ST. ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH

15000 N. May, Oklahoma City, OK 73134

Church Office: 755-7804

Church Website: www.stelijahokc.com

Church Email: [email protected]

NOVEMBER 22, 2020 Issue 32 Number 47 Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost & The After-Feast of the Entrance of the to the Temple; of the Day: Apostles Philemon, Apphia, Archippos and Onesimos of the Seventy; Clement, Bishop of Ochrid and enlightener of Bulgaria; Martyr Cecilia of Rome and those with her; Venerable Kallistos Xanthopoulos of Athos; Martyr , Prince of Tver, Venerable Iakovos of Evia

DIRECTORY WELCOME

V. Rev. Fr. John Salem We welcome all our visitors. It is an honor to have you Parish Priest 410-9399 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 immediately following the Divine Liturgy. V. Rev. Fr. Constantine Nasr Emeritus We understand Holy Communion to be an act of our unity in faith. While we work toward the unity of all Christians, it Rev. Dn. Ezra Ham regrettably does not now exist. Therefore, only baptized Administrator 602-9914 Orthodox Christians (who have properly prepared) are Rev. Fr. Perry permitted to participate in Holy Communion. However, Attached 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 meeting you during the Reception that follows the service. Youth Director

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

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 Bishop BASIL, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America

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

The 1st Antiphon: clothing is of wrought gold. Virgins shall be A brought to the King after her: her companions Great is the Lord and greatly to be shall be brought unto Thee. praised: in the city of our God and in His holy mountain. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O Troparion of the Entrance of the Theotokos – city of God. Tone 4

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Today the is the foreshadowing of the Savior, save us. pleasure of God, and the beginning of the preaching of the salvation of mankind. Thou God is known in her palaces as a refuge. As we hast appeared in the Temple of God openly have heard, so have we seen in the city of the and hast gone before, preaching to all. Lord of hosts in the city of our God. Let us shout with one thrilling voice, saying,

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Rejoice, O thou who are the fulfillment of the Savior, save us. Creator’s dispensation.

Glory… Now… The Entrance Hymn

D Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O O come let us worship…

Savior, save us. Troparion of the Resurrection - Tone 7

nd E The 2 Antiphon: Thou didst shatter death by Thy Cross, B The Most High hath sanctified His Thou didst open paradise to the thief; Thou didst tabernacle. Holiness and majesty are in His turn the sadness of the ointment-bearing women into joy. And didst bid Thine Apostles proclaim sanctuary. a warning, that Thou hast risen O Christ, Save us, O Son of God, Who art risen from granting to the world the Great Mercy. the dead; who sing to Thee, Alleluia. Troparion of the Entrance of the Theotokos – This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall Tone 4 enter in there at. Today the Virgin is the foreshadowing of the Save us, O Son of God, Who art risen from pleasure of God, and the beginning of the the dead; who sing to Thee, Alleluia. preaching of the salvation of mankind. Thou

Holy is Thy temple, and wonderful in hast appeared in the Temple of God openly and righteousness. hast gone before, preaching Christ to all. Let us shout with one thrilling voice, saying, Rejoice, O Save us, O Son of God, Who art risen from thou who art the fulfillment of the Creator’s the dead; who sing to Thee, Alleluia. dispensation.

Glory... Now... Troparion of St. Elijah – Tone 4

O, only begotten Son and Word of God... Angelic Body, Pillar of and their

Verse: Even the rich among the people Corner Stone, Forerunner of the Second-Coming C shall entreat thy favor. The King’s of Christ; Thou didst send Grace from on high to daughter is all glorious within: her Elisha, to dispel sickness and to purify lepers, Glorious Elijah, thou dost overflow with healing Lord; in whom you also are built together for a to those who honor thee. habitation of God in the Spirit. for the Ninth Sunday of Luke Kontakion of the Entrance of the Theotokos – Tone 4 The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke (Chapter 12:16-21) The sacred treasury of God’s holy glory, the greatly precious bridal chamber and Virgin, the The Lord spoke this parable, “The land of a rich Savior’s most pure temple, free of stain and man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to undefiled, into the House of the Lord on this day himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to is brought forward and bringeth with herself the store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I grace of the Most Divine Spirit; her, do God’s will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; hymn with songs of praise, for she is truly and there I will store all my grain and my goods. the heavenly tabernacle. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, The Thrice Holy Hymn F drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the THE READINGS things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ G for the 24th Sunday after So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Pentecost

The Lord will give strength unto His people. As he said this, called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Bring unto the Lord, ye sons of God; Bring unto the Lord glory and honor! The Megalynarion H The reading is from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians It is truly meet… (Chapter 2:14-22) Communion Hymn Brethren, Christ is our peace, who made both I one, and broke down the middle wall of Praise the Lord…. Alleluia. partition, having abolished in His flesh the J We have seen the true light… enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that He might create in Himself of the two one new man, thus making OFFERINGS peace, and might reconcile them both to God in one body through the Cross, thereby having slain HOLY BREAD is offered by Rob Sandlin for the enmity in Himself; and He came and his good health. It is especially offered in preached peace to you, to those who were afar memory of his mother Polly Dee Sandlin (2 off and to those who were near, for through Him years). May her memory be eternal. we both have our access in One Spirit to the Father. HOLY BREAD is offered by Alexis and John Robert Simon for their good health. It is Now therefore you are no longer strangers and especially offered in memory of Stephanie sojourners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, Simon (2 years). May her memory be eternal. and of the household of God; being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, HOLY BREAD is offered by Fr. Elias and Jesus Christ Himself being the chief Khouriya Irene for their good health. It is Cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, fitly especially offered for Khouriye Diana Masood. May her memory be eternal. framed together, grows into a holy temple in the HOLY BREAD is offered by Joe and Jill designed by this year's SOYO officers! And Andrews for their good health and the good while this is a fundraiser sponsored by the teens, health of their family - Don, Mollie, Kate, the shirts don't say SOYO on them and would be Maddie, Christi, Megan, Stephen, Eli, Drew, great for any adult, too. Kayla, Jake, and Matthew. May God grant them THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE: Thank you many years. to all who brought food or made donations to help fill the Thanksgiving Baskets. We made ANNOUNCEMENTS donations to the Homeless Alliance, YWCA . Women’s Shelter, Latino Development Agency, NO COFFEE HOUR church family members in need, and people

WELCOME TABLE. We welcome all visitors. calling into the church looking for assistance. We are delighted you are worshipping with us Your generosity has helped a lot of people in and look forward to meeting you personally. If need. Thank you. Watch the Bulletin for the Christmas Food Drive. you'd like, we have a table in the corridor across from the chapel where a member of our BISHOP BASIL ENDOWMENT FUND. Welcome Team would love to greet you and give Please see the flyer included herein. If you are you a small Welcome Packet. able to contribute, please make your check

THE NATIVITY (ADVENT) FAST began payable to St. Elijah with “Bishop BASIL” in the November 15 and continues through December memo. When all donations are in, we will write one check. 24. The traditional fast is to abstain from meat, fish, dairy products, and alcoholic beverages (though fish and alcohol in moderation are HAPPY BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK permitted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, NOVEMBER 22-28 and Sundays). All kinds of food and drink may Andrew Sweis Jim Fox be consumed with gratitude to God on Kooper Taylor Wise Thanksgiving Day. Alexandra Addison Logan Brooks Damiana Frangie-Massad Ham STEWARDSHIP – We are projected to be in Lillian Badeen Sam Kamas the positive for our 2020 fiscal year, thanks to all Darlene Boyce Laura Tait of you who have been donating in person, via Deacon Ezra Ham Warr mail, and through Realm. We are humbled by Carletta Simon Dmitry Smirov your generosity and thoughtfulness during these difficult times! If you have not pledged Kory Warr Kris Wilson for 2020 as of yet (and are able), please take a Virginia Ferreira few moments to prayerfully consider what you can give to support St. Elijah. Today we remember those who reposed in the Lord during this week in years past: DOWAMA SOYO is selling long-sleeved t- shirts to raise money for IOCC's (International Stephanie Ann Simon Labib Sam Musallam Orthodox Christian Charities) efforts in Beirut Daher Wehba Jill Lynn Willey Stacy following the terrible explosion. They are $20 Sam George Betty Jo Toma each and $10 from every sale will go straight to Saied E. Samara Shflk "Charley" IOCC. https://forms.gle/eK6wKAa8xBjk3yW89 William Robert Saied Nicholas Cohlmia We are unable to take credit card payments at Ana Cosma Boulos "Paul" Ayyat this time, but will happily accept checks or

Venmo if that's easier for you. The shirts were UPCOMING SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday November 22 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy (Families A-L) Wednesday November 25 9:00 am Liturgy for the Feast of St. Katherine Saturday November 28 10:00 am Divine Liturgy (Families A-L) 5:00 pm Great Vespers (No restrictions) Sunday November 29 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy (Families (M-Z)

BLANKET AND GLOVE DRIVE FOR THE HOMELESS SHELTER/ADOPT-A-FAMILY

Due to Covid and Greenvale Elementary School being closed, we will be unable to have our annual “Adopt-a-Family at Christmas Drive.” In lieu of Adopting a Family, we are partnering with the Homeless Alliance to provide Blankets and Gloves for the Care Packages they pass out during the Holidays. Our Goal is to collect over 100 blankets (any type will do) and gloves (one size fits all would be the best, but you can buy other sizes if you want. They will all be used.) Your help would be greatly appreciated.

St. Elijah Parish Council Update as of Wednesday, November 18, 2020

We would like to take this time to keep the Parish up to date in regards to certain important items that were discussed at the monthly Parish Council meeting.

Annual Parish Meeting- The Archdiocese has given their blessing to parishes to extend the terms of Parish Councils for one year because COVID-19 restrictions will prevent us from having our Annual Parish Meeting.

2020 & 2021 Budget – 2020 has been an unexpected year due to the pandemic. We are projected to finish the year in the black. Our overall budget (General Fund & Maintenance Fund) for 2020 is $1,341,596.00. Although our giving is about %2 below last year our expenses are roughly %4 below 2019. Our expenses have been down due to a number of factors, the largest being lower overall usage of the church facility. We cannot anticipate what is on the horizon; therefore, the expense part of our financials will reflect a “flat to actual” budget for 2021 with income holding at the same 2020 levels. This will help us with any unexpected variances in the coming year and allow us to move forward in the hope that our facilities will return to normal use. We are very grateful for everyone’s generosity during these difficult times.

Iconography Project- A few years ago we began an iconography project under master Iconographer, Nick Papas of Houston, TX. The project was to repair existing , and to place additional iconography on the east sanctuary wall over the screen, the balcony front and the western wall at the top of the balcony. The repairs and the north wall (icons of Christ carrying the Cross, the Crucifixion, the Ascension & Paul preaching the Gospel to all nations) were completed. We received a very generous and anonymous donation earlier this year to complete this work, plus another donation to cover any additional work that might be needed. God willing this work will be installed in the spring of 2021. The icon on the balcony front will be “He Who Does Not Sleep”. This icon helps us understand the “Fear of God” in general, because it helps us in making the important distinction between God Who is to be feared and the fear of God. A simple way to explain this is to replace the word “FEAR” with “AWE”. There will be four icons on the western wall at the top of the balcony: St. -the God Receiver, Anna the Prophetess, St. Elizabeth the New-Martyr and St. Nektarios the Wonder-Worker. We will have renderings placed in the corridor for all to see. Youth Ministry Updates

In Today’s Gospel, we hear the story of the Rich Fool, who stored up all his crops and then died, leaving his earthly goods to waste.

To truly understand the selfishness of the wealthy man's actions, we need to look back to the beginnings of Genesis and how God created us

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

“Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth… everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. And God saw everything that HE had made, and behold, it was very good. Genesis 1:26-31

By Creating man in His image, God created us to be His advocate on earth. We are his conduit in which His work can be done through us. This has been done so that we may minister to and take care of all of creation. We are not only called to be stewards of creation in this manner, but God has also called us to be co-creators with Him.

Co-creators in agriculture, co-creators in technology, co-creators in life itself, through our children. We sacrifice to create, we labor to create, we spend our time and talent to create. We represent God in everything we do, because He created us to be in the image of God. The Rich Fool instead built monuments to himself, gave glory to himself. Because of this, he fell short of receiving God’s righteousness.

Winter SOYO Gatherings: With weather getting cold, we will be splitting SOYO up into small groups so we can meet inside while meeting our distancing guidelines. 7th – 8th grade will meet Tuesday, December 15th, from 7-8:30 p.m. 9th – 10th grade will meet Wednesday, December 16th, from 7-8:30 p.m. And finally, 11th grade and up will meet on Thursday, December 17th, from 7-8:30 p.m. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

We are continuing our 20-40 Book Study later in December. We will meet again on Sunday, December 6th , at 6 p.m. If you would like to join us, be sure to read through chapter 11 of The Winter Pascha by Fr. Tom Hopko.

Virtual Christmas Program: Every family has been assigned a section of the Christmas story to record their version of it and submit it. I will take all the videos and put one full program together. If you did not receive an assignment, let me know and I will send you one! 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. 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.

November 22, 2020 CALENDAR

USHERS: Sunday Nov. 22 Orthros 8:45 am ALTAR SERVERS: Divine Liturgy 10:00 am EPISTLE READER: (Families A-L) 20/40 Book Study on Zoom 6:00 pm ELDERS: Monday BOOKSTORE: Nov. 23 Tuesday Nov. 24 DEADLINE FOR THE Wednesday Nov.25 Liturgy for the Feast of 9:00 am BULLETIN IS St. Katherine Thursday 5:00 PM ON TUESDAY Nov. 26 OFFICE CLOSED – Happy Thanksgiving

Friday

Nov. 27 OFFICE CLOSED

Saturday

Nov. 28 Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

(Families A-L)

Great Vespers 5:00 pm

(No restrictions)