Welcome to our guests! Thank you for attending today’s Divine Liturgy. Please register your visit by completing the guest book located on the table in the narthex. We would appreciate getting to meet you, so feel free to join us for refreshments & fellowship in the Cultural Center.

We believe Holy Communion to be a sign that in Christ we have all things in common, share an identical faith, and are united fully to the Orthodox Church. Anyone interested in learning more about our faith is encouraged to speak with one of our clergy. Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves through prayer, fasting, & regular confession are welcome to receive Holy Communion.

ST. NICHOLAS ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

Sunday of Forefathers

(Ancestors) of Christ

DECEMBER 17, 2017

2250 East Paris Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-954-2700 ▪ info@stnicholasgr.com ▪ www.stnicholasgr.com

V. Rev. Fr. Michael Nasser, Pastor 616-216-3537 frmichaeln@gmail.com

Rev. Archdeacon David Khorey Rev. Deacon Clement Nicoloff Rev. Deacon Justin Adolphson Subdeacon Nicholas Rock

HYMNS

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 by death, and become the first-born from the dead. He hath delivered us from the depths of Hades, granting the world the Great Mercy.

Since they had slain through their abstinence and struggles the fiery ragings and fierce motions of the passions, the staunch Martyrs of Christ God laid hold on the graces to drive off the pains and illnesses of the sick and work wonders both while living and after death. Strange indeed is the miracle: that these bare bones should pour forth such overflowing streams of cures. Glory be to our only God.

For the Health and Blessings of Audrey Rose Hannah, by Cecelia Olson. May God grant you many years! For the Health and Blessings of Subdeacon Nicholas on his ordination, by Ana Bosman. Happy St. Nicholas Day and may God grant you many, many years! For the Health & Blessings of Lila Gilbert on her birthday, by Dn. David and Jenny Khorey. May God grant you many years! For the Health & Blessings of Callia Gilbert on her birthday, by Dn. David and Jenny Khorey. May God grant you many years! For the Health & blessings of Alex Ellis, Stephanie Thomas, and Joanne Nicola on their birthdays, by Barbara Thomas. May God grant them many years! In memory of the six-month passing of my beloved husband Millard Laramy, by Jean, her children, grandchildren, and special great grandson, Silas. May Millard’s memory be Eternal. In memory of Amine Nicolas, Lucille Thomas, Rose Nichola, and Joanne Bitar offered by Barbara Thomas. May their memories be Eternal.

GOSPEL

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (13:10-17)

The Lord spoke this parable: “A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for all is now ready.’ But, one by one, they all began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.”

EPISTLE

Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our Fathers. For Thou art just in all that Thou hast done for us.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Colossians (3:4-11)

Brethren, when Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these, the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.

Thy work of justice did show thee to thy congregation a canon of faith, the likeness of humility, a teacher of abstinence, O Father Bishop Nicholas. Wherefore, by humility thou didst achieve exaltation, and by meekness richness. Intercede, therefore, with Christ to save our soul.

The Virgin cometh today to the cave to give birth, ineffably to bring forth the Word eternal. Therefore, rejoice, O earth at the message with the angels and shepherds give glory to him who shall appear by his own will as a young child, he who is from eternity God.

12/01/1984 Joseph Salhaney 12/02/1944 Elias Salem 12/07/1982 Amine Nicola 12/07/1957 Mike Maloley 12/09/1995 Julia Maloley 12/10/1996 Esper Salhaney 12/12/2003 David Kitolsky 12/12/2009 Rose Nicola 12/13/1986 Helen Wawee 12/13/2008 Clara Kaleefy 12/16/1956 Michael Nassr 12/16/1965 Yamna Assaley 12/16/2005 Bertha Runyon 12/18/1965 Yanna Assaley

12/18/2007 Mitri Karadsheh 12/19/1944 J.S. Salhaney 12/20/1944 Mary Maloley 12/20/1991 Leo Henry 12/21/1972 Bud Fraam 12/22/1983 Jeannette Jazzar 12/24/1965 Nora Najjar 12/24/1975 George Semwar 12/24/1993 Ramsey Salhaney 12/25/1943 Edward Kaleefiey 12/26/1959 Ferris Ziton 12/30/2003 Awwad Haddad 12/31/1977 Edward Bell

DEPARTED PARISHIONERS IN THE MONTH OF DECEMBER

Victims of the continued conflicts in the Middle East

DEPARTED:

Vera Mijatovic Louise Whalen Janice Russell Linda McDonald Audrey Nicoloff

Linda Zainia Ralph Thomas Bujorica Popovici Amanda Sutton David Corey

Mary Martin Sarah Kaufman Steve Becker

LIVING:

There are a few seats left on the bus for Christmas caroling today. The bus will depart St. Nicholas at 2:15 PM. This is a fun event that brings great joy to so many of our home-bound parishioners. All ages are welcome! After caroling, we will be returning to the church for a time of fellowship and food. Don't miss the fun! All ages welcome.

There will be a brief informational meeting about summer camp today following the Divine Liturgy. Whether you have never sent your son/daughter to camp or your child is a regular camper, please attend this meeting which will be held in the Conference Room See you there!

Camp registration is now open! If you have not registered for Session II (July 1-13), please do so as soon as possible. Space is limited and spots will fill-up quickly! Family Camp registration will open January 8-12.

There is an all-member meeting today during Coffee Hour. We will begin in the Conference Room for the Antiochian Village Camp meeting then head to the Teen Room. Parents are welcome to attend.

Join us as we prepare for Christmas together on Tuesday, December 19 at 9:30 AM. We'll have a Christmas craft, some talk-time with Fr. Michael about the Nativity, and of course wonderful fellowship! Snack and coffee provided!

There will not be class on December 24 & 31. After the Christmas break, we look forward to resuming our Christian Education classes on Sunday, January 7, 2018.

Pick-up your yearly packet containing the following information:

2018 Church Calendar 2018 Tithing envelopes

Your packet can be obtained from the table in the Narthex. Thank you!

Game Night

The Young Adults/College group will be celebrating the Christmas & Theophany Season with a Game Night at Joanna Abud's house. The Festivities will begin at 6 PM on January 4th. Bring your favorite game and a dish to pass! Contact Scott Storey for further details. (Address: 845 Cherry St. SE Grand Rapids 49506).

OCF Midwest College Conference

Join us for the Midwest College Conference at the Iakovos Retreat Center December 27-30, 2017. It is a fantastic opportunity for Orthodox college students from all different backgrounds to gather to learn about their faith, take a break, meet new people, and worship together in a beautiful new Orthodox retreat center, nestled in the woods of Wisconsin. In an effort to encourage Antiochian college students to attend, Bishop Anthony’s Diocesan Council has offered a $100 scholarship to the first 15 Antiochian students that sign up. This would bring the already subsidized price down to $100 per student.

During our General Assembly on January 28, 2018, we will be electing three members and an alternate to the Parish Council. If you are interested in running, or have questions regarding Parish Council membership, please contact Fr. Michael, Parish Council Chairman Mike Simon, or Marwan Karadsheh, Nominations Chairman.

Parish Council Qualifications

The St. Nicholas constitution indicates that the following are eligibility requirements for those desiring to run for election to the Parish Council. Eligible candidates must:

Be a member of St. Nicholas

Be a member in good standing, both financially and spiritually

Be at least 18 years of age

Have consistent attendance at church services

Be available to attend all Parish Council meetings

Be willing to serve on Parish Council committees or as an officer

Due to inclement weather, the Forerunners December gathering has been rescheduled for Thursday, January 18 at noon. The Potluck and Christmas concert by our very talented Linda and Elaine Audy will help us continue to celebrate this wonderful time of year! Bring your favorite pot-luck food! Any age is welcome; don't forget to invite your friends!

Special thanks go to everyone who assisted to make our St. Nicholas weekend so wonderful:

Our Clergy, Chanters, Choir, & Ushers for their tireless dedication Our Parish Council for their vision and hard work including the cooking! Fellowship Groups and those who attended Saturday's events:

Sam Bander, Rick Merpi, & the Men of St. Nicholas Dn. Justin & Melissa Adolphson, Jaredt & Christianna Hultink, & the

Church School kids Steve Medich & the Young Adults/College group Janet Ansara, Jenny Khorey, & the Women of St. Nicholas Christine Elias, Beth Rinvelt, & those who decorated the church for

Christmas

We continue to be blessed by our office volunteers. The time they give each week allows the mission of St. Nicholas to continue.

A special shout out to the packet assembly team!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Foster Care Children's Christmas Drive Bruce Nicola for organizing this event and SOYO for their assistance All those who donated gifts All those who volunteered their time organizing the gifts at the store.

Some utensils have gone missing from the kitchenette. If you find utensils in your kitchen at home that you don’t recognize as being yours, or items that need to be purchased, please contact Julie Karrip, KIK chair.

As we approach the end of another year, questions arise regarding what to do with printed materials containing icons, such as calendars, obituary cards, newsletters, etc.

We should never throw any icon in the trash--regardless of the material it is on. We should dispose of unwanted printed materials containing icons in one of the following ways:

Burn the icon; place the ashes around a tree, bush, or other place of life—not in the trash.

Bring only the pages containing the printed icons to the church and place them in the "Old Year “Iconography" bin outside the church offices. We will burn the icons for you.

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITIES

Tuesday, December 19

O.K. Mama! Moms’ & Kids’ Morning (9:30 AM)

Wednesday, December 20

Sixth Hour Prayer (Noon)

Advent Paraklesis (6 PM)

Friday, December 22 Royal Hours of Nativity (9 AM)

Saturday, December 23

Great Vespers followed by Confession

(6 PM)

Sunday, December 24

Matins (8:50 AM) No Orthodox Education Classes

Divine Liturgy (10 AM) Great Vespers for the Nativity of Christ

(6 PM)

LOOKING AHEAD

Advent Paraklesis

Wednesdays, November 29-December 20 (6 PM)

The Nativity of Christ Matins, Monday, December 25 (9 AM) Divine Liturgy, Monday, December 25

(10 AM)

Circumcision of Christ

January 1, 2018 Matins (9 AM) Divine Liturgy (10 AM)

Theophany Royal Hours, Friday, January 5 (9AM) Matins, Saturday, January 6 (9 AM) Divine Liturgy, Saturday January 6 (10 AM)

House Blessings January 5-February 11, 2018

SUNDAY MINISTRIES

Today

Coffee Hour: St. Ignatius members

Altar Servers: Team B

Next Sunday

Rogowyi Family

Team A

Mark your calendars so that you will attend the following services:

Royal Hours (Fr iday, December 22 at 9 AM)

Great Vespers for the Feast of Christmas (Sunday, December 24 at 6 PM)

Matins and Divine Liturgy for the Feast of Christmas (Monday, December 25) Matins at 9 AM; Divine Liturgy at 10 AM **Matins and Divine Liturgy will be served at St. George on Christmas Eve at 9 PM and 10 PM for those unable to attend services at St. Nicholas on Christmas Day.

It is time to schedule your Theophany House Blessing! This year we have once again organized the House Blessing schedule according to zip codes and have provided an on-line sign-up feature for your convenience. If you do not have email access, please call the office to schedule your house blessing. Please do your best to schedule your House Blessing during your listed zip code time frame, but if you must schedule outside the prescribed time frame, we will understand.

The schedule is as follows:

January 6-21: Zip Codes: 49301, 49525, & 49546

January 23-January 28: Zip Codes: 49503, 49504, 49505, 49506, 49507 49534, & 49549

January 30-February 9: Zip Codes: 49302, 49315, 49316, 49423, 49508, 49509, 49512, 49519, 49548

February 10-11: Zip Codes: 49306, 49319, 49326, 49341, 49415, 49431

If your zip code is not listed, contact the church office so we can update our records. Feel free to coordinate your House Blessing with parishioners in your neighborhood.

NOTE: Each household must be scheduled for their own time slot.

We are in a fasting season called The Nativity Fast (also called Advent). In the weeks between now and December 25, we prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth in the flesh of our Lord, Jesus Christ. This 40-day fast should include increased liturgical and personal prayer, following a fasting discipline and more focus on loving our neighbor. This will prepare us for the coming of our Savior. Give careful consideration to how you and your family can apply the Church’s prescription for fasting. You are urged to keep the fast in some way in preparation for the coming of the Lord. Your priest stands ready to assist you in adapting the Church’s prescription to your family’s situation. You will find great articles and suggestions on making this Advent and Christmas season truly enriching by perusing the resources on our Archdiocese Website’s special page devoted to the Nativity Fast: http://www.antiochian.org/nativity/pre-feast.

The Church offers us a wonderful gift in the Sacrament of Confession. The Advent Season is an appropriate time to come to our Lord, repent of our sins and receive the Gift of His love and forgiveness. Confessions are heard without an appointment after Saturday’s Great Vespers or by appointment Tuesdays through Fridays.

The Paraklesis is a service of supplication for the welfare of the living. It is addressed to the Most Holy Theotokos or a Saint, whose intercessions are sought through the chanting of a supplicatory canon and other hymns.

During the Nativity fast, we have the opportunity to pray the Advent Paraklesis

service to the Theotokos. Join us on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM now through

December 20.

Looking for meaningful Advent and Christmas gifts for family & friends? :

♦ Prayer Corner candles ♦ Books on the Orthodox faith

♦ Scented soaps & lotions ♦ Orthodox Christmas cards

♦ Children’s books ♦ St. Nicholas Church night lights ♦ Icons ♦ Christmas Tree ornaments