St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Church of the San Fernando Valley a Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America 16643 Vanowen Street; Van Nuys, California; 91406 stmichaelvannuys.org His Eminence, Metropolitan JOSEPH, Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America www.antiochian.org Archpriest Timothy Baclig, Pastor [email protected] Rev. Fr. Minas Sarchizian, Assisting Priest [email protected] Rev. Deacon Andrew Monsue [email protected] Subdeacon Richard Tamoush richard@aaaflag.com Subdeacon Magued Wassef [email protected] Subdeacon Richard Ajalat, Pastoral Assistant [email protected] Parish Council Chair - Michael Mitchell [email protected] Council Vice-Chair - Connie Abdun-Nur Barilla [email protected] Council Secretary - Eric Nelson [email protected] Council Treasurer - Kris Thabit [email protected] Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women of No. America (AOCWNA) Chapter President - Charmaine Darmour [email protected] Church Comptroller - Mary Ann Coury [email protected] Choir Director - Art Danks [email protected] Church School Director - Lila Coudsy [email protected] Youth Director - Cooper Rowe [email protected] Young Adult Director - Richard Ajalat [email protected] Faithtree Resources Exec. Director - Michelle Moujaes [email protected] Project Manager - Michael J. Malouf [email protected] Stewardship Chair - Richard Tamoush [email protected] Capital Funds Campaign Chair - Ron Zraick [email protected] Property Management Chair - Eric Nelson [email protected] Bookstore Manager - Bobbi Monsue [email protected] 50th Anniversary & Golf Classic Co-Chair - Don Meena [email protected] Golf Classic Co- Chair - Fred Milkie [email protected] Webmaster - Dan Raju [email protected] Coffee Hour Coordinator - Cindy Tamoush [email protected] Head Usher - Ramez Hage [email protected] The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost and the Twelfth Sunday of Matthew Righteous Simeon the Stylite; Synaxis of the Theotokos at Miasinae
Sunday, September 1, 2019 Tone 2; Eothinon 11 Apolytikion for the Resurrection (Tone 2) When Thou didst submit Thyself unto death, O Thou deathless and immortal One, then Thou didst destroy hell with Thy Godly power. And when Thou didst raise the dead from beneath the earth, all the powers of Heaven did cry aloud unto Thee: O Christ, Thou giver of life, glory to Thee.
Apolytikion for the Indiction (Tone 2) O Maker of all creation, Who hast established the times and the seasons in Thine own power: Bless the crown of this year with Thy goodness, O Lord, and keep our rulers and Thy flock in peace, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, and save us.
Apolytikion for the Synaxis of the Theotokos (Tone 7) Rejoice, thou who art full of grace, O Virgin Theotokos, haven and protection of the race of man; for the Redeemer of the world became incarnate of thee; for thou alone art both mother and virgin, ever blessed and glorified. Intercede with Christ God that peace be granted unto all the world.
Apolytikion for Simeon the Stylite (Tone 1) Thou becamest a pillar of patience and didst emulate the Forefathers, O righteous one: Job in his sufferings, Joseph in temptations, and the life of the bodiless while in the body. O Simeon, our righteous Father, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.
Apolytikion for our Patron, Michael the Archangel (Tone 2) O ye foremost of the heavenly hosts, we beseech thee, though we are unworthy, pray that we may be encompassed with a shadow of thine unearthly glory; preserving us who kneel and cry endlessly: Deliver us from oppression since ye are the prince of the highest powers. Kontakion for the Indiction (Tone 4) O God of all, Thou Who hast made all the ages, O Sovereign Lord, truly transcendent in essence, bestow Thy grace and blessing on the year to come; and, O Most Compassionate, in Thine infinite mercy save all them that worship Thee, Who alone art our Master, and that with fear, O Savior, cry to Thee: Grant unto all men a fruitful and godly year.
Daily Readings
THE EPISTLE (for the Indiction) Great is our Lord, and great is His power. Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.
The Reading from the First Epistle of St. Paul to Timothy (2:1-7) Timothy, my son, first of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony to which was borne at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
THE GOSPEL (for the Indiction)
The Reading of the Holy Gospel is according to St. Luke (4:16-22) At that time, Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and He went to the synagogue, as His custom was, on the Sabbath day. And He stood up to read; and there was given to Him the book of the prophet Isaiah. Jesus opened the book and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor and to heal the broken hearted. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” And Jesus closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke well of Him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth.
The Synaxarion On September 1 in the Holy Orthodox Church we celebrate the Beginning of the Indiction—the Ecclesiastical (Church) New Year. Verses Do thou bless for our sakes the new year’s Indiction Thou Ancient, Who, for man’s sake, tookest on newness. The First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in 325 decreed that the Church year should begin on September 1. The month of September was, for the Hebrews, the beginning of the civil year, the month of gathering the harvest and of the offering of thanks to God. It was on this feast that the Lord Jesus entered the synagogue in Nazareth, and opened the book to read from the Prophet Isaiah, as found in today’s Liturgy Gospel reading. The month of September is also important in the history of Christianity, because Emperor Constantine the Great was victorious over Maxentius, the enemy of the Christian Faith, in September. Following this victory, Constantine granted freedom of confession to the Christian Faith throughout the Roman Empire. On this day we also commemorate the miracle wrought by the Most-holy Theotokos at Miasinae Monastery and the Great Conflagration (fire) which followed. The Virgin’s holy icon had been cast into Lake Zaguru so that the iconoclasts would not desecrate it. It miraculously arose intact from the lake’s depths after many years in 864. On this day we also commemorate Simeon the Stylite. He was born in Syria of peasant parents. At the age of eighteen, Simeon left home and was tonsured a monk. He undertook the most difficult ascetic practices, including a strict fast for forty days. Simeon eventually took upon himself a form of asceticism that was previously unknown. He stood day and night on a pillar, in unceasing prayer. At first, his pillar was six cubits (7.5 feet) high; Simeon eventually raised it to forty cubits (60 feet) high. The saint worked many great miracles, healing infirmities by word and prayer, comforting those in need, instructing others, and reproaching some who held heretical beliefs. Simeon lived to be 103 years old. He reposed in the Lord on September 1, 459. His pillar and the cathedral named in his honor still stand outside of Aleppo, Syria. On September 1, we also commemorate Simeon’s mother, Martha; the 40 virgin-martyrs and Ammon the deacon in Heraclea; Venerable Evanthia of Skepsis; Righteous Joshua, son of Nun (Jesus of Navi); Meletios the New of Mount Myoupolis; Venerable Nicholas of Crete; New- martyr Angelis of Constantinople; the martyr Aethalas of Persia; and the martyrs Callista, Evodus and Hermogenes the siblings. By their intercessions, O Christ God, have mercy upon us. Amen.
A Note Regarding Holy Communion Since we understand Communion to mean that we have all things in common, sharing an identical Faith, only those who are members of the Orthodox Church and who have prepared themselves through prayer, fasting and recent Confession may participate in Holy Communion. (We invite all, however, to partake of the blessed bread which is distributed at the dismissal.) Please see the Pastor for inquiries on how to become a member.
OFFERINGS Holy Bread is being offered in loving memory of Rose Deeb (+31 August, 2002) by the Deeb family. Memory eternal.
Special offerings and requests for prayer are being made . . . by Father Timothy for the eighth birthday of his granddaughter, Katherine Leilani Baclig. for the eight-year memorial of Adeeb Sadd (+31 August, 2011), by his family, Carolyn and Chrisa Sadd, the Lewin and Khouri families. May his memory be forever eternal. We miss you! for the continued health of Stephanie & Justin Gruetzmacher
Included in our prayers throughout the month of September are those celebrating their birthday: Tony Mansur (9/1), Shannon Sullivan (9/1), Alan Waldman (9/1), Maisun Ababseh (9/3), Toni Abughazaleh (9/3), Johny Aftimos (9/3), Chrisa Sadd (9/4), Pierre Azzam (9/5), Catherine Bishop (9/5), Gabriel Habib (9/5), John Khouri (9/5), Grace Nasser (9/4), Margaret Soffa (9/5), Bassem Azzam (9/8), Derek Dodds (9/8), Jonah Moujaes (9/8), Sandra Sweis (9/8), Andrea Thabet Waldman (9/8), Dorian Farr (9/9), Fred Milkie Jr. (9/9), Genevieve Akoury (9/13), Julie Ajalat Ellerton (9/13), Jonathan Salim Srour (9/13), Daniel Malouf (9/14), Tyler Tamoush (9/14), Nicholas Aparicio (9/15), Nadim Kneizeh (9/15), Mitchell Kaady (9/15), Joy Farr (9/16), Louis J. Khoury (9/17), Anita Chala (9/18), Alexander Akoury (9/19), Gregory Safady (9/19), Layla Sayegh (9/19), Travis Ruff, (9/21), Michael Ajalat (9/22), Elias Mankouche (9/22), Nicholas Murr (9/22), Andrew Keoni Baclig (9/23), Marissa Kiley Coury (9/23), Araceli Yazbek (9/23), Katie AbuGhazaleh (9/24), Jocelyn Rogers (9/24), Carole Abughazaleh (9/25), Cindy Tamoush (9/25), Abdulla Mallouk (9/25), Constantine Nasr (9/25), Christiane Abdennour (9/26), Leila Grace Hage (9/26), Kyla Marie Terry (9/26), Brooklyn Henry (9/27), MacLean Khoury (9/27), Daniel Saidy (9/27), Adam Lamar (9/28), Emmanuel Woldemichael (9/28), Sherri Acri (9/30), Andrew Mitchell (9/30); and celebrating their wedding anniversary: Albert & Vanessa Coury (9/6), John & Katrina Tambouras (9/7), Steven & Erin Hage (9/10), Lenny & Joni Slatko (9/12), Mandy & Constantine Nasr (9/13), Samir & Amira Boutari (9/15), Elias & Christian Dahdah (9/15), Philip & Muriel Khoury (9/24), April & Teddy Hage (9/25), Marcelle & Edward Chaffin (9/26), Don & Noha Simon (9/26), George & Camilia Daftari (9/27), George & Michele Yazbek (9/27). God grant them many years!
Included in our prayers for the departed during the month of September: Metre Chala Salid, +4 Sept. 1964 Lorraine M. Bitar, +29 Sept. 2002 George Nicholas, +5 Sept. 1968 Michael Anthony Edwards, +23 Sept. Daas Issa, +30 Sept. 1973 Katherine Nassir, +18 Sept. 2004 Louise Martin, +6 Sept. 1974 Janice Nassany, +21 Sept. 2004 Katherine Wassef, +7 Sept. 1976 Dr. Mitry Ajalat, +21 Sept. 2005 Victoria Aboud Noonan, +Sept. ’78 Doris Cates Hewlett, +22 Sept. 2005 Claudette Johnson, +18 Sept. 1979 Adele Robinett, +18 Sept. 2006 Elias Abughazaleh, +20 Sept. 1979 Evelyn Barghash, +22 Sept. 2006 Lilly Gentry, +14 Sept. 1984 Sharon Rowihab, +9 Sept. 2007 Hanna Bibby, +9 Sept. 1987 Jamileh Ghawi, +1 Sept. 2008 Odeh Sweis, +3 Sept. 1987 Jeannette Aboud, +13 Sept. 2008 Toufic El-Hage, 29 Sept. 1992 Palina Sayegh, +9 Sept. 2009 Gloe Sarah Harris, +2 Sept. 1995 Alice Ayoob, +30 Sept. 2010 Evelyn Jenkins, +2 Sept. 1995 Faith Siano, +27 Sept. 2011 William Kavan, +28 Sept. 1995 Jameel Sadd, +20 Sept. 2012 Patricia Slatko, +23 Sept. 1997 Mary Gillespie, +28 Sept. 2012 Samuel Simon, +4 Sept. 1997 Charles Slemon, +28 Sept. 2014 Rose Thomas, +12 Sept. 1998 Nouhad Tarbouche, +9 Sept. 2015 Michel Mallouk, +3 Sept. 1999 Robert Michaelis, +16 Sept. 2015 Ralph Miller, +23 Sept. 2000 Shibley Horaney, +19 Sept. 2015 James Piper, +23 Sept. 2000 Marsha Harvey, +17 Sept. 2016 Adele Adams, +5 Sept. 2001 Sondra Murr Love, +25 Sept., 2016 Alice Wakeem, +26 Sept. 2001 Cle Bassett, +19 Sept., 2017 Najla Mussalem, +2 Sept. 2002 Michael Mitchell, Jr., +28 Sept. 2017 Nicola Massu, +9 Sept. 2002
Memory Eternal! Please phone the Church Office if there are any omissions or corrections to the above listing of names. Bear in mind that some have chosen not to be included in our announcement. Please forgive any errors in the listing.
LITURGICAL CALENDAR [Note: Wednesdays and Fridays are observed as days of fasting in the Orthodox Church.] [Labor Day – Monday, September 2nd (U.S.A.)] The Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy Cross And The Feast of the Nativity of the Holy Theotokos Saturday, September 7th, Great Vespers, 5 p.m. Sunday, September 8th, Orthros, 8:45 a.m., Divine Liturgy, 10 a.m. The Feast of The Elevation of the Holy Cross Saturday, September 14th - Orthros, 8:45 a.m., Divine Liturgy, 6:30 p.m. The Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross Saturday, September 14th - Vespers, 5 p.m. Sunday, September 15th - Orthros, 8:45 a.m., Divine Liturgy and Procession, 10 a.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Attention Parents, Grandparents and Godparents: The first day of Church School is next Sunday, September 8th. Get ready for a great year! Register (if you have not already done so) your child(ren) today. Contact Lila Coudsy with any questions you might have at: [email protected]
You are invited to join us for a Church School Awards Presentation Salad Buffet Sunday, September 8, 2019 after Liturgy We will be honoring our children’s achievements and efforts [a free-will offering will be received for our curriculum]
Note to Coffee Hour hosts: coffee and paper goods will be provided each week. Holy Bread Offering List Coffee Hour Hosts Calendar
Sep 01 - the Deeb family Sep 01 - open Sep 08 - open Sep 08 - Church School Salad Bar Sep 15 - open Sep 15 - open Sep 22 - open Sep 22 - open Sep 29 - open Sep 29 - open Please contact Fr. Timothy (818/219-3761; [email protected]) to sign-up to offer Holy Bread and Cindy Tamoush at: (818-345-4363; [email protected]) to sign-up for the Coffee Hour.
Care Packages for the Homeless and Needy We have concluded our collection of items for “care packages” for the homeless. Additional bags are available in the narthex for you to have in your car for distribution to those on street corners who can benefit from bottled water and various hygiene items. We thank Levia Arbuckle for her help in planning this project. Fall Gathering - October 25-28 Ss. Peter & Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church in Ben Lomond, California is the host of our Annual Fall Gathering. Information for registration is on the bulletin board, also available on-line at:
Demographic Information About “Lake Balboa” “Lake Balboa” is the local district of St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Church in Van Nuys (Los Angeles County). Its boundaries include: (West line) White Oak Avenue to Saticoy St. to Louise Ave. to Roscoe Blvd.; (North line) Roscoe Blvd. to the San Diego Fwy. I-405; (East line) San Diego Fwy I-405 line from Roscoe Blvd to Victory Blvd.; (South line) Victory Blvd. from the San Diego Fwy I-405 to White Oak Ave. In 2010 the district population was 42,271; 31% White, 55% Hispanic, 9% Asian, 5% Black, 1% Other. Lake Balboa has a relatively young population: 33 median age; approximately 15% between 20-29; 43% between 30-59; 2% 80 years or older; 14% under the age of 9. 59% were born in the United States, 18% were naturalized and 23% are not U.S. citizens. 61% of Lake Balboa residents identify themselves as married-family households. 49% of homes are owner-occupied and 51% are renter-occupied. 33% of homes have an estimated value of at least $500,000; 46% - $300,000 to $500,000; 21% - $300,000 or less; 2.5% - $1,000,000+. 30% of Lake Balboa residents have some college or associate’s degree; 21% have a bachelor’s degree or higher; 26% are high school graduates; and 23% less than high school. For more information visit the Lake Balboa Neighborhood Council website at: www.lakebalboanc.org Upcoming Events (see the foyer bulletin board for more information) Church School Registration - Sunday, September 8 Creative Festival Awards Presentation Salad Bar Lunch First Day of Church School Classes - Sunday, September 15 September Parish Council Meeting - Monday, September 16, 7 p.m. So. California Antiochian Clergy Deanery Meeting at St. Michael Church Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 10:30 a.m. Teen SOYO Fall “Kick-off” - Saturday, September 21, 2019, St. Nicholas Cathedral Heritage Hall; 1-5 p.m. St. Mark “Disco and Dabke Dinner-Dance” Saturday, September 21, 2019 St. Michael Antiochian Women’s Meeting - Sunday, October 6 October is “Youth Month” Diocesan Fall Gathering - October 25-27, 2019; Ben Lomond, California 23rd Annual L.A. Mediterranean Festival at St. Nicholas Cathedral 2300 W. Third Street; Los Angles; Saturday-Sunday, October 5-6, 2019 End of Daylight Savings Time - Sunday, November 3 Patronal Feast Day of the Holy Archangel Michael - Friday, November 8 Vesperal Divine Liturgy, Thursday, November 7; 6:30 p.m. St. Michael 50th Anniversary Feast Day Luncheon Sunday, November 10 Father Timothy on Vacation: Monday, November 11 to Thursday, November 21 Nativity Fast - November 15 to December 24 Church School Christmas Program Rehearsal - Saturday, December 7 Christmas Program - Sunday, December 8 The Feast of the Holy Nativity (Christmas) - Wednesday, December 25 Christmas Eve Liturgy (Paramon), 3:30 p.m.; Christmas Day, 10 a.m. EOTHINON 11 TONE 2 اللحن 2 اليوثينا 11 The Beginning of the Indiction: Ecclesiastical New Year Righteous Simeon the Stylite; Synaxis of the Theotokos at Miasinae
طﺮوﺑﺎرﯾﺔ اﻟﻘﯿﺎﻣﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ اﻟﻠﺤﻦ اﻟﺜﺎﻧﻲ ﻋﻨﺪﻣﺎ اﻧﺤﺪرت اﻟﻰ اﻟﻤﻮت, اﯾﮭﺎ اﻟﺤﯿﺎةُ اﻟﺬي ﻻ ﯾﻤﻮت, ﺣﯿﻨﺌﺬ أﻣ ّﺖ اﻟﺠﺤﯿ َﻢ ﺑﺒﺮ ِق ﻻھﻮﺗِﻚ, وﻋﻨﺪﻣﺎ أﻗﻤ َﺖ اﻻﻣﻮا َت ﻣﻦ ﺗﺤ ِﺖ اﻟﺜﺮى, ﺻ َﺮخ ﻧﺤﻮك ﺟﻤﯿ ُﻊ اﻟﻘﻮا ِت اﻟﺴﻤﺎوﯾﯿﻦ: أﯾﮭﺎ اﻟﻤﺴﯿ ُﺢ اﻻﻟﮫُ اﻟﻤﻌﻄﻲ اﻟﺤﯿﺎة, .اﻟﻤﺠ ُﺪ ﻟﻚ
يا با ِرئَ ال َخل َيق َة ُك َلها، والجا ِع َل الَ ْوقا َت وال ْز ِمنَ َة في ُس ْلطا ِن َك الخا ّص. با ِر ْك إِ ْكلي َل ا َلسنَ ِة . ِب َصل ِح َك، يا ر ُب، وا ْح َف ِظ العا َل َم و َكن َيستَ َك ِب َسلم. ِب َشفا َع ِة وا ِل َدة ِال ِله، و َخ ِل ْصنا
إ ْف َرحي يا وا ِل َدةَ الل ِه ال َعذرا َء الُ ْمتَلِئَ َة ِن ْع َم ًة، يا مينا َء ال ِجنْ ِس البَ َش ِر ِي ونَصي َرتَ ُه. َف ِمنْ ِك َق ْد تَ َج َس َد ُمنْ ِق ُذ العا َلمِ، وأَنْ ِت َو ْح َد ِك أُ ٌم وبَتو ٌل، َد ْوماً ُمبا َر َك ٌة و ُم َم َج َدة. فتَ َش َفعي إلى الَسيحِ الله ِليَ َه َب .ا َلسل َم ِل ْل َمسكونَ ِة ُك ِلها
طروﺑﺎرﯾﺔ رؤﺳﺎء اﻟﻣﻼﺋﻛﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﻠﺣن اﻟراﺑﻊ أ ّﯾـﮭﺎ اﻟـﻣﺗﻘ ّدﻣـو َن ﻋـﻠﻰ اﻷﺟـﻧﺎد اﻟـﺳﻣﺎوﯾـﯾن، ﻧـﺗو ّﺳـلُ إﻟـﯾﻛم ﻧـﺣن ﻏـﯾ َر اﻟﻣﺳـﺗﺣ ّﻘﯾن، ﺣـ ّﺗﻰ أَ ّﻧـﻛم ﺑـطﻠﺑﺎ ِﺗـﻛم ﺗـﻛﺗﻧوﻓـوﻧـﻧﺎ ﺑـظلﱢ أﺟـﻧﺣ ِﺔ ﻣﺟـ ِدﻛـم ﻏـﯾ ِر اﻟﮭـﯾوﻟـﻲ، ﺣـﺎﻓـظﯾ َن إ ّﯾـﺎﻧـﺎ ﻧـﺣ ُن اﻟـﺟﺎﺛـﯾن َواﻟـﺻﺎرﺧـﯾ َن ﺑـﻐﯾ ِر ﻓـﺗور، أﻧﻘذوﻧﺎ َﻣن اﻟﺷداﺋد، ﺑﻣﺎ أ ّﻧﻛم رؤﺳﺎ ُء ﻣراﺗ ِب اﻟﻘ ّوا ِت اﻟﻌﻠوﯾﺔ.
يا َم ْن َخ َلقَ ُك َلّ البَرايا ِب ِح ْك َم ٍة ل تُ َف َسّر، و َو َضعَ الَ ْز ِمنَ َة ِب ُس ْلطا ِن ِه الخا َصّ، َه ْب ال َغ َلبَا ِت ِل َش ْع ِب َك .ال ُم ِح َبّ ال َمسيح، وبا ِر ْك َم ْد َخ َل ال َسنَ ِة و َم ْخ َر َجها، ُم َس ِّدداً أ ْعما َلنا على ما يُوا ِفقُ َمشيئَتَ َك ال َل ِهيَّة اﻟﺮﺳﺎﻟﺔ رﺗﻠﻮا ِﻹﻟﮭﻨﺎ رﺗﻠﻮا، ﯾﺎ ﺟﻤﯿ َﻊ اﻷﻣ ِﻢ ﺻﻔﱢﻘﻮا ﺑﺎﻷﯾﺎدي. .ﻓﺼ ٌﻞ ﻣﻦ رﺳ ِﺎﻟﺔ اﻟﻘﺪﯾﺲ ﺑﻮﻟﺲ اﻟﺮﺳﻮل اﻷوﻟﻰ اﻟﻰ أھﻞ ﻛﻮرﻧﺜﺲ أُ َذ ﱢﻛ ُﺮ ُﻛﻢ، أ ﱡﯾﮭﺎ اﻹﺧ َﻮةُ، ﺑِﺎﻹﻧﺠﯿﻞ اﻟﺬي َﺣ َﻤﻠﺘُﮫ إﻟَ ُﯿﻜﻢ وﻗَﺒِﻠﺘُﻤﻮه وﻻ ﺗَﺰاﻟﻮ َن ﺛﺎﺑِﺘﯿ َﻦ ﻋﻠَﯿﮫ، وﺑِﮫ ﺗَﺨﻠُﺼﻮ َن إذا َﺣﻔِﻈﺘُﻤﻮه ﻛﻤﺎ ﺑَ ﱠﺸ ْﺮﺗُﻜﻢ ﺑِﮫ، وإﻻﱠ ﻓﺄﻧﺘُﻢ َآﻣﻨﺘُﻢ ﺑﺎ ِطﻼً. ﺳﻠﱠ ْﻤ ُﺖ إﻟَ ُﯿﻜﻢ ﻗَﺒ َﻞ ُﻛ ﱢﻞ ﺷﻲ ٍء ﻣﺎ ﺗَﻠَﻘﱠﯿﺘُﮫُ، وھ َﻮ أ ﱠن َاﻟﻤﺴﯿ َﺢ ﻣﺎ َت ِﻣ ْﻦ أﺟ ِﻞ َﺧﻄﺎﯾﺎﻧﺎ ﻛﻤﺎ ﺟﺎ َء ﻓﻲ اﻟﻜﺘُ ِﺐ، وأﻧﱠﮫُ ُدﻓِ َﻦ وﻗﺎ َم ﻓﻲ اﻟﯿﻮ ِم اﻟﺜـﺎﻟ ِﺚ ﻛﻤﺎ ﺟﺎ َء ﻓﻲ ُاﻟﻜﺘُ ِﺐ، وأﻧﱠﮫُ ظﮭَ َﺮ ﻟِﺒُﻄ ُﺮ َس ﺛُ ﱠﻢ ﻟِﻠ ﱡﺮ ُﺳ ِﻞ اﻻﺛﻨَﻲ ﻋ َﺸ َﺮ، ﺛُ ﱠﻢ ظﮭَ َﺮ ﻷﻛﺜَ َﺮ ِﻣ ْﻦ َ َﺧﻤ ِﺲ ِﻣ ِﺌﺔ أ ٍخ ًﻣﻌﺎ ﻻ ﯾَﺰا ُل ُﻣﻌ َﻈ ُﻤﮭُﻢ ﺣﯿّﺎ وﺑَﻌ ُﻀﮭُﻢ ﻣﺎﺗﻮا، ﺛُ ﱠﻢ ظﮭَ َﺮ ﻟِـﯿَﻌﻘﻮ َب، ﺛُ ﱠﻢ ﻟِ َﺠﻤﯿ ِﻊ اﻟ ﱡﺮ ُﺳ ِﻞ، ﺣﺘﻰ َظﮭَ َﺮ ﻟﻲ آ ِﺧ ًﺮا أﻧﺎ أﯾ ًﻀﺎ ﻛﺄﻧﱢﻲ ِﺳ ْﻘﻂٌ. ﻓﻤﺎ أﻧﺎ إﻻﱠ أ َﺻﻐ ُﺮ اﻟ ﱡﺮ ُﺳ ِﻞ، وﻻ أﺣ َﺴ ُﺐ ﻧَﻔﺴﻲ أھﻼً ﻷ ْن ﯾَﺪﻋ َﻮﻧﻲ أ َﺣ ٌﺪ َرﺳﻮﻻً ﻷﻧﱢﻲ اﺿ َﻄﮭَﺪ ُت ﻛﻨﯿﺴﺔَ ﷲِ، وﺑِﻨِ َﻌﻤ ِﺔ ﷲِ أﻧﺎ ﻣﺎ أﻧﺎ ﻋﻠَ ِﯿﮫ اﻵ َن، وﻧِ َﻌﻤﺘُﮫُ ﻋﻠَ ﱠﻲ ﻣﺎ ﻛﺎﻧَﺖ ﺑﺎ ِطﻠَﺔً، ﺑَ ْﻞ إﻧﱢﻲ ﺟﺎھَﺪ ُت أﻛﺜَ َﺮ ِﻣ ْﻦ ﺳﺎﺋِ ِﺮ اﻟ ﱡﺮ ُﺳ ِﻞ ُﻛﻠﱢ ِﮭﻢ، وﻣﺎ أﻧﺎ اﻟﺬي ﺟﺎھَﺪ ُت، ﺑَ ْﻞ .ﻧِ َﻌﻤﺔُ ﷲِ اﻟﺘﻲ ِھ َﻲ َﻣﻌﻲ. ُأﻛﻨ ُﺖ أﻧﺎ أم ﻛﺎﻧُﻮا ھُﻢ، ھﺬا ﻣﺎ ﻧُﺒَ ﱢﺸ ُﺮ ﺑِﮫ وھﺬا ﻣﺎ ﺑِﮫ َآﻣﻨﺘُﻢ اﻹﻧﺠﯿﻞ ﻓﺼ ٌﻞ ﺷﺮﯾ ٌﻒ ﻣﻦ ﺑﺸﺎر ِة اﻟﻘﺪﯾ ِﺲ ﻣﺘﻰ ﻓﻲ ذﻟﻚ اﻟﺰﻣﺎن, أﻗﺒَ َﻞ إﻟ ِﯿﮫ ﺷﺎ ّب وﻗﺎ َل ﻟَﮫ: «أ ﱡﯾﮭﺎ ُاﻟﻤ َﻌﻠﱢ ُﻢ، ﻣﺎذا أ َﻋﻤ ُﻞ ِﻣ َﻦ اﻟ ﱠﺼ ِﻼح ﻷﻧﺎ َل اﻟ َﺤﯿﺎةَ اﻷﺑ ِﺪﯾﱠﺔَ؟» ﻓﺄﺟﺎﺑَﮫُ ﯾَﺴﻮ ُع: «ﻟِﻤﺎذا ﺗَﺴﺄﻟُﻨﻲ ّﻋﻤﺎ ھ َﻮ ﺻﺎﻟِـ ٌﺢ؟ ﻻ ﺻﺎﻟِـ َﺢ إﻻّ واﺣ ٌﺪ. إذا أَ َر ْد َت أ ْن ﺗَﺪ ُﺧ َﻞ اﻟﺤﯿﺎةَ ﻓﺎ َﻋﻤ ْﻞ ﺑﺎﻟﻮﺻﺎﯾﺎ». ﻓﻘﺎ َل ﻟَﮫ: «أ ﱠي وﺻﺎﯾﺎ؟» ﻓﻘﺎ َل ﯾَﺴﻮ ُع: «ﻻ ﺗَﻘﺘُ ْﻞ، ﻻ ﺗَ ْﺰ ِن، ﻻ ﺗَﺴ ِﺮ ْق، ﻻ ﺗَﺸﮭَ ْﺪ ُ ﺑﺎﻟ ﱡﺰو ِر،أﻛ ِﺮ ْم أﺑﺎ َك وأ ﱠﻣ َﻚ، أ ِﺣ ﱠﺐ ﻗﺮﯾﺒَ َﻚ ِﻣﺜﻠﻤﺎ ﺗُﺤ ﱡﺐ ﻧَﻔ َﺴ َﻚ». ﻓﻘﺎ َل ﻟَﮫ اﻟ ّﺸﺎ ُب: « َﻋ ِﻤﻠ ُﺖ ﺑِﮭ ِﺬ ِه اﻟﻮﺻﺎﯾﺎ ُﻛﻠﱢﮭﺎ، ﻓﻤﺎ ﯾَﻌﻮ ُزﻧﻲ؟» أﺟﺎﺑَﮫُ ﯾَﺴﻮ ُع: «إذا أرد َت أ ْن ﺗﻜﻮ َن ﻛ ِﺎﻣﻼً، ﻓﺎذھَ ْﺐ وﺑِـــــ ْﻊ ﻣﺎ ﺗﻤﻠِ ُﻜﮫُ و َو ﱢز ْع َﺛﻤﻨَﮫُ ﻋﻠﻰ اﻟﻔُﻘﺮا ِء، ﻓﯿﻜﻮ َن ﻟ َﻚ ﻛﻨ ٌﺰ ﻓﻲ اﻟ ﱠﺴﻤﺎوا ِت، وﺗﻌﺎ َل ا ْﺗﺒَ ْﻌﻨﻲ!» ّﻓﻠﻤﺎ َﺳ ِﻤ َﻊ اﻟﺸﺎ ُب ھﺬا اﻟﻜﻼ َم. َﻣﻀﻰ َﺣﺰﯾﻨًﺎ ﻷﻧﱠﮫُ ﻛﺎ َن ﯾﻤﻠِ ُﻚ أﻣﻮاﻻً ﻛﺜﯿﺮةً. وﻗﺎ َل ﯾَﺴﻮ ُع ﻟِﺘﻼﻣﯿ ِﺬ ِه: «اﻟﺤ ﱠﻖ أﻗﻮ ُل ُﻟﻜﻢ: ﯾَ ُﺼﻌ ُﺐ ﻋﻠﻰ اﻟﻐﻨ ﱢﻲ أ ْن ﯾَﺪ ُﺧ َﻞ َﻣﻠﻜﻮ َت اﻟ ﱠﺴﻤﺎوا ِت. ﺑﻞ أﻗﻮ ُل ُﻟﻜﻢ: ُﻣﺮو ُر اﻟ َﺠﻤ ِﻞ ﻓﻲ ﺛَﻘ ِﺐ اﻹﺑﺮ ِة أﺳﮭَ ُﻞ ِﻣ ْﻦ ُدﺧﻮ ِل اﻟﻐﻨ ﱢﻲ َﻣﻠﻜﻮ َت ﷲِ». ﻓﺘﻌ ﱠﺠ َﺐ اﻟﺘﱠﻼﻣﯿ ُﺬ ﻛﺜﯿ ًﺮا ِﻣ ْﻦ ھﺬا اﻟﻜﻼ ِم وﻗﺎﻟﻮا: « َﻣ ْﻦ ﯾُ ِﻤﻜﻨُﮫُ أ ْن ﯾَﺨﻠُ َﺺ، إ ًذا؟» ﻓﻨَ َﻈ َﺮ إﻟَ ِﯿﮭﻢ ﯾَﺴﻮ ُع وﻗﺎ َل ﻟﮭُﻢ: «ھﺬا ﺷﻲ ٌء ﻏﯿ ُﺮ ُﻣﻤﻜﻦ ِﻋﻨ َﺪ اﻟﻨّﺎ ِس، ّأﻣﺎ ِﻋﻨ َﺪ ﷲِ ُﻓﻜ ﱡﻞ ﺷﻲ ٍء ُﻣ ِﻤﻜ ٌﻦ».
ﻣﻼﺣظﺔ ﺑﺧﺻوص ﺗﻧﺎول اﻟﻘرﺑﺎن اﻟﻣﻘدس إن ﻣﻔﮭوﻣﻧﺎ ﻟﺗﻧﺎول اﻟﻘرﺑﺎن ﯾﻌﻧﻰ ﻋﻣوﻣﯾﺔ اﻟﻣﺷﺎرﻛﺔ ﻓﯾﮫ ﻟذوى اﻟﻌﻘﯾدة اﻟواﺣدة، اﻻ إن اﻟﻣﺷﺎرﻛﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺳر اﻟﻘرﺑﺎن اﻟﻣﻘدس ھﻧﺎ ﻣﻘﺗﺻر ﻓﻘط ﻋﻠﻰ أﻋﺿﺎء اﻟﻛﻧﺎﺋس اﻻرﺛوذﻛﺳﯾﺔ واﻟذﯾن ﯾﺣﺿرون أﻧﻔﺳﮭم ﺑﺎﻟﺻﻼة واﻟﺻوم واﻻﻋﺗراف ﻣﻧذ ﻓﺗرة ﻗرﯾﺑﺔ (وﻋﻠﻰ ﻛل ﺣﺎل، ﻓﺈﻧﻧﺎ ﻧدﻋو اﻟﺟﻣﯾﻊ ﻟﻠﻣﺷﺎرﻛﺔ ﻓﻰ اﻟﺧﺑز اﻟﻣﻘدس اﻟذى ﯾوزع ﻋﻧد إﻧﺗﮭﺎء ﻣراﺳﯾم اﻟﻘداس.) رﺟﺎء ﻣراﺟﻌﺔ اﻟﻛﺎھن .إذا رﻏﺑت أن ﺗﺻﺑﺢ ﻋﺿوا .ﻓﻰ اﻟﻛﻧﯾﺳﺔ اﻻرﺛوذﻛﺳﯾﺔ