Sunday of the Prodigal Son Meletios, archbishop of Antioch; New-martyr Christos of Constantinople; Alexis, metropolitan of Moscow 2250 East Paris Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-954-2700 info@stnicholasgr.com www.stnicholasgr.com V. Rev. Fr. Michael Nasser, Pastor 616-216-3537 frmichaeln@gmail.com Rev. Archdeacon David Khorey Rev. Deacon Clement Nicoloff Rev. Deacon Justin Adolphson Welcome to our guests! Thank you for attending today s Divine Liturgy. Please register your visit by completing the guest book located on the table in the narthex. We would appreciate getting to meet you, so feel free to join us for refreshments & fellowship in the Cultural Center. We believe Holy Communion to be a sign that in Christ we have all things in common, share an identical faith, and are united fully to the Orthodox Church. Anyone interested in learning more about our faith is encouraged to speak with one of our clergy. Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves through prayer, fasting, & regular confession are welcome to receive Holy Communion.
HYMNS (TONE 1) While the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. For which cause the heavenly powers cried aloud unto Thee, O giver of life. Glory to Thy Resurrection O Christ, glory to Thy kingdom, glory to Thy providence, O Thou Who alone art the lover of mankind. Thy work of justice did show thee to thy congregation a cannon of faith, the likeness of humility, a teacher of abstinence, O Father Bishop Nicholas. Wherefore, by humility thou didst achieve exaltation, and by meekness richness. Intercede, therefore, with Christ to save our soul. (TONE 3) Foolishly I sprang away from Thy great fatherly glory, and dispersed in wicked deeds the riches that Thou didst give me. With the Prodigal I therefore cry unto Thee now: I have sinned against Thee, O compassionate Father. But receive me in repentance; make me as one of Thy hired servants, O Lord. EPISTLE Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous. The Reading from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (6:12-20) Brethren, all things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything. Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food; but God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, The two shall become one flesh. But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him. Shun immorality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God s.
GOSPEL The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (15:11-32) The Lord spoke this parable: There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the share of property that falls to me. And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, How many of my father s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants. And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But the father said to his servants, Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound. But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf! And he said to him, Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found. For the health & blessing of our parents Marge on her birthday and Abe for improved health offered by Mike & Lynn Simon. May God grant them both comfort and grace! For the health & blessing of Michael John Sirotko on the occasion of his birthday offered by Ted & Phyllis Sirotko.v May God grant him many years! For the health & blessing of Alan Sielaff on the occasion of his birthday offered by Mark Sielaff & Nancy O Meara. May God grant him many years! In memory of Verna Kramer and Kirk DeHaan offered by the Storey family. May their memories be Eternal!
There will be a 1-year Trisagion Prayers of Mercy for the Handmaiden of God Nadia offered by Irina Gertser & family. May her memory be Eternal! LIVING: Metropolitan Paul (in captivity) Archbishop John (in captivity) Archpriest Elias Bitar Archpriest William Olnhausen Archpriest George Rados Archpriest Stephen Rhudy Kh. Khristina Gillquist Kh. Charlotte Smith Kh. Jane Chagnon Clemence Bassett Dawn Shaheen Thomas & Jean Joseph Wade Millard Laramy Vera Mijatovic George Mickel George Fine Sylvia Gemali Sandie Super Abe Simon George Zain Earl Loss Marwan Karadesheh DEPARTED: Archpriest George Shaheen Archpriest Ignatius Preston Archpriest John Elias Matushka Juliana Schmamann Camille Swan Diane Plajer Victims of the continued conflicts in the Middle East DEPARTED PARISHIONERS IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY: 2/04/1997 Albert Philippi 2/04/2006 Joseph Nicola 2/04/2008 Mona Bashara 2/07/2010 Marie Azkoul 2/09/1975 Saleme Ayoub 2/11/1980 Donald Mickel 2/11/2001 Josephine Sickrey 2/11/2007 Mabel Sickrey 2/12/1944 Joseph Eyd 2/13/1958 Sleyman Abraham 2/14/1962 C. K. Maloley 2/15/1991 Kezma Sayfee 2/16/1944 Assad Maloley 2/17/1986 Ramza Cassis 2/19/1960 Mose Halaley 2/20/1972 Josephine Wawee 2/22/2001 Helen Maloley 2/24/2009 Mary Henry 2/29/1956 Adeeb Nassif
We had a very productive meeting last Sunday. Thank you to all of the women who attended and provided such valuable insights. We are moving forward! Watch your emails, the Weekly Update, and the Sunday bulletin for information on our upcoming activities. Paperwhites: Come learn how to grow Paperwhites indoors on Monday, February 13 from 6:30-8:00 pm in the gathering room. What is amazing is that in 4-6 weeks you have a breath of spring before the winter has receded. The growing flowers can then be enjoyed in your homes in the coming weeks and also used for decorating the Icon for the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25th. Just bring a shallow (2-3 inch deep) dish that doesn't leak and we'll provide the stones and bulbs. Ana Bosma will share some info about Paperwhite narcissus and help you start bulbs in your dish to take home. Rocks and bulbs provided. RSVP to Ana Bosma: orianabosma@gmail.com Girls Night Out: All St. Nicholas Women are invited to attend our first Girls Night Out event on Monday February 20. We will meet 6pm at the Euro Bistro on 28 th St. in one of their private rooms with the promise of fun and fellowship. Please rsvp to Judy Karolle: jak328@comcast.net. O.K. Mama! A group for Orthodox Kids and their Moms invites you to attend the following events: February Monday the 13 th (7:30-9pm) Mom's Night: Love & Marriage Friday the 24 th (9:30-11am) Mothers and Kids: Holy Bread March Monday the 13 th (7:30-9pm) Mom's Night: Creating a Lenten Home Friday the 24 th (9:30-11am) Mothers and Kids: Serving Others April Monday the 3 rd (7:30-9pm) Friday the 28 th (9:30-11am) May Monday the 8 th (7:30-9pm) Friday the 26 th (9:30-11am) Mom's Night: Holy Week Mothers and Kids: Art & Encouragement Mom's Night: Wine & Cheese Mothers and Kids: Gardening & Outdoors Teen SOYO donated, on behalf of St. Nicholas, 100 pairs of shoes to In The Image! Thank you for your generosity!
We would love to have you join us for lunch at noon followed by a special guest speaker: Fr. James Berends from Holy Trinity. Let's have a great turn out for our fellow Orthodox priest. Plan to come and fellowship with us. If you would like your departed loved ones remembered by name during the February 18 Saturday of Souls Liturgy at St. George, please email their first names to the Church office before noon on Wednesday, February 15. Those wishing to accompany their request with a donation are welcome to do so by placing the donation in the collection tray during the Liturgy. We are preparing breakfast at Family Haven on Saturday, Feb. 25 (9:30 am- Noon). We could use 4-6 volunteers. If you are interested in participating, please send an email to Greg Storey: (gregory_storey@yahoo.com) or sign up on the sheet on the table in the Narthex. Family Haven is a shelter for homeless families in Grand Rapids. Congratulations to our newly elected council members: Linda Abraham, Rick Merpi & Florin Stanescu. We also congratulate the officers of our Parish Council elected after the General Assembly. Chairman: Mike Simon Vice-Chair: Marwan Karadsheh Treasurer: JoAnn Abraham Secretary: Florin Stanescu Other members continuing their service include: Sam Bander, Brian LaFranboise,& Bruce Nicola Church Directories are available at the table outside The Cultural Center during Coffee Hour. Note: One directory per household. Don t miss the opportunity to participate in a local Iconography workshop that is designed for beginners and experienced students. This workshop led by skilled teachers. For more details and to register go to www.stnicholasgr.com. The last day for House Blessings is Monday, February 20. To schedule your House Blessing visit the following link: www.stnicholasgr.com/houseblessing. If you do not have access to a computer, please call the Church office.
This article will assist us in understanding Forgiveness Sunday and lay a foundation for Great Lent. The Sunday of Forgiveness (February 26 with Vespers 6 pm) is also known as Cheesefare Sunday. This is the last day that dairy products can be eaten before the Lenten fast. The full fast begins the following day on Clean Monday, the first day of Great Lent. On the evening of the Sunday of Forgiveness the Church conducts the first service of Great Lent, the Vespers of Forgiveness, a service that directs us further on the path of repentance and helps us to acknowledge our need for forgiveness from God and to seek forgiveness from our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is the first time that the Lenten prayer of St. Ephraim accompanied by prostrations is read. At the end of the service all the faithful approach the priest and one another asking for mutual forgiveness. Orthodox Christians are encouraged to enter Great Lent in repentance and confession by attending these services, coming for the Sacrament of Confession, and dedicating themselves to worship, prayer, and fasting throughout the Lenten period. The first day of Lent, Clean Monday, signifies the beginning of a period of cleansing and purification of sins through repentance. On the Saturday before this Sunday, the second of three Saturdays of the Souls are held. This is a special commemoration when the Church offers a Divine Liturgy and Memorial Service for the departed faithful. This is considered a universal commemoration of the dead. Through the memorial services, the Church is commending to God all who have departed and who are now awaiting the Last Judgment. This specific Saturday is a general commemoration of all the ascetic Saints of the Church, both men and women. As we set out on the Lenten fast we are reminded that we will make this journey as members of a family, supported by the intercessions of the Saints. (Source: www.lent.goarch.org/forgiveness/learn/)
THIS WEEK S ACTIVITIES Today * SOYO mtg. * Blood Pressure Checks Monday, February 13 * Chant Practice (8 pm) Tuesday, February 14 * Chant Practice (8 pm) Wednesday, February 15 * 6th Hour Prayer (Noon) * Bible Study (7 pm) Thursday, February 16 * Forerunners Luncheon w/ speaker Fr. Jim Berends (7 pm) Saturday of Souls, February 18 * Divine Liturgy (10 am @ St. George) * Vespers (6 pm @St. Nicholas) Sunday, February 1 * Matins & Orthodox Education (8:50 am) * Divine Liturgy (10 am) * Parish Council mtg. LOOKING AHEAD House Blessings Now February 20 Bishop ANTHONY February 25 * Vespers (5 pm @ St. George) Forgiveness Sunday February 26 *Vespers (6 pm) Lent (February 27 April 7) February 27 March 3 Nightly Services Pre-Sanctified Liturgies w/ Potluck Suppers Wednesdays, March 1 22 & April 5 Thursday, March 30 Akathist Services Fridays, March 3 31 SERVING TEAMS Today: Next Week: Altar Servers: Team A Team B Tithe & Offering Team: Sam, JoAnn, Linda Mike, Bruce, Rick Coffee Hour Hosts: Steinmetz Family