SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2017

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Averkios the wonder-worker, equal-to-the-Apostles and bishop of
Hierapolis; Seven youths ('Seven Sleepers') martyred in Ephesos; Bishop
Eulalios.
Tone 3 Eothinon 9

//

SAINT ELIAS
ORTHODOX CHURCH
408 E. 11 STREET • AUSTIN, TX 78701
TH

(512) 476-2314
www.sainteliaschurch.org

WELCOME…to all our visitors worshipping with us!

Please be sure to sign the Guest Book or fill out a Visitor’s Card and drop
it in the collection plate (or give it to a greeter). Please be our guest
downstairs in the Fellowship Hall for coffee and refreshments after the
service this morning. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming
you personally to Saint Elias.
We’re glad you’re here!
 ST ELIAS ORTHODOX CHURCH
A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
and the Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America
METROPOLITAN JOSEPH, PRIMATE BISHOP BASIL, BISHOP OF WICHITA
Check out our parish website:
Parish Office: www.sainteliaschurch.org
The Parish Office is located at:
12731 Research Blvd, Ste. A110 Sacraments: Baptism,
Austin, TX 78759 Matrimony, Adult Initiation
Church Office Phone: (512) 476-2314 Contact the Church Office and
Church Hall Phone: (512) 476-2316 set up an appointment with the
Office Hours: Pastor to discuss the arrange-
Tuesday–Friday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM ments for these sacraments.
Church & Clergy email addresses: Pastoral Care of the Sick
Office: office@sainteliaschurch.org Please call the Parish Office with
Very Rev. Fr. David Barr, Pastor names of the sick and hos-
frdavidbarr@gmail.com
Rev. Fr. Raphael Daly, Assistant Pastor
pitalized of the parish so they
synaxis@gmail.com can receive proper pastoral care.
Very Rev. Fr. Traian Buican
tbuican@yahoo.com
Offering the Holy Bread
Sign up to offer Holy Bread by
Reverend Archdeacon Niketas Sanders
niketas@yahoo.com calling the Church Office.
Reverend Deacon Gregory Farman Become a Member of St. Elias
gregfarman@gmail.com
We would love to have you be a
Reverend Deacon Elisha Long
part of our community! Please
rlongsummer@gmail.com
talk to the Pastor or call the
Parish Council: Church Office to get an
Officers: information packet on becoming
Mark Cherry, Chairman a member of the parish.
Philip Gunter, Vice Chairman Times for Confession:
Adam Wall, Treasurer Confessions are heard before
Imad Zaccak, Secretary Vespers on Saturday evenings, and
Members: by appoint-ment during the week.
Nesreen Khoury One of the priests will be available
Dn. Elisha Long in the church starting at 5:00 PM
David Jabour prior to Vespers. You may also call
James Mercier the church office or email one of the
Michael Friends priests to set up an appointment for
Alexandre Rourk confession. To indicate your desire
Sam Ibrahim to go to Confession, come to the
Organizational Representatives: front right pew and wait for the
Choir: Bill Attal priest….
Church School: Dn. Elisha Long
OYA: Adam Wall
Ladies Guild: Danielle Wolf
 THE DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
8:30 AM Liturgy: Congregational Singing
We will be using the blue-covered Congregational Liturgy books found in the pews
this morning for the 8:30 AM Divine Liturgy. Check the Early Liturgy supplement
for music for the Troparia of the day.
10:30 AM Liturgy: St. Elias Choir
The Divine Liturgy may be found in the white Visitor’s Liturgy books. When we
reach the point in the service for Antiphons and hymns, the ones for today's service
are listed below and on the next page.

1st Antiphon
It is good to give praise unto the Lord, and to chant unto Thy name, O Most High.
Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us.
To proclaim in the morning Thy mercy, and Thy truth by night.
Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us.
Upright is the Lord our God, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever,
and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us.
2nd Antiphon
The Lord is King, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength and
He hath girt Himself.
O Son of God who art risen from the dead, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
For He established the world which shall not be shaken.
O Son of God who art risen from the dead, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
Holiness becometh Thy house, O Lord, unto length of days.
O Son of God who art risen from the dead, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever,
and unto ages of ages. Amen.
and “Only-begotten Son…”
3rd Antiphon–Troparion of the Resurrection (Tone 3)
The Daily Hymns
Troparion of the Resurrection (Tone 3)
Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad; for the Lord hath
done a mighty act with his own arm. He hath trampled down
death by death and become the Firstborn from the dead. He hath
delivered us from the depths of hades, granting the world great
mercy.
Troparion of Averkios (Tone 4)
The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith,
an icon of meekness, and a teacher of temperance; for this cause,
thou hast achieved the heights by humility, riches by poverty. O
Father and hierarch Averkios intercede with Christ God that our
souls be saved.
Troparion of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus (Tone 4)
Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee
received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from
Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength,
they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons'
strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save
our souls, since Thou art merciful.
Troparion of the Prophet Elias (Tone 4)
The incarnate Angel and the Prophets summit and boast, the
forerunner of the second coming of Christ our God, Elias the
glorious, from above sent down his grace upon Elisha; he doth
cast out sickness and doth also cleanse lepers; and unto all that
honour him, he poureth forth streams of cures.
Kontakion for Most Sundays (Tone 2)
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.
Prokeimenon in Tone 3 (from Psalm 47)
Sing praises unto our God, sing praises; sing praises unto our
King, sing praises.
Clap your hands, all ye nations; shout unto God with a voice of
rejoicing.

The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to

Titus (3:8-15)
Titus, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these
things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply
themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But
avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over
the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious,
after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing to do with him,
knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.
When I send Artemas or Tychicos to you, do your best to come to
me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your
best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they
lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds,
so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.
All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love
us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen.

Alleluia Verses in Tone 3 (from Psalm 31)

In thee, O Lord, have I hoped; let me not be put to shame in the
age to come.
Be Thou unto me a God to defend me and a house of refuge to
save me.

The Holy Gospel — St. Luke 8:26-39

At that time, Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which
is opposite Galilee. And as he stepped out on land, there met him a man
from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes,
and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he
cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, “What
have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech you,
do not torment me.” For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come
out of the man. [For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under
guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was
driven by the demon into the wilderness.] Jesus then asked him, “What is
your name?” And he said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him.
And they begged Jesus not to command them to depart into the abyss.
Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and
they begged Jesus to let them enter these. So he gave them leave. Then
the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd
rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.
When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled, and told
it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had
happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the
demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind;
and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who
had been possessed with demons was healed. Then all the people of the
surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked Jesus to depart from them;
for they were seized with great fear; so he got into a boat and returned.
The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with
Jesus; but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare
all that God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming through
the whole city all that Jesus had done for him.

Sermon: Father David Barr

Today’s Commemorations
Prayers are requested for the health of Rima Deeb Granado by Emil
Sayegh and family.
Prayers are requested for the health and recovery of Donna Dagar.
Prayers are requested for the health and recovery of Nader Jaber.
Prayers are requested by Bishop BASIL for Bishop Antoun,
Metropolitan Paul of Aleppo, Syria, and the Syrian Orthodox
Archbishop Youhanna (John), also from Aleppo, Metropolitan Saba
and the clergy and people of our sister diocese of Bosra-Hauran,
Marie Dunaway-Bell, Asher Bourqin, Father Daniel Griffith,
Khouriya Sarah Henre, Father Michael and Khouriya Angelina
Keiser, Father Basil McMurray, Father John & Khouriya Cheryl
Morris, Archdeacon George and Shamassy Linda Palmer, Father
Stephen and Khouriya Joan Walinski, and Khouriya Jody Williams.
Departed remembered from the Parish Dyptichs: for the repose of George
Zegub, Sr. (†10/22/1976), Anna Emma Mecey (†10/22/1985), Joseph
Jabbour Tebcherany (†10/23/1989), George Mike Massouh
(†10/24/1953), Emma Attal (†10/26/1959), and Victoria Audish
Zegub (†10/28/1993). These names come from the parish dyptichs—
the record of those who have been buried from St. Elias. May their
memory be eternal.
At the Divine Liturgy during the Great Entrance, we normally commemorate only Orthodox
Christians by name among the living and departed since this is the Church praying for the Church.
Non-Orthodox are remembered liturgically in prayers at Vespers and other intercessory services of
the Church.
On Receiving Holy Communion in the Orthodox Church:
Only Orthodox Christians who are prepared through prayer, fasting, and a recent
sacramental confession should approach the Chalice for the Eucharist. The
Orthodox Church does not practice “open communion” and has no
intercommunion with other churches (non-Orthodox). If you have any questions
concerning this, please talk to one of the priests before taking communion.
And Remember…
…to receive Holy Communion, one should be present at the Divine Liturgy no
later than the time for the Epistle and Gospel readings. We feed both our minds
and our hearts as part of the Orthodox Christian life. To feast on the Lord without
listening to his words is disrespectful.

Announcements for Sunday, October 22

Our Greeters this morning are…
… Florin Matei (8:30) and Alex Apostol (10:30). Thank you for this
important ministry of hospitality.
…Next week's greeters are Sh. Nina Long (8:30) and James Mercier
(10:30). Thank you for this important ministry of hospitality.

Coffee Hour Schedule

November 5: A-C
November 12: D-I
November 19: J-Q
November 26: R-Z
Mark your calendars for your week and participate in this ministry of fellowship
in our parish. And remember, help clean up afterwards on your Sunday

Fall Sunday School Schedule

October 22 Class: Jesus at 12 years old

October 29 Class: Baptism in the Jordan
November 5 Class: Temptation in the Desert
November 12 Class: Sermon on the Mount
November 19 Class: Miracles of Christ
November 26 No Class (Thanksgiving Break)
Book Store News
Check out our parish book and gift store for wonderful reading material
and gifts. We need volunteers to work in the bookstore. Contact the
church office if you can help.
Today’s volunteer: Emily Poole

Sign up to bake Holy Bread!

W ould you like to sign up for Holy Bread? We are always in need of
bread and have limited freezer space for storing it. Email Fr. David
and let him know you would like to offer Holy Bread. We need 6-7 loaves
each Sunday.
October 15: Dn. Elisha & Sh. Nina Long
October 22: Open
October 29: Maria ElenaTolle

Fathers of the Church with Fr. Dan Daly

Beginning on Sunday, September 17th at 10:00 AM Father Dan Daly will
teach a series of classes on the great Fathers of the Orthodox West. ALL
ARE WELCOME.

Bringing Your Brokeness

Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church is offering a new restoration and
recovery ministry for those who have, or consider themselves to have, a
life-debilitating issue. These issues may be interfering with your life and
may result in, or be the result of, a habitual sin which needs healing in
order for you to live your life in Christ. They can range from anxiety or
panic disorders, eating disorders, checking internet or social media to the
point of shutting out your family, or to drug or alcohol addiction.
Open to individuals and couples, the first meeting is scheduled for
Thursday, October 26, at 6:30pm. Our goal is to provide a loving
Orthodox Christian atmosphere for support, accountability, study, and
discussion, with the ultimate goal of restoring our souls and bodies to the
image and likeness of God.
Catechumens at St. Elias:
Our catechumens at St. Elias are Sam Bair, Trafton and Rachel Esler; Luke
Kubena, Zachary Flaten, Nicholas Lynch, Geoffrey Miller, Gabriel Neas,
Scott, Melody, Jason and Michaela Schroeder; Raul, Ali and Simon Scully;
Joseph Snyder; and Josh Stemper. Please make every effort to welcome
them in the parish as they make their journey to Orthodoxy. And, if
anyone is interested in becoming a catechumen, please talk to Fr. David
Barr to start the process.

Catechism Classes • 2017/2018

Saturday Afternoons before Great Vespers
Each year, St. Elias holds a series of Catechism Classes. These classes are
geared for all those interested in learning more about the Orthodox Church,
for those interested in becoming Orthodox, and for our own members who
may never have gone through a series of catechism classes. The classes will be
held on Saturday afternoons in the Parish Library, starting on September 9 at
4:00 PM (before Great Vespers—come to the class, stay for Vespers!).

Session Date* Topic**

1 9/9
2 9/23
3 10/7
4 10/21
5 11/4
6 11/18
7 12/2
8 12/16
9 1/13
10 1/27
*Dates are subject to change. **Topics may be adjusted as needed for the specific class.
Sources of Doctrine
Nicene Creed - Part I
I believe in One God…
Nicene Creed - Part II
Who is Jesus Christ?
Nicene Creed – Part III
The Holy Trinity
An Orthodox Approach to the Bible
Mariology and Hagiology
Sacraments & Worship
Theology in Iconography
Spirituality and Prayer
Preparing to Receive the Mysteries
Confession and Entrance into the Church

This class would also be great for anyone (teens, young adults, adults, etc.)
who would like to learn more about the Orthodox Church and its beliefs.
GENEROSITY
The True Mark of
Christ-like Giving

Skinny or Fat?
A recent research study reported that Americans are
becoming fatter and fatter. Nearly 63 percent of our nation
is overweight, many to the point of obesity. When the
majority of our citizens lose the "battle of the bulge" due to
overeating, improper diet, and lack of physical exercise. they
not only adversely affect their own personal health; they
negatively impact the overall health and well-being of our
nation. From the standpoint of neglecting your health, being
fat is not a good thing.
In contrast, Scripture talks about a fat that is positive.
In Bible times, the only people who carried extra pounds on
their frames were people who were prosperous. Being
overweight was an obvious indication that they had more
than enough to eat, fared well in life, and therefore were
more prosperous than those people who were skinny. It was
an outward sign of success to be fat in Bible times.
In the King James Version, Proverbs 11:25 reads: The
liberal soul shall be made fat,- and he that watereth shall be
watered also himself. In other versions the word fat is
translated “prosperous.” Take note that the liberal, or
generous, person is the one who is made fat, or prosperous.
This person is not fat because they abuse their body and
neglect personal discipline regarding diet, eating habits, and
exercise. This person is prosperous because this person is a
generous giver.
Because they give, generous givers have more, not
less in life. Their giving is marked by liberality. They
always give more than the average person. Giving is not a
duty or drudgery for a generous person. It is a delight.
When they water (give and bring life to others through their
gifts), they water a lot. They enjoy giving above and beyond
the standard of what others might be satisfied with doing.
As a result, according to this scripture, their life is watered in
return.
Biblically, when it comes to the subject of giving, we
choose whether we will be fat or skinny in God’s eyes.
Skinny givers are not liberal. They shy away from being
generous. When they water, they water sparingly, if at all.
They then wonder why nothing ever grows in their lives.
It's because they are not liberal waterers!
What about you? Are you a skinny or a fat giver? It is all
right to be “overweight” when it comes to being
generous. There is nothing unhealthy about being a
liberal person. As a matter of fact, it is very healthy. The
people you water get blessed, and you get blessed in
return!
What do you weigh on the giving scale? You can
move from skinny to fat by deciding today to become
generous, then following through on your decision. God’s
promise is for you: The liberal soul shall be made fat. Skinny or
fat - it's up to you!

Generosity is the true mark of Christ-like

giving!
This week, you will receive a mailing for St. Elias’ annual
stewardship campaign. Please read the materials and
respond prayerfully, remembering, The generous man will be
prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered. –
Proverbs 11:25
 This Week at St. Elias
Saturday, October 28 5:45 PM — 9 Hour
th

6:00 PM — Great Vespers

Sunday, October 29 Twenth-First Sunday After Pentecost
8:10 AM — 3 & 6 Hours
rd th

8:30 AM — Divine Liturgy

10:30 AM — Divine Liturgy