2019-02-17-bulletin-for-sunday
Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church Bulletin.
February 17, 2019. Sunday of the Prodigal Son.
February 17. Commemoration of the Great Martyr Theodore. Theodore, born in Anatolia and martyred in Amasia of Pontus in the fourth century.
Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church thanks Bishop Nicholas Samra for visiting our parish on February 9 and 10. We thank him for his many years of ministry to our Melkite Catholic Eparchy in the United States. This year marks several milestones for Bishop Nicholas. He has been a priest for 49 years and a bishop for thirty years. May God continue to give Bishop Nicholas great health to help us grow in holiness. God Grant You Many Years.
You may subscribe and view Father François Beyrouti’s weekly homilies on YouTube.com/MelkiteTV
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If you 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
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 March 10, 2019, at Saint Kilian’s. 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (off Marguerite Parkway).
2019 dates: March 10, April 7, May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8, 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).
New Year’s Eve Raffle Summary: Income from Raffle Tickets: $40,040. Donations for raffle and raffle prizes: $4,400. Raffle Expense: Printing ($1,845), Stamps and Mailing ($73), Car for raffle: $19,000. Total Expense for Raffle: $20,918. Total Raffle Profit: $23,522. We thank everyone who worked hard to organize the raffle, those who donated prizes, and those who purchased tickets.
Full scholarship available to all those currently in their junior high school year for the Thomas Aquinas College Summer High School Program. Sunday, July 15 to Saturday, July 27, 2019 at the Santa Paula campus, 70 miles north of Los Angeles. This $975 scholarship covers tuition, housing, meals, books, and organized off campus activities.
The pursuit of wisdom begins with wonder — wonder about the causes and principles of man and nature, and wonder about God, who is the first cause and principle of all things. For two weeks, students from around the country and abroad will delight in spirited conversation, engaging firsthand some of the best works of the past 2,500 years. They will read and discuss texts selected from the masters of the Western intellectual tradition. The program will be centered around the College’s unique Great Books program of Catholic education. The High School Summer Program is a time for forging new friendships, for enjoying the give and take of rational argument, and for pursuing the truth, which civilizes, ennobles, and liberates.
Classes are conducted, like all classes at Thomas Aquinas College, using the Discussion Method, guided by members of the teaching faculty. Class size is limited to 17 students in order to allow each student the opportunity to contribute to the discussions. The location is ideal for recreation of all sorts. In addition to daily sports, occasional movies, and hiking, the program includes excursions to local attractions. Students will visit the Getty Museum, take in a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, and head to Santa Barbara for volleyball on the beach and an exploration of the historic city.
Thomas Aquinas College is genuinely Catholic and has a rich sacramental life. During the Summer Program, Mass will be offered daily and a chaplain will be available on campus at all times. For further information contact Holy Cross Church and review these links:
thomasaquinas.edu/admission/high-school-summer-program
youtu.be/hkA4HBgALWk
March 22-24, 2019. Los Angeles Religious Education Congress theme: “Thirsting for Justice” at the Anaheim Convention Center (800 West Katella Ave. Anaheim, CA. 92802). Holy Cross Church will cover the $85 registration fee for all parishioners who would like to attend. For further details call the Church office or visit: RECongress.org
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. See calendar for event details (holycrossmelkite.org/ministries/college-ministry).
Contact: Christina Saad (909) 764-4033 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Mariah Shea at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Upcoming events:
February 21, 2019: 7:00 p.m. “Theology of the Body: Created for Love” at Holy Cross Church. Presented by Father François Beyrouti.
Sunday, March 3: 12:15 p.m. College and Young Adults Ministry combined meeting. Review the Sunday Readings followed by Miniature Golf at Camelot Golf Land (3200 E Carpenter Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806).
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, March 3: 12:15 p.m. College and Young Adults Ministry combined meeting. Review the Sunday Readings followed by Miniature Golf at Camelot Golf Land (3200 E Carpenter Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806).
Friday, March 8: 7:00 p.m. Attend the Akathist Hymn at Holy Cross Church and presentation to follow by Father François Beyrouti, “The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic: Prayer, Study, Service, Evangelization.”
Sunday, March 31: 3:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Young Adults Group Ages 21-35. Volunteer Event: Isaiah House.
Eastern Christian Formation (Sunday School) program for all children in Kindergarten to grade 8. Enroll your children in the Sunday School program as it is one of the best ways to teach faith to our children and build a living relationship with God.
Isaiah House Women’s Shelter next date: Saturday, February 23, 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. 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. 2019 dates: Saturday, February 23, Sunday, March 31, Saturday, April 27, 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.
February 27, 2019. Care, Prepare, and Connect. Join us for an important discussion about our Church’s teachings on serious illness and end of life care. St. Joseph Catholic Church (717 Bradford Ave., Placenita, CA 92870) from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. If you are interested, please register at: stjosephplacentia.org/care-prepare-and-connect.
An elderly disabled lady who lives in Orange County is looking for someone to help her with light housework/organizing and laundry. For further details call Bea (714) 914-9577.
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 Awareness. In today’s Epistle, Saint Paul speaks about how hard it is to understand who and what we are and how we should live. He then explains our dignity. In the Gospel, neither of the two sons understood their relationship with God their Father and could not benefit from it. Priests help us to strengthen our relationship with God and with others. Have you considered that vocation or have you encouraged others to it? Pray for your vocation and for vocations to the Priesthood and Monastic life for our Eparchy.
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. 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.
Thank you for your ongoing generous donations:
-Sunday, January 27 collection: $2,065 in 39 envelopes (average of $53 per envelope) + $266 + $95 candles = $2,426.
-Wednesday, January 30 building fund deposit: $3,144.
-Saturday, February 2 collection: $185 in 4 envelopes (average of $46 per envelope) + $46 cash = $231.
-Sunday, February 3 collection: $2,530 in 36 envelopes (average of $70 per envelope) + $126 candles + $298 cash = $2,954.
-Sunday, February 3 first of the month building fund collection: $2,395 in 27 envelopes (average of $88 per envelope).
-Friday, February 8 building fund deposit: $719.
-Saturday, February 9 Mission Viejo collection: $660 in 11 envelopes (average of $60 per envelope) + $138 cash = $798.
-Sunday, February 10 collection: $1,569 in 47 envelopes (average of $33 per envelope) + $174 candles + $296 cash = $2,039.
-Wednesday, February 13 building fund deposit: $2,825.
Total deposits in the past four months: November: $24,541, December: $89,704, January: $24,729, February: $11,961.
Sample Holy Cross Church Expenses:
$118.63 paid on January 2, 2019 for printer lease.
$348.38 paid on January 3, 2019 for Golden State Water Company.
$472.05 paid on January 7, 2019 for So Cal-Edison Electricity.
$744.42 paid on January 14, 2019 for County of Orange Property Tax.
$164.49 paid on January 22, 2019 for Christopherson Fire Protection.
$169.20 paid on January 23, 2019 for Republic Trash Services.
$216.47 paid on January 28, 2019 for So Cal-Gas.
$200.00 paid on January 29, 2019 for gardening services.
$18.07 paid on January 29, 2019 for Sparkletts water.
$439.19 paid on January 29, 2019 for So Cal-Edison Electricity.
$277.00 paid on January 31, 2019 for church cleaning services.
Hymns: (See our Church’s website for Audio Recordings: holycrossmelkite.org/Melkite-hymns)
Troparion of the Resurrection (Tone 6). The angelic powers were around Your tomb, and the guards became as dead; and Mary stood at the tomb, seeking Your spotless body; Then You despoiled Hades without being tried by it, and You met the Virgin O Bestower of life. O Lord, who rose from the dead, 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 Prodigal Son (Tone 3). When in my wretchedness I ran away from your fatherly love, I squandered in wickedness the riches You had given me. And so now, like the Prodigal Son, I cry out to You: “I have sinned in your sight, O Merciful Father: receive me now that I repent and make me as one of your hired servants.”
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. Full reading below. If you would like to read the Epistle please contact the office.
Gospel: Luke 15:11-32. Full reading below.
Today’s Divine Liturgy is celebrated for the repose of the souls of:
Nadia Dib (February 14, 2019), Mathew Azzam (February 7, 2019), Teofila Caronan (February 6, 2019), Trinidad Lao (February 4, 2019), Alice Abuzalaf Nassr (January 20, 2019), Nader Kashou (January 19, 2019), Samia Berchan Machaalany (January 15, 2019), Pierre De Bané (January 9, 2019), Joseph Karim Nakhle (January 8, 2019), Elias Abou Malhab (January 5, 2019), Saide Badr (January 4, 2019), Emil Semaan (November 9, 2016), Kamil Semaan (February 14, 2012), Khalil Semaan (February 9, 1999), Tannous & Zalfa Choueiri.
the health, safety, and salvation of:
Raji Abou Saada, Bishop Tod Brown, George Haddad, Adel & Denise Hallis, Najiba Nasser, Russell Peirson, Marie Semaan, Florence Shaib.
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 who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. [18] Shun immorality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. [19] Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; [20] you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:17-20).
“The son arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. [21] And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ [22] But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; [23] and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; [24] for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to make merry” (Luke 15:20-24).
Calendar:
Saturday, February 16.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).
Sunday, February 17.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
10:25 a.m. Churching of Omar Nesheiwat, born on January 29, 2019. Son of Omar & Diana Nesheiwat.
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. 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. “Overcoming obstacles through prayer and faith.” Presentation by Yanni Cantartzoglou.
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. Topic: Preparing for the Great Fast.
Thursday, February 21.
7:00 p.m. College ministry meeting. “Theology of the Body: Created for Love” at Holy Cross Church. Presented by Father François Beyrouti.
Saturday, February 23.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).
Sunday, February 24.
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. 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.
Saturday, March 2.
5:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy in Arabic.
Sunday, March 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).
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. 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.
12:15 p.m. College and Young Adults Ministry combined meeting. Review the Sunday Readings followed by Miniature Golf at Camelot Golf Land (3200 E Carpenter Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806).
Monday, March 4. First Day of the Great Feast.
7:00 p.m. Forgiveness Vespers.
Wednesday, March 6.
7:00 p.m. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Friday, March 8.
7:00 p.m. Akathist Hymn, followed by a presentation by Father François Beyrouti, “The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic: Prayer, Study, Service, Evangelization.”
Saturday, March 9.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).
Sunday, March 10.
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. 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.
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, March 11.
7:00 p.m. Great Compline.
Wednesday, March 13.
7:00 p.m. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Thursday, March 14.
7:00 p.m. College Ministry meeting: Theology of the Body, presented by Christina Saad at Holy Cross Church.
Friday, March 15.
7:00 p.m. Akathist Hymn. A spiritual presentation by Deacon Elias Kashou.
Saturday, March 16.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).
Sunday, March 17.
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. 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.
Monday, March 18.
7:00 p.m. Great Compline.
Wednesday, March 20.
7:00 p.m. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Friday, March 22.
7:00 p.m. Akathist Hymn, followed by a presentation by Father François Beyrouti, “The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic: Prayer, Study, Service, Evangelization.”
Saturday, March 23.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).
Sunday, March 24.
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. 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.
Monday, March 25.
7:00 p.m. Great Compline.
Wednesday, March 27.
7:00 p.m. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.
Thursday, March 28.
7:00 p.m. College Ministry meeting. A Bible Study using Father Sebastian and Father Hezekias’ videos at Holy Cross Church.
Friday, March 29.
7:00 p.m. Akathist Hymn. A spiritual presentation by Deacon Elias Kashou.
Saturday, March 30.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).
Sunday, March 31.
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. 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.
3:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Young Adults Group Ages 21-35. Volunteer Event: Isaiah House.
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.
Readings for Sunday, February 17, 2019.
Prokimenon (Tone 1)
May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us, for we have hoped in you.
Stichon: Exult, you just, in the Lord; praise from the upright is fitting.
A Reading from the First Epistle of St. Paul to The Corinthians (1 Cor 6:12-20).
Brethren, all things are lawful for me, but not all things are fitting. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of anyone. Food is for the belly, and the belly for food, but God will destroy both the one and the other. Now, the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. For God has raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.
Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them the members of a prostitute? By no means! Or do you not know that one who cleaves tot a prostitute becomes one body with her? For the two, it is said, shall be one flesh (Gn.2 : 24). But he who cleaves to the Lord is one spirit with him. Flee immortality. Every sin a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your members are the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God and that you are not your own? For you have been bought at a great price. Glorify God therefore in your body and in your soul which both are God’s.
ALLELUIA (Tone 1)
O God, you granted me retribution and make peoples subject to me and saved me from my raging enemies.
Stichon: Therefore I will proclaim you, O Lord, among the nations, and I will sing praise to your name.
The Holy Gospel According To St. Luke the Evangelist (15:11-32).
The Lord told this parable: “A man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.’ And he divided his possessions between them. And not many days later, the younger son gathered up all his wealth and traveled to a far country; and there he squandered his fortune in loose living. And after he had spent all, there came a severe famine over that country, and he began to suffer from it. And he went and joined one of the local landowners, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. And he longed to fill himself with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one offered to give them to him. But when he had come to his senses, he said, ‘How many hired men in my father’s house have bread in abundance, while I am perishing with hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.” And he got up and went to his father. But while he was yet a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion and ran and fell upon his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the Father said to his servants, ‘Fetch quickly the best robe and put it on him, and give him a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet; and bring out the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; because this my son was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came close to the house, he heard music and dancing. And calling one of the servants he asked what this meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has got him back safe.’ But he was angered and would not go in. His father, therefore, came out and began to beg him. But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look, these many years I have been serving you, and have never disobeyed any of your orders; and yet, you have never given me a kid that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours comes, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes; you have killed for him the fattened calf!’ But he said to him, ‘Son you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours; but we were bound to make merry and rejoice, for this your brother was dead, and has come to life; he was lost and is found.’”
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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: March 2, April 6, May 4, 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: March 3, April 7, May 5, 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.
