Father Peter Jon will be available to hear confession from 5-6pm today (Friday) and from 4-5pm on Saturday.
Please contact him directly if these times will not work with your schedule.

Sunday, April 1, 2018
Feast of Palm Sunday
Entrance of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem
**Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom**

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

Nourishment of the Soul: “From the sacrament of the cross you receive both food and drink; let the wood, which availed at Mara in a figure for sweetening the taste, avail you in truth for soothing the softened breast, and you will not labor for the remedy for increasing health. Cure yourself of the source from which you had been wounded. Love those whom you hated before; esteem those whom you envied with unjust disparagements. Imitate the good, if you can follow them; if you cannot follow them, surely rejoice with them and congratulate your betters. Your debts will be forgiven you, when you yourself shall forgive. Your sacrifices will be accepted, when you shall come to God as a peacemaker.” – St. Cyprian of Carthage

Newly Chrismated Members: Welcome home, Tabitha Burchett, Jeremiah Junken, and Stephen Westich!

The Food for Hungry People Campaign continues until Holy Pascha.

There is a pitch-in today on Palm Sunday. While several Myrrh Bearers are providing salmon, a list of needed pitch-in items went out by email Thursday. Your donations will serve a large crowd.

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.

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.

HOLY WEEK
Tonight, April 1: Bridegroom Matins at 5pm
Monday, April 2: Presanctified Liturgy at 9am; Bridegroom Matins at 6pm
Tuesday, April 3: Presanctified Liturgy at 9am; Bridegroom Matins at 6pm – Bp ANTHONY
Wednesday, April 4: Presanctified Liturgy at 9am –Bp ANTHONY; Holy Unction at 6pm
Thursday, April 5: Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil (Last Supper) at 9am followed by ‘Rite of Footwashing’; Twelve Passion Gospels at 6pm
Friday, April 6: Royal Hours and Typika at 9am; Decorating the Bier at 1pm; Great Vespers (Taking-down of Christ from the Cross) at 3:00; Matins of Lamentation at 6pm followed by the Midnight Vigil
Saturday, April 7: ‘Harrowing of Hades’ Liturgy of St. Basil at 9am; Holy Pascha Service begins at 10pm, followed by the annual ‘Break-the-Fast Celebration.’
Sunday, April 8: Holy Pascha – Noon, Agape Service with Reading of the Holy Gospel in many languages; Procession to the Empty Tomb Shrine; Egg Hunt; Holy Pascha Agape meal.

LOOKING AHEAD
…His Grace Bp. ANTHONY will be with us for Agape Vespers on Friday, April 13th at 6:00. There will be a celebratory meal following the service.
...Bright Week Pilgrimage Opportunity: The world famous wonderworking “Kursk Root” icon of the Theotokos will visit St. George Russian Orthodox Church (118 N. Lebanon Rd. Loveland, Ohio) during Bright Week. On Wednesday, April 11, vespers and vigil will be served at 6:30pm, and on Thursday, April 12, Divine Liturgy will be served at 9 am . The icon will be present for veneration during these times.
…April Fundraiser for Campers is being scheduled for April 15th.

FAMILY NOTES
Birthday Blessings: Brian O (2nd); Irene Vlachos-W (3rd); Jennifer R (5th)
Name Day Celebration: Molly A (St. Mary of Egypt -1st); Bilen M (St. Mary of Egypt – 1st); Zane N (St. Nicetas – 3rd); Polina M (St. Appolinaria – 4th)
Memory Eternal: Norman; Phillip (3/2)

Prayer List: Barbara; Paul; Caden, Dylan,& Maddie; Marvin (surgery scheduled) & Alice; Cathy; Kh. Kristina; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Fr. George; Iva Lee; Adrian T; Nancy & Shalayna; Rigsby family; those suffering in the drug crisis in the USA; Safety in our Schools

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord.”
Verse: “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 117:26,1

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. (4:4-9)

Brethren, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, these do; and the God of peace will be with you.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (12:1-18)

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus who had died was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at table with Him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, one of His Disciples (he who was to betray Jesus), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not because he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the moneybox he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, “Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of My burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have Me.” When the great crowd of the Jews learned that He was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, “Hosanna! Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” His Disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of Him and had been done to Him. The crowd that had been with Jesus when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet Jesus was that they heard He had done this sign.

Divine Liturgy Variables

Second Antiphon’s Refrain: Save us, O Son of God, Who didst sit upon the foal of a donkey.

Apolytikion of Lazarus Saturday – Tone 1
O Christ God, when Thou didst raise Lazarus from the dead, before Thy Passion, Thou didst confirm the universal resurrection. Wherefore, we, like children, carry the insignia of triumph and victory, and cry to Thee, O Vanquisher of death: Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Eisokikon (Entrance Hymn of Palm Sunday
Save us, O Son of God, Who didst sit upon the foal of a donkey; who sing to Thee. Alleluia.

Apolytikion of Palm Sunday- Tone 4
O Christ God, when we were buried with Thee in Baptism, we became deserving of Thy Resurrection to immortal life. Wherefore, we praise Thee, crying: Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Kontakion of Palm Sunday – Tone 6
Upborne upon the heavenly throne, and seated upon the earthly foal, O Christ our God, receive the praises of angels and the hymns of men, exclaiming before Thee: Blessed is He that cometh to restore Adam.

Megalynarion for Palm Sunday – Tone 4
God the Lord hath appeared unto us; let us celebrate the Feast, and let us rejoice and magnify Christ. With palms and branches let us raise our voices unto Him with praise, saying: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, our Savior.

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) for Palm Sunday – Tone 8
Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord. Alleluia.

Procession around the exterior of the church follows “Blessed be the Name of the Lord”.

Sunday, March 25, 2018
The Annunciation to the Most-Holy Theotokos

**Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom**

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

Nourishment of the Soul: “At the beginning of every task, call on the name of the Lord your God, and begin it with prayer, that the Lord may prosper you to begin it and complete it. And from this, it is evident that a Christian ought not to begin anything that is contrary to the Law of God, but only that which is in agreement with it.” – St. Tikhon of Zadonsk

Today Myrrh Bearers meet around noon to finalize important plans for Holy Week and Pascha.

Women’s Month: Kh. Kristina will read the Epistle this morning.

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

Social Hour: Scheduled contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with I-Z.

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.

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 consider fasting from social media and electronic media in general for the duration of the fast.

THIS WEEK

Tuesday, March 27: OCF meeting at the Webb’s home 6:00-8:00
Wednesday, March 28: Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts 6:00, followed by light meal & teaching
Thursday, March 29: Bible Study at Becky’s 3:00 – 5:00
Thursday, March 29: Bible Study at the Webb’s home 700-8:30
Friday, March 30: Canon of St. Lazarus at 6:00
Lazarus Saturday, March 31: Chrismations and Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am. Afterward 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.
Saturday, March 31: Great Vespers at 5:00 – Orthodoxy 101 with Dr. John Craton presenting “Holy Baptism.”
Sunday, April 1: Palm Sunday Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD
…Holy Week Services will be posted on the hall bulletin board, but please note they were all in the recent newsletter. The April calendar at www.allsaintsbloomington.org is another source, soon to be updated.
…Sunday evening, April first, we meet at 5:00 for the Bridegroom Service.
...Bishop ANTHONY will be with us April 3rd at the Tuesday evening Bridegroom Service.
...His Grace will also be with us for Great Vespers on Bright Friday (April 13th). A meal will follow the service. Details will follow.
…April Fundraiser for Campers is being scheduled.

FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Blessings: Tristan R (26th); Matthew C (26th); Nina (29th); Darryl J (29th)
Name Day Celebration: Bilen M (St. Mary of Egypt – 25th); Gabby C (Gabriel – 26th); Gabe S (Gabriel – 26th); Nolan A (St. Gregory Palamas – 27th)
Memory Eternal: Norman; Phillip (3/2)

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: “Tell forth from day to day the glad tidings of the salvation of our God.”
Verse: ” Sing unto the Lord a new song; sing unto the Lord, all the earth.”

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews. (2:11-18)

Brethren, He Who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all one origin. That is why He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, “I will proclaim Thy Name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will praise Thee.” And again, “I will put my trust in Him.” And again, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.” Since, therefore, the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death He might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. For surely it is not with angels that He is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For, because He Himself has suffered and been tempted, He is able to help those who are tempted.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (1:24-38)

At that time, Elizabeth, the wife of Zachariah, conceived, and for five months she hid herself, saying, “Thus the Lord has done to me in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” In the sixth month the archangel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the archangel came to her and said, “Rejoice, O favored one, the Lord is with thee! Blessed art thou among women!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the archangel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for thou hast found favor with God. And bhold, thou wilt conceive in thy womb and bear a son, and you shall call His Name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of His kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the archangel, “How shall this be, since I have known no man?” And the archangel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon thee, and the power of the Most High will overshadow thee; therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the archangel departed from her.

Divine Liturgy Variables

Second Antiphon’s Refrain: Save us, O Son of God, Who wast incarnate for our sake; 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 Annunciation – Tone 4
Today is the beginning of our salvation, and the manifestation of the mystery from the ages; for the Son of God becometh the Son of the Virgin, and Gabriel proclaimeth grace. Wherefore, do we shout with him to the Theotokos: Hail, O full of grace! The Lord is with thee.

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.

Megalynarion of the Feast – Tone 4
The Theotokos, being the living tabernacle of God, shall never be touched by an unclean hand. But the lips of believers shall sing unto her ceaselessly with the voice of angels, crying joyfully: Hail, O full of grace. The Lord is with thee.

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) for the Annunciation – Tone 8
The Lord hath chosen Zion; He hath desired her for His dwelling. Alleluia.

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!