Sunday, December 15, 2019
Hieromartyr Eleutherios, Bishop of Illyria &
Sunday of the Forefathers (Ancestors) of Christ
Martyr Anthia, mother of Eleutherios; Venerable Paul of Latra;
Stephen, Bishop-confessor of Surozh; Venerable Tryphon of Pechenga
Welcome to All Saints!
Nourishment for the Soul: “Adorn yourself with truth; try to speak truth in all tings; and do not support a lie, no matter who asks you. If you speak the truth and someone gets mad at you, don’t be upset, but take comfort in the words of the Lord: Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of truth, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt. 5:10). – St. Gennadios of Constantinople
Parish Council meets at noon today.
The Christmas Tree in the social hall is ready to receive Gift Cards for Father to distribute to those who could use some extra joy during this festive season.
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
- Registration has opened for Summer Camp at Antiochian Village. Eight of our kids have been registered. Don’t delay since early registration secures a place for your child!
- Christmas Eve Services (morning and evening) Royal Hours begin at 9am, followed by St. Basil’s Vesperal Liturgy around 10:30 am; Orthros begins at 9pm, followed by the Nativity Liturgy at 10pm – A light meal of celebration follows.
- December 31: Evening Liturgy – Circumcision of Christ and Basil the Great at 6pm
- Myrrh Bearers’ party – January 4th at Rhonda’s home.
THIS WEEK
Monday, December 16: Compline and Fellowship at the Haneys’ home at 7:00
Wednesday, December 18: Daily Vespers at 6:00 followed by O102
Thursday, December 19: St. John’s Fellowship at the Haneys’ home at noon
Thursday, December 19: Bible Study at Becky’s home at 3:00
Saturday, December 21: Great Vespers at 5:00; SOYO 6:00-8:00
Sunday, December 15: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00
Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings
Epistle: The Reading is from of St. Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy. (1:8-18)
(For St. Eleutherios)
Timothy, my son, do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God, Who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of our works but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus ages ago, and now has manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, Who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, and therefore I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know Whom I have believed, and I am sure that He is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus; guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit Who dwells within us. You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, and among them Phygelos and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphoros, for he often refreshed me; he was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me eagerly and found me. May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.
Gospel: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (14:16-24)
(For the Holy Forefathers)
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.”
Divine Liturgy Variables 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.
Apolytikion of St. Eleutherios of Illyria – Tone 5
Being comely adorned in thy sacred priestly robes * and newly drenched with the streams of thy pure and sanctified blood, * thou didst soar aloft to stand before thy Master, Christ; * hence never cease to intercede * for those honoring with faith thy mighty and blessed contest, * thou overthrower of Satan, O wise and blessed Eleutherios.
Kontakion of the Preparation of Christ’s Nativity – Tone 3
The Virgin cometh today to the cave to give birth, ineffably to bring forth the Word Eternal. Therefore, rejoice, O earth, at the message; with the angels and shepherds give glory to Him Who shall appear by His own will as a young child; He Who is from eternity God.
FAMILY NEWS
Aunt Ruth’s Toffee is ready for pick-up!
Coffee Hour: Parishioners whose last names begin with H-P will serve and clean today.
Warm Mittens, Gloves, Hats and Scarves: There has been a great response so far, but please continue your donations as many cold months lie ahead!
The Pantry welcomes all donations. The shelves are filling up, and that’s a good thing!
Birthday Blessings: Fr. Peter Jon (18th); Laura C (20th); Griffin F (21st); Nicholas and Alexandra G (21st or 22nd)
Name Day Blessings: Dan R (Prophet Daniel – 17th); Juliana B (Juliana of Nicomedia – 21st)
Prayer List: Kaylie and infant Oliver; Rebekah with child; Isaac in Air Force; Fr. Marc; Fr. Patrick & Kh. Vanessa; Fr. George; Fr. Basil & Kh. Cana; Judith; George; Dee; Mary Ann; Vicki; Dusty; Catherine (not in this parish); Michael & Olga; Eileen; Leanne; Irina; Heather;Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Alice & Marvin; Kh. Kristina; Bonnie; Emma; Patricia; Mary & Robert;Shirley; Rose; Lexi, Ross & Vivian; Theo; Doug Barrett;Jeremy; Charles; Grayson; Cleo; Marcia & Deacon; Nick;Bruce; Joanna & Demetrios;Ashlee W; Paul; Cathy; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Nancy & Shalayna; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer & Regina; Christy, Isaac & Andrew; those suffering in the drug crisis, with fire devastation, with flood damage, and earthquake damage in the USA; those suffering in Syria and the Middle East.