St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Christian Cathedral
Diocesan website: http://www.antiochianladiocese.org
November 23, 2014
V. Rev. Fr. Michel Najim, Dean & Great Economos
Assistant Pastors: Rev. Fr. George Ajalat, Rev. Fr. George Taweel, Rev. Fr. Paul Olson
Archdeacon George Shishim. Deacons: Dn. John Germain, Dn. Eliya Ammari
Acolytes: Daniel Nofal, Michael George
Altar Boys: Christian Kastoun, Meena Ammari.
Choir Director: Alex Nassief
Chantors: Alberto Fayad, Elias Kuncar, Eva Najim, Helena Ditko Williams
Council Chairman: Rose Samore
Ushers: Mrs. Jameel Beebe, Richard Ayoob, Curtis Annett
Bookstore: Isabel Elac Librarian: Robert Andrews
Candles: Joseph Maalouf
Church School Director: Fadi Mamar Youth Director: Natasha Abu Ata
Men’s Fellowship: George Hanna Ladies Society: Agnes Kuncar
2300 WEST THIRD STREET LOS ANGELES, CA 90057
Phone (213) 382-6269, Fax (213) 382-0175
E-mail: [email protected] Web page: www.stnicholasla.com
Youtube: abounamn
St. Nicholas Festival Web Site: lamedfest.org;
Archdiocese Website: www.antiochian.org;
Diocese Website: www.antiochianladiocese.org
Office hours: 8am to 4:30 pm daily
Spanish Service – 8:00am
Sunday Orthros – 9:15 am
Sunday Divine Liturgy –10:30 am
EOTHINON 2
TONE 7
7 ‫اللحن‬
2 ‫االيوثينا‬
Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost & Ninth Sunday of Luke
After-feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos
Amphilokios, bishop of Iconium; Gregory, bishop of Agrigentum; Ischyrion, bishop in Egypt
and hermit of Sketis; Venerable Sisinios the Confessor of Kyzikos
THE FIRST ANTIPHON
Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised: in the city of our God and in His holy mountain.
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.
Refrain: Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us.
God is known in her palaces for a refuge. As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the
Lord of hosts, in the city of our God. (Refrain)
Glory… Both now… (Refrain)
THE SECOND ANTIPHON
The Most High hath sanctified His tabernacle. Holiness and majesty are in His sanctuary.
Refrain: Save us, O Son of God, Who art risen from the dead; who sing to Thee. Alleluia.
This is the gate of the Lord, by which the righteous shall enter. (Refrain)
Holy is Thy temple, and wonderful in righteousness. (Refrain)
Glory… Both now… O, only begotten Son and Word of God…
THE THIRD ANTIPHON
Even the rich among the people shall entreat thy favor. The King’s daughter is all glorious
within: her clothing is of wrought gold. Virgins shall be brought to the King after her: her
companions shall be brought unto Thee. (Now sing the Apolytikion of the Entrance below.)
THE EISODIKON (ENTRANCE HYMN) OF ORDINARY SUNDAYS
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ. Save us, O Son of God, Who art risen from
the dead; who sing to Thee. Alleluia.
 Now sing these apolytikia in the following order.
RESURRECTIONAL APOLYTIKION IN TONE SEVEN
Thou didst shatter death by thy Cross, thou didst open paradise to the thief; thou didst turn the
mourning of the ointment-bearing women into joy; thou didst bid thine apostles to proclaim
warning that thou hast risen, O Christ God, granting the world great mercy.
‫تلَك‬
‫طروبارية القيامة على اللحن السابع‬
ّ
‫تست‬
‫الموت‬
‫مت بصليبِ َك‬
ِ ‫لتت تو َم حتالط‬
َ ‫مح و َ َل‬
َ ‫وحو‬
َ
َ
َ ‫حط‬
ِ ‫ت الطيت‬
ّ ‫ووح‬,‫وفتحتت للت ِ الدتس‬
ً ‫مت يّها المسي ُح االلهُ لا حا‬
.‫العالم السحمةَ العظمى‬
َ ُ‫يكسزوا بأ ّك قد ق‬
َ
APOLYTIKION OF THE ENTRANCE OF THE THEOTOKOS IN TONE FOUR
Today is the foreshadowing of the good pleasure of God and the announcement of the salvation
of humanity. In the temple of God, the Virgin is revealed, announcing beforehand Christ to all.
Let us therefore cry to her with mighty voice: Rejoice! for you are the fulfillment of the
Creator's dispensation.
‫طروبارية التقدمة على اللحن الرابع‬
‫ قتد هتست فتي هيكت هللا‬،‫ وابتداء البشتا ة بالتطا البشتس‬،‫ البتول التي هي لقدلة لسسة هللا‬،‫اليوم‬
‫ إفسحي يا كمال تدبيس‬:‫ فلنهتف حوها بصوت عظيم قائلين‬.‫ و بقت لبشسة الجميع بالمسيح‬،‫عط ية‬
.‫الالالق‬
TROPARION OF ST NICHOLAS IN TONE FOUR
The verity of your actions revealed you to your flock a rule of faith, an icon of` mildness, and
teacher of abstinence, O Father Bishop Nicholas; wherefore by humility you have achieved
exaltation and by poverty richness. Intercede with Christ our God to save our souls.
ُ
‫طروبارية القديس نيقوالوس على اللحن الرابع‬
ً ‫اعتة ولعلمتا‬,‫ ولتو ة ً للو‬، ‫يمتا‬،‫ قا و تا ً ل‬،‫هستتك فعتا ُل الحتق لسعيتتك‬
‫ يهتا ا‬،‫لطلستاأل‬
ِ
‫لقد‬
‫ فلتكلك‬،‫ئيس الكهن ِة يقتوالوو‬
َ
ُ
ِ‫ فتشتدع إلتى المستيح‬،‫حتسزت بالتوا تعِ السفعتةَ وبالمستكن ِة التنتى‬
.‫خطا دو ِ نا‬
‫اإلله في‬
ِ
KONTAKION OF THE PRESENTATION IN TONE FOUR
The most pure Temple of the Savior, the precious Bridal Chamber, the Virgin, and the sacred
treasure of the glory of God, enters today into the house of the Lord, bringing with her the grace of
the divine Spirit. Wherefore, the angels of God are singing her praises: 'She is indeed the heavenly
Tabernacle.'
‫قنداق الدخول على اللحن الرابع‬
َ‫ي النقاوةح هيك َ المالل ح البتو َل الالد الجزي الثمنح والكنز‬
‫الطتاهس لمجت ِد هللاح اليتوم‬
َ
ّ ‫إ ّ الهيك َ الكل‬
ُ‫ت التتس ح وتُتتدخ ُ لعهتتا عم تةَ التتسومِ اإللهتتيح فلتستبهحها لطئك تةُ هللاح هتتا هتتي المظل تة‬
ِ ‫تتتدخ ُ إلتتى بي ت‬
.‫السماوية‬
THE EPISTLE
The Lord will give strength to His people.
Ascribe to the Lord, O sons of God, ascribe to the Lord honor and glory
The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians. (2:14-22)
Brethren, Christ is our peace, Who has made us both one, and has broken down the
dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and ordinances,
that He might create in Himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might
reconcile us both to God in one body through the Cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end.
And He came and preached peace to you, who were far off, and peace to those who were near;
for through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer
strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the
household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself
being the cornerstone, in Whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy
temple in the Lord; in Whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
‫الرسالة‬
.ً ‫ قدّموا للربّ مجدا ً وعزا‬,ِ‫ قدّموا للربّ يا أبنا َء هللا‬,‫الربّ يؤتي العزةَ لشعبِه‬
.‫بولس الرسو ِل إلى أه ِل أفسس‬
‫القديس‬
‫فص ٌل من رسال ِة‬
ِ
َ
ُ ‫وهتدم الحتاجزَ التك يدصت‬
‫سه هو تط ُلناح جعت َ بجستدِا الجمتاعتين اتعبا ً واحتداًح‬
ُ ‫يا خوةُح المسي ُح د‬
َ
ّ ‫االصته لتن هتاتين الجمتاعتينح بعتدلا حت‬
‫بينهماح العداوةح و لتى الشسيعةَ و حكا َلهاح لياللتقَ فتي‬
ِ
‫ جتا َء‬.ً‫السطم بينهماح إ سا ا ً جديداًح ويُصل َح بينهما وبين هللاح فَقَضى على العداو ِة وجعلَ ُهما جسدا ً واحتدا‬
َ
ً‫بالسطم الكين كا وا قسيبينح ّ لنا بته جميعتا ً تبيط‬
ّ ‫بالسطم تم الكين كنتم بعيدينح كما ب‬
ّ ‫وب‬
‫شس‬
‫شس ُكم‬
ِ
ِ
‫تم لع القديسين عيةٌ واحدة ٌ ولتن‬
‫يوفاًح ب‬
‫اليوم غسبا َء و‬
َ‫ فما تم بعد‬.ِ‫إلى هللاِ في السومِ الواحد‬
ِ
‫ّ بتته‬
‫ستتهح‬
ُ ‫تاء وحجت ُتس الزاويت ِة هتتو يستتو‬
ِ ‫هت ِ بيت‬
ِ ‫تاو الس ت ِ وا بيت‬
ُ ‫ف المستتي ُح د‬
ِ ‫ت هللاِح بُنيتتتم علتتى ت‬
ِ ً ‫يتما كُ البنا ُء كلّه ويستد ُع ليكو َ هيكطً ُلقَدّ ا ً في الس ِح وبه تم يضا ً تُبنَو لعا ً لتصتيسوا لستكنا‬
.‫في السوم‬
THE GOSPEL
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (12:16-21)
The Lord spoke this parable: “The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he
thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I
will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain
and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years;
take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is
required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is he who lays up
treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” As He said this, Jesus called out, “He who
has ears to hear, let him hear.”
‫اإلنجيل‬
.‫القديس لوقا االنجيلي البشير والتلميذ الطاهر‬
‫فص ٌل شريفٌ من بشار ِة‬
ِ
‫ لتيس لتي لكتا ٌ ختز ُ فيته‬:‫ُ تهح فد ّكتس فتي دسِته قتائط‬
‫ جت ٌ غنتي خصتبت‬: ‫قال الس ّ هكا المثت‬
‫ هتد ُم لالتاز ي وابنتي كبتس لنهتاح فتأجمع فيهتا كت ّ غطلتي‬:‫ عمت ُ هتكا‬:‫غطليح فمتااا عمت ث تم قتال‬
ٌ
‫خيتسات كثيتسة ٌ تكديتك تنين كثيتسةح فا تتسيحي وكلتي وااتسبي‬
‫دسح لتك‬
ُ ‫ يا‬:‫ و قول لندسي‬.‫وخيساتي‬
‫تَته لمتن يكتو ث هكتكا‬,‫عد‬
‫ فهتكا التك‬.‫ستك لنتك‬
ُ ‫ يا غبيح في هكا الليلت ِة تُطلتم د‬:‫وتنعّمي! فقال له هللا‬
!‫ لن كا له ا ا تسمعا فليسمع‬:‫ى‬,‫لصيس لن َيد ِّخ ُس لندسِهح وال يتنى با ح ول ّما قال هكا ا‬
‫يكو‬
ُ
T
TRISAGION
In loving memory of Kanaan Esper Kanaan, 40 days- beloved husband, father, and
grandfather. May he rest in peace and his memory be eternal. Offered with love by his sons
Esper and Michel Kanaan and their families.
OBLATION
In loving memory of our beloved mother Najla Copti 14 years offered by her daughters
Siham Khoury, Elen Saleh and their families. May God rest her soul and may her memory be
eternal.
In Loving Memory Of My Loved Ones Olga Khourey, George Khourey, Jessica Wiley, Greg
Jones, Zach Wiley, Dr Adrienne Hachar, Sam Hanna, Hal Hanna, Ronald Swope, Lorraine
Baba, Elias Haddad. You Are Truly Loved and Dearly Missed. Memory Eternal. Offered by
Joanne Hanna.
Wishing Ryan Annett a very happy birthday from his Dad Curt, wife Jessica, children
Ashlee, Braden, Madison and brothers Nicholas and Jonathan. May God grant you many, many
healthy years with your beautiful family.
Coffee Hour Sponsored By: by the Kanaan Family & the Ladies Society
Holy Bread & Wheat offered by: Joanne Hanna, Saleh & Elen Saleh, the Kanaan Family,
Siham Khoury & family.
There are still dates available to sponsor a coffee hour for the 2014 and 2015
calendar. If you would like to Sponsor a Coffee Hour please contact Rose Samore
at (818) 378-2055.
***For announcements, Oblations and Trisagions for the Bulletin, the
DEADLINE is Wednesday at NOON!
Please send your emails to Jeanette at: [email protected]
Continuation of the 52 week series, (Week 43)
Following the five letters and talks in church
“What does this message from God require from me, His loyal and obedient servant?” What must I
change in my life to be able to follow this teaching in both word and in deed?”
(Week 43) Luke 11:42 … “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of
herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the
others undone.”
PASADENA / WEST COVINA BIBLE STUDY
The Bible study lead by Fr. Michel assisted by Deacon John & Elen Saleh will resume on
December 12th, 2014 at 7:00 pm at the home of Dr. Fahed & Dina Bitar 205 South Mountain
Trail Sierra Madre, California 91024 Please contact Dina for more details: (646) 479-5500.
BURBANK/ GLENDALE BIBLE STUDY
This Bible study led by Fr. George Taweel is on Thanksgiving & Christmas hiatus and will
resume on Thursday, January 8th at 7:00PM. Please contact Dr. Abdullah Matar for location
details: Phone: (818) 434-0500 / E-mail: [email protected]
GRANDA HILLS BIBLE STUDY
This Bible study led by Fr. George Taweel is on Thanksgiving & Christmas hiatus and will
resume on Thursday, January 15th at 7:00PM. Please contact Marina Fasheh for location
details: Phone: 818) 693-7824 / E-mail: [email protected]
ARABIC BIBLE STUDY
By Elen Saleh through the website of St Nicholas Cathedral: www.stnicholasla.com
SANTA CLARITA GREAT VESPERS/ BIBLE STUDY
Great Vespers every Saturday at 5:30 PM followed by youth lessons and adult Bible study.
Morning prayers each Wednesday at 8:30 AM with pastor's office hours until 10:00 AM.
Located at 28200 Bouquet Canyon Road, Suite A, Santa Clarita, 91350. Email Mark Nassief at
[email protected] for more information or to be added to our email list.
House Blessing
To arrange a visitation or House Blessing from one of our Clergy, please call the Cathedral
Office: (213) 382-6269 Or E-mail: [email protected]
DONATED BY: ST. NICHOLAS RESEARCH LIBRARY
Go Forth • • •
November 23rd, 2014
Volume 26 Number 47
THE DIVINE LITURGY OF OUR HOLY FATHER JOHN
CHRYSOSTOM
The reading of the Word, the book of the Bible, has been integral to the Liturgy
from the beginning, as is evident from all the early sources.
Just as Christ, the Word of God, the Logos, “became flesh and dwelt among us”
(Jn 1:14), so also the World that is heard becomes flesh in the assembled congregation.
In Communion, Christ the World becomes our life. Thus the Word is the direct source
of the Eucharist and is fulfilled there.
The Liturgy of the Word includes the song “Holy God,” the Epistle, the Gospel,
and the instruction though the sermon. The song “Holy God” is introduced by a prayer
read by the priest:
O holy God; who dost rest in the saints; who art hymned by the seraphim with
the trice-holy cry, and glorified by the Cherubim, and worshiped by every heavenly
power… Thyself, O Master, accepted even from the mouth of us sinners the thrice-holy
hymn, and visit us in Thy goodness. Forgive us every transgression, both voluntary and
involuntary. Sanctify our soul and bodies, and enable us to serve Thee in holiness all
the days of our life… For holy art Thou, O our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory:
to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of
ages.
The choir concludes the prayer with the “Amen” and begins singing the
Trisagion. This song is called the hymn of the Holy Trinity. Following the examples of
the angles, the earthly congregation dares to praise the Holy Trinity by singing:
Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.
Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.
Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father, and t o the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages
of ages Amen.
Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.
From Feast of Faith. Archbishop Paul of Finland. Translated by Ester Williams St. Valdimir’s Seminary Press, Crestwood NY
The mark of a soul that loves wisdom always gives thanks to God. If you have suffered evil,
give thanks and it is changed to good. He has not sinned who suffered the evil but he who
has done the evil. Give thanks even in disease, lack of possessions, or false accusations. It
is not we who are injured but those who are the authors of then. St. John Chrysostom
NOVEMBER 24TH- SAINT CATHERINE, MARTYR
During the last quarter of the third century, there was born to the devout family of
Constas, who lived in Alexandria, Egypt, a girl whom they named Catherine. She grew up to be
a very beautiful girl, but it was her truly Christian character that was her real beauty. All the
virtues that Christ had stressed as musts of a Christian character could be found in Catherine’s
soul.
She was also exceptionally bright- gift her loving parents did not fail to notice. Since
financially they were well-to-do, they spared no money to see to it that good teachers would
develop the exceptional mental gifts of their daughter.
Later on when Catherine grew up she enrolled in the famous “Museum” of Alexandria. It
wasn’t an art museum as the title may suggest, but a university, affording from philosophical
knowledge, to the best scientific training in the world.
Her studies ranged from the philosophical to the scientific. She studied the poetry of Homer, in
Greek, and that of Virgil, in Latin. She then, plunged with enthusiasm into the philosophical
works of the idealist Plato, and, at the same time, with the scientific treatises of Aristole and
those of other scientists.
Even the medical works of Hippocrates and Galen fascinated her. It was an unusual
accomplishment for a young lady of that time. In fact, so well had she mastered all these
subjects, the philosopher, astronomers and doctors delighted to converse with her.
In A.D. 305 when Maximinus, the pagan ruler of Alexandria ordered a persecution
against the Christians, the lovely maiden was among those arrested, and as usual was given the
choice to either deny Jesus and live, or remain a Christian and suffer the martyr’s death. Calmly
and courageously she chose the latter.
Even pagans mourned her death and regarded it as indiscriminate waste of an admirable and
worthy human being. But for the young devoted maiden, death was not a waste. Like all others
who accompanied her to Heaven suffering like martyrdom, she saw it as an opportunity to meet
Christ, her savior, to meet God, the infinite Source of all knowledge and truth.
From The Champions of the Church. Dennis Michelis. Holy Cross Orthodox Press. Brookline. MA 02146
NOVEMBER 26TH SAINT STYLIANOS THE HERMIT
If a man never stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child, then Stylianos the Hermit
was a towering figure of Christianity who cannot be dwarfed by any of our spiritual giants. He
practiced every day of his lifetime what Jesus preached when He said, "suffer the little children
to come unto me, and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom of God"(Luke 10. 14). His
great concern for children was such that he came to he considered the patron saint of children,
but he did not limit his benevolence to children alone, as his life story bears out.
Stylianos was born during the seventh century in Adrianopolis in the province of
Paphlagonia into a family which for generations had known nothing but poverty, a
circumstance which was accepted without complaint and in which the simple, uncomplicated
No one can approach God, but only though the itercessions of the Most-Holy Theotokos,
through the One who gave birth to the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ.
St. Gregory Palamas
life afforded them greater time for religious matters. What the family of Stylianos lacked in
material things was more than offset by the wealth of a deep faith in Jesus Christ and a cheerful
commitment to the Messiah Who never owned anything more than the clothes He wore.
Stylianos was early made aware of this affinity with the Lord and by the time he had reached
maturity had acquired a profound sense of responsibility to the Savior.
Determined to serve Jesus Christ to the fullest of his ability, Stylianos joined the hermits
of the desert with a view toward cleansing his soul through a period of meditation and prayer, as
well as through association with men likewise pledging their lives to Jesus Christ. Unlike most
other hermits, however, he did not withdraw from society altogether, preferring to go among the
people for whatever good he might do, and then returning to his little cave for rest and prayerful
meditation.
One night while he prayed for guidance in helping others, Stylianos felt a divine presence
and was consumed by the great glory of the Holy Spirit, emerging from his cave the next day
with a spirit of exultation and serenity he had never known before. In his customary rounds,
wherein he counseled and comforted, he felt compelled to place his hand on a stricken child ,
something, he had not up to that time dared to do he felt the power of the Lord being
transferred to the ailing youngster through his extended arm. The child immediately recovered,
and thenceforth Stylianos was sought after by every suffering soul for miles around, young and
old.
His cave became a magnet for the sick and suffering, many of whom received complete
cures not only through the power in this man but through their own faith as well, without which
a sufferer’s case was hopeless.
It was at this time that Stylianos concerned himself primarily with children, not just the
physically afflicted but also with those who were in need of spiritual guidance. Families from
all walks of life entrusted to Stylianos the enlightenment of their children, and he was forced to
seek out larger headquarters and to recruit from the ranks of his hermit friends the assistance
needed to tend to so many. His was probably the first day-care center of the world, where
mothers could safely leave their children while tending to other matters of the home.
Stylianos was inadvertently qualified to become the patron saint of children yet to be born,
owing to his miraculous intercession for a young woman who helped him with children but
could bear none of her own. When the woman conceived, her husband out of sheer joy spread
the word of this miracle, and before long many barren women came to the great hermit. Those
whose faith in Jesus Christ was genuine became fertile.
The cheerful countenance of Stylianos was his hall mark, because he seemed always to be
smiling. Now and then, however, he would be challenged by an outraged discreditor of little
faith, and only then would the beaming hermit's face darken with a scowl. He was also
approached by greedy mercenaries with all manner of propositions for commercializing his
talents and reaping a tidy fortune, but for these people he always had the same answer that he
had been paid in advance for his services when the serenity of the Holy Spirit came upon him.
He would smile as they left. He lived to a ripe old age, and it is said that when he was buried his
countenance still beamed with a faint smile from the light of the Lord.
From Orthodox Saints. Volume 4. George Poulos. Holy Cross Orthodox Press. Brookline, MA.
DONATED BY: ST. NICHOLAS RESEARCH LIBRARY
General Announcements!!!
The V. Rev. Fr Michel Najim, Dean & Great Economos
The Clergy and The Parish Council of
St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral
Cordially Invite You To Attend
THE ST NICHOLAS DAY BANQUET
Sunday, December 7th, 2014
At 12:30 PM, after Divine Liturgy in the St. Nicholas Heritage Ballroom
For reservations or to purchase your tickets, please contact,
Hend G Nahas at, [email protected] or 818-631-2625 or Curt Annett at,
[email protected]. Or you can find Hend Nahas And Curt Annett every
Sunday in the Hall, after Liturgy.
Ticket Prices:
Adults: $35.00
Children: $15.00 (16 years & under)
Looking forward to seeing you all to celebrate the Feast of Our Patron, Saint Nicholas. Hend G.
Nahas, Event Chairperson
Run for a Position on the Parish Council!
Nominations for seats on the Parish Council will be accepted soon!
Five positions will be available, and we encourage all parishioners
to consider this very special opportunity to serve the Cathedral. We
need dedicated, positive, energetic women and men who are willing
to dedicate their time, energy and talents to developing and
continuing programs that ensure the growth and success of our
spiritual home. There are exciting times ahead, and we encourage
you to be part of the future of the Cathedral. Please feel free to speak to any Parish Council
member, and join us in our service to the Lord and his House.
ST. NICHOLAS KIDS’ CLUB CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
The Program schedule for our Kid’s Club Christmas outreach program is listed below. We
invite you to come to the Cathedral on the dates listed below to assist us in this important
Ministry:
Friday, December 12, 2014, 6:30 – 8:30 PM, Wrap Gifts and Decorate (Dinner Served)
Saturday, December 13th, 2014 7:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Breakfast, Santa and Toy Distribution
All Events on the Cathedral grounds
Please Join Us and Help Us In This Important Community Outreach
We are asking each family and single adult to contribute a minimum of $40.00 towards
the Christmas Program. If you can give more it would be greatly appreciated. We will accept
any donation. For further information and to make a donation please see us at Church, call us or
mail a check to:
Ed Malouf
1021 N. Orchard Drive. Burbank, CA 91506
818-563-2838
Checks should be payable to St. Nicholas Cathedral with the notation Kids Club on the memo
line.
"Sing Praises to the Lord, Sing Praises All Ye Nations!"
Join the St. Nicholas Choir! You don't have to be a diva or related to
any of the 3 Tenors to sing in the choir every Sunday. This is a
wonderful opportunity to share in a very special ministry of the church.
The members of the choir represent the worshipers in the celebration of
the Liturgy. Come and raise your voices in worship every Sunday.
Everyone is welcome: young and old and everyone in between!
Please come on up to the Choir Loft right away.
NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION
St. Nicholas Heritage Ballroom
Wednesday December 31 at 9:00p.m.
Featuring: Fidel Fayad and Michel Achkar, DJ Music
Tickets: $115, $125
Babysitting Provided
For Ticket purchase call Tania Matar at (818) 903-0953
A portion of our proceeds will benefit the Syrian Relief Fund
METROPOLITAN GALA SAVE THE DATE!
By the grace of the Holy Spirit, the Official West Coast Celebration of
the Enthronement of His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph will take place
on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Los
Angeles. All proceeds will benefit Camp St. Nicholas and Youth
Education Programs. Do not miss this historic celebration in the life of
our Diocese - this is the only celebration taking place on the West Coast. We are
praying for enthusiastic participation by all churches in the Diocese to honor our
beloved Metropolitan Joseph. The day will start with a youth brunch, followed by a
reception for clergy and wives, then vespers, and the Gala Reception and Banquet
featuring special musical offerings. A Hierarchal Divine Liturgy will be held the
next day at St. Nicholas Cathedral. There will be a very special Commemorative
Program Book that will include memorable images from the actual enthronement.
For tickets, program book and hotel info, please visit: www.antiochianladiocese.org
BOOK STORE
JUST A MONTH LEFT FOR CHRISTMAS - come see us at the Bookstore for special gift ideas.
NEED A SPECIAL GIFT - BAPTISM, WEDDING, BIRTHDAY - WE CAN HELP!
Want to learn more about our Church, come see us at the Bookstore. We have some terrific
books on Orthodoxy. We have some great gift ideas and gift certificates! Please see us in the
Bookstore or for questions, please contact Isabel Elac at (818)956-3756
“BEHOLD WHAT MANNER OF LOVE THE
FATHER HAS BESTOWED ON US”
1 JOHN 3:1
By the grace of God, we invite you to prayerfully participate in the
Diocese of Los Angeles and the West Enthronement Gala Celebration of
HIS EMINENCE, METROPOLITAN JOSEPH
ARCHBISHOP OF NEW YORK AND
METROPOLITAN OF ALL NORTH AMERICA
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015
SHERATON UNIVERSAL HOTEL – UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA
Benefitting St. Nicholas Camp and Youth Education Programs
3:30 PM Clergy and Clergy Wives Reception
5:00 PM Vesper Service
6:00 PM Cocktail Reception
7:30 PM Dinner and Program
Please note there will be a
Youth and Young Adult Brunch with Metropolitan JOSEPH on Saturday 11:00 AM
and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy beginning with Orthros on Sunday 9:15 AM
Both of these events will take place at St. Nicholas Cathedral
2300 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057
Tickets are $185.00 per person and $100 for a Young Adult Ticket 18-30
which includes the Young Adult Brunch Saturday morning.
To order tickets online visit: www.antiochianladiocese.org
Guidelines for the Nativity Fast
The Nativity Fast (November 15th through December 24th)
The Nativity Fast is one of the four Canonical Fasting Seasons in the Church year. This is a
joyous fast in anticipation of the Nativity of Christ. That is the reason it is less strict than other
fasting periods. The fast is divided into two periods. The 1st period is November 15th through
December 19th when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, fish, wine, and oil) is
observed. There is dispensation given for wine and oil on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Similarly,
fish, wine, and oil are permitted on Saturdays and Sundays. The 2nd period is December 20th
through 24th when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, fish, wine, and oil) is
observed. There is dispensation given for wine and oil only on Saturday and Sunday during this
period. Here are the guidelines:
Meat
Dairy
Fish
Wine
Oil
beef, chicken,
pork, turkey, elk,
veal, lamb, deer,
rabbit, buffalo,
and so forth
milk, eggs,
cheese, butter,
yogurt, cream,
and so forth
Fish with a backbone (some include all
(not including
types of alcohol in
shrimp, octopus,
this category)
shellfish, squid, or
other seafood.
(some include all
types of oil in this
category)
Abstain.
Abstain.
Permitted only on
Saturdays and
Sundays before
December 20. (some
permit fish Tuesdays
and Thursdays also)
Permitted only on
Tuesdays,
Thursdays,
Saturdays, &
Sundays before
December 20.
Permitted only on
Tuesdays,
Thursdays,
Saturdays, &
Sundays before
December 20.
Abstinence includes refraining from the food and drink mentioned above, as well as from
smoking. The Eucharistic Fast means abstaining from at least the previous midnight for
communing at a morning Liturgy.
The Purpose of Fasting
The purpose of fasting is to focus on the things that are above, the Kingdom of God. It is a
means of putting on virtue in reality, here and now. Through it we are freed from dependence
on worldly things. We fast faithfully and in secret, not judging others, and not holding ourselves
up as an example.
 Fasting in itself is not a means of pleasing God. Fasting is not a punishment for our sins.
Nor is fasting a means of suffering and pain to be undertaken as some kind of atonement.
Christ already redeemed us on His Cross. Salvation is a gift from God that is not bought
by our hunger or thirst.
 We fast to be delivered from carnal passions so that God’s gift of Salvation may bear
fruit in us.
 We fast and turn our eyes toward God in His Holy Church. Fasting and prayer go
together.
 Fasting is not irrelevant. Fasting is not obsolete, and it is not something for someone else.
Fasting is from God, for us, right here and right now.
Most of all, we should not devour each other. We ask God to “set a watch and keep the
door of our lips.”
Do Not Fast
 between December 25 and January 5 (even on Wednesdays and Fridays);
 if you are pregnant or nursing a newborn;
 during serious illness;
 without prayer;
 without alms-giving;
 According to your own will without guidance from your spiritual father .

Parking Notice
The Photo Lot is still available for free until 2:00p.m. St. Vincent Lot will still available
prepaid for $4.00 and $5.00 at gate. For prepaid tickets please contact Jim Samore at
(323) 646-3717 or e-mail at [email protected]
Ministry to the Newcomers
There is an immediate need to establish a Newcomers’ Ministry to help
them settle in Los Angeles, and make them members of Saint Nicholas Cathedral, and
successful residents, and adapt to American life.
The scope of this ministry includes, but not restricted to the following:
 Welcoming them to the Cathedral
 Taking Care of their spiritual needs.
 Providing a ride to Church, Bank, Doctors, DMV etc.
 Helping them open a bank account, obtain a debit or credit
card, buy a cell phone, and find adult school to learn English
and computer basic skills.
 Guide them to take vocational courses.
 Helping them to receive their CA driver license.
 Helping professionals to get equivalence for their degrees such
as Doctors, Pharmacists, Nurses & Engineers etc.
There are many services that this ministry may offer on case basis,
however this list provides the meat of what our ministry does. Any
member of our church, or anyone willing to help and guide in any
way of the fields above or Anyone who knows about a new Christian family arriving to the Los
Angeles area, is kindly requested to contact Fr. Michel Najim at (213) 382-6269 Ext: 306
[email protected] or Dr. Abdalah Matar (818) 434-0500 [email protected], or
any member of the Steering Committee.
Mr. Gabriel Matta (818) 203-1494,
Dr. Haitham Matar (818)502-2544,
Mr. Fayez Nima (818) 236-2651,
Mr. Hanin Kastoun (818) 730-4843
Kh. Eva Najim
(626) 966-1314
St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Christian
Cathedral
Think of us for your next event!
Weddings, Baptisms, Birthdays,
Anniversaries and All Other Occasions.
The Perfect Venue for any event.
Please call us at (213) 382-6269 Ext 306
www.theheritageballroom.com
Make memories for a lifetime!
Let Us Celebrate
Our Patron Saint’s Day
Together!
Sunday, December 7, right after the Divine Liturgy in our
beautiful Heritage Ballroom.
Let us also be together to honor those very special parishioners
who have devotedly served this cathedral:
Baron Sarkis and Hend Nahas
Diane Brooks
Mary Rose Grim
Gabriel and Maria Matta
Elie and Samira Abdel Karim
Please purchase your tickets today! See Hend Nahas. 818-631-2625