Sunday, February 26, 2017

Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheese Fare)

Porphyrios, bishop of Gaza; Great-martyr Photeini the Samaritan Woman and those with her; Martyr Theoklitos and those with him; New Martyr John of Constantinople

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

Nourishment of the Soul: “If our thoughts are peaceful, calm, meek, and kind, then that is what our life is like.” – Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica

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.

There will be a Basket Collection today supporting the Antiochian Women’s Annual Project. “Strengthening the Ministries of our Church.” This theme is a distillation of the sweeping vision which Metropolitan Joseph shared…at the summer meetings in July, 2016. His Eminence spoke with farsighted boldness and passion about the many challenges and opportunities which lay before our God-protected Archdiocese. His vision is of a vigorous Church actively proclaiming our faith in Jesus Christ and lovingly ministering to the broken world around us. This is already a description of the ministries in many of our parishes, but to keep moving forward while broadening our active ministries, we must reinforce and strengthen our foundations.

Camp Fund: $640 ,raised last Sunday, was divided among our 7 campers: Ava,  Lilly Molly, Nina, Christian, Gregory and Nicholas .

Note from Camp Family: We so appreciate the support of our church family! The kids love their time at camp and look forward to it every year! As parents, we love that our kids look forward to being around other Orthodox Christians, and learning more about our loving and merciful God, our faith, and church traditions.
Stories are told around the dinner table year round! My children have been astonished that our priests and bishops, who spend time at camp and visit the camp, are real people to look to in their faith!  We, as parents, can only pray that their experiences with these godly individuals carry them into and through their adult years.
All in all, camp touches the campers and their families at home! What a joy!
Sincerely, all our thanks and love!  The Alexander family

Orthodoxy 101 on Wednesday, March 1st: Fr. Peter Jon presents Confession: Who, Why, and How?

Myrrh Bearers meet at noon in the nave to plan upcoming events.

Plan to attend FORGIVENESS VESPERS TONIGHT AT 5:00.

THIS WEEK

GREAT LENT BEGINS TOMORROW!

Monday, February 27: Canon of St. Andrew at 6:00

Tuesday, February 28: Canon of St. Andrew at 6:00

Wednesday, March 1:  Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts at 6:00 – O101 follows.

Thursday, March 2: Bible Study at Becky’s home with Kh. Marilyn leading  3-5p.m.

Thursday, March 2: Canon of St. Andrew at 6:00

Friday March 3:  Akathist Hymn (Akathiston) to the Mother of God at 6:00

Saturday, March 4: OCF – YES Event & Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, March 5: Sunday of Orthodoxy Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

Choir Practice following Divine Liturgy

Sunday, March 5: Sunday of Orthodoxy Great Vespers at 5:00 pm – Holy Trinity in Carmel

LOOKING AHEAD

March is Women’s month in the Archdiocese.

March 5,12,19,26 & April 2: Choir practices  for 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: Christopher S (27th); Mezy A ( 28th); Mary B (28th); Adrian P(28th); Nina G (1st); Deacon Lawrence (3rd)

Name Day Blessings: Mezy A (26th – St. Photini); Lilly B (26th – St. Photini); Hannah Noor G (26th – St. Photini (Noor); Shirley R (26th – St. Photini)

Memory Eternal:  Edgar;  Norma; Florence; Mat. Juliana Schmemann;  Kevin (youngest son of Fr. Nicholas Speier, Santa Barbara), Stephanie

Prayer List: Please keep Hal (at home following successful surgery) and Alex (continuing issues) in your special prayers.  “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.” Alex John; Fr. Steven Rudy (cancer); Finley (infant girl child with stroke and spasms); Subdn. Daniel; 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: “  Sing praises to our God, sing praises. Sing praises to our King, sing praises!”

Verse: “O clap your hands, all ye nations!”  Psalm 46:6, 1

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

Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Master is able to make him stand.

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

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

Divine Liturgy Variables

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 3

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord hath done a mighty act with His own arm.  He hath trampled down death by death, and become the first-born from the dead. He hath delivered us from the depths of Hades, granting the world the Great Mercy.

Kontakion for Forgiveness  Sunday – Tone 6

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

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meat Fare)

Apostles Archippos, Philemon and Apphias of the Seventy; Venerable-martyr Philothea of Athens;

New Hieromartyr Nikita of Epiros

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

Nourishment of the Soul: “Christ loves us in spite of our senseless behavior.  He calls to us and is always ready to respond to our cries for help and guide our fragile steps through all the obstacles that lie in our path.” – Elder Sophrony Sakharov

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.

House Blessings: Please contact Fr. Peter Jon before Great Lent.

 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.

 Orthodoxy 101 on Wednesday, February 22: Dr. John Craton’s topic is ‘Baptism’.

There will be a Basket Collection next Sunday supporting  the Antiochian Women’s Annual Project. The funds raised this year go to strengthen ministries in the Archdiocese such as planning senior housing projects; founding missions; supporting seminarians; encouraging youth ministries;  protecting the unborn; teaching the Faith; caring for the elderly and those in prisons, nursing homes and hospitals; helping to feed, house, and clothe the poor; and inspiring monastic vocations.

Fundraiser Today: Those planning to attend Antiochian Village Summer Camp will favor us with a meal during Social Hour.  Camp fees are due in early March if the $50 discount for each camper is deducted from the $750 fee for two weeks. Please support our youth in this experience that affects their lives in many positive ways.

THIS WEEK

 Wednesday, February 22:  Daily Vespers at 6:00 – O101 follows.

Thursday, February 23: Bible Study at Becky’s home with Kh. Marilyn leading  3-5p.m.

Friday, February 24:  Akathist to the Protection of the Theotokos at 6:00

Saturday, February 25: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, February 26: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Collection taken for Ministry Project – Myrrh Bearers meet around noon.

Sunday, February 26 : Forgiveness Vespers at 5:00  pm on Cheese Fare Sunday

 LOOKING AHEAD

 February 26: Women’s Project Collection – “Strengthening the Ministries of Our Church”

February 26: Forgiveness Great Vespers on Sunday evening at 5:00

February 27: Great Lent begins with Services each evening at 6:00 Monday-Friday.

March 5: Sunday of Orthodoxy- Evening Great Vespers at Holy Trinity

March 5: Choir practices begin with Pascha music as the focus.

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: Marcia B (21st); Christian G (21st); Averi V (22nd)

Memory Eternal:  Greg; Dennis (12th);  Edgar;  Norma; Florence; Mat. Juliana Schmemann;  Kevin (youngest son of Fr. Nicholas Speier, Santa Barbara), Stephanie

Prayer List: Please keep Hal (following successful surgery) and Alex (continuing issues) in your special prayers.

“For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.” Alex John; Fr. Steven Rudy (cancer); Finley (infant girl child with stroke and spasms); Subdn. Daniel; 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: “The Lord is my strength and my song.”

Verse: “With chastisement has the LORD chastened me!”  Psalm 117:14, 18

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

Brethren, food will not bring us closer to God; for neither if we eat, are we the better, nor if we do not eat, are we the worse.  But take heed lest by any means this authority of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.  For if any one sees you, as someone who has knowledge, reclining at a table in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of the one who is weak be emboldened to eat of the things sacrificed to idols, and through your knowledge the weak brother perishes, for whom Christ died?  And thus, sinning against the brethren, and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.  Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will not eat meat forever, lest I cause my brother to stumble.

Am I not an apostle? Am I not free?  Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?  Are not you my work in the Lord?  If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for the seal of my apostleship are you in the Lord.

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

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

Divine Liturgy Variables

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 2

When Thou didst submit Thyself unto death, O Thou deathless and immortal One, then Thou didst destroy hell with Thy Godly power.  And when Thou didst raise the dead from beneath the earth, all the powers of Heaven did cry aloud unto Thee; O Christ, Thou giver of life, glory to Thee.

Kontakion for the Sunday of the Last Judgment – Tone 1

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

 Saturday Events

Saturday, February 11: Building Committee Meeting with His Grace at 2:15

Saturday, February 11: Parish Council Meeting with His Grace at 3:15

Saturday, February 11: Great Vespers at 4:30

Saturday, February 11: Following Great Vespers,  Banquet with His Grace and Fr. Nabil, visiting clergy, parishioners and friends as we honor Fr. Peter Jon’s 10th year as our priest and the 11th year since his ordination.

 Sunday, February 12, 2017

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Meletios, archbishop of Antioch; New-martyr Christos of Constantinople;

Alexis, metropolitan of Moscow

Today we welcome His Grace Bishop ANTHONY.

Nourishment of the Soul: “Man’s chief aim should be to find God.  In finding God, he finds true happiness.”- Elder Joseph the Hesychast

Notes from the Choir: The choir  would  appreciate those needing to enter or exit the nave during liturgy, not to do so through the curtains into the kitchen and thus through the choir. In addition, the choir will approach the chalice, first in line followed by the children in the pre-school class. Thank you..

Coffee Hour Donors for Sundays in February: Feb. 12th – Taste of All Saints pitch-in; Feb. 19th Youth Campers; Feb. 26th I-Z (by first letter of Last Name).

House Blessings: Contact Fr. Peter Jon, or visit the sign-up sheet in the hallway before Great Lent.

Basket Collection on the last Sunday of the month supports  the Antiochian Women’s Annual Project. See the insert to learn all the ways this project benefits so many.

Doctoral Recital: I would like to invite the church family to a concert that I’m conducting on Wednesday, Feb. 15th, at 8pm  in Auer Hall on IU’s campus. This is my final doctoral recital at IU.  I’ll be conducting Gabriel Faure’s Requiem (Latin Mass for the departed). It’s a 40-minute long work with 150 singers, baritone and soprano soloists, and an orchestra.  It promises to be an exciting performance! –  Caleb Lewis

Fundraiser Next Sunday: Those planning to attend Antiochian Village Summer Camp will favor us with a meal during Social Hour.  Camp fees are due in early March if the $50 discount for each camper is deducted from the $750 fee for two weeks. Please support our youth in this experience that affects their lives in many positive ways.

Orthodoxy 101 on Wednesday, February 15th: Fr. Peter Jon’s topic will be ‘Great Lent: an Overview & the Prayer of Manasseh.’

Saturday of Souls: Next Saturday (Feb 18th) is the Saturday of Souls, when we gather at a liturgy to remember and pray for our beloved ones departed this life. Please email Fr. Peter Jon (by Friday the 17th at 5:00 p.m.) your list of departed family and friends broken into categories of “Orthodox” or “non-Orthodox.” You may also fill out a remembrance sheet and leave it on the memorial table at the front of the church.

THIS WEEK

Tuesday, February 14: Bible Study at Kh. Marilyn’s home 7pm-9pm

Wednesday, February 15:  Daily Vespers at 6:00 – O101 follows.

Thursday, February 16: Bedford-Mitchell, St. John of Kronstadt Fellowship at the Haney’s – 10am-Noon

Thursday, February16: Bible Study at Becky Hrisomalos’s home with Kh. Marilyn leading  3-5p.m.

Saturday, February 18:Saturday of Souls Liturgy at 9:00 a.m.

Saturday, February 18: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, February 19: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Teen Camper fundraiser meal provided.

LOOKING AHEAD

February 24: Akathist to the Protection of the Theotokos at 6:00

February 26: Antiochian Women’s Project Collection – “Strengthening the Ministries of Our Church”

February 26: Forgiveness Vespers on Sunday evening at 5:00

FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Greetings: Deb D (12th); Jan G (13th); Alicia Barrett (16th); Ayris F (18th); Abe L (18th)

Blessed Name Day: Marcia B (St. Priscilla – 13th)

Memory Eternal:  Greg; Dennis (12th);  Edgar;  Norma; Florence; Mat. Juliana Schmemann

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.” Alex John; Fr. Steven Rudy (cancer); Finley (infant girl child with stroke and spasms); Subdn. Daniel; Fr. Basil; Fr. Philip;  Grant (Leukemia); Chris; Doug & Dorothy Barrett; Eileen & Olga & Michael; 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: “Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us.”

Verse: “Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous! “  Psalm 32:22, 1

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

            Brethren, all things are lawful for me, but not all things are expedient.  All Things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the authority of anything.  Foods are for the belly, and the belly for foods; but God will destroy both it and them.  Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body; and God both raised up the Lord, and will also raise us up through His power.  Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?  Shall I therefore take away the members of Christ, and make them members of a harlot?  God forbid!  Or, do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her?  For, “The two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit.  Flee fornications!  Every sin that a person commits is outside the body, but whoever commits fornications sins against his own body.  Or, do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit with you, whom you have received from God, and that you are not your own?  For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

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

The Lord spoke this parable: “There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.’ And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything.

But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.”’

And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to make merry.

Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

Divine Liturgy Variables

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 1

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

Kontakion for the Prodigal Son – Tone 3

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

Hierarchical Trisagion- Holy God: Enjoy the beautiful antiphonal variations of the clergy and the choir.

ANTIOCHIAN WOMEN’S ANNUAL PROJECT

The Antiochian Women are excited to announce the theme of our 2017 Project:
“Strengthening the Ministries of our Church.” This theme is a distillation of the sweeping vision which Metropolitan Joseph readily shared with us at the summer meetings in July, 2016. His Eminence spoke with farsighted boldness and passion about the many challenges and opportunities which lay before our God-protected Archdiocese. His vision is of a vigorous Church actively proclaiming our faith in Jesus Christ and lovingly ministering to the broken world around us. This is already a description of the ministries in many of our parishes, but to keep moving forward while broadening our active ministries, we must reinforce and strengthen our foundations.

(Note to all parishes: Please send the money you collect for the 2017 Project to your Antiochian Women diocesan treasurer by June 1, 2017… 

           This year’s Project gives us an opportunity to make a significant contribution to strengthen the fundamental ministries of our Archdiocese…The funds we raise this year will go to strengthen the following ministries in our Archdiocese: planning senior housing projects; founding missions; supporting seminarians; encouraging youth ministries; protecting the unborn; teaching the Faith; caring for the elderly and those in prisons, nursing homes and hospitals; helping to feed, house, and clothe the poor; and inspiring monastic vocations.

As the quote from Isaiah assures us, it is God’s strength which will enable us to “make firm” the foundation of His Church. (Ephesians 2:19–20) His Eminence has given us perhaps the most far-reaching and wide-ranging challenge of any Project to date. It is a tremendous challenge. God has inspired Sayidna Joseph with this vision; God will strengthen us to do our part. Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!

An important Update from our Parish Council Chairman:  Father Nabil Hanna has notified me that all elevations have been placed on hold by the Metropolitan pending archdiocesan policy review.  In light of this we will instead be honoring Father Peter’s 10 years of service to the parish during the Saturday evening reception for the Bishop’s visit.  We have cancelled the Wonderlab reservation and will be holding the reception in the parish hall.  Saturday evening’s joyous gathering will be a catered, family style, middle-eastern buffet. Fr. Peter is personally requesting the company of the entire All Saints family as we worship and sup together with our father in Christ Bishop ANTHONY.

In Christ, Dan Rigsby

+Sunday, February 12th, the ‘Taste of All Saints’ pitch-in follows the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.

Sunday, February 5, 2017

Sunday of the Pharisee and Publican

After-feast of Presentation (Meeting) of Christ

Martyr Agatha of Sicily; Polyeuktos, patriarch of Constantinople; New-martyr Anthony of Athens; Venerable Theodosios of Scopelos; repose of Theodosios, archbishop of Chernigov

Nourishment of the Soul: “Why do you worry and grieve more than necessary for the various incidents?  We are not outside of Divine Providence, so as to be directed by mere chance.  Therefore, whatever happens to us happens with God’s knowledge, and so nothing will happen to us beyond our strength!” – Elder Ephraim of Arizona

Overflow Seating Reconfigured: Please note that the choir has moved to the back of the overflow in seats reserved for them. Seating remains for all preferring the overflow area. The choir  would  appreciate those needing to enter or exit the nave during liturgy, not to do so through the curtains into the kitchen and thus through the choir. Thank you.

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.

Coffee Hour Donors for Sundays in February: Feb. 5th A-B; Feb. 12th All Saints pitch-in; Feb. 19th G-H; Feb. 26th I-Z (by first letter of Last Name) Also if everyone pitched in at clean up, even busing one’s own table as the meal is finished, then one or two would not be left with all the kitchen work.

O101 on Wednesday, February 8th will be taught by Dr. John Craton.

House Blessings: Contact Fr. Peter Jon, or visit the sign-up sheet in the hallway before Great Lent.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, February 8:  Daily Vespers at 6:00 – O101 follows.

Thursday, February 9: Bible Study at Becky Hrisomalos’s home with Kh. Marilyn leading

Saturday, February 11: Building Committee Meeting with His Grace at 2:15

Saturday, February 11: Parish Council Meeting with His Grace at 3:15

Saturday, February 11: Great Vespers at 4:30 Catered Buffet honoring our Bishop and our Priest

Sunday, February 12: Matins at 9:00; Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Pitch-in

LOOKING AHEAD

Next weekend, our parish will be honored to host His Grace, Bishop ANTHONY.

February 14: Bible Study at Kh. Marilyn’s home 7pm-9pm

February 15: Caleb Lewis conducts his final doctoral recital at IU’s Auer Hall at 8pm

February 16: Bedford-Mitchell (St. John of Kronstadt) Fellowship at the Haney’s – 10am-Noon

February 26: Antiochian Women’s Project Collection – “Strengthening the Ministries of Our Church”

FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Greetings: David I (6th)

Memory Eternal:  Greg; Dennis (12th);  Edgar;  Norma; Florence; Mat/ Juliana Schmemann

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.” Alex John; Fr. Steven Rudy (cancer);  Subdn. Daniel; Fr. Basil; Fr. Philip;  Grant (Leukemia); Chris; Doug & Dorothy Barrett; Eileen & Olga & Michael; 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: “Make your vows and pay them to the Lord our God.”

Verse: “God is known in Judea; His Name is great in Israel! ”  Psalm 75:10, 1

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Second  Epistle to Timothy.  (3:10-15)

                My Child Timothy, You have followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience, persecutions, sufferings, what things befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra.  What persecutions I endured!  And out of them all the Lord delivered me.  Indeed all who would live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.  But people who are wicked and deceivers will proceed from worse to worse, deceiving and being deceived.  But as for you, continue in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and how from infancy you have known the sacred temple writings which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (18:10-14)

The Lord spoke this parable: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank Thee that I am not like other men, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to Heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Divine Liturgy Variables

The Second Antiphon

Refrain: Save us, O Son of God, Who wast borne in the arms of righteous Simeon; who sing to Thee. Alleluia.

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 8

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

Apolytikion of the Presentation of Christ – Tone 1

Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of grace, for from thee arose the Sun of Justice, Christ our God, lighting those who are in darkness. Rejoice and be glad, O righteous old man, carrying in thine arms the Deliverer of our souls, Who granteth us Resurrection.

Kontakion of the Presentation of Christ – Tone 1

Thou, O Christ God, Who by Thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve Thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom Thou didst love, for Thou alone art the Lover of mankind.

 Sunday, January 29, 2017

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Translation of the relics of Ignatius the God-bearer of Antioch; New-martyr Demetrios of Chios

Nourishment of the Soul: “Do not demand love from your neighbor, because you will suffer if you don’t receive it; but better still, you indicate your love toward your neighbor and you will settle down. In this way, you will lead your neighbor toward love.” — St. Isaac the Syrian

Save the Dates!  The weekend of Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12, our parish will be honored to host His Grace, Bishop ANTHONY for his annual archpastoral visit. Please see festivity details below:

 Highlighted Events of the Weekend

+ Saturday evening, Great Vespers at 4:30, followed by a catered dinner and loads of fun, exclusively for All Saints family and friends at the Wonderlab from 6-9pm! 

+ Sunday morning, Orthros and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, followed by “A Taste of All Saints” multi-ethnic pitch-in luncheon in the Fellowship Hall.  Please plan to bring a personal favorite from your ethnic heritage!

Saturday Banquet R.S.V.P. information and Sunday meal sign-up sheet will be posted.

Banquet committee (Daniel Rigsby  and Khouria Kristina)

Overflow Seating Reconfigured: Please note that the choir has moved to the back of the overflow in seats reserved for them. Seating remains where the choir was for all those preferring the overflow area.  No seats were lost in the move.

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.

Just a few day remain to view The Wonder of It All: Selected Works by Galina McLaws  at Bell Trace in The Gallery until February 3rd.

Coffee Hour Donors for Sundays in January: Jan. 29th is an open date. Please pitch-in.

News Maker: Ava Rigsby has advanced to the Regional Competition in the National History Bee and Bowl. Congratulations, Ava,  for your  hard work and dedication to study!

O101 topic for Wednesday, February 1st: “Practically Orthodox: A guide to living the Faith Day to Day”

House Blessings: Either contact Fr. Peter Jon, or visit the sign-up sheet in the hallway.

Myrrh Bearers meet around noon in the nave. Important decisions must be made.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, February 1:  Vesperal Liturgy of the Presentation at 6:00 — O101 follows.

Saturday, February 4: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, February 5: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD

Bp. ANTHONY’s Archpastoral Visit

February 11: Great Vespers at 4:30 followed by the  Banquet – 6-9pm at the Wonderlab

February 12: Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and “Taste of All Saints” pitch-in meal

FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Greetings: Michael S (30th); Dee Hy (2nd); Karen Tl (3rd);  Nolan A (4th)

Name Day Blessings: Rhonda W (St. Perpetua – 1st); Amber S (St. Anna, the Prophetess – 3rd)

Memory Eternal:  Fr. Paul Doyle (12/25); Greg; Dennis (12th);  Edgar;  Norma

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.” Alex John; Fr. Steven Rudy (cancer);  Subdn. Daniel; Fr. Basil; Fr. Philip;  Grant (Leukemia); Chris; Doug & Dorothy Barrett; Eileen & Olga & Michael; 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.

        Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

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

Verse: “God is known in Judea, His Name is great in Israel! Psalm 75:10, 1

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Second  Epistle  to the Corinthians. (6:16-7:1)

Brethren, you are a temple of the living God; even as God has said: “I will dwell in them, and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”  “Therefore come out from among them, and be separate,’ says the Lord, ‘and touch nothing unclean; and I will receive you, and I will be a Father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me,’ says the Lord Almighty.”  Having therefore these promises, O beloved ones, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (15:21-28)

At that time, Jesus went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon.” But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Divine Liturgy Variables

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 St. Ignatius of Antioch – Tone 4

By choosing the Apostles’ way of life, thou hast succeeded to their throne. Inspired by God, thou didst find the way to divine contemplation through the practice of virtue. After teaching the Word of Truth without error, thou didst defend the Faith to the very shedding of thy blood, O Holy Martyr among bishops Ignatius. Entreat the Lord our God to save our souls.

Kontakion of the Presentation of Christ – Tone 1

Thou, O Christ God, Who by Thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve Thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom Thou didst love, for Thou alone art the Lover of mankind.