Sunday of Holy Fathers of Seventh Ecumenical Council
Apostle Philip, one of the Seven Deacons; Venerable Theophanes, The Branded; Nektarios, Arsakios, Sisinios and Philotheos Kokkinos, Patriarchs of Constantinople; Venerable Jonah of Cyprus
Nourishment of the Soul: “It is better to be persecuted than to persecute; it is better to be crucified than to crucify; it is better to be insulted than to insult; it is better to be slandered than to slander.” – Elder Justin Parvu of Romania
Father Peter continues to post short videos daily at www.allsaintsbloomington.org to connect with, inspire and inform us. At the home page, scroll down to find the current postings under “Videos from Father Peter.” Father Peter continues his series on the lives of the twelve Holy Apostles.
Fall Catechism Classes: Catechism classes (Orthodoxy 101) are held each Wednesday evening immediately following Vespers. Classes will be held in the church and will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. Orthodoxy 101 this Wednesday will be taught by Father Seraphim. Topic: “The Church as Hospital – Orthodox Psychotherapy”
A special coffee hour on October 18th! Many of us are feeling the loss of not being able to host our neighbors for the Festival on Fairfax this year, due to Covid 19 restrictions. We will, however, have a small parish-only celebration next Sunday, enjoying gyros at coffee hour. Bring your appetite!
THIS WEEK
Wednesday, October 14: Live- Streamed Daily Vespers at 6:00 and Orthodoxy 101 follows. (Fr. Seraphim is the presenter.)
Saturday, October17: Streamed Great Vespers at 5:00: SOYO at 6:00 – 8:00
Sunday, October 18: Streamed Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – special coffee hour
OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS
Youth Month
Our youth will read the Epistle each Sunday and serve in other ways as well.
EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS
The Reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to Titus. (3:8-15)
(For the Holy Fathers)
Blessed are Thou, O Lord, the God of our Fathers.
For Thou art just in all that Thou hast done.
Titus, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissension, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned. When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful. All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (8:5-15)
The Lord spoke this parable: “A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold.” And when His Disciples asked Him what this parable meant, Jesus said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience.” As Jesus said this, He called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
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 Holy Fathers – Tone 8
Thou, O Christ, art our God of exceeding praise Who didst establish our Holy Fathers as luminous stars upon earth, and through them didst guide us unto the true Faith, O most merciful One, glory to Thee.
FAMILY NEWS
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.
Coffee Hour Procedures: Food contributions for 50 have been volunteered for October. We also need your time and strength to set up and take down two tables and to wipe down all the tables & picnic tables each Sunday morning. Safety directives are being followed. Rhonda, serving as chair of the Myrrh Bearers, is the point person.
Happy Anniversary: Howard & Rhonda W (13th)
Birthday Celebrations: Josiah S (11th); Taylor S (12th); Dn. Lucian S (14th);
Phil C (14th); Mat. Raisa (15th – her 101st birthday); Linda B (16th); Kaylee F (17th); Aaron H (17th)
Blessed Name Day: Averi Vician (11th – St. Philonella)
Memory Eternal: EJ ; Irene; Barbara
Prayer List: Fr. Seraphim Aldea; the Arthur’s extended family; our nation and our nation’s leaders at all levels of government; world-wide pandemic; schools, school children, youth and personnel across the nation. The People of Beirut; Wadia; Jayci; Dee, Patricia, Marvin A, Benedict, Judith Ann, Cleo, Michael; Olga, Eileen; Kitsa Wiersteiner; Steven Sajkich; Aphrodite and son Angelos in Greece; Violet; Kim; Dusty; Betsy; Allison; Robin & Janet; Mary Ann; Vicki; Mat. Raisa; Isaac in Air Force; Andrew for education decisions; Fr. Marc; Fr. George; Fr. Basil & Kh. Cana; George; Catherine (not in this parish); 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
SAFETY PRACTICES
…The Monroe County Health Department requires masks to be worn by those worshipping outdoors when social distancing (6 feet apart) cannot be observed. All are still required to wear masks indoors unless a medical condition prevents them from safely doing so, or unless one is a designated chanter/server.
…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. Ex. Smith -2 (Family name – number)
… …Everyone is welcome to attend all non-Sunday services without signing up. Face masks and safety precautions are in place.
…Teen SOYO will gather outdoors after Great Vespers each Saturday while respecting social distancing practices.
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.