FEAST OF SAINT MARON

ST MARON AND THE MARONITE HISTORY

St Maron “The Little Lord” was a 4th

century Catholic Priest and Hermit whose

followers, after his death, founded a

Catholic movement that became known as

the Catholic Maronite Church. The Catholic

community which grew from this

movement are the Catholic Maronites. St

Maron was born around 350AD in Cyrrhus,

a small town near Antioch, Syria, was a

Priest who later became a Hermit, retiring to

the mountain of Taurus in the region of

Cyrrhus. His holiness and miracles attracted

many followers and drew attention

throughout the empire.

St Maron embraced a life of quiet solitude

and was known for his simplicity and his

extraordinary desire to discover God’s

presence in all things.

St Maron is often portrayed in a black habit

garment with a hanging stole, accompanies

by a long crosier staffed by a globe

surmounted with a cross. His feast day is

celebrated on February 9.

MONASTIC SPIRITUALITY

St Maron’s way was deeply monastic with

emphasis on the spiritual and ascetic aspects

of living. For St Maron, all was connected

to God and God was connected to all. He did

not separate the physical and spiritual world

and actually used the physical world to

deepen his faith and spiritual experience

with God. St Maron was able to free himself

from the physical world by his passion and

fervor for prayer and enter into a mystical

relationship of love with God. He lived his

life in the open air and spent his time in

prayer and meditation exposed to the forces

of nature such as sun, rain, hail and snow.

MISSIONARY

St Maron was a mystic who started this new

ascetic-spiritual method that attracted many

people in Syria and Lebanon to become his

disciples. Accompanying his deeply

spiritual and ascetic life, he was a zealous

missionary with a passion to spread the

message of Christ by preaching it to all he

met. He sought not only to cure the physical

ailments that people suffered, but had a

great quest for nurturing and healing the

“lost souls” of both non-Christians and

Christians of his time. This missionary work

came to fruition when in the mountains of

Syria, St Maroun was able to convert a

temple into a church. This was to be the

beginning of the conversion to Christianity

in Syria which would then influence and

spread to Lebanon. After his death in the

year 410AD, his spirit and teachings lived

on through his disciples. The Catholic

Maronite faith reached Lebanon when St

Maron’s first disciple, Abraham of Cyrrhus,

who was called the Apostle of Lebanon,

realised that there were many non-

Christians in Lebanon and so he set out to

convert them to Christianity by introducing

them to the way of St Maron.

THREE SOURCES

We have three available sources regarding

St Maron’s Life. The first and most detailed

source is from his biographer, Theodoret of

Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church

February 04-05, 2017

Fr. Vincent Farhat, Pastor | Fr. Richard Cannuli, Weekend Assistance | Mrs. Zeina Topalian, Religious Education Director Address: 1013 Ellsworth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Office: 215-389-2000 | Hall Reservations: 215-334-1884 | Evening Emergency Number: 215-952-0712 or 561-371-5316

Website: www.saintmaron.org | Church Office: saintmaronphiladelphia@hotmail.com | Instagram Page: @saintmaronphiladelphia

Facebook Page: Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church of Philadelphia

OFFICE HOURS: The Church office will be open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.

QUOTE

OF THE WEEK

“Nor shall derision prove

powerful against those who

listen to humanity or those

who follow in the footsteps

of divinity, for they shall

live forever. Forever.”

Khalil Gibran

Cyrrhus, who wrote “A history of the

Monks of Syria” in the 5th century. The

second is from St John Chrysostom, the

“Golden Mouth”. The third is the Catholic

Maronite Liturgy and the first Catholic

Maronites:

1) Theodoret of Cyrrhus

Theodoret explains that pagans previously

worshiped on the hill. St Maron converted

the hill to a place of Christianity and his

“soul received the words of the Gospel.” He

chose the “poverty of Christ over the riches

of this world.” His asceticism (a life of

abstinence) was also marked by a continued

attachment to people. They came to him and

St Maron prayed and healed “not only the

infirmities of the body, but applied suitable

treatment to souls as well.” He set examples

of chastity, prayer, meditation, labor and of

course love. St Maron example inspired

many disciples, both men and women.

2) St John Chrysostom

The other source we have about St Maron is

St John Chrysostom. While in exile, and

during one of the most difficult times of his

life, St John Chrysostom wrote to St Maron

and asked him to pray for him. Below is an

extract of the letter: “Dear Maron, we are

bound to you by love and interior

disposition, and see you here before us as if

you were actually present. For such are the

eyes of love; their vision is neither

interrupted by distance nor dimmed by

time…we address ourselves to your honor

and assure you that we hold you constantly

in our minds and carry you about in our

souls wherever we may be… please pray for

us.”

3) The Catholic Maronite Liturgy and the

first Catholic Maronites

After St Maron’s death, a great monastery

was built in Syria in 452AD called Beit

Maron and the monastery flourished.

However, from the 6th century, things

became dangerous for the first Maronites

and they were persecuted for their

obedience to the Catholic faith and the

Council of Chalcedon. In the year 517AD,

350 Catholic Maronite Monks were killed.

The Catholic Maronites, elected their first

Patriarch, St John Maron in the year 685AD.

He was affirmed by Pope Sergius I,

highlighting that the Catholic Maronite

Church was in communion with Rome since

the beginning. In 694AD, 500 Catholic

Maronites were killed and by 938AD Beit

Maron was completely destroyed and the

Maronite Patriarch fled to the Mountains of

Lebanon. The persecution resulted in many

Catholic Maronites migrating from Syria to

Mount Lebanon.

MARONITES IN THE MOUNTAINS

OF LEBANON

The Catholic Maronite Church flourished in

the rocky mountains under the Cedars of

Lebanon and prospered in the hills and

valleys of Qannoubine and Qadisha. By the

13th Century things once again became

volatile for the Catholic Maronites. They

were attacked in the north of Lebanon and

in the Catholic Maronite villages of Ehden,

Bsharre, Hadath El-Jibbe, Mayfouk and

other villages. Patriarch Daniel El Hadsheeti

was killed and in 1367AD Patriarch Gabriel

Hejola was burned alive. During that time

many Catholic Maronites escaped to Cyprus

where there was a Catholic Maronite

Church. In 1440AD, to escape persecution,

the Catholic Maronite Patriarchate moved

from Mayfouk to Wadi Qannoubine, where

it took refuge. In 1860, under the Ottoman

rule, many villages, churches, and

monasteries were completely destroyed.

During this time many Maronites were

martyred. On July 10, 1860, the Massabki

brothers: Francis, Abed El-Moati, and

Raphael were martyred in Damascus. They

remained steadfast in the face of persecution

and refused to deny their faith. Pope Pius XI

beatified them on October 1, 1926.

THE MARONITES OF THE

EXPANSION

By 1915, Ottomon rule, famine, disease and

war created a great wave of migration in

particular to the Americas. Many Catholic

Maronites became scattered throughout the

world, which made the Church grow outside

of Lebanon. The Catholic Maronite Church

became international. No longer were they

Maronites of the Middle East, but also

American, South American, European,

African and Australian Catholic Maronites.

Patriarch Daniel El Hadsheeti was killed

and in 1367AD Patriarch Gabriel Hejola

was burned alive. During that time many

Catholic Maronites escaped to Cyprus

where there was a Catholic Maronite

Church. In 1440AD, to escape persecution,

the Catholic Maronite Patriarchate moved

from Mayfouk to Wadi Qannoubine, where

it took refuge. In 1860, under the Ottoman

rule, many villages, churches, and

monasteries were completely destroyed.

During this time many Maronites were

martyred. On July 10, 1860, the Massabki

brothers: Francis, Abed El-Moati, and

Raphael were martyred in Damascus. They

remained steadfast in the face of persecution

and refused to deny their faith. Pope Pius XI

beatified them on October 1, 1926.

THE IMPORTANCE OF

MAINTAINING OUR CATHOLIC

MARONITE TRADITIONS

Our Catholic Maronite ancestors overcame

great persecution to protect their Church and

their faith. They remained steadfast in the

face of persecution and committed to Christ

and St Maroun. Their shield was prayer. Out

of their experience developed a superb

liturgy and many beautiful traditions. We

are called by the Universal Catholic Church

to protect those traditions. In his very

beautiful Apostolic letter, Orientale Lumen,

Blessed Pope John Paul II declared. “…I

listen to the Churches of the East, which I

know are living interpreters of the treasure

of tradition they preserve. In contemplating

it, before my eyes appear elements of great

significance for fuller and more thorough

understanding of the Christian

experience…the Christian East has a unique

and privileged role as the original setting

where the Church was born… Tradition is

the heritage of Christ’s Church…Tradition

is never pure nostalgia for things or forms

past, nor regret for lost privileges, but the

living memory of the Bride, kept eternally

youthful by the Love that dwells within

her.” http://www.saintcharbel.net.au/st-maroun-and-the-

maronite-history/

WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY Our sincere condolences go out to Denise

Eddis for the loss of her Aunt Mary

Cavallaro who passed away this week. We

also extend our condolences to Mary’s

children Linda Harkins, and John and Peter

Cavallaro, her grandchildren and family.

May Almighty God welcome Mary into His

Kingdom and may her soul rest in peace.

SANCTUARY CANDLE BURNS FOR…

The sanctuary candle burns for the soul of

Maurice Al Shouli requested by his family.

May his soul rest in peace.

HOLY DAY OF OLBIGATION FEAST OF SAINT MARON

Wednesday, February 8, Liturgy and

Novena begins at 7:00 PM.

THERE WILL BE REFRESHMENTS

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THIS

EVENING’S LITURGY AND NOVENA

IN THE CHURCH HALL.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT SAINT MARON CHURCH

SAINT MARON NOVENA

January 31-February 8, 2017.

FEAST OF SAINT MARON

February 5, 2017, following Divine

Liturgy.

SAINT MARON NOVENA As we begin to celebrate our 125th

Anniversary of the establishment of Saint

Maron Church, we will start this year’s

events with the St. Maron’s Novena

beginning Tuesday, January 31- February

8. The schedule IS as follows:

Sunday, February 5, Liturgy and

Novena begins at 11:00 AM.

Monday, February 6, Liturgy and Novena

begins at 6:00 PM.

Tuesday February 7, Liturgy and Novena

begins at 6:00 PM.

Wednesday, February 8, Liturgy and

Novena begins at 7:00 PM.

LITURGY INTENTIONS Saturday, February 4, 2017, @ 6:00

PM, liturgy is being offered for the soul

of James Stone requested by the Simon

family. May his soul rest in peace.

Sunday, Febuary 5, 2017, @ 11:00

AM, liturgy is offered for the souls of

Nicola and Majd Dib requested by

Fewaz and Bouchra Dib and family.

May their souls rest in peace.

Saturday, February 11, 2017, @ 6:00

pm, (Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes)

liturgy is being offered for soul of

Delores Delaney requested by Marlene

Mockewich. May her soul rest in peace.

Sunday, February 12, 2017 @ 11:00

am, liturgy is being offered for the soul

of Melhem El Hajal requested by Manal

and Claudine El Hajal. May his soul rest

in peace.

THE PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC RECORD: EVENING OF APPRECIATION FOR

JIMMY TAYOUN The Philadelphia Public Record invites you

to join them for an evening of appreciation

to honor a true Philadelphia legend---Jimmy

Tayoun. This event will take place on

Wednesday evening, February 22, 2017,

from 5:30-8:30 PM. Open bar, hors

D’oeuvres and Buffet by Penns Landing

Caterers. This will be held at Sheet Metal

Workers, Local 19, 1301 S. Columbus

Blvd., Philadelphia, PA, 19148. Tickets are

$40.00 per person. Congratulations Jimmy

for this well-deserved appreciation and

honor.

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS IN PHILADELPHIA

Saint Maron Church in Philadelphia is one

of the oldest Maronite Churches in the

United States. Established according to the

Patriarchal records in Lebanon, we were

officially established in 1892. What a

milestone this is for this vibrant and

beautiful community. It is only fitting to

think back and to give thanks to Almighty

God for sending us priests, for the loyal

families that started this Church with very

little means and for all of you for keeping

the legacy of those before us alive and

thriving.

As we prepare for this milestone beginning

in the New Year of 2017, we are preparing

many special events throughout the year

with the final event scheduled on the

weekend of December 1-3, 2017. The final

event in November will include the

rededication of Saint Maron Church by his

Excellency Gregory J. Mansour, Divine

Liturgy, Grand Hafli, Sunday brunch, and

much more.

Details will be forthcoming at the beginning

of 2017 with the listings of events for the

year. The beginning of our Anniversary

celebration will begin with the Feast of

Saint Maron in February, our patron saint of

our Church.

I pray that Almighty God will bless Saint

Maron Church, her parishioners and

benefactors for many more years.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

(CONFESSION) Please know that confession is available

before liturgies. You may also call to set

up an appointment.

PROGESS TO OUR GOAL I would like to thank all of you who have

supported the efforts in the renovation of the

rectory. Your kindness is still coming in and

for that I would like to thank you. We are a

few weeks away to completion. Thank you

for your help and support and I wish you all

a very blessed and merry Christmas.

IN OUR PRAYERS Please keep in your prayers:

Helen Butrus, Josephine Rudolph, Rose

Kouri, Yasmine Myers, Joey Gdowick,

Francis Joseph Kerns, Albert Saleem,

Albert Anderson, Jr., Christopher Scalia,

Manerva Labbad, Michelina Krewda,

Samer Chokeir, Aminee Skaf, Kathy

Newman, Cubby Simon, Vickey Saulino,

Rita Arrigale, Connie Mazzola, Linda

Rotella, Mary Heiler, Declan Goldsmith,

Gavin Goldsmith, Helen Freedenberg,

Baby Mason, Maryann Bratton, Renee

Sahar, Joann Divon, Chucky Simon, Jane

Trevelino, Sister Nahida Al Sawa,

Virginia Ramano, Rose De Jesse, James

Cordisio, Stacey Fuentes, Debbie

Freedenberg, Noel Andjuhar, Juliette

Chokier, Eddie Gussini, Angel Salerno,

Dennis McGiney, Emilia and Alan

Sacilowski, Donny Pizzi, Betty Antrilli,

and Bonnie Sabatini. We ask Almighty

God to bless them with good health so that

they may join us in the Church and give

glory and thanksgiving to God. Please

notify the Church office of any family

member who is ill so that we may

remember them in our daily prayers and

on our altar of intentions.

WEEKLY COLLECTION FOR

January 28-29, 2017 Sunday Collection $ 1,440.00

Memorial Nahi Rai $ 6,740.00

Memorials $ 75.00

Coffee Hour $ 51.00

Total: $ 8,306.00

PLEASE REMEMBER TO SILENCE YOUR CELL PHONES AND BEEPERS WHEN YOU ENTER THE

CHURCH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

First Reading 1 Timothy 4:6-16

A reading from the First Letter of Saint Paul to the Timothy. Your blessing father…

Brothers and Sisters:

If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of

Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have

followed. Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in

godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way,

holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. The saying is sure and worthy

of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the

living God, who is the Saviour of all people, especially of those who believe. These are the

things you must insist on and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an

example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I arrive, give attention to

the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in

you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council

of elders. Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your

progress. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for

in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Praise be to God always.

بولس األولى إلى طيموتاوسالقديس رسالةفصل من يا بكالم اإليمان وا تعليم الحسن الذي ليا إخوتي، إذا عرضت ذلك لإلخوة، تكون خادما صالحا للمسيح يسوع، متغذ

ض نفسك على التقوى .تبعته ياضة الجسدية .أما الخرافات التافهة، حكايات العجائز، فأعرض عنها. ورو فإن الر يء، أما التقوى فهي نافعة لكل شيء، ألن لها وعد الحياة الحاضر صادقة هي الكلمة . واتآتيةة نافعة بعض الش

، الذي هو مخل ص الناس أجمعين :وجديرة بكل قبول ، إن كنا نتعب ونجاهد، فذلك ألننا جعلنا رجاءنا في هللا الحي حدا يستهين بحداثة سن ك، بل كن مثاال للمؤمنين، بالكالم،وال تدع أ .فأوص بذلك وعل مه .وال سيما المؤمنين

يرة، والمحبة، واإليمان، والعفاف ال تهمل الموهبة .واظب على إعالن الكلمة والوعظ والتعليم، إلى أن أجيء .والس يوخ عليكالتي فيك، وقد وهب إهتم بتلك األمور، وكن مواظبا عليها، ليكون .ت لك بالنبوءة مع وضع أيدي الش

مك واضحا للجميع .سمعونك ي إنتبه لنفسك ولتعليمك، وٱثبت في ذلك. فإذا فعلت خلصت نفسك والذين .تقد .اح هلل دائم يوالتسب

Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church

February 04-05, 2017

Gospel Reading Saint Luke 12:42-48

The Apostle Writes:

The Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and prudent manager whom his master will put in

charge of his slaves, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that

slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that

one in charge of all his possessions. But if that slave says to himself, "My master is delayed

in coming", and if he begins to beat the other slaves, men and women, and to eat and drink

and get drunk, the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and

at an hour that he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and put him with the unfaithful.

That slave who knew what his master wanted, but did not prepare himself or do what was

wanted, will receive a severe beating. But one who did not know and did what deserved a

beating will receive a light beating. From everyone to whom much has been given, much

will be required; and from one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be

demanded.

This is the truth. Peace be with you.

يس ا يل ج ن إ ن م لوقالق د

تهم م »قال الرب يسوع: ن الطعام في من تراه ٱلوكيل ٱألمين ٱلحكيم الذي يقيمه سي ده على خدمه ليعطيهم حص .حقا أقول لكم: إنه يقيمه على جميع مقتنياته !اعال هكذاطوبى لذلك العبد الذي، متى جاء سي ده، يجده ف حينها؟

ر سي دي في مجيئه، وبدأ يضرب الغلمان والجواري يأكل ويشرب ويسكر، ،أما إذا قال ذلك العبد في قلبه: سيتأخفذلك العبد .فرينذلك العبد في يوم ال ينتظره، وفي ساعة ال يعرفها، فيفصله، ويجعل نصيبه مع الكا يجيء سي د

أما العبد الذي ما عرف .االذي عرف مشيئة سي ده، وما أعد شيئا، وال عمل بمشيئة سي ده، يضرب ضربا كثير رب، فيضرب ضربا قليال. ومن أعطي كثيرا يطلب منه لكثير، ومن ٱئتمن امشيئة سي ده، وعمل ما يستوجب الض

.على الكثير يطالب بأكثرا واألمان لجميعكم. حق