Bulletin for 21 September 2014--The Sunday after the Holy Cross, Holy Apostle Codratos of Magnesia

ST JOSEPH THE BETROTHED

Melkite-Greek Catholic CHURCH

725 W. Mt. Hope Ave, Lansing, MI 48910                             517-575-6264

FMailing Address:  921 Westover Circle, Lansing, MI 48917E

www.MelkiteChurch.org   /   www.facebook.com/MelkiteChurchLansing

Rev. Father James K. Graham, Pastor                           frjamie@earthlink.net

Rev. Protodeacon Joseph Daratony                                                   248-719-5169

Phone or email Fr James with items for the bulletin by Thursday night.

 

Troparion of the Holy Cross (Tone 1)

O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.

Grant victory to our country over its enemies,

and preserve your community by the power of your Cross.

 

21 September 2014—Sunday after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.  Holy Apostle Codratos of Magnesia.  (Tone 4)

Readings    Apostolos:  Galatians 2:16-21                           Gospel:  Mark 8:34-9:1

10:30 am  Orthros (Morning Prayer)

11 am         Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom for the health and salvation of Eleanora Lindo, Jason Bowman, Sarah Katherine Bateh, Michel Skouri, Samira El-Chaer, Awatef Chahine, Raymond Rashid, Ann Rashid, Bonita Saba, Griffin Barna, Jim Covello, David Georges, Elias Atallah, Ralph Farhat, Robert Kuri, Nick Nakfoor, Pam Nakfoor, Isaac Salim, Iva Butler, Wayne Gowdy, Lucy Palmer, Kelsey Andrews, Elaine & Eva-Genevieve Scarborough, Michael Maslowski, Clay Thomas, Michael Harmuth, Elias Haggar, Dn. Joe Daratony, Fr John Leonard, Fr Joseph Haggar, Fr James Babcock, Fr Albert Wehby; in memory of Chuck Sawaya (One-year Memorial by His Family), Louis Zarka (Monib Mekhayel), John Rashid (Mr & Mrs John Mansour), and George Kossaifi (the Rahme Family).

27 September 2014—No Great Vespers.  (Next celebration of Vespers will be on Saturday 11 October.)

28 September 2014—16^th Sunday after Pentecost, 1^st Sunday of the Holy Cross.  Holy Father Chariton the Confessor.  (Tone 5)

Readings    Apostolos:  2 Corinthians 6:1-10                          Gospel:  Luke 5:1-11

10:30 am  Orthros (Morning Prayer)

11 am         Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom in memory of Louis Zarka (Rene Gedeon), John Rashid (Fayrouz Raad), Archimandrite Maximos Mardelli and Adam Edwards (Fr James).

5 October 2014—17^th Sunday after Pentecost, 2^nd Sunday of the Holy Cross.  Holy Father Chariton the Confessor.  (Tone 5)

Readings    Apostolos:  2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1                   Gospel:  Luke 6:31-36

11 am         Service of the Typika with Holy Communion.

Troparia and Kontakion for 21 September

1. Troparion of the Resurrection in Tone 4, Liturgikon, page 187.
2. Troparion of the Holy Cross, in Tone 1, page 222.  Two times.
3. Troparion of St Joseph, in Tone 4, page 30A
4. Kontakion of the Holy Cross, in Tone 2, p. 223.
   There is also a special Hirmos for the Leavetaking of the Holy Cross.
   Troparia and Kontakion for 28 September

1. Troparion of the Resurrection in Tone 5, Liturgikon, page 189.
2. Troparion of St Chariton, in Tone 8.
3. Troparion of St Joseph, in Tone 4, page 30A
4. Kontakion of the Theotokos, in Tone 2, p.31.
   Our Offerings to the Lord
   The collection taken in the Liturgy is part of our worship.  We offer the Lord our lives, our prayers, our gifts of bread and wine, and our financial gifts.  Last Sunday, about 100 people attended the Liturgy.  Our offering totalled $1231 in the ordinary collection, $245 for liturgy offerings, $160 for the Church School, and $35 for candles.  Not everyone can make an equal gift, but everyone can make an equal sacrifice.  Please make a generous sacrifice to support your church in proportion to your many blessings from God.
   Meetings
   Ladies Society.  Tuesday 7 October, 7 pm in the parish hall.
   Parish Pastoral Council.  Wednesday 15 October, 7 pm in the parish hall.
   Fr James Will Go to Clergy Conference, Vacation
   Fr James will attend the Annual Clergy Conference of our eparchy this week, and following the conference will fly to California for two weeks.  Welcome to Fr Tom Marick, who will serve the Liturgy on 21 and 28 September.  Deacon Joe Daratony will lead the Typika Communion Service on 5 October.  In case of emergencies, between today and next Sunday call Deacon Joe or any Catholic priest.  Between next Sunday and 11 October call Deacon Joe or Our Lady of Redemption parish in Warren (586-751-6017) or St Michael parish in Plymouth (734-404-6032).  Fr James will take messages on his cell phone, 408-910-7543.
   Parish Council Election Set for 12 October
   Four seats on the Parish Pastoral Council must be filled to replace members whose terms have expired.  The election will be held on Sunday 12 October.  The following persons have been nominated:  Nohad Eid, Bechara Geadaa, Elias Haidamous, Thamer Jameel, Ablahad Albeno-Naisan.  Those elected will take their seats at the Parish Pastoral Council meeting on 15 October.  On Sunday 19 October we will formally thank the outgoing Council members and install the new members.
   Parish Family Night on Saturday 18 October
   Enjoy an evening with our parish family on Saturday 18 October, starting at 5 pm with Great Vespers, followed by a supper, games and other family activities.  Our NAMYgroup will be making and selling caramel apples, too.
   Free “Eden to Eden” Conference on 25 October
   Our Lady of Redemption parish in Warren will host Bishop Nicholas and Deacon Sabatino Carnazzo, diocesan Director of Educational Services, for a free conference (including lunch) on Saturday 25 October from 9 am to 3:30 pm.  The conference will show God’s plan of salvation in the Bible for God’s beloved people throughout history.  No advance registration will be required.  We will try to organize car pools for those who would like to attend.  For those who cannot attend, there will be a live internet broadcast at www.Melkite.org/Live-Broadcast.
   Thanks to All for Success of Fall Food Festival
   Many thanks to St Joseph’s Ladies Society, who presented the Fall Food Festival on Friday 19 September.  Thanks also to everyone who attended and invited friends, neighbors, and coworkers.  The profit from the Food Festival will go to the parish to help with our expenses.
   Good Response to Roof Project So Far
   Thanks to everyone who has responded to the letter asking your help in paying for our new roof.  To answer your questions, parishioners will be calling on people in the coming weeks.  Everyone who makes a pledge will receive an acknowledgement as well as a tax statement at the end of the year.  You can also request envelopes for convenience in making payments.
   NAMY Elects New Officers, Plans Food Drive, Recycling
   St Joseph’s NAMY group elected new officers at its recent meeting:  President George El-Hage, Vice-President Jeoffrey deSpelder, and Secretary-Treasurer Ellison Daher.  The group will take charge of our collections of food and other items for the needy and homeless, delivering the donations once a month.  Watch for the collection bins in the parish hall.  NAMY will also take responsibility for recycling cans and plastic bottles from parish events.  Watch for the recycling bins and please do not throw bottles and cans in the trash!  On October 4, the group will have a workday in the yard at the rectory, clearing weeds.  On October 11, they will go apple picking in preparation for making and selling caramel apples at Family Night, 18 October.  The October meeting will follow the apple picking.

Bulletin for 14 September 2014--The Exaltation of the Precious and Life-giving Holy Cross

ST JOSEPH THE BETROTHED

Melkite-Greek Catholic CHURCH

725 W. Mt. Hope Ave, Lansing, MI 48910                             517-575-6264

FMailing Address:  921 Westover Circle, Lansing, MI 48917E

www.MelkiteChurch.org   /   www.facebook.com/MelkiteChurchLansing

Rev. Father James K. Graham, Pastor                           frjamie@earthlink.net

Rev. Protodeacon Joseph Daratony                                                   248-719-5169

Phone or email Fr James with items for the bulletin by Thursday night.

 

Troparion of the Holy Cross (Tone 1)

O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.

Grant victory to our country over its enemies,

and preserve your community by the power of your Cross.

 

14 September 2014—The Exaltation of the Holy & Lifegiving Cross.  (Tone 3)

Readings    Apostolos:  1 Cor. 1:18-24                                     Gospel:  John 19:6-35

10:30 am  Orthros (Morning Prayer)

11 am         Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom for the health and salvation of Eleanora Lindo, Jason Bowman, Sarah Katherine Bateh, Michel Skouri, Samira El-Chaer, Awatef Chahine, Raymond Rashid, Ann Rashid, Bonita Saba, Griffin Barna, Jim Covello, David Georges, Elias Atallah, Ralph Farhat, Robert Kuri, Nick Nakfoor, Pam Nakfoor, Isaac Salim, Iva Butler, Wayne Gowdy, Lucy Palmer, Kelsey Andrews, Elaine & Eva-Genevieve Scarborough, Michael Maslowski, Clay Thomas, Michael Harmuth, Elias Haggar, Dn. Joe Daratony, Fr John Leonard, Fr Joseph Haggar, Fr James Babcock, Fr Albert Wehby; in memory of Louis Zarka (Nick & Kay Nakfoor), John Rashid (Mr & Mrs Adel Badawi), and Margaret Powell (James).

20 September 2014—No Great Vespers.  (Next celebration of Vespers will be on Saturday 11 October.)

21 September 2014—Sunday after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.  Holy Apostle Codratos of Magnesia.  (Tone 4)

Readings    Apostolos:  Galatians 2:16-21                           Gospel:  Mark 8:34-9:1

10:30 am  Orthros (Morning Prayer)

11 am         Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom in memory of Chuck Sawaya (One-year Memorial by His Family), Louis Zarka (Monib Mekhayel), John Rashid (Mr & Mrs John Mansour ), and George Kossaifi (the Rahme Family).

 

Troparia and Kontakion for Today

1. Troparion of the Holy Cross in Tone 1, Liturgikon, page 222.  Three times.
2. Kontakion of the Holy Cross in Tone 2, p. 223.
   Our Offerings to the Lord
   The collection taken in the Liturgy is part of our worship.  We offer the Lord our lives, our prayers, our gifts of bread and wine, and our financial gifts.  Last Sunday, about 85 people attended the Liturgy.  Our offering totalled $1496 in the ordinary collection, $245 for liturgy offerings, $160 for the Church School, and $22 for candles.  Not everyone can make an equal gift, but everyone can make an equal sacrifice.  Please make a generous sacrifice to support your church in proportion to your many blessings from God.
   Meetings
   NAMY.  Tonight, Sunday 14 September, 6 pm in the parish hall.
   Parish Pastoral Council.  Wednesday 17 September, 7 pm in the parish hall.
   Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a Fasting Day
   The day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is always a fasting day, in commemoration of Christ’s suffering on the Cross.  So, even though today is Sunday, eating meat is not allowed.
   Holy Cross Hayride, Bonfire, Cookout Big Success
   Thanks to the generous hospitality of Chuck Rahall, we made a great start for our celebration of the Feast of the Precious and Lifegiving Cross with a family hayride and cookout at his farm yesterday evening.  At the bonfire, led by Saideh Bulos, everyone joined in singing the Troparion of the Cross and the responses for the blessing of the world with the Holy Cross.  Many thanks to all who brought and shared food, and especially to the horse owners who gave the children rides on their horses.
   Good Crowd Comes to See “Voices Across the Divide”
   Many thanks to Nimer Haddad for arranging the Friday night showing of the documentary film “Voices Across the Divide” by Dr Alice Rothchild & Sharon Mullally.  About 50 people came to enjoy the film and the supper provided by the Al-Bassa Community. Go to www.Voicesacrossthe divide.com to learn more about the film and Rothchild’s book Broken Promises, Broken Dreams.
   Fr James Will Go to Clergy Conference, Vacation
   Fr James will travel to the Annual Clergy Conference of our eparchy next Saturday, and following the conference will fly to California for two weeks.  Fr Tom Marick will serve the Liturgy on 21 and 28 September.  Deacon Joe Daratony will lead the Typika Communion Service on 5 October.
    
   Tell Your Friends!  Fall Food Festival This Friday
   St Joseph’s Ladies Society will present the Fall Food Festival for one day only, Friday 19 September.  The doors will be open from 11 am to 8 pm.  The menu will feature a Kafta Plate and a Mujadara Plate, as well as an wide assortment of mouth-watering homemade pastries.  Bring your family and friends and co-workers, and invite someone who hasn’t been to our Food Festival before!
   Patriarch Asks for Prayer & Fasting for Middle East Safety
   His Beatitude Patriarch Gregorios III has called all Melkites to increased “prayer and fasting for the safety and security of all our people and our countries, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Gaza, and Egypt.”  His Beatitude’s request came during the historic visit of five Patriarchs to Arbel in north Iraq on 20 August 2014 to show support for the beleaguered Assyrian Christian community and to call attention to the cultural genocide that is being committed against Christians by the Islamic State.  Joining His Beatitude Gregorios III in visiting and praying with the Christian refugees were Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Rai, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Moran Mor Ephrem II Karim, Chaldean Catholic Patriarch Lous Rafael Sako, and Syriac Catholic Patriarch Ignatius Joseph III Younan.
   Parish Council Election Set for 12 October
   Four seats on the Parish Pastoral Council must be filled to replace members whose terms have expired.  The election will be held on Sunday 12 October.  Any registered, supporting parishioner over the age of 21 may serve on the Council.  The Council represents the people, voicing their opinions about the operations of the local church.  Attendance at the monthly meeting is the minimum requirement—about three hours a month.  Council members are also expected to take on other responsibilities, according to their time and talents.  Being a Council member does not necessarily take a lot of time away from your family and other commitments.
   Watch for Important Letter:  Your Help Needed
   Everyone should have received an important letter from Fr James this week.  It outlines the Parish Pastoral Council’s plan for putting a much-needed new roof on St Joseph Church.  The Diocesan Finance Council has lent us $25,000 for the job, and your financial help is needed to pay back the loan by 31 December 2016.  A pledge form accompanied the letter.  Please fill in the amount you will be able to contribute to the project over the next two years and return it to the parish office.  One-tenth of the cost--$2500—has already been pledged by one parishioner, who will pay $100 a month for 25 months.  To answer your questions, parishioners will be calling on people in the coming weeks.  Please be generous to pay for our new roof!

Bulletin for 7 September 2014--Sunday before the Holy Cross; Celebration of the Nativity of the Mother of God

ST JOSEPH THE BETROTHED

Melkite-Greek Catholic CHURCH

725 W. Mt. Hope Ave, Lansing, MI 48910                             517-575-6264

FMailing Address:  921 Westover Circle, Lansing, MI 48917E

www.MelkiteChurch.org   /   www.facebook.com/MelkiteChurchLansing

Rev. Father James K. Graham, Pastor                           frjamie@earthlink.net

Rev. Protodeacon Joseph Daratony                                                   248-719-5169

Phone or email Fr James with items for the bulletin by Thursday night.

 

Troparion of the Nativity of the Theotokos (Tone 4)

Your nativity, O Mother of God, heralded joy to the whole universe, for from you

rose the Sun of Justice, Christ our God.  Taking away the curse,

He imparted the blessings, and by abolishing death, He gave us everlasting life.

 

7 September 2014— Celebration of the Feast of the Nativity of the Mother of God.  Sunday before the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.  Holy Martyr Sozon.  (Tone 4)

Readings    Apostolos:  Philippians 2:5-11                            Gospel:  John 3:13-17

10:30 am  Orthros (Morning Prayer)

11 am         Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom for the health and salvation of Jeoffrey deSpelder (Birthday), Eleanora Lindo, Jason Bowman, Sarah Katherine Bateh, Michel Skouri, Samira El-Chaer, Awatef Chahine, Raymond Rashid, Ann Rashid, Bonita Saba, Griffin Barna, Jim Covello, David Georges, Elias Atallah, Ralph Farhat, Robert Kuri, Nick Nakfoor, Pam Nakfoor, Isaac Salim, Iva Butler, Wayne Gowdy, Lucy Palmer, Kelsey Andrews, Elaine & Eva-Genevieve Scarborough, Michael Maslowski, Clay Thomas, Michael Harmuth, Elias Haggar, Dn. Joe Daratony, Fr John Leonard, Fr Joseph Haggar, Fr James Babcock, Fr Albert Wehby; in memory of Louis Zarka (Joe Bulos), John Rashid (Mr & Mrs Raef Rahme), Abdallah Haggar and William M. Graham (22^nd anniversary by Fr James).

13 September 2014—No Great Vespers.  Veneration of the Holy Cross at Parish Family Hayride & Cookout.

14 September 2014—The Exaltation of the Holy & Lifegiving Cross.  (Tone 3)

Readings    Apostolos:  1 Cor. 1:18-24                                     Gospel:  John 19:6-35

10:30 am  Orthros (Morning Prayer)

11 am         Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom in memory of Louis Zarka (Nick & Kay Nakfoor), John Rashid (Mr & Mrs Adel Badawi), and Margaret Powell (Fr James).

Troparia and Kontakion for Today

1. Troparion of the Resurrection, in Tone 4, Liturgikon, page 187.
2. Troparion of the Nativity of the Theotokos, in Tone 4, p. 221.
3. Troparion of St Joseph, in Tone 4, page 30A.
4. Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos, in Tone 4, p. 221.
   Our Offerings to the Lord
   The collection taken in the Liturgy is part of our worship.  We offer the Lord our lives, our prayers, our gifts of bread and wine, and our financial gifts.  Last Sunday, about 90 people attended the Liturgy.  Our offering totalled $971 in the ordinary collection, $20 for liturgy offerings, $195 reimbursement from the Bishop’s Appeal, and $44 for candles.  Not everyone can make an equal gift, but everyone can make an equal sacrifice.  Please make a generous sacrifice to support your church in proportion to the many blessings God has given you.
   Meetings
   NAMY.  Sunday 14 September, 6 pm in the parish hall.
   Parish Pastoral Council.  Wednesday 17 September, 7 pm in the parish hall.
   Hayride, Veneration of Holy Cross, Cookout on Saturday
   Thanks to the generous hospitality of Chuck Rahall, we will begin our celebration of the Feast of the Precious and Lifegiving Cross with a family hayride and cookout at his farm, 15161 Turner Road in DeWitt, next Saturday, 13 September, from 4 to 7 pm.  After the hayride and before supper, we will have the service of the Veneration of the Holy Cross, in which the blessing of the Holy Cross is given to the four directions and thus to the whole world.  Hotdogs and marshmallows will be provided; bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and a dish to pass.
   “Voices Across the Divide” Showing this Friday
   The Israeli/Palestinian conflict is one of the most prominent and hotly-debated issues in the U.S. today.  Powerful forces and organizations control our access to objective information about the conflict.  If you would like to explore a forgotten people’s history and better understand one of the most complex conflicts of our time, come to St. Joseph’s at 6 pm on Friday 12 September to view and discuss the documentary film “Voices Across the Divide” by Dr. Alice Rothchild & Sharon Mullally.  The free program will begin with dinner presented by the Al-Bassa Community of Lansing.  After supper, from 7 to 8 pm, the film will be shown, and from 8 to 9 pm there will be a question and answer session with Nimer Haddad, one of those interviewed in the film.  Be sure to invite friends, co-workers, and others who might be interested.  For more details about the film go to www.Voicesacrossthe divide.com
   Patriarch Asks for Prayer & Fasting for Middle East Safety
   His Beatitude Patriarch Gregorios III has called all Melkites to increased “prayer and fasting, starting in September [the beginning of the Church year], for the safety and security of all our people and our countries, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Gaza, and Egypt.”  His Beatitude’s request came during the historic visit of five Patriarchs to Arbel in north Iraq on 20 August 2014 to show support for the beleaguered Assyrian Christian community and to call attention to the cultural genocide that is being committed against Christians by the Islamic State.  Joining His Beatitude Gregorios III in visiting and praying with the Christian refugees were Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Rai, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Moran Mor Ephrem II Karim, Chaldean Catholic Patriarch Lous Rafael Sako, and Syriac Catholic Patriarch Ignatius Joseph III Younan.  Patriarch Gregorios said “this tragedy needs prayer and fasting.”
   Parish Council Election Set for 12 October
   Four seats on the Parish Pastoral Council must be filled to replace members whose terms have expired.  The election will be held on Sunday 12 October.  Any registered, supporting parishioner over the age of 21 may serve on the Council.  The Council represents the people, voicing their opinions about the operations of the local church.  Attendance at the monthly meeting is the minimum requirement—about three hours a month.  Council members are also expected to take on other responsibilities, according to their time and talents.  Being a Council member does not necessarily take a lot of time away from your family and other commitments.  Dalida Raad and Edward Eid are the nominating committee.  To run, or to nominate someone, as long as he or she agrees, please inform Ed or Dalida.
   Watch for Important Letter:  Your Help Needed
   Everyone should be receiving an important letter from Fr James this week.  It outlines the Parish Pastoral Council’s plan for putting a much-needed new roof on St Joseph Church.  The Diocesan Finance Council has lent us $25,000 for the job, and your financial help is needed to pay back the loan by 31 December 2016.  A pledge form will accompany the letter.  Please fill in the amount you will be able to contribute to the project over the next two years and return it to the parish office.  One-tenth of the cost--$2500—has already been pledged by one parishioner, who will pay $100 a month for 25 months.  To answer your questions, parishioners will be calling on people in the coming weeks.  Please be generous to pay for our new roof!
   Tell Your Friends!  Fall Food Festival on Friday 19 Sept.
   St Joseph’s Ladies Society will present the Fall Food Festival for one day only, Friday 19 September.  The doors will be open from 11 am to 8 pm.  The menu will feature a Kafta Plate and a Mujadara Plate, as well as an wide assortment of mouth-watering homemade pastries.  Bring your family and friends and co-workers, and invite someone who hasn’t been to our Food Festival before!