SAINT STEPHEN THE PROTOMARTYR ANTIOCHIAN …



SAINT STEPHEN THE PROTOMARTYR

ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

609 LANE AVE., SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ 07080

TEL. (908) 756-0410 -

Metropolitan JOSEPH, Archbishop of NY & Metropolitan of All North America

The V. Rev. Fr. Stephen Tewfik, Pastor - TEL. (908) 654-4301

FEBRUARY 2020 NEWSLETTER

The Epistle and the Gospel Readings

Sunday, Feb. 2nd Epistle: Heb. 7:7-17 Sunday, Feb. 16th Epistle: 1Cor. 6:12-20

The Feast of The Gospel: Lk. 2:22-40 Sunday of The Gospel: Lk. 15:11-32

Presentation of Our Tone: Eight Prodigal Son Tone: Two

Lord & God & Savior

Jesus Christ into the Temple

Sunday, Feb. 9th Epistle: 2Tim. 3:10-15 Sunday, Feb. 23rd Epistle: 1Cor. 8:8-9:2

Sunday of The Gospel: Lk. 18:10-14 Meatfare Sunday Gospel: Mt. 25:31-46

Pharisee & Publican Tone: One Tone: Three

(Please see St. Stephen’s Monthly Calendar for daily services for February)

-The Parish Council Meeting will be held on February 23rd in Father’s old office.

-Letters for the 2020 Tricky Tray are available from Rosemary and Georgio. Please pick up a stack and use them with merchants.  Throughout the coming months as you encounter sales during the holidays, please keep the Tricky Tray in mind if you find fabulous deals on things. Also consider re-gifting items you received but will not use.

-Our condolences to the Ghanim families for the falling asleep of their relatives Linda George and Ghanem Ghanem. Linda is the wife of the late Aziz George one of the founders of our parish. May their memories be eternal.

-The Annual Parish Meeting was held on Jan. 26th after the Divine Liturgy at the Church Hall

Many thanks to all the Parish Council members and officers of Parish Organizations for all their hard work & dedication. We heard reports from all the heads of different organization of the church. The meeting was very informative. We thank Lloyd George for accepting to serve another term on the Parish Council. Thanks to Ibtihaj for chairing the project of converting all the lights in the Church and the Church Hall to LED. Thanks to her presentation in asking for donations that a lot of families donated towards that expense. Please consider donating $100.00 towards a light fixture.

Home Blessings: If you want your home blessed during the period for the Feast of Theophany, please speak to Fr. Stephen. The visits should conclude before the Lenten period. This period begins on March 2nd.

News from the Church School:

-We started working on our creative arts project. This year’s theme is:  “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:17). Let’s examine this verse closely and discuss it and explain it to our children and try to get them inspired to explain it in art work, writing, poetry, photography and media projects. Please refer to the archdiocese website for guidelines or speak to any of the Sunday school teachers for help.

All projects are due by Sunday March 22nd.

Please make every effort to bring your child to Church School as we have our amazing teachers dedicated to help them with their projects.

Teen News:

-The teens thank you for your support for the Super Bowl Sub Sale.  Subs will be made and distributed on February 2nd.

News from Our Women Group:

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works." (Hebrews 10:24)

Teamwork and encouragement go hand in hand.  This is so simple, but a profound lesson within the Bible.

-Our International Lunch is scheduled for February 23rd, 2020. 

-We also have AWE Lenten Retreat from March 13-15 ( Life of the Theotokos at the Antiochian Village.) 

-We will hold our 13th Annual Lenten Retreat on April 4th from 10 AM to 3 PM. The speaker is Dr. Albert Rossi, Director of Counseling & Psychological Services at St. Vladimir Seminary. The topic is “Remaining Sane in Turbulent Times”. This event is free and open to all adults, teens and children. For more information, see the Bulletin Board. Many thanks to Carmen Elsabee who is coordinating this event.

IOCC News:

-IOCC offers many ways to help with relief efforts after natural disasters. They include: Volunteer on an Action Team to help clean up, Assemble Clean up Kits, Plan a fund-raising event, Action through prayer, Train to become a Frontline Volunteer who provides emotional and spiritual support, Volunteer at the parish level, etc. See for information

Gift Certificates from Shop Rite are available. Please see Alice Hossary

MANY THANKS:

-To May Elias and Sherif Elmasry for baking the prosphora.

-To Marie Samaan for donating the olive oil.

-Reminder: The Archdiocese assessments for parish families are due. This is the money that our Parish has to pay to the Archdiocese every year. It varies from year to year based on the Parish

Annual Income. This year it is about $50.00 per baptized soul. You do not have to pay it all at once but you can divide it over the year as it fits your budget. Please note "Archdiocese Assessment" in memo section of your check.

-Please remember that the Church still has to pay all the bills whether you are at St. Stephen Church on Sunday or not. Be generous and meet all your obligations so Our Lord would be generous with you and bless you every step of your way.

-Block Email: Any parishioner who wants to send a block email to all parishioners must first send it to Fr. Stephen for approval. Fr. Stephen would then send it to Rosemary Kattas (Church Secretary) to send it to all parishioners.

Preparation for Holy Communion:

-Only Orthodox Christians who are prepared may approach the Holy Chalice. Please remember to

have respect as we are processing forward to receive Holy Communion. This is a solemn time for

humility, prayer and silence. Please approach the Holy Chalice “In the fear of God and in faith and in love.”

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