2014 St. George Church Staff and Organizations Pastor The Very Rev. Anthony G. Sabbagh Administrative Committee Elias Gharzouzi, Chairman Albert Bitar, Treasurer Rehab Tabchi Robert Mimari Abe Assad Nasser Sabbagh George Nassoor Office Administrator Donna Becker Custodian Adnan Sabbagh Building/Planning Dr. George Nassoor Dave Davis Altar Servers Peter Attar, Subdeacon Joseph Landino, Assistant Priest Anthony Youwakim, Altar Boy Captain Choir Gail Ortner, Director 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 Dr. Rehab Tabchi Mary Landino Nadia Davis Jaklin Sabbagh Teen SOYO The Very Rev. Anthony G. Sabbagh, Spiritual Advisor Kh. Minerva Sabbagh, Advisor Khalil Yacoub, Advisor Hope Sabbagh, Ass t. Advisor Joe Nehme, Ass t. Advisor Hilda Souid, President Jack Barakat, Vice President Jayson Saleet, Treasurer Clara Yazji, Recording Secretary Jack Yacoub, Corresponding Secretary St. George Bookstore Mary Landino, Chair Kh. Minerva Sabbagh, Treasurer Rehab Tabchi Website Elie Jabbour George Issa Charitable Ministries Annual Appeal for Syrian Orphanages Kamal Abboud, Chair Pastoral Discretionary Fund The Very Rev. Anthony G. Sabbagh Albert Bitar Newcomer Committee September 7, 2014 Tone 4, Eothinon 2 Sunday before the Exaltation of the Cross Forefeast of the Nativity of the Theotokos On this day we commemorate: Martyr Sozon of Cilicia; Apostles Euodos & Onesiphoros of the Seventy; John, archbishop of Novgorod; Venerable Cloud of Nogent-sur-Seine Divine Liturgy THE EPISTLE For the Sunday before the Exaltation of the Holy Cross O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. To Thee, O Lord, I have cried, O my God. The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians. (6:11-18) BRETHREN, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the Law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all, who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
THE GOSPEL (For the Sunday before the Exaltation of the Holy Cross) The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (3:13-17) THE LORD SAID, No one has ascended into heaven but He who descended from heaven, the Son of man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. Orthodox thought for the day The following simple analogy shows the possibility of God s love for the world and some people s rejection of it. (Ancient Christian Commentaries on Scripture. New Testament Volume 4A Intervarsity Press, page 126-127) As far as it lies in the power of the physician, he has come to heal the sick. Whoever does not observe his orders destroys himself. - St. Augustine of Hippo Holy Bread The Holy Bread is sponsored by Nicholas Makhoul & Family George Arab in loving memory of Najat Makhoul Arab (Nine-Day Memorial) The Holy Bread is offered before the Altar of God by Father Anthony for the living servants of God: Nicholas Makhoul and Family; George Arab; Majed and Theresa Dergham; Salim, Rhonda, Mazin and Alexander Aleid; Naim and Fadwa Dergham; Adam, Majeda and Elias Zimpfer; Donna Legerda Kotzin and Family; Kamal and Amina Abboud; Montaha Hanna; Elie, Katrina and Alexandra Jabbour; Fouad Younes; Mary Younes; Tammy, George, Rima and Maya Makhoul; Zakieh Hanna; Afifeh Skaf; Faisal and Nadia Daher; Naife Khalouf; Nour Atiyeh; Assad Family; Pavlick Family; Lawahiz, Abe, John, Kate Assad; Mary Assad; Tom Pavlick and Joshua Assad Pavlick; George Assad; Layal Hanna; Georges Bitar; Michael, Mona, Wail, Heather, Mitchell, Mallory, Abeer, Elyssa and Eyanna; Albert, Shadia and Christian Bitar; for departed servants of God: Patriarch Hazim; Metropolitan Philip; Najat Makhoul Arab; Alex and Elizabeth (Shay) Legerda; Jameel Afif Abboud; Mary Lou Jabbour-Carl; Jamileh Hanna; Georges and Tony Hanna; Barhoun Saba; Zaki Skaf; Wajih Hanna, Jamileh Abboud; Hanna Daher; Elias and Danny Khalouf; Alfred Hanna; Youssef Atiyeh; John Ray and Sameer Assad; Badih Bitar; Bassam, Khalil and Nizha Bitar. Memorial Service A Memorial Service is held for the rest of the souls of the servants of God: Najat Makhoul Arab May the Lord grant rest to His servants and remember them in His kingdom, now and forever. Hotel accommodations can now be booked Enthronement of Metropolitan Joseph planned for December 6 at St. Nicholas Cathedral, Brooklyn It is with great pleasure that we announce that events related to the Enthronement of His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph will take place during the weekend of December 5-7, 2014 at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Brooklyn, New York. The actual enthronement will take place in conjunction with Vespers on Saturday December 6. We will be greatly blessed by the presence of His Beatitude Patriarch John X who will preside during this weekend. Hotel accommodations can now be booked at the Brooklyn Mariott. Details concerning the schedule and banquet information are still being finalized. Information: www.antiochian.org
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. $ Donna Legerda Kotzin and Family to the Church in loving memory of Alex and Elizabeth (Shay) Legerda; for peace in the world. Our love goes out to our family and friends at St. George Church. $ Kamal and Amina Abboud to the Church in loving memory of Jameel Afif Abboud. $ Majed and Theresa Dergham to the Church in loving memory of Najat Makhoul Arab; for the good health of Nicholas Makhoul. $ Salim and Rhonda Aleid to the Church in loving memory of Najat Makhoul Arab; for the good health of Salim, Rhonda, Mazin and Alexander Aleid. $ Adam and Majeda Zimpfer to the Church in loving memory of Najat Makhoul Arab; for the good health of Adam, Majeda and Elias Zimpfer. $ Montaha Hanna to the Church in loving memory of Mary Lou Jabbour-Carl. $ Elie, Katrina and Alexandra Jabbour in loving memory of Mary Lou Jabbour- Carl. $ Fouad Younes to the Church for the good health of Mary Younes. $ Tammy, George, Rima and Maya Makhoul to the Church in loving memory of Jamileh Hanna. Gone but never forgotten. $ Zakieh Hanna to the Church School in loving memory of Georges Hanna; Tony Hanna; Barhoun Saba. May their memories be eternal. $ Afifeh Skaf to the Church in loving memory of Zaki Skaf. $ Faisal and Nadia Daher to the Church in loving memory of Wajih Hanna; Jamileh Abboud; Hanna Daher. $ 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. $ Layal Hanna and Family to the Church in loving memory of Alfred Hanna. $ Georges Bitar to the Church in loving memory of Bassam, Khalil and Nizha Bitar. $ 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. The Family of Najat Makhoul Arab wishes to express appreciation and a special thank you to Yahya Awad for donating the Mercy Meal on Sept. 3 in loving memory of Najat Makhoul Arab. TODAY: Falafal & Sharwama Lunch Join us! Proceeds benefit St. George Church Charity Fund Archdiocese officially announces transfer to St. George Church for Deacon Thomas The Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese has officially transferred Deacon Thomas Underwood to our church. We look forward to his continued assistance with Father Anthony and Father Joseph and many years of blessed fellowship and friendship. Please see the enclosed letter for details. Metropolitan Joseph and Bishop Nicholas to visit our church in January We are happy to announce an upcoming visit from Metropolitan Joseph and Bishop Nicholas the weekend of Jan. 9-11, 2015. A schedule will be published as soon as plans are finalized. Please see the enclosed letter for details.
A year full of excitement and activities planned for the Fellowship of St. John the Divine The Fellowship of Saint John the Divine for adults at our parish is pleased to announce the start of their meetings this month. We welcome all new members who are interested in living and enjoying the faith and look forward to a year full of excitement and activities. Come join us! More information: Ghazal Stity 610-888-8528 stityg@gmail.com Amjad Khalil 484-560-2252 akk008@bucknell.edu Sawsan Khalouf 610-392-7694 You may also register at the Church Hall after Divine Liturgy. Will you sponsor one of our teens? Our Teen SOYO is participating in the 2014 Lehigh Valley Walk to Defeat ALS on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at Coca Cola Park, 1050 IronPigs Way, Allentown, PA. The two-mile walk starts at 10 am. Please consider sponsoring a teen and call Jayson Saleet, Teen SOYO treasurer, at (484) 892-0369. The ALS Association is the only national nonprofit organization fighting Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a motor neuron disease. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships. The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure. For more informationj on ALS visit www.alsphiladelphia.org.
Ladies Altar Society news Yard sale nets $600 profit Thank you to all who donated items for our recent yard sale. A profit of $600 was raised and donated to The Convent of St. Thekla, a female monastic community under the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. You re invited Please join us for upcoming meetings at 7 p.m. on Mondays, Sept. 15 and Oct. 13. For more information call Diane Gharzouzi (610) 868-9456. Kibee available $25/dozen. Contact Diane Gharzouzi (610) 868-9456 or see her after church services. Upcoming events TODAY! Falafel and Sharwama Lunch to benefit Charity Fund When: Sunday, Sept. 7 immediately after church services (noon) Where: St. George Church Come and support the St. George Church Charity Fund and enjoy lunch! Creative Arts Awards presented to Sunday School students When: Sunday, Sept. 28 during church services. St. George Church Sunday School students showcased their talents in the 2014 Creative Arts Festival. Children received awards for their efforts and winners from our church were announced at the Parish Life Conference. Please join us as we recognize our children and acknowledge their work. Teen SOYO Bake Sale Sunday, Oct. 12 immediately after Church services. Annual Fall Bazaar Friday-Sunday, November 7-9, sponsored by the Ladies Altar Society 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 9/7 James W. Kayal 9/12 Nick Mitry Dana Mauro 9/13 Walter Miller 9/8 Norma Hadeed Fr. Demetrios Makoul Ohanis Kazanijian 9/9 Pamela Hanna Happy Anniversary Daniella Hanna 9/12/11 Hadi & Mariam Wakim Maria Youwakim Linda Ann Belles Michael Dergham Amanda Borelli 9/11 Mikayla Hanna September 2014 Edition of The Word now available See www.antiochian.org From Uncertainty to Confidence Editorial by Bishop John Address by His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph Into the Heart of Antioch: The North American Delegtion to the Antiochian Unity Conference by Douglas Cramer Our First Interview with Metropolitan Joseph Bishop Antoun Reflects The Road to Damascus: My Conversion by Brett Heide
It s time to register your children for Sunday School Consider your children for this wonderful opportunity! The curriculum provides your child with the essential concepts of the Orthodox Christian faith in a caring environment. Sunday School begins Sunday, Sept. 14 at 9 am Sunday School will be held for one hour, 9 to 10 am. Sunday School is open to children in kindergarten through 8th grade. Register children on Sunday, Sept. 7 Register on Sunday, Sept. 7 during Coffee Hour at the Sunday School Registration Table. The registration form is in this bulletin. Or, complete the registration form in this bulletin and bring it when you register. Or, mail the completed registration form in this bulletin, along with the registration fee, and mail it to St. George Church, 1011 Catasauqua Ave., Allentown, PA 18102. Registration fee $10 per child or $25 per family. Please pay by cash or check (payable to St. George Church) and give it to Ebtisam Moussa. You may also mail it to the Church along with the completed registration form. Questions? Call Ebtisam Moussa (610) 866-4477. There are many ways you can volunteer! See the next page. How will you be involved? The nurture and care for children in our Church School is entirely dependent on the willingness of volunteers in our church family. Please check below to see what interests you. Come and be a part of this wonderful opportunity. I am interested in (please check all that interest you): Please print Teacher Assistant Teacher Willing to help in the classroom Christmas Program Lenten Program Special events/parties during the Church School year Creative Festival Help with crafts Make educational materials, help with bulletin boards I have a special talent I can share Other Donate snacks for parties/events Donate materials for Church School projects Name Phone Email Please return this form to the church office or give it to Ebtisam Moussa. Thank you!
St. George Church School 2014 Student Registration Sunday School begins Sunday, Sept. 14 Registration fee: $10 per child or $25 per family Student s name Birthday Student s name Birthday Student s name Birthday Student s name Birthday Home Address Street City State Zip Phone Cell New books in our Church Bookstore The Orthodox Companion is an explanatory prayer book and guide to devotion and church behavior. It is useful for anyone who wishes to learn more about their faith and useful for parents in instructing their children. This book is approved and authorized for use of all the faithful Orthodox Christians in our Archdiocese. Help! I m Bored in Church will help you see church as the best place you could possibly be, and the place you most want to be. Do you ever find yourself feeling bored in church. Fr. Da-vid Smith offers compelling reasons for going to church regardless of how we feel. 6 reasons people sometimes feel bored in church 5 ways to think about your priest. 4 ways you can participate more fully in services 3 kinds of waiting. 2 kinds of prayer, and the 1 thing truly needful in our relationship with God. Many more items available Arabic prayer books Bibles DVDs music children s items jewelry soaps lotions honey and jam religious books incense Please see Kh. Minerva or Kh. Mary to purchase an item. Donations to the Bookstore are always welcome. Email Father s name Mother s name Emergency contact Name Phone