Sunday, March 16, 2014

Second Sunday of Great Lent

Commemoration of Gregory Palamas, archbishop of Thessalonica

Martyr Sabinos of Egypt; Venerable Christodoulos the wonderworker of Patmos

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

Visitors, you are honored guests at All Saints

and welcome at all services.

Nourishment of the Soul: “The value of fasting consists not in abstinence only from food, but in a relinquishment of sinful practices, since he who limits his fasting only to an abstinence from meat is he who especially disparages it. The change in our way of life during these blessed days will help us to gain holiness. Therefore, we should let our soul rejoice during the fast.” — St. John Chrysostom

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 follow. The ushers then assist each row from front to back.  Those seated in the over-flow may follow an adjacent row.

 Confession: Confessions are heard Wednesday and Saturday evenings half an hour before services or by appointment during the week.

 Orthodoxy 101 on Wednesday: This week at Orthodoxy 101, following the Presanctified Gifts Liturgy, Reader Tikhon’s topic will be “Mary the Theotokos.”

 Presanctified Meal Donations: Please sign up in the hallway to donate soup, spaghetti or other main dishes and bread for a light supper on Wednesdays following the Presanctified Liturgy.

House Blessings continue by request.

Food for Hungry People has begun the 2014 campaign.  Donations to All Saints will be sent after Pascha.  This Archdiocesan charity feeds the hungry in the United States and around the world.

The fundraiser for Syrian Orphans netted $2,479.00.  You may continue to donate throughout Great Lent by designating Syrian Orphan Fund on the memo line of your check.

 Urgent Choir Practices: The Choir will practice each Sunday in March for Pascha.  It is not too late to join the practices.

Parish Council meeting scheduled for today has been cancelled. Updates will be sent by e-mail.

Tonight, Lenten Vespers are at St. Stephen’s Orthodox Church in Indy at 5:00. The theme for this year’s Lenten Vespers Series is “Blessed are those who are persecuted…”

THIS WEEK

March is Women’s Month in our archdiocese.

Sign-up sheets for Lenten donations and service are in the hallway.

Myrrh Bearers will serve by reading the epistle and passing the collection trays.

Wednesday, March 19: Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00; 0rthodoxy 101 at 7:40

Friday, March 21: Akathist Hymn (Madayeh) at 6:00

Saturday, March 22: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, March 23: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

March 23: Sunday evening, Lenten Vespers at All Saints at 5 p.m. (We provide a fellowship meal.)

LOOKING AHEAD 

April 6: Chris and Jen Moore, OCMC missionaries to Mongolia will be with us during coffee hour to update us on the work there. They have added a member to their family since their last visit.

Happy Birthday:  Adam Shahadey (16^th); Kh. Kristina Gillquist (18^th); Lilly Blair (20^th ); Saraquel Hsu (21^st); Ghada Tabbal Labban (21^st); Georges Tabbal (21^st)

Blessed Name Day: David Patterson (17^th – St. Patrick); Mezy Alexander (20^th – St. Photini)

Memory Eternal: Metaxia (Craig’s grandmother on the 5^th year memorial); Victor (Galina’s brother in Alberta, Canada-March 9^th)

Prayer List: Vicki Gans; Alex (Albert) Alexander; Deacon Lawrence; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John, Syrian Orphans, Danica D’Onofrio; Kh. Loretta Wilson; Chad & Connie; Beth; Jeffry Ellis; Lillian Miller; Dee; Julie; Roger; Stephanie; Virginia McCallister; Marilyn; Eric; Marna; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Ioana; Geni Gritton; Michael & Shelley: Leanne; Jill Patterson; Gabriel; Mary; Alex; Doug; Janet; Kelly; Pete; Phillip; Patricia; Matushka Raisa; John C; Marty; John; Charles; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests Alexander and Roman; Eileen; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Bob R; Deborah; Ruth; Steve; Kevin; Romaine; Steven; Mary; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Preston; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Michael and Diane; Aaron; Brent; Christy; Jennifer; Brigid; Caleb; Korene. 

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings 

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

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

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

 Thou, “O Lord, in the beginning didst lay the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Thy hands; they will perish; but Thou remainest; and they will all grow old like a garment, and like a mantle Thou wilt roll them up, and they shall be changed.  But Thou art the same, and Thy years will not fail.”  But of which of the angels did He say at any time, “Sit on My right hand, till I make thine enemies a footstool for thy feet?”  Are they not all spirits for liturgical ministry, sent forth to minister for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

Therefore, we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest at any time we drift away from them.  For if the word spoken through angels was confirmed, and every transgression and disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation, which having at first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard?

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

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

First Sunday of Great Lent (Sunday of Orthodoxy)

Sunday of the Holy and Great Forty Martyrs of Sebastia

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great 

Visitors, you are honored guests at All Saints.  Please stay for the social hour.

On the back of the Readings page, you will find the Confession of Faith declared by the clergy and the faithful on this Sunday of Orthodoxy.

Nourishment of the Soul: “”Of course it would be easier to get to paradise with a full stomach, all snuggled up in a soft feather-bed, but what is required is to carry one’s cross along the way, for the Kingdom of God is not attained by enduring one or two troubles, but many!” — Elder Anthony of Optina

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 follow. The ushers then assist each row from front to back.  Those seated in the over-flow may follow an adjacent row.

Confession: Confessions are heard Wednesday and Saturday evenings half an hour before services or by appointment during the week.

Orthodoxy 101 on Wednesday: This week at Orthodoxy 101, following the Presanctified Gifts Liturgy, Father Peter Jon’s topic will be “The Healing of Soul and Body: The Mystery of Holy Unction.”

Presanctified Meal Donations: Please sign up in the hallway to donate soup, spaghetti or other main dishes and bread for a light supper on Wednesdays following the Presanctified Liturgy.

House Blessings continue by request.

Food for Hungry People has begun the 2014 campaign.  We will send all contributions after Pascha.  The Archdiocesan charity feeds the hungry in the United States and around the world.

The fundraiser for Syrian Orphans netted $2,479.00.  You may continue to donate throughout Great Lent by designating Syrian Orphan Fund on the memo line of your check.

Children’s Procession with Icons on this Sunday, the Sunday of Orthodoxy. Encourage your child to bring icons from home, or the altar servers will take one from the wall for them.

 Men’s Group meets today for those not in choir.

Two Urgent Choir Practices: Sunday of Orthodoxy music practice at 9:15 Sunday morning before Divine Liturgy as well as practice for Holy Pascha after Divine Liturgy. Please address questions to our director, Linda Barrett.

Tonight, Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers are at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 5:00.

Daylight Time Change: Spring forward one hour before today’s Liturgy, Sunday, March 9^th!

THIS WEEK

March is Women’s Month in our archdiocese.

Barb Grinder will have a sign-up sheet in the hallway.

Myrrh Bearers will serve by reading the epistle and passing the collection trays.

Tuesday, March 11: Women’s Bible Study at 7:00 p.m. – Home of Kh. Marilyn

Wednesday, March 12: Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00; 0rthodoxy 101 at 7:40

Thursday, March 13:Bedford Mitchell Fellowship – 10:00 to Noon

Friday, March 14: Akathist Hymn (Madayeh) at 6:00

Saturday, March 15: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, March 16: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Parish Council meets after Liturgy.

LOOKING AHEAD

The complete Lenten Vespers flyer is in the hall.

March 23: Lenten Vespers at All Saints at 5 p.m. (We provide a fellowship meal.)

Happy Birthday:  Ioana Frecus (97 on the10^th); Rachel Leininger (11^th); Amber Smith (13^th)

Blessed Name Day: Daniel Mullis (St. Symeon the New Theologian – 12^th); Patricia Finchum (St. Patricia – 13^th)

Memory Eternal: Dorothy (catechumen Aaron’s grandmother); Dolly (Feb.1^st)

 Prayer List: Vicki Gans; Alex (Albert) Alexander; Deacon Lawrence; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John, Mother Pelagia and her nuns and orphans, Danica D’Onofrio; Kh. Loretta Wilson; Chad & Connie; Beth; Jeffry Ellis; Lillian Miller; Dee; Julie; Roger; Stephanie; Virginia McCallister; Marilyn; Eric; Marna; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Ioana; Geni Gritton; Michael & Shelley: Leanne; Jill Patterson; Gabriel; Mary; Alex; Doug; Janet; Kelly; Pete; Phillip; Patricia; Matushka Raisa; John C; Marty; John; Charles; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests Alexander and Roman; Eileen; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Bob R; Deborah; Ruth; Steve; Kevin; Romaine; Steven; Mary; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Preston; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Victor; Aaron; Brent; Christy; Jennifer; Brigid; Caleb; Korene.

  Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

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

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

 Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews. (12:1-10)

 Brethren, 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, Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame, and was seated at the right hand on the throne of God. For consider Him who patiently endured from sinners such a transgression against Himself, that you should not grow weary, fainting in your souls. 

While striving against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood. And you have forgotten the exhortation which reasons with you as with sons, saying, “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are admonished by Him; for whom the Lord loves, He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.”  If you patiently endure ‘chastening,’ God will deal with you as with ‘sons’; for what son is there whom his father does not ‘chasten? But if you are left apart from ‘chastening,’ in which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not ‘sons.’ 

Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them reverence; shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live?  For they indeed for a few days chastened us according to what seemed appropriate to them; but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.

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

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

Sunday, March 02, 2014

Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheese Fare)

Tonight’s Forgiveness Vespers will begin at 5:00.

Watch local weather forecasts for possible changes to schedules.

We commemorate today Martyr Hesychios the Senator; Theodotos, bishop of Cyrene in Cyprus;

Virgin-martyr Euthalia of Sicily; and Arsenios, bishop of Tver.

 Visitors, you are honored guests at All Saints.  Please stay for the social hour.

Nourishment of the Soul: “Fasting is an admirable thing, but it is more admirable to forgive insults. Through fasting a man is preparing for charity, but by forgiving insults, a man shows charity. Fasting precedes forgiveness, but fasting alone does  not, save without forgiveness.”  St. Nicholai of Zica

Choir Practice begins today for the Sunday of Orthodoxy and for Holy Pascha. Singers, if you are not on Director Linda Barrett’s email, please notify her.

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 follow. The ushers then assist each row from front to back.  Those seated in the over-flow may follow an adjacent row.

Confession: Confessions are heard Wednesday and Saturday evenings half an hour before services or by appointment during the week.

Orthodoxy 101 on Wednesday: Did you know that the teaching of our archdiocese is that every communicant in good standing should go to confession a minimum of four times per year? Did you know that every Orthodox Christian is expected to confess their sins during great Lent? Do you know how to properly confess?  This week at Orthodoxy 101, following the Presanctified Gifts Liturgy, Father Peter Jon will speak about confession and work to answer all of your questions on that subject.

House Blessings continue by request.

Enclosed in today’s bulletin is an important directive by His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP: In short, after Holy Unction services, priests will no longer send home bottles of blessed oil as done in the past.  Since holy unction is a sacrament, only priests should administer the healing oil both in the services and in homes.

Last week’s Fundraiser for Syrian Orphans: The Myrrh Bearers would like to thank all of the parishioners who donated money.  Your generosity netted $2,479.00.  If you were not here last Sunday and would like to donate, designate Syrian Orphan Fund on the memo line of your check to All Saints and drop it in the collection basket any time during the Lenten season. Also, we offer a big thank you to Alicia Barrett for preparing the dinner and to all who helped serving and cleaning-up. Jan Gudaitis, Myrrh Bearer treasurer

THIS WEEK

March is Women’s Month in our archdiocese.

Myrrh Bearers will serve by reading the epistle and passing the collection trays.

Monday, March 3: Great Lent begins with the Canon of St. Andrew at 6:00

Tuesday, March 4: Canon of St. Andrew at 6:00

Wednesday, March 5: Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00; 0rthodoxy 101 at 7:40

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

Friday, March 7: Akathist Hymn (Madayeh) at 6:00

Saturday, March 8: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, March 9: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 –Sunday of Orthodoxy- Children’s Procession with Icons – Men’s Group meets.

Sunday, March 9: Sunday of Orthodoxy Lenten Vespers – Holy Trinity – 5:00 + Fellowship

LOOKING AHEAD 

The complete Lenten Vespers flyer is in the hall.

March 9: Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers at Holy Trinity – All Saints provides 2 gallons of  hummus.

March 11: Women’s Bible Study at Kh. Marilyn’s home – 7:00 p.m.

March 13: Bedford Mitchell Fellowship – 10:00 a.m. to noon

March 23: Lenten Vespers at All Saints at 5 p.m. (We provide a fellowship meal.) 

Happy Birthday:  Deacon Lawrence (3^rd); Polina Mullis (5^th); Alice Piercefield (6^th)

Memory Eternal: Dorothy (catechumen Aaron’s grandmother); Dolly (Feb.1^st)

Prayer List: Vicki Gans; Alex (Albert) Alexander; Deacon Lawrence; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John, Mother Pelagia and her nuns and orphans, Danica D’Onofrio; Kh. Loretta Wilson; Chad & Connie; Beth; Jeffry Ellis; Lillian Miller; Dee; Julie; Roger; Stephanie; Virginia McCallister; Marilyn; Eric; Marna; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Ioana; Geni Gritton; Michael & Shelley: Leanne; Jill Patterson; Gabriel; Mary; Alex; Doug; Janet; Kelly; Pete; Phillip; Patricia; Matushka Raisa; John C; Marty; John; Charles; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests Alexander and Roman; Eileen; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Bob R; Deborah; Ruth; Steve; Kevin; Romaine; Steven; Mary; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Preston; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Victor; Aaron; Brent; Christy; Jennifer; Brigid; Caleb; Korene.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings 

Prokeimenon: “O chant unto our God, chant ye.”

Verse: “Clap your hands, all ye nation!” Psalm 46:6, 1

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

            Brethren, now is our salvation nearer than when we believed; the night is far spent, the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk becomingly, as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in chambering and licentiousness, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.

            But as for the one who is weak in faith, receive him, but not for disputes over opinions. For one believes he may eat anything; but the weak person eats herbs. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to be the judge over the servant of a stranger? To his own master he either stands or falls; but he will be made to stand; for God is able to make him stand.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according 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.

Saturday of Souls Liturgy at 9 am on February 22nd.

Great Vespers at 5 pm

Sunday, February 23rd : Fundraiser for Orphans in Syria with meal provided by the Myrrh Bearers.

Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meat Fare)

February 23, 2014

Hieromartyr Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna; Venerable Gorgonia, sister of Gregory the Theologian; Venerable Zebinas, Polychronios, Moses and Damian near Cyrrhus in Syria;

Venerable Damian of Esphigmenou monastery on Mount Athos

We extend a warm welcome to all visitors.

Please stay for social hour.

Nourishment of the Soul: “Never despise fallen man … never refuse to do good to those who have need of you … Give help.  Help others to live.  Give food, clothing, and medicine, apply remedies to the afflicted, bind up their wounds, ask about their misfortunes, speak with them of patience and forbearance, and come close to them.” St. John Chrysostom

 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 follow. The ushers then assist each row from front to back.  Those seated in the over-flow may follow an adjacent row.

 Confession: Confessions are heard Wednesday and Saturday evenings half an hour before services or by appointment during the week.

 Village at Home at St. George Indy: Antiochian Village staff will conduct a retreat on March 1^st for Grades 3-12. Pre-register ($20 each participant). See the bulletin board or visit http:// stgindy.org.  Information is on the opening page.

 Orthodoxy 101 continues on Wednesday evening around 7:00.  Father Peter Jon and Rdr. Tikhon’s topic: “When You Fast.”

 House Blessing Schedule is on a table in the hall. Sign up today before Great Lent begins!

 Today, the Myrrh Bearers will serve a meal for the parish during social hour.  Today’s collection befits the Orphans in Syria Fund which Antiochian Women support in our Archdiocese. Please donate your dollars generously if you are able.  If you can’t stay, perhaps you could take a plate of food with you!

 THIS WEEK

 Wednesday, February26: Vespers at 6:00; 0rthodoxy 101 at 7:00

Saturday, March 1: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, March 2: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Cheese Fare Sunday

Sunday, March 2: Forgiveness Vespers at 5:00 p.m.

Monday, March 3: Great Lent begins with the Canon of St. Andrew at 6:00 p.m.

 LOOKING AHEAD

The complete Lenten Vespers flyer is in the hall.

March 9: Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers at Holy Trinity at 5 p.m.

March 23: Lenten Vespers at All Saints at 5 p.m. (We provide a fellowship meal.)

Happy Birthday:  Christopher Stroguiludis (27^th); Casey & Blake Heil (27^th); Mezy Alexander (28^th); Mary Barger (28^th); Nina Gillquist (March 1^st)

Blessed Name Day: Shirley Richardson (St. Photini – 26^th)

Memory Eternal: Evelyn; Robert (Lydia’s uncle-January 14^th); Dorothy (catechumen Aaron’s grandmother); Dolly (Feb.1^st)

 Prayer List: Vicki Gans; Alex (Albert) Alexander; Deacon Lawrence; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John, Mother Pelagia and her nuns and orphans, Danica D’Onofrio; Kh. Loretta Wilson; Chad & Connie; Beth; Jeffry Ellis; Lillian Miller; Dee; Julie; Roger; Stephanie; Virginia McCallister; Marilyn; Eric; Marna; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Ioana; Geni Gritton; Michael & Shelley: Leanne; Jill Patterson; Gabriel; Mary; Alex; Doug; Janet; Kelly; Pete; Phillip; Patricia; Matushka Raisa; John C; Marty; John; Charles; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests Alexander and Roman; Eileen; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Bob R; Deborah; Ruth; Steve; Kevin; Romaine; Steven; Mary; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Preston; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Victor; Aaron; Brent; Christy; Jennifer; Brigid; Caleb; Korene.

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 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 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.”

Please note that the Women’s Retreat schduled for February 15 has been cancelled.  It will be rescheduled .

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Martyr Pamphilos, priest of Caesarea in Palestine and his companions; Venerable Flavian the hermit; Venerable-martyr Romanos from Solovak of Carpenision

We extend a warm welcome to all visitors.

Nourishment of the Soul: “In his first eight years of ministry (1861-1869), St. Nicholas of Japan succeeded in baptizing only 12 people and receiving 25 catechumens. Yet, upon his return to Japan in 1871 and with the help of a lithograph, the translation of the Bible and other publications into Japanese, the establishment of a school for missionaries and teachers, and the beginning of the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in Japanese, the Church had grown to over 4000 baptized believers by 1878. Therefore, let us not judge the effectiveness of our ministry too quickly or solely on numbers. The good fruit often begins its growth in the shade before being exposed to the light of the sun. Only with patience can we see and enjoy the produce of our labors at the time of harvest.”

 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 follow. The ushers then assist each row from front to back.  Those seated in the over-flow may follow an adjacent row.

 Confession: Confessions are heard Wednesday and Saturday evenings half an hour before services or by appointment during the week.

 Help us find you! Are you noticing that your birthday, anniversary, or name day is not being recognized in the weekly bulletin? Are you missing weekly e-mails or are not in the phone book?

 Village at Home at St. George Indy: Antiochian Village staff will conduct a retreat on March 1^st for Grades 3-12. Pre-register ($20 each participant). See the bulletin board or visit http:// stgindy.org.  Information is on the opening page

Scholarship to Summer Camp at the Village: We will assign the scholarship dollars this week and have heard from one applicant; if you are seeking scholarship funds, please notify Marcia now.

 Orthodoxy 101 continues on Wednesday evening around 7:00.  Father Peter Jon’s topic: “Spirituality and the Spiritual Father.”

 House Blessing Schedule is on a table in the hall. Sign up today before Great Lent begins!

 Saturday of Souls is next Saturday: Please submit names of the departed by e-mail BEFORE SATURDAY MORNING to Father since he needs them as he prepares for the service and prays the proskomedia. Please indicate Orthodox and Non-Orthodox: all will be included in the service.

 Next Sunday, March 23: The Myrrh Bearers will prepare and serve a meal for the parish during social hour.  Please donate your dollars generously if you can, for this is one of the few ways the women’s group meets its charitable and administrative expenses. If you can’t stay, perhaps you could take a plate of food with you!

 The Parish Council meets in Father Peter Jon’s office today after Charles Coats’ class.

 THIS WEEK

 Wednesday, February19: Vespers at 6:00; 0rthodoxy 101 at 7:00

Saturday, February 22: Saturday of the Souls Liturgy at 9:00

Saturday, February 22:  Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, February 23: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00; Fundraiser Meal

 LOOKING AHEAD

The complete Lenten Vespers flyer is in the hall.

March 9: Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers at Holy Trinity at 5 p.m.

March 23: Lenten Vespers at All Saints at 5 p.m. (We provide a fellowship meal.)

Happy Birthday:  Alicia Barrett (16^th); Ayris Finchum (18^th); Abraham Leininger (18^th); Sophia Rademacher (19^th ); Marcia Baldwin (21^st); Christian Gettelfinger (21^st); Averi Vicion (22^nd)

Memory Eternal: Infant Innocent Faith (Dec.); Archpriest James King (January 7^th); Evelyn; Robert (Lydia’s uncle-January 14^th); Dorothy (catechumen Aaron’s grandmother); Dolly (Feb.1^st)

Prayer List: Vicki Gans; Alex (Albert) Alexander; Deacon Lawrence; Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop John, Mother Pelagia and her nuns and orphans, Danica D’Onofrio; Kh. Loretta Wilson; Chad & Connie; Beth; Jeffry Ellis; Lillian Miller; Dee; Julie; Roger; Stephanie; Virginia McCallister; Marilyn; Eric; Marna; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Ioana; Geni Gritton; Michael & Shelley: Leanne; Jill Patterson; Gabriel; Mary; Alex; Doug; Janet; Kelly; Pete; Phillip; Patricia; Matushka Raisa; John C; Marty; John; Charles; Fr. John Koen; Archpriests Alexander and Roman; Eileen; Mary; Marvin, Alice; Katie; Bob R; Deborah; Ruth; Steve; Kevin; Romaine; Steven; Mary; Derek, Claire & Micah; Tim; Preston; Sharon; Sherri; Dianna; Victor; Aaron; Brent; Christy; Jennifer; Brigid; Caleb; Korene.

 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 fornication!  Every sin that a person commits is outside the body, but whoever commits fornication sins against his own body.  Or, do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within 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 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.’”