November 6, 2005

ST.  ANTHONY ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

385 Ivy Lane,  Bergenfield, NJ 07621

                                           November 6, 2005

PARISH

PHONE:    (201) 568-8840        V. Rev. Joseph Allen,  Pastor

FAX:          (201) 568-6933       Dn. Peter Boulukos, Assistant

         St. Anthony’s web page: http://www.stanthonysorthodox.org

Antiochian Archdiocese web page: http://www.antiochian.org

                                          TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Epistle:  Galatians 1:11-19                                       Paul the Confessor of  Constantinople           

Gospel:  Luke 8:41-56

Tone: Three

Prokeimenon:  Sing praises to our God, sing praises.

                          Clap your hands, all you nations.

THE EPISTLE

The reading is from Saint Paul's Letter to the Galatians.

BRETHREN, I would have you know that the gospel which was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor 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 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.

THE EUCHARISTIC OFFERINGS

The Holy Oblations are offered at the Offertory of the Great Entrance today for the health and welfare of those living members, and for those departed this life in Christ, of the Popovich and Soldo Families.

The Coffee and Reception Hour in the Church Hall is offered today by the Popovich and Yern. NOTE: Please do not wait to sign up for offering the Coffee Reception held every Sunday after Liturgy. The chart is posted in the hall, as well as the list of responsibilities and items needed.

PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS

1.      Today We continue our FALL ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM , the “November Series.” During the month of November, we at St. Anthony’s use the time of the Homily – a “learning time” – to present a series of short lectures for the education of our adult parishioners. The theme  will be “These Things We Believe,” and these lectures will be held directly in the Church during the Homily time at the end of Liturgy. The series will continue today, and on November 20th, and 27th and will cover the basic practices, symbols, and teachings of Orthodox Christianity. As in the past, there will be a question and answer period following each lecture.

2.      FESTIVAL 2005! Festival 2005! WE HAVE ARRIVED! Our Festival is held THIS WEEK,  Thursday, Friday, and Saturday! If you do not yet have an assignment, ASK! Speak to Co-chairs Helen Chimel and John Gakos. We NEED EVERY PERSON: man, woman, teen, and youth to make our Festival the success it MUST be for St. Anthony’s.

1. Did you RETURN your Kitchen and Bakery START-UP ENVELOPES! Please return them ASAP!
2. Did you bring your items to the ATTIC TREASURES? We need CLEAN and USEABLE items from our homes and attics to sell as our “Attic Treasures.” Please call Helen Chimel and John Gakos for information.
3. Did you forget the importance of selling your RAFFLES? Buy or sell five, keep the sixth one! Put PLEASE, PLEASE GET THEM IN!
4. TELL your family, neighbors, and friends to COME ON DOWN to St. Anthony’s beginning this THURSDAY.
5. Don’t plan anything that “competes” with our Festival. We need everyone’s help!

3.      St. Anthony’s Annual FOOD DRIVE is presently proceeding, and will continue until December 24^th. Please bring your contributions of dry goods, canned goods, etc. and deposit them in the appropriate receptacles which are placed throughout the Church and Church School.

4.      REMINDER: The Church School is looking for costumes and decorations for its Christmas play, A Christmas Carol.  If you are willing to lend any of your Victorian themed Halloween costumes or decorations, including tombstones or cloaks, please speak to Barbara Lockhart or Tammy Tarby.

5.      Our Church School will be sponsoring a Thanksgiving “Warm and Fuzzy” children’s outerwear clothing drive, for children in orphanages in Votkinsk, Russia (Siberia). Please bring in new or gently used freshly laundered children’s gloves, hats, scarves, and coats. Plush toys in good shape and washed would also be appreciated. The Collection Box will be in the Church School until Thanksgiving Eve Service. For details about the fundraiser and letters from Votkinsk see Susan O’Connor or Debbie Nagorny. Monetary donations are also requested to defray the costs of shipping.

6.      FELLOWSHIP BUS TRIP: Keep December 17^th open for a family night at the “Zoo at Night.” This was one of the Fellowship’s most successful family bus trips. More to follow or see Debbie or Nick Nagorny.

7.      St. Anthony’s GOLDEN JUBILEE: September 2006 to June 2007! “Jubilee Weekend” is scheduled for June 2-4, 2007. RESERVE THAT WEEKEND and please do not plan any events on that weekend. More on the year’s plans will follow soon. We will be 50 years old! We expect full participation from our parishioners and all our groups!

8.      THANKSGIVING LITURGY is scheduled for November 23^rd at 7:30 PM. Come to the Table of the Lord before you visit your dining room table! It will also be the Vesperal Liturgy for the Great Martyr St. Katherine (November 24^th).

9.       Friday, November 18^th, our “post Festival” gathering will be held in the Church Hall. All those who worked so hard for weeks – and months – should plan to BE HERE! That’s Friday Evening, November 18^th at 8:00 PM