Sunday, March 18, 2018

Fourth Sunday of Great Lent

Commemoration of John Climacus, Author of “The Ladder”
Cyril, patriarch of Jerusalem; Martyrs Trophymos and Eukarpos of Nicomedia and those with them;
Nikolai (Velimirovic), bishop of Zhicha who labored in America

Nourishment of the Soul: “The humility of the Theotokos also has much to teach women today. Let us all call upon her, for holy humility will provide us with ease, freedom, joy, grace, sanctity, redemption and a foretaste of the delight in Paradise, which will render us without problems, graceful and truly joyful even in this life.” – Blessed Moses the Athonite

Parish Council meets around noon.

Women’s Month: Alice Piercefield will read the Epistle this morning.

The Food for Hungry People Campaign continues. On your check, please differentiate between donations to this campaign and to the regular, local benevolence/charitable fund for families in need.

All Saints Food Pantry: Thank you for donations last week. Hot dogs and ground beef (in the freezer) as well as paper towels and toilet tissue are STILL NEEDED. God bless you!

Tonight: Joy of All Who Sorrow is hosting Lenten Vespers at 5:00. Fr. Dragan Petrovich is the guest homilist. A fellowship meal follows.

Social Hour: Scheduled contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with G-H; however, all donations are welcome!

Serving Dishes, Left in the Pantry and Kitchen! We appreciate your food donations, but wonder if you have forgotten to take your serving vessels home! Take a look in cabinets or kitchen storeroom.

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.

If you are visiting today, we warmly welcome you and invite you to stay for the fellowship hour that follows Divine Liturgy.

Special prayers for the Catechumens and specifically, “Those preparing for Holy Illumination” (who will be chrismated on Lazarus Saturday) will be heard during services leading up to Holy Pascha.

Father Peter Jon can be reached by cell phone and email; however text messages may not be received on his flip phone due to texting limitations. Father continues to encourage each of us to to consider fasting from social media and electronic media in general for the duration of the fast.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, March 21: Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts 6:00, followed by light meal & teaching
Thursday, March 22: Bible Study at Becky’s 3:00 – 5:00
Thursday, March 22: Canon of St. Andrew of Crete and the Life of St. Mary of Egypt at 6:00
Friday, March 23: Little Compline and Akathist Hymn at 6:00
Saturday, March 24: Great Vespers with Artoklosia (blessing of the loaves for a GREAT FEAST) at 5:00 – Orthodoxy 101 with Fr. Peter Jon presenting “Preparing for Burial.”
Sunday, March 25: Annunciation – Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Myrrh Bearers meet.
Sunday Evening, 18: Lenten Vespers at St. Mary of Egypt in Greenwood at 5pm; Fr. Nabil Hanna, presenter.

LOOKING AHEAD

… Bible Study: Gospel of John at the Webb’s home – 7:00-8:30 at 3960 E. Fenbrook Lane, on Thursdays, but not on March 22nd. The series is almost finished.
…Lazarus Saturday, March 31st: Chrismations and Divine Liturgy begin at 9:00 am. Afterward there is a light meal, followed by an ALL-PARISH WORKDAY. Plan to come and prepare the building and grounds for Palm Sunday and for Holy Week. You will enjoy your time of service with your brothers and sisters in Christ.
FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Blessings: Kh. Kristina Gt(18th); Marah P (19th); Lilly B (20th); Saraqael H (21st); Georges T (21st); Ghada L (21st); Heidi S (21st)
Name Day Celebration: Mezy A (St. Photini – 20th); Hannah G(St. Photini – 20th); Shirley R (St. Photini- 20th); Galina McLaws (St. Galina – 23rd) (St. Photini in the Slavic tradition is March 20th>)
Memory Eternal: Norman (Marija’s brother-in-law); Philip (Marcia’s brother);Victims in Florida school tragedy

Prayer List: Barbara; Paul; Caden, Dylan,& Maddie; Marvin & Alice; Cathy; Kh. Kristina; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Fr. George; Iva Lee; Adrian T; Nancy & Shalayna; Jennifer A’s family; Rigsby family; those suffering in the drug crisis in the USA; Safety in our Schools

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “The Lord will give strength to His people.”
Verse: “Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.” Psalm 28:11,1

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews. (6:13-20)

Brethren, when God made a promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater by whom to swear, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Men indeed swear by one greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of His purpose, He interposed with an oath. So that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (9:16-30)

At that time, a man came to Jesus, kneeling down and saying unto him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked Thy Disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” And Jesus answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to Me.” And they brought the boy to Him; and when the spirit saw Jesus, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, “How long has he had this?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if Thou canst do anything, have pity on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again.” And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when Jesus had entered the house, His Disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And Jesus said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.” They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And Jesus would not have anyone know it; for He was teaching His Disciples, saying to them, “The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and after He is killed, He will rise on the third day.”

Divine Liturgy Variables

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. John Climacus – Tone 8
The barren wilderness thou didst make fertile with the streams of thy tears; and by thy deep sighing thou hast given fruit through thy struggles a hundredfold. Accordingly, thou hast become a star for the universe, sparkling with miracles. Therefore, O righteous Father John Climacus, intercede with Christ God to save our souls.

Kontakion for the Annunciation (and 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 Megalynarion (instead of “It is truly meet…”)
All of creation rejoices in thee, O full of grace, the assembly of angels and the race of men. O sanctified temple and spiritual paradise, the glory of virgins, from whom God was incarnate and became a child: our God before the ages. he made thy body into a throne, and thy womb He made more spacious than the heavens. All of creation rejoices in thee, O full of grace, glory to thee!

Sunday, March 11, 2018
Third Sunday of Great Lent
Veneration of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross
Sophronios, patriarch of Jerusalem; Martyrs Thallos and Trophimos of Latakia;
Venerable George of Sinai; Theodora of Arta, the empress; Euthymios, bishop of Novgorod

Nourishment of the Soul: “Great is the power of prayer, and it brings most of all the Spirit of God, and is most easily practiced by everyone. We shall be happy indeed if the Lord God finds us watchful and filled with the gifts of His Holy Spirit.” – St. Seraphim of Sarov

Choir News: Practice for Pascha begins around noon in the nave. Plan also to meet on the 18th and 25th.

Women’s Month: During March, women of all ages will be reading the Epistle, passing the collection trays, and serving as ushers. Tabitha Burchett is our reader.

The Food for Hungry People Campaign: Make a donation to All Saints during Great Lent, and the church will send one check after Holy Pascha.

All Saints Food Pantry is looking rather bare. There is plenty of cereal, green beans and corn; paper products are appreciated but not too many! We suggest frozen or canned meat, pasta and pasta sauce, jars of apple sauce, hot dogs, ketchup, and 16 ounce jars of peanut butter.

Tonight: St. Nicholas on Marsh Road in Indy is hosting Lenten Vespers at 5:00. Fr. David Wey is the guest homilist. A fellowship meal follows.

Social Hour: Scheduled contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with Be-F; however, all donations are welcome!

Serving Dishes, Left in the Pantry and Kitchen! We appreciate your food donations, but wonder if you have forgotten to take your serving vessels home! Take a look in cabinets or kitchen storeroom.

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.

If you are visiting today, we warmly welcome you and invite you to stay for the fellowship hour that follows Divine Liturgy.

Today in the Divine Liturgy, we begin special prayers for the Catechumens and specifically, “Those preparing for Holy Illumination” (who will be chrismated on Lazarus Saturday).

Important – regarding Fr. Peter Jon’s contact information: As most of you know, Fr. Peter Jon has retired his smart phone in favor of a flip-phone. He can be reached at the same cell phone number and email address that he has used for over a decade. However, please do not assume that he can receive text messages, as his new phone has texting limitations. Fr. Peter Jon wants to make sure your important messages don’t get lost in the texting stratosphere.

THIS WEEK

Tuesday, March 13: Bible Study at Kh. Marilyn’s home at 7:00
Wednesday, March 14: Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts 6:00, followed by light meal & teaching
Thursday, March 15: St. John Fellowship at the Haney’s 10:00 – Noon
Thursday, March 15: Bible Study at Becky’s will NOT meet.
Thursday, March 15: Bible Study at the Webb’s home 7:00-8:30
Friday, March 16: Little Compline and Akathist Hymn at 6:00
Saturday, March 17: Great Vespers at 5:00 – Orthodoxy 101 with Fr. Peter Jon presenting ” The Mystery of Holy Unction.”
Sunday, March 18: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Parish Council meets around noon.
Sunday Evening, 18: Lenten Vespers at Joy of All Who Sorrow in Indianapolis at 5pm; Fr. Dragan Petovich, presenter*

LOOKING AHEAD

…*Lenten Vespers, This year’s theme is “The Orthodox Christian Family”.
…Canon of St. Andrew and Life of St. Mary of Egypt – March 22nd at 6:00 (Added to March calendar)
… Bible Study: Gospel of John at the Webb’s home – 7:00-8:30 at 3960 E. Fenbrook Lane, Bloomington, IN 47401; 314-313-275; webbrk1@gmail.com, on Thursdays, but not on March 22nd.

FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Blessings: Rachel L (11th); Anna-Amber S (13th); Adam S (16th)
Name Day Celebration: Daniel M (Simeon the New Theologian – 12th); David P (Patrick Enlightener of Ireland – 17th)
Memory Eternal: Norman (Marija’s brother-in-law); Philip (Marcia’s brother);Victims in Florida school tragedy

Prayer List: Barbara; Paul; Caden, Dylan,& Maddie; Marvin & Alice; Cathy; Kh. Kristina; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Fr. George; Iva Lee; Adrian T; Nancy & Shalayna; Jennifer A’s family; Rigsby family; those suffering in the drug crisis in the USA; Safety in our Schools

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “O Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance.”
Verse: “To You, O Lord, have I cried, O my God.” Psalm 27:9,1

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews. (4:14-5:6)

Brethren, since we have a High Priest, Who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One Who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt Himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by Him Who said to Him, “Thou art My Son, today I have begotten Thee”; as He says also in another place, “Thou art a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (8:34-9:1)

The Lord said, “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” And Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Kingdom of God come with power.”

Divine Liturgy Variables

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 Holy Cross – Tone 1
O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, granting to Thy people victory over all their adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross preserving Thine estate.

Kontakion for the Annunciation (and 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.

The Anti-Trisagion Hymn (Instead of Holy God…)
Before Thy Cross, we bow down in worship, Master, and Thy Holy Resurrection we glorify.

St. Basil’s Megalynarion (instead of “It is truly meet…”)
All of creation rejoices in thee, O full of grace, the assembly of angels and the race of men. O sanctified temple and spiritual paradise, the glory of virgins, from whom God was incarnate and became a child: our God before the ages. he made thy body into a throne, and thy womb He made more spacious than the heavens. All of creation rejoices in thee, O full of grace, glory to thee!

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn for Third Sunday of Great Lent)
The light of Thy countenance is marked upon us, O Lord. Alleluia.

Saturday’s Schedule for March 3rd
…Mother Nektaria teaches at the Women’s Retreat 1-4:30.
…Saturday at the beginning of Great Vespers around 4:50, we will pray together the 40-day memorial for the Infant Alexis (Rigsby).
…Following Great Vespers, Mother Nektaria will speak to the parish and guests after a light meal.
…For Details, consult www.allsaintsbloomington.org or your recent e-mail.

Sunday, March 04, 2018
Second Sunday of Great Lent
Commemoration of Gregory Palamas, archbishop of Thessalonica
Venerable Gerasimos of the Jordan; Gregory, bishop of Constantia in Cyprus;
Martyrs Paul and Juliana of Palestine; Daniel the wonderworker, prince of Moscow

Nourishment of the Soul: “There is nothing we can offer to God more precious than good will. But what is good will? To have good will is to experience concern for someone else’s adversities as if they were our own, to give thanks for our neighbor’s prosperity as for our own; to believe that another person’s loss is our own, and also that another’s gain is ours; to love a friend in God, and bear with an enemy out of love, to do to no one what we do not want to suffer ourselves, and to refuse to no one what we rightly want for ourselves; to choose to help a neighbor who is in need not only to the whole extent of our ability, but even beyond our means. What offering is richer, what offering is more substantial than this one? What we are offering to God on the altar of our hearts is the sacrifice of ourselves.” – St. Gregory the Great

We welcome today, Mother Nektaria of St. Paul Skete who will speak about monastic life during fellowship hour. Meet in the nave around noon.

Choir News: If you want to sing at Pascha with the choir, plan now to meet 3 to 4 Sundays in March. The first practice is scheduled for today in the nursery at noon.

The Food for Hungry People Campaign: Pick up a coin box in the hallway, if you want to support the program in this way. Or, make a donation during Great Lent, and the church will send one check after Holy Pascha.

Tonight: St. George in Terre Haute is hosting Lenten Vespers at 5:00. Dn. Joseph Olas is the guest homilist. A fellowship meal follows.

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.

Social Hour: Scheduled contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with A-Ba; however, since we have a special guest, we encourage more donations!

Also we warmly welcome today a group of teens and sponsors from First Methodist Church.

Women’s Month: During March, women of all ages will be reading the Epistle, passing the collection trays, and serving as ushers.

Important – regarding Fr. Peter Jon’s contact information: As most of you know, Fr. Peter Jon has retired his smart phone in favor of a flip-phone. He can be reached at the same cell phone number and email address that he has used for over a decade. However, please do not assume that he can receive text messages, as his new phone has texting limitations. Fr. Peter Jon wants to make sure your important messages don’t get lost in the texting stratosphere.

THIS WEEK

Monday, March 5: Special Lenten Great Compline Service with Fr. Thomas Langdon, serving.
Tuesday, March 6: OCF meets at the Webb’s home 6:00-8:00.
Wednesday, March 7: Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts 6:00, followed by light meal& teaching
Thursday, March 8: Bible Study at Becky’s 3:00-5:00
Thursday, March 8: Bible Study at the Webb’s home 7:00-8:30
Friday, March 9: Little Compline and Akathist Hymn at 6:00
Saturday, March 10: Great Vespers at 5:00 – Orthodoxy 101 with Dr. John Craton presenting.
Sunday, March 11: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00
Sunday Evening, 11: Lenten Vespers at St. Nicholas in Indianapolis at 5pm; Fr. David Wey, presenter*

LOOKING AHEAD

…*Lenten Vespers, sponsored by the Central Indiana Orthodox Presbyter’s Council, will be at a different church each Sunday evening at 5:00 with a fellowship meal provided. This year’s theme is “The Orthodox Christian Family”.
…Women’s Month: In our parish, women of all ages will be reading the Epistle, passing the collection trays, and serving as ushers.
… Bible Study: Gospel of John at the Webb’s home – Thursdays through March 29th – 7:00-8:30 at 3960 E. Fenbrook Lane, Bloomington, IN 47401; 314-313-275; webbrk1@gmail.com.

FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Blessings: Cathy M (4th); Polina M (5th); Alice Marie P (6th)
Name Day Celebration: Nolan A (St. Gregory Palamas – 4th)
Memory Eternal: Alexis (15th); Norman (Marija’s brother-in-law);Victims in Florida school tragedy
Prayer List: Paul; Caden, Dylan,& Maddie; Marvin & Alice; Cathy; Kh. Kristina; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Fr. George; Iva Lee; Adrian T; Nancy & Shalayna; Jennifer A’s family; Rigsby family; those suffering in the drug crisis in the USA; Safety in our Schools

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.”
Verse: “Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.” Psalm 11:7,1

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

“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!”

Divine Liturgy Variables

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 the Annunciation (and 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 Megalynarion (instead of “It is truly meet…”)
All of creation rejoices in thee, O full of grace, the assembly of angels and the race of men. O sanctified temple and spiritual paradise, the glory of virgins, from whom God was incarnate and became a child: our God before the ages. he made thy body into a throne, and thy womb He made more spacious than the heavens. All of creation rejoices in thee, O full of grace, glory to thee!

MYRRH BEARERS’ LENTEN RETREAT with MOTHER NEKTARIA of ST. PAUL SKETE*
Saturday March 3
• 1:00 – 5:00 – Women’s Retreat with Mother Nektaria.
• 5:00 – Great Vespers followed by a Lenten meal – All are welcome.
• 6:30 – Mother Nektaria will speak to the entire All Saints Community.
Sunday March 4
• 12:00 – 1:00 – Mother Nektaria will speak about the monastic life

Sunday, February 25, 2018
First Sunday of Great Lent (Sunday of Orthodoxy)
Tarasios the confessor, archbishop of Constantinople; Hieromartyr Reginos, bishop of Skopelos;
Hieromartyr Markellos, bishop of Apamea in Syria; Martyr Alexander of Markianopolis

**Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great**

Nourishment of the Soul: “Bringing one soul close to God by repentance is much better, in the eyes of God, than all other offerings, for there is nothing in the world better for God than the human soul, for everything in the world will perish except the soul because it is eternal.” – St. John Climacus

Myrrh Bearers meet today around noon.

Lest we forget that Almsgiving is part of the Lenten Fast: The Food for Hungry People Campaign has begun. Pick up a coin box in the hallway, if you want to support the program in this way. Or, make a donation during Great Lent, and the church will send one check after Holy Pascha.

This morning on the Sunday of Orthodoxy, we encourage you and especially the children to bring an icon to carry during the procession.

Tonight: St. George in Fishers is hosting the Sunday of Orthodoxy Lenten Vespers at 5:00. Bishop Gregory is the guest homilist. A fellowship meal follows.

MYRRH BEARERS’ LENTEN RETREAT with MOTHER NEKTARIA of ST. PAUL SKETE*
Saturday March 3
• 1:00 – 5:00 – Women’s Retreat with Mother Nektaria.
• 5:00 – Great Vespers followed by a Lenten meal – All are welcome.
• 6:30 – Mother Nektaria will speak to the entire All Saints Community.
Sunday March 4
• 12:00 – 1:00 – Mother Nektaria will speak about the monastic life

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.

Social Hour: Scheduled contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with I-Z; however you may contribute whenever you find it convenient. The Lenten Fast will be observed.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, February 28: Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts 6:00, followed by light meal- teaching
Thursday, March 1: Bible Study at Becky’s 3:00-5:00
Thursday, March 1: Bible Study at the Webb’s home7:00-8:30
Friday, March 2: Little Compline and Akathist Hymn at 6:00
Saturday, March 3-4th: Mother Nektaria is our special guest*
Saturday, March 3: Great Vespers at 5:00 – Orthodoxy 101 with Mother Nektaria presenting.
Sunday, March 4: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 (We will have guests from First Methodist Church.)
Sunday Evening, 4: Lenten Vespers at St. George in Terre Haute at 5pm; Dn. Joseph Olas, presenter*

LOOKING AHEAD

…*Lenten Vespers, sponsored by the Central Indiana Orthodox Presbyter’s Council, will be at a different church each Sunday evening at 5:00 with a fellowship meal provided. This year’s theme is “The Orthodox Christian Family”.
…Women’s Month: In our parish, women of all ages will be reading the Epistle, passing the collection trays, and serving as ushers.
…Choir News: If you want to sing at Pascha with the choir, plan now to meet 3 to 4 Sundays in March.
… Bible Study: Gospel of John at the Webb’s home – Thursdays through March 29th – 7:00-8:30 at 3960 E. Fenbrook Lane, Bloomington, IN 47401; 314-313-275; webbrk1@gmail.com.

FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Blessings: Christopher S (27th); Mezy A (28th); Mary B (28th); Adrian P (28th); Nina G (March 1st); Deacon Lawrence (3rd)

Name Day Celebration: St. Photeini on Feb. 26th – Mezy Alexander; Lilly Blair; Hannah Gillquist; Shirley Richardson;

Memory Eternal: Alexis (15th); Norman (Marija’s brother-in-law);Victims in Florida school tragedy

Prayer List: Paul; Caden, Dylan,& Maddie; Marvin & Alice; Cathy; Kh. Kristina; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Fr. George; Iva Lee; Adrian T; Nancy & Shalayna; Jennifer A’s family; Rigsby family; those suffering in the drug crisis in the USA

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers.”
Verse: “For Thou art just in all that Thou hast done for us.” Daniel 3:26,27

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

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.”

Divine Liturgy Variables
(Words my vary from those printed here.)

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. Thou hast verily filled all with joy, since Thou didst come, O our Savior, to save the world.

Kontakion for the Annunciation (and 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 Megalynarion (instead of “It is truly meet…”)
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.

Confession of Faith on Sunday of Orthodoxy

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.