Sunday, April 15, 2018
New Sunday or Anti-Pascha
Sunday of Thomas the Apostle, Called “The Twin”
Martyr Crescens of Myra in Lycia; Hieromartyr Leonidas, bishop of Athens

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down Death by death,
and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!

If you are visiting, we warmly welcome you
and invite you to join us during the social hour, following Divine Liturgy.

Nourishment of the Soul: “When one gives his heart to God, he loves everything. He not only loves all people, he also loves the birds and the trees – even the snakes. he reveres, with devotion, not only God and the Saints, but also all human beings: the images of God.”
St. Paisios the Athonite

The Food for Hungry People and Charitable Outreach collection will end today. Thus far $779 has been donated here at All Saints. Thank you.

Honored Visitors Today: Fr. Paisios from the Hermitage of the Holy Cross (Monastery) in Wayne, West Virginia will concelebrate with Fr. Peter Jon at Sunday’s Divine Liturgy. We offer our warmest Paschal greetings to him and to the other monks in attendance as well. You may recall that our own Michael John Ewing resides at this same monastery.

Camp Fundraiser today (Sunday, April 15th) during coffee hour: Campers will grill hamburgers and hotdogs, set up & clean up to raise money for camping expenses. Please give generously to support our youth, as you are able. Additional side dishes will be provided.

Many thanks to those who helped throughout Great Lent and Holy Pascha — chanting, singing, cleaning, preparing food, decorating, and doing all of the things which enable each of us to more fully participate in the life of the Church at this blessed time of year. May God grant you eternal blessings for your work in His earthly vineyard!

Father Peter Jon will be traveling this week with Khouria Kristina and the kids. They will attend an Orthodox homeschooling conference at the Antiochian Village in Pennsylvania. If you have any needs, please contact Dn. Lawrence or Marcia Baldwin. Fr. Peter Jon will be reachable through them in case of emergency.

Parish Council meets today around noon.

THIS WEEK
Fast-Free Period
Tuesday, April 17: Bible Study at Kh. Marilyn’s home at 7:00
Wednesday, April 18: Daily Vespers at 6:00
Thursday, April 19: Bible Study at Becky’s home 3:00 – 5:00
Saturday, April 21: Great Vespers at 5:00
Sunday, April 22: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD

…April 24: The last OCF meeting of the spring semester is at the Webb’s home, 6:00 – 8:00.
…April 29: Myrrh Bearers meet after Divine Liturgy.

FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Celebration: Marvin P (15th); Gabriella C (20th); Alexander P (21st)
Name Day Remembrance: Ayris F (St. Anastasia – 16th)
Memory Eternal: Gladys; Betty

Prayer List: Barbara; Paul; Caden, Dylan,& Maddie; Marvin (surgery) & Alice; Cathy; Kh. Kristina; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Fr. George; Iva Lee; Adrian T; Nancy & Shalayna; Rigsby family; those suffering in the drug crisis in the USA; Safety in our Schools; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “Great is our Lord, and great is His power.”
Verse: “Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.” Psalm 146:5; 134:3

Epistle: The Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. (5:12-20)

In those days, many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the Apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high honor. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and pallets, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. But the high priest rose up and all who were with him, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and filled with jealousy they arrested the Apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out and said, “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (20:19-31)

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the Disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the Disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other Disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe.” Eight days later, His Disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the Disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His Name.

Divine Liturgy Variables

The Third Antiphon
+ Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered, and let them that hate Him flee from before His face.

Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death; and upon those in the tombs, bestowing life!
+ As smoke vanisheth, so let them vanish; as wax melteth before the fire. (Refrain)

+ So let sinners perish at the presence of God, and let the righteous be glad. (Refrain)

+ This is the day which the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad therein. (Refrain)

Eisokikon (Entrance Hymn) of Pascha
In the gathering places bless God the Lord, from the springs of Israel. Save us, O Son of God, Who art risen from the dead, who sing to Thee: Alleluia.

Apolytikion of Thomas Sunday – Tone 7
While the tomb was sealed, Thou didst shine forth from it, O Life. While the doors were closed, Thou didst come in to Thy Disciples, O Christ God, Resurrection of all, renewing in us through them an upright spirit, according to the greatness of Thy mercy.

Kontakion of Pascha – Tone 8
O Immortal One, when Thou didst descend into the tomb, Thou didst destroy the power of Hades; and Thou didst rise victorious, O Christ God. Thou hast said to the ointment bearing women: Rejoice! And Thou gavest peace to Thy Disciples, O Bestower of Resurrection to those Who had fallen.

Megalynarion for Thomas Sunday – Tone 1
O most radiant lamp, the Theotokos, the immeasurable honor, which is more exalted than all creatures, with praises do we magnify thee.

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) of Thomas Sunday – (Psalm 147:1)
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion. Alleluia.

Reminders for the rest of Holy Week and bulletin for Bright Week

Friday, April 6

9:00 AM –  Royal Hours and Typika

3:00 PM –  Great Vespers (Taking-down of Christ from the Cross)

6:00 PM –  Matins of Lamentation, followed by the Midnight Vigil

Saturday, April 7

 9:00AM – Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil

 Holy Pascha Service at 10PM, followed by the annual ‘Break-the-Fast Celebration’

Sunday, April 8:

At Noon

 Agape Service with Reading of the Holy Gospel in many languages;

 Procession to the Empty Tomb Shrine

Egg Hunt

Holy Pascha Agape pitch-in meal

Weekly Bulletin begins.

Saturday, April 7, 2018

Great and Holy Pascha
 

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down Death by death,

and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!

 
If you are visiting,  we warmly welcome you
and invite you to stay for the celebratory meals that are shared on Saturday evening around midnight and on Sunday following Agape Great Vespers.

Nourishment of the Soul: “Be thou amazed, O Heaven, and let the foundations of the earth quake; for behold, He who dwelleth in the highest hath been accounted among the dead, and hath been Guest in a humble tomb. Wherefore, O ye youths, bless Him. Praise Him, ye priests; and ye nations, exalt Him more and more unto all ages. Glory to Thee, our God; Glory to Thee!” – from the 8th Ode of Great and Holy Pascha

The Food for Hungry People has a new name to express its multiple ways of reaching those who need a helping hand. His Eminence JOSEPH has renamed it as Department of Food for Hungry People and Charitable Outreach.

Receiving the Eucharist at the Saturday Evening Service: We invite you to receive the Holy Eucharist if you are an Orthodox Christian who has prepared yourself through fasting, prayer, and recent confession.  If you are not Orthodox, or are Orthodox but  have not prepared, we invite you to receive a piece of the blessed bread in the wooden bowls held by the altar servers at the front of the church.

THIS WEEK

Fast-Free Period

Sunday, April 8: Agape Vespers at noon with the reading of the Holy Gospel in many languages; Procession to the Empty Tomb; Easter Egg Hunt; Celebratory meal.

 

BRIGHT WEEK BEGINS.

 
Tuesday, April 10: OCF Meeting at the Webb’s home 6:00 – 8:00

Wednesday, April 11: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Thursday, April 12: Bible Study at Becky’s home 3:00 – 5:00

Thursday, April 12: Bible Study at the Webb’s home 7:00 – 8:30

Friday, April 13: His Grace Bp. ANTHONY will be with us for Agape Vespers at 6:00; a celebratory meal follows.

Saturday, April 14: Great Vespers at 5:00 – Visiting monks are expected from The Hermitage of the Holy Cross (Monastery) in Wayne, WV.  Fr. Paisios will concelebrate with Fr. Peter Jon on Sunday morning.

Sunday, April 15: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 followed by a fundraiser meal provided by our young campers as they prepare for their summer pilgrimage. Parish Council also meets.

LOOKING AHEAD

 
Bright Week Pilgrimage Opportunity: The world famous wonderworking “Kursk Root” icon of the Theotokos will visit St. George Russian Orthodox Church (118 N. Lebanon Rd. Loveland, Ohio) during Bright Week. On Wednesday, April 11, vespers and vigil will be served at 6:30pm, and on Thursday, April 12, Divine Liturgy will be served at 9 am . The icon will be present for veneration during these times

 FAMILY NOTES

Aniversary Blessings: Aurelian & Lucia (9th); Daniel & Gala (14th)

Birthday & Name Day Celebration: Subdn. Jon (14th – St. John of Vilna)

Memory Eternal: Norman; Phillip (3/2)

 Prayer List: Barbara; Paul; Caden, Dylan,& Maddie; Marvin (surgery) & Alice; Cathy; Kh. Kristina; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Fr. George; Iva Lee; Adrian T; Nancy & Shalayna; Rigsby family; those suffering in the drug crisis in the USA; Safety in our Schools

  THE PASCHAL AGAPE GOSPEL FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 8TH

The Gospel is read by the clergy and faithful from the solea in as many languages as possible. The readers recite one paragraph at a time as denoted below, taking turns until the whole lection is complete. For additional languages, see pages 829-855 of “The Services of Great and Holy Week and Pascha” (2nd or 3rd edition, Antiochian Archdiocese), or www.biblegateway.com.

Priest:                     And that we may be accounted worthy to hear the Holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord God.

Choir:                     Lord, have mercy. (THRICE)

Priest:                     Wisdom! Attend! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest:                     Peace be to all.

Choir:                     And to thy spirit.

Priest:                     The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint John (20:19-25).

Choir:                     Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Priest:                     Let us attend!

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the Disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the Disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other Disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe.”

Choir:    Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Father Peter Jon will be available to hear confession from 5-6pm today (Friday) and from 4-5pm on Saturday.
Please contact him directly if these times will not work with your schedule.

Sunday, April 1, 2018
Feast of Palm Sunday
Entrance of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem
**Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom**

If you are visiting today, we warmly welcome you and invite you
to stay for the fellowship hour that follows Divine Liturgy.

Nourishment of the Soul: “From the sacrament of the cross you receive both food and drink; let the wood, which availed at Mara in a figure for sweetening the taste, avail you in truth for soothing the softened breast, and you will not labor for the remedy for increasing health. Cure yourself of the source from which you had been wounded. Love those whom you hated before; esteem those whom you envied with unjust disparagements. Imitate the good, if you can follow them; if you cannot follow them, surely rejoice with them and congratulate your betters. Your debts will be forgiven you, when you yourself shall forgive. Your sacrifices will be accepted, when you shall come to God as a peacemaker.” – St. Cyprian of Carthage

Newly Chrismated Members: Welcome home, Tabitha Burchett, Jeremiah Junken, and Stephen Westich!

The Food for Hungry People Campaign continues until Holy Pascha.

There is a pitch-in today on Palm Sunday. While several Myrrh Bearers are providing salmon, a list of needed pitch-in items went out by email Thursday. Your donations will serve a large crowd.

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.

Father Peter Jon can be reached by cell phone and email; however text messages may not be received on his flip phone due to texting limitations.

HOLY WEEK
Tonight, April 1: Bridegroom Matins at 5pm
Monday, April 2: Presanctified Liturgy at 9am; Bridegroom Matins at 6pm
Tuesday, April 3: Presanctified Liturgy at 9am; Bridegroom Matins at 6pm – Bp ANTHONY
Wednesday, April 4: Presanctified Liturgy at 9am –Bp ANTHONY; Holy Unction at 6pm
Thursday, April 5: Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil (Last Supper) at 9am followed by ‘Rite of Footwashing’; Twelve Passion Gospels at 6pm
Friday, April 6: Royal Hours and Typika at 9am; Decorating the Bier at 1pm; Great Vespers (Taking-down of Christ from the Cross) at 3:00; Matins of Lamentation at 6pm followed by the Midnight Vigil
Saturday, April 7: ‘Harrowing of Hades’ Liturgy of St. Basil at 9am; Holy Pascha Service begins at 10pm, followed by the annual ‘Break-the-Fast Celebration.’
Sunday, April 8: Holy Pascha – Noon, Agape Service with Reading of the Holy Gospel in many languages; Procession to the Empty Tomb Shrine; Egg Hunt; Holy Pascha Agape meal.

LOOKING AHEAD
…His Grace Bp. ANTHONY will be with us for Agape Vespers on Friday, April 13th at 6:00. There will be a celebratory meal following the service.
...Bright Week Pilgrimage Opportunity: The world famous wonderworking “Kursk Root” icon of the Theotokos will visit St. George Russian Orthodox Church (118 N. Lebanon Rd. Loveland, Ohio) during Bright Week. On Wednesday, April 11, vespers and vigil will be served at 6:30pm, and on Thursday, April 12, Divine Liturgy will be served at 9 am . The icon will be present for veneration during these times.
…April Fundraiser for Campers is being scheduled for April 15th.

FAMILY NOTES
Birthday Blessings: Brian O (2nd); Irene Vlachos-W (3rd); Jennifer R (5th)
Name Day Celebration: Molly A (St. Mary of Egypt -1st); Bilen M (St. Mary of Egypt – 1st); Zane N (St. Nicetas – 3rd); Polina M (St. Appolinaria – 4th)
Memory Eternal: Norman; Phillip (3/2)

Prayer List: Barbara; Paul; Caden, Dylan,& Maddie; Marvin (surgery scheduled) & Alice; Cathy; Kh. Kristina; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Fr. George; Iva Lee; Adrian T; Nancy & Shalayna; Rigsby family; those suffering in the drug crisis in the USA; Safety in our Schools

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord.”
Verse: “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 117:26,1

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. (4:4-9)

Brethren, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, these do; and the God of peace will be with you.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (12:1-18)

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus who had died was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at table with Him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, one of His Disciples (he who was to betray Jesus), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not because he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the moneybox he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, “Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of My burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have Me.” When the great crowd of the Jews learned that He was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, “Hosanna! Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” His Disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of Him and had been done to Him. The crowd that had been with Jesus when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet Jesus was that they heard He had done this sign.

Divine Liturgy Variables

Second Antiphon’s Refrain: Save us, O Son of God, Who didst sit upon the foal of a donkey.

Apolytikion of Lazarus Saturday – Tone 1
O Christ God, when Thou didst raise Lazarus from the dead, before Thy Passion, Thou didst confirm the universal resurrection. Wherefore, we, like children, carry the insignia of triumph and victory, and cry to Thee, O Vanquisher of death: Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Eisokikon (Entrance Hymn of Palm Sunday
Save us, O Son of God, Who didst sit upon the foal of a donkey; who sing to Thee. Alleluia.

Apolytikion of Palm Sunday- Tone 4
O Christ God, when we were buried with Thee in Baptism, we became deserving of Thy Resurrection to immortal life. Wherefore, we praise Thee, crying: Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Kontakion of Palm Sunday – Tone 6
Upborne upon the heavenly throne, and seated upon the earthly foal, O Christ our God, receive the praises of angels and the hymns of men, exclaiming before Thee: Blessed is He that cometh to restore Adam.

Megalynarion for Palm Sunday – Tone 4
God the Lord hath appeared unto us; let us celebrate the Feast, and let us rejoice and magnify Christ. With palms and branches let us raise our voices unto Him with praise, saying: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, our Savior.

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) for Palm Sunday – Tone 8
Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord. Alleluia.

Procession around the exterior of the church follows “Blessed be the Name of the Lord”.

Sunday, March 25, 2018
The Annunciation to the Most-Holy Theotokos

**Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom**

If you are visiting today, we warmly welcome you and invite you
to stay for the fellowship hour that follows Divine Liturgy.

Nourishment of the Soul: “At the beginning of every task, call on the name of the Lord your God, and begin it with prayer, that the Lord may prosper you to begin it and complete it. And from this, it is evident that a Christian ought not to begin anything that is contrary to the Law of God, but only that which is in agreement with it.” – St. Tikhon of Zadonsk

Today Myrrh Bearers meet around noon to finalize important plans for Holy Week and Pascha.

Women’s Month: Kh. Kristina will read the Epistle this morning.

The Food for Hungry People Campaign continues. On your check, please differentiate between donations to the campaign and to the local benevolence/charitable fund for families in need.

Social Hour: Scheduled contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with I-Z.

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.

Special prayers for the Catechumens and specifically, “Those preparing for Holy Illumination” (who will be chrismated on Lazarus Saturday) will be heard during services leading up to Holy Pascha.
Father Peter Jon can be reached by cell phone and email; however text messages may not be received on his flip phone due to texting limitations. Father continues to encourage each of us to consider fasting from social media and electronic media in general for the duration of the fast.

THIS WEEK

Tuesday, March 27: OCF meeting at the Webb’s home 6:00-8:00
Wednesday, March 28: Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts 6:00, followed by light meal & teaching
Thursday, March 29: Bible Study at Becky’s 3:00 – 5:00
Thursday, March 29: Bible Study at the Webb’s home 700-8:30
Friday, March 30: Canon of St. Lazarus at 6:00
Lazarus Saturday, March 31: Chrismations and Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am. Afterward a light meal, followed by an ALL-PARISH WORKDAY. Plan to come and prepare the building and grounds for Palm Sunday and for Holy Week. You will enjoy your time of service with your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Saturday, March 31: Great Vespers at 5:00 – Orthodoxy 101 with Dr. John Craton presenting “Holy Baptism.”
Sunday, April 1: Palm Sunday Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD
…Holy Week Services will be posted on the hall bulletin board, but please note they were all in the recent newsletter. The April calendar at www.allsaintsbloomington.org is another source, soon to be updated.
…Sunday evening, April first, we meet at 5:00 for the Bridegroom Service.
...Bishop ANTHONY will be with us April 3rd at the Tuesday evening Bridegroom Service.
...His Grace will also be with us for Great Vespers on Bright Friday (April 13th). A meal will follow the service. Details will follow.
…April Fundraiser for Campers is being scheduled.

FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Blessings: Tristan R (26th); Matthew C (26th); Nina (29th); Darryl J (29th)
Name Day Celebration: Bilen M (St. Mary of Egypt – 25th); Gabby C (Gabriel – 26th); Gabe S (Gabriel – 26th); Nolan A (St. Gregory Palamas – 27th)
Memory Eternal: Norman; Phillip (3/2)

Prayer List: Barbara; Paul; Caden, Dylan,& Maddie; Marvin & Alice; Cathy; Kh. Kristina; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Fr. George; Iva Lee; Adrian T; Nancy & Shalayna; Jennifer A’s family; Rigsby family; those suffering in the drug crisis in the USA; Safety in our Schools

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “Tell forth from day to day the glad tidings of the salvation of our God.”
Verse: ” Sing unto the Lord a new song; sing unto the Lord, all the earth.”

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews. (2:11-18)

Brethren, He Who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all one origin. That is why He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, “I will proclaim Thy Name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will praise Thee.” And again, “I will put my trust in Him.” And again, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.” Since, therefore, the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death He might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. For surely it is not with angels that He is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For, because He Himself has suffered and been tempted, He is able to help those who are tempted.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (1:24-38)

At that time, Elizabeth, the wife of Zachariah, conceived, and for five months she hid herself, saying, “Thus the Lord has done to me in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” In the sixth month the archangel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the archangel came to her and said, “Rejoice, O favored one, the Lord is with thee! Blessed art thou among women!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the archangel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for thou hast found favor with God. And bhold, thou wilt conceive in thy womb and bear a son, and you shall call His Name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of His kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the archangel, “How shall this be, since I have known no man?” And the archangel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon thee, and the power of the Most High will overshadow thee; therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the archangel departed from her.

Divine Liturgy Variables

Second Antiphon’s Refrain: Save us, O Son of God, Who wast incarnate for our sake; who sing to Thee. Alleluia.

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 the Annunciation – Tone 4
Today is the beginning of our salvation, and the manifestation of the mystery from the ages; for the Son of God becometh the Son of the Virgin, and Gabriel proclaimeth grace. Wherefore, do we shout with him to the Theotokos: Hail, O full of grace! The Lord is with thee.

Kontakion for the Annunciation (and 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.

Megalynarion of the Feast – Tone 4
The Theotokos, being the living tabernacle of God, shall never be touched by an unclean hand. But the lips of believers shall sing unto her ceaselessly with the voice of angels, crying joyfully: Hail, O full of grace. The Lord is with thee.

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) for the Annunciation – Tone 8
The Lord hath chosen Zion; He hath desired her for His dwelling. Alleluia.

Sunday, March 18, 2018

Fourth Sunday of Great Lent

Commemoration of John Climacus, Author of “The Ladder”
Cyril, patriarch of Jerusalem; Martyrs Trophymos and Eukarpos of Nicomedia and those with them;
Nikolai (Velimirovic), bishop of Zhicha who labored in America

Nourishment of the Soul: “The humility of the Theotokos also has much to teach women today. Let us all call upon her, for holy humility will provide us with ease, freedom, joy, grace, sanctity, redemption and a foretaste of the delight in Paradise, which will render us without problems, graceful and truly joyful even in this life.” – Blessed Moses the Athonite

Parish Council meets around noon.

Women’s Month: Alice Piercefield will read the Epistle this morning.

The Food for Hungry People Campaign continues. On your check, please differentiate between donations to this campaign and to the regular, local benevolence/charitable fund for families in need.

All Saints Food Pantry: Thank you for donations last week. Hot dogs and ground beef (in the freezer) as well as paper towels and toilet tissue are STILL NEEDED. God bless you!

Tonight: Joy of All Who Sorrow is hosting Lenten Vespers at 5:00. Fr. Dragan Petrovich is the guest homilist. A fellowship meal follows.

Social Hour: Scheduled contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with G-H; however, all donations are welcome!

Serving Dishes, Left in the Pantry and Kitchen! We appreciate your food donations, but wonder if you have forgotten to take your serving vessels home! Take a look in cabinets or kitchen storeroom.

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.

If you are visiting today, we warmly welcome you and invite you to stay for the fellowship hour that follows Divine Liturgy.

Special prayers for the Catechumens and specifically, “Those preparing for Holy Illumination” (who will be chrismated on Lazarus Saturday) will be heard during services leading up to Holy Pascha.

Father Peter Jon can be reached by cell phone and email; however text messages may not be received on his flip phone due to texting limitations. Father continues to encourage each of us to to consider fasting from social media and electronic media in general for the duration of the fast.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, March 21: Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts 6:00, followed by light meal & teaching
Thursday, March 22: Bible Study at Becky’s 3:00 – 5:00
Thursday, March 22: Canon of St. Andrew of Crete and the Life of St. Mary of Egypt at 6:00
Friday, March 23: Little Compline and Akathist Hymn at 6:00
Saturday, March 24: Great Vespers with Artoklosia (blessing of the loaves for a GREAT FEAST) at 5:00 – Orthodoxy 101 with Fr. Peter Jon presenting “Preparing for Burial.”
Sunday, March 25: Annunciation – Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Myrrh Bearers meet.
Sunday Evening, 18: Lenten Vespers at St. Mary of Egypt in Greenwood at 5pm; Fr. Nabil Hanna, presenter.

LOOKING AHEAD

… Bible Study: Gospel of John at the Webb’s home – 7:00-8:30 at 3960 E. Fenbrook Lane, on Thursdays, but not on March 22nd. The series is almost finished.
…Lazarus Saturday, March 31st: Chrismations and Divine Liturgy begin at 9:00 am. Afterward there is a light meal, followed by an ALL-PARISH WORKDAY. Plan to come and prepare the building and grounds for Palm Sunday and for Holy Week. You will enjoy your time of service with your brothers and sisters in Christ.
FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Blessings: Kh. Kristina Gt(18th); Marah P (19th); Lilly B (20th); Saraqael H (21st); Georges T (21st); Ghada L (21st); Heidi S (21st)
Name Day Celebration: Mezy A (St. Photini – 20th); Hannah G(St. Photini – 20th); Shirley R (St. Photini- 20th); Galina McLaws (St. Galina – 23rd) (St. Photini in the Slavic tradition is March 20th>)
Memory Eternal: Norman (Marija’s brother-in-law); Philip (Marcia’s brother);Victims in Florida school tragedy

Prayer List: Barbara; Paul; Caden, Dylan,& Maddie; Marvin & Alice; Cathy; Kh. Kristina; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Fr. George; Iva Lee; Adrian T; Nancy & Shalayna; Jennifer A’s family; Rigsby family; those suffering in the drug crisis in the USA; Safety in our Schools

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “The Lord will give strength to His people.”
Verse: “Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.” Psalm 28:11,1

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews. (6:13-20)

Brethren, when God made a promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater by whom to swear, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Men indeed swear by one greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of His purpose, He interposed with an oath. So that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (9:16-30)

At that time, a man came to Jesus, kneeling down and saying unto him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked Thy Disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” And Jesus answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to Me.” And they brought the boy to Him; and when the spirit saw Jesus, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, “How long has he had this?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if Thou canst do anything, have pity on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again.” And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when Jesus had entered the house, His Disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And Jesus said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.” They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And Jesus would not have anyone know it; for He was teaching His Disciples, saying to them, “The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and after He is killed, He will rise on the third day.”

Divine Liturgy Variables

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 8
From the heights Thou didst descend, O Compassionate One, and Thou didst submit to the three-day burial, that Thou might deliver us from passion; Thou art our life and our Resurrection, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion of St. John Climacus – Tone 8
The barren wilderness thou didst make fertile with the streams of thy tears; and by thy deep sighing thou hast given fruit through thy struggles a hundredfold. Accordingly, thou hast become a star for the universe, sparkling with miracles. Therefore, O righteous Father John Climacus, intercede with Christ God to save our souls.

Kontakion for the Annunciation (and 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 Megalynarion (instead of “It is truly meet…”)
All of creation rejoices in thee, O full of grace, the assembly of angels and the race of men. O sanctified temple and spiritual paradise, the glory of virgins, from whom God was incarnate and became a child: our God before the ages. he made thy body into a throne, and thy womb He made more spacious than the heavens. All of creation rejoices in thee, O full of grace, glory to thee!