Sunday, May 05, 2019
New Sunday or Anti-Pascha
Sunday of Thomas the Apostle, Called “The Twin”
Great-martyr Irene of Thessalonica; Venerable Euthymios, Bishop of Maditos in Thrace
Welcome to All Saints!
Nourishment for the Soul: “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the Disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His Name.” (Today’s Gospel Reading – John 20:30,31)
Food for Hungry People and Outreach Campaign: On this last day of donations, make your checks payable to All Saints with FFHP in the memo line, and All Saints will send one check. $522 has been collected thus far.
A Message to all Lenten Workers: A warm, heartfelt “Thank you” to all those who worked so hard behind the scenes to support the faith and experience of those who attended the many services and events of Great Lent, Holy Week and Pascha this year! From the altar servers to the office workers, the coffee hour cookers to the vigil bookers, the chanters, choir and grounds-beautifiers, the scrubbers and cleaners and all in betweeners…God knows who you are and I pray that your reward will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven. What a blessed season it has been! — Father Peter Jon
Change in Products: The transition to all hypo-allergenic incense is complete, and the response has been positive. In the coming days and weeks, we will be working to convert all of our soaps to hypo-allergenic formulas. We are aware that there are many who are sensitive to artificial scents and ingredients, and changing our soaps is the next step in eliminating potential irritants at the church.
Receiving the Eucharist: We invite you to receive the Holy Eucharist if you are an Orthodox Christian who has prepared yourself through fasting, prayer, and recent confession. If you are not Orthodox, or are Orthodox but have not prepared, we invite you to receive a piece of the blessed bread in the wooden bowls held by the altar servers at the front of the church. Approach to the cup starts at the front rows; the choir and preschool go first.
THIS WEEK
Wednesday, May 8: Daily Vespers at 6:00
Saturday, May 11: Great Vespers at 5:00 with SOYO at 6:00
Sunday, May 12: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Mother’s Day
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Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings
Epistle: The Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. (5:12-20)
In those days, many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the Apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high honor. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and pallets, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. But the high priest rose up and all who were with him, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and filled with jealousy they arrested the Apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out and said, “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”
Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (20:19-31)
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the Disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the Disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other Disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe.” Eight days later, His Disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the Disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His Name.
Divine Liturgy Variables for Choir and Parish
The Eisodikon (Entrance Hymn) of Pascha.
In the gathering places bless God the Lord, from the springs of Israel. Save us, O Son of God, Who art risen from the dead, who sing to Thee: Alleluia
Apolytikion for Thomas Sunday – Tone 7
While the tomb was sealed, Thou didst shine forth from it, O Life. While the doors were closed, Thou didst come in to Thy Disciples, O Christ God, Resurrection of all, renewing in us through them an upright spirit, according to the greatness of Thy mercy.
Kontakion of Pascha – Tone 8
Thou didst descend into the tomb, O Immortal. Thou didst destroy the power of Death; in Victory Thou didst arise, O Christ God, proclaiming ‘Rejoice’ to the myrrh-bearing women; granting peace to Thine Apostles, and resurrection to the fallen.
(Do not sing Throughout the World…the apolytikion of our parish.)
Megalynarion for Thomas Sunday- Tone 1 (instead of It is Truly Meet…)
O most radiant lamp, the Theotokos, the immeasurable honor, which is more exalted than all creatures, with praises do we magnify thee.
Koinonikon (Communion Hymn of Thomas Sunday) – Psalm 147:1
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion. Alleluia.
(Instead of “We have seen the true light,” we sing “Christ is Risen” ONCE.)
FAMILY NOTES
Invitation to Paul Blair’s high school graduation open house: Steve and April invite you on May 25th at grandparents’ home of Don and Dee Haney’s home on Orchard Street in Mitchell, Indiana. Celebration of this milestone for Paul is set from 2:00 to 5:00. Congratulations, Paul, whom many of us have known since he was born!
Meals for the Herman and Johanna Hannan: There are a few opportunities available in May.
Food Pantry: Our food pantry is well-stocked, thanks to you all!
Birthday Blessings: Fiona Rose (6th); Kh. Marilyn G (9th); Mariam G (10th)
Name Day Remembrances: Irene Vlachos-W (Great Martyr Irene – 5th); Barb G (Isadora of Tabenna – 10th)
Prayer List: Judy (James Finchum’s sister with surgery and chemo planned);Vicki;Elizabeth; Patricia;Hannah, Ty, & tiny infant Alice; Mary & Robert;Shirley; Rose; Lexi; Theo; Heather; Doug Barrett;Amber Smith;Jeremy P; Charles; Vicki; Alice & Marvin Grayson; Cleo; Marcia; Nancy; Nick;Bruce; Joanna Zaharako; Dee; Mary Ann;Emilija and infant daughter; Sharon Catherine; Lillian Purcell; Eileen; Leanne; Ashlee W; Kh. Kristina; Vivian; Paul; Cathy; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Fr. George; Fr. Basil; Iva Lee; Nancy & Shalayna; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer & Regina; those suffering in the drug crisis, with fire devastation, with flood damage in the USA; those suffering in Syria and the Middle East; safety in public places, in our schools and on our southern border; Metropolitan Paul; Archbishop John; our church and our nation.