Services include: 1. Saturdays Vespers & Sundays Divine Liturgies. 2. Weekdays Church Services like: Occasions Vespers and Divine Liturgies of Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays. 3. Other Church Services like: Baptism & Confirmation / Holy Matrimony / etc.) 2
Services include: (cont d) 4. Coptic and Hymns Classes for Children. 5. My Coptic Church Meetings for Adults. 6. Advanced Hymns Classes for Deacons. 7. Deacons Monthly Meetings. 3
Services include: (cont d) 8. Diakon Deacons Newsletter. 9. Church Website (Deacons Corner). 10. Others, like: Altar Supplies / Procession Icons / Services Books & Over-head Presentation. 4
1- Saturdays Vespers & Sundays Divine Liturgies Chorus Lead / Altar Service / Readings (Pauline, Catholic Epistles & Acts) / Ushers services are distributed every month. Deacons form to keep records of every deacon s info. 5
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1- Saturdays Vespers & Sundays Divine Liturgies (cont d) - Altar Service: Deacons are divided into 8 groups, each group has a head deacon who is responsible to follow up with his group members and remind them with their scheduled service. 7
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1- Saturdays Vespers & Sundays Divine Liturgies (cont d) - A Service Schedule is posted on the church website (Deacons Corner) and also in the altar; the attendance is taken and marked on the sheet, absent names are marked either by (N=Notified to be Absent) or (A=Absent). 9
St. Stephen St. Shenouda St. Mark St. Joseph For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus (1 Tim 3:13) Deacons Service Schedule (June 2010) Date Altar Group Chorus Leader (For Vespers / For Liturgy) (South Chorus Deacons Ushers / Presentation) Reading Readings Distribution Reference Sunday Sadek Elzawy Basteur Yousef / Michael Aziz Vespers Gospel (EN) Psalm 144:5,7 Philopateer Zaki-Azat June 6, 2010 Atef Sidhom Mina Yousif Andrew Tadros Lk 7:36-50 Bashons 29, 1726 Ihab Louis Matins Gospel (AR) Psalm 72:6-7 Atef Sidhom Tony Abdel-Missih / Michael Kamal Lk 11:20-28 Rami Nessim Pauline (AR) Rom 3:1-31 Sherif Nessim 5th week of Bashons Youssef Asaad Catholic Epistle (EN) 1Jn 1:1-end ; 1Jn 2:1-6 Michael Boutros The Apostles Fast Youssef Habib Acts (AR) Acts 7:23-34 Bassem Henes George Elzawy Gospel Psalm 45:10-11 David Hanna Lk 1:26-38 Sunday Shereen Meleka Andrew Tadrouss / Philopateer Zaki-Azat Vespers Gospel (AR) Psalm 9:10 Ihab Ghabour June 13, 2010 Ihab Ghabour Maged Metias Rami Nessim Mt 17:1-13 Paona 06, 1726 George Yanni Matins Gospel (EN) Psalm 67:1-2 Andrew Tadrouss Andrew Tadrouss / Tony Abdel-Missih Mt 28:1-20 Michael Siha Pauline (EN) Rom 15:13-29 Andrew Tadros 1st week of Paona Mina Elzik Catholic Epistle (AR) 1Pet 1:1-9 Nagy Zaki-Azat The Apostles Fast Shady Nessim Acts (EN) Acts 12:25-end ; Acts 13:1-12 Karim Henry Peter Eskander Gospel Psalm 143:10 ; Psalm 143:8 Timothy Abdelmalek Lk 11:1-13 Sunday Nagy Zaki-Azat Philopateer Zaki-Azat / Michael Boutros Vespers Gospel (AR) Psalm 16:7-8 Amir Girgis Boktor June 20, 2010 Adel Tadros Shereen Meleka Michael Kamal Lk 4:38-41 Paona 13, 1726 Sherif Habib Matins Gospel (EN) Psalm 33:1-2 Michael Aziz Philopateer Zaki-Azat / Andrew Tadros Mk 16:2-8 Karim Henry Pauline (AR) 1Cor 2:6-16 Raef Eskander 2nd week of Paona Ragi Ghobrial Catholic Epistle (EN) 2Pet 1:1-9 Michael Kamal The Apostles Fast Michael Yanni Acts (AR) Acts 14:8-22 George Yanni Michael Guirguis Gospel Psalm 12:6 ; Psalm 12:5 Mina Habib Lk 5:17-26 Sunday Maher Abdelmalak Maher Abdelmalak / Michael Aziz Vespers Gospel (EN) Psalm 6:2; Psalm 38:15 Maged Metias June 27, 2010 Michael Michael Sadek Elzawy Michael Siha Mt 7:7-12 Paona 20, 1726 Victor Jacoub Matins Gospel (AR) Psalm 38:21-22 Michael Michael Andrew Tadros / Abanoub Zaki Lk 24:1-12 Matthew Chihata Pauline (EN) 1Cor 4:1-16 Ihab Louis 3rd week of Paona Abanoub Abdelsayed Catholic Epistle (AR) 2Pet 1:19-end ; 2Pet 2:1-9 Adel Tadros The Apostles Fast Daniel Kamal Acts (EN) Acts 17:1-12 Tony Abdel-Missih Kyrollos Mahrous Mousa Gospel Psalm 61:5 ; Psalm 61:8 Stephen Mishriky Mt 12:22-37 Notes: 1- Please inform us if your name is misspelled or your name is not on the altar service group list. 2- Please contact Raef Eskander should you have any reason that prevents you from attending your scheduled service. 3- Please kindly be advised that, in order to maintain an effective schedule, consistent absences will result in the temporary removal of names from the schedule. 4- The altar group scheduled to serve in the altar on Sunday's Liturgy, is responsible to participate in the vespers praises, vespers raising of incense, midnight prayer and midnight praises on Saturday. 5- The head deacon of the altar group is responsible to contact his group members before the scheduled altar service. Reader Monthly Events Bashons 24 The Feast of Entry of the Lord into Egypt. Bashons 27 +The Departure of Lazarus the beloved of the Lord. +The departure of St. Thomas of Akhmim. Bashons 29 The Commemoration of the Annunciation, Nativity and Resurrection of Christ Paona 3 The Departure of St. Abraam, bishop of El- Fayyoum. Paona 07 The Martyrdom of St. Abaskhiroun the Soldier. Paona 12 +The Commemoration of the Archangel Michael. Paona 13 The Commemoration of the Archangel Gabriel, the Announcer of Daniel the Prophet. Paona 15 The Consecration of the Church of Mari Mina at Maryut. Paona 19 The Martyrdom of St. George (Girgis) known as El- Mezahem. Paona 20 The Departure of Elisha, the Prophet. Paona 21 Commemoration of the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin St. Mary Contact Info: Raef Eskander @ Tel. (416) 833-7251 / E-mail: raefeskander@rogers.com or Shereen Meleka @ Tel. (905) 554-3210 / E-mail: shereen_meleka@hotmail.com 10
1- Saturdays Vespers & Sundays Divine Liturgies (cont d) Positive Points: -Alternate turns for Altar groups/chorus leaders/readings/ushers so everyone share the blessing of each service. -Giving opportunity to younger deacons to participate in vespers and midnight praises. 11
1- Saturdays Vespers & Sundays Divine Liturgies (cont d) Challenges: - Absences of deacons without notices. - Participation of the south chorus in chanting hymns needs improvement. 12
2- Weekdays Church Services like: Occasions Vespers and Divine Liturgies of Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays. 3- Other Church Services like: Baptism & Confirmation / Matrimony ) Challenges: Un-scheduled services. 13
4- Coptic and Hymns Classes for Children - Children up to grade 12 Classes are held on Saturdays (5:30 to 6:30 PM). - There are 6 classes to teach the Coptic Language, Hymns / Tasbeha and Church Rites, which can be divided into 2 groups : (i) The 1 st group includes the kids up to Grade 2. (ii) The 2 nd group includes the children (Grades 3-12). 14
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4- Coptic and Hymns Classes for Children (cont d) - For the boys of the 2 nd group (Deacons), a proposed curriculum started to be used to teach Coptic/Hymns/Rites over 6 years period, each year is 3 semesters, and each semester is 4 months: (i) September to December (ii) January to April (iii)may to August 16
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4- Coptic and Hymns Classes for Children (cont d) Positive Points: - Children achieve good results in Coptic tests. - Parents are committed to bring their children to classes and follow up with the tests. - Kids of Grades 1&2 know the Coptic Alphabet. - Good opportunity for the girls to learn Coptic Language and Hymns. 18
4- Coptic and Hymns Classes for Children (cont d) Challenges: -Parents drop-off their children and leave; servants are not able to track them. (See suggested ideas) - Semesters tests have passing marks, and they are a pre-requisite to move up to the next semester / level. (See suggested ideas) 19
4- Coptic and Hymns Classes for Children (cont d) Suggested Ideas: - A Weekly report card for every child. - Re-format the curriculum in such that each semester does not depend on the previous semester. However, the Basics of the Coptic Language should still be a pre-requisite. 20
4- Coptic and Hymns Classes for Children (cont d) Challenges: - The absence of children for long periods affects their learning and delays the progress of those who are committed. - There is only one servant in each class, so the absence of servants can affect the service. 21
5- My Coptic Church Meetings for Adults. - This meeting used to be held every Saturday 5:30 to 6:30 PM at St. Paul Chapel in the basement. - The intention of this meeting is to explore the basics of the Coptic Language, Hymns/Tasbeha and Church Rites to the parents / adults. 22
5- My Coptic Church Meetings for Adults. (cont d) Lessons Rites Coptic / Hymns + Lesson # 1 The Mystery of Incense Prayers Introduction to the Coptic Alphabet + Lesson # 2 The Three Circuits of Incense around The Altar Hymn of Amen Amen Amen Ton Thanaton + Lesson # 3 The Selection of the Lamb Coptic Alphabet - Presentation 1 + Lesson # 4 Baptizing the Lamb & Procession of the Lamb Coptic Alphabet - Presentation 2 + Lesson # 5 The Circuit of Pauline Incense & 1 st Mystery Hymn of Alleulia Fai Pe Pi Ehoou + Lesson # 6 Pauline s 2 nd Mystery & Catholic Epistles' Mystery Hymn of Alleulia Je Efmevie Enoromi + Lesson # 7 The Incense of the Praxis Coptic Alphabet (Letters: A / B / E / Z / I) + Lesson # 8 The Procession of the Resurrection Icon Hiten for King Constantine & Queen Helen Coptic Alphabet (Letters: Y / W / R / <) + Lesson # 9 The Creed & Washing the hands Coptic Alphabet (Letters: G / P / S / V) + Lesson # 10 Prayer of Reconciliation Hymn of Hiten ne epresvia + Lesson # 11 The Heavenly Hymn Coptic Alphabet (Letters: D / : / L / M) + Lesson # 12 Prayer of Holy (AGIOS) Hymn of Hitens for the Nativity Fast + Lesson # 13 The Consecration Coptic Alphabet (Letters: X / " / { / ]) + Lesson # 14 The Invocation of The Holy Spirit Hymn of Amen Alleluia Doxa The Conclusion 23
5- My Coptic Church Meetings for Adults. (cont d) Positive Points: - A good curriculum has been prepared which addresses the basics of the Coptic Language, the congregation responses and the rites of the Divine Liturgy, and all subjects have been posted on the website to be used as a reference. 24
5- My Coptic Church Meetings for Adults. (cont d) Challenges: - For the convenience of the parents, meeting was scheduled at the same time as the Coptic & Hymns Classes for Children, however, the attendance was an issue. - The Coptic Language lessons are related to each other, so absence could affect the progress. 25
5- My Coptic Church Meetings for Adults. (cont d) Suggested Ideas: - The time of the meeting can be changed from Saturday (5:30 to 6:30 PM) to Fridays (8:00 to 9:00 PM) during the fellowship and before the English Bible Study. 26
6- Advanced Hymns Classes for Deacons. The intention of this meeting is: To learn / review the long seasonal hymns and perform as one chorus. 27
6- Advanced Hymns Classes for Deacons. (cont d) Positive Points: - Reviewing the seasonal hymns ahead of time according to a pre-set monthly schedule gives the deacons time to be well prepared. - Improved performance in different events like the Holy Week and Good Friday. 28
6- Advanced Hymns Classes for Deacons. (cont d) Challenges: - Time of the meeting (Wednesday 8:00 to 10:00 PM) wasn t suitable for everybody. Suggested Ideas: - Try Sundays 2:00 to 3:00 PM after the Servants Meetings. 29
7- Deacons Monthly Meeting: - These meetings are held on the 1 st Saturday of every month (3:00 to 5:00 PM) - Meetings started in October 2009 and the intention was to demonstrate the Divine Liturgy to the deacons/girls so we all learn from abouna the rites of the Divine Liturgy. - The course lasted for 9 months till June 2010 and all the minutes of meetings have been posted on the church website / deacons corner. 30
7- Deacons Monthly Meeting: (cont d) Positive Points: - It was alive demonstration which helped the young deacons in imagining the movements during the raising of incense and the Divine Liturgy. - These classes helped in setting one system to be followed by all deacons. 31
7- Deacons Monthly Meeting: (cont d) Challenges: - Many of the older deacons were not able to attend, nor to review the minutes of meetings. - The younger deacons need continual practical review. - The course of the Divine Liturgy has finished and a test will be held next month; only deacons who pass will be allowed to serve in the altar. 32
7- Deacons Monthly Meeting: (cont d) Suggested Ideas: - For older deacons, they need to check the posted notes and for the younger deacons, the course can be reviewed during Coptic & Hymns classes. - The meetings can be proceeded to address other subjects like: the rites of sacraments, baptism / confirmation / wedding / etc) 33
8- Diakon Deacons Newsletter. Diakon is the deacons newsletter, issued almost every 2 months and posted on the church website / deacons corner, to share deacons news, church events, and seasonal occasions rites. Example: November 2009 34
8- Diakon Deacons Newsletter. (cont d) Positive Points: -To remind the deacons with any special rites for the seasonal events. - A way to communicate with the deacons the upcoming occasions and deacons news. 35
8- Diakon Deacons Newsletter. (cont d) Challenges: -Participation from deacons to submit materials / articles / suggestions, and also help with preparing the newsletter issues. - Younger deacons might need assistance from their parents in order to have access to it. 36
9- Church Website (Deacons Corner). It keeps records of : - Deacons Form. - Deacons Meetings Minutes. - Deacons Newsletters Issues. - Altar Service Groups. - Service Schedules. - Coptic & Hymns Classes (Structure & Location). - My Coptic Church Meetings (Lessons). - References (Links to Hymns/Praises/Coptic/Rites/Melodies/Articles/Books/Sermons/Tools) - News / Events / Announcements 37
9- Church Website (Deacons Corner). (cont d) Positive Points: -Good record keeping and update for all the deacons activities. - Any changes to the deacons corner is announced via e-mail. 38
9- Church Website (Deacons Corner). (cont d) Challenges: Some deacons don t check regularly and miss their services. Website: www.smsj.ca Click on Group pages under Quick Links on the left side and then select Deacons Corner 39
10- Others, like: Altar Supplies / Procession Icons / Services Books & Over-head Presentation. Assigned deacons are responsible for the Altar supplies and over-head presentation. Challenges: - The hardcopy of the Divine Liturgy books need to be maintained. 40
THANK YOU! 41