Twenty-ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Venerable Makarios the Great of Egypt, the Anchorite

Venerable Makarios of Alexandria; Arsenios, bishop of Kerkyra;

Venerable Mark Eugenikos, metropolitan of Ephesus, pillar of Orthodoxy 

All are invited – Saturday, January 18, following Great Vespers to the viewing of Sacred Alaska, an award-winning film about the development of Orthodox spirituality in the Alaskan lands. Popcorn and taco bar will be provided. A movie for young children will be playing in the nursery.

Thought for Today: “The Lord, is the Lover of mankind, so full of tender compassion whenever we turn completely toward Him and are freed from all things contrary. Even though we, in our supreme ignorance, childishness, and tendency toward evil, turn away from true life and place many impediments along our path because we really do not like to repent, nevertheless. He has great mercy on us. He patiently waits for us until we will be converted and return to Him and be enlightened in our inner selves that our faces may not be ashamed in the day of judgement. – St. Macarius the Great

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 of St. Markarios of Egypt – Tone 4

Thou didst prove to be a citizen of the desert, an angel in the flesh, and a wonderworker, O Makarios, our God-bearing Father. By fasting, vigil, and prayer thou didst obtain heavenly gifts, and thou healest the sick and the souls of them that have recourse to thee with faith. Glory to Him that hath given thee strength. Glory to Him that hath crowned thee. Glory to Him that worketh healings for all through thee.

Kontakion of the Presentation of Christ – Tone 4

Thou, O Christ God, Who by Thy Birth, didst sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and, as is meet, didst bless Simeon’s arms, and didst also come to save us; preserve Thy fold in wars, and confirm them whom Thou didst love, for Thou alone art the Lover of mankind.

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 Colossians. (3:4-11)

Brethren, when Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.  Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.  On account of these, the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience.  In these you once walked, when you lived in them.  But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth.  Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator.  Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all. 

The Gospel

The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (17:12-19)

At that time, as Jesus entered a village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”  When He saw them He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.”  And as they went they were cleansed.  Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks.  Now he was a Samaritan.  Then Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed?  Where are the nine?  Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”  And He said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” 

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 begun blessing homes and will continue reaching out to families for the next couple of months. Feel free to reach out to him to request a specific time or date.

Ladies Christmas party: Saturday, January 25^th, 11:30am at Johanna Hsu’s home. RSVP at mrsarcfide@gmail.com. All women and daughters are invited. To share a ride please meet at 11:15 am here at the church.

Expectant mothers: Please, help yourselves to the disposable diapers size 1, 2 and 3 in the office. Thank you to the family who made the generous donation.

This Week

Today, Sunday: Annual meeting, following Divine Liturgy.

Monday, January 20: 3^rd Hour Prayers for St. Maximus the Confessor at 9:00 am.

Tuesday, January 21: Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.

Wednesday, January 22: Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm; teaching to follow, with meal

Thursday, January23: Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.

Friday, January 24: Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am. St. Xenia of Petersburg.

Saturday, January 25: Bible Study 9:00 am at Webb’s home; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm. Ask Abouna to follow; Junior and Teen SOYO at 6:30 pm.

Sunday, January 26: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.

Names Days: Cody Arthur, Euthymius the Great (20^th); Amanda Smith, St. Agnes (21^st);

Max Williams, Max Pitchkite, Maxius the Confessor (21^st); Laura Crandall, Rita Voss- Monroe, Xenia Konnersman, St. Xenia of Petersburg (24^th).

Birthday Celebration: Cody Arthur (20^th).

Prayer List: Jim and Lisa; Tammera; Taylor and infant Houston(congenital heart defect);Durlin family; 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; Megan; Josiah; Fr. Athanasius; Jack; Christopher; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Vicki;Kenzie; Dusty; Cari; Betsy; Josh; Allison; Andrew; Isaac; Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Neumann Seraphim; Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Lexi, Ross, Vivian; Theo; Jeremy; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Missy; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; John; Stanley; Macrina with child; Ann and child born to her; Allen; Linda; Allison and children; Kip; Anna with child; Amanda with child, Erica with child; Taylor with child; Penny with child; Dixxe  with child; Megan with child; Evan; Catherine with child; Victoria with child; Macrina with child; Whitney and children.

Memory Eternal: Yovonne; David; Jeremy, Christopher.

All Saints’ Sunday Meal: 3^rd Sunday Host Lewis – Schneider; with Nina Rogers as lead

Hostess

Next Week: 4^th Sunday Host Schuck – Yeager, with Rhonda Webb as lead Hostess.

Available in the Narthex: 2025 fasting calendar, Church monthly guidelines, contact and celebration days booklets, and offering envelopes.

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.

Sunday after the Theophany of Christ

Martyr Tatiana of Rome and those with her; Martyr Peter Absalom of Palestine

Thought for Today: “We mustn’t despair when we struggle and continuously see nothing but the slightest progress. We all do nearly nothing, some a little more, some a little less. When Christ sees our little effort He give us an analogous token, and so our nearly nothing becomes valuable, and we can see a little progress. For this reason, we mustn’t despair, but hope in God.” – St. Paisios the Athonite

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 of the Theophany of Christ – Tone 1

When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, worship of the Trinity wast made manifest; for the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, calling Thee His beloved Son. And the Spirit in the likeness of a dove confirmed the truth of His word. O Christ our God, Who hast appeared and enlightened the world, glory to Thee.

Kontakion of the Theophany of Christ – Tone 4

On this day Thou hast appeared * unto the whole world, * and Thy light, O Sovereign Lord, * is signed on us who sing Thy praise * and chant with knowledge: Thou hast now come, * Thou hast appeared, O Thou Light unapproachable.

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

Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians. (4:7-13)

Brethren, grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  Therefore, it is said, “When He ascended on high He led a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men.”  (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that He had also descended into the lower parts of the earth?  He who descended is He who also ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)  And His gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. 

The Gospel 

The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (4:12-17)

At that time, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulon and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulon and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” 

Fr Peter Jon will be traveling beginning Monday and will return late Wednesday night. Please reach out to Thomas Andrew if you have a need while Father is out of town.

House Blessings: Father Peter Jon has begun blessing homes and will continue reaching out to families for the next couple of months. Feel free to reach out to him to request a specific time or date.

This Week

Today, Sunday: Myrrh Bearers’ will meet following Divine Liturgy

Monday, January 13: 3^rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.

Tuesday, January 14: 3rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am. St. Nina the Enlightener of Georgia.
Wednesday, January 15: Readers Vespers at 6:00 pm. Pitch-in to follow. No teaching tonight.

Thursday, January16: Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am. Chains of St. Peter.
Friday, January 17: Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am. Anthony the Great.
Saturday, January 18: Bible Study 9:00 am at Webb’s home; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm. Ask Abouna to follow; Junior and Teen SOYO at 6:30 pm.
Sunday, January 19: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.

Ladies Christmas party: rescheduled to Saturday, January 24^th, 11:30am at Johanna Hsu’s home. RSVP at mrsarcfide@gmail.com. All women and daughters are invited.

Names Days: Sarah Carter, St. Tatiana (12^th); Nina Gillquist, Nina Rogers, St. Nina (14^th); April Blair, Macrina the Elder (14^th); Anthony Gillquist, Jax Schulz, Jacob Gill, Anthony the Great (17^th).

Birthday Celebration: Sarah Carter (13^th); Rachel Barber (14^th).

Prayer List: Jim and Lisa; Tammera; Taylor and infant Houston(congenital heart defect);Durlin family; 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; Megan; Josiah; Fr. Athanasius; Jack; Christopher; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Vicki;Kenzie; Dusty; Cari; Betsy; Josh; Allison; Andrew; Isaac; Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Neumann Seraphim; Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Lexi, Ross, Vivian; Theo; Jeremy; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Missy; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; John; Stanley; Macrina with child; Ann and child born to her; Allen; Linda; Allison and children; Kip; Anna with child; Amanda with child, Erica with child; Taylor with child; Penny with child; Dixxe  with child; Megan with child; Evan; Catherine with child; Victoria with child; Macrina with child; Whitney and children.

Memory Eternal: Yvonne; David; Jeremy, Christopher.

All Saints’ Sunday Meal: 2^nd Sunday Host Gillquist – LeFlore; with Elizabeth Carter as lead Hostess.

Next Week: 3^rd Sunday Host Lewis – Schneider; with Nina Rogers as lead Hostess.

Available in the Narthex: 2025 fasting calendar, Church monthly guidelines, contact and celebration days booklets, and offering envelopes.

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.

The Theophany of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ

 Sunday, January 05

Thought for Today: “The sign of sincere love is to forgive wrongs done to us. It was with such love that the Lord loved the world.”

-St. Mark the Ascetic

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.

The Eisodikon (Entrance Hymn) of the Theophany of Christ

Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord. The Lord is God and hath appeared unto us. Save us, O Son of God, Who wast baptized by John in the Jordan; who sing to Thee. Alleluia.

Apolytikion of the Theophany of Christ – Tone 1

When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, worship of the Trinity wast made manifest; for the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, calling Thee His beloved Son. And the Spirit in the likeness of a dove confirmed the truth of His word. O Christ our God, Who hast appeared and enlightened the world, glory to Thee.

Kontakion of the Theophany of Christ – Tone 4

On this day Thou hast appeared * unto the whole world, * and Thy light, O Sovereign Lord, * is signed on us who sing Thy praise * and chant with knowledge: Thou hast now come, * Thou hast appeared, O Thou Light unapproachable.

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 that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to Titus. (2:11-14; 3:4-7)

            My son Titus, the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world; awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for Himself a people of His own who are zealous for good deeds. When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by His grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

The Gospel

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (3:13-17)

            At that time, Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by Thee, and Thou dost come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, He went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on Him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, with Whom I am well pleased.”

This Week

Today, Sunday: Myrrh Bearers’ will meet following Divine Liturgy

Monday, January 6: No Service due to weather.

Tuesday, January 7: Divine Liturgy; Synaxis of the Forerunner at 9:00 am. (weather permitting)
Wednesday, January 8: Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm; teaching and meal to follow.
Thursday, January 9: Divine Liturgy for St. Philip, Patriarch of Moscow, at 9:00 am. 
Friday, January 10: Divine Liturgy for St. Gregory of Nyssa at 9:00 am.
Saturday, January 11: Bible Study 9:00 am at Webb’s home; Ladies Christmas party, 11:30am at Johanna Hsu’s home; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm. Ask Abouna to follow; Junior and Teen SOYO at 6:30 pm.
Sunday, January 12: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.

Names Day: Micah Finchum, Prophet Micah (5^th); Macrina Robertson, Macrina the younger (5^th); John Labban, John Alexander jr, Prophet and Forerunner John (7^th); Domnica Cook, St. Domnica (8^th); Gregory Gillquist, Michael Gill, Gregory of Nyssa (10^th)

Birthday Celebration: Macrina Robertson (5^th); Sami Koutares (5^th); John Alexander jr. (5^th); Alex Koutares (6^th); Ian Yeager (7^th); Charles Coats (8^th); Hal Sabbagh (9^th).

Prayer List: Tammera; Taylor and infant Houston(congenital heart defect);Durlin family; 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; schools: children, youth and personnel across the nation; Mary Ann; Emma; Bob & Bonnie Thelen; Megan; Josiah; Fr. Athanasius; Jack; Christopher; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Vicki;Kenzie; Dusty; Cari; Betsy; Josh; Allison; Andrew; Isaac; Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Neumann Seraphim; Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Lexi, Ross, Vivian; Theo; Jeremy; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Missy; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; John; Stanley; Macrina with child; Ann and child born to her; Kayla and child born to her Allen; Linda; Allison and children; Kip; Anna with child; Amanda with child, Engy and child born to her,  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.

Memory Eternal: Archbishop Peter; Mother Apollinaria; Yovonne; David; Jeremy, Christopher.

All Saints’ Sunday Meal: 1^st Sunday Host A- Gil; with Melissa Barabarick as lead Hostess.

Next Week: 2^nd Sunday Host Gillquist – LeFlore; 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.

After-feast of & Sunday after the Nativity of Christ

Commemoration of Joseph the Betrothed, David the Prophet and King, and James the brother of God 

Christ is born, Glorify Him!

Thought for Today: “Beloved Christians! Nothing is more pleasant, lovelier, and sweeter to us sinners than the Gospel. More welcome than bread to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, freedom to captives and those in prison, is the Gospel to sinners who understand their misfortune.”  – St. Tikhon of Zadonsk

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 2

When Thou didst submit Thyself unto death, O Thou deathless and immortal One, then Thou didst destroy hades 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 Nativity of Christ -Tone 4

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath given rise to the light of knowledge in the world; for they that worshipped the stars did learn there from to worship Thee, O Sun of justice, and to know that from the east of the Highest Thou didst come. O Lord, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion of Sunday after the Nativity – Tone 2

Proclaim, O Joseph, to David, the grandparent of God, the amazing wonders; for thou hast seen a Virgin great with child; for with the shepherds thou didst give glory, with the Magi thou didst worship, and by the angel it was revealed to thee. Wherefore, plead thou with Christ God to save our souls.

Kontakion of the Nativity of Christ- Tone 3

On this day the Virgin beareth the Transcendent in Essence; * to the Unapproachable, * the earth doth offer a small cave; * Angels join in choir with shepherds * in giving glory; * with a star the Magi travel upon their journey; * for our sakes is born a young Child, * He Who existed * before the ages as God.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

THE EPISTLE

God is wondrous in His saints. Bless God in the congregations.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians. (1:11-19)

Brethren, I would have you know that the Gospel, which was preached by me, is not man’s gospel.  For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ.  For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people; so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.  But when He who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son to me, in order that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus.  Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days.  But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.

THE GOSPEL 

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (2:13-23)

When the wise men had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the Child, to destroy Him.”  And he rose and took the Child and His mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod.  This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called My Son.”  Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region, who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men.  Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.”  But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.”  And he rose and took the Child and His mother, and went to the land of Israel.  But when he heard that Archelaus reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee.  And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

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.

This Week

Monday, December 30 3^rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.

Tuesday, December 31: Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great at 5:00pm (followed by New Year’s Eve Pitch-in and Game Night)

Wednesday, January 1: Great Vespers at 6:00pm; followed by teaching and meal

Thursday, January 2: Divine Liturgy for St. Seraphim of Sarov at 9:00 am.

Friday, January 3: Great (Royal) Hours of Theophany at 9:00 am.

Saturday, January 4: Bible Study 9:00 am at Webb’s home; Baby Shower for Rachael Schuck, 12:00pm to 2:00 pm; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm; SOYO Christmas Pageant” following Great Vespers.

Sunday, January 5: Matins at 9:00 am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am; The Great Blessing of the Waters. Great Vespers of Theophany with Litia/Artoklosia at 5:00pm

Save the Date!  SOYO Christmas Pageant:  Saturday, January 4^th, Junior & Teen SOYO will perform their Nativity Pageant after Great Vespers. All are invited to the SOYO Christmas party following the play. The Church will provide trays of chicken and meatless tenders. Please bring something to share that does not have artificial dyes or sweeteners, and please label anything homemade that contains nuts, dairy, or egg. Thank you!

Please Note: 

On Monday, Jan. 6, Orthros begins at 9:00am and the Divine Liturgy for Theophany with the Outdoor Blessing of the Waters 

Looking Ahead 

Saturday, January 11: Ladies Christmas party at Johanna Hsu’s home. Please, RSVP at mrsarcfide@gmail.com.

Sunday, January 19: All Saints parish annual meeting

Family News

Names Day: Will Gidney, Jonathan Hsu St. Basil (1^st); Linda Barrett, Leanne Bissell, Neuman Jones, Seraphim Cook St. Seraphim (2^nd);Juliana Barber Juliana the merciful (2^nd); Johanna Hsu, Emily Wood Emilia (3^rd);Jennifer Rigsby, Genevieve Maschino, Alice Van Cleave St. Genevieve (3^rd).

Birthday Celebration: Nancy Jones (31^st); Molly Alexander (31^st); Lena Tabbel (1^st); Hayden Busby (2^nd); Emily Wood (3^rd).

Anniversary Celebration: Darryl & Namcy Jones (4^th).

Prayer List: Tammera; Taylor and infant Houston(congenital heart defect);Durlin family;

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; schools: children, youth and personnel across the nation; Mary Ann; Emma; Bob & Bonnie Thelen; Megan; Josiah; Fr. Athanasius; Jack; Christopher; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Vicki;Kenzie; Dusty; Cari; Betsy; Josh; Allison; Andrew; Isaac; Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Neumann Seraphim; Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Lexi, Ross, Vivian; Theo; Jeremy; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Missy; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; John; Stanley; Macrina with child; Ann and child born to her; Kayla and child born to her Allen; Linda; Allison and children; Kip; Anna with child; Amanda 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 with children.

Memory Eternal: Archbishop Peter; Mo. Apollinaria; Yvonne; David; Jeremy; Christopher.

All Saints’ Sunday Meal: 5^th Sunday,all are encouraged to participate in Sunday meal.

Next Week: 1^st Sunday Host A- Gil, with Melissa 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.

Saint Nicholos Tree: Please consider bringing a gift card to place on the St. Nicholas Tree (the small tree in the fellowship hall) between now and December 22. Gas cards, grocery cards, and general gift cards are helpful to families in need.

Cold-weather Clothing Drive: There will be a large box in the hall for the collection of children’s hats, gloves, socks and underclothes (size 3T to kids 14) until December 30th. 

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.

Sunday before the Nativity of Christ (The Genealogy)

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

Reminder for this Sunday; Baptisms at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy & Chrismations at 10:00 am.

Nativity Fast

Behold the Joyous Season of Preparation for the Incarnation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Thought for Today: “The more we pray for each other, the more love unites us. – St. Gregory Palamas

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

THE EPISTLE

Blessed are Thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers.

For Thou art justified in all that Thou hast done for us.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the 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.

THE GOSPEL

The Reading 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.

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 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 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 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 the shepherds give glory to Him. Who shall appear by His own will as a young child, He who is from eternity God.

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.

Saint Nicholos Tree: Please consider bringing a gift card to place on the St. Nicholas Tree (the small tree in the fellowship hall) between now and December 22. Gas cards, grocery cards, and general gift cards are helpful to families in need.

Cold-weather Clothing Drive: There will be a large box in the hall for the collection of children’s hats, gloves, socks and underclothes (size 3T to kids 14) until December 30th. 

This Week

Today, Sunday: Neighborhood Caroling. Please contact Thomas Andrew at (812) 929-1766 to RSVP.

Monday, December 23: 3^rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.

Tuesday, December 24: Hours of Christmas at 9:00 am; Christmas Eve Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great at 5:00 pm.

Wednesday, December 25: Matins (Orthros) at 9:00 am; Divine Liturgy of the Nativity of Christ at 10:00 am.

Thursday, December 26: 3^rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.

Friday, December 27: Divine Liturgy for St. Stephen the Protomartyr at 9:00 am.

Saturday, December 28: Bible Study 9:00 am at Webb’s home; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm.

Ask Abouna to follow; Junior and Teen SOYO at 6:30 pm.

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

Family News

Names Day: Chris Stroguiludis, Christ Jesus (25^th); Stephen Berck, Protomartyr Stephen (27^th).

Birthday Celebration: Jonathon Hsu (22^nd); Stephen Berck (27^th).

Anniversary Celebration: Phil & Debra Campbell (23^rd).

Prayer List: Tammera; Taylor and infant Houston (congenital heart defect); Durlin family; 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; schools: children, youth and personnel across the nation; Mary Ann; Emma; Bob & Bonnie Thelen; Megan; Josiah; Fr. Athanasius; Jack; Christopher; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Vicki; Kenzie; Dusty; Cari; Betsy; Josh; Allison; Andrew; Isaac; Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Neumann Seraphim; Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Lexi, Ross, Vivian; Theo; Jeremy; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Missy; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; John; Stanley; Macrina with child; Ann and child born to her; Kayla and child born to her Allen; Linda; Allison and children; Kip; Anna with child; Amanda with child, Engy and child born to her, Erica with child; Taylor with child; Penny with child; Dixxe with child; Megan with child; Evan; Catherine with child; Victoria with child; Whitney with children

Memory Eternal: Crystal, Gene; Gilbert; Elizabeth; Archbishop Peter; Beverly; Mo. Apollinaria.

All Saints’ Sunday Meal: 4^th Sunday host Schuck – Yeager with Rhonda Webb as lead Hostess.

Next Week: 5th Sunday everyone is Welcome to contribute to the meal.

Giving Opportunities:

Food Pantry: Thank you for the generous support. Our in-house Food 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.