Sunday, June 14, 2015

Second Sunday after Pentecost

Prophet Elisha; Methodios the Confessor, patriarch of Constantinople;

Venerable Niphon of Athos;  Cyril, bishop of Crete.

Visitors, you are always welcome 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: “A woman who had an affliction heard of Abba Longinus and sought to meet him. Now, he dwelt at the ninth milestone beyond Alexandria. When the woman came looking for him he was gathering firewood by the sea. Approaching him the woman said, “Abba, where does Abba Longinus the servant of God live? She had no idea it was he. His reply was, ‘Why are you looking for that impostor? Don’t go to him. He is an impostor. What is the matter with you? The woman showed him her affliction. He made the sign of the cross over the place and sent her away, saying, ‘Go, and God will heal you, for Longinus cannot be of any use to you. The woman trusted these words and was healed on the spot. Later, when she was recounting the episode to others and describing the old man, she discovered that he was the Abba Longinus.”

— Sayings of the Desert Fathers, Longinus

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.

Gathering at the Gazebo: Myrrh Bearers will sponsor a social get-together.  All women are invited. Donations for the taco bar are being scheduled. (See Marcia.)

Style Show and Tea: Women are invited again this year to a fundraiser for Monroe County United Ministries, a charitable group that serves children and families in the county. Sponsored by St. Mark’s United Methodist Women, the event is Wednesday, July 15 at 2 pm. If you intend to go, please tell Marcia so we may send a group RSVP.

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.

THIS WEEK

The Apostles Fast continues through June 29th.

 Tuesday, June 16: Gathering at  the Gazebo for women – 6:00- 9:00

Wednesday, June 17: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Saturday, June 20: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, June 21: Father’s Day –  Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Parish Council meets at noon.

LOOKING AHEAD

 June 24-28th – Midwest Parish Life Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

• June 24: Deacon Seraphim offers Bible Study after DailyVespers.
• June 28: Myrrh Bearers meeting
• June 28-July 10: Summer Camp at AV
• June 29: Evening Liturgy – Sts. Peter & Paul
• July 3: MARK YOUR CALENDAR – Friday evening before the 4th, anticipate prayers, picnicking, and even some fireworks! We will pray the 3-year memorial for the V. Rev. Fr. Peter E. All are warmly invited. Further details will be published soon.

 Blessed Anniversary: John & Debbie Craton (18th); Craig & Elaine Morfas (18th); Jeff & Irene Weber (18th)

Happy Birthday: Toni Ban (15th); Sophia Bender (15th); Steve Blair (16th); Annie Cue (17th); Christian Gillquist (19th)

Memory Eternal:  Archpriest Roman Braga (28th); Waded Sabbagh; Bailey Lane (10th); Hannah Wilson; Ivy Sue

Prayer List: Janett (http://www.gofundme.com/SavingJanett); Christine (liver transplant needed); Jill; Kh. Marilyn; Angie; Julian; Fr. Gordon & Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki Gans; Jean Foley & Laham family; Hoppes in Albania,  Moores in Mongolia, Jesse Brandow  in Guatemala (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian Orfanos; 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 Hrisomalos; Those with child: (Brooke (Theckla), Elizabeth, and Gabriella); Noah; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R; Alex; John; Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia McCallister; 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; Catherine

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 Epistle to the Romans. (2:10-16)

Brethren, glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek; for there is no respect of persons with God.  For as many as have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law; and as many as have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law (for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God but the doers of the Law are justified.  For when the nations who do not have the Law do by nature the things contained in the Law, these then in spite of not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, and their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them) in the day when God judges the secrets of persons, according to my gospel, through Jesus Christ.

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

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

Divine Liturgy Variables

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 Prophet Elisseu (Elisha) – Tone 4

The incarnate Angel, and the Prophets’ summit and boast, the second forerunner of the coming of Christ our God, Elias (Elijah), the glorious, from above sent down his grace upon Elisseus; he doth cast out sickness and doth also cleanse lepers; and unto all that honor him, he poureth forth streams of cures.

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, June 7, 2015

First Sunday after Pentecost

Commemoration of All Saints

Hieromartyr Theodotos, Bishop of Ancyra; Venerable Sebastian the Wonder-Worker;

Venerable Cedd, Bishop of Essex

Visitors, you are always welcome at All Saints.

Please join us as we celebrate our patronal feast today after Divine Liturgy.

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.”

All Saints Patronal Feast Day – Pitch-In Meal  — Today is a day of celebration, fellowship, and good food.  Meat is being provided. Pitch-in with your favorite side dishes, salads, and desserts. Come prepared to have an enjoyable afternoon both inside and outside.

We welcomed the infant Daniel Peter Ivanitski into the Orthodox Church through Holy Baptism on Saturday.  His parents are Maksym and Olesia; Gala Mullis is godmother.

Nourishment of the Soul:

“If you would know of the Lord’s love for us, hate sin and evil thoughts, and day and night pray fervently.  The Lord will then give you His grace, and you will know Him through the Holy Spirit, and after death, when you enter into paradise, there too, you will know the Lord through the Holy Spirit, as you knew Him on earth.” — St. Silouan of Mt. Athos

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

The Apostles Fast begins Monday and continues through June 29th.

Wednesday, June 10: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Thursday, June 11: Bedford – Mitchell Fellowship at the Haneys: 10:00 –  Noon.

Saturday, June 13: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, June 14: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD

• Gathering at the Gazebo, Tuesday, June 16 at 6 pm: Myrrh Bearers will sponsor a social get-together.  All women are invited. You can park near the gazebo.
• June 21: Father’s Day
• June 24-28th – Midwest Parish Life Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
• June 24: Deacon Seraphim offers Bible Study after DailyVespers.
• June 28: Myrrh Bearers meeting
• June 28-July 10: Summer Camp at AV–Campers leave early Sunday morning.

Happy Birthday: Catherine Alexander (7th); Caden McCormick (8th); Mary Ann Griggs (13th)

Blessed Name Day: Cleo Stroguiludis (St. Kalliope – 8th)

Memory Eternal:   Archpriest Roman Braga (28th); Waded Sabbagh; Bailey Lane (10th); Hannah Wilson; Ivy Sue

Prayer List: Janett (liver transplant needed: http://www.gofundme.com/SavingJanett); Christine (liver transplant needed); Jill; Kh. Marilyn; Angie; Julian; Fr. Gordon & Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki Gans; Jean Foley & Laham family; Hoppes in Albania,  Moores in Mongolia, Jesse Brandow  in Guatemala (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian Orfanos; 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 Hrisomalos; Those with child: (Brooke (Theckla), Elizabeth, and Gabriella); Noah; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R; Alex; John; Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia McCallister; 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; Catherine

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 Hebrews. (11:33-40;12:1-2a)

Brethren, all the saints 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.  Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (10:32-33, 37-38; 19: 27-30)

            The Lord said to His disciples, “Everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny before My Father Who is in heaven.  He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.”

Then Peter said in reply, “Lo, we have left everything and followed Thee.  What then shall we have?”

Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the New World, when the Son of Man shall sit on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  And every one who has left houses or brother or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My Name’s sake, will receive a hundred fold, and inherit eternal life.  But many that are first will be last, and the last first.”

Divine Liturgy Variables

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 8

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

Kontakion of All Saints – Tone 4

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

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) of All Saints – Tone 8

Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just; praise becometh the upright. Alleluia (words may vary)

 SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

The Great Feast of Pentecost

 Kneeling Vespers immediately follows today’s Divine Liturgy.

Service Books are in the Narthex for Kneeling Vespers.

Charles Coats’ class and Zach’s class will not meet today.

Visitors, you are always welcome 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: “What an immeasurably great honor it is to mankind that they can open their lips before  God; that they can converse with Him, and are able to make request to Him of their needs; to thank Him for His benefits, to praise His unspeakable magnificence, and to be assured that this sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise is agreeable to God; that our highest spiritual requests to Him relating to the salvation of our souls are always fulfilled!” – St. John of Kronstadt

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: No one is assigned today; please contribute if you want, while knowing that social hour starts late today after Kneeling Vespers which will end around 12:30.

Myrrh Bearers elected Stephanie Haines and Marcia Baldwin as co-chairs, Catherine Alexander as secretary, and Nina Rogers as treasurer. We hope you will address requests to any of them and work with us as we all strive to serve Christ and His church meeting at All Saints.

Dear Church Family,

   I want to thank you for  your cards and calls,  food and flowers and prayers during my recent recovery from surgery.   As many of you know, the third surgery for a fractured femur was unexpected for me.  The Lord is faithful, and I thank Him for His mercy in every situation.  It was a joy to be back in the Liturgy last Sunday.   I look forward  to  being with you as we celebrate Pentecost together.

Thank you again for your gifts and encouragement and prayers.

Love in Christ, Kh. Marilyn

THIS WEEK

Fast-Free Week

Wednesday, June 3: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Saturday, June 6: Baptism at 4:00; Great Vespers at 5:00 (No confessions scheduled at 4:30)

Sunday, June 7: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – All Saints Patronal Feast Day  — This will be a day of celebration, fellowship, and good food.  Meat is being provided. Pitch-in with your favorite side dishes, salads, and desserts. Come prepared to have an enjoyable afternoon both inside and outside.

LOOKING AHEAD

• June 5th: Joy of All Who Sorrow: Jerome Sanderson will present a lecture on prayer.
• June 11: Bedford – Mitchell Fellowship at the home of Don and Dee Haney.
• Gathering at the Gazebo, Tuesday, June 16 at 6 pm: Myrrh Bearers will sponsor a social get-together.  All women are invited. A fasting taco-bar is planned.
• June 24-28th – Midwest Parish Life Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
• June 28: Myrrh Bearers meeting
• June 28-July 10: Summer Camp at AV

Happy Anniversary: Dn. Lawrence & Marcia on their 56th (6th)

Happy Birthday: Delaney McCormick (6th)

Blessed Name Day: Elena Radchenko (3rd)

Memory Eternal:   Archpriest Roman Braga (28th); Waded Sabbagh; Bailey Lane (10th); Hannah Wilson; Ivy Sue

Prayer List: Christine; Jill; Kh. Marilyn; Angie; Julian; Fr. Gordon & Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki Gans; Jean Foley & Laham family; Hoppes in Albania,  Moores in Mongolia, Jesse Brandow  in Guatemala (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian Orfanos; 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 Hrisomalos; Those with child: (Brooke (Theckla), Elizabeth, and Gabriella); Noah; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R; Alex; John; Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia McCallister; 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; Catherine

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings                                           

Prokeimenon: “Their sound has gone forth into all the earth.”

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

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

When the Day of Pentecost had come, the apostles were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.  And at the sound the multitude came together, and were bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.  And they were all amazed and marveled, saying: “Behold, are not all these who are speaking Galileans?  And how is it that we hear, each of us in our own language where we were born?  Parthians and Medes and Elamites and the residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs, we hear them speaking in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

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

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

Divine Liturgy Variables

Second Antiphon – Instead of Save us, O Son of God…we sing Save us, O Good Comforter.

Third Antiphon – O Lord, in Thy strength the king shall be glad, and in Thy salvation shall he rejoice exceedingly. The desire of his heart hast Thou granted unto him, and hast not denied him the request of his lips.  Thou wentest before him with blessings of goodness, Thou hast set upon his head a crown of precious stones. He asked life of Thee, and Thou gavest him length of days unto ages of ages.

Apolytikion of Pentecost – Tone 8

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

Entrance Hymn of the Feast –  Save us, O Good Comforter, Save us who sing to Thee. Alleluia..

Kontakion of Pentecost – Tone 6

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

Instead of “Holy God”, we sing “As many as have been baptized…“

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

Communion Hymn –  Thy Good Sprit shall lead me into the land of uprightness.  Alleluia.

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2015

Sunday of the After-Feast of the Ascension

Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council

Venerable Stylites Simeon the Younger of the Mountain of Wonders and Nikitas of Pereyaslavl-Zalesski; Martyr Meletios the General of Galatia; Venerable Vincent of Lerins

Visitors, you are always welcome 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: “You cannot be too gentle, too kind. Shun even to appear harsh in your treatment of each other. Joy, radiant joy, streams from the face of one who gives and kindles joy in the heart  of one who receives. All condemnation is from the devil. Never condemn each other, not even those whom you catch committing an evil deed  We condemn others only because we shun knowing ourselves.  When we gaze at our own failings, we see such a morass of filth that nothing in another can equal it.  That is why we turn away, and make much of the faults of others. Keep away from the spilling of speech. Instead of condemning others, strive to reach inner peace.  Keep silent; refrain from judgment.” – St. Seraphim of Sarov

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 I-Z will prepare the table for social hour. However, any who feel led to contribute are welcome to do so.  Next week is a free-offering Sunday.

Myrrh Bearers meet around 11:50 to elect officers for the year.

THIS WEEK

Monday, May 25: Retirement Party for Charles Coats on  Memorial Day at 4:00: Food will be served. Bring cards for Charles or memorable stories to share.

Wednesday, May 27: Daily Vespers at 6:00 – Deacon Seraphim Moslener will present a Bible Study afterward on the Book of Acts.

Saturday, May 30: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, May 31: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Holy Pentecost with Kneeling Vespers immediately following.

LOOKING AHEAD

All Saints Feast Day on Sunday, June 7th — This will be a day of celebration, fellowship, and good food.  Meat is being provided. Pitch-in with your favorite side dishes, salads,  and desserts.

Happy Anniversary: David and Jan Gudaitis (26th)

Happy Birthday: Miriam Stant (26th); Robert Rogers (29th)

Memory Eternal:   Archpriest Roman Braga (28th); Waded Sabbagh; Bailey Lane (10th); Ivy Sue (Shirley’s great niece)

Prayer List: Christine; Jill; Kh. Marilyn; Angie Starkston ; Julian; Fr. Gordon & Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki Gans; Jean Foley & Laham family; Hoppes in Albania,  Moores in Mongolia, Jesse Brandow  in Guatemala(OCMC Missionaries); Vivian Orfanos; 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 Hrisomalos; Those with child: (Brooke (Theckla), Elizabeth, and Gabriella); Noah; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R; Alex; John; Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia McCallister; 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; Caleb

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

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

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

            At That time, Jesus lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son that the Son may glorify Thee, since Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom Thou hast given Him.  And this is eternal life, that they know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ Whom Thou has sent.  I glorified Thee on earth, having accomplished the work which Thou gavest Me to do; and now, Father, glorify Thou Me in Thy own presence with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was made. I have manifested Thy Name to the men whom Thou gavest Me out of the world; Thine they were, and Thou gavest them to Me, and they have kept Thy word.  Now they know that everything that Thou hast given Me is from Thee; for I have given them the words which Thou gavest Me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from Thee; and they have believed that Thou didst send Me.  I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom Thou hast given Me, for they are Thine; all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine and I am coming to Thee.  Holy Father, keep them in Thy Name, which Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We are one.  While I was with them, I kept them in Thy Name, which Thou have given Me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled.  But now I am coming to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.”

Divine Liturgy Variables

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 6

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

Apolytikion of the Ascension – Tone 4

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

Apolytikion of the Holy Fathers – Tone 8

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

Kontakion of the Ascension – Tone 6

When Thou didst ascend in glory, O Christ our God, inseparable in space, but constant without separation and crying unto Thy beloved; I am with you, and no one shall be against you

Megalynarian – “It Is Truly Meet”

Communion Hymn –  “Praise the Lord”

Instead of ” We have seen the true Light”, we sing the Apolytikion of the Ascension

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

 SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2015

Sunday of the Blind Man

Apostles Andronikos and Junia of the Seventy; Athanasios the New, Bishop of Christianopolis; Venerable Nektarios and Theophanes, Founders of the Barlaam Monastery on Meteora; Eudoxia, Princess of Moscow

Visitors, you are always welcome 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: “In order to fulfill the commandments of Christ, you must know them. They are expounded in the Gospels. Read the Holy Gospels, penetrate its spirit, make it the rule of your life, act in accord with the teachings of the Gospels. This is the one light in our life.” — St. Nikon of Optina

Mariam Adele Gillquist was born last Sunday, May 10th. We are so thankful for her safe delivery and for the prayers of each and every one of you! – Fr. Peter Jon & Khouria Kristina & family.

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 G-H will prepare the table for social hour. However, any who feel led to contribute are welcome to do so.

 The Parish Council meets after Divine Liturgy today at noon in Father’s office.

 THIS WEEK

 Wednesday, May 20: Evening Liturgy for the Ascension of Christ at 6:00 – The period of dispensation from fasting ends after the Ascension. Friday is a day of fasting.

Saturday, May 23: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, May 24: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Myrrh Bearers meet to elect officers for the year.

Monday, May 25: Retirement Party for Charles Coats on  Memorial Day at 4:00

 LOOKING AHEAD

• Deacon Seraphim’s Bible Study on May 27th after Vespers: The Book of Acts
• Pentecost on May 31st with Kneeling Vespers immediately following Divine Liturgy
• All Saints Feast Day on Sunday, June 7th

Blessed Name Day: Lydia Finchum (20th); Saraquel Hsu (21st)

Happy Birthday: Hannah Gillquist (18th)

Memory Eternal:   Archpriest Roman Braga (28th); Waded Sabbagh; Bailey Lane (10th)

Prayer List: Christine in poor health; Jill; Kh. Marilyn; Angie Starkston (Baldwin’s niece following breast cancer surgery); Julian; Fr. Gordon & Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki Gans; Jean Foley & Laham family; Hoppe & Moore Families (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian Orfanos; 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 Hrisomalos; Those with child: (Brooke (Theckla), Elizabeth, and Gabriella); Noah; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R; Alex; John; Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia McCallister; 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 the Acts of the Holy Apostles. (16:16-34)

In those days, while we the apostles were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination, who brought her masters much gain by soothsaying.  She followed Paul and us, and cried out saying: “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” And she did this for many days.  But Paul was annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit: “I charge you in the Name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.

But when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers; and when they had brought them to the magistrates they said: “These men are disturbing our city, and they, being Jews, are setting forth customs which are not lawful for us to receive or observe, since we are Romans.”  The multitude then rose up together against them, and the magistrates tore their garments off  them, and commanded to beat them with rods.  And when they had inflicted many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging  the jailer to keep them safely.  Having received such a charge, he cast them into the inner prison, and fastened their feet in the stocks.

But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and every one’s fetters were unfastened.  And the jailer, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.  But Paul cried out with a loud voice saying: “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.”  And he called for lights and rushed in, and fell down before Paul and Silas trembling with fear, and brought them out and said: “Masters, what must I do to be saved?” And they said: “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”  And they spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his house.  And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was baptized, he and his entire household.  Then he brought them up into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with his entire house, in that he had believed in God.

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

                At that time, when Jesus was passing, He saw a man blind from his birth.  And His Disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him.  I must work the works of Him Who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work.  As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

As He said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man’s eyes with the clay, saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent}. So he went and washed and came back seeing.  The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar, said, “Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?” Some said, “It is he”; others said, “No, but he is like him.”  He said, “I am the man.” They said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash’; so I went and washed and received my sight.”  They said to him, “Where is He?” He said, “I do not know.” They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind.  Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes.  The Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight.  And he said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.”

Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath.”  But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” There was a division among them. So they again said to the blind man. “What do you say about Him, since He has opened your eyes?”  He said, “He is a prophet.”  The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight, and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind?  How then does he now see?”  His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes.  Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself.” His parents said this because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Him to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.  Therefore his parents said, “He is of age, ask him.”  So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, “Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner.”  He answered, “Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see.”  They said to him, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?” He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen.  Why do you want to hear it again?  Do you too want to become His disciples?”  And they reviled him, saying, “You are His disciple, but we are disciples of Moses.  We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where He comes from.”  The man answered, “Why, this is a marvel! You do not know where He comes from, and yet He opened my eyes.  We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, God listens to him.  Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind,  If this man were not from God, he could do nothing” They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?”  And they cast him out.  Jesus  heard that they had cast him out, and having found him He said, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” He answered, “And Who is He, Sir, that I may believe in Him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen Him, and it is He who speaks to you.” He said, “Lord, I believe; and he worshiped Him.

Divine Liturgy Variables

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 of Pascha – Tone 8

Thou didst descend into the tomb, O Immortal. Thou didst destroy the power  of death; in victory didst Thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming Rejoice to the Myrrhbearing women, granting peace toThine Apostles, and bestowing resurrection on the fallen.

Megalynarian (instead of It Is Truly Meet)

“The Angle Cried”

Communion Hymn – Tone 8

Receive ye the body of Christ; taste ye of the Immortal Fountain.  Alleluia 3X.