Jan 26-Feb. 1 Upcoming Services
Tuesday 28th 7 am Baking Rolls
Wednesday 29th 6 pm Study Group
Thursday 30th 9 am Liturgy for The Three Holy Hierarchs
Saturday 1st 5 pm Vespers
Sunday, January 26
Tone 7-Troparion of the Resurrection
By Thy Cross Thou didst destroy death. To the thief Thou didst open Paradise. For the Myrrh-bearers Thou didst change weeping into joy, and Thou didst command Thy disciples, O Christ God, to proclaim that Thou art risen, granting the world great mercy.
Tone 4-Troparion New Martyrs of Russia
Today the Church of Russia forms a chorus in joy, praising her new martyrs and confessors; hierarchs and priests, royal passion-bearers, right-believing princes and princesses, venerable men and women, and all Orthodox Christians. Having laid down their life for faith in Christ during the days of godless persecution, they preserved the truth by the shedding of blood. By their protection, O long-suffering Lord, preserve our land in Orthodoxy till the end of the age.
Tone 7-Kontakion of the Resurrection
The dominion of death can no longer hold men captive, for Christ descended, shattering and destroying its powers. Hell is bound, while the Prophets rejoice and cry: “The Savior has come to those in faith; enter, you faithful, into the Resurrection!”
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
Tone 3-Kontakion New Martyrs of Russia
Today the new martyrs of Rus’ stand in white robes before the Lamb of God, and with the angels they sing to God the hymn of victory: “Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and praise, and honor, and power, and strength be to our God unto the ages of ages. Amen.”
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Steadfast protection of Christians, constant advocate before the Creator, despise not the entreating cries of us sinners; but in your goodness come speedily to help those who call on you in faith: hasten to hear our petition and to intercede for us, O Theotokos, for you always protect those who honor Thee.
The Reading from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Timothy 1:15-17
Brethren, the saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I am the foremost of sinners; but I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience for an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 15:21-28
At that time behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word.
And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”
She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
Prayer List:
Sub-deacon Mitri and Nora Moussa, Helen Nicholas, Barbara Demis, Dennis Poney, Lydia Holt, Lily Zelner, Anna T., Matushka Sasha, Fr. Ian and Alia Karras.
Visitors
Visitors, thank you for joining us for the Divine Liturgy. Everyone is welcome to attend our services and join us in the social hour that follows. Only Orthodox Christians who have kept the appropriate fast, and have made a recent Confession before the parish priest may partake of Holy Communion. All are invited to receive the blessed bread as we venerate the cross at the end of the service.
Home Blessing Season
It’s that time of year again. The time for home blessings. After the Feast of Theophany (“Ton Photon”- “Feast of Lights”) the priest brings the water of Jordan to each home of the parish and the family joins in prayers for the blessing of the home with the holy water. This is done every year.
Please take advantage of this blessing for you and your family. Make arrangements with Fr. Stephen for your home blessing by email or phone. Traditionally all home blessings are to be finished before Great Lent begins. (March 2 this year)
Special Offering Today
Today we will take up a second offering at the end of the Divine Liturgy for missions and charities. We take up this offering once a month to be able to aid those in need.
Donations
All donations given to HSOC are recorded for your taxes, you should already have received your statement from 2019. We have two types of donations. 1. Operating Budget 2. Designated donations.
A designated donation means it is given for a particular purpose, such as the building fund. This is indicated by writing “building fund” on the memo line of your check, or by putting it in a building fund envelope.
Undesignated donations go to the operating budget to pay the bills of the church. All fund raising money goes to the operating budget; street sale, special dinners, annual sales, bookstore, bake sale; all go to the operating budget. Funds that are designated must be used for that purpose, by law.
We have paid off the mortgage loan with the diocese!! All building fund donations will go toward church expansion, potentially adding an entryway (narthex). Please do not stop giving to the operating budget to donate to the building fund or we won’t be able to sustain our operating budget. When in doubt, ask.