St Ann’s Bulletin, Volume 2014, Issue #026 Jun 29, 2014

Saint Ann Church • Maronite Rite A Catholic of the Antiochian Syriac Jurisdiction: of of Brooklyn (http://stmaron.org/) Eparchial Bishop: Most Reverend Gregory John MANSOUR, S.T.L. 109 Remsen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Tel: (718) 237-9913; Fax: (718) 243-0444 Pastor: Reverend George BOUCHAAYA, M.L.M. (Congregation of Maronite Lebanese Missionaries) Church, Office & Rectory 1919 Third Avenue, Watervliet, NY 12189 Phone: (518) 272-6073; For Emergency ONLY, call Father George at (518) 466-0868 E-Mail: [email protected] | Website: www.stann1905.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/St-Ann-Catholic-Church/317821088244238

Mass Schedule Parish Vocations Sundays: 10:00 AM | Tuesdays – Saturdays: 7:30 AM Priesthood: Chorbishop Joe Kaddo, (Pastor of St. Anthony Fall River) Holy Days of Obligation: Religious Life: Paul HOOVER of the Most Holy Monastery Vigil Liturgy: 6:30 PM | Actual Feast Day: 7:30 AM Candidate to subdiaconate: Richard THORNTON Office Hours Tuesday through Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS Mondays: office is closed. | Saturdays: by appointment. Parish Pastoral Council As an advisory Board, this council meets on the 1st Wednesday of every month. LITURGICAL SERVICES – President: Rosemary PATNODE. Sacraments of & Confirmation Daughters of St. Ann rd Please call the parish office for arrangements 3 weeks to the celebration This woman’s organization meets on the 3 Thursday of each month at 6:30 of the Sacrament. Parents & Godparents should meet with the Pastor to PM. – President: Patti THORNTON. schedule a date & arrange for proper parental preparation. St. Maron Men’s Society & Reconciliation This men’s organization meets on the 1st Sunday of each month after Mass. – Confession can be heard before and after Liturgies or by appointment President: Al PATNODE. Sacrament of Matrimony (Marriage) Junior MYO For Weddings, 6 months advance notice is required in order that proper The Junior MYO is a group of young people 10 years old and up. The preparation may be made for the celebration of the Sacrament. Youth organization meets on the last Sunday of every month after 10 am Mass in the church. – Coordinator: Carol SHUFELT. Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick If a family member is seriously ill at home or in a hospital, or they are unable to Religious Education st th come to Church and would like to receive communion at home, please call the Religious Education is available for all children in 1 through 6 grades. parish office to arrange for Communion, Confession or the Anointing of the Classes are scheduled for 1 Friday and 1 Saturday a month. – Coordinator: Sr Sick with Holy oil. The list is updated every Thursday; if you would like to add a name, Florence Joseph FLAHERTY, D.C. please call the parish office no later than Wednesday. St. Ann Liturgical Choir Funerals Choir practice takes place the first Monday of each month at 6:30 pm. No Please contact the Pastor as soon as possible after the death of a loved one. special training is required. – Director: Richard THORNTON. Mass Intention Dedications Family & Sanctity of Life Committee If you would like to have a mass dedicated, Mass cards are available for The Purpose of this committee is to promote within our parish prayer, nd various intentions including memorials. Your voluntary gifts of any amount are education, and action in the defense of all life. Meets on the 2 Sunday of gratefully accepted. Mass reservations should be made in advance. each month after 10 AM Mass. – Chairperson: Richard THORNTON. You can request an announced or an unannounced Mass Intentions to be Liturgical & Spiritual Committee said for a living or deceased family member, friend or loved one by calling the parish office or sending an e-mail to schedule intentions. Welcome to our Visitors! Thank you for joining us today. We hope you will us with your presence again. Though not well known in the west, the is comprised of 22 Churches: 21 Eastern and 1 Western Church. The Eastern Catholic Churches (including our Maronite Catholic Church) refer to those that developed in the eastern half of the Roman Empire, including the communities that derived from them, and are in communion with Rome. The Maronite faithful persevere in the faith of their ancestors, spiritually united with each other in the Church throughout the world. By a consistent Christian witness, animated by the beautiful theological and spiritual heritage which they have received, the Maronite Church contributes in a unique way to the ongoing renewal and upbuilding of the entire Catholic Church. For additional information, see the Catholic Encyclopedia or other online resource. Upcoming events – Mark your calendars Upcoming MEETINGS Su Jun 29 Town Hall Meeting Sat Jul 19 Yankee Stadium Bus Trip Mo Jul 7 St. Ann Liturgical Choir Meeting Sat Sep 6 Annual Charity Tournament (sponsored by SMMS) We Jul 2 Parish Pastoral Council Meeting Sun Sep 7 Parish Picnic & Election of New Officers for Parish Su Jul 13 Family & Sanctity of Life Committee Meeting Organizations Th Jul 17 Daughters of St. Ann Sun Nov 2 Subdiaconate of Richard Thornton Sr. Sat Nov 8 (7pm) 14th Annual Lebanese Hafli

Page 1 "Go therefore, make disciples of all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Mk 28:19

St Ann’s Bulletin, Volume 2014, Issue #026 Jun 29, 2014

Season of the Glorious Pentecost Altar Gifts for June 2014 th Fri., Jul 4; St. Andrew the Cantor, Bishop of Crete, C On the occasion of their 35 wedding anniversary Acts 8:26-40 Mt 18:21-35 in thanksgiving for the many blessings received. No Divine Liturgy Requested by Rick and Patti Thornton. Sat., Jul 5; The Sanctuary Lamp burns continuously, reminding us of Christ, the eternal Acts 9:1-6 Mt 11:25-30 and everlasting light. It is proper and fitting to offer our Sanctuary lamp in No Divine Liturgy memory, to honor a loved one or for a special intention. The 2014 Calendar is now available to register your intentions. 5th Sunday of Pentecost These are scheduled on a first-come- first-served-basis to ensure an equal opportunity for everyone. Contact the office to Sunday, Jul 6 arrange your memorial. St. Maria Goretti, M Phil 3:7-14 Mt 10:1-7 Sts. Peter and Paul, Ap The Divine Liturgy is celebrated in memory of: Sunday, Jun 29  Sayed FRANGIE, requested by Carolyn Lalli 2 Cor 11:21-30 Mt 16:13-20  Charbel SAAB, requested by John & Marian Deep; Vivian Karam & Jeanette Karam August The Divine Liturgy is celebrated in memory of:  Sayed FRANGIE, requested by Bob Stolar For the blessing and special intentions of:  Mary KILLILEA and Monica MAYHEW, requested by Ann Good health of Cancer patients, our sick & homebound Marie Grady th  Alice M. Thornton, mother of Rick (Patti) Thornton as a 10 Ushers Please Volunteer anniversary  For prosperity & religious freedom in USA Greeter Gerard Golden Ar. Lector Mirvatte Hannoush For the blessing and special intentions of: En. Lector Beverly Traa  Kozhaya & Adma BOUCHAAYA, requested Vivian Karam Intercessions Rosemary Patnode & Jeanette Karam August  John & Marian DEEP on their 58th Wedding Anniversary ’s June Prayer Intentions  Good health of Cancer patients, our sick & homebound Unemployed: That the unemployed may receive support

and find the work they need to live in dignity. Ushers Please Volunteer Faith in Europe: That Europe may rediscover its Greeter Richard Peters Christian roots through the witness of believers. Ar. Lector Georgette Hannoush En. Lector Patricia Thornton Pray for our Sick and Homebound Intercessions Gabriella Mooney Heal Your servants, who are sick, O Lord, and send them help and comfort from Your holy place. Weekly Schedule Mon., Jun 30; The Twelve Apostles, Ap Jim TRAA, Wadad FRANGIE, Chantelle BOUDIWAN, Jay MOONEY, Chas TANGREDI, Paul STAVIS, Foutine Rom 10:12-21 Mt 9:36-38 FRANGIE, Joyce & Christy FIRSTIUN, Juliann HALLAL, No Divine Liturgy Donata CALDARONI, Alisa BURKE, Jamileh K- MOUAWAD, Caroline-Marjorie FIELDS, Della Tue., Jul 1; Bl Junipero Serra, C MAWAD, Katherine RIBUSTELLI, Marilyn MARVIN, Acts 7:51-8:1a Mt 18:6-10 Margaret McDonough; Pauline NAHAL, Sarah No Divine Liturgy BRENENSTUHL, Gail MOFFRE, Ellen DEEB; Robert SCHARG; Marian DEEP; Kozhaya & Adma Bouchaaya Wed., Jul 2; Acts 8:1b-8 Mt 18:11-14 Requested prayers from the Book of prayers No Divine Liturgy  For the lonely and depressed. The Divine Liturgy is celebrated in memory of:  Opening the hearts of Nathan & Evelyn Sweet, to Mary KILLILEA and Monica MAYHEW, requested by receive God and the of their souls. Ann Marie Grady  For the return of those who have wandered from Thu., Jul 3; the faith. Acts 8:9, 13b-25 Mt 18:15-20 No Divine Liturgy

Page 2 "Go therefore, make disciples of all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Mk 28:19

St Ann’s Bulletin, Volume 2014, Issue #026 Jun 29, 2014

June Birthdays bottled water and sandwiches. Contact Mike Rezey (518-463- 6889) or Joe Jabour (518-271-6638) for more detailed As they celebrate their birthdays this month, we hold up to God the lives of: information and to purchase your tickets. 01 Naim NAMMOUR 07 Edith FARINA 11 Kathy BOUTROS 13 Elias RAHAL No Parking! st 14 Allam EID and Denise NAHAL Please DO NOT PARK in front of 313 21 Street. This is a 2 story grey house, on the north side of 21st St. between 3rd 19 Mary-Ann 21 Michelle RAHAL and 4th Avenues. The resident is handicapped and has VUMBACO kindly asked us to respect the NO PARKING sign 22 Gabriel HANNOUSH 25 Vicky HEALY prominently displayed on the front of their house. Thank 28 Henry NAHAL; Catalina & Georges BOUTROS you for your assistance in this regard. We ask that many blessings be theirs in the coming year. Participation in the Transfer of Offerings Schedule of Hospitality Sponsors Procession Sign-up sheets are in the binder on the table in front of St. Effective immediately, in order to participate in the transfer Ann in the main entrance of the church. of offerings procession, it's your responsibility to please identify Please consider sponsoring Sunday refreshments. yourself and your availability to the usher immediately upon your Thank you. arrival in the church. If you do not identify yourself, the ushers Jun 29 Available may not realize you are available and therefore may not include Jul 6 Available you. Jul 13 Gwen Korkemaz, Clay & Carol Shufelt Congratulations – Wedding Anniversaries Jul 20 Hannoush Family All the blessings from God Almighty on:

Your Gift to God for Jun 22  Counted by Marrian Furfaro & Ronald Bagley. Gerry & Suzanne MASTAN on the th Weekly Offering $1170.75 occasion of their 48 Wedding Building Fund $40.00 Anniversary (Friday, June 13, 1966). th Assessment / Bishop Appeal $135.00  John & Marian DEEP on their 58 Fuel & Heat $70.00 Wedding Anniversary Peters Pence $15.00 May the Lord keep watching over you and over your families. Catholic Communications Campaign $5.00 Through the prayers of St. Ann, May your love keep overflowing Father’s Day $5.00 with happiness and in unity with the Lord. TOTAL $1445.75 Maronite Day at the Auriesville Shrine September 14, 2014 has been set as the date for the celebration Schedule for Collection Counters of Maronite Day at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Jun 29 Rosemary Patnode & Rick Thornton Auriesville, NY. We will be joining with our sister Maronite Jul 6 Thomas Riley Sr. & Rolla Mooney parish of St. Louis Gonzaga from Utica, NY for a picnic starting Jul 13 Marrian Furfaro & Ronald Bagley at 12 noon in the shrine's pavilion, followed by celebration of Jul 20 Rosemary Patnode & Rick Thornton Divine Liturgy in the Coliseum at 5 PM. More information will Jul 27 Thomas Riley Sr. & Rolla Mooney be provided as the date approaches. Aug 3 Marrian Furfaro & Ronald Bagley Feast of the Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul In the icon for the Feast of the via Twitter - @Pontifex Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul, Let us pray for the Christian communities in the Middle East, that Our Lord stands in the center they may continue to live in the land where Christianity was born. with the founders of the Church on either side. To the right of Christ stands St. Peter, holding Stadium Bus Trip the keys of the Kingdom and a Warm weather has finally arrived and the St. Maron Men’s scroll representing the apostolic Society is preparing for America's favorite pastime - baseball. teachings in his left hand. He They have put together a fabulous day trip to stands upon a rock symbolizing see the NY Yankees (85 wins) take on the (Peter) the rock on which the Cincinnati Reds (90 wins) on Saturday, July Church was built. St. Paul, on 19. Team rivalry dates back to 1938 and again the left of our Lord, holds the in 1961, when the Yankees rolled to world book of his epistles and bears a championships over Cincinnati in short order. sword, symbol of his Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy a fun martyrdom. Christ holds a scroll in His left hand and blesses filled day. Tickets are only $80 and include r/t coach with His right hand. The figures are framed by two pillars and an transportation on Yankee Trails, stadium admission, soda, Page 3 "Go therefore, make disciples of all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Mk 28:19

St Ann’s Bulletin, Volume 2014, Issue #026 Jun 29, 2014 arch, representing the apostles as the pillars of the church and you also have plenty of names to choose from but hopefully they symbolizing the Kingdom of Heaven. all point to the answer Peter gave, “Jesus, You are the Christ, the In the far background is the world, into which the apostles were Son of the Living God.” commissioned by Our Lord to go and preach the Gospel and Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life and may He be the Lord of baptize the nations. Behind St. Peter are depicted the hills of yours as well! Antioch, where he founded the apostolic See, and the snow- capped mountains of . To the back of St. Paul lies the About The Maronite Church: rocky terrain and sea of his missionary journeys. Immediately Persecution & Diaspora behind and framing the three figures is the outline shape of the Peace did not last long. Between 1975 and 1990, Lebanon church, bearing a cross and with windows looking out onto the experienced a destructive war. Tens of thousands died in wars, world. At the bottom of the icon is a scroll with the words in the and thousands emigrated. The Pope of Rome supported the original Greek: "Go into the whole world and preach the Gospel Maronites through his prayers. The Maronites defended their to all creation." (Mk 16:15). country with great courage, but in 1990, they divided against “O Lord, preserve your children from all error or deviation, grant themselves, fighting each other. Consequently, their enemies us to live and die proclaiming: ‘Our faith is the faith of Peter, the invaded them, bombarding their cities and villages, sending their faith of Peter is our faith!’ leaders into exile, and placing others in jail. The Maronites lost their independence and hundreds of thousands left the Who is this Jesus? mountains of Lebanon and emigrated. Freedom became By Richard Thornton, Sr. threatened, but God did not abandon his people. He consoled In Matthew 16: 13-20, we find Jesus and His leaving a the Maronites, giving them three : St. Sharbel, St. Rafqa, city where there were a lot of false teachings about Him, and and St. Nimatullah Hardini. In 1997, the Pope of Rome, John coming to a region near Mount Hermon called Caesarea Paul II visited Lebanon to bring hope to the Lebanese people Philippi. Across from its city at the base of mountains there is and particularly to the Maronites. He said, "Lebanon is more this enormous mountainside of rock, a solid wall stretching than a country, it is a message". Due to the severe persecution of straight up to the heavens and at its base, a cave. At the entrance the Church in Lebanon (especially the Maronite Church), many to this cave is a temple built to Caesar and to the god Pan. There were scattered throughout the world, which made the Church were niches carved in the wall of the rock with statues of other blossom outside Lebanon. That’s how the Early Church grew gods. What a setting for Jesus to ask His disciples who they outside Jerusalem. The Maronite Church became international. thought He was! She does not only include Phoenician Maronites, Aramaic/Syriac Now the disciples had a lot of names to choose from in Maronites, Mardaites, Arab Maronites, but also American, answering that question. They knew of four names which had Canadian, Mexican, European, South American, African and already been used in Isaiah…”Wonderful Counselor, Mighty Australian Maronites. God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Perhaps they could Saint of the Week - St. Andrew the Cantor, Bishop have called Him Emmanuel, Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus, son of Joseph, or son of Mary. They could have gone with Son of Man, of Crete the gate, the bread of life, Alpha and Omega, the Great High St. Andrew of Crete whose "Great Priest, Last Adam, the Lamb of God, or just Lamb. This is a Canon" the Orthodox pray during Lent, very important question, how they answer tells a lot about their was born in Damascus. He became a faith and their inner being. Peter wins the grand prize by at Mar Saba and served later at the answering "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus Holy Sepulcher. Around 685, he was replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not ordained a at Hagia Sophia. He revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven”. also ran a refuge that took in orphans and Peter gave the right answer, but how do we answer that cared for the elderly. He ended his days as of question today? Many people today have huge opinions on Who Gortyna, a position to which he was elevated in 692, on the Jesus is, such as an historical figure whose followers made wild island of Crete. He wrote homilies that display great oratorical claims, a good teacher, a guy with good morals, but that’s it. skill, as well as panegyrics to the saints. Some say that he Some call him a major prophet that God sent to the world but invented the canon. not God. Others think he is a lunatic. If Jesus stood in front of The Great Canon of St Andrew, is the longest canon in all of you today and asked you, “Who do you say I am,” how would the Orthodox services, and is associated with Great Lent. There you answer? is no other sacred hymn which compares with this monumental How you answer says a lot about the state of your faith and work, which St Andrew wrote for his personal meditations. soul. Would you call Jesus a liar? If He not a lunatic or a liar, that Nothing else has its extensive typology and mystical explanations leaves only one other option, He is truly God incarnate. The phrase of the scripture, from both the Old and New Testaments. One “Jesus Christ” demonstrates who we believe Him to be. “Jesus” can almost consider this hymn to be a “survey of the Old and is His human name. “Christ” is His divine name, the Christ, as New Testament”. Its other distinguishing features are a spirit of Peter puts it. He is both 100% man and 100% God. People are mournful humility, hope in God, and complex and beautiful so hesitant to give the answer Peter gives because they are scared Trinitarian Doxologies and hymns to the in each of the truth. If Jesus Christ is Lord, if He is the Messiah, the Son Ode. of the living God, then everything He said is true. They are The canon is a dialog between St. Andrew and his soul. The scared because if they admit that Jesus Christ is Lord, then ongoing theme is an urgent exhortation to change one’s life. St everything in their life has to change. In answering this question Andrew always mentions his own sinfulness placed in Page 4 "Go therefore, make disciples of all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Mk 28:19

St Ann’s Bulletin, Volume 2014, Issue #026 Jun 29, 2014 juxtaposition to God’s mercy, and uses literally hundreds of conventioneers enjoy socializing and "partying", and enjoy the references to good and bad examples from the OT and NT to opportunity to visit with friends and relatives over good food “convince himself” to repent.. and drink. NAM Pope Marks Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul The National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM) has been in Bestows Pallium on 47 Cardinals and existence since 1964, and has sponsored a national convention Each year on the Jan. 21 feast of St. Agnes, the pope blesses each year since then. NAM is the official organization of the two lambs raised by Trappist outside Rome. St. Agnes, a laity, serving the Maronite Church in the United States. It is holy martyred under the Diocletian persecution in the year governed by a volunteer board of directors, has official 304, is often depicted with a lamb. Benedictine at the membership from all over the country, and maintains a national Monastery of St. Cecilia in Rome use wool from the blessed office in Yonkers, NY. It sponsors various programs of service lambs to make the palliums, which are kept by St. to the Maronite Church, such as religious education, youth Peter's tomb until the Mass in St. Peter's Basilica. ministry, scholarship, vocations, retreats, and annual and regional The palliums are about 3 inches wide and have conventions. a 14-inch strip hanging down the front and the The NAM Conventions have been an annual opportunity for back. The strips are finished with black silk, the Maronite Church of the USA to gather together for spiritual almost like the hooves of the sheep the renewal, education, and socializing. These conventions are archbishop is symbolically carrying over his shoulders. sponsored by the apostolate and always hosted by one of our The pallium is a liturgical vestment the Pope and Maronite parishes. metropolitan archbishops wear in their churches. It is a white This gathering will be a mixture of clergy and laity; young and stole adorned with six black crosses. old; Lebanese and American-born; and people of several other The Pope traditionally bestows the stole to the new ethnic backgrounds who have become a part of the Maronite archbishops on June 29, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Church. The conventions have become family gatherings as well The rite is a sign of communion with the See of Peter. 47 as vacation opportunities for many. The schedule is a full mix of Cardinals and Archbishops will receive the pallium this year. prayer services, workshops and seminars, business meetings for both clergy and laity, and, of course, many evenings of fun and dancing to both American and Lebanese music. The NAM Final Statement of the Maronite Council of Bishops (June 19, 2014) Introduction – During the first week of the Pentecost, a season that marks the birth of the Church that is blessed by the Holy Spirit, and upon the convening of His Beatitude Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Rai, and All East, and in presence of His Beatitude Cardinal Mar , the Maronite Bishops residing in Lebanon or coming from the patriarchal from Syria, , Cyprus, the Holy Land, Canada, the United States of America, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, France, Western and Central Africa gathered in Bkerki. The participating priests held their annual spiritual retreat on June 11 – 14, 2014, guided by Reverend Father Makram Kozah who stressed in his meditation with them on the mystery of Church sent by Jesus to the world as a symbol of salvation and a power of hope as God sent him to accomplish salvation and be the spring of this hope. Further, they were inspired by the heritage of their Eastern, Antioch, and Syriac Church to reach the noble meanings of the relation between the Church’s sainthood with that of Jesus Christ and the linkage between the shepherding within the Church with its sainthood so as to revive what is so called by their spirituality “the apostolic ” deep within their souls and the hearts of believers. Further to the retreat’s termination, the priests held a Holy Council on June 16 – 19, 2014, during which they tackled the issues stipulated in the agenda including ecclesiastical, pastoral, administrative and national affairs. The following statement was issued upon the Council’s closure: First: Patriarch’s visit to the Holy Land – His Beatitude informed the priests about the occurrences of the visit he carried out last month to and the Holy Land in order to welcome His Sanctity Pope Francis who came to the Middle East as an apostle of just and comprehensive peace. In fact, His Beatitude’s visit to the Palestinian authorities and to the sons and daughters of his Church had a remarkable historical impact. The Patriarch first met with the Palestinian President Mr. Mahmoud Abbas at his official headquarters who warmly welcomed and valued this agreeable initiative especially that it reflects a precious support to the Palestinian cause which consists the Arab’s main cause and the corner stone to build a solid peace both on the Arab and international levels. Moreover, His Beatitude’s reunion with his sons and daughters residing all over the Holy Land was a major event especially that his visit is one of its kind and no similar event ever took place on the pastoral level. In addition, it constituted a fatherly visit to an eparchy which children live abroad and are banned from contacting their brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of their Church, all over the neighboring region. On this occasion, an exceptional ecclesiastical and popular reception was organized to welcome His Beatitude, and in which Christians and Muslims participated for they deeply felt within their souls that their eminent visitor is truly their father and is close to each one of them, and for his encouragement and support to preserve the land of their ancestors enhanced their attachment to their rights which they shall not waive no matter how difficult the obstacles may be. His Beatitude revived their hope in solving the issue of the Lebanese people who were expelled to Israel. He also called upon the sons and daughters of the one nation to carry the spirit of reconciliation and to turn the page of wars all across Lebanon, similarly to the Mountains reconciliation which is the first inspirational source to seek guaranteed means in order to put an adequate and proper end to this case. Second: Clerical schools – The priests attached a great importance on the clerical education at clerical schools established for this purpose and which are the following: the Patriarchal clerical school of Ghazir to which Kafra school that is affiliated to Beirut eparchy was joined, and which received this year more than one hundred thirty student, in addition to Karm Saddeh clerical school in North Lebanon which opens its doors for special calls, and Washington – USA clerical school which receives students from English speaking countries. Therefore, they expressed their satisfaction in terms of the measures taken to unify the educational vision in all these schools and to all efforts deployed to educate priests on the Page 5 "Go therefore, make disciples of all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Mk 28:19

St Ann’s Bulletin, Volume 2014, Issue #026 Jun 29, 2014 spiritual and apostolic level, while enhancing their student’s scientific, human and pastoral competencies so that they can fully achieve their apostolic mission granted to them by the Church in terms of education, sanctity and handling all issues in the future. Furthermore, the priests stressed on the importance of the efforts persistence so as to maintain the noble Maronite heritage while being open to the world’s current situation which affects their services. They also underlined the work carried out in Roma’s Pontifical school dedicated for priests who are pursuing their higher university studies. Additionally, the requested to gather Lebanese patriarchal and foreign priests in that noble school so that they could get to know each other and be prepared together to serve their one and widespread Maronite Church. Third: Liturgical affairs – The priests reviewed the work carried out by the Patriarchal Committee for Ritual Affairs during the past year and underlined the prompt efforts deployed by those who are working on the book of common prayer to be delivered to all shepherds and believers. Therefore, the ritual reform would have accomplished a major part in terms of the necessary work to be implemented especially when completing the reform of the Holy Bible, the books of the mysteries of Baptism, marriage and priesthood on all its levels. Further, the priests were contented to see that the book of mysteries reached its final steps of accomplishment further to five years of experiment. They also recommended to complete this fundamental ecclesiastical work while continuously taking into consideration the balance between maintaining tradition and the necessity to introduce modernism when preparing the new texts in a harmonious way that goes in line with this modern world. In addition, they thanked all members of the Committee of Rituals, people in charge and volunteers, who dedicated their scientific, literary and linguistic competencies to serve this reform which emanated from the one Church along with the resolutions of the more than fifty years ago. Fourth: Eparchies’ situation – The priests tackled the current situation of the patriarchal eparchies neighboring Lebanon and thanked God that their Church is alive and able to adapt with the recent events taking place all around the world. In fact, eparchies abroad live in peace within the foreign societies and work hard to ensure priests and to carry their mission so that seculars can also participate in the eparchial life. In fact, eparchies are facing difficulties in having their sons and daughters who were integrated long time ago in local churches into their ancestors’ rituals. Therefore, eparchies are in need for additional priests to carry out this extremely delicate work. As for eparchies in the Eastern countries, they are nowadays suffering from the dreadful situation that resulted from wars launched in the countries they are located in, in addition to their sons and daughters’ regrettable expatriation, mainly in Syria and Iraq that are going through distress which we pray God to put an end to it in the near future. However, these eparchies yearn to Lebanon especially that their sons and daughters are solicitude towards their country that constitutes their spiritual nation, their identity and cradle of their human message all around the globe. It is saddening to see Lebanon going through difficult moments on the political and security levels which makes it hard for expatriates to resettle or invest in their beloved nation, not to mention the moral and literary high cost. Therefore, they pray for this nation’s safety so as to revive their hope in this cherished country to which they look forward. Fifth: Lebanon’s political situation – The priests discussed the aggravating situation in Lebanon due to the presidential alarming vacancy. In fact, the position expressed by the nation’s Lebanese deputies who are abstaining from participating in the Parliamentary meeting in order to carry out voting, the fact that constitutes a national duty calling upon them to assume the responsibility entrusted to them by the Lebanese people. Such a situation is inacceptable and exposes Lebanon to serious risks, mainly amidst the aggravating regional instabilities threatening to amend the Middle East roadmap while exposing the Middle Eastern countries to abolishment which repercussions could also affect Lebanon. In this context, the priests fully support all positions expressed by His Beatitude the Patriarch who spares no effort to urge deputies to fulfill their duties and hasten the presidential election. His Beatitude reiterates on every single occasion that the non-election of a new President contradicts the constitution and the national pact as well, and constitutes a serious threat to Lebanon’s unity, security and economy which keeps weakening. That is due to shaking the trust in the country which affects its institutions making it hard to regain that trust. Sixth: Social situation – Due to the current situation, the priests called upon all authorities to assume their responsibility towards people in need especially that the latters are below the poverty line in Lebanon while their number is rapidly and terribly increasing due to the economic and real estate degrading situation preventing development. They also urged people responsible for people’s fate to be just towards teachers and employees and grant them the wage they deserve, while taking into consideration the economic balance, without neglecting the Lebanese people who are deprived from any wage, guarantor or guarantees in terms of their health and old age. The State must attach great importance to each and every citizen without depriving anyone from decent living. Further, they highlighted the allocations granted by the ecclesiastical institutions to people in need, mainly Caritas Lebanon. They also call upon the wealthy people to assist the poor while requesting the international organizations to help Lebanon provide sufficient allocations to more than one million Syrian expatriate coming from Syria to Lebanon and asking for help while hoping to return home in the near future. Seventh: War in Syria and Iraq – The priests expressed their profound sadness and anxiety due to the successive wars launched in Syria and Iraq. They also expressed their support to all people affected by these wars bearing enormous material losses, not to mention the death of martyrs whom they feel proud of. They are the ones who sacrificed their lives on the altar of humanity, nationalism and righteous, on top of which are priests, monks, sisters and individuals having faith in their Lord and seeking salvation. Moreover, the priests strongly denounce the death and displacement faced by the innocent Christians and non-Christians due to the conflicts taking place in the aforementioned two countries and other nations as well. Similarly, they requested the release the two kidnapped archbishops Boulos Yaziji and Yuhanna Ibrahim in addition to all kidnapped priests so that they return to their eparchies and Churches safe and sound. Furthermore, the priests called upon the Middle Eastern people to put an end to violence which is threatening their fate and future and to deploy all efforts in order to peacefully solve all conflicts so as to reach a comprehensive reconciliation. They also called upon recognizing everyone’s rights and build new societies based on equal citizenship, religious mutual respect without any religious discrimination within nations in which everyone can peacefully live. Consequently, the priests called for continuous prayers asking God to guide everyone so that they all follow God’s path so as to seek goodness instead of evil. Conclusion – Last, the priests called upon the Lebanese and Middle Eastern sons and daughters as well as those living abroad to hold on to the reviving hope and believe that God is the Master of history and that Jesus Christ promised that the gates of hell shall not prevail against His Church. In fact, this Godly promise means that goodness is stronger than all evil and that faith allows believers to move the mountains of troubles and disasters to fall in the vanishing sea. Further, they prayed during their retreat and the Holy Council for their Church and peace in the Middle East and all around the world, while urging their sons and daughters to hold on to their ancestors heritage and trust in God Almighty and Virgin Mary, mother of all, in all that they do. The priests concluded by wishing them success in their future endeavors while staying united and filled with God’s blessings. Page 6 "Go therefore, make disciples of all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Mk 28:19

St Ann’s Bulletin, Volume 2014, Issue #026 Jun 29, 2014

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen In Memory Of In Loving Memory Of our parents In Loving Memory of In Memory Of Joseph & Helen Claramae and Joseph Rose, Father Paul, the deceased members of YAMIN JABOUR KARAM Mike, Joe, Peter RICE & HEALY

Requested by Joe & Kathy JABOUR Requested by the KARAM Family KORKEMAZ Families In Loving Memory Of In Memory Of For the living and Walter J. & Mary GOLDEN In Loving Memory of deceased members of the deceased members & the deceased members of Michael-David Hannoush of the the GOLDEN & VOLKOMER TAMER & JOSEPH-NACKLEY & Families by his grandparents, Elias & Georgette THORNTON Families PATNODE Families In Memory Of In Memory Of In Loving Memory Of Solomon A. & In Loving Memory of The Deceased Members of the deceased Donald & Edith the TALARICO & DEEP members of the (Joseph) Patnode & REZEY & NACKLEY, SEE & Patricia H. JABOUR Families by their children & grandchildren son, Vincent-Paul CLOUGH Families In Memory Of In Loving Memory of In Memory Of our grandparents In Loving Memory Of David & Jenny Abraham & Mary Joseph- Francis & Marsha KADDO, Dot RILEY and Suleiman & Jamileh and the deceased members of the Nackley and their RILEY, MANLEY & PETERSON REZEY & Nehme FRANGIE Families deceased daughters Requested by the KADDO Family FRANGIE Requested by Tom RILEY, Sr. In Memory Of Boulos, Georgette & In Loving Memory of Assaad ABDALLAH Dominic FARINA, Sr. Stena Dry Cleaning Nagieh & Simon FRANGIE Requested by the ABDALLAH Family Requested by Edith Farina & Family Shirt Laundry 451 Albany Shaker Rd, Loudonville, NY 12211 Tel: (518) 459-5944

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Erica's Tailoring Full Service & Alterations 451 Albany Shaker Rd, Loudonville, NY 12211 Tel: (518) 459-5944

For Ad info, Hours Monday – Friday 7:00am - 7:00pm; Call St. Ann’s Church at: Saturday 9:00am - 3:00pm 1 (518) 272-6073 A heartfelt appreciation to the following businesses who sponsored the Commemorative Dedication Book AOH Boutros Florist Hilton Garden Inn NAM Applied Label Capcom FCU Joseph P. Mangione, Inc. Spada Law Firm A-Ritz, Inc. Capital City Produce Konick & Collette Stephens Chrysler Assemblyman John McDonald Daves Glass Lia Hyundai Ted's Fish Fry Bobs Diner Hannoush Jewelers Moe's William B. O'Connor Church Goods Page 7 "Go therefore, make disciples of all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Mk 28:19

St Ann’s Bulletin, Volume 2014, Issue #026 Jun 29, 2014

With compliments of HANNOUSH Family

112 Wolf Road Albany, NY 12205 (518) 512-5182

Janette NAMMOUR Owner

Telephone # 434-0299

Page 8 "Go therefore, make disciples of all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Mk 28:19