Thirty-first Sunday after Pentecost

Our Righteous Father Ephraim the Syrian

   Venerable Palladios of Antioch; Venerable Theodosios of Totma

Thought for Today: “Be humble and loving before all people, and if you cannot love everyone, at least treat everyone with good will. Kindness will open to you the gates of Paradise, humility will lead you there, and love will reveal God to you. God is seen only in truth and divine love, for ‘God is Love.’” – St. Gabriel of Georgia

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. Ephraim the Syrian – Tone 3

Out of Paradise, a river floweth, * flooding all the earth with joy unending, * cheering souls with compunction and saving fear: * Ephraim, the wine bowl of gladness inspired of God, * from all eternity chosen to light the Church * with his sacred hymns, his sermons, his shining canticles, * whereby he filleth faithful souls with godliness.

Kontakion of the Presentation of Christ- Tone 1

Thou, O Christ God, Who by Thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve Thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom Thou didst love, for Thou alone art the Lover of mankind.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle 

Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The Reading from the First Epistle of St. Paul to St. Timothy. (1:15-17)

Timothy, my son, the saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I am the foremost of sinners; but I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display His perfect patience for an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life. To the King of Ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory to the ages of ages. Amen.

The Gospel 

The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (18:35-43)

At that time, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to Him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

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

Pledge of Support for the Parish Council 

We, the Parishioners of All Saints Orthodox Christian Church as members of this one body in Christ, do now commit ourselves to the support of you, our leaders, chosen by the Holy Spirit in our annual assembly to guide us in the coming year.

We pledge our love in Christ to each of you, to support you with our prayers and our ready response when called upon, as we, led by you, work for the greater Glory of God.

We pledge to commit ourselves anew to the task of becoming One Body in Christ, with One Lord, One Spirit, One God and Father, Who is above all, through all and in all of us. Amen.

House Blessing Season has Begun!  Expect to be contacted by Fr. Peter Jon in the coming weeks. 

This coming weekend! His Grace, Bishop Anthony, will be visiting All Saints.

THIS WEEK

Today, Sunday: Parish Council Installation takes place at the end of Divine Liturgy. A brief Parish Council meeting follows the dismissal. The choir will also have a special practice to prepare for the Bishop’s visit following Divine Liturgy.

Monday, January 29: 6^th Hour Prayers at 12 noon.

Tuesday, January 30: Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am for the Synaxis of The Three Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, & John Chrysostom.

Wednesday, January 31: 6^th Hour Prayers at 12 noon; Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm (followed by Orthodoxy 101).

Thursday, February 1: Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am for Saints Brigid, Perpetua and Felicity.

Friday, February 2: Akathist to Saints Symeon and Anna at 9:00 am; (The Presentation Liturgy will be celebrated Sunday.) Children, their parents and Young Adults are invited to a family-style dinner and Q&A with Saida Anthony from 4:00 to 5:30 pm; Wonderlab Open House 6-9pm. Fun with Father. Everyone welcome!

Saturday, February 3: Luncheon with Bishop Anthony, 2-3pm; His Grace speaks followed by Q&A, 3-4pm; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm.

Sunday, February 4: Orthros and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the Presentation of Christ in the Temple at8:50 am with the Elevation of Fr. Peter to Archpriest. Bring your candles to be blessed by Bishop Anthony! 30^th Anniversary Celebration 3-7pm at Woolery Mill with a program honoring Fr. Peter and our Founders, together with the Unveiling of the New Temple Design and the Formal Launch of our Building Fundraising Campaign.

Special Music for the Bishop’s Visit: All are encouraged to view the following short video of what the Trisagion Hymn will look like next Sunday. Don’t be caught off guard! The choir will lead with strength! https://youtu.be/J1KA9alS-Vo?si=46IQ5L61XkUUZT9E    

FAMILY NEWS 

Names Day Celebration: Reed Hepburn St. Ephriam (28^th); Rhonda Webb St. Pertetua (1^st); Felicity Arthur St. Felicity (1^st); Shannon Richardson, Bridgid Kozak St. Bridgid (1^st); Perry Sampanis St. Panagiotis (2^nd); Amber Smith St. Anna (3^rd).

Birthday Celebrations: Jax Schulz (29^th); Michael Shahadey (30^th); Don Haney (2^nd); Karen Tabbal (3^rd).

Anniversary: Fr. Peter Jon’s Ordination (2^nd).

Memory Eternal: Archpriest Michael, Dn. Sergius, Marcia, Janice, Gina, Justin, Bob.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine, and the Middle East; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; 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); Wes’s grandfather; Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Jack; Christopher; Fr. Jerome; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Marvin; Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite; 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; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; John; Stanley; Macrina;; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Allison and children; Nino with child, Kip, Taylor with child, Erica with child.

Giving Opportunities:

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.

In-House Food Pantry: The Food Pantry is in need of marinara sauce, peanut butter, canned vegetables, fruit, and soups. The pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the greater Bloomington community. Thank you for your continued support

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

Next week Host: Melissa Barabarick with Parishioners A-B

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.

Twenty-ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Venerable Maximos the Confessor

Martyr Neophytos of Nicaea; Venerable Zosimas, Bishop of Syracuse in Sicily

Thought for Today: “As the memory of fire does not warm the body, so faith without love does not bring about the illumination of the knowledge of the soul.”

 – St. Maximus the Confessor-

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

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. Maximos the Confessor – Tone 8

Thou hast shown thyself, O God-inspired Maximos, as a guide to the Orthodox Faith, a teacher of true worship and purity; O star of the universe and companion of the bishops, O wise one. Through thy light thou hast enlightened all, O harp of the spirit. Therefore, intercede with Christ God to save our souls.

Kontakion of the Presentation of Christ- Tone 1

Thou, O Christ God, Who by Thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve Thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom Thou didst love, for Thou alone art the Lover of mankind.

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

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle

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

God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Colossians. (3:4-11)

Brethren, when Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.  Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.  On account of these, the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience.  In these you once walked, when you lived in them.  But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth.  Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator.  Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.

The Gospel

The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (17:12-19)

At that time, as Jesus entered a village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”  When He saw them He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.”  And as they went they were cleansed.  Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks.  Now he was a Samaritan.  Then Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed?  Where are the nine?  Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”  And He said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

LOOKING AHEAD

Save the Date! His Grace, Bishop Anthony, will be visiting All Saints the first weekend in February. Please block out the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th on your calendar and prepare to spend a great weekend with our beloved Bishop.

PLEASE NOTE: the banquet on Sunday the 4th will be from 3 PM – 7 PM, not at 2 PM as previously advertised.

House Blessing Season has Begun!  Expect to be contacted by Fr. Peter Jon in the coming weeks.

THIS WEEK

Our beloved Bob Rogers, husband of Nina Rogers, fell asleep in the Lord on Friday afternoon at Bloomington Hospital. Please see service times below. May his memory be eternal and may his soul dwell where the just repose!

Today, Sunday: Parish Annual Meeting following Divine Liturgy.

Monday, January 22: 6^th Hour Prayers at 12 noon.

Tuesday, January 23: Wake for Bob Rogers 10:00 am; Funeral 11:00 am followed by burial and mercy meal; OCF dinner and discussion, 6:30 pm at Webb’s home.

Wednesday, January 24: Divine Liturgy for St. Xenia of Petersburg at 9:00am.

Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm (followed by Orthodoxy 101).

Thursday, January 25: Divine Liturgy for St. Gregory the Theologian at 9:00 am.

Friday, January 26: 3^rd Hour at 9:00 am; Akathist of the Protection of the Theotokios at 6:00 pm.

Saturday, January 27: Bible Study, 9:00 am at Webb’s home; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm; (followed by Ask Abouna); Jr. SOYO at 3:30pm; SOYO at 6:30pm.

 Sunday, January 27: Matins at9:00 am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.

FAMILY NEWS

Names Day Celebration: Max Williams, Max Pitchkite St. Maximos the Confessor (21^st); Laura Crandell, Rita Voss-Monroe St. Xenia (24^th); Amanda Alexander Smith St. Agnes (21^st).

Birthday Celebrations: Davis Patterson (26^th); Perry Sampanis (27^th).

Memory Eternal: Archpriest Michael, Dn. Sergius, Marcia, Janice, Gina, Justin, Becky, Robert.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine, and the Middle East; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; 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); Wes’s grandfather; Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Jack; Christopher; Fr. Jerome; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Marvin; Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite; 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; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; John; Stanley; Macrina;; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Allison and children; Nino with child, Kip, Taylor with child, Erica with child.

Giving Opportunities:

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.

In-House Food Pantry: The Food Pantry is in need of marinara sauce, peanut butter, canned vegetables, fruit, and soups. The pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the greater Bloomington community. Thank you for your continued support

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

Next week Host: Melissa Barabarick with Parishioners A-B

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.

  Leave-Taking of Theophany

Holy fathers slain at Sinai and Raithu; Virgin-martyr Agnes 

Thought for Today: “Humility is a Divine property and the perfection of the Christian life. It is attained through obedience. He who is not obedient cannot gain humility. There are very few in the world today who have obedience. Our humility is in proportion to our obedience.”

-Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 7

Thou didst shatter death by Thy Cross, Thou didst open paradise to the thief; Thou didst turn the sadness of the ointment-bearing women into joy. And didst bid Thine Apostles proclaim a warning, that Thou hast risen O Christ, granting to the world the Great Mercy.

Apolytikion of the Theophany – Tone 1

When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, worship of the Trinity wast made manifest; for the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, calling Thee His beloved Son. And the Spirit in the likeness of a dove confirmed the truth of His word. O Christ our God, Who hast appeared and enlightened the world, glory to Thee.

Kontakion of Theophany –Tone 4

On this day Thou hast appeared * unto the whole world, * and Thy light, O Sovereign Lord, * is signed on us who sing Thy praise * and chant with knowledge: Thou hast now come, * Thou hast appeared, O Thou Light unapproachable.

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.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle

Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians. (4:7-13)

Brethren, grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  Therefore, it is said, “When He ascended on high He led a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men.”  (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that He had also descended into the lower parts of the earth?  He who descended is He who also ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)  And His gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.   

The Gospel 

The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (4:12-17)

At that time, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulon and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulon and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”

LOOKING AHEAD 

Save the Date! His Grace, Bishop ANTHONY, will be visiting All Saints the first weekend in February. Please block out the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th on your calendar and prepare to spend a great weekend with our beloved Bishop.

PLEASE NOTE: the banquet on Sunday the 4th will be from 3 PM – 7 PM, not at 2 PM as previously advertised.

House Blessing Season has Begun!  Expect to be contacted by Fr. Peter Jon in the coming weeks.

Annual Parish Meeting: Sunday, January 21. 

Lending Library: New books for Library; The New Roman Empire: A History of Byzantium. Oxford University 2024, Thinking on Bioethics, St. Vlad Semi 2005; Witnesses of Christ: Neo-Martyrs of the Ottoman Period, 1437-1860. St. Vlad Semi (additional copy); One Flesh-Salvation through Marriage. Ancient Faith 2013

THIS WEEK

Today, Sunday: Myrrh Bearers will meet following Divine Liturgy.

Monday, January 15: 6^th Hour Prayers at 12 noon.

Tuesday, January 16: Divine Liturgy for St. Peter’s Chains  at 9:00 am.

Wednesday, January 17: Divine Liturgy for St. Anthony the Great at 9:00am 

Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm (followed by Orthodoxy 101).

Thursday, January 18: Divine Liturgy for St. Athanasius the Great at 9:00 am.

Friday, January 19: Divine Liturgy for St. Macarius the Great at 9:00 am.

Saturday, January 20: Bible Study, 9:00 am at Webb’s home; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm; (followed by Ask Abouna); Jr. SOYO at 3:30pm; SOYO at 6:30pm.

 Sunday, January 21: Matins at9:00 am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.       

FAMILY NEWS 

Names Day Celebration: Nina Gillquist, Nina Rogers, St. Nina of Georgia (14^th); April Blair, St. Macrina the Elder(14^th); Anthony Gillquist, Jacob Gill, Jax Schulz, St Anthony the Great (17^th); Cody Arthur, St. Euthymius the Great (20^th).

Birthday Celebrations: Rachel Barber (14^th); Phillip Pampreen (15^th); Cody Arthur (20^th).

Memory Eternal: Janice, Gina, Justin.Mother Elizabeth, Bujor, Khouria Ojami.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine, and the Middle East; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; 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); Wes’s grandfather; Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Jack; Christopher; Fr. Jerome; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Marvin; Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite; 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; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; John; Stanley; Macrina;; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Allison and children; Nino with child, Kip, Taylor with child, Erica with child.

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

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

Giving Opportunities: 

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.

In-House Food Pantry: The Food Pantry is in need of marinara sauce, peanut butter, canned vegetables, fruit, and soups. The pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the greater Bloomington community. Thank you for your continued support

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.

Synaxis of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner & Baptist John

New-martyr Athanasios of Attalia; Venerable Brannock of Braunton 

Thought for Today: “Prayer for others is very beneficial to him who prays. It purifies the heart, strengths faith, and kindles love for God and neighbor.”  – St. John of Kronstadt

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH 

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 6

When Mary stood at Thy grave, looking for Thy sacred body, angelic powers shone above Thy revered tomb; and the soldiers who were to keep guard became as dead men. Thou led Hades captive and wast not tempted thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst give life to the world, O Thou, Who art risen from the dead, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion of the Theophany – Tone 1

When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, worship of the Trinity wast made manifest; for the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, calling Thee His beloved Son. And the Spirit in the likeness of a dove confirmed the truth of His word. O Christ our God, Who hast appeared and enlightened the world, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion of Synaxis if John the Baptist – Tone 2

The memory of the righteous is celebrated with songs of praise, but the Lord’s testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner. Thou wast shown indeed to be the most honorable of the prophets, for in the waters thou didst baptize Him Who had been proclaimed. After suffering with joy in behalf of the truth, thou didst proclaim even to those in Hades the God Who appeared in the flesh, Who taketh away the sin of the world, and granteth us the Great Mercy.

Kontakion of Theophany –Tone 4

On this day Thou hast appeared * unto the whole world, * and Thy light, O Sovereign Lord, * is signed on us who sing Thy praise * and chant with knowledge: Thou hast now come, * Thou hast appeared, O Thou Light unapproachable.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle 

 The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord. O God, hear my prayer.

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles. (19:1-8)

In those days, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the One Who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve of them in all. And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, arguing and pleading about the Kingdom of God.

The Gospel 

The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (1:29-34)

At that time, John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of Whom I said, ‘After me comes a man Who ranks before me, for He was before me.’ I myself did not know Him; but for this I came baptizing with water, that He might be revealed to Israel.” And John bore witness, “I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on Him. I myself did not know Him; but He Who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on Whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is He Who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

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.

LOOKING AHEAD

Save the Date! His Grace, Bishop ANTHONY, will be visiting All Saints the first weekend in February. Please block out the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th on your calendar and prepare to spend a great weekend with our beloved Bishop. Please RSVP by January 10, 2024 at webbrk1@gmail.com.

House Blessing Season is Upon Us!  Please expect to be contacted by Fr. Peter Jon in the coming weeks. 

THIS WEEK

Monday, January 8: 6^th Hour Prayers at 12 noon.

Tuesday, January 9: 3^rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.

Wednesday, January 10: Divine Liturgy for St. Gregory of Nyssa 9am; Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm (followed by Orthodoxy 101).

Thursday, January 11: Divine Liturgy for St. Tatiana at 9:00 am.

Friday, January 12: Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.

Saturday, January 13: Bible Study at Webb’s home, 9:00 am; Ladies gathering hosted by Johanna Hsu at 11:00 am; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm; (followed by Ask Abouna); Jr. SOYO at 3:30pm; SOYO at 6:30pm.

 Sunday, January 14: Matins at9:00 am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.

FAMILY NEWS 

Names Day Celebration: John Alexander, John Labban, Brian Owen, John the Baptist (7^th); Gregory Gillquist, Michael (Gregory) Gill, St. Gregory of Nyssa (10^th); Sarah Carter, St Tatiana (12^th).

Birthday Celebrations: Ian Yeager (7^th); Charles Coats (8^th); Tyson Schulz (8^th); Hal Sabbagh (9^th); Charlotte Wakefield (12^th); Sarah Carter (13^th).

Memory Eternal: Archpriest Michael, Dn. Sergius, Marcia, Janice, Gina, Justin.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine, and the Middle East; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; 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); Wes’s grandfather; Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Jack; Christopher; Fr. Jerome; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Marvin; Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite; 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; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; John; Stanley; Macrina;; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Allison and children; Nino with child, Kip, Taylor with child, Erica with child.

 Coffee Hour Host: Melissa Barbarick with Parishioners A-B.

Next week Host: Wendy Carter with Parishioners C-G.

Lending Library: New books for Library; The New Roman Empire: A History of Byzantium. Oxford University 2024, Thinking on Bioethics, St. Vlad Semi 2005; Witnesses of Christ: Neo-Martyrs of the Ottoman Period, 1437-1860. St. Vlad Semi (additional copy); One Flesh-Salvation through Marriage. Ancient Faith 2013.

Giving Opportunities:

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.

In-House Food Pantry: The Food Pantry is in need of marinara sauce, peanut butter, canned vegetables, fruit, and soups. The pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the greater Bloomington community. Thank you for your continued support

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 before Theophany of Christ,

  (Leave-taking) of the Nativity of Christ

Venerable Melania the Younger of Rome

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH 

Eisodikon (Entrance Hymn) of the Apodosis of the Nativity of Christ

From the womb before the morning star have I begotten Thee. The Lord hath sworn, and He will not repent; thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Save us, O Son of God, Who art risen from the dead; who sing to Thee. Alleluia.

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 5

Let us believers praise and worship the Word; coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation. For, He took pleasure in ascending the Cross in the flesh to suffer death; and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection.

Apolytikion of the Nativity of Christ – Tone 4

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath given rise to the light of knowledge in the world; for they that worshipped the stars did learn there from to worship Thee, O Sun of justice, and to know that from the east of the Highest Thou didst come. O Lord, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion of Sunday after the Nativity – Tone 2

Proclaim, O Joseph, to David, the grandparent of God, the amazing wonders; for thou hast seen a Virgin great with child; for with the shepherds thou didst give glory, with the Magi thou didst worship, and by the angel it was revealed to thee. Wherefore, plead thou with Christ God to save our souls.

Kontakion of the Nativity of Christ –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.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle

All those on earth worship thee and sing unto Thee: Alleluia to God, O all the earth.*

The Reading from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to St. Timothy. (4:5-8)

Timothy, my son, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.  For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the Faith.  Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.

The Gospel

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (1:1-8)

The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  As it is written in the prophets, “Behold, I send My messenger before Thy face, who shall prepare Thy way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.”  John the Baptizer appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.  Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey.  And he preached, saying, “After me comes He Who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.  I have baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Thought for Today: “Beloved Christians! Nothing is more pleasant, lovelier, and sweeter to us sinners than the Gospel. More welcome than bread to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, freedom to captives and those in prison, is the Gospel to sinners who understand their misfortune. + St. Tikhon of Zadonsk +

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.

LOOKING AHEAD 

Ladies Christmas Holiday Party: Saturday, January 13 at 11am, hosted by Johanna Hsu at her home. RSVP mrsarcfide@gmail.com

Save the Date! His Grace, Bishop ANTHONY, will be visiting All Saints the first weekend in February. Please block out the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th on your calendar and prepare to spend a great weekend with our beloved Bishop. 

THIS WEEK 

Monday, January 1: 6^th Hour Prayers at 12 noon.

Tuesday, January 2: 3^rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.

Wednesday, January 3: 6^th Hour Prayers at 12 noon; Readers Vespers at 6:00 pm (no Orthodoxy 101 tonight)

Thursday, January 4: 3^rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am. 

Friday, January 5: Hours of Theophany at 9:00 am; Vesperal Liturgy for Theophany at 6:00 pm (with the Great Blessing of the Waters).

Saturday, January 6:  (No Bible Study), all-parish “dream session” with our architect and building project manager from 9-11am, Festal brunch will be served. Great Vespers at 5:00 pm; (followed by Ask Abouna); Jr. SOYO at 3:30pm; SOYO at 6:30pm.

 Sunday, January 7: Matins at9:00 am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.

FAMILY NEWS 

Names Day Celebration: William Gidney, Basil KonnersmanSt. Basil (1^st); Linda Barrett, Leanne Bissell, Neumann Jones St. Saraphim (2^nd); Juliana Barber St. Juliana (2^nd); Jennifer Rigsby, Alice Van Cleave St. Genevieve (3^rd); Johanna Hsu, Emily Wood St. Emilia (3^rd); Micah Finchum Prophet Micah (5^th).

Birthday Celebrations: Molly Alexander (31^st); Nancy Jones (31^st); Lina Tabbal (1^st); Steve Blair (2^nd); Hayden Busby (2^nd); Emily Wood (3^rd); Macrina Robertson (5^th); Sami Koutares (5^th); John Alexander jr. (5^th); Alex Koutares (6^th).

Anniversary Celebrations: Darryl and Nancy Jones (4^th).

Memory Eternal: Archpriest Michael, Dn. Sergius, Marcia, Janice, Gina, Justin.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine, and the Middle East; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; 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); Wes’s grandfather; Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Jack; Christopher; Fr. Jerome; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Marvin; Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite; 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; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; John; Stanley; Macrina;; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Allison and children; Nino with child, Kip, Taylor with child, Erica with child.

 Coffee Hour Host: 5^th Sunday, all welcome to participate.

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

Giving Opportunities:

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.

In-House Food Pantry: The Food Pantry is in need of marinara sauce, peanut butter, canned vegetables, fruit, and soups. The pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the greater Bloomington community. Thank you for your continued support

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.