Sunday, April 10, 2016

Fourth Sunday of Great Lent

Commemoration of John Climacus, Author of “The Ladder”

Martyrs Terence and Pompey of Carthage and those with them; New-hieromartyr Gregory V, patriarch of Constantinople; New-martyr Demas of Smyrna

Nourishment of the Soul: “When you pray, see to it that you have a peaceful disposition.  It is the most important precondition for fruitful prayer.”  – Elder Efstatios of Glinsk

Fr.  Radoslav Filipovich will serve today during Matins and Divine Liturgy in Fr. Peter Jon’s absence.

 Supper following Presanctified Liturgies: We need one  additional volunteer for Thursday, April  14th and  for Wednesday, April  20th. Please note that Wednesday and Thursday evening services this week differ from the usual schedule.

 Thursday’s O101:”The Mystery of Holy Unction,” taught by Fr. Peter Jon, follows the Presanctified Liturgy.

 Prison Ministry: The Orthodox inmates at the prison in Carlisle, IN would like 3 Orthodox Study Bibles for their small library and could also use select other titles.  If you would like to contribute to this effort as part of your Lenten offering, please make checks payable to All Saints with “Prison Ministry” in the memo.

Tonight,  Lenten Vespers will be at St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church at 5 pm.  This year’s theme is “The Church as the Ark of Our Salvation.” Fr. Zachariah Trent is the homilist. A fellowship hour follows.

Refugee Packet Donations through OCMC: Please put donations in the hallway. You may select from the following list, either all items or a few. Hand towel, washcloth, comb, metal nail file or clipper, bar of soap in original wrapping, toothbrush, band-aids. April Blair is the contact person.

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.

We warmly welcome you to All Saints.

 Choir Practice is scheduled for today to practice music for  Great and  Holy Pascha.

Those planning to sing at Pascha should attend all meetings.

 THIS Busy WEEK

Father and his family return Monday evening.

Fasting from Meat, Meat Products, and Dairy continues throughout Great Lent.

Tuesday, April 12: Women’s Bible Study at 7:00 at the home of Kh. Marilyn

Wednesday, April 13: The Life of St. Mary within the Canon of St. Andrew at 6:00

Thursday Morning, April 14: Bedford-Mitchell Fellowship at 10:00 at the Haney’s home

Thursday Afternoon, April 14: Women’s Bible Study 3-5pm at Becky Hrisomalos’ home

Thursday Evening, April 14: Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00 – Orthodoxy 101 follows around 8:00.

Friday, April 15: Akathist to the Mother of God at 6:00

Saturday, April 16: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, April 17: Matins at 9:00;  Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Choir Practice

LOOKING AHEAD

 …April 22-23: Lazarus Eve and Lazarus Saturday morning baptism and chrismations followed by indoor/outdoor clean up day in preparation for Holy Week

…April 24: Palm Sunday and first service of Holy Week in the evening

…April 25-30: Holy Week

…April 30 (May 1): Holy Pascha

…May 1-8: Turn in donations to Food for Hungry People, payable to All Saints.

 Anniversary Blessings: Dan and Gala M (14th)

Birthday Greetings: Subdn Jon (Jeff) W (14th); Marvin P (15th)

Name Day Blessing: Subdeacon Jon (St. John of Vilna – 14th); Ayris F (St. Anastasia – 16th)

Memory Eternal: Kh. Jedonne Rhudy (21st); Elizabeta (March11th); Hendrix Steele (23rd); Shaylyn (22nd); Cathy (27th); Nassif Saliba (30th)-Brother of Met. Philip of Blessed Memory)

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in the Ukraine.”   Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; Amal; Iva.; John G; Anastasiya  Dudar’s family in Australia; James; Alex John;  Jason; Steve D;  Dee; Becky H.; Alexis T. ;Tom;  Jake; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Jill; Kh. Kristina; Angie; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes in Albania,  Jesse Brandow in Guatemala (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Dee H; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Kh. Loretta; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests  George & Stephen; Adrian; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Those with child: Rachel B, Jessica with twins, Anastasia Hope, and Anastasiya D; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R;  Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley:  Gabriel; Mary; Doug; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; John C; Marty; Charles; Eileen; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Deborah; Ruth; Steve; Kevin; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Preston; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Caleb; Dennis & Joyce; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie

      Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

 Prokeimenon: The Lord will give strength to His people.”

Verse: “Bring unto the Lord, ye sons of God; Bring unto the Lord glory and honor!”

Psalm 28:11,1

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

 Brethren, when God made a promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.” And thus, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise.  For people indeed swear by what is greater, and in every dispute of theirs the oath is final for confirmation.

So when God, being minded to show more abundantly to the heirs of the promise the immutability of His counsel, He interposed it with an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, we, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope that is set before us; a hope, which we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and entering into “that which is within the veil,” where Jesus entered as a Forerunner on our behalf, having become a High Priest “forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”

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

 At that time, a man came to Jesus, kneeling down and saying unto him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked Thy Disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” And Jesus answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to Me.” And they brought the boy to Him; and when the spirit saw Jesus, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth.

And Jesus asked his father, “How long has he had this?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if Thou canst do anything, have pity on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again.” And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.

And when Jesus had entered the house, His Disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And Jesus said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.”

They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And Jesus would not have anyone know it; for He was teaching His Disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and after He is killed, He will rise on the third day.”

Divine Liturgy Variables

 Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 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 St. John Climacus – Tone 8

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

 Kontakion for the Great Lent – Tone 8 (O Victorious Leader)

To thee, the Champion Leader, do I offer thanks of victory, O Theotokos, thou who hast delivered me from terror; but as thou that hast that power invincible, O Theotokos, thou alone can set me free: from all forms of danger free me and deliver me, that I may cry unto thee: Hail, O Bride without Bridegroom.

St. Basil’s Megalynarion (instead of It is Truly Meet – (Text will vary from that printed here.)

In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation: the angelic hosts, and the race of men, O hallowed Temple and noetic paradise, glory of Virgins, of whom God was incarnate and became a little child, even our God Who is before all the ages; for He made thy womb a throne, and thy body He made more spacious than the heavens. In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation; and it glorifieth thee.

Sunday, April 03, 2016

Third Sunday of Great Lent

Veneration of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross

Abbot Nikitas the Confessor of Medikion; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer;

New-martyr Paul the Russian

We warmly welcome you to All Saints.

Nourishment of the Soul: “Do not neglect the Forty Days; it constitutes an imitation of Christ’s way of life.”  – St. Ignatius the God-bearer

Fr Radoslav will serve Wednesday Presanctified and teach during the meal on the topic of ‘Saints and Relics: Vessels of Grace.’ He will also serve Matins and Divine Liturgy Sunday, as Fr.  Peter  Jon will be out of town for a conference this week.

 Supper following Presanctified Liturgies: We need one  additional volunteer for Wednesday, April 6th  and Wednesday, April  20th and for Thursday, April  14th. Please tell Marcia or sign up at the hall bulletin board.

 Choir Practice is scheduled for today and the next 2 Sundays in preparation for Great and  Holy Pascha. Those planning to sing at Pascha should attend all 3 meetings. 

Prison Ministry: The Orthodox inmates at the prison in Carlisle, IN would like 3 Orthodox Study Bibles for their small library, and could also use select other titles.  If you would like to contribute to this effort as part of your Lenten offering, please make checks payable to All Saints with “Prison Ministry” in the memo.

 Tonight,   Lenten Vespers will be at St. Alexis in Lafayette  at 5 pm.  This year’s theme is “The Church as the Ark of Our Salvation.” Fr. John Miller is the Homilist. A fellowship hour follows.

Receiving the Eucharist: We invite you to receive the Holy Eucharist if you are an Orthodox Christian who has prepared yourself through fasting, prayer, and recent confession.  If you are not Orthodox, or are Orthodox but have not prepared, we invite you to receive a piece of the blessed bread in the wooden bowls held by the altar servers at the front of the church.

THIS WEEK

Father will be out of town for a conference.

Fasting from Meat, Meat Products, and Dairy continues throughout Great Lent.

 Wednesday, April 6: Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00–Orthodoxy 101 follows around 8:00.

Friday, April 8: Akathist to the Mother of God at 6:00

Saturday, April 9: Great Vespers at 5:00 – Thespina’s master’s recital at 3 pm, Ford Hall, S. Jordan Ave.

Sunday, April 10: Matins at 9:00;  Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD

 …April 9: Thespina Christulides’ 2nd and final Masters recital will be held on Saturday, April 9th at 3:00 p.m. in Ford Hall (Jacobs School of Music, in the Simon Building with the big fountain).  It is  free.

…April 23: Lilly and Jon Blair will  be having their Spring Concert with the IU Children’s Choir at 1 pm at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church     

…April 22-23: Lazarus Eve and Lazarus Saturday morning baptism and chrismations followed by indoor/outdoor clean up day in preparation for Holy Week

…April 24: Palm Sunday and first service of Holy Week in the evening

…April 30 (May 1): Holy Pascha

…May 1-8: Turn in donations to Food for Hungry People, payable to All Saints.

 Birthday Greetings: Jennifer R (5th)

Name Day Blessing: Zane N (St. Nicetas – 3rd); Pola M (St. Appolinaria – 4th); Max W

(St. Maximus – 9th)

Memory Eternal: Kh. Jedonne Rhudy (21st); Elizabeta (March11th); Hendrix Steele (23rd); Shaylyn (22nd); Cathy (27th)

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in the Ukraine.”   Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; Amal; Iva.; John G; Anastasiya  Dudar’s family in Australia; James; Alex John;  Jason; Steve D;  Dee; Becky H.; Alexis T. ;Tom;  Jake; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Jill; Kh. Kristina; Angie; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes in Albania,  Jesse Brandow in Guatemala (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Dee H; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Kh. Loretta; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests  George & Stephen; Adrian; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Those with child: Rachel B, Jessica with twins, Anastasia Hope, and Anastasiya D; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R;  Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley:  Gabriel; Mary; Doug; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; John C; Marty; Charles; Eileen; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Deborah; Ruth; Steve; Kevin; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Preston; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Caleb; Dennis & Joyce; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: ” O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.”

Verse: ” Unto Thee, O Lord, will I cry, O my God.” Psalm 27:9,1

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

Brethren, since we have a great High Priest, Who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast the confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our infirmities, but One Who has been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help in time of need.

For every high priest, being taken from among the people, is appointed on behalf of the people in things pertaining to God, that he may offer up both gifts and sacrifices for sins; who can have compassion on the ignorant and on those who are erring, since he himself also is encompassed with infirmity.  Because of this he is bound, as for the people so also for himself, to offer up for sins.  And no one takes the honor upon himself, but as being called by God, as was Aaron.

So Christ also did not glorify Himself to become a High Priest, but it was by the One saying to Him, “Thou art My Son, today I have begotten thee.”  As He says also in another place,  “Thou art a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

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

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

Divine Liturgy Variables

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 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 for the Holy Cross – Tone 1

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

Kontakion for the Great Lent – Tone 8 (O Victorious Leader)

To thee, the Champion Leader, do I offer thanks of victory, O Theotokos, thou who hast delivered me from terror; but as thou that hast that power invincible, O Theotokos, thou alone can set me free: from all forms of danger free me and deliver me, that I may cry unto thee: Hail, O Bride without Bridegroom.

St. Basil’s Megalynarion (instead of It is Truly Meet – (Text will vary from that printed here.)

In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation: the angelic hosts, and the race of men, O hallowed Temple and noetic paradise, glory of Virgins, of whom God was incarnate and became a little child, even our God Who is before all the ages; for He made thy womb a throne, and thy body He made more spacious than the heavens. In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation; and it glorifieth thee.

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) for Third Sunday – Tone 8

The light of Thy countenance is marked upon us, O Lord. Alleluia.

The Anti-Trisagion Hymn

Before Thy Cross we bow down in worship, Master, and we glorify Thy Holy Resurrection. (THRICE) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. And we glorify Thy Holy Resurrection.

Post-Communion Hymn:

Instead of “We have seen the true light”, sing the Apolytikion of the Holy Cross.

The Service for the Procession of the Cross follows ‘Blessed be the Name.’

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Second Sunday of Great Lent

Commemoration of Gregory Palamas, archbishop of Thessalonica

Martyr Matrona of Thessalonica; Martyrs Philetos the senator, his wife Lydia of Rome and those with them; Paul, bishop of Corinth

We warmly welcome you to All Saints during the Great Lenten Journey.

Nourishment of the Soul: “Become a good manager of those things given to you by God.” — St. John Chrysostom

O101: April Blair will continue her presentation of “The Life of the Theotokos” on Wednesday, March 30th .  Notice that O101 starts later than usual after the Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts. Volunteers are needed to prepare soup or a Lenten entree for each Wednesday in Great Lent. One has signed up for March 30th. We need another!

Harold Sabbagh (Hal) will present  a lecture on Orthodox Music today during coffee hour. He will include information on services during Great Lent as well as an overview.

Prison Ministry: The Orthodox inmates at the prison in Carlisle, IN would like 3 Orthodox Study Bibles for their small library, and could also use select other titles.  If you would like to contribute to this effort as part of your Lenten offering, please make checks payable to All Saints with “Prison Ministry” in the memo.

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.

Preparing for Great Pascha’s  Choir: During April, Father will suspend all meetings on Sundays so the Choir can Practice Pascha Music. Those planning to sing at Pascha should attend all 3 meetings in April. The first practice is next Sunday during social hour.

Parish Council meets today around Noon.

 Tonight   Lenten Vespers will be chanted at Greenwood Mission at 5 pm. The Parish invites you to worship with them. This year’s theme is “The Church as the Ark of Our Salvation.” Fr. Steven Bauman is the Homilist. A fellowship hour follows.

THIS WEEK

Epistle Reader – Dorothy Berry; Ushers -Barb Grinder, Shannon, Stephanie

Fasting from Meat, Meat Products, and Dairy continues throughout Great Lent.

Wednesday, March 30: Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00–Orthodoxy 101 follows around 8:00.

Thursday,  March 31:  New Women’s Bible Study led by Kh. Marilyn at Becky Hrisomalos’  home, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. They will study the Epistle to the Philippians.

Friday, April 1: Akathist to the Mother of God at 6:00

Saturday, April 2: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, April 3: Matins at 9:00;  Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – The Commemoration of the Holy Cross

LOOKING AHEAD

 …April 9: Thespina Christulides’ 2nd and final Masters recital will be held on Saturday, April 9th at 3:00 p.m. in Ford Hall (Jacobs School of Music, in the Simon Building with the big fountain).  It is a free performance with open seating.  There is plenty of free parking on the streets and in the Jordan lot on Saturdays.  Thank you all for your support!

…April 23: Lilly and Jon Blair will  be having their Spring Concert with the IU Children’s Choir at 1 pm at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church     

…April 22-23: Lazarus Eve and Lazarus Saturdayclean up day in preparation for Holy Week

…April 30 (May 1): Holy Pascha

 Happy Anniversary: Dan & Stephanie D (28th)

Birthday Greetings: Nina R (29th); Darryl J (29th)

Name Day Blessing: Molly A (St. Mary of Egypt -1st)

Memory Eternal: Kh. Jedonne Rhudy (21st); Elizabeta (March11th); Hendrix Steele (23rd)

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in the Ukraine.”   Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; Amal; Iva.; John G; Anastasiya  Dudar’s family in Australia; James; Alex John;  Jason; Steve D;  Dee; Becky H.; Alexis T. ;Tom;  Jake; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Jill; Kh. Kristina; Angie; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes in Albania,  Jesse Brandow in Guatemala (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Dee H; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Kh. Loretta; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests  George & Stephen; Adrian; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Those with child: Rachel B, Jessica with twins, Anastasia Hope, and Anastasiya D; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R;  Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley:  Gabriel; Mary; Doug; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; John C; Marty; Charles; Eileen; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Deborah; Ruth; Steve; Kevin; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Preston; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Caleb; Dennis & Joyce; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “Thou, O Lord, shalt keep us and shalt preserve us.”

Verse: ” Save me, O Lord, for the godly man is no more.” Psalm 11:7,1

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

“Thou, O Lord, in the beginning,  didst lay the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Thy hands; they will all grow old like a garment, and like a mantle Thou wilt roll them up, and they shall be changed; but Thou art the same, and Thy years will not fail.” But of which of the angels did He say at any time, “Sit on my right hand, till I make thine enemies a footstool for thy feet?” Are they not all spirits for liturgical ministry, sent forth to minister for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest at any time we drift away from them.  For if the word spoken through angels was confirmed, and every transgression and disobedience received a just retribution how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation, which having at first been spoken trough the Lord was confirmed to us by those who heard?

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (2:1-12)

            At that time, when Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that He was at home.  And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and He was preaching the Word to them.  And they came, bringing to Jesus a paralytic carried by four men.  And when they could not get near Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay.  And when Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”  Now, some of the scribes were sitting there, reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak thus?  It is blasphemy!  Who can forgive sins but God alone?”  And immediately Jesus, perceiving in His spirit that they thus reasoned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you reason thus in your hearts?  Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your pallet and walk’?  But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – He said to the paralytic – “I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home.”  And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all.  So that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

Divine Liturgy Variables

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 2

When Thou didst submit Thyself unto death, O Thou deathless and immortal One, then Thou didst destroy hell with Thy Godly power.  And when Thou didst raise the dead from beneath the earth, all the powers of Heaven did cry aloud unto Thee; O Christ, Thou giver of life, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion for St. Gregory Palamas – Tone 8

O Star of Orthodoxy, support of the Church and its teacher, O comeliness of ascetics, and incontestable champion of those who speak in theology, Gregory the wonder-worker, the pride of Thessalonica and preacher of grace, implore thou constantly for the salvation of our souls.

Kontakion for the Annunciation and Great Lent – Tone 8

To thee, the Champion Leader, do I offer thanks of victory, O Theotokos, thou who hast delivered me from terror; but as thou that hast that power invincible, O Theotokos, thou alone can set me free: from all forms of danger free me and deliver me, that I may cry unto thee: Hail, O Bride without Bridegroom.

St. Basil’s Megalynarion (instead of It is Truly Meet – (Text will vary from that printed here.)

In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation: the angelic hosts, and the race of men, O hallowed Temple and noetic paradise, glory of Virgins, of whom God was incarnate and became a little child, even our God Who is before all the ages; for He made thy womb a throne, and thy body He made more spacious than the heavens. In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation; and it glorifieth thee.

Children (and adults) are asked to bring an icon from home for the procession on Sunday.

 Sunday, March 20, 2016

First Sunday of Great Lent (Sunday of Orthodoxy)

The Holy Fathers slain at the Monastery of Mar Sabbas; New-martyr Myron of Crete;

St. Photini, the Samaritan Woman

 We warmly welcome you to All Saints during the Great Lenten Journey.

Nourishment of the Soul: “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” — Kahlil Gibran

O101: April Blair’s topic for Orthodoxy 101 on Wednesday, March 23rd  will be “The Life of the Theotokos” in anticipation of the Feast of the Annunciation next Friday. Notice that O101 starts later than usual after the Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts.

Harold Sabbagh (Hal) will present  a lecture on Orthodox Music next Sunday (27th) during coffee hour. He will include information on services during Great Lent as well as an overview.

 Hungry Children at Home and Abroad   Fundraiser totaled  $1,393. Thanks be to God who placed it in your hearts to support this effort of the Antiochian Women (Myrrh Bearers) at the direction of His Eminence Met. JOSEPH.

Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers is at St. George in Fishers at 5:00. A fellowship hour follows.

Receiving the Eucharist: We invite you to receive the Holy Eucharist if you are an Orthodox Christian who has prepared yourself through fasting, prayer, and recent confession.  If you are not Orthodox, or are Orthodox but have not prepared, we invite you to receive a piece of the blessed bread in the wooden bowls held by the altar servers at the front of the church.

Presanctified Liturgies each Wednesday are followed by a light meal.   Please sign up with Marcia or on the hall bulletin board to host with a pot of soup and bread or a main dish such as spaghetti. Dessert is optional.

Parish Council meets today around Noon.

Preparing for Great Pascha’s  Choir: During April, Father will suspend all meetings on Sundays so the Choir can Practice Pascha Music. Those planning to sing at Pascha should attend all 3 meetings in April.

 THIS WEEK

March is Women’s Month.

Epistle Reader – April or Abby Blair; Ushers -Jennifer, Nina, Stephanie

Fasting from Meat, Meat Products, and Dairy continues throughout Great Lent.

Our Church pictorial calendar gives guidelines. Antiochian.org is another source.

Wednesday, March 23: Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00–Orthodoxy 101 follows around 8:00.

Thursday, March 24: Annunciation Evening Liturgy at 6:00

Friday, March 25: Akathist to the Mother of God at 6:00

Saturday, March 26:  Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, March 27: Matins at 9:00;  Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Hal’s presentation follows.

Sunday, March 27: Western Easter & Sunday  Lenten Vespers is at Greenwood Mission at 5 pm. The Parish invites you to worship with them. This year’s theme is “The Church as the Ark of Our Salvation.” Father Stevan Bauman is the homilist.

LOOKING AHEAD

 March 31:  Women’s Bible Study led by Kh. Marilyn at Becky Hrisomalos’s  home, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

April 23: Lazarus Saturday clean up day in preparation for Holy Week

April 30 (May 1): Holy Pascha

 Birthday Greetings: Lilly B (20th); Saraqael H (21st); George T (21st); Ghada L (21st); Tristan R (26th)

Name Day Blessing: Mezy Alexander (St.Photini – 20th); Hannah Noor Gillquist (St.Photini – 20th); Shirley Richardson (St.Photini – 20th); Galina McLaws (23rd); Gabby Crandall (26th); Gabe Stant (26th)

Memory Eternal: Virginia (12th); Kh. Jedonne Rhudy (21st); Elizabeta (March11th)

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in the Ukraine.”  Archpriest Athanasius; Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; Amal; Iva.; John G; Anastasiya  Dudar’s family in Australia; James; Alex John;  Jason; Steve D;  Dee; Becky H.; Alexis T. ;Tom;  Jake; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Jill; Kh. Kristina; Angie; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes in Albania,  Jesse Brandow in Guatemala (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Dee H; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Kh. Loretta; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests  George & Stephen; Adrian; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Those with child: Rachel B, Jessica with twins, Anastasia Hope, and Anastasiya D; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R;  Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley:  Gabriel; Mary; Doug; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; John C; Marty; Charles; Eileen; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Deborah; Ruth; Steve; Kevin; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Preston; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Caleb; Dennis & Joyce; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie  

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings                                

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

Verse: ” For Thou art just in all that Thou hast done for us!” Daniel 3:26,7 OSB

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

Brethren, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of the Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the recompense of reward.

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, 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 St. John. (1:43-51)

At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.”  Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, “We have found Him of Whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” Nathanael said to Jesus, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God! Thou art the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.”

Divine Liturgy Variables

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 First Sunday of Great Lent – Tone 2

Thy pure image do we venerate, O good One, asking forgiveness of our sins, O Christ our God; for by Thine own will Thou didst ascend the Cross in Thy body, to save Thy creatures from the bondage of the enemy. Thou hast verily filled all with joy, since Thou didst come, O our Savior, to save the world.

Kontakion for the Annunciation and Great Lent – Tone 8

To thee, the Champion Leader, do I offer thanks of victory, O Theotokos, thou who hast delivered me from terror; but as thou that hast that power invincible, O Theotokos, thou alone can set me free: from all forms of danger free me and deliver me, that I may cry unto thee: Hail, O Bride without Bridegroom.

St. Basil’s Megalynarion (instead of It is Truly Meet – (Text will vary from that printed here.)

In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation: the angelic hosts, and the race of men, O hallowed Temple and noetic paradise, glory of Virgins, of whom God was incarnate and became a little child, even our God Who is before all the ages; for He made thy womb a throne, and thy body He made more spacious than the heavens. In thee rejoiceth, O full of grace, all creation; and it glorifieth thee.

THE SYNODICON: THE AFFIRMATION OF THE ORTHODOX FAITH

As the Prophets beheld, as the Apostles have taught, as the Church has received, as the Teachers have dogmatized, as the universe has agreed, as Grace has shown forth, as Truth has revealed, as falsehood has been dissolved, as Wisdom has presented, as Christ has awarded: thus we declare, thus we assert, thus we preach Christ our true God, and honor His Saints in words, in writings, in thoughts, in sacrifices, in churches, in Holy Icons; on the one hand worshiping and reverencing Christ as God and Lord; and on the other hand honoring as true servants of the same Lord of all, and accordingly offering them veneration.

This is the Faith of the Apostles; this is the Faith of the Fathers; this is the Faith of the Orthodox; this is the Faith which has established the universe!

 Saturday, March 12th at Midnight, Daylight Savings Time starts. Spring Forward!

 Sunday, March 13, 2016

Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheese Fare)

Translation of the relics of Nikephoros, patriarch of Constantinople; Bishops Poplias and Marios

 We warmly welcome you to All Saints as the Great Lenten Journey begins Monday.

Nourishment of the Soul: “Find out how much God has given you, and from it take what you need; the remainder is needed by others.” —  St. Augustine

O101: Fr. Peter Jon’s  topic for Orthodoxy 101 on Wednesday, March 16th will be “Practical Orthodoxy in Great Lent.” Notice that O101 starts later than usual after the Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts.

 Today’s Fundraiser Meal: Last Sunday, you donated $835  to fund Hungry Children at Home and Abroad. As we enjoy today’s Pizza Meal  and continue to donate, let us be concerned  that in 2013, in America alone, 1.58 million children lived in food-insecure households (FeedAmerica.org); and globally 66 million primary school children attend classes hungry (worldhunger.org).

Forgiveness Vespers is tonight at 5:00. Starting our Lenten Journey with a clean heart toward others will be a blessing to all who attend.

News from Lucas Christensen: “By the Grace of God and the laying on of hands by His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit, the servant of God Lucas Christensen will be ordained to the Holy Diaconate, Sunday March 27 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.” (See the Flyer on the bulletin board.)

All Saints Library Return Reminder.  Some books have been checked out for 5 months.  If you are still reading them, take your time. However, if you are finished, we invite you to return them as someone else might like to read them.

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.

Presanctified Liturgies each Wednesday are followed by a light meal.   Please sign up with Marcia or on the hall bulletin board to host one with a pot of soup and bread or a main dish such as spaghetti. Nina Rogers and Stephanie and Dan Dillard will provide the first one on March 16. Dessert is optional.

 THIS WEEK

March is Women’s Month.

Epistle Reader – Linda Barrett; Ushers -Abby, April, Marcia

Fasting from Meat, Meat Products, and Dairy continues throughout Great Lent.

The Great Lenten Journey begins Monday with services each evening at 6:00.

Monday, March 14: Canon of St. Andrew of Crete (Part 1) at 6:00

Tuesday, March 15: Canon of St. Andrew of Crete (Part 2) at 6:00.

Wednesday, March 16: Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00–Orthodoxy 101 follows around 7:30

Thursday, March 17: Canon of St. Andrew of Crete (Part 4) at 6:00

Friday, March 18: Akathist to the Mother of God at 6:00

Saturday, March 19:  Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday,  March 20: Sunday of Orthodoxy — Matins at 9:00;  Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Parish Council

Sunday, March 20: Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers at 5:00 at St. George in Fishers

LOOKING AHEAD

 …March 24: Annunciation Evening Liturgy

…March 27: Western Easter — Lenten Vespers at Greenwood Mission at 5 pm.

…March 31:  New Women’s Bible Study led by Kh. Marilyn at Becky Hrisomalos’s  home, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

…April 30 (May 1): Holy Pascha

 Birthday Greetings: Amber S (13th); Adam S (16th); Kh. Kristina (18th); Marah P (19th)

Name Day Blessing: Patricia F (13th); David P (17th – St. Patrick)

Memory Eternal: Jake (3rd); Virginia (12th); Kh. Jedonne Rhudy (21st)

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in the Ukraine.”  Archpriest Athanasius; Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; Amal; Iva.; John G; Anastasiya  Dudar’s family in Australia; James; Alex John;  Jason; Steve D;  Dee; Becky H.; Alexis T. ;Tom;  Jake; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Jill; Kh. Kristina; Angie; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes in Albania,  Jesse Brandow in Guatemala (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Dee H; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Kh. Loretta; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests  George & Stephen; Adrian; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Those with child: Rachel B, Jessica with twins, Anastasia Hope, and Anastasiya D; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R;  Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley:  Gabriel; Mary; Doug; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; John C; Marty; Charles; Eileen; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Deborah; Ruth; Steve; Kevin; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Preston; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Caleb; Dennis & Joyce; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings                                    

Prokeimenon: “O chant unto our God, chant ye.”

Verse: “Clap your hands, all ye nations!” Psalm 46: 6,1

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans.  (13:11-14:4)

Brethren, now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk becomingly, as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in chambering and licentiousness, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

But as for the one who is weak in faith, receive him, but not for disputes over opinions. For one believes he may eat anything; but the weak person eats herbs. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat, judge him who eats; for God has received him.  Who are you to be the judge over the servant of a stranger?  To his own master he either stands or falls; but he will be made to stand; for God is able to make him stand.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (6:14-21)

The Lord said to His Disciples: If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father Who is in secret; and your Father Who sees in secret will reward you. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

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.

Kontakion for Forgiveness Sunday – Tone 6

O Thou Who guidest to wisdom, and givest understanding and intelligence, the Instructor of the ignorant, and Helper of the poor, strengthen my heart and grant it understanding, O Master. Give me word, O Word of the Father; for behold, I shall not refrain my lips from crying to Thee, O merciful One, have mercy upon me who am fallen.