Sunday, June 18, 2017 – Father’s Day

Posted on June 16, 2017 by Fr. Peter Jon Gillquist

Sunday, June 18, 2017

Second Sunday after Pentecost

Father’s Day

Martyrs Leontios, Hypatios and Theodoulos at Tripoli in Phoenicia;

Venerable Leontios the Hagiorite of Dionysiou monastery on Athos

Visitors, we warmly welcome you to all services of the church.

Nourishment of the Soul: “Not every quiet man is humble, but every humble man is quiet.”- St. Isaac the Syrian

Disposal of food products and papers during the week, Monday – Friday: Good fragrances have been happening! Thanks for continuing.

Women of the Church and Your Friends: St. Mark’s United Methodist Church will be hosting a Fellowship Fashion & Tea Annual Interfaith Celebration on Thursday, June 28th at 2pm. You’re all invited. A few of our women attended this event a few years ago. Reservations are needed. Please check your email from the Myrrh Bearers or the notice on the hall bulletin board for details.

Today, June 18th, the Parish Council meets in Father Peter Jon’s office around noon.

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

Apostles Fast will be observed during social hour on the June 18th and 25th.

Tuesday, June 19 – Sunday, June 25: Father attends The Midwest Parish Life Conference.

Wednesday, June 21: No Daily Vespers

Saturday, June 24: Readers Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, June 25: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Myrrh Bearers meet.

FAMILY NOTES

Happy Birthday: Christian G (19th); Becky H (20th); Theodore C (20th); Seavor R(21st); James F (22nd); Max W (23rd); Haley K (24th)

Many Years on Your Anniversary: John & Debbie C (18th); Subdeacon Jon & Irene W (18th); Hal & Sandy S (18th); Mark & Shirley R (24th)

Memory Eternal: Lavonne; Amanda

LOOKING AHEAD

… June 28: Festal Evening Liturgy for Ss. Peter & Paul, marking the end of the Apostles Fast

…June 28: Interfaith Tea and Fashion Fellowship at St. Mark’s Methodist at 2pm

…June 30: Akathist to the Protection of the Theotokos

…July 1: 5 Year Memorial for Archpriest Peter E. Gillquist of blessed memory at 4pm

… July 3: (Monday) Annual Independence Day BBQ and Fireworks

Prayer List: Matthew & family; Adrian (Olga’s brother); Cathy;“For the suffering Christians of Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.”; Fr. Steven Rudy (cancer); Finley (infant girl child-Improved); Fr. Basil; Fr. Philip; Grant (Leukemia); Chris; Doug & Dorothy Barrett; Eileen; the Tabbals; Mary Ann & Jen; Dee and Don; Kh.Kristina; Betsy and Hannah; Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; James; Becky H; Tom; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes & Jesse Brandow (Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriest George; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Emily D; Emma; Nancy; Neal; Bob R; Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley: Gabriel; Mary; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; Marty; Charles; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Ruth; Steve; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie, Caleb D; Megan & Colin; Bill & Sandy; Sabrina; Christy; Pete; Tammy K.; Terry Lee Pope

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 from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans. (2:10-16)

Brethren, glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality. All who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law. For it is not the hearers of the Law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the Law who will be justified. When Gentiles who have not the Law do by nature what the Law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the Law. They show that what the Law requires is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

Gospel: The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (4:18-23)

At that time, as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. And He went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.

Divine Liturgy Variables

Do you Know: Candles are an important part of Orthodox worship. Orthodox typically light candles when coming into the Church. We light them as we pray, making an offering (as we are able) to accompany our prayers. You may have noticed two candle prayer boxes at All Saints. Typically the one in the narthex receives your prayers for the living. The one in the front is for prayers remembering those departed.

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 for Ordinary Sundays – Tone 2

O Undisputed intercessor of Christians, O Mediatrix who is unrejected by the Creator; turn not away from the voice of our petitions, though we be sinners. Come to us with aid in time, who cry unto thee in faith, for thou art good. Hasten to us with intercessions, O Theotokos, who didst ever intercede for those who honor thee.

All Saints Sunday, June 11, 2017

Posted on June 9, 2017 by Fr. Peter Jon Gillquist

Sunday, June 11, 2017

First Sunday after Pentecost: All Saints Sunday

Holy, Glorious Apostles Barnabas and Bartholomew; Barnabas of Basa in Cyprus and Barnabas of Vetluga; Commemoration of the appearance of the Archangel Gabriel to a monk on Athos and the revelation of the hymn “It is truly meet”

Visitors, we warmly welcome you to all services of the church.

Nourishment of the Soul: “The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God, and there shall no torment touch them. In the sight of the unwise, they seemed to die, and their departure is taken for misery, and their going from us to be utter destruction, but they are in peace….They that put their trust in Him shall understand the truth; and such as be faithful in love shall abide with Him; for grace and mercy is in His Saints, and visitation among His elect.” — Wisdom of Solomon (3:1-9)

All Saints Members in the Local Newspaper: A long article now posted on the bulletin board recounts the many ways Athena (Becky) Hrisomalos has served our city. Taylor Shahadey’s awards as a graduating senior at BHSN were published as well. Brian Owen was pictured on the front page with the mayor and a personal friend. Check out the bulletin board for details on Taylor and Becky. Axios!

Disposal of food products and papers during the week, Monday – Friday: Good fragrances have been happening! Thanks for continuing.

Today, June 11th, we will celebrate our patronal feast day with a pitch-in. Bring your favorite foods to share; perhaps some dishes will reflect a cultural heritage.

THIS WEEK

Monday , June 12: Apostles Fast begins.

Wednesday, June 14: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Thursday, June 15: St. John Fellowship meets at the Haney’s home in Mitchell 10:00-Noon

Saturday, June 17: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, June 18: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Father’s Day

FAMILY NOTES

Happy Birthday: Valerie A (9th); Mary Ann G (13th); Toni B (15th); Sophia B (15th); Steve B (16th); Annie P (17th)

Many Years on Your Anniversary: James & Patricia F (16th)

Memory Eternal: Lavonne; Amanda

LOOKING AHEAD

…June 12: Apostles Fast – 12th – 28/29th

…June 18: Father’s Day

…June 20-25th – Midwest Parish Life Conference – Father attends.

… June 28: Festal Evening Liturgy for Ss. Peter & Paul, marking the end of the Apostles Fast

…June 28: Interfaith Tea and Fashion Fellowship at St. Mark’s Methodist at 2pm

…June 30: Akathist to the Protection of the Theotokos

… July 3: (Monday) Annual Independence Day BBQ and Fireworks

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “God is wonderful among His saints.”

Verse: “Bless God in the congregations!” – Psalm 67:35,26

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews. (11:33-12:2)

Brethren, all the saints 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, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so 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 tempted, 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. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfection of our faith.

Gospel: The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.

(10:32-33, 37-38; 19:27-30)

The Lord said to His disciples, “Everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father Who is in heaven; but whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny before My Father Who is in heaven. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.” Then Peter said in reply, “Lo, we have left everything and followed Thee. What then shall we have?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the New World, when the Son of Man shall sit on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My Name’s sake, will receive a hundred fold, and inherit eternal life. But many that are first will be last, and the last first.”

Divine Liturgy Variables

Do you Know: There are times we do not make the sign of the cross. We refrain before asking the blessing of the Bishop or Priest; at the Chalice; or when the Priest or Bishop blesses us with the words ‘Peace be to all.’ (Church Tradition and Etiquette)

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.

Kontakion of All Saints – Tone 8

As first-fruits of our nature to the Planter of created things, * the world presenteth the God-bearing martyred Saints in offering unto Thee, O Lord. * Through their earnest entreaties, * keep Thy Church in deep peace and divine tranquility, * through the pure Theotokos, O Thou Who art greatly merciful.

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) for All Saints – Tone 8

Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just; praise becometh the upright. Alleluia.

Pentecost Sunday, June 4, 2017

Posted on June 2, 2017 by Fr. Peter Jon Gillquist

Sunday, June 4, 2017

Fiftieth Day after Pascha

The Great Feast of Pentecost

Kneeling Vespers follow Divine Liturgy today.

Visitors, we warmly welcome you to all services of the church.

Nourishment of the Soul: “Make it your care to love Christ greatly, and this love will move you to love other people also and to acquire patience. Bring to mind our Christ. His sacrifice on the Cross was not because we loved Him, but because He loves us and poured out His Blood, in order to free us from sin. Pray, and God will help you. And implore God to bring you close to Him, and to give you patience. He is compassionate, and will hearken to you, provided that you seek it from Him.” – Elder Ieronymos of Aegina

Baptisms: As we commemorate the baptism of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, we will also celebrate 5 baptisms and 1 chrismation at All Saints during Matins and the Divine Liturgy. Jeremy Pierce is being received through holy chrismation. Ashley Marie Pierce, Alexander Pierce, Thomas, Catherine and Michael Mobley will be received through holy baptism. Welcome home, beloved ones!

Today, June 4th, you are invited to Taylor Shahadey’s high school graduation open house, 2:00 – 6:00 pm, at 329 S. Woodfield Lane (off W SR 48). All are welcome!

Coffee Hour: Contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with A-Ba.

Coffee Hour Request: If you are assigned to serve at coffee hour, please set desserts on a higher surface where the smallest among us cannot easily help themselves.

Bp. ANTHONY’s message for Pentecost has been inserted in the paper bulletin, but not included online.

Disposal of food products and papers during the week, Monday – Friday: Please do not put these indoors in the trash cans, but remove them to the dumpster outdoors in plastic bags like grocery sacks. These get warm and add unpleasant odors to the building in warm weather. Thanks.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, June 7: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Saturday, June 10: Great Vespers at 5:00

All Saints Sunday, June 11: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Festal Celebration

FAMILY NOTES

Happy Birthday: Cathy A (7th); Delaney McC (6th); Caden McC (8th)

Many Years on Your Anniversary: Deacon and Marcia (6th)

Name Day Blessings: Cleo Stroguiludis (St. Kalliope – 8th); Howard Webb (St. Columba – 9th)

Memory Eternal: Lavonne; Amanda

LOOKING AHEAD

….June 5: Holy Spirit Monday

…June 11: All Saints Feast Day with celebration pitch-in meal

…June 12: Apostles Fast – 12th – 28/29th

…June 18: Father’s Day

… June 28: Festal Evening Liturgy for Ss. Peter & Paul

… July 3: (Monday) Annual Independence Day BBQ and Fireworks

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth.”

Verse: “The heavens declare the glory of God!” – Psalm 18: 4,1

Epistle: The Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. (2:1-11)

When the day of Pentecost had come, the Disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. And they were amazed and wondered, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

Gospel: The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (7:37-52; 8:12)

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.’” Now this He said about the Spirit, which those who believed in Him were to receive; for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. When they heard these words, many of the people said, “This is really the prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ is descended from David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” So there was a division among the people over Him. Some of them wanted to arrest Him, but no one laid hands on Him. The officers then went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring Him?” The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this man!” The Pharisees answered them, “Are you led astray, you also? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in Him? But this crowd, who do not know the Law, are accursed.” Nicodemus, who had gone to Him before, and who was one of them, said to them, “Does our Law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” They replied, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and you will see that no prophet is to rise from Galilee.” Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Divine Liturgy Variables

Do you Know: At the Prokeimenon, the priest or the chanter begins alone; then the choir and the people repeat. This rubric is also used at the final verse of a prokeimenon.

The Second Antiphon

Refrain: Save us, O Good Comforter, who sing to Thee. Alleluia

The Eisodikon (Entrance Hymn) of the Feast

Save us, O Good Comforter, who sing to Thee. Alleluia.

Apolytikion of Pentecost – Tone 8

Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast revealed the fishermen as most wise, having sent upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them Thou hast fished the universe, O Lover of mankind, glory to Thee.

Kontakion of the Pentecost – Tone 8

When the High One descended, confusing tongues, He divided the nations. And when He distributed the fiery tongues He called all to one unity. Wherefore, in unison we glorify the most Holy Spirit.

The Anti-Trisagion Hymn – (Instead of Holy God)

As many as have been baptized…

Megalynarion for the Feast – Tone 7 – (Instead of It is Truly Meet)

O Mother that hath known no man, thou didst conceive, not experiencing corruption, lending a body to the Word, the Creator of all, becoming a receptacle to thine insupportable Creator, a dwelling place to thine incomprehensible Maker. Wherefore, O virgin Theotokos, thee do we magnify.

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) for Pentecost – Tone 8

Thy good Spirit shall lead me into the land of uprightness. Alleluia.

After Communion…(Instead of We Have Seen the True Light) Sing the Apolytikion of Pentecost, Blessed art Thou

Sunday, May 28, 2017

Posted on May 26, 2017 by Fr. Peter Jon Gillquist

Sunday, May 28, 2017

Sunday of the After-feast of the Ascension

Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council

Hieromartyr Eutychios, bishop of Melitene; Martyr Heliconis of Thessalonica; Venerable Andrew of Constantinople, fool-for-Christ; Germanos, bishop of Paris; Ignatius the wonderworker, bishop of Rostov

Visitors, we warmly welcome you to all services of the church.

Nourishment of the Soul: “Prayer in church is important. The best feelings and thoughts come in church, and, yes, the enemy attacks more violently in church; however, with the sign of the Cross and the Jesus Prayer, you drive him away.”

St. Barsanuphius of Optina

Breaking Ground: Today following the Divine Liturgy there will be a brief but celebratory ground-breaking ceremony on the site of our coming expansion. Excavation is scheduled to begin the following day and construction will last throughout much of the summer. Construction of the new lower parking lot is well under way as you can see.

Coffee Hour: Contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with I-Z.

Coffee Hour Request: If you are assigned to serve at coffee hour, please set desserts on a higher surface where the smallest among us cannot easily help themselves.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, May 31: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Saturday, June 3: Great Vespers at 5:00

Pentecost Sunday, June 4:Baptisms during Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Kneeling Vespers follow Divine Liturgy.

FAMILY NOTES

Many Years on your Birthday: Robert R (29th);

Name Day Blessings: Johanna H (30th); Rachel L (St. Emmelia – 30th)

Memory Eternal: Met. Elias; Lavonne (Martin’s Grandmother); Amanda

LOOKING AHEAD

… You are invited to Taylor ‘s high school graduation open house on Sunday, June 4th, 2:00 – 6:00 pm, at 329 S. Woodfield Lane. All are welcome!

…June 4: Pentecost Sunday with Baptisms and Kneeling Vespers

…June 11: All Saints Feast Day with celebration meal

…June 12: Apostles Fast – 12th – 28/29th

…June 18: Father’s Day

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our Fathers.”

Verse: ” For Thou art just in all Thou hast done!” Daniel 3: 26,27

Epistle: The Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. (20:16-18, 28-36)

In those days, Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. And when they came to him, he said to them: “Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore, be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” And when he had spoken thus, he knelt down and prayed with them all.

Gospel: The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (17:1-13)

At that time, Jesus lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son that the Son may glorify Thee, since Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom Thou hast given Him. And this is eternal life, that they know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ Whom Thou hast sent. I glorified Thee on earth, having accomplished the work which Thou gavest Me to do; and now, Father, glorify Thou Me in Thy own presence with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was made. I have manifested Thy Name to the men whom Thou gavest Me out of the world; Thine they were, and Thou gavest them to Me, and they have kept Thy word. Now they know that everything that Thou hast given Me is from Thee; for I have given them the words which Thou gavest Me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from Thee; and they have believed that Thou didst send Me. I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom Thou hast given Me, for they are Thine; all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine, and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to Thee. Holy Father, keep them in Thy Name, which Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We are one. While I was with them, I kept them in Thy Name, which Thou have given Me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.

Divine Liturgy Variables

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.

The First Antiphon

Refrain: Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us.

The Second Antiphon

Refrain: Save us, O Son of God, Who didst rise from us in glory to the heavens; who sing to Thee. Alleluia.

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 of the Ascension – Tone 4

Thou hast ascended in glory, O Christ our God, and gladdened Thy Disciples with the promise of the Holy Spirit, having become confident of the blessing. Verily, Thou art the Son of God, and Deliverer of the world.

Apolytikion of the Holy Fathers – Tone 8

Thou, O Christ, art our God of exceeding praise Who didst establish our holy Fathers as luminous stars upon earth, and through them didst guide us unto the true Faith, O most merciful One, glory to Thee.

Kontakion of the Ascension – Tone 6

When Thou didst fulfill Thy dispensation for our sakes, uniting the terrestrials with the celestials, Thou didst ascend in glory, O Christ our God, inseparable in space, but constant without separation, and crying unto Thy beloved: I am with you, and no one shall be against you.

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Posted on May 19, 2017 by Fr. Peter Jon Gillquist

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Sixth Sunday of Pascha: Sunday of the Blind Man

Equals-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen

Constantine, Prince of Murom, and his sons Michael and Theodore, the Wonderworkers

Hristos A Inviat! Christ is Risen!

Visitors, we warmly welcome you to all services of the church.

Nourishment of the Soul: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:10-13

The Great Feast of the Ascension: Please plan to participate in this important liturgy on Wednesday evening at 6:00. Communicants should fast from all food and drink following lunch, health permitting.

Breaking Ground: Next Sunday (the 28th) following the Divine Liturgy there will be a brief but celebratory ground-breaking ceremony on the site of our coming expansion. Excavation is scheduled to begin the following day and construction will last throughout much of the summer. Construction of the new lower parking lot is well under way.

Coffee Hour: Contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with G-H.

Coffee Hour Request: If you are assigned to serve at coffee hour, please set desserts on a higher surface where the smallest among us cannot easily help themselves.

Myrrh Bearers leadership for 2017-2018: Co-chairs will be Barbara Grinder, Rhonda Webb and Jennifer Rigsby with Jennifer continuing as secretary and Nina Rogers as treasurer.

Parish Council meets today in Father’s office following Sunday school dismissal.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, May 24: Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Ascension at 6:00

Thursday, May 25: Bible Study at Becky’s home – 3:00 – 5:00

Friday, May 26: Akathist to the Protection of the Theotokos at 6:00

Saturday, May 27: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, May 28: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

FAMILY NOTES

Anniversary Greetings: Adrian & Catherine P (21st); David & Jan G (26th)

Many Years on your Birthday: Ben J (24th)

Name Day Blessings: Saraqael H (21st)

Memory Eternal: Met. Elias; Lavonne (Martin’s Grandmother)

LOOKING AHEAD

You are invited to Taylor Shahadey’s high school graduation open house on Sunday, June 4th, 2:00 – 6:00 pm, at 329 S. Woodfield Lane. All are welcome!

Prayer List: Matthew & family (John’s friends); Adrian (Olga’s brother); Cathy;“For the suffering Christians of Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.”; Fr. Steven Rudy (cancer); Finley (infant girl child-Improved); Fr. Basil; Fr. Philip; Grant (Leukemia); Chris; Doug & Dorothy Barrett; Eileen; the Tabbals; Mary Ann & Jen; Dee and Don; Kh.Kristina; Betsy and Hannah; Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; James; Becky H; Tom; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes & Jesse Brandow (Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriest George; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Emily D; Emma; Nancy; Neal; Bob R; Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley: Gabriel; Mary; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; Marty; Charles; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Ruth; Steve; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie, Caleb D; Megan & Colin; Bill & Sandy; Sabrina; Christy; Pete; Tammy K.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth.”

Verse: “The heavens declare the glory of God.!” Psalm 18:14,1

Epistle: The Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. (26:1, 12-20)

In those days, King Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense: “I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining round me and those who journeyed with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It hurts you to kick against the goads.’ And I said, ‘Who art Thou, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus Whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you to serve and bear witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from the people and from the Gentiles, to whom I send you to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ Wherefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those at Damascus, then at Jerusalem and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and perform deeds worthy of their repentance.”

Gospel: The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (9:1-38)

At that time, when Jesus was passing, He saw a man blind from his birth. And His Disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. I must work the works of Him Who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” As He said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man’s eyes with the clay, saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” [which means Sent]. So he went and washed and came back seeing. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar, said, “Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?” Some said, “It is he”; others said, “No, but he is like him.” He said, “I am the man.” They said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash’; so I went and washed and received my sight.” They said to him, “Where is He?” He said, “I do not know.” They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. The Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” There was a division among them. So they again said to the blind man, “What do you say about Him, since He has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight, and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself.” His parents said this because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Him to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, “He is of age, ask him.” So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, “Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner.” He answered, “Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see.” They said to him, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?” He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you too want to become His disciples?” And they reviled him, saying, “You are His disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where He comes from.” The man answered, “Why, this is a marvel! You do not know where He comes from, and yet He opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, God listens to him. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.” They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out. Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him He said, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” He answered, “And Who is He, Sir, that I may believe in Him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen Him, and it is He who speaks to you.” He said, “Lord, I believe”; and he worshiped Him.

Divine Liturgy Variables

Order at the Beginning of the Service

Priest alone: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down Death by death; and upon those in the tombs, bestowing life! — People: Repeat twice.

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 5

Apolytikion of Ss. Constantine and Helen – Tone 8

Having seen the image of Thy Cross in Heaven, and, like Paul, having received the call not from men, Thine apostle among kings, Constantine, entrusted the commonwealth to Thy hand, O Lord. Keep us always in peace, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only Lover of mankind.

Kontakion of Pascha – Tone 8

Thou didst descend into the tomb, O Immortal. Thou didst destroy the pow’r of Death. In Victory didst Thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming rejoice to the myrrh-bearing women: Granting peace to Thine Apostles, and bestowing Resurrection on the fallen.

Megalynarion for Pascha – Tone 1 – “The Angel Cried…”

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) of Pascha – Tone 8

Receive ye the body of Christ; taste ye of the Immortal Fountain.

Order of the Great Dismissal

Priest alone: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down Death by death…

People: … and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!

(The same rubric is used during the Prokeimenon at vespers with the priest or chanter alone at first and the people following.)

All Saints Orthodox Christian Church

A Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Author Archives: Fr. Peter Jon Gillquist

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