January 25, 2015 - Saint Nicholas Cathedral
St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Christian Cathedral 2300 WEST THIRD STREET LOS ANGELES, CA 90057 Phone (213) 382-6269 Fax (213) 382-0175 [email protected] www.stnicholasla.com January 25, 2015 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: Bashar Ammari, Daniel Esoh, Christian Kastoun, Meena Ammari. Choir Director: Alex Nassief Chantors: Alberto Fayad, Elias Kuncar, Eva Najim, Helena Ditko Williams, Gergory Foley Council Chairman: Rose Samore Ushers: Mrs. Jameel Beebe, Richard Ayoob, Curtis Annett Bookstore: Isabel Elac Candles: Joseph Maalouf Church School Director: Badia Mamar Youth Director: Natasha Abu Ata Men’s Fellowship: George Hanna Ladies Society: Kh. Eva Najim 2300 WEST THIRD STREET LOS ANGELES, CA 90057 Phone (213) 382-6269, Fax (213) 382-0175 Youtube: abounamn St. Nicholas Festival Web Site: lamedfest.org; Archdiocese Website: www.antiochian.org; Diocese Website: www.antiochianladiocese.org; www.theheritageballroom.com Office hours: 9am to 4:30 pm daily Spanish Service – 8:00am Sunday Orthros – 9:15am Sunday Divine Liturgy –10:30 am EOTHINON 11 TONE 8 8 اللحن 11 االيوثينا Gregory the Theologian, archbishop of Constantinople & Fifteenth Sunday of Luke (Zacchaeus) Venerable Demetrios the sacristan; New-martyr Auxentios of Constantinople RESURRECTIONAL APOLYTIKION IN TONE EIGHT From the heights thou didst descend, O compassionate One, and thou didst submit to the three day burial, that thou might deliver us from passions. Thou art our life and our resurrection, O Lord, glory to thee. طروبارية القيامة على اللحن الثامن فيا حياتَنا وقيا َمتَنا,اآلالم لكي ت ُ ْع ِتقَنا من,األيام وقبلت الدفنَ ذا الثالث ِة ,العلو يا متحنن انحدرت من َ َ ِ ِ ّ .يا ربّ المجدُ لك APOLYTIKION OF ST. GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN IN TONE ONE The pastoral psalter of thy discourse in theology triumphed over the trumpets of orators and overcame it; for having sought the depth of the Spirit, there was also vouchsafed to thee excellence of speech, O Father Gregory. Wherefore, intercede with Christ God to save our souls. طروبارية القديس غريغوريوس الالهوتي على اللحن األول َ قد قهر أبواقَ ال ُخ، ي َّ ،ِالروح إن ُّ ق ّ ِ مزمار الهوتِ َك َ َ ألن هللا َمنَ َح َك قُدرة،ط َباء َو َغلَ َبها َ ِ س ِ بر أع َما ّ الرعائ َّ فت.األب غريغوريوس .سنا أيّها، الم ُ ِ فع إلى المسيحِ اإلل ِه أن ْ ش ِ صا َحةَ ال َك َ ص نفو َ ّيخل َ َوف 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 ً وصورة ً للوداعة ومعلما، قانونا ً لإليمان،لقد أظهرتك أفعا ُل الحق لرعيتك األب أيها،لالمساك ُ ِ فلذلك،رئيس الكهن ِة نيقوالوس َ ُ ِ فتشفع إلى المسيح،أحرزت بالتواضعِ الرفعةَ وبالمسكن ِة الغنى .خالص نفو ِسنا اإلله في ِ KONTAKION OF THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN TONE ONE Thou, O Christ God, Who by Thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve Thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom Thou didst love, for Thou alone art the Lover of mankind. قنداق التقدمة للدخول على اللحن األول. ت يدي اليوم َ وبارك,ع البتولي َ يا من بمولدِك قد,ظهرت وخلصتنا أيها المسي ُح اإلله َ َ َّست المستود ْ أيها المحبُّ البشر, وأي ْد عبيدَك الذين أحببتَهم,بسالم في الحروب احفظ رعيتك .سمعان كما يليق ٍ وحدَك THE EPISTLE My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. Hear this, all ye people. The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. (7:26-8:2) Brethren, it was fitting that we should have such a High Priest, holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; He did this once for all when He offered up Himself. Indeed, the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son Who has been made perfect forever. Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a High Priest, one Who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the sanctuary and the true tent which is set up not by man but by the Lord. الرسالة .إن فمي يتكل ُم بالحكم ِة وقَلبي يله ُج بالفَهم .بولس الرسو ِل إلى العبرانيين القديس فص ٌل من رسال ِة ِ َ صالَةَ لَااه ّ ها َاو قُاد،ايس ال َكهنَا ِة الااذي يُنا ِسابُنا ُ ها َاو رئا، إذًا،ُ َيسااوع،يااا إخااوة ِ اب فيا ِه وال َ ّوس َبااري صء ال َعيا ْ ال حا َباةَ ِباه إلاى،سااء ال َكهنَا ِة أن يُقَادّ َِم .ِساماوات ِب َّ ارتفَا َع إلاى أعلَاى ِمانَ ال، َالخاطئين ِ االر ُر َا ِ وهاو ِب ِخ ِ َ َّ ث ُ َّم ِلخطاياا ال،ًفـارة ً ِلخَطاياهُ َّأوال .ُساه ٍ الذَّبائِـ َح ُك َّل ِ شاع َ حاينَ قَاد ََّم نَف،ً ألنَّاهُ ف َعا َل هاذا َم َّارة ً واحادَة،ب َ يوم َك َّ س ِام بَعادَ ال شاري َع ِة فيُقاي ُم االبانَ الاذي ُّ وشري َعةُ موسى تُقي ُم ِمنَ البَش َِر ال ِ ض َعف َ َ أ َّما كال ُم الق،ٍاء ُراسا َء َكهنَة َ رئيس َكهنَا ٍة ها ِذ ِه َع َّ ـي أن لنا ِ ُب ِع َل ِ ماين َعار َ و ُخال.ِكامالً إلى األبَد َ َ َبل،ُم َمتُاه َ ِ َاس َع ْان ي َ صةُ القَو ِل ِه ُ .اإلنسان الربُّ ال دس َّ ال َجال ِل في ال َّ ص َبها ِ ِ ُ خا ِد ًما ِلق،ِسماوات َ َاألقداس والخي َم ِة ال َحقي ِقـيَّ ِة التي ن THE GOSPEL The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (19:1-10) At that time, Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. And he sought to see Who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Jesus, for He was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.” اإلنجيل .القديس لوقا االنجيلي البشير والتلميذ الطاهر فص ٌل شريفٌ من بشار ِة ِ , وكان فيها ربال غناي مان كباار ببااة الضارائب اسامه زكاا, ابتاز يسوع في أريحا,في ذلك الزمان ف سارع إلاى. فلام يساتطع أن ياراه لكثارة الجماع, لكناه كاان قصايرا.وكان يلتمس ليرى من هو يساوع رفع نمره إليه, فلما وصل يسوع الى هناك. ألن يسوع كان مزمعا أن يمر بها,بميزة وصعدها ليراه فلما رأى الجميع ذلك." فنزل مسرعا واستقبله فرحا. "إنزل سريعا يا زكا ألني س قيم في بيتك:وقال "هاأناذا ياا رب أعطاي:" فوقاا زكاا وقاال ليساوع. إنه دخل ليقيم عناد ربال خااط: :قالوا متذمرين "اليوم حصل:" فقال له يسوع. أرده أربعة أضعار, وإذا ظلمت أحدا في شيء,الفقراء نصا أموالي . فابن البشر باء ليبحث عن الهالكين ويخلصهم. ألنه هو أيضا من أبناء إبراهيم,الخالص لهذا البيت Coffee Hour Sponsored By: The Dawud family There are still dates available to sponsor a coffee hour for 2015 calendar. If you would like to Sponsor a Coffee Hour please contact Joujou George at (562) 522-1322 *Please call 2-4 weeks if possible, to reserve the date(s). 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] PASADENA / WEST COVINA BIBLE STUDY The Bible study lead by Fr. Michel assisted by Deacon John & Elen Saleh Will resume on Feb 20th, 2015 at 7:00 pm at the home of Dr. Fahed & Dina Bitar 205 South Mountain Trail Sierra Madre, California 91024 Please contact Elen Saleh for more details: (626)839-1961 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 Saint Simeon Orthodox Mission We are overjoyed to announce that Metropolitan JOSEPH will serve the first Divine Liturgy at our new mission church, St. Simeon Mission, on February 8, 2015. St. Simeon is a child of St. Nicholas Cathedral and we would like to thank all of the clergy and parishioners for their prayers, love, and spiritual support. We are located at 28200 Bouquet Canyon Road, Suite A, Santa Clarita, 91350. Please Email Mark Nassief at [email protected] for more information or to be added to our email list. Continuation of the 52 week series, (Week 3) 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 3) Psalm 24: 1-5 … “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon waters. Who may ascend into the hill and of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. We are commanded to have only one enemy, the devil. With him never be reconciled! But with a brother, never be at enmity in thy heart. St. John Chrysostom DONATED BY: ST. NICHOLAS RESEARCH LIBRARY Go Forth • • • January 25th, 2015 Volume 25 Number 4 THE DIVINE LITU RGY OF OUR HOLY FATHE R JOHN CHRYSOSTOM After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the members of the first congregation began to celebrate Communion as the Lord had commanded them. We read that when the Apostle Paul went to Troas "on the first day of the week . . . the disciples came together to break bread" (Acts 20:7). The prayer of thanksgiving, the breaking of bread, and the blessing of the cup have been an essential part of the Anaphora since the beginning (I Cor 10:16). The Anaphora was very early understood as a thank offering, eucharistia. Around the year 100, the bishop and martyr Ignatius Theophorus urged the Ephesians: "Try to come together as often as possible to celebrate the eucharist of God and to praise Him.” In addition to the words of institution of Holy Communion and the offering of thanks, there is a third high point connected, with the Anaphora. This is the "epiclesis," a prayer asking that the Holy Spirit be sent down upon the assembled congregation and upon the offered gifts. John Chrysostom describes this prayer: at the Liturgy, the priest "stands before the altar with his hands raised to heaven calling upon the Holy Spirit to come down and touch the gifts thereon presented." (Nicon Patrinacos , The Orthodox Liturgy New Jersey, 1974, p.323). The Anaphora and the scriptural readings have formed the core of the Liturgy through the centuries. The other parts of the Liturgy have gradually grown around it. Let us stand aright! Let us stand with fear! Let us attend, that we may offer the Holy Oblation in peace. With these words the deacon, standing outside sanctuary, exhorts the people to prepare themselves the holy sacrifice: the bringing of the Holy Gifts bread and wine, as a verbal thank offering to God. A mercy of peace! A sacrifice of praise! Thus the people respond, saying that they are ready to bring the thank offering to God as an offering of peace and mercy. From Feast of Faith. Archbishop Paul of Finland .Translated by Esther William s. St Vladimir's Seminary Press, Crestwood, NY. Our life depends on the kind of thoughts we nurture. If our thoughts are peaceful, calm, meek and kind, then that is what our life is like. If our attention is turned to the circumstances in which we live, we are drawn into a whirlpool of thoughts and can have neither peace nor tranquility. +Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica JANUARY 26 – OUR HOLY FATHER XENOPHON AND OUR MOTHER MARIA, AND THEIR SONS JOHN AND ARCADIUS They were rich and respected citizens of Constantinople. Xenophon and Maria lived godly lives, and made every effort to give their sons a Christian upbringing. When the boys were grown, their parents sent them to Beirut to study, but a storm capsized their ship. By God's providence, both John and Arcadius were somehow saved and thrown onto the shore by the waves; in two separate places, however, so that each thought the other had perished. Out of grief for each other, they became monks in two different monasteries. After two years of mourning, their parents traveled to Jerusalem to venerate the holy places. There, helped by the in- sight of a holy man, the brothers were first united with each other and then with their parents. Out of gratitude to God, Xenophon and Maria gave away all their goods to the poor and both embraced the monastic state. This touching story of these four holy soul demonstrates clearly how the Lord guides most wonderfully the destinies of those who believe in Him; how He loses on them trials and sorrows, that they may later, yet more greatly strengthened in their faith, experience the greater joy. They lived and died in the fifth century. From The Prologue from Ochrid . Bishop Nikolai Velimirovic. Lazarica Press. Birm ingham, 830 lQE England JANUARY 28th- SAINT EPHRAIM THE SYRIAN One saint whose holiness of life was recognized unanimously by every sector of Christendom was a humble Syrian named Ephraim. He is revered not only by the Orthodox Church, but also by the Roman Catholic and the Eastern Rite of Syria as well. Although he was born in Syria in A.D.306, Ephraim impact on the Christian religion was such that sixteen centuries later, in 1920, Pope Benedict XV decreed that this pious Syrian be listed among the "Fathers of the Church." This is a distinction which is reserved for the most deserving of the untold numbers who have toiled in the service of Christ. This unheralded and relatively unknown saint left a legacy of prose and lyrical hymns which are treasured by the Orthodox Church. Ephraim's prayers and hymns are as much a part of the worship of the Church as are the icons themselves are. Although Ephraim's father was reported to have been a pagan priest, he evidently did not object when Ephraim's mother embraced the Christian faith. Thus, even though his father was a pagan priest, Ephraim was raised as a Christian. In spite of this difficult and sometimes embarrassing situation, Ephraim became completely absorbed in the study of the Christian faith with such dedication and objectivity as to place him among the Fathers of Christianity. The intellectual powers of Ephraim came to the fore when he was a student of Bishop Iakovos, a teacher with considerable influence in the city of Nisibus, Syria. Bishop Iakovos delighted in the literary and musical talent of his gifted pupil and fellow Syrian and greatly encouraged him. After intensive study of all fields of knowledge, including philosophy, theology, and hymnology, Ephraim turned to creative efforts in literature and music. This established him as one of the most gifted and prolific contributors to sacred expression in the annals of the Christian Church. Not one to stray from his high purpose, Ephraim did not turn from his creative work in order to acquire a mastery of other languages. As a result, all his masterful dissertations and beautiful hymns had to be translated from the Syrian tongue. Tonsured as a monk by his friend and confidant, Bishop Iakovos, he was eventually ordained a deacon. Despite this prominence in church affairs, he chose no advancement in the hierarchy, preferring the monastic life which afforded him greater opportunity to express himself in word and in song. Ephraim was reported to have attended the First Ecumenical Synod in Nicaea (A .D. 325) with Bishop Iakovos. Later he became director of a Syrian theological school, where his genius as teacher, lecturer, writer, and hymnographer earned him a world-wide reputation. When the persecution of Christians intensified in 363, he was forced to seek refuge in the community of Edessa on the banks of the Euphrates. There he continued to develop his creative talents for the glory of God and consequently the people of Edessa referred to him as "The Lyre of the Holy Spirit.” The quiet reticence of St. Ephraim might have kept him out of the public eye but in his case he was so immersed in the all-consuming light that emanates from a divine gaze that he was unquestionably among the leading Orthodox theologians of his time. Throughout his lifetime Ephraim continued to write works of poetic beauty in which he expressed his Christian faith. Furthermore, according to St. Gregory of Nyssa, Ephraim had "written commentaries on the Old and New Testament with such insight and wisdom as had no other Father of the Church.” Among those who concurred with this opinion was St. Gregory's brother, St. Basil. In spite of the accolades which he received during his own lifetime for his great accomplishments in Christian expression, Ephraim preferred the simplicity of monasticism, eschewing the pomp and trappings of high office. He died on 28 January 373. DONATED BY: ST. NICHOLAS RESEARCH LIBRARY A person who lives as if he were to die every day – given that our life is uncertain by definition – will not sin, for good fear extinguishes most of the disorder of our appetites; whereas he who thinks he has a long life ahead of him will easily let himself be dominated by pleasures. +St Athanasios the Great General Announcements!!! YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED! A VERY SPECIAL COFFEE HOUR IN HONOR OF THE ENTHRONEMENT OF HIS EMMINENCE METROPOLITAN JOSEPH SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015 IN THE HERITAGE BALLROOM AFTER THE DIVINE LITURGY Donations of food and funds are gratefully accepted. Please call Rose Samore at 818-378-2055 JOIN THE ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS On Feb. 1, 2015 we will be hosting Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph at St. Nicholas Cathedral. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to join the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch as we celebrate Metropolitan Joseph's recent enthronement. Any parishioners who are interested in joining St. Ignatius and being inducted into the Order on Feb.1, 2015, please contact Marianne Simon today after liturgy, or call her cell phone (310) 497-6112. ANNUAL MEETING St. Nicholas Cathedral Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday February 8th, 2015 after liturgy. Lunch will be served. Donations are always welcomed. Nominations for parish council members will finalized for this meeting. The annual financial report will also be presented at this meeting. Elections for parish council members will take place on Sunday February 15 th, 2015 and Sunday February 22nd, 2015. Please Join Us For A Hamburger Bar Luncheon With All the “Fixings” Salads and Tommy’s Chili Ice Cream & Cookies Sponsored By The St. Nicholas Cathedral Antiochian Women February 15, 2015 Following Liturgy in the Cathedral Auditorium Adults: $8.00 Children (12 & Under): $4.00 The proceeds will be used to support Regional Camping Programs, Learning Centers and Monastic Communities throughout the Archdiocese Donations Welcome Contact Georgette Malouf 818-563-2838 The annual financial report is begin compiled in preparation for ANNUAL PARISH MEETING. Please contact Jim Samore if you would like a copy at (323) 646-3717 or email at [email protected]. BOOK STORE 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 The beginning of our 2015 membership drive began this January, we have been able to maintain our dues at $25.00. If you have any updated address, phone # or email, please submit with your dues payment. Make checks payable to St. Nicholas ladies society and mail to Nora Hanna 1890 Queensberry Rd, Pasadena, Ca. 91104. (626)840-1092 Thank you for your loving support. "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. 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) 2362651, Mr. Hanin Kastoun (818) 730-4843 Kh. Eva Najim (626) 966-1314 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 dedicatetheir 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 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. Reserve your date now before it is gone. Please call us at (213) 382-6269 Ext 306 www.theheritageballroom.com Make memories for a lifetime!
© Copyright 2024