Sunday, July 23, 2023

   Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Hieromartyr Phocas, bishop of Sinope; Hieromartyrs Apollinaris and Vitalis, bishops of Ravenna; Martyr Apollonius of Rome; Holy Prophet Ezekiel 

Thought for Today: No matter how much we study, it is not possible to come to know God unless we live according to His commandment, for God is not known by science, but by the Holy Spirit. Many philosophers and learned men came to the belief that God exists, but they did not know God. It is one thing to believe that God exists and another to know Him. If someone has come to know God by the Holy Spirit, his soul will burn with love for God day and night, and his soul cannot be bound to any earthly thing.” – St. Silouan the Athonite

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 6

When Mary stood at Thy grave, looking for Thy sacred body, angelic powers shone above Thy revered tomb; and the soldiers who were to keep guard became as dead men. Thou led Hades captive and wast not tempted thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst give life to the world, O Thou, Who art risen from the dead, O Lord, glory to

Kontakion – Tone 2

O undisputed intercessor of Christians, the Mediatrix, who is unrejected by the Creator. Turn not away from the voice of our petitions, though we be sinners. Come to us with aid in time, who cry unto thee in faith, for thou art good. Hasten to us with intercessions, O Theotokos, who dost ever intercede for those who honor thee.

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

O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.Unto Thee, O Lord, will I cry, O my God!

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans. (15:1-7)

Brethren, we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. For Christ did not please Himself; but, as it is written: “The reproaches of those who reproached Thee fell on Me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

The Gospel

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (9:27-35)

At that time, as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud: “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” When He entered the house, the blind men came to Him; and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, “See that no one knows it.” But they went away and spread His fame through all that district. As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to Him. And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.” And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity.

Our Beloved Fr. Seraphim will be here for the next couple of weeks — leading services in Fr. Peter’s absence while he attends the national convention in Phoenix Arizona. 

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 FundDonations 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: Non-perishable food items are always welcome! The Food Pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the greater Bloomington community. Thank you for your continued support. 

THIS WEEK 

Monday, July 24: Divine Liturgy, at 9:00 am.

Tuesday, July 25: Divine Liturgy, at 9:00am. 

Wednesday, July 26: 6th Hour Prayers at 12:00 noon; Daily Vespers, at 6:00pm; followed by Ask Abouna.

Thursday, July 27: Divine Liturgy, at 9:00 am.

FridayJuly 28: 6th Hour Prayers at 12:00 noon; Akathist for Theotokos at 6:00 pm.

Saturday, July 29: Bible Study at the Webb’s home, 9:00 am; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm (SOYO and OCF will Chant); jr. SOYO at 3:30 pm; SOYO at 6:30pm.

Sunday, July 30Matins at 9:00am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.

FAMILY NEWS 

Names Day CelebrationKh. Kristina GillquistSt. Christina (24th); Kaylie Finchum, Cora Bidulescu, Ariana Vician, Patricia Finchum St. Anna (25th); Kh Paraskeva St. Paraskeva of Rome (26th).

Birthday Celebrations: Amari Romanos Swank (23rd); Mallory Finchum (23rd).

Memory Eternal: Lois, Mary, Emmalyn, Paul.

Prayer ListMichael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Toni;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; Arianna; Linda; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; jack; Christopher; Nancy; Fr. Jerome; Mother Nektaria; 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; Anna and child; Macrina and child Elizabeth born of her; Emilia with child; Amanda with child; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Allison and children; Nino with child.  

Coffee Hour Host: Rhonda Webb with Parishioners S-Z.

Next week Host: 5th Sunday; all are welcome to bring a dish to share.

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