Sunday after the Theophany of Christ

Theodosios the Great, head of monasteries (Cenobiarch)

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 Theophany of Christ – Tone 1

When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, worship of the Trinity wast made manifest; for the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, calling Thee His beloved Son. And the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the truth of His word. O Christ our God, Who hast appeared and enlightened the world, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion of St. Theodosios – 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 Theodosios, intercede with Christ God to save our souls.

Kontakion of the Theophany of Christ – Tone 4

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

Approaching the Holy Chalice

The young children of Little Lambs and their teachers receive first, unless there are newly illumined, in which case the children go second. Infants to toddlers may follow with their parents or godparent. Everyone else in the parish family is asked to file toward the periphery, toward the narthex, and proceed down the center aisle. As we approach the chalice, we fold our arms, right over left. This is both a posture of submission and confession of Christ’s victory over death. Those who commune are asked to open their mouths wide with their heads slightly tipped up and receive the Gifts directly from the spoon. This eliminates confusion and reduces the risk of spillage.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saint.

What shall we render to the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto us?

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. (13:7-16)

Brethren, remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the Word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings; for it is well that the heart be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited their adherents. We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through His own blood. Therefore, let us go forth to Him outside the camp and bear the abuse He endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city, which is to come. Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His Name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

The Gospel

The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (4:12-17)

At that time, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulon and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulon and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Thought for Today

“Remember that while you pray, God expects from you a positive answer to His question: ‘Do you believe that I can fulfill your prayers?’ You must be able to answer from the bottom of your heart: ‘Yes, I believe, O God,’ and then you will be answered according to your faith.” – St. John of Kronstadt

Looking Ahead

House blessing Please EMAIL Fr. Peter if you would like to have your home blessed, placing “house blessing” in the subject line. As usual, he will cluster homes by geography.

Annual Parish Meeting TBA.

This Week

Monday, January 12 3rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.

Tuesday, January 13 Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am; OCF dinner & discussion at the Webb’s home 6:30pm.

Wednesday, January 14 Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm, Inquirers and Catechumen classes to follow a Pitch-in meal with? provided. Cornbread, fruit, bread, and other sides are needed. Contact Juliana Schulz for suggestions of sides or of items you are bringing at 812- 360-5975 or Jennifer.schulz3ttj@gmail.com.

Thursday, January15 Divine Liturgy for St. Paul of Thebes and St. John the Hut Dweller at 9:00 am.

Friday, January 16 Divine Liturgy for St. Peter’s Chains at 9:00 am.

Saturday, January 17 Divine Liturgy for St. Anthony the Great at 9:00 am; Bible study 11:00 am at the Webb’s home; Tween and Teen SOYO at 3:30 pm. Great Vespers at 5:00, ‘Ask Abouna’ to follow.

Sunday, January 18 Matins at 9:00 am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.

Family News

Name Day Celebrations Sarah Carter, St. Tatiana (12th); April Blair, Vivian Garletts, St. Macrina (14th); Nina Gillquist, Nina Rogers, St Nina (14th); Anthony Gillquist, Jax Schulz, Jacob Gill, Mario Antonio Landino and Tony Nasser, Bp. Anthony Michaels, and Fr. Anthony Yazge, Anthony the Great (17th).

Birthday Celebrations Sarah Carter (13th); Aiden Collawn (13th); Rachel Barber (14th).

Prayer List Joel; Wendy; Dnsa. Robyn Freeman; Mary Ann; Rita; Michael, Olga, Jone; Kelsey and her child born; Heather; Hal; Jim, Lisa; Kh. Paraskeva; Taylor; Fr. Athanasius; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Fr. Matthew; Rdr. David; Marvin; Nectaria, Shu-Mei. Charlie, Shirley; Gregory; Jim; Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering from the war in Ukraine and the Middle East; our Nation; all school children, and personnel across the nation; Emma; Josiah; Jack; Christopher; Wadia; Patricia; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Vicki; Kenzie; Dusty; Cari; Josh; Allison; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Missy; Andrew; Isaac; Sadie and the child she bears; Audra and the child she bears; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Neumann Seraphim; Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Lexi, Ross, Vivian; Theo; Jeremy; Elias; Leanne Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Sarah; Jennifer; Christy; John; Bruce (Barb’s brother); Stanley; Allen; Linda; Allison and children; Kip; Evan; Anastasia and family; Dorthea; Mary; Marina; Patrick; Seraphima, Anna and the child she bears, Mary and the child she bears; Williams family; Victoria and the child she bears.

Memory Eternal Amanda, Jared, Robert, Pauline, infant Noah, Fr. Daniel, Essam, Qili, Ron, Fr. Andrew, Fr. Christopher.

Giving Opportunities We appreciate and welcome your ongoing support.

Benevolence Fund Donations are used to support families in need of help with rent and utilities payments.

Food Pantry Our in-house Food Pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the community of Bloomington. Donations of nonperishable items of pasta, marinara sauce, peanut butter, canned chicken and Tuna, canned vegetables, canned fruit and soups are always a great blessing.

Mission Donations We send monthly support to two missionary units in Albania, the Hoppe family and Hannah Valentine.

All Saints’ Sunday Meal

In order to best serve our growing congregation, we ask that everyone who is able bring a food donation of a pot, bowl, casserole or loaf of something* to share at the meal. If you are unable to bring a donation, please come anyway and help with cleaning up after the meal. Place your donations ready to be served on the serving buffet prior to Holy Communion. After the meal, remove your containers and clean up any church items you used. Thank you.

Donations to the church are being made online to www.allsaintsbloomington.org and by U.S. mail. Many thanks to all who continue supporting All Saints.

Forefeast of & Sunday before Theophany of Christ

Synaxis of the Seventy Holy Apostles; Venerable Theoktistos of Sicily

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 5

Let us believers praise and worship the Word; coeternal 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.

Apolytikion of the Forefeast of Theophany – Tone 4

Be thou ready, Zabulon; prepare thyself, O Nephthalim. * River Jordan, stay thy course and skip for gladness to receive * the Sovereign Master, Who cometh now to be baptized. * O Adam, be thou glad with our first mother, Eve; * hide not as ye did of old in Paradise. * Seeing you naked, He hath appeared now * to clothe you in the first robe again. * Christ hath appeared, for He truly willeth to renew all creation.

Kontakion of the Forefeast of Theophany – Tone 4

In the running waters of * the Jordan River, * on this day the Lord of all * crieth to John: Be not afraid * and hesitate not to baptize Me, * for I am come to save Adam, the first-formed man.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle

O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Unto Thee will I cry, O Lord my God.

The Reading from St. Paul’s Second Epistle to Timothy. (4:5-8)

Timothy, my son, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.

The Gospel

The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (1:1-8)

The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” John the Baptizer appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes He Who is mightier than I, the strap of Whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Thought for Today

“In a society where each one sees himself as the first no one makes any progress. If, however, one always considers oneself to be the last, meeting someone else becomes each time an opportunity for spiritual profit and progress. So it is best to be the last. If I am the first, life is infernally tiresome. If I am the last, life is continual joy, because I am always learning something useful. -Saint Sophrony of Essex

Approaching the Holy Chalice

The young children of Little Lambs and their teachers receive first, unless there are newly illumined, in which case the children go second. Infants to toddlers may follow with their parents or godparent. Everyone else in the parish family is asked to file toward the periphery, toward the narthex, and proceed down the center aisle. As we approach the chalice, we fold our arms, right over left. This is both a posture of submission and confession of Christ’s victory over death. Those who commune are asked to open their mouths wide with their heads slightly tipped up and receive the Gifts directly from the spoon. This eliminates confusion and reduces the risk of spillage.

Looking Ahead

House blessing Please EMAIL Fr. Peter if you would like to have your home blessed, placing “house blessing” in the subject line. As usual, he will cluster homes by geography.

Annual Parish Meeting.

This Week

Today, Sunday Forefeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Myrrh Bearers will meet following Divine Liturgy,

Monday, January 5 Hours of Theophany 9am, Vesperal Liturgy with the Great Blessing of the Waters 5:00 pm.

Tuesday, January 6 Festal Matins of Theophany 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy for the Feast with the Outdoor Blessing of the Waters 10:00 am

Wednesday, January 7 Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm, Inquirers and Catechumen classes to follow a Pitch-in meal. ? will be provided. Salads, bread, hummus and fruit are needed. Contact Juliana Schulz for suggestions of sides or of items you are bringing at 812- 360-5975 or Jennifer.schulz3ttj@gmail.com.

Thursday, January 8 Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.

Friday, January 9 3rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.

Saturday, January 10 Divine Liturgy for St. Gregory of Nyssa at 9:00 am; Bible study 11:00 am at the Webb’s home; Tween and Teen SOYO at 3:30 pm. Great Vespers at 5:00, ‘Ask Abouna’ to follow.

Sunday, January 11 Matins at 9:00 am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am,

Family News

Name Day Celebrations Micah Finchum, Prophet Micah (5th); Macrina Robertson, St. Macrina the Lesser (5th); John Labban, John Alexander jr, Forerunner and Baptist John (7th); Gregory Gillquist, Michael Gill, St. Gregory of Nyssa (10th).

Birthday Celebrations John Alexander (5th); Sami Koutares (5th); Macrina Robertson (5th); Alex Koutares (6th); Ian Yeager (7th); Charles Coats (8th); Hal Sabbagh (9th).

Prayer List Joel; Wendy; Dnsa. Robyn Freeman; Mary Ann; Rita; Kelsey and the born of her; Heather; Kh. Paraskeva; Hal; Jacquie; Jim and Lisa; Taylor; Fr. Athanasius; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Fr. Matthew; Marvin; Nectaria, Shu-Mei. Charlie, Shirley; Gregory; Jim; Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering from the war in Ukraine and the Middle East; our Nation; all school children, and personnel across the nation; Emma; Josiah; Jack; Christopher; Wadia; Patricia; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Vicki; Kenzie; Dusty; Cari; Josh; Allison; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Missy; Andrew; Isaac; Sadie and the child she bears; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Neumann Seraphim; Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Lexi, Ross, Vivian; Theo; Jeremy; Elias; Leanne Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Sarah; Jennifer; Christy; John; Stanley; Allen; Linda; Allison and children; Kip; Evan; Anastasia and family; Dorthea; Mary; Marina; Patrick; Seraphima, Anna and the child she bears, Mary and the child she bears; Williams family.

Memory Eternal Creighton, Christopher, Amanda, Jared, Kh. Carol, Robert, Pauline.

Your Help Helping Those in Need: We pray, fast and offer charity to those in need, fulfilling the Lord’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves. During this season the Church has had a beautiful response. Collection for Saint Nicholas Tree, Hannah House, and Community Shelter will continue during the 12 days of Christmas (until Theophany). There are opportunities for almsgiving throughout the year:

Benevolence Fund: Donations are used to support families in need of help with rent and utilities payments.

Food Pantry: Our in-house Food Pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the community of Bloomington. Donations of nonperishable items of pasta, marinara sauce, peanut butter, canned chicken and Tuna, canned vegetables, canned fruit and soups are always a great blessing.

Mission Donations: We send monthly support to two missionary units in Albania, the Hoppe family and Hannah Valentine. We welcome and encourage you to contribute to their ongoing support.

All Saints’ Sunday Meal

SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP MEAL In order to best serve our growing congregation, instead of the usual alphabetical meal teams, we ask that everyone who is able bring a food donation of a pot, bowl, casserole or loaf of something* to share at the meal. If you are unable to bring a donation, please come anyway and help with cleaning up after the meal. Place your donations ready to be served on the serving buffet prior to Holy Communion. After the meal, remove your containers and clean up any church items you used. Thank you.

Donations to the church are being made online to www.allsaintsbloomington.org and by U.S. mail. Many thanks to all who continue supporting All Saints.

After-feast of & Sunday after the Nativity of Christ

Commemoration of Joseph the Betrothed, David the Prophet and King, James the brother of God, and the 20,000 martyrs of Nicomedia

Christ is Born, Glorify Him!

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 4

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

Apolytikion of the Nativity of Christ – Tone 4

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath given rise to the light of knowledge in the world; for they that worshipped the stars did learn there from to worship Thee, O Sun of justice, and to know that from the east of the Highest Thou didst come. O Lord, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion of Sunday After the Nativity – Tone 2

Proclaim, O Joseph, to David, the grandparent of God, the amazing wonders; for thou hast seen a Virgin great with child; for with the shepherds thou didst give glory, with the Magi thou didst worship, and by the angel it was revealed to thee. Wherefore, plead thou with Christ God to save our souls.

Kontakion of Preparation of Christ’s Nativity – Tone 3

The Virgin cometh today to the cave to give birth, ineffably to bring forth the Word eternal. Therefore, rejoice o earth at the message with the Angels and the shepherds give glory to Him who shall appear as a young Child, He who is from Eternity God.

Approaching the Holy Chalice

The young children of Little Lambs and their teachers receive first, unless there are newly illumined, in which case the children go second. Infants to toddlers may follow with their parents or godparent. Everyone else in the parish family is asked to file toward the periphery, toward the narthex, and proceed down the center aisle. As we approach the chalice, we fold our arms, right over left. This is both a posture of submission and confession of Christ’s victory over death. Those who commune are asked to open their mouths wide with their heads slightly tipped up and receive the Gifts directly from the spoon. This eliminates confusion and reduces the risk of spillage.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle

God is wondrous in His saints. Bless God in the congregations.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians. (1:11-19)

Brethren, I would have you know that the Gospel, which was preached by me, is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people; so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when He who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son to me, in order that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.

The Gospel

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (2:13-23)

When the wise men had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the Child, to destroy Him.” And he rose and took the Child and His mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called My Son.” Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region, who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.” But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.” And he rose and took the Child and His mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Thought for Today

“Thank God! Thank God! Thank God for everything! From these wonderful, holy words retreat gloomy thoughts, a burden. Peace, comfort, and joy come to the soul of a person. Thy will be done, Lord! Thank God for everything! – St. Nikon of Optina

This Week

Monday, December 29 3rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.

Tuesday, December 30 Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.

Wednesday, December 31 Great Vespers at 6:00 pm, followed by New Year’s Eve Potluck.

Thursday, January 1 Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great for the Circumcision of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 9:00 am.

Friday, January 2 Divine Liturgy for St. Seraphim of Sarov and Juliana the Merciful at 9:00 am.

Saturday, January 3 Bible study 10:00 am at the Webbs’ home; Soyo/Jr Soyo gift exchange 3:30 pm; Great Vespers at 5:00; Children’s Christmas pageant follows (10th day of Christmas).

Sunday, January 4 Matins at 9:00 am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am. Forefeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Family News

Name Day Celebrations Will Gidney, Jonathan Hsu, St. Basil (1st); Linda Barrett, Leanne Bissell, Neuman Jones, Seraphim Cook, St. Seraphim (2nd); Jen Schulz, Juliana Barber, Juliana the merciful (3rd); Johanna Hsu, Emily Wood, St. Emilia (3rd); Jennifer Rigsby, Genevieve Maschino, St. Genevieve (3rd).

Birthday Celebrations Adriana Calinescu (30th); Nancy Jones (31st); Molly Alexander (31st); Lena Tabbal (1st); Emily Wood (3rd).

Anniversary Celebration Darryl and Nancy Jones (4th).

Looking Ahead

January 5: Hours of Theophany 9am, Vesperal Liturgy with the Great Blessing of the Waters 5:00 pm

January 6: Festal Matins of Theophany 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy for the Feast with the Outdoor Blessing of the Waters 10:00 am

Prayer List Joel; Wendy; Dnsa. Robyn Freeman; Nanette; Rita; Heather; Kh. Paraskeva; Hal; Jacquie; Jim and Lisa; Taylor; Fr. Athanasius; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Fr. Matthew; Marvin; Nectaria, Shu-Mei. Charlie, Shirley; Gregory; Jim; Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering from the war in Ukraine and the Middle East; our Nation; all school children, and personnel across the nation; Mary Ann; Emma; Josiah; Jack; Christopher; Wadia; Patricia; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Vicki; Kenzie; Dusty; Cari; Josh; Allison; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Missy; Andrew; Isaac; Sadie and the child she bears; Kelsey and the child she bears; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Neumann Seraphim; Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Lexi, Ross, Vivian; Theo; Jeremy; Elias; Leanne Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Sarah; Jennifer; Christy; John; Stanley; Allen; Linda; Allison and children; Kip; Evan; Anastasia and family; Dorthea; Mary; Marina; Patrick; Seraphima, Anna and the child she bears, Mary and the child she bears; Williams family.

Memory Eternal Creighton, Christopher, Amanda, Jared, Kh. Carol, Robert.

Your Help Helping Those in Need: We pray, fast and offer charity to those in need, fulfilling the Lord’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves. During this season the Church has had a beautiful response. Collection for Saint Nicholas Tree, Hannah House, and Community Shelter will continue during the 12 days of Christmas (until Theophany). There are opportunities for almsgiving throughout the year:

Benevolence Fund: Donations are used to support families in need of help with rent and utilities payments.

Food Pantry: Our in-house Food Pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the community of Bloomington. Donations of nonperishable items of pasta, marinara sauce, peanut butter, canned chicken and Tuna, canned vegetables, canned fruit and soups are always a great blessing.

Mission Donations: We send monthly support to two missionary units in Albania, the Hoppe family and Hannah Valentine. We welcome and encourage you to contribute to their ongoing support.

All Saints’ Sunday Meal

SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP MEAL In order to best serve our growing congregation, instead of the usual alphabetical meal teams, we ask that everyone who is able bring a food donation of a pot, bowl, casserole or loaf of something* to share at the meal. If you are unable to bring a donation, please come anyway and help with cleaning up after the meal. Place your donations ready to be served on the serving buffet prior to Holy Communion. After the meal, remove your containers and clean up any church items you used. Thank you.

Donations to the church are being made online to www.allsaintsbloomington.org and by U.S. mail. Many thanks to all who continue supporting All Saints.

Forefeast of & Sunday before the Nativity of Christ

(The Genealogy)

Virgin-martyr Juliana of Nicomedia; Martyr Themistokles of Myra in Lycia

Sunday, December 21 Baptisms at 9:00 am.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle

Blessed are Thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers.

For Thou are just in all that Thou has done.

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

Brethren, by faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, and put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

The Gospel

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (1:1-25)

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

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 if the Forefeast of the Nativity – Tone 4

Be thou ready, Bethlehem, Eden hath opened unto all. * Ephratha, prepare thyself, for now, behold, the Tree of Life * hath blossomed forth in the cave from the holy Virgin. * Her womb hath proved a true spiritual Paradise, * wherein the divine and saving Tree is found, * and as we eat thereof we shall all live, * and shall not die as did Adam. * For Christ is born now to raise the image that had fallen aforetime.

Apolytikion of Sunday Before the Nativity – Tone 2

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

Kontakion of Preparation of Christ’s Nativity – Tone 3

The Virgin cometh today to the cave to give birth, ineffably to bring forth the Word eternal. Therefore, rejoice o earth at the message with the Angels and the shepherds give glory to Him who shall appear as a young Child, He who is from Eternity God.

Approaching the Holy Chalice

The young children of Little Lambs and their teachers receive first, unless there are newly illumined, in which case the children go second. Infants to toddlers may follow with their parents or godparent. Everyone else in the parish family is asked to file toward the periphery, toward the narthex, and proceed down the center aisle. As we approach the chalice, we fold our arms, right over left. This is both a posture of submission and confession of Christ’s victory over death. Those who commune are asked to open their mouths wide with their heads slightly tipped up and receive the Gifts directly from the spoon. This eliminates confusion and reduces the risk of spillage.

Thought for Today

“To live with Jesus, you need- struggle, humility and unceasing prayer. These are your tools for the hard road ahead.” -St. Moses the Strong

This Week

Today, Sunday Christmas caroling to our neighbors following the Sunday meal.

Monday, December 22 3rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.

Tuesday, December 23 Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.

Wednesday, December 24 Hours of Christmas Eve at 9:00 am; Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great at 4:00 pm.

Christmas morning, December 25 Festal Matins at 9:00 am; Festal Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am to celebrate the Nativity of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ. The Church will remain open all day for those who wish to spend time together in the fellowship hall.

Friday, December 26 Divine Liturgy for the Synaxis of the Theotokos at 9:00 am.

Saturday, December 27 Bible study 10:00 am at the Webbs’ home; Tween and Teen SOYO at 3:30 pm. Great Vespers at 5:00; ‘Ask Abouna’ to follow.

Sunday, December 28 Matins at 9:00 am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.

Looking Ahead

December 31 Great Vespers 6:00 pm, followed by New Year’s Eve Potluck

January 1 Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great for the Circumcision of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 9:00 am

January 3 Children’s Christmas pageant on the 10th day of Christmas

January 5-6 Theophany Services

Family News

Name Day Celebrations Christopher Stroguiludis, Christ Jesus (25th); Stephen Berck, Protomartyr Stephen (27th).

Birthday Celebrations Jonathon Hsu (22nd).

Anniversary Celebration Phil & Debra Campbell (23rd).

Prayer List Dnsa. Robyn Freeman; Paulina and the child born of her; Cathy; Freeman family and newborn Isaiah; Lauren Ann and infant David; Nanette; Rita; Heather; Kh. Paraskeva; Hal; Jacquie; Jim and Lisa; Taylor; Fr. Athanasius; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Fr. Matthew; Marvin; Nectaria, Shu-Mei. Charlie, Shirley; Gregory; Jim; Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering from the war in Ukraine and the Middle East; our Nation; all school children, and personnel across the nation; Mary Ann; Emma; Josiah; Jack; Christopher; Wadia; Patricia; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Vicki; Kenzie; Dusty; Cari; Josh; Allison; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Missy; Andrew; Isaac; Sadie and the child she bears; Kelsey and the child she bears; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Neumann Seraphim; Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Lexi, Ross, Vivian; Theo; Jeremy; Elias; Leanne Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Sarah; Jennifer; Christy; John; Stanley; Allen; Linda; Allison and children; Kip; Evan; Anastasia and family; Dorthea; Mary; Marina; Patrick; Seraphima, Anna and the child she bears, Mary and the child she bears; Williams family.

Memory Eternal Creighton, Christopher, Amanda, Jared, Kh. Carol, Robert.

We Need Your Help Helping Those in Need: The fasts of the Church, most especially the cold weather fasting periods of Nativity and Great Lent, are opportunities for great spiritual growth. We pray, fast and offer charity to those in need, fulfilling the Lord’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves. Here are opportunities to give desperately needed alms through the Church during this season:

Saint Nicholas Tree: There is a small Christmas tree set up in the fellowship hall. You are invited to bring gas/grocery cards or cash to place on that tree. These will be collected and distributed to families in need.

Diapers and Baby Blankets: Our project this year (in memory of Alx John Alexander) is to collect baby diapers (all sizes) and baby blankets for families seeking help through the Hannah House. Please place your donations in the box provided in the fellowship hall, and we will get them to Hannah House.

Hats, mittens/gloves, sweatshirts and underclothing: This collection is for the children in the community shelter. There is a need for sizes 2t to 14. Place your donations in the Christmas bag in the hallway.

Benevolence Fund: We have been helping multiple families recently, so this fund needs built up. ‘Tis the season to give as you are able. Please help us help those seeking charity.

Food Pantry: Our in-house Food Pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the community of Bloomington. Donations of nonperishable items of pasta, marinara sauce, peanut butter, canned chicken, tuna, canned vegetables, canned fruit and soups are always needed.

Mission Donations: We send monthly support to two missionary units in Albania, the Hoppe family and Hannah Valentine. We welcome and encourage you to contribute to their ongoing support.

All Saints’ Sunday Meal

SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP MEAL CHANGES BEGIN In order to best serve our growing congregation, instead of the usual alphabetical meal teams, we ask that everyone who is able bring a food donation of a pot, bowl, casserole or loaf of something* to share at the meal. If you are unable to bring a donation, please come anyway and help with cleaning up after the meal. *Please remember, no meat or dairy through December 7 (fish is allowed) and no meat, dairy or fish on December 14 and 21th. Place your donations ready to be served on the serving buffet prior to Holy Communion. After the meal, remove your containers and clean up any church items you used. Thank you.

Service Books Our service books are disappearing. New ones for Divine Liturgy and Daily Vespers have been printed. Please check your homes for service books and return them if found.

Attention Parents Please make sure your beautiful children clean up after themselves, especially in the nursery and in our outdoor spaces.

Donations to the church are being made online to www.allsaintsbloomington.org and by U.S. mail. Many thanks to all who continue supporting All Saints.

Sunday of the Forefathers (Ancestors) of Christ

Martyrs Thyrsos, Leukios and Kallinikos of Apollonia;

Martyrs Philemon, Apollonios, Hypatios and Arrianos of Alexandria

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 2

When Thou didst submit Thyself unto death, O Thou deathless and immortal One, then Thou didst destroy hades 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 of the Forefathers -Tone 2

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

Kontakion of Preparation of Christ’s Nativity – Tone 3

The Virgin cometh today to the cave to give birth, ineffably to bring forth the Word eternal. Therefore, rejoice o earth at the message with the Angels and the shepherds give glory to Him who shall appear as a young Child, He who is from Eternity God.

Approaching the Holy Chalice

The young children of Little Lambs and their teachers receive first, unless there are newly illumined, in which case the children go second. Infants to toddler may follow with their parents or godparent. Everyone else in the parish family is asked to file toward the periphery, toward the narthex, and proceed down the center aisle. As we approach the chalice, we fold our arms, right over left. This is both a posture of submission and confession of Christ’s victory over death. Those who commune are asked to open their mouths wide with their heads slightly tipped up and receive the Gifts directly from the spoon. This eliminates confusion and reduces the risk of spillage.

Thought for Today

“There is more mercy in God…than there are sins in us. Confess your sins at once, whatever they may be.” -St Tikhon of Zadonsk

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle

Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our Fathers.

For Thou art just in all that Thou hast done for us.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Colossians. (3:4-11)

Brethren, when Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these, the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.

The Gospel

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (14:16-24)

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

Looking Ahead

Baptisms at 9:00 am on Sunday, December 20th

Wednsday, December 24 Hours of Christmas Eve at 9:00 am; Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great at 4:00 pm.

Christmas morning, December 25: Festal Matins at 9:00 am, Festal Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am to celebrate the Nativity of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ.

Christmas Caroling: Christmas caroling to our neighbors will take place next Sunday (20th) following the Sunday meal. Many thanks to Herman and Hermione Holland, who are helping to coordinate. During this joyous time, we will be offering gift bags to the homes we visit. A basket will be available for those who wish to make cash donations toward the purchase of gift items (online gifts are welcome too!). Last year we distributed gift bags to 30 neighbors who were very surprised, moved, and expressed their deep appreciation. This year our goal is to visit 40 homes.

This Week

Today, Sunday St. Lucia visits during Sunday meal.

Monday, December 15 3rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.

Tuesday, December 16 Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.

Wednesday, December 17 Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm; Inquirers and Catechumen classes to follow a Pitch-in meal. Meatless vegetable stew will be provided. Salads, bread, hummus and fruit are needed. Contact Juliana Schulz for suggestions of sides or of items you are bringing at 812- 360-5975 or Jennifer.schulz3ttj@gmail.com.

Thursday, December 18 Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.

Friday, December 19 Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.

Saturday, December 20 Bible study 10:00 am at the Webbs’ home. Parish Council will meet at 3:30 pm; Tween and Teen SOYO at 3:30 pm. Great Vespers at 5:00; ‘Ask Abouna’ to follow.

Sunday, December 21 Matins at 9:00 am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am. Christmas caroling.

Family News

Name Day Celebrations Heather Sherrod, Rachel; Ruth Schuck, Ruth; Daniel Rigsby, Daniel Schuck, Prophet Daniel; David Beebe, David Schuck, King David.

Birthday Celebrations Constantine Stefanidis (15th); Fr. Peter Jon Gillquist (18th); Audra Pierce (18th); Laura Crandall (20th); Griffin Finchum (21st).

Anniversary Celebration Glen Vasily & Wendy Elizabeth Carter (17th)

Prayer List Dnsa. Robyn Freeman; Paulina and the child born of her; Cathy; Freeman family and newborn Isaiah; Lauren Ann and infant David; Nanette; Rita; Heather; Kh. Paraskeva; Hal; Jacquie; Jim and Lisa; Taylor; Fr. Athanasius; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Fr. Matthew; Marvin; Nectaria, Shu-Mei. Charlie, Shirley; Gregory; Jim; Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering from the war in Ukraine and the Middle East; our Nation; all school children, and personnel across the nation; Mary Ann; Emma; Josiah; Jack; Christopher; Wadia; Patricia; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Vicki; Kenzie; Dusty; Cari; Josh; Allison; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Missy; Andrew; Isaac; Sadie and the child she bears; Kelsey and the child she bears; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Neumann Seraphim; Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Lexi, Ross, Vivian; Theo; Jeremy; Elias; Leanne Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Sarah; Jennifer; Christy; John; Stanley; Allen; Linda; Allison and children; Kip; Evan; Anastasia and family; Dorthea; Mary; Marina; Patrick; Seraphima, Anna and the child she bears, Mary and the child she bears; Williams family.

Memory Eternal Creighton, Christopher, Amanda, Jared, Kh. Carol, Robert.

We Need Your Help Helping Those in Need: The fasts of the Church, most especially the cold weather fasting periods of Nativity and Great Lent, are opportunities for great spiritual growth. We pray, fast and offer charity to those in need, fulfilling the Lord’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves. Here are opportunities to give desperately needed alms through the Church during this season:

Saint Nicholas Tree: There is a small Christmas tree set up in the fellowship hall. You are invited to bring gas/grocery cards or cash to place on that tree. These will be collected and distributed to families in need.

Diapers and Baby Blankets: Our project this year (in memory of Alx John Alexander) is to collect baby diapers (all sizes) and baby blankets for families seeking help through the Hannah House. Please place your donations in the box provided in the fellowship hall, and we will get them to Hannah House.

Hats, mittens/gloves, sweatshirts and underclothing: This collection is for the children in the community shelter. There is a need for sizes 2t to 14. Place your donations in the Christmas bag in the hallway.

Benevolence Fund: We have been helping multiple families recently, so this fund needs built up. ‘Tis the season to give as you are able. Please help us help those seeking charity.

Food Pantry: Our in-house Food Pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the community of Bloomington. Donations of nonperishable items of pasta, marinara sauce, peanut butter, canned chicken, tuna, canned vegetables, canned fruit and soups are always needed.

Mission Donations: We send monthly support to two missionary units in Albania, the Hoppe family and Hannah Valentine. We welcome and encourage you to contribute to their ongoing support.

All Saints Sunday Meal

SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP MEAL CHANGES BEGIN In order to best serve our growing congregation, instead of the usual alphabetical meal teams, we ask that everyone who is able bring a food donation of a pot, bowl, casserole or loaf of something* to share at the meal. If you are unable to bring a donation, please come anyway and help with cleaning up after the meal. *Please remember, no meat or dairy through December 7 (fish is allowed) and no meat, dairy or fish on December 14 and 20th. Place your donations ready to be served on the serving buffet prior to Holy Communion. After the meal, remove your containers and clean up any church items you used. Thank you.

Donations to the church are being made online to www.allsaintsbloomington.org and by U.S. mail. Many thanks to all who continue supporting All Saints.