Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church Bulletin. August 18, 2019.

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost. Healing the Epileptic Boy

 August 18.  4th Day of Celebration of the Dormition - Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs Floros and Lauros.

Sunday, July 14-August 18, 2019. Summer Hymn Camp after the Divine Liturgy. Calling all children going into Grades 1-8. Join us for the “Sunday Hymn Camp” which will take place for six weeks from 12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m. from July 14-August 18, with a concert on August 25. There is no charge for the summer hymn activities. Please meet in the glass children’s room at the entrance of the Church.

 On Sunday, August 18 from 7:00-9:00 p.m., the Los Angeles Arabs Orchestra will be performing at PYLUSD Performing Arts Center. 1651 Valencia Ave. Placentia, CA 92870. $10 from the sale of each ticket will be donated to Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church. To purchase tickets visit: laao-summer.brownpapertickets.com

 Please keep in your prayers seminarian Mikhael Naddaf who has been with us from June 3 while registered at a Clinical Pastoral Education program at St. Joseph’s Hospital. On August 18, he will return to the Seminary to continue his studies and discernment for the priesthood.

 Holy Cross Church’s Annual Festival will be on Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8, 2019. There will be music, dancing, food, and fun at our Annual Festival.

   Raffle tickets are $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. So far we have sold $7,220 of tickets. Please purchase tickets for this important Church fundraiser.

   Save the festival dates, spread the word, invite friends, and help in whatever way you can to make this a fun annual fundraising event for the future of our Church.

   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.

 Father François Beyrouti’s Homily podcasts are now available on iTunes and other Podcasts. You can listen and subscribe to the homilies on Apple’s iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn + Alexa. We will also be on Google Podcast and iHeart Radio within a few days. 

   You can also subscribe and view Father François Beyrouti’s weekly homilies on: YouTube.com/MelkiteTV

   If you would like to receive the emailed weekly parish bulletin or homily please sign up on our website (HolyCrossMelkite.org) or contact the office.

Most recent homilies by Father François Beyrouti:

   -“Easier to Focus than not to?” August 11, 2019

   -“How to See More?” August 4, 2019

   -“B.U.S.Y., But Doing What?” July 28, 2019.

   -“A Diagnosis of our Soul and Body.” July 21, 2019.

   -“A Solid Life.” July 7, 2019.

   -“Why go to Church?” June 30, 2019.

   -“Holiness is for you.” June 16, 2019.

 Women’s Silent Retreat November 8-10, 2019. Come away to beautiful Sacred Heart Retreat House in Alhambra, and in the silence, pray, sort out what lies in front of you, or simply retreat from all that is worldly. The theme is Come Holy Spirit “He will guide you to all truth” John 16:13. Select one of three options for attendance: stay the entire weekend in the serenity of this place, or commute daily from your home, or come just for the day on Saturday. Prices vary accordingly, and scholarships may be available. For information, please contact Holy Cross Church office.

 Hymns: (See our Church’s website for Audio Recordings: holycrossmelkite.org/Melkite-hymns)

   Troparion of the Resurrection (Tone 1). “After the stone was sealed by the Jews and the while the soldiers were watching Your spotless body, You rose, O Savior, on the third day, giving life to the world. Wherefore, the heavenly powers cried out to you, O Giver of life: “Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ!  Glory to Your kingdom! Glory to Your economy, O You who alone are the lover of mankind!”  

   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 the Dormition (Tone 2). Neither death nor the tomb could hold the Mother of God, our watchful Protectress and our unfailing hope. Since she is the Mother of Life. Christ who dwelt in her ever-virginal womb lifted her up to the eternal life.

 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4:9-16. Tamer Kashou will read this Sunday’s Epistle. If you would like to read the Epistle please contact the office.

Gospel: Matthew 17:14-23. Full reading below.

Today’s Divine Liturgy is celebrated for the repose of the souls of:

   Renato Cruz (August 7, 2019), Most Reverend John Adel Elya B.S.O. (July 19, 2019), Father Michael Hull (July 10, 2019), George (Jeries) Hanna (July 5, 2019), Joseph Atrash (July 4, 2019) Habib Saad (2004).

the health, safety, and salvation of:

   Dhannielle Beclay, Inaam Bottomley, Joseph & Zelia Chammas, Floyd Genadry, Kevork Kaloustian, Odette Kateb, Finnegan O'Leary Jones, Nadia Najm, Amira Qseisieh, Nohad Sabbagh, Marie Semaan, Florence Shaib, Rose Ann Hammond, Helen Lum, Fuad and Fawze Lutfi, Mariam, Najib, Father Larry Tumminelli.

   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:

“For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.  [16] I urge you, then, be imitators of me” (1 Corinthians 4:15-16).
“Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you’ ” (Matthew 17:20).

 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 September 15 (new date), at Saint Kilian’s. 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (off Marguerite Parkway).
  2019 dates: 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, September 1, 2019. 12:30 p.m. B.B.Q. & Pool Party at the Sabbagh Residence.
   -Thursday, September 12, 2019. 7:00 p.m. Trivia Night at Kelly’s Korner Tavern (907 E Yorba Linda Blvd, Placentia, CA 92870).

   -Sunday, October 6, 2019. 1:00 p.m. Kayaking. Kayaks on the Water (5411 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803).

   -Thursday, October 24, 2019. 7:30 p.m. Potluck and Movie Night at Holy Cross Church (451 W. Madison Ave., Placenita, CA 92870).

 Isaiah House Women’s Shelter Volunteer Opportunity. Next date: Saturday, August 31, 2019. Holy Cross Church prepares and serves a meal for the women at Isaiah House (316 South Cypress Avenue, Santa Ana) 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 (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, August 31, Sunday, September 29, Saturday, October 26, Saturday, November 23, and Sunday, December 29.

 Saint Luke Coptic Orthodox Christian Academy. Fall Registration is now available. STEAM-Focused and Christ-Centered, Daycare, Preschool, and Kindergarten. Tours Available. Early Bird special $100 off registration. 5401 Fairmont Blvd., Yorba Linda, CA.

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 walker please contact the office for more details.

 Thank you for your ongoing generous donations:

   -Wednesday August 14. Building fund deposit: $5,285.

   -Sunday, August 11 collection: $1850 in 37 envelopes (average of $50 per envelope) + $153

    cash + $114 candles = $2,117.

   -Sunday August 11. Mission Viejo Divine Liturgy: $554.

   -Friday, August 9. Building fund deposit: $890.

   -Sunday, August 4 collection: $2,301 in 37 envelopes (average of $62 per envelope) + $306

    cash + $200 Baptismal donation = $2,810.

   -Wednesday, July 31. Building fund deposit: $1,400.

   -Sunday, July 28 collection: $1,548 in 32 envelopes (average of $48 per envelope) +

     $195 cash + $105 candles + $20 bookstore = $1,868.

   -Wednesday, July 24. Building fund deposit: $1,225.

   -Sunday, July 21 collection: $1,731 in 44 envelopes (average of $39 per envelope) + $381 cash

   + $157 candles = $2,269.

   -Sunday, July 21. Mission Viejo Divine Liturgy collection: $874.

   -Wednesday, July 17. Building fund deposit: $400.

   -Sunday, July 14 collection: $1,400 in 35 envelopes (average of $40 per envelope) + $137 cash

   + $87 candles = $1,624.  

 Total deposits in the past four months: April: $33,756, May: $22,573, June: $27,964, July: $19,749, August: $15,204.

 Sample Holy Cross Church Expenses: 

   $318.03 paid on August 13, 2019 General Wax and Candle.

   $50.54 paid on August 13, 2019 Sparkletts.

   $132.00 paid on August 6, 2019 Christopherson Fire Protection.

   $360.00 paid on July 30, 2019 for church cleaning services.

   $200.00 paid on July 30, 2019 gardening services.

   $400.00 paid on July 26, 2019 Orange County Fire permit.

   $619.88 paid on July 26, 2019 San Antonio Winery for communion wine.

   $31.83 paid on July 9, 2019 for So Cal Gas.

   $447.35 paid on July 8, 2019 for So Cal Edison Electricity.

  Calendar:

Saturday, August 17.

   No Confessions today.

   5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, August 18.

   9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).

   9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.

   11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy. Hymns led by the Holy Cross Church Children’s choir.

   12:15 p.m. Children’s Summer Hymn Camp Concert in the Church.  

   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 the youth room. Adult members of Holy 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. For further information please contact the office.

 Wednesday, August 21.

   2:00-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

 Thursday, August 22.

   2:00-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

 Friday, August 23.

   3:30-9:00 p.m. House blessings. 

 Saturday, August 24.

   1:00 p.m. Baptism, Chrismation, and Eucharist for Nadine Randy Jreisat, daughter of Randy & Sara Jreisat. Congratulations.

   3:00 pm. Baptism, Chrismation, and Eucharist for Stella Aida Saullo, daughter of Joseph & Nancy Saullo. Congratulations.

   4:30 p.m. Confession.

   5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, August 25.
   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.

   3:00-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

 Friday, August 30.

   2:00-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Saturday, August 31.
If you would like to sponsor or volunteer for this event, please contact the Church office.

   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.

   5:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy in Arabic.

 Sunday, September 1.

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.

   12:30 p.m. Young Adults Group for ages 21-35. B.B.Q. & Pool Party at the Sabbagh Residence.

Wednesday, September 4.

   3:00-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

 Thursday, September 5.

   2:00-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

 Saturday, September 7.

   9:00 a.m. Holy Cross Church in collaboration with St. Martin de Porres Pro-Life ministry. Join your friends in Christ as we pray the rosary in front of Planned Parenthood to end abortion. Rosary begins at 9:00 am. We meet at 700 S. Tustin Ave in Orange. For further information, please contact the office. We look forward to the day when our powerful prayers will close the doors of Planned Parenthood.

 Saturday, September 7 (12:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m) and Sunday, September 8 (1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church Festival. Invite your family and friends.

 Sunday, September 8.

   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. Fourtieth Day memorial for Bishop John A. Elya.

   1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church Festival.

 Thursday, September 12.

   7:00 p.m. Young Adults Group for ages 21-35: Trivia Night at Kelly’s Korner Tavern (907 E Yorba Linda Blvd, Placentia, CA 92870).

 Friday, September 13.

   7:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy and Life Giving Cross.

 Sunday, September 15

   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.

   12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. First day for our Eastern Christian Formation/Sunday School for children in kindergarten to grade 8.

   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.

Readings for Sunday, August 18, 2019.

Prokimenon (Tone 1)

May your kindness, 0 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 (4:9-16).

BRETHREN, I think God has set forth us the apostles last of all, as men doomed to death, so that we would become a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, but we are without honor! To this very hour, we hunger and thirst, and we are naked and buffeted and have no fixed home. And we labor, working with our own hands. We are reviled and we bless, we are persecuted and we bear with it, we are maligned and we console; we have become as the refuse of this world, the scum of all until this present time. I write these things, not to put you to shame, but to admonish you as my dearest children. For although you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, you have not many fathers. Therefore, I beg you, be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

 ALLELUIA (Tone 1)

O God, you granted me retribution and made peoples subject to me and saved me from my raging enemies.

 Stichon: Therefore I will proewclaim you, o Lord, among the nations, and I will sing praise to your name.

 The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew the Evangelist 17:14-23.

At that time a man approached Jesus, and threw himself on his knees before him, saying, “Lord, have pity on my son, for he is a lunatic, and suffers severely; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.” Jesus answered and said, “O unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to me.” And Jesus rebuked him; and the devil went out of him, and from that moment the boy was cured. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, “Why could we not cast it out?” He said to them, “Because of your little faith; for amen I say to you, if you have faith like a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here,’ and it will move. And nothing will be impossible to you. But this kind can only be cast out by prayer and fasting.” Now while they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill him: and on the third day he will rise again.”

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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.

Administrative Assistant: Desi Ortiz.

Parish Hall Rentals: Hala Nakhoul (714) 920-6180.

Choir Directors: Epistl 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: August 3, August 31, October 5, November 2, November 30.

 ENGLISH DIVINE LITURGY: 11:00 a.m. First Sunday of the month. In 2019: 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.