Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross
Great-martyr Nikitas the Goth and those with him
Thought for Today: “It is essential in these days to be able to protect ourselves from the influence of those with whom we come in contact. Otherwise we risk losing both faith and prayer. Let the whole world dismiss us as unworthy of attention, trust, or respect- it will not matter provided that the Lord accepts us.” – St. Sophrony of Essex
Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 3
Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord hath done a mighty act with His own arm. He hath trampled down death by death, and become the first-born from the dead. He hath delivered us from the depths of Hades, granting the world the Great Mercy.
Apolytikion of the Elevation of the Holy Cross – Tone 1
O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, granting to Thy people victory over all their enemies, and by the power of Thy Cross preserving Thy commonwealth.
Kontakion of the Elevation of the Holy Cross – Tone 4
Do Thou, Who of Thine own good will was lifted up upon the Cross, O Christ our God, bestow Thy bounties upon the new Nation which is called by Thy Name; make glad in Thy might those who lawfully govern, that with them we may be led to victory over our adversaries, having in Thine aid a weapon of peace and a trophy invincible.
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
Sing praises to our God, sing praises. Clap your hands all ye peoples.
The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians. (2:16-20)
Brethren, you know that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. Even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the Law died to the Law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me.
The Gospel
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (8:34-9:1)
The Lord said, “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” And He said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Kingdom of God come with power.”
Looking Ahead
The Festival on Fairfax is Saturday, October 12th. It is a glorious day of community outreach, when we warmly welcome visitors from our neighborhood and the greater Bloomington area. It is also an important time of fellowship and growth among the members of our parish.
There will be Greek and Arabic food booths outdoors and donated baked goods indoors. We will have live music and children’s activities. There is a GREAT need for volunteers. You may contact the following to volunteer or ask about specific needs:
Daniel Rigsby, chair for the event daniel_rigsby@yahoo.com
John and Lisa Alexander, Greek food johnja.5815@gmail.com
John Labban, Arabic food jlabban@962@aol.com
Nina Rogers, indoor food robert8121@att.net
Rhonda Webb, children’s activities webbrk1@gmail.com
Little Lambs: Next Sunday, September 22, Little Lambs Christian education class is back! Children ages 3-6 are invited to receive the Holy Eucharist first, then to be brought to the nursery where teachers Karen Tabbal and Stephen Burke will lead engaging lessons for young ears. Parents who want to accompany their children are welcome (with babes in arms, as needed), but please be aware that space in the nursery is very limited.
This Week
Today, Sunday: Fr. Peter will be blessing the College students, and there is a gift and cookies for you as well. Parish Council will meet following Divine Liturgy.
Monday, September 16: 3rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.
Tuesday, September 17: Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.
Wednesday, September 18: 6th Hour Prayers at 12:00 noon; Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm.
(Orthodoxy 101 with meal provided following Daily Vespers.)
Thursday, September19: Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.
Friday, September 20: Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.
Saturday, September 21: Bible Study 9:00 am at Kh. Marilyn’s home,all are invited for a game of kickball at Bryan Park from 1-3pm; Great Vespers at 6:00 pm (Ask Abouna to follow)
Teen and Junior SOYO 6:30 to 8:00 pm.
Sunday, September 22: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.
Family News
Names Day Celebration: Kiya Crandall, St. Sophia (17th); Faith Farley, St Faith (17th).
Birthday Celebration: John Labban (17th); Catherine Cowen (19th).
Prayer List: Taylor and infant Houston(congenital heart defect);Durlin family;Stephanie and child born to her; Mary and child born to her; Meaghan and child born to her; Fr. Matthew; Marvin; Fr. Peter; Thomas Andrew;Nina; Nectaria (Released from ICU);;Shu-Mei,Charlie;Shirley; Jim;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war in Ukraine, and the Middle East; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; schools: children, youth and personnel across the nation; Mary Ann; Emma; Bob & Bonnie Thelen; Megan (lymphoma); Josiah; Fr. Athanasius; Jack; Christopher; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Vicki;Kenzie; Dusty; Cari; Betsy; Josh; Allison; Andrew; Isaac; Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Lexi, Ross, Vivian; Theo; Jeremy; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; Missy; Rebecca with child;John; Stanley; Macrina; Anne; Allen; Linda; Mary Barger; Allison and children; Kip; Alexis with child; Ann with child; Anna with child; Amanda with child, Engy with child, Dymphna with child, Erica with child; Taylor with child.
Memory Eternal: Jack; Don; Brenda; Kevin, Ora Lee, Ashraf, Sandra.
Giving Opportunities:
Food Pantry: Thank you for the generous support The Cupboard is well stocked! Our in-houseFood Pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the greater Bloomington community. Donations of nonperishable items of pasta, marinara sauce, peanut butter, canned chicken and Tuna, canned vegetables, canned fruit and soups are always a great blessing.
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.
All Saints’ Sunday Meal: 3rd Sunday Host-Lewis thru Schnieder; Nina Rogers lead hostess.
Next Week: 4th Sunday Host- Schuck- Yeager; Rhonda Webb lead hostess.
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.