2013 January VOICE - Saint George Orthodox Church
Transcription
2013 January VOICE - Saint George Orthodox Church
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #251 Flint, MI St. George Orthodox Church 5191 Lennon Road Flint, MI 48507-1050 Address Service Requested THE VOICE of St. George Published Monthly with Special Editions by St. George Orthodox Church -- Flint, MI January 2013 Volume 22, Numbers 5 Namedays, Birthdays, and Anniversaries January 1 to January 31, 2012 Birthdays January 1 Abrahim Y. Abousamra Luai Helal Amal Koubty Ameera Rishmawi 2 Anthony "Tony" Y. Abueita Denise Ghattas 3 Joseph "Joe" Farah Diane G. Ghattas Susan Qazaha 4 Jeneviav "Jennifer" A. Abuaita 5 Ivy Amor Alkhoury Karam Nassar 6 Essa AbuAita Shurouq "Sherri" I. Abuaita Charles "Chuck" Koory 7 Johnathan W. AbuFarha 8 Issa Ishaq Sandra "Sandy" K. Thomas 9 Tamara Haddad Dalia Masaad Julie K. Salim 11 Mary Khoury Adam Monkaba 12 Lana Abu-Aita 13 Khalil Abousamra William "Will" D. Sophiea 14 Alexander "Alex" J. Ghattas 15 Amirah B. Abuaita Anaam Abueita Issa S. Odeh Jamil "Jim" A. Rishmawi 16 Carri L. Farah Daniel "Danny" P. Tijerina 17 Rania AbuAita 18 Anwar "Andy" Y. Abueita Anthony I. Daoud 19 Elias S. Abuaita Dunya S. Abueita John A. Farah 20 Rimi H. Abuaita 21 Julian M. Alkazaha Qusta Hayek Michael Mortensen 22 Housam Abousamra Nesrine Hamati Leland "Lee" M. Harris Dannie E. Jones 23 Tikeyha J. Alexander Daniel "Danny" Gantos 24 Jamil N. Haddad Jennifer J. Harris Robert M. Teunion 25 Hazar G. Abu-Aita Elaine Fakhoury Rene E. Hanna Marlen F. Odeh Essa B. Shomali 26 Catrina Hamati Reema Khoury 27 Leslee A. Abud Christina Deligorges Girma S. Tewolde 28 Sami H. Abuaitah Deena Haddad George Khoury 29 Juliano A. Abuaita Nihal Fanous Benjamin Monkaba 30 Majd Abufarha 31 Emma M. Joseph 22 Majd Timothy Abuaita Timothy "Tim" S. Beers 25 Gregory "Greg" Lotof Farah Wedding Anniversaries January 10 Mr. and Mrs. George Gantous 17 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hamati 18 Mr. and Mrs. Issa Abueita 28 Drs. Ronald Shaheen & Kathy Kudray 29 Mr. and Mrs. James David Namedays January 1 Basel Hanna Abuaita Basil Andoni Basem Souheil Nassar 3 Jeneviav "Jennifer" Anton Abuaita 14 Nina Thomas Smith 17 Ayham Anthony Abuaita Anthony Abueita Anthony "Tony" Yacoub Abueita Anthony Issa Daoud Tony Fakhoury Anton "Tony" Edward Khouri God Grant You All Many Years! ! " # $ % &! ' ) * " + , - ./) • • • • ( ! # 9 9 + #8 5 # - # > )? #8 4 : ! 3 % &! # 2 > )? 3 : ' ( 2 " $% # $ $; 1 6 # 2 7! - 9 3 < #8 # = ' 3 4 % # ' 0$ $ /$ ; # 2 % &! ' % &5# %& ( ( ( ( ( # $ ( ) % *+ + 22 3 %2 8 $ 9:: , & $ , - ' 4 . 5 ! : # # # # Daily Prayer Life ♦ Remember the newly departed servants of God who have fallen asleep in the Lord: Patriarch Ignatius IV of Antioch (+December 5th) and Muna Ibrahim (+December 10th, aunt of Rula Alkazaha). May her memory be eternal! ♦ Remember our parishioners who are ill, recovering, or in need, especially His servants: Jonathan Bassett, Samira Gantous, Camille Ghantous, Nadera Ghantous, Phyllis Good, Carol Haddad, Roland Haddad, Betty Khouri, Jean Khouri, John Khouri, Mariam Khoury, Norma Lazar, Lourice Matta, Danny Mortensen, George Nassif, Elaine Salim, Elaine Shaheen, Michael Silpoch, Marie Skafi, William Sophiea Jr., those who are suffering in the Middle East, the supporters and benefactors of St. George, and the members of our Parish Council, Ladies Auxiliary, Teen SOYO, Altar Servers, Altar Society, Chanters, Choir, Church School, Ushers, and YAF. ♦ Remember the servant of God who is with child: Marlen Odeh. For the following, please update Fr. Joe whether they should remain on our prayer list – Thank You! Remember the family and friends of St. George parishioners: Fr. Roman Braga and Mother Seraphima (Dormition Monastery), Clemence (Dn. Mike’s mother), Jamie Irish-Smith and Kristi Kraxner who are with child, and Shawna Hale (family/friends of Dn. Michael and Pam Bassett), Kinan Turjman (nephew of Sahar Abdallah), Michel Abuaita (father of Lucy AbuAita and Mary Khoury), Michel Abuaita (brother of Janett Abuaita), Youssef, Georgette, and George Damouni (parents and brother of Lina Burbar and May Gantos), Jessica Dedow (niece of JoAnn Hawkins), Hani Farah (former parishioner), Maha Qassis (sister of Ziyad Ibrahim), Aida Abusaada and Nisam Wasfie (friends of Ida Isaac), George Ishak (nephew of Amira Hanna), Gabby Joubran (brotherin-law of Najwa Joubran), James Gorr (father of Melissa Bathish), Lilly Hissin (aunt of Naila Banna, Hiam and Inam Bathish), Elias Ibrahim (uncle of Rula Alkazaha), Annie Guevara, Doug Halstead, Amir Hekmati, Bob Loth, Bella Ward, Rebekah Augenstein, Anna Oppenheiser, and Art Reyes (friends of Sally Joseph), Hanna Abu-Nimer and Nassar Zatuna (relatives of Karam Nassar), Loretta and Daniel Karpelenia (mother/brother of Denise Ghattas), Jenna Marsico (niece of Jim Delbridge), Annette Mars and Sue McCarthy (friends of Elaine Shaheen), Nassim Salomon (brother of Janet Abueita), Megan Meade (relative of Bob Teunion), Elaine Gejoff, Marcella Moorman, and Dennis Perez (from St. Mary Magdalene), Gloria and John Zelenko (from St. Nicholas), Helene Nicola and Frieda Maloof (aunts of Leslee Abud), and Paul Thomas (cousin of the Salim’s). ♦ Congratulations and God bless: nd th George and Sandra Mitri on the birth of their 2 child Yasmeen on November 19 . Announcements th th From December 25 through January 4 , there is no fasting as we continue our celebration of our Lord’s Nativity (Birth). On Saturday, January 5th, which is a fasting day in th preparation for our Lord’s Theophany (Baptism) on Sunday, January 6 , the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, and their by-products) is observed while wine and olive oil are allowed. The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, olive oil, and their by-products) is observed on all other Wednesdays and Fridays. Our Christmas Party will be on Thursday, January 3rd, at 6pm at the home of coordinator Susan Shaheen (8449 Grovemont Court, Grand Blanc, 810-953-3848). Please RSVP to Sue by phone or email [email protected]. th Our Party will be on Monday, January 7 , at 6:30pm at the home of co-coordinator Christine Elias (433 Chalmers Street, Flint, 810-233-0414). Please RSVP to Christine by phone or email [email protected]. th January 17 is the Feast of the Venerable Anthony the Great, the Namesday of His Grace Bishop Anthony. Send him a greeting at: His Grace Bishop Anthony 5315 Sorrento Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46845 E-Mail: [email protected] Information for this program at the Antiochian Village is available at their web page: th th http://www.antiochianvillage.org/camp.html. The dates are February 15 -18 . If you would like your home blessed after our celebration of our Lord’s Baptism and the th Blessing of Water on January 6 , please contact the church office (810-732-0720) to add your name to the list. Fr. Joe will call to make an appointment. The Summer Camping Program at the Antiochian Village (about 1½ hours from Pittsburgh) serves young people ages 9-17 who come from parishes throughout the Archdiocese. The main goal of the camp program is to “present to young people a living experience of the Holy Orthodox Faith in their relationship with God and other campers in an uncluttered, natural environment”. The Village provides an experience, which has been very instrumental in the spiritual maturation of many of our young people. The major components which contribute to that experience include the following: 1) daily Orthodox worship with an emphasis on participation; 2) a challenge toward spiritual growth through daily homilies, religious education, and relationships with counselors and fellow Orthodox campers; 3) a safe and naturally beautiful setting for group living; and 4) a caring and loving staff fully dedicated to the camper’s well-being and growth. For more information and to register, please check out their web site at: nd th th http://www.antiochianvillage.org/camp.html. We go to the 2 Session June 30 -July 12 . If you have any questions, would like more information, or have registered for camp, please speak with our Camp Committee chairman, Anaam Abueita (810-686-9744 or [email protected]). th rd 2013 This coming summer, June 19 -23 , our conference will be hosted by St. Michael Orthodox Church in Louisville, KY. Hotel and Conference Registration information is available at their website: http://www.stmichaelorthodoxchurch.org/plc. Bishop Anthony is encouraging all of our parishioners to attend! We hope that as many of our parishioners as possible will participate. Fr. Alexis Kouri and the faithful of St. Michael’s have been working very hard and we are very thankful for their efforts. st th July 21 -28 to be hosted by St George-Houston, TX. Information is in the Lounge and can be found at: http://www.achouston2013.com/. This program provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills. This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office, and prepare them for future public service opportunities. The program’s mission is to make the “People’s House” accessible to future leaders from around the nation. The application for the Summer 2013 program is now open. For more information (the deadline is January 27, 2013): http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships/apply. th We will meet on Monday, January 14 at 6pm. All are invited to join! We continue our study of the Worship in the Orthodox Church. If you have any questions or would like more information, check out our Web Site (see below) or contact Deacon Mike at [email protected]. The Orthodox Churches of Greater Flint are supporting the work of Catholic Charities in Genesee County by helping to feed the hungry and help the poor and needy. Please see the flier in the Lounge for more information and the food items needed. You may bring your items at any time to be put in the wooden Feed the Hungry container in the Hall Foyer. Each Sunday of the month a different church st is having the food drive. St. George is on the 1 Sunday of each month. May God be with the needy and bless those who help them. St. George’s Web Site: saintgeorgeflint.org. Did you miss church on Sunday and want to know what was in the Weekly Bulletin? Check out our web site! Don’t remember what to bring for our Food Drive? Check out our web site! Want to know what is going on with our different Ministries (Organizations, Departments, Education, etc)? Check out our web site! There is so much and it’s updated all the time -- Check it out every week!!! Coming Events in February 10 23 Godparent Sunday Pan-Orthodox Retreat Hosting is a great way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, th th Namesday, or in Memory of loved ones. Available dates: January 13 and 20 -- sign-up poster is in the Hall. Hosting information is in Hall and Lounge and includes: bringing whatever you wish to serve and cleaning up afterwards. St. George provides coffee, cups, cream, and sugar at a charge to the host of $25. If you desire to receive Holy Communion, first prepare yourself through Holy Confession, fasting (at least NO BREAKFAST, unless it is needed because of medication!), and prayer. Then when the Chalice is brought forth from the Altar, approach it quietly (NO TALKING!) as you follow the Ushers, FOLD YOUR ARMS (right over left), and remain quiet. As you approach the Chalice, say your Baptized Name. With your arms still crossed, back away from the Chalice – there is no need to Cross yourself when near the Chalice since it might cause you to dangerously “bump” the Chalice. If you desire to kiss the Chalice, just remain after your receive Holy Communion and Fr. Joseph or Deacon Michael will give it to you to kiss – please DO NOT touch the Chalice. Quietly return to your seat and say the Prayers After Communion (on page 128 in the Red Service Book), while the remainder of the parish is receiving the Holy Eucharist. Fr. Joseph and our Ushers want to make coming to church a positive experience for everyone while being a good example for our children and visitors. They are committed to helping our parishioners have a prayerful atmosphere. Fr. Joseph wants to make it clear that the Ushers have full authority to keep things orderly – such as; the right time for people who are late to enter the church, to keep people from talking in the church (including the Narthex), making sure the Lounge is quiet while following the service, etc. If you have any questions, please speak with Fr. Joseph. As of December 18, 2012 The Bible says a “tithe” is giving 10% of our income to God through His Holy Church. In the Old Testament, the tithe was the maximum. For Christians, the tithe is the minimum! ALL of our 240 families need to make an Offering as soon as possible. Don’t let anyone rob themselves of this blessing from God! • • • • • • Our budget for 2013: $249,585 Number of Families who still need to offer: 209 Total Offered by 31 Families/Individuals: $31,292.00 New Offerers: 3 Increase in Offering: 5 Offering Range: according to how God has blessed you! Your commitment is NEEDED!!! Please fill out the 2013 Offering Form as soon as possible. THANK YOU!!! We thank the following families for turning in their 2013 Offering Form in support of God’s work at St. George. ADD YOUR NAME TO THE LIST!!! If your name is not listed, please fill out your 2013 Offering Form TODAY and mail it to the Church or put it in the Sunday Offering Tray. Thank You and God Bless You! New this year in BOLD (did not fill out a form last year) Increase in Offering is Underlined As of 12/18/2012 1. Mr. and Mrs. Youssif Abousamra 2. Mr. and Mrs. Fouad Abuaita 3. Mrs. Jeneviav Abuaita 4. Mr. and Mrs. Najeb Abuaita 5. Mr. and Mrs. Suheil Abuaita 6. Mr. and Mrs. Tawfiq AbuAita 7. Mr. and Mrs. Jiries Abu-Aitah 8. Fr. and Mrs. Joseph Abud 9. Mr. and Mrs. Adeeb Bathish 10. Mr. and Mrs. Emil Bathish 11. Mr. and Mrs. Issa Daoud 12. Mrs. Iman David 13. Mr. and Mrs. Youssef El-Chaer 14. Mr. and Mrs. Ayman Elias 15. Mr. and Mrs. George Gantous 16. Mr. and Mrs. Nasri Haddad 17. Mr. Ronald Haddad 18. Mr. and Mrs. Elias Hanna 19. Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hawkins 20. Mr. and Mrs. Samer Ibrahim 21. Miss Daisy Isaac 22. Mr. and Mrs. Issa Ishaq 23. Mrs. Najwa Joubran 24. Mr. and Mrs. Jamil Nassar 25. Mrs. Olga Nassar 26. Mr. Ramzi Qumseya 27. Mr. and Mrs. Roger Saadeh 28. Mr. and Mrs. William Sophiea 29. Mr. Robert Teunion 30. Mr. and Mrs. Doug Thomas 31. Mr. Ghassan Yacoub 2013 $%& ' !" # !"# $ %! !"& "& '(' ) ! ! "" #! $ '( " # " ) ' *' . %& * + * , (- ' % (#) ! - 1/2 0 +/ 3 1 + 4( ) + ## *+$ & ! "# $ % ! & ' (( ! +561 7 1 ) I have a concern and wish to be contacted or visited by the priest. I have a concern and wish to be contacted or visited by a Parish Council Member , ./ # . 4 +# # " # # # # 0( #& 4 % - , , - :::::::::::::::::: 9 1-23) " 7 *+ 89 & 0 (6 # 5 # # 72-1) 8 - .$ / 0%1 23 .$ / 0%1 23 . . 4! 5 3*1 6 € 4! 5 3*1 6 7 : )+ ; < ________________________::::::::::::::: - ;' FBCDE A86' @ <= " > ) 1 & (? ' 2 OP? 3M +Q H M RS N DG H * ( I J ' 2 +)( 3 ' - K2 LM ' FEDUB @ N 1 +) ' T M " M I J Feast of the Holy Theophany of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ January 6th Introduction The Feast of the Holy Theophany (Epiphany) of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated each year on January 6th. The Feast commemorates the Baptism of Christ and the divine revelation of the Holy Trinity. At the Baptism of Christ, all three Persons of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—were made manifest. Thus, the name of the Feast is Epiphany, meaning manifestation, or Theophany, meaning manifestation of God. Biblical Story The Biblical story of the Baptism of Christ is recorded in all four of the Gospels: Matthew 3, Mark 1:1-9, Luke 3:21-22, and John 1:3134. John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus and the one chosen by God to proclaim His coming, was preaching in the wilderness and was baptizing all who would respond to his message calling for repentance. As he was doing this, John was directing the people toward the one who would baptize them with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11). The Scriptures tell us that Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. Initially, John would not do this, saying that Jesus should baptize him. Jesus said to John, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness” (3:15). John consented and baptized Jesus. When Jesus came up from the water, the heavens opened suddenly, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him. The Bible records that the Spirit descended like a dove and alighted on him. When this happened, a voice came from heaven and said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” This was the voice of God the Father. Christ’s baptism in the Jordan was a “theophany,” a manifestation of God to the world, because it was the beginning of our Lord’s public ministry. It was also a “theophany” in that the world was granted a revelation of the Holy Trinity. All three Persons were made manifest together: the Father testified from on high to the divine Sonship of Jesus; the Son received His Father’s testimony; and the Spirit was seen in the form of a dove, descending from the Father and resting upon the Son. The theme of “manifestation” or “revelation” is also expressed in Scripture with the symbolism of light. In the hymn of the Feast we sing, “Christ has appeared and enlightened the world.” Thus, January 6th is also known as the Feast of Lights. The Church celebrates on this day the illumination of the world by the light of Christ. Icon of the feast The Icon of the Feast of Theophany tells the story from the Gospels in images and color. On the left side of the icon we see John the Baptist (1) who is dressed in camel’s hair and has the appearance of one who lives in the wilderness. His arms are outstretched, showing an attitude of prayer and reverence, but also directing others to Christ. With his right hand he is conducting the baptism. 1. Saint John the Baptist conducts the Baptism of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (detail). 2. The Heavens open, the voice of the Father is heard, and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descends upon Christ (detail). In the center of the icon is Christ being baptized in the Jordan. He is standing in the water wearing a waistcloth, and with His right hand He is blessing the waters of the Jordan. Above His head is the Holy Spirit descending as a dove upon Him (2). At the top of the icon, a semicircle depicts the opening of the Heavens and the voice of the Father. 3. Angels of the Lord gathered on the shore of the Jordan River give praises to Christ (detail). 4. An angel of the Lord receives Christ as He comes out of the water (detail). On the right side of the icon angels are shown with their heads bowed in reverence to Christ (3). They are prepared to receive Him as He comes out of the water (4). The Orthodox Celebration of the Feast of Epiphany The celebration of this Feast of our Lord begins on January 5th, a day known as the Forefeast of Theophany. Depending on the day of the week, this could be an evening service with Vespers followed by the Liturgy of Saint Basil or a morning service with Matins and the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. Following the service on January 5th, the service of the Blessing of the Waters is conducted. Prior to the evening or morning service the Royal Hours with the Typika are said. On January 6th, the day of the Feast, the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom is conducted preceded by Matins and followed by the second Blessing of the Waters. The Blessing of the Waters is conducted in the church; however in many places throughout the world services are conducted near open bodies of water. As a sign of blessing as Christ blessed the Jordan, holy water is poured into the body of water. An associated tradition has been the tossing of a cross into the water to be retrieved by divers. The holy water from the church is given to the faithful to consume and to use in blessing their homes. In the weeks following the Feast, clergy visit the homes of parishioners and conduct a service of blessing using the holy water that was blessed on the Feast of Theophany. Scripture readings for the Feast are the following: At the Vespers/Divine Liturgy on January 5th: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27; Luke 3:1-18. At the Divine Liturgy on January 6: Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7; Matthew 3:13-17. Sun Mon Tue 1 Circumcision in the flesh of our Lord --------------Basil the Great Wed 2 13 Martyrs Hermylos and Stratonikos of Belgrade 7 8 Venerable Euthymios the Great 10 Arabic Bible Study 12:30pm-2:30pm YAF Party @ Christine Elias’ Home 6:30pm SOYO Wednesday 7-9pm 15 16 Nino, Equal-to-the Apostles and Enlightener of Georgia 21 Arabic Bible Study 12:30pm-2:30pm Altar Society 6pm 22 Bible Study 3-5pm 17 28 Venerable Ephraim the Syrian Bible Study 3-5pm Royal Hours for Theophany 6:30pm Great Vespers and Confessions 5pm 11 Theodosios the Great, the head of monasteries in Palestine 12 18 19 Great Vespers and Confessions 5pm SOYO Wednesday 7-9pm 23 Apostle Timothy North End Soup Kitchen 9am-12:30pm Pan-Orthodox Dormition Monastery Dinner at St. George 24 29 30 Parish Council 6:15pm 31 Arabic Bible Study 12:30pm-2:30pm SOYO Wednesday 7-9pm Great Vespers and Confessions 5pm 25 Arabic Bible Study 12:30pm-2:30pm SOYO Wednesday 7-9pm 27 Translation of the Relics of John Chrysostom Sat 5 Venerable Anthony the Great Bible Study 3-5pm Book Club 6pm 20 9 Bible Study 3-5pm 14 Fri 4 Altar Society Christmas Party at Sue Shaheen’s home - 6pm Civil New Year 6 Theophany (Baptism) of our Lord Blessing of Water Thu 3 Venerable Genevieve of Paris 26 Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople Great Vespers and Confessions 5pm St. George Orthodox Church G-5191 Lennon Road • Flint, Michigan 48507 • (810) 732-0720 E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: saintgeorgeflint.org V. Rev. Fr. Joseph M. Abud, Pastor Deacon Michael Bassett Divine Services for the Lord's Day • Saturday {Confession*} 5 PM • Sunday {Confession*} 8:30 AM—9:30 AM 8:50 AM {Arabic & English} 10:00 AM Church School follows Holy Communion from September to May * Confessions may also take place by appointment with Father Joe during the week. Major Feast Days (see schedule of Divine Services) 2012-13 Theme for Church School, Creative Festivals, and Parish Life Conference Parish Council, Departments, & Organizations PARISH COUNCIL Any parishioner may attend meetings and speak during “Parishioner Comments”. ALTAR SERVERS • Subdeacon George Gantous, Head Sacristan 810-714-7332 E-mail: [email protected] ALTAR SOCIETY • Susan Shaheen, Coordinator -953-3848 E-mail: [email protected] CHOIR • Reader Gregory Farah, Director 810-695-2462 E-mail: [email protected] CHURCH SCHOOL • Janet Abueita, Director 810-771-7152 E-mail: [email protected] LADIES AUXILIARY • Aida Nassar, President 810-433-1515 E-mail: [email protected] TEEN SOYO • Sandy Abueita, President 810 659-6578 E-mail: [email protected] YOUNG ADULT FELLOWSHIP (YAF) • Coordinators Watan Abuaita 810-771-7152 or [email protected] and Christine Elias 810-875-3863 or [email protected] Office Hours CHURCH SECRETARY: Laura Nichols E-mail: [email protected] Monday – Thursday 9am-3pm, Closed on Friday