Sunday, July 26, 2020

The Holy Righteous Martyr Paraskeva of Rome

Hieromartyrs Hermolaus, Hermippus, and Hermocrates of Nicomedia;

Venerable Gerontios, first settler of St. Anne Skete on Athos; Moses the Hungarian;

Sabbas III, Archbishop of Serbia; Priest Jacob Netsvetov, Enlightener of the Peoples of Alaska

Nourishment of the Soul: “Let our first concern be that we do not sin–and the second, not to condemn.” – Elder Efstratios of Glinsk

Father Peter Jon continues to post short videos daily at www.allsaintsbloomington.org to connect with us, inspire us and inform us. At the home page, scroll down to find the current postings under the “Videos from Father Peter” heading. Father is in the middle of a series titled “Saints Who Served the Poor and Needy.”

Congratulations to Kathleen Clark and Claudio Perez at the birth of their son Rafael Luis

 and to Mateo, the big brother.

Journey of Fear and Joy: Father Peter Jon is excited to announce the release of the second edition of Dr. John (Oswin) Craton’s book, Journey of Fear and Joy!  This edition is revised and expanded, including the text of the original book along with the companion volume Apologia. This work is FULL of well-thought out answers to very important questions that will inform and enliven our faith. Pick up a copy at our bookstore or online at https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Fear-Joy-Revised-Expanded/dp/1728361826/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=journey+joy+fear+craton&qid=1595554843&sr=8-1

Safety Practices:

…Teen SOYO will gather outdoors after Great Vespers each Saturday while respecting social distancing practices. 

…If you wish to attend Sunday Matins & Divine Liturgy, please respond in the positive to the email from Fr. Peter that you will find in your inbox. 

…All are welcome to attend Wednesday and Saturday Vespers services without signing up. Face masks and safety precautions are in place.

At the end of Great Vespers on August 1st, we will process around the church with the life-giving Cross of Christ,  This procession, as well as one at the end of the Dormition fast, are traditionally observed for the protection of the city and the faithful living in the city. If ever there was a time when we needed the protection of the Theotokos, it is now. Come as you are able.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, July 29: Streamed Daily Vespers at 6:00 – Bible Study follows.

Saturday, August 1: Streamed  Great Vespers at 5:00: SOYO at 6:00 – Procession of the Cross of Christ

Sunday, August 2: Streamed  Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

The final Wednesday Bible Study on the Book of James is scheduled for July 29.  Those attending vespers are welcome to remain for the study.   Those viewing from home should remain for the streamed class  Opportunities for brief comments or questions can be offered by calling Fr. Seraphim at 724-494-7215  at the conclusion of the study time.  The Orthodox Study Bible will be used which is printed with the New King James Version of the Bible.

The Reading is from  St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. (3:23-4:5)

(For St. Paraskeva)

God is wondrous in His saints. Bless God in the congregations.

Brethren, before faith came, we were confined under the Law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed.  So that the Law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith.  But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.  For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.  I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no better than a slave, though he is the owner of all the estate; but he is under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father.  So with us; when we were children, we were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe.  But when the time had fully come, God sent forth His Son, to redeem those who were under the Law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

The Reading is 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.

Divine Liturgy Variables 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 Thee.

Apolytikion of St. Paraskeva – Tone 1 

Showing a diligence befitting thy calling, O namesake of preparedness, thou hast gained, as thy dwelling, a faith worthy of thy name, O prize-winning Paraskeva. Hence, thou pourest forth healings and intercedest for our souls.

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.

LOOKING AHEAD

Trek Missions: August 9 through September 14–You should have received an email encouraging financial support for missions and missionaries who take the Gospel message into the world through the oversight of  OCMC. Rhonda Webb is the contact person.

AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS:

August 1st: Dormition Fast Begins. Procession of the Cross Saturday at Vespers

August 2nd: Sunday Liturgy, Blessing of K-High School kids starting school on the 5th 

August 6th: Holy Transfiguration Matins/Liturgy 9am Thursday

August 7th & 14th: Paraklesis Friday 6pm

August 15th: Holy Dormition Festal Matins/Liturgy 9am Saturday

August 23rd: BLESSING OF IU STUDENTS at Sunday Liturgy

August 29th: Beheading of John the Baptist Liturgy 9am Saturday

Donations to the church are being made online at www.allsaintsbloomington.org and by U.S. mail.  Thank  you for continuing to support the church.

FAMILY NEWS

If your name is not included in our calendar list, please notify Marcia at Lbald3368@aol.com.

Blessed Anniversary: John & Lisa A (31st)

Happy Birthday: Aaron Jones (31st)

Name Day Blessings: Kh. Paraskeva M (26th)

Prayer List: Dee, Patricia, Marvin A, Benedict, Judith Ann, Cleo, Michael I.; Kitsa Wiersteiner (Gabriella’s godmother); Steven Sajkich (improving from Corona virus); Aphrodite and son Angelos in Greece; Eileen; Violet; Kim; Dusty; Betsy; Allison; Robin & Janet; Mary Ann; Vicki;  Mat. Raisa; Kathleen with child; Taylor with child; Amanda Hermione with child; Isaac in Air Force; Andrew for education decisions;  Fr. Marc; Kh.Vanessa & Anthony Kinder; Fr. George; Fr. Basil & Kh. Cana; George; Catherine (not in this parish); Michael & Olga; Leanne; Heather;Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Alice & Marvin; Kh. Kristina; Bonnie; Emma; Patricia; Mary & Robert;Shirley; Rose; Lexi, Ross & Vivian; Theo; Doug Barrett;Jeremy; Charles; Grayson; Marcia & Deacon; Nick;Bruce; Joanna & Demetrios;Ashlee W; Paul; Cathy; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Nancy & Shalana; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer & Regina; those suffering in the drug crisis, with fire devastation, flood damage, and earthquake damage; those suffering in the Middle East; our nation and our nation’s leaders at all levels of government; world-wide pandemic; schools across the nation.