St. Ge o rge An tio ch ian Ortho do x Chris tian Church

Simonopetra monastery on Mount Athos, Greece

Se rvin g the Ortho do x Chris tian Co m m un ity o f Gre ate r Cle ve lan d

Bread of Oblation and Trisagion Wheat

are offered for the repose of the soul and in memory of Jeorjette Chahoud (1 yr.) by her daughter, Dima & Dr. Jihad Jabbour.

Bread of Oblation and Coffee Hour

are offered for the health, safety and spiritual welfare of Abdo, Bacher, Assad, & Dergham families and for the repose of the soul and in memory of Nizar, Lubus and Mariam Dergham by Dr. Dergham Dergham & family.

Bread of Oblation and Coffee Hour are also offered for the repose of the soul and in memory of Albert (Imp) Assad (10 years) by his wife, Mary and family.

Prayers for the Health & Spiritual Welfare of: Houda Abdelkarim, Melissa Blank Aboid, Tommy Amato, Mary Assad, Naissef & Rita Courey, George & Mary Dawed, Dee DeGeorge, Ann Deeb, Emilie Easa, James Eassey,Helena Elias, Sarah Elias, Vera Elias, Norman Fadil, Peter Farage, AnneMarie, Dave & Altair Gann, Minerva Gantose, Leo & Christine George, Peter George, Pauline Hanna, Ava Harb, Samia Harb, Yasmine Harb, Lauren Ameen Hayek, George Karim, Marwan Karim, Hanadi Khouri, Helen Lambert, Eleanor McKibben, Joyce & Marie Nader, Kaukab Nader, Virginia Nader, Mary Namy, Nijmeh Rafeedie, Paul Saba, Jennie Sadallah, Christopher Fadel-Samuel, George Sarkes, Betty Selby, Alice Shiekh, Alvera Shiekh, Linda Simon, Helen Thomas, Georgine Trombetto, & Asma Zaboura.

St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church 2587 West 14th Street Cleveland, OH 44113-4408

216-781-9020 office@stgeorgecleveland.org

Metropolitan Arch-Bishop PHILIP, Primate Right Reverend MARK, Bishop, Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest

Very Rev. Fr. Jean Ojaimi, Pastor Home: (440) 846-1590 Cellular: (440) 665 6724 frjojaimi@msn.com

Rev. Archdeacon Yarid Sahley Sub-Deacons: Sam Elias, & Labib El-Bardawil

Sunday, December 28, 2008 27th Sunday after Pentecost TONE 3 Eothinon 6

On this day, we commemorate: The twenty thousand martyrs of Nicomedia; Hieromartyr Glykerion; Venerable Simon the myrrh-streaming, founder of Simonopetra monastery on Athos

We welcome our visitors and guests! Please let us know who you are! While only Orthodox Christians prepared through confession & fasting may come for Holy Communion, everyone is welcome to partake of the Holy Bread after Liturgy.

Candles are offered for the Health, Safety & Spiritual Welfare of:

Paul Saba by Archdeacon Yarid & Diane

Our grandparents by Joe, Bobby, Ryan, Greg & Hannah

Our family by Samir & Clara Nader

Abdo, Bachar, Assad, & Dergham families by Dr. Dergham Dergham & family

Nabeel George Kiriako by Awwad Khourie and family

The Harb & Karsheh families by George & Jacob Harb Candles offered for the Repose of the Servants of God:

Laila Nader by her children and grandchildren

Edward Fadel by his wife, Rita & family

Wadia Ameen by his wife Mary & family

Mounir Nader by Hani & Marie Nader & family

Maggie, Edma & Elias Aboumrad by George & Nayla Aboumrad & family

Joyce Nader by Samira Mina

Aziz & Salam Mina by Samira Mina & family

Naim, Asma, Anita & Andreia Kahoush by Nuha Karsheh

Philip Aboid by Lucy Aboid

Nizar, Lubus & Mariam Dergham by Dr. Dergham Dergham & family

UPCOMING DIVINE SERVICE

Thursday, January 1, 2009 Liturgy for the Feasts of St. Basil the Great and the Circumcision of Christ @ 11:00 AM Sunday, January 4, 2009 Matins @ 9:30AM. Divine Liturgy @10:30AM

Monday, January5, 2009 Evening Divine Liturgy for Epiphany and Blessing of the Water @7:00PM

Announcements

Happy New Year St. George Liturgical Choir PLEASE join us in singing praises to God. Contact Milan, the choir director, Charlie Haddad, Choir Chairman or George Shiekh if interested in joining. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings from 7-8:30PM.

St. George Teens & Sunday School children

will meet each Sunday following Communion . Wall of Remembrances: There are still spaces available for you to remember someone in your family or a good friend. It may be a wish for health & safety, someone who has gone to eternal rest, or just a wish of love. Let us complete this wall as a tribute to our families. Please see Deacon Yarid for details.

Liturgical Page for Sunday, December 2 8 , 2008

First Antiphon

a. I will give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation

refrain: "Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Savior save us." b. Great are the works of the Lord, adapted to all his purposes.

refrain: "Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Savior save us." c. Full of honor and majesty is his work and his righteousness endures forever.

refrain: "Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Savior save us." d. Holy and terrible is his name.

refrain: "Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Savior save us." e. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

refrain: "Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Savior save us." Second Antiphon

a. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; he will delight greatly in his commandments. refrain: "O Son of God, who wast born of a Virgin, save us who sing unto Thee. Alleluia."

b. His seed shall be mighty in the earth, the generation of the upright will be blessed. refrain: "O Son of God, who wast born of a Virgin, save us who sing unto Thee. Alleluia."

c. Glory and riches shall be in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. refrain: "O Son of God, who wast born of a Virgin, save us who sing unto Thee. Alleluia."

d. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. O Only-begotten Son and Word of God, who art immortal, yet didst condescend for our salvation to be incarnate of the holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, and without change wast made man; and wast crucified, O Christ our God, and by thy death didst Death subdue; who art one of the Holy Trinity, glorified together with the Father and the Holy Spirit: save us.

Little Entrance TROPARION Tone 3

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad; for the Lord hath done a mighty act with his own arm. He hath trampled down death and become First-born from the dead. He hath delivered us from the depth of hades, granting the world the Great Mercy.

The Entrance Hymn(Eisodikon):

O come let us worship and fall down before Christ, O Son of God, who art risen from the dead, save us who sing unto thee: Alleluia

After the Entrance we chant:

TROPARION Tone 2

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad; for the Lord hath done a mighty act with his own arm. He hath trampled down death and become First-born from the dead. He hath delivered us from the depth of hades, granting the world the Great Mercy.

Sunday after the Nativity of Christ Tone 2

Proclaim, O Joseph, to David, the grandparent of God, the amazing wonders; for thou hast seen a Virgin great with child; for with the shepherds thou didst give glory, with the Magi thou didst

worship, and by the angel it was revealed to thee. Wherefore, plead thou with Christ God to save our souls.

Theotokion of the Nativity of Christ Tone 4

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath given rise to the light of knowledge in the world; for they that worshipped the stars did learn there from to worship thee, O Sun of justice, and to know that from

the east of the Highest thou didst come O Lord, glory to thee.

Troparion of St. George Tone 4

As deliver of captives and defender of the poor, healer of the infirm, champion of kings, victorius great martyr George, intercede with Christ our God, for our souls’ salvation

Kontakion of the Nativity of Christ Tone 3

Today the Virgin giveth birth to the Transcendent in essence; the earth offereth the cave to the unapproachable One; the angels with the shepherds glorify him; and the Magi with the star

travel on their way; for a new child hath been born for our sakes, God before the ages.

The Trisagion

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal one, have mercy on us Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal one, have mercy on us Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal one, have mercy on us

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Holy Immortal one, have mercy on us.

Dynamis! (With Strength) Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal one, have mercy on us.

The Megalynarion: Ninth Ode of the Second Canon of the Nativity Tone1

Today the Virgin giveth birth to the Lord inside the cave. Verily, it is easier for us to endure silence since there is no dread danger therefrom for

us. But because of our strong desire, O Virgin, and Mother of sameness, to indite well-balanced songs of praise, this becometh indeed onerous to us. Wherefore, grant us power to equal our

natural inclination.

The Koinonikon

The Lord hath sent redemption to his people. Alleluia

Post-Communion

We have seen the true light; we have received the heavenly Spirit. We have found the true Faith.

Worshipping the undivided Trinity; for he hath saved us.

Great Dismissal "He that was born in a cave and lay in a manger for our salvation and rose from the dead,

Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-immaculate and all-blameless holy Mother, ... Through the prayers...".

The Life of the Saints

Venerable Simon the myrrh-streaming, founder of Simonopetra monastery on Athos

And lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. (Matt. 2:9-10)

On December 28, shortly after the Feast of the Nativity, the Church celebrates the memory of St. Simon the Myrrh-gusher through whom the Lord wrought great wonders. A star, like that which led the Magi to Bethlehem, miraculously revealed to the saint the site upon which, by divine command, he was to found a monastery. The monastery was appropriately dedicated to the Feast of the Nativity and was named New Bethlehem. Today, seven centuries later, it is still one of the flourishing monasteries on Mt. Athos.

The life of the venerable Simon was arrayed with mighty ascetic feats and miracles not only during his lifetime, but even after his repose when there gushed forth from his relics are abundant fount of myrrh in a manner similar to that of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica. Where he came from, who his parents were, and where he began his monastic labors, no one knows. Some time in the 13th century, he arrived on the Holy Mountaim Recalling the saying of the Fathers that without obedience one cannot be saved, the venerable Simon sought before all else to find a spiritual elder, one to whom he could entrust his soul without reserve, an elder who would be not only a faithful guide unto salvation and a radiant model of ascetic perfection, but also strict in bodily discipline.

After looking all over the Holy Mountain, he finally chose out of the multitude of monks leading virtuous lives, an unknown elder, perfect in all respects in the ascetic life. He labored in complete submission to his elder, fulfilling all his obediences with love and zeal and soon attained to such great spiritual heights that he became known all over the Holy Mountain for his irreproachable life. Finally. the time came when the elder was convinced that his period of trial was over. Casting aside his paternal kindness towards the venerable Simon, he decided to dwell with him. as with a brother and on several occasions he even asked for his advice and counsel.

But instead of rejoicing over the benevolence and honor bestowed upon him by his elder, Simon was utterly grieved. He decided to leave, seeking for himself total reclusion. Expressing his intention to his elder, he asked his blessing amidst a shower of tears, desiring with heartfelt sorrow that the elder would

grant his consent. In this way, he took leave of his dear elder for whom he had already become not so much a disciple as another mighty co-struggler in the angelic life.

For a long time St. Simon searched all over the Holy Mountain for a secluded hermitage where no one would know of his existence and no one would find him. Finally, with God's help, he found a deserted mountainside with caves on the southern part of the Holy Mountain. Knowing that before him lay the relentless struggle of unseen warfare, the saint clothed himself with spiritual armor with the help of the Holy Spirit, taking the cross, prayer, faith, patience, fasting, and everything that could crush the wily schemes of the demons and raise a man to angelic purity and childlike simplicity. It is difficult to recount the fierce s c h e m e s and hidden traps with which satan tormented and tried to catch unawares Saint Simon. The holy ascetic, however, boldly trampled upon the brazen arrogance of his adversary and crushed all his plans. For many years St. Simon remained secluded within his cave where he manfully endured the constant battle with the unseen enemies of his soul. He lived in sorrows and utter deprivation, lacking even the assurance of his own salvation.

Meanwhile, hearing of the severity of his life and in particular of his spiritual discernment and insight, many monks on the Holy Mountain began to come to him and to receive great spiritual benefit from his soul-profiting counsel, thus fulfilling the word of God: "A city that is set on a hill cannot he hid" (Matt. 5:14). Together with those who came to him, Simon was accounted worthy to receive from the Lord the gift of foreknowledge. However, through his humility he grew weary of such earthly honor, and he sought refuge from the disturbance created by all those who came to him. He was burdened by the stream of visitors which, it seemed to him, only served as a hindrance to his desire for a life of seclusion. He yearned, therefore, to abandon his dwelling for a yet more isolated one. But God, desiring the well-being and salvation of each and every one, prevented the. realization of his desire in the following way:

One night, while persevering in prayer, the righteous one saw outside his cave, as if before his very eyes, the effulgence of a divine light; an ineffable fragrance spread all around him and he heard a loud voice: "Simon, Simon, thou faithful friend and servant of my Son! Do not go away from here. I shall glorify this place; you shall be its guiding light, and your name shall be glorified.'' Out of caution, Simon chose at first not to believe this vision, not desiring to fall into the nets of the evil one; for he knew, according to the word of the Apostle, that satan could transform himself into an angel of light. Neyertheless, he continued to ponder upon the actual source of the voice. This took place shortly before the Feast of the Nativity of Christ. Then, one night, walking outside his cave, he saw a strange apparition: a star descended from the heavens and came to rest just above the rocky cliffs where later the holy monastery was to be situated. This same vision repeated itself on the following evenings; but the venerable Simon was still fearful. Wasit possible that this was solely one of the consequences of his intense spiritual warfare? And he continued to distrust the vision.

When the Eve of the Nativity of Christ arrived, he saw in a dream a brilliant star and heard a divine voice: "Simon! you must build a monastic dwelling here. I myself shall help you. Cast aside your doubts, or you shall be punished for your unbelief." The same voice spoke to him three times. At that time (as he later related to his disciples) it seemed to him that he was in Bethlehem of Judea, in the very place where the shepherds were tending their flocks, and he heard the sweet sound of angelic singing: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men: fear not, for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people" (Luke2:l4, 10). After this, said the saint, all fear and uneasiness were dispelled

from my soul and I rejoiced in spirit, and secretly beheld the scene in Bethlehem; there, before the manger, the Sovereign Lady stood before the Divine Child, lying in swaddling clothes.

Several days after the Feast of the Nativity, three rich men, brothers after the flesh, came to the venerable one. They confessed all their sins and began persuasively to entreat him to permit them to live in obedience under his direction. After a brief period of trial and testing, St. Simon revealed unto them, as to his own sons according to the spirit, the divine vision. More than once he related to them the v i s i o n concerning the building of a monastery on the neighboring cliffs, asking them not to speak of this to any, one while he was still alive until the proper time. Hearing all this, the brothers with love offered to the saintly elder all of their earthly wealth for the construction of the monastery, and in accordance with the saint's wish and blessing, they offered immediately to prepare everything necessary for such an important and God-pleasing labor.

All necessary preparations were made. They had yet to learn, however, of the exact site for the foundation upon which the monastery was to be built. When St. Simon directed the brothers to the location where the church and other buildings were to be constructed they w e r e horrified, seeing t h e sheer cliffs which, according to his orders, were to serve as the monastery's foundation. "Are you trying to fool us, Abba?" they asked the saint, 'or are you speaking the truth? How can this be the site, when that cliff might be quite dangerous for the workers and even more so for those that will dwell here. If this is your desire, we shall surely oppose you !"

The matter was left undecided. In the : meantime, seeing that he could not convince them to proceed with the work, St. Simon ordered the trapeza meal to be served. While they were eating, one of the saint's disciples who was bringing wine to the table, lost his , balance ,through the prompting of a demon, and fell off the cliff into a great abyss; still holding in one hand a pitcher and in the other several glasses of wine. Stricken with horror at this sudden tragedy, the spokesman of the brothers strongly rebuked the venerable one: "Behold, Abba, what has already been wrought by these deadly crags before you have even begun your undertaking. How many similar incidents of such a frightful death will occur if we should agree to build the monastery here." The saint did not answer but secretly prayed to the Sovereign Lady Theotokos that he would not be put to shame in placing his trust in her intercession. "Who can tell of all thy miracles, O Sovereign Lady, and who can praise thy majesty?' What happened next was entirely unexpected: the brother who had fallen over the precipice suddenly appeared before them. Through the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos he was not only perfectly whole and unscathed, but he even held the glasses and pitcher from which not a drop of wine had spilled! Such a miracle brought fear and trembling upon the laborers. They fell to their knees before the saint and beseeching forgiveness said: "Now we know, O father, that you are truly a man of God." With heartfelt sincerity they were all grateful to be numbered among the saint's disciples and were soon accounted worthy of the angelic habit. Then, under the immediate supervision of the venerable Simon himself, his disciples, formerly simple laborers, proceeded with the construction of the Monastery.

The situation, however, was such that before anything else it was necessary to lay the foundation. According to the instruction of the saint, they were to use a nearby stone of enormous size. The elder ordered them to move it, but they, forgetting about the miracle of the unspilled wine, were of the firm opinion that not only was it impossible for them with their combined efforts to move that massive weight, but that it could not even be budged. They stood there bewildered, not having the slightest idea what to do. Seeing this, the saint approached them and, making the sign of the life-giving Cross on the stone, he single-

handedly lifted it upon his shoulder and carried it to the designated site. In this way he demonstrated in actual fact the truth of the word which the Lord spoke unto the Apostles: "Verily I say unto you, if ye have :faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove" (Matt. 17120).

That such a man, whose body was weakened by fasting and ascetic labor, should lift such a weight far exceeding human strength, can only serve as a testimony of God's almighty power and His readiness to help those who turn to Him with faith.

Having established the monastery which he named New Bethlehem, and having spent his life in God-pleasing labors, St. Simon reposed on the 28th of December, 1287. On the morning of the next day, in the presence of the entire brotherhood, the face of the righteous one shone with a wondrous light. After his soul had ascended unto the choirs of the righteous, a fragrant myrrh issued forth from his holy relics through which St. Simon worked many miracles to the glory of God, for kings, monks, and laymen.

Many years after the departure saint's earthly, a pious Serbian king helped to greatly enlarge and rebuild the monastery in honor of its founder. Since that time it has been known as Simonopetra, or the "Rock of Simon". Today it is perhaps one of the most awe-inspiring architectural monuments in the world, a standing testimony to the power of faith and God's good will toward men.

(taken from the Russian "Athonite Patericon" by'Rassophore-monk Gerasim)

THE 20, 000 MARTYRS BURNED AT NICOMEDIA. On this day we celebrate the memory of the twenty thousand saints who were burnt in Nicomedia. When Emperor Maximian returned victorious from his war against the Ethiopians in 304, he wanted to sacrifice to the idols for this victory. So, inciting letters were sent by him everywhere for all to come to Nicomedia and worship his gods. Then St. Anthimos, who was the bishop of Nicomedia, gathered all the Christians to the church (because it happened to be the feast of Christ's Birth) and with them he also celebrated and taught the true faith. When Maximian heard about this, he ordered firewood to be piled up around the church and to be lit so that the Christians who were in it would be burnt. When the holy bishop Anthimos understood what was about to happen, he rushed to baptize all who were still catechumens and, after he had celebrated the Divine Liturgy, he administered to all the Divine and Holy Communion. The firewood was lit and burnt all the Christians who happened to be in the church and numbered twenty thousand. But the forementioned Anthimos was not burnt. He was kept unharmed by the divine grace in order to benefit others through his teaching and to baptize them offering them saved to Christ. Moreover, he was saved so that later on he could suffer more torments and through them go to Christ with greater outspokenness and glory and in this way enjoy his kingdom. St. Anthimos of blessed memory received the crown of martyrdom on September 3, on which day his memory is also celebrated.

Epistle

Galatians 1:11-19 (Sunday after Christmas)

God is wonderful among his saints. Bless God in the Congregations The reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians

Brethren, I would have you know that the gospel which was preached y me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from man, for was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my own people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I do up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus.

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.

Gospel

Matthew 2:13-23 (Sunday after Christmas)

The Reading of the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew

When the wise men had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the ford had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called my son.”

Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:

“A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.” But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archela’us reigned of Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. and he went and dwelt in the city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Galatians 1:11-19 (Sunday After the Nativity of Christ)

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Your Question:

“ As a child I remember when a little bell was rung to let the parishioners know

that it was time to either stand or sit. Now there is no bell, so when and why do we stand or sit and when and why do we kneel or not kneel?”

The Answer:

Orthodox Worship Preparation, Participation, and “Etiquette”

Preparing the Heart The time spent prior to attending Church Services will have an effect on your ability to experience God’s presence through the Liturgy and prayers of the Church. Whenever possible, one should begin to quiet one’s heart in preparation for arrival at Church. This is particularly the case for the Divine Liturgy. It is good to put away worldly concerns, and to come a bit early instead of “rushing” to Church. For families with children this is particularly difficult, but children can be taught about the importance of quieting down and preparing their own hearts before Church. The Jesus Prayer, for instance, may be said by the individual or family in the car on the way to services.

Arrival: Better Sooner Than Later The Ninth Apostolic Canon forbids us to arrive late at the Divine Liturgy or to leave before the end of services. The Canon states that those who do are a cause of “confusion” or scandal to others. Unless one has a specific reason to do so, it is inappropriate to stand outside the Nave (Main body) of the Church Temple, or to move about the Narthex (except in certain situations, i.e. Small children who may be creating a disturbance, etc.).

Entering the Church Arriving early to Church allows time for lighting candles and veneration of icons, as well as the “warming” of the heart for prayer. When entering the Church, cross yourself in prayer, bow and venerate the icons at the entrance. In order not to distract others from prayer or to show a lack of reverence, do not enter or leave the Church during: 1. The Epistle or Gospel reading; 2. During the sermon (homily); 3. During the Great Entrance; 4. During the Anaphora and Consecration of the Holy Gifts at the Divine Liturgy; 5. On all occasions when the Priest turns toward the people.

Conduct in the Church All should be done in a spirit of reverence and worship with the sense that one is standing in the Presence of the Lord, the Angels and the Saints. It is therefore not appropriate to chew gum, talk unnecessarily during services, or unnecessarily distract others. One should, however, feel very much at “home” in the Church, moving when appropriate for the sake of veneration and worship, attending to the needs of children, and welcoming and assisting guests to experience Orthodox worship.

Standing and Sitting in the Church As attested to by the Scriptures, early Church Fathers, and ongoing Tradition of the Church, standing is the posture of prayer both in Church and at home. Sitting in a casual position, crossing the legs, etc. are postures of passive observance or disinterest rather than active participation, and do not reflect the most desirable reverence for the Person of Christ Himself who is present in worship.

Orthodox Worship Preparation, Participation, and “Etiquette” Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is true even more so on the Lord’s Day, Sunday. Sitting is always understandable for the elderly, those who are ill or handicapped, and for small children, according to their ability and strength. Sitting and “resting” in Church is allowed, however, at appropriate times, which include Old Testament readings, Psalmody, and other periods of long readings. Anyone who is able should stand at the following times: 1. A Great Censing of the Temple 2. During the Gospel and Epistle Readings 3. At the Small and Great Entrances 4. During the Anaphora and Consecration of the Gifts at Divine Liturgy 5. When the Priest faces the people (e.g. at the giving of the Peace) 6. In general when the Priest comes out of the altar (Generally, outside of the Divine Liturgy, when the “royal doors” of the altar are opened, one should stand, as a high point in the service is about to take place)

Making the Sign of the Cross One may trace the sign of the cross upon oneself with reverence whenever inspired to do so. However, there are specific times when Orthodox Christians typically sign themselves: 1. At the beginning and end of services; 2. Upon entering and departing from the Church Temple; 3. At every mention of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit); 4. During the Trisagion (thrice-holy) prayers or hymn; and 5. At any prayerful invocation or blessing of God.

Let Us Bow Our Heads It is customary to bow the head or bow from the waist at certain moments during liturgical worship. The sign of the cross is not typically made at these times. 1. When the Priest exclaims, “Peace be to all”; 2. At the Exclamation, “Bow your heads unto the Lord;” 3. When the Priest blesses the faithful with his hand; 4. When the Priest censes the people; 5. When the Priest bows toward the people during the services; and 6. During the Great Entrance (in reverence for the Holy Gifts).

Let Us Lift Up Our Hearts It customary in some parishes to lift the hands in prayer during: 1. The “Our Father”; and 2. The Anaphora when the Priest exclaims, “Let us lift us our hearts.”

Small and Large Prostrations Other bodily gestures used in Orthodox worship include the small bow, or metania, (a bow from the waist with the hand extending toward the ground), and large bow, or prostration (a full bow, kneeling and place the head to the ground). It is customary to make one, or more often three metania before venerating an icon, relic or other holy thing. They may also be made at times (for instance before the reading of the Gospel) during the Divine Liturgy. Prostrations are made more often during fasting seasons, especially the penitential season of Great Lent (for instance with the “Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian”). Prostrations, however, may also be made before venerating icons, or at the Lord’s prayer, and other times at weekday services (see below). The Scriptures are full of references to prostrations as a form of both veneration (of holy people or things) and worship of God. In order to allow us to enter into the joy and victory of the Resurrection (by which God has made us to “stand upright,”) the Church canons forbid penitential acts of prostration on Sundays and the fifty days between Pascha and Pentecost. Small bows (metania) may be made and, in some places or parishes, kneeling (out of a sense of awe and worship) is practiced on Sundays at the Great Entrance or during the consecration of the Holy Gifts. This canon is not to be taken merely as a legalistic rule, but expresses the spirit of the Lord’s Day, which is always a celebration and participation of Christ’s Death and Resurrection, through which we have received forgiveness of sins. Unless one is under a penance of some duration, it is assumed that Sacrament of Confession and prayer of absolution would have been received, if necessary, on Sunday morning before Divine Liturgy. The idea is that by the time one comes to Divine Liturgy, he/she should have taken care of the acts of repentance and reconciliation necessary to stand before the Risen Lord with a pure conscience, having received the remission of sins. The spirit of the canon seeks to remind us in a bodily way to exult in the Risen Christ through whom we “have access by one Spirit to the Father” (Eph. 2:18). Its purpose is to maintain the integrity of the Lord’s Day, reserving the work of repentance for weekdays in preparation for Sundays.

Receiving Holy Communion Although no one should come to the Divine Liturgy late, if one does come as late as after the reading of the Gospel, he or she should not receive Holy Communion. In order to receive Holy Communion a person must: 1. Be Baptized (or Chrismated) into the canonical Orthodox Church.*

2. Be prepared by prayer, repentance (and recent Confession), and fasting from at least 12 midnight the night before from food, drink, and smoking.*

3. Attend Vespers on a regular basis (unless otherwise stated by your pastor).* 4. Seek to be reconciled with fellow Orthodox Christians, particularly of the community.*

If you have any questions regarding your preparation for Holy Communion, ask your Priest.

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Attention!!!!!!!! Do you have a question on your mind but have been afraid to ask. Well, don’t worry, no question is ever stupid. Not finding out the answer is, so if you have a question about your church, moral issues, liturgical questions, whatever, just put down your question below, slip it in an envelope addressed to Fr. Jean Ojaimi and either mail it or drop it in the Sunday offering basket. No need to put your name on it unless of course you prefer to. Fr. Jean will be happy to answer your questions. Don’t let them weigh on your mind. Father may answer the questions in church or if you prefer, maybe at one of the organizational meetings, or in the bulletin. I’m sure we all have at least one unanswered question regarding our Orthodox faith, church or moral issues. Just ask and you will be answered.

My question is:

Please, if possible, answer my question in

_______________________________________________

Make a Difference in Your Life and the Lives of Others

December 2008

This is a festive time of the year as the celebration of the Nativity of our Lord approaches. We think of parties, shopping, caroling, decorating the tree and simply having fun. Surely, our Lord finds contentment in His children seeking joy. Through all these festivities, however, we must take some time to remember the significance of His birth and remember that this is truly a time for giving.

The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch celebrates 32 years of “touching people’s lives” by distributing over $20 million dollars since its inception. The Order’s goal is to provide a financial foundation for our Church’s future in America and throughout the world. Members of The Order are men and women from all walks of life: secretaries, factory workers, business entrepreneurs, executives, young adults, and grandparents who commit to a lifetime of annual giving. Members are people like you and me who believe that when we combine our gifts miracles can happen because we can do more collectively than any one individual can do alone. This is what The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch is all about.

The Order embodies four principles: humanitarianism, fellowship in Christ, love of the Orthodox Christian faith, and commitment to the Antiochian Archdiocese. Combined, these four principles equip us for the work of ministry. In its own uniquely effective way, the Order mobilizes the laity of this God-protected Archdiocese to accomplish vital ministry none can do alone.

Imagine the endless possibilities that can be accomplished when we, as ordinary people, combine our resources and change our gifts into something that is both meaningful and helpful to others who have need. Money is not necessarily the “root of all evil” for money in the right hands can be a tremendous source of good. There are many good reasons for EVERY Antiochian Orthodox to join. The following are just a few:

If WE don’t, who will? If Antiochian Orthodox Christians do not put their faith first, no one is going to do it for them. Do the various secular charities we all support share with our Orthodox community as we share with them? If we do not accept the call to action can we be certain our Orthodox youth will maintain the faith or will they fall prey to the many outside influences drawing our children away from the Church?

America needs Orthodoxy now more than ever before. The Orthodox faith is the candle that Christ lit 2,000 years ago. It is a beacon of stability, steadfastness, and strength. Our Missions and

Evangelism Department works diligently to bring Orthodoxy to America. The Order helps to fund this department.

At least 70% of annual distributions are returned to the parishes via contributions to the various

departments serving our Archdiocese such as Youth and Campus Ministry, Parish Development, Christian Education, and Summer Camp Scholarships. The Order helps to fund these important aspects of Archdiocese life.

Our clergy should retire in dignity. The Order donates $200,000 annually to support our retired clergy and their wives. And as more and more of our clergy retire the need will become greater to provide a decent retirement to those who have served the Church so faithfully.

The Order funds annual distributions to major projects outside our Archdiocese such as Project Mexico, Prison Ministry, IOCC, Teen Special Olympics, and Tree House Ministries (program in Wichita sponsored by St. George Cathedral to support unwed mothers who choose life rather than abortion).

Support of the annual College Conference where our young adults gather for a week of prayer, learning, fellowship, and witness to Christ as Orthodox Christians. It began with 27 students. This year over 500 will participate.

First and foremost, The Order of St. Ignatius is a SPIRITUAL movement of action by doing good works in the name of the Lord as we embrace a lifetime commitment to God. The Lord Himself challenges us to give not from our surplus but from our need. Jesus honored the poor widow who gave her last two pennies because she gave from her poverty. She gave what she could not afford. We in America can afford much and have much to be thankful for.

The Order of St. Ignatius welcomes all who are faithful to the Orthodox Church, at least 18 years old, and a member in good standing in their local parish. Currently, there are over 3,000 active members in The Order. Individual membership is granted with a minimum annual gift of $500 or $1,000. Dues donations can be made through the electronic funds transfer system where $41.67 or $83.34 is deducted from a checking account on a monthly basis. A Life Member is one who wishes to make a gift of at least $15,000 in full or in 3 equal and consecutive annual donations. Life Membership has a special nuance in that the principal is kept in an endowment and never spent; only the interest is used annually. Thus, a Life member’s gift will continue in perpetuity.

What’s in it for you: An opportunity to participate in making a difference in others’ lives. You change as a human being because of your commitment to Christ. You benefit because your Archdiocese is strengthened to serve you better. You benefit because your spiritual commitment grows stronger. Young people learn at an early age that adults put their money where their hearts are.

So be an example to our children that the Church is a good investment.

Giving to someone we know is our responsibility. Giving to someone we don’t know is our choice.

Give yourself and others a Christmas gift and make The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch your choice. You will be glad you did.

ST. GEORGE PARISH COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2008-2009

DATE & TIME SPONSORED BY EVENT

2008

Dec. 8-31 Teens - Food Drive - Collecting canned goods & non perishable food items for the hungry

2009

Jan. 11 Following Divine Liturgy & Coffee Hour ANNUAL GENERAL PARISH MEETING

Jan. 31 @6:30PM Antiochian Women POOR MAN’S REVERSE RAFFLE

Feb. 14 Church School VALENTINE PARTY

Feb. 21 Church School PREPARATION OF FOOD/ /CARDS FOR SHUT-INS

Month of March Antiochian Women LADIES MONTH/USHER & READ EPISTLE

April 12 Church School PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION W/BANNERS

April 16@6:30pm Church School HOLY THURSDAY WASHING OF THE FEET

April 24-26 Parish Council SAINT GEORGE WEEKEND

April 25 Church School PLAY /PRESENTATION St George Weekend

May 9 @7:00 Antiochian Women “HOLY CHEFS” COOK OFF

August 14 @7:00 Antiochian Women ST. MARY’S DAY DINNER

June 6 Church School PICNIC/ @ HUNTINGTON BEACH PARK

July 1-5 2009 Midwest Diocese Parish Life Conference, is hosted by St. James Antiochian Orthodox Church @The Sheraton Cincinnati North Hotel, 11320 Chester Rd. Cincinnati, Ohio, To reserve call the hotel @ 1-866-716-8103 or log on www.stjamesloveland.org

OTHER CHURCHES CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2008-2009

Dec. 31 St. Maron Church Annual New Year’s Eve Party Refer to flyer in Yarid Hall

Dec. 31 St. Theodosius Orthodox Christian Cathedral is sponsoring a New Year’s Eve Dinner/Dance @ Ridge Manor Party Center in Brooklyn, Ohio. Refer to flyer in Yarid Hall.

THE ANTIOCHIAN WOMEN OF ST. GEORGE ORTHODOX CHURCH

PRESENTS THE ORIGINAL

REVERSE RAFFLE AND DINNER SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2009

Doors Open 6:30 P.M. - Dinner 7:30 P.M. MAIN DRAWING $1,000.00

SIDEBOARDS!!! LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS

$30.00 PER PERSON

CALL CAMILIA SALIBA 440-333-3703 or LINDA SIMON 440-777-1136 or

ST. GEORGE CHURCH 216 -781-9020

2587 West 14th Street, Cleveland, Ohio

H

OTEL

REGISTRATION Room Rate: $99 with FREE parking

11320 Chester Road

Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 USA

Special offers reservations: 1-866-716-8103

Phone: 1-513-771-2080

Fax: 1-513-771-2312