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