ST. ELIJAH ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH

15000 N. May, Oklahoma City, OK 73134

Church Office: 755-7804

Church Website: www.stelijahokc.com

Church Email: [email protected]

MARCH 7, 2021 Issue 33 Number 10 Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meat Fare); of the Day: The Hieromartyrs of Cherson – Basil, Ephraim, Eugene, Kapiton, Elpidios, Agathodoros and Aetherios; Venerable Laurence; Venerable Paul the Simple, of

DIRECTORY WELCOME V. Rev. Fr. John Salem Parish Priest 410-9399 We welcome all our visitors. It is an honor to have you worshipping with us. You may find the worship of the Rev. Fr. Elias Khouri Ancient Church very different. We welcome your questions. Assistant Priest 640-3016 Please join us for our Reception held in the Church Hall V. Rev. Fr. Constantine Nasr immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Emeritus We understand Holy Communion to be an act of our unity in Rev. Dn. Ezra Ham faith. While we work toward the unity of all Christians, it Administrator 602-9914 regrettably does not now exist. Therefore, only baptized

Rev. Fr. Ambrose Perry Orthodox Christians (who have properly prepared) are Attached permitted to participate in Holy Communion. However, everyone is welcome to partake of the blessed bread that is Anthony Ruggerio 847-721-5192 distributed at the end of the service. We look forward to Youth Director meeting you during the Reception that follows the service.

Mom’s Day Out & Pre-K NEW ORTHROS & LITURGY BOOK Sara Cortez – Director 639-2679 • Orthros: p. 4 Email: [email protected] Facebook: “St Elijah Mom’s Day Out” • The Divine Liturgy p. 35 Twitter: StElijahMDO • Memorial Service p. 103 • Churching Service p. 102 Ancient Faith Radio ancientfaith.com • Removal of Crowns p. 106

St. Elijah is 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 BASIL, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America

VARIABLES IN TODAY’S DIVINE LITURGY DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

The 1st Antiphon: Elisha, to dispel sickness and to purify lepers, A As usual… Glorious Elijah, thou dost overflow with healing to those who honor thee. Through the intercessions of the , O Kontakion for Sunday of the Last Judgment – Savior, save us. Tone 1 Glory… Now… When Thou comest, O God, to earth with glory Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O and all creatures tremble before Thee, and the Savior, save us. river of fire floweth before the Altar, and the nd The 2 Antiphon: books are opened and sins revealed, deliver me B As usual… then from that unquenchable fire, and make me worthy to stand at Thy right hand, O righteous Save us, O Son of God, Who art risen from Judge. the dead; who sing to Thee, Alleluia.

The Thrice Holy Hymn

Glory... Now... F O, only begotten Son and Word of God... THE READINGS Troparion of the Resurrection – Tone 6 C G Epistle for Meat-Fare Sunday When Mary stood at Thy grave, looking for Thy sacred body, angelic powers shone The Lord is my strength and my song. above Thy revered tomb; and the soldiers who With chastisement has the Lord chastened me! were to keep guard became as dead men. Thou led Hades captive and wast not tempted thereby. The reading is from St. Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians (Chapter 8:8-13; 9:1-2) Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst give life to the world, O Thou, Who art risen from the dead, Brethren, food will not bring us closer to God; O Lord, glory to Thee. for neither if we eat, are we the better, nor if we

The Entrance Hymn do not eat, are we the worse. But take heed lest D by any means this authority of yours become a O come let us worship… stumbling block to those who are weak. For if Troparion of the Resurrection - Tone 6 any one sees you, as someone who has

E When Mary stood at Thy grave, looking knowledge, reclining at a table in an idol’s for Thy sacred body, angelic powers shone temple, will not the conscience of the one who is above Thy revered tomb; and the soldiers who weak be emboldened to eat of the things were to keep guard became as dead men. Thou sacrificed to idols, and through your knowledge led Hades captive and wast not tempted thereby. the weak brother perishes, for whom Christ died? Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst give life to And thus, sinning against the brethren, and the world, O Thou, Who art risen from the dead, wounding their conscience when it is weak, you O Lord, glory to Thee. sin against Christ. Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will not eat meat forever, Troparion of St. Elijah – Tone 4 lest I cause my brother to stumble.

Angelic Body, Pillar of Prophets and their

Corner Stone, Forerunner of the Second-Coming Gospel for Meat-Fare Sunday of Christ; Thou didst send Grace from on high to

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew (Chapter 25:31-46) OFFERINGS The Lord said, “When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then HOLY BREAD is offered by Blanche for he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him her good health and the good health of her will be gathered all nations, and he will separate children and grandchildren – Kim, Evan, them one from another as a shepherd separates Charleigh, Dylan, and Colin – and her sister the sheep from the goats, and he will place the Imogene Naifeh. It is also offered for the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Homsey, David, and Naifeh families. It is Then the King will say to those at his right hand, especially offered in memory of her husband ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the Chuck (31 years), her mother Hafeetha “Mama kingdom prepared for you from the foundation Joe” Homsey (31 years), her father Richard, and of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me her brothers Joe, Sam, Benny, Paul, and Harry. food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked HOLY BREAD is offered by Julie McKenzie and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited for her good health and the health of her family. me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then It is especially offered in memory of her father the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did Jerald Ashby (1 year). May his memory be eternal! we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a HOLY BREAD is offered by Azieb and Samson stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe Tesfaselassie for their good health and the good thee? And when did we see thee sick or in health of their children Robel and Feven. It is prison and visit thee?’ And the King will answer especially offered in memory of Brikti, them, ‘Truly, I say to you as you did it to one of Tesfaselassie, Debesay, and Tirfe. May their the least of these my brethren, you did to me.’ memory be eternal.

Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘Depart HOLY BREAD is offered by John and Kathi from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire Larson and family for their good health and the prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was good health of the Shadeed, Yeager, and Larson hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty families. It is also offered for Branick on the and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and occasion of his 11th birthday today (3/7). May you did not welcome me, naked and you did not God grant him many years. It is especially clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not offered as a 40-day memorial service for visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, Shadeed. May his memory be eternal. when did we see thee hungry or thirsty or a VIGIL CANDLE is lit by Teese Mullings for stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not our military serving in harm’s way. May they be minister to thee?’ Then he will answer them, kept safe from every enemy and adversary. ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but ANNOUNCEMENTS the righteous into eternal life.” NO COFFEE HOUR The Megalynarion H WELCOME TABLE. We welcome all visitors. It is truly meet… We are delighted you are worshipping with us

Communion Hymn and look forward to meeting you personally. I Please join us in the hall at the table with the Praise the Lord…. Alleluia. burgundy colored table cloth; someone from our J We have seen the true light… Welcome Ministry would love to greet you. st THIS WEEK IS CHEESE FARE from STARTING MARCH 1 , St. Elijah MDO will tomorrow (Sundown this evening) through next begin enrollment for the fall semester for Sunday evening when Great Lent begins. parishioners and those previously enrolled in the program. Applications can be filled out and FORGIVENESS VESPERS. Begin Great Lent submitted on our website, mdo.stelijah.com. on the right foot with Forgiveness Vespers and Please note that although we are beginning the the rite of forgiveness: 5pm on Sunday, March enrollment process and are planning on opening 14. This beautiful and moving service marks the our doors in the fall, this all will still be beginning of Lent with the opportunity to give dependent upon the COVID situation when that and receive forgiveness with all of our fellow time comes. If you have any questions, please travelers on the path to repentance. email us at [email protected]. We hope you CHAPEL ITEMS NEEDED FOR ST. are all staying safe and healthy and can't wait to SILOUAN MONASTERY HOUSE IN see you soon! WICHITA – Our Diocesan Monastery of St. Silouan in Wichita is now under the guidance of HAPPY BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK MARCH 7-13 Schemamonk Paul Agiopavlites and, with the Gia Harroz Michael Koch return of Hieromonk Philip Vreeland, they are Branick Larson Elie Resz trying to complete the monastery chapel in which Muriel Owens Andrea Williams they pray for us and the world as they keep the George Shadid Rowan nasr daily cycle of divine services. Do not feel Steven Bittle Levi Addison Bill Massad Yonata Younis obliged; but if you are interested in donating, Bo Naifeh JJ Spencer please contact Fr. John or email Fr. Paul at Zach Homsey [email protected]

STEWARDSHIP UPDATE. To date we have Today we remember those who reposed in the Lord during this week in years past: received 84 Intentions to Give cards, for a total of $385,980. Thank you so much for your Kenneth Tayar Ameel Phil Shadid Dr. N. F. Vander Barkett Nicholas "Nick" Harroz, Jr. prompt responses. If you have not returned your Stefan Ribalkin Hilwa Sarah Wehba Membership Form, please do so soon so we can Fannie Fadha Swyden Ernest Kraker plan accordingly for the upcoming year. As Velma June Sleem Dorothy Mae Tayar Shadid always, thank you for your prayerful Bedar Lilly Rahill Souad Kordahi considerations.

UPCOMING SERVICE SCHEDULE Saturday March 13 10:00 am Divine Liturgy (Families M-Z) 5:00 pm Great Vespers (No Restrictions) Sunday March 14 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy (Families A-L) 5:00 pm Forgiveness Great Vespers (No Restrictions) Saturday March 20 10:00 am Divine Liturgy (Families A-L) 5:00 pm Great Vespers (No Restrictions) Sunday March 21 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy (Families M-Z)

Youth Ministry Updates

In Today’s Gospel, we hear the story of the Goats and the Sheep. We are starting our final week of preparation before entering into Great Lent. We have learned how to pray and repent, through the story and example of the Publican and the Pharisee. We have learned that God will always run and embrace us when we turn towards him through the story of the prodigal son! Now we have to face the reality of the second coming and the final judgment. We are preparing our hearts through prayer and fasting so that we can turn back to God, so we can make sure that God is always the center of our focus in everything we do.

When Christ starts giving us an example of what the last Judgment will be like, the Sheep and the Goats were both surprised when Christ told them what their sins or achievements in their lives were did. God did not judge them on a list of their sins or actions they did wrong during their lives. Rather faced the reality of how they exhibited Christ’s love through their lives. Christ will judge us on whether we served our neighbor with Christ’s love or if we focused only on ourselves and our needs.

When we repent and ask for forgiveness, we turn back towards God. When this is a normal practice in our lives, we are able to see Christ in all of our neighbors!

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Winter SOYO Gatherings: SOYO small groups will be the week of March 21st. 7th – 8th grade will meet Tuesday, March 23rd, from 7-8:30 p.m. 9th – 10th grade will meet before church on Wednesday, March 24th. The time will be sent out after our service schedule has been released. 11th grade and up will meet on Thursday, March 25th, from 7-8:30 p.m.

Youth Outreach: As we are coming up on a whole year of these unprecedented times, we will begin a pen pal program through our youth. We will begin pairing our youth with our elderly and shut-ins who have been mostly closed up in their homes. More information to come soon.

Sunday School Lessons: We are still sending Sunday School lessons home every month. If you have not been receiving them in the mail, please reach out to me to be added to the mailing list.

You can call or text me at 847-721-5192 or email at [email protected]

Worship and Spiritual Life

Sunday – Orthros at 8:45 am – Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am Wednesday – Vespers at 6:00 pm (except during Lent) Saturday – Vespers at 5:00 pm Confessions throughout the week. Call one of the Fathers for an appointment.

Study Sunday – Sunday School: Children’s Classes after Communion. No classes during the summer. Wednesday – Family Night 7-9 pm. Runs in 8-week blocks. Look for announcements of upcoming sessions. A full program of seminars and classes for adults, children and youth, for both Orthodox and Non-Orthodox. Bible Study – Thursdays at 10:30 am; nursery provided

Fellowship & Parish Development Coffee Hour – Sundays following the Divine Liturgy 20/40 Fellowship – events as announced Ladies Aid – Meetings as announced Teen Chats – Wednesday Nights Adult Fellowship – Meetings as announced Antiochian Women – every 4th Tuesday at 6:30 pm Parish Council – every 3rd Tuesday at 7 pm Choir – see Kasey Cohlmia (405-245-1444)

Membership To become a member, you need to pray with us at our worship services, complete the Inquirer’s Classes, and talk with our priests about your interest in the Orthodox faith. This process normally takes 12 months. We welcome you on your journey of faith and invite you to learn of the ancient and unchanging Holy Orthodox Church.

March 7, 2021 CALENDAR

USHERS: Sunday Mar. 7 Orthros 8:45 am ALTAR SERVERS: Divine Liturgy 10:00 am EPISTLE READER: (Families M-Z) Monday ELDERS: Mar. 8

BOOKSTORE: Tuesday Mar. 9 Wednesday DEADLINE FOR THE Mar. 10 Thursday BULLETIN IS Mar. 11 Friday 5:00 PM ON TUESDAY Mar. 12 Saturday

Mar. 13 Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

(Families M-Z)

Vespers 5:00 pm