Sunday, June 4, 2017

Fiftieth Day after Pascha

The Great Feast of Pentecost

Kneeling Vespers follow Divine Liturgy today.

 Visitors, we warmly welcome you to all services of the church.

 Nourishment of the Soul: “Make it your care to love Christ greatly, and this love will move you to love other people also and to acquire patience.  Bring to mind our Christ. His sacrifice on the Cross was not because we loved Him, but because He loves us and poured out His Blood, in order to free us from sin.  Pray, and God will help you. And implore God to bring you close to Him, and to give you patience.  He is compassionate, and will hearken to you, provided that you seek it from Him.” – Elder Ieronymos of Aegina

Baptisms: As we commemorate the baptism of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, we will also celebrate 5 baptisms and 1 chrismation at All Saints during Matins and the Divine Liturgy. Jeremy Pierce is being received through holy chrismation.  Ashley Marie Pierce, Alexander Pierce, Thomas, Catherine and Michael Mobley will be received through holy baptism. Welcome home, beloved ones!

 Today, June 4th, you are invited to Taylor Shahadey’s high school graduation open house, 2:00 – 6:00 pm, at 329 S. Woodfield Lane (off W SR 48). All are welcome!

Coffee Hour: Contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with A-Ba.

Coffee Hour Request: If you are assigned to serve at coffee hour, please set desserts on a higher surface where the smallest among us cannot easily help themselves.

Bp. ANTHONY’s message for Pentecost has been inserted in the paper bulletin, but not included online.

Disposal of food products and papers during the week,  Monday – Friday: Please do not put these indoors in the trash cans, but remove them to the dumpster outdoors in plastic bags like grocery sacks.  These get warm and add unpleasant odors to the building in warm weather. Thanks.

THIS WEEK

 Wednesday, June 7: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Saturday, June 10: Great Vespers at 5:00

All Saints Sunday, June 11: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Festal Celebration

 FAMILY NOTES

Happy Birthday: Cathy A (7th);  Delaney McC (6th); Caden McC (8th)

Many Years on Your Anniversary: Deacon and Marcia (6th)

Name Day Blessings: Cleo Stroguiludis (St. Kalliope – 8th); Howard Webb (St. Columba – 9th)

Memory Eternal: Lavonne; Amanda

LOOKING AHEAD

 ….June 5: Holy Spirit Monday

 …June 11: All Saints Feast Day with celebration pitch-in meal

…June 12: Apostles Fast – 12th – 28/29th

…June 18: Father’s Day

… June 28: Festal Evening Liturgy for Ss. Peter & Paul 

… July 3:  (Monday) Annual Independence Day BBQ and Fireworks 

 Prayer List: Matthew &  family; Adrian (Olga’s brother); Cathy;“For the suffering Christians of Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.”; Fr. Steven Rudy (cancer); Finley (infant girl child-Improved); Fr. Basil; Fr. Philip;  Grant (Leukemia); Chris; Doug & Dorothy Barrett; Eileen; the Tabbals; Mary Ann & Jen; Dee and Don;  Kh.Kristina; Betsy and Hannah; Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; James; Becky H; Tom; Annie; Catherine; Janett;  Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes &  Jesse Brandow (Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriest George; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Emily D; Emma; Nancy; Neal; Bob R;  Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley: Gabriel; Mary; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; Marty; Charles; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Ruth; Steve; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie, Caleb D; Megan & Colin; Bill & Sandy; Sabrina; Christy; Pete; Tammy K.

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.

  Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

 Prokeimenon: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth.”

Verse:  “The heavens declare the glory of God!” –  Psalm  18: 4,1

Epistle: The Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. (2:1-11)

When the day of Pentecost had come, the Disciples were all together in one place.  And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.  Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.  And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.  And they were amazed and wondered, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?  And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?  Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

Gospel: The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (7:37-52; 8:12)

 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.  He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.’”  Now this He said about the Spirit, which those who believed in Him were to receive; for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.  When they heard these words, many of the people said, “This is really the prophet.”  Others said, “This is the Christ.”  But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee?  Has not the Scripture said that the Christ is descended from David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?”  So there was a division among the people over Him.  Some of them wanted to arrest Him, but no one laid hands on Him.  The officers then went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring Him?”  The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this man!”  The Pharisees answered them, “Are you led astray, you also?  Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in Him?  But this crowd, who do not know the Law, are accursed.”  Nicodemus, who had gone to Him before, and who was one of them, said to them, “Does our Law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?”  They replied, “Are you from Galilee too?  Search and you will see that no prophet is to rise from Galilee.”  Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Divine Liturgy Variables

Do you Know: At the Prokeimenon, the priest or the chanter begins alone; then the choir and the people repeat. This rubric is also used at the final verse of a prokeimenon.

The Second Antiphon

Refrain: Save us, O Good Comforter, who sing to Thee. Alleluia

The Eisodikon (Entrance Hymn) of the Feast

Save us, O Good Comforter, who sing to Thee. Alleluia.

Apolytikion  of Pentecost – Tone 8

Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast revealed the fishermen as most wise, having sent upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them Thou hast fished the universe, O Lover of mankind, glory to Thee.

Kontakion of the Pentecost – Tone 8

When the High One descended, confusing tongues, He divided the nations. And when He distributed the fiery tongues He called all to one unity. Wherefore, in unison we glorify the most Holy Spirit.

The Anti-Trisagion Hymn – (Instead of  Holy God)

As many as have been baptized…

Megalynarion for the Feast – Tone 7 – (Instead of  It  is Truly Meet)

O Mother that hath known no man, thou didst conceive, not experiencing corruption, lending a body to the Word, the Creator of all, becoming a receptacle to thine insupportable Creator, a dwelling place to thine incomprehensible Maker. Wherefore, O virgin Theotokos, thee do we magnify.

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) for Pentecost – Tone 8

Thy good Spirit shall lead me into the land of uprightness. Alleluia.

After Communion…(Instead of We Have Seen the True Light) Sing the Apolytikion of Pentecost, Blessed art Thou

Sunday, May 28, 2017

Sunday of the After-feast of the Ascension

Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council

Hieromartyr Eutychios, bishop of Melitene; Martyr Heliconis of Thessalonica; Venerable Andrew of Constantinople, fool-for-Christ; Germanos, bishop of Paris; Ignatius the wonderworker, bishop of Rostov

 Visitors, we warmly welcome you to all services of the church.

Nourishment of the Soul: “Prayer in church is important. The best feelings and thoughts come in church, and, yes, the enemy attacks more violently in church; however, with the sign of the Cross and the Jesus Prayer, you drive him away.” 

St. Barsanuphius of Optina

Breaking Ground: Today following the Divine Liturgy there will be a brief but celebratory ground-breaking ceremony on the site of our coming expansion. Excavation is scheduled to begin the following day and construction will last throughout much of the summer.  Construction of the new lower parking lot is well under way as you can see.

Coffee Hour: Contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with I-Z.

Coffee Hour Request: If you are assigned to serve at coffee hour, please set desserts on a higher surface where the smallest among us cannot easily help themselves.

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.

Disposal of food products and papers during the week,  Monday – Friday: Please do not put these indoors in the trash cans, but remove them to the dumpster outdoors in plastic bags like grocery sacks.  These get warm and add unpleasant odors to the social hall and kitchen in the warm weather. Thanks.

THIS WEEK

 Wednesday, May 31: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Saturday, June 3: Great Vespers at 5:00

Pentecost Sunday, June 4:Baptisms during Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Kneeling Vespers follow Divine Liturgy.

FAMILY NOTES

Many Years on your Birthday: Robert R (29th);

Name Day Blessings: Johanna H (30th); Rachel L (St. Emmelia – 30th)

Memory Eternal: Met. Elias; Lavonne (Martin’s Grandmother); Amanda

LOOKING AHEAD

… You are invited to Taylor ‘s high school graduation open house on Sunday, June 4th, 2:00 – 6:00 pm, at 329 S. Woodfield Lane. All are welcome!

…June 4: Pentecost Sunday with Baptisms and Kneeling Vespers

…June 11: All Saints Feast Day with celebration meal

…June 12: Apostles Fast – 12th – 28/29th

…June 18: Father’s Day

Prayer List: Matthew &  family; Adrian (Olga’s brother); Cathy;“For the suffering Christians of Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.”; Fr. Steven Rudy (cancer); Finley (infant girl child-Improved); Fr. Basil; Fr. Philip;  Grant (Leukemia); Chris; Doug & Dorothy Barrett; Eileen; the Tabbals; Mary Ann & Jen; Dee and Don;  Kh.Kristina; Betsy and Hannah; Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; James; Becky H; Tom; Annie; Catherine; Janett;  Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes &  Jesse Brandow (Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriest George; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Emily D; Emma; Nancy; Neal; Bob R;  Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley: Gabriel; Mary; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; Marty; Charles; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Ruth; Steve; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie, Caleb D; Megan & Colin; Bill & Sandy; Sabrina; Christy; Pete; Tammy K.

  Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our Fathers.”

Verse: ” For Thou art just in all Thou hast done!” Daniel 3: 26,27

Epistle: The Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. (20:16-18, 28-36)

In those days, Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.  And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church.  And when they came to him, he said to them: “Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son.  I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore, be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.  And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.  I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel.  You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me.  In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”  And when he had spoken thus, he knelt down and prayed with them all.

Gospel: The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (17:1-13)

At that time, Jesus lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son that the Son may glorify Thee, since Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom Thou hast given Him.  And this is eternal life, that they know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ Whom Thou hast sent.  I glorified Thee on earth, having accomplished the work which Thou gavest Me to do; and now, Father, glorify Thou Me in Thy own presence with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was made. I have manifested Thy Name to the men whom Thou gavest Me out of the world; Thine they were, and Thou gavest them to Me, and they have kept Thy word.  Now they know that everything that Thou hast given Me is from Thee; for I have given them the words which Thou gavest Me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from Thee; and they have believed that Thou didst send Me.  I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom Thou hast given Me, for they are Thine; all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine, and I am glorified in them.  And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to Thee.  Holy Father, keep them in Thy Name, which Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We are one.  While I was with them, I kept them in Thy Name, which Thou have given Me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled.  But now I am coming to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.

Divine Liturgy Variables

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.

The First Antiphon

Refrain: Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us.

The Second Antiphon

Refrain: Save us, O Son of God, Who didst rise from us in glory to the heavens; who sing to Thee. Alleluia.

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 6

When Mary stood at Thy grave, looking for Thy sacred body, angelic powers shone above Thy revered tomb; and the soldiers who were to keep guard became as dead men. Thou led Hades captive and wast not tempted thereby.  Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst give life to the world, O Thou, Who art risen from the dead, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion of the Ascension – Tone 4

Thou hast ascended in glory, O Christ our God, and gladdened Thy Disciples with the promise of the Holy Spirit, having become confident of the blessing. Verily, Thou art the Son of God, and Deliverer of the world.

Apolytikion of the Holy Fathers – Tone 8

Thou, O Christ, art our God of exceeding praise Who didst establish our holy Fathers as luminous stars upon earth, and through them didst guide us unto the true Faith, O most merciful One, glory to Thee.

 Kontakion of the Ascension – Tone 6

When Thou didst fulfill Thy dispensation for our sakes, uniting the terrestrials with the celestials, Thou didst ascend in glory, O Christ our God, inseparable in space, but constant without separation, and crying unto Thy beloved: I am with you, and no one shall be against you.

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Sixth Sunday of Pascha: Sunday of the Blind Man

Equals-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen

Constantine, Prince of Murom, and his sons Michael and Theodore, the Wonderworkers

 Hristos A Inviat! Christ is Risen!

 Visitors, we warmly welcome you to all services of the church.

Nourishment of the Soul: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:10-13

The Great Feast of the Ascension: Please plan to participate in this important liturgy on Wednesday evening at 6:00.  Communicants should fast from all food and drink following lunch, health permitting.

Breaking Ground: Next Sunday (the 28th) following the Divine Liturgy there will be a brief but celebratory ground-breaking ceremony on the site of our coming expansion. Excavation is scheduled to begin the following day and construction will last throughout much of the summer.  Construction of the new lower parking lot is well under way.

Coffee Hour: Contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with G-H.

Coffee Hour Request: If you are assigned to serve at coffee hour, please set desserts on a higher surface where the smallest among us cannot easily help themselves.

Myrrh Bearers leadership for 2017-2018: Co-chairs will be Barbara Grinder, Rhonda Webb and  Jennifer Rigsby with Jennifer continuing as secretary and Nina Rogers as treasurer.

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.

Parish Council meets today in Father’s office following Sunday school dismissal.

THIS WEEK

 Wednesday, May 24: Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Ascension at 6:00

Thursday, May 25: Bible Study at Becky’s home – 3:00 – 5:00

Friday, May 26: Akathist to the Protection of the Theotokos at 6:00

Saturday, May 27: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, May 28: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

FAMILY NOTES

 Anniversary Greetings: Adrian & Catherine P (21st); David & Jan G (26th)

Many Years on your Birthday: Ben J (24th)

Name Day Blessings: Saraqael H (21st)

Memory Eternal: Met. Elias; Lavonne (Martin’s Grandmother)

LOOKING AHEAD

 You are invited to Taylor Shahadey’s high school graduation open house on Sunday, June 4th, 2:00 – 6:00 pm, at 329 S. Woodfield Lane. All are welcome!

Prayer List: Matthew &  family (John’s friends); Adrian (Olga’s brother); Cathy;“For the suffering Christians of Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.”; Fr. Steven Rudy (cancer); Finley (infant girl child-Improved); Fr. Basil; Fr. Philip;  Grant (Leukemia); Chris; Doug & Dorothy Barrett; Eileen; the Tabbals; Mary Ann & Jen; Dee and Don;  Kh.Kristina; Betsy and Hannah; Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; James; Becky H; Tom; Annie; Catherine; Janett;  Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes &  Jesse Brandow (Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriest George; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Emily D; Emma; Nancy; Neal; Bob R;  Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley: Gabriel; Mary; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; Marty; Charles; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Ruth; Steve; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie, Caleb D; Megan & Colin; Bill & Sandy; Sabrina; Christy; Pete; Tammy K.

  Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

 Prokeimenon: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth.”

Verse: “The heavens declare the glory of God.!”  Psalm 18:14,1

Epistle: The Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. (26:1, 12-20)

In those days, King Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense: “I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining round me and those who journeyed with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It hurts you to kick against the goads.’ And I said, ‘Who art Thou, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus Whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you to serve and bear witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from the people and from the Gentiles, to whom I send you to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ Wherefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those at Damascus, then at Jerusalem and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and perform deeds worthy of their repentance.”

Gospel: The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (9:1-38)

At that time, when Jesus was passing, He saw a man blind from his birth.  And His Disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”  Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him.  I must work the works of Him Who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work.  As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”  As He said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man’s eyes with the clay, saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” [which means Sent].  So he went and washed and came back seeing.  The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar, said, “Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?”  Some said, “It is he”; others said, “No, but he is like him.”  He said, “I am the man.”  They said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?”  He answered, “The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash’; so I went and washed and received my sight.”  They said to him, “Where is He?”  He said, “I do not know.”  They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind.  Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes.  The Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight.  And he said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.”  Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath.”  But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?”  There was a division among them.  So they again said to the blind man, “What do you say about Him, since He has opened your eyes?”  He said, “He is a prophet.”  The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight, and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind?  How then does he now see?”  His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes.  Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself.”  His parents said this because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Him to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.  Therefore his parents said, “He is of age, ask him.”  So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, “Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner.”  He answered, “Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see.”  They said to him, “What did He do to you?  How did He open your eyes?”  He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen.  Why do you want to hear it again?  Do you too want to become His disciples?”  And they reviled him, saying, “You are His disciple, but we are disciples of Moses.  We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where He comes from.”  The man answered, “Why, this is a marvel!  You do not know where He comes from, and yet He opened my eyes.  We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, God listens to him.  Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind.  If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.”  They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?”  And they cast him out.  Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him He said, “Do you believe in the Son of God?”  He answered, “And Who is He, Sir, that I may believe in Him?”  Jesus said to him, “You have seen Him, and it is He who speaks to you.”  He said, “Lord, I believe”; and he worshiped Him.

Divine Liturgy Variables

Order at the Beginning of the Service

Priest alone: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down Death by death; and upon those in the tombs, bestowing life!  —  People: Repeat twice.

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 Ss. Constantine and Helen – Tone 8

Having seen the image of Thy Cross in Heaven, and, like Paul, having received the call not from men, Thine apostle among kings, Constantine, entrusted the commonwealth to Thy hand, O Lord. Keep us always in peace, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only Lover of mankind.

Kontakion of Pascha – Tone 8

Thou didst descend into the tomb, O Immortal. Thou didst destroy the pow’r of Death. In Victory didst Thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming rejoice to the myrrh-bearing women: Granting peace to Thine Apostles, and bestowing  Resurrection on the fallen.

Megalynarion for Pascha – Tone 1 – “The Angel Cried…”

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) of  Pascha – Tone 8

Receive ye the body of Christ; taste ye  of the Immortal Fountain.

Order of the Great Dismissal

Priest alone:  Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down Death by death…

People:    … and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!

(The same rubric is used during the Prokeimenon at vespers with the priest or chanter alone at first and the people following.)

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Fifth Sunday of Pascha: Sunday of the Samaritan Woman;

After-feast of Mid-Pentecost

Mother’s Day

Martyr Isidore of Chios; Hieromartyr Therapont, bishop of Cyprus;

New-martyrs John of Bulgaria and Mark of Crete; Venerable Isidore of Rostov, fool-for-Christ

 Al-Maseeh Qam! Christ is Risen!

 Visitors, we warmly welcome you to all services of the church.

 Nourishment of the Soul: “Fear of death can come upon you. And surely it will. Expect this, but do not be afraid in the least. What is death for us Christians? A return to a paternal home, to the radiant palace of the Heavenly Father.  Shall we really be afraid of something good?” – St. Nikolai Velimerovic

“Thank you to all who donated to support Riley Dance Marathon. This year our total amount raised was $157,508.68!  ~ Taylor Shahadey“

Coffee Hour Foods: We will have a pitch-in today for Mother’s Day with special recognition of our mothers and god-mothers.

Saying Goodbye: Today we also say goodbye to Stephanie Haines who is relocating to Greenfield. A cheerful card is always a good thing!

Myrrh Bearers leadership for 2017-2018: Co-chairs will be Barbara Grinder, Rhonda Webb and  Jennifer Rigsby with Jennifer continuing as secretary and Nina Rogers as treasurer.

Graduating High School Seniors, please let us know who you are as the school year draws to a close. We’ve heard from Taylor Shahadey (Michael  and Missy’s daughter) and Trevor Potts (James and Patricia’s grandson)!

THIS WEEK

 Wednesday, May 17: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Thursday, May 18: St. John Fellowship in Mitchell at the Haneys’ 10:00 – Noon

Thursday, May 18: Bible Study at Becky’s home – 3:00 – 5:00

Saturday, May 20: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, May14 (Mother’s Day): Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Saying Goodbye to Stephanie Haines

FAMILY NOTES

 Birthday Greetings: Howard W (14th); Caleb L (15th); Hannah G (18th); Bilen M (18th)

Name Day Blessings: Lydia F (20th); Nancy J (St. Lydia – 20th)

Memory Eternal: Danny; Albert (Alex John) Alexander – 4th); Met. Elias; Lavonne (Martin’s Grandmother); Archpriest Wladimir (husband of Matushka Raisa (May 18th)

LOOKING AHEAD

 …April Blair is organizing meals for the Pierce family after the birth of their son Alexander Jordan

…May 24: Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Ascension

…May 26: Akathist to the Protection of the Theotokos at 6:00

Prayer List: Matthew &  family (John’s friends); Adrian (Olga’s brother); Cathy;“For the suffering Christians of Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.”; Fr. Steven Rudy (cancer); Finley (infant girl child-Improved); Fr. Basil; Fr. Philip;  Grant (Leukemia); Chris; Doug & Dorothy Barrett; Eileen; the Tabbals; Mary Ann & Jen; Dee and Don;  Kh.Kristina; Betsy and Hannah; Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; James; Becky H; Tom; Annie; Catherine; Janett;  Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes &  Jesse Brandow (Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriest George; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Emily D; Emma; Nancy; Neal; Bob R;  Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley: Gabriel; Mary; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; Marty; Charles; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Ruth; Steve; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie, Caleb D; Megan & Colin; Bill & Sandy; Sabrina; Christy; Pete; Tammy K.

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.

  Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

 Prokeimenon: “O Lord, how magnificent are Thy works. In Wisdom hast Thou made them all.”

Verse: ” Bless the Lord, O my soul!”  Psalm 103:24,1

Epistle: The Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. (11:19-30)

In those days, the Disciples, who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen, traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the Word to none except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, upon coming to Antioch, spoke to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number that believed turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad; and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a large company was added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church, and taught a large company of people; and in Antioch the Disciples were for the first time called Christians. Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world; and this took place in the days of Claudius. And the Disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brethren who lived in Judea; and they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

Gospel: The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (4:5-42)

At that time, Jesus came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.  Jacob’s well was there, and so Jesus, wearied as He was with his journey, sat down beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.  There came a woman of Samaria to draw water.  Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.”  For His Disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.  The Samaritan woman said to Him, “How is it that Thou, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?”  For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.  Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and Who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”  The woman said to Him, “Sir, Thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep; where do you get that living water?  Art Thou greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, and his sons, and his cattle?”  Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst forever; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”  The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”  Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.”  The woman answered Him, “I have no husband.”  Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and he whom you now have is not your husband; this you said truly.”  The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that Thou art a prophet.  Our fathers worshiped on this mountain; and Thou sayest that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.”  Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.  You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.  But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship Him.  God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”  The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming [He Who is called Christ]; when He comes, He will tell us all things.”  Jesus said to her, “I Who speak to you am He.”  Just then His Disciples came.  They marveled that He was talking with a woman, but none said, “What dost Thou wish?” or, “Why art Thou talking with her?”  So the woman left her water jar, and went away into the city, and said to the people, “Come, see a man Who told me all that I ever did.  Can this be the Christ?”  They went out of the city and were coming to Him.  Meanwhile the Disciples besought Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”  But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.”  So the Disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him food?”  Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him Who sent Me, and to accomplish His work.  Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’?  I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see how the fields are already white for harvest.  He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.  For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’  I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor; others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”  Many Samaritans from that city believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony, “He said to me all that I ever did.”  So when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days.  And many more believed because of His words.  They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of your words that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”

Divine Liturgy Variables

Order at the Beginning of the Service

Priest alone: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down Death by death; and upon those in the tombs, bestowing life!  —  People: Repeat twice.

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 4

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

Apolytikion of Mid-Pentecost – Tone 8

In the midst of this Feast, O Savior, give Thou my thirsty soul to drink of the waters of true worship; for Thou didst call out to all, saying: Whosoever is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Wherefore, O Christ our God, Fountain of life, glory to Thee.

Kontakion of Pascha – Tone 8

Thou didst descend into the tomb, O Immortal. Thou didst destroy the pow’r of Death. In Victory didst Thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming rejoice to the myrrh-bearing women: Granting peace to Thine Apostles, and bestowing  Resurrection on the fallen.

Megalynarion for Pascha – Tone 1 – “The Angel Cried…”

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) of  Pascha – Tone 8

Receive ye the body of Christ; taste ye  of the Immortal Fountain.

Order of the Great Dismissal

Priest alone:  Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down Death by death…

People:    … and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!

(The same rubric is used during the Prokeimenon at vespers with the priest or chanter alone at first and the people following.)

Sunday, May 07, 2017

Fourth Sunday of Pascha

Sunday of the Paralytic

Appearance of the Sign of the Precious Cross in the heavens above Jerusalem (351 A.D.);

Martyr Akakios the centurion at Byzantium; John of Beverly, Bishop of York;

Priest Alexis Toth of Wilkes-Barre, confessor and defender of Orthodoxy in America

 Khristos Aneste! Christ is Risen!

 Visitors, we warmly welcome you to all services of the church.

 Nourishment of the Soul: “Patience is a heavenly gift, a gift from the Heavenly Father…With patience and love for your fellow men, you become a victor in life’s continual trials.” – St. Raphael of Lesvos

Food for Hungry People 2017 has closed with your generous donations of $1,297. Thank You.  The needs in our parish and community, however, continue all year, so please continue your giving to the  local benevolence fund.

Coffee Hour Foods: Contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with A-Ba.

Saying Goodbye: Next week we will again say goodbye to one of our faithful members: Stephanie Haines is relocating to Greenfield. The Myrrh Bearers will meet today to plan the social hour for Mother’s Day and for our Myrrh Bearer’s co-chair.. We will notify you by e-mail of special arrangements.

Myrrh Bearers will  meet today, May 7th, around noon in the nave.

Graduating high school seniors, please let us know who you are so we can plan something for you as the school year draws to a close. We’ve heard from only one thus far!

It’s Official: Fr. Peter Jon and Dan Rigsby (parish council chair) have, with the unanimous support and backing of the building committee and parish council, signed contracts to advance the installation of our new parking lot and the subsequent expansion of our nave, as well as planned improvements to our current building.  This begins PHASE ONE of our three phase building program. See Jeff Weber, our building committee chair, with specific questions about this exciting leap forward!

THIS WEEK

 Tuesday, May 9: Bible Study at Kh. Marilyn’s home at 7:00

Wednesday, May 10: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Thursday, May 11: Bible Study at Becky’s home – 3:00 – 5:00

Saturday, May 13: Great Vespers at 5:00 preceded by 40 Day Memorial for Alex John at 4:30

Sunday, May14 (Mother’s Day): Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Saying Goodbye to Stephanie Haines

 FAMILY NOTES

 Birthday Greetings: Kh. Marilyn G (9th); Mariam G (10th); Teya T (12th); Trevor P (12th); Missy S (13th)

Name Day Blessings: Caleb L (St. John the Theologian – 8th); Barb G (St. Isadora of Tabenna – 10th)

Memory Eternal: Danny; Albert (Alex John) Alexander – 4th); Met. Elias; Lavonne (Martin’s Grandmother)

LOOKING AHEAD

…April Blair is organizing meals for the Pierce family after the birth of their son Alexander Jordan

…May 24: Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Ascension

Prayer List: John Craton’s friend Matthew and family; Hal; Stephanie; Adrian (Olga’s brother); Cathy;“For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.”; Fr. Steven Rudy (cancer); Finley (infant girl child with stroke and spasms-Improved); Fr. Basil; Fr. Philip;  Grant (Leukemia); Chris; Doug & Dorothy Barrett; Eileen; the Tabbals; Mary Ann & Jen; Dee and Don;  Kh.Kristina; Betsy and Hannah; Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; James; Becky H; Tom; Annie; Catherine; Janett;  Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes &  Jesse Brandow (Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriest George; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Emily D; Emma; Nancy; Neal; Bob R;  Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley: Gabriel; Mary; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; Marty; Charles; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Ruth; Steve; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie, Caleb D; Megan & Colin; Bill & Sandy; Sabrina; Christy.

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.

  Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “Sing praises to our God, sing praises.”

Verse: “Clap your hands, all you nations!”  Psalm 46:6,1

Epistle: The Reading from the Acts of the Saintly and Pure Apostles. (9:32-42)

In those days, as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints that lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing tunics and other garments, which Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, rise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

Gospel: The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (5:1-15)

At that time, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethsaida, which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and troubled the water; whoever stepped in first, after the troubling of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. One man was there, who had been ill for 38 years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your pallet, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, “It is the Sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet.” But he answered them, “The man who healed me said to me, ‘Take up your pallet, and walk.’” They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your pallet, and walk’?” Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befalls you.” The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus Who had healed him.

Divine Liturgy Variables

Order at the Beginning of the Service

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

People: Repeat twice.

The 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.

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 of Pascha – Tone 8

Thou didst descend into the tomb, O Immortal. Thou didst destroy the pow’r of Death. In Victory didst Thou arise, O Christ God, proclaiming rejoice to the myrrh-bearing women: Granting peace to Thine Apostles, and bestowing  Resurrection on the fallen.

Megalynarion for Pascha – Tone 1

“The Angel Cried…”

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) of  Pascha – Tone 8

Receive ye the body of Christ; taste ye  of the Immortal Fountain.

Order of the Great Dismissal

Priest alone:  Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down Death by death…

People:            … and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!