Sunday, April 30. 2023

Posted on April 29, 2023 by Fr. Peter Jon Gillquist

Third Sunday of Pascha

Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women,

Pious Joseph of Arimathaea & Righteous Nicodemus

Thought for Today: “Faith is indiscriminate acceptance of the things heard, and assurance of the things preached with God’s grace.” + St. Basil the Great +

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

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 power. And when Thou didst raise the dead from beneath the earth, all the powers of Heaven did cry aloud unto Thee: O Christ, Thou giver of life, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion of Joseph of Arimathaea – Tone 2

The noble Joseph, taking Thine immaculate Body down from the Tree, and having wrapped It in pure linen and spices, laid It for burial in a new tomb. But on the third day Thou didst arise, O Lord, granting to the world Great Mercy.

Apolytikion of the Myrrh-Bearing Women – Tone 2

Unto the myrrh-bearing women did the Angel cry out as he stood by the grave: Myrrh-oils are meet for the dead, but Christ hath proved to be a stranger to corruption. But cry out: The Lord is risen, granting to the world Great Mercy.

Kontakion of Pascha – Tone 8

O Immortal One, when Thou didst descend into the tomb, Thou didst destroy the power of Hades; and Thou didst rise victorious, O Christ God. Thou hast said to the ointment‑bearing women: Rejoice! And Thou gavest peace to Thy Disciples, O Bestower of Resurrection to those Who had fallen.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle

The Lord is my strength and my song. With chastisement has the Lord chastened me.

The Reading from the Acts of the Holy Apostles. (6:1-7)

In those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily ministry. And the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said: “It is not right that we should forsake the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. And we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And the saying pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Próchoros, and Nikánor, and Tímon, and Parmenás, and Nikólaos a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly, and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

The Gospel

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (15:43-16:8)

At that time, Joseph of Arimathaea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the Kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. And Pilate wondered if He were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether Jesus was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that He was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. And he bought a linen shroud, and taking Him down, wrapped Him in the linen shroud, and laid Him in a tomb, which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where He was laid. And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb at the rising of the sun. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back – it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a long white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, Who was crucified. He is risen; He is not here; see the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter that He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him, as He told you.” And they went out quickly and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Receiving the Eucharist:We invite you to receive the Holy Eucharist if you are an Orthodox Christian who has prepared yourself through fasting, prayer, and recent confession. If you are not Orthodox, or are Orthodox but have not prepared, we invite you to receive a piece of the blessed bread in the wooden bowls held by the altar servers at the front of the church.

Metropolitan Saba: The Enthronement of His Eminence Metropolitan SABA will take place at Saint Nicholas cathedral in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday, May 13. Axios!!

Finals Week: IU student, graduating seniors are Elizabeth Martine, Nathaniel Martine, and Philip Pampreen. May God grant you many years.

All Saints internet: We are updating the internet equipment to improve live-stream reliability and overall internet speed. The login name and password for the available parishioner network will be posted on the bulletin board this weekend.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, May 3: Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm; followed by Orthodoxy 101.

Saturday, May 6: Saturday morning Bible Study at the Webb’s home has resumed and starting at Romans 12; all are welcome to attend. 9:00- 10:30 am at 3960 E Fenbrook Lane, 47401.

Saturday, May 6: Great Vespers at 5:00 pm, followed by ask Abouna; jr. SOYO at 3:30 pm; SOYO at 6:00 pm.

Sunday, May 7: Matins at 9:00am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am; Myrrh-bearers will me after Divine Liturgy.

FAMILY NEWS

Names Day Celebration: Holly Busby, St. Tamara (1^st); Philip Pampreen, St. Philip (3^rd);

Glen Carter, St. Vasily (4^th); Sami Koutares, Eirene Stavropoulos,Irene Vlachos Weber;

St.Eirene/ Irene (5^th).

Birthday Celebrations: Ephrem Alexander (30^th); Fiona Rose (6^th).

Anniversary Celebrations: Lance and Cat Cowan (3^rd).

Memory Eternal: Ronald; Jack; Kh. Rita; Joe; Father Angelo.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Toni;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; Earthquake victims and relief efforts in Syria and Turkey; schools: school children, youth and personnel across the nation; Mat. Raisa; Mary Ann; Emma (Mary Ann’s granddaughter); Bob & Bonnie Thelen; Wes (infant with brittle bone disorder); Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara; Wes’s grandfather;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Arianna; Linda; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Fr.Gabriel;Jack;Christopher; Nancy; Fr. Jerome Mother Nektaria; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Kristy, Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison; Andrew (Texas/military); Isaac (Germany/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy; Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; John; Stanley; Anna with child (Coran’s friend); Paulina with child; Macrina with child; Emilia with child; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Norma; Allison and children.

Bookstore Update: Thank you for your support of the All Saints Bookstore. The Purchase Slip, helps to track purchases and maintain inventory, place in payment box. Payment can be made by cash, check or online. For questions, or to request items you would like to see in the bookstore, please see Rhonda Webb or email her at webbrk1@gmail.com.

Coffee Hour Host: Rhonda Webb with Parishioners S-Z.

Next week Host: Melissa Barbarick with Parishioner A- B.

Giving Opportunities:

The Benevolence Fund: Donations may be made to this fund throughout the year, and are mainly used to support families in need of help with rent and utilities payments. Thank you for your ongoing generosity.

Our In-House Food Pantry: Non-perishable food items are always welcome, thank you for your continued support. The Food Pantry is available to parish member as well as families in the community.

Donations to the church are being made online at www.allsaintsbloomington.org and by U.S mail. Many thanks to all who continue supporting All Saints.

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Posted on April 21, 2023 by Fr. Peter Jon Gillquist

New Sunday or Anti-Pascha

Sunday of Thomas the Apostle, Called “The Twin”

Great-martyr George the Trophy-bearer

Thought for Today: “As the most effective prayer the Church Fathers use the short phase, ‘Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.’ This prayer is the key to the spiritual life. It is a prayer that cannot be taught either by books, or by spiritual fathers or by anyone else. Its sole teacher is divine grace.” – St. Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

The Eisodikon (Entrance Hymn) of Pascha

In the gathering places bless God the Lord, from the springs of Israel. Save us, O Son of God, Who art risen from the dead, who sing to Thee: Alleluia.

Apolytikion for Thomas Sunday – Tone 7

While the tomb was sealed, Thou didst shine forth from it, O Life. While the doors were closed, Thou didst come in to Thy Disciples, O Christ God, Resurrection of all, renewing in us through them an upright spirit, according to the greatness of Thy mercy

Apolytikion of St. George – Tone 4

Since thou art a liberator and deliverer of captives, a help and support of the poor and needy, a healing physician of the sick, a contender and fighter for kings, O great among Martyrs, the victory-clad George; intercede with Christ God for the salvation of our souls.

Kontakion of Pascha – Tone 8

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle

The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord. Hear my voice, O God.

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles. (12:1-11)

In those days, Herod the king laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword; and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. So Peter was kept in prison; but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the Church. 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. And the angel said to him, “Wrap your mantle around you and follow me.” And he went out and followed him; he did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened to them of its own accord, and they went out and passed on through one street; and immediately the angel left him. And Peter came to himself, and said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

The Gospel

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (20:19-31)

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the Disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the Disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other Disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe.” Eight days later, His Disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the Disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His Name.

Metropolitan Saba: The Enthronement of His Eminence Metropolitan SABA will take place at Saint Nicholas cathedral in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday, May 13. Axios!!

Saturday, April 22: Baby Shower Brunch for Macrina Robertson, 10am-12pm; All Saints Orthodox Church. All Ladies, girls and infants are invited.

Registry: babylist.com/coranrobertson.

THIS WEEK

Today, Sunday: Barb Grinder is moving from Bloomington, and will be greatly missed in our community. Today is her final Divine Liturgy at All Saints. May God grant her many years!

Parish Council will meet after Divine Liturgy.

Wednesday, April 26: Readers Vespers at 6:00 pm.

Friday, April 28: Orthodox Christians for Life invites you to pray the Akathist for the Protection of the Theotokos at All Saints, 6:00 pm.

Saturday, April 29: Readers Vespers at 5:00 pm, SOYO and OCF will chant the service;

NO jr. SOYO at 3:30 pm; SOYO at 6:00 pm.

Sunday, April 30: Matins at 9:00am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.

FAMILY NEWS

Names Day Celebration: George Tabbal, Griffin Finchum St. George (23^rd); Elizabeth Arthur St. Elizabeth the Wonderworker (24^th).

Birthday Celebrations: Elizabeth Arthur (24^th); Paul Blair (24^th); Noah Shahadey (28^th).

Memory Eternal: Ronald; Jack; Kh. Rita; Joe.

Attention All Saints men 18 years and older: Please See Vasily (Glen) Carter for information about the newly-resurrected men’s group.

Bookstore Update: Thank you for your support of the All Saints Bookstore. The Purchase Slip, is helping to track purchases and maintain inventory, place in payment box. Payment can be made by cash, check or online. For questions, or to request items you would like to see in the bookstore, please see Rhonda Webb or email her at webbrk1@gmail.com.

Coffee Hour Host: Nina Rogers with Parishioners H-R.

Next week Host: Rhonda Webb with Parishioners S-Z.

Giving Opportunities:

Our In-House Food Pantry: Non-perishable food items are always welcome, thank you for your continued support. The Food Pantry is available to parish member as well as families in the community.

Donations to the church are being made online at www.allsaintsbloomington.org and by U.S mail. Many thanks to all who continue supporting All Saints.

Sunday, April 16, 2023

Posted on April 14, 2023 by Fr. Peter Jon Gillquist

3 PM today, great vespers of the un-nailing of Christ

6 PM tonight, lamentations.

Saturday, 9 AM: harrowing of Hades

10 PM, Saturday: Rush, Matins and Divine Liturgy of Holy Pascha.

Great and All-Holy Pascha

Thought for Today: “The all gracious God today bestowed upon us gifts, too great to be adequately expressed in words. Therefore, let us all rejoice together, and while rejoicing, let us praise our God… For I ask, what was given to us for our salvation that was not given to us by the Holy Spirit? He freed us from slavery, adopted and called us to the freedom of the children of God. From the fountain (i.e., the Holy Spirit) flow prophecies, the grace of healing, and all the other gifts and fruits with which the Church is wont to adorn herself. + St. John Chrysostrom +

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

The Eisodikon (Entrance Hymn) of Pascha

In the gathering places bless ye God the Lord, from the springs of Israel. Save us, O Son of God, Who art risen from the dead, who sing to Thee: Alleluia.

Paschal Apolyikion – Tone 5

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!

The Hypakoe of Pascha – Tone 4

When they who were with Mary came, anticipating the dawn, and found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher, they heard from the Angel: Why seek ye among the dead, as though He were mortal man, Him Who abideth in everlasting light? Behold the grave-clothes. Go quickly and proclaim to the world that the Lord is risen, and hath put death to death. For He is the Son of God, Who saveth the race of man.

The Kontakion of Pascha – Tone 8

Though Thou didst descend into the grave, O Immortal One, yet didst Thou destroy the power of Hades, and didst arise as victor, O Christ God, calling to the myrrh-bearing women, Rejoice, and giving peace unto Thine Apostles, O Thou Who dost grant resurrection to the fallen.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle

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

O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endureth forever.

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles. (1:1-8)

In the first book, O Theophilus, 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 many 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 to 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.”

The Gospel

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (1:1-17)

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 fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Metropolitan Saba: The Enthronement of His Eminence Metropolitan SABA will take place at Saint Nicholas cathedral in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday, May 13. Axios!!

THIS WEEK

Today Sunday: Agape Service, at12:00 noon; followed by theProcession to the empty Tomb; Agape Feast and Pascha treats for the children.

Wednesday, April : Paschal Vespers (Readers TBD) at 6:00 pm.

Saturday, April 22: Great Vespers at 5:00 pm; jr. SOYO at 3:30 pm; SOYO at 6:00 pm.

Sunday, April 23 : Matins at 9:00am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am; Parish Council will meet after Divine Liturgy.

FAMILY NEWS

Birthday Celebrations: Gabriella Crandell (20^th).

Memory Eternal: Ronald; Jack; Kh. Rita.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Toni;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; Earthquake victims and relief efforts in Syria and Turkey; schools: school children, youth and personnel across the nation; Mat. Raisa; Mary Ann; Emma (Mary Ann’s granddaughter); Bob & Bonnie Thelen; Wes (infant with brittle bone disorder); Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara; Wes’s grandfather;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Arianna; Linda; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Fr.Gabriel;Jack;Christopher; Nancy; Fr. Jerome Mother Nektaria; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Kristy, Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison; Andrew (Texas/military); Isaac (Germany/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy; Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; John; Stanley; Anna with child (Coran’s friend); Megan with child; Paulina with child; Macrina with child; Emilia with child; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Norma; Allison and children.

LOOKING AHEAD

Saturday, April 22: Baby Shower Brunch for Macrina Robertson, 10am-12pm; All Saints Orthodox Church. All Ladies, girls and infants are invited.

Registry: babylist.com/coranrobertson.

Next Sunday, April 23: will be Barb Grinder’s final day with us at All Saints. Barb will be moving to Maine. May God grant her many years!

Coffee Hour Host: Agape Feast. Please bring sides/potluck dish for the meal; in addition to the planned lamb, pita and tzatziki.

Next week Host: Nina Rogers’ with Parishioners H-R.

Attention All Saints men 18 years and older: Please See Vasily (Glen) Carter for information about the newly-resurrected men’s group.

Bookstore Update: Thank you so much for your support of our All Saints Bookstore. In order to track purchases and maintain inventory more effectively we ask that when you purchase items you fill out a Purchase Slip and put it in the Payment box along with your cash or check. If you prefer to pay via our website donation app, please indicate “Online” as your method of payment. Then when paying online, Select “Make a Donation” and at the bottom of that page, next to “1 time” there is a blank space where you can type “Bookstore”. Thank you so much for your help.

For questions, or to request items you would like to see in the bookstore, please see Rhonda Webb or email her at webbrk1@gmail.com.

Giving Opportunities:

Our In-House Food Pantry needs canned vegetables, soups, meats, tuna, salmon, smoked oysters, sardines, chicken, spaghetti sauce, pasta. We have an abundance peanut butter.

Donations to the church are being made online at www.allsaintsbloomington.org and by U.S mail. Many thanks to all who continue supporting All Saints.

A Message for Pascha

By Metropolitan Saba (Isper)

Pascha returns annually as a precious season that places us before the fact of that salvation given to us by Christ’s voluntary death and glorious resurrection. Today is a day to renew our hope in the value of life. Today is a day to rectify our path towards true life. Today, we understand that eternal life is our goal and objective and that our life on earth—in all its joys and sorrows—only becomes a true life once we start approaching it as the beginning of our eternal life. We must examine our faith, our conduct, and our life’s path in light of the resurrection. Are these leading us to eternal life, the essence of which is God’s active, living, and life-giving presence in our lives? Our Christ did not endure all these sufferings to grant us a happy life that just lasts for some years on earth, only to vanish and disappear. He fulfilled His divine dispensation so that life on earth might become our passage into life eternal. It is through us, the children of the resurrection, that the world passes into life eternal. The pains, fears, and dangers that surround us must drive us to search for the meaning of life and to place everything in its appropriate context. Sooner or later, the shape of this world will pass away. Why do we then reduce our aspiration to what is on this earth, forgetting the genuine life to come? We believers fear not death but sin. We do not fear losing our earthly life but rather losing life with God. With the power of the resurrection, we confront the different forms of death armed by the unconquerable hope that Life has defeated death. The resurrection of Christ means that we Christians have no place for despair, regardless of tribulations and dark times. The guiding and directing light of the resurrection remains more powerful than anything. It is not a coincidence that Christ endured severe pains before He died and then arose. His resurrection occurred after He went through Golgotha in order to teach us that the pains of this life, as harsh as they might be, cannot be compared to the joys of the life to come, as the Apostle Paul teaches (2 Cor. 4:17). We believe that we will witness our personal resurrection before the general resurrection—that is, of course, if we are fully purified from our passions. This is why we will never tire of rising after every fall until we achieve that great purpose. We are certain that there is no salvation in the world except through this. The bigger the disappointments, the more we cling to our objective, for we have, in the resurrection of Christ, a hope and an energy that will never disappoint or be exhausted. Let us, therefore, be armed with the resurrection as the cornerstone of our Faith, and let us also, through the resurrection, drive away every despair, fight every fear, and renew our determination to build a virtuous life. Let us couple our faith with works, unite our words to actions, and not be satisfied with pleasantries. Carry the splendor of your rituals of worship into your world and society. Never cease trying to live your Christianity, and you will see that the rest will be added to you. On this feast, we must renew our love, which is tainted with fear, and look, not merely to ourselves, but to those who are in need of a breath of true life. Remember that man was created for endless love. In Christ, both God and our neighbor become close to us. I beg you to strive to discover that you are one family, responsible for each other, for you are brothers and sisters with one Father. It is proper to intensify our prayers and fasting in order to call upon God’s mercy. If we are truly the children of the resurrection, we must become witnesses for life and persistence. This is what we hope for and work towards, for the sake of our country, our people, and all the people of the world. In this spirit, we will welcome the feast this year by lifting up together our thoughts, wishes, and desires and placing them at the feet of Him who rose from the dead, hoping for the resurrection of the entire world. Amen.

Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen!

Sunday, April 9,2023

Posted on April 7, 2023 by Fr. Peter Jon Gillquist

Feast of Palm Sunday:

Entrance of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem

**Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom**

Thought for Today: “Joy is thankfulness, and when we are joyful, that is the best expression of thanks we can offer the Lord, Who delivers us from sorrow and sin.”

Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

The Eisodikon (Entrance Hymn) of Palm Sunday

Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord: God is the Lord and hath appeared unto us. Save us, O Son of God, Who didst sit upon the foal of an ass; who sing to Thee. Alleluia.

Apolytikiion of Lazarus Saturday – Tone 1

In confirming the common Resurrection, O Christ God, Thou didst raise up Lazarus from the dead before Thy Passion. Wherefore, we also, like the children, bearing the symbols of victory, cry to Thee, the Vanquisher of death: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Kontakion of Palms Sunday – Tone 6

Being borne upon a throne in Heaven, and upon a colt on the earth, O Christ God, Thou didst accept the praise of the angels and the laudation of the children as they cried to Thee: Blessed art Thou Who comest to recall Adam.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle

Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord.

O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endures forever.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians. (4:4-9)

Brethren, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice! Let your forbearance be known to all people. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things. The things which you both learned and received, and heard and saw in me, these things do; and the God of peace will be with you.

The Gospel

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (12:1-18)

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus who had died was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at table with Him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, one of His Disciples (he who was to betray Jesus), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not because he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the moneybox he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, “Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of My burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have Me.” When the great crowd of the Jews learned that He was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, “Hosanna! Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it; as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on an ass’s colt!” His Disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of Him and had been done to Him. The crowd that had been with Jesus when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet Jesus was that they heard He had done this sign.

THIS WEEK

Today Sunday: Holy Week begins;Bridegroom Orthros at 5:00 pm.

Monday, April 10: Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00 am; Bridegroom Orthros at 6:00 pm.

Tuesday, April 11: Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00 am; Bridegroom Orthros at 6:00 pm.

Wednesday, April 12: Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00 am; Service of Holy Unction at 6:00 pm.

Thursday, April 13: Mystical Supper at 9:00 pm; Reading of the 12 Gospels at 6:00 pm.

Friday, April 14: Hours of Holy Friday at 9:00 am; Unnailing Vespers at 3:00 pm; Orthros of Lamentations at 6:00 pm; All-night Vigil at 9:00 pm.

Saturday, April 15: Vesperal Liturgy, Harrowing of Hades at 9:00 am; Rush Matins at 10:00 pm, Divine Liturgy at 11:30 pm.

Sunday, April 16: Agape Service at 12:00 pm; Feast to follow.

FAMILY NEWS

Names Day Celebrations: Subdn Jon Weber, St. John (14^th); Aryis Finchum,

St. Anastasia (15^th).

Birthday Celebrations: Zachary Platter (11^th); Subdn. Jon Weber (14^th); Marvin Piercefield (15th).

Anniversary Celebrations: Aurelian and Lucia Bidulscu (9^th); Daniel and Galina Mullis (14^th).

Memory Eternal: Nicko; Delore (Dee); Ronald; Jack; Kh. Rita.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Toni;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; Earthquake victims and relief efforts in Syria and Turkey; schools: school children, youth and personnel across the nation; Mat. Raisa; Mary Ann; Emma (Mary Ann’s granddaughter); Bob & Bonnie Thelen; Wes (infant with brittle bone disorder); Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara; Wes’s grandfather;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Arianna; Linda; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Fr.Gabriel;Jack;Christopher; Nancy; Fr. Jerome Mother Nektaria; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Kristy, Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison; Andrew (Texas/military); Isaac (Germany/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy; Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; John; Stanley; Anna with child (Coran’s friend); Megan with child; Paulina with child; Macrina with child; Emilia with child; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Norma; Allison and children.

LOOKING AHEAD

Saturday, April 22: Baby Shower Brunch for Macrina Robertson, 10am-12pm; All Saints Orthodox Church. All Ladies, girls and infants are invited. Registry: babylist.com/coranrobertson.

Coffee Hour Host: Wendy Elizabeth Carter with Parishioners C-G.

Next week Host: Agape Feast. Please bring sides/potluck dish for the meal; in addition to the planned lamb, pita and tzatziki.

Metropolitan Saba: AXIOS! He is worthy! His Beatitude Patriarch John X and the Holy Synod of Antioch have elected Metropolitan Saba as the new Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America. We will begin commemorating His Eminence when he is officially enthroned as Metropolitan in the near future.

Confessions: Fr. Peter Jon will hear confessions by appointment between now and Lazarus Saturday. Please email or call him to schedule a time. He would prefer to hear all confessions prior to Holy Week.

Earthquake Fundraiser: Gregory Gillquist would like to extend his appreciation for the tremendous support of his 33 miles biking fundraiser to assist the earthquake disaster in the Middle East.

Attention All Saints men 18 years and older: Please See Vasily (Glen) Carter for information about the newly-resurrected men’s group.

For questions, or to request items you would like to see in the bookstore, please see Rhonda Webb or email her at webbrk1@gmail.com.

Junior SOYO: sends a heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Becky Hrismolas teaching them to make traditional Mediterranean Grape leaves. They will be served on Holy Pascha.

Giving Opportunities:

Our In-House Food Pantry needs canned vegetables, soups, meats, tuna, salmon, smoked oysters, sardines, chicken, spaghetti sauce, pasta. We have an abundance peanut butter.

Donations to the church are being made online at www.allsaintsbloomington.org and by U.S mail. Many thanks to all who continue supporting All Saints.

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Posted on March 31, 2023 by Fr. Peter Jon Gillquist

Fifth Sunday of Great Lent

Commemoration of our Righteous Mother Mary of Egypt

Venerable Titus the wonderworker; Virgin-martyr Theodora of Palestine

**Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great**

Thought for Today: “I am a man—and the grace, the truth and the righteousness of God are continually working within me. It is God Who at one time cherishes and comforts me, and at another punishes and afflicts me with sorrows for any inward motion of the soul adverse to Him. But the earth is full of men like me. Therefore, in them also God manifest His mercy, truth and righteousness, as in myself. ‘He worketh all in all’.” – St. John of Kronstadt

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 1

While the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. For which cause the heavenly powers cried aloud unto Thee, O giver of life. Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ, glory to Thy kingdom, glory to Thy providence, O Thou Who alone art the lover of mankind.

Apolytikion of St. Mary of Egypt – Tone 8

Through thee, the divine likeness was securely preserved, O mother Mary; for thou didst carry the cross and follow Christ. By example and precept thou didst teach us to ignore the body, because it is perishable, and to attend to the concerns of the undying soul. Therefore, doth thy soul rejoice with the angels.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle

Make your vows and pay them to the Lord our God.

God is known in Judaea. His Name is great in Israel.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. (9:11-14)

Brethren, Christ having appeared a High Priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; neither through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having found eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of bulls and goats and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

The Gospel

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (10:32-45)

At that time, Jesus took His twelve Disciples, and began to tell them what was to happen to Him, saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles. And they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit upon Him, and kill Him; and after three days He will rise.” And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to Him, and said to Him, “Teacher, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire” And Jesus said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And they said to Him, “Grant us to sit, one at Thy right hand and one at Thy left, in Thy glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to Him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized. But to sit at My right hand or at My left is not Mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to Him and said to them, “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be servant of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

For questions, or to request items you would like to see in the bookstore, please see Rhonda Webb or email her at webbrk1@gmail.com.

THIS WEEK

Today Sunday: Pascha Choir will practice after Divine Liturgy; Lenten Vespers 5:00 pm at St. Thomas; speaker Father Alexis Miller.

Attention All Saints men 18 years and older: There will be an informal meeting (10-15 Minutes) in the Nave immediately following the dismissal today to discuss the newly-resurrected men’s group. Please See Vasily (Glen) Carter for more information.

Tuesday, April 4: OCF, Dinner & Discussion, 6:30 pm; at the Webb’s home.

Wednesday, April 5: Presanctified Liturgy, at 6:00 pm; followed by Orthodoxy 101.

Friday, April 7: Compline for Lazarus, at 6:00 pm.

Saturday, April 8: Lazarus Saturday; Baptisms at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am; We are blessed to receiving quite a number of new members through Baptism and Chrismation; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm; jr. SOYO at 3:30 pm; SOYO at 6:00 pm.

Sunday, April 9: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am, Palm Sunday.

LOOKING AHEAD

Earthquake Fundraiser: Gregory Gillquist will be biking 33 miles on Tuesday, April 4, to raise funds for victims of the earthquakes in the Middle East. Donations may be made through the church website (https://www.allsaintsbloomington.org/make-a-donation/) earmarked “Gregory’s Race for Antioch.” You can watch a short video about Gregory’s fundraiser at https://youtu.be/7wJJMJSqxkw.

Attention all 6-12 year olds! We have the great joy of welcoming Mrs. Becky Hrisomalos, a founding member of our parish, at junior SOYO on Lazarus Saturday (April 8 from 3:30-5pm). Mrs. Hrisomalos will be teaching the kids how to make traditional Mediterranean grape leaves. The rolled leaves will then be served on Holy Pascha. Parents welcome!

Bible Study: at the Webb’s homewill pick up with Romans 11 on April 22, God willing!

FAMILY NEWS

Names Day Celebrations: Molly Alexander, St. Mary of Egypt (2^nd); Polina Mullis, St. Appolinaria(4^th).

Birthday Celebrations: Wendy Elizabeth Carter (2^nd); Brian Owens (2^nd); Irene Vlachos Weber (3^rd); John Kozak (5^th); Jennifer Rigsby (5^th); Cora Bidulescu (6^th).

Memory Eternal: Nicko; Delores (Dee); Ronald; Jack.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Toni;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; Earthquake victims and relief efforts in Syria and Turkey; schools: school children, youth and personnel across the nation; Mat. Raisa; Mary Ann; Emma (Mary Ann’s granddaughter); Bob & Bonnie Thelen; Wes (infant with brittle bone disorder); Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara; Wes’s grandfather;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Arianna; Linda; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Fr.Gabriel;Jack;Christopher; Nancy; Fr. Jerome Mother Nektaria; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Kristy, Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison; Andrew (Texas/military); Isaac (Germany/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy; Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; John; Stanley; Anna with child (Coran’s friend); Megan with child; Paulina with child; Macrina with child; Emilia with child; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Norma; Allison and children.

Coffee Hour Host: Rhonda Webb with Parishioners S-Z.

Next week Host: Melissa Barbarick with Parishioners A-B.

Giving Opportunities:

Earthquake Relief: His Eminence Antonios, our Patriarch Vicar has requested the Antiochian Women to focus 2023 NAB fund raising project on relief effort in Turkey and Syria. Thank you for all the prayers and donations.

Our In-House Food Pantry needs canned vegetables, soups, meats, tuna, salmon, smoked oysters, sardines, chicken, spaghetti sauce, pasta. We have an abundance peanut butter.

Donations to the church are being made online at www.allsaintsbloomington.org and by U.S mail. Many thanks to all who continue supporting All Saints.

All Saints Orthodox Christian Church

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Category Archives: Announcements

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