Bulletin of Sunday, February 16, 2025
Sunday of the Prodigal Son
January 16. Veneration of the Honorable Chains of the Holy and Illustrious Apostle Peter.
These are the chains by which Peter was fettered for the sake of Christ by order of King Herod, as recounted in Acts 12:6-7 (The very night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison; and behold, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands.) They were brought to Constantinople by Empress Eudoxia in 437 and placed in shrine named after the Prince of Apostles within the Great Church.
The Church of St. Peter's Chains in Rome was built in the fifth century to commemorate the chains that fettered him by order of Emperor Nero.
Scripture Memory
“God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power” (1 Cor 6:14).
“So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20).
We celebrate today’s Divine Liturgy for
The repose of the souls of:
Deacon Joseph Daratony
(February 6, 2025)
Martha Jensen (February 6, 2025)
Lisa Marie (January 30, 2025)
Yousef Kiryakos (January 29, 2025)
Kristina Ann Lewis (January 16, 2025)
Joe Botaish (January 14, 2025)
Akel Salim Boulos (January 2, 2025)
Therese Francis Semaan
(January 1, 2025)
Ikbal (Koki) Choueiri (October 11, 2024)
Danny Lutfi (September 25, 2024)
Inaam Semaan Bottomley
(January 16, 2024)
Rand Raheb (January 2023)
Khalil Semaan & Mary Semaan
Yacoub Ibrahim Hilo, Yacoub Khalil Hilo & Naim Ayoub Khoury
The health, safety & blessings of:
Fr. Alexei Woltornist
Fr. Alam Alam
Abdallah Bassil
Omar Haddadin
Estella Hernandez
Rawan Garcia
Floyd Genadry
Laila Habis
Samir Nasr
Majed Nesheiwat
Therese Srouji
Suleiman Seruge
For peace in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Iraq, and all the troubled regions around the world.
For vocations to the priesthood, monastic life, and lay parish ministries.
Sunday Readings
Apostolic Reading –
1 Cor 6:12-20
Gospel – Luke 15:11-32
Income and Expenses
Thank you for your ongoing generous donations:
To Donate Online:
You can sign-up online at
faith.direct/CA1088
text ‘Enroll’ to
(714) 430-8003
Or call Faith Direct customer service at
(866) 507-8757
You can also Donate with PayPal
PayPal.Me/holycrossmelkite
We are grateful for your generous support as we continue to build a healthy spiritual future for you, your family, and our Church community. Saint Peter reminds us: “As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10).
LITURGICAL SCHEDULE
Our Weekly Online Prayer:
Monday-Friday. 11:00-11:20 a.m.
Join us for Daily Prayers on Facebook & YouTube:
Saturday.
4:30 p.m. Confessions (or by appointment).
5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening Prayer).
Sunday.
10:00 a.m. Orthros (Morning Prayer) & Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
THE HOLY MYSTERIES
MYSTERIES OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION:
The three Mysteries of Baptism, Chrismation and Holy Eucharist are always celebrated together in one ceremony. One month notice is required and one baptismal preparation meeting is required with the priest.
MYSTERY OF HOLY CROWNING:
Six month notice, an initial meeting with the priest, marriage preparation sessions, and a wedding license are required.
You must be an active member of the parish.
MYSTERY OF HOLY CONFESSION:
Saturday at 4:30 p.m. or by appointment.
MYSTERY OF HOLY ANOINTING:
Available for anyone who is ill.
PLEASE NOTE: There is no charge for the celebration of the Sacramental Mysteries, however, it is appropriate to offer a gift of thanksgiving.
We suggest an offering of $200 for Baptisms; $500 for Weddings; $400 for Funerals; and $200 for a Memorial Service
Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church
451 West Madison Avenue, Placentia, CA 92870-4537
Telephone: (714) 985-1710
E-mail: office@HolyCrossMelkite.org
Parish Web site: www.HolyCrossMelkite.org
Facebook Page: www.Facebook.com/HolyCrossMelkite
YouTube Page: www.Youtube.com/HolyCrossMelkite
Instagram: @HolyCrossMelkite
Administrator: Father Oliver Black
E-mail: pastor@holycrossmelkite.org Text: (714) 984-6229
Pastoral Associate: Deacon Elias Kashou
Parish Director: Carol Nasr
Choir Director: Reader Saad Tashman.
Sunday School / Eastern Christian Formation Program: Every Sunday after the Divine Liturgy from September-May. Pre-School to Grade 9.
Sunday School Coordinator: Mariam Khoury
Our Lady’s Society President: Josephine S. Cantartzoglou