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 NOVEMBER 17, 2013 Issue 25 Number 46 Saints of the Day: Gregory the wonder-worker, bishop of Neo-Caesarea; Gennadios, archbishop of Constantinople; Venerable Nikon, disciple of Sergios of Radonezh 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 Rev. Dn. Ezra Ham Administrator 602-9914 Erin Ghata Youth Director 410-9456 Mom s Day Out 639-2679 Roxy Self Director Email: mdo@stelijahokc.com Facebook: St Elijah Mom s Day Out Twitter: StElijahMDO DYNAMIS: Daily Bible Readings for Orthodox Christians at 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 White Service Book p. 12 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 USING THE WHITE LITURGICAL BOOKS TONE 4 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 4, p 96 The Entrance: O come let us worship Troparion of the Resurrection Tone 4, p 96 Having learned the joyful message of the Resurrection from the angel, the women disciples of the Lord cast from them their parental condemnation, and proudly broke the news to the Disciples, saying: Death hath been spoiled. Christ God is risen, granting the world great mercy! Troparion of St. Gregory the Wonderworker Tone 8 By vigilance in prayer, and continuance in the working of wonders, thou didst acquire thine achievements as a surname; wherefore, intercede with Christ our God, O Father Gregory, to enlighten our souls, lest we sleep in sin unto death. Troparion of St. Elijah, p 26 F Kontakion of the Entry of the Theotokos Tone 4 The all-pure temple of the Savior, the most precious bridal-chamber and Virgin, the treasurehouse of the glory of God, today entered the Temple of the Lord, bringing with her the grace which is in the divine Spirit: whom also the angels of God do celebrate in song, for she is the heavenly tabernacle. G H The Thrice-Holy Hymn THE READINGS THE EPISTLE How magnified are thy works, O Lord! In wisdom hast thou made them all. Bless the Lord, O my soul! The reading is from St. Paul s Epistle to the Galatians (2:16-20, p 202) Brethren, knowing that a person is not justified by the works of the Law, but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law: for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we sought to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? God forbid! For if I build up again those things which I destroyed, I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the Law died to the Law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. THE GOSPEL From the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke (12:16-21) The Lord spoke this parable, The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops? And he said, I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry. But God said to him, Fool!
This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be? So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. As he said this, Jesus called out, He who has ears to hear, let him hear. I J K The Megalynarion It is truly meet The Communion Hymn Praise the Lord from the heavens We have seen the true light OFFERINGS HOLY BREAD is offered by David and Tami Simon for their good health and the good health of their children Kouri, Jacob, and Rachel and for the Kouri and Simon families. It is especially offered for Jacob on the occasion of his 24 th birthday (11/6). May God grant him many years. HOLY BREAD AND WHEAT are offered by Michael and Brenda Haggai for their good health and for the good health of her brothers Michael, David, and Paul and their families. They are also offered in memory of their departed family members: Trudy, Ray, Lillian, Roy, Otto, Fuzzy (Arthur), Louise, Ed, Elizabeth, Fred, George, Rumzia, Yimna, Wadea, AC, Rose, Sam, Jimmy, Joseph, Mary, Margaret, Harry, Mary, Michael, Michael, Kathleen, Sean, Joseph, Ken, and Fay. They are especially offered as an 8-year memorial service for the repose of Mike Rahill. May his memory be eternal. HOLY BREAD is offered by Subdeacon George and Vanda Ghata for their good health and the good health of their children Joseph, Erin, Matthew, George, and Jamin and for the Ghata, Kassawat, and Learned families. It is especially offered for Erin and Joseph on the occasion of their 2 nd anniversary (11/12) and for Joseph on the occasion of his birthday (11/15). May God grant them many years. 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 MDO. Please join us immediately following Divine Liturgy. Visitors are especially welcome. PARISH COUNCIL will meet at 7pm this Tuesday, November 19. 20/40 CHRISTMAS PARTY 7pm on Monday, December 2, at the home of Mike and Evie Holzer (2608 Pembroke Terrace, OKC) All young adults (ages 21-40ish) are invited! Dinner is potluck: main dish is provided, please bring a side, beverage or dessert (no meat or dairy, please). For more information, call Evie at 831-0709. THE NATIVITY FAST continues through December 24. The traditional fast is to abstain from meat, fish, dairy products, and alcoholic beverages (though fish and alcohol in moderation are permitted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and weekends). All kinds of food and drink are permitted on Thanksgiving Day. CONFESSION. Orthodox Christians should make a sacramental confession in preparation for the Great Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord (Christmas). Confession is regularly available after Saturday Vespers; or you may make an appointment during the week with one of our priests. HISTORICAL COMMITTEE will meet today after Liturgy. THE GREAT FEAST of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple will be celebrated this week: 6pm Great Vespers with Artoklasia on Wednesday, November 20; 8am Matins and 9am Divine Liturgy on Thursday, November 21.
Thank you notes have been received from the following and are posted on the bulletin board for your perusal: OCF Orthodox Christian Fellowship Regional Food Bank Foundation HAPPY BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK NOV. 17-23 Jeannine Crouch Vickii Brashears Jared Eastridge Wiley Marusa Jeffery Jones Jackson Naifeh Bridget Poputa-Clean Andrew Sweis Louise Andeel Kooper Taylor Chip Harris Alexandra Massad Gabriella Karam Dr. Ralph Simon Elsie Simon Today we remember those who reposed in the Lord during this week in years past: Amira E. Abyad Mary Pristash Alexander Swyden Ernest Adwon K. J. Khairallah Jabour Shadid Ellis (Ed) Hamra Gary Wayne Harroz Souraya Bayouth Afanazi J. Choroszajlo Daher Wehba C O F F E E H O U R Below is the schedule of those who will host Coffee Hour on upcoming Sundays. November December 24 St. Ignatius 1 Wallace Family 8 Hospitality 15 20/40 22 Adult Fellowship 29 Antiochian Women Father Mark and Susan Wallace are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter, Allison, to Mr. Marek Simon on October 20 at the Antiochian Village in Bolivar, PA. They invite you to join them for a special Coffee Hour in their honor on December 1. MDO Mentions: And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country. Inaugural Address by John F. Kennedy January 20, 1961 November is here and we are busy at St. Elijah MDO. Milena Ganchev spoke to the children about her home country of Bulgaria. The annual Fall Carnival was held and a huge THANK YOU to the parents who donated items and helped during the fun and games. On November 15, we will celebrate the beginning of Advent and our Toy and Clothing Drive starts for those less fortunate. Cultural Day is November 18 as CeCe Floyd will talk to the children about the life and ways of Native Americans. Celebrating the entrance of The Mother of God to the temple will be November 20 and 21. The children will bring flowers to the chapel. Our Thanksgiving Lunch is November 25 and 26. Thanksgiving break will be November 27, 28, and 29. For more information and pictures, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. See you in December!
Sunday School Scoop We ask that all students move to the back of the church following the Communion Prayer to line up. - Our Thanksgiving Food Drive will be on November 24 th! The entire parish is encouraged to bring canned goods and other non-perishable items to help us provide food for those who are less fortunate this holiday season. - PLEASE! Parents do not need to line up with their kids. We are short on space and extra bodies add to the chaos! - Parents of Pre-K and Kindergarten students should pick their children up AT THEIR CLASSROOM after church. - Please join us in being flexible and understanding as we adjust to our new sanctuary. NO TEEN CHATS this Wednesday! Instead we are going to help at Sister BJ s Pantry from 6-8 on TUESDAY. Meet at the church by 5:30 SHARP! Food Drive Assignments: Pre-K/Kindergarten: Pastas (Spaghetti, mac&cheese, etc.) 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd : Canned meats (chili, tuna, etc.) 4 th and 5 th : Canned soups, Jars of PB&J 6 th, 7 th and 8 th : Stuffing and canned veggies High School: Potatoes, rice, canned veggies The dates have been set for Winter Camp (aka WAMP)! Mark your calendars for January 17-20. Registration forms and more info on this SOYO event will be available next week!
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. NOVEMBER 17, 2013 USHERS: Magid Assaleh, Matthew Ghata, Jakob Ham, Michael Massad, Dr. Shea Samara, Monte Shawareb, Samson Tesfaselassie, Dr. Kris Wilson ALTAR SERVERS: Andrew Abraham, David Baskerville, Kylan Atkinson, Garyth Anderson, Boris Ganchev, Michael Salem, Bo Naifeh, Blaise Bittle, Sam McClellan EPISTLE READER: Nila Watford ELDERS: Atif Asal, Jim Fox, Gary Homsey, Dr. Lowell Lenhart, Jerry Weddington, Mike Worku BOOKSTORE: Tari Tibbits DEADLINE FOR THE BULLETIN IS 5:00 PM ON TUESDAY CALENDAR Sunday Nov. 17 Historical Committee following Liturgy Monday Nov. 18 Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Tuesday Nov. 19 Matins 7:00 am Exercise 8:30 am Teen SOYO @ Food Bank 6:00 pm Parish Council 7:00 pm OCF @ OU 9:00 pm Wednesday Nov. 20 Bible Study 10:30 am Great Vespers w/artoklasia 6:00 pm NO TEEN CHATS Thursday Nov. 21 THE ENTRANCE OF THE THEOTOKOS INTO THE TEMPLE Matins 8:00 am Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Exercise 8:30 am Orthodox Study Fellowship 10:30 am Friday Nov. 22 Exercise 8:30 am Saturday Nov. 23 Vespers 5:00 pm