Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church Bulletin. Sunday, May 20, 2018.
Sunday of Pentecost. The Feast of Pentecost is the commemoration of the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. In the Byzantine Rite, it is remembered under the aspect of the final revelation of the dogma of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is very specially honored together with his gifts which enable the humble and penitent faithful to become His temple. Pentecost is also the Feast of the Foundation of the Church, of the beginning of her mission to the world, and of Christian Unity within the diversity of nations, languages, and cultures.

May 20. Commemoration of the Holy Martyr Thallelaius. Thalllaius was a Lebanese physician martyred in Silicia in 284.

Friday, May 18, 2018. 7:00 p.m. “That they may be one as You Father are in Me and I in You.” (John 17:20). The 12th annual Roman Catholic, Eastern Catholic, and Orthodox Christian Ecumenical Service of Prayer for Christian Unity at Pentecost will be held at Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church (995 N. West Street, Anaheim, CA 92801) on Friday, May 18, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Featured speaker: Father François Beyrouti. A reception will follow the service. Featuring choirs from Saint Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church, St. Paul’s Assyrian Church of the East, St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, and the Coptic Youth Singers. Organized by “Orthodox and Catholics Together in Orange County” octoc.org

Vacation Bible Camp at Holy Cross Church: Monday, July 16-Friday, July 20, 2018.
Time: 9:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m. Theme: Shipwrecked-Rescued by Jesus. Ages: 5-12.
At Shipwrecked Vacation Bible Camp, children experience God’s Word in surprising and unforgettable ways! Each day, leaders reinforce one simple Bible truth – which makes it easy for them to remember and apply the message to real life situations!
Registration information: HolyCrossMelkite.org/vbc
To view previous year’s Vacation Bible Camp: YouTube.com/HolyCrossMelkite

Patriarch Joseph (Youssef) Absi’s visit to Orange County and Los Angeles on Friday, July 20-Sunday, July 22, 2018. With great joy and pride we announce that His Beatitude Youssef, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, will be visiting our Eparchy of Newton for the Melkites in the United States of America.
Friday, July 20, 2018. 7:00 p.m. Pontifical Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church (Placentia).
Sunday, July 22, 2018. 11:00 a.m. Pontifical Divine Liturgy. Saint Anne Melkite Catholic Cathedral (North Hollywood).
Sunday, July 22, 2018. 2:30 p.m. Luncheon at Caesar Banquet Hall. The Choir will sing some of hymns that were composed by Patriarch Joseph. Please join us for this historical occasion to welcome our Patriarch. Tickets for the luncheon are $65 a person. Please call Holy Cross Church office to reserve a seat.

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 Sunday June 10, 2018, at Saint Kilian’s. 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (off Marguerite Parkway).
2018 dates: Sunday, June 10, Sunday, July 15, Sunday, August 12, Sunday, September 16, Sunday, October 14, Sunday, November 11, Sunday, December 9.
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 for the Sunday choir. Every Thursday at 7:00-8:30 p.m. and every Sunday at 10:00-10:45 a.m.
For the Melkite Eastern Catholic community at Saint Kilian’s Roman Catholic Church (26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691). 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Upcoming dates: May 23 & June 13. Parish center. Room 6.

Our Eastern Christian Formation (Sunday School) program is for all children up to grade 8. Please contact the office if you would like to register your children or would like to teach our wonderful children.

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

Holy Cross Young Adults Group. 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. Ages 21-35. 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: Potluck and Game Night: We will meet at the Church hall on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Please bring any drinks, appetizers, or desserts to share, as well as; any board games you may want to play. May 22: Potluck and Game Night in the church hall; June 3: Pool Party and BBQ; June 11: Dinner and walk in Down Town Disney; July 1: No event due to Holiday Weekend; July 14: Movie at the Beach; August 5: Ice Skating.

Sunday, May 20, 2018. 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.

May 21-26, 2018. Orange Catholic Foundation. Wills and Trusts Week. The Orange Catholic Foundation works in collaboration with our parishes and schools through the Diocese of Orange to provide information sessions led by local Catholic estate planning attorneys to help you protect and provide for your loved ones, update or create your estate plan, and learn more about wills, trusts, estate takes, probate expenses, guardianship of minor children, selection of personal representatives, and more. Please join us for one or more of the sessions scheduled during the week of May 21-26, 2018. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Visit: https://orangecatholicfoundation.org/event/s2018std/ for dates, times and locations.

Isaiah House Women’s Shelter. Holy Cross Church prepares and serves a meal for the women at Isaiah House (316 South Cypress Avenue, Santa Ana) every month that has a 5th Sunday. Volunteer to help prepare, serve, and enjoy a meal with those in need.
Upcoming dates: 2018: July 29, September 30, December 30. 2019: March 31, June 30, September 29, December 29. Time: 3:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Contact the office on how to get involved.

A student is looking for a room for 3-6 months in the Fullerton, Brea, Yorba Linda, Placentia, or Anaheim areas. The room is needed by May 6 and he is able to pay $500 a month. No meals are needed. For further information please contact Joseph Khoury <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>

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.

Vocational Awareness. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in the upper room and gave them new power and vigor to spread the message of the Gospel of Christ. The Spirit helped them understand the treasure of their faith and make it life-giving for others, each ministering according to his/her particular gifts, personality, “language” and culture. That same Spirit comes to all of us in Chrismation. It comes also in a special way in the Mystery of Holy Orders upon our priests. Pray for an increase of candidates willing to accept the priestly ministry for our diocese.

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 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. The next mail out also contains the May and June Church calendar. Please contact the office if you are not registered or did not receive your envelopes. Thank you.

Receive the emailed weekly Holy Cross Church Bulletin and Homily. If you or someone you known would like to receive the emailed weekly parish bulletin or homily please sign up on our website or email or call the office. Please also let us know if you are on our list but have changed your email. To read past homilies visit: holycrossmelkite.org/parish/homilies

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

Thank you for your ongoing generous donations:
-Wednesday, April 18 building fund deposit: $1,701.
-Sunday, April 22 collection: $1,910 in 37 envelopes (average of $52 per envelope) + $146 cash + $97 candles = $2,143.
-Wednesday, April 25 building fund deposit: $4,710.
-Sunday, April 29 collection: $1,425 in 39 envelopes (average of $37 per envelope) + $214 cash + $253 candles = $1,892.
-Wednesday, May 2 building fund deposit: $3,270.
-Saturday, May 5 collection: $185 in 4 envelopes (average of $46 per envelope) + $20 cash = $205.
-Sunday, May 6 collection: $2,251 in 35 envelopes (average of $64 per envelope) + $303 cash + $159 candles = $2,713.
-Wednesday, May 9 building fund deposit: $2,400.
-Sunday, May 13 collection: $698 in 28 envelopes (average of $24.93 per envelope) + $130 + $137 candles = $965.
-Sunday, May 13 Mission Viejo collection: $335.
-Wednesday, May 16 building fund deposit: $4,560.

Total deposits in the past four months: February: $15,961, March: $44,034, April: $23,236, May: $14,448.

Sample Holy Cross Church Expenses:
$90.47 paid on April 24, 2018 for irrigation materials and labor.
$8,608.00 paid on April 30, 2018 for Catholic Mutual Group Church Insurance.
$123.39 paid on April 30, 2018 for Anthem Church Supply palms.
$400.00 paid on April 30, 2018 for Church annual Fire Permit.
$45.01 paid on April 30, 2018 for Sparkletts water service.
$112.98 paid on April 30, 2018 for American Chemical & Sanitary Supplies.
$398.18 paid on April 30, 2018 for Church cleaning company.
$133.10 paid on May 8, 2018 for Leaflet Missal Company.
$832.20 paid on May 14, 2018 for General Wax church supplies.

Hymns: (See our Church’s website for Audio Recordings: holycrossmelkite.org/Melkite-hymns)
Troparion of the Feast (Tone 8) (Three Times). Blessed are You, O Christ our God, who have filled the fishermen with wisdom by sending down the Holy Spirit upon them, and who through them, have caught in Your net the whole world, O Lover of mankind, glory to You.
Troparion of the Holy Cross (Tone 2). O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance. Strengthen our Public Authorities in every good deed and protect your nation with your Cross.
Kondakion of the Feast (Tone 8). When the Most High came down and confused the tongues (in Babel), He divided the nations; but when He distributed the tongues of fire, He called all men to unity. Wherefore, we glorify the Holy Spirit, with one accord.

Epistle: Acts of the Apostles 2: 1-11. Ashley Maayah will read this Sunday’s Epistle. Full reading below. If you would like to read the Epistle please contact the office.
Gospel: John 7:37-52 & 8:12. Full reading below.

Today’s Divine Liturgy is celebrated for the repose of the souls of:
40th day memorial for Mary Harb (April 16, 2018).
Dr. Claire Hanna Matta (May 15, 2018), John the Baptist Khang Van Tran (May 14, 2018), Mousa Emsais (May 2, 2018), Issa Sami Ewiss (April 28, 2018), Alfie Evans (April 28, 2018), Kawter Shaban (April 28, 2018), Joseph Abou Hamad (April 22, 2018), Georgette Mahfouz Abou-Eid (April 21, 2018), William Fritug (April 19, 2018), Lily Oudaimy (April 16, 2018), Nazha Al Moussa (April 13, 2018), Elias Georges Issa (April 9, 2018), Riham Turk (April 5, 2018), Matthew McCarthy Paone (April 4, 2018), Father Lawrence Bilesky (April 2, 2018), Maysa Sayagh (November, 14 2017), Hans Van Nas (April 28, 2017).
the health, safety, and salvation of:
Riad Baddoura, Siham Baddoura, Jimmy Bahnan, Bishop Peter Hickman, Brother Gabriel Jon, George and Majda Kassaseya, Samira Mashni, Jamal Nesheiwat, Marian Tomey, José Vargas, Noel Zadah.
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:
“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. [2] And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. [3] And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts of the Apostles 2:1-4)

“On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, "If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink. [38] He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, `Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.'" [39] Now this he said about the Spirit, which those who believed in him were to receive; for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (John 7:37-39)

Calendar:
Saturday, May 19.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, May 20. Sunday of Pentecost.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
10:00 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Eastern Christian Formation/Sunday School for children in kindergarten to grade 8.
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.

2:30-4:30 p.m. House blessings.

Tuesday, May 22.
7:00 p.m. Young Adults Group for ages 21-35. Potluck and Game Night. We will meet at Holy Cross Church Hall. Please bring any drinks, appetizers, or desserts to share, as well as; any board games you may want to play.

Wednesday, May 23.
2:00-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

7:00 p.m. Choir practice for the Melkite Eastern Catholic community at Saint Kilian’s Roman Catholic Church. 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. Parish center. Room 6. Second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

Thursday, May 24.
2:30-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Choir Practice at Holy Cross Church.

Friday, May 25.
2:00-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Saturday, May 26.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, May 27. Sunday of All Saints.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
10:00 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.

3:00-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Wednesday, May 30.
2:00-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Thursday, May 31.
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Choir Practice at Holy Cross Church.
2:00-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Friday, June 1.
2:00-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Saturday, June 2.
5:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy in Arabic.

Sunday, June 3.
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).
10:00 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. Web-meeting with the youth of Saint John of the Desert Melkite Catholic Church, Phoenix, Arizona.
12:15-4:30 p.m. Young Adults Group for ages 21-35. Pool Party and BBQ. We will gather at the tree in the courtyard after church from there we will go to one of our parishioner's house in Yorba Linda for some bbq and swimming.

2:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Thursday, June 7.
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Choir Practice at Holy Cross Church.

Saturday, June 9.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, June 10.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
10:00 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.
2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. House blessings.

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.

Monday, June 11.
7:30 p.m. Young Adults Group: Meeting at Downtown Disney. We will meet at Down Town Disney for dinner at 7:30 followed by dessert and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 13.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.
7:00 p.m. Choir practice for the Melkite Eastern Catholic community at Saint Kilian’s Roman Catholic Church. 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. Parish center. Room 6. Second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

Thursday, June 14.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Choir Practice at Holy Cross Church.

Saturday, June 16.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer) Family night, Bible study, and Pot-luck.

Sunday, June 17. Father’s day.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
10:00 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.
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.

Thursday, June 21.
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Choir Practice at Holy Cross Church.

Saturday, June 23.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, June 24.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
10:00 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. Theology of the Body: Language of the Body.

Wednesday, June 27.
7:00 p.m. Choir practice for the Melkite Eastern Catholic community at Saint Kilian’s Roman Catholic Church. 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. Parish center. Room 6. Second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

Thursday, June 28.
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Choir Practice at Holy Cross Church.

Readings for Sunday, May 20, 2018.
Epistle: Acts of the Apostles: 2:1-11.
Prokimenon (Tone 8)
Through all the earth, their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message.
Stichon: The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork.

A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles:
When the days of Pentecost were ending, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a violent wind blowing, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them separate tongues as of fire, and they settled upon each one of them, and all were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak in foreign tongues, as the Holy Spirit granted them to speak.

Now, there were staying in Jerusalem devout Jews from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, a great crowd gathered, and they were astounded because each one heard them speaking in his own language. And all of them, amazed and wondering, were saying to each other, “Look, are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? How then have all of us heard our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Lybia around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, Jews also and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs, we have heard them speaking in our own language of the wonderful works of God.”

ALLELUIA (Tone 1)
By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host.
Stichon: From heaven the Lord looks down. He sees all the children of men.

Gospel of the Feast: John 7:37-52 & 8:12 (Pentecost Sunday)
The Holy Gospel According To St. John.
Now on the last, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. Anyone who believes in Me, as the Scripture says, ‘From within him there shall flow rivers of living water.’” He said this, however, of the Spirit, whom they who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit had not yet been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. Some of the crowd, therefore, when they had heard these words, said, “This is truly the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” Some, however, said, “Can the Christ come from Galilee? Does not the Scripture say it is of the offspring of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David lived, that the Christ is to come?” So there arose a division among the crowd because of Him. And some of them wanted to seize Him, but no one laid hands on Him. The attendants therefore came to the chief priests and Pharisees; and these said to them, “Why have you not brought Him?” The attendants answered. “Never has man spoken as this Man.” The Pharisees then answered them, “Have you also been fooled? Has any one of the rulers believed in Him, or any of the Pharisees? But this crowd, which does not know the Law, is accursed.” Nicodemus, the man who had come to Him at night, who was one of them, said to them, “Does our Law judge a man unless it first gives him a hearing, and knows what he does?” They answered and said to him, “Are you also a Galilean? Search and see that out of Galilee arises no prophet.” And again Jesus spoke to them saying, “I am the Light of the world. Anyone who follows Me does not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”

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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.
Administrative Assistant: Rosemarie Nasr.
Parish Hall Rentals: Hala Nakhoul (714) 920-6180.
Choir Director: 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 2018: June 2, June 30, August 4, September 1, October 6, November 3, December 1.

ENGLISH DIVINE LITURGY: 11:00 a.m. First Sunday of the month. In 2018: June 3, July 1, August 5, September 2, October 7, November 4, December 2.

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.

Communion: Already here and more to come.
Homily. Father François Beyrouti. Pastor of Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church.

Friday, May 18, 2018. 7:00 p.m.“That they may be one as You Father are in Me and I in You.” (John 17:20).
The Twelfth Annual Roman Catholic, Eastern Catholic, and Orthodox Christian Ecumenical Service of Prayer for Christian Unity at Pentecost will be held at Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church (995 N. West Street, Anaheim, CA 92801). Orthodox and Catholics Together/Orange County OCTOC.org
Featuring choirs from Saint Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church, St. Paul’s Assyrian Church of the East, St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, and the Coptic Youth Singers. Organized by “Orthodox and Catholics Together in Orange County” octoc.org

Homily.

Some jokes start with the line: “A priest, an imam, and a rabbi walk into a bar…”

Once a Catholic and Orthodox priest walked into a bar and the bartender said: “Hey, what is this a joke or something?”

We have a lot of priests here tonight. We did not walk into a bar together before we got here, neither will we be going to one after. This is our only event tonight. Although we are all very happy to be here, our gathering is definitely not a joke. Rather, our prayer this evening is nothing short of the work of the Holy Spirit who brought all of us together, clergy and lay people, to first rejoice in the fellowship and communion we already share and second to discern how to increase that fellowship and communion.

The opening Biblical verse of the 2016 statement of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church emphasizes the communion, in Greek “koinonia,” we already share between us (September 21, 2016 “Synodality and Primacy during the First Millennium: Towards A Common Understanding in Service to the Unity of the Church”).

This document quotes 1 John 1:3-4: “We declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have communion [koinonia] with us; and truly our communion [koinonia] is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.”

It is always important to clarify expectations, especially in ecumenical prayers and dialogue. Our event today is not a meeting of the Theological commission nor is it a social gathering. Rather, it is a truly profound expression of our already existing communion [koinonia] and a prayer for fuller communion [koinonia].

My goal is simple, yet the crucial starting point if we are to bear further fruit. First, I will share with you the joy I have for the communion we already share and second, highlight the importance of our common witness as Jesus clearly expressed His desire that we keep growing in our unity when He said: “That they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in me, and I in You, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that You have sent me” (John 17:21).

Jesus tells us our unity is specifically tied to the legitimacy of our witness that He is the Messiah who suffered, died, and rose for the salvation of the whole world. When we lack a visible unity we compromise the unity that Jesus desired we have and weaken our witness to a world that is more in need than ever to hear clearly His saving message. Although we can’t lose sight of this goal, let us first rejoice in the communion we already share at the Theological and pastoral levels.

At the pastoral level, let us start with what is happening here in Orange County. Every month the Catholic and Orthodox clergy meet for a dinner at one of our Churches. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange organizes these dinners, which are coordinated by Fr. Quan Tran, the Episcopal Vicar of Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange. The primary goal is for the Catholic and Orthodox clergy to better know each other, share a meal, discover “in vino veritas,” and exchange our common pastoral experiences of shepherding the flock of God (1 Peter 5:2 & Acts 20:28).

This is not considered an official theological dialogue, but perhaps it should be, as Jesus wanted us to understand that the first steps of communion happen with a meal: from Cana in Galilee (John 2:1-12), to the feeding of the 5000 (Mt. 14:13-21), to the last or mystical supper (Mt. 26:17-30, Mk. 14:12-26, Lk. 22:7-39, Jn. 13:1-17:26, and 1 Cor. 11:23-26), to the meal at Emmaus (Lk. 24:13-35), to other times in Jesus’s ministry, and finally at “the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Rev. 19:9).

The word “companion” comes from two Latin words “cum” (with) and “panis” (bread). Thus, “companion” means to share bread with someone. We cannot have full communion if we don’t first consider each other companions. Without this informal growth in friendship, the formal theological dialogue and statements will never bear fruit.

This friendship between the Roman Catholic, Eastern Catholic, and Oriental and Eastern Orthodox clergy is also found in other dioceses around the world. In the Syrian cities of Damascus and Aleppo, there are Churches that Eastern Catholics and Orthodox use together. One was built by a Melkite Eastern Catholic donor and the other by an Eastern Orthodox donor. Although we do not yet have full Eucharistic communion, this is an example of a communion of friendship where a Catholic and Orthodox community share the same Church, but have their own times to celebrate the Sunday Divine Liturgy and other services.

In addition to this, the Catholic and Orthodox Church in Jordan celebrate Christmas together on the Gregorian calendar, December 25, and Pascha together on the Julian calendar. This avoids the embarrassment, especially in a predominantly Muslim country, to have, in some cases, the Orthodox, celebrate Palm Sunday on the same day that the Catholics are celebrating the Resurrection.

At Pascha, in the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Church, we greet each other: “Christ is Risen. He is truly Risen.” An internet meme was shared in the Middle East last year with the title: “Christ is Risen, … and now is He looking for a donkey to re-enter Jerusalem.”

Our pastoral communion is important for us and for our witness to the Gospel. These examples of our pastoral communion in Orange County and from the region where Jesus and the apostles lived and walked, remind us that communion is something we have and that fuller communion is something we need to keep praying for. However, if we don’t live the communion we can with those around us, then we will never have the fuller communion we’re praying for.

In addition to this pastoral communion, we as Catholics and Orthodox already share a Theological communion. Saint Pope John Paul II in his encyclical “Ut Unum Sint/That they may be one” reminded us of the words of Saint Pope John XXIII who said: “What unites us is much greater than what divides us” (Paragraph 20. May 25, 1995).

The Theological dialogue is doing great work focusing on the important points needed for full Eucharistic communion between our Churches. There is great optimism for this dialogue because there is already so much koinonia [communion] between the Roman Catholic, Eastern Catholic, and Orthodox Church on many Theological issues.

Although expressed in different ways, all Catholics and Orthodox have the same Theological understanding of the Eucharist as the Body and Blood of Jesus, the centrality of the Mary, the Mother of God, the importance of saints and sacred images, apostolic succession, and a variety of other crucial historical Christian teachings.

Tradition is crucial to the Orthodox and Catholic understanding of doctrine. Saint Paul says in his first letter to the Corinthians: “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered [traditioned] to you” (1 Cor. 11:23). This is not human tradition (Col.2:8), it is sacred tradition (1 Cor. 11:2; 2 Thes. 2:15; 2 Thes. 3:6) because it was handed down from the Lord, to the apostles, then to every generation that preceded us and which we continue to treasure.

We as Catholics and Orthodox should never forget our common witness to this apostolic faith that already unites. Today, what it means to be a Christian has become diluted as we live in a world where you can buy a clergy license online within a few minutes and start up a church with you and your neighbors within a few weeks.

The word Catholic means “universal” in Latin and “belonging to the whole” in Greek. The word Orthodox means “correct teaching.” Whether we are Catholic or Orthodox we believe in a Church that is both Catholic and Orthodox. This Church that we both believe in is Catholic because it teaches the same thing throughout the whole neighborhood and has done so since the time of the Apostles and it is Orthodox, because what it teaches is consistent with the teachings of the Apostles, ecumenical councils, and Church hierarchy.

Our names, irony reflect an already present unity. The Catholic Church believes profoundly that it is Orthodox, that it is professing the right teachings, and the Orthodox Church believes it is Catholic, that it is a Church that goes back historically and geographically to the foundations of Christianity.

At the transfiguration Peter says “Lord, it is good that we are here” (Mt. 17:4). It is only when Peter recognizes the beauty of the moment that God showed him, James, and John something greater: the voice of the Father saying “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Mt. 17:5. Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36).

Today, we are here together from all five apostolic liturgical families: Roman, Byzantine, Armenian, Coptic, and Syriac. This is truly ecumenical, because the whole household of God is together. Let us keep rejoicing at the unity that we have as we say with Peter: “Lord, it is good that we are here” (Mt. 17:4). After we recognize how good it is that we who are praying here together already share a communion of truth, love, and friendship with each other, we can listen to the voice of the Father who says “this is my beloved Son” to remind us of the focus of our communion.

We do not want and are not looking for mere human communion, but one that is built on and always faces the beloved Son, who died and rose from the dead as Saint Paul tells us: “Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. …[10] that I may know him and the power of his resurrection” (Phil.3:8, 10).

We are in communion in so many ways, let us continue to rejoice in that communion, and realize that through our humility and unwavering prayers before our Savior, He will at the right time prepare our hearts for an even greater communion to fulfill His words “that the world may believe that You have sent me” (John 17:21).
Since, the proclamation of the death and resurrection of our Lord is the foundation of our faith, I would like all of us to share this Paschal greeting with each other: “Christ is Risen. He is truly Risen.”

Father François Beyrouti
Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church
451 West Madison Avenue
Placentia, CA 92870-4537
Office: (714) 985-1710
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