3 PM today, great vespers of the un-nailing of Christ

6 PM tonight, lamentations.

Saturday, 9 AM: harrowing of Hades

10 PM, Saturday: Rush, Matins and Divine Liturgy of Holy Pascha.

Great and All-Holy Pascha

Thought for Today: “The all gracious God today bestowed upon us gifts, too great to be adequately expressed in words. Therefore, let us all rejoice together, and while rejoicing, let us praise our God… For I ask, what was given to us for our salvation that was not given to us by the Holy Spirit? He freed us from slavery, adopted and called us to the freedom of the children of God. From the fountain (i.e., the Holy Spirit) flow prophecies, the grace of healing, and all the other gifts and fruits with which the Church is wont to adorn herself. + St. John Chrysostrom +

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

The Eisodikon (Entrance Hymn) of Pascha

In the gathering places bless ye God the Lord, from the springs of Israel. Save us, O Son of God, Who art risen from the dead, who sing to Thee: Alleluia.

Paschal Apolyikion – Tone 5

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!

The Hypakoe of Pascha – Tone 4

When they who were with Mary came, anticipating the dawn, and found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher, they heard from the Angel: Why seek ye among the dead, as though He were mortal man, Him Who abideth in everlasting light? Behold the grave-clothes. Go quickly and    proclaim to the world that the Lord is risen, and hath put death to death. For He is the Son of God, Who saveth the race of man.

The Kontakion of Pascha – Tone 8

Though Thou didst descend into the grave, O Immortal One, yet didst Thou destroy the power of     Hades, and didst arise as victor, O Christ God, calling to the myrrh-bearing women, Rejoice, and giving peace unto Thine Apostles, O Thou Who dost grant resurrection to the fallen.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle 

This is the day which the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad therein!

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

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles. (1:1-8)

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up, after He had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the Apostles whom He had chosen. To them He presented Himself alive after His passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days, and speaking of the kingdom of God. And while staying with them He charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, He said, “You heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” So when they had come together, they asked Him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.”

The Gospel

 The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (1:1-17)

            In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world knew Him not. He came to His own home, and His own people received Him not. But to all who received Him, who believed in His Name, He gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. (John bore witness to Him, and cried, “This was He of Whom I said, ‘He Who comes after me ranks before me, for He was before me.’”) And from His fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

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.

Metropolitan Saba: The Enthronement of His Eminence Metropolitan SABA will take place at Saint Nicholas cathedral in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday, May 13. Axios!!

THIS WEEK 

Today Sunday: Agape Service, at12:00 noon; followed by theProcession to the empty Tomb; Agape Feast and Pascha treats for the children.

Wednesday, April : Paschal Vespers (Readers TBD) at 6:00 pm.

Saturday, April 22: Great Vespers at 5:00 pm; jr. SOYO at 3:30 pm; SOYO at 6:00 pm.

Sunday, April 23 : Matins at 9:00am; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am; Parish Council will meet after Divine Liturgy.

FAMILY NEWS

Birthday Celebrations: Gabriella Crandell (20^th).

Memory Eternal: Ronald; Jack; Kh. Rita.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Toni;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; Earthquake victims and relief efforts in Syria and Turkey; schools: school children, youth and personnel across the nation; Mat. Raisa; Mary Ann; Emma (Mary Ann’s granddaughter); Bob & Bonnie Thelen;  Wes (infant with brittle bone disorder); Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara; Wes’s grandfather;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Arianna; Linda; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Fr.Gabriel;Jack;Christopher; Nancy; Fr. Jerome Mother Nektaria; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Kristy, Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison; Andrew (Texas/military); Isaac (Germany/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy;  Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; John; Stanley; Anna with child (Coran’s friend); Megan with child; Paulina with child; Macrina with child; Emilia with child; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Norma; Allison and children.   

LOOKING AHEAD

Saturday, April 22: Baby Shower Brunch for Macrina Robertson, 10am-12pm; All Saints Orthodox Church. All Ladies, girls and infants are invited.

Registry: babylist.com/coranrobertson.

Next Sunday, April 23: will be Barb Grinder’s final day with us at All Saints. Barb will be moving to Maine. May God grant her many years!

Coffee Hour Host: Agape Feast. Please bring sides/potluck dish for the meal; in addition to the planned lamb, pita and tzatziki.

Next week Host: Nina Rogers’ with Parishioners H-R.

Attention All Saints men 18 years and older:  Please See Vasily (Glen) Carter for information about the newly-resurrected men’s group.  

Bookstore Update:  Thank you so much for your support of our All Saints Bookstore.  In order to track purchases and maintain inventory more effectively we ask that when you purchase items you fill out a Purchase Slip and put it in the Payment box along with your cash or check.  If you prefer to pay via our website donation app, please indicate “Online” as your method of payment.  Then when paying online, Select “Make a Donation” and at the bottom of that page, next to “1 time” there is a blank space where you can type “Bookstore”.  Thank you so much for your help. 

For questions, or to request items you would like to see in the bookstore, please see Rhonda Webb or email her at webbrk1@gmail.com. 

Giving Opportunities:

The 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. Thank you for your ongoing generosity.

Our In-House Food Pantry needs canned vegetables, soups, meats, tuna, salmon, smoked oysters, sardines, chicken, spaghetti sauce, pasta. We have an abundance peanut butter.

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.

A Message for Pascha

By Metropolitan Saba (Isper)

Pascha returns annually as a precious season that places us before the fact of that salvation given to us by Christ’s voluntary death and glorious resurrection. Today is a day to renew our hope in the value of life. Today is a day to rectify our path towards true life. Today, we understand that eternal life is our goal and objective and that our life on earth—in all its joys and sorrows—only becomes a true life once we start approaching it as the beginning of our eternal life. We must examine our faith, our conduct, and our life’s path in light of the resurrection. Are these leading us to eternal life, the essence of which is God’s active, living, and life-giving presence in our lives? Our Christ did not endure all these sufferings to grant us a happy life that just lasts for some years on earth, only to vanish and disappear. He fulfilled His divine dispensation so that life on earth might become our passage into life eternal. It is through us, the children of the resurrection, that the world passes into life eternal. The pains, fears, and dangers that surround us must drive us to search for the meaning of life and to place everything in its appropriate context. Sooner or later, the shape of this world will pass away. Why do we then reduce our aspiration to what is on this earth, forgetting the genuine life to come? We believers fear not death but sin. We do not fear losing our earthly life but rather losing life with God. With the power of the resurrection, we confront the different forms of death armed by the unconquerable hope that Life has defeated death. The resurrection of Christ means that we Christians have no place for despair, regardless of tribulations and dark times. The guiding and directing light of the resurrection remains more powerful than anything. It is not a coincidence that Christ endured severe pains before He died and then arose. His resurrection occurred after He went through Golgotha in order to teach us that the pains of this life, as harsh as they might be, cannot be compared to the joys of the life to come, as the Apostle Paul teaches (2 Cor. 4:17). We believe that we will witness our personal resurrection before the general resurrection—that is, of course, if we are fully purified from our passions. This is why we will never tire of rising after every fall until we achieve that great purpose. We are certain that there is no salvation in the world except through this. The bigger the disappointments, the more we cling to our objective, for we have, in the resurrection of Christ, a hope and an energy that will never disappoint or be exhausted. Let us, therefore, be armed with the resurrection as the cornerstone of our Faith, and let us also, through the resurrection, drive away every despair, fight every fear, and renew our determination to build a virtuous life. Let us couple our faith with works, unite our words to actions, and not be satisfied with pleasantries. Carry the splendor of your rituals of worship into your world and society. Never cease trying to live your Christianity, and you will see that the rest will be added to you. On this feast, we must renew our love, which is tainted with fear, and look, not merely to ourselves, but to those who are in need of a breath of true life. Remember that man was created for endless love. In Christ, both God and our neighbor become close to us. I beg you to strive to discover that you are one family, responsible for each other, for you are brothers and sisters with one Father. It is proper to intensify our prayers and fasting in order to call upon God’s mercy. If we are truly the children of the resurrection, we must become witnesses for life and persistence. This is what we hope for and work towards, for the sake of our country, our people, and all the people of the world. In this spirit, we will welcome the feast this year by lifting up together our thoughts, wishes, and desires and placing them at the feet of Him who rose from the dead, hoping for the resurrection of the entire world. Amen.

Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen!

Feast of Palm Sunday:

Entrance of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem

**Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom**

Thought for Today: “Joy is thankfulness, and when we are joyful, that is the best expression of thanks we can offer the Lord, Who delivers us from sorrow and sin.”

Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

The Eisodikon (Entrance Hymn) of Palm Sunday

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

Apolytikiion of Lazarus Saturday – Tone 1

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

Kontakion of Palms Sunday – Tone 6

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

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

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle 

Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord.

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

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

Brethren, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice! Let your forbearance be known to all people. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things. The things which you both learned and received, and heard and saw in me, these things do; and the God of peace will be with you.

The Gospel

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

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

THIS WEEK 

Today Sunday: Holy Week begins;Bridegroom Orthros at 5:00 pm.

Monday, April 10: Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00 am; Bridegroom Orthros at 6:00 pm.

Tuesday, April 11: Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00 am; Bridegroom Orthros at 6:00 pm.

Wednesday, April 12: Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00 am; Service of Holy Unction at 6:00 pm.

Thursday, April 13: Mystical Supper at 9:00 pm; Reading of the 12 Gospels at 6:00 pm.

Friday, April 14: Hours of Holy Friday at 9:00 am; Unnailing Vespers at 3:00 pm; Orthros of Lamentations at 6:00 pm; All-night Vigil at 9:00 pm.

Saturday, April 15: Vesperal Liturgy, Harrowing of Hades at 9:00 am; Rush Matins at 10:00 pm, Divine Liturgy at 11:30 pm.

Sunday, April 16: Agape Service at 12:00 pm; Feast to follow.

FAMILY NEWS

Names Day Celebrations: Subdn Jon Weber, St. John (14^th); Aryis Finchum,

St. Anastasia (15^th).

Birthday Celebrations: Zachary Platter (11^th); Subdn. Jon Weber (14^th); Marvin Piercefield (15th).

Anniversary Celebrations: Aurelian and Lucia Bidulscu (9^th); Daniel and Galina Mullis (14^th).

Memory Eternal: Nicko; Delore (Dee); Ronald; Jack; Kh. Rita.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Toni;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; Earthquake victims and relief efforts in Syria and Turkey; schools: school children, youth and personnel across the nation; Mat. Raisa; Mary Ann; Emma (Mary Ann’s granddaughter); Bob & Bonnie Thelen;  Wes (infant with brittle bone disorder); Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara; Wes’s grandfather;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Arianna; Linda; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Fr.Gabriel;Jack;Christopher; Nancy; Fr. Jerome Mother Nektaria; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Kristy, Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison; Andrew (Texas/military); Isaac (Germany/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy;  Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; John; Stanley; Anna with child (Coran’s friend); Megan with child; Paulina with child; Macrina with child; Emilia with child; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Norma; Allison and children.  

LOOKING AHEAD

Saturday, April 22: Baby Shower Brunch for Macrina Robertson, 10am-12pm; All Saints Orthodox Church. All Ladies, girls and infants are invited. Registry: babylist.com/coranrobertson.

Coffee Hour Host: Wendy Elizabeth Carter with Parishioners C-G.

Next week Host: Agape Feast. Please bring sides/potluck dish for the meal; in addition to the planned lamb, pita and tzatziki.

Metropolitan Saba: AXIOS! He is worthy! His Beatitude Patriarch John X and the Holy Synod of Antioch have elected Metropolitan Saba as the new Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America. We will begin commemorating His Eminence when he is officially enthroned as Metropolitan in the near future.

Confessions: Fr. Peter Jon will hear confessions by appointment between now and Lazarus Saturday. Please email or call him to schedule a time. He would prefer to hear all confessions prior to Holy Week.

Earthquake Fundraiser: Gregory Gillquist would like to extend his appreciation for the tremendous support of his 33 miles biking fundraiser to assist the earthquake disaster in the Middle East.

Attention All Saints men 18 years and older:  Please See Vasily (Glen) Carter for information about the newly-resurrected men’s group.  

Bookstore Update:  Thank you so much for your support of our All Saints Bookstore.  In order to track purchases and maintain inventory more effectively we ask that when you purchase items you fill out a Purchase Slip and put it in the Payment box along with your cash or check.  If you prefer to pay via our website donation app, please indicate “Online” as your method of payment.  Then when paying online, Select “Make a Donation” and at the bottom of that page, next to “1 time” there is a blank space where you can type “Bookstore”.  Thank you so much for your help. 

For questions, or to request items you would like to see in the bookstore, please see Rhonda Webb or email her at webbrk1@gmail.com. 

Junior SOYO: sends a heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Becky Hrismolas teaching them to make traditional Mediterranean Grape leaves. They will be served on Holy Pascha.

Giving Opportunities:

The 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. Thank you for your ongoing generosity.

Our In-House Food Pantry needs canned vegetables, soups, meats, tuna, salmon, smoked oysters, sardines, chicken, spaghetti sauce, pasta. We have an abundance peanut butter.

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

Fifth Sunday of Great Lent

Commemoration of our Righteous Mother Mary of Egypt

Venerable Titus the wonderworker; Virgin-martyr Theodora of Palestine

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

Thought for Today: “I am a man—and the grace, the truth and the righteousness of God are continually working within me. It is God Who at one time cherishes and comforts me, and at another punishes and afflicts me with sorrows for any inward motion of the soul adverse to Him. But the earth is full of men like me. Therefore, in them also God manifest His mercy, truth and righteousness, as in myself. ‘He worketh all in all’.” – St. John of Kronstadt

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

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 St. Mary of Egypt – Tone 8

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

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS 

The Epistle

Make your vows and pay them to the Lord our God.

God is known in Judaea. His Name is great in Israel.

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

Brethren, Christ having appeared a High Priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; neither through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having found eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of bulls and goats and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

The Gospel

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

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

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.

Metropolitan Saba: AXIOS! He is worthy! His Beatitude Patriarch John X and the Holy Synod of Antioch have elected Metropolitan Saba as the new Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America. We will begin commemorating His Eminence when he is officially enthroned as Metropolitan in the near future.

Confessions: Fr. Peter Jon will hear confessions by appointment between now and Lazarus Saturday. Please email or call him to schedule a time. He would prefer to hear all confessions prior to Holy Week.

Bookstore Update:  Thank you so much for your support of our All Saints Bookstore.  In order to track purchases and maintain inventory more effectively we ask that when you purchase items you fill out a Purchase Slip and put it in the Payment box along with your cash or check.  If you prefer to pay via our website donation app, please indicate “Online” as your method of payment.  Then when paying online, Select “Make a Donation” and at the bottom of that page, next to “1 time” there is a blank space where you can type  “Bookstore”.  Thank you so much for your help. 

For questions, or to request items you would like to see in the bookstore, please see Rhonda Webb or email her at webbrk1@gmail.com. 

THIS WEEK 

Today Sunday: Pascha Choir will practice after Divine Liturgy; Lenten Vespers 5:00 pm at St. Thomas; speaker Father Alexis Miller.

Attention All Saints men 18 years and older: There will be an informal meeting (10-15 Minutes) in the Nave immediately following the dismissal today to discuss the newly-resurrected men’s group.  Please See Vasily (Glen) Carter for more information. 

Tuesday, April 4: OCF, Dinner & Discussion, 6:30 pm; at the Webb’s home.

Wednesday, April 5: Presanctified Liturgy, at 6:00 pm; followed by Orthodoxy 101. 

Friday, April 7: Compline for Lazarus, at 6:00 pm.

Saturday, April 8: Lazarus Saturday; Baptisms at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am; We are blessed to receiving quite a number of new members through Baptism and Chrismation; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm; jr. SOYO at 3:30 pm; SOYO at 6:00 pm.

Sunday, April 9: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am, Palm Sunday.

LOOKING AHEAD 

Earthquake Fundraiser: Gregory Gillquist will be biking 33 miles on Tuesday, April 4, to raise funds for victims of the earthquakes in the Middle East. Donations may be made through the church website (https://www.allsaintsbloomington.org/make-a-donation/) earmarked “Gregory’s Race for Antioch.” You can watch a short video about Gregory’s fundraiser at https://youtu.be/7wJJMJSqxkw.

Attention all 6-12 year olds!  We have the great joy of welcoming Mrs. Becky Hrisomalos, a founding member of our parish, at junior SOYO on Lazarus Saturday (April 8 from 3:30-5pm). Mrs. Hrisomalos will be teaching the kids how to make traditional Mediterranean grape leaves. The rolled leaves will then be served on Holy Pascha. Parents welcome!

Bible Study: at the Webb’s homewill pick up with Romans 11 on April 22, God willing!

FAMILY NEWS

Names Day Celebrations: Molly Alexander, St. Mary of Egypt (2^nd); Polina Mullis, St. Appolinaria(4^th).

Birthday Celebrations: Wendy Elizabeth Carter (2^nd); Brian Owens (2^nd); Irene Vlachos Weber (3^rd); John Kozak (5^th); Jennifer Rigsby (5^th); Cora Bidulescu (6^th).

Memory Eternal: Nicko; Delores (Dee); Ronald; Jack.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Toni;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; Earthquake victims and relief efforts in Syria and Turkey; schools: school children, youth and personnel across the nation; Mat. Raisa; Mary Ann; Emma (Mary Ann’s granddaughter); Bob & Bonnie Thelen;  Wes (infant with brittle bone disorder); Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara; Wes’s grandfather;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Arianna; Linda; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Fr.Gabriel;Jack;Christopher; Nancy; Fr. Jerome Mother Nektaria; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Kristy, Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison; Andrew (Texas/military); Isaac (Germany/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy;  Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; John; Stanley; Anna with child (Coran’s friend); Megan with child; Paulina with child; Macrina with child; Emilia with child; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Norma; Allison and children.

Coffee Hour Host: Rhonda Webb with Parishioners S-Z.

Next week Host: Melissa Barbarick with Parishioners A-B.

Giving Opportunities:

Earthquake Relief: His Eminence Antonios, our Patriarch Vicar has requested the Antiochian Women to focus 2023 NAB fund raising project on relief effort in Turkey and Syria. Thank you for all the prayers and donations.

The 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. Thank you for your ongoing generosity.

Our In-House Food Pantry needs canned vegetables, soups, meats, tuna, salmon, smoked oysters, sardines, chicken, spaghetti sauce, pasta. We have an abundance peanut butter.

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.

Saturday Morning Pitch-in Meal follows the Festal Annunciation Liturgy 

Galina McLaws 2 Year Memorial will be prayed at the beginning of Great Vespers Saturday

Fourth Sunday of Great Lent

The synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel

Stephen the Confessor, Abbot of Triglia

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

March is Women’s Month

The women of the parish will be reading the Epistle during Divine Liturgy, assisting with ushering and holding the Prosphora bowl during Holy Eucharist. 

Thought for Today: “Let your demeanor, your dress, your walking, your sitting down, the nature of your food, the quality of your being, your house and what it contains, aim at simplicity. And let your speech, your singing, your manner with your neighbor, let these things also be in accord with humility rather than with vanity. In your words let there be no empty pretense, in your singing no excess sweetness, in conversation be not ponderous or overbearing. In everything refrain from seeking to appear important. Be a help to your friends, kind to ones with whom you live, gentle to your servant, patient with those who are troublesome, loving toward the lowly, comforting those in trouble, visiting those in affliction, never despising anyone, gracious in friendship, cheerful in answering others, courteous, approachable to everyone, never speaking your own praises, not getting other to speak of them, never taking part in unbecoming conversations, and concealing where you may whatever gifts you possess. + St. Basil the Great +

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 

The Lord will give strength to His people. The Lord will bless His people with peace.

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

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

 The Gospel

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. (9:16-30)

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

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 8

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

Apolytikion of the Archangel Gabriel – Tone 4

Supreme Commander of the Hosts of the Heavens, * we, the unworthy, importune and beseech thee * that by thy supplications thou encircle us * in the shelter of the wings * of thine immaterial glory; * guarding us who now fall down * and cry to thee with fervor: * Deliver us from dangers of all kinds, * as the great marshal of the heavenly hosts on high.

Kontakion for Sundays in Great Lent (and Akathist Saturday) – 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.

Metropolitan Saba: AXIOS! He is worthy! His Beatitude Patriarch John X and the Holy Synod of Antioch have elected Metropolitan Saba as the new Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America. We will begin commemorating His Eminence when he is officially enthroned as Metropolitan in the near future.

Confessions: Fr. Peter Jon will hear confessions by appointment between now and Lazarus Saturday. Please email or call him to schedule a time. He would prefer to hear all confessions prior to Holy Week.

THIS WEEK 

Today Sunday: Pascha Choir will practice after Divine Liturgy; Lenten Vespers 5:00 pm at Sts Constantine and Helen, speaker Father Phillip Lashbrook.

Wednesday, March 29: Full Cannon of St. Andrew, and The life of St. Mary of Egypt, at 6:00pm.

Thursday, March 30: Presanctified Liturgy, at 6:00 pm; followed by Orthodoxy 101. 

Friday, March 31: Full Akathist Hymns, at 6:00 pm.

Saturday, April 1: Parish Workday; at 10:00 am. Great Vespers at 5:00pm; followed by Ask Abouna; jr. SOYO at 3:30pm; SOYO at 6:00 pm.

Sunday, April 2: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am, St. Mary of Egpyt.

LOOKING AHEAD 

Pascha Choir Practice will be Sunday 4/2.

Lenten Vespers: April, 2 speaker Father Alexis Miller at Saint Thomas.

Earthquake Fundraiser: Gregory Gillquist will be biking 33 miles on Tuesday, April 4, to raise funds for victims of the earthquakes in the Middle East. Donaltions may be made through the church website (https://www.allsaintsbloomington.org/make-a-donation/) earmarked “Gregory’s Race for Antioch.” You can watch a short video about Gregory’s fundraiser at https://youtu.be/7wJJMJSqxkw.

Attention all 6-12 year olds!  We have the great joy of welcoming Mrs. Becky Hrisomalos, a founding member of our parish, at junior SOYO on Lazarus Saturday (April 8 from 3:30-5pm). Mrs. Hrisomalos will be teaching the kids how to make traditional Mediterranean grape leaves. The rolled leaves will then be served on Holy Pascha. Parents welcome!

Bible Study: at the Webb’s homewill pick up with Romans 11 on April 22, God willing!

FAMILY NEWS

Names Day Celebrations: Gabriella Crandall; Randel Storm; Gabe Stant, Archangel Gabriel (26th).

Birthday Celebrations: Tristan Rigsby (26^th); Darryl Jones; Nina Rogers (29^th).

Memory Eternal: Priest Slobodon; Susan; Rhea; Nicko; Delore (Dee); Ronald; Jack.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Toni;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; Earthquake victims and relief efforts in Syria and Turkey; schools: school children, youth and personnel across the nation; Mat. Raisa; Mary Ann; Emma (Mary Ann’s granddaughter); Bob & Bonnie Thelen;  Wes (infant with brittle bone disorder); Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara; Wes’s grandfather;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Arianna; Linda; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Fr.Gabriel;Jack;Christopher; Nancy; Fr. Jerome Mother Nektaria; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Kristy, Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison; Andrew (Texas/military); Isaac (Germany/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy;  Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; John; Stanley; Anna with child (Coran’s friend); Rebecca with child; Megan with child; Paulina with child; Macrina with child; Emilia with child; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Norma; Allison and children.

Coffee Hour Host: Rhonda Webb with Parishioners S-Z.

Next week Host: Melissa Barbarick with Parishioners A-B.

Giving Opportunities:

Earthquake Relief: His Eminence Antonios, our Patriarch Vicar has requested the Antiochian Women to focus 2023 NAB fund raising project on relief effort in Turkey and Syria. Thank you for all the prayers and donations.

The 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. Thank you for your ongoing generosity.

Our In-House Food Pantry needs canned vegetables, soups, meats, tuna, salmon, smoked oysters, sardines, chicken, spaghetti sauce, pasta. We have an abundance peanut butter.

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

Third Sunday of Great Lent

Veneration of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross

Martyrs Chrysanthos, Daria, and those with them of Rome; Martyr Pancharios of Nicomedia

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

March is Women’s Month

The women of the parish will be reading the Epistle during Divine Liturgy, assisting with ushering and holding the Prosphora bowl during Holy Eucharist. 

Thought for Today: “For (the demons) are cowards, and utterly dread the sign of our Lord’s Cross, since it was on the Cross that the Savior despoiled them and exposed them.”

+ St. Anthony the Great + 

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 7

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

Apolytikion 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 (and Akathist Saturday) – 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.

Metropolitan Saba: AXIOS! He is worthy! His Beatitude Patriarch John X and the Holy Synod of Antioch have elected Metropolitan Saba as the new Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America. We will begin commemorating His Eminence when he is officially enthroned as Metropolitan in the near future.

THIS WEEK 

Today, Sunday: Pascha Choir practice after Divine Liturgy. Lenten Vespers 5:00 pm at

Joy of All Who Sorrow, speaker Deacon Michael Walker.

Wednesday, March 22: Presanctified Liturgy, 6:00 pm followed by Orthodoxy 101. 

Friday, March 24: Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00 am; Great Vespers with Stasis for the Theotokos and the Artoklosia at 6:00 pm. 
Saturday, March 25: Annunciation; Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm, (chanted by OCF and SOYO), followed by ask Abouna; Jr SOYO at 3:30 pm; Teen SOYO at 6:00 pm.

Sunday, March 26: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am, St. John Climacus.

LOOKING AHEAD 

Pascha Choir Practice will be Sunday after Divine Liturgy on 3/26, and 4/2.

Lenten Vespers: March, 26 speaker Father Phillip Lashbrook at Sts. Constantine and Helen.

Earthquake Relief fund raiser: Please look for details on Gregory Gillquist’s biking fundraiser via email in the coming days…

FAMILY NEWS

Names Day Celebrations: Shirley Richardson, Hannah Noor Gillquist, Mezy Alexander,

St. Photini the Samaritan women (20^th).

Birthday Celebrations: Marah Polit (19^th); Lilly Blair (20^th); Saraquel Hsu (21^st); Ghada Labban (21st); George Tabbal (21^st); Marija Krupoves (23^rd).

Memory Eternal: Caren; Priest Slobodon; Susan; Rhea; Nicko; Delore (Dee); Ronald; Jack.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy; Toni;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; Earthquake victims and relief efforts in Syria and Turkey; schools: school children, youth and personnel across the nation; Mat. Raisa; Mary Ann; Emma (Mary Ann’s granddaughter); Bob & Bonnie Thelen; Wes (infant with brittle bone disorder); Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara; Wes’s grandfather;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Arianna; Linda; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Fr.Gabriel;Jack;Christopher; Nancy; Fr. Jerome Mother Nektaria; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Kristy, Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison; Andrew (Texas/military); Isaac (Germany/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy;  Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; John; Stanley; Anna with child (Coran’s friend); Rebecca with child; Megan with child; Paulina with child; Macrina with child; Emilia with child; Anne; Allen; Linda; Marilyn; Mary Barger; Norma; Allison and children.

Coffee Hour Host: Nina Rogers with Parishioners H-R.

Next week Host: Rhonda Webb with Parishioners S-Z.

Giving Opportunities:

Earthquake Relief: His Eminence Antonios, our Patriarch Vicar has requested the Antiochian Women to focus 2023 NAB fund raising project on relief effort in Turkey and Syria. Thank you for all the prayers and donations.

The 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. Thank you for your ongoing generosity.

Our In-House Food Pantry needs canned vegetables, soups, meats, tuna, salmon, smoked oysters, sardines, chicken, spaghetti sauce and peanut butter.  We have an abundance of pasta.

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.