St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian

Church

Proto-Martyr Stephen, the Archdeacon

Serving the Orthodox Christian Community

of Greater Cleveland

St. George AntiochianOrthodox Church

2587 West 14th StreetCleveland, Ohio 44113-4408

WELCOME

The mission of St. GeorgeAntiochian Orthodox Church

is to serve God and the communityby commitment to the Gospel’scommand to grow in the knowledgeof Jesus Christ through faith, hope,and love. It is a parish of the Self –Ruled Antiochian OrthodoxChristian Archdiocese of NorthAmerica.The Orthodox Church follows thefaith and practice of the apostlesand disciples of Christ handeddown by the ancient Christianfathers and twenty centuries ofChurch tradi t ion. GenuineChristian life nurtures andstimulates our spiritual and moraldevelopment. The liturgical life ofthe Orthodox Church has beendeveloping over the last 2000years. By taking part in themysteries of Christ’s life, death andresurrection at the liturgicalservices, the community membersare drawn to repentance and thegradual change of their innerselves.To join the community of St.George or to find out moreinformation, please fill out theGuest Book in the Narthex. Wehope this day will be spirituallyrewarding for you. Fr John will behappy to answer any questions.Join us in the hall after Liturgy forour Coffee Hour and Fellowship.

V. Rev Father John Ojaimi, PastorOffice: (216) 781-9020 Fax: (216) 781-9545

Cellular: (440) 665-6724Archdeacon Yared Sahley

Subdeacon Sam EliasSubdeacon Khalil Samara

Teen Advisor: Priscilla Calloswww.stgeorgecleveland.com

Pastor’s E-Mail: frjojaimi@msn.comParish E-Mail: office@stgeorgecleveland.com

Sunday, December 27,

2009

Sunday After the Nativity of Christ,

Commemoration of

Joseph the Betrothed,

David the Prophet and King, and

James the Brother of the Lord.

On this day, we commemorate:

Proto-martyr Stephen the Archdea-

con; Venerable-confessor Theo-

Trisagion and Bread of Oblation are offered in memory of George & EmmaHaddad by the Haddad family.

Bread of Oblation and Coffee Hour are offered in memory of Nizar Lubusand for the health and safety of Dergham, Assaad, Bachar, and AbdoDergham by the Dergham Dergham family.

Prayers for the Health & Spiritual Welfare of: Houda Abdelkarim, Melissa Blank-Aboid, Tommy Amato, Mary Assad, Naissef & Rita Courey, Ann Deeb, EmilieEasa, James Eassey, Helena Elias, Sarah Elias, Vera Elias, Norman Fadil, PeterFarage, AnneMarie, Dave & Altair Gann, Minerva Gantose, Leo George, PeterGeorge, Elias Ghazal, Eddie Haddad, Pauline Hanna, Ava Harb, Samia Harb,Jean Kash, Corrine Khouri, Hanadi Khouri, Wadad Khoury, Julia Kushner,Helen Lambert, Eleanor McKibben, Joyce & Marie Nader, Kaukab Nader, Vir-ginia Nader, Mary Namy, Hassib Sabbagh, Jennie Sadallah, Christopher Fadel-Samuel, George Sarkes, Frank Sayre, Alice Shiekh, Alvera Shiekh, Linda Simon, HelenThomas, Georgine Trombetto, Asma Zaboura

Candles are offered for the Health, Safety & Spiritual Welfare of:Teddy & Pete Alex by sister, Beverly GeorgeSiham Abou Haidar by Said + Antoinette Abou HaidarRuth (Simon) Lynch by her mother, brother, sisters, and familyTamara & Elie by their familyBarbara Aboid (for her birthday) by Aunt Laverne and Uncle BillSally and Jacob Karsheh by Sumer and Elias KarshehElias, Laudy, Chady, Chorbel, Ebtesam, and Elias Saliba by Tamara and ElieGeorge TannousEd Haddad

Candles offered for the Repose of the Servants of God:Delores (Dee) DeGeorge by her sister, BeverlyChristine George by Leo GeorgeSalim + Catherine Chaaya by Said + Antoinette Abou HaidarNaaman Abou Haidar by Said + Antoinette Abou HaidarMichael Koury

PROPER CHURCH ETIQUETTEThere 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 readingsDuring the Cherubic Hymn and Great Entrance

During the CreedDuring 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. Ifyou have already received Holy Communion, please avail yourself of the “Prayers of Thanks-giving” which begin on Page 128 of the red prayer book while you wait for everyone else to

receive.

POINSETTIAS OFFERED FOR THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF:

Our family and friends by Archdeacon Yarid & DianeMy Godchildren by Barbara AboidOur family by Greg & Lauren CarabooladChaccour & Hachem families by Fady, Rita & Tamara Jo, Kaya & Gabbie ChaccourEdward Haddad & family by Evelyn HaddadOur family by Sami & Ragda HarbOur children & grandchildren by Yacoub & Nuha KarshehMy family by Jennie SadallahMy children and grandchildren by Linda SimonCamille & Eugenie Abdulkarim,Yvonne Zachman & our family by George, Joanne, Jenna & Gina Karim

POINSETTIAS OFFERED IN BELOVED MEMORY OF:

All our beloved departed by Archdeacon Yarid and Diane and familyPhilip Aboid by Barbara AboidSamir Abdelkarim by his wife, Fida Abdelkarim & familyWadia Ameen by Mary AmeenYoussef Chaccour by Fady, Rita, Tamara Jo, Kaya & Gabbie ChaccourGeorge Hachem by Fady, Rita, Tamara Jo, Kaya & Gabbie ChaccourHabeeb and Frieda George by Ramona DarmourUncle Rudy, Uncle Minor & Aunt Lil by Charmaine DarmourChristine & Michael George by Leo GeorgeEdith Shagoury by Evelyn HaddadJoseph & Yvonne Sadey by George, Joanne, Jenna & Gina KarimAmeen & Mary Makhol by Ronald & Eleanore MakholElla Reuss by Ronald & Eleanore MakholEugene McKibben, Sr. and Son by Eleanor McKibbenJuanita & Joe Remic by Eleanor McKibben

Liturgical Guide for Sunday, December 27, 2009

REFRAINS OF THE FIRST ANTIPHONI will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: I will speak of all Thy marvelous works. In the as-sembly of the upright and in the congregation, the works of the Lord are great.

Refrain: Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us.

They are sought out according to all His purposes. His work is honorable and glorious, and His right-eousness endureth forever. (Refrain)

Glory… Both now… (Refrain)

REFRAINS OF THE SECOND ANTIPHONBlessed is the man that feareth the Lord; that delighteth greatly in His commandments. His seed shallbe mighty upon earth; the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

Refrain: Save us, O Son of God, Who wast born of a Virgin; who sing to Thee. Alleluia.

Glory and riches shall be in His house, and His righteousness endureth forever. (Refrain)

Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: He is gracious, full of compassion and righteous.(Refrain)

Glory… Both now… O, only begotten Son and Word of God…

REFRAINS OF THE THIRD ANTIPHONThe Lord said unto my Lord: sit Thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.The Lord shall send Thee a rod of strength out of Zion. With Thee is dominion in the day of Thypower, in the beauties of Thy saints.

APOLYTIKION OF THE NATIVITY IN TONE FOURThy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath given rise to the light of knowledge in the world; for they thatworshipped the stars did learn therefrom to worship Thee, O Sun of Justice, and to know that from theeast of the Highest Thou didst come. O Lord, glory to Thee.

THE EISODIKON (ENTRANCE HYMN) OF ORDINARY SUNDAYSCome, let us worship and fall down before Christ. Save us, O Son of God, Who art risen from thedead; who sing to Thee. Alleluia.

RESURRECTIONAL APOLYTIKION IN TONE FOURHaving learned the joyful message of the Resurrection from the angel the women disciples of the Lordcast from them their parental condemnation. And proudly broke the news to the Disciples, saying,Death hath been spoiled; Christ God is risen, granting the world Great Mercy.

APOLYTIKION OF THE NATIVITY IN TONE FOURThy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath given rise to the light of knowledge in the world; for they thatworshipped the stars did learn therefrom to worship Thee, O Sun of Justice, and to know that from theeast of the Highest Thou didst come. O Lord, glory to Thee.

APOLYTIKION OF SUNDAY AFTER THE NATIVITY IN TONE TWOProclaim, O Joseph, to David, the grandparent of God, the amazing wonders; for thou hast seen a Vir-gin great with child; for with the shepherds thou didst give glory, with the Magi thou didst worship, andby the angel it was revealed to thee. Wherefore, plead thou with Christ God to save our souls.

APOLYTIKION OF ST. STEPHEN IN TONE FOURO first of strivers among the Martyrs, thy head was crowned with a kingly crown, through the strugglesthat thou didst endure for the sake of Christ God; for thou didst reproach the folly of the Jews, andtherefore, didst see thy Savior on the right hand of the Father. Wherefore, O Stephen, to Him continu-ously plead for our souls.

Troparion of St. George: Tone 4As deliver of captives and defender of the poor, healer of the infirm, champion of kings, victorious

Great martyr George, intercede with Christ our God, for our souls’ salvation..

Kontakion of the Nativity of Christ: Tone 3Today the Virgin giveth birth to the Transcendent in essence; the earth offereth the cave to the unap-proachable One; the angels with the shepherds glorify him; and the Magi with the star travel on their

way; for a new child hath been born for our sakes, God before the ages.

The TrisagionHoly God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal one, have mercy on usHoly God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal one, have mercy on usHoly God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal one, have mercy on us

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: both now and ever and unto ages of ages.Amen.

Holy Immortal one, have mercy on us.Dynamis! (With Strength)

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal one, have mercy on us.

THE EPISTLE (For St. Stephen)

His voice has gone out into all the earth. The heavens declare the glory of God.The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles. (6:8-7:5, 47-60)

In those days, Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Thensome of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians,and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, arose and disputed with Stephen. But theycould not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated men,who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” And they stirred upthe people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him beforethe council, and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holyplace and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place,

and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” And gazing at him, all who sat in thecouncil saw that his face was like the face of an angel. The high priest said, “Is this so?” AndStephen said: “Brethren and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham,when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and said to him, ‘Depart from your land andfrom your kindred and go into the land which I will show you.’ Then he departed from the land ofthe Chaldeans, and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into thisland in which you are now living; yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot’s length, butpromised to give it to him in possession and to his posterity after him, though he had no child. But itwas Solomon who built a house for Him. Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made withhands; as the prophet says, ‘Heaven is My throne, and earth My footstool. What house will you buildfor Me’, says the Lord, ‘or what is the place of My rest? Did not My hand make all these things?’You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As yourfathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? And they killed thosewho announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, Whom you have now betrayed andmurdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.” Now when theyheard these things they were enraged, and they grinded their teeth against him. But Stephen, full ofthe Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand ofGod; and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand ofGod.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together upon him.Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him; and the witnesses laid down their garments at thefeet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receivemy spirit.” And he knelt down and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

THE GOSPEL(For the Sunday after Nativity of Christ)

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (2:13-23)When the wise men had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream

and said, “Rise, take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; forHerod is about to search for the Child, to destroy Him.” And he rose and took the Child and Hismother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was tofulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called My Son.” Then Herod,when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killedall the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region, who were two years old or under, accordingto the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by theprophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping forher children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.” But when Herod died, behold,an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the Child and Hismother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.” And he rose andtook the Child and His mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelausreigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in adream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, thatwhat was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

الرسالة.وأما استفانوس فإذ كان مملوا إیمانا وقوة، كان یصنع عجائب وآیات عظیمة في الشعب

ن، ومن الذین من كیلیكی ا وأس ی ا، فنھض قوم من المجمع الذي یقال لھ مجمع اللیبرتینیین والقیروانیین واإلسكندریی 9ح ی ن ئ ذ دس وا ل رج ال 11.ولم یقدروا أن ی ق اوم وا ال ح ك م ة وال روح ال ذي ك ان ی ت ك ل م ب ھ 10.یحاورون استفانوس

وھ ی ج وا الش ع ب والش ی وخ وال ك ت ب ة، ف ق ام وا 12.»إننا سمعناه یتكلم بكالم تجدیف على موسى وعلى اهللا«:یقولونھذا الرجل ال یفتر عن أن یتكلم كالم ا ت ج دی ف ا ض د «:وأقاموا شھودا كذبة یقولون13وخطفوه وأتوا بھ إلى المجمع،

إن یسوع الناص ري ھ ذا س ی ن ق ض ھ ذا ال م وض ع، وی غ ی ر :ألننا سمعناه یقول 14ھذا الموضع المقدس والناموس، ف ق ال 1.فشخص إلیھ جمیع الجالسین في المجمع، ورأوا وجھھ كأنھ وج ھ م الك 15.»العوائد التي سلمنا إیاھا موسى

ظھر إل ھ ال م ج د ألب ی ن ا !أیھا الرجال اإلخوة واآلباء، اسمعوا«:فقال2»أترى ھذه األمور ھكذا ھي؟«:رئیس الكھنة اخرج م ن أرض ك وم ن عش ی رت ك، وھ ل م إل ى :وقال لھ3إبراھیم وھو في ما بین النھرین، قبلما سكن في حاران

ومن ھناك نقلھ، بعد م ا م ات أب وه، إل ى .فخرج حینئذ من أرض الكلدانیین وسكن في حاران 4.األرض التي أریك ولم یعطھ فیھا میراثا وال وطأة قدم، ولكن وعد أن یعطیھا ملكا لھ ولنسل ھ 5.ھذه األرض التي أنتم اآلن ساكنون فیھا

لكن العلي ال یسكن في ھیاكل مصنوعات األیادي، كم ا 48.ولكن سلیمان بنى لھ بیتا47.من بعده، ولم یكن لھ بعد ولد أي بیت تبنون لي؟ یقول الرب، وأي ھو مك ان راح ت ي؟ .السماء كرسي لي، واألرض موطئ لقدمي 49:یقول النبي

ألیست یدي صنعت ھذه األشیاء كلھا؟50!كما كان آباؤكم كذلك أنت م .أنتم دائما تقاومون الروح القدس!یا قساة الرقاب، وغیر المختونین بالقلوب واآلذان «51نتم اآلن صرتم مسلمیھ وقات ل ی ھ، أي األنبیاء لم یضطھده آباؤكم؟ وقد قتلوا الذین سبقوا فأنبأوا بمجيء البار، الذي أ 52.»الذین أخذتم الناموس بترتیب مالئكة ولم تحفظوه53

وأما ھو فشخص إلى السماء وھو ممتل ئ م ن ال روح 55.فلما سمعوا ھذا حنقوا بقلوبھم وصروا بأسنانھم علیھ 54ھا أنا أنظر السماوات مفتوحة، وابن اإلنسان قائما ع ن «:فقال56.القدس، فرأى مجد اهللا، ویسوع قائما عن یمین اهللا

وأخ رج وه خ ارج ال م دی ن ة 58فصاحوا بصوت عظیم وسدوا آذانھم، وھج م وا ع ل ی ھ ب ن ف س واح دة، 57.»یمین اهللا

إالنجیل قم وخذ الصبي وأمھ واھرب إلى مصر، «:وبعدما انصرفوا، إذا مالك الرب قد ظھر لیوسف في حلم قائال13

فقام وأخذ الصبي وأمھ لیال 14.»ألن ھیرودس مزمع أن یطلب الصبي لیھلكھ.وكن ھناك حتى أقول لكمن مصر «:لكي یتم ما قیل من الرب بالنبي القائل.وكان ھناك إلى وفاة ھیرودس15.وانصرف إلى مصر

.»دعوت ابنيفأرسل وقتل جمیع الصبیان الذین في بیت لحم .حینئذ لما رأى ھیرودس أن المجوس سخروا بھ غضب جدا16

حینئذ تم ما قیل بإرمیا 17.وفي كل تخومھا، من ابن سنتین فما دون، بحسب الزمان الذي تحققھ من المجوسراحیل تبكي على أوالدھا وال ترید أن تتعزى، .صوت سمع في الرامة، نوح وبكاء وعویل كثیر«18:النبي القائل

.»ألنھم لیسوا بموجودینقم وخذ الصبي وأمھ واذھب «:قائال20فلما مات ھیرودس، إذا مالك الرب قد ظھر في حلم لیوسف في مصر 19

فقام وأخذ الصبي وأمھ وجاء إلى أرض 21.»إلى أرض إسرائیل، ألنھ قد مات الذین كانوا یطلبون نفس الصبيلى ولكن لما سمع أن أرخیالوس یملك على الیھودیة عوضا عن ھیرودس أبیھ، خاف أن یذھب إ 22.إسرائیل

وأتى وسكن في مدینة یقال لھا ناصرة، لكي یتم ما 23.وإذ أوحي إلیھ في حلم، انصرف إلى نواحي الجلیل.ھناك»إنھ سیدعى ناصریا«:قیل باألنبیاء

The Megalynarion:It is truly meet to call thee Blessed, Lady Theotokos; Lady ever greatly blessed, and most perfect ininnocence, and the Mother of our God. Lady more precious than the Cherubim and more gloriousbeyond all measure than the Seraphim. That without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, and

art truly Theotokos. We magnify thee.

The KoinonikonPraise ye the Lord from the Heavens; praise ye Him in the highest. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia

Post-CommunionWe have seen the true light; we have received the heavenly Spirit. We have found the true Faith.

Worshipping the undivided Trinity; for he hath saved us.

THE DISMISSALMay He Who was born in a cave and lay in a manger for our salvation, and rose from the dead, Christour true God, through the intercessions of His all-immaculate and all-blameless holy Mother;……..

UPCOMING DIVINE SERVICES

Friday, January 1, 2010 Divine Liturgy 11:00am

Sunday, January 3, 2010 Matin @ 9:30 am, Divine Liturgy @ 10:30 am

AVAILABLE SCHOLARSHIPS

The Lebanese Syrian American Junior League of Cleveland will be hosting its 35th Debutante Ball andScholarship Presentation on Sunday, July 18, 2010. In an effort to be sure that eligible young menand women in the Greater Cleveland community of Lebanese and Syrian descent are aware of theevent, I am writing to ask if you would be willing to allow the following announcement to appear inyour parish weekly or quarterly newsletter beginning Sunday, November 22, 2009 and continuingevery Sunday until January 31, 2010:

The Lebanese Syrian American Junior League will be hosting its 35th Debutante Ball and ScholarshipPresentation Sunday, July 18, 2010 at Executive Caterers of Landerhaven. All high school junior andsenior girls and boys (2010 and 2011 graduates) of Lebanese or Syrian descent from the GreaterCleveland Area are eligible to participate as a Debutante or Escort. Please call Mrs. Celeste Sabol at(440) 683-4773 for an application. The deadline to submit the application is January 31, 2010.

Commemorated on December 27

The Holy Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen was the eldest of the seven dea-cons, appointed by the Apostles themselves, and therefore he is called"archdeacon." He was the first Christian martyr, and he suffered for Christ whenhe was about thirty. In the words of Asterias, he was "the starting point of themartyrs, the instructor of suffering for Christ, the foundation of righteous confes-sion, since Stephen was the first to shed his blood for the Gospel."

Filled with the Holy Spirit, St Stephen preached Christianity and defeated Jewishteachers of the Law in debate. The Jews maligned St Stephen, saying that he haduttered blasphemy against God and against Moses. St Stephen came before theSanhedrin and the High Priest to answer these charges. He gave a fiery speech, inwhich he recounted the history of the Jewish nation, and denounced the Jews forpersecuting the prophets, and also for executing the promised Messiah, JesusChrist (Acts ch. 7).

During his speech, St Stephen suddenly saw the heavens opened and Jesus Christstanding at the right hand of God. The Jews shouted and covered their ears, andrushed at him. They dragged him out of the city and stoned him, but the holymartyr prayed for his murderers. Far off on the heights stood the Mother of Godwith the holy Apostle John the Theologian, and She prayed fervently for the mar-tyr. Before his death St Stephen said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. O Lord, laynot this sin to their charge." Then he joyfully gave up his pure soul to Christ.

The body of the holy Protomartyr Stephen, left to be eaten by beasts, was se-cretly taken up by the Jewish teacher Gamaliel and his son Habib, who buriedStephen on his estate. They both believed in Christ, and later received holy Bap-tism.

St Stephen is also commemorated on August 2 (Translation of his relics) and onSeptember 15 (Uncovering of his relics in the year 415).

TRUE STORY

I was walking around in a Target store, when I saw aCashier hand this little boy some money back. The boycouldn’t have been more than 5 or 6 years old. TheCashier said, ‘I’m sorry, but you don’t have enoughmoney to buy this doll.’ Then the little boy turned to the old woman next tohim: “Granny, are you sure I don’t have enough money?”

The old lady replied: “You know that you don’t haveenough money to buy this doll, my dear..”Then she asked him to stay there for just 5 minuteswhile she went to look around. She left quickly. The

little boy was still holding the doll in his hand.Finally, I walked toward him and I asked himwho he wished to give this doll to. ’It’s the dollthat my sister loved most and wanted so muchfor Christmas. She was sure that Santa Claus

would bring it to her.’I replied to him that maybe Santa Claus would bring it to her after all, andnot to worry.But he replied to me sadly. ‘No, Santa Claus can’t bring it to her where sheis now. I have to give the doll to my mommyso that she can give it to my sister when shegoes there.’His eyes were so sad while saying this. ‘MySister has gone to be with God. Daddy saysthat Mommy is going to see God very soontoo, so I thought that she could take the dollwith her to give it to my sister.”

My heart nearly stopped. The little boy looked up at me and said: ‘I tolddaddy to tell mommy not to go yet. I need her to wait until I come backfrom the mall.’ Then he showed me a very nice photo of himself. He waslaughing. He then told me ‘I want mommy to take my picture with her soshe won’t forget me.’

’I love my mommy and I wish she didn’t have to leave me, but daddy says thatshe has to go to be with my little sister.’ Then he looked again at the doll with sadeyes, very quietly.I quickly reached for my wallet and said to the boy. ‘Suppose we check again,just in case you do have enough money for the doll!” ’OK’ he said, ‘I hope I dohave enough.’ I added some of my money to his without him seeing and westarted to count it. There was enough for the doll and even some spare money.The little boy said: ‘Thank you God for giving me enough money!’Then he looked at me and added, ‘I asked last night before I went to sleep forGod to make sure I had enough money to buy this doll, so that mommy couldgive it to my sister. He heard me!”’I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mommy, but Ididn’t dare to ask God for too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll anda white rose.”’My mommy loves white roses.’

A few minutes later, the old lady returned and I left with my basket. I finished myshopping in totally different state of mind from when I started. I couldn’t get thelittle boy out of my mind. Then I remembered a local news paper article twodays ago, which mentioned a drunk man in a truck, who hit a car occupied by ayoung woman and a little girl.The little girl died right away, and the mother was left in a critical state. The fam-ily had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-sustaining machine, becausethe young woman would not be able to recover from the coma. Was this the fam-ily of the little boy?

Two days after this encounter with the little boy, I read in the news paper that theyoung woman had passed away. I couldn’t stop myself as I bought bunch ofwhite roses and I went to the funeral home where the body of the young womanwas for people to see and make last wishes before her burial. She was there, inher coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the littleboy and the doll placed over her chest.I left the place, teary-eyed, feeling that my life had been changed for ever. Thelove that the little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to this day, hard toimagine.

And in a fraction of a second, a drunk driver had taken allthis away from him.

Make a Difference in Your Life and the Lives of Others

The Order of St. Ignatius is a movement of individuals who, motivated by faith

and love, openly pledge a specific financial commitment to support the Antio-

chian Archdiocese. This financial commitment goes above and beyond the nor-

mal level of parish membership, and is not meant to replace, but to supercede

parish level giving. The funds from the Order are channeled directly into arch-

diocesan educational, charitable, and outreach programs. Since its start in

1976, the Order of St. Ignatius has distributed over $20 million and now dis-

tributes $1.4 million annually: 38% of the archdiocesan annual budget.

Our members have had the joy of witnessing many lives touched through pro-

grams such as Project Mexico and the Antiochian Village Camp.

Membership in the order is open to all people over the age of eighteen who

identify themselves with the Orthodox Church and its faith. Our members are

men and women, young people and old, working in every type of profession.

There are different levels of membership which vary according to the financial

commitment. Visitors to this web page will find information on how to become

a member, the different levels of membership available, and frank discussion

of what the Order of St. Ignatius is all about. Currently we have over

3000 active members, including 314 Life Members.

CHRIST BELL

THE BELLI KNOW WHO I AM

I am God's child (John 1:12)I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )

I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)

I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)

I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)

I am a citizen of Heaven.. I am significant (Phil 3:20)I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )

I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 )I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )

I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil.. 4:13)I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)

I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1)

I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected.. (Phil. 1:

5)

Something we can know:

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so thatyou may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans

12:2

we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge ofGod’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,10 so that you may lead lives worthy ofthe Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the

knowledge of God. Colossians 1:9-10

Give the gift of Camp this Christmas!Register your child for camp for the summer of 2010 andgive them a gift that will surpass the ipods, movies, clothes,video games and anything else they might have put on theirwish list. The summer of 2010 promises to be a memorableone at the Antiochian Village. Watch our latest video forSummer Camp. Registration is now open. For more infor-mation, visit our Registration Page and follow the appropri-ate directions.

The days are becoming chilly at the Village and the nightsare downright cold. That can only mean one thing - WinterCamp must be around the corner. We have two sessions of Winter Camp planned foryoung people in grades 7-12 on the observances of Martin Luther King Jr. weekend (Jan.15-18) and Presidents weekend (Feb. 12-15). There are two ways to register: online ormail-in paper forms. If you register online, you will need to download and mail the Medi-cal and Snow-tubing forms. We are also accepting Winter Camp Staff applications. Ourtentative theme for both sessions of Winter Camp is "The 6 Most Important DecisionsYou'll Ever Make." Don't wait another day, register today! Check back soon for moredetails and visit our Winter Camp page for additional information. Remember that if youregister online, you are not registered until you pay the $50 deposit and receive an emailconfirmation.

Have we got something for you. Delicious Camp food -free. Luxurious Cabin accommodations - complimentary. Supercool staff shirt - no charge. Friends that will last a lifetime -gratis. Daily liturgical life - a gift from God. Summer at theVillage as a Staff Member - priceless. If this deal sounds togood to be true, we assure you that it is real. If you are inter-ested in applying for these benefits and much more, download anapplication for employment, complete it thoughtfully and send itto us before February 1, 2010 deadlne. We will notify applica-tions regarding their status by the middle of March

Christ is Born, Glorify Him