Sunday, March 27, 2022

Third Sunday of Great Lent

Veneration of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross

Martyr Matrona of Thessalonica; Martyrs Philetos the Senator, his wife Lydia of Rome and those with them; Paul, Bishop of Corinth

This evening: Sunday Lenten Vespers at St. John the Forerunner, Indianapolis, at 5pm. This year’s theme is “Iconography and the Incarnation.”

Thought for Today: “Do not despair. God is omnipresent and loves humanity.” +St. Paisios the Athonite

Today’s  Coffee Hour: Hosts: Rhonda and Howard Webb and Parishioners S-Z

Next Week (Sunday, April 3): Hosts: Melissa and Casey Barbarick and Parishioners

A-B

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, March 30: Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00 – Orthodoxy 101

Father’s topic is “Holy Unction.“

Friday, April 1:   Akathist Hymn at 6:00

Saturday, April 2: Adult Bible Study at the Webbs  9:00 – 10:30 am

Saturday, April 2:  Great Vespers at 5:00 – Ask Abouna;  Jr. SOYO at 4:00; Sr. SOYO at 6:00

Sunday, April 3: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Myrrh Bearers meet.

LOOKING AHEAD

April 3 : Sunday Lenten Vespers at St. George, Fishers at 5pm.

April 17: Palm Sunday followed by Holy Week.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

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

 (For the Third Sunday of Great Lent)

O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.

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

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

 (For the Third Sunday of Great Lent)

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.”

DIVINE LITURGY VARIABLES 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 adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross preserving Thine estate.

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.

The Anti-Trisagion Hymn  (Instead of HOLY GOD)

Before Thy Cross we bow down in worship, Master, and Thy Holy Resurrection we glorify.

Megalynarion of St. Basil’s Liturgy

All creation rejoiceth in thee, O thou who art full of grace: the angelic hosts and the race of men. O hallowed temple and spiritual paradise, glory of virgins, of whom God was incarnate and became a little child, even our God who is before all the ages; for he made thy womb a throne, and thy body more spacious than the heavens. All creation rejoiceth in thee, O thou who art full of grace. Glory to thee.

Koinonikon (Communion Hymn) for the Third Sunday of Great Lent

The light of Thy countenance, O Lord, hath been signed upon us. Alleluia.

FAMILY NEWS

Pantry Needs: Canned meat/fish is needed and also mac/cheese.

Coffee Hour Reminders: First Sunday A-B; Second Sunday C-G; Third Sunday H-R; Fourth Sunday S-Z; Fifth Sunday All Pitch-in.

Birthday Celebrations: Nina R (29th); Darryl J (29th); Wendy C (April 2nd); Brian O (2nd)

Blessed Name Day: Molly A (April 1st)

Memory Eternal: Awanda Michael Burge; James; Merle; Justin; Christopher Ryan

Prayer List: Displaced Ukrainian refugees and those who remain in their war-torn country; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; Vicki; Vicki’s granddaughter with pre-term baby’s death;Petroulla’s mother hospitalized with kidney failure (Cyprus); Hermione with child; Arianna Vician; Josiah, a young child friend of the Gillquists; Rhonda’s sister-in-law Judee with a kidney tumor;Wendy Elizabeth’s Aunt Helen (Covid-Pneumonia) and Uncle Bobby;Awanda’s family; Mary Ann; Emma, Mary Ann’s granddaughter recovering from a serious surgery; Linda; Steve Crandall; Adrian and Marah Polit; Fr. Athanasius Wilson; Jack;Christopher; schools: school children, youth and personnel across the nation; Nancy Jones; April; Don; Vicki; Fr. Jerome; Catherine; Anastasia with child; Bonnie Thelen; Wadia; Jayci; Dee, Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Michael; Olga; Eileen; Soren; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison;  Andrew and Isaac (Korea/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Emma; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy; Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy

Second Sunday of Great Lent

Commemoration of Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica; The Holy Fathers slain at the monastery of Mar Sabbas; New-martyr Myron of Crete

This evening: Sunday Lenten Vespers at Holy Transfiguration, Crawfordsville, at 5pm. This year’s theme is “Iconography and the Incarnation.”

Thought for Today: “Whoever does not believe in God and in the life to come, remains inconsolable and condemns his eternal soul.” + St. Paisios the Athonite

New Information about theMan Of God Film. This film is reportedly no longer scheduled to be shown in Bloomington. Those wanting to see it in a theatre should look to Indianapolis.  

Parish Council meets today.

House Blessings: Father Peter Jon will continue to bless homes in the coming days and weeks. He will contact you to schedule a house blessing, but you may also choose to email him directly to request a particular date.

Grant Opportunity for Women: The Antiochian Women are inviting applications for $500 grants for women 26 years of age or older, who are members in good standing in our parish and are actively involved in the sacraments and life of the parish, who are applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program, and who have a financial need.  The applications are on the parish bulletin board, and must be received by the committee by June 1, 2022.  They must be accompanied by an essay and a priest’s recommendation.

Today’s  Coffee Hour: Hostess Nina Rogers with Parishioners H-R

Next Week (Sunday, March 27): Hosts: The Webbs and Parishioners S-Z

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, March 23: Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00 – Orthodoxy 101

April Blair’s topic is “The Life of the Theotokos”

Thursday, March 24: Great Vespers for the Annunciation at 6:00

Thursday, March 24: OCF meets at the church for Festal Vespers followed by a meal and discussion with the Webbs in the Fellowship Hall

Friday, March 25: Festal Orthros at 9:00;  Divine Liturgy for the Annunciation at 10:00

Friday, March 25: Vespers for the Leave-taking of Annunciation with Akathist verses

Saturday, March 26: Adult Bible Study at the Webbs  9:00 – 10:30 am

Saturday, March 26:  Great Vespers at 5:00 – Ask Abouna;  Jr. SOYO at 4:00; Sr. SOYO at 6:00

Sunday, March 27: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – Adoration of the Holy Cross

LOOKING AHEAD

March 27: Sunday Lenten Vespers at St. John the Forerunner at 5pm.

DIVINE LITURGY VARIABLES for CHOIR and PARISH

Resurrection 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 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.

Megalynarion of St. Basil’s Liturgy

All creation rejoiceth in thee, O thou who art full of grace: the angelic hosts and the race of men. O hallowed temple and spiritual paradise, glory of virgins, of whom God was incarnate and became a little child, even our God who is before all the ages; for he made thy womb a throne, and thy body more spacious than the heavens. All creation rejoiceth in thee, O thou who art full of grace. Glory to thee.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

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

Thou, O Lord, shalt keep us and shalt preserve us.

Save me, O Lord, for the godly man is no more!

Thou, “O Lord, in the beginning didst lay the foundation of 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 not fail.” But to which of the angels did He say at any time, “Sit on My right hand, until I make thine enemies a footstool for thy feet?” Are they not all spirits for liturgical ministry, sent forth to minister for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? Therefore, we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest at any time we drift away from them. For if the word spoken through angels was confirmed, and every transgression and disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation, which having at first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard?

The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according 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!”

FAMILY NEWS

Pantry Needs: Everything is needed except spaghetti and rice and canned vegetables.

Coffee Hour Reminders: First Sunday A-B; Second Sunday C-G; Third Sunday H-R; Fourth Sunday S-Z; Fifth Sunday All Pitch-in.

Birthday Celebrations: Lilly B (20th); Saraqael H (21st); Georges T (21st); Ghada L (21st); Marija K (23rd); Tristan R (26th); Matthew C (26th)

Blessed Name Day: St. Photini – 20th (Mezy A, Hannah G, Shirley R); Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel – 26th (Gabriella C, Gabe S, Randal S

Memory Eternal: Fr. James Roselli; Awanda Michael Burge

Prayer List: Arianna Vician; Josiah, a young child friend of the Gillquists; Rhonda’s sister-in-law Judee with a kidney tumor;Wendy Elizabeth’s Aunt Helen (Covid-Pneumonia) and Uncle Bobby;Awanda’s family; Mary Ann; Emma, Mary Ann’s granddaughter recovering from a serious surgery; Linda; Steve Crandall; Adrian and Marah Polit; Megan after her pre-term baby’s death;  Fr. Athanasius Wilson; Jack;Christopher; refugees  and immigrants; our nation and nation’s leaders at all levels of government; schools: school children, youth and personnel across the nation; Nancy Jones; April; Don; Vicki; Fr. Jerome; Catherine; Anastasia with child; Bonnie Thelen; Wadia; Jayci; Dee, Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Michael; Olga; Eileen; Soren; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison;  Andrew and Isaac (Korea/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Emma; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy; Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy

First Sunday of Great Lent (Sunday of Orthodoxy)

Translation of the relics of Nikephoros, Patriarch of Constantinople; Bishops Poplias and Marios

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

There will be a Procession with icons on this Sunday of Orthodoxy following “Blessed be the Name of the Lord” near the end of today’s Divine Liturgy as we celebrate the Triumph of Orthodoxy. The Confession of Faith will be recited. (end of the bulletin)

This evening,  Lenten Vespers is presented by the Presbyters of Central Indiana at Holy Trinity in Carmel at 5pm. This year’s theme is “Iconography and the Incarnation.”

Thought for Today: “Let this always be the aim of your conduct: to be courteous and respectful to all.” +St. Isaac the Syrian

A Warm Welcome to a Special Visitor: Fr. John Parker, Dean of St. Tikhon Orthodox Theological Seminary in Eastern Pennsylvania, will be with us this weekend.  Let us welcome him with open arms and open hearts on this first Sunday of Great Lent!

Ask Abouna: During Great Lent, Ask Abouna will be moved from Wednesdays to Saturdays, following Great Vespers.

Grant Opportunity for Women: The Antiochian Women are inviting applications for $500 grants for women 26 years of age or older, who are members in good standing in our parish and are actively involved in the sacraments and life of the parish, who are applying for or registered in an academic or trade study program, and who have a financial need.  The applications are on the parish bulletin board, and must be received by the committee by June 1, 2022.  They must be accompanied by an essay and a priest’s recommendation.

House Blessings: Father Peter Jon will continue to bless homes in the coming days and weeks. He will contact you to schedule a house blessing, but you may also choose to email him directly to request a particular date.

Join the All Saints Myrrh Bearers who are reading through the Psalms/Psalter during Great Lent through Palm Sunday. Details are in the hallway, or contact Wendy Elizabeth Carter at bvscarters@gmail.com. 

Today’s  Coffee Hour: Hosts – the Carter Family with Parishioners C-G

Next Week (Sunday, March 20): Hostess – Nina Rogers with Parishioners H-R

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, March 16: Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00 – Orthodoxy 101

Howard Webb’s topic is “Apophatic Theology.”

Friday, March 18: Akathist Hymn at 6:00

Saturday, March 19: Adult Bible Study at the Webbs  9:00 – 10:30 am

Saturday, March 19:  Great Vespers at 5:00 – Ask Abouna;  Jr. SOYO at 4:00; Sr. SOYO at 6:00

Sunday, March 20: Matins at 8:50; Divine Liturgy at 10:00

LOOKING AHEAD

March is Women’s month in  our Archdiocese.

• March 19: OCLife Retreat at St George with Frederica Mathewes-Green as keynote speaker (RSVP required, see flyer at the Church)
• March 20: Sunday Lenten Vespers at Holy Transfiguration at 5pm. This year’s theme is “Iconography and the Incarnation.”
• New Information about the new Movie Man Of God: The Life of Saint Nectarios of Aegina:  AMC11 is planning to reopen their doors March 20 and is planning to show the film on March 21 & 28. Ticket sales should open this week.  Get yours before they’re gone!
• March 25: The Annunciation

DIVINE LITURGY VARIABLES for CHOIR and PARISH

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 5

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

Apolytikion  of 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.

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.

Megalynarion of St. Basil’s Liturgy

All creation rejoiceth in thee, O thou who art full of grace: the angelic hosts and the race of men. O hallowed temple and spiritual paradise, glory of virgins, of whom God was incarnate and became a little child, even our God who is before all the ages; for he made thy womb a throne, and thy body more spacious than the heavens. All creation rejoiceth in thee, O thou who art full of grace. Glory to thee.

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Reading is from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews. (11:24-26, 32-40)

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

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

Brethren, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of the Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the recompense of reward. And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Sampson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and all the prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, and turned to flight armies of the aliens. Women received their dead by resurrection, and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. And others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, being destitute, afflicted, tormented (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a witness through their faith, did not receive the promise, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

The Reading is 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.”

FAMILY NEWS

Pantry Needs: Everything is needed except spaghetti and rice.

Coffee Hour Reminders: First Sunday A-B; Second Sunday C-G; Third Sunday H-R; Fourth Sunday S-Z; Fifth Sunday All Pitch-in.

Birthday Celebrations: Amber (Anna) S (13th); Adam S (16th); Khouria Kristina G (18th); Marah P (19th)

Blessed Name Day: David Patterson (St. Patrick the Enlightener of Ireland – 17th)

Memory Eternal: Fr. James Roselli; Awanda Michael Burge

Prayer List: Arianna Vician (Sharon Catherine’s granddaughter – surgery/broken leg);Josaih gravely ill child, friend of the Gillquists; Wendy’s Uncle Bobby with severe pain; Rhonda’s Sister-in-law Judee with kidney tumor; Wendy Elizabeth’s Aunt Helen (Covid-Pneumonia); Awanda’s family; Mary Ann; Emma, Mary Ann’s granddaughter recovering from a serious surgery; Linda; Steve Crandall; Adrian and Marah Polit; Megan after her pre-term baby’s death;  Fr. Athanasius Wilson; Jack;Christopher; refugees  and immigrants; our nation and nation’s leaders at all levels of government; schools: school children, youth and personnel across the nation; Nancy Jones; April; Don; Vicki; Fr. Jerome; Catherine; Anastasia with child; Bonnie Thelen; Wadia; Jayci; Dee, Patricia, Marvin, Alice; Michael; Olga; Eileen; Soren; Kitsa; Apthrodite and Angelos; Kim; Dusty, Cari; Betsy, Josh; Allison;  Andrew and Isaac (Korea/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Emma; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Jeremy; Marcia & Deacon; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy

Confession of Faith: As the prophets beheld, as the Apostles have taught,…as the Church has received…as the teachers have dogmatized,…as the Universe has agreed,…as Grace has shown forth,… as Truth has revealed,…as falsehood has been dissolved,…as Wisdom has presented, …as Christ awarded,…thus we declare,…thus we assert,…thus we preach Christ our true God, and honor as Saints in words, in writings, in thoughts, in sacrifices, in churches, in Holy Icons; on the one hand worshipping and reverencing Christ as God and Lord; and on the other hand honoring as true servants of the same Lord of all and accordingly offering them veneration.

(LOUDER) This is the Faith of the Apostles, this is the Faith of the Fathers, this is the Faith of the Orthodox, this is the Faith which has established the Universe.

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.