Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church Bulletin. May 26, 2019.
Sunday of the Man Born Blind. Passing through the temple, Jesus saw a man who had been blind since birth. He had compassion on him, and so, putting clay over his eyes, He said to him: “Go to the pool of Siloe and wash.” And as the man washed, he recovered his sight; and he proclaimed the glory of God. But his relatives asked him: “Who opened your eyes that no living creature could heal?” And he answered: “A man called Jesus. He told me to go and wash in the pool of Siloe. He is truly Christ, the Messias, of whom Moses wrote in the Law: He is the Saviour of our souls.” (From Vespers.)

May 26. Commemoration of the Holy Apostle Carpus, one of the Seventy. Carpus is mentioned in the Second Epistle of Paul to Timothy 4:13: “When thou comest, bring with thee the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.”

Jesus said “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die’ ” (John 11:26).
The Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church Community offer our condolences to the family of the servant of God, Adel Hallis who was born on September 1, 1940 in Cairo, Egypt and reposed in the Lord on May 16, 2019 in California. We extend our condolences to the entire family and in particular his wife Denise Hallis, his children Monique (Adrian), Michelle (Morad), his grandchildren Kevin, Lexi, Jacob, Grace, and his siblings Raouf (Egisia) and Fouad (Agi).
The wake will be on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at 6:00-8:30 p.m. and the funeral will be on Friday, May 24, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Both will be at Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church (451 West Madison Avenue. Placentia, CA 92870-4537). The internment will be at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, (7845 E Santiago Canyon Rd, Orange, CA 92869) and a mercy meal will follow at St. John Maron Maronite Catholic Church, (300 S Flower St, Orange, CA 92868). May his memory be eternal.

Jesus said “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die’ ” (John 11:26).
The Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church Community offer our condolences to the family of the servant of God, Said Elias Saghbini who was born on April 15, 1927 in Beirut, Lebanon and reposed in the Lord on May 21, 2019 in Long Beach, California. We extend our condolences to the entire family and in particular his wife Violette, his children Elias, Gloria (Michel), Magguy (Mansour), George (Sihm), Antonio (Jane), Georgina (Toufic), his grandchildren Gregory, Johnathan, Wael, Lina, Mario, Mark, Mireille, Daniel, Patrick, Marwan, Marie-Madaleine, Samantha, Sandy, Peter, Thomas, Alan, Mikhael, Jamil, Gabriel, Catherine, his siblings Laurice, Gabriel, Micheline. Said is predeceased by his siblings Youssef, Antoun, Michel, and George.
The wake will be on Friday, May 24, 2019 from 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. The memorial service will be on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 12:00 p.m., both at Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church (451 West Madison Avenue. Placentia, CA 92870-4537). A mercy meal will follow. May his memory be eternal.

Pro-Life Leaders Applaud Passage of Abortion Bill in Alabama. By Catholic News Service. 5/16/2019. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (CNS). By passing a bill to ban abortion in nearly all circumstances, the Alabama Legislature has recognized that abortion is “the extinguishing of a unique human life,” said the president and CEO of Americans United for Life.
“From conception to natural death, every single human life deserves to be protected by law. The violence of abortion is never the answer to the violence of rape,” said Catherine Glenn Foster in a May 15 statement. “Like other states that have passed laws concerning when life begins, Alabama has relied upon scientific and medical facts.”
Full article at: occatholic.com/pro-life-leaders-applaud-passage-of-abortion-bill-in-alabama

Vacation Bible Camp at Holy Cross Church for children ages 5-12. Monday, July 22 – Friday, July 26 2019. 9:00 - 12:30 p.m. Here at our Parish! 451 West Madison Ave. Placentia, CA 92870. Register Now. The theme of this year’s program is “ROAR.” Children will experience God’s Word in surprising and unforgettable ways. Each day, leaders reinforce one simple Bible truth – which makes it easy for the children to remember and apply the message to real life situations. Registration fee: $40 per child if paid by Sunday, June 23, 2019. $50 if paid after this date. Please make checks payable to: Holy Cross Church. We also need youth, young adult, and parent volunteers. To help us order and prepare the materials please register your child as soon as possible. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please contact Mary Shaw at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the church office at (714) 985-1710. Registration and volunteer forms are available at: www.holycrossmelkite.org/vbc

Holy Cross Church’s Annual Festival will be on September 7-8, 2019. There will be music, dancing, food, and fun at our Annual Festival. Raffle Tickets are on sale for $10 each or $100 for a booklet of 10. This year we have $10,000 in cash prizes ($5000, $3000, $1000, $1000), plus a laptop, an iPad, a flat screen T.V., and other prizes. Please save the dates, spread the word, invite friends, and help in whatever way you can to make this a fun annual fundraising event. We need volunteers to assist with set-up, food preparation, sales at the booths, and so much more. Please contact the office if you are able to help.

Thank you for the following recent donations:
Thank you to all those who donated $730 for Holy Week Flowers.
-April 19, 2019. $522 full donation for the altar wine we purchased for the Divine Liturgy
-April 14, 2019. $500 donation from the Madaba Society.
-April 8 & 10, 2019. $442.01 full donation for plants, flowers, planters, garden soil, and gardening supplies from Walmart and Hope Depot.
-March 31, 2019. $250 donation in memory of Edmond Goubran, for the Sunday after Easter Parish luncheon.
-March 31, 2019. $200 donation to purchase plants.
-March 30, 2019. $2073.77 donation from two families to purchase wood, materials, and equipment rentals for the courtyard pergolas.
-March 20, 2019. Donation of many miscellaneous maintenance items from La Purisima Roman Catholic Church in Orange.
-March 16, 2019. Full donation of 2 tractor rentals and labor to clear the overgrown weeds in back lot and level the area.
-March 15, 2019. $1050 full donation for 6 outdoor picnic tables.
-March 14, 2019. $100 donation to purchase plants.
-March 13, 2019. $673.92 full donation for printing of new service books and envelopes.
-March 12, 2019. $1537.20 full donation for a new Canon XA30 high definition video camera, equipment, and installation.
-March 6, 2019. $769.44 full donation for plants, planters, paint, and renovation items purchased from Lowe’s.
-March 6, 2019. $558.38 full donation for wood planks and materials for new shelving in storage room.
We are very grateful for everyone’s continued generosity and support in many ways.

You may subscribe and view Father François Beyrouti’s weekly homilies on: YouTube.com/MelkiteTV
To get weekly notifications join our parish mailing list or subscribe to YouTube.com/MelkiteTV and YouTube.com/HolyCrossMelkite
If you would like to receive the emailed weekly parish bulletin or homily please sign up on our website or contact the office. To read and past homilies and bulletins visit: HolyCrossMelkite.org or YouTube.com/MelkiteTV
-“Apostolic Antioch Tradition.” May 19, 2019 homily by Father François Beyrouti.
-“Rise Up.” May 12, 2019 homily by Father François Beyrouti homily.
-“Prove It.” May 5, 2019 homily by Father François Beyrouti homily.
-“Fruits of Faith.” April 28, 2019 homily by Father François Beyrouti homily.
-“Seek the Risen Christ.” April 21, 2019. Pascha (Easter) homily by Father François Beyrouti.
-“Spiritual Discipline.” April 14, 2019 (Palm Sunday) homily by Father François Beyrouti.
-“Burning Hearts.” April 7, 2019 (5th Sunday of the Fast) homily by Father François Beyrouti.
-“From Stage to Stage.” March 31, 2019 (4th Sunday of the Fast) homily by Father François Beyrouti.

Hymns: (See our Church’s website for Audio Recordings: holycrossmelkite.org/Melkite-hymns)
Troparion of the Resurrection (Tone 5). Let us, O faithful, praise and worship the word, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our Salvation; for He was pleased to be lifted in the flesh upon the cross and to endure death and to raise the dead by His glorious resurrection.
Troparion of the Holy Cross (Tone 2). O Lord save your people and bless your inheritance, granting peace to the world; and protect your community by the power of your Cross.
Kondakion of Pascha (Tone 8). Though You went down in the tomb, O immortal One, You overthrew the power of Hades and rose victorious, O Christ God. You greeted the ointment bearing women, saying “Rejoice!” You gave peace to Your apostles, and to those who had Fallen resurrection.

Instead of the trisagion we sing: “All of you who have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ.”

Epistle: Acts of the Apostles 16:16-34. Full reading below. If you would like to read the Epistle please contact the office.
Gospel: John 9:1-38. Full reading below.

Today’s Divine Liturgy is celebrated for the repose of the souls of:
Said Saghbini (May 21, 2019), Adel Hallis (May 16, 2019), Helen Saiady (May 16, 2019), Patriarch Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir (May 12, 2019), Antonieta Batarse Armero ( May 11, 2019), Naim Arouk (May 9, 2019), Joseph Zarrahy (April 30, 2019), George Ghaleb (April 26, 2019), Youssef Khreich (April 16, 2019), Joseph Khamis (April 13, 2019), Hanna Ibrahim (May 23, 2015), Labiby Ibrahim.
the health, safety, and salvation of:
Rafiq Abuzalaf, Akram Alraheb, Rafi Amarin, Floyd Genadry, Denise Hallis, Julia Madanat, Amira Qseisieh, Marie Semaan, Sabat Semaan, Florence Shaib, baby Isaac.
For vocations to the priesthood, monastic life, and lay parish ministries.
For peace in Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and all the troubled regions around the world.

Scripture Memory:
“He called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, [30] and brought them out and said, ‘Men, what must I do to be saved?’ [31] And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household’” (Acts of the Apostles 16:29-31).

“So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, ‘Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner.’ [25] He answered, ‘Whether he is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see’” (John 9:24-25).

On Sunday, May 5, 2019, Bishop Nicholas J. Samra, Bishop of Newton, ordained the servant of God, Subdeacon Thomas Andrew Moses, to the Holy Diaconate (Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing women) at Our Lady of the Cedars Melkite Catholic Church (140 Mitchell St. Manchester, NH 03103). Holy Cross Church was blessed to have Thomas stay with us during the summer of 2016. Please pray for Thomas.

On Sunday, May 12, 2019, at 10:00 a.m., Bishop Nicholas J. Samra, Bishop of Newton, ordained the servant of God, Deacon Ziad Layous, to the Holy Priesthood at St. Joseph Melkite Catholic Church in Lawrence, MA. Please pray for Father Ziad.

From June 3-August 23, 2019, seminarian Mikhael Naddaf will be staying at Holy Cross Church and doing a Clinical Pastoral Education program at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Please pray for Mikhael as he continues his training and discernment.

The Melkite Eastern Catholic Community at Saint Kilian’s Roman Catholic Church. Please invite your family and friends and remind everyone in the area to join us. We will meet in the hall at 5:45 p.m. to review the hymns and the Divine Liturgy will begin in the Church at exactly 6:30 p.m. on June 9, 2019, at Saint Kilian’s. 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (off Marguerite Parkway).
2019 dates: June 9, July 21 (new date), August 11, September 15 (new date), October 13, November 10, and December 8.
If you live or know anyone who lives in the area surrounding Mission Viejo please give us their contact information so that we can keep everyone informed on upcoming events. Please send contact details to the parish office at (714) 985-1710 or email a list of names to Father François at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1).

Choir practice. “Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16). Please join our choir practices to review the regular hymns of the Divine Liturgy and learn new ones. Everyone is welcome.
At Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church every Sunday at 9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m.

Holy Cross Youth Ministry Spiritual Meetings take place every Sunday following the Divine Liturgy for all those in grades 9-12.

Holy Cross College Ministry. We are planning social and religious activities to build our College Community at Holy Cross Church. For further details contact the office or see calendar for event details (holycrossmelkite.org/ministries/college-ministry).

Holy Cross Young Adults Ministry for ages 21-35. We are planning social and religious activities to build our Young Adults Community at Holy Cross Church. Feel free to bring your friends and family. See calendar for event details (Holycrossmelkite.org/ministries/young-adults). Contact: Tony Helo (562) 371-5466; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Upcoming events:
Sunday, June 2, 2019. 12:30 p.m. B.B.Q. and Pool Party. Location: TBD.

Eastern Christian Formation (Sunday School) program for all children in Kindergarten to grade 8 is after the Sunday Divine Liturgy.

Isaiah House Women’s Shelter next date: Saturday, May 25, 2019. Holy Cross Church prepares and serves a meal for the women at Isaiah House (316 South Cypress Avenue, Santa Ana) every month. We prepare the food at Holy Cross Church on the fifth Sunday of every month. If you or your family would like assist on those days or if you would like to sponsor a Saturday to prepare food at your home, serve the food with your family, and enjoy a meal with those in need please contact the office. Schedule: 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Prepare meal in the Holy Cross Hall Kitchen for Isaiah House Catholic Worker’s Women’s shelter; 4:30 p.m. Carpool to Isaiah House; 5:00 p.m. Meet at Isaiah House, Set up, serve meals, visit with the women, and clean up. 2019 dates: Saturday, May 25, Sunday, June 30, Saturday, July 27, Saturday, August 31, Sunday, September 29, Saturday, October 26, Saturday, November 23, and Sunday, December 29.

Listen to Melkite audio links on our parish website at holycrossmelkite.org/Melkite-hymns
We uploaded many Melkite hymns for the Divine Liturgy and other important services. To practice or become more familiar with our beautiful liturgical hymns you can listen or download them by visiting the above link.

Vocation View. Saint Paul urges Christian readers to live a life of communion, in mutual love, and in the love that God has given us. Jesus teaches us the importance and implications of that life of loving communion. Who shall preach and teach it to us today? Pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and monastic life and encourage possible candidates.

A Prayer for Vocations. O Lord God, in every age, You invite men and women to hear Your call to serve You and the Church. We bow before You now, asking that You call forth more persons to serve our Melkite Catholic Church in America. Give us priests, deacons, monks and nuns, who will lead and guide your holy people. By Your will, bless us with vocations so that we continue to be the church which You called us to be, centuries ago. Let all hear Your voice inviting them to care for and serve Your people. Strengthen us in being disciples of Jesus Christ, Your Only-begotten Son and fishers of men. Inspire in us the spirit and pride of Antioch, our holy heritage. We ask You, O Lover of mankind, to raise up men and women who appreciate what they have received from You and who want to be generous in their service, willing to offer their lives and all their gifts, to serve others, to give You glory, thanksgiving and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Your Sunday donation envelopes are mailed to you every two months. These envelopes are dated with your envelope number on the back. Please contact the office if you are not registered or did not receive your envelopes. Thank you.

Do you want to be inspired and learn more about your Catholic Faith? Listen to Relevant, a Catholic Radio station on 930 am. For further information visit their website or call 1-888-887-7120.

If you or anyone you know is in need of a large wheel chair or walker please contact the office for more details.

Thank you for your ongoing generous donations:
-Sunday, May 19 collection: $1,837 in 42 envelopes (average of $44 per envelope) + $127 cash + $170 candles = $2,134.
-Saturday, May 18 Memorial Divine Liturgy Memorial: $394.
-Wednesday, May 15 building fund deposit: $5,605.
-Sunday, May 12 Mission Viejo collection: $300 in 4 envelopes (average of $75 per envelope) + $33 cash = $333.
-Sunday, May 12 collection: $980 in 28 envelopes (average of $35 per envelope) + $109 cash + $80 candles = $1,169.
-Sunday, May 5 collection: $1,775 in 26 envelopes (average of $68 per envelope) + $187 cash + $143 candles = $2,105.
-Sunday, May 5 first Sunday of the month building fund collection: $2,035 in 20 envelopes (average of $102 per envelope).
-Saturday, May 4 collection: $605 in 9 envelopes (average of $67 per envelope) + $86 cash = $691.
-Wednesday, May 1 building fund deposit: $900.

Total deposits in the past four months: February: $20,291, March: $21,132, April: $33,756, May: $15,366.

Sample Holy Cross Church Expenses:
$171.94 paid on May 21, 2019 for Republic trash services.
$252.60 paid on May 10, 2019 for General Wax and Candle.
$440.04 paid on May 10, 2019 for So Cal Edison Electricity.
$41.60 paid on May 9, 2019 for So Cal Gas Company.
$25.97 paid on May 3, 2019 for Sparkletts water services.
$104.98 fully donated on May 1, 2019 for Spectrum Internet.
$118.63 paid on May 1, 2019 for printer lease and services.
$214.91 paid on May 1, 2019 for Goldenstate Water Company.
$300.00 paid on April 29, 2019 for Church cleaning services.

Calendar:
Thursday, May 23.
3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. House blessings.
6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Wake for Adel Hallis (May 16, 2019).

Friday, May 24.
11:00 a.m. Funeral for Adel Hallis (May 16, 2019) at Holy Cross Church.
7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Wake for Said Sagbhini (May 21, 2019) at Holy Cross Church.

Saturday, May 25.
12:00 p.m. Funeral for Said Sagbhini (May 21, 2019) at Holy Cross Church.

3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Prepare meal in the Holy Cross Hall Kitchen for Isaiah House Catholic Worker’s Women’s shelter.
4:30 p.m. Carpool to Isaiah House (316 South Cypress Avenue, Santa Ana. http://occatholicworker.org).
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Set up, serve meals, visit with the women, and clean up.

4:30 p.m. Confession at Holy Cross Church.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer) at Holy Cross Church.

Sunday, May 26.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Youth Ministry spiritual discussion for all in grades 9-12. An overview of “Matthew Kelly's ‘First Christian Prayers’ in combination with ‘The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity.’ ” Presentation by Robert Fragnito.

3:30 p.m. Crowning (wedding) of Joseph Zeidan & Nadera Bahou. “O Lord our God, crown them with glory and honor and grant them dominion over the works of your hands.”

Thursday, May 30. Feast of the Ascension.
7:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Ascension and memorial for George Ghaleb (April 26, 2019).

Friday, May 31.
7:00 p.m. The 13th Annual Roman Catholic, Eastern Catholic, and Orthodox Christian Ecumenical Service of Prayer for Christian Unity at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church. 4949 Alton Parkway Irvine, CA 92604. Featured homilist: Valerie Karras, Ph.D. A reception will follow. Featuring choirs from St. Justin Martyr Roman Catholic Church, the Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church, St. Paul’s Assyrian Church of the East, St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, and the Coptic Youth Singers.

Saturday, June 1.
5:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy in Arabic.

Sunday, June 2.
On the first Sunday of each month, you may use your building fund envelope (or a specially marked envelope) and deposit it in the regular collection. Thank you for your continued generosity as we move closer to our parish goal of a new hall and church building.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning Prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy in English.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Youth Ministry spiritual discussion for all in grades 9-12. “Understanding Mental Illness in Adolescents within Orange County.” Presentation by Gabriel Kassaseya, M.A., LMFT. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Associate Professional Clinical Counselor.
12:15-1:30 p.m. Young Adults Group for ages 21-35. B.B.Q. and Pool Party.

Saturday, June 8.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, June 9. Sunday of Pentecost.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Youth Ministry spiritual discussion for all in grades 9-12.

5:45 p.m. Music practice in the hall.
6:30 p.m. Divine Liturgy. The Melkite Eastern Catholic Community at Saint Kilian’s Roman Catholic Church. 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691.

Saturday, June 15.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, June 16. Sunday of All Saints. Father's Day.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy led by Holy Cross Church Children’s choir on third Sunday of the month. Arrive at 10:30 a.m. in the choir room, ready, and dressed in a white button down shirt or blouse, navy blue skirt or pants, and black close toe shoes.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Youth Ministry spiritual discussion for all in grades 9-12.
1:30 p.m. Theosis Meeting in Conference Room. Adult members of Cross Church are invited to learn more about their Eastern Byzantine tradition by attending our monthly meetings to discuss how Scripture and Christ’s teachings show us how God became man in order so that man can become God-like. Anyone seeking more information can contact - Mark Bergeron at (714) 307-2196.

Saturday, June 22.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, June 23.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Youth Ministry spiritual discussion for all in grades 9-12.

Saturday, June 29.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).
6:00 p.m. Baptism for Jazmine Kassouf child of George and Therese Kassouf.

Sunday, June 30. Special collection: Peter’s Pence.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Youth Ministry spiritual discussion for all in grades 9-12.

3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Prepare meal in the Holy Cross Hall Kitchen for Isaiah House Catholic Worker’s Women’s shelter. Please call the office if you would like to sponsor this event.
4:30 p.m. Carpool to Isaiah House (316 South Cypress Avenue, Santa Ana. http://occatholicworker.org).
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Set up, serve meals, visit with the women, and clean up.

Readings for Sunday, May 26, 2019.
Prokimenon (Tone 5)
You, O Lord, will keep us and preserve us always from this generation.
Stichon: Save me, O Lord, for there is no longer any holy man, for truthfulness has vanished from among the children of men.

A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles (16:16-34).
In those days it came to pass that as we the disciples were going to pray, we were met by a girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her masters much profit by her soothsaying. Now, she was following Paul and us, and kept crying out loudly, “These men are servants of the most high God, and they announce to you a way of salvation!” This she did for many days. But Paul could not stand it, so he turned and said to the spirit, “I order you in the name of Jesus Christ: get out of her!” And it went out of her that very moment.
But seeing that their hope of profit was gone, her masters seized Paul and Silas and dragged them to the market-place before the authorities; and bringing them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are disturbing our city. They are Jews, and they advocate practices it is not permitted for us to adopt or observe, since we are Romans.”
And the crowd opposed them too, and the magistrates tore off their cloaks and ordered them to be beaten with rods. And after inflicting many blows on them, they threw them in jail, ordering the jailer to keep them under safe guard. And he, receiving this command, consigned them to the inner jail and fastened their feet in the stocks.
But at midnight, while Paul and Silas were singing hymns to God, the prisoners listened to them. And suddenly, there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the jail were shaken, and at once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose.
But when the jailer woke up and saw all the doors of the jail open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, thinking the prisoners had escaped.
But Paul cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Do not hurt yourself, for we are all here!” Then calling for a light, he ran in, and trembling with fear, fell at the feet of Paul and Silas. And he let them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved together with your household.”
And he spoke to him the word of the Lord, and also to all his household. And he took them at that same hour of the night, and washed their wounds; and he himself was baptized, and all those of his household immediately after. And taking them into his house, he set a table before them, and rejoiced with all his household over his faith in God.

ALLELUIA (Tone 5)
Your favor, O Lord, I will sing forever; from generation to generation,
my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness.
Stichon: For you have said, “My kindness is established forever.”
In heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.

The Holy Gospel According to St. John the Evangelist 9:1-38 (Sunday of the Man Born Blind).
At that time as Jesus was passing by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who has sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither has this man sinned nor have his parents, but the works of God were to be made manifest in him. I must do the works of the one who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world I am the Light of the world.” When he had said these things, he spat on the ground and made clay with the spittle, and spread the clay over the man’s eyes, and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam (which is interpreted ‘sent’).” So he went away, and washed, and returned seeing. The neighbors therefore and those who had seen earlier that he was blind began saying, “Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?” Some said, “It is.” But others said, “He only looks like him.” Yet, the man declared, “I am the one.” They therefore asked him, “How were your eyes opened?” He answered and said, “The man who is called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ And I went and washed, and I see.” And they asked him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.” They took the man who had been blind to the Pharisees. Now, it was a Sabbath on which Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. Again, therefore, the Pharisees asked him: how he received his sight. But he said to them, “He put clay upon my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” Therefore some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner work these signs?” And there was a division among them. Again therefore they said to the blind man, “What do you say of the one who opened your eyes?” But he said, “He is a prophet.” he Jews therefore did not believe of him that he had been blind and had got his sight, until they called the parents of the one who had gained his sight, and questioned them, saying, “Is this your son, of whom you say he was born blind? How then does he now see?” His parents answered them and said, “We know this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we ourselves do not know. Ask him; he is of age, let him speak for himself.” These things his parents said because they feared the Jews. For already the Jews had agreed that if anyone were to confess him to be the Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. This is why his parents said, “He is of age; question him.” They therefore called a second time the man who had been blind, and said to him, “Give glory to God! We ourselves know this man is a sinner.” He therefore said, “Whether he is a sinner, I do not know. One thing I do know, that whereas I was blind, now I see.” They therefore asked him again, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” He answered them, “I have told you already, but you did not listen. Why would you hear a second time? Would you also become his disciples?” They heaped abuse on him therefore and said, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know God spoke to Moses; but as for this man, we do not know where he is from.” In answer the man said to them, “Why herein is the marvel, that you do not know where he is from, and yet he opened my eyes. Now we know God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshipper of God, and does his will, him he hears. Not from the beginning of the world has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” They answered and said to him, “You were altogether born in sins, and do you teach us?” And they turned him out. Jesus heard they had turned him out, and when he had found him, said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” He answered and said, “Who is he, Lord, that I may believe in him?” And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen him, and he it is who speaks with you.” And he said, “I believe, Lord.” And falling down, he worshipped him.

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Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church.
451 West Madison Avenue, Placentia, CA 92870-4537
Telephone: (714) 985-1710.
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Parish Web site: HolyCrossMelkite.org
Facebook Page: Facebook.com/HolyCrossMelkite
YouTube Page: Youtube.com/HolyCrossMelkite
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HCMelkite

Pastor: Father François Beyrouti.
Electronic mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Cellular phone: (714) 914-1710

Pastoral Associate: Deacon Elias Kashou.
Office Manager: Tony Helo.
Parish Hall Rentals: Hala Nakhoul (714) 920-6180.
Choir Directors: Reader Saad Tashman and Lupe Ojeda.
Sunday School / Eastern Christian Formation Program: Every Sunday after the Divine Liturgy from September-May. Pre-School to Grade 8.
Our Lady’s Society: Iman Lutfi (714) 595-7999.

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE
SATURDAY: 4:30 p.m. Confession. 5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).
SUNDAY: 9:45 p.m. Orthros (Morning prayer). 11:00 a.m. The Divine Liturgy.

ARABIC DIVINE LITURGY: 5:00 p.m. Saturday before the first Sunday of the month. In 2019: June 1, July 6, August 3, August 31, October 5, November 2, November 30.

ENGLISH DIVINE LITURGY: 11:00 a.m. First Sunday of the month. In 2019: June 2, July 7, August 4, September 1, October 6, November 3, December 1.

HOLY DAYS AND WEEKDAYS: Please check the bulletin.

THE HOLY MYSTERIES
MYSTERIES OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION: The three Mysteries of Baptism, Chrismation and Holy Eucharist are always celebrated together in one ceremony. One month notice is required and one baptismal preparation meeting is required with the priest.
MYSTERY OF HOLY CROWNING: Six month notice, an initial meeting with the priest, marriage preparation sessions, and a wedding license are required. You must be an active member of the parish.
MYSTERY OF HOLY CONFESSION: Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
MYSTERY OF HOLY ANOINTING: Available for anyone who is ill.
PLEASE NOTE: There is no charge for the celebration of the Sacramental Mysteries, however, it is appropriate to offer a gift of thanksgiving. Therefore the Parish Advisory Council suggests an offering of $200 for Baptisms; $500 for Weddings; $300 for Funerals; and $100 for a Memorial Service.

HALL RENTAL POLICY.
MERCY-MEAL ON THE DAY OF THE FUNERAL, MERCY-MEAL FOR THE 40th DAY OR OTHER MEMORIALS: $200.00 for registered parishioners of Holy Cross Church who regularly use donation envelopes.
A PARTY WITH MUSIC, FOOD, AND DRINKS (up to 5 hours of use): $400.00 for parishioners + $100 insurance payable to the diocese. $500.00 for non-parishioners + $100 insurance payable to the diocese.
DAMAGE/CLEANING DEPOSIT: $200.00. Refundable if the hall is left in the condition it was given to you.
SECURITY FEE: $150 charge will be added to cover security for 5 hours.
A MEETING (Use of the chairs and tables only. No use of the kitchen, oven, or refrigerator). $75 / hour for parishioners. $100 for non-parishioners.
ADDITIONAL CHARGE FOR A RENTAL OVER 5 HOURS: $100 / hour.