Bulletin for Sunday 14 June 2015--Third Sunday after Pentecost

SAINT 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

Website:  www.MelkiteChurch.org            Facebook:  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 Prophet Elisha (Tone 4)

The glorious Elias, an angel in the flesh,

greatest of the prophets and second forerunner of the coming of Christ,

by sending a blessing from heaven upon Elisha, dispels diseases, purifies lepers,

and overflows with healing for those who honor him.

14 June 2015—Third Sunday after Pentecost.  Holy Prophet Elisha; Holy Father Methodios, Archbishop of Constantinople.  (Tone 2)

Readings    Apostolos:  Romans 5:1-10                                                                                           Gospel:  Matthew 6:22-33

10:30 am    Orthros (Morning Prayer)

11 am          Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom for the health and salvation of Fr Peter Boutros (15^th ordination anniversary),Theresa Ramsey, Therese deSpelder (Happy Birthday from Jim & Boys), George El-Hage (Happy Birthday), Mark F. Massoud, Fares Eid, Georgette & Family (Georgette Haeck), Maroun Daher, Dennis Flint, Eleanora Lindo, Max, Angel, Simone, Mikayla Slocum, Samira El-Chaer, Awatef Chahine, Raymond Rashid, Bonita Saba, Griffin Barna, Jim Covello, David Georges, Elias Atallah, Ralph Farhat, Robert Kuri, Pam Nakfoor, Isaac Salim, Iva Butler, BJ & Liz, Cam, Janice, Jeanne, Wayne, Lucy Palmer, Kelsey, Kathleen Edwards, Edgar & Katherine Fickenscher, Kamal & Eugenie Neimat, Clay Thomas, Michael Maslowski, Elaine & Eva-Genevieve Scarborough, Antonio Carvalho, Elias Haggar, Marie Dahdouh, Dn. Joe & Marge Daratony, Fr Joseph Haggar, Fr Damon Geiger, Fr James Babcock, Fr Maximos, Dn. Robert Spencer, Dn. Daniel Klockowski; in memory of Nickolas Nakfoor (Mike & Marie Nakfoor), Louis Zarka (Madeleine Saab & Family), Deacon Andrew Gerakas, Ralph Reger, Eleanor Randazzo, and Henri.

20 June 2015—Great Vespers, 6 pm.

21 June 2015—Fourth Sunday after Pentecost.  Holy Martyr Julian of Tarsus.  (Tone 3)

Readings    Apostolos:  Romans 6:18-23                                                                                           Gospel:  Matthew 8:5-13

10:30 am    Orthros (Morning Prayer)

11 am          Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom in memory of Nickolas Nakfoor (Jayne Johns) and Louis Zarka (Louise Shaheen).

Music for Today

1. Troparion of the Resurrection in Tone 2, Liturgikon, page 183.
2. Troparion of the Prophet Elisha, in Tone 4.
3. Troparion of St Joseph, in Tone 4, page 30A.
4. Kontakion of the Theotokos, in Tone 2, page 31.
   Holy Tradition Supports the Proper Interpretation of the Bible
   Abbot Tryphon, the Hegumen of All Merciful Savior Monastery on Vashon Island, WA (near Seattle), recently posted this explanation of Holy Tradition on his Facebook page.  It is well worth reading and thinking about.
   Many Evangelical Protestants see Holy Tradition as standing in direct contrast to Scripture, as though Tradition is always relegated to “the traditions of men.”  However, there are numerous references in Holy Scripture to Holy Tradition.  For example:
    
   “Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.  With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:1-4).
    
   It must be noted that in this instance, the oral word preceded the written word, hence becoming Holy Tradition.  In John 20:30-3, it is revealed, “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book,” and in John 21:25, we read, “Jesus did many other things as well  If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”
    
   One of my personal favorite passages regarding Holy Tradition is found in 2 Thessalonians 2:15, “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.”
    
   Holy Tradition is not apart from the Bible, but supports the proper interpretation of the Bible. Holy Tradition emanates from Christ Himself, and is expressed by the Apostles, the Holy Fathers, and the Church.  The Fathers, in fact, are the very guardians of the Apostolic Tradition, for they, like the Apostles before them, are witnesses of a single Truth, which is the Truth of the God-man, Jesus Christ.
    
   Since Christ is one, unique, and indivisible, so also is the Church unique and indivisible.  The Church is the incarnation of the incarnated God-man, Jesus Christ, and will continue through the ages, and even throughout all eternity.
    
   With love in Christ,
   Abbot Tryphon
   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 $1451 in the ordinary collection, $20 for stole offerings, $465 for the new roof, and $21 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.
   Very Successful Food Festival Makes Profit of Almost $11,000
   The 23^rd Annual Middle Eastern Food Festival presented by Our Lady’s Society of St Joseph Church was once again a great success, making a profit of $10,480.  A check for ten percent of that profit--$1048—has been sent to Law Enforcement of Lansing Special Olympics, the charity chosen for support by this year’s Food Festival.  Our Lady’s Society has also transferred $8900 to the parish bank account, keeping in its own account just over $1000, as permitted by diocesan regulations.  Congratulations and many thanks to everyone who worked so hard for the success of this event that not only supports our parish but also makes our parish known throughout the community.
   New Signs Show Where to Park So Vehicles Will not be Blocked
   Many parishioners have complained that sometimes very large vehicles are parked in such a way that other cars cannot make their way through the parking lot.  The Parish Pastoral Council has approved a parking plan developed by the Property Council to solve this problem if everyone cooperates.  Signs have been posted in the parking lot to indicate what types of vehicles should park in what areas.  Large vehicles—SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks should be parked on the south side of the parking lot, on the right as you enter from Rundle St.  This is the long side of the church building.  On the short side of the church building, the east side of the property, please park only cars, not SUVs, vans, or trucks, both along the church and along the planting strip that marks the edge of the parish property.  Also, please pull your vehicle forward as far as you can, so that it does not stick out into the lane where vehicles drive between the rows of parked cars, and make sure that you park between the lines in only one parking space.  A poster showing the designated areas of the parking lot has been posted on the bulletin board in the church hall.  Your cooperation will make our parking lot safer and more convenient for everyone.
   New Facebook Page Connects Great Lakes Melkites
   At the recent Clergy Retreat, it was decided to establish a Facebook page for news of all ten parishes in the Great Lakes Region.  The page went up on Friday evening and in its first week has been liked by almost 350 people.  Find it and like it by searching on Facebook for Great Lakes Melkites.  We hope that it will help develop closer relationships among our parishes and people in this large area.