Sunday after the Theophany of Christ

Martyr Tatiana of Rome and those with her; Martyr Peter Absalom of Palestine;

Virgin-martyr Euthasia;  Martyr Mertios of Mauretania

You are always welcome here at All Saints.

Nourishment for the Soul: “God desires and seeks the salvation of all. And He is always saving all who wish to be saved from drowning in the sea of life and sin.”

St. Ignatius Brianchaninov

Men’s Ministry Fellowship: The monthly meetings will begin on Tuesday, February 11th at 7pm in the fellowship hall of the church. The group will meet the same day and time each month during the year. The focus of the time together will be Bible study concerning men in the Bible, sharing of saints, and prayer for personal needs. Any men in the church and Community are welcome to attend. Father Seraphim will be facilitating the time together. Feel free to contact him should you have any questions.

House Blessings are in full swing. Father Peter Jon will be contacting you by phone or email very soon.

THIS WEEK

Monday, January 13: Compline and Fellowship at the Haneys’ at 7:00

Tuesday, January 14: Bible Study at Kh. Marilyn’s home at 7:00

Wednesday, January 15: Vesperal Liturgy – Chains of Peter – at 6:00

Thursday, January 16: St. John Fellowship at the Haneys’ home 10:00 – Noon

Thursday, January 16: Bible Study at Becky’s home

Saturday, January 18: Great Vespers at 5:00; SOYO 6:00-8:00

Sunday, January 19: 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  Letter 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.

Gospel: The Reading is 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.”

Divine Liturgy Variables for Choir and Parish

Refrain of the Second Antiphon: Save us, O Son of God, Who wast baptized by John in the Jordan; who sing to Thee. Alleluia.

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 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 the Theophany of Christ – 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. Approach to the cup starts at the front rows; the choir and preschool go first.

LOOKING AHEAD

• Portraits for the All Saints Photo Directory! It’s almost time! Monday, January 20 and Tuesday, January 21, from 2:00 to 9:00 pm each day. Have Questions? Contact Rhonda Webb at 314-313-4275 or webbrk1@gmail.com 
• Monthly Men’s Fellowship meetings begin on February 11th at the church – 7pm
• Pre-Lenten Retreat February 21-22 with Fr. John Oliver, noted author and speaker . Clear your weekend calendar now and plan to participate. 

FAMILY NEWS

Meal Train for the Hsu Family: Contact Rhonda if you want to send a meal.

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

Warm Mittens, Gloves, Hats and Scarves: Two more cold months lie ahead!

The Pantry shelves are starting to empty even though there is a varied supply.

Anniversary Blessings: Ben & Heidi (13th)

Birthday Greetings: Jeremy P (12th); Rachel B (14th)

Name Day Blessings: Amanda A (St. Agnes – 14th); April B (St. Macrina – 14th); Nina G(St. Nina – 14th); Nina R (St. Nina – 14th); Toni B (St. Anthony – 17th); Anthony G (St. Anthony – 17th); Ben S (St. Anthony – 17th)

Prayer List: Doris Finchum; Mary Ann; Vicki; Johanna and infant Jonathan; Mat. Raisa; Kaylie and infant Oliver; Rebekah with child; Isaac in Air Force; Fr. Marc; Fr. Patrick & Kh.Vanessa; Fr. George; Fr. Basil & Kh. Cana; Judith; George; Dee; Dusty; Catherine (not in this parish); Michael & Olga;  Eileen; Leanne;  Irina; 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.

Checks should be dated with the new year 2020! It’s not so easy (for some of us) to break the old habit of writing 2019!

Paramon (Eve) of & Sunday before Theophany of Christ

Martyrs Theopemptos the Bishop of Nicomedia and Theonas the former magician;

Venerable Syncletica of Alexandria; Venerable-martyr Romanos of Athos

Nourishment for the Soul: “Whoever carries within himself, the peace of the Holy Spirit brings peace to others as well; and whoever carries with himself an evil spirit brings evil to others. The soul that has experienced God wishes always to see Him with itself, for He enters quietly and brings peace to the soul and witnesses salvation without words.” – St. Silouan the Athanonite

A Reminder for this morning: At the end of today’s service there will be the  Sanctification (Blessing) of  the Indoor Waters, and this evening  Great Vespers of Holy Theophany is celebrated at 5:00.Bring your bottles to fill with the Holy Water.

Pledges for 2020: Please consider increasing your 2019 pledge by $10 each month. If you have never made a pledge, please fill in a form, found in the narthex. Thank you.

Offering Envelopes are available in the Narthex: Please record your name beside the number on the envelopes. You may continue using older envelopes if you have them.

THIS WEEK

Monday, January 6: Festal Matins of Holy Theophany at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 with The Blessing of the Outdoor Waters (weather permitting)

Monday, January 6: Compline and Fellowship at the Haneys’ at 7pm

Tuesday, January 7: House Blessings begin.

Wednesday, January 8: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Thursday, January 9: Bible Study at Becky’s home

Thursday, January 9: Vesperal Liturgy for St. Gregory of Nyssa at 6:00

Saturday, January 11: Great Vespers at 5:00; SOYO 6:00-8:00

Sunday, January 12: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s  Second Letter to St. Timothy. (4:5-8)

 (For the Sunday before the Theophany of Christ)

My child Timothy, be watchful in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the season of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, and I have guarded the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will reward me at that day, and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved His appearing.

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

 (For the Sunday before the Theophany of Christ)

The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “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 strap 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.”

Divine Liturgy Variables for Choir and Parish

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 4

Having learned the joyful message of the Resurrection from the angel, the women disciples of the Lord cast from them their parental condemnation. And proudly broke the news to the Disciples, saying: Death hath been spoiled; Christ God is risen, granting the world Great Mercy.

Apolytikion for the Paraon (Eve) of Theophany- Tone 4

River Jordan was turned back by Elisseus’ mantle once, * when the fiery man of zeal Elias had been taken up; * then were its waters divided hither and thither. * The running streams became dry passage unto him, * truly as a sign and type of Baptism, * whereby we pass to the other side of * the shifting stream of this fleeting life. * Christ hath appeared in the Jordan River, to sanctify the waters.

Kontakion of theForefeast of Theophany – Tone 4

In the running waters of * the Jordan River, * on this day the Lord of all * crieth to John: Be not afraid * and hesitate not to baptize Me, * for I am come to save Adam, the first-formed 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; the choir and preschool go first.

LOOKING AHEAD

• Portraits for the All Saints Photo Directory! Sign up now as spots are quickly being filled for Monday, January 20 and Tuesday, January 21, from 2:00 to 9:00 pm each day. If you attend All Saints, we want to include YOU. You will receive a free 8 x 10 photo just for participating!
• Church Photo Directory – Go to https://booknow-lifetouch.appointment-plus.com/b65qnjc2/  to schedule your session now.  Questions?  Contact Rhonda Webb at 314-313-4275 or webbrk1@gmail.com  (See the insert for additional information. Same as Online sent earlier.)
• Pre-Lenten Retreat February 21-22 with Fr. John Oliver, noted author and speaker . Clear your weekend calendar now and plan to participate. 

FAMILY NEWS

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

Warm Mittens, Gloves, Hats and Scarves: There has been a great response so far, but please continue your donations as many cold months lie ahead!

The Pantry shelves are full, and that’s a good thing!

Anniversary Blessings: Michael & Missy Shahadey (7th)

Birthday Greetings: John Alexander (5th); Charles Coats (8th); Luke Barber (9th); Hal Sabbagh (9th)

Name Day Blessings: Micah Finchum (5th); John Alexander (John the Baptist -14th); John Labban (John the Baptist – 7th); Brian Owen (John the Baptis t– 7th); Gregory Gillquist (St. Gregory of Nyssa – 10th)

Prayer List: Johanna and infant Jonathan; Kaylie and infant Oliver; Rebekah with child; Isaac in Air Force; Fr. Marc; Fr. Patrick & Kh. Vanessa; Fr. George; Fr. Basil & Kh. Cana; Judith; George; Dee; Mary Ann; Vicki; Dusty; Catherine (not in this parish); Michael & Olga;  Eileen; Leanne;  Irina; 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; Christy, Isaac & Andrew; those suffering in the drug crisis, with fire devastation, with flood damage, and earthquake damage in the USA; those suffering in Syria and the Middle East.