Second Sunday of Great Lent

Commemoration of Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica

Hypatios the wonderworker, Aishop of Gangra; Prophet Joel

Thought for Today: “True fasting lies in 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           

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

Resurrectional Apolytikion – Tone 2

When Thou didst submit Thyself unto death, O Thou deathless and immortal One, then Thou didst destroy hell with Thy Godly power. And when Thou didst raise the dead from beneath the earth, all the powers of Heaven did cry aloud unto Thee: O Christ, Thou giver of life, glory to Thee.

Apolytikion 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 Sunday 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

The Lord is my strength and my song. The Lord has chastened me severely.

The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. (1:10-14; 2:1-3)

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; they will all grow old like a garment, 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 angels has He said “Sit at My right hand, til I make thy enemies a footstool 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 great a salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to 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.

THIS WEEK    

Today, Sunday: Pascha choir will begin practicing today at 1:00 pm for 90 minutes. Practices will be held on the following Sunday as well; April 7, 14, and 21. Lenten Vespers at 5:00 pm; St. Nicholas speaker Fr. David Wey.

Monday, April 1: 3^rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.

Tuesday, April 2: 3^rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am.

Wednesday, April 3: 6^th Hour Prayers at12:00 noon; Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00 pm (followed by teaching).

Thursday, April 4: 3^rd Hour Prayers at9:00 am; OCF dinner and discussion, 6:30pm at the Webb’s home.

Friday, April 5: Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00 am; Akathist Service at 6:00 pm.

Saturday, April 6: Bible Study at the Webb’s home, 9:00 am; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm; (followed by Ask Abouna); Jr. SOYO at 3:30pm; SOYO at 6:30pm.

 Sunday, April 7: Matins at9:00 am,Divine Liturgy at10:00 am; Adoration of the Cross. Lenten Vespers at 5:00 pm; St. Stephen speaker Fr. Zachariah Trent.

FAMILY NEWS 

Names Day Celebration: Joel Arthur,Prophel Joel (31^st); Nolan Arnold, St. Gregory Palamas (31^st); Molly Alexander, St. Mary of Egypt (1^st); Polina Mullis, St. Apollinara (4^th).

Birthday Celebration: Wendy Elizabeth Carter (2^nd); Irene Weber (3^rd); John Kozak (4^th); Jennifer Rigsby (5^th); Cora Bidulescu (6^th).

Memory Eternal: Fr. Jorge, Steve, Sarah, Patriarch Neophytos (Bulgarian Patriarchate); Douglas Barrett (Subdeacon Dan’s brother).

Prayer List: Charlie;Shirley; Jim;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine, and the Middle East; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; schools: 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); Wes’s grandfather; Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Jack; Christopher; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Marvin; Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Dusty; Cari; Betsy; Josh; Allison; Andrew (Texas/military); Isaac (Germany/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Dee; Jeremy; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; John; Stanley; Macrina with child; Anne; Allen; Linda; Mary Barger; Allison and children; Nino with child, Kip, Erica with child, Stephanie with child, Mary with child, Meaghan with child, Alexis with child.

An excellent documentary film titled, “Sacred Alaska” will be shown at the Old National Public Theater in Evansville, IN on Sunday, April 14.  There are two showings: 1:30pm and 4:30pm.  RSVP to attend at:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScHNi0RtUGRhKV-ShNT-Sb0pX9_3JjQxlmz5ujOzyqoxViyTA/viewform?fbclid=IwAR0MjjZQnzpuO-O21X9EWpqtL3tMbp_d3GaRxa2CouwGQWnICGD-Tdhh-os 

For a list of upcoming screenings around the U.S.: simon@sacredalaskafilm.com

To view the trailer: https://vimeo.com/704200740

 Coffee Hour Host: 5^th Sunday all are encouraged to participate.

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

Giving Opportunities:

Our In-House Food Pantry: Thank you for the generous support to theFood Pantry. The pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the greater Bloomington community. Donations of nonperishable items of pasta, marinara sauce, peanut

butter, canned chicken and Tuna, canned vegetables, canned fruit and soups are always welcome.

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)

Venerable Zachariah the recluse and Artemon, bishop of Seleucia

Thought for Today: “When you want to say something to your children, tell it to the Panagia and She will bring it to pass.” – St. Porphyrois of Kavsokalyvia

March is Women’s Month

The ladies of the parish will serve by reading the Epistle and ushering during the month of March.  

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 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 Sunday 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

Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers. For Thou art just in all that Thou hast done for us.

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

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 fleeting pleasures of sin. And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets – who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign enemies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though attested by their faith, did not receive what was promise, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. 

The Gospel 

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. 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.

OCF Donation Drive: A heartfelt Thank you, for donations made for ‘New Hope for Families’. 

THIS WEEK

Today, Sunday: Great Vespers with Artoklosia for the Annunciation to the Most-Holy Theotokos at 5:00 pm.

Sunday of Orthodoxy service at Holy Trinity 5:00 pm; Homilist Bishop Daniel.

Monday, March 25: Matins at 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am; for the Annunciation.

There is a festal family meal after Divine Liturgy. The Church will provide fish; others are invited to bring Lenten sides such as vegetables, salad, bread, and desserts.

Tuesday, March 26: 3^rd Hour Prayers at 9:00 am; OCF dinner and discussion, 6:30pm at the Webb’s home.

Wednesday, March 27: 6^th Hour Prayers at12:00 noon; Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00 pm (followed by teaching).

Thursday, March 28: 3^rd Hour Prayers at9:00 am.

Friday, March 29: Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00 am; Akathist Service at 6:00 pm.

Saturday, March 30: Bible Study at the Webb’s home, 9:00 am; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm; (followed by Ask Abouna); Jr. SOYO at 3:30pm; SOYO at 6:30pm.

 Sunday, March 31: Matins at9:00 am,Divine Liturgy at10:00 am.

FAMILY NEWS 

Names Day Celebration: Gabriella Crandell, Randel Storm, Archangel Gabriel; John Alexander, St. John Climacus.

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

Memory Eternal: Fr. Jorge, Steve, Sarah, Patriarch Neophytos (Bulgarian Patriarchate).

Prayer List: Charlie;Shirley; Jim;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine, and the Middle East; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; schools: 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); Wes’s grandfather; Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Jack; Christopher; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Marvin; Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Dusty; Cari; Betsy; Josh; Allison; Andrew (Texas/military); Isaac (Germany/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Dee; Jeremy; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; John; Stanley; Macrina with child; Anne; Allen; Linda; Mary Barger; Allison and children; Nino with child, Kip, Erica with child, Stephanie with child, Mary with child, Meaghan with child, Alexis with child.

An excellent documentary film titled, “Sacred Alaska” will be shown at the Old National Public Theater in Evansville, IN on Sunday, April 14.  There are two showings: 1:30pm and 4:30pm.  RSVP to attend at:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScHNi0RtUGRhKV-ShNT-Sb0pX9_3JjQxlmz5ujOzyqoxViyTA/viewform?fbclid=IwAR0MjjZQnzpuO-O21X9EWpqtL3tMbp_d3GaRxa2CouwGQWnICGD-Tdhh-os

For a list of upcoming screenings around the U.S.: simon@sacredalaskafilm.com

To view the trailer: https://vimeo.com/704200740

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

Next week Host: 5^th Sunday all are encouraged to participate in donating towards Coffee Hour.

Giving Opportunities:

Our In-House Food Pantry: Thank you for the generous support to theFood Pantry. The pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the greater Bloomington community. Donations of nonperishable items of pasta, marinara sauce, peanut

butter, canned chicken and Tuna, canned vegetables, canned fruit and soups are always welcome.

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)

Venerable Alexios the ‘Man of God;’ Patrick, bishop of Armagh and enlightener of Ireland

Thought for Today: “We sin against God in so many ways when we are cruel, unforgiving and so forth. The servant who receives the forgiveness if his Master and who then refuses to forgive, not only sinned against the other servant, he sinned against his master… If wefail to forgive our brother, our neighbor, then we are sinning against God” + St. John Chrysostom +

March is Women’s Month

The ladies of the parish will serve by reading the Epistle and ushering during the month of March.  

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.

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.

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

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS 

The Epistle

Make your vows unto the Lord and perform them.God is known in Judah; His name is great in Israel.

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

            Brethern, salvation nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly  as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery  and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything; while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgement on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgement on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, 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.

OCF Donation Drive: Donations for ‘New Hope for Families’ may be brought to the church through March 24th. Items requested are listed on the Fellowship Hall door, in the electronic bulletin attachment, or by contacting Maria Greanias @ 219-508-6534.

Real Break Greece: Eirene Stavropoulos is participating in “Real Break” through OCF and is asking for our support. You all can donate directly through this link and it will go straight to Eirene. https://orthodoxchristianfellowship.givingfuel.com/crowd/real-break-greece-2024/fundraiser/15269

THIS WEEK

CLEAN WEEK 

Today, Sunday: Parish Council will meet following Divine Liturgy; Forgiveness Vespers at 5:00 pm.

Monday, March 18: Great Cannon of St. Andrew of Crete at 6:00 pm.

Tuesday, March 19: Great Cannon of St. Andrew at 6:00 pm.

Wednesday, March 20: Presanctified Liturgy at 6:00 pm (followed by teaching).

Thursday, March 21: Great Cannon of St. Andrew at 6:00 pm.

Friday, March 22: Akathist Service at 6:00 pm.

Saturday, March 23: Bible Study at the Webb’s home, 9:00 am; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm; (followed by Ask Abouna); Jr. SOYO at 3:30pm; SOYO at 6:30pm.

 Sunday, March 24: Matins at9:00 am,Divine Liturgy at10:00 am; Sunday of Orthodoxy service at Holy Trinity 5:00 pm; Homilist Bishop Daniel.

FAMILY NEWS

Names Day Celebration: David Patterson,St. Patrick(17^th); Shirley Richardson, Mezy Alexander, Hannah Noor Gillquist, St. Photini (26^th).

Birthday Celebration: Kh. Kristina (18^th);Marah Polit (19^th);Lilly Blair (20^th); Saraquel Hsu (21st); Ghada Labban (21^st); George Tabbal (21^st); Marjia Krupoves (23^rd).

Memory Eternal: Fr. Jorge, Steve, Sarah, Patriarch Neophytos (Bulgarian Patriarchate).

Prayer List: Shirley;Jim;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine, and the Middle East; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; schools: 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); Wes’s grandfather; Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Jack; Christopher; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Marvin; Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Dusty; Cari; Betsy; Josh; Allison; Andrew (Texas/military); Isaac (Germany/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Dee; Jeremy; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; John; Stanley; Macrina with child; Anne; Allen; Linda; Mary Barger; Allison and children; Nino with child, Kip, Erica with child, Stephanie with child, Mary with child, Meaghan with child, Alexis with child.

Giving Opportunities:

Our In-House Food Pantry: Thank you for the generous support to theFood Pantry. The pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the greater Bloomington community. Donations of nonperishable items of pasta, marinara sauce, peanut butter, canned chicken and Tuna, canned vegetables, canned fruit and soups are always welcome.

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.

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

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

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)

 Martyr Kodratos of Corinth and his five companions; Anastasia the patrician of Alexandria

Thought for Today: “As rain raises the seed, so the church service strengthens the soul in virtue. – St. Ephraim the Syrian

March is Women’s Month

The ladies of the parish will serve by reading the Epistle and ushering during the month of March.  

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.

Kontakion for Sunday of Last Judgement – Tone 4

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

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

The Reading from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (8:8-13; 9: 1-2)

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 became a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one 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 of 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 brother’s falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall.

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.”

OCF Donation Drive: Donations for ‘New Hope for Families’ may be brought to the church through March 24th. Items requested are listed on the Fellowship Hall door, in the electronic bulletin attachment, or by contacting Maria Greanias @ 219-508-6534.

Real Break Greece: Eirene Stavropoulos is participating in “Real Break” through OCF and is asking for our support. You all can donate directly through this link and it will go straight to Eirene. https://orthodoxchristianfellowship.givingfuel.com/crowd/real-break-greece-2024/fundraiser/15269 

THIS WEEK 

Monday, March 11: 6^th Hour Prayers at 12 noon.

Tuesday, March 12: Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.

Wednesday, March 13: 6^th Hour Prayers at 12 noon; Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm (followed by Orthodoxy 101).

Thursday, March 14: Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.

Friday, March 15:  Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.

Saturday, March 16: Bible Study at the Webb’s home, 9:00 am; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm; (followed by Ask Abouna); Jr. SOYO at 3:30pm; SOYO at 6:30pm.

 Sunday, March 17: Matins at9:00 am,Divine Liturgy at10:00 am. Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare) Vespers at 5:00 pm.

FAMILY NEWS 

Names Day Celebration: Daniel Mullis, St. Symeon (12^th).

Birthday Celebration: Paulina Schulz (11^th);Ryan Shanahan (12^th);Adam Shahadey (16^th).

Memory Eternal: Fr. Jorge, Steve, Sarah.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine, and the Middle East; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; schools: 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); Wes’s grandfather; Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Jack; Christopher; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Marvin; Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Dusty; Cari; Betsy; Josh; Allison; Andrew (Texas/military); Isaac (Germany/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Dee; Jeremy; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; John; Stanley; Macrina;; Anne; Allen; Linda; Mary Barger; Allison and children; Nino with child, Kip, Erica with child, Stephanie with child, Mary with child, Meaghan with child, Alexis with child.

Giving Opportunities:

Our In-House Food Pantry: Thank you for the generous support to theFood Pantry. The pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the greater Bloomington community. Donations of nonperishable items of pasta, marinara sauce, peanut butter, canned chicken and Tuna, canned vegetables, canned fruit and soups are always welcome.

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.

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

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

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 Prodigal Son

Martyrs Eutropios, Kleonikos, and Basilikos of Amasea; Hieromartyr Theodoretos of Antioch 

Thought for Today: “The mercy of God is limitless. It is immeasurably greater than an infinite ocean.It is in the divine mercy that one can easily drown all his mortal sins if he repents with all his heart.”+ St. Luke the Physician of Simferopol +

 March is Women’s Month

The ladies of the parish will serve by reading the Epistle and ushering during the month of March.  

EPISTLE and GOSPEL READINGS

The Epistle

O  Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Unto Thee will I cry, O Lord my God.

The Reading from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (6:12-20)

Brethren, all things are lawful for me, but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the authority of anything. Foods are for the belly, and the belly for foods; but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body; and God both raised up the Lord, and will also raise us up through His power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I therefore take away the members of Christ, and make them members of a harlot? God forbid! Or, do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For, “The two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication! Every sin that a person commits is outside the body, but whoever commits fornication sins against his own body. Or, do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have received from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

The Gospel 

The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. (15:11-32)

            The Lord spoke this parable: “There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.’ And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

VARIABLE for CHOIR and PARISH

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.

Kontakion for the Prodical son – Tone 3

Foolishly I sprang away * from Thy great fatherly glory, * and dispersed in wicked deeds * the riches that Thou didst give me. * With the Prodigal I therefore * cry unto Thee now: * I have sinned against Thee, O compassionate Father. * But receive me in repentance; * make me as one of * Thy hired servants, O Lord.

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.

OCF Donation Drive: Donations for ‘New Hope for Families’ may be brought to the church through March 24th. Items requested are listed on the Fellowship Hall door, in the electronic bulletin attachment, or by contacting Maria Greanias @ 219-508-6534.

Farewell, Michael: Michael Stolts, a long-time catechumen at All Saints, is relocating and today will be his final Sunday with us. May God protect Michael in his travels and establish him firmly in his new home.

THIS WEEK 

Today, Sunday: Myrrh Bearers will meet following Divine Liturgy. For those interested in attending the annual Sugarbush Maple Festival; the Caravan will depart from All Saints shortly after the dismissal.

Monday, March 4: 6^th Hour Prayers at 12 noon.

Tuesday, March 5: 3^rd Hour Prayers; OCF dinner and discussion, 6:30 pm at the Webb’s home.

Wednesday, March 6: 6^th Hour Prayers at 12 noon. Finding of the Precious Cross by St. Helen; Daily Vespers at 6:00 pm (followed by Orthodoxy 101).

Thursday, March 7: Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.

Friday, March 8:  Divine Liturgy for the 40 Holy Martyrs of Sebaste at 9:00 am.

Saturday, March 9: Saturday of Souls Liturgy 9:00 am; Great Vespers at 5:00 pm; (followed by Ask Abouna); Jr. SOYO at 3:30pm; SOYO at 6:30pm.

 Sunday, March 10: Matins at9:00 am,Divine Liturgy at10:00 am. Sunday of the Last Judgement. (Meatfare).

Saturday of Souls – March 9: On the Saturday of Souls, we commemorate those who have fallen asleep, beginning with Adam and Eve, all the way to the most recently departed souls. With reverence, we ask God to forgive all their transgressions and to grant them rest “in a place of green pastures.” If you would like to include names of your departed loved ones to be remembered by name in the Liturgy, please divide the list into columns of “Orthodox” and “Non-Orthodox.” Lists may be emailed to Fr. Peter Jon or hardcopies may be placed on the memorial table before 3pm on Friday, March 8.

Building Committee Update

On February 7 the Monroe County Board of Zoning approved a variance allowing our future Temple to be built on the area directly north of our current building, which contains a 15-degree slope. The slope was created by us at the time of the construction of our current building. The variance also combined multiple lots of the property into a single lot. This variance is not time-bound but is a covenant running with the land. This is another important hurdle cleared for our building project.

FAMILY NEWS

Birthday Celebration: Dn. Lawrence Baldwin (3^rd); Polina Mullis (5^th); Alice Piercefield (6^th);

Memory Eternal: Fr. Jorge.

Prayer List: Michael, Olga, Eileen, Soren, Kathy;Jan; Don and Dee; those suffering the war of Ukraine, and the Middle East; Peace talks; our nation and all nations’ leaders; schools: 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); Wes’s grandfather; Megan (lymphoma); Mark (CHF) and (caregiver) Barbara;Josiah; Vicki;Vicki’s granddaughter; Steve Crandall; Fr. Athanasius; Jack; Christopher; Fr. Jerome; Fr. Basil; Catherine; Wadia; Jayci; Patricia; Marvin; Alice; Kitsa; Apthrodite; Kim; Kristy; Dusty; Cari; Betsy; Josh; Allison; Andrew (Texas/military); Isaac (Germany/military); Leanne; Heather; Nancy; Sharon Catherine; Lexi, Ross and Vivian; Theo; Doug; Dee; Jeremy; Dn. Lawrence, Marcia; Elias; Waded; Seraphima; Lilly’s family; Jennifer; Christy; Megan; John; Stanley; Macrina;; Anne; Allen; Linda; Mary Barger; Allison and children; Nino with child, Kip, Taylor with child, Erica with child, Stephanie with child, Mary with child, Meaghan with child, Alexis with child.

Giving Opportunities:

Our In-House Food Pantry is in NEED: The Food Pantry is in need of marinara sauce, peanut butter, canned chicken and Tuna, canned vegetables, fruit and soups. The pantry is available to parish members as well as families and individuals in the greater Bloomington community. Thank you for your continued support

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.

 Coffee Hour Host: Melissa Barbarick with Parishioners A-B.

Next week Host: Wendy Elizabeth Carter with Parishioners C-G.

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.