Orthodox A parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America His Eminence Metropolitan , Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America His Grace Bishop John, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Worcester

300 West Street, Dedham, Massachusetts 02026-5594 781.326.3046; www.stjohnd.org

Pastoral Staff: Archpriest John K. Teebagy, Pastor Office Hours: Monday –Thursday: 9 am – 2 pm [email protected] Church Office: [email protected] Rev. Christos Hatzopoulos Mark Haddad, Choir Director Bulletin Deadline: Wednesday at 2 pm Anthony Hamwey, Chanter Regular Sunday Services: Confessions: 8:40 am - 9:40 am; : 9 am : 10 am

ST. JOHN OF DAMASCUS MISSION STATEMENT We worship and glorify God, by loving and caring for each other, providing a safe, thriving and life-long home, from which we spread the teaching and good works of our Orthodox Christian Faith. Being God’s stewards, we celebrate our faith by:  participating fully in the sacramental and liturgical life of the church.  responding to the needs of all by living the message of the through outreach to each other and to the community at large.  fostering our God-given talents as stewards to strengthen God's church.

“Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7)

A NOTE TO OUR VISITORS

WELCOME! We are glad to have you worshipping with us today. We hope that you will complete one of our visitor cards and will introduce yourself to Fr. John after the service. Please also join us for coffee following the Liturgy. Since the Orthodox Church understands to be a sign of our unity of faith, only Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves through prayer, fasting and periodic confession are permitted to participate in Holy Communion. All present, however, are welcome to partake of the blessed bread and receive a blessing at the end of liturgy.

25 February 2018

Sunday of (First Sunday of )

Troparion of the Resurrection – Tone 5: Let us believers praise and worship the Word; coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation. For, He took pleasure in ascending the Cross in the flesh to suffer death; and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection.

Troparion of the First Sunday of Lent - Tone 2: Thy pure image do we venerate, O good One, asking forgiveness of our sins, O Christ our God; for by thine own will thou didst ascend the Cross in thy body, to save thy creautres from the bondage of the enemy. Thou hast verily filled all with joy, since thou didst come, O our Savior, to save the world.

Troparion of St. John of Damascus – Tone 8: Thou hast shown thyself, O God-inspired John, as a guide to the Orthodox Faith, a teacher of true worship and purity, O star of the universe and companion of monastics, O wise one. Through thy light thou hast enlightened all, O harp of the Spirit. Therefore intercede with Christ God to save our souls.

Kontakion of Sundays of Lent - Tone 8: Verily, I thy servant, O , inscribe unto thee the banner of conquest, O defending soldier; I offer thanks to thee as a deliverer of tribulation, and since thine is the might unconquerable, deliver me, O deliver me from oppression, that I may sing unto thee. Rejoice O bride without bridegroom.

Prokeimenon: Blessed are you, O Lord, God of our Fathers. For you are righteous in all things you have done for us.

EPISTLE: The reading is from St. Paul to the Hebrews (Chapter 11:24-26 and 32-40)

BRETHREN, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered abuse suffered for the Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he looked to the reward. And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated, (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN (Chapter 1:43-51)

At that time, decided to go to Galilee, and he found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." And the rest of the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

+ The Offerings – Holy Bread +

Prayers of Mercy are offered in beloved memory of Mitchell Haddad (40 day) by Marion Haddad and family  Prayers of Oblation are offered in beloved memory of dear husband Robert P. Zahka (33 yrs.) by Lorice Zahka  Prayers of Oblation are offered in beloved memory of our daughter and sister Lauren Michele Hazerjian (22 yrs.) by David, Carol, David, Andrew and Brian Hazerjian; she is forever in our hearts  Prayers of Oblation are offered in beloved memory of Diana M. Beattie by Scott Beattie, Rob, and Ryan

DONATION(S) TO THE CHURCH:  Marion Haddad in beloved memory of my husband Mitchell Haddad; he is always in my heart  David and Carol Hazerjian in beloved memory of our precious daughter, Lauren Michelle  George and Catherine Hadaya in beloved memory of Olivia Waishek  James and Ruth Sabbag in beloved memory of Jamila Nawfel  Lorice Zahka in beloved memory of dear husband Robert P. Zahka; he always in my heart  Lorice Zahka in beloved memory of precious granddaughter, Lauren Michelle Hazerjian

 Paula and Jim Hallal in beloved memory of Jamila Nawfel  Al and Marj Haddad in beloved memory of brother Mitchell Haddad; we will proudly remember his service to all

In beloved memory of father and (great) grandfather Mitchell Haddad; we love and miss you daily!  John and Elaine Haddad & family  Daniel, Robin, Adam, Mandi Chris and  Mitchell and Tricia Haddad & family Danny Haddad  Linda and Mike O’Hara & family

In beloved memory of our wonderful (great) uncle and cousin Mitchell Haddad; may his memory be eternal!  Neil and Barbara Beliveau & family  Steven, Martha, Matthew, Philip, and  David and Beverly Reynolds & family Marjorie Haddad, for godfather  Russell Haddad and family  Bruce Haddad  Richard Nawfel; Nico and RoseMarie  Ron Haddad, for godfather Stamboulides; and Elias and Eleni Nawfel &  Russ and Colleen Khouri family  Arthur and David Khouri  Violet and Richard Robbat & family  Mary Turk and family  Abe Sabbag  Nora Medwar  Elaine Sabbag  Eli, Joan, and Michael Medwar  Cynthia, Mark, Anthony and Lydia Haddad

In beloved memory of Mitchell Haddad; may his memory be eternal!  Denise (Maalouf) and Brian Tepper &  Mr. and Mrs. George Lampros family  Tony and Loretta Borghi & family  Paulette Mabardy  Chris, Laurie, Caitlin, Peter and Rachel  Michael and Marilyn Robbat Bradley  Richie and Rhonda

DONATION(S) TO THE VMS:  Arlene Haddad in beloved memory of brother in law Mitchell Haddad; he is sadly missed  Janet Khouri in beloved memory of Mitchell Haddad

DONATION(S) TO THE CHURCH SCHOOL:  Lorice Zahka in beloved memory of precious granddaughter, Lauren Michelle Hazerjian  David, Andrew and Brian Hazerjian in beloved memory of our sister Lauren Michele Hazerjian  Violet and Richard Robbat & family in beloved memory of sister and aunt Diana Beattie  Janice Esty in beloved memory of goddaughter Lauren Michelle Hazerjian; she is forever in my heart  Arthur and David Khouri in beloved memory of our dear sweet sister and aunt Diana Beattie

In beloved memory of our niece and cousin Lauren Michelle Hazerjian; may her memory be eternal!  Peter, Camille, and Rob Zahka  Allie and Andy  Nancy and Dennis Close  Ashley, Chris, Lorice Lauren, and Lola  Janice, Mike, Marissa, Michael, and Andrews Matthew Esty

DONATION(S) TO THE PETER A. ZAHKA MEMORIAL FUND: In beloved memory of father and Jido Robert P. Zahka  David, Carol, David, Andrew, and Brian  Janice, Mike, Marissa, Michael, and Hazerjian Matthew Esty  Peter, Camille, and Rob Zahka  Allie and Andy  Nancy and Dennis Close  Ashley, Chris, Lorice Lauren, and Lola Andrews DONATION(S) TO THE CHOIR:  Tom Sabbag & family

Announcements…

 Reminder Please remember to contact Fr. John or the church office (781.326.3046 or [email protected]) at your earliest convenience if you or a loved one has a pastoral need. Thank you.

 Great Lent began on Monday, February 19. Pascha is April 8. If you will be hosting a coffee hour during Great Lent please remember that no meat should be served in the church until Pascha.

 Today The coffee hour is hosted in beloved memory of Mitchell Haddad by his family. All are welcome!

 Next Week The Virgin Mary Society will host the coffee hour. All are welcome!

 Attention all teens: Please join your friends at St. John’s and the region for a Lenten lock-in taking place at our church on Friday, March 9 until Saturday morning, March 10. Let’s have a great turn-out from St. John’s as we host the regional teens at our church. Please see the enclosed registration form for details. Questions? Please contact Carol Hazerjian or Nancy Close.

 Choir The next rehearsal is Sunday, March 4 @ 9 am. Please see Mark Haddad with any questions. New members are always welcome!

 Food for Hungry This annual archdiocesan program is now underway. Please pick up an alms box in the vestibule. Donations are being accepted through May 20. Remembering the poor is an important part of Great Lent and beyond.

 VMS Orders for the VMS Sfeeha sale are being taken. Order forms can be found at the vestibule.

 Scholarship The Syrian Lebanese Women’s Club of Boston invites young women of Syrian or Lebanese descent who live in the greater Boston area to apply for their annual scholarship. Applications, which are due by March 1, can be obtained by emailing St. John’s church office ([email protected]).  Looking for a spiritual home? If you would like more information about joining the parish, please contact Fr. John. You are most welcome!

 From the Stewardship Committee “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you.” Deuteronomy 16:17

 Antiochian Village Financial aid is available for those sending their children to the Village this summer. Requests for aid MUST be made in writing to Fr. John at the church office by Sunday, February 25. If you have any questions, please contact Fr. John. This aid is made possible by the archdiocese through the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch.

 Altar Servers: John Najjar, Dean of Altar Servers. Serving this week: St. Luke Team.

Great Lent 2018

Monday, February 26: Great @ St. George, Lowell @ 7 pm Wednesday, February 28: Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts @ 5:30 pm Friday, March 2: Akathist @ 6:30 pm

From the Fathers –“Share what you have, lest you lose what you have. Spend what you possess on the needs of others in order to keep what you possess. ” St.