Sunday, January 08, 2017
Sunday after the Theophany of Christ
Righteous Mother Domnica of Constantinople and her companions;
Venerable George the Chozebite

Nourishment of the Soul: “Faith consists not only in being baptized into Christ, but in fulfilling His commandments.” – St. Mark the Ascetic

House Blessings begin now: Either contact Fr. Peter Jon, or visit the sign-up sheet.

Online Giving at www.allsaintsbloomington.org. is easy! Give it a try!

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.

Coffee Hour Donors for Sundays in January: Jan. 8th… Be-F; Jan. 15th… G-H; Jan. 22nd… I-Z; Jan. 29th is an open date. While you may donate to the coffee hour on any date, the above designations by first letter of your last name are just an attempt to have something on the table each Sunday and to have some helpers to clean up on the same day.

Sunday Soup Donation Sign-up: April Blair will post a sheet for volunteers to provide soup for coffee hour. If she get lots of volunteers, this could mean you would donate once between now and Pascha!

THIS WEEK
Check the date recorded on your checks – 2017

Wednesday, January 11: Daily Vespers at 6:00
Thursday, January 12: Bedford-Mitchell Fellowship – 10:00 -Noon at the Haney’s home
Friday, January 13: Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00 – St. Nina of Georgia
Saturday, January 14: Great Vespers at 5:00
Sunday, January 15: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 — Parish Council at Noon

LOOKING AHEAD
January 27: Akathist to the Protection of the Theotokos at 6 pm
January 28: Altar Servers Meeting (time to be announced)
February 2: Feast of the Presentation
February 11-12: Bp. ANTHONY’s Annual Pastoral Visit

FAMILY NOTES
Phone Directories and Annual Calendars are now available.

Birthday Greetings: Charles C (8th); Luke B (9th); Hal S (9th); Aidan G (14th); Rachel B (14th)
Name Day Blessings: Gregory G (St. Gregory of Nyssa – 10th); Nina R (St. Nina -14th); Nina G (St. Nina – 14th); Amanda A (St. Agnes – 14th); April B (St. Macrina (14th)
Memory Eternal: Phyllis Morgan (11/30); Fr. Paul Doyle (12/25)

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.” Alex John; Fr. Steven Rudy (cancer); Subdn. Daniel; Fr. Basil; Fr. Philip; Grant (Leukemia); Chris; Doug & Dorothy Barrett; Eileen & Olga & Michael; the Tabbals; Mary Ann; Dee and Don; Kh.Kristina; Betsy and Hannah; Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; Iva; James; Becky H.; Alexis T; Tom; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes & Jesse Brandow (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests George & Stephen; Adrian; 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; Dennis (struggling with alcoholism and infection); Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie, Caleb D; Megan & Colin; Bill & Sandy.

Readings for Sunday

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 Epistle to the Ephesians. (4:7-13)

Brethren, to each one of us is given the grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Therefore He says, “When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that He also descended into the lower parts of the earth? The One Who descended is the same also Who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) And He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ, until we all arrive at the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, toward 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

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 4
Having learned the joyful message of the Resurrection from the angel, the women disciples of the Lord cast from them their parental condemnation. And proudly broke the news to the Disciples, saying: Death hath been spoiled; Christ God is risen, granting the world Great Mercy.

Apolytikion 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 form of a dove confirmed the truth of His word. O Christ our God, Who hath appeared and enlightened the world, glory to Thee.

Kontakion of the Theophany of Christ – Tone 4
On this day Thou hast appeared * unto the whole world, * and Thy light, O Sovereign Lord, * is signed on us who sing Thy praise * and chant with knowledge: Thou hast now come, * Thou hast appeared, O Thou Light unapproachable.

Sunday, January 01, 2017
Feasts of Circumcision of Christ & Basil the Great
New-martyr Peter of the Peloponnesos
**Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great**

Nourishment of the Soul: “Love of God is not something that can be taught. We did not learn from someone else how to rejoice in light or want to live, or to love our parents or guardians. It is the same–perhaps even more — with our love for God: it does not come by another’s teaching. As soon as the living creature (that is, man) comes to be, a power of reason is implanted in us like a seed, containing within it the ability and the need to love. When the school of God’s law admits this power of reason, it cultivates it diligently, skillfully nurtures it, and with God’s help brings it to perfection.” – St. Basil the Great

Online Giving at www.allsaintsbloomington.org. is easy! Give it a try!

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.

Coffee Hour Donors for Sundays in January: Jan. 1st… A-Ba; Jan. 8th… Be-F; Jan. 15th… G-H; Jan. 22nd… I-Z; Jan. 29th is an open date. While you may donate to the coffee hour on any date, the above designations by first letter of your last name are just an attempt to have something on the table each Sunday and to have some helpers to clean up on the same day.

Everyone is invited to our 12th Night Party (Friday, January 6th/Epiphany). We will be reading Shakespeare’s play 12th Night. Location: the Webb’s – 3960 E Fenbrook Ln
Doors open at 6, the play starts at 6:30 — Text available at: http://shakespeare.mit.edu/twelfth_night/full.html — Feel free to bring leftover Christmas cookies and nibbles. Regards, Howard and Rhonda

THIS WEEK
Check the year recorded on your checks – 2017

Wednesday, January 4: Daily Vespers at 6:00
Thursday, January 5: Royal Hours of Theophany at 9:00 a.m.
Thursday, January 5: Vesperal Liturgy of Theophany and Blessing of the Waters at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 7: Great Vespers at 5:00
Sunday, January 8: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD
February 2: Feast of the Presentation
February 11-12: Bp. ANTHONY’s Annual Pastoral Visit

FAMILY NOTES
Happy Anniversary: Nancy & Darryl J (4th); Missy & Michael S (7th)
Birthday Greetings: Lina T (1st); John A (5th)
Name Day Blessings: Genevieve C (St. Genevieve – 3rd); Jennifer R (St. Genevieve – 3rd); Johanna H (St. Emmelia – 3rd); Rachel L (St. Emmelia – 3rd); John A (St. John the Forerunner – 7th); John L (St. John the Forerunner – 7th)
Memory Eternal: Justin (Neumann’s grandfather – 11/18); Phyllis Morgan (11/30); Fr. Paul Doyle (12/25)

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.” Alex John; Fr. Steven Rudy (cancer); Subdn. Daniel; Fr. Basil; Fr. Philip; Grant (Leukemia); Chris; Doug & Dorothy Barrett; Eileen & Olga & Michael; the Tabbals; Mary Ann; Dee and Don; Kh.Kristina; Betsy and Hannah; Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; Iva; James; Becky H.; Alexis T; Tom; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes & Jesse Brandow (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests George & Stephen; Adrian; 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; Dennis (struggling with alcoholism and infection); Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie, Caleb D; Megan & Colin; Bill & Sandy.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.”
Verse: “Hear this all ye nations!” Psalm 48:3,1

Epistle: The Reading from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians. (2:8-12)

Brethren, take heed lest anyone spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, according to human tradition, according to the rudiments of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and you are completed in Him, Who is the Head of every principality and authority, in Whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, but by the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ, having been buried together with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith of the operation of God, Who raised Him from the dead.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (2:20-21, 40-52)

And it came to pass that the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. And at the end of eight days, when He was circumcised, He was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon Him. Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing Him to be in the company they went a day’s journey, and they sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. And when they saw Him they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why hast Thou treated us so? Behold, Thy father and I have been looking for Thee anxiously.” And Jesus said to them, “How is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be in My Father’s house?” And they did not understand the saying which He spoke to them. And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man.

Divine Liturgy Variables

The Second Antiphon
Refrain: Save us, O Son of God, Who wast circumcised in the flesh; who sing to Thee. Alleluia.

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 3
Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord hath done a mighty act with His own arm. He hath trampled down death by death, and become the first-born from the dead. He hath delivered us from the depths of Hades, granting the world the Great Mercy.

Apolytikion of the Circumcision of Christ – Tone 1
Our human form hast Thou taken on Thyself without change, * O greatly-compassionate Master, though being God by nature; * fulfilling the Law, Thou willingly * receivest circumcision in the flesh,* that Thou mightest end the shadow and roll away * the veil of our sinful passions. * Glory be to Thy goodness unto us. * Glory be to Thy compassion. * Glory, O Word, to Thine inexpressible condescension.

Apolytikion of St. Basil the Great – Tone 1
In all the earth that received thy sayings, thy melody did resound, O righteous father, through which thou didst go about and proclaim, as worthy of God, the nature of creatures, cultivating the character of mankind, O thou of kingly Priesthood, Basil. Wherefore, plead thou with Christ God to save our souls.

Kontakion of the Circumcision of Christ – Tone 3
Now the Lord of all that is * doth undergo circumcision, * in His goodness cutting off * the sins and failings of mortals. * He this day doth give salvation * unto the whole world; * and the hierarch and bright daystar of the Creator * now rejoiceth in the highest, * Basil the wise and * divine initiate of Christ.

St. Basil’s Megalynarion
In thee rejoiceth all creation, O thou who art full of grace: the hierarchy of the angels, and all mankind, O consecrated temple and paradise endowed with speech; glory of virginity, of whom God, Who is our God before the ages, was incarnate and became a little child. For He made thy womb a throne, and thy belly did He make more spacious than the heavens. In thee doth all creation rejoice, O thou who art full of grace, and it glorifieth thee.

Christmas Eve Day
9:00 a.m. Baptismal Divine Liturgy
Heidi (Chrismation) & Reed (Baptism)
Social hall welcome of the newly illumined
+++
9:00 p.m. Christmas Orthros
10:00 p.m. Festal Divine Liturgy
11:30 p.m. Celebration with food provided

(December 25, 2016 celebrated on Christmas Eve)
Festal Divine Liturgy
The Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East, and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judea, are by no means least among the rulers of Judea; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern My people Israel.’” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared; and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found Him bring me word, that I too may come and worship Him.” When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Sunday, December 18, 2016
Sunday before the Nativity of Christ (The Genealogy)
Martyrs Sebastian and Zoe of Rome, and those with them

Visitors are welcome at each service or social event at All Saints.

Nourishment of the Soul: “No one, however weak, is denied a share in the victory of the cross. No one is beyond the help of the prayer of Christ. His prayer bought benefit to the multitude that raged against Him. How much more does it bring to those who turn to Him in repentance. ” – St. Leo the Great

Orthodoxy 101: “Icon Study” is the theme of Fr. Peter Jon’s class on Wednesday, December 21st after Daily Vespers, around 7:00. This will be the last O101 for 2016.

Gift cards are still being received after the huge loss during last Monday’s break-in. A parishioner has anonymously replaced $500 of the $1000 gift cards stolen in Monday’s break-in, and challenges anyone to match the gift in the spirit of the Holy Season! Contributions to the benevolence fund are equally helpful and may save you a trip to purchase cards.

Coffee Hour Foods: Contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with G – H. Also if everyone pitched in at clean up, even busing their own table, then one or two would not be left with all the kitchen work.

If you plan to be away from Bloomington during December, you can offer your tithes and offerings and benevolence offerings online at www.allsaintsbloomington.org.

The Christmas letter from His Grace, Bishop ANTHONY, is included in today’s printed bulletin.

Parish Council meets today in Fr. Peter Jon’s office around Noon.

THIS WEEK
The Nativity Fast continues with prayers, fasting, and almsgiving.

Wednesday, December 21: Daily Vespers at 6:00 – O101 at 7:00
Friday Morning, December 23: Royal Hours at 9:00
Saturday Morning, December 24: Baptismal Liturgy at 9:00 [ Baptism (Reed) & Chrismation (Heidi) ]
Saturday Evening, December 24: Christmas Eve Orthros (Matins) at 9:00 p.m. with Divine Liturgy around 10:00. A light break- the- fast menu will be served afterward.
Sunday, December 25: Christ is Born! Glorify Him! Celebrate with family and friends. No services are planned today at the church.

LOOKING AHEAD

The regular service schedule resumes after Christmas Day with Daily Vespers on Wednesday and Great Vespers on Saturday, New Year’s Eve.

FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Greetings: Fr. Peter Jon (18th); Laura C (20th); Alex John A (21st); Nicholas A (21st); Griffin F (21st); Alexandra S (22nd); Nicholas S (22nd)
Name Day Blessings: Van L (St. Ignatius – 20th)
Memory Eternal: Justin (Neumann’s grandfather- 11/18); Phyllis Morgan (11/30)

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.” Fr. Steven Rudy (cancer); Subdn. Daniel (successful knee surgery last Thursday); Fr. Basil; Fr. Philip; Grant (Leukemia); Chris; Doug & Dorothy Barrett, Subdn. Daniel’s brother and sister-in-law; Eileen & Olga; the Tabbals; Mary Ann; Dee and Don; Kh.Kristina; Betsy and Hannah; Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; Iva; James; Alex John; Becky H.; Alexis T; Tom; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes & Jesse Brandow (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests George & Stephen; Adrian; 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 surgery last Friday; Katie; Ruth; Steve; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Dennis (struggling with alcoholism and infection); Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie, Caleb D; Megan & Colin; Bill & Sandy.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

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

Epistle: The Reading from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews. (11:9-10, 32-40)

Brethren, by faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. For he expected a city which has foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God.
And what more shall I say? for the time would fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Sampson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and all the prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, and turned to flight armies of the aliens.
Women received their dead by resurrection, and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. And others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, being destitute, afflicted, tormented (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a witness through their faith, did not receive the promise, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew. (1:1-25)
(For the Sunday before the Nativity: “The Genealogy”)

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, Who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ were fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and His Name shall be called Emmanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called His Name Jesus.

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 for the Sunday before the Nativity – Tone 2
Great are the accomplishments of faith; for the three holy youths rejoiced in the fountain of flames as though at waters of rest. And the Prophet Daniel appeared a shepherd to the lions as though they were sheep. Wherefore, by their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.

Kontakion of the Preparation of Christ’s Nativity – Tone 3
The Virgin cometh today to the cave to give birth; ineffably to bring forth the Word Eternal; Therefore, Rejoice, O earth with the message; with the angels and shepherds give Glory to Him, who by His own will was born as a new babe. He Who from Eternity is God.
(Words may vary.)

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.

Sunday, December 11, 2016
Sunday of Forefathers (Ancestors) of Christ
Venerable Daniel the Stylite; Luke the New Stylite of Chalcedon;
Nikon “the dry” of the Kiev Caves; Venerable Leontios of Achaia; Martyr Barsabbas of Persia

Visitors are welcome at each service or social event at All Saints.

Nourishment of the Soul: “A great mystery has been performed through Mary, a mystery that exceeds all understanding and knowledge. The Mother of God (the Theotokos) has received tremendous powers, in virtue of which she is greater than all the saints we honor.” — St. Basil of Seleucia

Orthodoxy 101: “Sacred Objects” is the theme of Fr. Peter Jon’s class on Wednesday, December 14th after Daily Vespers, around 7:00.

Christmas Tree in Social Hall: Each year gift cards are placed on the Christmas Tree. These may be cards from variety stores, grocery stores, restaurants, or gas stations. Share the joy of the Nativity of Christ by donating to brighten the season for others. Father Peter Jon will distribute them as they arrive. There has been a tremendous outpouring of love so far this December.

Coffee Hour Foods: Contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with Be-F (This is a small group). Also if everyone pitched in at clean up, even busing their own table, then one or two would not be left with all the kitchen work.

St. Lucia, portrayed by Pola Mullis, arrives with her crown of lights and rolls again this Sunday. The actual Feast Day is December 13th, but we celebrate on the Sunday closest to the day. We have an ongoing list of the ages of our young girls so the next oldest one is selected each year, just in case you have wondered.

If you plan to be away from Bloomington during December, you can offer your tithes and offerings online at www.allsaintsbloomington.org.

Today is Choir and Chanter Appreciation Sunday.

THIS WEEK
The Nativity Fast continues with prayers, fasting, and almsgiving.

Wednesday, December 14: Daily Vespers at 6:00 – O101 at 7:00
Thursday, December 15: Bible Study at Becky’s home 3:00 – 5:00
Saturday, December 17: Great Vespers at 5:00
Sunday, December 18: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Parish Council meeting

LOOKING AHEAD
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Friday, December 23: Royal Hours at 9:00 a.m. followed by a brief Typika
Saturday, December 24: Good news! We will have a baptismal liturgy on Christmas Eve morning at 9:00 a.m. instead of vespers. Perhaps the first time ever at All Saints, and it should be beautiful !
Saturday, December 24: Christmas Eve Orthros (Matins) at 9:00 p.m. with Divine Liturgy following around 10:00 p.m. A light break- the- fast menu will be served afterward.
Women’s Bible Study: None will be scheduled again, after this week, until February.

FAMILY NOTES
Name Day Blessings: St. Herman on Dec. 13th [Wyatt C; Aaron H] St. Lucia on Dec. 13th [Lucia T]; Prophet Daniel on Dec. 17th [Subdn. Daniel B; Daniel R]
Memory Eternal:; Phil (11/2); Justin (Neumann’s grandfather- 11/18);Phyllis Morgan ((11/30)

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.” Subdn. Daniel (surgery – 15th); Fr. Basil; Fr. Philip; Grant (Leukemia); Chris; Doug & Dorothy Barrett, Subdn. Daniel’s brother and sister-in-law; Eileen & Olga; the Tabbals; Mary Ann; Dee and Don; Kh.Kristina; Betsy and Hannah; Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; Iva; James; Alex John; Becky H.; Alexis T; Tom; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes & Jesse Brandow (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests George & Stephen; Adrian; 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 surgery last Friday; Katie; Ruth; Steve; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Dennis; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie, Caleb D; Megan & Colin; Bill & Sandy.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

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

Epistle: The Reading from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians. (3:4-11)
(For the Holy Forefathers)
Brethren, when Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you will also appear with Him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idol worship; for the sake of such things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience; therein you also once walked, when you lived in these things. But now you also put them all away: anger, malice, blasphemy, and filthy language out of your mouths. Do not lie to one another, having put off the old man with his works; and having put on the new man who is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of his Creator, where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bond, or free; but Christ is all, and in all.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (14:16-24)
(For the Holy Forefathers)
The Lord spoke this parable: “A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for all is now ready.’ But, one by one, they all began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.”

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 for the Forefathers – Tone 2
Thou hast justified by faith the ancient Forefathers, and through them Thou hast gone before and betrothed unto Thyself the Church of the Gentiles. Let the saints, therefore, take pride in glory; for from their seed sprouted forth a noble fruit, and she it was who gave birth to Thee without seed. Wherefore, by their pleadings, O Christ God, save our souls.

Kontakion of the Preparation of Christ’s Nativity – Tone 3
The Virgin cometh today to the cave to give birth; ineffably to bring forth the Word Eternal; Therefore, Rejoice, O earth with the message; with the angels and shepherds give Glory to Him, who by His own will was born as a new babe. He Who from Eternity is God.
(Words may vary.)
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.