St. Ge o rge An tio ch ian Ortho do x

Chris tian Church

Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!

Se rvin g the Ortho do x Chris tian Co m m un ity o f Gre ate r Cle ve lan d

Bread of Oblation

is offered for the health, safety & spiritual welfare of Malek Saliba and Josehine Nehme and for the repose of the soul & in memory of Mariam Saliba by the Elias Saliba family.

Bread of Oblation is also offered for the health, safety, & spiritual welfare of Rita Chaccour by Fady & Tamara Jo Chaccour and of the Chaccour & Hachem Families by Fady, Rita & Tamara Jo Chaccour and is also offered for the repose of the soul and in memory of Youssef Chaccour, Georges Hachem & Adma Chaccour by Fady, Rita & family . Bread of Oblation

is also offered for the health, safety & spiritual welfare of the children & grandchildren of Yacoub & Nuha Karsheh and for the repose of the soul and in memory of Naeem, Asma, Anitta & Andreia Kahoush by Yacoub & Nuha Karsheh

Bread of Oblation

is also offered for the health, safety & spiritual welfare of Ghassan, Ghada, Gina, Giovanni, Eugenie, Camil, Laurice, Eliane, Marwan, Jihane & family by Ghassan & Ghada Karim

Bread of Oblation

is also offered for the repose of the soul & in memory of Jack Saah & Nicola Y. Zaboura by Rana Zaboura.

Bread of Oblation

is also offered for the health, safety & spiritual welfare of Laurice & Greg Buck, Peter & Laura Ameen & family, Sub Deacon George & Christine Simon & family, Carrie Nickolas & Elaine Froumis by Mary Ameen and for the repose of the soul & in memory of Wadia Ameen, Halim & Lorice Ameen & John & Efrosiny Nickolas by Mary Ameen

St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church 2587 West 14th Street Cleveland, OH 44113-4408

216-781-9020 office@stgeorgecleveland.com

Metropolitan Arch-Bishop PHILIP SALIBA, Primate Bishop MARK, Auxiliary Bishop, Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest

Very Rev. Fr. John Ojaimi, Pastor Home: (440) 846-1590 Cellular: (440) 665 6724 frjojaimi@msn.com

Rev. Archdeacon Yarid Sahley Sub-Deacons: Sam Elias, & Labib El-Bardawil

Website: stgeorgecleveland.com

Great and Holy Pasch (Easter)

Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!

We welcome our visitors and guests! Please let us know who you are! While only Orthodox Christians prepared through confession & fasting may come for Holy Communion, everyone is welcome to partake of the Holy Bread after Liturgy.

Maabrouk! Grace Zaarob, daughter of Joseph & Mary Zaarob was Baptized on April 9th . God grant them many years!

Prayers for the Health & Spiritual Welfare of: Houda Abdelkarim, Melissa Blank Aboid, Tommy Amato, Mary Assad, Naissef & Rita Courey, George & Mary Dawed, Dee DeGeorge, Ann Deeb, Emilie Easa, James Eassey, Helena Elias, Sarah Elias, Vera Elias, Norman Fadil, Peter Farage, AnneMarie, Dave & Altair Gann, Minerva Gantose, Leo & Christine George, Peter George, Eddie Haddad, George Haddad, Pauline Hanna, Mary Harami, Ava Harb, Samia Harb, Yasmine Harb, Lauren Ameen Hayek, George Karim, Corrine Khouri, Hanadi Khouri, Julia Kushner, Helen Lambert, Eleanor McKibben, Joyce & Marie Nader, Kaukab Nader, Virginia Nader, Mary Namy, Nijmeh Rafeedie, Paul Saba, Jennie Sadallah, Christopher Fadel-Samuel, George Sarkes, Betty Selby, Alice Shiekh, Alvera Shiekh, Linda Simon, Helen Thomas, Georgine Trombetto, & Asma Zaboura.

Candles are offered for the Health, Safety & Spiritual Welfare of:

My sisters, Teddi & Dolly by Beverly George

Becky Magas by Beverly and Dee

Edward & Evelyn Haddad by their children & grandchildren

Patrice McKibben & family by Eleanor McKibben

Timothy & Heather Williams & family by Eleanor McKibben

Billy & Joey Remic by Eleanor McKibben

Mike Namy & son, Robert by Eleanor McKibben

Sub Deacon George Simon & family by Eleanor McKibben

Jimmy Ameen & family by Louise & Hal Bouhasin

JoAnn & Elie El Makdissi by Louise & Hal Bouhasin

Michael F. Howard by the Michael Howard family

My children & grandchildren by Nijmeh Rafeedie

Candles offered for the Repose of the Servants of God:

Laila Nader by her children and grandchildren & by her Goddaughter, Diane Sahley

Edward Fadel by his wife, Rita & family

Wadia Ameen by his wife Mary & family

Mounir Nader by Hani & Marie Nader & family

Maggie, Edma & Elias Aboumrad by George & Nayla Aboumrad & family

Our mother & father, Fred & Elizabeth George by their family

Eugene, Sr. & Eugene, Jr. McKibben by Eleanor McKibben

Joe & Juanita Remic by Eleanor McKibben

Ray Pasker by Eleanor McKibben

Helen Betor by Jennie Sadallah & Yvonne Kozak UPCOMING DIVINE SERVICES

Saturday, April 25th Vespers @ 5:30 pm Sunday, April 26th Matins@ 9:30am Divine Liturgy @10:30am

Liturgical Page for Sunday, April 19, 2009

Rush Procession – April 18 ,2007 – Saturday Night

Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. (At this time, the Priest does the great censing.) Chanter: Amen. Priest: Glory to thee our God, glory to thee.

(From Easter to Pentecost, O Heavenly King.. and Holy God.. is replaced by: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death; and upon those in the tombs, bestowing life (three times).)

O Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good tidings and Giver of Life: Come, and abide in us, and cleanse us from every stain, and save our souls, O Good One. Chanter: Amen. People: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3 times) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

All Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse us from our sins; Master, pardon our iniquities, Holy God visit and heal our infirmities for thy Name's sake. Lord, have mercy. (3 times) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

THE LORD'S PRAYER

People: Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy Name; thy Kingdom come; thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Priest: For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Lord have mercy (12) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. O come, let us worship and fall down before God our King. O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God. O come, let us worship and fall down before the Very Christ, our King and our God.

RUSH – PASCHA Reader: PSALM 50 (51) Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy great mercy: according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out mine iniquity. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against thee only have I sinned, and done evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified in thy words, and prevail when thou art judged. For behold, I was shapen in iniquity: and in sins did my mother conceive me. For behold, thou hast loved truth: the unclear and hidden things of thy wisdom thou hast made clear to me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness: the bones which thou hast broken shall rejoice. Turn away thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence. and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation: and steady me with a guiding spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways: and the impious shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips: and my mouth shall declare thy praise. For hadst thou desired sacrifice, I would have given it thee: thou delightest not in burnt offerings. Sacrifices to God are a contrite spirit: a contrite and humble heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Do good, O Lord, in thy good will unto Zion: that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offerings: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

Cannon of Great and Holy Friday Tone 6 First Ode-Hermos The children of those who were saved, hid under ground the God who made the persecuting giant of old to disappear in the waves of the sea. As for us, however, let us praise the Lord as did the youths; for in glory hath he been glorified. Glory to thee, Our God, Glory to thee Third Ode-Hermos Verily, creation, having beheld thee suspended on Golgotha, O thou who didst suspend the whole earth on the waters without hinges, was overtaken with great surprise, crying aloud, There is none holy save thee, O Lord. Glory to thee, Our God, Glory to thee Fourth Ode-Hermos Verily, Habakuk, O good One, foresaw thy divine condescension even to the Cross; and was dazzled as he cried, Thou abolishedst the prestige of the mighty, when thou didst appear in hades, since thou art Almighty. Glory to thee, Our God, Glory to thee Fifth Ode-Hermos

When Isaiah, O Christ, saw thy light, that setteth not, the light of thy divine appearance coming to us in pity, he rose up early, crying, The dead shall rise, and they who are in the tombs shall awake, and all those on the earth shall rejoice. Glory to thee, Our God, Glory to thee Sixth Ode-Hermos Verily, Jonah the Prophet was caught but not held in the belly of the whale. But being a sign of thee, O thou who didst suffer and wast delivered to burial, he came out of the whale as out of a chamber, and cried unto the watchmen, In vain do ye watch, O watchmen; for ye have neglected mercy. Glory to thee, Our God, Glory to thee Seventh Ode-Hermos An ineffable wonder! He who saved the righteous youths from the fire of the furnace, hath been placed in the grave, a breathless corpse, for our salvation and deliverance, who sing, Blessed art thou, O delivering God. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Eighth Ode-Hermos Be thou amazed, O heaven, and let the foundations of the earth quake; for behold, he who dwelleth in the highest hath been accounted among the dead, and hath been Guest in a humble tomb. Wherefore, O ye

youths, bless him. Praise him, ye Priests; and ye nations, exalt him more and more unto all the ages. Both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen Ninth Ode-Hermos Mourn not for me, Mother, as thou beholdest me in the grave; for I thy Son, whom thou didst conceive in thy womb without seed, shall rise and shall be glorified. And being God, I will ceaselessly exalt and ennoble those who in faith and longing magnify thee. (The Church is Darkened)

From the Sanctuary: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3 times) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. All Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse us from our sins; Master, pardon our iniquities, Holy God visit and heal our infirmities for thy Name's sake. Lord, have mercy. (3 times) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

THE LORD'S PRAYER

People: Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy Name; thy Kingdom come; thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Priest: For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Resurrectional Apolytikion Tone 2 When thou didst submit Thyself unto death, O Thou deathless and immortal one, then Thou didst destroy Hell with Thy Godly pow’r, and when Thou didst raise the dead from beneath the earth, all the pow’rs of heaven did cry aloud unto Thee O Christ thou giver of life glory to Thee. The Ektenia

Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we pray thee; hearken and have mercy. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (thrice) Priest: Again we pray that he will keep this holy church and this city and ever city and countryside from wrath, famine, plague, earthquake, flood, file, the sword, foreign invasion, civil war and sudden death; that our good God, who loveth mankind, will be gracious, favorable and conciliatory and turn away and dispel all the wrath stirred up against us and all sickness, and may deliver us from his righteous chastisement which impendeth against us, and have mercy on us

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (thrice) Priest: Hear us, O God our Savior, the Hope of all the ends of the earth and of those who are far off upon the sea; and be gracious, O Master, upon our sins, and have mercy on us. For thou art a merciful God and lovest mankind, and unto thee we ascribe glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Priest: Glory to thee, O Christ our God and our Hope, glory to thee. Choir: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy (3 times) Master bless. Dismissal Priest: He who rose again from the dead, Christ our true God, through the intercession of his all-immaculate and all-blameless holy Mother; of (N., patron saint of the church); of the holy and righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna and of all the saints: have mercy on us, and save us, forasmuch as he is good and loveth mankind. Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us, and save us. Reader: Amen. Darken the Church. As the Priest sings, "Come ye, take light from the Light. . ." in Tone 5, he lights a candle from the vigil light on the Altar Table, carries the lighted candle through the Royal Doors, and extends it to the approaching Faithful for them to light their candles. Meanwhile, the Choir repeats: "Come ye, take light from the Light." (Many times)

THE RESURRECTION SERVICE

Priest: Come ye, take light from the Light that is never over taken by night. Come and glorify Christ, risen from the dead. (The Faithful receive the light) Choir: Come ye, take light from the Light that is never over taken by night. Come and glorify Christ, risen from the dead. (many times) (The Priest re-enters the sanctuary through the holy doors and , still holding the Paschal candle in his right hand, takes up the gospel book in his left arm while the choir chants the following resurrectional verse) Tone 6

Choir: Thy resurrection, O Christ our Savior, the angels in heaven sing. Make us also who are on earth to glorify thee with a pure hearts. Procession (Once all are outside) Litany Deacon: And that we may be accounted worthy to hear the Holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord God. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (3 times) Deacon: Wisdom! Attend! Let us hear the Holy Gospel. (The Priest turns to face the people and blesses them, saying:) Priest: Peace be to all. Choir: And to thy Spirit. Priest: The reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Mark

THE GOSPEL: FROM ST. MARK (16:1-8) And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought sweet spices, that coming, they might anoint Jesus. And very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they come to the sepulchre, the sun being no now risen. And they said one to another: Who shall roll us back the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And looking, they saw the stone rolled back. For it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed with a white robe: and they were astonished. Who saith to them: Be not affrighted; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified: He is risen, He is not here, behold the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you in Galilee; there you shall see Him, as He told you. But they going out, fled from the sepulchre. For a trembling and fear had seized them: and they said nothing to any man; for they were afraid. Choir:

Glory to thee, O Lord. Glory to thee. (Making the Sign of the Cross with the Censer, the Priest says:)

ORTHROS

Priest: Glory to the Holy, consubstantial, life-giving and undivided Trinity, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death; and upon those in the tombs, bestowing life (three times) (Refrain) Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death; and upon those in the tombs, bestowing life. Priest: (Verses)

1. Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered: and let them who hate him flee from before his face. (Refrain) 2. As smoke vanisheth, so let them vanish away: as wax melteth before the fire. (Refrain) 3. So do sinners perish from before the face of God; and the righteous be glad. (Refrain) 4. This is the day which the Lord hath made; let us be glad and rejoice therein. (Refrain) 5. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. (Refrain)

Priest: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death; and upon those in the tombs, Choir: bestowing life Litany of Peace (Great Ektenia) ………………

Dialogue with the Door-Keeper: Priest: (Knocks 3 times) Lift up your heads O ye gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may come in." Door-Keeper: Who is the King of Glory? Priest: The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, mighty in battle (Repeat the Dialogue - Twice more) Priest: ) Lift up your heads O ye gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may come in." Door-Keeper: Who is the King of Glory? Priest: The Lord of hosts, He is the King of Glory The doors are opened and the Clergy and Faithful re-enter

Please follow the service in the book of The Services of Great and Holy Week and Pascha stating at page 715 …..

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Priest: "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and to those in the tombs" .. and the Choir completes the hymn: ". . bestowing life." While censing the front of the Holy Table he says: Verse 1: Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered, and let those who hate Him flee from His face. Choir: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and to those in the tombs bestowing life

Moving to the right side of the Holy Table and censing, he says: Verse 2: As smoke vanishes, let them vanish; as wax melts before the fire. Choir: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and to those in the tombs bestowing life Moving to the rear of the Holy Table and censing, he says: Verse 3: So let the sinners perish before God, but let the righteous rejoice. Choir: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and to those in the tombs bestowing life Moving to the left side of the Holy Table and censing, he says: Verse 4: This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Choir: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and to those in the tombs bestowing life Returning to the front of the Holy Table and censing, he says: Priest: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit" Choir: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and to those in the tombs bestowing life Standing in the Holy Doors and censing the icons and people, he says: Priest: "Now, and unto ages of ages. Amen." "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and to those in the tombs" and the Choir completes the hymn: ". . bestowing life."

1st Antiphon

a. Shout with joy to God, all the earth Sing to His name; give glory to His praises Refrain: "Through the intercessions. . . b. Say to God: 'How awesome are thy works' Let all the earth worship Thee, and sing to Thee Refrain: "Through the intercessions..." c. Glory. . ., Now. . ., Refrain: "Through the intercessions..."

2nd Antiphon:

a. May God have mercy upon us, and bless us, and may He cause His face to shine upon us, and have mercy on us Refrain: "Save us, O Son of God who rose from the dead, as we sing to Thee: Alleluia." b. That thy way may be known upon earth, thy salvation among all nations Let the peoples give thanks to Thee, O God, let all the peoples give thanks to Thee Refrain: "Save us, O Son of God who rose from the dead, as we sing to Thee: Alleluia." c. May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear Him Refrain: "Save us, O Son of God who rose from the dead, as we sing to Thee: Alleluia." d. Glory..., Now..., "O only-begotten Son. . .

During the Little Entrance, the Third Antiphon:

Verse 1: Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered, and let those who hate Him flee from His face. Choir: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and to those in the tombs bestowing life Verse 2: As smoke vanishes, let them vanish; as wax melts before the fire. Choir: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and to those in the tombs bestowing life Verse 3: So let the sinners perish before God, but let the righteous rejoice.

Choir: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and to those in the tombs bestowing life Verse 4: This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Choir: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and to those in the tombs bestowing life

Entrance Hymn

In the gathering places bless ye God the Lord from the springs of Israel. O Son of God, who didst rise from the dead, save us, who sing unto Thee. Alleluia.

After the Little Entrance:

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and to those in the tombs bestowing life (3 times)

Hypakoe of Easter in Tone 4:

They who were with Mary came before the dawn, found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher, and heard the angels say unto them, Why seek ye him as man with the dead, who dwells in light eternal? Behold the grave wrappings; make haste and declare to the world that the Lord is risen, and hath caused death to die; for he is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind.

Kontakion of Easter in Tone 8:

Though thou, O deathless One, didst descend into the grave, thou didst destroy the power of hell and, as Victor, thou didst rise again, O Christ our God. Thou didst greet the ointment-bearing women, saying, Rejoice! Thou didst bestow peace upon thy Disciples, and resurrection upon those that are fallen.

Instead of the Trisagion Hymn ("Holy God"): "As many as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia."

Megalynarion:

The angel cried out to the Lady full of grace: O Pure Virgin rejoice and again I say rejoice; behold thy son is risen from his three days in the tomb. O Shine, O Shine, O Shine thou new Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord is dawning upon thee. Exult and be glad O Zion, and O Virgin Theotokos, be radiant in the rising of thy Son.

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn): Receive ye the Body of Christ, and taste ye Him who is an Immortal Fountain. Alleluia. Instead of "We have seen the true light": "Christ is risen. . ." (once) Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and to those in the tombs bestowing life

Instead of "Blessed be the name of the Lord": "Christ is risen" (three times) Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and to those in the tombs bestowing life The prayer of the Blessing of the Eggs and Cheese should be recited here

Dismissal: "He who rose again from the dead, Christ our True God.… Priest: Christ is risen! People: He is risen indeed! (exclamation and response are repeated 3 times) Priest: Let us adore His third-day Resurrection. Amen.

Epistle: Acts: 1:1-8 (Pascha)

This is the day which the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad therein.

The Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles

In the first book, O Theophilos, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. To them he presented himself alive after his passion by any proofs, appearing to them during forty days, and speaking of the kingdom of God. 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, for John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit." So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom of Israel?" He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth."

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Gospel: John 1:1-17 (Pascha)

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 not anything made that was

made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness

has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to

bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness

to the light. The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and

the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own

people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become

children of God; 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 became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as

of the only Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him, and cried, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who

comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.'") And from his fulness have we all received, grace

upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has

ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.

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NOTES:

(a) Our tradition is to leave the Royal door and the other two doors open for the whole time during Bright week until Saturday Vespers for St. Thomas.

(b) There will be no fasting on Wednesday and Friday, not only during Bright week only but until the Feast of the Ascension, for the whole forty days. (This was the decision of the Holy Synod of the Church of Antioch)

(c) If a death occurred in any of our parishes between Easter and Ascension, the funeral service for Bright week should be celebrated and not the regular funeral service.

English: Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! Arabic: Al Maseeh Qam! Haqan Qam! Greek: Kristos Anesti! Alithos Anesti! Russian: Kristos Voskresey! Voyistino Voskresey!

The Dating of The Feast of the Resurrection

This Sunday, Orthodox Christians around the world will be celebrating Easter. Most years, the Feast of

the Resurrection is celebrated between one and five weeks after Easter for Roman Catholics and Protestants.

Occasionally we all celebrate the Feast together. To calculate the date of Easter, Orthodox Christians use

the Julian Calendar (authorized by Julius Caesar in 46 B.C.) and Roman Catholic and Protestants use the

Gregorian Calendar (authorized by Pope Gregory XIII in the late 16th century). The basic formula is as

follows: Roman Catholics and Protestants celebrate Easter on the first Sunday following the full moon

occurring after March 21. Orthodox Christians celebrate the Feast of the Resurrection on the first Sunday

following the full moon occurring after April 3. In addition, for Orthodox Christians, the Jewish Passover

must be completed. While the calendar question is somewhat interesting, what is more beneficial is the

Feast itself.

We tend not to use the term Easter (deriving from the West Germanic name of a pagan spring festival)

but rather the term Resurrection or Pascha (deriving from the Hebrew Pesach meaning passage or Passover).

This is the Passover of the Lord from death to life. So what is the Feast of the Resurrection? It is a

celebration of the destruction of the power of death. It is a celebration of hope and joy. It is the Feast of

Feasts on which every other celebration in the church finds its foundation. The Feast of the Resurrection

cannot be taken in isolation apart from the preparation that precedes it the 47 days of Great Lent and Holy

Week.

For Orthodox Christians, salvation is a process. Rather than using the terminology, “I have been saved,”

we prefer, “we are being saved.” There are two differences here. First, Orthodox see salvation as

communal. Love is expressed to another person therefore Christianity is practiced in community. It can

never be simply a private set of beliefs but rather a way of life. Second, Orthodox Christians see salvation

not as an event but a process. In St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians (2:12), we are called to “work out our

salvation.” When salvation is a process life becomes a pilgrimage. We are therefore pilgrims journeying

toward God and striving to please him. We are called to encourage and support each other on this journey.

We are called to remove all laziness, hopelessness, arrogance, and idle words and acquire the virtues of

patience, purity, humility, and love. We pray that we may see our own sins and refrain from judging others.

This journey, this pilgrimage, is our focus during Great Lent and Holy Week. These preparation days along

with the great Feast of the Resurrection represent our very lives and give us the inspiration to live them as

God calls.

The Great and Holy Feast of Pascha Introduction

On the Great and Holy Feast of Pascha, Orthodox Christians celebrate the life-giving Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This feast of feasts is the most significant day in the life of the Church. It is a celebration of the defeat of death, as neither death itself nor the power of the grave could hold our Savior captive. In this victory that came through the Cross, Christ broke the bondage of sin, and through faith offers us restoration, transformation, and eternal life.

Commemoration of The Great and Holy Feast of Pascha

Holy Week comes to an end at sunset of Great and Holy Saturday, as the Church prepares to celebrate her most ancient and preeminent festival, Pascha, the feast of feasts. The time of preparation will give way to a time of fulfillment. The glorious light emanating from the empty Tomb will dispel the darkness. Christ, risen from the dead, cracks the fortress of death and takes "captivity captive" (Psalm 67:19). All the limitations of our createdness are torn asunder. Death is swallowed up in victory and life is liberated. "For as by a man came death, by a man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive" (I Corinthians 15:21-22). Pascha is the dawn of the new and unending day. The Resurrection constitutes the most radical and decisive deliverance of humankind.

Icon of the Myrrh-Bearing Women

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the fundamental truth and absolute fact of the Christian faith. It is the central experience and essential kerygma of the Church. It confirms the authenticity of Christ's remarkable earthly life and vindicates the truth of His teaching. It seals all His redemptive work: His life, the model of a holy life; His compelling and unique teaching; His extraordinary works; and His awesome, life-creating death. Christ's Resurrection is the guarantee of our salvation. Together with His Ascension it brings to perfection God's union with us for all eternity.

The Resurrection made possible the miracle of the Church, which in every age and generation proclaims and affirms "God's plan for the universe, the ultimate divinization of man and the created order." The profound experience of and the unshakable belief in the risen Lord enabled the Apostles to evangelize the world and empowered the Church to overcome paganism. The Resurrection discloses the indestructible power and inscrutable wisdom of God. It disposes of the illusory myths and belief systems by which people, bereft of divine knowledge, strain to affirm the meaning and purpose of their existence. Christ, risen and glorified, releases humanity from the delusions of idolatry. In Him grave-bound humanity discovers and is filled with incomparable hope. The Resurrection bestows illumination, energizes souls, brings forgiveness, transfigures lives, creates saints, and gives joy.

The Resurrection has not yet abolished the reality of death. But it has revealed its powerlessness (Hebrews 2:14-15). We continue to die as a result of the Fall. Our bodies decay and fall away. "God allows death to exist but turns it against corruption and its cause, sin, and sets a boundary both to corruption and sin." Thus, physical death does not destroy our life of communion with God. Rather, we move from death to life from this fallen world to God's reign.

Icons of the Commemoration of Great and Holy Friday

One of the most symbolic of the Festal Icons of the Orthodox Church is that of the Holy Resurrection. In the center of this radiant event is Christ pulling Adam and Eve up from their tombs. The gates of the Realm of Death are broken and thrown down. Death, personified in human form is defeated, and bound hand and foot at the bottom of the scene. We recall the joyous words of St. Paul: "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:55) Icon of the Resurrection

Christ pulls Adam and Eve from their tombs Christ is depicted trampling upon the gates of Hades.

In the background stands the host of the departed, so numerous they can not be depicted. Among them in the front of the multitude are some of the righteous dead, though now invigorated by the Resurrection. King David and his son Solomon are seen on the left wearing crowns. Near the center is Saint John the Baptist. On the other side is Abel, the son of Adam and the first man to ever die. He wears a shepherds robe and has a cane. Many Icons of this subject depict large crowds with a few other recognizable prophets.

Standing amongst the departed are Saint John the Baptist (right) and King David (left).

Abel, the son of Adam (left) and the first man to die, is present and depicted wearing a shepherd's robe.

Orthodox Celebration of Pascha

Before midnight on Saturday evening, the Odes of Lamentation of the previous day are repeated. The Orthros of the Resurrection begins in complete darkness. The priest takes light from the vigil light and gives it to the faithful, who are holding candles. The priest sings: "Come ye and receive light from the unwaning light, and. glorify Christ, who arose from the dead", and all the people join him in singing this hymn again and again. From this moment, every Christian holds the Easter candle as a symbol of his vivid, deep faith in the Resurrection

of Jesus Christ as Savior. In many churches the priest leads the people outside the church, where he reads the Gospel which refers to the Angels statement: "He is Risen; He is not here," (Mark 16:1-8).

Then comes the breathless moment as the people wait for the priest to start the hymn of Resurrection, which they join him in singing, repeatedly: "Christ has Risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death, and has bestowed life upon those in the tombs". From this moment the entire service takes on a joyous Easter atmosphere. The hymns of the Odes and Praises of Resurrection which follow are of superb meaning and expression. The people confess, "It is the Day of Resurrection, let us be glorious, let us embrace one another and speak to those that hate us; let us forgive all things and so let us cry, Christ has arisen from the dead". By this hymn they admit that love of one's fellowman is the solid foundation of the faith in the Resurrection of Christ.

The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom is then officiated. At the end of the Liturgy, a part of the marvelous festival sermon of Saint Chrysostom is read, which calls upon the people to "Take part in this fair and radiant festival. Let no one be fearful of death, for the death of the Savior has set us free . . . O Death, where is thy sting? O Hades, where is Thy victory? Christ is Risen and Thou art overthrown. To Him be glory and power from all ages to all ages."

The Agape Servise

On Easter Sunday afternoon the faithful gather once more for prayer with lighted candles. All sing the hymn, "Christ is Risen from the Dead". The people greet one another joyously, saying: "Christ is Risen", the Easter salutation which is answered, "Truly He is Risen". They sing, "the dark shadows of the Law has passed away by the coming of grace", and standing in exaltation they exclaim, "Who is so great a God as our God?"

The Gospel according to John (20:19-25) is read in various languages, proclaiming the Good News of Resurrection all over the universe without discrimination. The fruit of faith in the Resurrection of the Lord is love in His Name; therefore, this day is called "Sunday of Agape" (love feast), a day dedicated to Christian principles, especially to forgiveness and charity. At this time, Christians seek to end misunderstanding and arguments among those whom they may be at odds. Apostle Paul firmly interprets the Resurrection of Christ, saying: "If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:14). The Church also states in its Creed, "The Third day He rose again."

OUR CHURCH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY

Dear Parishioner, We are excited to announce that Saint George Church has requested the services of Busson Portrait Directories to prepare a Church Family Album in full color. This will be a book that will tell the story of our church family in word and picture. It will contain color portraits of all the families along with a membership roster.

Each family photographed will select a pose for the album, and receive ABSOLUTELY FREE:

A. One 8 x 10 Portrait of the Directory Pose B. A Parish Family Album featuring all participating families.

For your convenience, you will be able to view your portraits within minutes from having them taken through the digital Proofing System. and select the pose you want to have placed in our Parish Album. There is absolutely NO OBLIGATION to purchase portraits, however, at this time, you will have the opportunity to order portraits which are exceptional, top quality studio work at competitive prices.

If you are a generational family consider signing up together and having a generations picture taken along with your individual family pictures.*. This is a great opportunity to capture the way faith is handed down as well as having a beautiful, professional family portrait.

You can schedule an appointment at Church in Yarid Hall during Coffee Hour or online Tuesday through Saturday.

The photography sessions will be: Tuesday-Friday May 5-8 2:30-9:00 Saturday May 9 9:00-3:30

Additionally, you have the opportunity to advertise your Business or Profession on the pages of our Directory, all in full color.

Take advantage of this offer, which will also benefit our Parish.

OUR CHURCH FAMILY ALBUM WILL NOT BE COMPLETE WITHOUT YOU!!

Thank you for your support

Fr. John Ojaimi Pastor Busson Portrait Directories

Pray To End Abortion

AD SIZES COST:

BUSINESS CARD SIZE 2" x 3.5" $150.00

1/4 PAGE 4.25"x 5.5" $300.00

1/2 PAGE 5.5"x 8.5" $600.00

FULL PAGE 8.5"x 11" $1200.00

INSIDE RIGHT PAGE $2000.00

BACK COVER 8.5" x 11" $2500.00

M idwest A ntiochian Women’s Retreat

Friday – Sunday, May 15-17, 2009

At Dormition of the Mother of God Orthodox Monastery

3389 Rives Eaton Road, Rives Junction, Michigan 49277

F r. J ohn A bdalah of Pittsburgh, PA , will speak on

“Our Priestly Vocation” on May 16 at 12 PM

Every Christian is baptized into Christ’s priesthood; we join Him in praising the Father and in caring for His people. Yet, each of us has both unique gifts and circumstances. Fr. John will

discuss our priesthood and how to empower each other to better serve our Lord. Divine Liturgy at 9 AM is followed by brunch, welcome by Mother Abbess Gabriella and Fr. John’s talk; dinner is at 5 PM followed by Vigil (combined Vespers and Matins) at 6 PM. We suggest a $25.00 donation

to Dormition Monastery (includes one or two meals).

Fr. John teaches Priestly Formation for the St. Stephen’s Course in Orthodox Theology (of the Antiochian Archdiocese). He is Editor of The Word, is Dean of St. George Cathedral in

Pittsburgh, PA, and serves as spiritual director for the North American Board of Antiochian Women.

For reservations/lodging contact Roberta Royhab at 419-874-3142/ bobbie@theblade.com

The Aitaneet Foundation Scholarship Announcement

Applicants must be of Lebanese Christian descent, a 2009 graduate of an accredited school, and accepted to an accredited post secondary education institution.

This year the following Scholarships will be awarded: $3,000 Aitaneet Brotherhood Association Scholarship $2,000 Aitaneet Foundation Scholarship $1,000 Thomas and Mary Shaia Scholarship $1,000 Edward Nahra Scholarship

Selection will be based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, financial need, and service to school, Church and community. Completed applications must be postmarked no later than May 18, 2009. Recipients will be notified prior to June 30, 2009. For applications and guidelines, please go to www.aitaneet.com and click on scholarship icon. For questions, call Victor Shaia (216) 621-0328

MEMO TO ALL PARISHIONERS

OCF LINKS

www.OCFcleveland.org

www.ocfcleveland.ning.com

*Fellowship of St. John Divine, Anthony Bashir Memorial Scholarship

Purpose of the Scholarship: Scholarships are awarded to worthy and needy Orthodox Youth of the

Antiochian Archdiocese who have resided within the Midwest Region of FOSJD for at least one year

prior to awarding of the scholarship. Scholarships will be awarded to students of outstanding excellence

in any field of study toward a baccalaureate degree in an accredited college or university.

Scholarship Awards: A Board of Judges has the duty of selecting scholarship recipients on the basis of scholastic achievement,

participation in religious life, need, character and worthiness. Two scholarships will be awarded based on

Academics and two on Academics/Need. In order to be eligible to receive an Academic/Need award, a

Parent’s Financial Summary, Section 4, must be completed. Applications must also include: 1. Proof of acceptance or registration in an accredited college or university.

2. An essay, approximately 300 words stating your career goals, church and community involvement and

worthiness to receive an award.

3. Have your parish priest submit the Parish Priest Endorsement Form.

4. High School Seniors complete section 5.

5. College Applicants submit a current college transcript of grades bearing the official seal of the

registrar.

Applications are available @ the Pastor Office. Submit applications postmarked by June 1 to: James Nicholas 11103 Finchley Road Email: theojamesn@insightbb.com

Louisville, KY 40243 Phone: 502-290-2679

PROPER CHURCH ETIQUETTE There are certain times during the Divine Liturgy when one should refrain from entering the Church out of

respect for God and the worship of His people. They are: During the Trisagion Hymn

During the Epistle and Gospel readings During the Cherubic Hymn and Great Entrance

During the Creed During The Anaphora—(“Let us stand aright” through “Especially our all-holy Lady.”)

During Holy Communion one should remain standing throughout the distribution of the gifts. If you have already received Holy Communion, please avail yourself of the “Prayers of Thanksgiving” which begin on Page 128 of the red prayer book while you wait for everyone else to receive.

*The Joseph Haddad Memorial Scholarship

is open to all 2009 High School Graduates who have maintained a 3.3 Grade Point Average through High School, religious involvement in youth church activities and whose parents have been members of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church for at least 3 years. Applications may be obtained by calling the church office at 216-781-9020.

Antiochian Women’s Scholarship

Each year, the Antiochian Christian Women of North America are able to award scholarships, usually in the amount of $500 each, to help women continue their education in order to improve their circumstances and those of their families. We will be awarding these scholarships in July at the Archdiocese Convention in Montreal. Applicants must be females over 26 years of age, members in good standing of a parish of the Antiochian Archdicoese, actively involved in her parish & must demonstrate financial need. If interested, call the church office for an application.

THE EASTER LILIES

Offered for Health & Safety of: By: Our family Archdeacon Yarid & Diane Aboid & Gantose families Barbara Aboid Our children & grandchildren Mary Assad & family Tata Fida her grandchildren Chaccour & Hachem families Fady , Rita & Tamara Jo Chaccour Rita Chaccour Fady & Tamara Jo Chaccour Rita Fadel John Fadel & famil Pete & Mary Farage & family Pete & Mary Farage Mark & Anthony George & their families their mother, Alsace George Edward Haddad, Sr. & family Evelyn Haddad Our family Dave & Kathy Jones Camille & Eugenie Abdulkarim, Yvonne Zachman George, Joanne, Jenna & Gina Karim Our children & grandchildren Yacoub & Nuha Karsheh Jennie, George, Patty Sadallah & family Jennie Sadallah Malek Saliba & Josephine Nehme Elias Saliba family Asma Zaboura George & Rana Zaboura George, Marlene & Nick Zaboura George & Rana Zaboura

Offered in Memory of: By: Roger & Elizabeth Sahley & Gabriel Courey Archdeacon Yarid & Diane & family Jamil & Laila Nader Archdeacon Yarid & Goddaughter, Diane Fares & Jamal Abdallah Abdallah & Laila Abdallah Saed & Afifi Kharallah Abdallah & Laila Abdallah Daniel & Clare Nagel (Karyn’s parents) Drs. Ghassan & Karyn Abdallah Samir Abdelkarim his wife, Fida Abdelkarim & family Philip Aboid his children and grandchildren Wadia Ameen Wife, Mary & children Beloved deceased of Thomas & Assad families Mary Assad & family Youssef Chaccour & George Hachem Fady , Rita & Tamara Jo Chaccour Adma Chaccour Fady , Rita & Tamara Jo Chaccour Edward Fadel John Fadel & family Alma Fadel John Fadel & family Rudy J. George Evonne George & family John & Edna Simon Dave & Kathy Jones Yvonne & Joseph Sadey George,Joanne,Jenna & Gina Karim Naeem, Asma, Anitta & Andrea Kahoush Yacoub & Nuha Karsheh Ameen & Mary Makhol & Ella Reuss Ron & Eleanore Makhol Eugene Sr. & Eugene Jr. McKibben Eleanor McKibben Joe & Juanita Remic Eleanor McKibben George, Sr., Tony, Phillip, Elias, Selma Sadallah Jennie Sadallah Mariam Saliba Elias Saliba family Richard Simon Linda Simon Beloved departed of the Simon & Hanna families Linda Simon

EGGS

Offered for Health & Safety of: By: Chaccour & Hachem families Fady , Rita & Tamara Jo Chaccour Rita Chaccour Fady & Tamara Jo Chaccour Jennie, George, Patty Sadallah & family Jennie Sadallah My family Ida Zaboura Offered in Memory of: By: Youssef Chaccour & George Hachem Fady ,Rita & Tamara Jo Chaccour Adma Chaccour Fady ,Rita & Tamara Jo Chaccour George Sr., Tony, Phillip, Elias, Selma Sadallah Jennie Sadallah All my beloved departed Ida Zaboura

HOLY PASCHA BREAKFAST

Offered for the Health & Safety of the Jacob Kash family by Jacob & Angie Kash