Celebrating the Theophany of Christ (January 6)

Blessing of the Waters follows the Divine Liturgy.

Bring your empty water bottle for refilling. 

New bottles will be given to those who need them.

Today we commemorate Martyrs Theopemptos the bishop of Nicomedia and Theonas the former magician; Venerable Syncletica of Alexandria; Venerable-martyr Romanos of Athos.

It is our greatest joy to receive visitors, who come seeking to know, serve, and worship God together with us at All Saints.

Prayer for the Beginning of the Year

O Master, Lord our God, the Source of life and immortality, the Author of all created things both visible and invisible, Who hast established all seasons and times by Thine own authority and dost direct all things with Thine all-wise and all-gracious providence: We thank Thee for Thy bounties, which Thou hast poured out upon us during our life that is past. And we entreat Thee, O all-bountiful Lord: Bless the crown of the New Year by Thy goodness. Bestow Thy good things from above upon all Thy people, as also health, salvation and good furtherance in all things. Deliver Thy Holy Church, this city and all cities and countryside from every evil assault, and vouchsafe unto them peace and tranquility; and grant that we may always offer thanksgiving unto Thee, the unoriginate Father, together with Thine only-begotten Son and Thine all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

 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 for 2014 begins January 15^th following the Evening Liturgy.

 Offering and Pledge Envelopes: Find yours in the narthex, arranged alphabetically. If you do not find one there, ask Marcia.

 All Saints Annual Pictorial Calendars: Pick one up in the narthex.

 THIS WEEK

 Monday, January 6: Blessed Feast of Theophany (no service on this day)

Tuesday, January 7: Women’s Bible Study at 7:00 – Kh. Marilyn’s home

Wednesday, January 8: Vespers at 6:00

Thursday, January 9: Mitchell Fellowship at 10:00 a.m.

Saturday, January 11: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, January 12: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Men’s meeting

 PLANNING AHEAD

February 1-2: His Grace Bishop ANTHONY will make his first arch-pastoral visit for the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple.

February 17-19: Annual SOYO Basketball Tournament Weekend in Canton, OH. Sign up now. Sponsors are needed to accompany the teens.  Father needs to know who will be attending.

Happy Birthday: John Alexander, (the younger) (5^th); Charles Coats (8^th); Hal Sabbagh (9^th)

Blessed Name Day: John Alexander (St. John the Forerunner – 6^th); John Labban (St. John the Forerunner – 6^th)

Memory Eternal: Kh. Katherine (Nov.29^th); Roy (7^th); Jimmy; Dick; Judy; Erma (Dec.); Child Innocent (Dec.)

Prayer List: Alex (Albert) Alexander (surgery Jan. 9^th); Vicki; 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; Dolly Seek; 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.

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.”

Verse: “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good!” Psalm 117:25; 135:1

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Epistle to Titus. (2:11-15; 3:4-7) (for Epiphany–January 6th)

            My child Titus, the saving grace of God has appeared to all people, which chastens us to reject ungodliness and worldly lusts, that we may live soberly, righteously and godly in this present age; looking for that blessed hope and the glorious Epiphany of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, who are zealous for good works.

            But when the kindness of God our Savior, and His love toward humankind appeared, He saved us not by works done in righteousness, which we ourselves have done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, Whom He poured out upon us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior; that being justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according St. Matthew. (3:13-17) (January 6th)

            At that time, Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by Thee, and Thou dost come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, He went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on Him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, with Whom I am well pleased.”

Sunday, December 29, 2013

 Sunday after the Nativity of Christ

Commemoration of Joseph the Betrothed,

David the Prophet and King,

and James the brother of the Lord

The fourteen thousand infants slain by Herod in Bethlehem; George, bishop of Nicomedia; Venerable Markellos of the monastery of the “Unsleeping Ones”; commemorations of all Orthodox Christians who died from hunger, thirst, the sword and freezing 

It is our greatest joy to receive visitors,

who come seeking to know, serve,

and worship God together with us at All Saints. 

Nourishment of the Soul: “”The Lord was born in a cave to show that the whole world is one dark cave, which He alone can illumine. The Lord was born in Bethlehem – and Bethlehem means ‘the House of Bread’ to show that He is the only Bread of Life worthy of true men.” – St. Nicholai of Zica

 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.

Noah Shahadey has been cast in the Cardinal Stage Company production of “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory”. The shows will be held at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater December 20 – January 4. There are 14 different show times to choose from. Visit cardinalstage.org for more information or see Missy Shahadey.

Offering and Pledge Envelopes for 2014 are in the narthex, arranged alphabetically. If you do not find yours there, ask Marcia.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, January 1:  9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy – Circumcision of our Lord

Wednesday, January 1: NO evening Vespers

Thursday, January 2: Building Committee Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 4: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, January 5: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

Monday, January 6: 9:00 a.m. Theophany – Liturgy and Blessing of the waters

PLANNING AHEAD 

February 1-2: His Grace Bishop ANTHONY will make his first arch-pastoral visit here.

Happy Birthday: Adriana Calinescu (30^th); Nancy Jones (31^st); Molly Alexander (31^st); Lina Tabbal (1^st)

Many Years on your Anniversary: Darryl & Nancy Jones (4^th)

Memory Eternal: Kh. Katherine (Nov.29^th); Roy (7^th); Jimmy; Dick; Judy; Erma (Dec.)

Prayer List: Alex (Albert) Alexander; Vicki; 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; Dolly Seek; 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. 

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 St. 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 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.”

The Sunday before the Nativity of Christ (The Genealogy)

Great-martyr Anastasia the deliverer from potions and her teacher the Martyr Chrysogonos

Visitors, you are always welcome at All Saints.

Nourishment of the Soul: “Prayer is a branch (of the tree) of meekness, and freedom from anger. Prayer is an expression of joy and thankfulness. Prayer is a remedy against sorrow and depression.” — St. Nilus of Sinai

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.

Noah Shahadey has been cast in the Cardinal Stage Company production of “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory”. The shows will be held at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater December 20 – January 4. There are 14 different show times to choose from. Visit cardinalstage.org for more information or see Missy Shahadey.

Christmas Cheer: There is still time to place Gift cards on the tree in the social hall.  You may, however, place cash in an envelope.

Christmas Troparion: Included in today’s bulletin is a copy of the troparion (hymn) that will be sung on Christmas Eve. Let us all lift our voices in praise together.

Offering Envelopes: After Christmas the 2014 books of envelopes will be ready for you to pick up.  If you want to be included and did not receive any for 2013, please tell Marcia. 

PREPARATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

POINTSETTIAS: Donations of poinsettias are needed for decorating the church.  Please bring yours on Sunday and leave them in the hallway.  They will be placed before Tuesday evening.

BREAK the FAST LIGHT MEAL: Trays of cold cuts and cheese with bread will be provided.  Please feel welcome to add your favorites to the meal.

SERVICES on Christmas Eve Day, TUESDAY, December 24^th

Royal Hours at 9:00 a.m.

Vesperal Liturgy follows around 10:00 a.m.

Orthros (Matins) of Christmas at 9:00 p.m.

Nativity Liturgy follows around 10:00 p.m.

Break the Fast light meal follows the Divine Liturgy.

THIS WEEK, FOLLOWING CHRISTMAS

Saturday, December 28: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, December 29: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

Blessed Name Day: Chris Stroguiludis (25^th)

Many Years on your Anniversary: Bob & Nina Rogers (26^th)

Memory Eternal: Cleo (13^th); John (13^th); Kh. Katherine (Nov.29^th); Roy (7^th); Jimmy; Dick; Judy; Erma (Dec.)

Prayer List: Alex (Albert) Alexander; Vicki; 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; Dolly Seek; 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.                   

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

 Prokeimenon: “Blessed are 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 St. Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews. (11:9-10, 32-40)

Brethren, by faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. For he expected a city which has foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God.

And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and all the prophets—who 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 others 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.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (1:1-25)

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.  Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king.  And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.  And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, Who is called Christ.  So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ were fourteen generations.  Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way.  When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.  But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and His Name shall be called Emmanuel” (which means, God with us).  When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called His Name Jesus.

December 15, 2013

Hieromartyr Eleutherios, bishop of Illyria &

Sunday of the Forefathers (Ancestors) of Christ

Martyr Anthia, mother of Eleutherios; Venerable Paul of Latra;

Stephen, bishop-confessor of Surozh; Venerable Tryphon of Pechenga

Visitors, you are always welcome at All Saints.

 Nourishment of the Soul: ” Go… into the church, and a spiritual dew will envelop your soul. The stillness there moves you to awe, and teaches you how to live spiritually. It elevates your thoughts and prevents you from remembering things or matters belonging to the present life. It transports you from earth to heaven. And if there is such great gain from simply being in church when no service is going on, then how much benefit will people derive from being present…when the holy Apostles proclaim the Gospel, Christ stands in our midst, God the Father receives the Mysteries that are performed and the Holy Spirit gives His own joy.” — St. John Chrysostom

The Nativity Fast is divided into two periods. The first period is November 15 through December 19 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil) is observed with katalysis for wine and oil on Tuesday and Thursday, and for fish, wine and oil on Saturday and Sunday. The second period is December 20 through 24 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil) is observed Monday through Friday, but with katalysis for wine and oil on Saturday and Sunday. [Katalysis is Greek, meaning “relaxation”.]

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.

Aunt Ruth’s Toffee: Vicki Gans is delivering orders for Christmas candies today.

 Noah Shahadey has been cast in the Cardinal Stage Company production of “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory”. The shows will be held at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater December 20 – January 4. There are 14 different show times to choose from. Visit cardinalstage.org for more information or see Missy Shahadey.

 Christmas Cheer: Gift cards are still needed to decorate the tree in the social hall.  Cards may be of any denomination and for stores that those in need would usually visit – Walmart, Kmart, Kroger, Marsh, College Mall, Big Lots, Dollar General, Speedway for example. 

 Orthodoxy 101, Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.:  “Iconography/Iconology” will be presented by Sharon Kolasinski and Father Peter Jon

Welcome Santa Lucia with her tray of cookies, gowned in white, and wearing the lighted crown, during social hour. (Look on the back cover of your church calendar for last year’s St. Lucia)

 The Parish Council meets in Father’s office during social hour.

 THIS WEEK

Wednesday, December 18:  Vespers at 6:00 followed by Orthodoxy 101

Saturday, December 21: Great Vespers at 5:00 and 40-day memorial for Lonnie Tatlock

Sunday, December 22: Baptisms and Chrismations at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

 LOOKING AHEAD to Christmas Eve, TUESDAY, December 24^th

Royal Hours at 9:00 a.m.

Vesperal Liturgy follows around 10:00 a.m.

Orthros (Matins) of Christmas at 9:00 p.m.

Nativity Liturgy follows around 10:00 p.m.

Break the Fast light pitch-in meal follows the Divine Liturgy.

Memory Eternal: Lonnie Tatlock (13^th); Cleo (13^th); John (13^th); Kh. Katherine (Nov.29^th); Roy (7^th)

Prayer List: Vivian Orfanos; Danica D’Onofrio; Kh. Loretta Wilson; Chad & Connie; Beth; Jeffry Ellis; Vicki; Lillian Miller; Dee; Julie; Roger; Stephanie; Virginia McCallister; Abducted Bishops Met. Paul and Mar Gregorios; Dolly Seek; 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.

                                      Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “How magnified are Thy works, O LORD!

In Wisdom hast Thou made them all.”

Verse: “Bless the LORD, O my soul!” Psalm 103:26, 1

 Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians. (3:4-11)

 Brethren, when Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you will also appear with Him in glory.  Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idol worship; for the sake of such things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience; wherein you also once walked, when you lived in these things.  But now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy language out of your mouths.  Do not lie to one another, having put off the old man with his works; and having put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of his Creator, where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bond, or free; but Christ is all, and in all.

 Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (14:16-24)

 The Lord spoke this parable: “A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for all is now ready.’  But, one by one, they all began to make excuses.  The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.’  And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.’  And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’  So the servant came and reported this to his master.  Then the householder in anger said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.’  And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’  And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.  For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’  For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Lost Camera: If you attended the Thanksgiving Feast at the church, did you by chance take home the wrong camera or did you see one lying somewhere? The Morfas’s grandmother lost hers.

Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Venerable Patapios of Thebes; Forefeast of the Conception of the Theotokos;Sophronios, bishop of Cyprus; Apostles Sosthenes, Apollos, Crispos, Caesar & Epaphroditos of the Seventy; Martyr Parthenios of Chios

 Visitors, you are always welcome at All Saints.

Nourishment of the Soul:  “You need only set foot on the threshold of a church, and at once you are liberated from the cares of daily life. Go on into the church, and a spiritual dew will envelop your soul. The stillness there moves you to awe and teaches you how to live spiritually.” – St. John Chrysostom

The Nativity Fast is divided into two periods. The first period is November 15 through December 19 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil) is observed with katalysis for wine and oil on Tuesday and Thursday, and for fish, wine and oil on Saturday and Sunday. The second period is December 20 through 24 when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil) is observed Monday through Friday, but with katalysis for wine and oil on Saturday and Sunday. [Katalysis is Greek, meaning “relaxation”.]

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.

Thank you for your continued respect at the reading of the Prayers after Communion during the final dismissal line.

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

Aunt Ruth’s Toffee: Vicki Gans is taking orders for Christmas candies to be delivered December 15^th.

The Men’s Group has its usual monthly meeting today.

Christmas Cheer: Gift cards are still needed to decorate the tree in the social hall.  Cards may be of any denomination and for stores that those in need would usually visit – Walmart, Kmart, Kroger, Marsh, College Mall, Big Lots, Dollar General, Speedway for example.

Orthodoxy 101, Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.:  Kh. Marilyn will speak on “Contentedness.”

 THIS WEEK

Tuesday, December 10: Women’s Bible Study at 7:00 – home of Kh. Marilyn

Wednesday, December 11:  Vespers at 6:00 followed by Orthodoxy 101

Thursday, December 12: Bedford-Mitchell Fellowship at 10:00 a.m.

Thursday, December 12: Liturgy, Commemorating St. Herman of Alaska at 6:00

Saturday, December 14: Women are invited to the open house at Dee Haney’s in Mitchell, 11:30-2:30; lunch will be served; a message will be given; and good fellowship will abound.

Saturday, December 14: Great Vespers at 5:00

Sunday, December 15: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 (St. Lucia visits & Parish Council meets.)

Memory Eternal: Betty; Daniel (October 25^th); Ginny Kapellas (25^th); Bill Haynes (29^th); Lonnie Tatlock (13^th); Cleo (Rdr. Tikhon’s grandmother 13^th); John (13^th); Kh. Katherine (Nov.29^th)

 Prayer List: Vivian Orfanos (at Meadow Wood Rehab); Danica D’Onofrio; Kh. Loretta Wilson; Chad & Connie; Beth; Jeffry Ellis; Vicki; Lillian Miller; Dee; Julie; Roger; Stephanie; Virginia McCallister; Abducted Bishops Met. Paul and Mar Gregorios; Dolly Seek; Marilyn; Eric; Marna; Cheryl; Lori; Pam; Debbie; Natasha; Ioana; Geni Gritton; Michael & Shelley: Leanne; Jill Patterson; Roy; 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

                                       Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Prokeimenon: “The Lord will give strength unto His people.”

Verse: “Bring unto the Lord, ye sons of God; Bring unto the Lord glory and honor!” Psalm 28: 11, 1

 Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians. (2:14-22)

 Brethren, Christ is our peace, Who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that He might create in Himself of the two one new man, thus making peace, and might reconcile them both to God in one body through the Cross, thereby having slain the enmity in Himself; and He came and preached peace to you, to those who were far off and to those who were near, for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.

Now therefore you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief Cornerstone, in Whom the whole structure, fitly framed together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in Whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.

Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (13:10-17)

 At that time, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath.  And there was a woman who had had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself.  And when Jesus saw her, He called her and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.”  And He laid His hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God.  But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.”  Then the Lord answered him, “You hypocrite!  Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger, and lead it away to water it?  And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?”  As Jesus said this, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by Him.