Friday Evening Reminders

The final Akathiston of Great Lent at 6:00.

 An Invitation: The Webbs invite you to join the OCF students at a showing of the movie “Ostrov” (The Island) in their home on Friday March 31, following the Akathist prayers.  “Somewhere in Northern Russia in a small Russian Orthodox monastery lives an unusual man whose bizarre conduct confuses his fellow monks, while others who visit the island believe that the man has the power to heal, exorcise demons and foretell the future.” It is in Russian with English subtitles, and has won many awards, including best feature film in Russian in 2007. It is challenging spiritually and is beautifully crafted.

Sunday, April 02, 2017

Fifth Sunday of Great Lent

Commemoration of our Righteous Mother Mary of Egypt

Venerable Titus the wonderworker; Virgin-martyr Theodora of Palestine;

Martyrs Amphianos and Aidesios of Lydia

Visitors, you are always welcome here.

 Nourishment of the Soul: “I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy.  I woke and I saw that life is all service; I served and I saw that service is joy.”- Kahlil Gibran

Tonight at 5:00:  Sunday, April 2: Lenten Vespers will be at St. Stephen’s in Indy, 1435 N. Medford.

Confession: Orthodox Christians come to confession during Great Lent. If you haven’t taken the opportunity for this Mystery of Healing yet this season, please contact Fr. Peter Jon to setup a time this week. Holy Week is very busy with services morning and night, so please plan to confess before Palm Sunday. If you need help preparing, father is happy to assist.

O101: The last O101 of the spring is on Wednesday.

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

Food for Hungry People Program: Make checks payable to All Saints, and we will send one check after Holy Pascha.

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.

Choir News: Today, April 2 is the last practice before Palm Sunday and Holy Week. Attendance is vital for those singing at Pascha.

 THIS WEEK

 Wednesday, April 5:  Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00 – O101 follows.

Thursday, April 6: Bible Study at Becky’s home with Kh. Marilyn leading –  3-5:00 pm

Friday, April 7:  Canon to St. Lazarus at 6:00

Saturday, April 8: Chrismation/ Liturgy at 10 am – Workday follows to prepare for Palm Sunday and  Holy Week . A light lunch is being provided.

Saturday, April 8: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, April 9: Palm Sunday Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Procession with Palms/Branches

Sunday, April 9: The First Bridegroom Service of Holy Week at 5:00

 LOOKING AHEAD

 April 10-14: Holy Week -Sunday through  Friday-  there are services at 9am each morning and at

6 pm each evening, with the Friday afternoon service at 3pm.

April 15: Vesperal Liturgy at 9am with HOLY PASCHA service beginning at 10pm with meal around 1am

April 16: Pascha Day – Agape Great Vespers Service at Noon with procession, egg hunt, and festal meal

FAMILY NOTES

 Birthday Greetings: Brian O (2nd); Irene V-W (3rd); Jennifer R (5th)

Name Day Blessings: Zane N (St. Nicetas – 3rd); Pola M (St. Appolinaria – 4th)

Memory Eternal:  Kristina (Feb.28th); Danny; David

 Prayer List: Hal, Alex John; Stephanie; Adrian (Olga’s brother);  “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 O.   

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “Make your vows to the Lord our God, and perform them.”

Verse: “God is known in Judah; His Name is great in Israel.” Psalm 75:11,1

Epistle: The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. (9:11-14)

Brethren, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), He entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but His own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Gospel: The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (10:32-45)

At that time, Jesus took His twelve Disciples, and began to tell them what was to happen to Him, saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles.  And they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit upon Him, and kill Him; and after three days He will rise.” And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to Him, and said to Him, “Teacher, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire” And Jesus said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And they said to Him, “Grant us to sit, one at Thy right hand and one at Thy left, in Thy glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to Him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized. But to sit at My right hand or at My left is not Mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to Him and said to them, “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be servant of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

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. Mary of Egypt –  Tone 8

Through thee, the divine likeness was securely preserved, O mother Mary; for thou didst carry the cross and follow Christ. By example and precept thou didst teach us to ignore the body, because it is perishable, and to attend to the concerns of the undying soul. Therefore, doth thy soul rejoice with the angels.

Kontakion for Ordinary Sundays – Tone 2

O Undisputed intercessor of Christians, O Mediatrix who is unrejected by the Creator; turn not away from the voice of our petitions, though we be sinners.  Come to us with aid in time, who cry unto thee in faith, for thou art good. Hasten to us with intercessions, O Theotokos, who didst ever intercede for those who honor thee.

Friday Night, March 24: Great Vespers with fourth stasis of the Akathist

Saturday Morning, March 25: The Annunciation Liturgy

 Sunday, March 26, 2017

Fourth Sunday of Great Lent &

Leave-taking of the Annunciation to the Theotokos

The synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel; Stephen the Confessor, Abbot of Triglia

Visitors, you are always welcome here. Parishioners, we miss you when you are not with us.

Nourishment of the Soul: “Send your treasures to the heavenly storage room. Deposit your wealth in God’s bank, distributing to the poor, the orphans and the widows so that you can receive a million times more in the Second Coming of Christ.” – Elder Joseph the Hesychast

March is Women’s Month:  Today Alice will read the Epistle.  Lucia, Barb and Jennifer will usher.

Tonight at 5:00:  Sunday, March 26: Lenten Vespers will be at St. George in Terre Haute, 1900 S. 4th Street.  Next week’s service is at St. Stephen’s in Indy, 1435 N. Medford.

A Note from Father Peter Jon: With just two weeks left of Great Lent you may find yourself wanting to add something to your spiritual daily discipline. A handful of new titles appropriate for this holy season have been added to the bookstore: most notably, “Living without Hypocrisy: The Sayings of the Optina Elders” and “The Ladder of Divine Ascent.”

An Invitation: The Webbs invite you to join the OCF students at a showing of the movie “Ostrov” (The Island) in their home on Friday March 31, following the Akathist prayers.  “Somewhere in Northern Russia in a small Russian Orthodox monastery lives an unusual man whose bizarre conduct confuses his fellow monks, while others who visit the island believe that the man has the power to heal, exorcise demons and foretell the future.” It is in Russian with English subtitles, and has won many awards, including best feature film in Russian in 2007. It is challenging spiritually and is beautifully crafted. 3960 E Fenbrook Ln 47401

Wednesday, March 29th:Both O101 and the meal following have been cancelled since the service is longer than the usual Presanctified Liturgy, served on Wednesdays during Great Lent.

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

Food for Hungry People Program: Make checks payable to All Saints, and we will send one check after Holy Pascha.

Myrrh Bearers meeting briefly today in Marcia’s office immediately after Dismissal at 11:35.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, March 29:  Canon of  St. Andrew and the Life of St. Mary of Egypt

Thursday, March 30: Bible Study at Becky’s home with Kh. Marilyn leading –  3-5:00 pm

Thursday, March 30: Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00

Friday March 31:  Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God at 6:00

Saturday, April 1: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, April 2: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Choir Practice follows Divine Liturgy

LOOKING AHEAD

April 2:  This is the last practice before Palm Sunday and Holy Week. Attendance is vital for those singing at Pascha.

April 2: St. Mary of Egypt in Greenwood sends an invitation to the parish to attend their name day celebration. There is a flyer posted in the hallway.

April 8: Lazarus Saturday Divine Liturgy and Workday

April 9: Palm Sunday and the first evening service of Holy Week

FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Greetings: Tristan R (26th); Matthew C (26th); Nina R (29th); Darryl J (29th) )

Name Day Blessings: Gabriella C and Gabe S  (Holy Archangels –  26th);  Molly A

(St. Mary of Egypt – 1st)

Memory Eternal:  Kevin Speier, Stephanie; Kristina (Feb.28th)

Prayer List: Hal  and Alex John; Stephanie (surgery last Friday); Adrian (surgery last Wednesday -Olga’s brother);  “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 O. 

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: ” The Lord will give strength to His people.”

Verse: “The Lord will bless His people with peace.”  Psalm 28:11,1

Epistle: The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul 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 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

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

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 7

Thou didst shatter death by Thy Cross; Thou didst open paradise to the thief; Thou didst turn the sadness of the ointment-bearing women into joy. And didst bid Thine Apostles proclaim a warning, that Thou hast risen, O Christ, granting to the world the Great Mercy.

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: Rejoice, O full of grace! The Lord is with thee.

Kontakion for 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.

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) for the Annunciation – Tone 8

The Lord hath chosen Zion; He hath chosen it for His dwelling. Alleluia.

Saturday, March 18:  OCLife Indianapolis will hold a prayer service for mothers in crisis and unborn babies in danger from 10-11am as part of the 40 Days for Life campaign. While most of us will not travel to Indy Saturday, let us prayerfully remember them wherever we are that morning.

Nathan Hoppe, missionary to Albania will be with us this weekend.

On Saturday at 2:00, he will  present a retreat .

On Sunday he will give a slide show and a Mission Albania update during coffee hour today. A collection will be received

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Sunday, March 19, 2017

Third Sunday of Great Lent

The Life-Giving Cross

Martyrs Chrysanthos, Daria, and those with them of Rome; Martyr Pancharios of Nicomedia; New-martyr Demetrios the joiner of Constantinople; Venerable Innocent of Komel

Visitors, you are always welcome here. Parishioners, we miss you when you are not with us.

 Nourishment of the Soul: “Thou, O Christ our Savior, hast become for me the path of life which leads to the Father. There is but one path, and it is my joy, and at the end of it is the heavenly kingdom.” — St. Ephraim the Syrian

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

March is Women’s Month:  Today April will read the Epistle, and  Dee, Abby, and Lilly will usher.

Tonight at 5:00:  Sunday, March 19: Lenten Vespers will be at St. John the Forerunner in Indianapolis,  S. Blaine Ave. Next week’s service is at St. George in Terre Haute, 1900 S. 4th St.

O101 on Wednesday, March 22nd: April Blair’s topic is The Life of the Theotokos.

 A Note from Alex Alexander:

To my brothers and sisters at All Saints: I would like to thank all who have sent Cathy and me both get-well cards and cards of well-wishes.  They are truly appreciated.  When I see the name on each card I can imagine that person sitting down to write it. Please know that you are truly loved.  I pray to the Lord to bless you and yours. – Alex

 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.

Nathan Hoppe, missionary to Albania,  will present a slide show and a Mission Albania update during coffee hour today. A collection will be received. (On the readings page, you will find a note about the work by OCMC.) The  choir will not practice today.

 THIS WEEK

 Wednesday, March 22:  Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts at 6:00 – O101 follows.

Thursday, March 23: Bible Study at Becky’s home with Kh. Marilyn leading –  3-5:00 pm

Friday March 24:  Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God at 6:00

Saturday, March 25: Divine Liturgy of the Annunciation at 9:00 a.m.

Saturday, March 25: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, March 26: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Choir Practice follows Divine Liturgy with Myrrh Bearers also meeting briefly.

LOOKING AHEAD

 March 26 & April 2: The  choir will practice Pascha music and Lenten music.

April 2: St. Mary of Egypt in Greenwood sends an invitation to the parish to attend their name day celebration. There is a flyer posted in the hallway.

 FAMILY NOTES

 Birthday Greetings: Marah P (19th); Lilly B (20th); Saraqael H (21st); Georges T (21st); Ghada L (21st); Heidi N (21st)

Name Day Blessings: Galina Mc (23rd); Bilen M (25th-St.Mary)

Memory Eternal:  Edgar;  Norma; Florence; Mat. Juliana Schmemann;  Kevin Speier, Stephanie; Kristina (Feb.28th)

Prayer List: Hal  and Alex John; Stephanie  “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; Adrian; 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.

Benevolence Fund grew last week. Please consider continuing your support of those experiencing extreme financial demands at this time.

   Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

 Prokeimenon: “O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.”

Verse: “To Thee, O Lord, have I cried, O my God.”  Psalm 27:9,1

Epistle: The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. (4:14-5:6)

Brethren, since we have a High Priest, Who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One Who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt Himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by Him Who said to Him, “Thou art My Son, today I have begotten Thee”; as He says also in another place, “Thou art a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

Gospel: The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (8:34-9:1)

The Lord said, “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” And Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Kingdom of God come with power.”

Divine Liturgy Variables

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 6

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

Apolytikion for the Holy Cross –  Tone 1

O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, granting to Thy people victory over all their adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross preserving Thine estate.

Kontakion for 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.

The Anti-Trisagion Hymn (Instead of Holy God)

Before Thy Cross we bow down in worship, Master, and we glorify Thy Holy Resurrection.

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn for the Third Sunday of  Lent) – Tone 8

The light of Thy countenance is marked upon us, O Lord. Alleluia.

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(Part of a letter from Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC). This church sends monthly support for Nathan Hoppe and his family, serving in Albania.)

Dear All Saints Orthodox Church,

Your gifts have funded missionaries and mission teams who have taught catechism, led women’s ministries, worked on construction projects provided healthcare for those who have limited access, and so much more. Construction has begun on an Orthodox Community Center in Pakistan, several wells have been dug in Africa, and medical education is being offered  in Guatemala because of your generous donations. 376 priests around the world are currently funded through the OCMC Support A Mission Priest (SAMP) program.  Thank you for making all this and even more possible.

With 2016 behind us, we anticipate another great year for missions. We ask for your continued support to bring more people to Christ, build the Church and share His love around the world.  Fr. Martin Ritsi, Executive Director OCMC

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Second Sunday of Great Lent

Commemoration of Gregory Palamas, archbishop of Thessalonica

Venerable Theophanes the Confessor of Sigriane; Gregory the Dialogist, pope of Rome; Venerable Simeon the New Theologian; Righteous Phineas, grandson of Aaron the High Priest

Visitors, you are always welcome here. Parishioners, we miss you when you are not with us. For those on Spring Break, we pray for your time of refreshing and safety.

 Nourishment of the Soul: “It was revealed to Abba Anthony  in his desert that there was one who was his equal in the city.  He was a doctor by profession and whatever he had beyond his needs he gave to the poor, and every day he sang the Holy, Holy, Holy with the angels.”

Food for Hungry People Program: During Great Lent, we are encouraged to donate to this fund (enclosed letter). Coin Boxes are available in the hallway. Make checks payable to All Saints, and we will send one check after Holy Pascha.

Coffee Hour Foods: Contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with Be -F. Fasting foods are served during Great Lent.

March is Women’s Month, so today Rhonda will read the Epistle, and  Nina, Hannah, Ava and Heidi will usher.

Tonight at 5:00:  Lenten Vespers at  Sts. Constantine and Elena in Indianapolis, W. 16th Street.  Next Sunday, March 19: Lenten Vespers will be at St. John the Forerunner in Indianapolis,  S. Blaine Ave.

On Wednesday, March 15th, the topic for O101 is St John of the Ladder: His Life and Teachings.

 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 (Sunday) instead of the 19th.

 THIS WEEK

Tuesday, March 14: Bible Study at Kh. Marilyn’s home at 7:00

Wednesday, March 15:  Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts at 6:00 – O101 follows.

Thursday, March 16: Mitchell Fellowship at the Haney’s 10:00 – Noon

Thursday, March 16: Bible Study at Becky’s home with Kh. Marilyn leading –  3-5:00 pm

Friday March 17:  Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God at 6:00

Saturday, March 18: Retreat with Nathan Hoppe starting at 2:00

Saturday, March 18: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, March 19: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00; – Choir Practice follows Divine Liturgy

Nathan Hoppe, missionary to Albania,  will present a slide show and a Mission Albania update during coffee hour.

LOOKING AHEAD

March 12,19, 26 & April 2: The  choir will practice Pascha music  and Lenten music.

Saturday, March 18:  OCLife Indianapolis will hold a prayer service for mothers in crisis and unborn babies in danger from 10-11am as part of the 40 Days for Life campaign. While most of us will not travel to Indy Saturday, let us prayerfully remember them wherever we are that morning.

March 25: The Annunciation  Liturgy on Saturday morning.

FAMILY NOTES

 Birthday Greetings: Amber S (13th); Adam S (16th); Kh. Kristina (18th)

Name Day Blessings: Nolan A (St. Gregory Palamas –12th);  Daniel M (St.Symeon, the New Theologian – 12th); Patricia F (13th); David P (St. Patrick, the Enlightener of Ireland – 17th)

Memory Eternal:  Edgar;  Norma; Florence; Mat. Juliana Schmemann;  Kevin Speier, Stephanie; Kristina (Feb.28th)

Prayer List: Hal  and Alex John ; “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); Subdn. Daniel (back to work); 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; Adrian; 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.

  Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

 Prokeimenon: “O Lord, Thou wilt preserve us and keep us from this generation!”

Verse: “Save me, O Lord, for the godly man hath disappeared.”  Psalm 11:7,1

 Epistle: The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. (1:10-2:3)

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

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

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

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.

Kontakion for 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.

Spiritual Food

 ‘Whoever hammers a lump of iron, first decides what he is going to make of it, a scythe, a sword, or an axe. Even so we ought to make up our minds what kind of virtue we want to forge or we labor in vain.’ – Abba Anthony- The Sayings of the Desert Father

The Seven Capital Virtues are as follows:

Humility – Humility is the virtue that counters pride. As pride leads to other sin, true humility clears a path for holiness. Pride is a sin based on undue and inappropriate appreciation of one’s self worth. Conversely, the virtue of humility is about modest behavior, selflessness and the giving of respect.

Liberality – Liberality, or generosity, is the virtue that is counter to greed – the sin of immoderate desire for earthly things. The virtue of liberality is focused not merely on the appropriate concern regarding one’s earthly things, but furthermore on generosity and a willingness to give, freely and without request for commendation.

Chastity – Chastity is the counter-virtue to the sin of lust. Chastity embraces moral wholesomeness and purity, and in both thought and action treats God’s gift of sexuality with due reverence and respect.

Meekness – Meekness, or patience, is the virtue that counters the sin of unjust anger, also called wrath or rage. Where the sin of wrath is about quick temper and unnecessary vengeance, the virtue of meekness focuses on patiently seeking appropriate resolution to conflicts, and on the ability to forgive and show mercy.

Temperance – The virtue of temperance or abstinence counters the sin of gluttony. To be gluttonous is to over-indulge. On the opposite hand, the virtue of temperance is centered on self-control and moderation.

Kindness – Kindness, or brotherly love or love for one’s neighbor, is the virtue which counters the sin of envy. Envy, in contradiction to God’s law of love, is manifest in a person’s sorrow and distress over the good fortune of another person. Conversely, kindness and brotherly love is manifest in the unprejudiced, compassionate and charitable concern for others.

Diligence – Diligence, or persistence, is the virtue which acts as a counter to the sin of sloth. Sloth, as a capital sin, refers to laziness in matters of Faith. Diligence in matters of the spiritual life,  combats laziness. This virtue is manifest in appropriately zealous attitudes toward living and sharing the Faith.

Sunday, March 05, 2017

First Sunday of Great Lent (Sunday of Orthodoxy)

Hieromartyr Konon of Isauria; Martyrs Archelaos and his 152 companions in Egypt;

New-martyr John the Bulgarian

**Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great**

 Visitors, you are always welcome here. Parishioners, we miss you when you are not with us.

 Nourishment of the Soul: “When giving, give magnanimously with a look of kindness on your face, and give more than what is asked of you.” – St. Isaac the Syrian

Notes from the Choir: The choir will approach the chalice, first in line followed by the children in the pre-school class. If you want to sing at Pascha, plan now to practice every Sunday in March and one in April.

Food for Hungry Program: During Great Lent, we are encouraged to donate to this fund (enclosed letter). Coin Boxes are available in the hallway. Make checks payable to All Saints, and we will send one check after Holy Pascha.

O101 on Wednesday, March 8th: Fr. Peter Jon will present on “What happened to the 70 Apostles?”

Coffee Hour Foods: Contributors this Sunday are those whose last names start with A -B. Fasting foods are served during Great Lent.

A  Bookmark from the Antiochian Women is in your bulletin today, and a letter to explain its use as a tool of help and comfort in our lives. All people in attendance are welcome to one or several.

March is Women’s Month, so today Linda will read the Epistle, and  Lucia, Jennifer and April will usher. Please see the sign-up sheet in the hallway if you can volunteer. Next week has no one signed up! Spring Break needs to be covered.

 There will be a procession with icons near the end of today’s service. The Clergy and Altar servers are followed by Children with icons, the Choir and then the parishioners and those in attendance.

Tonight: Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Carmel

THIS WEEK

 Wednesday, March 8:  Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts at 6:00 – O101 follows.

Thursday, March 9: Bible Study at Becky’s home with Kh. Marilyn leading  3-5p.m.

Friday March 10:  Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God at 6:00

Saturday, March 11: Great Vespers at 5:00 – Clocks spring forward one hour during the night

Sunday, March 12: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 (Parish Council today instead of the 19th) – Choir Practice following Divine Liturgy

Sunday, March 12: Lenten Great Vespers at 5:00 pm  (Place to be announced next week.)

LOOKING AHEAD

 March 5,12,19,26 & April 2: The choir will practice Pascha music  and Lenten music.

March 18: OCMC Missionary Nathan Hoppe will offer a retreat on Orthodoxy and Missions.  He will present a slide show and Mission Albania update during coffee hour on Sunday the 19th.

FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Greetings: Polina M (5th); Alice P (6th); Rachel L (11th)

Memory Eternal:  Edgar;  Norma; Florence; Mat. Juliana Schmemann;  Kevin Speier, Stephanie; Kristina (Feb.28th)

Prayer List: Hal  and Alex John ; “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); Subdn. Daniel (back to work); 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; Adrian; 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.

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

Verse: “For Thou art just in all that Thou hast done for us.”  Daniel 3:26,27

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

Brethren, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets; who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, and put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

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

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

Divine Liturgy Variables

(Choir versions may differ somewhat.)

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 4

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

Kontakion for 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.

Apolytikion of the First Sunday of Great Lent – Tone 2

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

Megalynarion

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

Confession of Faith

(Join in reciting with the clergy at the end of the service)

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

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