SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2015

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

After-Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ

Apostle Matthias; Translation of the Relics of Venerable Herman of Alaska, Wonderworker of America

Visitors, you are welcome at all services and social events at All Saints.

Let us pray to the Lord: “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in the Ukraine.”

Nourishment of the Soul: “The Holy Eucharist is the first, most important, and greatest miracle of Christ.  All the other Gospel miracles are secondary.  How could we not call the greatest miracle the fact that simple bread and wine were once transformed by the Lord into His very Body and His very Blood, and then have continued to be transformed for nearly two thousand years by the prayers of priests, who are but simple human beings? And what is more, this mystery has continued to effect a miraculous change in those people who communicate of the Divine Mysteries with faith and humility.”

St. Ambrose of Optina

A Festival Meeting follows Divine Liturgy today.  Come hear the updates, offer your services, or just listen.

THIS WEEK

The Dormition Fast continues through Liturgy August 15th.

(Wine is permitted on Saturdays and Sundays.)

 Wednesday, August 12: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Thursday, August 13: Bedford-Mitchell Fellowship – 10:00- Noon at the Haneys

Friday, August 14: Paraklesis to the Mother of God at 6:00

Saturday, August 15: Baptism of Mariam Gillquist at 9:30 followed by the Liturgy of Holy Dormition around 10:00 – Pitch-in meal follows.

Saturday, August 15: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, August 16:  Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Parish Council meeting

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.

LOOKING AHEAD

• August 15: Fr. Peter Jon and Kh. Kristina sincerely thank all who have provided meals, gifts, encouragement and prayers in Mariam’s infancy.  Now they would also like to warmly welcome all to Mariam Adele’s baptism at 9:30 am on Saturday the 15th prior to the Divine Liturgy for the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos, when she will be formally initiated into the Orthodox Christian Church and into the All Saints community. A pitch-in will follow the Dormition Liturgy.
• August 16: Next Sunday following the Divine Liturgy there will be a brief presentation on plans for the beautiful new Resurrection Shrine (an outdoor chapel soon to be constructed in the All Saints Cemetery) and an opportunity to contribute toward its construction, as we are able.
• August 18: Myrrh Bearers’ Gathering at the Gazebo
• October 10: Annual Festival on Fairfax

Anniversary Blessing: Daniel & Jennifer (9th)

Happy Birthday: Barb (12th); Olivia (13th); Vicki (14th)

Patron Saint Day Remembrance: Aaron (St. Herman of Alaska – 9th); Deacon Lawrence (Archdeacon Lawrence of Rome -10th); Jan (St. Susanna – 11th); Mary, The Theotokos – 15th – Mary B; Kh. Marilyn; Maria ; Alice Marie

Memory Eternal: Archpriest Gordon Walker (July 23); Mary (Sophia’s grandmother); Dan, Joy, & child Bailey (house fire)

Prayer List: Alex; Jake; Annie; Pastor Pat (lung transplant in recovery); Catherine; Janett (liver transplant needed); Jill; Kh. Marilyn; Kh. Kristina; Angie; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki;; Hoppes in Albania,  Moores in Mongolia, Jesse Brandow  in Guatemala (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Ioana; Patricia; Dee; Galina; John G; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Kh. Loretta; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests  George & Stephen; Krystal & Jason; Adrian; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Fr. Moses Berry; Geni; Frank & Becky; Those with child: (Brooke-Theckla, Elizabeth, Gabriella, Laura, Ioana, Megan); Noah; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R; Alex; John; 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; Cathi

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings                                           

Prokeimenon: “Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us.”

Verse: “Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous!”  Psalm 32: 22,1

Epistle: The Reading is from Saint Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians. (4:9-16)

Brethren, God has revealed us, the apostles, last of all, as those appointed to death; for we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.  We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are glorified, but we are dishonored.  Even to this present hour we both hunger and thirst, we are naked, and are buffeted, and are restless; and we labor, working with our own hands.  While reviled, we bless; while persecuted, we endure; while blasphemed, we exhort; we have become the filth of the world and the off-scouring of all things, even until now.

I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children; for though you have a myriad of tutors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for I begat you in Christ Jesus through the gospel.  I beseech you, therefore, be imitators of me.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (17:14-23)

At That Time, a man came to Jesus  and kneeling before Him said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water.  And I brought him to Thy disciples, and they could not heal him.”  And Jesus answered, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you?  How long am I to bear with you?   Bring him here to Me.”  And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly.  Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”  Jesus said to them, “Because you have no faith.  For truly, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.  This kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.”  As they were traveling together through Galilee, Jesus said to them.  “The Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and He will rise on the third day.”

Divine Liturgy Variables

Second Antiphon

Save us, O Son of God, Who wast transfigured on Mount Tabor, who sing to Thee. Alleluia

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 1

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

Apolytikion of the Transfiguration of Christ – Tone 7

When, O Christ our God, Thou wast transfigured on the Mountain, Thou didst reveal Thy Glory to Thy Disciples in proportion as they could bear it.  Let Thine everlasting Light also enlighten us sinners, through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Thou Bestower of Light, Glory to Thee.

Kontakion of the Transfiguration of Christ – Tone 7

Thou wast transfigured on the mount, and Thy Disciples, in so far as they were able, beheld Thy glory, O Christ our God; so that, when they should see Thee crucified, they would remember that all Thy suffering was voluntary, and could declare to all the world that Thou art truly the effulgent Splendor of the Father.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2015

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Relics Translation of Proto-martyr Stephen the Archdeacon

Venerable Photeini the Wornderworker of Carpasia in Cyprus;

Blessed Basil, the Fool-for-Christ, Wornderworker of Moscow.

Visitors, you are welcome at all services and social events at All Saints.

Let us pray to the Lord: “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in the Ukraine.”

Nourishment of the Soul: “To be negative and critical is no good, whether it comes from the clergy or the people.  Let us be at peace at all times, in whatever we do and say.  The Church needs to become a holy place where God is.” — His Eminence, Metropolitan JOSEPH

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.

Local Schools begin the 2015-16 School Year  in August: Father will offer a prayer and blessing for teachers and children in  K-12 at the end of today’s Divine Liturgy.

THIS WEEK

The Dormition Fast continues through August 15th.

(Wine is permitted on Saturdays and Sundays.)

 Wednesday, August 5: Vesperal Liturgy at Transfiguration at 6:00 with the Blessing of the Grapes

Friday, August 7: Paraklesis to the Mother of God at 6:00

Saturday, August 8: Great Vespers at 5:00

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

LOOKING AHEAD

• August 9: Festival Meeting
• August 15: Baptism of Mariam Gillquist at the Liturgy of the Dormition
• August 18: Myrrh Bearers’ Gathering at the Gazebo
• October 10: Annual Festival on Fairfax

Prayer List: Alex (new treatment); Jake; Annie; Pastor Pat (lung transplant in recovery); Catherine; Janett (liver transplant needed); Jill; Kh. Marilyn; Kh. Kristina; Angie; Julian; Fr. Gordon & Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Jean Foley & Laham family; Hoppes in Albania,  Moores in Mongolia, Jesse Brandow  in Guatemala (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Ioana; Patricia; Dee; Galina; John G; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Kh. Loretta; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests  George & Stephen; Krystal & Jason; Adrian; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Fr. Moses Berry; Geni; Frank & Becky; Those with child: (Brooke-Theckla, Elizabeth, Gabriella, Laura, Ioana, Megan); Noah; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R; Alex; John; 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; Cathi

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings                                           

Prokeimenon: “Make your vows and pay them to the Lord our God.”

Verse: “God is known in Judah, His Name is great in Israel!”  Psalm 75: 10,1

Epistle: The Reading is from Saint Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians. (3:9-17)

Brethren, we are God’s fellow-workers; you are God’s husbandry, God’s building.  According to the grace of God which was given to me as a wise architect, I laid a foundation, and another builds upon it.  Let each one take heed how he builds upon it.  For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if anyone builds on this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; everyone’s work will become manifest; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire itself will test each one’s work of what sort it is.  If anyone’s work which was built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward.  If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet so as by fire.

Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  If anyone corrupts the temple of God, God will corrupt him.  For the temple of God is holy, whose temple you are.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (14:22-34)

At That Time, Jesus made the Disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds.  And after He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray.  When evening came, He was there alone, but the Disciples’ boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them.  And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea.  But when the Disciples saw Jesus walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.  But immediately He spoke to them, saying, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.”  And Peter answered Him, “Lord, if it is Thee, bid me come to Thee on the water.”  He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him, saying to him, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?”  And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  And those in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly, Thou art the Son of God.”  And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.

Divine Liturgy Variables

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 8

From the heights Thou didst descend, O Compassionate One, and Thou didst submit to the three-day burial, that Thou might deliver us from passion; Thou art our life and our Resurrection, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion of St. Stephen – Tone 4

The crown of the Kingdom hath adorned the brow of thy head because of the contests that thou hast endured for Christ God, thou first of the martyred Saints; for when thou hadst censured the Jews’ madness, thou sawest Christ thy Savior standing at the right hand of the Father. O Stephen, ever pray Him for us, that He would save our souls.

Kontakion of the Transfiguration of Christ – Tone 7

Thou wast transfigured on the mount, and Thy Disciples, in so far as they were able, beheld Thy glory, O Christ our God; so that, when they should see Thee crucified, they would remember that all Thy suffering was voluntary, and could declare to all the world that Thou art truly the effulgent Splendor of the Father.

Sunday, July 26, 2015

The Holy Righteous Martyr Paraskeva of Rome

Hieromartyrs Hermolaus, Hermippus, and Hermocrates of Nicomedia;

Venerable Gerontios, First Settler of St. Anne Skete on Athos; Moses the Hungarian;

Sabbas III, Archbishop of Serbia; Priest Jacob Netsvetov, Enlightener of the Peoples of Alaska

 Visitors, you are welcome at all services and social events at All Saints.

Let us pray to the Lord: “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in the Ukraine.”

 Nourishment of the Soul: “How can we radiate the joy of salvation when we constantly worry needlessly?  Obedience, chastity, poverty…where is the shame of these in the eyes of God?  Yes, the world calls these shames, and tempts us with earthly pleasures. Yet, we know that even with financial security, fame, and power, a man can be perfectly miserable. Happiness is found within us, when we genuinely trust in God’s providence.”  — His Eminence, Metropolitan JOSEPH

Going Away Meal Planned for Today, July 26th: Michael Ewing who is entering Hermitage of the Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV and Lisa and Phil Woodward who are relocating to northern Indiana for Phil’s job assignment are today’s special guests. The church will provide a Chinese meal and dessert; parishioner pitch-in items are welcome. Let us shower them with cards for both a joyful and a sad farewell: just a note to say Michael cannot receive gift cards, just ‘plenty’ of chocolate chip cookies! These brothers and sister will be missed. Both Lisa and Michael have served on the parish council.

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.

Give Me a Word has arrived at the bookstore. It is an alphabetical anthology of the sayings of the Desert Fathers and would be a benefit to anyone’s soul. Get your copy today!

The Myrrh Bearers will not meet today. Join them on Tuesday at the Gazebo*

THIS WEEK

Tuesday, July 28: Gathering in the Gazebo for Women in the Church — pizza and fun, sponsored by the Myrrh Bearers at 6:00 p.m. * (an email incorrectly reported 6:30)

Wednesday, July 29: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Saturday, August 1: Great Vespers at 5:00 The Dormition Fast begins today.

Sunday, August 2: – Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD

• July 28: Fact-finding meeting about a new pictorial directory at 1:30
• August 15: Baptism of Mariam Gillquist at the Liturgy of the Dormition
• October 10: Annual Festival on Fairfax

Anniversary Blessing: John & Lisa (31st)

Memory Eternal: Sherry (July 9); Archpriest Gordon Walker (July 23)

Prayer List: Pat (lung transplant in recovery); Catherine; Janett (liver transplant needed); Jill; Kh. Marilyn; Kh. Kristina; Angie; Julian; Fr. Gordon & Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Jean Foley & Laham family; Hoppes in Albania,  Moores in Mongolia, Jesse Brandow  in Guatemala (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Ioana; Patricia; Dee; Galina; John G; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Kh. Loretta; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests  George & Stephen; Krystal & Jason; Adrian; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Fr. Moses Berry; Geni; Frank & Becky; Those with child: (Brooke-Theckla, Elizabeth, Gabriella, Laura, Ioana, Megan); Noah; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R; Alex; John; 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; Cathi

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings                                           

Prokeimenon: “God is wondrous in His saints.”

Verse: “In the churches, bless ye God!”  Psalm 67: 35,27

Epistle: The Reading is from Saint Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians. (3:23-29;4:1-5)

Brethren, before faith came, we were preserved under the Law, enclosed within, until the faith would afterward be revealed.  The Law then was our tutor leading us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor  For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is no male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs according to promise.

Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ much from the bond-servant, though he is lord of all; but he is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father.  So we also, when we were children, were held in bondage under the rudiments of the world; but when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order to redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (14:14-22)

At That Time, when Jesus went ashore He saw a great throng; and He had compassion on them, and healed their sick.  When it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a lonely place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.”  Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to Him. “We have only five loaves here and two fish.”  And He said, “Bring them here to Me.”  Then He ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up to Heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied.  And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over.  And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.  Then Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds.

Divine Liturgy Variables

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 7

Thou didst shatter death by Thy Cross; Thou didst open paradise to the thief; Thou didst turn the sadness of the ointment-bearing women into joy. And didst bid Thine Apostles proclaim a warning, that Thou hast risen, O Christ, granting to the world the Great Mercy.

Apolytikion of St. Paraskeva – Tone 1

Showing a diligence befitting thy calling, O namesake of preparedness, thou hast gained, as thy dwelling, a faith worthy of thy name, O prize-winning Paraskeva.  Hence, thou pourest forth healings and intercedest for our souls.

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.

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council

 Venerable Macrina, Sister of Basil the Great; Venerable Dios of Antioch; Theodore, Archbishop of Edessa; Uncovering of the Relics of Venerable Seraphim of Sarov; Holy Stephen Lazarevic, Serbian Prince and Holy Militsa His Mother

Visitors, you are welcome at all services and social events at All Saints.

Let us pray to the Lord: “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in the Ukraine.”

 Nourishment of the Soul: “Give your children a solid spiritual foundation, and they will be content with whatever they have.  Deprive them of a life in Christ, and they will be miserable even in the midst of great wealth.” — His Eminence, Metropolitan JOSEPH

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.

Give Me a Word has arrived at the bookstore. It is an alphabetical anthology of the sayings of the Desert Fathers and would be a benefit to anyone’s soul. Get your copy today!

Social Hour Table: Parishioners whose last names begin with the letters G-H will prepare the table for social hour. However, any who feel led to contribute are welcome to do so.

Going Away Meal Planned: Next Sunday, July 26th, we say good-bye to Michael Ewing who is entering Holy Transfiguration Monastery and Lisa and Phil Woodward who are relocating to northern Indiana for Phil’s job assignment. The church will provide a Chinese meal; parishioner pitch-in items are welcome. Let us shower them with cards for both a joyful and a sad farewell: just a note to say Michael cannot receive gift cards, just ‘plenty’ of chocolate chip cookies! These brothers and sister will be missed. Both Lisa and Michael have served on the parish council.

 Have you ever needed to visit  Fairy World to rescue your kidnapped parents?  No?  Well, in four days, you can see a small group of kids do just that as members of “The Hero Club”.  This Thursday, July 23rd, the play “The Hero Club,” written by Nina Gillquist, will premier at the Monroe County Public Library auditorium. The all-star 8-member cast features our own Molly Alexander and Nina and Gregory Gillquist.  Curtains will open at 3:30pm (courtesy of First Curtain Puller, Hannah Gillquist). Although this 40-minute performance is admission-worthy, it is admission FREE.  Please join us!

Dn. Seraphim’s monthly visit is through July 23rd.  (Note this update to the July calendar.)

Father Peter Jon will attend the convention during the first part of next week.

The Parish Council meets today around noon.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, July 22: Daily Vespers at 6:00 — with Dn. Seraphim leading Bible Study 7:00-8:30.

Thursday, July 23: Vesperal Liturgy at 6:00 – St. Christina the Great Martyr

Saturday, July 25: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, July 26: – Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Good-bye Meal follows.

LOOKING AHEAD

• July 19-26: 52nd  Archdiocesan Convention in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
• July 28: Gathering in the Gazebo for Women in the Church — food and fun
• July 28: Fact-finding meeting about a new pictorial directory at 1:30
• October 10: Annual Festival on Fairfax

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

Epistle: The Reading is from Saint Paul’s Epistle to St. Titus. (3:8-15)

My Child Titus, faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire you to affirm confidently, that those who have believed in God may be thoughtful of how to preside in honorable occupations.  These things are good and profitable to men.  But avoid foolish disputes, and genealogies, and contentions, and controversies about the Law; for they are unprofitable and vain.  A man who is a heretic after the first and second admonition reject, knowing that such a one is subverted, and sins, being self-condemned.  When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicos, give diligence to come to me to Nicopolis; for I have determined to winter there.  Set forward Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that they may be lacking in nothing.  And let our people also learn how to preside in honorable occupations, so as to help in cases of urgent need, that they should not be unfruitful.  All who are with me salute you. Salute those who love us in the faith.  Grace be with you all. Amen.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (5:14-19)

            The Lord said to His Disciples:“You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hid.  Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father Who is in heaven.  Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.  Whoever  then relaxes one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Divine Liturgy Variables

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 6

When Mary stood at Thy grave, looking for Thy sacred body, angelic powers shone above Thy revered tomb; and the soldiers who were to keep guard became as dead men. Thou led Hades captive and wast not tempted thereby.  Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst give life to the world, O Thou, Who art risen from the dead, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion 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 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.

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Holy Martyrs Proclus and Hilary of Ancyra; Veronica, the woman with the issue of blood who was healed by our Lord; Venerable Father Paisios the New of Athos

Visitors, you are welcome at all services and social events at All Saints.

Let us pray to the Lord: “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in the Ukraine.”

Nourishment of the Soul: “When Abba Antony thought about the depths of the judgments of God, he asked, ‘Lord, how is it that some die when they are young, while others drag on to extreme old age?  Why are there those who are poor and those who are rich?  Why do wicked men prosper, and why are the  just in need?’ He heard a voice answering him, ‘Antony, keep your attention on yourself; these things are according to the judgment of God, and it is not to  your advantage to know anything about them.'” — St. Antony the Great

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

Social Hour Table: Parishioners whose last names begin with the letters Be-F will prepare the table for social hour. However, any who feel led to contribute are welcome to do so.

The Myrrh Bearers invite you to join them in their effort toward environmental responsibility in the kitchen during social hour.

Welcome back Antiochian Village Campers. Is there something you’d like to share about your experience?

All Saints Festival on Fairfax Planning Meeting is today after Liturgy: Join Father Peter Jon just to listen, or to put forth thoughts from past festivals, or to offer suggestions or availability for the next one on the second Saturday in October.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, July 15: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Saturday, July 18: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, July 19: – Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – The Parish Council meets around noon.

LOOKING AHEAD

• July 19-26: 52nd  Archdiocesan Convention in Cambridge, Massachusetts
• July 18-23: Dn. Seraphim’s monthly visit. (Note this update to the July calendar.)
• July 22: Bible Study after Daily Vespers with Dn. Seraphim Moslener
• July 28: Gathering in the Gazebo for Women in the Church — food and fun
• October 10: Annual Festival on Fairfax

Prayer List: Catherine; Janett (liver transplant needed); Jill; Kh. Marilyn; Kh. Kristina; Angie; Julian; Fr. Gordon & Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Jean Foley & Laham family; Hoppes in Albania,  Moores in Mongolia, Jesse Brandow  in Guatemala (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Ioana; Patricia; Dee; Galina; John G; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Kh. Loretta; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests  George & Stephen; Krystal & Jason; Adrian; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Fr. Moses Berry; Geni; Frank & Becky; Those with child: (Brooke-Theckla, Elizabeth, Gabriella, Laura, Ioana, Megan); Noah; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R; Alex; John; 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; Cathi

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 Saint Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. (12:6-14)

Brethren, having gifts that differ according to the grace that was given to us, let each use them accordingly: whether prophecy, let him prophesy according to the proportion of the faith; or ministry, let him give himself to the ministry; or the teacher, to the teaching; or he who exhorts, in the exhorting; he who gives, let him do it with simplicity; he who presides, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be without hypocrisy.  Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.  Love one another with brotherly affection; in honor preferring one another; in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing steadfastly in prayer; communicating to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse.

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

                At that time,  Jesus got into a boat, crossed over,  and came to His own city.  And behold, they brought to Him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith,  He said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”  And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?  For which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?  But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins” –He then said to the paralytic–“Rise, take up your bed and go home.”  And he rose and went home.  When the crowds saw it, they marveled, and they glorified God, Who had given such authority to men.

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.

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.