Checks should be dated with the new year 2020! It’s not so easy (for some of us) to break the old habit of writing 2019!
Paramon (Eve) of & Sunday before Theophany of Christ
Martyrs Theopemptos the Bishop of Nicomedia and Theonas the former magician;
Venerable Syncletica of Alexandria; Venerable-martyr Romanos of Athos
Nourishment for the Soul: “Whoever carries within himself, the peace of the Holy Spirit brings peace to others as well; and whoever carries with himself an evil spirit brings evil to others. The soul that has experienced God wishes always to see Him with itself, for He enters quietly and brings peace to the soul and witnesses salvation without words.” – St. Silouan the Athanonite
A Reminder for this morning: At the end of today’s service there will be the Sanctification (Blessing) of the Indoor Waters, and this evening Great Vespers of Holy Theophany is celebrated at 5:00.Bring your bottles to fill with the Holy Water.
Pledges for 2020: Please consider increasing your 2019 pledge by $10 each month. If you have never made a pledge, please fill in a form, found in the narthex. Thank you.
Offering Envelopes are available in the Narthex: Please record your name beside the number on the envelopes. You may continue using older envelopes if you have them.
THIS WEEK
Monday, January 6: Festal Matins of Holy Theophany at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 with The Blessing of the Outdoor Waters (weather permitting)
Monday, January 6: Compline and Fellowship at the Haneys’ at 7pm
Tuesday, January 7: House Blessings begin.
Wednesday, January 8: Daily Vespers at 6:00
Thursday, January 9: Bible Study at Becky’s home
Thursday, January 9: Vesperal Liturgy for St. Gregory of Nyssa at 6:00
Saturday, January 11: Great Vespers at 5:00; SOYO 6:00-8:00
Sunday, January 12: Matins at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00
Today’s Epistle and Gospel Readings
Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul’s Second Letter to St. Timothy. (4:5-8)
(For the Sunday before the Theophany of Christ)
My child Timothy, be watchful in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the season of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, and I have guarded the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will reward me at that day, and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved His appearing.
Gospel: 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.”
Divine Liturgy Variables for Choir and Parish
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 for the Paraon (Eve) of Theophany- Tone 4
River Jordan was turned back by Elisseus’ mantle once, * when the fiery man of zeal Elias had been taken up; * then were its waters divided hither and thither. * The running streams became dry passage unto him, * truly as a sign and type of Baptism, * whereby we pass to the other side of * the shifting stream of this fleeting life. * Christ hath appeared in the Jordan River, to sanctify the waters.
Kontakion of theForefeast 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.
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. Approach to the cup starts at the front rows; the choir and preschool go first.
LOOKING AHEAD
- Portraits for the All Saints Photo Directory! Sign up now as spots are quickly being filled for Monday, January 20 and Tuesday, January 21, from 2:00 to 9:00 pm each day. If you attend All Saints, we want to include YOU. 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 (See the insert for additional information. Same as Online sent earlier.)
- 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
Coffee Hour: Parishioners whose last names begin with A-B 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: Michael & Missy Shahadey (7th)
Birthday Greetings: John Alexander (5th); Charles Coats (8th); Luke Barber (9th); Hal Sabbagh (9th)
Name Day Blessings: Micah Finchum (5th); John Alexander (John the Baptist -14th); John Labban (John the Baptist – 7th); Brian Owen (John the Baptis t– 7th); Gregory Gillquist (St. Gregory of Nyssa – 10th)
Prayer List: Johanna and infant Jonathan; 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.