SLIDE 1
Christian Church
1182 Ashland St., Greensburg, PA 15601 Diocese of Charleston, Oakland and the Mid-Atlantic Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.
— His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH, Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America — His Grace Bishop THOMAS, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Charleston, Oakland and the Middle Atlantic — Archpriest John Nosal, Pastor
Sunday, November 24, 2019
To all who are present with us this morning,
Glory to Jesus Christ! Thank you for being here.
Please join us for “coffee and…” in the Fellowship Hall following Divine Liturgy.
A Video of the Epistle and Gospel Readings and the Sermon is recorded
- n most Sundays for posting to our website, stmgbg.org.
You May Find the Text of the Divine Liturgy beginning on the bottom of page 91 of the Service Book (gold embossed cross on the reddish brown cover) or in the green-spiral-bound book; sheet music can be found in the 8.5” x 11” large, spiral-bound booklet. At the Kiss of Peace our practice is for each of us to greet the person to our right and left with the bowing of our head, hands held in a prayerful clasp or crossed on the chest, while offering each other the seasonal Christian greeting, “Christ is in our midst!” and responding, “He is and shall be!” Please remember that Holy Communion is reserved for those Chrismated Orthodox Christians who have appropriately prepared themselves through prayer, fasting and Confession to receive the Holy Mysteries of the Church. The bread (anti’doron, which means ‘in place’ of the gifts) which we share after Communion and at the end of the Liturgy is for all. Being mindful we are in church, let us always remember to… ...be quiet and attentive. Let us sing, pray, stand, sit, kneel and respond where responses are indicated. Let us not talk, look around, text message, play games, etc. Especially let us work at this in the Communion line and when in line to venerate the Cross and depart. If we cannot hear the post- Communion prayers being chanted during our church departure, we are way too noisy. ...refrain from eating, drinking or chewing gum. (most obviously and especially if you will be receiving Holy Communion). ...stay put. Except in rare cases, there are few of us who cannot stay in one location for two hours (actually less, for most of us).
SLIDE 2 I.O.C.C. SYRIAN CHRISTIAN RELIE F
As the Syrian crisis continues, we continue to accept donations to do what we can to help ease the suffering there. Checks may be written to “St. Michael’s” with the note “Syrian Relief.” The following is a link to International Orthodox Christian Charities ((IOCC) “Response to the Crisis in Syria” page with more information on what you can do to help:
http://www.iocc.org/countries/countries_syria.aspx
The mission of the members of
- St. Michael’s Orthodox Church is
to become completely loving people.
(see Lk 10:27) This will occur by the Grace of God
as we strive to live holy lives, using the tools He has given us for this endeavor: prayer, fasting, charitable works, and the constant remembrance of death.
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SLIDE 3 to Fr. Matthew Garrett, Matushka Lisa, and children Ioan, Teddy and Marian.
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Tone: 6 Eothinon: 1 Greeting: Christ is in our midst! Response: He is and shall be! Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost & Thirteenth Sunday of Luke; After-Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos; Clement, bishop of Rome; Hieromartyr Peter, bishop of Alexandria; Hermogenes, bishop of Agrigentum; Martyrs Philoumenos and Christopher; Martyr Alexander of Corinth. ______________________________________________________________
THE EPISTLE READING
Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians (2:4-10)
B
RETHREN, God, Who is rich in mercy, out of the great
love with which He loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and made us sit with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God—not because of works, lest any man should boast. For, we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
THE HOLY GOSPEL
According to St. Luke (18:18-27)
A
T THAT TIME, a man came testing Jesus and asking,
“Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit
- adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Honor your
father and mother.’” And the man said, “All these I have observed from my youth.” And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the man heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus, seeing him sad, said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the
SLIDE 4
Poinsettia Plants Order Form
LIVING DEPARTED “For mercy, life, health, peace, “For eternal memory and protection, and salvation of blessed repose of the souls of the servants of God…” the servants of God…” _____________________________ ____________________________ _____________________________ ____________________________ _____________________________ ____________________________ _____________________________ ____________________________ _____________________________ ____________________________ _____________________________ ____________________________ _______________ x $10.00 per plant = $ __________________ # of plants total amount paid OFFERED BY: _____________________________________________ Make checks payable to: St. Michael's Orthodox Church.
Return completed form to the office with your offering by December 15th.
SLIDE 5
Theme for the June 24-28 2020 Parish Life Conference —
Bible Bowl — The Gospel According to St. John Oratorical Festival — “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world, through Him, might be saved.” — John 3:17 Let us use this theme as a guide for the coming months. Our Monday night Bible Study is intended to do just that. Maybe some of us will be a Bible Bowl Team.
There is a 12.5 pound turkey in a freezer in the
church kitchen that needs a good home. If you or someone you know could provide such hospitality, it’s yours. Contact Fr. John. _______________________________________________________
If you are wondering about the “missing children” info sheets
you may have found under your windshield wiper last Sunday, talk to Fr. John. _______________________________________________________
If you are 70 1/2 years or older, IRA Mandatory Distribution
kicks in for you. Talk to Jeff Curry for information on how to save yourself some tax dollars and benefit your church at the same time. _______________________________________________________
If you have a television that works that you’ll be recycling,
and/or a counter-top ice-maker, talk to Joe Gazal. He has a friend who can use it/them. (If you have neither but might think those needs a good charitable expenditure, talk to Joe.)
_______________________________________________________ A NOTE ON THE NATIVITY FAST
On November 15, we began the forty-day NATIVITY FAST in preparation for the feast of the Nativity of Christ on December 25. The Nativity Fast is divided into two periods. The first period is November 15 through December 19 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil) is observed with katalysis (allowance) for wine and oil on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and for fish, wine and oil on Saturdays and Sundays. The second period is December 20 through 24 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil) is observed with katalysis for wine and oil only on Saturday and Sunday.
SLIDE 6 IMPORTANT THINGS…
...Jillian Crowe had a bout with cancer this past Summer. She didn’t tell many people as she didn’t know how serious it was going to be. She ended up having a radical hysterectomy with weeks of recovery and is now suffering greatly from the weight of medical bills due from this surgery. Her copays and whatever the insurance didn’t cover is jaw-droppingly high. Filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy provided some reorganizational relief but she is still paying a large monthly amount to the court for her obligations due for medical
- bills. (She had 15 heart operations at $67,000 each in 3 years from
her heart attack of a few years back totaling $217,000 in copays.) All of this does not leave much at the end of the month to meet household obligations, let alone pay for medical expenses. If you see it in your hearts (and wallets) to donate to her medical fund your generosity would be most appreciated. As for the cancer, she is in remission and the margins show her to be cancer free! Give contributions to Christian Sam or Jeff Curry. ...We’ve been invited to help Christopher Fekos, a recently released participant in our federal prison system, to establish some financial support to get him through the next four to six months. If you think you would be able to contribute toward his challenge, speak with Fr. John. _______________________________________________________________
Has anyone seen a ceramic pumpkin with a scriptural verse on it? It was in Fellowship Hall for coffee
hour, but cannot be located. Please let Debbie know in the office.
REGARDING FELLOWSHIP HOUR Thank you to everyone who volunteers and provides our
weekly Sunday Fellowship Hour. It is easy to mindlessly take for granted an activity that is so regular and pleasant for us all. We do not take your efforts and willingness to serve for granted.
Thank you.
While the biggest challenge to our enjoying our weekly repast is scheduling people, beyond the calendar itself there are at least two items to be mindful of when you host Fellowship Hour:
1) Be attentive to the fasting cycles of the Church so that our Sunday refreshment reflects our ascetic effort. 2) Remember to include in your quantity calculations our Church School people, children and teachers (usually 15 to 20 people). ____________________________________________________________
SLIDE 7 Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray now for us sinners and at our death. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray now for us sinners and at our death. Theotokos, Arc of God, Theotokos, Arc of God, May we all be Theotoki! Blessed are you among women. Blessed are you among women. Blessed is the Fruit of your womb. Blessed is the Fruit of your womb.
ONE TUNE TEACH- ING VOTIVE CANDLE OFFERINGS
I m pnt, M n Pa Arh - Dn Arh Hel Ji Cr
Hel P Cp
Hel M D
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THANK YOU to all who participated in St. Michael’s Day at Chick-Fil-A. We ate our way to a benefit of $106 through your generosity and hearty appetites! Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church (Ligonier) is having a Holiday Halupki fundraiser: orders taken through December 1. Pick up date is December 15th from 11AM to
- 2PM. Cost is 1/2 dozen for $15; Dozen for $25.
To order call 724-238-2286 or 724-238-5800.
Fill the Toys for Tots collections bins with new, un-gift-wrapped toys for the tots of our community.
CHURCH SCHOOL ‘HE LP WANTE D’ — — Parishioners talented in art, photography, creative writing or poetry to help brainstorm with and coach our children in the 2020 Parish Life Conference (PLC) Creative Arts Festival. Speak with Fotini today.
SLIDE 8 HIGHLIGHTS of UPCOMING EVENTS
T, N 26 — Food on the Hill - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM S, D 1 — Annual General Parish Meeting with
elections to Parish Council. The meeting will begin in church where the election will be held before we head into the Fellowship Hall to complete the rest
- f our annual business. (You must be 18 or older to vote.)
S, D 7 — 9:30 to 2:30 Advent Mini-Retreat at St. Michael’s (Men and Women) Presenters: 3 Shadids — Archpriest Donald, Kh. Janet, Priest Christopher S, D. 8 — Gift Card Sundays (Scrip; bring check-book) S, D 11 — First Lutheran Luncheon, Greensburg (Sign up in Fellowship Hall) S, D 15 — Sarris Candy Order pick-up M, J 6 (E) — House Blessings begin S, J 11 — Outdoor Blessing of Waters — Twin Lakes S, J 12 — Antiochian Women Annual Holiday Luncheon Jaffre’s Restaurant, Greensburg, PA $25 per person (see Michelle Gajewski) __________________________________________________________
Are your planning on attending the Advent Mini-Retreat at
- St. Michael’s on Saturday, December 7th from 9:30 to 2:30?
If so, please sign up in the front of the church or RSVP to Debbie in Church
- ffice, so that we can have a count for lunches to be served that day. Thank you
for y
- ur consideration in letting us know.
ALL parishioners are invited to participate in this special retreat presented by the Three Shadids, Fr. Don, Kh. Janet and son, Fr. Christopher. ______________________________________________________________________
SLIDE 9 Secretary Debbie will be in Mon., Wed., Fri., 9 to 3.
Sunday, December 1
- 8:45 - ORTHROS
- 10:00 AM - DIVINE LITURGY
- Church School
- Parish Meeting
- begins with elections
in church; moves to hall
- 5:00 PM - DIVINE LITURGY
- f Monday; in Arabic;
Prophet Habakkuk
- Fr. Meletios Zafaran celebrating
Monday, December 2
- 5:00 PM - NAT. PARAKLESIS
- 6:00 PM - Bible Reading/Study
Gospel of St. John
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM - Confessions
Tuesday, December 3
- 6:00 PM - VESP. DIV. LIT’RGY
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM - Confessions
Wednesday, December 4
- 6:00 PM - NAT. PARAKLESIS
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM - Confessions
Thursday, December 5
- 5:00 PM - VESP. DIV. LIT’RGY
Nicholas of Myra
Saturday, December 7
- 8:00 AM - NATIVITY PAR’SIS
- 9:30 AM - Mini-Retreat (Shadids)
- 3:00 PM - GREAT VESPERS
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ALWAYS USE THE MOST CURRENT BULLETIN!
Sunday, November 24
- 8:45 - ORTHROS
- 10:00 AM - DIVINE LITURGY
- Memorial Sunday
- Church School
- 12:30 PM - Abortion Prayers
- 5:00 PM - DIVINE LITURGY
- f Monday; in Arabic;
Great Martyr Catherine
- f Alexandria
- Fr. Meletios Zafaran celebrating
Monday, November 25
- 6:00 PM - Bible Reading/Study
Gospel of St. John
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM - Confessions
Tuesday, November 26
- 9:00 AM - DIVINE LITURGY
- St. Stylianos
- 12:00 PM - Food on the Hill
- 6:00 to 8:00 PM - Confessions
Wednesday, November 27
PARAKLESIS Thursday, November 28
Thanksgiving Saturday, November 30
Apostle Andrew
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- St. Michael’s Financial Summary
Year to Date as of October 31, 2019 This Year Last Year Budget
Income $ 182,974 $ 224,437 $ 222,398 Expenses $ 200,969 $ 256,199 $ 253,892
Net Loss $ (17,995) $ (31,762) $ (31,494) Address questions to Treasurer Christian Sam or Assistant Treasurer Jeff Curry, or bring them to next week’s meeting.
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