Forefeast of & Sunday before the Nativity of Christ (The Genealogy)

Great-martyr Anastasia the Deliverer from potions and her teacher the Martyr Chrysogonos

Today we welcome into the fellowship through Holy Chrismation these two young men:

 Elijah Guess and Scott Kain.

Nourishment for the Soul:“My child, our God is so great and awesome, that neither heaven nor earth nor eternity can contain Him.” – St. Nephon the Ascetic

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. Suggestions: Cards from Kroger, Walmart, Target, gas stations, and family shopping businesses.

THIS WEEK

Tuesday Morning, December 24: Royal Hours of Christmas at 9:00

Tuesday Morning, December 24: St. Basil’s Liturgy at 10:30

Tuesday Evening, December 24: Christmas Orthros (Matins) at 9:00

Tuesday, Evening, December 24: Divine Liturgy of the Nativity at 10:00

You are invited to break the fast with us in the social hall as we celebrate the Nativity of our Lord.

Wednesday, December 25: Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

Saturday, December 28: Great Vespers at 5:00; SOYO 6:00-8:00

Sunday, December 29: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

Tuesday,  December 31: Evening Liturgy – Circumcision of Christ and Basil the Great at 6pm

Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings

Epistle: The Reading is from of St. Paul’s Letter to 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.

Gospel: The Reading is 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.

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

• Myrrh Bearers’ party – January 4th at Rhonda’s home.
• Portraits for the All Saints Photo Directory! Sign up now as spots are quickly being filled! On Monday, January 20 and Tuesday, January 21, from 2:00 to 9:00 pm each day, we will have Lifetouch photo sessions in preparation for the publication of a new church photo directory. If you attend All Saints, we want to include YOU. You are under no obligation to purchase additional photos, but you will receive a free 8 x 10 photo just for participating!
• Church Photo Directory – Go to https://booknow-lifetouch.appointment-plus.com/b65qnjc2/  to schedule your session now.  Questions?  Contact Rhonda Webb at 314-313-4275 or webbrk1@gmail.com
• Pre-Lenten Retreat February 21-22 with Fr. John Oliver, noted author and speaker . Clear your weekend calendar now and plan to participate. 

FAMILY NEWS

Pledges for 2020: Please consider increasing your 2019 pledge by $10 each month. There is no need to fill in a new form unless there has been a major change. If you have never made a pledge, please fill in a form, found in the narthex.

Aunt Ruth’s Toffee is ready for pick-up!

Coffee Hour: Parishioners whose last names begin with R-Z 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 shelves are full, and that’s a good thing!

Anniversary Blessings: Phil & Deborah C(23rd); Robert & Nina R (26th)

Name Day Blessings: Chris S (Christmas Day)

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.

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 Forefeast of the Nativity – Tone 4

Be thou ready, Bethlehem, Eden hath opened unto all. * Ephratha, prepare thyself, for now, behold, the Tree of Life * hath blossomed forth in the cave from the holy Virgin. * Her womb hath proved a true spiritual Paradise, * wherein the divine and saving Tree is found, * and as we eat thereof we shall all live, * and shall not die as did Adam. * For Christ is born now to raise the image that had fallen aforetime.

Apolytikion of the 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 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.