Thirty-first Sunday after Pentecost

Fourteenth Sunday of Luke

Hieromartyr Clement, bishop of Ancyra

Martyr Agathangelos; Paulinos, Bishop of Nola

Thought for Today: “Give man everything which he desires, and he will enjoy it for a while, but afterwards he will become indifferent to it, because he feels that something else, much more elevated, is missing. Is it not in that way that the child, too, enjoys every new toy until it grows hungry?  Then he abandons the toy and looks for food. A certain inextinguishable inner hunger for truth, joy, and peace in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17) torments our soul and does not give us peace, even among the best pleasures of life and among the most enviable achievements in the world. This blessed hunger is a hunger for God.”

 +Archimandrite Seraphim Aleksiev of Bulgaria

Today, Sunday, January 23rd is the Annual Business Meeting.

Everyone is invited to attend, but voting for council selection is reserved for members-in-good-standing age 18 and older.

Warm Mittens, gloves, hats and scarves can find their first home in the big box in the hallway. Please donate as you are able.

House Blessings have progressed more slowly than usual this year as Fr. Peter Jon has struggled with laryngitis. Please expect to be contacted by him in the coming days and weeks to schedule your house blessing, or feel free to email him directly to request a particular date.

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.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, January 26: Daily Vespers at 6:00  

Saturday, January 29: Adult Bible Study at the Webb’s home – 9:00 – 10:30

(3960 E Fenbrook Lane, Bloomington, 47401) Contact Rhonda for more information in person or at webbrk1@gmail.com 314-313-4275

Saturday, January 29: Great Vespers at 5:00; Jr. SOYO at 4:00; Sr. SOYO at 6:00

Sunday, January 30: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00  – Parish Council meets.

Receiving the Eucharist: We invite you to receive the Holy Eucharist if you are an Orthodox Christian who has prepared yourself through fasting, prayer, and recent confession.  If you are not Orthodox, or are Orthodox but  have not prepared, we invite you to receive a piece of the blessed bread.

LOOKING AHEAD

House Blessings

Orthodoxy 101 will resume  in February on Wednesday evenings.

Feast of the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple on February 2nd.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Reading is from St. Paul’s Epistle to St. Timothy. (1:15-17)

O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance.

Unto Thee have I cried, O Lord, my God.

Timothy, my son, the saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I am the foremost of sinners; but I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display His perfect patience for an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life. To the King of Ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory to the ages of ages. Amen.

The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (18:35-43)

At that time, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to Him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

DIVINE LITURGY VARIABLES for CHOIR and PARISH

Resurrection 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. Clement of Ancyra  – Tone 4

Thou didst blossom forth for the faithful, O most sacred Clement, as a branch of holiness, a staff of contest, a most sacred flower, and a sweet God-given fruit. But as a fellow-sufferer of martyrs and a fellow-prelate of hierarchs, intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

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.

FAMILY NEWS

Send a card of encouragement: Mat. Raisa Strelnizki,

Bell Trace Rehab – Rm. 124 -B, 725 Bell Trace Circle,

Bloomington, IN 47408

Birthday Celebrations: David P (26th); Ashley P (27th)

Name Day Prayers: Laura C (St. Xenia – 24th); Rita V (St. Xenia – 24th); Reed H (St. Ephraim the Syrian- 28th)

Memory Eternal: Catherine; Bobby (Max’s uncle); Tate; Geni Gritton, Tony, Byron (Ian’s twin brother); Fr. James Roselli

Prayer List: Mary Ann;Arianna; Mat. Raisa; Steve Crandall; Immimk family ; Adrian and Marah Polit; Megan with child (problem possible);  Fr. Athanasius Wilson; Jack;Christopher; Tornado victims; Covid-19 resurgence; refugees  and immigrants; our nation and nation’s leaders at all levels of government; schools: school children, youth and personnel across the nation; Nancy Jones; April; Don; Vicki; Ingrid, Fr. Jerome; Catherine; Awanda  Michael; Anastasia with child; Bonnie Thelen; Wadia; Jayci; Dee, Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Michael; Olga; Eileen; Soren; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison;  Andrew and Isaac (Korea/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Emma; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy; Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy

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-ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Veneration of the Precious Chains of the Apostle Peter

Peusippos and Neonilla, and the Martyrs of Cappadocia;

Hieromartyr Damaskinos of Hilandar Monastery on Athos

Thought for Today: “May we never risk the life of our souls by being resentful or by bearing grudges.”  + St. Gregory of Nyssa

Today, Sunday, January 16th is the Annual Business Meeting.

Everyone is invited to attend, but voting for council selection is reserved for members-in-good-standing age 18 and older.

2022 Church Calendars! The new church calendars are complete and available in the hallway at church. These are free to all.

Warm Mittens, gloves, hats and scarves can find their first home in the big box in the hallway. Please donate as you are able.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, January 19: Daily Vespers at 6:00  

Thursday, January 20: OCF meets at the Webbs for Dinner and Discussion at 6:00   

Saturday, January 22: Adult Bible Study at the Webb’s home – 9:00 – 10:30

(3960 E Fenbrook Lane, Bloomington, 47401) Contact Rhonda for more information in person or at webbrk1@gmail.com 314-313-4275

Saturday, January 22: Great Vespers at 5:00; Jr. SOYO at 4:00; Sr. SOYO at 6:00

Sunday, January 23: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00  – Parish Council meets.

Receiving the Eucharist: We invite you to receive the Holy Eucharist if you are an Orthodox Christian who has prepared yourself through fasting, prayer, and recent confession.  If you are not Orthodox, or are Orthodox but  have not prepared, we invite you to receive a piece of the blessed bread.

LOOKING AHEAD

House Blessings

Orthodoxy 101 will resume  in late January.

Myrrh Bearers meet on January 30th.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

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

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

Bless the Lord, O my soul.

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

 (For the Twelfth Sunday of Luke—“Ten Lepers”

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.”

DIVINE LITURGY VARIABLES 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.

Apolytikion of St. Peter the Apostle  – Tone 4

Thou hast come to us without leaving Rome, O thou who dost preside over the Apostles, by the power of the venerable chains thou didst bear. While honoring them with faith, we beseech thee, that through thine intercessions, God may grant us great mercy.

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.

FAMILY NEWS

News from Mat. Raisa Strelnizki

After suffering a fall on Christmas Day, our dear Matushka was briefly hospitalized and then transferred to Bell Trace for rehabilitation.  She is doing well, but the date of her release is unsure. If anyone would like to send a note of encouragement to our beloved 102 sister in Christ, here is her contact information:

MAT. RAISA STRELNIZKI

BELL TRACE REHAB – RM 124-B

725 BELL TRACE CIRCLE

BLOOMINGTON, IN 47408

Birthday Celebrations: Cody A (20th)

Name Day Prayers: Antonia B (St. Anthony the Great – 17th); Anthony G (St. Anthony the Great – 17th); Cody A (St. Euthymius the Great (20th); Max W (St. Maximos the Confessor – 21st)

Memory Eternal: Catherine; Bobby (Max’s uncle); Tate; Geni Gritton, Tony, Byron (Ian’s twin brother)

Prayer List: Arianna; Mat. Raisa; Steve C; Jake Immimk  and Immimk family (many hospitalized); Adrian and Marah Polit; Megan with child (problem possible);  Fr. Athanasius Wilson; Jack;Christopher; Tornado victims; Covid-19 resurgence; refugees  and immigrants; our nation and nation’s leaders at all levels of government; schools: school children, youth and personnel across the nation; Nancy Jones; April; Don; Vicki; Ingrid, Fr. Jerome; Catherine; Awanda  Michael; Anastasia with child; Bonnie Thelen; Wadia; Jayci; Dee, Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Michael; Olga; Eileen; Soren; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison;  Andrew and Isaac (Korea/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Emma; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy; Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy

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.

News from Mat. Raisa Strelnizki

After suffering a fall on Christmas Day, our dear Matushka was briefly hospitalized and then transferred to Bell Trace for rehabilitation.  She is doing well, but the date of her release is unsure. If anyone would like to send a note of encouragement to our beloved 102 sister in Christ, here is her contact information:

MAT. RAISA STRELNIZKI

BELL TRACE REHAB – RM 124-B

725 BELL TRACE CIRCLE

BLOOMINGTON, IN 47408

Sunday after the Theophany of Christ

Martyr Polyeuktos of Armenia; Venerable Eustratios the Wonderworker;

New-martyr Parthenas; Philip, Metropolitan of Moscow

Thought for Today: “Let us be satisfied simply with what sustains our present life, not with what pampers it.” + St. Maximos the Confessor

Junior SOYO Performance: The children of Junior SOYO will perform a riveting Nativity play on Sunday during coffee hour. All are welcome to attend. Parents, please bring your young thespians to the church by 3 o’clock on Saturday for rehearsal.

New Offering Envelopes are available: You may continue using old ones if you choose.

2022 Church Calendars!

The new church calendars are complete and available in the hallway at church. The calendars are absolutely beautiful, thanks to the work of Darryl Jones and Marcia Baldwin (and to others who contributed photos). 

Warm Mittens, gloves, hats and scarves can find their first home in the big box in the hallway. Cathy Alexander will then take them during the cold winter months to local schools for distribution to needy children. Please donate as you are able.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, January 12: Daily Vespers at 6:00      

Saturday, January 15: Adult Bible Study at the Webb’s home – 9:00 – 10:30

(3960 E Fenbrook Lane, Bloomington, 47401) Contact Rhonda for more information in person or at webbrk1@gmail.com 314-313-4275

Saturday, January 15: Great Vespers at 5:00; Jr. SOYO at 3:00; Sr. SOYO at 6:00

Sunday, January 16: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00  – Annual Meeting follows.

LOOKING AHEAD

House Blessings

January 16th: Annual business meeting.

Everyone is invited to attend, but voting for council selection is reserved

for members-in-good-standing age 18 and older.

Orthodoxy 101 will resume  in mid-January.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Reading is from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians. (4:7-13)

 (For the Sunday after Theophany of Christ)

Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

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

 (For the Sunday after Theophany of Christ)

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.”

DIVINE LITURGY VARIABLES for CHOIR and PARISH

Second Antiphon

Refrain: Save us, O Son of God, Who wast baptized by John in the Jordan;

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 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.

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.

Birthday Celebrations: Luke B (9th); Hal S (9th); Jeremy P (12th); Sarah C – 13th); Rachel Barber (14th)

Name Day Prayers: Gregory G (St. Gregory of Nyssa – 10th); Sarah C (St. Tatiana – 12th); Amanda S (St. Agnes – 14th); April B (St. Macrina – 14th); Nina G (St. Nina – 14th); Nina R (St. Nina – 14th)

Memory Eternal: Catherine; Bobby (Max’s uncle); Tate; Geni Gritton, Tony, Byron (Ian’s twin brother)

Prayer List: Steve Crandall (Matt’s father); Adrian and Marah Polit;Jake Immimk;  Fr. Athanasius Wilson; Jack;Christopher; Tornado victims; Covid-19 resurgence; refugees  and immigrants; our nation and nation’s leaders at all levels of government; schools: school children, youth and personnel across the nation; Nancy; April; Don; Vicki; Mat. Raisa; Ingrid, Fr. Jerome; Catherine; Awanda  Michael; Anastasia with child; Bonnie Thelen; Wadia; Jayci; Dee, Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Michael; Olga; Eileen; Soren; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison;  Andrew and Isaac (Korea/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Emma; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy; Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy

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.

Please note the UPDATE for Jr. SOYO on January 1st. (Below)

Forefeast of & Sunday before Theophany of Christ

Sylvester, Pope of Rome; Cosmas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Constantinople;
Repose of Venerable Seraphim of Sarov

Thought for Today: “We must become and manifest the icon of God, the restored beauty in our own lives, in our families, in our Churches, in our communities and in our Nation.” 

+  His Eminence, Metropolitan JOSEPH

We are in a fast-free period until Wednesday, January 5, which is a strict fast day in preparation for the feast of Holy Theophany (Epiphany). Theophany, which literally means revelation of God, is when God was first revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit at the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.

Junior SOYO Update: Junior SOYO will exchange names for their secret friend gift exchange and make plans for the Nativity pageant this Saturday, January 1st at 4 o’clock.
They will perform the pageant NEXT weekend, so parents, breathe a small sigh of relief, and if you would like for your children to participate, please have them to the church at 4 o’clock on Saturday.

New Offering Envelopes are available: You may continue using old ones if you choose.

Pantry Needs: Marinara sauce and packaged mac/cheese boxes are needed.

Warm Mittens, gloves, hats and scarves can find their first home in the big box in the hallway. Cathy Alexander will then take them during the cold winter months to local schools for distribution to needy children. Please donate as you are able.

Adult Bible Study resumes January 8 at the Webb’s home, 3960 E Fenbrook Lane, Bloomington, 47401. Contact Rhonda for more information in person or at webbrk1@gmail.com 314-313-4275

THIS WEEK

Theophany Services

Wednesday, January 5: Royal Hours of Theophany at 9:00 am

Wednesday, January 5: Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great at 4:30  am     

Thursday, January 6:     Matins, Divine Liturgy of Theophany and the Great Blessing of the Waters at 9:00 am  

Saturday, January 8: Adult Bible Study at the Webb’s home – 9:00 – 10:30

Saturday, January 8: Great Vespers at 5:00; Jr. SOYO at 4:00; Sr. SOYO at 6:00

Sunday, January 9: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00  

LOOKING AHEAD

House Blessings

January 16th: Annual business meeting

Orthodoxy 101 will resume  in mid-January.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Reading is from St. Paul’s Second Epistle to St. Timothy. (4:5-8)

(For the Sunday before the Theophany of Christ)

O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Unto Thee will I cry, O Lord my God.

            Timothy, my son, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.

The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (1:1-8)

 (For the Sunday before the Theophany of Christ)

The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” John the Baptizer appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes He Who is mightier than I, the strap of Whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

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

DIVINE LITURGY VARIABLES for CHOIR and PARISH

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 Forefeast of Theophany – Tone 4

Be thou ready, Zebulon; prepare thyself, O Nephthalim. * River Jordan, stay thy course and skip for gladness to receive * the Sovereign Master, Who cometh now to be baptized. * O Adam, be thou glad with our first mother, Eve; * hide not as ye did of old in Paradise. * Seeing you naked, He hath appeared now * to clothe you in the first robe again. * Christ hath appeared, for He truly willeth to renew all creation.

Kontakion of the Forefeast of Theophany – Tone 4

In the running waters of * the Jordan River, * on this day the Lord of all * crieth to John: Be not afraid * and hesitate not to baptize Me, * for I am come to save Adam, the first-formed man.

FAMILY NEWS

Anniversary Blessings: Darryl & Nancy J (4th)

Birthday Celebrations: Emily W – 3rd; John A (5th); Coran K (5th); Charles C (8th)

Name Day Prayers: St. Seraphim of Sarov (2nd): Linda B, Leanne B, Neumann J; Juliana B (St. Juliana – 2nd); Emily W (St. Emilia – 3rd); Johanna H (St. Emilia – 3rd); Jennifer R (St. Genevieve – 3rd); Micah F (Micah the Prophet – 5th); Synaxis of St. John the Baptist – 7th); John A, John L, Brian O

Memory Eternal: Catherine; Bobby (Max’s uncle); Tate; Geni Gritton, Tony, Byron (Ian’s twin brother)

Prayer List: Steve Crandall (Matt’s father); Adrian and Marah ;Jake Immimk Fr. Athanasius Wilson; Jack;Christopher; Tornado victims; Covid-19 resurgence; refugees  and immigrants; our nation and nation’s leaders at all levels of government; schools: school children, youth and personnel across the nation; Nancy; April; Don; Vicki; Mat. Raisa; Ingrid, Fr. Jerome; Catherine; Awanda  Michael; Anastasia with child; Bonnie Thelen; Wadia; Jayci; Dee, Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Michael; Olga; Eileen; Soren; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison;  Andrew and Isaac (Korea/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Emma; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy; Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy

Friday: Royal Hours of Christmas at 9am

Friday: Christmas Eve Vesperal Liturgy at 4pm

Saturday: Matins and Divine Liturgy of Christmas at 9am

Sunday, December 26, 2021

Synaxis of the Most Holy Theotokos &

Sunday after the Nativity of Christ

Commemoration of Joseph the Betrothed, David the Prophet and King,

 and James the brother of God

Thought for Today: “Christ is Born! Glorify Him!”

Junior SOYO Announcements: All children aged 5-12 are invited to participate in a secret friend Christmas gift exchange which will take place on Sunday, JANUARY 2.  Gifts can be homemade or purchased, but should remain under $15.  In addition, the children are working to put together a Nativity play which they hope to perform on the 9th day of Christmas (1/2/22).  If you would not like to have your child participate in either the gift exchange or the play, please contact Khouria Kristina ASAP.  Otherwise, your child will receive the name of another child in the parish on Sunday.  

Warm Mittens, gloves, hats and scarves can find their first home in the big box in the hallway. Cathy Alexander will then take them during the cold winter months to local schools for distribution to needy children. Please donate as you are able.

Teen SOYO Diaper Drive has been a success! Thanks for all your contributions. 

Pantry Needs: Marinara sauce and packaged mac/cheese boxes are needed.

Adult Bible Study at the Webb’s home resumes January 8.

Orthodoxy 101 will resume  in mid-January.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, December 29: Daily Vespersat 6:00; Ask Abouna.  

Saturday, January 1: Great Vespers at 5:00

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

We are in a fast-free period until Wednesday, January 5, which is a strict fast day in preparation for the feast of Holy Theophany (Epiphany). Theophany, which literally means revelation of God, is when God was first revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit at the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.

LOOKING AHEAD

January 1st: Circumcision of our Lord

January 6th: Theophany

House Blessings

January 16th: Annual business meeting

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Reading is from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians. (1:11-19)

(For the Sunday after Nativity of Christ)

God is wondrous in His saints. In the churches, bless ye God.

Brethren, I would have you know that the Gospel, which was preached by me, is not man’s gospel.  For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ.  For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people; so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.  But when He who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son to me, in order that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus.  Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days.  But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.

The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (2:13-23)

 (For the Sunday after Nativity of Christ)

When the wise men had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the Child, to destroy Him.”  And he rose and took the Child and His mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod.  This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called My Son.”  Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region, who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men.  Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.”  But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.”  And he rose and took the Child and His mother, and went to the land of Israel.  But when he heard that Archelaus reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee.  And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

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.

DIVINE LITURGY VARIABLES 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 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 there from 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.

Apolytikion  of the Sunday after the Nativity – Tone 2

Proclaim, O Joseph, to David, the grandparent of God, the amazing wonders; for thou hast seen a Virgin great with child; for with the shepherds thou didst give glory, with the Magi thou didst worship, and by the angel it was revealed to thee. Wherefore, plead thou with Christ God to save our souls.

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.

Megalynarion of the Synaxis – Tone 1

Magnify, O my soul, her that hath delivered us from the curse.

Being well content, out of fear, to be silent would be easier, since silence hath no danger. O Virgin, it is hard to compose hymns with love framed in harmony, but we pray thee, O Mother: Do thou grant us strength as great as our volition.

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) of the Nativity of Christ – Tone 8

The Lord hath sent redemption to His people. Alleluia.

FAMILY NEWS

New Offering Envelopes are available: You may continue using old ones if you choose.

Anniversary Blessings: Robert & Nina Rogers (26th)

Birthday Celebrations: Amanda A- Smith (26th); Molly A (31st);

Nancy J (31st); Lina T (1st)

Memory Eternal: Barb; Catherine; Bobby (Max’s uncle); Tate

Prayer List: Steve Crandall (Matt’s father); Adrian and Marah Polit;Jake Immimk (hospitalized); Fr. Athanasius Wilson; Jack;Christopher; Tornado victims; Covid-19 resurgence; refugees  and immigrants; our nation and nation’s leaders at all levels of government; schools: school children, youth and personnel across the nation; Nancy; April; Don; Vicki; Mat. Raisa; Ingrid, Fr. Jerome; Catherine; Awanda  Michael; Anastasia with child; Bonnie Thelen; Wadia; Jayci; Dee, Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Michael; Olga; Eileen; Soren; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison;  Andrew and Isaac

(Korea/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Emma; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy; Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy