2013 St. George Church Staff and Organizations Pastor The Very Rev. Anthony G. Sabbagh Administrative Committee Albert Bitar, Treasurer Rehab Tabchi Robert Mimari Abe Assad Nasser Sabbagh George Nassoor Office Administrator Donna Becker Custodian Adnan Sabbagh Building/Planning Eli Mimari Dr. George Nassoor Altar Servers Peter Attar, Subdeacon Joseph Landino, Seminarian Anthony Youwakim, Altar Boy Captain Choir Naida Abraham, Treasurer Members: Kh. Minerva Sabbagh Mary Landino Christina Attar Jouhayna Al-Amm Mishleen Bashour Sean Thornton Wayne Burke David T. Davis George Nassoor Vilma Abraham Delores Edwards Helena Yurconic Ron Benner Amjed Khalil Chanters Hweida Moussa Marwan Sabbagh Antoun Saba The Fellowship of St. John the Divine Christina Attar, Chair Abe Assad, Co-Chair Rehab Tabchi, Treasurer Ladies Altar Society Diane Gharzouzi, President Suzanna Zoudeh, Vice President Ebtisam Richie, Treasurer Fay Moses, Secretary Children s Relief Fund Kh. Minerva Sabbagh Sunday School Ebtisam Moussa, Director Teachers: Abe Assad Jennifer Alraei Sana Bitar Ida Tabchi Sahar Tabchi Nadia Davis Jaklin Sabbagh Reem Haddad Teen SOYO The Very Rev. Anthony G. Sabbagh, Spiritual Advisor Naife Khalouf, Advisor Khalil Yacoub, Advisor Karam Salibi, President Fadi Deeb, Vice President Mishleen Bashour, Treasurer Clara Yazji, Recording Secretary Mike Chekeif, Corresponding Secretary Hilda Souid, Media Secretary St. George Bookstore Mary Landino, Chair Kh. Minerva Sabbagh, Treasurer Rehab Tabchi Charitable Ministries Annual Appeal for Syrian Orphanages Kamal Abboud, Chair Pastoral Discretionary Fund The Very Rev. Anthony G. Sabbagh Albert Bitar Newcomer Committee Naim Dergham, Chair Ghassan Makdsi Antoun Saba Marwan Sabbagh August 25, 2013 Tone 8, Eothinon 9 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost On this day, we commemorate: Apostles Titus of the Seventy and Bartholomew Divine Liturgy Epistle I Corinthians 3:9-17 (9th Sunday after Pentecost) Vow ye, and pay to the Lord your God. In Judah is God known. The Reading is from St. Paul s First Letter to the Corinthians BRETHREN, we are God s fellow workers; you are God s field, God s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it. Let each man take care how he builds upon it. For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any one builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw--each man s work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. Gospel Matthew 14:22-34 (9th Sunday of Matthew) The Reading of the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew At that time: Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the
crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was out on the sea, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, It is a ghost! And they cried out for fear. But immediately he spoke to them, saying, Take heart, it is I; have no fear. And Peter answered him, Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water. He said, Come, So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the strong wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, Lord, save me. Jesus immediatley reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, O man of little faith, why did you doubt? And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, Truly you are the Son of God. And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. Thought for the Day Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts. Mother Theresa Holy Bread The Holy Bread is sponsored by: The Ishak Family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in loving memory of Ramza Ishak (One-Year Memorial) Family of Alan John Abraham in loving memory of Alan John Abraham (40-Day Memorial) The Rabih Family in loving memory of Nasima Rabih (Six-Month Memorial) Holy Bread The Holy Bread is offered before the Altar of God by Father Anthony for the living servants of God: The Ishak Family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; Family of Alan John Abraham; Vilma, Thomas and Ashley Abraham; Natalie, Dustin and Cole Schuler; The Rabih Family; Khouria Nadia Khouli; Nicholas, Sawsan, George, Nebal and Helen Khouli; George and Houida Sankari; Sam and Sonia Wehbey; Fouad and Mona Younes; Mary Younes; Rateba and Elias Saliby; George, Antoinette and Anya Issa; Cecelia and Patrick McCarty; Anthony, Ola and Adam Youwakim; Fayzi Wakim, children and grandchildren; Afifeh Skaf; Neameh and Juliat Nanoah and Family; Nizih Assad and Family; Zakih Hanna; Naife Khalouf; Nour Atiyeh; Lawahiz, Abe, John, Kate Assad; Mary Assad; Tom Pavlick; Joshua Assad Pavlick; George Assad; Michael, Mona, Wail, Heather, Mitchell, Mallory, Abeer, Elyssa and Eyanna; Albert, Shadia and Christian Bitar; Ron Hanna; Charbel Elias and Family; Georges Bitar and Family; Sueliman Bitar and Family; for the departed servants of God: Fr. George Khouli; Ramza Ishak, Alan John Abraham, Nasima Rabih; Nicola, Halon Khouli; Ibrahim, Rasmih and Nawal Hanna; Jajora Hanna; Alfred Hanna; Richard Wehbey; Issa Saliby; Haitham Saliby; Moussa Issa, Adam Wakim, Zaki Skaf; Fouad Assad; Georges and Tony Hanna; Elias and Danny Khalouf; Youssef Atiyeh; Hanna Daher; John Ray and Sameer Assad; Badih Bitar; Ilona Hanna; Abdo Elias; Bassam Bitar; Khalil and Nizha Bitar.
Memorial Service A Memorial Service is held for the rest of the soul of the servant of God: Ramza Ishak Alan John Abraham Nasima Rabih May the Lord grant rest to His servants and remember them in His kingdom, now and forever. Coffee Hour We thank the following family for sponsoring today s Coffee Hour. Please join us immediately folllowing Divine Liturgy. The Ishak Family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren Special donations to the Church We acknowledge families and friends who have honored dear ones with monetary gifts given in the spirit of loving kindness. $ Khouria Nadia Khouli to the Church in loving memory of Fr. George Khouli; Nicola, Halon Khouli; Ibrahim, Rasmih and Nawal Hanna; for the good health of Nicholas, Sawsan, George, Nebal and Helen Khouli. $ George and Houida Sankari to the Church in loving memory of Jajora Hanna. $ Sam and Sonia Wehbey to the Ladies Altar Society in loving memory of Alfred Hanna and Richard Wehbey. $ Fouad and Mona Younes to the Church for the good health and a speedy recovery to Mary Younes. $ The Rabih Family to the Church in loving memory of Nasima Rabih. $ Vilma, Thomas, Ashley Abraham; Natalie, Dustin and Cole Schuler to the Church in loving memory of Alan John Abraham. $ Rateba and Elias Saliby to the Church in loving memory of Issa Saliby and Haitham Saliby. $ George, Antoinette and Anya Issa to the Church in loving memory of Moussa Issa, Issa Saliby and Haitham Saliby. $ George, Antoinette and Anya Issa to the Church for the good health of George, Antoinette and Anya. $ Cecelia and Patrick McCarty to the Church in loving memory of Adam Wakim (12-year memorial). $ Cecelia and Patrick McCarty to the Church with best wishes, many happy years and congratulations to Anthony and Ola Youwakim on their 9th wedding anniversary; for the good health of Anthony, Ola, and Adam; Fayzi Wakim, children and grandchildren. $ Afifeh Skaf to the Church in loving memory of Zaki Skaf. $ Neameh and Juliat Nanoah to the Church for the good health of Neameh, Joliat Nanoah and Family. $ Nazih Assad and Family to the Church in loving memory of Fouad Assad. $ Zakih Hanna to the Church in loving memory of Georges and Tony Hanna. $ Naife Khalouf to the Church in loving memory of Elias and Danny Khalouf; Youssef Atiyeh; for the good health of Nour Atiyeh. $ Abe Assad and Mary Assad to Church School for the good health of the Assad and Pavlick Families; Lawahiz, Abe, John, Kate Assad, Mary Assad; Tom Pavlick and Joshua Assad Pavlick; George Assad; in loving memory of John Ray and Sameer Assad. $ The Bitar Family to the Church in loving memory of Badih Bitar and for the good health of Michael, Mona, Wail, Heather, Mitchell, Mallory, Abeer, Elyssa and Eyanna; Albert, Shadia and Christian Bitar. $ Ron Hanna to the Church in loving memory of Ilona Hanna. $ Charbel Elias and Family to the Church in loving memory of Abdo Elias. $ Georges Bitar and Family; Sueliman Bitar and Family to the Church in loving memory of Bassam Bitar; Khalil and Nizha Bitar.
Welcome to Father Witalis Suszczenia We welcome Father Witalis Suszczenia who is officiating at today s Divine Liturgy. Upcoming events Russian Days Festival in September Friday, 9/6, 11 am-9 pm; Saturday, 9/7, 11-8 pm; Sunday, 9/8, 11 am-7 pm St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church 980 Bridle Path Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18017 Enjoy delicious ethnic foods and home-made baked goods, polkas, music and dancing; beautiful crafts and treasures of Russia; church tours, and more. www.stnicholasoca.org or (610) 867-0402. Back to School Block Party Fundraiser Saturday, Sept. 7, 12-5 pm (raindate 9/14) South 16th and Fairview Sts., Allentown, PA 18102 Support student in the Allentown School District. We are raising money to purchase school uniforms for students in need within the Allentown School District. There will also be a bin for school supply donations. Enjoy food, games, raffle, face painting, Bounce House, Dunk Tank. More info: (484) 597-0354. White Elephant Sale Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 26-28, 10 am to 3 pm St. Mary s Church Ukrainian Club, 803 N. Front St., Allentown, PA 18102 Lots of great bargains! Teen SOYO Fundraiser Lunch Sunday, Sept. 13, 2013 Annual Fall Bazaar Friday-Sunday, Nov. 8-9-10; sponsored by the Ladies Altar Society Sponsors needed for Homeless Dinners Homeless Dinners are offered to the poor in our community from September through May and are served by our Teen SOYO members. If you would like to sponsor a Homeless Dinner at a cost of $380, please contact Naife Khalouf, Teen SOYO advisor, (610) 432-6101. Months open for sponsorship are September, October, December, February, April and May. Thank you to all who have offered to support our Homeless Dinners in the past. Within the Church We wish each parishioner and friend of St. George Church a Happy Birthday or Anniversary. May God s blessings shine down upon them throughout the coming year. Please keep the church office (610) 439-1232 informed of birthdays, anniversaries and special family events. Best wishes for a wonderful Birthday/Anniversary and a year filled with good health and happiness! May happiness be yours on this special day and in the year ahead! Happy Birthday Happy Anniversary 8/25 Sueliman Zaghtiti 8/25/86 Nasser & Liliane Sabbagh Hasna Saoud 8/25/79 Salvatore & Gail Pizzino 8/26 Susan Kelly 8/26/08 Hosam & Nemat Kamhia Charles Koury 8/28/94 Amjed & Sameera Saigh 8/27 Joseph Abraham 8/31/80 George & Hiyam Tabchi Jennifer Atiyeh Lara Hanna 8/28 Farouk Hamoui 8/30 Samir Saliby 8/31 Helena Yurconic
Jordanians strain under weight of Syrian refugee crisis Baltimore, MD (IOCC) By day, Rasha is known throughout her church community in Amman as the compassionate woman who visits Jordanian families and Syrian refugees in need and brings them much-needed relief items such as blankets, food and personal hygiene kits provided by International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) in Jordan. By night, few are aware that Rasha returns to her family and a life of poverty worse than many of those she seeks to help. Her situation is shared by a growing number of Jordanians whose standard of living has suffered as a result of the Syrian refugee influx. With the flood of refugees who have arrived during the last two years seeking private accommodations over the conditions in the refugee camps, monthly rents are rising faster than wages for Jordanians. The $220 in wages Rasha s husband earns each month are barely enough to cover rising rent and food costs, so that essentials like electricity and bedding have become unaffordable luxuries. Inside their cold and almost bare home, Rasha s two children of 5 and 7 years old sleep on the floor with only a tattered mattress and threadbare sheets between them and the cold, hard concrete. Rasha s kindness to strangers in spite of her dire situation is a reflection of the challenges facing the people of Jordan as the country of seven million struggles to provide resources water, food, electricity, healthcare and security for the more than 560,000 Syrian refugees it has been hosting since the onset of civil conflict in 2011. The number of refugees is expected to swell to more than 1.3 million by the end of the year, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The rising demand for basic necessities is driving the cost of living up and out of reach for many Jordanians, and creating greater poverty among the country s own people. While approximately 153,000 Syrian refugees more than half women and young children are settled in Za atari camp along Jordan s border with Syria, the majority of Syrian refugees reside around the capital city of Amman and in rural settlements scattered across the country. Many of them live in tiny, ill-equipped apartments or crowded, rented rooms, vying with Jordanians for affordable housing. IOCC, an ACT Alliance member, is responding to the immediate humanitarian needs of Syrian refugees and the growing number of Jordanian families who, like Rasha and her family, find themselves in increasingly difficult circumstances since the arrival of the refugees. Working from distribution sites across the country s most heavily affected areas, IOCC is providing families in need with housewares, bedding, hygiene kits, and supplies for children preparing to start school in the fall. For those refugees unable to travel to the distribution centers, IOCC is making home visits to assess their immediate needs and provide basic household and personal care items they left behind in flight to safety. As a result of our work in Jordan over the last eight years, we have been able to rapidly identify where Syrian refugees are living and reach out to them with humanitarian assistance, observed Erwin Temmerman, IOCC Country Representative for Jordan. He added that IOCC is expanding its relief efforts in Jordan to meet the rising demand for refugee assistance and emergency aid to vulnerable Jordanian people struggling to survive in a country where by year s end it is projected that one in every seven people will be a refugee. IOCC s relief efforts in Jordan are part of its larger regional response to the Syrian crisis. Since 2012, IOCC has provided food, personal care kits, school kits, infant parcels, quilts, household items, clothing, thermal resistance rugs, medical assistance, housing and education support to more than 820,000 Syrian children, women and men displaced in their own country or living as refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Armenia. HOW YOU CAN HELP You can help the victims of poverty and conflicts around the world by making a financial gift to the International Emergency Response Fund which will provide immediate relief, as well as long-term support through the provision of emergency aid, recovery assistance and other support to help those in need. To make a gift, please visit www.iocc.org or call toll free at 1-877-803-IOCC (4622), or mail a check or money order payable to IOCC, P.O. Box 17398, Baltimore, MD 21297. Time to register your children for Sunday School Please consider your children for this wonderful opportunity! The curriculum provides your child with the essential concepts of the Orthodox Christian faith in a caring environment. Sunday School begins Sunday, September 22. Children attend Divine Liturgy, receive Communion first, and then leave as a group to the Church hall for classes until 11:30 a.m. Sunday School is open to children in kindergarten through 7th grade. Register children on Sunday, Sept. 8 and Sept. 16 Register on Sunday, Sept. 8 or 16 during Coffee Hour at the Sunday School Registration Table. The Registration Form is in this bulletin. Or, complete the Registration Form in this bulletin and bring it when you register. Or, mail the completed Registration Form in this bulletin, along with the registration fee and mail it to St. George Church, 1011 Catasauqua Ave., Allentown, PA 18102. Registration fee $10 per child or $25 per family. Please remit payment by cash or check (payable to St. George Church) and give it to Ebtisam Moussa. You may also mail it to the Church along with the completed Registration Form. Questions? Ebtisam Moussa (610) 866-4477. There are many ways you can help! Please see the next page. We need many volunteers.
How will you be involved? The nurture and care for children in our Church School is entirely dependent on the willingness of volunteers in our church family. Please check below to see what interests you. Come and be a part of this wonderful opportunity. I am interested in (please check all that interest you): Please print Teacher Assistant Teacher Willing to help in the classroom Christmas Program Lenten Program Special events/parties during the Church School year Creative Festival Help with crafts Make educational materials, help with bulletin boards I have a special talent I can share Other Donate snacks for parties/events Donate materials for Church School projects St. George Church School Student Registration Begins Sunday, Sept. 22 Registration fee: $10 per child or $25 per family Student s name Birthday Student s name Birthday Student s name Birthday Student s name Birthday Home Address Street City State Zip Phone Cell Email Father s name Mother s name Emergency contact Name Phone Email Name Phone Please return this form to the church office or give it to Ebtisam Moussa. Thank you!