hosni Plan ahead: St. Thekla Pilgrimage is Sept. 20-22 The St. Thekla Pilgrimage will be held September 20-22, 2013 at the Antiochian Village in Bolivar, PA. There are few places in the United States where you can visit the grave and shrine of a saint of the Church. Did you know that the Antiochian Village is one of those places? St. Raphael, Bishop of Brooklyn, the Good Shepherd of the Lost Sheep of America, is buried on the grounds of the Antiochian Village. This year we are expanding the focus of our annual pilgrimage to not only include our prayers for the intercession of St. Thekla, but also we will pray the Service of Supplication to St. Raphael that he may intercede on our behalf before the throne of God. For more information, visit www.antiochian.org. You can register online or call Antiochian Village to make reservations (724) 238-3677, ext. 426 or email barli@antiochianvillage.org. A brochure is available through the church office (610) 439-9972. Church Festival Volunteers You re invited! Dinner Friday, August 9, 7 pm Sponsored by RSVP (610) 439-9972 Stream Energy is the host for this dinner and cordially invites you to join them on Friday, Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. Come and enjoy a great dinner and hear a short presentation on how Stream Energy is saving our church money. St. George s has partnered with Stream Energy who works in conjunction with PPL to give our parishioners a low group rate. When you sign up with Stream Energy, you save money on your electric bill and St. George s Church will get a $4 donation each and every time you pay your bill. Bring your electric bill to our next church festival, Aug. 15-18, and see how you can save $$.
Come for the food, stay for the music! st. George Church Middle Eastern Food FEstival Thursday-Sunday aug. 15-18, 2013 Begins at 5 pm Benefits Charities 1011 Catasauqua Ave., Allentown, PA 18102 www.stgeorgeallentown.com 610-439-9972 Live Music! Dance Troupes! Games! Sponsors needed for Homeless Dinners Homeless Dinners are offered to the poor in our community from September through May and are served by our Teen SOYO members. If you would like to sponsor a Homeless Dinner contact Naife Khalouf, Teen SOYO advisor at (610) 432-6101. Thank you to all who have offered to support our monthly Homeless Dinners in the past. Your generosity is appreciated. Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love. - Mother Theresa Help make a difference Please help us meet our goal. Help rebuild the lives of many oppressed Syrian Christian refugees. Donate now! God loves a cheerful giver. If it s not now, then when? If it is not you, then who shall give? Donate: www.fundraise.com/st-george-antiochiansyrian-orthodox-church/hope-for-the-hopelesssyrian-christians-victims-of-war We opened this fundraiser, heavy-hearted and with a visionary mind. to alleviate the pain and suffering of Christian Syrian victims of war, who are fleeing for their lives. Terrorists are targeting and persecuting our Syrian Christian communities to extinction. Families are becoming obliberated. Many of these people are coming to the Lehigh Valley seeking refuge, shelter, food, jobs and more. While our church is looking to enlarge the base of our services for the suffering and oppressed, we discovered Mary Immaculate Center that is for sale. The Center will meet all our church needs and help the poor, deprived, displaced and homeless. We are interested in purchasing Mary Immaculate Center for the greater good of our vast Syrian church community and to help those in need in our community at large. For I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in; I was naked, and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison; and you came unto me. (Matthew 25:35-35) We come to you with hopeful expectations. Please consider our situation and enable us as Our Good Samaritan to give hope, restore broken homes and the hearts of many. Your donation now will make a difference and help rebuildlives. Please give according to your ability and joyful heart.