Sunday, February 04, 2018
Sunday of the Prodigal Son
After-feast of Presentation (Meeting) of Christ

Nourishment of the Soul: “The one who sits in solitude and is quiet has escaped from three wars: hearing, speaking, seeing: yet against one thing shall he continually battle: that is, his own heart.”
St. Anthony the Great

Saturday of Souls: Next Saturday morning at 9:00 there is a liturgy with the reading of the many names of our departed loved ones. Father Peter Jon needs your list, divided into Orthodox and Non-Orthodox, by Friday evening at the latest. You may pick up a form today, or email him. You may ask why Father needs the list before Saturday morning. The answer: during the prayers of the proskomedia, prior to the liturgy, names are included that will also be read during the liturgy.

Summer Youth Camp: Parents, please let Marcia know your plans for camp so we can also plan for that important event.

OCforLife: The total received last Sunday for the Women’s Care Center was $630! Thanks to all who participated in the Chili Fundraiser Cook-off, whether through donation of food or money!

All Saints Taco Bar – Sunday February 11
Annual Fundraiser for Myrrh Bearers
Please be generous in your donations
All money raised provides assistance to youth camper fund
and/or to other benevolent works by our women’s group

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.

THIS WEEK

Please note that during the Triodion and Great Lent, Matins
will begin 10 minutes earlier than usual at 8:50.

Tuesday, February 6: OCF at the Webb’s home 6:00 – 8:00
Wednesday, February 7: Daily Vespers at 6:00
Thursday February 8: Bible Study at the Webb’s home 7:00-8:30
Saturday, February 10: Saturday of Souls Liturgy at 9:00
Saturday, February 10: Great Vespers at 5:00 – Orthodoxy 101 follows.
Sunday, February 11: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Meat Fare Annual Fundraiser by the Myrrh Bearers

LOOKING AHEAD

…Thursdays through March 29th (excluding February 22nd): Bible Study on the 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.

…Meat Fare (Feb. 11th); Cheese Fare – Judgment Sunday with Forgiveness Vespers (Feb. 18th)

…February 19th: Great Lent begins with the Canon of St. Andrew, Presanctified Liturgy, and Akathist to the Mother of God in the first week!

…Bible Study at Becky’s is planned for February 22nd, and will continue with the usual schedule in March.

… Sunday of Orthodoxy (Feb.25th) – St. George in Fishers: Sunday Evening Lenten Great Vespers schedule begins.

…March is Women’s Month so our ladies including college students will read the epistle and serve as ushers. Let Rhonda or Marcia know your availability to serve.

…March 3-4th: Myrrh Bearers Retreat with Mother Nektaria Veloff of St Paul Skete, Grand Junction, Tennessee. Details will be published as we approach the end of February!

FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Blessings: Nolan A (4th)
Memory Eternal: Jack (9th); Alexis (15th); Kay; Betty
Prayer List: Marvin & Alice; Cathy; Kh. Kristina; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Fr. George R.; Iva Lee; Jennifer A’s family; Jeri R.; Rigsby family.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us.”
Verse: “Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.” Psalm 32:22,1

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s First Letter the Corinthians. (6:12-20)
(For Sunday of the Prodigal Son)
.
Brethren, all things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything. Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food; but God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two shall become one flesh.” But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him. Shun immorality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (15:11-32)
(For Sunday of the Prodigal Son)

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

Divine Liturgy Variables

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 1
While the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. For which cause the heavenly powers cried aloud unto Thee, O Giver of Life. Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ; Glory to Thy Kingdom,; Glory to Thy Providence, O Thou Who alone art the lover of mankind.

Apolytikion of the Presentation Christ – Tone 1
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of grace, for from thee arose the Sun of justice, Christ our God, lighting those who are in darkness. Rejoice and be glad, O righteous elder, carrying in thine arms the Deliverer of our souls, Who granteth us Resurrection.

Kontakion of the Presentation of Christ – Tone 1
Thou, O Christ God, Who by Thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve Thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom Thou didst love, for Thou alone art the Lover of mankind.

Sunday, January 28, 2018
Sunday of the Pharisee and Publican
God-bearing Fathers Ephraim and Isaac the Syrians; Venerable Palladios of Antioch;
Martyr Charita; Venerable Theodosios of Totma in Vologda

Nourishment of the Soul: “The fear of God makes a person wise. What is the fear of God? Not that one should be afraid of God, but that one should be afraid to sadden someone or harm someone. We should do no wrong nor make accusations against anyone. This is wisdom. After all this, God will illumine you as to what you should do in your life.” – St. Sophia of Kleisoura

Today begins the Lenten triodion. It is called the triodion because the canons appointed for Matins during this period are composed of three odes each. Essentially, this marks the beginning of the pre-Lenten period, lasting three weeks and leading us into the Great Fast, Holy Week, and Holy Pascha.

Today is the Chili Fundraiser Cook-off! We encourage each person to donate $5.00 for the meal; however, to reach the goal of $600 for the Women’s Care Center, OC for Life hopes some will donate more. A variety of chili recipes is expected! YUM! (Thanks to all who have prepared the meal!)

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.

Myrrh Bearers meet today.

THIS WEEK

Please note that during the Triodion and Great Lent, Matins
will begin 10 minutes earlier than usual at 8:50.

Wednesday, January 31: Daily Vespers at 6:00
Thursday, February 1: Bible Study at Becky’s home – 3:00 – 5:00
Thursday February 1: Liturgy of the Presentation at 6:00
Saturday, February 3: Great Vespers at 5:00 – Orthodoxy 101 follows.
Sunday, February 4: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD

…Thursdays through March 29th (excluding Feb. 1st & 22nd): Bible Study on the 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.
…Orthodoxy 101 resumes on Saturdays in February after Great Vespers.
…Bible Study at Becky’s is planned for only February 1st and 22nd.
…Meat Fare (Feb. 11th); Cheese Fare – Judgment Sunday (Feb. 18th)
…February 19th: Great Lent begins with the Canon of St. Andrew, Presanctified Liturgy, and Akathist to the Mother of God in the first week!
… Sunday of Orthodoxy (Feb.25th)
…March 3-4th: Myrrh Bearers Retreat with Mother Nektaria Veloff of St Paul Skete, Grand Junction, Tennessee. Details coming soon!

FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Blessings: Michael S (30th); Dee H (March 2nd); Karen T (3rd)
Name Day Remembrance: Rhonda W (St. Perpetua – 1st); Shannon R (St. Bridgid of Ireland – 1st); Amber S (St. Anna the Prophetess – 3rd)
Memory Eternal: Jack (9th); Alexis (15th)
Prayer List: Marvin & Alice; Cathy; Kh. Kristina; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Fr. George R.; Iva Lee; Jennifer A’s family; Jeri R.; Rigsby family.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “Make your vows to the Lord our God, and perform them.”
Verse: “God is known in Judah; His Name is great in Israel.” Psalm 75:11,1

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy. (3:10-15)
(For Sunday of the Pharisee and Publican)

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

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (18:10-14)
(For Sunday of the Pharisee and Publican)

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

Divine Liturgy Variables

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.

Kontakion of the Presentation of Christ – Tone 1
Thou, O Christ God, Who by Thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve Thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom Thou didst love, for Thou alone art the Lover of mankind.

Sunday, January 28, 2018
Sunday of the Pharisee and Publican
God-bearing Fathers Ephraim and Isaac the Syrians; Venerable Palladios of Antioch;
Martyr Charita; Venerable Theodosios of Totma in Vologda

Nourishment of the Soul: “The fear of God makes a person wise. What is the fear of God? Not that one should be afraid of God, but that one should be afraid to sadden someone or harm someone. We should do no wrong nor make accusations against anyone. This is wisdom. After all this, God will illumine you as to what you should do in your life.” – St. Sophia of Kleisoura

Today begins the Lenten triodion. It is called the triodion because the canons appointed for Matins during this period are composed of three odes each. Essentially, this marks the beginning of the pre-Lenten period, lasting three weeks and leading us into the Great Fast, Holy Week, and Holy Pascha.

Today is the Chili Fundraiser Cook-off! We encourage each person to donate $5.00 for the meal; however, to reach the goal of $600 for the Women’s Care Center, OC for Life hopes some will donate more. A variety of chili recipes is expected! YUM! (Thanks to all who have prepared the meal!)

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.

House Blessings: The season of house blessings is more than halfway complete, so if you have not yet been visited with the blessing, please contact Father Peter Jon via email at pgillquist@hotmail.com with your availability. (He will offer the blessing for your vehicles as well.)

Myrrh Bearers meet today.

THIS WEEK

Please note that during the Triodion and Great Lent, Matins
will begin 10 minutes earlier than usual at 8:50.

Wednesday, January 31: Daily Vespers at 6:00
Thursday, February 1: Bible Study at Becky’s home – 3:00 – 5:00
Thursday February 1: Liturgy of the Presentation at 6:00
Saturday, February 3: Great Vespers at 5:00 – Orthodoxy 101 follows.
Sunday, February 4: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD

…Thursdays through March 29th (excluding Feb. 1st & 22nd): Bible Study on the 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.
…Orthodoxy 101 resumes on Saturdays in February after Great Vespers.
…Bible Study at Becky’s is planned for only February 1st and 22nd.
…Meat Fare (Feb. 11th); Cheese Fare – Judgment Sunday (Feb. 18th)
…February 19th: Great Lent begins with the Canon of St. Andrew, Presanctified Liturgy, and Akathist to the Mother of God in the first week!
… Sunday of Orthodoxy (Feb.25th)
…March 3-4th: Myrrh Bearers Retreat with Mother Nektaria Veloff of St Paul Skete, Grand Junction, Tennessee. Details coming soon!

FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Blessings: Michael S (30th); Dee H (March 2nd); Karen T (3rd)
Name Day Remembrance: Rhonda W (St. Perpetua – 1st); S Richardson (St. Bridgid of Ireland – 1st); A Smith (St. Anna the Prophetess – 3rd)
Memory Eternal: Jack (9th); Alexis (15th)
Prayer List: Marvin & Alice; Cathy; Kh. Kristina; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Fr. George R.; Iva Lee; Jennifer A’s family; Jeri R.; Rigsby family.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “Make your vows to the Lord our God, and perform them.”
Verse: “God is known in Judah; His Name is great in Israel.” Psalm 75:11,1

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy. (3:10-15)
(For Sunday of the Pharisee and Publican)

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

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (18:10-14)
(For Sunday of the Pharisee and Publican)

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

Divine Liturgy Variables

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.

Kontakion of the Presentation of Christ – Tone 1
Thou, O Christ God, Who by Thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve Thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom Thou didst love, for Thou alone art the Lover of mankind.
Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Sunday, January 21, 2018
Thirty-second Sunday after Pentecost
Venerable Maximos the Confessor; Martyr Neophytos of Nicaea;
Venerable Zosimas, Bishop of Syracuse in Sicily; Venerable Maximos the Greek of Russia

Sanctity of Life Sunday

Nourishment of the Soul: “If a person wants to get an idea about the pyramids of Egypt, he must either trust those who have been in immediate proximity to the pyramids, or he must get next to them himself. There is no third option. In the same way a person can get an impression of God: He must either trust those who have stood and stand in immediate proximity to God, or he must take pains to come into such proximity himself.” – St. Nicholas of Serbia

Chili Fundraiser Cook-off! On Sunday, January 28th, Orthodox Christians for Life Bloomington is sponsoring a fundraiser with a goal of $600 to benefit families who seek help through the Women’s Care Center. We encourage each person to donate $5.00; however, to reach the goal, OC for Life hopes some will donate more. A variety of chili recipes is expected! YUM!

Removal of the Crowns: Rejoice with us as we celebrate the removal of the wedding crowns of Ben and Heidi Swakopf near the end of the Divine Liturgy. May God grant them many years!

Social Hour: Scheduled contributors on Sunday morning are those whose last names begin G-H.

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.

House Blessings: Due to the relatively short house-blessing season this year (since Great Lent begins very early), Father will be contacting you in an attempt to cluster blessings by neighborhood and proximity. You are also welcome to email him your availability. It will be JOY to be with each and every family during this holy season!

Asking your Prayers: Several weeks ago, we were exuberant with joy to learn of a new little Rigsby in our midst. Now with very heavy hearts, buoyed by hope in our gentle and triumphant Savior, Dan and Jennifer, with Ava and Tristan, ask your prayers as they mourn their anticipated and deeply-cherished unborn baby. If one member suffers, all suffer together (1 Cor. 12:26). Memorial prayers will be said at the outdoor Resurrection Shrine following the Divine Liturgy. Memory eternal!

Parish Council meets today.

THIS WEEK

Tuesday, January 23: OCF at the Webb’s home 6:00-8:00
Tuesday, January 23: Bible Study at Kh. Marilyn’s home – 7:00
Wednesday, January 24: Daily Vespers at 6:00
Thursday, January 25: Bible Study at Becky’s home – 3:00 – 5:00
Thursday, January 25: Bible Study at the Webb’s home – 7:00 – 8:30
Friday, January 26: Akathist to the Protection of the Theotokos at 6:00
Saturday, January 27: Mandatory meeting for all altar servers at 3:30.
Saturday, January 28: Great Vespers at 5:00 – Screening of Becoming Truly Human movie with a discussion of the program at 6:00 with meal provided
Sunday, January 28: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Fundraiser Chili Cook-off to benefit the Women’s Care Center. Myrrh Bearers meet. Triodion begins.

LOOKING AHEAD

…Thursdays through March 22nd (excluding Feb. 22nd): Bible Study on the 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.
…Friday, February 2: Feast of the Presentation
…Orthodoxy 101 resumes on Saturdays in February after Great Vespers.
…Bible Study at Becky’s is not planned for February.
…Meatfare (Feb. 11th); Cheesefare-Judgment Sunday (Feb. 18th)
…February 19th: Great Lent begins.
… Sunday of Orthodoxy (Feb.25th)
…March 3-4th: Myrrhbearers Retreat with Mother Nektaria Veloff of St Paul Skete, Grand Junction, Tennessee. Details coming soon!

FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Blessings: Lydia F (23rd); David P (26th); Ashley P (27th)
Name Day Remembrance: Max W (St. Maximos – 21st); Laura C (St. Xenia – 24th)
Memory Eternal: Jack (9th)
Prayer List: Marvin & Alice; Kh. Kristina; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Fr. George R.; Iva Lee; Jennifer A’s family; Jeri R.

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 First Letter to Timothy. (4:9-15)

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

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

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

Divine Liturgy Variables

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 Saint Maximos, the Confessor – Tone 8
Thou hast shown thyself, O God-inspired Maximos, as a guide to the Orthodox Faith, a teacher of true worship and purity; O star of the universe and companion of the bishops, O wise one. Through thy light thou hast enlightened all, O harp of the spirit. Therefore, intercede with Christ God to save our souls.

Kontakion of the Presentation of Christ – Tone 1
Thou, O Christ God, Who by Thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve Thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom Thou didst love, for Thou alone art the Lover of mankind.

Sunday, January 14, 2018
Leave-Taking of & Sunday after the Theophany of Christ
Holy fathers slain at Sinai and Raithu; Virgin-martyr Agnes; Venerable Theodoulos, son of Neilos the Wise of Sinai; Nina, equal-to-the-Apostles and enlightener of Georgia; Sabbas, first archbishop of Serbia

Beloved ones, let us resolve at this moment
to make Christ and His Church our top priority in the new year.

Nourishment of the Soul: “In the morning you see the sun which comes up brightly and amazes everyone. Think, then, what great gladness will be experienced by souls resplendent in the eternal Sun of Righteousness, Christ, the Son of God. Pray that in your heart too may shine the beneficent light of His Grace!” – St. Tikhon of Zadonsk

Bible Study: God’s Kingdom – on Earth as it is in Heaven: The Gospel of John Chapters 1-10.” The Study will consist of 10 weekly sessions, until March 22nd (excluding Feb 22nd). Join Howard and Rhonda Webb at their home, from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. Please invite anyone who may have an interest – Orthodox Christians as well as those of other traditions. Bring a Bible. Sorry, they cannot accommodate children. 3960 E. Fenbrook Lane, Bloomington, IN 47401 314-313-275 webbrk1@gmail.com.*

Chili Fundraiser Cook-off! Orthodox Christians for Life at All Saints is sponsoring a fundraiser with a goal of $600 to benefit families who seek help through the Bloomington Women’s Care Center. We are asking for volunteers to make chili, but also encouraging all who partake on Sunday, January 28th after Divine Liturgy to donate $5 each for all the chili they can hold! However, to reach the goal, OC for Life hopes some will donate generously. If you are volunteering to make your favorite recipe, let’s hope we can have at least one chili without tomato and one vegetarian chili. YUM!

Offering Envelope Books are available in the narthex: Select one and record your name on the clipboard beside the numeral found on the book. You may continue using an old book if you have unused pages. Marcia

Social Hour: Scheduled contributors on Sunday morning are those whose last names begin G-H.

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.

Congratulations to George and Haley Khalil at the birth of their first child, Noor Mouriam, on January 9th! Beautiful!

House Blessings: Due to the relatively short house-blessing season this year (since Great Lent begins very early), Father will be contacting you in an attempt to cluster blessings by neighborhood and proximity. You are also welcome to email him your availability. It will be JOY to be with each and every family during this holy season!

THIS WEEK
January checks should be dated 2018!

Monday, January 15: Vesperal Liturgy for the feast of St. Peter’s Chains at 6:00
Tuesday, January 16: Bible Study at Kh. Marilyn’s home at 7:00
Wednesday, January 17: Daily Vespers at 6:00
Thursday, January 18: St. John Fellowship at the Haney’s home in Mitchell – 10:00 – Noon
Thursday, January 18: Bible Study at Becky’s home 3:00 – 5:00
Thursday, January 18: Bible Study at the Webb’s home 7:00 – 8:30
Saturday, January 20: Great Vespers at 5:00
Sanctity of Life Sunday, January 21: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Parish Council meets.

LOOKING AHEAD

Thursday Evenings though March 22nd (excluding Feb. 22nd): Bible Study at the Webb’s home- 7:00-8:30
Tuesday, January 23: OCF meets at the Webb’s home 6:00-8:00
Friday, January 26: Akathist to the Protection of the Theotokos at 6:00
Saturday, January 27: There is a mandatory meeting for all altar servers at 3:30. Please plan to attend.
Saturday, January 27: Screening of Becoming Truly Human movie with an explanation of the program at 6:00 after Great Vespers.
Sunday, January 28: Fundraiser to benefit the Women’s Care Center. Myrrh Bearers meet.
Friday, February 2: Feast of the Presentation
Orthodoxy 101 resumes on Saturdays in February after Great Vespers.

FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Blessings: Aidan G (14th); Rachel B (14th); Cody A (20th); Chris L (20th)
Name Day Remembrance: 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); Cody A (St. Euthymius – 20th)
Memory Eternal: Walter Romanyshak (9th)
Prayer List: Marvin & Alice; Kh. Kristina; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Fr. George R.; Iva Lee; Jennifer A

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us.”
Verse: “Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.” Psalm 32:22,1

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

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

Apolytikion of the Theophany of Christ – 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 hath appeared and enlightened the world, glory to Thee.

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 Synaxis of John the Baptist – Tone 2
The memory of the righteous is celebrated with songs of praise, but the Lord’s testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner. Thou wast shown indeed to be the most honorable of the prophets, for in the waters thou didst baptize Him Who had been proclaimed. After suffering with joy in behalf of the truth, thou didst proclaim even to those in Hades the God Who appeared in the flesh, Who takest away the sin of the world, and granteth us the Great Mercy.

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.

Megalynarion of the Synaxis – Tone 2
Magnify, O my soul, the Maiden who delivered us from the curse.
O the wonder of thy super-intelligent birth-giving, thou all-pure bride, the blessed Mother through whom we have received perfect salvation, we indite a fitting song, offering as a gift the song of gratitude.

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) of Theophany – Tone 8
The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. Alleluia.