2019-04-21-bulletin-for-sunday
Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church Bulletin. April 21, 2019.
The Glorious and Holy Easter Sunday. Glorious Resurrection of our Lord.
The Hebrew Passover (Pascha, Pesach) was instituted to commemorate the deliverance of the people of Israel the night before their departure from Egypt. The angel of God destroyed the first-born of the Egyptians, but “passed over’ the houses of the Israelites. By God’s command, communicated by Moses, each Hebrew family was to slay a lamb without blemish and sprinkle its blood on the door frame. The lamb was to be roasted in the evening. No bones were to be broken and it was to be eaten with unleavened bread. The same rite was to be repeated every year in a solemn ceremony on the eve of the feast, as it is still being done by Jewish people everywhere. Jesus observed the Passover on the night before he died.
There is a significant link between the Christian Pascha (Easter) and the Jewish Passover Day. The Jewish custom is also symbolic of Christ “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John, 1:29). Hence the name and signification of the Hebrew Pasch was devoutly accepted and used by the Church. On this glorious and holy day, the whole Church celebrates with joy the final triumph and life-giving resurrection of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ. After the long period of darkness brought about by original sin, after the seemingly endless expectations of the prophets, after the glad tidings of the nativity that came to pass when the time had come, after the thirty hidden years and the three years of public life, after the frightful passion which had seemed to be the end of all hope, and after two days in the depth of the tomb, behold: CHRIST IS RISEN! Indeed, indeed, He is risen, and all is true, every promise of God has been fulfilled: the Saviour has come, the Lamb of God has been Sacrificed to take away the sins of the world, and supremely triumphant in his apparent defeat, He has crushed death by his death and restored everlasting life through his resurrection! The time of weeping is over and now is the time for joy! Now that we have been cleansed by the passion of Christ, now that we have repented and atoned for our sins during a Christ-like kiss of peace, confirming our love towards all, celebrating the end of the enmity between God and man, proving our reconciliation through Christ. Easter is truly for us the Passover: for Christ, through his passion and resurrection, made us return from the curse of Adam and the bondage of Satan to the state of Children of God.
The day after the Sabbath, which is the Sunday, was called by the Hebrews “the First Day.” In the early Church, Sunday was dedicated to the resurrection and glorification of the Lord. It was called in Greek, “kyriake” and prescribed to be a holy day and a day of rest. Thus did the first day of the Hebrew week become Sunday, the Day of the Risen Lord.
The Symbolism of Easter Eggs. Easter eggs are dyed red by boiling them with onion skins. Red represents the blood of Christ that was shed on the Cross. The hard unbroken shell of the egg is a symbol of the sealed tomb of our Lord Jesus Christ because while dormant it contains a new life sealed within it and when cracked reminds us of the new life of the Risen Christ that emerges from the tomb on Easter Sunday. When we crack the eggs we remember that Jesus shattered the gates of hell by His resurrection. If we are cracking the eggs with someone else, the winner proclaims “Christ is Risen” and the one holding the broken egg says “He is truly Risen.” This fun tradition, as a game is a symbol of resurrection and new life. We end our fast after the Paschal Vigil on Saturday evening, not during the day on Saturday.
April 21. Commemoration of our Holy Hieromartyr Janarius and his companion and of the Holy Hieromartyr Theodore of Pergia. Janarius and his companion were martyred under Emperor Diocletian at the beginning of the fourth century. His remains are venerated in Naples, Italy.
Jesus said “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die’ ” (John 11:26). The Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church Community offer our condolences to the family of the servant of God, Ziad Lutfi who was born on December 16, 1952 in Zarka, Jordan and reposed in the Lord on April 9, 2019 in Whitter, California. We extend our condolences to the entire family and in particular his children Jamil and Maurice and his siblings Suad and George.
The Melkite funeral service will be on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at Sky Rose Chapel at Rose Hills Memorial Park (3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier California 90601). A mercy meal will follow at Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church (451 West Madison Avenue. Placentia, CA 92870-4537). May his memory be eternal.
Thank you to all those who donated and purchased items at our Palm Sunday Bake Sale which raised $3,114.
Thank you to all those who supported the Holy Land special collection. We collected $1,635 which will all be sent to support the churches and shrines of the Holy Land.
Pots, Plants, and landscape rocks. We are regularly improving the look of the Church grounds. Within the last two years we planted over 150 plants, flowers, and succulents. As we prepare for Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Pascha, instead of purchasing flowers that wilt within a few days, consider donating an amount of your choice for us to purchase plants and pots that are consistent with the overall landscaping and parish design. Thank you for your many blessings.
Donation possibilities:
-You may donate Lowe’s, Home Depot, or Walmart gift cards for us to purchase flowers, plants, needed items, or miscellaneous supplies for the Church.
-On April 5, 2019 we purchased altar wine for the Divine Liturgy for $522. If you would like to sponsor this amount please contact us.
Thank you for the following recent donations:
Thank you to all those who donated $705 for Holy Week Flowers.
April 8 & 10, 2019. $442.01 full donation for plants, flowers, planters, garden soil, and gardening supplies from Walmart and Hope Depot.
-March 31, 2019. $250 donation in memory of Edmond Goubran, for the Sunday after Easter Parish luncheon.
-March 31, 2019. $200.00 donation to purchase plants.
-March 30, 2019. $2073.77 donation from two families to purchase wood, materials, and equipment rentals for the courtyard pergolas.
-March 20, 2019. Donation of many miscellaneous maintenance items from La Purisima Roman Catholic Church in Orange.
-March 16, 2019. Full donation of 2 tractor rentals and labor to clear the overgrown weeds in back lot and level the area.
-March 15, 2019. $1050.00 full donation for 6 outdoor picnic tables.
-March 14, 2019. $100.00 donation to purchase plants.
-March 13, 2019. $673.92 full donation for printing of new service books and envelopes.
-March 12, 2019. $1537.20 full donation for a new Canon XA30 high definition video camera, equipment, and installation.
-March 6, 2019. $769.44 full donation for plants, planters, paint, and renovation items purchased from Lowe’s.
-March 6, 2019. $558.38 full donation for wood planks and materials for new shelving in storage room.
We are very grateful for everyone’s continued generosity and support in many ways.
You may subscribe and view Father François Beyrouti’s weekly homilies on: YouTube.com/MelkiteTV
To get weekly notifications join our parish mailing list or subscribe to YouTube.com/MelkiteTV and YouTube.com/HolyCrossMelkite
If you would like to receive the emailed weekly parish bulletin or homily please sign up on our website or contact the office. To read and past homilies and bulletins visit: HolyCrossMelkite.org or YouTube.com/MelkiteTV
-“Spiritual Discipline.” April 14, 2019 (Palm Sunday) homily by Father Francois Beyrouti.
-“Burning Hearts.” April 7, 2019 (5th Sunday of the Fast) homily by Father Francois Beyrouti.
-“From Stage to Stage.” March 31, 2019 (4th Sunday of the Fast) homily by Father Francois Beyrouti.
-“Perposterous.” March 17, 2019 (2nd Sunday of the Fast) homily by Father Francois Beyrouti.
Hymns: (See our Church’s website for Audio Recordings: holycrossmelkite.org/Melkite-hymns)
Troparion of Pascha (Tone 5) (Three Times). Christ is risen from the dead and by His death He has trampled upon death; and has given life to those who were in the tomb.
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.
Hipacoi of Pascha (Tone 4). Mary and her companions went forth before dawn. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb and heard the angel say, “Why do you seek Him as a man among the dead, when He is in eternal splendor? Behold, the shroud is laid aside. Hasten and proclaim to the world that the Lord is risen and has put Death to death, for He is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind.
Kondakion of Pascha (Tone 2 or 8). Though You went down in the tomb, O immortal One, You overthrew the power of Hades and rose victorious, O Christ God. You greeted the ointment bearing women, saying “Rejoice!” You gave peace to Your apostles, and to those who had Fallen resurrection.
Epistle: Acts of the Apostles 1:1-9. Full reading below. If you would like to read the Epistle please contact the office.
Gospel: John 1:1-17. Full reading below.
Today’s Divine Liturgy is celebrated for the repose of the souls of:
Salwa George Estephan (April 4, 2019), Filip Vink (March 22, 2019), Amaal Sabbagh (March 21, 2019), Gus Christopoulos (March 6, 2019), Issa Ibrahim Eid (March 2, 2019), Nada Nesheiwat (March 2, 2019), Manuel Gonzales (March 1, 2019), Hans Van Nas (April 28, 2017), Naim Ibrahim Mady (March 16, 2016), Ibrahim Doura (August 8, 2012) and Wadih Nassar (November 25, 2008), Nas Van Nas (October 11, 2001), Fadwa & Jameel Dababneh, Victoria Dababneh, William Shweehat, Suhail Dababneh, Wedad & Elias Nesheiwat, Asfour & Haddad, Issa Salem Nesheiwat, Nada Nesheiwat, Ibrahim Haddad, Shihadeh & Mary Kashou, Odette, George, Margaret & Angel Kashou, Fouad & Zahweh Kassis Kashou & Kassis Family.
the health, safety, and salvation of:
Raji Abou Saada, Rosalia Arroyo, Jacob & Hiam Dababneh, Djanji Family, Joseph Estephan, Floyd Genadry, George Hourani, Noha Jarjoura, Rose Marie Koury, Father Romanos Russo, Said Saghbini, Nicholas Saikaly, Bassem Sidhom, Marie Semaan, Sabat Semaan, Florence Shaib, Fr. Dan Wilder, baby Isaac.
For vocations to the priesthood, monastic life, and lay parish ministries.
For peace in Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and all the troubled regions around the world.
Scripture Memory:
“To them he presented himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days, and speaking of the kingdom of God. [4] And while staying with them he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, ‘you heard from me, [5] for John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit’ ” (Acts 1:3-5).
“The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. [10] He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. [11] He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. [12] But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; [13] who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:9-13).
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 May 12, 2019, at Saint Kilian’s. 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (off Marguerite Parkway).
2019 dates: May 12, June 9, July 21, August 11, September 15, 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).
Sunday, May 5, 2019. 12:15 p.m. College Ministry: Planning meeting for May-August events.
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, May 5, 2019. 12:30 p.m. Lunch and Kayaking after church in Long Beach. (5411 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803).
Thursday, May 16, 2019. 7:00 p.m. Theology movie, discussion, and potluck at Holy Cross Church.
Sunday, June 2, 2019. 12:30 p.m. B.B.Q. and Pool Party. Location: TBD.
Eastern Christian Formation (Sunday School) program for all children in Kindergarten to grade 8 is after the Sunday Divine Liturgy.
Isaiah House Women’s Shelter next date: Saturday, April 27, 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. This week’s schedule: 5:00 p.m. Meet at Isaiah House, Set up, serve meals, visit with the women, and clean up. 2019 dates: 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.
A disabled elderly lady who lives in La Habra is in great need of help with light housework/organizing and laundry. She needs assistance once a week, for a few hours. Call Bea (714) 914-9577 for further compensation and job details.
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 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:
-Wednesday, April 4 building fund deposit: $1,800.
-Saturday, April 6 collection: $205 in 6 envelopes (average of $34 per envelope) + $67 cash = $272.
-Sunday, April 7 collection: $1,876 in 31 envelopes (average of $61 per envelope) + $140 cash + $155 candles = $2,171.
-Sunday, April 7 First Sunday of the month building fund collection: $2,350 in 24 envelopes (average of $98 per envelope).
-Sunday, April 7 Mission Viejo collection: $235 in 6 envelopes (average of $47 per envelope) + $45 cash = $280
-Wednesday, April 10 build fund deposit: $5,330.
-Sunday, April 14 collection: $10,457 in 94 envelopes (average of $111 per envelope) + $1,170 cash + $163 candles + $705 donation for flowers = $12,495.
Total deposits in the past four months: January: $24,729, February: $20,291, March: $21,132, April: $22,348.
Sample Holy Cross Church Expenses:
$9,373 paid on April 15, 2019 for annual Church insurance.
$400 paid on April 15, 2019 to Scotty’s Flowers for Holy Friday Flowers.
$2,203.55 paid on April 9, 2019 to HD Supply for black plastic sheets to cover back lot to prepare for base and gravel cover.
$89.90 paid on April 9, 2019 for So Cal Gas Company.
$316.76 paid on April 9, 2019 for OSV envelope services.
$543.90 paid on April 8, 2019 for So Cal Edison Electricity.
$118.63 paid on April 1, 2019 for printer lease and services.
$37.46 paid on March 26, 2019 to Sparkletts for drinking water.
$139.75 paid on March 26, 2019 for sanitary supplies.
$3,872.50 paid on March 26, 2019 for tent, chair, stage, and lighting rental.
$75.27 paid on March 26, 2019 for photocopy fees.
$171.94 paid on March 21, 2019 for Republic Trash services.
$244.09 paid on March 19, 2019 to General Wax and Candle Supplies for Church candles.
$1,045.53 paid on March 12, 2019 to Ultimate Dumpsters for weeds and overgrown grass on back lot.
$1,086.37 paid on March 11, 2019 to General Wax and Candle Supplies for Church candles.
Calendar:
Thursday, April 18. Great and Holy Thursday.
11:00 a.m. The Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great. Institution of the Holy Eucharist (In the Church).
Matthew 26:26-28. “Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink of it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
12:30 p.m. Please come to help decorate the Tomb of Christ.
7:00 p.m. Washing of the Feet, Passion Gospels, and Crucifixion Service (In the Church).
John 13:3-5, 12-14. “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, [4] rose from supper, laid aside his garments, and girded himself with a towel. [5] Then he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded. … [12] When he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and resumed his place, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? [13] You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. [14] If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.’ ”
Friday, April 19. Great and Holy Friday.
11:00 a.m. Royal Hours, Descent from the Cross, and Burial of Christ (In the Church).
7:00 p.m. Service Of Lamentations (Funeral of Christ / Genaz Al-Maseeh) (In the large covered tent).
Isaiah 53:5. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed.”
Saturday, April 20. Great and Holy Saturday.
11:00 a.m. Blessing of the New Light, Vespers, and Discovery of the Empty Tomb. The Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great (In the Church).
1 Peter 3:18-20. “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit; [19] in which he went and preached to the spirits in prison.”
10:00 p.m. Hajmeh, Resurrection Matins, and Divine Liturgy. Following the Divine Liturgy, we will bless the bread and eggs.
1 Corinthians 15:20-22. “Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.”
Sunday, April 21. Great and Holy Pascha/Easter Sunday. The Feast of The Resurrection of Christ.
9:55 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy of the Holy Resurrection (In the Church). Christ is Risen. Al-Maseeh Qaam.
Saturday, April 27.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Meet at Isaiah House, Set up, serve meals, visit with the women, and clean up.
Sunday, April 28. Thomas Sunday.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
10:00 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy. Special Catholic Home Missions collection. For further information visit: usccb.org
John 20:26-29. “Eight days later, Jesus’s disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ [27] Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.’ [28] Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ [29] Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.’ ”
12:30 p.m. Annual Holy Cross Church post-Easter Parish Luncheon. Kabob and chicken BBQ with drinks. $20.00 for adults and $10 for children. Music, jumpers and an Easter Egg hunt.
Saturday, May 4.
5:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy in Arabic.
Sunday, May 5.
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. Presentation by Deacon Elias Kashou.
12:15-1:30 p.m. Young Adults Group for ages 21-35. Lunch and Kayaking after church in Long Beach. (5411 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803).
12:15 p.m. College Ministry: Planning meeting for May-August events.
Saturday, May 11.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).
Sunday, May 12. Mother's Day.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
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.
Thursday, May 16.
7:00 p.m. Young Adults Group for ages 21-35. Theology movie, discussion and potluck at Holy Cross Church.
Saturday, May 18.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).
Sunday, May 19.
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.
12:00 p.m. Sunday School for children in kindergarten to grade 8. Graduation Day.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Youth Ministry spiritual discussion for all in grades 9-12.
1:30 p.m. Theosis Meeting in Conference Room. Adult members of Cross Church are invited to learn more about their Eastern Byzantine tradition by attending our monthly meetings to discuss how Scripture and Christ’s teachings show us how God became man in order so that man can become God-like. Anyone seeking more information can contact - Mark Bergeron at (714) 307-2196.
Saturday, May 25.
3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Prepare meal in the Holy Cross Hall Kitchen for Isaiah House Catholic Worker’s Women’s shelter.
4:30 p.m. Carpool to Isaiah House (316 South Cypress Avenue, Santa Ana. http://occatholicworker.org).
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Set up, serve meals, visit with the women, and clean up.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).
Sunday, May 26.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Youth Ministry spiritual discussion for all in grades 9-12.
Readings for Sunday, April 21, 2019.
Prokimenon (Tone 8)
This is the day the Lord has made: let us be glad and rejoice in it!
Stichon: Give praise to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.
A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles (1:1-9).
In the preceding book, Theophilus, I was concerned with everything Jesus did and taught from the beginning, until the day he was taken up, after giving commandments through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. To them also he showed himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about God’s kingdom. And while eating with them, he told them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise, “of which you have heard,” he said, “by my mouth. For while John baptized with water, you shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit within a few days.”
Now, those gathered there questioned him, asking, “Lord, is it now that you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” But he answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or the proper moments the Father has set by his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and even to the very ends of the earth.”
ALLELUIA (Tone 4)
You shall arise and have mercy upon Sion, for the time to pity her, the right time has come.
Stichon: The Lord has looked down from heaven upon all the sons of men.
Gospel of Pascha According to St. John (1:1-17: In The Beginning Was The Word)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God; and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was made nothing that has been made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness; and the darkness grasped it not. There was a man, one sent from God, whose name was John. This man came as a witness, to bear witness concerning the light, that all might believe through him. He was not himself the light, but was to bear witness to the light. It was the true light that enlightens every man who comes into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world knew him not. He came to his own, and his own received him not. But to as many as received him he gave the power of becoming children of God; to those who believe in his name: who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us. And we saw his glory (glory as of the only-begotten of the Father) full of grace and of truth. John bore witness concerning him, and cried, “This was the one of whom I said, ‘He who is to come after me has been set above me, because he was before me.’” And of his fullness we have all received, grace for grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
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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: 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: 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.