Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
Nicholas, Bishop of Patara; New-martyr Nicholas of Karamania in Asia Minor
Nourishment of the Soul: “It is good to be generous to all, especially to those who cannot repay you.” – St. Theodoros the Great
Father Peter Jon continues to post short videos at www.allsaintsbloomington.org to connect with, inspire and inform us. On the home page, find the current postings under “Videos from Father Peter.”
Annual Gift Card Drive: Please, place gift cards for Christmas on the small tree in the overflow area. Father will distribute them to families who need a special gift of love at this time of the year.
Fall Catechism Classes: Classes will be held in the church and also live-streamed each Wednesday evening after daily vespers. This week Father Peter Jon will teach about the Sinai Nativity icon. This year 8×10 icons on wood will be available for purchase at the presentation. The cost is $30. They make a wonderful Christmas gift.
DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
Nativity Fast – Now – December 24
Sainta Lucia’s annual visit with her crown of candles – December 13
Saying Goodbye to the Mosleners – December 20
Christmas Eve Morning, December 24th
Royal Hours at 9:00
Vesperal Liturgy at 10:00
Christmas Day, December 25th
Festal Matins at 9:00 am; Festal Divine Liturgy at 10:00
THIS WEEK
Wednesday, December 9: Live-Streamed Daily Vespers at 6:00; O101 follows.
Saturday, December 12: Live-Streamed Great Vespers at 5:00: SOYO at 6:00 – 8:00
Sunday, December 13: Live-Streamed Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – St. Lucia
EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS
The Reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. (13:17-21)
(For St. Nicholas)
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
What shall I render to the Lord for all that He has given me?
Brethren, obey your leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give account. Let them do this joyfully, and not sadly, for that would be of no advantage to you. Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner. Now may the God of peace Who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in you that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to Whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
The Reading is 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.
Donations to the church are being made online at www.allsaintsbloomington.org and by U.S. mail. Thank you for continuing to support the church.
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 St. Nicholas – Tone 4
Thy works of justice did reveal thee to thy community as a canon of faith, the likeness of humility and the teacher of abstinence, O thou Father and great Bishop Nicholas. Wherefore, by humility thou didst achieve exaltation, and by thy meekness wealth. Intercede, therefore, intercede with Christ that He will 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.
FAMILY NEWS
Coffee Hour Procedures: Safety directives are being followed. Rhonda, serving as chair of the Myrrh Bearers, is the point person. Please contact her to volunteer donations.
Happy Birthday: Zane Nevils (10th)
Name Day Blessings: Benjamin Carter (St. Nicholas of Myra – 6th)
Memory Eternal: Metropolitan Theodosius; Patriarch Irenei.
Prayer List: Sandy;Becky;Immimk family with Covid;Fr. Dragan; Heidi; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Seraphim Aldea; our nation and our nation’s leaders at all levels of government; world-wide pandemic; nursing home residents and caregivers; schools, school children, youth and personnel across the nation. The People of Beirut; Bonnie Thelen (awaiting kidney transplant); Wadia; Jayci; Dee, Patricia, Marvin A, Benedict, Judith Ann, Cleo, Michael; Olga, Eileen; Kitsa Wiersteiner; Aphrodite and son Angelos in Greece; Violet; Kim; Dusty; Betsy; Allison; Robin & Janet; Mary Ann; Vicki; Mat. Raisa; Isaac (Covid) – in Air Force; Andrew for education decisions; Fr. Marc; Fr. George; George; Catherine (not in this parish); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Alice & Marvin; Kh. Kristina; Bonnie; Emma; Patricia; Mary & Robert; Shirley; Rose; Lexi, Ross & Vivian; Theo; Doug Barrett; Jeremy; Charles; Grayson; Marcia & Deacon; Nick; Bruce; Joanna & Demetrios; Ashlee W; Paul; Cathy; Sitto; Elias; Waded; Neva; Bill; Lonnie; Nancy & Shalana; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer & Regina; those suffering in the drug crisis, with fire devastation, flood damage, and earthquake damage; those suffering in the Middle East
SAFETY PRACTICES
…The Monroe County Health Department requires masks to be worn by those worshipping outdoors when social distancing (6 feet apart) cannot be observed. All are still required to wear masks indoors unless a medical condition prevents them from safely doing so, or unless one is a designated chanter/server.
…If you wish to attend Sunday Matins & Divine Liturgy, please respond in the positive to the email from Fr. Peter that you will find in your inbox. Ex. Smith -2 (Family name – number)
… …Everyone is welcome to attend all non-Sunday services without signing up. Face masks and safety precautions are in place.
…Teen SOYO gather after Great Vespers each Saturday while respecting social distancing practices.
Donations to the church are being made online at www.allsaintsbloomington.org and by U.S. mail. Thank you for continuing to support the church.