Sunday, July 3, 2016

Second Sunday after Pentecost

Commemorations: Martyr Hyacinth the Chamberlain of Caesarea in Cappadocia;

Anatolios, Patriarch of Constantinople;

Venerable Martyr Gerasimos the New of Carpenision;

Translation of the relics of Philip the Wonderworker, Metropolitan of Moscow;

Venerable Nikodemos of Kozhe Lake; All Saints of North America

 To our Visitors: We are blessed by your presence.

Nourishment of the Soul: “God loves us more than a father, mother, friend, or anyone else could love us, and even more than we are able to love ourselves.” St. John Chrysostom

 Thank you for your donation of  $740 to the Midwest Mission Council. Today will be the last day to make a contribution before we send it all.

Annual July 4th Parish Picnic: We will light the grill at 6:00 p.m., with the church providing meats to go with your side dishes.  A live band will take the stage around 7:00 with square dancing, fun, and lawn games.  (In case of inclement weather, dancing and music will move to the fellowship hall.) As the sky darkens (around 9:30), the fireworks begin. Last year was an awesome celebration – we expect even more this year.  Bring a friend or two!

 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.

Campers Lilly Blair and Ava Rigsby and camp volunteer Jennifer Rigsby have returned home. Ask them about their time at Antiochian Village. Three Alexander kids left today for two weeks at AV.

THIS  WEEK

Monday, July 4: We celebrate together starting at 6:00

Wednesday, July 6: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Saturday, July 9:  Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, July 10: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD

Bible Study at Kh. Marilyn’s home and at Becky Hrisomalos’ home will not meet during July, but will resume in early August. 

July 18-22 –– Clergy Symposium at Antiochian Village–Father attends.

July 30 — After Great Vespers, Rdr Tikhon ( Erik Wallace) will present a slide show of his travels in the Holy Land.

CHURCH  FAMILY NOTES

Birthday Greetings: April B (3rd); Matthew C (4th)

Memory Eternal: John (7th); twin infants Michael and Isaiah (10th); Brennely Grace (26th)

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.”  John Griggs; Kh. Loretta; Amal H; Dee and Don;  Kh.Kristina; Betsy and Hannah (suffering depression); Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; Iva.; James; Alex John;  Jason; Steve D;   Becky H.; Alexis T. ;Tom;  Jake; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Jill; Angie; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes on leave from Albania;  Jesse Brandow in Guatemala (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests  George & Stephen; Adrian; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Rachel B with child; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R;  Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley:  Gabriel; Mary; Doug; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; John C; Marty; Charles; Eileen; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Deborah; Ruth; Steve; Kevin; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Preston; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Caleb; Dennis & Joyce; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie, Myrna.

     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 Saint Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. (2:10-16)

Brethren, glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek; for there is no respect of persons with God.  For as many as have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law; and as many as have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law (for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God but the doers  of the Law are justified. For when the nations who do not have the Law do by nature the things contained in the Law, these then, in spite of not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, and their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them) in the day when God judges the secrets of persons, according to my gospel, through Jesus Christ.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to  St. Matthew. (4:18-23)

At that time, as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.  And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.  And going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and He called them.  Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.  And He went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.

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 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

Sunday, June 26, 2016

First Sunday after Pentecost

Commemoration of All Saints

Venerable David of Thessalonica; John, bishop of the Goths in the Crimea

 To our Visitors: We are blessed by your presence.

Nourishment of the Soul: “We must consider all evil things, even the passions which war against us, to be not our own, but of our enemy the devil.  This is very important.  You can only conquer a passion when you do not consider it as part of you.” St. Nikon of Optina

Baptism: A warm welcome to Kate (Kathryn) Bode, Baptized into Christ during Matins on this holy day of All Saints.

Today, June 26 — Join together with the All Saints family on our All Saints Feast Day. Bring your favorite entrees, salads, and desserts to share with everyone.  If you want to give a short presentation about a favorite saint, please contact Charles Coats. 

 A Special Offering will be received at the end of the Service: This is to support the current nine mission parishes in the Diocese and to provide funds to plant new ones. Checks payable to All Saints with Midwest Mission Council in the memo line will be gathered; then we will send one check from our parish. Not so long ago we were a mission parish!

 Bible Study at Kh. Marilyn’s home and at Becky Hrisomalos’ home will not meet during July, but will resume in early August. 

 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.

THIS  WEEK

The Apostles Fast is Monday and Tuesday.

Tuesday, June 28: Evening Liturgy at 6:00 — Ss. Peter and Paul

Wednesday, June 29: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Friday, July 1: Divine Liturgy at 6:00 — St. John of San Francisco and  4 year memorial for Fr. Peter E. Gillquist

Saturday, July 2:  Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, July 3: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD

Annual July 4th Parish Picnic: We will light the grill at 6:00 p.m., with the church providing meats to go with your side dishes.  A live band will take the stage around 7:00 with “contra dancing” fun and lawn games.  As the sky darkens (around 9:30), the fireworks begin. Last year was an awesome celebration – we expect even more this year.  Bring a friend or two!

July 18-22 –– Clergy Symposium at AV–Father attends.

CHURCH  FAMILY NOTES

Anniversary Blessings: Fr. Peter Jon and Kh. Kristina (30th)

Birthday Greetings: Shirley R (July 1st); Olivia G (July 1st)

Name Day Remembrances: Ss. Peter & Paul (29th) — Fr. Peter Jon; Robert R; Paul B;

Paul B; Andrew (Peter) P

Memory Eternal: Carolyn (22nd); John (7th); twin infants Michael and Isaiah (10th)

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.”  John Griggs; Kh. Loretta; Amal H; Dee and Don;  Kh.Kristina; Betsy and Hannah (suffering depression); Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; Iva.; James; Alex John;  Jason; Steve D;   Becky H.; Alexis T. ;Tom;  Jake; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Jill; Angie; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes on leave from Albania;  Jesse Brandow in Guatemala (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests  George & Stephen; Adrian; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Rachel B with child; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R;  Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley:  Gabriel; Mary; Doug; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; John C; Marty; Charles; Eileen; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Deborah; Ruth; Steve; Kevin; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Preston; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Caleb; Dennis & Joyce; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie, Myrna.

     Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

 Prokeimenon: “ God is wondrous in His saints.”

Verse: “In the churches, bless ye God!”  Psalm 67:35,27

 Epistle: The Reading is from Saint Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews. (11:33-12:2)

 Brethren, all the saints through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong , became mighty in war, and turned to flight armies of the aliens.

Women received their dead by resurrection, and other were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. And others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment.  They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, being destitute, afflicted, tormented (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

And all these, having obtained a witness through their faith, did not receive the promise, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.  Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to  St. Matthew. (10:32-33, 37-38; 19:27-30)

The Lord said to His disciples, “Everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father Who is in heaven; but whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny before My Father Who is in heaven.  He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.”  Then Peter said in reply, “Lo, we have left everything and followed Thee.  What then shall we have?”  Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the New World, when the Son of Man shall sit on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My Name’s sake, will receive a hundred fold, and inherit eternal life.  But many that are first will be last, and the last first.”

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 All Saints  — Throughout the World…

Kontakion of the All Saints – Tone 8

As first-fruits of our nature to the Planter of created things, * the world presenteth the God-bearing martyred Saints in off’ring unto Thee, O Lord. * Through their earnest entreaties, * keep Thy Church in deep peace and divine tranquility, * through the pure Theotokos, O Thou Who art greatly merciful.

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) for the Feast -Tone 8

Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous, praise  befits the just. Alleluia.

Sunday, June 19, 2016

The Fiftieth Day after Pascha

The Great Feast of Pentecost

 To our Visitors: We are blessed by your presence.

Nourishment of the Soul: “If from one burning lamp, someone lights another, then another from that one, and so on in succession, he has light continuously.  In the same way, through the Apostles ordaining their successors, and these successors ordaining others, and so on, the Grace of the Holy Spirit is handed down through all generations and enlightens all who obey their shepherds and teachers.” –St. Gregory Palamas

 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 on Holy Pentecost, Kneeling Vespers will follow the Divine Liturgy. After this day, there is kneeling at weekday liturgies, but not on Sundays as directed by the ancient canons of the Church, which forbid kneeling on the Day of the Resurrection.

This week, Father Peter Jon will attend the Annual Parish Life Conference of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest, returning Saturday.

 THIS  WEEK

This is a Fast-Free Week.

Wednesday, June 22: There will be no Daily Vespers in Father’s absence.

Thursday, June 23: Bible Study at Becky’s – 3:00- 5:00

Saturday, June 25: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, June 26: Baptism at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – All Saints Feast Day

LOOKING AHEAD

…Next Sunday, June 26 — On our All Saints Feast Day there will be a potluck.

…June 26-29: Apostles Fast begins after All Saints Day. It is brief this year since Holy Pascha was later than usual.

…June 28 : Evening Liturgy — Ss.  Peter and Paul  at 6:00

…July 4:  Annual Parish Picnic with fireworks, food, and music – Bring a friend!

…July 18-22 –– Clergy Symposium at AV–Father attends.

CHURCH  FAMILY NOTES

Anniversary Blessings: Mark & Shirley R (24th)

Birthday Greetings: Christian G (19th); Seavor R (21st); James F (22nd); Max W (23rd)

Memory Eternal: Kevin; Christopher (10th);  Carolyn (22nd); John (Stephanie’s relative – 7th); twin infants Michael and Isaiah (10th)

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.”  John Griggs; Kh. Loretta; Amal H; Dee and Don;  Kh.Kristina; Betsy and Hannah (suffering depression); Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; Iva.; James; Alex John;  Jason; Steve D;   Becky H.; Alexis T. ;Tom;  Jake; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Jill; Angie; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes on leave from Albania;  Jesse Brandow in Guatemala (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests  George & Stephen; Adrian; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Rachel B with child; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R;  Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley:  Gabriel; Mary; Doug; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; John C; Marty; Charles; Eileen; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Deborah; Ruth; Steve; Kevin; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Preston; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Caleb; Dennis & Joyce; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie, Myrna.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

 Prokeimenon: “Their sound  has gone forth 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 Holy Apostles. (2:1-11)                

When the Day of Pentecost had come, the Apostles 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 different 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 were bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.  And they were all amazed and marveled, saying: “Behold, are not all these who are speaking Galileans?  And how is it that we hear, each of us in our own language where we were born?  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 Arabs, we hear them speaking in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

Gospel: The Reading is 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

Third  Antiphon

O Lord, in Thy strength the king shall be glad, and in Thy salvation shall he rejoice exceedingly. The desire of his heart hast Thou granted unto him, and hast not denied him the request of his lips. Thou wentest before him with blessings of goodness, Thou hast set upon his head a crown of precious stones. He asked life of Thee, and Thou gavest him length of days unto ages of ages.

Entrance Hymn of the Feast

Be Thou exalted, O Lord, in Thy strength; we shall praise and sing of Thy mighty acts. 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.

• We will not sing the All Saints Troparion.

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 into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia.

Megalynarion  for the Feast – Tone 7

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 the Feast -Tone 8

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

June 12, 2016

Sunday of the After-feast of the Ascension

Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council

Venerable Onouphrios the Great of Egypt; Venerable Peter the Athonite;

Martyr Antonina of Nicaea; Venerable Arsenios of Konevets

 To our Visitors: We are blessed by your presence.

Nourishment of the Soul: “Since then, Christ’s Ascension is our uplifting, and the hope of the Body is raised, whither the glory of the Head has gone before, let us exult, dearly beloved, with worthy joy and delight with thanksgiving.  For today, not only are we confirmed as possessors of paradise, but we have also in Christ penetrated the heights of heaven.  We have gained still greater things through Christ’s unspeakable grace than we had lost through the devil’s malice.”– St. Leo the Great

 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.

THIS  WEEK

Tuesday, June 14: Bible Study at Kh. Marilyn’s home –7:00 – 8:00

Wednesday, June15: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Saturday, June 18: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, June 19: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Holy Pentecost –  Kneeling Vespers will follow.

LOOKING AHEAD

…June 22-26 — Parish Life Conference of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest.  Father attends so he will be out the office all week.

…June 26 — All Saints Feast Day – Baptisms & Potluck

…June 26-29: Apostles Fast with Liturgy in the evening of June 28th

…July 4 — Annual Parish Picnic with fireworks – Bring a friend!

…July 18-22 –– Clergy Symposium at AV–Father attends.

CHURCH  FAMILY NOTES

Anniversary Blessings: James & Patricia F (16th); Hal & Sandy S [Celebrating their 50th – (18th)]; John & Debbie C (18th); Subdn. Jon & Irene W (18th)

Birthday Greetings: Mary Ann G (13th); Toni B (15th); Sophia B (15th); Steve B (16th); Annie P (17th)

Memory Eternal: Kevin; Christopher (10th);  Carolyn (22nd); John (Stephanie’s relative – 7th)

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.”  John Griggs; Kh. Loretta; Amal H; Dee and Don;  Kh.Kristina; Betsy and Hannah (suffering depression); Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; Iva.; James; Alex John;  Jason; Steve D;   Becky H.; Alexis T. ;Tom;  Jake; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Jill; Angie; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes on leave from Albania;  Jesse Brandow in Guatemala (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests  George & Stephen; Adrian; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Rachel B with child; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R;  Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley:  Gabriel; Mary; Doug; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; John C; Marty; Charles; Eileen; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Deborah; Ruth; Steve; Kevin; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Preston; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Caleb; Dennis & Joyce; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie, Myrna

  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 to us!” Daniel 3:26-27 OSB

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

In those days, Paul was determined to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening , if possible, to be at Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the priests 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 bishops, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.  For I know that after my departure ravenous wolves will enter 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 remain watchful, remembering that for three years I did not cease to admonish every one, night and day with tears.  And now, brethren, 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 such laboring we ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’.”

And when he had spoken thus, he knelt down on his knees with them all, and prayed.

Gospel: The Reading is 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

Second Antiphon

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.

Megalynarion “It is truly meet…”

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) “Praise the Lord…”

Instead of singing “We have seen the true light”, sing the Apolytikion of the Ascension(Thou has ascended…).

 Sunday, June 05, 2016

Sixth Sunday of Pascha

Sunday of the Blind Man

 Commemorations: Hieromartyr Dorotheos, bishop of Tyre; the holy Ten Martyrs of Egypt; New-martyr Mark of Smyrna; Theodore Yaroslavich, brother of Alexander Nevsky; Peter of Korisha in Serbia

To our Visitors: We are blessed by your presence.

Nourishment of the Soul: “In understanding, spiritual knowledge, and discrimination, such a person differs as much from other men as an intelligent herdsman differs from his cattle; for he  partakes of another Spirit and another intellect, of another understanding, and of a wisdom that is not the wisdom of this world.” — St. Makarios the Great.

Be certain to look at the plans for the future of All Saints that are posted in the hallway. While a parish-wide fundraising effort has not yet commenced, donations to the Temple Fund are always gladly received.

Women, ages 35-65: Please notice the flier in the hallway; perhaps you would like to participate in a study led by Stephanie’s friend Trishnee in the Department of Applied Health Science.

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.

The Feast of Holy Ascension on Thursday marks the return of the usual practice of fasting on  Wednesdays and Fridays. (The annual pictorial calendar incorrectly placed Ascension on the 17th.)

THIS  WEEK

Wednesday, June 8: Evening Liturgy — The Ascension of Christ —  at 6:00

Thursday, June 9: Bedford-Mitchell Fellowship at the Haney’s –10:00-Noon

Thursday, June 9: Kh. Marilyn leads  Bible Study at Becky Hrisomalos’ home from 3:00-5:00.

Saturday, June 11: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, June 12: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD

Holy Ascension — Fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays begins again.

…June 19 – Holy Pentecost Sunday — “O Heavenly King…” – Kneeling Vespers

…June 22-26 — Parish Life Conference of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest…Father attends.

…June 26 — All Saints Feast Day – Baptisms & Potluck

…June 26-29: Apostles Fast with Liturgy in the evening of June 28th

…July 4 — Annual Parish Picnic with fireworks – Bring a friend!

…July 18-22 –– Clergy Symposium at AV–Father attends.

Anniversary Blessings: Deacon Lawrence & Marcia B (6th)

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

Name Day Remembrance: Cleo S (St. Kalliope – 8th)

Memory Eternal: Kh. Mary Ellen Braun (30th); Zado (29th); David Barrett (1st); Kevin; Christopher (10th);  Carolyn (22nd)

Prayer List : “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in Ukraine.”  John Griggs; Kh. Loretta; Amal H; Dee and Don;  Kh.Kristina; Betsy and Hannah (suffering depression); Leslie (paralysis); Jasmine; Deborah & Thomas; Iva.; James; Alex John;  Jason; Steve D;   Becky H.; Alexis T. ;Tom;  Jake; Annie; Catherine; Janett; Jill; Angie; Julian; Kh. Mary Sue Walker; Vicki; Hoppes in Albania,  Jesse Brandow in Guatemala (OCMC Missionaries); Vivian; Natalie; Senior Saints; Patricia; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests  George & Stephen; Adrian; Heather; Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Geni; Rachel B with child; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R;  Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia; Marilyn; Eric; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Michael & Shelley:  Gabriel; Mary; Doug; Janet; Kelly; Matushka Raisa; John C; Marty; Charles; Eileen; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Deborah; Ruth; Steve; Kevin; Romaine; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Preston; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Jennifer; Brigid; Caleb; Dennis & Joyce; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie

     Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “ Thou, O Lord, shalt keep us and shalt  preserve us.”

Verse: “Save me, O Lord, for the godly man is no more!” Psalm 11:7,1

Epistle: The Reading is from the Acts of the Holy Apostles. (16:16-34)                        

In those days, while  we the Apostles were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination who brought her masters much gain by soothsaying.  She followed Paul and us, saying: “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.”  And this she did for many days.  But Paul was annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, “I charge you in the Name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.”  And it came out that very hour.

But when her masters saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market place before the rulers; and when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are disturbing our city, and they, being Jews, are setting forth customs which are not lawful for us to receive or observe, since we are Romans.” The multitude then rose up together against them, and the magistrates tore their garments off them, and commanded to beat them with rods.  And when they had inflicted many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely.  Having received such a charge, he cast them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.  And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken.  And immediately all the doors were opened and every one’s fetters were unfastened.  And the jailer, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.  But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying: “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.”  And he called for lights and rushed in, and fell down before Paul and Silas trembling with fear, and brought them out and said: “Masters, what must I do to be saved?” And they said: “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his house.  And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was baptized, he and his entire household.  Then he brought them up into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with his entire house, in that he had believed in God.

Gospel: The Reading is 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

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 of Pascha – Tone 8

Thou didst descend into the tomb, O Immortal; Thou didst destroy the power of Death; in Victory didst Thou arise,  O Christ God, proclaiming rejoice to the Myrrhbearing women, granting peace to Thine Apostles, and bestowing resurrection on the fallen.

Megalynarion for Pascha : The Angel Cried…

Koinonikon of Pascha (Communion Hymn) – Tone 8

Receive ye the body of Christ; taste ye the Fountain of immortality. Alleluia