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.

Sunday of the Forefathers (Ancestors) of Christ

Venerable Daniel the Stylite; Luke the New Stylite of Chalcedon

Thought for Today: “The world is on fire! Do you understand? There is so much temptation. The devil has started such a blaze that all the fire-fighters in the world will not be able to put it out: it is a spiritual fire! There’s nothing left. And there’s no other help for us: only prayer can save us now. We must pray to God to take pity on us. You see, when a fire spreads and the fire-fighters can do nothing about it., people are forced to turn to God and pray for Him to send heavy rain. It’s the same with spiritual fire started by the devil: we must all pray to God for Him to help us.” + St. Paisios the Athonite +

 VARIABLE 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 Forefathers – Tone 2

Thou hast justified by faith the ancient Forefathers, and through them Thou hast gone before and betrothed unto Thyself the Church of the Gentiles. Let the saints, therefore, take pride in glory; for from their seed sprouted forth a noble fruit, and it was she who gave birth to Thee without seed. Wherefore, by their pleadings, O Christ God, save our souls.

Kontakion of Prepation of Christ’s Nativity -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.

   EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

 The Epistle

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

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

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. (14:16-24)

The Lord spoke this parable: “A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for all is now ready.’  But, one by one, they all began to make excuses.  The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.’  And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.’  And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’  So the servant came and reported this to his master.  Then the householder in anger said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.’  And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’  And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.  For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’  For many are called, but few are chosen.”

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.

Saint Lucia will visit today during Coffee Hour.

Parish Council meets today, Sunday after Divine Liturgy.

Hat and Glove donation: As tradition we collect child size winter hats and gloves; donations are given to area schools to distribute to the children.

Gift Card donation: Please add gift cards you’ve purchased to “Giving Tree” in the fellowship hall. They will be collected throughout Nativity for Fr. Peter to distribute to those in need.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, December 14: Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm; followed by Orthodoxy 101.

Saturday, December 17: Digging into Romans:  Our Saturday morning Bible Study has begun to dig into St. Paul’s letter to the Romans – this is the perfect time to join us as we go deeper into this important epistle, verse by verse.  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, December 17: Great Vespers at 5:00 pm; Jr. SOYO at 3:30 and Teen SOYO at 6:00 pm.

 Sunday, December 18: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.

FAMILY NEWS

Birthday Celebrations: Rhonda Webb (11^th);Samuel Schlimpert (16^th).

Names Day Celebrations: Heather Sherrod Rachel (11^th); Subdn. Daniel Barrett Daniel the Stylite (11^th); Naomi Burhoe Ruth (11^th); Aaron Hsu, Wyatt Crandall Herman of Alaska (13^th); Lucia Toadere Lucia (13^th); Daniel Rigsby Prophet Daniel (17^th).

Anniversary Celebrations: Glen and Wendy Carter (17^th).

Memory Eternal: Marcelle and Chris, David Archpriest Anthony (Gabriel), David.

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; 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; Anne; Allen; Linda, Marilyn; Mary Barger, Norma.

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

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

Food Pantry: Thank you to all that donated; the shelves have a nice variety of food. Please leave donations on the floor in front of the shelves.

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.

Great-martyr Barbara of Syria & Tenth Sunday of Luke

Venerable John of Damascus

Martyr Juliana; New-hieromartyr Seraphim, bishop of Phanarion in Greece

Our annual Saint Nicholas celebration will be today, Sunday after Divine Liturgy.

Thought for Today: ‘Let us strive after a good and God-loving life not for the sake of human praise but let us choose it for the sake of saving our soul.’ + St Anthony the Great +

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 8

From the heights Thou didst descend, O compassionate One, and Thou didst submit to the three-day burial, that Thou might deliver us from passion; Thou art our life and our Resurrection, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion of St. Barbara – Tone 8

Let us honor Saint Barbara, for she hath broken the snares of the enemy; and like a sparrow, she, the all-modest maiden, was delivered out of them by the help and weapon of the Cross.

Apolytikion of St. John of Damascus _ Tone 3

O ye faithful come, let us on this day * laud with praise the sweet-sounding nightingale * that adorned and captivated the Church of Christ * with his sweet songs and tuneful, heav’nly hymns, * he is the all-wise and eloquent John Damascene, * the utmost chief of hymnographers, and a man of God * who was filled with every earthly and divine wisdom.

Kontakion of Prepation of Christ’s Nativity -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.

  EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle

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

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians. (3:23-4:5)

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 Gospel

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (13:10-17)

At that time, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath.  And there was a woman who had had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself.  And when Jesus saw her, He called her and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.”  And He laid His hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God.  But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.”  Then the Lord answered him, “You hypocrite!  Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger, and lead it away to water it?  And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?”  As Jesus said this, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by Him.

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.

Hat and Glove donation: As tradition we collect child size winter hats and gloves; donations are given to area schools to distribute to the children.

Gift Card donation: Please add gift cards you’ve purchased to “Giving Tree” in the fellowship hall. They will be collected throughout Nativity for Fr. Peter to distribute to those in need.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, December 7: Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm; followed by Orthodoxy 101.

Saturday, December 10: Digging into Romans:  Our Saturday morning Bible Study has begun to dig into St. Paul’s letter to the Romans – this is the perfect time to join us as we go deeper into this important epistle, verse by verse.  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, December 10: Great Vespers at 5:00 pm; Jr. SOYO at 3:30 and Teen SOYO at 6:00 pm.

 Sunday, December 11: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am; Saint Luciacelebration will be Sunday during Coffee hour.

FAMILY NEWS

Birthday Celebrations: Micah Finchum (5^th); Zane Nevils (10^th).

Names Day Celebration: Benjamin Nicholas Carter, Nicholas Shirley; Nicholas (6^th).

Memory Eternal: Marcelle and Chris, David Archpriest Anthony (Gabriel), David.

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; 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; Anne; Allen; Linda, Marilyn; Mary Barger, Norma.

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

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

Food Pantry: Thank you to all that donated; the shelves have a nice variety of food. Please leave donations on the floor in front of the shelves.

Time to update Family information: If you are not receiving the weekly bulletin, newsletter, or if your birthday, anniversary, names day was missed being announced, we probably don’t have the information. Please take a moment fill out a ‘Visitor Card’ or email Nina at alsntssec@bluemarble.com with missing ‘Celebration Day’ dates, address or phone number changes.

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.

Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Great-martyr James the Persian

Venerable Palladios of Thessalonica; Venerable Nathanael of Nitria in Egypt

Welcome Dn. James Aiken of St Anthony in Evansville. We so appreciate you serving Sunday’s Eucharistic Typika as Fr. Peter Jon and family travel during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Thought for Today: “Your heart can become hard like a rock if you act with hatred and offence, and can become gentle like a breeze if you act with love.” + St. Paisios the Athonite+

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

Resurrectional Apolytikion -Tone 7

Thou didst shatter death by Thy Cross, Thou didst open paradise to the thief; Thou didst turn the sadness of the ointment-bearing women into joy. And didst bid Thine Apostles proclaim a warning, that Thou hast risen O Christ, granting to the world the Great Mercy.

Apolytikion of St. James the Persian -Tone 4

Thy Martyr, O Lord, in his courageous contest for Thee * received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. * For, since he possessed Thy strength, he cast down the tyrants * and wholly destroyed the demons’ strengthless presumption. * O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Kontakion of the Preparation of Christ’s Nativity -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.

  EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle

The Lord will give strength to His people.

Ascribe to the Lord, O sons of God, ascribe to the Lord honor and glory.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians. (2:14-22)

Brethren, Christ is our peace, Who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, that He might create in Himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the Cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end.  And He came and preached peace to you, who were far off, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.  So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in Whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in Whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

The Gospel

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (18:18-27)

At that time, a man came testing Jesus and asking, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”  And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good?  No one is good but God alone.  You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Honor your father and mother.’”  And the man said, “All these I have observed from my youth.”  And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, “One thing you still lack.  Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”  But when the man heard this he became sad, for he was very rich.  Jesus, seeing him sad, said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!  For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”  Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?”  Jesus said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

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.

Hat and Glove Donation: As is our tradition, we collect child-size winter hats and gloves; donations are given to area schools to distribute to the children.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, November 30: Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm; followed by Orthodoxy 101.

Saturday, December 3: Digging into Romans:  Our Saturday morning Bible Study has begun to dig into St. Paul’s letter to the Romans – this is the perfect time to join us as we go deeper into this important epistle, verse by verse.  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, December 3: Great Vespers at 5:00 pm, will begin with a 1 year memorial for Catherine McCormick (Marah’s mother); Jr. SOYO at 3:30 and Teen SOYO at 6:00 pm.

 Sunday, December 4: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.

Our annual Saint Nicholas celebration will take place Sunday after Divine Liturgy.

LOOKING AHEAD

Christmas Market at Joy of All Who Sorrow, Friday, December 2nd from 5:00 to 9:00 pm and Saturday, December 3rd from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm; 1516 N. Delaware St.; Indianapolis, IN 46202.       

FAMILY NEWS

Birthday Celebrations: Melissa Barbarick (30^th); Dan Mullis (30^th); Gregory Gillquist (2^nd).

Names Day Celebration: Don Andrew Haney, Andrew Plaza, Thomas Andrew Przybela, Andrew Labban St. Andrew the First-called (30^th).

Memory Eternal: Igor, Terra, Shirley, Marcelle, Chris, David Archpriest Anthony (Gabriel), David.

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; 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; Tabitha with child; Malory with child (Ried’s sister);, Megan with child; Brigida with child; Paulina with child; Macrina with child; Anne; Allen; Linda, Marilyn; Mary Barger.

Coffee Hour Host: Rhonda Webb’s Team with Parishioners S-Z

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

Food Pantry: Thanks to all who donated; the shelves have a nice variety of food. Please leave any donations bagged and on the floor in front of shelves.

Time to update Family information: If you are not receiving the weekly bulletin, newsletter, or if your birthday, anniversary, names day was missed being announced, we probably don’t have the information. Please take a moment fill out a ‘Visitor Card’ or email Nina at alsntssec@bluemarble.com with missing birthday, anniversary and names day dates, address or phone number changes.

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.