St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church 125 Kohanza Street Danbury, CT 06811 The V. Rev. Fr. George M. Al-Dehneh, Pastor Church/Rectory: (203) 798-1771 Church Hall: (203) 743-1921 Email: aboonag@gmail.com Church Website: stgeorgedanbury.org Liturgical Services Confessions heard: 4:30 5:00 P.M. Saturday (or by appointment) Great Vespers at 5:00 P.M. Saturday Orthros (Matins) Service at 9:00 A.M. Sunday Morning Divine Liturgy at 10:00 A.M. Sunday Morning Church School (September-June) following Holy Communion Feast Day Vesper-Liturgy at 7:00 P.M. on the Eve of the Feast Sunday, July 23, 2017
We welcome you to our Church today. Our Sunday service is the Divine Liturgy at which the Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated. While all are welcome to attend this service, we ask that you refrain from coming to receive this sacrament unless you are of the Orthodox faith and are properly prepared through prayer, fasting and the Sacrament of Confession. THE SYNAXARION On July 23 in the Holy Orthodox Church, we commemorate the recovery of the precious relics of the holy Hieromartyr Phocas, Bishop of Sinope. Verses The glass of thy pains brought the Faith into focus; hence we magnify thee, O Phocas, forever. On the twentythird Phocas was borne away dead. Phocas exercised himself in all the Christian virtues from his youth. As bishop in his birthplace, the town of Sinope on the shores of the Black Sea, he strengthened the faith of the true believers by his example and divine words and converted many idol-worshipers to the true Faith. The hard-hearted pagans were filled with rage against holy Phocas. Through a vision granted him by the Lord, he foresaw his martyrdom for Christ: Phocas saw a white dove fly down from heaven carrying a beautiful wreath of flowers in its beak, and lowered the wreath onto his head. He was not afraid, but with gratitude toward God prepared himself for suffering. A certain prince, Africanus, took Phocas for interrogation, and subjected him to harsh tortures, and after a time of imprisonment threw him into boiling water, where this brave soldier of Christ ended his earthly life and settled in the joy of his Lord. Phocas suffered during the reign of Emperor Trajan in 102. On this day, we also commemorate the Hieromartyrs Apollinaris and Vitalis, bishops of Ravenna; Martyr Apollonius of Rome; and the Holy Prophet Ezekiel. By the intercessions of Thy Saints, O Christ God, have mercy upon us. Amen. Divine Liturgy Variables on Sunday, July 23, 2017 Tone 6 / Eothinon 7; Seventh Sunday after Pentecost & Seventh Sunday of Matthew Hieromartyr Phocas, bishop of Sinope; Hieromartyrs Apollinaris and Vitalis, bishops of Ravenna; Martyr Apollonius of Rome; Holy Prophet Ezekiel. RESURRECTIONAL APOLYTIKION IN TONE SIX When Mary stood at Thy grave, looking for Thy sacred body, angelic powers shone above Thy revered tomb; and the soldiers who were to keep guard became as dead men. Thou led Hades captive and wast not tempted thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst give life to the world, O Thou, Who art risen from the dead, O Lord, glory to Thee. ST. GEORGE TROPARION As deliverer of captives and defender of the poor; healer of the infirm, champion of kings, victorious Great Martyr, George, intercede with Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls. KONTAKION FOR ORDINARY SUNDAYS IN TONE TWO 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.
THE EPISTLE (For the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost) O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Until Thee will I cry, O Lord my God. The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans. (15:1-7) Brethren, we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me. For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures, we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. THE GOSPEL (For the Seventh Sunday of Matthew) The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (9:27-35) At that time, as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud: Have mercy on us, Son of David. When He entered the house, the blind men came to Him; and Jesus said to them, Do you believe that I am able to do this? They said to Him, Yes, Lord. Then He touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it done to you. And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, See that no one knows it. But they went away and spread His fame through all that district. As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to Him. And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, Never was anything like this seen in Israel. But the Pharisees said, He casts out demons by the prince of demons. And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity. The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom continues as usual +++ PRAY FOR THEIR HEALTH +++ Please remember our ill parishioners, especially Mary Zamary (Maefair Nursing Home); Michael Aberisk Pope John Paul II Rehabilitation Center). Please call Fr. George if you know of someone who would like a phone call or visit. Candle Offerings (Please Note: All Candle requests must be given to Fr. George before Noon on Tuesday in order for them to be included in Sunday s Bulletin. This is also true for any announcements for the bulletin. Thank You.) 5 DAY VOTIVE CANDLES ARE OFFERED FOR THE HEALTH OF: Fr. George & Carol Debs Family Chris Connolly by Nancy Farris Chris Connolly by Melaki Saffi Chris Connolly by Joan Chaber Jeanette Beylouni by Joan Chaber Mary Jane Rodgers by Joan Chaber Jeanette Beylouni by Dr. and Mrs. Fred Kayal Chris Connolly by Dr. and Mrs. Fred Kayal Fr. George & Carol Alberts by Dr. and Mrs. Fred Kayal Fr. George & Carol Alberts by Massoud Family Jeanette Beylouni by Massoud Family Mary Jane Rodgers by Dr. and Mrs. Fred Kayal
5 DAY VOTIVE CANDLES ARE OFFERED IN BELOVED MEMORY OF: John and George Beylouni by Jeanette Beylouni George Farris by Nancy Farris Raymond Beylouni by Jeanette Beylouni Michelle Kayal by Her Family Fried Sayegh by Nawal Sayegh Hind Chaber Hanna Chaber George & Mary Massoud by Massoud Family Cameron LeRoy by Massoud Family PLEASE NOTE: If you are calling in or emailing your candle requests, please make your checks payable to St. George Church earmarked Candles or include a note with your donation. Sunday, July 23, 2017 Monday, July 24 to Sunday, July 30, 2017 Services and Events Matins at 9:00 A.M. / Divine Liturgy at 10:00 A.M. Archdiocese Convention in Miami, FL Many Thanks Kh. Mageda, Lilian, Christopher and I would like to thank the Esteemed Parish Council members and all beloved parishioners of this blessed St. George Church Family for the beautiful reception that they had for me after the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, July 16, 2017 which marks my first Sunday Service among this great family. To all who worked very hard to make sure that my transition to Danbury is smooth. I assure you my love, support and dedication and that I am here to work with you and to serve all of your spiritual needs. As I considered that I have an extended brothers and sisters in my new hometown; I want you to do the same. Kh. Mageda, Lilian & Christopher are looking forward to meeting all of you soon. May God bless you all and grant you many blessed, faithful and healthy years for the Glory of God and His Holy Church. Your unworthy servant in Christ The V. Rev. Fr. George M. Al-Dehneh CREATIVE ARTS FESTIVALS, 2016-2017 We take great pride in announcing the winners of the 2016-2017 Creative Arts Festivals from St. George, Danbury! All our children who entered the festivals worked very hard to submit an entry worthy of their efforts this year. We have seen great improvement in their work. Our emphasis has been on quality, not quantity of entries. The winners will be presented their awards at the Fall Church School Kick-Off Coffee Hour in September. But we encourage all of you to congratulate the winners when you see them next. We know they will appreciate your encouragement! SYDNEY BOYER, Grade 4, Arts: HANNAH PETERSON, Grade 6, Poetry: ANDREW ASSAF, Grade 8, Writing: DIERDRE NOYCE, Grade 8, Poetry: 3rd Place 1st Place 3rd Place 1st Place Thank you to everyone for their hard work in preparing their entries. We are so proud our winners as well as all our students. Keep up the good work! St. George Church School Staff
Ladies Corner Coffee Hour Sponsors Please contact Joan Chaber James and Fr. George before you place your name on the calendar on the bulletin board next to the kitchen in the Church Hall if you would like to sponsor a coffee hour. Please let them also know if you need to change your coffee hour date! Please DO NOT write your name on a calendar date without first checking with Joan and Father. Just a reminder Those who are sponsoring coffee hour are also responsible for baking or purchasing the Holy Bread for the Divine Liturgy that morning. Fr. George needs the bread Saturday night as he performs the Proskomedia Service early Sunday morning before Matins. If you are unable to bake bread for your Sunday, bread can be purchased from our Ladies Society for $10.00. If you have the names of living or departed loved ones that you would like Fr. George to remember during the Proskomedia Service and the Great Entrance, or if you would like a Trisagion Service, please give Fr. George their names when you bring the bread to church. If you haven t sponsored a coffee hour during the past year, please consider helping us. JULY 23-40-Day Memorial for Metropolitan Antonios Chedrawi of Thrice Blessed Memory. 30 - AUGUST 6-13 - 20-27 - SEPTEMBER 3 - Nancy Farris 10 - Church School 17-24 - OCTOBER 1-8 - 15-22 - 29 - Please remember that when it is your Coffee Hour, you are responsible for cleaning up the hall and kitchen and please remember to take any leftovers home with you so that they do not spoil in the Church Kitchen refrigerator. Coffee Hour Sponsors Needed We all enjoy the coffee hour and fellowship following the Divine Liturgy. This special time gives us the opportunity to see our fellow parishioners, catch up on the weeks' goings on, maybe set-up organization meetings, or just visit with everyone. To continue with this lovely custom, we need the support of all our families in the parish. So, please consider sponsoring a coffee hour. It doesn't have to be anything elaborate, just a little something to "break our fast." Thank you, St. George Ladies Society