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

Sunday before the Nativity – The Forefathers

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 is offered for the health, safety and spiritual welfare of the V. Rev. Fr. John Ojaimi and Khourieh May and Family and of all the Saint George Community by Archdeacon Yarid and Diane and family.

Bread of Oblation

for Christmas Eve will be offered for the repose of the soul and in memory of George & Emma Haddad by their 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, 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 21, 2008 The Sunday Before the Nativity of Christ

(known as the Sunday of Genealogy) On this day we commemorate: Virgin-marty Juliana of Nicomedia; Martyr Themistokles of Myra in lycia; Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow and all Russia

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 offered for the Health, Safety & Spiritual Welfare of:

Tim & Heather Williams & family by Elenor McKibben

Joey & Billy Remic by Eleanor McKibben

Patrice McKibben & family by Eleanor McKibben

Subdeacon George & Christine Simon & family by Eleanor McKibben

Joie Haddad (65th Birthday) by Pat Dakdouk & family

My family by Ragda Harb

My family & friends & the sick and hungry children by Sally Karsheh

Aboid & Gantose Families by Barbara Aboid

Our family & friends by Hal & Louise Bouhasin 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

Eugene, Sr. & Eugene, Jr. McKibben by Eleanor McKibben

Juanita & Joe Remic by Eleanor McKibben

Naim, Asma, Anita & Andreia Kahoush by Nuha Karsheh

Josephine Isaac by George Isaac

UPCOMING DIVINE SERVICE

Wednesday, December 24, 2008 Christmas Eve Divine Liturgy @ 6:00 PM

Sunday, December 28, 2008 Matins @ 9:30AM. Divine Liturgy @10:30AM

Announcements

M erry Christmas

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. and Sunday morning from 10:00 to 10:30AM

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 21, 2008

Little Entrance TROPARION Tone 2

When thou didst submit thyself unto death, O Thou deathless and immortal one, then Thou didst destroy Hell with Thy Godly pow'r, and when Thou didst raise the dead from beneath the earth, all the pow'rs of heaven did cry aloud unto Thee O Christ thou giver of life glory to Thee.

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

When thou didst submit thyself unto death, O Thou deathless and immortal one, then Thou didst destroy Hell with Thy Godly pow'r, and when Thou didst raise the dead from beneath the earth, all the pow'rs of heaven did cry aloud unto Thee O Christ thou giver of life glory to Thee.

For the Forefeast Tone 4

And it came to pass that Mary was enrolled with Joseph the old man, in Bethlehem, since she was of the seed of David, and was great with the Lamb, without seed. And when the time for delivery drew near, and they had no place in the village, the cave did appear to the queen as a delightful palace. Verily, Christ shall be born, raising the likeness that fell of old.

For the Fathers Tone 2

Great are the accomplishments of faith; for the three holy youths rejoiced in the fountain of flames as thou at waters of rest. And the Prophet Daniel appeared a shepherd to the lions as though they were sheep. Wherefore, by their pleadings, O Christ God, Have mercy upon us.

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 Preparation of the Nativity Tone 4

Today the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth in an ineffable manner to the Word before the ages. Rejoice, therefore, O universe, when thou hearest, and glorify with the angels and shepherds him who shall appear by his own will as a new babe, being 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:

It is truly meet to call thee Blessed, Lady Theotokos; Lady ever greatly blessed, and most perfect in innocence, and the Mother of our God. Lady more precious than the Cherubim and more glorious

beyond all measure than the Seraphim. That without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, and art truly Theotokos. We magnify thee.

The Koinonikon

Praise ye the Lord from the Heavens; praise ye Him in the highest. Alleluia, Alleluia, 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.

Epistle

Hebrews 11:9-10; 17:23,32-40

Blessed are you, O Lord, God of our Fathers. For you are just in all you have done.

The reading is St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews

BRETHREN, by faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets - who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated - of whom the world was not worthy, wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Gospel

Matthew 1:1-25

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king.

And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.

And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.

So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, and angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.

Hebrews 11:9-10; 17:23, 32-40 (Sunday Before Nativity of Christ)

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Sunday Before Nativity of Christ(25 -:11Matthew

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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

_______________________________________________

The Orthodox Advent Wreath

5th week

REPENTANCE (Purple Candle or bow)

The color is purple on this fifth of Advent;

It is time to examine ourselves and repent:

Repent of our sins that keep us away

From God's message of love brought on Christmas Day.

(Mark 1:1-8, 14-15)

6th week

HOLY COMMUNION (Red Candle or bow)

Christmas is near; the day is a soon one.

Our candle is red and we ponder Communion.

In Bethlehem God is with us; he is called Emanuel,

And he's with us each Sunday in the chalice as well.

(John 1:1-18, 6:52-58)

Christ is born. Glorify Him Merry Christmas

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.

POINSETTIAS OFFERED FOR THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF: Our family and friends by Archdeacon Yarid & Diane Fred, Melissa, Jourdan & Andrew by Barbara Aboid Our family by Tony & Mireille Abdulkarim Frank Amato by Gary & Claudia Amato Bill & Lori Thomas & family (Oliva & Morgan) by Gary & Claudia Amato All our family & friends by Mary Assad Our family by Greg & Lauren Caraboolad Chaccour & Hachem families by Fady, Rita & Tamara Jo Chaccour Peter Farage by Farage family Christine George by Leo M. George My family by Habib Khoury Joan Haddad by Leo & Lila Koury Camille & Eugenie Abdulkarim by George ,Joanne, Jenna, & Gina Karim Yvonne Zachman by George, Joanne, Jenna & Gina Karim Hani Nader & family by Hani & Marie Nader & family Our family by Michael & Debra Namy Jennie, George, Patty & family by Jennie Sadallah My children and grandchildren by Linda Simon Frank Amato by Bob & Denise Sweeney & family George, Rana, Asma, Marlene & Nicola G,Zaboura by Jack Saah & Nicola Zaboura POINSETTIAS OFFERED IN BELOVED MEMORY OF: Roger & Elizabeth Sahley by Archdeacon Yarid and Diane and family Gabriel Courey by Archdeacon Yarid and Diane and family Fares & Jamel Abdallah by Abdallah & Laila Abdallah Saad & Afifi Kharallah by Abdallah & Laila Abdallah Samir Abdelkarim by his wife Fida and children Wadia Ameen by his wife, Mary & his children & grandchildren Philip Aboid by Barbara Aboid Kay Amato by Frank Amato Catherine (Kay) Amato by Gary & Claudia Amato Youssef Chaccour by Fady, Rita & Tamara Joe Chaccour George Hachem by Fady, Rita & Tamara Jo Chaccour Habeeb and Frieda George by Ramona Darmour Uncle Rudy, Uncle Minor & Aunt Lil by Charmaine Darmour Minor George by his wife, Alsace & family Edith Shagoury (Birthday 12/21) by Evelyn & Eddie Haddad All my beloved departed by Pauline Hanna Ameen & Chafika Joseph by Clayton Joseph Mike Koury by Leo & Lila Koury Joseph & Yvonne Sadey by George, Joanne, Jenna, & Gina Karim James Lambert by Helen Lambert & family Ameen & Mary Makhol & Ella Reuss by Ronald & Eleanore Makhol Eugene, Sr. & Eugene, Jr. McKibben by Eleanor McKibben Juanita & Joe Remic by Eleanor McKibben Mounir Nader by Hani & Marie Nader & family Beloved departed of Simon & Hanna families by Linda Simon Kay Amato by Bob & Denis Sweeney & family Jack Saah & Nicola Zaboura by Rana Zaboura Depaarted of Tegreene,Gabriel George & Metry families by Bill & Mitch Tegreene & Jim & Betty Selby

Holy Trinity Hosts Orthodox Young Adult Fellowship on

Friday 12/ 26 - 7:00PM

Where: Holy Trinity Orthodox Church

6822 Broadview Rd, Parma

Current Plan

•Church ICON discussion with Fr. Berzonsky

•Dinner of Cincinnati Chili, Salad & Coney's

•Evening Event (TBD)

Everyone is Welcome Please pass this on to anyone 18-39’ish

* Contact Jack Palivoda if attending of for questions. Cell:216-235-2990, jackpal@microsoft.com

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

Dec. 21 Church School Christmas Pageant (all children participate)

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. 14 The 15th Annual Nativity Orthodox Concert Nativity Play, @5:00PM Concert @6:00PM Holy Trinity Orthodox Church 6822 Broadview Rd., Parma Refer to flyer in Yarid Hall

Dec. 19 @ 6:30PM St. Elias Christmas Dinner & Dancing $25 per person – call Joumana @216-661-1155 or Jan @216-749-3495

Dec. 20 Annual Cookie Walk 9AM-1PM Ridge Manor Banquet Center 4630 Ridge Refer to flyer in Yarid Hall

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.

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

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

PARISH MINISTRY TEAMS

MISSION STATEMENT

The purpose of the Ministry Teams is to minister to the fundamental needs of St. George Orthodox Church and its community. The focus is to provide leadership in the promotion and delivery of spiritual growth, humanitarian works, and missionary outreach to the parishioners of the church and the people residing in its geographical area. To accomplish its mission, the Ministry Team approach assumes TOTAL parish involvement and active participation by all parishioners.