Sunday, February 17, 2019

The Triodion Begins.

Sunday of the Pharisee and the Publican

The Holy Great-Martyr Theodore the Soldier (‘Tyro’); Emperor Marcian & Empress Pulcheria of Constantinople

Welcome to All Saints!

Nourishment of the Soul: “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit, in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which abides forever….” 1 Peter 1:22-23

Parish Council meets today.

February 28th, 6:30: Discussion group at the Webb’s.  This is the first of a series of discussions on various topics (many to be supplied by those attending).  The first discussion will be a history of philosophy leading up to Post-Modernism, drawing ideas from Franz Brentano and  Francis Schaeffer.  All are welcome.  Contact Howard Webb for details.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, February 20: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Thursday, February 21: St. John Fellowship at 10:00

Thursday, February 21: Bible Study at Becky’s home at 3:00

Thursday, February 21: OCF Dinner & Discussion at the Webb’s home at 6:00

Friday, February 22: Akathist to the Protection of the Theotokos at 6:00

Saturday, February 23: Great Vespers at 5:00 – O101 and SOYO at 6:00

Sunday, February 24:  Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Myrrh Bearers meet.

Prayer List: Shirley, mother & sisters; Lexi Orfanos-Pangere; Theo; Heather; Doug Barrett;Amber Smith;Jeremy P; Charles; Vicki; Alice & Marvin Grayson; Laura; Sue and Elmo; Nancy; Nick;Bruce; Joanna Zaharako; Dee; Mary Ann;Alexanders; Emilija and her newborn daughter; Kristina (Weber) and newborn son; Hannah with child; Sharon Catherine; Lillian Purcell; Eileen; Leanne; Ashlee W; Kh. Kristina; Vivian; Paul; Cathy; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Fr. George; Fr. Basil; Iva Lee; Nancy & Shalayna; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer & Regina; those suffering in the drug crisis, with fire devastation, with flood damage in the USA; those suffering in Syria and the Middle East; safety in public places, in our schools and on our southern border;  Metropolitan Paul; Archbishop John; our church and our nation.

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. Approach to the cup starts at the front rows; the choir and preschool go first.

    Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Second Letter  to St. Timothy. (3:10-15)

                Timothy my son, you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions, and my sufferings; and what befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra. What persecutions I endured; yet from them all, the Lord rescued me. Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St Luke. (18:10-14)

The Lord spoke this parable: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank Thee that I am not like other men, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to Heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Divine Liturgy Variables for Choir and Parish

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 the Pharisee and the Publican – Tone 4

Let us flee the Pharisee’s * conceited vaunting; * let us learn the Publican’s * humility, and cry with groans * unto the Savior: Thou Who alone * art swiftly reconciled, be gracious unto us.

LOOKING AHEAD

  Evening Retreat Tuesday, February 26: Fr. Seraphim Aldea, founder  of All Celtic Saints Monastery   in Scotland, will be our guest. Vespers at 5:00; Dinner at 6:00; Presentation at 6:30.  Invite your friends.

March 2: Saturday of Souls

March 2-3: Trip to Holy Dormition Monastery in Rives Junction on Meat Fare weekend.

March 10: Women’s fundraiser for outreach and summer camp donations on Cheese Fare Sunday.

March 11: Great Lent begins with the Canon of St. Andrew (M,T,TH), Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday followed by Orthodoxy 101, and Akathist on Friday.

FAMILY NOTES

Happy Birthday: Ayris F (18th); Abe L (18th); Marcia B (21st); Christian Gett.. (21st); Averi V (22nd)

Coffee Hour: Scheduled contributors and cleaners for today are those with last names beginning H-P.

A Reminder about Coffee Hour: Someone has to clean up! Plan to stay until about 12:45 and do kitchen duty! You may select any week, but an easy one to choose is the week you bring food to the serving table.

Reminder about online donations: If you are prevented from attending Liturgy but still want to fulfill your pledge, go to the church website. If you have never tried, it is simple at www.allsaintsbloomington.org. Click Donation and follow the prompts.

February 10, 2019

Hieromartyr Charalampos, Bishop of Magnesia

The companions of Charalampos; Venerable Zenon the Ascetic of Antioch

Special guests today are from the confirmation class at First Methodist Church.

Welcome to All Saints!

Nourishment of the Soul: “When monks carry the prayer rope in their hands, it serves as a reminder of their obligation to pray unceasingly, in keeping with the commandment of the Holy Apostle Paul to “pray without ceasing.” – St. Ignatius Brianchaninov

Thank You: Cathy Alexander reported at the Myrrh Bearers meeting that students at Templeton, Fairview and Summit Elementary Schools have Warmly received your abundant donations of mittens, hats, and scarves. The campaign is now closed, but will resume next winter.

House Blessings:  Father Peter Jon continues with house blessings for  one more week. Feel free to call or email him to set up a time that works with your family schedule.

THIS WEEK

Tuesday, February 12: Bible Study at Kh. Marilyn’s home at 7:00

Wednesday, February 13: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Thursday, February 14: Bible Study at Becky’s home – 3:00 – 5:00 Read about St. Valentine’s life today!

Saturday, February 16: Great Vespers at 5:00 – O101 and SOYO at 6:00

Triodion Begins. Sunday, February 17:  Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Parish Council meeting

Prayer List: Lexi Orfanos-Pangere; Doug Barrett;Amber Smith;Jeremy P; Charles; Vicki; Alice & Marvin Grayson; Laura; Sue and Elmo; Nancy; Nick;Bruce; Joanna Zaharako; Dee; Mary Ann;Alexanders; Emilija and her newborn daughter; Kristina (Weber) with child; Hannah with child; Sharon Catherine; Lillian Purcell; Eileen; Leanne; Ashlee W; Kh. Kristina; Vivian; Paul; Cathy; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Fr. George; Fr. Basil; Iva Lee; Nancy & Shalayna; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer & Regina; those suffering in the drug crisis, with fire devastation, with flood damage in the USA; those suffering in Syria and the Middle East; safety in public places, in our schools and on our southern border;  Metropolitan Paul; Archbishop John; our church and our nation.

    Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Second Letter  to St. Timothy. (2:1-10)

Timothy, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.  Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him.  An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.  It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.  Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything.  Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my gospel, the gospel for which I am suffering and wearing fetters like a criminal.  But the word of God is not fettered.  Therefore, I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (15:21-28)

At that time, Jesus went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon.” But He did not answer her one word. And His disciples came and begged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Divine Liturgy Variables for Choir and Parish

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.

Apolitikion of St. Charalampos – Tone 4

An unshaken pillar of the Church of Christ God art thou, * an ever-resplendent lamp, O Charalampos most wise, which shineth throughout the earth; * in martyric contest thou hast shined on the whole world, * and thou hast dispelled the moonless night of the idols. * Now boldly intercede thou with Christ that we may all be saved.

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.

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. Approach to the cup starts at the front rows; the choir and preschool go first.

FAMILY NOTES

Congratulations to new grandparents, Subdeacon Jon and Irene at the birth of their first grandchild Ned, son of their  daughter Kristina and husband Jake. What joy for them all!

Happy Birthday: Deb D (12th); Jan G (13th); Alicia B (16th); Ben S (16th)

Blessed Name Day: Marcia B (St. Priscilla – 13th)

Coffee Hour: Scheduled contributors and cleaners for today are those with last names beginning C-G.

A Reminder about Coffee Hour: Someone has to clean up! Plan to stay until about 12:45 and do kitchen duty! You may select any week, but an easy one to choose is the week you bring food to the serving table.

Reminder about online donations: If you are prevented from attending Liturgy but still want to fulfill your pledge, go to the church website. If you have never tried, it is simple at www.allsaintsbloomington.org. Click Donation and follow the prompts.

David Gudaitis’s documentary film, “Reverend Marvin Chandler: Open to the Moment” will be shown on WTIU on Thursday, February 14th at 8:00 PM.  Be sure to record it so you can watch it at a convenient time! – Jan

LOOKING AHEAD

• Evening Retreat Tuesday, February 26: Fr. Seraphim Aldea, founder  of All Celtic Saints Monastery in Scotland, will be our guest. Vespers at 5:00; Dinner at 6:00; Presentation at 6:30. Make plans now to attend, and invite your friends.
• March 2-3: Trip to Holy Dormition Monastery in Rives Junction on Meat Fare weekend.
• March 10: Women’s fundraiser for outreach and summer camp donations on Cheese Fare Sunday.
• March 11: Great Lent begins with the Canon of St. Andrew, Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday, and Akathist on Friday.

(February 1st) Friday Evening at 6:00: Liturgy of the Great Feast of the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple.

Sunday, February 03, 2019

Sixteenth Sunday of Pentecost

Synaxis of Holy and Righteous Simeon the God-receiver & Anna the Prophetess

Welcome to All Saints!

Nourishment of the Soul: “The Name of Jesus is sweet to utter. It casts out the demons and brings the angels back into the heart, into the mind, and you will bear yourself in meekness before others.”

Elder George Calciu of Romania

SUPPORTING OUR MISSIONARIES through OCMC: If you missed the opportunity to financially support Fr. Christopher Moore and Matushka Jen, who were our guests at all Saints last week and have now embarked as full-time missionaries to South Korea, you may still support their ministry:

1. Through our website
2. By placing a check payable to All Saints – earmarked “MOORES” – in the collection tray Sunday
3. Or, directly through the OCMC.org website.

PLEASE GIVE AS YOU ARE ABLE…It is such a worthy cause!

House Blessings:  Father Peter Jon continues with house blessings for  TWO more weeks. If you haven’t heard from him, please feel free to call or email him directly to setup a time that works with your family schedule.

Myrrh Bearers meet today.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, February 6: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Thursday, February 7: Bible Study at Becky’s home – 3:00 – 5:00

Saturday, February 9: Great Vespers at 5:00 – O101 and SOYO at 6:00

Sunday, February 10:  Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Myrrh Bearers meeting

Prayer List: Lexi Orfanos-Pangere; Doug Barrett;Amber Smith;Jeremy P; Charles; Vicki; Alice & Marvin Grayson; Laura; Sue and Elmo; Nancy; Nick;Bruce; Joanna Zaharako; Dee; Mary Ann;Alexanders; Emilija and her newborn daughter; Kristina (Weber) with child; Hannah with child; Sharon Catherine; Lillian Purcell; Eileen; Leanne; Ashlee W; Kh. Kristina; Vivian; Paul; Cathy; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Fr. George; Fr. Basil; Iva Lee; Nancy & Shalayna; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer & Regina; those suffering in the drug crisis, with fire devastation, with flood damage in the USA; those suffering in Syria and the Middle East; safety in public places, in our schools and on our southern border;  Metropolitan Paul; Archbishop John; our church and our nation.

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. Approach to the cup starts at the front rows; the choir and preschool go first.

     Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Second Letter  to the Corinthians. (6:1-10)

Brethren, working together with Him, then, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain.  For He says, “At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation.” Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.  We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watching, hunger; by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute.  We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (25:14-30)

The Lord spoke this parable: A man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying: “Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying: “Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying: “Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sew, and gathering where you did not winnow; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” But his master answered him, “You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.” As Jesus said these things He cried out: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

Divine Liturgy Variables for Choir and Parish

Refrain of the Second Antiphon

Save us, O Son of God, Who wast borne in the arms of righteous Simeon;

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.

Apolitikion of the Presentation of Christ – Tone 1

Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of grace, for from thee arose the Sun of justice, Christ our God, lighting those who are in darkness. Rejoice and be glad, O righteous elder, carrying in thine arms the Deliverer of our souls, Who granteth us Resurrection.

Kontakion of the Presentation of Christ – Tone 4

Thou, O Christ God, Who by Thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve Thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom Thou didst love, for Thou alone art the Lover of mankind.

Hymn to the Priest: He who blesses us and sanctifies us with God’s Grace: Lord, keep him in Your care and grant him many, many years.

FAMILY NOTES

Reverend Marvin Chandler: Open to the Moment: . Sunday, February 3rd at 3:00.  Buskirk-Chumley Theater . There is a reception before the film hosted by Second Baptist Church in Bloomington from 1:00 – 2:30 PM at the Monroe County Historical Society Museum. Free to public…Request you bring a canned food item  for Hoosier Food Bank

This is a Gudaitis Film Production: It traces the life of Reverend Marvin Chandler who was a self-taught piano prodigy at the age of 4 and later became a jazz pianist. He was minister at Second Street Baptist Church in Bloomington, was active in the Civil Rights Movement and one of the negotiators at the Attica Prison Riots in Attica New York. His love of music, commitment to justice for all and his ministry to God shine throughout his life.  (Look for its  showing  on local television during Black History Month.)

Happy Birthday: Karen T (3rd); Nolan A (4th); Tabitha B (6th)

Blessed Name Day: Anna (Amber) S (Prophetess Anna – 3rd)

Coffee Hour: Scheduled contributors and cleaners for today are those with last names beginning A-B.

Donations continue for children’s hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves  and for the pantry.

Reminder about online donations: Recently snow, ice, and frigid temperatures kept many of us from attending Sunday liturgies. However, several took advantage of  our church website to make their donations. If you have never tried, it is simple to go to www.allsaintsbloomington.org and click Donation and follow the prompts.

LOOKING AHEAD

Ashanin Memorial Lecture: ‘An Eastern Christian Theology of Parenting for the American Family’: February 9th at  St. George, Fishers – -1:00 – 4:30 (Charles Ashanin is Valerie Abshire’s father. Memory Eternal.)

Monthly Crafting Workshop will meet again February 9th.  Emily Wood is the coordinator.

Sunday, February 10th: Special guests are seven young people and their sponsors from the confirmation class at First Methodist Church.

Evening Retreat Tuesday, February 26: Fr. Seraphim Aldea, founder  of All Celtic Saints Monastery in Scotland, will be our guest. This is a rare opportunity to learn about Orthodoxy in Scotland as Fr. Seraphim will be in the states only  a few days. Make plans now to attend.

Summer Camp: Please tell Marcia how many from your family will be attending. Soon we will know how to divide scholarship funds to share with campers. So far we have 3 enrolled.

Sunday, February 3rd

 3:00 PM

 Buskirk-Chumley Theater

A documentary film Premiere

Reverend Marvin Chandler: Open to the Moment.

Free to public.

Request you bring a canned food item

for Hoosier Food Bank

This film traces the life of Reverend Marvin Chandler who was a self taught piano prodigy at the age of 4 and later became a jazz pianist.

He was minister at Second Street Baptist Church in Bloomington, was active in the Civil Rights Movement and one of the negotiators at the Attica Prison Riots in Attica New York.

His love of music, commitment to justice for all and his ministry to God shine throughout his life. 

This is a Gudaitis Film Production.

Letting you know:

from Jan and David Gudaitis

Jan is a member of All Saints and she and David are supporters of this church.

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Recovery of the relics of John Chrysostom;

Marciana the empress; New-martyr Demetrios of Constantinople; Venerable Peter of Egypt

Welcome to All Saints!

Today: We are welcoming Fr. Chris and Matushka Jennifer Moore who will update us during coffee hour regarding their work in Mongolia and South Korea.

Nourishment of the Soul: “It is better to err by excess of mercy than by excess of severity…Do you will to become a Saint? Be severe to yourself but kind to others.” -St. John Chrysostom

House Blessings:  Father Peter Jon continues with house blessings for another 3-4 weeks. If you have not been contacted by Fr. Peter Jon already, please feel free to call or email him to setup a time that works with your family schedule.

Evening Retreat Tuesday, February 26: Fr. Seraphim Aldea, founder  of All Celtic Saints Monastery in Scotland, will be our guest. This is a rare opportunity to learn about Orthodoxy in Scotland as Fr. Seraphim will be in the states only  a few days. Make plans now to attend.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, January 30: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Thursday, January 31: Bible Study at Becky’s home – 3:00 – 5:00

Friday, February 1: Evening Liturgy at 6:00 – The Great Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple. “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace…”

Saturday, February 2:  Great Vespers at 5:00 – O101 and SOYO at 6:00

Sunday, January 3:  Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Myrrh Bearers meeting

Prayer List: Lexi Orfanos-Pangere; Doug Barrett;Amber Smith;Jeremy P; Charles; Vicki; Alice & Marvin Grayson; Laura; Sue and Elmo; Nancy; Nick;Bruce; Joanna Zaharako; Dee; Mary Ann;Alexanders; Emilija and her newborn daughter; Kristina (Weber) with child; Hannah with child; Sharon Catherine; Lillian Purcell; Eileen; Leanne; Ashlee W; Kh. Kristina; Vivian; Paul; Cathy; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Fr. George; Fr. Basil; Iva Lee; Nancy & Shalayna; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer & Regina; those suffering in the drug crisis, with fire devastation, with flood damage in the USA; those suffering in Syria and the Middle East; safety in public places, in our schools and on our southern border;  Metropolitan Paul; Archbishop John; our church and our nation.

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. Approach to the cup starts at the front rows; the choir and preschool go first.

     Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Letter  to the Hebrews. (7:26-8:2)

Brethren, it was fitting that we should have such a High Priest, holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; He did this once for all when He offered up Himself. Indeed, the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son Who has been made perfect forever. Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a High Priest, one Who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the sanctuary and the true tent which is set up not by man but by the Lord.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (19:1-10)

At that time, Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through.  And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich.  And he sought to see Who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature.  So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Jesus, for He was to pass that way.  And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.”  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  And when they saw it they all murmured, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.”  And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.”  And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.”

DIVINE LITURGY VARIABLES FOR CHOIR and PARISH

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 2

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

Apolitikion of St. John Chrysostom – Tone 8

Grace shining forth from thy mouth like fire hath enlightened the universe, and disclosed to the world treasures of uncovetousness, and shown us the heights of humility. But as thou dost instruct us by thy words, O Father John Chrysostom, intercede with the Word, Christ our God, to save our souls.

Kontakion of the Presentation of Christ – Tone 4

Thou, O Christ God, Who by Thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve Thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom Thou didst love, for Thou alone art the Lover of mankind.

FAMILY NOTES

Myrrh Bearers will not meet today, but will meet next Sunday, February 3rd.

Anniversary of Ordination: Fr. Peter Jon (Feb. 2nd)

Happy Birthday: Ashley P (27th); Michael S (30th); Dee H (Feb. 2nd)

Blessed Name Day: Ephraim A (28th); Reed H (St. Ephraim – 28th);Felicity A (1st); Shannon R (St. Bridgid – Feb. 1st ); Rhonda W (St. Perpetua – Feb. 1st)

Coffee Hour: Scheduled contributors and cleaners for today are those with last names beginning R-Z.

Donations continue for children’s hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves  and for the pantry.

LOOKING AHEAD

Monthly Crafting Workshop will meet again February 9th.  Emily Wood is the coordinator.

Summer Camp: Please tell Marcia how many from your family will be attending. Soon we will know how to divide scholarship funds to share with campers. So far we have 3 enrolled.