Twenty-ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Venerable Paul of Thebes & John the Hut-dweller

Venerable Martyr Pansophios of Alexandria; Venerable Gabriel of Lesnovo

Thought for Today: “Just as ignorance divides those who are deluded, so the presence of spiritual light draws together and unites those whom it enlightens.”

+ St. Maxomus the Confessor +

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 Thee.

Apolytikion of St. Paul of Thebes – Tone 8

The barren wilderness thou didst make fertile with the streams of thy tears; and by thy deep sighing thou hast given fruit through thy struggles a hundredfold. Accordingly, thou hast become a star for the universe, sparkling with miracles. Therefore, O righteous Father Paul, intercede with Christ God to save our souls.

Apolytikiom of St. John the Hut-Dweller – Tone 4

Since thou hadst with fervor longed after the Lord from thy youth, * thou leftest the world with its delights and nobly didst strive in valiant ascetic deeds. * Thou didst pitch thy hut before the gates of thy parents; * thou didst break the demons’ snares, O all-blessed Father. * And therefore, as is meet, hath Christ God glorified thee, O John

Kontakion of the Presentation of Christ – Tone 1

Thou, O Christ God, Who by Thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve Thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom Thou didst love, for Thou alone art the Lover of mankind.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle

How magnified are Thy works, O Lord; in wisdom hast Thou made them all.

Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Colossians. (3:4-11)

Brethren, when Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.  Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.  On account of these, the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience.  In these you once walked, when you lived in them.  But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth.  Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator.  Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.

The Gospel

The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (17:12-19)

At that time, as Jesus entered a village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”  When He saw them He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.”  And as they went they were cleansed.  Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks.  Now he was a Samaritan.  Then Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed?  Where are the nine?  Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”  And He said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

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.

Giving Opportunities:

The Benevolence Fund Thank you to all who generously responded to our plea for the 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.

Our In-House Food Pantry needs canned meats, tuna, salmon, smoked oysters, sardines, chicken, black and pinto beans, spaghetti sauce and peanut butter.  We have an abundance of pasta.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, January 18: Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm; followed by Ask Abouna.

Saturday, January 21: Digging into Romans: Howard Webb is leading this study which meets Saturdays 9:00-10:30 at the Webbs home at 3960 E Fenbrook Lane, 47401.  Feel free to come whenever you can for lively discussion and fellowship. Be sure to bring your Bible!

Saturday, January 21: Ladies Christmas party, 11:30 am- 3:00 pm. Johanna Hsu will be hosting the gathering at their home, 1022 S. Garrison Chapel Rd. Bloomington; RSVP with Johanna at mrsarcfide@gmail.com

Saturday, January 21: Great Vespers at 5:00pm; Jr SOYO at 3:30pm; Teen SOYO at 6:00pm.

Sunday, January 22: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am; followed by the Annual Parish meeting.

FAMILY NEWS

Birthday Celebrations: Cody Arthur (20^th).

Names Day Celebration: Toni Ban, Anthony Gillquist Anthony the Great (17^th); Cody Arthur Euthymius the Great(20^th); Amanda Smith Agnes(21^st; Max Williams, Max Pitchkite Maximos the Confessor (21^st).

Today following the dismissal of the Divine Liturgy: There will be a procession to the outdoor Resurrection Shrine, where we will pray the three-year memorial for Archpriest Patrick Kinder, who is laid to rest in our cemetery. His beloved wife, Khouria Vanessa, his son, Anthony, and other beloved family members will be with us today. May his memory be eternal!

Memory Eternal: Chris, David, David, David, Drew, Robert, Robert, Nelson.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Toni;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; 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); Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara; Wes’s grandfather;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Arianna; Linda; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Fr. Gabriel;Jack;Christopher; Nancy; Fr. Jerome Mother Nektaria; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Kristy, Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison; Andrew and Isaac (Korea/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy;  Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; Rhea and John; Stanley; Anna with child (Coran’s friend); Malory with child (Reed’s sister);, Megan with child; Brigida with child; Paulina with child; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Norma; Allison and children .

Coffee Hour Host: Nina Rogers’ Team with Parishioners H-R

Next week Host: Rhonda Webb’s Team with Parishioner S-Z.

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.

Sunday after the Theophany of Christ

Righteous Mother Domnica of Constantinople and her companions;

Venerable George the Chozebite

Thought for Today: “In a society where each one sees himself as the first no one makes any progress. If, however, one always considers oneself to be the last, meeting someone else becomes each time the opportunity for spiritual profit and progress. So it is best to be the last. If I am the forst, life is infernally tiresome. If I am the last, life is a continual joy, because I am always learning something useful.  + St. Sophrony of Essex +

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

Resurrectional Apolytikion Tone – 5

Let us believers praise and worship the Word; coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation. For, He took pleasure in ascending the Cross in the flesh to suffer death; and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection.

Apoytikion of The Theophany of Christ Tone -1

When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, worship of the Trinity wast made manifest; for the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, calling Thee His beloved Son. And the Spirit in the likeness of a dove confirmed the truth of His word. O Christ our God, Who hast appeared and enlightened the world, glory to Thee.

Kontakion of The Theophany of Christ Tone – 4

On this day Thou hast appeared * unto the whole world, * and Thy light, O Sovereign Lord, * is signed on us who sing Thy praise * and chant with knowledge: Thou hast now come, * Thou hast appeared, O Thou Light unapproachable.

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. (4:7-13)

Brethren, grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  Therefore, it is said, “When He ascended on high He led a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men.”  (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that He had also descended into the lower parts of the earth?  He who descended is He who also ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)  And His gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

The Gospel

The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (4:12-17)

At that time, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulon and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulon and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”

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.

Looking Ahead:

Special Convention: Father Peter Jon travels to Texas for the Special Convention to nominate a new Metropolitan Archbishop January 11-14.

All-parish Annual Meeting: Sunday, January 22.

Summer Camp: Antiochian Village; registration for All Summer Camp Programs 2023 opens Saturday, January 7. www.avcamp.org

Giving Opportunities:

The Benevolence Fund Thank you to all who generously responded to our plea for the 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.

Our In-House Food Pantry needs canned meats, tuna, salmon, smoked oysters, sardines, chicken, black and pinto beans, spaghetti sauce and peanut butter.  We have an abundance of pasta.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, January 11: Reader’s Vespers at 6:00 pm; There will be no Ask Abouna this week.

Saturday, January 14: Digging into Romans: Howard Webb is leading this study which meets Saturdays 9:00-10:30 at the Webbs home at 3960 E Fenbrook Lane, 47401.  Feel free to come whenever you can for lively discussion and fellowship. Be sure to bring your Bible!

Saturday, January 14: Reader’s Vespers at 5:00pm; Jr SOYO at 3:30pm; Teen SOYO at 6:00pm.

Sunday, January 15: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.

FAMILY NEWS

Birthday Celebrations: Charles Coats (8^th); Tyson Schulz (8^th); Hal Sabbagh (9^th); Sarah Carter (13^th); Rachel Barber (14^th).

Names Day Celebration: Gregory Gillquist Gregory of Nyssa (10^th); Sarah Carter Tatiana (12th); Nina Gillquist, Nina Rogers Nina (14^th).

Memory Eternal: Chris, David, David, David, Drew, Robert, Nelson.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Toni;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; 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); Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara; Wes’s grandfather;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Arianna; Linda; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Fr. Gabriel;Jack;Christopher; Nancy; Fr. Jerome; Mother Nektaria; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Kristy, Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison; Andrew and Isaac (Korea/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy;  Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; Rhea and John; Stanley; Anna with child (Coran’s friend); Malory with child (Reed’s sister);, Megan with child; Brigida with child; Paulina with child; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Norma; Allison and children .

Coffee Hour Host: Wendy Carter’s Team with Parishioners C-G.

Next week Host: Nina Rogers’ Team with Parishioners H-R

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.

Feasts of Circumcision of Christ & Basil the Great

New-martyr Peter of the Peloponnesos

Christ is Born, Glorify Him!

Thought for Today: “God keeps us not that we are worthy, but because He is very merciful.

+ Elder Arsenie Papaciac of Romania +

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

Resurrectional Apolytikion Tone – 4

Having learned the joyful message of the Resurrection from the angel the women disciples of the Lord cast from them their parental condemnation. And proudly broke the news to the Disciples, saying: Death hath been spoiled; Christ God is risen, granting the world Great Mercy.

Apolytikion of Circumcision of Christ Tone – 1

Our human form hast Thou taken on Thyself without change, * O greatly-compassionate Master, though being God by nature; * fulfilling the Law, Thou willingly * receivest circumcision in the flesh, * that Thou mightest end the shadow and roll away * the veil of our sinful passions. * Glory be to Thy goodness unto us. * Glory be to Thy compassion. * Glory, O Word, to Thine inexpressible condescension.

Apolytikion of St. Basil the Great Tone -1

Thy sound hath gone forth into all the earth, which hath received thy word. Thereby thou hast divinely taught the Faith; thou hast made manifest the nature of all things that be; thou hast adorned the ways of man. O namesake of the royal priesthood, our righteous Father Basil, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.

Kontakion of Circumcision of Christ Tone – 3

Now the Lord of all that is * doth undergo circumcision, * in His goodness cutting off * the sins and failings of mortals. * He this day doth give salvation * unto the whole world; * and the hierarch and bright daystar of the Creator * now rejoiceth in the highest, * Basil the wise and * divine initiate of Christ

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle

My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.

Hear this, all ye people.

The reading from the Epistle of St. Paul Epistle to the Colossians. (2:8-12)

Brethren, see to it that no one makes a prey of you by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ. For in Him the whole fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily, and you have come to fullness of life in Him, Who is the head of all rule and authority. In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of flesh in the circumcision of Christ; and you were buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, Who raised Him from the dead.

The Gospel

The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (2:20-21, 40-52)

And it came to pass that the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. And at the end of eight days, when He was circumcised, He was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon Him. Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing Him to be in the company they went a day’s journey, and they sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. And when they saw Him they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why hast Thou treated us so? Behold, Thy father and I have been looking for Thee anxiously.” And Jesus said to them, “How is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be in My Father’s house?” And they did not understand the saying which He spoke to them. And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man.

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.

Special Parish Council meeting today Sunday, January 1st, regarding the nomination of a new Metropolitan Archbishop.

Looking Ahead: 

Special Convention: Father Peter Jon travels to Texas for the Special Convention to nominate a new Metropolitan Archbishop January 11-14.

All-parish Annual Meeting: Sunday, January 22

Giving Opportunities:

SOYO and Junior SOYO are collecting toothbrushes, toothpaste, mini-deodorants, hand sanitizers, socks, nail files, soaps, and dental floss to be packaged and sent to IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities). These will then be used in disaster relief efforts as-needed. Please place your items in the decorated box in the fellowship hall.

The Giving Tree Thank you to all who filled the tree with gift cards many times over! Many families are being blessed with groceries and gas thanks to your love and generosity.

The Benevolence Fund Thank you to all who generously responded to our plea for the 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.

Our In-House Food Pantry needs canned meats, tuna, salmon, smoked oysters, sardines, chicken, black and pinto beans, spaghetti sauce and peanut butter.  We have an abundance of pasta.

Hats and Gloves Thank you for your incredible response to this need.  We have collected an immense number of hats and gloves and will deliver them to be distributed shortly.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, January 4: Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm; followed by Ask Abouna. Orthodoxy 101 will resume the first Wednesday in February.

Thursday, January 5: Hours of Theophany at9:00 am; Vesperal Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great at 3:00 pm.

Friday, January 6: Theophany; Matins at 9:00 am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am; Blessing of the waters, at 11:30 am.

Saturday, January 7: Great Vespers at 5:00pm; Jr SOYO at 3:30pm; Teen SOYO at 6:00pm.

Sunday, January 8: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.

 FAMILY NEWS

Birthday Celebrations: Emily Wood (3^rd);Sami Koutares (5^th); John Alexander (5^th); Coran Robertson (5^th); Alex Koutares (6^th); Ian Yeager (7^th).

Names Day Celebration: William Gidney Basil Konnersman, Basil the Great (1^st); Linda Barrett, Leanne Bissell, Neuman Jones Seraphim of Saraov (2^nd); Juliana Barber Juliana of Lazarevo (2^nd); Johanna Hsu, Emily Wood Rightous Emilia (3^rd); Jennifer Rigsby Genevieve of

Paris (3^rd); Micah Finchum Prophet Micah (5^th); John Labban, John Alexander, Brian Owens John the Baptist (7^th).

Anniversary Celebrations: Darryl and Nancy Jones (4^th).

Memory Eternal: Archpriest Anthony (Gabriel); Drew; Robert.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Toni;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; 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); Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara; Wes’s grandfather;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter;Arianna; Vician; Linda; Steve Crandall; Fr.Athanasius; Fr. Gabriel;Jack;Christopher; Nancy; Fr. Jerome; Mother Nektaria; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Kristy, Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison; Andrew and Isaac (Korea/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy; Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; Nelson; Rhea and John; Stanley; Anna with child (Coran’s friend); Malory with child (Reed’s sister);, Megan with child; Brigida with child; Paulina with child; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Norma; Allison and children .

Coffee Hour Host: Melissa Barbarick’s Team with Parishioner’s A-B.

Next week Host: Wendy Carter’s Team with Parishioners C-G.

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.

Festal Divine Liturgy December 25

The Nativity of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ

** Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great **

Christ is Born, Glorify Him!

Thought for Today: “Today the Most Rich One became poor for our sake; let the rich man invite the poor to his table!” +St. Ephraim the Syrian +

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

The Eisodikon (Entrance Hymn) of the Nativity of Christ

From the womb before the morning star have I begotten Thee. The Lord hath sworn, and He will not repent; thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Save us, O Son of God, Who wast born of a Virgin; who sing to Thee. Alleluia.

Apolytikion of the Nativity of Christ Tone – 4

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath given rise to the light of knowledge in the world; for they that worshipped the stars did learn therefrom to worship Thee, O Sun of Justice, and to know that from the east of the Highest Thou didst come. O Lord, glory to Thee.

Kontakion of the Nativity of Christ Tone – 3

On this day the Virgin beareth the Transcendent in Essence; * to the Unapproachable, * the earth doth offer a small cave; * Angels join in choir with shepherds * in giving glory; * with a star the Magi travel upon their journey; * for our sakes is born a young Child, * He Who existed * before the ages as God.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle

Let all the earth worship Thee, and sing to Thee. Shout with joy to God, all the earth.

The reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians. (4:4-7)

Brethren, when the time had fully come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem those who were under the Law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”  Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

The Gospel

The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (2:1-12)

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East, and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judea, are by no means least among the rulers of Judea; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern My people Israel.’” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared; and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found Him bring me word, that I too may come and worship Him.” When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, until it came to rest over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

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.

Looking Ahead: 

Special Parish Council meeting on Sunday, January 1st, regarding the nomination of a new Metropolitan Archbishop.

Special Convention: Father Peter Jon travels to Texas for the Special Convention to nominate a new Metropolitan Archbishop

All-parish Annual Meeting: Sunday, January 22

Giving Opportunities:

SOYO and Junior SOYO are collecting toothbrushes, toothpaste, mini-deodorants, hand sanitizers, socks, nail files, soaps, and dental floss to be packaged and sent to IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities). These will then be used in disaster relief efforts as-needed. Please place your items in the decorated box in the fellowship hall.

The Giving Tree Thank you to all who filled the tree with gift cards many times over! Many families are being blessed with groceries and gas thanks to your love and generosity.

The Benevolence Fund Thank you to all who generously responded to our plea for the 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.

Our In-House Food Pantry needs canned meats, tuna, salmon, smoked oysters, sardines, chicken, black and pinto beans, spaghetti sauce and peanut butter.  We have an abundance of pasta.

Hats and Gloves Thank you for your incredible response to this need.  We have collected an immense number of hats and gloves and will deliver them to be distributed shortly.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, December 28: Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm; followed by Ask Abouna. Orthodoxy 101 will resume the first Wednesday in February.

Friday December 30: OCF Life serving Akathist to the Protection of the Theotokos at 6:00pm.

Saturday, December 31: Great Vespers at 5:00pm; Jr SOYO at 3:30pm; Teen SOYO at 6:00pm.

Sunday, January 1: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.

FAMILY NEWS

Birthday Celebrations: Amanda Smith (26^th); Adriana Calinescu (30^th); Nancy Jones (31^st);

Molly Alexander (31^st).

Names Day Celebration: Christopher Stroguiludis (25^th).

Anniversary Celebrations: Robert and Nina Rogers (26^th).

Memory Eternal: Marcelle; Chris; David; Archpriest Anthony (Gabriel); David; Drew.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Toni;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; 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); Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara; Wes’s grandfather;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter;Arianna; Vician; Linda; Steve Crandall; Fr.Athanasius; Fr. Gabriel;Jack;Christopher; Nancy; Fr. Jerome; Mother Nektaria; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Kristy, Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison; Andrew and Isaac (Korea/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy; Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; Nelson; Rhea and John; Stanley; Anna with child (Coran’s friend); Malory with child (Reed’s sister);, Megan with child; Brigida with child; Paulina with child; Tabitha and infant Rebecca; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Norma; Allison and children .

Coffee Hour Host: Christmas Coffee.

Next week Host: Melissa Barbarick’s Team with Parishioner’s A-B.

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.

Sunday before the Nativity of Christ (The Genealogy)

Martyrs Sebastian and Zoe of Rome, and those with them

Thought for Today: “To live with Jesus you need—struggle, humility and unceasing prayer. These are your tools for the hard road ahead. + St. Moses the Strong +

   EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

 The Epistle

Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers.

For Thou art justified in all that Thou hast done for us.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. (11:9-10, 32-40)

Brethren, by faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, and put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

The Gospel

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (1:1-25)

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.  Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king.  And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.  And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, Who is called Christ.  So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ were fourteen generations.  Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way.  When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.  But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and His Name shall be called Emmanuel” (which means, God with us).  When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called His Name Jesus.

Welcome Home: Today we join together in welcoming eight new members of our beloved parish through holy baptism and/or chrismation. The newly-illumined will be first to receive the Holy Eucharist together with their sponsors. May God grant them many years!

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.

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 2

When Thou didst submit Thyself unto death, O Thou deathless and immortal One, then Thou didst destroy hell with Thy Godly power. And when Thou didst raise the dead from beneath the earth, all the powers of Heaven did cry aloud unto Thee: O Christ, Thou giver of life, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion Sunday before the Nativity Tone – 2

Great are the accomplishments of faith; for the three holy youths rejoiced in the fountain of flames as though at waters of rest. And the Prophet Daniel appeared a shepherd to the lions as though they were sheep. Wherefore, by their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.

Kontakion of Preparation of Christ’s Navitiy 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.

Giving Opportunities:

SOYO and Junior SOYO are collecting toothbrushes, toothpaste, mini-deodorants, hand sanitizers, socks, nail files, soaps, and dental floss to be packaged and sent to IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities). These will then be used in disaster relief efforts as-needed. Please place your items in the decorated box in the fellowship hall.

The Giving Tree in the fellowship hall continues to receive gift cards for those in need.  Fr. Peter Jon is distributing these cards to grateful families almost daily.  

The Benevolence Fund needs your support. We have the great joy of supporting a number of families who need help with rent, utilities, clothing and various other necessities. This is possible due to donations made to our All Saints benevolence fund. The fund balance is very low. Please help as you are able.

Our In-House Food Pantry needs canned meats, tuna, salmon, smoked oysters, sardines, chicken, black and pinto beans, spaghetti sauce and peanut butter.  We have an abundance of pasta.

Hats and Gloves Gloves may be placed in the large gift bag in the hallway. They will be given to area schools to be distributed to local children in need.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, December 21: Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm; followed by Orthodoxy 101.

Friday, December 23: Royal Hours of Christmas at 9:00 am.

Saturday, December 24: Matins and Divine Liturgy of Christmas Eve at 9:00 am; Great Vespers of Christmas at 5:00pm.

Sunday, December 25: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy of Christmas at 10:00 am.

FAMILY NEWS

Birthday Celebrations: Fr. Peter Jon, Ian Warlow (18^th); Laura Crandall (20^th); Griffin Finchum (21^st); Jonathan Hsu (22^nd); Alexandra and Nicholas Shirley (23^rd).

Names Day Celebration: Elijah Guess Boniface (19^th).

Anniversary Celebrations: Phil & Deborah Campbell (23^rd).

Memory Eternal: Marcelle; Chris; David; Archpriest Anthony (Gabriel); David; Drew.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Toni;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; schools: school children, youth and personnel across the nation; Mat. Raisa; Mary Ann; Emma (Mary Ann’s granddaughter); Melanie & daughter (Adrian’s coworker and child-loss of parent and serious health issues);Bob & Bonnie Thelen; Wes (infant with brittle bone disorder); Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara; Wes’s grandfather;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter;Arianna; Vician; Linda; Steve Crandall; Fr.Athanasius; Fr. Gabriel;Jack;Christopher; Nancy; Fr. Jerome; Mother Nektaria; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Kristy, Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison; Andrew and Isaac (Korea/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy; Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; Nelson; Rhea and John; Stanley; Anna with child (Coran’s friend); Malory with child (Reed’s sister);, Megan with child; Brigida with child; Paulina with child; Tabitha and infant Rebecca; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Norma; Allison and children .

Coffee Hour Host: Nina Rogers’ Team with Parishioners H-R.

Next week Host: Christmas Day.

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.