The Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called
Frumentios, Archbishop and Enlightener of Ethiopia; Alexander, Bishop of Methymna
Nativity Fast November 15 to December 25
Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 8
From the heights Thou didst descend, O compassionate One, and Thou didst submit to the three-day burial, that Thou might deliver us from passion; Thou art our life and our Resurrection, O Lord, glory to Thee.
Apolytikion of St. Andrew the Apostle – Tone 4
As the first called of the Apostles, and brother of their leader, O Andrew, entreat the Master of all that peace be granted unto the world and great mercy to our souls.
Kontakion of Preparation of Christ’s Nativity – Tone 3
On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.
Approaching the Holy Chalice
The young children of Little Lambs and their teachers receive first, unless there are newly illumined, in which case the children go second. Infants to toddler may follow with their parents or godparent. Everyone else in the parish family is asked to file toward the periphery, toward the narthex, and proceed down the center aisle. As we approach the chalice, we fold our arms, right over left. This is both a posture of submission and confession of Christ’s victory over death. Those who commune are asked to open their mouths wide with their heads slightly tipped up and receive the Gifts directly from the spoon. This eliminates confusion and reduces the risk of spillage.
Thought for Today
“Every hour we should be engaged with knowing ourselves, that is 24 hours of day and night we must spend in repentance.” – St. Macarius the Great
EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS
The Epistle
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us. Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous
The Reading from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (4:9-16)
Brethren, God has exhibited us Apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the off-scouring of all things. I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the Gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me.
The Gospel
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (1:35-51)
At that time John was standing with two of his disciples; and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” And they said to Him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where art Thou staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, “So you are Simon the son of Jonah? You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter). The next day, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathaniel, and said to him, “We have found Him of Whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathaniel said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” Nathaniel said to Him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathaniel answered Him, “Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God! Thou art the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.” And He said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.”
Looking Ahead
Nativity Retreat Friday, December 12 at St. Michael Orthodox Church in Louisville see flyer on bulletin board.
Santa Lucia visit Sunday, December 14
We Need Your Help Helping Those in Need The fasts of the Church, most especially the cold weather fasting periods of Nativity and Great Lent, are opportunities for great spiritual growth. We pray, fast and offer charity to those in need, fulfilling the Lord’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves. Here are three opportunities to give desperately needed alms through the Church during this season:
Saint Nicholas Tree: There will be a small tree set up in the fellowship hall beginning this weekend. You are invited to bring gas or grocery cards or cash to place on that tree. These will be collected and distributed to families in need.
Diapers and Baby Blankets: Our project this year (in memory of Alex John Alexander) is to collect baby diapers (all sizes) and baby blankets for families seeking help through the Hannah House. Please place your donations in the box provided in the hall, and we will get them to the Hannah House.
Benevolence Fund: We have been helping multiple families in need over the past few weeks and this fund is currently EMPTY. ’Tis the season to give as you are able and help us help those seeking our help!
This Week
Monday, December 1 3rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.
Tuesday, December 2 Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.
Wednesday, December 3 Great Vespers for Ss. Barbara and John at 6:00 pm. Inquirers and Catechumen classes to follow. Pitch-in meal – please bring vegan dishes as you are able.
Thursday, December 4 Divine liturgy at 9:00 am; for the Great-Martyr Barbara and John of Damacus.
Friday, December 5 Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am; God fearing Sabbas the Sanctified.
Saturday, December 6 Bible study 10:00 am at the Webbs’ home. Tween and Teen SOYO at 3:30 pm. Great Vespers at 5:00, St Nicholas visit to follow.
Sunday, December 7 Matins at 9:00 am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.
Family News
Name Day Celebrations Don Haney, Andrew Plaza, Andrew Labban, Thomas Andrew Pryzbyla, Drew Pastore, Apostle Andrew the first called (30th); Ben Carter, St. Nicholas (6th).
Birthday Celebrations Melissa Barbarick (30th); Dan Mullis (30th); Jeremy Coffman (30th); Gregory Gillquist (2nd); Micah Finchum (5th).
Prayer List Creighton (Hospice); Lauren Ann and infant David; Rita; Heather; Kh. Parasheva; Hal; Jacquie; Jim and Lisa; Taylor; Fr. Athanasius; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Fr. Matthew; Marvin; Nectaria, Shu-Mei. Charlie, Shirley; Gregory; Jim; Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering from the war in Ukraine and the Middle East; Peace talks; our nation; all school children, and personnel across the nation; Mary Ann; Emma; Josiah; Jack; Christopher; Wadia; Patricia; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Vicki; Kenzie; Dusty; Cari; Josh; Allison; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Missy; Andrew; Isaac; Sadie and child; Kelsey and child; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Neumann Seraphim; Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Lexi, Ross, Vivian; Theo; Jeremy; Elias; Leanne Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Sarah (Adrian’s cousin); Jennifer; Christy; John; Stanley; Allen; Linda; Allison and children; Kip; Evan; Anastasia and family; Dorthea; Mary; Marina; Patrick; Seraphima, Anna and the child she bears, Mary and the child she bears; Williams family,
Memory Eternal Constantinos; Apostolos; Archpriest George; Christopher.
Service Books Our service books are disappearing. New ones for Divine Liturgy and Daily Vespers have been printed. Please check your homes for service books and return them if found.
Attention Parents Please make sure your beautiful children clean up after themselves, especially in the nursery and in our outdoor spaces.
All Saints Sunday Meal
Today, Sunday SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP MEAL CHANGES BEGIN
In order to best serve our growing congregation, instead of the usual alphabetical meal teams, beginning Sunday, November 30th and thereafter, we ask that everyone who is able bring a food donation of a pot, bowl, casserole or loaf of something* to share at the meal. If you are unable to bring a donation, please come anyway and help with cleaning up after the meal. *Please remember, no meat or dairy through December 7 (fish is allowed) and no meat, dairy or fish on December 14 and 20th. Place your donations ready to serve, on the serving buffet prior to Holy Communion. After the meal, remove your containers and clean up any church items you used. Thank you.
Next Week 1st Sunday Hostess, Martha Barbarick.
Giving Opportunities
Food Pantry: Thank you for the generous support. Our in-house Food Pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the community of Bloomington. Donations of nonperishable items of pasta, marinara sauce, peanut butter, canned chicken and Tuna, canned vegetables, canned fruit and soups are always a great blessing.
Mission Donations: We send monthly support to two missionary units in Albania, the Hoppe family and Hannah Valentine. We welcome and encourage you to contribute to their ongoing support.
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.
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