St. Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople

Venerable Demetrios the Sacristan; New-martyr Auxentios of Constantinople

Visitors, we are blessed by your joining us in worship and for fellowship.

Let us pray to the Lord: “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in the Ukraine.”

 Nourishment of the Soul: “In the beginning, passion and pain were not created together with the body; nor forgetfulness and ignorance together with the soul; nor the ever-changing impressions in the shape of events with the mind. All these things were brought about in man by his disobedience.”  – St. Maximos the Confessor

Communion: 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.

Communion Line: The choir goes first in both lines so members may continue ministering through music during communion. Little Lambs Sunday School follows. The ushers then assist each row from front to back.  Those in the overflow behind the choir may follow adjacent rows.

Sunday School for those in Grades One through 12 meets after Divine Liturgy.

 Boxes for Knitted Caps and Mittens/Gloves will be available throughout the winter to collect your donations for local school children.

House Blessings until Great Lent: Choose a time on the sign-up sheet in the hall, or contact Father Peter Jon.

Myrrh Bearers have postponed today’s meeting. They will meet next Sunday, February 1st  to discuss and finalize plans for the Sunday of Orthodoxy, Meat fare, Cheese fare,  Lenten dates, and fundraising.

 THIS WEEK

 Wednesday, January 28: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Saturday, January 31: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, February 1: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Myrrh Bearers meet.

LOOKING AHEAD

 Sunday, February 1: The Triodion begins.

Wednesday, February 4: Orthodoxy 101 resumes.

Tuesday, February 10: Bible Study with Kh. Marilyn

Thursday, February 12: Skating with All Saints skaters at Western Skateland on West 17th Street, 6:30 to 8:30: Admission cost is $4 for skaters and watchers! Stephanie is the contact person

Thursday, February 13: SOYO and Compline

Saturday, February 14: Saturday of Souls Liturgy

 Happy Birthday: David Patterson (26th); Michael Shahadey (30th)

Memory Eternal: Priscilla (15th); Nick (18th); Kh. Chinnu (Dec.19th); Marianne  Dye (26th); Anthony (28th); Korene (9th); Ann Freije (9th); Daniel Berg (10th); Kh. Marianne (St. Michael’s-20th)

Prayer List: Fr. Athanasius Wilson; Ioana; Patricia (recovering from a medical procedure); Marianne (Stephanie’s friend); Dee Haney; Galina; John G; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Kh. Loretta; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests Roman, George & Stephen; Krystal & Jason; Adrian, Catherine & Marah; Heather (Charles’ daughter); Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Fr. Moses Berry; Geni; Frank & Becky Hrisomalos; Those with child: Kh. Kristina, Mary, Kathleen; Brooke; Kh. Marilyn; Noah; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R; Alex; John; Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia McCallister; 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; Cathi, family of Eddie Shoemaker (drowning victim)

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings                                           

 Prokeimenon: “My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.”

Verse: “Hear this, all ye nations!” Psalm 48:3,1

Epistle: The Reading is from Saint Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews. (7:26-8:2)

 BRETHREN, it was most fitting that we should have such a High Priest, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and more exalted than the heavens, Who has no need, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices daily, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people; for this He did once for all, when He offered up Himself. For the Law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, perfected for evermore.  Now in the things which we are saying the chief point is this: We have such a High Priest, Who sat down at the right hand on the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a liturgical minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which was pitched “by the Lord,” and not by a human.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (19:1-10)

AT THAT TIME, Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through.  And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich.  And he sought to see Who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature.  So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Jesus, for He was to pass that way.  And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  And when they saw it they all murmured, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.”  And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.”  And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.

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. Gregory the Theologian – Tone 1

The pastoral psalter of thy discourse in theology triumphed over the trumpets of orators and overcame it; for having sought the depth of the Spirit, there was also vouchsafed to thee excellence of speech, O Father Gregory.  Wherefore, intercede with Christ 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.

Right to Life Sunday

St. Athanasius and Cyril, Patriarchs of Alexandria;

Martyr Theodoula of Anazarbus and her companions; Maximos, Serbian Ruler

Visitors, we are blessed by your joining us in worship and for fellowship.

Let us pray to the Lord: “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in the Ukraine.”

 Nourishment of the Soul: “Prayer is the test of everything. If prayer is right, everything is right.” — St. Theophan the Recluse

Communion: 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.

Communion Line: The choir goes first in both lines so members may continue ministering through music during communion. Little Lambs Sunday School follows. The ushers then assist each row from front to back.  Those in the overflow behind the choir may follow adjacent rows.

Sunday School for those in Grades One through 12 meets after Divine Liturgy.

 Boxes for Knitted Caps and Mittens/Gloves will be available throughout the winter to collect your donations for local school children.

House Blessings until Great Lent: Choose a time on the sign-up sheet in the hall, or contact Father Peter Jon.

 SOYO will not meet this week.

 Myrrh Bearers will not meet on January 25th, but rather on February 1st to discuss Sunday of Orthodoxy, Meat fare, Cheese fare and Lenten dates.

 Tuesday, January 20: Skating with All Saints skaters at Western Skateland on West 17th Street, 6:30 to 8:30: Admission cost is for skaters and watchers! Stephanie is the contact person.

 March for Life Rally will be on the Court House square at 2:00.

 Parish Council meets in Father’s office around noon today.

THIS WEEK

 Tuesday, January 20: Skating Party at Western Skateland (See notice above.)

Wednesday, January 21: Divine Liturgy at 6:00 — St. Maximus, the Confessor

Saturday, January 24: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, January 25: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD

 Sunday, February 1: The Triodion begins.

Wednesday, February 4: Orthodoxy 101 resumes.

Happy Birthday: Cody Arthur (20th); Chris Leininger (20th); Lydia Finchum (23rd)

Blessed Name Day: Cody Arthur (20th-St. Euthymius); Amanda Alexander (21st- St. Agnes);

Max Williams (21st – St. Maximus); Laura Crandall (24th – St. Xenia); Jennifer Tatlock

(24th – St. Xenia)

Memory Eternal: Jolee (Dec. 10th); Priscilla (15th); Nick (18th); Kh. Chinnu (Dec.19th); Marianne  Dye (26th); Anthony (28th); Korene (9th); Ann Freije (9th); Daniel Berg (10th)

Prayer List: Fr. Athanasius Wilson-shoulder surgery; Ioana; Patricia; Dee Haney; Galina; John G; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Kh. Loretta; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests Roman, George & Stephen; Krystal & Jason; Adrian, Catherine & Marah; Heather (Charles’ daughter); Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Fr. Moses Berry; Geni; Frank & Becky Hrisomalos; Those with child: Kh. Kristina, Mary, Kathleen; Brooke; Kh. Marilyn; Noah; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R; Alex; John; Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia McCallister; 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; Cathi

 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

Epistle: The Reading is from Saint Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews. (13: 7-16)

 BRETHREN, remember those who preside over you, who have spoken to you the word of God; and considering the outcome of their life, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  Do not be carried away by diverse and strange doctrines.  For it is a good thing for  the heart to be confirmed by grace, not by foods which have not profited those who occupied themselves with them.

We have an altar from which those serving the tabernacle have no authority to eat.  For the animals whose blood ‘is brought into the sanctuary’ by the high priest ‘as an offering for sin,’ their bodies are burned outside the camp.  For this reason  Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through His own blood.

Let us therefore go forth to Him ‘outside the camp,’ bearing His reproach; for here we do not have a lasting city in here, but we seek the one which is to come.  Through Him therefore ‘let us offer up a sacrifice of praise’ to God always, that is, the ‘fruit of lips’ that confess His Name. do not forget to do good and to share, for God is well pleased with such sacrifices.                

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (17:12-19)

AT THAT TIME, as Jesus entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”  When He saw them He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed.  Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks.  Now he was a Samaritan.  Then Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed?  Where are the nine?  Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”  And He said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.

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 Ss. Athanasius and Cyril – Tone 3

With work of Orthodoxy, ye shone forth and extinguished wicked opinion, becoming triumphant and clothed with victory. And having enriched all with true worship and adorned the Church with great adornment, Athanasius and wise Cyril, ye worthily found Christ God, granting to all, through your prayers, the Great Mercy.

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 after Epiphany

St. Theodosios the Great; Venerable Theodosios of Philotheou Monastery on Athos;

Venerable Agapios of Apamea in Syria; Venerable Michael of Klops, Food-for-Christ

Visitors, we are blessed by your joining us in worship and for fellowship.

Let us pray to the Lord: “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in the Ukraine.”

 Nourishment of the Soul: “All the stars in the heavens could be more easily counted than all the miracles worked on earth by prayer.” — St. Nicholai of Zica

FOOD PANTRY: Last year 562 pounds of food came into our food pantry for distribution.  $11, 474 was given to those who needed financial support in 2014. Thank you for heeding the teaching of our Lord.

Communion: 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.

Communion Line: The choir goes first in both lines so members may continue ministering through music during communion. Little Lambs Sunday School follows. The ushers then assist each row from front to back.  Those in the overflow behind the choir may follow adjacent rows.

Sunday School for those in Grades One through 12 meets after Divine Liturgy.

 Boxes for Knitted Caps and Mittens/Gloves will be available throughout the winter to collect your donations for local school children.

Pledge Envelopes, Calendars, and Phone Directories are in the hallway.

 January 16-18: SOYO Basketball Weekend at Canton, Ohio – Parental  Permission is needed prior to travel as well as other paperwork.

House Blessings until Great Lent: Choose a time on the sign-up sheet in the hall or contact Father Peter Jon.

THIS WEEK

Did you date your check for 2015?

Tuesday, January 13: Kh. Marilyn resumes the Women’s  Bible Study at 7pm at her home.

Wednesday, January 14: Divine Liturgy at 6:00 — St. Nina, Enlightener of Georgia

Thursday, January15: Evening Liturgy at 6:00 –St. Peter’s Chains

Saturday, January 17: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, January 18: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 — Parish Council meets.

LOOKING AHEAD

 …Sunday, January 18: Right to Life Rally on the Court house square at 2:00

…Tuesday, January 20: Skating with All Saints skaters at Western Skateland on West 17th Street, 6:30 to 8:30: Admission cost is for skaters and watchers! Stephanie is the contact person.

…Wednesday, February 4: Orthodoxy 101 resumes

Happy Birthday: Hal’s mother Waded on her 106th birthday.

Blessed Name Day: Nina Rogers (14th); Nina Gillquist (14th); Bishop ANTHONY (17th); Toni Ban (17th-St. Anthony the Great)

Eternal: Jolee (Dec. 10th); Priscilla (15th); Nick (18th); Kh. Chinnu (Dec.19th); Marianne  Dye (26th); Anthony (28th)

Prayer List: Fr. Athanasius Wilson-shoulder surgery, January 15; Ioana; Patricia; Dee Haney; Galina; John G; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Kh. Loretta; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests Roman, George & Stephen; Krystal & Jason; Adrian, Catherine & Marah; Heather (Charles’ daughter); Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Fr. Moses Berry; Geni; Frank & Becky Hrisomalos; Those with child: Kh. Kristina, Mary, Kathleen; Brooke; Kh. Marilyn; Noah; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R; Alex; John; Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia McCallister; 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; Korene; Dennis & Joyce; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie; Cathi

 Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings                                           

 Prokeimenon: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”

Verse: “What shall we render unto the Lord, for all that He has given us?” Psalm 115:6,3

Epistle: The Reading is from Saint Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews. (13: 7-16)

 BRETHREN, remember those who preside over you, who have spoken to you the word of God; and considering the outcome of their life, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  Do not be carried away by diverse and strange doctrines.  For it is a good thing for  the heart to be confirmed by grace, not by foods which have not profited those who occupied themselves with them.

We have an altar from which those serving the tabernacle have no authority to eat.  For the animals whose blood ‘is brought into the sanctuary’ by the high priest ‘as an offering for sin,’ their bodies are burned outside the camp.  For this reason  Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through His own blood.

Let us therefore go forth to Him ‘outside the camp,’ bearing His reproach; for here we do not have a lasting city in here, but we seek the one which is to come.  Through Him therefore ‘let us offer up a sacrifice of praise’ to God always, that is, the ‘fruit of lips’ that confess His Name. do not forget to do good and to share, for God is well pleased with such sacrifices.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (4:12-17)

AT THAT TIME, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth He went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulon and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the Prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulon and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles–the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light has dawned.”  From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

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 word, O Thou, Who art risen from the dead, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion of the Theophany of Christ – Tone 1

When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, worship of the Trinity wast made manifest; for the voice of the Father bore witness unto Thee, calling Thee, His Beloved Son. and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the truth of His word. O  Christ our God, Who hath appeared and enlightened the world, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion of St. Theodosios – Tone 8

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

Kontakion of the Theophany of Christ- Tone 4

Today Thou hast appeared to the universe, O Lord, and Thy light hath been shed upon us, who praise Thee with knowledge, saying, Thou hast come and appeared, O

Sunday, January 4, 2015

Forefeast of & Sunday before Theophany of Christ

Synaxis of the Seventy Holy Apostles; Venerable Theoktistos of Sicily; Venerable Martyrs Euthymios and his Twelve companions of Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos

 Visitors, we are blessed by your joining us in worship and for fellowship.

Let us pray to the Lord: “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in the Ukraine.”

 Nourishment of the Soul: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

Boxes for Knitted Caps and Mittens/Gloves will be available throughout the winter to collect your donations for local school children.

FOOD PANTRY: Thank you for the abundant outpouring. You will notice that the pantry is almost bare again! The need is ongoing throughout the year.

Communion: 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.

Communion Line: The choir goes first in both lines so members may continue ministering through music during communion. Little Lambs Sunday School follows. The ushers then assist each row from front to back.  Those in the overflow behind the choir may follow adjacent rows.

Sunday School for those in Grades One through 12 meets after Divine Liturgy.

 THIS WEEK

Did you date your check for 2015?

Monday, January 5: Evening Liturgy of Theophany at 6:00 with the Blessing of the Waters

This is a strict fast day in anticipation of the Feast on Tuesday.

Tuesday, January 6: Feast of Holy Epiphany

Wednesday, January 7: Daily Vespers at 6:00

Thursday,January 8: Mitchell-Bedford Fellowship 10 am – Noon

Thursday, January 8: SOYO at 6:00; Compline at 7:30

Saturday, January 10: Mandatory Meeting for Altar Servers including boys — 3:00-4:30

Saturday, January 10: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, January 11: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD

 …House Blessings until Great Lent: Sign up with Father Peter Jon to schedule a time.

…January 16-18: SOYO Basketball Weekend at Canton, Ohio – Parental  Permission is needed prior to travel as well as other paperwork.

…Tuesday, January 20: Skating with All Saints skaters at Western Skateland on West 17th Street,  6:30 to 8:30: Admission is $4 for skaters and watchers! Stephanie is the contact person.

…February 4: Orthodoxy 101 resumes following Daily Vespers.

Happy Anniversary: Darryl & Nancy Jones (4th); Michael & Missy Shahadey (7th)

Happy Birthday: John Alexander (5th); Charles Coats (8th); Harold Sabbagh (9th)

[Omitted last week: Adriana Calinescu (30th);  Molly Alexander (31st); Nancy Jones (31st)]

Blessed Name Day: John Alexander (7th); John Labban (7th); Gregory Gillquist (10th)

Memory Eternal: Jolee (Dec. 10th); Priscilla (15th); Nick (18th); Kh. Chinnu (Dec.19th); Marianne  Dye (26th); Anthony (28th);

 Prayer List: (IF YOU HAVE PLACED NAMES ON THE PRAYER LIST AND WANT THEM REMOVED, PLEASE TELL MARCIA.) Ioana; Patricia; Dee Haney; Galina; John G; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Kh. Loretta; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests Roman, George & Stephen; Krystal & Jason; Adrian, Catherine & Marah; Heather (Charles’ daughter); Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Fr. Moses Berry; Geni; Frank & Becky Hrisomalos; Those with child: Kh. Kristina, Mary, Kathleen; Brooke; Kh. Marilyn; Noah; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R; Alex; John; Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia McCallister; 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; Korene; Dennis & Joyce; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie; Cathi

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings                                           

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

Verse: “Unto Thee, O Lord, will I cry, O my God!” Psalm 27:9,1

Epistle: The Reading is from Saint Paul’s Second Epistle to Timothy. (4:5-8)

MY CHILD TIMOTHY, be watchful in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.  For I am already being poured out as a libation, and the season of my departure is at hand: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have guarded the faith.  Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will reward me at that Day, and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved His appearing.       

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

The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before Thy face, who shall prepare Thy way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” John the Baptizer appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the River Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey.  And he preached, saying, “After me comes He Who is mightier than I, the strap of Whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.  I have baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Divine Liturgy Variables

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 5

Let us believers praise and worship the Word; coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation. For, He took pleasure in ascending the Cross in the flesh to suffer death; and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection.

Apolytikion of the  Forefeast of Theophany – Tone 4

Make ready, O Zebulon, and prepare, O Naphtali, and thou, River Jordan, cease thy flow and receive with joy the Master coming to be baptized.  And thou, Adam, rejoice with the first mother, and hide not yourselves as ye did of old in paradise; for having seen thee naked, He appeared to clothe thee with the first robe.  Yea, Christ hath appeared desiring to renew the whole creation.

Kontakion of the Forefeast of Theophany- Tone 4

today hath the Lord appeared in the courses of the Jordan, crying to John and saying, “Be not dismayed at my Baptism; for I have verily come to save Adam, the first to be created.”

(Saturday, December 27, 2014: Great Vespers at 5pm as usual.) 

Sunday, December 28, 2014

After-Feast of & Sunday after the Nativity of Christ

Commemoration of Joseph the Betrothed, David the Prophet and King, and James the Brother of the Lord.

 Visitors, we are blessed by your joining us in worship and for fellowship.

Let us pray to the Lord: “For the suffering Christians of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, & all of the Middle East, and for those suffering in the Ukraine.”

 Nourishment of the Soul: “It was a great joy to celebrate the birth of our Savior together.  Let us embrace these 12 days of feasting and rejoicing as we anticipate the baptism of our Lord on January 6th together with the Great Sanctification of the Waters and house blessings during the weeks that follow. Christ is Born! Glorify Him! — Fr. Peter Jon

Boxes for Knitted Caps and Mittens/Gloves will be available throughout the winter to collect your donations for local school children.

Communion: 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.

Communion Line: The choir goes first in both lines so members may continue ministering through music during communion. Little Lambs Sunday School follows. The ushers then assist each row from front to back.  Those in the overflow behind the choir may follow adjacent rows.

Sunday School for those in Grades One through 12 meets after Divine Liturgy.

 FOOD PANTRY: Thank you for the abundant outpouring. You will notice that the pantry is almost bare again! The need is ongoing.

 GIFT CARDS FROM THE CHRISTMAS TREE are being used to brighten the lives of those around us. Thank you for your generosity. Donations throughout the year can be given to Father Peter Jon or to Marcia to be used in the same way.

THIS WEEK

There is a general dispensation from fasting until January 4th as we approach Theophany.

Wednesday, December 31: Evening Liturgy on New Year’s Eve at 6:00 to Commemorate the Circumcision in the Flesh of Christ and  the Feast of St. Basil the Great

Saturday, January 3: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, January 4: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD

 Tuesday, January 6: Holy Epiphany and the Blessing of the Waters (Vesperal liturgy may be served on Monday evening)

Tuesday, January 20: Skating with All Saints skaters at Western Skateland on West 17th Street,  6:30 to 8:30: Admission is $4 for skaters and watchers! Stephanie is the contact person.

Happy Birthday: Stephanie Dillard (1st); Lina Tabbal (1st)

Memory Eternal: Wilma (16th); Nicholas (21^st); Jolee (10th); Priscilla (15th); Nick (18th); Kh. Chinnu (Dec.19th)

 Prayer List: Ioana; Patricia; Dee Haney; Galina; John; Nicetas; Barb; Shirley; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John; Kh. Loretta; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests Roman, George & Stephen; Krystal & Jason (hard times & death of child); Adrian, Catherine & Marah; Heather (Charles’ daughter); Susan; Gabriella & Matt; Sara; Shelley; Fr. Moses Berry; Geni; Frank & Becky Hrisomalos; Those with child: Kh. Kristina, Mary, Kathleen; Brooke; Kh. Marilyn; Noah; Emily D; Emma; Kim; Nancy; Neal; Lyuda; Bob R; Alex; John; Leanne; Beth; Lillian; Julie; Roger; Virginia McCallister; 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; Korene; Dennis & Joyce; Ethan; Lena, Dean; Gayle; Thomas; Amy; Heidi; Gene & Connie; Cathi

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 Galatians. (1:11-19)

 BRETHREN, I make known to you that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man; for neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me by revelation of Jesus Christ.  For you have heard of my manner of life in time past in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and destroyed it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age within my nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

But when it pleased God, who separated me, even from my mother’s womb, and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the nations, immediately I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and again I returned to Damascus.  Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter, and remained with him fifteen days.  But I saw none of the other apostles, except James, the Lord’s brother.          

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (2:13-23)

When the wise men had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the Child, to destroy Him.”  And he rose and took the Child and His mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod.  This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called My Son.”  Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region, who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men.  Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.”  but when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.”  And he rose and took the Child and His  mother, and went to the land of Israel.  But when he heard that Archelaus reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee.  And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Divine Liturgy Variables

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 4

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

Apolytikion of the  Nativity – Tone 4

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shown to the world, the Light of Wisdom; for those who followed the stars were led by a star to adore Thee, the Son of Righteousness and to know Thee, the Orient from on High; O Lord, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion of the Sunday after the Nativity – Tone 2

Proclaim, O Joseph, to David, the grandparent of God, the amazing wonders; for thou hast seen a Virgin great with child; for with the shepherds thou didst give glory, with the Magi thou didst worship, and by the angel it was revealed to thee.  Wherefore, plead thou with Christ God to save our souls.

Kontakion of the Nativity of Christ- Tone 3

The Virgin brings forth today, the Omnipotent One; and the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One; Angels give glory with shepherds, and the magi journey with the star when for our sakes was born as a new babe, He Who is from eternity God.