Pre-Lenten Retreat with Fr. John Oliver of Murfreesboro, Tennessee: Friday, February 21 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, February 22 at noon, following a Divine Liturgy for the Saturday of the Souls. Fr. John will be speaking to us on the topic of his upcoming book:  The Nourishing Dark: Dealing with Difficult Emotions in the Light of Christ. There is no charge, and lunch will be provided on Saturday.  Please feel free to invite friends and family. 

Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meat Fare)

Hieromartyr Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna; Venerable Gorgonia, sister of Gregory the Theologian; Venerable Zebinas, Polychronios, Moses and Damian near Cyrrhus in Syria; Venerable Damian of Esphigmenou monastery on Mount Athos

You are always welcome here at All Saints.

Nourishment for the Soul: “If you’re resolute in living in purity and banish idle thoughts and make the resolve that ‘I will not do this until I die,’ then the idle thoughts will depart, and they will assault you less.” – Elder Paisius of Sihla

Orthodoxy 102 follows Daily Vespers on Wednesday.

Pre-Lenten Spiritual Retreat: We have been blessed by Fr. John Oliver this weekend as he joined us and shared with us during the retreat to help prepare us for Holy Lent as well as day-to-day struggles. 

How to Discuss Politics: Howard Webb will present The Topic: Law and Grace – The Function of Law. All are invited to his home for this discussion at 7:00 this evening, February 23rd. 

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. Approach to the cup starts at the front rows with the choir and preschool going first.

Myrrh Bearers meet today after Divine Liturgy.

THIS WEEK

Monday, February 24: Compline & Fellowship at the Haneys’ home at 7:00

Wednesday, February 26: Daily Vespers at 6:00; Orthodoxy 102 follows.

Thursday, February 27: Bible Study at Becky’s home 3:00 – 5:00

Thursday, February 27: OCF Dinner and Discussion at the Webbs’ home at 6:00

Friday, February 28: The Akathist for the Protection of the Theotokos at 6:00

Saturday, February 29: Great Vespers at 5:00; SOYO 6:00 – 8:00

Sunday, March 1: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 –  Forgiveness (Cheese Fare) Sunday

Monday, March 2: Great Lent begins with services each evening.

LOOKING AHEAD

• March is Women’s Month: Women in the church read the Epistle and usher. Please see Rhonda if you would like to participate.
• March 1: Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday – Myrrh Bearers hold their annual fundraiser meal to support their ministry. Forgiveness Vespers is at 5:00.
• March 2: Great Lent begins with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete.
• March 8: Sunday of Orthodoxy – Daylight Savings begins.
• May 1-3 : Holy Dormition Monastery Pilgrimage to Rives Junction, Michigan: Rhonda is the contact person. Your response is needed to secure housing at the monastery on a busy weekend.

Divine Liturgy Variables for Choir and Parish

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 3

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord hath done a mighty act with His own arm.  He hath trampled down death by death, and become the first-born from the dead. He hath delivered us from the depths of Hades, granting the world the Great Mercy.

Kontakion for the Sunday of Last Judgment – Tone 1

When Thou comest, O God, to earth with glory, and all creatures tremble before Thee, and the river of fire floweth before the Altar, and the books are opened and sins revealed, deliver me then from that unquenchable fire, and make me worthy to stand at Thy right hand, O righteous Judge.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. (8:8-9:2)

            Brethren, food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Only take care, lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one sees you—a man of knowledge—at table in an idol’s temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother’s falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall. Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (25:31-46)

 (For Sunday of the Last Judgment)

The Lord said, “When the Son of man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. Before Him will be gathered all the nations, and He will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and He will place the sheep at His right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the King will say to those at His right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Me, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see Thee hungry and feed Thee, or thirsty and give Thee drink? And when did we see Thee a stranger and welcome Thee, or naked and clothe Thee? And when did we see Thee sick or in prison and visit Thee?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Then He will say to those at his left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome Me, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see Thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to Thee?’ Then He will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to Me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

FAMILY NEWS

• House Blessings:  If you have not received a call or  email from Fr. Peter Jon or Fr. Seraphim, Contact Them!  House blessings are rapidly coming to an end as Great Lent approaches.
• Coffee Hour: Parishioners whose last names begin with R-Z will serve and clean today.
• The Pantry is still well-supplied:  Thanks for your donations. Just a note: both parishioners and people from the Bloomington community are invited to visit the pantry as needed.

Birthday Greetings: Chris S (27th); Mezy A(28th); Mary B (28th) Memory Eternal: Lois; Fr. Patrick Kinder (14th); Darlene; Lotfy

Prayer List: Kim; Dusty; Betsy; Allison; Robin; Doris Finchum; Mary Ann; Vicki;  Mat. Raisa; Kaylie and infant Oliver; Rebekah with child; Amanda Hermione with child; Nikki with child;  Isaac in Air Force; Fr. Marc; Kh.Vanessa & Anthony Kinder; Fr. George; Fr. Basil & Kh. Cana; Judith Ann; George; Dee; Catherine (not in this parish); Michael & Olga;  Eileen; Leanne; Heather;Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Alice & Marvin; Kh. Kristina; Bonnie; Emma; Patricia; Mary & Robert;Shirley; Rose; Lexi, Ross & Vivian; Theo; Doug Barrett;Jeremy; Charles; Grayson; Cleo; Marcia & Deacon; Nick;Bruce; Joanna & Demetrios;Ashlee W; Paul; Cathy; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Nancy & Shalayna; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer & Regina; those suffering in the drug crisis, with fire devastation, flood damage, and earthquake damage; those suffering in the Middle East; our nation.

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Martyr Pamphilos, Priest of Caesarea in Palestine and his companions;

Venerable Flavian the Hermit; Venerable-martyr Romanos from Solovak of Carpenision

You are always welcome here at All Saints.

Nourishment for the Soul: “If every soul knew the Lord, and how deeply He loves us, no one would despair or murmur against his lot.” – St. Silouan the Athonite

The Parish Council meets today after Divine Liturgy.

Orthodoxy 102 follows Daily Vespers on Wednesday.

Saturday of Souls: If you want your departed loved ones remembered in the prayers, please email Fr. Peter Jon or leave a list on his desk.  He needs all of the lists by Friday at 5pm, February 21st so the departed may be commemorated during the proskomedia before the Divine Liturgy.

Pre-Lenten Spiritual Retreat: We are pleased to have Fr. John Oliver join us for a Pre-Lenten retreat next weekend. He will be speaking to us on the topic of his upcoming book:  The Nourishing Dark: Dealing with Difficult Emotions in the Light of Christ,  which will be coming out this summer.  There is no charge, and lunch will be provided.  Please feel free to invite friends and family. 

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. Approach to the cup starts at the front rows with the choir and preschool going first.

THIS WEEK

Monday, February 17: Compline & Fellowship at the Haneys’ home at 7:00

Wednesday, February 19: Daily Vespers at 6:00; Orthodoxy 102 follows.

Thursday, February 20: St. John’s Fellowship in Mitchell 10:00 – Noon

Thursday, February 20: Bible Study at Becky’s home 3:00 – 5:00

Friday, February 21: Pre-Lenten Retreat – Session 1 begins at 7:00pm

Saturday Morning, February 22: Saturday of Souls Liturgy at 9:00

Saturday, following Divine Liturgy: Fellowship Meal at 11:00

Saturday, February 22: Session 2 of the Retreat with Fr. John Oliver’s presentation

Saturday: February 22: Prior to Great Vespers – 40-Day Memorial – Fr. Patrick Kinder

Saturday, February 22: Great Vespers at 5:00; SOYO 6:00 – 8:00

Sunday, February 23: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Myrrh Bearers meet.

LOOKING AHEAD

• February 23: Meatfare Sunday
• March 1: Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday – Myrrh Bearers hold their annual fundraiser meal to support their ministry: Youth Summer Camp is one.
• March 2: Great Lent begins with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete
• March 8: Sunday of Orthodoxy – Daylight Savings begins.
• May 1-3 : Holy Dormition Monastery Pilgrimage to Rives Junction, Michigan: Rhonda is the contact person. Your response is needed to secure housing at the monastery on a busy weekend.

Divine Liturgy Variables 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.

Kontakion for the Prodigal Son – Tone 3

Foolishly I sprang away * from Thy great fatherly glory, * and dispersed in wicked deeds * the riches that Thou didst give me. * With the Prodigal I therefore * cry unto Thee now: * I have sinned against Thee, O compassionate Father. * But receive me in repentance; * make me as one of * Thy hired servants, O Lord.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. (6:12-20)

            Brethren, all things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything. Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food; but God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two shall become one flesh.” But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him. Shun immorality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (15:11-32)

            The Lord spoke this parable: “There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.’ And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

FAMILY NEWS

• House Blessings:  If you have not received a call or  email from Fr. Peter Jon or Fr. Seraphim, Contact Them!  House blessings are rapidly coming to an end as Great Lent approaches.
• Coffee Hour: Parishioners whose last names begin with C-G will serve and clean today.
• The Pantry is OVERFLOWING:  Thanks for your donations, but we have no more storage space at this time! Just a note: both parishioners and people from the Bloomington community are invited to visit the pantry as needed.

Birthday Greetings: Alicia B (16th); Ben S (16th); Ayris F (18th); Marcia B (21st); Christian Get (21st) Averi V (22nd)

Memory Eternal: Lois; Fr. Patrick Kinder (14th); Jill Patterson; Darlene; Lotfy Hanna; Beverly (Bob Rogers’s mother)

Prayer List: Kim (Linda’s colleague); Dusty (Vicki’s son); Betsy (Cathy’s friend); Allison (Hal’s great-niece); Doris Finchum; Mary Ann; Vicki; Johanna and infant Jonathan; Mat. Raisa; Kaylie and infant Oliver; Rebekah with child; Amanda Hermione with child; Isaac in Air Force; Fr. Marc; Kh.Vanessa & Anthony Kinder; Fr. George; Fr. Basil & Kh. Cana; Judith; George; Dee; Catherine (not in this parish); Michael & Olga;  Eileen; Leanne; Heather;Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Alice & Marvin; Kh. Kristina; Bonnie; Emma; Patricia; Mary & Robert;Shirley; Rose; Lexi, Ross & Vivian; Theo; Doug Barrett;Jeremy; Charles; Grayson; Cleo; Marcia & Deacon; Nick;Bruce; Joanna & Demetrios;Ashlee W; Paul; Cathy; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Nancy & Shalayna; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer & Regina; those suffering in the drug crisis, with fire devastation in Australia, with flood damage, and earthquake damage; those suffering in the Middle East; our nation.

Sunday of the Pharisee and the Publican &

Leave-taking of the Presentation (Meeting) of Christ

You are always welcome here at All Saints.

Nourishment for the Soul: “Give a man everything which he desires, and he will enjoy it for a while, but afterwards he  will become indifferent to it, because he feels that something else, much more elevated, is missing. Is it not in that way that a child, too, enjoys every new toy until he grows hungry? The he abandons the toy and looks for food. A certain inextinguishable inner hunger for truth joy, and peace in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17) torments our soul and does not give us peace, even among the best pleasures of life and among the most enviable achievements in the world. This blessed hunger is a hunger for God.”  – Archimandrite Seraphim Aleksiev of Bulgaria

The Men’s Monthly Bible study will meet Tuesday, February 11th at 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall. It will be helpful to bring a copy of the Orthodox Study Bible, Old and New Testament.

Orthodoxy 102 is this Wednesday after Daily Vespers. Fr. Seraphim’s topic: “When Prayer Doesn’t Seem to Work.”

THIS WEEK

This is a fast-free week.

Monday, February 10: Compline & Fellowship at the Haneys at 7:00

Tuesday, February 11: Men’s Fellowship at 7:00 at the church

Tuesday, February 11: Bible Study at Kh. Marilyn’s home at 7:00

Wednesday, February 12: Daily Vespers at 6:00; Orthodoxy 102 follows.

Thursday, February 13: Bible Study at Becky’s home 3:00 – 5:00

Thursday, February 13: OCF Dinner & Discussion at the Webbs’ home – 6:00

Saturday, February  15: Great Vespers at 5:00; SOYO 6:00 – 8:00

Sunday, February 16: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Parish Council meets.  

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Second Letter to St. Timothy. (3:10-15)

                Timothy my son, you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions, and my sufferings; and what befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra. What persecutions I endured; yet from them all, the Lord rescued me. Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (18:10-14)

The Lord spoke this parable: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank Thee that I am not like other men, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to Heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

LOOKING AHEAD

Pre-Lenten Retreat: We are pleased to have Fr. John Oliver join us for a Pre-Lenten retreat on Friday, February 21 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, February 22 at noon, following a Divine Liturgy for the Saturday of the Souls. There is no charge, and lunch will be provided.  Please feel free to invite friends and family. 

       Fr. John Oliver is the priest of St Elizabeth Orthodox Christian Church, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He is the author of numerous articles and essays, and of Touching Heaven: Discovering Orthodox Christianity on the Island of Valaam, published by Ancient Faith Press,  and Giver of Life: The Holy Spirit in the Orthodox Christian Tradition which is published  by Paraclete Press. 

       He will be speaking to us on the topic of his upcoming book:  The Nourishing Dark: Dealing with Difficult Emotions in the Light of Christ,  which will be coming out this summer. A graduate of St Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, he joined the faculty as instructor in Old and New Testament and American Religious History.  He and his wife Lara have three daughters and two sons. 

       Follow Fr. John on his podcast, Hearts and Minds  on Ancient Faith radio https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/hearts_and_minds. 

• February 23: Meatfare Sunday
• March 1: Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday – Myrrh Bearers hold their annual fundraiser meal to support their ministry: Youth Summer Camp is one recipient.
• March 2: Great Lent begins with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete
• March 8: Sunday of Orthodoxy – Daylight Savings begins.
• May 1-3 : Holy Dormition Monastery Pilgrimage to Rives Junction, Michigan: Rhonda is the contact person. Your response is needed to secure housing at the monastery on a busy weekend.

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. Approach to the cup starts at the front rows with the choir and preschool going first.

Divine Liturgy Variables for Choir and Parish

Refrain of the Second Antiphon:

Save us, O Son of God, Who wast borne in the arms of righteous Simeon; who sing to Thee. Alleluia.

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 the Presentation of Christ – Tone 1

Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of grace, for from thee arose the Sun of justice, Christ our God, lighting those who are in darkness. Rejoice and be glad, O righteous elder, carrying in thine arms the Deliverer of our souls, Who granteth us Resurrection.

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.

Megalynarion of the Presentation – Tone 3

In the shadow and letter of the Law, let us the faithful contemplate a prefiguring: Every male child that openeth the womb is holy unto God. Therefore, do we magnify the first-born Word, the Son of the Father Who is without beginning, the first-born Child of a Mother who hath not known wedlock.

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) of the Feast – Tone 8

I will receive the cup of salvation and call upon the Name of the Lord. Alleluia.

FAMILY NEWS

• House Blessings:  Please expect a call or  email from Fr. Peter Jon or Fr. Seraphim in the coming days/weeks.
• Coffee Hour: Parishioners whose last names begin with C-G will serve and clean today.
• The Pantry is OVERFLOWING:  Thanks for your donations, but we have no more storage space at this time! Just a note: both parishioners and people from the Bloomington community are invited to visit the pantry as needed.

Birthday Greetings: Deb D (12th); Jan G (13th)

Name Day Blessings: Marcia B  (Apostles Aquila & Priscilla – 13th)

Memory Eternal: Lois; Fr. Patrick Kinder (14th); Jill Patterson; Darlene; Lotfy Hanna

Prayer List: Dusty (Vicki’s son); Betsy (Cathy’s friend); Allison (Hal’s great-niece); Doris Finchum; Mary Ann; Vicki; Johanna and infant Jonathan; Mat. Raisa; Kaylie and infant Oliver; Rebekah with child; Amanda Hermione with child; Isaac in Air Force; Fr. Marc; Kh.Vanessa & Anthony Kinder; Fr. George; Fr. Basil & Kh. Cana; Judith; George; Dee; Catherine (not in this parish); Michael & Olga;  Eileen; Leanne; Heather;Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Alice & Marvin; Kh. Kristina; Bonnie; Emma; Patricia; Mary & Robert;Shirley; Rose; Lexi, Ross & Vivian; Theo; Doug Barrett;Jeremy; Charles; Grayson; Cleo; Marcia & Deacon; Nick;Bruce; Joanna & Demetrios;Ashlee W; Paul; Cathy; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Nancy & Shalayna; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer & Regina; those suffering in the drug crisis, with fire devastation in Australia, with flood damage, and earthquake damage; those suffering in the Middle East; our nation.

Presentation (Meeting) of Our Lord Jesus Christ

You are always welcome here at All Saints.

Nourishment for the Soul: “What does it mean to take up your cross? It means the willing acceptance, at the hand of Providence, of every means of healing, bitter though it may be, that is offered. Do great catastrophes fall on you? Be obedient to God’s will, as Noah was. Is sacrifice demanded of you? Give yourself into God’s hands with the same faith as Abram had when he went to sacrifice his son. Is your property ruined? Do your children die suddenly? Suffer it all with patience, cleaving to God in your heart, as Job did. Do your friends forsake you, and you find yourself surrounded by enemies? Bear it all without grumbling, and with faith that God’s help is at hand, as the apostles did.” – St. Nikolai Velimirovich (He suffered lengthy imprisonment in Dachau Prison camp in WW2.)

Blessing of your Candles: Place your candles (identified on the bottom) on the memorial table. Father will bless them today (Sunday).

House Blessings:  Please expect a call or  email from Fr. Peter Jon or Fr. Seraphim in the coming days/weeks.

Orthodoxy 102 resumes each Wednesday after Daily Vespers beginning this week on February 5th.

THIS WEEK

Monday, February 3: Compline and Fellowship at the Haneys at 7:00 7

Wednesday, February 5: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Thursday, February 6: Bible Study at Becky’s home 3:00 – 5:00

Saturday, February  8: Great Vespers at 5:00; SOYO 6:00 – 8:00

Sunday, February 9: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00  

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews. (7:7-17)

Brethren, it is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. Here tithes are received by mortal men; there, by one of whom it is testified that he lives. One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him. Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not according to a legal requirement concerning bodily descent but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him, “Thou art a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (2:22-40)

In those days, the parents of Jesus brought Him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And inspired by the Spirit he came into the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now lettest thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word; for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Thy people Israel.” And His father and his mother marveled at what was said about Him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.” And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, and as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of Him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon Him.

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. Approach to the cup starts at the front rows with the choir and preschool going first.

Divine Liturgy Variables for Choir and Parish

Refrain of the Second Antiphon:

Save us, O Son of God, Who wast borne in the arms of righteous Simeon; who sing to Thee. Alleluia.

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 the Presentation of Christ – Tone 1

Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of grace, for from thee arose the Sun of justice, Christ our God, lighting those who are in darkness. Rejoice and be glad, O righteous elder, carrying in thine arms the Deliverer of our souls, Who granteth us Resurrection.

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.

Megalynarion of the Presentation – Tone 3

In the shadow and letter of the Law, let us the faithful contemplate a prefiguring: Every male child that openeth the womb is holy unto God. Therefore, do we magnify the first-born Word, the Son of the Father Who is without beginning, the first-born Child of a Mother who hath not known wedlock.

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) of the Feast – Tone 8

I will receive the cup of salvation and call upon the Name of the Lord. Alleluia.

LOOKING AHEAD

• Monthly Men’s Fellowship meetings begin on February 11th at the church – 7pm. Contact Father Seraphim for more information.

• Pre-Lenten Retreat February 21-22 with Fr. John Oliver, noted author and speaker.
• Details follow.

• May 1,2,3 : Rives Junction,  Holy Dormition Monastery Pilgrimage: Rhonda is the contact person.

FAMILY NEWS

• Benevolence Opportunity: If you have a loveseat, comfortable chairs or twin mattress set in good condition that you would like to donate to a good cause, please contact Fr Peter Jon.
• Coffee Hour: Parishioners whose last names begin with A-B will serve and clean today.
• The Pantry is OVERFLOWING:  Thanks a bunch, but we have no more storage space at this time!

Anniversary Remembrance: Fr. Peter Jon’s Ordination to the Holy Priesthood (2nd)

Birthday Greetings: Dee H  (2nd); Karen T (3rd); Nolan A (4th)

Name Day Blessings: Amber S (Anna the Prophetess – 3rd)

Memory Eternal: Lois; Fr. Patrick Kinder (14th); Jill Patterson; Darlene; Lotfy Hanna

Prayer List: Allison (Hal’s great-niece); Doris Finchum; Mary Ann; Vicki; Johanna and infant Jonathan; Mat. Raisa; Kaylie and infant Oliver; Rebekah with child; Amanda (Hermione with child; Isaac in Air Force; Fr. Marc; Kh.Vanessa & Anthony Kinder; Fr. George; Fr. Basil & Kh. Cana; Judith; George; Dee; Dusty; Catherine (not in this parish); Michael & Olga;  Eileen; Leanne; Heather;Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Alice & Marvin; Kh. Kristina; Bonnie; Emma; Patricia; Mary & Robert;Shirley; Rose; Lexi, Ross & Vivian; Theo; Doug Barrett;Jeremy; Charles; Grayson; Cleo; Marcia & Deacon; Nick;Bruce; Joanna & Demetrios;Ashlee W; Paul; Cathy; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Nancy & Shalayna; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer & Regina; those suffering in the drug crisis, with fire devastation in Australia, with flood damage, and earthquake damage in Puerto Rico; those suffering in the Middle East.

Lenten Retreat: We are pleased to have Fr. John Oliver join us for a Pre-Lenten retreat on Friday, February 21 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, February 22 at noon, following a Divine Liturgy for the Saturday of the Souls. There is no charge, and lunch will be provided.  Please feel free to invite friends and family. 

 Fr. John Oliver is the priest of St Elizabeth Orthodox Christian Church, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He is the author of numerous articles and essays, and of Touching Heaven: Discovering Orthodox Christianity on the Island of Valaam, published by Ancient Faith Press,  and Giver of Life: The Holy Spirit in the Orthodox Christian Tradition which is published  by Paraclete Press. 

 He will be speaking to us on the topic of his upcoming book:  The Nourishing Dark: Dealing with Difficult Emotions in the Light of Christ,  which will be coming out this summer. A graduate of St Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, he joined the faculty as instructor in Old and New Testament and American Religious History.  He and his wife Lara have three daughters and two sons. 

Follow Fr. John on his podcast, Hearts and Minds  on Ancient Faith radio https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/hearts_and_minds. 

Pre-Lenten Retreat (February 21-22nd) notice is at the end of this document.

Fifteenth Sunday of Luke (“Zacchaeus”)

Venerable Xenophon, his wife, Mary, and their two sons, Arkadios and John, of Constantinople;

Translation of the relics of Venerable Theodore the Studite

You are always welcome here at All Saints.

Nourishment for the Soul: “Have you stumbled? Arise. Have you sinned? Cease. Do not stand in the way of sinners, but spring away.” – St. Basil the Great

Myrrh Bearers meet today.

House Blessings are in full swing. Please expect a call or  email from Fr. Peter Jon or Fr. Seraphim in the coming days/weeks.

Benevolence Opportunity: If you have a loveseat, comfortable chairs or twin mattress set in good condition that you would like to donate to a good cause, please contact Fr Peter Jon.

THIS WEEK

Monday, January 27: Compline and Fellowship at the Haneys’ at 7:00

Wednesday, January 29: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Thursday, January 30: Bible Study at Becky’s home 3:00 – 5:00

Thursday, January 30: OCF dinner and discussion at the Webb’s home at 6:00

Friday, January 31: Akathist for the Protection of the Theotokos at 6:00

Saturday, February 1: Great Vespers at 5:00; SOYO 6:00 – 8:00

Sunday, February 2: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – The Presentation of our Lord

Blessing of the Candles is done this day, so plan to bring your candles from home.

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. Approach to the cup starts at the front rows with the choir and preschool going first.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s First Letter to St. Timothy. (4:9-15)

Timothy, my son, the saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, Who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, attend to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. Practice these duties; devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (19:1-10)

At that time, Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. And he sought to see Who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Jesus, for He was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Divine Liturgy Variables 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.

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.

LOOKING AHEAD

• Monthly Men’s Fellowship meetings begin on February 11th at the church – 7pm. Contact Father Seraphim for more information.
• Pre-Lenten Retreat February 21-22 with Fr. John Oliver, noted author and speaker. Details below.

FAMILY NEWS

• Mary Ann is at Meadowood for rehab. Her address is on the hall bulletin board.
• Meal Train for the Hsu Family: Contact Rhonda if you want to send a meal.
• Coffee Hour: Parishioners whose last names begin with R-Z will serve and clean today.
• The Pantry is OVERFLOWING:  Thanks a bunch, but we have no storage space at this time!

Birthday Greetings: David P  (26th); Ashley P (27th); Michael S (30th)

Name Day Blessings: Ephraim A (Ephraim the Syrian – 28th); Reed H (Ephraim the Syrian – 28th); Rhonda W (Perpetua – 1st); Shannon R (Brigid -1st); Felicity A(Brigid – 1st)

Memory Eternal: Lois; Fr. Patrick Kinder (14th); Jill Patterson; Darlene; Fr. Nabil’s father

Prayer List: Doris Finchum; Mary Ann; Vicki; Johanna and infant Jonathan; Mat. Raisa; Kaylie and infant Oliver; Rebekah with child; Amanda with child; Isaac in Air Force; Fr. Marc; Kh.Vanessa & Anthony Kinder; Fr. George; Fr. Basil & Kh. Cana; Judith; George; Dee; Dusty; Catherine (not in this parish); Michael & Olga;  Eileen; Leanne; Heather;Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Alice & Marvin; Kh. Kristina; Bonnie; Emma; Patricia; Mary & Robert;Shirley; Rose; Lexi, Ross & Vivian; Theo; Doug Barrett;Jeremy; Charles; Grayson; Cleo; Marcia & Deacon; Nick;Bruce; Joanna & Demetrios;Ashlee W; Paul; Cathy; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Nancy & Shalayna; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer & Regina; those suffering in the drug crisis, with fire devastation in Australia, with flood damage, and earthquake damage in Puerto Rico; those suffering in the Middle East.

Lenten Retreat: We are pleased to have Fr. John Oliver join us for a Pre-Lenten retreat on Friday, February 21 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, February 22 at noon, following a Divine Liturgy for the Saturday of the Souls. There is no charge, and lunch will be provided.  Please feel free to invite friends and family. 

 Fr. John Oliver is the priest of St Elizabeth Orthodox Christian Church, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He is the author of numerous articles and essays, and of Touching Heaven: Discovering Orthodox Christianity on the Island of Valaam, published by Ancient Faith Press,  and Giver of Life: The Holy Spirit in the Orthodox Christian Tradition which is published  by Paraclete Press. 

 He will be speaking to us on the topic of his upcoming book:  The Nourishing Dark: Dealing with Difficult Emotions in the Light of Christ,  which will be coming out this summer. A graduate of St Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, he joined the faculty as instructor in Old and New Testament and American Religious History.  He and his wife Lara have three daughters and two sons. 

Follow Fr. John on his podcast, Heats and Minds  on Ancient Faith radio https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/hearts_and_minds.