Welcome to our guests! Thank you for attending today’s Divine Liturgy. Please register your visit by completing the guest book located on the table in the narthex. We would appreciate getting to meet you, so feel free to join us for refreshments & fellowship in the Cultural Center.

We believe Holy Communion to be a sign that in Christ we have all things in common, share an identical faith, and are united fully to the Orthodox Church. Anyone interested in learning more about our faith is encouraged to speak with one of our clergy. Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves through prayer, fasting, & regular confession are welcome to receive Holy Communion.

ST. NICHOLAS ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

& Second Sunday of Luke OCTOBER 1, 2017

2250 East Paris Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-954-2700 ▪ info@stnicholasgr.com ▪ www.stnicholasgr.com

V. Rev. Fr. Michael Nasser, Pastor 616-216-3537 frmichaeln@gmail.com

V. Rev. Fr. Elias Mitchell, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Archdeacon David Khorey Rev. Deacon Clement Nicoloff Rev. Deacon Justin Adolphson

HYMNS

From the heights Thou didst descend, O compassionate One, and Thou didst submit to the three-day burial, that Thou might deliver us from passion; Thou art our life and our Resurrection, O Lord, glory to Thee.

O holy Apostle Ananias, intercede with our merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

Through thee, the divine likeness was securely preserved, O father Romanos; for thou didst carry the cross and follow Christ. By example and precept thou didst teach us to ignore the body, because it is perishable, and to attend to the concerns of the undying soul. Therefore, doth thy soul rejoice with the angels.

Thy work of justice did show thee to thy congregation a canon of faith, the likeness of humility, a teacher of abstinence, O Father Bishop Nicholas. Wherefore, by humility thou didst achieve exaltation, and by meekness richness. Intercede, therefore, with Christ to save our soul.

O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the Creator most constant, O despise not the suppliant voices of those who have sinned; but be thou quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession, and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.

For the Health & Blessings of Melissa Powell on the occasion of her birthday. God grant you Many Years, Melissa. Offered with love by Mike, Kaye, Rick and Lexy Powell. In memory of the St. Nicholas parishioners who fell asleep in the Lord in the month of October. Lord give comfort to the souls of thy departed servants. Memory Eternal!

EPISTLE

Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them. God is known in Judah; His Name is great in Israel.

The Reading from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (6:16-7:1)

Brethren, we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore, come out from them, and be separate from them,” says the Lord, “and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.

GOSPEL

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (6:31-36)

The Lord said: “As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”

Dear St. Nicholas Family,

Thank you for your prayers, cards and calls following our accident in May. It has been a long road, but by the grace of God we survived a horrific accident and have recovered from our injuries. After many weeks of hospitalization and physical therapy, we are both doing well. We think of you often and are deeply grateful for your concern and friendship.

With love in Christ, George and Vera

10/01/1974 Fedwa Khaleefey 10/01/2002 Mary Wawee 10/01/2004 Alice Bendekgey 10/02/1985 Mary David 10/02/2008 Eugenie Dudkin 10/03/1993 James Maloley 10/05/2012 Margaret Abraham 10/05/2015 Rosemary Sears 10/06/2011 Virginia Bander

10/09/1968 Salem Bashara 10/13/1996 James McAllister 10/15/1994 Walter Kitolski 10/22/1988 Oscar Sears 10/25/1964 Rose Joseph 10/27/1972 Lilly Sickrey 10/28/1963 Nazera Sayfee 10/29/1959 Leo Derwich

DEPARTED PARISHIONERS IN THE MONTH OF OCTOBER

Jamil Karadsheh Margaret Khorey

Victims of the continued conflicts in the Middle East

DEPARTED:

Vera Mijatovic George Fine Louise Whalen Janice Russell

Linda McDonald Audrey Nicoloff Linda Zainia Ralph Thomas

Bujorica Popovici Amanda Sutton David Corey

LIVING:

Our Middle Eastern Dinner all-parish fundraiser is this week Thursday from 4:30-7:30 PM. All unsold tickets and money collected must be turned in today! Please see Melissa Powell at the Ticket Table outside The Cultural Center after church. We need an accurate count to ensure a successful dinner. Please refer to the work schedule for both the Preparation Day and Dinner Day to see the times that you have committed to work.

Our fall series of Family Night Dinner and Bible Studies has begun. Our adults will be studying the Gospel of Matthew and our teens will be studying the Acts of the Apostles.

There is no Dinner/Bible Study this week; it will resume next week. Dinner starts at 6:00 PM with Bible Study following at 7:00 PM. All are welcome!

We are still in need of volunteers to supervise our young children, If you are able to assist or would like further information, please contact the Church office.

Our fall Introduction to Orthodoxy class will begin soon. This class is for new inquirers or long-time members looking to refresh their understanding and appreciation of our Orthodox Christian Faith.

For anyone interested in reading the Epistle, there will be a meeting following the Divine Liturgy today. Please meet in the front pew on the right side of the church by the chanter’s stand. A second meeting will be held on October 15 for those unable to attend on the first meeting.

The meeting is mandatory for all of those interested in reading the Epistle who have not read in the last year. If you have read in the last year, please either attend one of the meetings or advise Nick Ayoub whether you would like to continue to read.

In the Antiochian tradition, the faithful laity may read the Epistle. There are no formal perquisites or qualifications except the general ability to read and speak clearly . All are encouraged to participate as Epistle Readers.

While our Byzantine liturgical tradition favors the practice of chanting the Epistle in a particular style and tone (what is known as “Kliton”), this is not a requirement in modern parish practice (and proper plain reading is always preferred to improper chanting). Nonetheless, those who have the ability and desire to learn to chant the Epistle are encouraged to do so and should see Nick Ayoub. Anyone wishing to chant the Epistle, rather than read it, must ultimately receive a special blessing from Fr. Michael.

Our next Mom & Kids morning will be held at Robinette's Orchard on Tuesday at 9:30 AM. Our next Mom’s Night out will be held on Monday, October 9 at St. Nicholas. The theme is Cooking/Baking. You will not want to miss this event! Contact Elizabeth Ayoub if you have questions.

Any parishioner who would like to be trained in Heartsaver CPR/AED is encouraged to register for one of the following training sessions being held at St. Nicholas on Thursday, October 19: 2-5 PM or 6-9 PM. Call Anne Medich to register.

All those caring for loved ones at home, in assisted living, or in the hospital are invited to a monthly support group. RSVP to Anne Medich.

We are updating our list of St. Nicholas parishioners who are licensed medical personnel (medical professionals, American Red Cross Certifications, etc.). This updated list will be critical in times of medical emergencies. Please contact Anne Medich to verify that your name is on this list and that your information is correct.

Sunday, October 15 is the last day orders will be accepted for those wishing to order the book Icon. Our Bookstore is selling the book for $15. You can order your copy in one of two ways. 1. Complete an order envelope, which can be found on the Parishioners' table in the Narthex, enclose your payment and drop the envelope in the Plexiglas box, or 2. Stop by the Bookstore to order the book with your credit card.

The book club will meet on Tuesday evening, November 14, to discuss the book Icon over a pot-luck supper. The pot-luck supper will start at 5:30 PM. Bring your favorite dish to share. Sunday, October 15 is the last day to order the book from our bookstore.

With the busyness of life, it can be hard to find rest and be at peace. We will reflect and practice finding rest in God and accept Christ's invitation to find rest in Him during our retreat being held on Saturday, October 28 at the beautiful Grand Ravines Lodge in Jenison. Please see Marion Lambert for additional information.

Rehearsals to prepare for the upcoming Sounds of the Season concert are held every Thursday at 6:30PM. Please note that this week’s rehearsal will be held on Tuesday at 6:30 PM.

This year's Midwest Diocese Fall Gathering October 12-15 is being hosted by our sister parish St. George. Flyers are available on the Parishioners’ table in the Narthex.

Want to learn more about how to raise an Orthodox Christian family? Join us for Winter Family Camp at the Antiochian Village January 12-15, 2018. Registration is now open. Space is limited to the first 20 families, so please send in your registration form and deposit ASAP! Please contact chris@avcamp.org for further information or questions.

The 3rd Annual St. Nicholas vs. St. George softball game was a HOT one! St. George took the early lead and never looked back, winning the game 15-5. Thanks to all who played, watched, or sang the National Anthem. We'll see you all again next year!

Are you a friendly, caring person willing to become involved in our Hospitality Ministry? We are looking for people willing to assist with easy, non-strenuous set-ups for funerals, groups who schedule a visit, and other such events. If you are interested or would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact Keith McAdams.

In May, we had the ornamental painting (known as “banding”) of the columns installed. Our iconography team is back and ready to install the ornamental painting that will follow underneath the beige molding on the north and south walls. When you come for worship next week, you will see this beautiful work.

Thank you to Joe David & Nick Nicola who arranged for the scaffolding installation; to Grant Medich who will be working with the iconography team; to the generous donors who “love the beauty of Thy House”; and to those who joyously give of their time, talents, & treasures so that our Orthodox Faith can continue to be proclaimed!

October 30-31, 2017

The Christian Church is poised to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. As the Church looks back on this historic event, it is important that we look at the positive results as well as the unintended outcomes that have occurred. St. Nicholas will mark the occasion by hosting a Conference to engage in dialogue within our Christian community with a view toward greater interaction and development of respectful relationships. Our own Bishop Anthony will be the Keynote Speaker on Monday, October 30, followed by leaders from other Christian churches on Tuesday, October 31. All are encouraged come and invite others to join us!

Tuesday, October 3 * O.K. Mama! Kid’s Morning (9:30 AM) * Baklawa Packaging & Kitchen Preparation (10 AM) * Choir Concert Rehearsal (6:30 PM)

Wednesday, October 4 * Middle Eastern Dinner Preparation (All Day) * Sixth Hour Prayer (Noon)

* No Family Night

Thursday, October 5

* Middle Eastern Dinner (4:30-7:30 PM)

Saturday, October 7 * Great Vespers (6 PM)

Sunday, October 8 * Matins & Orthodox Education (8:50 AM) * Divine Liturgy (10 AM)

* Parish Council meeting (12:30 PM)

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITIES

COFFEE HOUR HOSTS

This Week: Mark Sielaff & Nancy O’Meara

Next Week: Eileen Adolphson & Evie Phillippi And Families

2020: VISION TO REALITY UPDATE

The committee is still in the process of meeting with St. Nicholas families. At this time, here is what has been contributed toward our $1.6 million goal: Percentage of the Goal Pledged: 34% Total Commitments Pledged: over $551,000 Interesting facts about the money pledged to date:

21 St. Nicholas families or individual parishioners have pledged $551.000 The amounts pledged range from $20 to six figures over 3 years The age of donors ranges from 11 years old to retirement age. One pledge has been received from a non-parishioner.

When you are contacted, please do what you can. We want ALL parishioners to par-ticipate in this historic project. NOTE: Please write a separate check for all 2020: Vision to Reality donations.

Thursday, October 5 from 4:30-7:30 PM is our Middle Eastern Dinner all-parish fundraiser.

Baking Days:

Saturday, September 30 Meatball Baking (8:30 AM) Tuesday, October 3 Baklawa Packaging (10:00 AM) Wednesday, October 4 Wash Vegetables (10:00 AM) Portion Hummus (1:00 PM) Cut Bread (1:00 PM) Cut Vegetables (6:00 PM) Wash Floors (7:30 PM)

Advertisement/Posters:

Please advertise our dinner by placing flyers in your place of business, on your community center bulletin board, and in any other location that would be appropriate. Contact Beth Rinvelt to let her know how many flyers you need. Also, be certain to “like” the dinner on our St. Nicholas Facebook Page!

Tickets:

We need everyone in the parish to sell dinner tickets to your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. Please stop by the Ticket Table outside The Cultural Center to pick-up tickets to sell.

All sold ticket/ticket money needs to be submitted to Melissa Powell at the Middle Eastern Dinner Ticket table outside the Cultural Center. We need to get a clear idea of how many dinners have been sold so far. KEEP SELLING! If you have any questions regarding tickets, contact Melissa directly: powellm09@gmail.com.

Take-Out Dinners can be purchased on our St. Nicholas website: https://stnicholasgr.com/middle-eastern-dinner/

Don’t miss out on the fellowship, fun, and laughter of working together!

DINNER REMINDERS

All workers need to purchase a ticket for their dinners

Please report to your stations at your assigned times (If you are unsure of your start time, see Wendie Bander.)

Follow the instructions of your committee/group leader