Sunday, August 29, 2021

Beheading of the Forerunner and Baptist John

Venerable Theodora of Thessalonica; Theopistis and Joseph the Sanctified of Samaka

Thought for Today: “We need repentance. You see, repentance is not only going to a priest and confessing. We must free ourselves from the obsession of thoughts. We fall many times during our life, and it is absolutely necessary to reveal everything [in Confession] to a priest who is a witness to our repentance. Repentance is the renewal of life.  This means we must free ourselves from all our negative traits and turn toward absolute good. No sin is unforgivable except the sin of unrepentance.” — Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica

Baptism: Today we welcome in baptism, the infant Amari (Romanos) Swank. He is the precious little one that Coran brings to services. “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” Luke 18:16-17

WELCOME TO ALL SAINTS

Your presence is a blessing to us all.

…IU and Ivy Tech students and staff. This Sunday, Father will bless you all.

…Visitors are welcomed as honored guests.

We continue to pray for our beloved sister Judith Ann Burns who is receiving hospice care and loving care from her siblings at her home.  Judith Ann would welcome cards or notes from her parish family.

From Fr. Paul Hodge: “What a blessing! I am deeply grateful to God and to everyone at All Saints who contributed to making this past weekend a witness to the Lord’s mercy and loving kindness. Thank you.”  

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, September 1:  Divine Liturgy at 9:00 for the beginning of  The Liturgical Year. No Daily Vespers will be served on this day.

Saturday, September 4: Great Vespers at 5:00 – SOYO at 6:00

Sunday, September 5: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – William Nasser Memorial

LOOKING AHEAD

…Orthodoxy 101 classes begin Wednesday, September 8 following Daily Vespers

…Nativity of the Theotokos on September 8th

…Elevation of the Holy Cross on September 14th 

…Conception of St. John the Baptist

…Festival on Fairfax: October 9th

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Reading is from the the Acts of the Holy Apostles. (13:25-33)

The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord. Hearken unto my voice, O God.

In those days, as John was fulfilling his course, he said, “Who do you suppose that I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me the shoes of whose feet I am not worthy to unloose.” Men, brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you is the word of this salvation sent forth. For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read on every Sabbath, fulfilled these by condemning Him. And though they found no cause of death in Him, yet they asked Pilate that He should be slain. And when they had fulfilled all the things that were written of Him, they took Him down from the tree, and laid him in a tomb. But God raised Him from the dead; and for many days He was seen by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now His witnesses to the people. And we bring you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, that God has fulfilled the same to us their children, in that He raised up Jesus again.

The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (6:14-30)

At that time, Jesus’ Name had become known, and King Herod heard of it.  Some said, “John the Baptizer has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in Him.”  But others said, “It is Elijah.”  And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.”  But when Herod heard of it he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”  For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her.  For John said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”  And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him.  But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly.  But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee.  For when Herodias’ daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it.”  And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.”  And she went out, and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?”  And she said, “The head of John the Baptizer.”  And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”  And the king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her.  And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head.  He went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.  When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.  The Apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught.

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.

DIVINE LITURGY VARIABLES for CHOIR and PARISH

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 1

While the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. For which cause the heavenly powers cried aloud unto Thee, O giver of life. Glory to Thy Resurrection O Christ, glory to Thy kingdom, glory to Thy providence, O Thou Who alone art the lover of mankind.

Apolytikion of the Baptist’s Beheading – Tone 2

The memory of the righteous is celebrated with songs of praise, but the Lord’s testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner. Thou wast shown indeed to be the most honorable of the prophets, for in the waters thou didst baptize Him Whom they had proclaimed. After suffering with joy in behalf of the truth, thou didst proclaim even to those in Hades the God Who appeared in the flesh, Who taketh away the sin of the world, and granteth us Great Mercy.

Kontakion of the Nativity of the Theotokos – Tone 4

By thy holy nativity, O pure one, Joachim and Anna were delivered from the reproach of barrenness; and Adam and Eve were delivered from the corruption of death; thy people do celebrate it, having been saved from the stain of iniquity, crying unto thee: The barren doth give birth to the Theotokos, who nourisheth our life.

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) for the Baptist – Tone 8

In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be; he shall not be afraid of evil tidings. Alleluia.

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FAMILY NEWS

Birthday Blessings: Subdeacon Daniel (29th); Kiya C (29th); Patricia F (1st); Gabe S (1st)

Name Day Celebrations: Becky  H (St. Athena – 1st)

Memory Eternal: Kathleen; Nadiya

Prayer List: Covid-19 resurgence; Afghanistan Unrest; Don; Vicki; Judith Ann; Mat. Raisa; Jake Immimk; Ingrid, Fr. Jerome; Catherine; Catherine with child; Anastasia with child; Kristina Romanyshak and child;  our nation and nation’s leaders at all levels of government; schools, school children, youth and personnel across the nation; Bonnie Thelen; Wadia; Jayci; Dee, Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Michael; Olga; Eileen; Soren; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison;  Andrew and Isaac (military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Emma; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy; Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Missy D

Donations to the church are being made online at www.allsaintsbloomington.org and by U.S mail.  Many thanks to all who continue supporting All Saints.