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

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

& Third Sunday of Luke

OCTOBER 8, 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

V. Rev. Fr. Elias Mitchell, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Archdeacon David Khorey Rev. Deacon Clement Nicoloff Rev. Deacon Justin Adolphson

HYMNS

While the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. For which cause the heavenly powers cried aloud unto Thee, O giver of life. Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ, glory to Thy kingdom, glory to Thy providence, O Thou Who alone art the lover of mankind.

Through thee, the divine likeness was securely preserved, O mother Pelagia; for thou didst carry the cross and follow Christ. By example and precept thou didst teach us to ignore the body, because it is perishable, and to attend to the concerns of the undying soul. Therefore, doth thy soul rejoice with the angels.

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.

O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the Creator most constant, O despise not the suppliant voices of those who have sinned; but be thou quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.

Trisagion Prayers of Mercy are offered in memory of the newly departed Servant of God, Bishop ANTOUN. May his Memory be Eternal!

There will be nine-day Trisagion Prayers of Mercy offered in loving memory of Handmaiden of God, Margaret Khorey by Dn. David and Jenny Khorey and family. May her Memory be Eternal!

There will be five-year Trisagion Prayers of Mercy offered in loving memory of the Handmaiden of God, Margaret Abraham by Dan & Kathy, Dave & Marilyn, Pat & Diane, Linda, Mark & Janet and families. May her Memory be Eternal!

EPISTLE

Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The Reading from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (9:6-11)

Brethren, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

GOSPEL

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (7:11-16)

At that time, Jesus went to a city called Nain, and many of His disciples and a great crowd went with Him. As He drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” And He came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And Jesus said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited His people!”

Dear St. Nicholas Family,

Thank you for your many expressions of sympathy on the falling asleep in the Lord of Dn. David's mother, Margaret Khorey. May her Memory be Eternal!

With love in Christ,

Dn. David and Jenny

For the Health & Blessings of Christopher Jacob George Abraham on his baptism offered by his parents Philip & Mindy and sisters Lea & Allie. May God grant Christopher many years!

For the Health & Blessings of Christopher Jacob George Abraham on his baptism offered by his grandparents Alan and Debbie Abraham. May God grant you many years.

For the Health and Blessings of Mary Martin offered by Andrea Riley. May God continue to pour out His healing on you!

For the Health & Blessings of V. Rev. Fr. Elias on his birthday offered by the Parishioners of St. Nicholas. We love you and pray that God would grant you many more years!

For the Health & Blessings of Leona Assaly offered by her family. May God Bless our Mother and Grandmother on the occasion of her 92nd birthday and grant her continued strength and happiness.

For the Health & Blessings of Rob Rinevelt on his birthday offered by Beth, Jake, Tori, Zack and Samantha. God bless and protect you for many more years to come.

For the Health & Blessings of Theodore Francis Sirotko on his birthday offered by Phyllis Sirotko. May God continue to grant you many years!

For the Health & Blessings of Theodore Sirotko on his birthday offered by Michael & Angie Sirotko and family. May God grant Ted many years!

For the Health & Blessings of Elise Abraham, Lea Abraham, and Natalie Baradihi on their birthdays offered by their grandparents Alan and Debbie Abraham.

For the Health and Blessings of Victoria Brown, Steve Thomas, Tyler Riley, and Katrina Bitar on their birthdays offered by Barbara Thomas. May God grant each of you many years.

For the Health and the Blessings of Hatem Karadsheh on the occasion of his birthday offered by his family. May God grant and bless him many healthy happy years.

In memory of the falling asleep in the Lord of Jozlyn Thomas offered by Barbara Thomas. May her Memory be Eternal!

In memory of the falling asleep in the Lord of James Maloley offered by JoAnn Abraham and sons. May his Memory be Eternal!

10/01/1974 Fedwa Khaleefey 10/01/2002 Mary Wawee 10/01/2004 Alice Bendekgey 10/02/1985 Mary David 10/02/2008 Eugenie Dudkin 10/03/1993 James Maloley 10/05/2012 Margaret Abraham 10/05/2015 Rosemary Sears 10/06/2011 Virginia Bander

10/09/1968 Salem Bashara 10/13/1996 James McAllister 10/15/1994 Walter Kitolski 10/22/1988 Oscar Sears 10/25/1964 Rose Joseph 10/27/1972 Lilly Sickrey 10/28/1963 Nazera Sayfee 10/29/1959 Leo Derwich

DEPARTED PARISHIONERS IN THE MONTH OF OCTOBER

Bishop Antoun Margaret Khorey

Victims of the continued conflicts in the Middle East

DEPARTED:

Vera Mijatovic George Fine Louise Whalen Janice Russell

Linda McDonald Audrey Nicoloff Linda Zainia Ralph Thomas

Bujorica Popovici Amanda Sutton David Corey Mary Martin

LIVING:

Due to the falling asleep in the Lord of Bishop ANTOUN, this week’s Family Night Dinner/Bible Study has been cancelled so that Fr. Michael can attend the funeral services in Miami.

Family Night will resume next week with Dinner at 6:00pm and Bible Study following at 7:00pm.

This year's Midwest Diocese Fall Gathering is being held this week Friday & Saturday hosted by our sister parish St. George. Flyers are available on the Parishioners’ table in the Narthex.

For anyone interested in reading the Epistle and missed last Sunday's meeting, there is

another meeting today. Please meet in the front pew on the right side of the church by the chanter’s stand following the Divine Liturgy. This meeting is mandatory for all of those interested in reading the Epistle who have not read in the last year. If you have

read in the past, attend this meeting or advise Nick Ayoub whether you would like to continue to be assigned to read.

Our next Mom's Night Out will be held tomorrow at St. Nicholas. Join us from 7-9pm for a cooking night with our host Nadira Karadsheh! She will be teaching us how to cook kiffta with tahini sauce and rice. We will have drinks and appetizers and a delcious meal--come hungry! We hope you will join us!

Our next mom & kids morning will be held on Tuesday, October 17.

Last week Phase II of the banding was completed in the Nave. Thank you to Joe David & Nick Nicola who arranged for the scaffolding installation; to Grant Medich who worked with the iconography team; to the generous donors who “love the beauty of Thy House”; and to those who joyously give of their time, talents, & treasures so that our Orthodox Faith can continue to be proclaimed!

The last phase of this project will bring banding to the arch around the Iconostasis.

The Stewardship committee is forming and looking for members! Do you have the heart of a Steward? Are you called to teach others? Would you like to learn how to be a better Steward of God’s creation? Ever wish you were asked to serve? Then this is your invitation to become part of an important committee serving our parish. If your ready to serve or just want to learn about this committee, please contact Ryan Kaufman at 616-821-3743 or by email at rvkaufman@gmail.com.

Any parishioner who would like to be trained in Heartsaver CPR/AED is encouraged to register for one of the following training sessions being held at St. Nicholas on Thursday, October 19: 2-5 PM or 6-9 PM. Call Anne Medich to register.

All those caring for loved ones at home, in assisted living, or in the hospital are invited to a monthly support group. Contact Anne Medich for details.

If you have a son in grade 3-12, we would like him to become an Altar Server. We will be holding a meeting this month for all parents and their Altar Server-aged sons. Please plan to attend. Contact Mark Ansara or Zach Rinvelt with your questions.

Join us for hits from the 50's and 60's at the "Bobby Socks & Beehives" concert on Tuesday, October 24 at 1 p.m. The concer t will be held at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center with tickets at $8 each. This will be -- so much fun -- Everyone is

welcome. Sign up with Nora as soon as possible as these are reserved seats. Don't miss out on this event!

With the busyness of life, it can be hard to find rest and be at peace. We will reflect and practice finding rest in God and accept Christ's invitation to find rest in Him. Please set aside Saturday, October 28 to attend this Women’s Day retreat at the beautiful Grand Ravines Lodge in Jenison. Contact Marian Lambert to RSVP.

Sunday, October 15 is the last day to order the book Icon from our bookstore. The book club will meet on Tuesday evening, November 14, to discuss the book Icon over a pot-luck supper. The pot-luck supper will start at 5:30 pm. Bring your favorite dish to share.

October 30-31, 2017

The Christian Church is poised to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. As the Church looks back on this historic event, it is important that we look at the positive results as well as the unintended outcomes that have occurred. St. Nicholas will mark the occasion by hosting a Conference to engage in dialogue within our Christian community with a view toward greater interaction and development of respectful relationships. Our own Bishop Anthony will be the Keynote Speaker on Monday, October 30, followed by leaders from other Christian churches on Tuesday, October 31. All are encouraged come and invite others to join us!

Today

* Parish Council meeting (12:30 PM)

Monday, October 9 * O.K. Mama! Mom’s Night Out (6 PM)

Tuesday, October 10 * Communications Team mtg. (6 PM)

Wednesday, October 11 * Sixth Hour Prayer (Noon)

* No Family Night Dinner/Bible Study

Thursday, October 12

* Forerunners Leadership mtg. (2 PM)

Friday & Saturday, October 13– 14 * Diocesan Fall Gathering @ St. George

Saturday, October 14 * Great Vespers (6 PM)

Sunday, October 15 * Matins & Orthodox Education (8:50 AM) * Divine Liturgy (10 AM) Collection for Special Olympics

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITIES

COFFEE HOUR HOSTS

This Week: Eileen Adolphson & Evie Philippi and Families

Next Week: Steinmetz Family

2020: VISION TO REALITY UPDATE

The committee is still in the process of meeting with St. Nicholas families. At this time, here is what has been contributed toward our $1.6 million goal: Percentage of the Goal Pledged: 34% Total Commitments Pledged: over $551,000 Interesting facts about the money pledged to date:

21 St. Nicholas families or individual parishioners have pledged $551.000 The amounts pledged range from $20 to six figures over 3 years The age of donors ranges from 11 years old to retirement age. One pledge has been received from a non-parishioner.

When you are contacted, please do what you can. We want ALL parishioners to par-ticipate in this historic project. NOTE: Please write a separate check for all 2020: Vision to Reality donations.