Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheese Fare)
Martyr Hesychios the Senator; Theodotos, bishop of Cyrene in Cyprus;
Virgin-martyr Euthalia of Sicily
March is Women’s Month
“Throughout March, we are encouraged to highlight the vital role of women in the life of the Church. Women serve in many capacities—on parish councils, in church schools, in choirs, through fundraising, and by ministering to those in need within and beyond their parish communities. This month provides a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate their dedication and service.This month, in addition to the many other ways they serve our community, women will serve as Epistle Readers, Ushers and will hold the bowls for the antidoron (blessed bread).”
Thought for Today: “Forgiveness is not a small stream marking the boundary between slavery and freedom. It is as wide and deep as the Red Sea.”
– Metropolitan Anthony Bloom
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.
Kontakion for Forgiveness Sunday – Tone 6
O Thou Who guidest to wisdom, and givest understanding and intelligence, the Instructor of the ignorant, and Helper of the poor, strengthen my heart and grant it understanding, O Master. Give me word, O Word of the Father; for behold, I shall not refrain my lips from crying to Thee, O merciful One, have mercy upon me who am fallen.
EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS
The Epistle
Sing praises to our God, sing praises. Clap your hands, all ye nations.
The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans. (13:11-14:4)
Brethren, now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk becomingly, as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in chambering and licentiousness, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts. But as for the one who is weak in faith, receive him, but not for disputes over opinions. For one believes he may eat anything; but the weak person eats herbs. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to be the judge over the servant of a stranger? To his own master he either stands or falls; but he will be made to stand; for God is able to make him stand.
The Gospel
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (6:14-21)
The Lord said to His Disciples: If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father Who is in secret; and your Father Who sees in secret will reward you. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
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.
House Blessings: Father Peter Jon has either blessed — or is scheduled to bless — the homes of all who have requested a house blessing. So, if you have not had your house blessed, or scheduled a blessing, and you would like to do so, please reach out to Father Peter ASAP to get on his schedule. He does not want to inadvertently overlook anyone.
Psalter Reading schedule for Great Lent 2025 is available at the library sign out.
Lord Willing: This Sunday, March 2, we will welcome Scott and Jackie Callaghan into the Holy Orthodox Church through Baptism at 9:30 am, followed by chrismation in the Divine Liturgy. Welcome home!
Cleaning Up (important); As we continue to enjoy and celebrate growth as a parish family, I am finding almost every week that people (adults and children) are leaving their plates, food, drinks, etc. on tables in the fellowship hall, in the pavilion, in the nursery and on the playground. During the week, dishes are often being left in the sink. Since we do not have a full-time cleaning staff, the priest, pastoral assistant or church secretary are often left to clean up the kitchen, the building and the grounds. From this day forth, let us please committ to leaving the LORD’s house and grounds in better condition than we found them and take responsibility to clean up after any mess left by our children. This is a holy calling. Thank you. – Fr Peter Jon
Confession: Every Orthodox Christian, age 7 and up, should come for confession during the season of repentance — Great Lent. There are six weeks of Lent, followed by Holy Week. The sixth week of Lent is when those preparing for Baptism and Chrismation will make their lifetime confessions – this is the time I have reserved for them. During Holy Week there are 18 services, much Paschal preparation, and very little time for anything else. Therefore, I am asking everyone to come for confession during the first five weeks of Great Lent. I will be available to hear confessions for ONE HOUR prior to services on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and by appointment throughout the week. Please email or text me to reserve your spot. Thank you. – Fr Peter Jon
Lenten Wednesday Meals: Please see the sign-up sheet on the door to the fellowship hall. Thank you in advance for your contributions to this blessed time of breaking bread together!
This Week
Today, Sunday: Choir will practice, 12:30 to 1:30 pm; Myrrh Bearers will meet following Divine Liturgy. Forgiveness Vespers at 5:00 pm.
Monday, March 3: Great Canon of St Andrew of Crete at 6:00pm.
Tuesday, March 4: Great Canon of St Andrew of Crete at 6:00pm.
Wednesday, March 5: Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00 pm; teaching and Soup Supper.
Thursday, March 6: 1st Hour Prayers at 6:00 am, with Akathist to Christ Jesus. Great Canon of St Andrew of Crete at 6:00pm.
Friday, March 7: Akathist to the Theotokos with Compline at 6:00 pm.
Saturday, March 8: Bible Study, 9:00 am at the Webb’s home; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm, Ask Abouna to follow. Jr. and Teen SOYO at 6:30 pm.
Sunday, March 9: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am; Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers at 5:00 pm, St. George in Fishers.
Family News
Birthday Celebration: Dn. Lawrence Baldwin (3rd); Polina Mullis (5th).
Prayer List: Kh. Parasheva; Hal (rehab); Scott (terminal heart condition) and his wife Jackie; Jim and Lisa; Tammera; Taylor;Durlin family; Fr. Athanasius; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Fr. Matthew; Marvin; Nectaria;Shu-Mei,Charlie;Shirley; Jim;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the effect of Hurricanes; those suffering the war in Ukraine, and the Middle East; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; those suffering the effect of wild fires in California; schools: children, youth and personnel across the nation; Mary Ann; Emma; Bob & Bonnie Thelen; Josiah; Jack; Christopher; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Vicki;Kenzie; Dusty; Cari; Betsy; Josh; Allison; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Missy; Andrew; Isaac; Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Neumann Seraphim; Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Lexi, Ross, Vivian; Theo; Jeremy; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; John; Stanley; Macrina with child; Anna and child born to her; Allen; Linda; Allison and children; Kip; Hermione with child, Erica with child; Taylor with child; Penny with child; Dixxe with child; Megan with child; Evan; Catherine with child; Victoria with child; Whitney and children; Domnica; Mary.
Memory Eternal: Archbishop Anastasios; Archimandrite Ambrose; Theodore; Mike; Donald; child Houston; Debbie.
Special Events Calendar: To schedule a special event at the Church (bridal shower, baby shower, birthday party, etc.), please email Nina Rogers at alsntssec@bluemarble.net with your request.
Great Lent special service lists are available along with a fasting calendar, and monthly church event guidelines in the Narthex and at the library sign-out.
All Saints’ Sunday Meal: We have a change in Sunday meal rotation.
1st Sunday – A thru Coats; 2nd Sunday – Coffman thru Holland
3rd Sunday– Hostetler thru Rogers; 4th Sunday – Robertson thru Yeager
We are asking EVERYONE to take part in providing food for our Sunday Meal; whether you are a member, catechumen or inquirer, if you attend regularly, please plan to bring something substantial to share on your designated week. We also need your help cleaning up…many hands make light work! Questions? see Rhonda Webb, Wendy Carter, Nina Rogers, or Melissa Barbarick.
Today, Sunday: 1st Sunday Host A- Coats; Cheesefare. Lead Hostess Martha Barbarick.
Next week: 2nd Sunday Host Coffman – Holland; Lead Hostess Elizabeth Carter.
Giving Opportunities:
Food Pantry: Thank you for the generous support.Our in-houseFood Pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the community of Bloomington. Donations of nonperishable items of pasta, marinara sauce, peanut butter, canned chicken and Tuna, canned vegetables, canned fruit and soups are always a great blessing.
Mission Donations: We send monthly support to two missionary units in Albania, the Hoppe family and Hannah Valentine. We welcome and encourage you to contribute to their ongoing support.
Benevolence Fund: Donations may be made to this fund throughout the year and are mainly used to support families in need of help with rent and utilities payments.
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.