Feast of Palm Sunday:

Entrance of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem

**Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom** 

Thought for Today: “The earth is a country of weeping; Heaven is a country of joy. Heavenly joy grows from seeds on earth. These seeds are prayer and tears.” -St. Ignatius Brianchaninov

The Eisodikon (Entrance Hymn) of Psalm Sunday

Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord: God is the Lord and hath appeared unto us. Save us, O Son of God, Who didst sit upon the foal of an ass, who sing to Thee: Alleluia.

Apolytikion of Lazarus Saturday – Tone 1

In confirming the common Resurrection, O Christ God, Thou didst raise up Lazarus from the dead before Thy Passion. Wherefore, we also, like the children, bearing the symbols of victory, cry to Thee, the Vanquisher of death: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Apolytikion of Psalm Sunday – Tone 4

As by baptism we were buried with Thee, O Christ our God, so by Thy Resurrection we were deemed worthy of immortal life; and praising Thee, we cry: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Kontakion of Palms Sunday – Tone 6

Being borne upon a throne in Heaven, and upon a colt on the earth, O Christ God, Thou didst accept the praise of the angels and the laudation of the children as they cried to Thee: Blessed art Thou Who comest to recall Adam.

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. 

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS  

The Epistle 

Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord.O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endures forever.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians. (4:4-9)

Brethren, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice! Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received, and heard and seen in me do, and the God of peace will be with you. 

The Gospel

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (12:1-18)

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus who had died was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at table with Him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, one of His Disciples (he who was to betray Jesus), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not because he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the moneybox he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, “Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of My burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have Me.” When the great crowd of the Jews learned that He was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, “Hosanna! Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it; as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on an ass’s colt!” His Disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of Him and had been done to Him. The crowd that had been with Jesus when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet Jesus was that they heard He had done this sign.

Welcome Home and May God Grant you many Years! Samuel & Audra Pierce; Boone Fowler; Arya Gotoh; Holden Petro; Aaliyah Leflore; Drew Pastore; Aiden Collawn; Scarlett Pierce (all joined to the church Saturday, April 12) Please allow the newly illumined to receive Holy Eucharist first.

Confession:  Every Orthodox Christian, age 7 and up, should come for confession during the season of repentance — Great Lent.  If you have been unable to confess until now, please contact me as soon as possible to schedule a time.  The Lord awaits with His loving arms outstretched. 

– Fr Peter Jon

Adorning the Tomb: All children (SOYO and Jr SOYO) are warmly invited to come and take part in the annual Holy Friday mini-retreat, at which they will adorn the tomb (bier) of Christ, preparing it to receive His most holy body at Unnailing Vespers. A quiet lunch will be served around 11:30. Reflection and decoration from noon-1pm. All are encouraged to quietly prepare for 3pm Great Vespers.

This Week 

Today, Sunday: Bridegroom service at 5:00 pm.

Monday, April 14: Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00 am; Bridegroom Service at 6:00 pm.

Tuesday, April 15: Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00 am; Bridegroom Service at 6:00 pm.

Wednesday, April 16: Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00 am; Holy Unction at 6:00 pm.

Thursday, April 17: Foot-washing, Mystical Supper Liturgy at 9:00 am; 12 Passion Gospels at 6:00 pm.

Friday, April 18: Royal Hours at 9:00am; Great Vespers of Unnailing at 3:00 pm; Orthros with Lamentations at 6:00 pm.

Saturday, April 19: Vesperal Liturgy for the Harrowing of Hades at 9:00 am, Rush, Matins, Divine Liturgy of Pascha at 10:00 pm.

Sunday, April 20: Agape Service at 12:00 pm; Feast to follow.

Family News  

Name Day Celebration: Amanda Holland, Martyr Hermione (14^th); Susan Chattin, Martyr Anastasia (15^th).

Birthday Celebration: Amanda Holland (14^th); Harper Garletts (14^th); Stephen Berck (15^th); Marvin Piercefield (15).

Prayer List: Kh. Parasheva; Hal (rehab); Scott (terminal heart condition) and his wife Jackie; Jim and Lisa; 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; Dixxie and child born; Megan with child; Evan; Catherine with child; Victoria and child born; Whitney and children’

Memory Eternal: Archpriest Daniel, Ericka, Matushka Mary

Changes in the Nave: We are working to more comfortably accommodate the growing number of faithful in our parish. We removed some chairs and rearranged seating to afford everyone a better view of the iconostasis and improve the path for the Great Entrance. Standing is welcome up front or in the back on the new rugs which are specifically provided for comfortable seating during the homily. We will continue to look out for one another and make sure that those who need a chair will have one. I thank you for your cheerful patience and helpful feedback. – Fr. Peter Jon

A Pilgrimage to Holy Dormition Monastery – Friday, May 23 – Monday May 25, 2025.  All Saints will be offering a pilgrimage to this women’s monastery located in south central Michigan. Rhonda & Howard Webb will be leading the group. Catechumens and Inquirers are welcome.  Services are primarily in English with some Romanian. Please email Rhonda Webb at webbrk1@gmail.com to sign up – space is limited. Priority will be given to those who have not visited a monastery before.  See flyer on the bulletin board for more details. 

All Saints’ Sunday Meal:

Today, Sunday: Palm Sunday, Host Coffman- Holland, with Wendy Elizabeth Carter as lead hostess. The church will provide fish, and Myrrh Bearers will provide some sides.

Next week: Agape meal potluck, Host Hostettler- Rogers, with Nina Rogers as lead hostess.

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.

Fifth Sunday of Great Lent

Commemoration of our Righteous Mother Mary of Egypt

Eutychios, patriarch of Constantinople; Venerable Platonida of Nisibis in Syria

**Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great**

Thought for Today: “His path has been trodden from the ages and from all generations by the cross and by death. But how is it with you, that the afflictions on  the path seem to you to be off the path? Do you not wish to follow the steps of the saints? Or have you plans for devising some way of your own, and of journeying therein without suffering.” – St. Isaac the Syrian

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 8

From the heights Thou didst descend, O compassionate One, and Thou didst submit to the three-day burial, that Thou might deliver us from passion; Thou art our life and our Resurrection, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion of St. Mary of Egypt – Tone 8

Through thee, the divine likeness was securely preserved, O mother Mary; for thou didst carry the cross and follow Christ. By example and precept thou didst teach us to ignore the body, because it is perishable, and to attend to the concerns of the undying soul. Therefore, doth thy soul rejoice with the angels.

Ordinary Kontakion – Tone 2

O undisputed intercessor of Christians, the Mediatrix, who is unrejected by the Creator. Turn not away to the voice of our petions, though we be sinners. Come to us with aid in time, who cry unto thee in faith, for thou art good. Hasten to us with intercession, O Theotokos who doet ever intercede for those who honor thee.

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.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS  

The Epistle 

Make your vows unto the Lord our God and perform them.

God is known in Judah; His name is great in Israel.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. (9:11-14)

Brethren, when Christ appeared as a High Priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent, not made with hands, that is,  not of this creation; He entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves, but His own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and calves and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

The Gospel

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (10:32-45) 

At that time, Jesus took His twelve Disciples and began to tell them what was to happen to Him, saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles.  And they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit upon Him, and kill Him; and after three days He will rise.” And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to Him, and said to Him, “Teacher, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire” And Jesus said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And they said to Him, “Grant us to sit, one at Thy right hand and one at Thy left, in Thy glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to Him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized. But to sit at My right hand or at My left is not Mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to Him and said to them, “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be servant of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” 

Welcome Home Newly Illumined Christina, Harper, Bennett, and Margot Garletts; George Habib; Alexander Schuck (All joined to the Church 10am on Saturday, April 5). May God grant you, your family and Godparents many, many years!

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

This Week  

Today, Sunday: Choir practice follows Divine Liturgy;Lenten Vespers at 5:00 pm, Joy of All Who Sorrow; homilist Stravonikitas Damianakis.

Monday, April 7: 3^rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.

Tuesday, April 8: 3^rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.

Wednesday, April 9: Confessions at 5 pm; Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00 pm; teaching and Soup Supper.

Thursday, April 10: 6^th Hour Prayers at 12:00 pm.

Friday, April 11: Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00am; Little Compline, with the Canon to the Raising of Lazarus at 6:00 pm.

Saturday, April 12: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am for Lazarus the Righteous, with Baptisms and Chrismations.

Sunday, April 13: Palm Sunday;Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am; Bridegroom Service at 5:00 pm.

Family News  

Name Day Celebration: Molly Alexander, St. Mary of Egypt (6^th).

Birthday Celebration: Cora Bidulescu (6^th).

Prayer List: Kh. Parasheva; Hal (rehab); Scott (terminal heart condition) and his wife Jackie; Jim and Lisa; 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 and child born; Megan with child; Evan; Catherine with child; Victoria with child; Whitney and children’

Memory Eternal: Mike; Donald; Houston; Debbie; Erika, Archpriest George; Archpriest Wayne, Archpriest Daniel, Judy.

Changes in the Nave:  You will notice that we are trying different things to more comfortably accommodate the growing number of faithful in our parish. We removed some chairs and stored them.  We rearranged seating to afford everyone a better view of the iconostasis and improve the path for the Great Entrance. Standing is welcome up front or in the back on the new rugs which are specifically provided for comfortable sitting during the homily or for those who need a break. I know we will look out for one another as always and make sure that those who truly need a chair will have one. This will be a small transition period for all of us and I thank you in advance for your cheerful patience and feedback. –  Fr. Peter Jon

A Pilgrimage to Holy Dormition Monastery – Friday, May 23 – Monday May 25, 2025.  All Saints will be offering a pilgrimage to this women’s monastery located in south central Michigan. Rhonda & Howard Webb will be leading the group. Catechumens and Inquirers are welcome.  Services are primarily in English with some Romanian. Please email Rhonda Webb at webbrk1@gmail.com to sign up – space is limited. Priority will be given to those who have not visited a monastery before.  See flyer on the bulletin board for more details. 

All Saints’ Sunday Meal:

Today, Sunday: 1^st Sunday Host A- Coats, with Martha Barbarick as lead hostess.

Next week: 2^nd Sunday Host Coffman – Holland, with Elizabeth Carter as lead hostess.

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.

Fourth Sunday of Great Lent

Commemoration of John Climacus, Author of “The Ladder”

New Hieromartyr Zachariah, metropolitan of Corinth; Sophronios, bishop of Irkutsk

**Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great**

Thought for Today: “God is not unjust. He will not slam the door against the man who humbly knocks.”  – St. John Climacus

Welcome Father Jeremy May God grant you many years! It is our joy having you here visiting our parish. 

March is Women’s Month

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 7

Thou didst shatter death by Thy Cross, Thou didst open paradise to the thief; Thou didst turn the sadness of the ointment-bearing women into joy. And didst bid Thine Apostles proclaim a warning, that Thou hast risen O Christ, granting to the world the Great Mercy.

Apolytikion of St. John Climacus – Tone 8

The barren wilderness thou didst make fertile with the streams of thy tears; and by thy deep sighing thou hast given fruit through thy struggles a hundredfold. Accordingly, thou hast become a star for the universe, sparkling with miracles. Therefore, O righteous Father John Climacus, intercede with Christ God to save our souls.

Kontakion for Sundays in Great Lent – Tone 8

To thee, the Champion Leader, do I offer thanks of victory, O Theotokos, thou who hast delivered me from terror; but as thou that hast that power invincible, O Theotokos, thou alone can set me free: from all forms of danger free me and deliver me, that I may cry unto thee: Hail, O Bride without Bridegroom.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS 

The Epistle

The Lord will give strength to His people.

Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. (6:13-20)

Brethren, when God made a promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater by whom to swear, He swore to Himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiplying you.” And thus, Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Men indeed swear by what is greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So, when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of His purpose, He interposed with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

The Gospel

       The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (9:17-31)

       At that time, a man came to Jesus, kneeling down and saying unto him, “Teacher,  

I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked Thy Disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” And Jesus answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to Me.” And they brought the boy to Him; and when the spirit saw Jesus, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, “How long has he had this?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if Thou canst do anything, have pity on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again.” And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when Jesus had entered the house, His Disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And Jesus said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.” They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And Jesus would not have anyone know it; for He was teaching His Disciples, saying to them, “The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and after He is killed, He will rise on the third day.”

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.

Changes in the Nave:  As mentioned on Sunday, we are trying different things to more comfortably accommodate the growing number of faithful in our parish. This week we removed some chairs and stored them.  We rearranged seating to afford everyone a better view of the iconostasis and improve the path for the Great Entrance. Standing is welcome up front or in the back on the new rugs which are specifically provided for comfortable sitting during the homily or for those who need a break. I know we will look out for one another as always and make sure that those who truly need a chair will have one. This will be a small transition period for all of us and I thank you in advance for your cheerful patience and feedback. –  Fr. Peter Jon

Saturday Baptisms: Our first wave of spring baptisms and chrismations will happen this Saturday (April 5) at 10am. All are welcome to attend!

All Hands On Deck!!  We will have a parish-wide workday on Saturday, April 5th beginning at 11:00am (following baptisms at 10:00am).  There will be indoor and outdoor jobs (weather permitting) including window washing, polishing of altar ware, deep cleaning of kitchen and nave (if needed) and shrine clean-up, trash pick up along the road, cemetery tidying and more.  Lunch will be provided.  Come as soon as you can and stay as long as you can.  Everyone is welcome to join in!

In an effort to make the First Hour + Akathist services more accessible, we are moving to a fixed schedule. First Hours will be read with an Akathist at 6:00 AM on the first Thursday of every Month. Participation is encouraged in the reading of the Psalms during the Hours service. For more information, reach out to Matthew-Valentine Robertson.

A Pilgrimage to Holy Dormition Monastery – Friday, May 23 – Monday May 25, 2025.  All Saints will be offering a pilgrimage to this women’s monastery located in south central Michigan. Rhonda & Howard Webb will be leading the group. Catechumens and Inquirers are welcome.  Services are primarily in English with some Romanian. Please email Rhonda Webb at webbrk1@gmail.com to sign up – space is limited. Priority will be given to those who have not visited a monastery before.  See flyer on the bulletin board for more details. 

This Week 

Today, Sunday: Lenten Vespers, 5:00 pm at Ss. Constantine and Helen; homilist Father

Gregory Hohnholt.

Monday, March 31: 3^rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.

Tuesday, April 1: Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00 am.

Wednesday, April 2: Confessions at 5 pm; Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00 pm; teaching and Soup Supper.

Thursday, April 3: 1^st Hour Prayers with Akathist to St. Tikhon of Moscow at 6:00 am; Small Compline with the Life of St. Mary of Egypt; the Full Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete at 6:00pm.

Friday, April 4: Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00am; Full Akathist to the Theotokos with Compline at 6:00 pm.

Saturday, April 5: Baptisms and Chrismations at 10:00 am; All-parish workday begins at 11:00 am; Confessions at 4:00 pm; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm, Ask Abouna to follow. Jr. and Teen SOYO at 6:30 pm.

Sunday, April 6: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am; Lenten Vespers, 5:00 pm at Joy of All Who Sorrow; homilist Stravonikitas Damianakis.

Family News  

Name Day Celebration: John Alexander, John Climacus (30^th); Polina Mullis, Martyr Apolinara (4^th); Alex Puccio, Maria of Gotchina (4^th).

Birthday Celebration: Faith Farley (1^st); Wendy Elizabeth Carter (2^nd); Jennifer Rigsby (5^th).

Prayer List: Kh. Parasheva; Hal (rehab); Scott (terminal heart condition) and his wife Jackie; Jim and Lisa; 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 and child born; Megan with child; Evan; Catherine with child; Victoria with child; Whitney and children; Domnica; Mary.

Memory Eternal: Mike; Donald; Houston; Debbie; Erika, Archpriest George; Archpriest Wayne, Archpriest Daniel, Judy (Randel’s Aunt).

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

All Saints’ Sunday Meal:

Today, Sunday: 5^th Sunday Host All Saints, potluck to welcome Archimandrite Jeremy.

Next week: 1^st Sunday Host A- Coats, with Martha Barbarick as lead hostess.

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.

Third Sunday of Great Lent

Veneration of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross

Venerable-martyr Nikon of Sicily and with him 199 disciples

 **Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great**

Thought for Today: “If you are penetrated through with the deep mystery of the Cross, than you will see nothing there except for the love of God the Father crucifying His Son, the love of God the Son dying on the Cross, and the love of the Holy Spirit exulting in the sacrifice of the Cross.” – St. Philaret of Moscow

March is Women’s Month

“Throughout March, 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).”

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 6

When Mary stood at Thy grave, looking for Thy sacred body, angelic powers shone above Thy revered tomb; and the soldiers who were to keep guard became as dead men. Thou led Hades captive and wast not tempted thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst give life to the world, O Thou, Who art risen from the dead, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion for the Holy Cross – Tone 1

O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, granting to Thy people victory over all their enemies, and by the power of Thy Cross preserving Thy commonwealth.

Kontakion for Sundays in Great Lent – Tone 8

To thee, the Champion Leader, do I offer thanks of victory, O Theotokos, thou who hast delivered me from terror; but as thou that hast that power invincible, O Theotokos, thou alone can set me free: from all forms of danger free me and deliver me, that I may cry unto thee: Hail, O Bride without Bridegroom.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS 

The Epistle 

O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.

Unto Thee, O Lord, will I cry, O my God!

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. (4:14-5:6)

Brethren, since we have a great High Priest, Who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast the confession. For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to sympathize with our infirmities, but one Who has been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest, being taken from among the people, is appointed on behalf of the people in things pertaining to God, that he may offer up both gifts and sacrifices for sins; who can have compassion on the ignorant and on those who are erring, since he himself also is encompassed with infirmity. Because of this he is bound, as for the people so also for himself, to offer up for sins. And no one takes the honor upon himself, but as being called by God, as was Aaron. So Christ also did not glorify Himself to become a High Priest, but it was by the One saying to Him, “Thou art My Son, today I have begotten Thee.”  As He says also in another place, “Thou art a Priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” 

The Gospel

 The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (8:34-9:1)

The Lord said, “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” And Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.”

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.

First Visit: Archimandrite Jeremy, the Archiepiscopal Vicar for Toledo and the Midwest, will be making his first visit to All Saints this coming weekend. He will serve Great Vespers on Saturday (3/29) at 5pm, followed by a Lenten meal at 6:00 and an Ask Abouna session from 7-8pm. Ask Abouna questions must be submitted ahead of time, and may be placed in the designated basket on the memorial table or emailed to Fr. Peter Jon (“Ask Abouna” in the subject line) by midnight tonight (3/23). Archimandrite Jeremy will answer as many questions as possible during the hour provided.

Sunday (3/30), Archimandrite Jeremy will serve Orthros and Divine Liturgy, joining us for the Sunday Meal afterwards. Then, he will speak from 1-2pm on “The Joyful Challenges of Rapid Parish Growth.”

This Week 

Today, Sunday: Choir will practice, following Divine Liturgy; Lenten Vespers, 5:00 pm at Holy Trinity; homilist Father Jeremy Davis.

Monday, March 24: 3^rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.

Tuesday, March 25: Divine Liturgy at 6:00 pm, for the Annunciation; followed by a parish-wide fish dinner in order that we may honor both the Great Fast and the Great Feast.

Wednesday, March 26: Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00 pm; teaching and Soup Supper.

Thursday, March 27: 6^th Hour Prayers at 12:00 noon; OCF dinner and discussion, 6:30 pm at Howard and Rhonda’s home.

Friday, March 28: Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00am; Confessions at 5:00pm, Akathist to the Theotokos with Compline at 6:00 pm.

Saturday, March 29: 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. *Please note: there will be no confessions heard on Saturday at 4:00pm due to Fr. Jeremy’s visit.

Sunday, March 30: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am; Lenten Vespers, 5:00 pm at Ss. Constantine and Helen; homilist Fr. Gregory Hohnholt.

Family News  

Name Day Celebration: Gabriella Crandall, Randel Storm. Archangel Gabriel (26^th).

Birthday Celebration: Ross Caton (25^th); Tristan Rigsby (26^th); Darryl Jones (29^th); Nina Rogers (29^th).

Prayer List: Kh. Parasheva; Hal (rehab); Scott (terminal heart condition) and his wife Jackie; Jim and Lisa; 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: Mike; Donald; child Houston; Debbie; Archpriest George.

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

All Saints’ Sunday Meal:

Today, Sunday: 4^th Sunday Host Robertson – Yeager; Lead Hostess Rhonda Perpetua Webb.

Next week: 5^th Sunday Host All Saints; Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate in providing a dish for the meal.

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.

Second Sunday of Great Lent

Commemoration of Gregory Palamas, archbishop of Thessalonica

Martyr Sabinos of Egypt; Venerable Christodoulos the wonderworker of Patmos 

**Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great**

Thought for Today: “True fasting lies is rejecting evil, holding one’s tongue, suppressing one’s hatred, and banishing one’s lust, evil words, lying, and betrayal of vows.”

– St. Basil the Great

March is Women’s Month

“Throughout March, 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).”

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 5

Let us believers praise and worship the Word; coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation. For, He took pleasure in ascending the Cross in the flesh to suffer death; and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection.

Apolytikion for St. Gregory Palamas – Tone 8

O Star of Orthodoxy, support of the Church and its teacher, O comeliness of ascetics, and incontestable champion of those who speak in theology, Gregory the wonder-worker, the pride of Thessalonica and preacher of grace, implore thou constantly for the salvation of our souls.

Kontakion for Sundays in Great Lent – Tone 8

To thee, the Champion Leader, do I offer thanks of victory, O Theotokos, thou who hast delivered me from terror; but as thou that hast that power invincible, O Theotokos, thou alone can set me free: from all forms of danger free me and deliver me, that I may cry unto thee: Hail, O Bride without Bridegroom.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle 

Thou, O Lord, shalt preserve us and keep us from this generation.

Save me, O Lord, for the godly man hath disappeared.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. (1:10-2:3)

     In the beginning, you O Lord,  didst found the earth, and the heavens are the works of Thy hands; they will perish; but Thou remainest; and they will all grow old like a garment, and like a mantle Thou wilt roll them up, and they shall be changed; but Thou art the same, and Thy years will never end.” But to what angel has He ever said, “Sit on My right hand, until I make thine enemies a stool for thy feet?” Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation? Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?  It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.

The Gospel

   The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (2:1-12)

At that time, when Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that He was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and He was preaching the Word to them. And they came, bringing to Jesus a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now, some of the scribes were sitting there, reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in His spirit that they thus reasoned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you reason thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your pallet and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – He said to the paralytic – “I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home.” And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all. So that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

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.

First Archpastoral Visit: Archimandrite Jeremy, the Archiepiscopal Vicar for Toledo and the Midwest, will be making his first visit to All Saints at the end of this month. He will serve Great Vespers on Saturday (3/29) at 5pm, followed by a Lenten meal at 6:00 and an Ask Abouna session from 7-8pm. Ask Abouna questions must be submitted ahead of time, and may be placed in the designated basket on the memorial table or emailed to Fr. Peter Jon (“Ask Abouna” in the subject line) by Saturday (3/22). Archimandrite Jeremy will answer as many questions as possible during the hour provided.

Sunday, (3/30), Archimandrite Jeremy will serve Orthros and Divine Liturgy, joining us for the Sunday Meal afterwards. Then, he will speak from 1-2pm on “The Joyful Challenges of Rapid Parish Growth.”

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

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.

Online Lenten Retreat for All Mothers presented by Fr. Peter Jon (Sponsored by St. Emmelia Ministries). Monday, March 17 from 3-5pm. Please wear green and email Khouria Kristina for a link to the event.

This Week

Today, Sunday: Choir will practice, 12:30 to 1:30 pm; Parish Council will meet following Divine; Lenten Vespers, 5:00 pm at St. Barnabas; homilist Father Dragan Petrovic.

Monday, March 17: 3^rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.

Tuesday, March 18: Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00am.

Wednesday, March 19: Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00 pm; teaching and Soup Supper.

Thursday, March 20: 6^th Hour Prayers at 12:00 noon.

Friday, March 21: Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00am; Akathist to the Theotokos with Compline at 6:00 pm.

Saturday, March 22: 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 23: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am; Lenten Vespers, 5:00 pm at Holy Trinity; homilist Father Jeremy Davis.

Great Feast of the Annunciation! On Tuesday, March 25, we will celebrate the Divine Liturgy for the Feast at 6:00pm, followed by a parish-wide fish dinner. An evening liturgy on the date of the Feast is unusual, but is prescribed for the Annunciation, since it falls within the Great Lenten Fast. In other words, our feasting is limited to one meal following the evening liturgy in order that we may honor both the Great Fast and the Great Feast.

Family News

Name Day Celebration: David Patterson, St. Patrick the Enlightener of Ireland (17^th); Mezy Alexander, Hannah Noor Gillquist, Shirley Richardson, Evelynn Wakefield; Great Martyr Photini (26^th).

Birthday Celebration: Adam Shahadey (16^th); Kh. Kristina Gillquist (18^th); Marah Polit (19^th); Rachael Ann Schuck (19^th); Lilly Blair (20^th); Saraquel Hsu (21^st); George Tabbal (21^st); Ghada Labban (21^st); Marco Pressley (22^nd).

Prayer List: Kh. Parasheva; Hal (rehab); Scott (terminal heart condition) and his wife Jackie; Jim and Lisa; 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: Mike; Donald; child Houston; Debbie.

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!

All Saints’ Sunday Meal:

Today, Sunday: 3^rd Sunday Host Hostetler – Rogers; Lead Hostess Nina Rogers.

Next week: 4^th Sunday Host Robertson – Yeager; Lead Hostess Rhonda Perpetua Webb.

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.