Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost
The Holy Prophet Zephaniah; Martyrs Agapios, Seleukos and Mamas;
Venerable Theodoulos, Eparch of Constantinople; Venerable Theodoulos of Cyprus
Thought for Today: “In the end times a man will be saved by love, humbleness and kindness. Kindness will open the gate of Heaven; humbleness will lead him into Heaven; a man, whose heart is filled with love, will see God. – St. Gabriel Urgebadze-
Nativity Fast November 15 to December 25
VARIABLE 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.
Kontakion of Prepartion of Preparation of Christ’s Nativity –Tone 3
On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.
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.
EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS
The Epistle
Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.
The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians. (5:8-19)
Brethren, walk as children of light—for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true—and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.
The Gospel
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (18:35-43)
At that time, when Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
Gift Baskets for our Neighbors: Please watch your email inbox this week for an important message from Teen SOYO, who will be gathering items and delivering gift baskets to 25 of our nearest neighbors. They will need your help!
LOOKING AHEAD
Saint Nicholas Day: We will celebrate Saint Nicholas day Sunday, December 10, following the Divine Liturgy.
Santa Lucia: will visit us on Sunday, December 17
Christmas Service Schedule:
Friday, December 22 Hours of the Nativity 9am
Saturday, December 23 Great Vespers 5pm
Sunday, December 24 Matins and Liturgy for Christmas Eve 9am; Great Vespers 5pm
Monday, December 25 Matins and Liturgy for the Nativity of Christ 9am
THIS WEEK
Today, Sunday: Myrrh Bearers’ meet following Divine Liturgy, and SOYO decorates for Christmas.
Monday, December 4: 6th hour Prayers at 12 noon; St. Alexander Hotovitski.
Tuesday, December 5: Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am for St. Saba (Blessed feast to His Eminence Metropolitan SABA).
Wednesday, December 6: 6th Hour Prayers at 12:00 noon; Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm (followed by Orthodoxy 101).
Thursday, December 7: Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am for St. Ambrose of Milan.
Friday, December 8: Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am for St. Patapois.
Saturday, December 9: Bible Study at the Webb’s home at 9:00 am; Baptism of Jax Schulz at 2:00pm; Great Vespers and 40 Day Memorial for Toni Ban at 5:00 pm;(followed by Ask Abouna); Jr. SOYO at 3:30pm; SOYO at 6:30pm.
Sunday, December 10: Matins at9:00 am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am (Followed by St. Nicholas Celebration).
FAMILY NEWS
Names Day Celebration: Benjamin Carter, Nicholas Shirley, St. Nicholas (6th).
Birthday Celebrations: Micah Finchum (5th).
Memory Eternal: Pat, Greg, Linda, Toni, Dillon, Marjie, Leslie Gina (Adrian’s Aunt).
Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; Earthquake victims and relief efforts in Syria and Turkey; schools: school children, youth and personnel across the nation; Mat. Raisa; Mary Ann; Emma (Mary Ann’s granddaughter); Bob & Bonnie Thelen; Wes (infant with brittle bone disorder); Wes’s grandfather; Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Jack; Christopher; Fr. Jerome; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Marvin; Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Dusty; Cari; Betsy; Josh; Allison; Andrew (Texas/military); Isaac (Germany/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; John; Stanley; Macrina; Amanda with child; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Allison and children; Nino with child, Kip, Taylor with child, Erica with child.
Coffee Hour Host: Melissa Barbarick with parishioners A-B.
Next week Host: Wendy Carter with Parishioners C-G.
Giving Opportunities:
Mission Donations: We send monthly support to two missionary units in Albania, the Hoppe family and Hannah Valentine. We welcome and encourage you to contribute to their ongoing support.
Benevolence Fund: Donations may be made to this fund throughout the year, and are mainly used to support families in need of help with rent and utilities payments.
In-House Food Pantry: The Food Pantry is in need of marinara sauce, peanut butter, canned vegetables, fruit, and soups. The pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the greater Bloomington community. Thank you for your continued support
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.