Second Sunday of Great Lent

Commemoration of Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica

Martyr Agapios of Palestine and those with him;

Apostle Aristoboulos of the Seventy, first bishop of Britain; New-martyrs Manuel of Crete and Parthenios

You are always welcome here at All Saints.

Nourishment for the Soul: “Prayer is the place of refuge for every worry, a foundation for cheerfulness, a source of constant happiness, a protection against sadness.” – St. John Chrysostom

Sunday of Orthodoxy Special Collection netted $667: Thank you for supporting seminarians preparing for the priesthood.

This evening, Sunday Lenten Vespers is at 5:00 at St. Stephen Bulgarian Church in Indianapolis. Fr. Dragan Petrovich is the homilist. A  Lenten fellowship meal  follows the service.

Parish Council meets today after the Divine Liturgy.

THIS WEEK

Monday, March 16: Compline & Fellowship at the Haneys’ home in Mitchell at 7:00.

Wednesday, March 18: Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts at 6:00; O102 meets afterward.

Fr. Seraphim’s topic is “F.A.R. from God: Overcoming Fear, Anger & Resentment.”

Thursday, March 19:  St. John Fellowship at the Haneys’ home  in Mitchell 10:00- Noon

Thursday, March 19: Bible Study at Becky’s home at 3:00

Friday, March 20: The Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos at 6:00

Saturday, March 21: Great Vespers at 5:00; SOYO 6:00 – 8:00

Sunday, March 22: Adoration of the Holy Cross – Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD

• March is Women’s Month: Women in the church participate by reading the Epistle, ushering, passing the offering trays, and chanting choir verses during Divine Liturgy.
• The Feast of Annunciation will be celebrated on March 25th with an Evening Liturgy replacing the Presanctified Liturgy as previously scheduled. There is no service on March 24th.
• May 1-3 : Holy Dormition Monastery Pilgrimage to Rives Junction, Michigan: Rhonda is the contact person. Your response is needed to secure housing at the monastery on a busy weekend.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

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

O Lord, Thou wilt preserve us and keep us from this generation.

Save me, O Lord, for the godly man hath disappeared.

 “In the beginning, Thou, O Lord, didst found the earth, and the heavens are the work of Thy hands; they will perish, but Thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle Thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed.  But Thou art the same, and Thy years will never end.”  But to what angel has He ever said, “Sit at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies a stool for thy feet”?  Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?  Therefore, we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.  For if the message, declared by angels, was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?  It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard Him.

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

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

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 with the choir and preschool going first.

Divine Liturgy Variables for Choir and Parish

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 for St. Gregory Palamas – Tone 8

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

Kontakion for Sundays of Great Lent – Tone 8

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

St. Basil’s Liturgy – The Megalynarion

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

FAMILY NEWS

Coffee Hour: Parishioners whose names begin with C-G will donate and serve today.

The Pantry is still well-supplied. A few jars of peanut butter, marinara sauce and some paper goods could be added.

Birthday Greetings: Adam S (16th); Kh. Kristina G(18th); Marah P (19th); Lilly B (20th); Saraqael H (21st); Georges T (21st); Ghada L (21st); Heidi N(21st)

Name Day Blessings: Nolan A (St. Gregory Palamas – 15th); David P (St. Patrick – 17th); Great Martyr Photini – 20th: Mezy A; Hannah G; Shirley R 

Memory Eternal: Beverly; Lois; DL; Julia; James

Prayer List: Kim; Dusty; Betsy; Allison; Robin; Doris Finchum; Mary Ann; Vicki;  Mat. Raisa; Kaylie and infant Oliver; Rebekah with child; Amanda Hermione with child; Nikki with child;  Isaac in Air Force; Fr. Marc; Kh.Vanessa & Anthony Kinder; Fr. George; Fr. Basil & Kh. Cana; Judith Ann; George; Dee; Catherine (not in this parish); Michael & Olga;  Eileen; Leanne; Heather;Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Alice & Marvin; Kh. Kristina; Bonnie; Emma; Patricia; Mary & Robert;Shirley; Rose; Lexi, Ross & Vivian; Theo; Doug Barrett;Jeremy; Charles; Grayson; Cleo; Marcia & Deacon; Nick;Bruce; Joanna & Demetrios;Ashlee W; Paul; Cathy; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Nancy & Shalayna; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer & Regina; those suffering in the drug crisis, with fire devastation, flood damage, and earthquake damage; those suffering in the Middle East; our nation; world-wide coronavirus outbreak.

First Sunday of Great Lent (Sunday of Orthodoxy)

Theophylact the Confessor, bishop of Nicomedia; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy

There will be a procession of icons today so we invite you to bring yours from home.

You are always welcome here at All Saints.

Nourishment for the Soul: “Love is the only thing that can bind together God and His creation and bring about social harmony.” – St. Thalassios, the Libyan

Sunday of Orthodoxy Special Collection: Today we will take a donation to support scholarships for seminarians preparing for the priesthood. Checks should be payable to All Saints. We will send one check with all collections tallied.

This evening, Sunday of Orthodoxy Evening Vespers is at 5:00 at Holy Trinity in Carmel. A light fellowship meal will follow the service.

THIS WEEK

Monday, March 9: Compline & Fellowship at the Haneys’ home in Mitchell at 7:00.

Tuesday, March 10: Bible Study at Kh. Marilyn’s home at 7:00

Tuesday, March 10: Men’s Fellowship at the Church at 7:00

Wednesday, March 11: Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts at 6:00; O102 meets afterward with alight meal being served. Fr. Peter Jon’s topic is “Confession.”

Thursday, March 12: Bible Study at Becky’s home at 3:00

Thursday, March 12: OCF Dinner and Discussion at the Webbs’ home at 6:00

Friday, March 13: The Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos at 6:00

Saturday, March 14: Great Vespers at 5:00; SOYO 6:00 – 8:00

Sunday, March 8: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD

• March is Women’s Month: Women in the church participate by reading the Epistle, ushering, passing the offering trays, and chanting choir verses during Divine Liturgy.
• Calendar update: The Feast of Annunciation will be celebrated on March 25th with an Evening Liturgy replacing the Presanctified Liturgy as previously scheduled. There is no service on March 24th.
• May 1-3 : Holy Dormition Monastery Pilgrimage to Rives Junction, Michigan: Rhonda is the contact person. Your response is needed to secure housing at the monastery on a busy weekend.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

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

Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers. For Thou art just in all that Thou hast done for us.

Brethren, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 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 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.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (1:43-51)

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

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 with the choir and preschool going first.

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.

Apolytikion of The First Sunday of Great Lent – Tone 2

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

Kontakion for Sundays of Great Lent – Tone 8

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

St. Basil’s Liturgy – The Megalynarion

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

FAMILY NEWS

Coffee Hour: Parishioners whose names begin with A-B will donate and serve today.

We will observe fasting guidelines during all meals.

The Pantry is still well-supplied. A few jars of peanut butter and some paper goods could be added.

Birthday Greetings: Johanna Grace H (11th); Anna Amber S (13th)

Name Day Blessings: Dan M (Simeon,  the New Theologian – 12th)

Memory Eternal: Beverly; Lois; DL; Julia; James

Prayer List: Kim; Dusty; Betsy; Allison; Robin; Doris Finchum; Mary Ann; Vicki;  Mat. Raisa; Kaylie and infant Oliver; Rebekah with child; Amanda Hermione with child; Nikki with child;  Isaac in Air Force; Fr. Marc; Kh.Vanessa & Anthony Kinder; Fr. George; Fr. Basil & Kh. Cana; Judith Ann; George; Dee; Catherine (not in this parish); Michael & Olga;  Eileen; Leanne; Heather;Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Alice & Marvin; Kh. Kristina; Bonnie; Emma; Patricia; Mary & Robert;Shirley; Rose; Lexi, Ross & Vivian; Theo; Doug Barrett;Jeremy; Charles; Grayson; Cleo; Marcia & Deacon; Nick;Bruce; Joanna & Demetrios;Ashlee W; Paul; Cathy; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Nancy & Shalayna; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer & Regina; those suffering in the drug crisis, with fire devastation, flood damage, and earthquake damage; those suffering in the Middle East; our nation.

Confession of Faith on Sunday of Orthodoxy

 (Join in reciting the following with the clergy near the end of the service)

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

(LOUDER) This is the Faith of the Apostles, this is the Faith of the Fathers, this is the Faith of the Orthodox, this is the Faith which has established the Universe.

Sunday, March 1, 2020

Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheese Fare)

Venerable-martyr Eudokia of Heliopolis; Venerable Domnina of Syria; Martyrs Markellos and Anthony of Pamphylia; Venerable Agapios of Vatopedi monastery on Athos;

Venerable David of Wales, bishop of Menevia

You are always welcome here at All Saints.

Nourishment for the Soul: “He who wants to conquer the world, must take up the rarely used weapon of forgiveness, despite the trouble he may suffer at the hands of people of this world.” – Elder Arsenie Boca of Romania

Myrrh Bearers hold their annual fundraiser meal today during social hour.

Orthodoxy 102 follows Presanctified Liturgies each Wednesday during Great Lent. A light meal is served. This week Fr. Seraphim’s topic is ‘Repent & Surrender.’

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 with the choir and preschool going first.

LOOKING AHEAD

• March is Women’s Month: Women in the church participate by reading the Epistle, ushering, and chanting choir verses during Divine Liturgy.
• March 8: Sunday of Orthodoxy Evening Vespers at 5:00 at Holy Trinity in Carmel.
• May 1-3 : Holy Dormition Monastery Pilgrimage to Rives Junction, Michigan: Rhonda is the contact person. Your response is needed to secure housing at the monastery on a busy weekend.

THIS WEEK

Great Lent begins tonight with Forgiveness Vespers at 5:00

Monday, March 2: Canon of St Andrew of Crete at 6:00

Monday, March 2: Compline & Fellowship at the Haneys’ will not meet.

Tuesday, March 3: Canon of St. Andrew of Crete at 6:00

Wednesday, March 4: Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts at 6:00; O102 meets afterward.

Thursday, March 5: Canon of St Andrew of Crete at 6:00

Friday, March 6: The Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos at 6:00

Saturday, March 7: Great Vespers at 5:00; SOYO 6:00 – 8:00

Eastern Daylight Time begins in the night. Clocks spring forward one hour.

Sunday, March 8: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

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

(For Sunday of Forgiveness)

Sing praises to our God, sing praises. Sing praises to our King, sing praises.

O clap your hands, all ye nations.

                Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Master is able to make him stand.

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

 (For Sunday of Forgiveness)

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

Divine Liturgy Variables 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.

Kontakion for Forgiveness Sunday – Tone 6

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

FAMILY NEWS

Coffee Hour: Myrrh Bearers fundraising meal is today.

The Pantry is still well-supplied. A few jars of peanut butter and some paper goods could be added.

Birthday Greetings: Nina G (1st); Deacon Lawrence (3rd); Cathy M (4th);

Polina M (5th)

Name Day Blessings: Nolan A (St. Gregory – 4th)

Memory Eternal: Beverly; Lois; DL; Julia

Prayer List: Kim; Dusty; Betsy; Allison; Robin; Doris Finchum; Mary Ann; Vicki;  Mat. Raisa; Kaylie and infant Oliver; Rebekah with child; Amanda Hermione with child; Nikki with child;  Isaac in Air Force; Fr. Marc; Kh.Vanessa & Anthony Kinder; Fr. George; Fr. Basil & Kh. Cana; Judith Ann; George; Dee; Catherine (not in this parish); Michael & Olga;  Eileen; Leanne; Heather;Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Alice & Marvin; Kh. Kristina; Bonnie; Emma; Patricia; Mary & Robert;Shirley; Rose; Lexi, Ross & Vivian; Theo; Doug Barrett;Jeremy; Charles; Grayson; Cleo; Marcia & Deacon; Nick;Bruce; Joanna & Demetrios;Ashlee W; Paul; Cathy; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Nancy & Shalayna; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer & Regina; those suffering in the drug crisis, with fire devastation, flood damage, and earthquake damage; those suffering in the Middle East; our nation.

Pre-Lenten Retreat with Fr. John Oliver of Murfreesboro, Tennessee: Friday, February 21 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, February 22 at noon, following a Divine Liturgy for the Saturday of the Souls. Fr. John will be speaking to us on the topic of his upcoming book:  The Nourishing Dark: Dealing with Difficult Emotions in the Light of Christ. There is no charge, and lunch will be provided on Saturday.  Please feel free to invite friends and family. 

Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meat Fare)

Hieromartyr Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna; Venerable Gorgonia, sister of Gregory the Theologian; Venerable Zebinas, Polychronios, Moses and Damian near Cyrrhus in Syria; Venerable Damian of Esphigmenou monastery on Mount Athos

You are always welcome here at All Saints.

Nourishment for the Soul: “If you’re resolute in living in purity and banish idle thoughts and make the resolve that ‘I will not do this until I die,’ then the idle thoughts will depart, and they will assault you less.” – Elder Paisius of Sihla

Orthodoxy 102 follows Daily Vespers on Wednesday.

Pre-Lenten Spiritual Retreat: We have been blessed by Fr. John Oliver this weekend as he joined us and shared with us during the retreat to help prepare us for Holy Lent as well as day-to-day struggles. 

How to Discuss Politics: Howard Webb will present The Topic: Law and Grace – The Function of Law. All are invited to his home for this discussion at 7:00 this evening, February 23rd. 

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 with the choir and preschool going first.

Myrrh Bearers meet today after Divine Liturgy.

THIS WEEK

Monday, February 24: Compline & Fellowship at the Haneys’ home at 7:00

Wednesday, February 26: Daily Vespers at 6:00; Orthodoxy 102 follows.

Thursday, February 27: Bible Study at Becky’s home 3:00 – 5:00

Thursday, February 27: OCF Dinner and Discussion at the Webbs’ home at 6:00

Friday, February 28: The Akathist for the Protection of the Theotokos at 6:00

Saturday, February 29: Great Vespers at 5:00; SOYO 6:00 – 8:00

Sunday, March 1: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 –  Forgiveness (Cheese Fare) Sunday

Monday, March 2: Great Lent begins with services each evening.

LOOKING AHEAD

• March is Women’s Month: Women in the church read the Epistle and usher. Please see Rhonda if you would like to participate.
• March 1: Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday – Myrrh Bearers hold their annual fundraiser meal to support their ministry. Forgiveness Vespers is at 5:00.
• March 2: Great Lent begins with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete.
• March 8: Sunday of Orthodoxy – Daylight Savings begins.
• May 1-3 : Holy Dormition Monastery Pilgrimage to Rives Junction, Michigan: Rhonda is the contact person. Your response is needed to secure housing at the monastery on a busy weekend.

Divine Liturgy Variables for Choir and Parish

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.

Kontakion for the Sunday of Last Judgment – Tone 1

When Thou comest, O God, to earth with glory, and all creatures tremble before Thee, and the river of fire floweth before the Altar, and the books are opened and sins revealed, deliver me then from that unquenchable fire, and make me worthy to stand at Thy right hand, O righteous Judge.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. (8:8-9:2)

            Brethren, food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Only take care, lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one sees you—a man of knowledge—at table in an idol’s temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother’s falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall. Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (25:31-46)

 (For Sunday of the Last Judgment)

The Lord said, “When the Son of man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. Before Him will be gathered all the nations, and He will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and He will place the sheep at His right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the King will say to those at His right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Me, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see Thee hungry and feed Thee, or thirsty and give Thee drink? And when did we see Thee a stranger and welcome Thee, or naked and clothe Thee? And when did we see Thee sick or in prison and visit Thee?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Then He will say to those at his left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome Me, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see Thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to Thee?’ Then He will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to Me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

FAMILY NEWS

• House Blessings:  If you have not received a call or  email from Fr. Peter Jon or Fr. Seraphim, Contact Them!  House blessings are rapidly coming to an end as Great Lent approaches.
• Coffee Hour: Parishioners whose last names begin with R-Z will serve and clean today.
• The Pantry is still well-supplied:  Thanks for your donations. Just a note: both parishioners and people from the Bloomington community are invited to visit the pantry as needed.

Birthday Greetings: Chris S (27th); Mezy A(28th); Mary B (28th) Memory Eternal: Lois; Fr. Patrick Kinder (14th); Darlene; Lotfy

Prayer List: Kim; Dusty; Betsy; Allison; Robin; Doris Finchum; Mary Ann; Vicki;  Mat. Raisa; Kaylie and infant Oliver; Rebekah with child; Amanda Hermione with child; Nikki with child;  Isaac in Air Force; Fr. Marc; Kh.Vanessa & Anthony Kinder; Fr. George; Fr. Basil & Kh. Cana; Judith Ann; George; Dee; Catherine (not in this parish); Michael & Olga;  Eileen; Leanne; Heather;Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Alice & Marvin; Kh. Kristina; Bonnie; Emma; Patricia; Mary & Robert;Shirley; Rose; Lexi, Ross & Vivian; Theo; Doug Barrett;Jeremy; Charles; Grayson; Cleo; Marcia & Deacon; Nick;Bruce; Joanna & Demetrios;Ashlee W; Paul; Cathy; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Nancy & Shalayna; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer & Regina; those suffering in the drug crisis, with fire devastation, flood damage, and earthquake damage; those suffering in the Middle East; our nation.

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Martyr Pamphilos, Priest of Caesarea in Palestine and his companions;

Venerable Flavian the Hermit; Venerable-martyr Romanos from Solovak of Carpenision

You are always welcome here at All Saints.

Nourishment for the Soul: “If every soul knew the Lord, and how deeply He loves us, no one would despair or murmur against his lot.” – St. Silouan the Athonite

The Parish Council meets today after Divine Liturgy.

Orthodoxy 102 follows Daily Vespers on Wednesday.

Saturday of Souls: If you want your departed loved ones remembered in the prayers, please email Fr. Peter Jon or leave a list on his desk.  He needs all of the lists by Friday at 5pm, February 21st so the departed may be commemorated during the proskomedia before the Divine Liturgy.

Pre-Lenten Spiritual Retreat: We are pleased to have Fr. John Oliver join us for a Pre-Lenten retreat next weekend. He will be speaking to us on the topic of his upcoming book:  The Nourishing Dark: Dealing with Difficult Emotions in the Light of Christ,  which will be coming out this summer.  There is no charge, and lunch will be provided.  Please feel free to invite friends and 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. Approach to the cup starts at the front rows with the choir and preschool going first.

THIS WEEK

Monday, February 17: Compline & Fellowship at the Haneys’ home at 7:00

Wednesday, February 19: Daily Vespers at 6:00; Orthodoxy 102 follows.

Thursday, February 20: St. John’s Fellowship in Mitchell 10:00 – Noon

Thursday, February 20: Bible Study at Becky’s home 3:00 – 5:00

Friday, February 21: Pre-Lenten Retreat – Session 1 begins at 7:00pm

Saturday Morning, February 22: Saturday of Souls Liturgy at 9:00

Saturday, following Divine Liturgy: Fellowship Meal at 11:00

Saturday, February 22: Session 2 of the Retreat with Fr. John Oliver’s presentation

Saturday: February 22: Prior to Great Vespers – 40-Day Memorial – Fr. Patrick Kinder

Saturday, February 22: Great Vespers at 5:00; SOYO 6:00 – 8:00

Sunday, February 23: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Myrrh Bearers meet.

LOOKING AHEAD

• February 23: Meatfare Sunday
• March 1: Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday – Myrrh Bearers hold their annual fundraiser meal to support their ministry: Youth Summer Camp is one.
• March 2: Great Lent begins with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete
• March 8: Sunday of Orthodoxy – Daylight Savings begins.
• May 1-3 : Holy Dormition Monastery Pilgrimage to Rives Junction, Michigan: Rhonda is the contact person. Your response is needed to secure housing at the monastery on a busy weekend.

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.

Kontakion for the Prodigal Son – Tone 3

Foolishly I sprang away * from Thy great fatherly glory, * and dispersed in wicked deeds * the riches that Thou didst give me. * With the Prodigal I therefore * cry unto Thee now: * I have sinned against Thee, O compassionate Father. * But receive me in repentance; * make me as one of * Thy hired servants, O Lord.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. (6:12-20)

            Brethren, all things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything. Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food; but God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two shall become one flesh.” But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him. Shun immorality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (15:11-32)

            The Lord spoke this parable: “There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.’ And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

FAMILY NEWS

• House Blessings:  If you have not received a call or  email from Fr. Peter Jon or Fr. Seraphim, Contact Them!  House blessings are rapidly coming to an end as Great Lent approaches.
• Coffee Hour: Parishioners whose last names begin with C-G will serve and clean today.
• The Pantry is OVERFLOWING:  Thanks for your donations, but we have no more storage space at this time! Just a note: both parishioners and people from the Bloomington community are invited to visit the pantry as needed.

Birthday Greetings: Alicia B (16th); Ben S (16th); Ayris F (18th); Marcia B (21st); Christian Get (21st) Averi V (22nd)

Memory Eternal: Lois; Fr. Patrick Kinder (14th); Jill Patterson; Darlene; Lotfy Hanna; Beverly (Bob Rogers’s mother)

Prayer List: Kim (Linda’s colleague); Dusty (Vicki’s son); Betsy (Cathy’s friend); Allison (Hal’s great-niece); Doris Finchum; Mary Ann; Vicki; Johanna and infant Jonathan; Mat. Raisa; Kaylie and infant Oliver; Rebekah with child; Amanda Hermione with child; Isaac in Air Force; Fr. Marc; Kh.Vanessa & Anthony Kinder; Fr. George; Fr. Basil & Kh. Cana; Judith; George; Dee; Catherine (not in this parish); Michael & Olga;  Eileen; Leanne; Heather;Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Alice & Marvin; Kh. Kristina; Bonnie; Emma; Patricia; Mary & Robert;Shirley; Rose; Lexi, Ross & Vivian; Theo; Doug Barrett;Jeremy; Charles; Grayson; Cleo; Marcia & Deacon; Nick;Bruce; Joanna & Demetrios;Ashlee W; Paul; Cathy; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Nancy & Shalayna; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer & Regina; those suffering in the drug crisis, with fire devastation in Australia, with flood damage, and earthquake damage; those suffering in the Middle East; our nation.