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 MARCH 23, 2014 Issue 26 Number 12 Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross; Saints of the Day: Venerable-martyr Nikon of Sicily and with him 199 disciples; Venerable-martyr Luke of St. Anne Skete on Athos 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 & Pre-K Roxy Self Director 639-2679 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
SUNDAY OF THE VENERATION OF THE CROSS VARIATIONS IN TODAY S DIVINE LITURGY THE LITURGY OF ST. BASIL THE GREAT TONE 6 A The 1 st Antiphon: The light of Thy countenance, O Lord, hath been signed upon us. Thou hast given a sign unto them that fear Thee, that they may flee from before the face of the bow. Refrain: Through the Intercessions Thou hast ascended on high, Thou leddest captivity captive. Thou hast given an inheritance to them that fear Thy name. Refrain: Through the Intercessions Glory Both now Refrain: Through the Intercessions The 2 nd Antiphon: B All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Let us worship at the place where His feet have stood. Refrain: Save us, O Son of God, who art risen God is our King before the ages, He hath wrought salvation in the midst of the earth. Refrain: Save us, O Son of God, who art risen I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth. Refrain: Save us, O Son of God, who art risen Glory Now O only-begotten Son The 3 rd Antiphon: C The Troparion of the Holy Cross Tone 1 Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet. Save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance: Shepherd them and bear them up unto eternity. O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, and to Thy faithful kings grant victory over the barbarians, and by the power of Thy Cross protect all those who follow Thee. The Entrance Hymn: D O come let us worship Troparion of the Resurrection Tone 6 E 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. Troparion of the Holy Cross Tone 1 O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, and to Thy faithful kings grant victory over the barbarians, and by the power of Thy Cross protect all those who follow Thee. Troparion of St. Elijah, p 26 Kontakion of the Akathist Hymn F To thee the champion leader, I thy servant offer thanks for victory, O Theotokos, thou who hast delivered me from terror. As thou hast power invincible, free me from every danger that I may cry unto thee: Rejoice, O bride without bridegroom. The Kontakion in Arabic In-ni a-na abdek ya wa-li-da-tal i lah, ak-tubla-ki, ra-ya til gha-la- ba. Ya jun-di yatan mi ha-mi-ya, wa-u-qad-dim la-kish shuk-ra ka mun qi dha mi nash-sha-da-id. La-kin bi ma an-na la-ki- el iz-za tal la ti la tu ha-rab; A tiqi ni min su nu fish sha da-id, Hat-ta as-rukhi lai-ki, if ra hi ya a-ru-sa-tan la a ru-sa laha.
G Instead of the Trisagion Hymn: Before Thy cross we bow down in worship, O Master, and Thy Holy Resurrection we glorify. THE READINGS H THE EPISTLE O Lord, save thy people and bless thine inheritance. Unto thee, O Lord, will I cry, O my God! The reading is from St. Paul s Epistle to the Hebrews (4:14-5:6) Brethren, since we have a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast the confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest, being taken from among the people, is appointed on behalf of the people in things pertaining to God, that he may offer up both gifts and sacrifices for sins; who can have compassion on the ignorant and on those who are erring, since he himself also is encompassed with infirmity. Because of this he is bound, as for the people so also for himself, to offer up for sins. And no one takes the honor upon himself, but as being called by God, as was Aaron. So Christ also did not glorify himself to become a high priest, but it was by the One saying to him, Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee. As he says also in another place, Thou art a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek. THE GOSPEL From the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark (8:34-9:1) The Lord said, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. And Jesus said to them, Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power. The Megalynarion I In thee rejoiceth, O thou who art full of grace, every created being the Hosts of the angels and all mankind. O consecrated temple and paradise endowed with speech, glory to virgins of whom God was incarnate and became a little child. And is our God before all the ages. For he made of thy womb a throne and thy body did he make more spacious than the Heavens. In thee doth all creation rejoice, O thou who are full of grace, Glory to thee. Koinonikon J The light of Thy countenance hath been impressed on us, O Lord. Alleluia. Troparion of the Holy Cross Tone 1 K O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, and to Thy faithful kings grant victory over the barbarians, and by the power of Thy Cross protect all those who follow Thee. OFFERINGS HOLY BREAD is offered by Juanita Krause for the safe return of her grandson, Paul, from Bagram, Afghanistan. May God grant him many years. HOLY BREAD is offered by Jeff and Sherrie Massad for their good health and the good health of Erich, Alexandra, Sophia, Samia, Sitti Katie, and Grandmother Sherry Kay and the Massad and Hutchison families. It is especially offered
on the occasion of Samia Catherine s 11 th birthday. May God grand her many years. HOLY BREAD is offered by Jan and John Klopp for their good health and the good health of the Farha, Klopp, and Holzer families. It is especially offered in memory of Blanche (15 years) and Ralph Farha (48 years), and George (7 years) and Josephine Klopp (18 years). May their memory be eternal. HOLY BREAD is offered by Kathy Killam for her good health and the good health of the Killam, Shively, Whetsell, and Stephenson families. It is especially offered for our parents and grandparents Hub Shively (9/22) and Juanita Shively (4 years). May their memory be eternal. HOLY BREAD is offered by Kory and Veronica Warr for their good health, for the good health of Isaac, and for the good health of the child who is growing in Veronica s womb. May God grant them many years. CARNATIONS for the Akathist service last Friday were offered by Cookie Deeba in memory of Sam and Margaret Homsey; Connie Naifeh; Rose, Zeke, Selma, and James Naifeh; and Meeble and Zakia Deeba. May their memory be eternal. ANNOUNCEMENTS WELCOME. We welcome all visitors. We are delighted you are worshipping with us and look forward to meeting you personally. MEMORY ETERNAL! Together with the whole Archdiocese, we mourn His Eminence, our Metropolitan PHILIP, who reposed Wednesday night, March 19. May his memory be eternal! ANNUAL LENTEN DINNER will follow Divine Liturgy today. Don t miss this annual tradition! SYMPATHY is extended to Shamassy Kathy and Deacon Ezra Ham and family on the repose of her aunt Juanita Foster in Waco, TX, on March 12. May her memory be eternal. VENERATION OF THE CROSS. This Sunday (the third of Lent) marks the mid-point of the Great Fast. The Church brings forth the Holy Cross today to inspire us with the example of our Savior s voluntary sufferings, and to strengthen us with the power of this Invincible Weapon against the Enemy so that we might complete the Fast. LENT CONTINUES. The traditional fast in Lent is to abstain from meat, fish, dairy products, and alcoholic beverages (though alcohol is permitted in moderation on weekends; and on March 25 fish and alcohol in moderation are permitted for the Feast). FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION will be celebrated on its eve, tomorrow, March 24: 5:15pm Festal Matins; 6:30pm Divine Liturgy. Join us and celebrate the beginning of our salvation the Archangel announces Jesus birth, the Theotokos submits to God s will and the Christ begins to be formed in her womb. NO MATINS Tuesday morning, since we will celebrate that service Monday evening. GREAT COMPLINE will be celebrated every Tuesday throughout Lent at 6pm. Join us for this special service of the Season of Repentance. PARISH COUNCIL will meet at 7:00pm this Tuesday, March 25. PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY this Wednesday, March 26, at St. Elijah: 6pm 9 th Hour and Typika; 6:30pm Presanctified Liturgy. A Lenten Potluck will follow. AKATHIST SERVICE (Salutations) to the Theotokos will be celebrated at 6:30pm this Friday, March 28. CARNATIONS for the Akathist (Salutations) to the Theotokos may be donated in memory of or for the good health of loved ones. The services will be at 6:30pm on Fridays through April 4. Please contact the church office if you would like to offer carnations. CONFESSION. Orthodox Christians should make a sacramental confession during Great
Lent in preparation for Pascha. Please do not put this off until the last minute. Confession is usually available after Saturday Vespers; alternatively, an appointment can be made with one of our priests during the week. ALMS BOXES. Food for Hungry People boxes are available on the table beside the entrance from the hallway into the Church. During the season of Lent you and your family can collect money for the hungry. At the end of Lent, all the money our parishioners have collected will be submitted to the Archdiocese for distribution to charities. Get the whole family involved! C O F F E E H O U R Below is the schedule of those who will host Coffee Hour on upcoming Sundays. March 30 MDO April 6 Choir 13 PALM SUNDAY No Coffee Hour 20 PASCHA No Coffee Hour 27 Prison Ministry HAPPY BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK MAR. 23-29 Brandon Cohlmia Maddie Andrews Elias Elbahou Ashley Farris Annette Foster Aarron Fraysur Jimmy Motiei Nila Watford Kh. Valerie Salem Sam Musallam Today we remember those who reposed in the Lord during this week in years past: George M. Rahill Almaza Mady Cohlmia Victoria Dakil Simon Mariam Kraker Ernest Samara Blanche Marian Aboussie Farha Anna Marks Odisho Abbo Rosa Farris Shdeed Gebre Kristos Desta Suited for Success and TEEM Clothing Drive Drop off your donations Monday- Friday, April 7-11, at St. Elijah. Please bring your special items for Easter and Mother s Day. All clothing should be cleaned and on hangers. No exceptions please. Clothing racks will be in the logia for your use. Thank you for your continued support of SUITED for Success and TEEM. Food for Hungry People 2014-40 th Anniversary Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 23 How many computers do you own? Pay.25 for each. Let s take a byte out of hunger! 24 How many pictures do you have on your walls? Just picture without food & yourself deposit.10 for each picture. 25 Pay.25 for each pair of contacts or eyeglasses you have. This will help us see clearly the need of caring for the hungry. 26 Do you have a piano or organ in your home? Pay.75 for each. This is a key to sharing and caring. 27 How many erasers can you find in your home? Pay.05 for each. Let s erase hunger from the world. 28 Count your tea or coffee cups and deposit.05 each. Our cup runneth over, so let s fill theirs. 29 I ve got my love to keep me warm, that s true, but the hungry have only you. Pay.10 for each blanket in your home.
A New Monastery in Our Diocese! Our Bishop BASIL, with the enthusiastic support of Metropolitan PHILIP (of thriceblessed mem-ory), is appealing for donors to assist in the establishment of a men s monastery in Wichita, Kansas. What is a Monastery? Short answer: it is a home for monks men who renounce the things of this world (money, power, marriage) to focus on a life of prayer and devotion to God. Life in a monastery is structured around daily worship services, private prayer and spiritual study. But this doesn t begin to describe the role monasteries play in the life of the Church. A monastery is a spiritual refuge for pilgrims. Laypeople can leave their hectic worldly lives to stay as guests at the monastery for a few days and imbibe its spiritual atmosphere. A monastery is a spiritual laboratory, where monks (as spiritual scientists ) come to know God experientially through the practice of prayer and Christian discipline. Then through their teachings they enrich our knowledge of God. At the most basic level, however, a monastery is a garrison of intercessors the monks as soldiers of Christ pray intensely for the Church and the World, and specifically for our needs and challenges when we ask their intercessions. Bishop BASIL is seeking $300,000 from parishes and individuals throughout the diocese to purchase and refurbish a house for the monastery. Because the house is currently under contract, donations must be received by March 31 st. Checks should be made payable to Dynamis Foundation and memo-lined Monastery, and mailed to The Chancery - 1559 North Woodlawn Street - Wichita, KS 67208-2429. This Foundation is an approved non-profit, and so contributions will be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Thank you for your generosity!
In support of the 2014 National Project set forth by Metropolitan Philip: "Help the Orphans of War in Syria", the Antiochian Women will be collecting donations March 23 & 30. Please stop by their table.
St. Elijah s Ladies Aid & Antiochian Women s Annual LENTEN FISH DINNER FISH, MJADARA, SALATA, AND MUCH MORE! TODAY, MARCH 23, in Naifeh Hall following the Divine Liturgy Adults - $14.00 Children - $6.00 Tickets available today following Divine Liturgy. Proceeds designated by Metropolitan Philip for ORPHANS OF WAR IN SYRIA
Sunday School Scoop - Class as usual today! The deadline for the Creative Festivals is April 1 st! The theme for this year is You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. All students are encouraged to submit works of art, essays, poetry and photography related to the theme. Students and parents are encouraged to work together on submissions at home. We will be having a Creative Arts Day on Saturday, March 29 th at 9:00 a.m. for those who would like to work on projects at the church. All entries must be turned in by Monday, March 31 st! Vacation Bible School will be held June 16-20 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.! Please mark your calendars and plan to attend! Classes are for children age 3 (must be potty trained) through 6 th grade. Teen Chats Will not meet until after Pascha! See you at Presanctified Liturgy! Bible Bowl practice this Wednesday! Any teens interested in being on St. Elijah s team should meet in the board room at 5:30! Both sessions of Camp St. Raphael are totally full! YABOY! If you are still interested in trying to send your child to camp, you may apply and be put on the waiting list. St. Elijah will have transportation to both first and second session. If you have questions regarding scholarship money, please see Erin or one of our priests.
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. MARCH 23, 2014 USHERS: Annette Kouri, Kathy Killam, Juman Sweis, Ahlam Swies, Nanette Hathaway, Sherry Cohlmia, Nicole Williams ALTAR SERVERS: Christian Swearingen, Andrew Assaleh, Mark Crouch, Zach Homsey, Anthony Ene, Robel Tesfaselassie, Elias Assaleh, Gavin McLamb, Nathaniel Teshome EPISTLE READER: Cindy Dugger ELDERS: Dr. Bashar Alasad, Glenn Dean, Joe Haddad, Bruce Harroz, Bill Johnson, Bob Maness BOOKSTORE: Lawrence Clemens DEADLINE FOR THE BULLETIN IS 5:00 PM ON TUESDAY CALENDAR Today Mar. 23 Lenten Fish Dinner Monday Mar. 24 Festal Matins 5:15 pm Divine Liturgy for the Annunciation 6:30 pm Tuesday Mar. 25 Exercise 8:30 am Great Compline 6:00 pm Parish Council 7:00 pm Wednesday Mar. 26 Ninth Hour and 6:00 pm Presanctified Liturgy at St. Elijah 6:30 pm Thursday Mar. 27 Orthodox Study Fellowship 10:30 am Ladies Lenten Book Club 7:00 pm Friday Mar. 28 Exercise 8:30 am Akathist to the Theotokos 6:30 pm Saturday Mar. 29 Vespers 5:00 pm PLEDGE UPDATE To date we have received 93 pledges for a total of $479,561.