Update for the week Thursday, April 24, through Thursday, May 1, 2014
THIS WEEK AT ST. MARY
BIBLE STUDY – Join us tonight - Thursday, April 24 - at 7:00 pm in the church library as we continue our study of Genesis, discussing Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Listen to the podcasts at http://orthodoxbiblestudy.info/genesis-isaac-and-jacob/ and http://orthodoxbiblestudy.info/genesis-joseph-part-1/. The Bible Study at St. Mary, sponsored by the Fellowship of St. John the Divine, meets every other Thursday, and is based on a series of talks originally broadcast on Ancient Faith Radio, entitled Search the Scriptures. For more information contact Marianna Sayeg (mksayeg@gmail.com) or Fr. Antony (frawhj@gmail.com ). New members are always welcome.
NO VESPERS – There will NOT be a services of Great Vespers this Saturday, April 29. (Note change in schedule.)
CHURCH SCHOOL CLASSES RESUME – Church School classes will meet after Liturgy every Sunday until May 18, when we will have Church School graduation and Closing Ceremonies.
NO COFFEE HOUR – Since no one signed up to provide a coffee hour this Sunday, there will be no coffee hour. Please check the list on the bulletin board downstairs – there are several vacant Sundays when YOU could provide one!
WOMEN'S CLUB – The next Women’s Club meeting will be Tuesday, April 29, at 7:30 at the church. New members are welcome - any woman interested in joining may call Mary Ellen Mabardy at 781-729-6303.
PARISH COUNCIL – The next meeting of the Parish Council will be Wednesday, April 30, at 7:30 pm.
FSJD SCHOLARSHIPS – The New England Region Fellowship of St. John the Divine is awarding scholarships to students who are faithful and active Orthodox Christians, whose high school records indicate a potential for being successful in an accredited college and who are in need of financial assistance. Applications are available through the Church Office and must be received by the Scholarship Committee Chairperson by Thursday, May 1, 2014.
NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEWLY ILLUMINED – Congratulations to those who were baptized and/or chrismated during the Holy Saturday service last week.
ANTIOCHIAN WOMEN – The Antiochian Women of the diocese will meet on Saturday April 26, 2014, at St George Church in West Roxbury. Liturgy will be at 9:30 followed by Coffee & a light breakfast, our meeting at 10:45/11:00 and lunch to follow.
TEEN SOYO OUTING – The Teens will be going to “Sky Zone” indoor trampoline park, after Church on Sunday, May 4. All teens are invited. If you would like to participate please contact Greg Hakim greghakim@gmail.com or Hannah Hakim hoakley18@gmail.com.
THEOPHANY SCHOOL BENEFIT & AUCTION – You are invited to “Growing Together,” the 14th Annual Benefit and Auction for Theophany School, to be held at St. George Orthodox Church, West Roxbury, on Saturday, May 10. Dinner and live music by Mitchell Kaltsunas. RSVP by Thursday, May 1. For more information visit their website, www.TheophanySchool.org.
ABBA ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION – You are invited to the American Arabic Benevolent Association's 40th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, May 17, from noon to 4:00 pm., at AABA Village, Cheriton Rd., West Roxbury. BBQ and DJ. Admission is FREE. Please call 617-323-2722 by May 12 to reserve a spot.
REMINDERS
FAREWELL LUNCHEON – You are invited to a Farewell Lucheon & Program to honor Greg Abdalah, Youth Director and Pastoral Assistant as he embarks on a new chapter in his life, following Divine Liturgy on Sunday, April 27, at St. George Cathedral, Worcester. Adults $15, Children 12 and under $8:00. For reservations call 508-752-9150.
THEOPHANY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE – You are invited to an open house at Theophany School, 754 Greendale Ave., Needham, MA ,on Tuesday, April 29, 6:30-8:30pm. For more information visit their website, www.TheophanySchool.org.
NO FASTING – Fasting is not required, not only during Bright Week, but for the entire forty days until the Feast of the Ascension, May 29. (This is the decision of the Holy Synod of the Church of Antioch.) This cessation of fasting, however, is purely voluntary; you may fast if you wish.
FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE – The 40th Anniversary Food for Hungry People collection boxes are due. Please turn them in at the Bengarri. “Whoever gives a hand to help his neighbor is helped by God’s own hand.” - St. Isaac the Syrian
NATIONAL CONVENTION PREPARATION – Both Mary Winstanley O’Connor’s and Ray Sayeg’s committees will meet at the Church on Wednesday, May 7 at 7:30 pm.
CHURCH SCHOOL GRADUATION – Please plan to join us on Sunday, May 18 as we close the 2013-2014 Church School year. All Church School children who attended Church School for at least 50% of the School year will be recognized as they move up to the next grade or graduate. The recognition ceremony will be followed by a Luncheon in the church hall to thank the Teachers and honor the Students for their weekly attendance. Suggested Donation: $5.00 for Adults, Children Free.
JOIN DROPBOX AND HELP OUT ST. MARY'S – Help St. Mary Cambridge's Online Video Ministry by signing up for Dropbox using the following link: https://db.tt/6EVs2OBe ! Each new referral gives both you and the parish an extra 500 MB of free online storage!
NATIONAL CONVENTION OPPORTUNITIES – Letters have been mailed to all parishioners outlining the many opportunities for you to contribute to the 2015 Antiochian Archdiocesan National Convention. Please consider participating: volunteer your time and talent and/or financially support the event by sponsoring one of the many activities or placing an ad in the souvenir journal/ad book. Please complete the Volunteer Sign-up Sheet that was mailed to you and return it to Shirley Bezreh at the Bengarri/Narthex. Extra Sign-up Sheets are available on the table outside the hall.
IOCC HEALTH/BABY CARE KITS - The Women’s Club asks you to participate in our project to send HEALTH CARE KITS and BABY CARE KITS to the displaced families and orphans of the Syrian Conflict. The IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) will handle the mailing and distribution. Our job is simply to buy and assemble the kits. This is a great way for our families and St. Mary’s parish to begin our Lenten journey, and show our children the true meaning of Christian charity. Shop with your children to make a kit, or more than one. If that’s not feasible, make a donation to the Women’s Club and we will do the shopping for you. Instructions for Kits can be found in the Sunday bulletin.
HELP FOR THE TRAUMANN-DAVIS FAMILY – Our own Elisabeth Traumann, wife of Seraphim Davis and mother of Isis, Thais and Tycho Traumann-Davis, has been diagnosed with stomach cancer and has started chemotherapy, to be followed by surgery in late spring/early summer. Her prognosis is good, but prayers are appreciated. For updates on Elisabeth’s condition, just friend Elisabeth on Facebook and then check this Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/197726897092134/
Anyone who would like to offer their help with meals, transportation, etc. may visit the family's Lotsa Helping Hands community at: https://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/713408/ New Information: If delivering a meal to Somerville would be difficult, you can bring it to Seraphim (or in his absence, to Natasha Smith) at the church on Sunday mornings, as long as you coordinate with them ahead of time.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE:
Antiochian Women’s Scholarship: Scholarships are available to females 25 years of age and older in good standing of the Antiochian Archdiocese, actively involved in their parish and who demonstrate need. The application deadline is Sunday, June 1, 2014. Applications are available in the Church Office. E-mail cindy@cnyhondas.com with any questions.
Nicholas G. Beram Scholastic Achievement Award - applications are available for high school seniors of our Arab American Community planning to attend a 4 year college full time. Applications are available in the Church office or on-line at www.stjohn.org/ngberam. Application deadline is June 1, 2014.
THIS WEEKEND'S VOLUNTEERS
Greeter: Barbara Shoop
Liturgical Service: Candle Bearers: Meley Ephrem & Rahel Mahari; Icon Bearer: Nick Mazzoni; Bread Baskets: Gabi Mazzoni & Micaela Mazzoni; Team Leader: Zanta Ephrem; Adult Supervisor: Teva Regule;
Epistle: Arlene Marge; Communion Cloth and Bread: Anna Higgins, Linda Arnold, Melissa Nassiff, and others
Coffee Hour: No one volunteered
LITURGICAL SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEEK
Thursday, April 24: Bible Study 7:00 pm
Saturday, April 26: NO Vespers at St. Mary
Sunday, April 27: Orthros 8:45 Am, Enquirers' Class 9:00 Am, Divine Liturgy 10:00 Am; Church School Creative Arts Preparation
Scripture Readings for Sunday, April 27, Sunday of St. Thomas:
Epistle: Acts of the Apostles 5:12-20
In those days, many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles. … And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and pallets, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
Gospel: John 20:19-31
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them: "Peace be with you." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. … Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." … Now Thomas, one of the twelve, ... was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him: "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them: "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe." Eight days later, His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said: "Peace be with you." Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered Him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to Him: "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."
LOOKING AHEAD
Saturday, May 3: Great Vespers 5:00 pm
Sunday, May 4: Orthros 8:45 am, Divine Liturgy 10:00 am; Church School Creative Arts preparation
Saturday, May 10: Great Vespers 5:00 pm
Sunday, May 11: Orthros 8:45 am, Divine Liturgy 10:00 am; Church School Creative Arts preparation
Saturday, May 17: NO Vespers at St. Mary
Sunday, May 18: Orthros 8:45 am, Divine Liturgy 10:00 am; Church School Closing/Graduation with Luncheon following Liturgy
Thursday-Sunday, June 19-22: Parish Life Conference, Plymouth, MA
REFLECTION
Divine compassion brought it about in a wonderful way that when the doubting disciple touched the wounds in his Master's body, he cured the wounds of our unbelief. Thomas' unbelief was of more advantage to our faith than the faith of the believing disciples because when he was led back to faith by touching Jesus, our minds were relieved of all doubt and made firm in faith. And so after His resurrection Jesus allowed His disciple to doubt. But He did not desert him in his doubt.
- St. Gregory the Great, Forty Gospel Homilies
You cannot be a man of faith unless you know how to doubt. You cannot believe in God unless you are capable of questioning the authority of prejudice, even though that prejudice may seem to be religious. Faith is not blind conformity to a prejudice – a "pre-judgment. " It is a decision, a judgment that is fully and deliberately taken in the light of a truth that cannot be proven. It is not merely the acceptance of a decision that has been made by someone else.
- Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation
If one has the answers to all the questions—that is the proof that God is not with him. It means that he is a false prophet using religion for himself. The great leaders of the people of God, like Moses, have always left room for doubt. You must leave room for the Lord, not for our certainties; we must be humble.
- Pope Francis
Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen!
Arabic: Al Maseeh ‘Am! Ha’an ‘Am!
Greek: Christos Anesti! Alithos Anesti!
Slavonic: Khristos Voskrese! Vo Istinu Voskrese!
Romanian: Hristos a Înviat! Adevǎrat a Înviat!
Albanian: Krishti u Ngjall! Vërtet u Ngjall!
Tigrinian: Kristos Tensiu! Behake Tensiu!
Cantonese: Gaydolk Folkwoot Leew! Ta Koksut Folkwoot Leew!
Spanish: Christo ha Resucitado! En Verdad ha Resucitado!
Amheric: ChristosTeresa! Bergit Tenestwall!
You can find the text and voice recordings for over 250 languages here: http://www.srbigham.com/en/langues.html