Saint Orthodox A parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph, 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 Gospel 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.

30 September 2018 18th Sunday after Pentecost

Troparion of the Resurrection – Tone 1: While the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. For which cause the heavenly powers cried aloud unto Thee, O giver of life. Glory to Thy Resurrection O Christ, glory to Thy kingdom, glory to Thy providence, O Thou Who alone art the lover of mankind.

Troparion of St. Gregory of Armenia – Tone 4: Thou hast become like the Apostles in their states, a successor to their throne, finding indeed the intelligential ladder, O thou God-inspired. Therefore, thou hast followed the Word of God in righteousness, and striven unto blood for the Faith. O Hieromartyr Gregory, intercede with Christ God to save our souls

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 for the Mother of God – Tone 2: O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the Creator most constant, O despise not the suppliant voices of those who have sinned; but be thou quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O , them that honor thee.

Prokeimenon: Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous

EPISTLE: The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians (Chapter 9:6-11)

BRETHREN, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE (Chapter 6:31-36)

The Lord said: " And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return despairing of no man; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."

And the rest of the Divine Liturgy of St.

+ The Offerings – Holy Bread +

Prayers of Oblation are offered in beloved memory of Bishop Antoun (1 yr.) by the parish Prayers of Oblation are offered in beloved memory of my husband Mitchell Haddad by Marion Haddad  Prayers of Oblation are offered in beloved memory of my wife Alice (4 yrs.) by Easa Sabbag and family

DONATION(S) TO THE CHURCH:  Linda and Mike O'Hara & family in beloved memory of our father Mitchell Haddad, whom we love and miss dearly  Gloria R. Razook in beloved memory of Rev. Deacon Slaman Razook, who is always in my heart  Mitch and Tricia Haddad & family in beloved memory of Mitchell Haddad; he may be gone, but he is always with us  Joe and Mary Shagoury for the health of our children and grandchildren

DONATION(S) TO THE VIRGIN MARY SOCIETY:  Dianne Matta, with much love, for the continued good health and happiness of my godmother Barbara Hamwey on this special day of the celebration of our seniors  Janice, Mike, Michael, Marissa, and Matthew Esty wishing our beautiful mother and grandmother Lorice Zahka health and happiness today and always. We love you!!  Gloria Sabbag with sincere thanks to all of her friends and family for their love and concern

DONATION(S) TO THE CHURCH SCHOOL:  The children, grandchildren and great granddaughter of Herb and Lorraine Aswad wishing them continued good health as they celebrate their 90th birthdays

DONATION(S) TO THE CHOIR:  The children and grandchildren of Rev. Deacon Slaman Razook, in his beloved memory

DONATION(S) TO THE CARDOOS LIBRARY FUND:  Charlotte and Chris Tragakis & family wishing brother and uncle John Dyer good health and continued God's blessings and a Happy 85th Birthday, today September 30th !

Announcements…

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

 Bazaar Placemat, please help sponsor the Bazaar by signing the Bazaar placemat after church. Signatures are $5 in pen, $10 in magic marker or $50 squares.

 FYI A benefit dinner for the University of Balamand in Lebanon will take place on October 27th at the Doubletree Hotel in Westboro, MA. Metropolitan Joseph is the honored guest. For more information, please email [email protected] by October 12th.

 Choir The choir will next rehearse on Sunday, October 14th at 9 am. New members are always welcomed! Please see Mark Haddad for more information.

 Looking for a spiritual home? If you would like more information about joining the parish, please contact Fr. John. You would be most welcomed!

 Stewardship “Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” Deuteronomy 15:10

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

FROM THE FATHERS – “God loves us more than a father, mother, friend, or any else could love, and even more than we are able to love ourselves.” St. John Chrysostom