There is no service tonight, Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

The next post about directives will clarify during these uncertain times with the Covid19 precautions being taken by the church.

Pray without ceasing for the welfare of your neighbors and for the nation.

“For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying, ‘Fear not, for I will help you.”

Isaiah 41:13

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you — Yes, I will help you… (Isaiah 41:10)

Beloved of All Saints:

Christ is in our midst! I hope and pray you are well and in the good company of the saints!

I am writing to give you some important information regarding our parish’s response to the ever-evolving corona virus outbreak. At the direction of His Eminence, Metropolitan JOSEPH, everyone should be aware of the following:

1. Until further notice, only Clergy, readers and appointed servers will attend Matins and Liturgy on Sunday mornings and the Akathist on Friday evenings.  All other services are cancelled and parishioners are asked to remain home. We plan to live-stream the Friday and Sunday services at www.allsaintsbloomington.org so that we can pray together “with one accord” in these difficult times.

2. All other church-related gatherings and meetings (including SOYO) are cancelled. 

3. I encourage you to increase your prayers at home during this most troublesome and unusual Lent. The following is a link to the texts of services you can pray on your own.  https://www.antiochian.org/regulararticle/624. I recommend small compline on the weeknights.

4. I am preparing some additional video communications and will let you know when I begin posting them on our website. They will be centered on education and encouragement.

Please call or email me if you feel ill or need to talk. Let’s continue to be in touch and support one another, and to care for those around us with prayer and any other opportunities the Lord provides.

If you would like to read the Metropolitan’s directives in full, you may do so here: https://www.antiochian.org/regulararticle/623

With love in the Risen Christ,

Fr Peter Jon

Second Sunday of Great Lent

Commemoration of Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica

Martyr Agapios of Palestine and those with him;

Apostle Aristoboulos of the Seventy, first bishop of Britain; New-martyrs Manuel of Crete and Parthenios

You are always welcome here at All Saints.

Nourishment for the Soul: “Prayer is the place of refuge for every worry, a foundation for cheerfulness, a source of constant happiness, a protection against sadness.” – St. John Chrysostom

Sunday of Orthodoxy Special Collection netted $667: Thank you for supporting seminarians preparing for the priesthood.

This evening, Sunday Lenten Vespers is at 5:00 at St. Stephen Bulgarian Church in Indianapolis. Fr. Dragan Petrovich is the homilist. A  Lenten fellowship meal  follows the service.

Parish Council meets today after the Divine Liturgy.

THIS WEEK

Monday, March 16: Compline & Fellowship at the Haneys’ home in Mitchell at 7:00.

Wednesday, March 18: Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts at 6:00; O102 meets afterward.

Fr. Seraphim’s topic is “F.A.R. from God: Overcoming Fear, Anger & Resentment.”

Thursday, March 19:  St. John Fellowship at the Haneys’ home  in Mitchell 10:00- Noon

Thursday, March 19: Bible Study at Becky’s home at 3:00

Friday, March 20: The Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos at 6:00

Saturday, March 21: Great Vespers at 5:00; SOYO 6:00 – 8:00

Sunday, March 22: Adoration of the Holy Cross – Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD

• March is Women’s Month: Women in the church participate by reading the Epistle, ushering, passing the offering trays, and chanting choir verses during Divine Liturgy.
• The Feast of Annunciation will be celebrated on March 25th with an Evening Liturgy replacing the Presanctified Liturgy as previously scheduled. There is no service on March 24th.
• 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.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s  Letter to the Hebrews. (1:10-2:3)

O Lord, Thou wilt preserve us and keep us from this generation.

Save me, O Lord, for the godly man hath disappeared.

 “In the beginning, Thou, O Lord, didst found the earth, and the heavens are the work of Thy hands; they will perish, but Thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle Thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed.  But Thou art the same, and Thy years will never end.”  But to what angel has He ever said, “Sit at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies a stool for thy feet”?  Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?  Therefore, we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.  For if the message, declared by angels, was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?  It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard Him.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (2:1-12)

At that time, when Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that He was at home.  And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and He was preaching the Word to them.  And they came, bringing to Jesus a paralytic carried by four men.  And when they could not get near Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay.  And when Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”  Now, some of the scribes were sitting there, reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak thus?  It is blasphemy!  Who can forgive sins but God alone?”  And immediately Jesus, perceiving in His spirit that they thus reasoned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you reason thus in your hearts?  Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your pallet and walk’?  But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – He said to the paralytic – “I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home.”  And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all.  So that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

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

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 for St. Gregory Palamas – Tone 8

O Star of Orthodoxy, support of the Church and its teacher, O comeliness of ascetics, and incontestable champion of those who speak in theology, Gregory the wonder-worker, the pride of Thessalonica and preacher of grace, implore thou constantly for the salvation of our souls.

Kontakion for Sundays of Great Lent – Tone 8

To thee, the Champion Leader, do I offer thanks of victory, O Theotokos, thou who hast delivered me from terror; but as thou that hast that power invincible, O Theotokos, thou alone can set me free: from all forms of danger free me and deliver me, that I may cry unto thee: Hail, O Bride without Bridegroom.

St. Basil’s Liturgy – The Megalynarion

In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation: the angelic hosts, and the race of men, O hallowed Temple and noetic paradise, glory of Virgins, of whom God was incarnate and became a little child, even our God Who is before all the ages; for He made thy womb a throne, and thy body He made more spacious than the heavens. In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation; and it glorifieth thee.

FAMILY NEWS

Coffee Hour: Parishioners whose names begin with C-G will donate and serve today.

The Pantry is still well-supplied. A few jars of peanut butter, marinara sauce and some paper goods could be added.

Birthday Greetings: Adam S (16th); Kh. Kristina G(18th); Marah P (19th); Lilly B (20th); Saraqael H (21st); Georges T (21st); Ghada L (21st); Heidi N(21st)

Name Day Blessings: Nolan A (St. Gregory Palamas – 15th); David P (St. Patrick – 17th); Great Martyr Photini – 20th: Mezy A; Hannah G; Shirley R 

Memory Eternal: Beverly; Lois; DL; Julia; James

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; world-wide coronavirus outbreak.

First Sunday of Great Lent (Sunday of Orthodoxy)

Theophylact the Confessor, bishop of Nicomedia; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy

There will be a procession of icons today so we invite you to bring yours from home.

You are always welcome here at All Saints.

Nourishment for the Soul: “Love is the only thing that can bind together God and His creation and bring about social harmony.” – St. Thalassios, the Libyan

Sunday of Orthodoxy Special Collection: Today we will take a donation to support scholarships for seminarians preparing for the priesthood. Checks should be payable to All Saints. We will send one check with all collections tallied.

This evening, Sunday of Orthodoxy Evening Vespers is at 5:00 at Holy Trinity in Carmel. A light fellowship meal will follow the service.

THIS WEEK

Monday, March 9: Compline & Fellowship at the Haneys’ home in Mitchell at 7:00.

Tuesday, March 10: Bible Study at Kh. Marilyn’s home at 7:00

Tuesday, March 10: Men’s Fellowship at the Church at 7:00

Wednesday, March 11: Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts at 6:00; O102 meets afterward with alight meal being served. Fr. Peter Jon’s topic is “Confession.”

Thursday, March 12: Bible Study at Becky’s home at 3:00

Thursday, March 12: OCF Dinner and Discussion at the Webbs’ home at 6:00

Friday, March 13: The Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos at 6:00

Saturday, March 14: Great Vespers at 5:00; SOYO 6:00 – 8:00

Sunday, March 8: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD

• March is Women’s Month: Women in the church participate by reading the Epistle, ushering, passing the offering trays, and chanting choir verses during Divine Liturgy.
• Calendar update: The Feast of Annunciation will be celebrated on March 25th with an Evening Liturgy replacing the Presanctified Liturgy as previously scheduled. There is no service on March 24th.
• 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.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s  Letter to the Hebrews. (11:24-26, 32-40).

Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers. For Thou art just in all that Thou hast done for us.

Brethren, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets; who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, and put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (1:43-51)

At that time, 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 Nathanael, 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.” Nathanael 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!” Nathanael said to Jesus, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael 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 Jesus 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.”

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

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 5

Let us believers praise and worship the Word; co-eternal 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 First Sunday of Great Lent – Tone 2

Thy pure image do we venerate, O good One, asking forgiveness of our sins, O Christ our God; for by Thine own will Thou didst ascend the Cross in Thy body, to save Thy creatures from the bondage of the enemy. Wherefore, with thankfulness we cry aloud to thee: Thou hast verily filled all with joy, since Thou didst come, O our Savior, to save the world.

Kontakion for Sundays of Great Lent – Tone 8

To thee, the Champion Leader, do I offer thanks of victory, O Theotokos, thou who hast delivered me from terror; but as thou that hast that power invincible, O Theotokos, thou alone can set me free: from all forms of danger free me and deliver me, that I may cry unto thee: Hail, O Bride without Bridegroom.

St. Basil’s Liturgy – The Megalynarion

In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation: the angelic hosts, and the race of men, O hallowed Temple and noetic paradise, glory of Virgins, of whom God was incarnate and became a little child, even our God Who is before all the ages; for He made thy womb a throne, and thy body He made more spacious than the heavens. In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation; and it glorifieth thee.

FAMILY NEWS

Coffee Hour: Parishioners whose names begin with A-B will donate and serve today.

We will observe fasting guidelines during all meals.

The Pantry is still well-supplied. A few jars of peanut butter and some paper goods could be added.

Birthday Greetings: Johanna Grace H (11th); Anna Amber S (13th)

Name Day Blessings: Dan M (Simeon,  the New Theologian – 12th)

Memory Eternal: Beverly; Lois; DL; Julia; James

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.

Confession of Faith on Sunday of Orthodoxy

 (Join in reciting the following with the clergy near the end of the service)

As the prophets beheld, as the Apostles have taught,…as the Church has received…as the teachers have dogmatized,…as the Universe has agreed,…as Grace has shown forth,… as Truth has revealed,…as falsehood has been dissolved,…as Wisdom has presented, …as Christ awarded,…thus we declare,…thus we assert,…thus we preach Christ our true God, and honor as Saints in words, in writings, in thoughts, in sacrifices, in churches, in Holy Icons; on the one hand worshipping and reverencing Christ as God and Lord; and on the other hand honoring as true servants of the same Lord of all and accordingly offering them veneration.

(LOUDER) This is the Faith of the Apostles, this is the Faith of the Fathers, this is the Faith of the Orthodox, this is the Faith which has established the Universe.