Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Ambrose, Bishop of Milan; Martyr Athenodoros of Mesopotamia;

Venerable Gregory, founder of Gregoriou Monastery on Athos

Nativity Fast November 15 to December 25

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 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.

Approaching the Holy Chalice

The young children of Little Lambs and their teachers receive first, unless there are newly illumined, in which case the children go second. Infants to toddler may follow with their parents or godparent. Everyone else in the parish family is asked to file toward the periphery, toward the narthex, and proceed down the center aisle. As we approach the chalice, we fold our arms, right over left. This is both a posture of submission and confession of Christ’s victory over death. Those who commune are asked to open their mouths wide with their heads slightly tipped up and receive the Gifts directly from the spoon. This eliminates confusion and reduces the risk of spillage.

Thought for Today

“Let us strive after a good and God-loving life not for the sake of human praise but let us choose it for the sake of saving our soul.” + St. Anthony the Great

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. (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.

We Need Your Help Helping Those in Need: The fasts of the Church, most especially the cold weather fasting periods of Nativity and Great Lent, are opportunities for great spiritual growth. We pray, fast and offer charity to those in need, fulfilling the Lord’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves. Here are three opportunities to give desperately needed alms through the Church during this season:

Saint Nicholas Tree: There is a small Christmas tree set up in the fellowship hall. You are invited to bring gas/grocery cards or cash to place on that tree. These will be collected and distributed to families in need.
Diapers and Baby Blankets: Our project this year (in memory of Alex John Alexander) is to collect baby diapers (all sizes) and baby blankets for families seeking help through the Hannah House. Please place your donations in the box provided in the hall, and we will get them to the Hannah House.
Benevolence Fund: We have been helping multiple families recently, so this fund needs to be built up. ’Tis the season to give as you are able. Please help us help those seeking charity.
This Week

Today, Sunday Myrrh Bearers and Tech committee will meet following Divine Liturgy.

Monday, December 8 3rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.

Tuesday, December 9 Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am; conception by St. Anna of the Most Holy Theotokos. OCF dinner and discussion at the Webbs’ home 6:30 pm.