Sunday, February 3, 2019

(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 borderMetropolitan 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.

February 3rd, Local History Film event

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

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 borderMetropolitan 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.

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Venerable Euthymios the Great; New-martyr Zachariah of Morea

Welcome to All Saints!

Nourishment of the Soul: “A sure sign of the deadening of the soul is the avoidance of church services.”

St. John Climacus


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.

Parish Council meets today after Divine Liturgy.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, January23: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Thursday, January 24: Bible Study at Becky’s home – 3:00 – 5:00

Friday, January 25: Akathist to the Protection of the Theotokos at 6:00

Saturday, January 26:  Great Vespers at 5:00 – O101 and SOYO at 6:00

Sunday, January 27:  Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 followed by Father Chris Moore  updating us during coffee hour regarding his family’s work in Mongolia and South Korea.

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 borderMetropolitan 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. (4:6-15)

Brethren, it is the God Who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” Who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. While we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we too believe, and so we speak, knowing that He Who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into His presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (17:12-19)

At that time, as Jesus entered a village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”  When He saw them He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.”  And as they went they were cleansed.  Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks.  Now he was a Samaritan.  Then Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed?  Where are the nine?  Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”  And He said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

DIVINE LITURGY VARIABLES FOR CHOIR and PARISH

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 1

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

Apolytikion of St. Euthymios – Tone 4

Be glad, O barren one that hast not given birth; be of good cheer, thou that hast not travailed; for a man of desires hath multiplied thy children of the Spirit, having planted in them piety and reared them in continence to the perfection of the virtues. By his prayers, O Christ God, make our lives peaceful.

Kontakion of the Presentation of Christ – Tone14

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

…Happy Birthday: Cody A (20th); Lydia F (23rd); David P (26th)

…Blessed Name Day: Cody A (St. Euthymios the Great – 20th); Max W (St. Maximos the Confessor – 21st); Laura C (St. Xenia of Petersburg – 24th)

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

Food Pantry: This has been an outstanding year for the pantry with 1,194 pounds being recorded. Current donations of applesauce (individual portions), peanuts, paper goods, pancake syrup and mixes would be helpful.

Children’s hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves were taken this week to schools in our area. Thank you for  continuing to donate during these cold months of winter.

LOOKING AHEAD

…Monthly Crafting Workshop will meet again in February.  Emily Wood is the coordinator.

…Antiochian Village Summer Camp: Please tell Marcia how many from your family will be attending. Soon we will know if there is scholarship available to share with you.

Temple Project: $325,407 – end of year report

Sunday, January 13, 2019

Crafting Workshop, scheduled for Saturday, January 12th, has been postponed due to the Winter Weather Warning in our area.

Sunday, January 13, 2019

Sunday after the Theophany of Christ

Martyrs Hermylos and Stratonikos of Belgrade; Martyrs Pachomios and Papyrinos of Greece;

Venerable Maximos Kafsokalyvitis of Athos; Venerable Eleazar of Anzersk Island; Hilarion, bishop of Poitiers

Welcome to All Saints!

Nourishment of the Soul: “All the conflicts in the world have their origin in unabated anger. One is angry and wounds the other, who then responds with greater violence and strength. Once this chain is begun, it cannot be stopped except through the appeal of prayer–genuine prayer.” – Elder George Calciu of Romania

Holy Water is always available from the receptacle in the font of the church beneath the large Theophany icon (near the north door of the altar). Bring your own bottle, or, bottles will be available upon request.

House Blessings:  Father Peter Jon continues with house blessings. If you have not been contacted by him already, he will soon be contacting all whose names are on the worksheet in the hall.  Please check in the hallway to make sure your name is present.

THIS WEEK

Tuesday, January15: Bible Study at Kh. Marilyn’s home – 7:00

Wednesday, January16: Evening Liturgy at 6:00 – St. Peter’s Chains

Thursday, January 17: Mitchell Fellowship at the Haney’s home – 10:00 – Noon

Thursday, January 17: Bible Study at Becky’s home – 3:00 if Becky has returned from traveling.

Saturday, January 19:  Great Vespers at 5:00 – O101 and SOYO at 6:00

Sunday, January 20:  Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Parish Council meets.

Prayer List: Lexi Orfanos-Pangere; Doug Barrett;Amber Smith;Jeremy P; Charles; Vicki; Alice & Marvin Grayson; Laura; Laura Sue; Nancy Jones; Bruce; Joanna Zaharako; Dee; Mary Ann;Alexanders; Emilija with child; 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 borderMetropolitan 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 Ephesians. (4:7-13)

Brethren, grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  Therefore, it is said, “When He ascended on high He led a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men.”  (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that He had also descended into the lower parts of the earth?  He who descended is He who also ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)  And His gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according 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.”

DIVINE LITURGY VARIABLES FOR CHOIR and PARISH

Second Antiphon’s Refrain:  Save us, O Son of God, Who wast baptized by John in the Jordan; who sing to Thee. Alleluia.

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 8

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

Apolytikion of 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 likeness of a dove confirmed the truth of His word. O Christ our God, Who hast appeared and enlightened the world, glory to Thee.

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.

FAMILY NOTES

…Anniversary Blessings: Ben & Heidi S(13th)

…Happy Birthday: Rachel B (14th); Aiden G (14th)

…Blessed Name Day:Amanda A (St. Agnes – 14th); April B (St. Macrina – 14th); Nina G and Nina R (St. Nina – 14th); Anthony G (St. Anthony the Great – 17th)

Coffee Hour: Scheduled contributors and cleaners for today are those with last names beginning C-G. You may notice on the calendar some changes to the donation list. We Myrrh Bearers are trying to readjust the donation weeks to reflect the current membership. This is just a trial, so we will see how it works! Direct any questions, please, to Rhonda of the Myrrh Bearers.

Contribution Tax Documents for 2018  will be available on Sunday but will be mailed to those not present. See Marcia on Sunday.

Food Pantry: This has been an outstanding year for the pantry with 1,194 pounds being recorded. Current donations of applesauce (individual portions), peanuts, paper goods, pancake syrup and mixes would be helpful.

Children’s hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves: This ministry will continue through the cold months of winter.

LOOKING AHEAD

…O101 Topics in Coming Weeks: A Beautiful Hymn, The Journey Continues. The series is nearing its end. Thank you Steve and April for your leadership.

…Monthly Crafting Workshop will meet again in February.  Emily Wood is the coordinator.

…Antiochian Village Summer Camp: Please tell Marcia how many from your family will be attending. Soon we will know if there is scholarship available to share with you.

… Guests in January: Father Chris Moore will update us on Sunday the 27th regarding his family’s work in Mongolia and South Korea.