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.

First Sunday of Great Lent (Sunday of Orthodoxy)

& The Holy and Great Forty Martyrs of Sebastia

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

Daylight saving is time Sunday, March 9th: Remember to move your clocks ahead one hour! 

Thought for Today: “When thoughts are choking me like so many thorns, I enter the church, the hospital of souls. The beauty of the icons delights my vision like a verdant meadow, and without my noticing it stirs my soul to praise God.” – St. John of Damascus

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 First Sunday of Great Lent – Tone 2

Thy pure image do we venerate, O good One, asking forgiveness of our sins, O Christ our God; for by Thine own will Thou didst ascend the Cross in Thy body, to save Thy creatures from the bondage of the enemy. Wherefore, with thankfulness we cry aloud to thee: Thou hast verily filled all with joy, since Thou didst come, O our Savior, to save the world.

Apolytikion for the Forty Martyrs of Sebastia – Tone 1

Be Thou entreated for the sake of the sufferings of Thy Saints which they endured for Thee, O Lord, and do Thou heal all our pains, we pray, O Lover of mankind.

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, will 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. (12:1-10)

Brethren, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely; and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus: the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him Who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as sons? “My son: do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by Him; for the Lord disciplines him whom He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers to discipline us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father? 

The Gospel 

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (1:43-51)

At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.”  Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, “We have found Him of Whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” Nathanael said to Jesus, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God! Thou art the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” 

Receiving the Eucharist:We invite you to receive the Holy Eucharist if you are an Orthodox Christian who has prepared yourself through fasting, prayer, and recent confession.  If you are not Orthodox, or are Orthodox but have not prepared, we invite you to receive a piece of the blessed bread in the wooden bowls held by the altar servers at the front of the church.

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.

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

Please note: There was a misprint on the “Mark Your Calendars!” sheet in the hallway. Tuesday Presanctified Liturgies will be served at 9:00 am during Great Lent (not 6pm as previously printed).

This Week 

Today, Sunday: Choir will practice, 12:30 to 1:30 pm; Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers at 5:00 pm, St. George in Fishers.

Monday, March 10: 3^rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.

Tuesday, March 11: Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00 am.

Wednesday, March 12: Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00 pm; teaching and Soup Supper.

Thursday, March 13: 6^th Hour Prayers at 12:00 noon.

Friday, March 14: Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00 am; Akathist to the Theotokos with Compline at 6:00 pm.

Saturday, March 15: 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 16: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am; Sunday Lenten Vespers, 5:00 pm at St. Barnabas; homilist Father Dragan Petrovic.

Family News:

Name Day Celebration: Kevin Perez, Martyr Aglaius of Sebaste (10th); Thomas Walker, Gregory the Dialogist; Daniel Mullis, St. Simeon the New Theologian.

Birthday Celebration: Thomas Walker (9^th); Ryan Shanahan (12^th); Grace Schuck (13^th); Jonathon Garrison (15^th).

Prayer List: Kh. Parasheva; Hal (rehab); Scott (terminal heart condition) and his wife Jackie; Jim and Lisa; Tammera; Taylor;Durlin family; Fr. Athanasius; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Fr. Matthew; Marvin;  Nectaria;Shu-Mei,Charlie;Shirley; Jim;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the effect of Hurricanes; those suffering the war in Ukraine, and the Middle East; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; those suffering the effect of wild fires in California; schools: children, youth and personnel across the nation; Mary Ann; Emma; Bob & Bonnie Thelen; Josiah;  Jack; Christopher; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Vicki;Kenzie; Dusty; Cari; Betsy; Josh; Allison; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Missy; Andrew; Isaac; Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Neumann Seraphim; Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Lexi, Ross, Vivian; Theo; Jeremy; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; John; Stanley; Macrina with child; Anna and child born to her; Allen; Linda; Allison and children; Kip; Hermione with child, Erica with child; Taylor with child; Penny with child; Dixxe  with child; Megan with child; Evan; Catherine with child; Victoria with child; Whitney and children; Domnica; Mary.

Memory Eternal: Archbishop Anastasios; Archimandrite Ambrose; Theodore; Mike; Donald; child Houston; Debbie.

March is Women’s Month

“Throughout March, we are encouraged to highlight the vital role of women in the life of the Church. Women serve in many capacities—on parish councils, in church schools, in choirs, through fundraising, and by ministering to those in need within and beyond their parish communities. This month provides a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate their dedication and service. This month, in addition to the many other ways they serve our community, women will serve as Epistle Readers, Ushers and will hold the bowls for the antidoron (blessed bread).”

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!

Cleaning Up (important); As we continue to enjoy and celebrate growth as a parish family, I am finding almost every week that people (adults and children) are leaving their plates, food, drinks, etc. on tables in the fellowship hall, in the pavilion, in the nursery and on the playground. During the week, dishes are often being left in the sink. Since we do not have a full-time cleaning staff, the priest, pastoral assistant or church secretary are often left to clean up the kitchen, the building and the grounds. From this day forth, let us please committ to leaving the LORD’s house and grounds in better condition than we found them and take responsibility to clean up after any mess left by our children. This is a holy calling. Thank you. – Fr Peter Jon

All Saints’ Sunday Meal:

Today, Sunday: 2^nd Sunday Host Coffman – Holland; Lead Hostess Elizabeth Carter.

Next week: 3^rd Sunday Host Hostetler – Rogers; Lead Hostess Nina Rogers.

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 of Forgiveness (Cheese Fare)

Martyr Hesychios the Senator; Theodotos, bishop of Cyrene in Cyprus;

Virgin-martyr Euthalia of Sicily 

March is Women’s Month 

“Throughout March, we are encouraged to highlight the vital role of women in the life of the Church. Women serve in many capacities—on parish councils, in church schools, in choirs, through fundraising, and by ministering to those in need within and beyond their parish communities. This month provides a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate their dedication and service.This month, in addition to the many other ways they serve our community, women will serve as Epistle Readers, Ushers and will hold the bowls for the antidoron (blessed bread).” 

Thought for Today: “Forgiveness is not a small stream marking the boundary between slavery and freedom. It is as wide and deep as the Red Sea.”
– Metropolitan Anthony Bloom

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 3

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord hath done a mighty act with His own arm. He hath trampled down death by death, and become the first-born from the dead. He hath delivered us from the depths of Hades, granting the world the Great Mercy.

Kontakion for Forgiveness Sunday – Tone 6

O Thou Who guidest to wisdom, and givest understanding and intelligence, the Instructor of the ignorant, and Helper of the poor, strengthen my heart and grant it understanding, O Master. Give me word, O Word of the Father; for behold, I shall not refrain my lips from crying to Thee, O merciful One, have mercy upon me who am fallen.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle 

Sing praises to our God, sing praises. Clap your hands, all ye nations.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans. (13:11-14:4)

            Brethren, now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk becomingly, as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in chambering and licentiousness, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts. But as for the one who is weak in faith, receive him, but not for disputes over opinions. For one believes he may eat anything; but the weak person eats herbs. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to be the judge over the servant of a stranger? To his own master he either stands or falls; but he will be made to stand; for God is able to make him stand. 

The Gospel  

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (6:14-21)

The Lord said to His Disciples: If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father Who is in secret; and your Father Who sees in secret will reward you. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Receiving the Eucharist:We invite you to receive the Holy Eucharist if you are an Orthodox Christian who has prepared yourself through fasting, prayer, and recent confession.  If you are not Orthodox, or are Orthodox but have not prepared, we invite you to receive a piece of the blessed bread in the wooden bowls held by the altar servers at the front of the church.

House Blessings: Father Peter Jon has either blessed — or is scheduled to bless — the homes of all who have requested a house blessing. So, if you have not had your house blessed, or scheduled a blessing, and you would like to do so, please reach out to Father Peter ASAP to get on his schedule. He does not want to inadvertently overlook anyone.

Psalter Reading schedule for Great Lent 2025 is available at the library sign out.

Lord Willing: This Sunday, March 2, we will welcome Scott and Jackie Callaghan into the Holy Orthodox Church through Baptism at 9:30 am, followed by chrismation in the Divine Liturgy. Welcome home!

Cleaning Up (important); As we continue to enjoy and celebrate growth as a parish family, I am finding almost every week that people (adults and children) are leaving their plates, food, drinks, etc. on tables in the fellowship hall, in the pavilion, in the nursery and on the playground. During the week, dishes are often being left in the sink. Since we do not have a full-time cleaning staff, the priest, pastoral assistant or church secretary are often left to clean up the kitchen, the building and the grounds. From this day forth, let us please committ to leaving the LORD’s house and grounds in better condition than we found them and take responsibility to clean up after any mess left by our children. This is a holy calling. Thank you. – Fr Peter Jon

Confession: Every Orthodox Christian, age 7 and up, should come for confession during the season of repentance — Great Lent. There are six weeks of Lent, followed by Holy Week. The sixth week of Lent is when those preparing for Baptism and Chrismation will make their lifetime confessions – this is the time I have reserved for them. During Holy Week there are 18 services, much Paschal preparation, and very little time for anything else. Therefore, I am asking everyone to come for confession during the first five weeks of Great Lent. I will be available to hear confessions for ONE HOUR prior to services on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and by appointment throughout the week. Please email or text me to reserve your spot. Thank you. – Fr Peter Jon

Lenten Wednesday Meals: Please see the sign-up sheet on the door to the fellowship hall. Thank you in advance for your contributions to this blessed time of breaking bread together!

This Week

Today, Sunday: Choir will practice, 12:30 to 1:30 pm; Myrrh Bearers will meet following Divine Liturgy. Forgiveness Vespers at 5:00 pm.

Monday, March 3: Great Canon of St Andrew of Crete at 6:00pm.

Tuesday, March 4: Great Canon of St Andrew of Crete at 6:00pm.

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

Thursday, March 6: 1^st Hour Prayers at 6:00 am, with Akathist to Christ Jesus. Great Canon of St Andrew of Crete at 6:00pm.

Friday, March 7: Akathist to the Theotokos with Compline at 6:00 pm.

Saturday, March 8: Bible Study, 9:00 am at the Webb’s home; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm, Ask Abouna to follow. Jr. and Teen SOYO at 6:30 pm.

Sunday, March 9: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am; Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers at 5:00 pm, St. George in Fishers.

Family News 

Birthday Celebration: Dn. Lawrence Baldwin (3^rd); Polina Mullis (5^th).

Prayer List:  Kh. Parasheva; Hal (rehab); Scott (terminal heart condition) and his wife Jackie; Jim and Lisa; Tammera; Taylor;Durlin family; Fr. Athanasius; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Fr. Matthew; Marvin;  Nectaria;Shu-Mei,Charlie;Shirley; Jim;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the effect of Hurricanes; those suffering the war in Ukraine, and the Middle East; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; those suffering the effect of wild fires in California; schools: children, youth and personnel across the nation; Mary Ann; Emma; Bob & Bonnie Thelen; Josiah;  Jack; Christopher; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Vicki;Kenzie; Dusty; Cari; Betsy; Josh; Allison; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Missy; Andrew; Isaac; Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Neumann Seraphim; Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Lexi, Ross, Vivian; Theo; Jeremy; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; John; Stanley; Macrina with child; Anna and child born to her; Allen; Linda; Allison and children; Kip; Hermione with child, Erica with child; Taylor with child; Penny with child; Dixxe  with child; Megan with child; Evan; Catherine with child; Victoria with child; Whitney and children; Domnica; Mary.

Memory Eternal: Archbishop Anastasios; Archimandrite Ambrose; Theodore; Mike; Donald; child Houston; Debbie.

Special Events Calendar: To schedule a special event at the Church (bridal shower, baby shower, birthday party, etc.), please email Nina Rogers at alsntssec@bluemarble.net with your request.

Great Lent special service lists are available along with a fasting calendar, and monthly church event guidelines in the Narthex and at the library sign-out.

All Saints’ Sunday Meal: We have a change in Sunday meal rotation.

                              1st Sunday – A thru Coats; 2nd Sunday – Coffman thru Holland

                              3rd Sunday– Hostetler thru Rogers; 4th Sunday – Robertson thru Yeager

We are asking EVERYONE to take part in providing food for our Sunday Meal; whether you are a member, catechumen or inquirer, if you attend regularly, please plan to bring something substantial to share on your designated week. We also need your help cleaning up…many hands make light work! Questions? see Rhonda Webb, Wendy Carter, Nina Rogers, or Melissa Barbarick.

Today, Sunday: 1^st Sunday Host A- Coats; Cheesefare. Lead Hostess Martha Barbarick.

Next week: 2^nd Sunday Host Coffman – Holland; Lead Hostess Elizabeth Carter.

Giving Opportunities:

Food Pantry: Thank you for the generous support.Our in-houseFood Pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the community of Bloomington. Donations of nonperishable items of pasta, marinara sauce, peanut butter, canned chicken and Tuna, canned vegetables, canned fruit and soups are always a great blessing.

Mission Donations: We send monthly support to two missionary units in Albania, the Hoppe family and Hannah Valentine. We welcome and encourage you to contribute to their ongoing support. 

Benevolence Fund: Donations may be made to this fund throughout the year and are mainly used to support families in need of help with rent and utilities payments.

Donations to the church are being made online at www.allsaintsbloomington.org and by U.S mail. Many thanks to all who continue supporting All Saints.

  Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meat Fare)

Hieromartyr Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna; Venerable Gorgonia, sister of Gregory the Theologia

Thought for Today: “At the Last Judgment I will not be asked whether I satisfactorily practised asceticism, nor how many bows I made before the divine altar: I will be asked whether I fed the hungry, clothed the naked, visited the sick, and the prisoner in his jail.  That is all I will be asked.”
– St Maria of Paris

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle 

The Lord is my strength and my song. The Lord chastened me sorely

The Reading from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (8:8-9:2)

            Brethren, food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Only take care, lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone sees you—a man of knowledge—at table in an idol’s temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so, by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother’s falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall. Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 

The Gospel  

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (25:31-46)

The Lord said, “When the Son of man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. Before Him will be gathered all the nations, and He will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and He will place the sheep at His right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the King will say to those at His right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Me, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see Thee hungry and feed Thee, or thirsty and give Thee drink? And when did we see Thee a stranger and welcome Thee, or naked and clothe Thee? And when did we see Thee sick or in prison and visit Thee?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Then He will say to those at his left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome Me, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see Thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to Thee?’ Then He will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to Me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” 

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.

Kontakion for Sunday of Last Judgement – Tone 1

When Thou comest, O God, to earth with glory, and all creatures tremble before Thee, and the river of fire floweth before the Altar, and the books are opened and sins revealed, deliver me then from that unquenchable fire, and make me worthy to stand at Thy right hand, O righteous Judge.

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 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.

This Week 

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

Tuesday, February25: Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am; Tarasius of Constantinople.

Wednesday, February 26: Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm; teaching to follow, with a meal this weeks entrée is “Mediterranean”

Thursday, February 27: Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am; Procopius of Decapolis.

Friday, February 28: Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am; Basil the Confessor. Saints Barbara and John Orthodox Homeschool Co-op meets from 1:00 am-2:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

Saturday, March 1: Bible Study 9:00 am at the Webb’s home; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm. Ask Abouna to follow; Junior and Teen SOYO at 6:30 pm.
Sunday, March 2: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am; Forgiveness Vespers at 5:00pm.

Family News 

Names Days: Mezy Alexander, Shirley Richardson, Hannah Gillquist, Evelyn Wakefield; St Photini (26^th).

Birthday Celebration: Chris Stroguiludis (27^th); Poppy Lewis (27^th); Mezy Alexander (28^th); Adrian Polit (28^th); Nina Gillquist (1^st).

Looking Ahead 

Clean Week (first week of Great Lent)

Monday, March 3: Great Canon of St Andrew of Crete at 6:00pm.

Tuesday, March 4: Great Canon of St Andrew of Crete at 6:00pm.

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

Thursday, March 6: Great Canon of St Andrew of Crete at 6:00pm.

Friday, March 7: Akathist to the Theotokos with Compline at 6:00 pm.

Prayer List: Hal (in Hospice) Scott (terminal heart condition) and his wife Jackie; Jim and Lisa; Tammera; Taylor;Durlin family; Fr. Athanasius; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Fr. Matthew; Marvin;  Nectaria;Shu-Mei,Charlie;Shirley; Jim;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the effect of Hurricanes; those suffering the war in Ukraine, and the Middle East; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; those suffering the effect of wild fires in California; schools: children, youth and personnel across the nation; Mary Ann; Emma; Bob & Bonnie Thelen; Josiah;  Jack; Christopher; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Vicki;Kenzie; Dusty; Cari; Betsy; Josh; Allison; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Missy; Andrew; Isaac; Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Neumann Seraphim; Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Lexi, Ross, Vivian; Theo; Jeremy; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; John; Stanley; Macrina with child; Anna and child born to her; Allen; Linda; Allison and children; Kip; Hermione with child, Erica with child; Taylor with child; Penny with child; Dixxe  with child; Megan with child; Evan; Catherine with child; Victoria with child; Whitney and children; Domnica; Mary.

Memory Eternal: Archbishop Anastasios; Archimandrite Ambrose; Theodore; Mike; Donald; child Houston; Debbie.

All Saints’ Sunday Meal: We have a change in Sunday meal rotation.

                              1st Sunday – A thru Coats; 2nd Sunday – Coffman thru Holland

                              3rd Sunday– Hostetler thru Rogers; 4th Sunday – Robertson thru Yeager

We are asking EVERYONE to take part in providing food for our Sunday Meal; whether you are a member, catechumen or inquirer, if you attend regularly, please plan to bring something substantial to share on your designated week. We also need your help cleaning up…many hands make light work! Questions? see Rhonda Webb, Wendy Carter, Nina Rogers, or Melissa Barbarick.

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

Next week: 1^st Sunday Host A- Coats; Cheesefare. Lead Hostess Martha Barbarick.

Special Events Calendar: To schedule a special event at the Church (bridal shower, baby shower, birthday party, etc.), please email Nina Rogers at alsntssec@bluemarble.net with your request.

Great Lent special service lists are available along with a fasting calendar, and monthly church event guidelines in the Narthex and at the library sign-out.

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.