Divine Liturgy: Sunday, January 19, 2025

30th Sunday after Pentecost: The Feast of Theophany:

Baptism of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ (Tone 5)

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Sunday, January 19, 2025

30th Sunday after Pentecost: The Feast of Theophany:

Baptism of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ (Tone 5)

No Fast

  Priest Micah J. Chisholm, Rector    Phone: (989) 324-8773

[www.stsebastianorthodoxchurch.org] 

Entrance Hymn / Introit:  Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.  We have blessed you out of the house of the Lord.  God is the Lord, and hath appeared unto us.

Troparion – Theophany of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ – Tone 1:  When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest, for the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, and called Thee His beloved Son, and the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the truthfulness of His word.  O Christ our God, Who hast revealed Thyself and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee!

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit!

Both now and ever and unto the ages of ages.  Amen.

Kontakion – Theophany of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ – Tone 4: Today Thou hast shown forth to the world, O Lord, and the light of Thy countenance has been marked on us.  Knowing Thee, we sing Thy praises.  Thou hast come and revealed Thyself, O unapproachable Light.

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The Prokeimenon (in the 4th Tone): Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord!  God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us!

Verse: O give thanks to the Lord for He is good; for His mercy endures forever.

Epistle Reading (Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7 (§302))

My son Titus, the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.  But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. 

Gospel (St. Matthew 3:13-17 (§6))

At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.  John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"  But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness." Then he consented.  And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

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Hymn to the Theotokos

Magnify O my soul the most pure Virgin Theotokos; more honorable than the heavenly hosts.  No tongue knows how to praise thee worthily, O Theotokos; even angels are overcome with awe praising thee.  But since thou art good accept our faith; for thou knowest our love, inspired by God.  Thou art the defender of Christians and we magnify thee.

Communion Hymn

The grace of God that bringeth salvation unto all men hath appeared!   Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Pre-Communion Prayer

     I believe, O Lord, and I confess that Thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, Who didst come into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.  Moreover, I believe that this is truly Thy most Pure Body, and that this is truly Thine Own Precious Blood.  Wherefore, I pray Thee: Have mercy on me and forgive me my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and in deed, in knowledge and in ignorance.  And vouchsafe me to partake without condemnation of Thy most pure Mysteries unto the remission of my sins and life everlasting.  Amen.

     Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, receive me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of the Mystery to Thine enemies, nor will I give Thee a kiss as did Judas, but like the Thief do I confess Thee:  Remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom.

     Let not the communion of Thy Holy Mysteries be unto me for judgment, or condemnation, O Lord, but for thehealing of soul and body.  Amen.

Polychronion (The Many Years)

Our Great Lord and Father, His Holiness Kyrill, Patriarch of Moscow and All the Rus, our Lord the Very Most Reverend Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, our lord the Most Reverend Gabriel, Archbishop of Montreal and Canada, and their God-protected flock, this land, its civil authorities and armed forces, the God-preserved Lands of Rus, the Rector of this Holy Parish and all Orthodox Christians: preserve, O Lord, for many years!

We welcome everyone to Saint Sebastian Orthodox Church. Please join us for a time of fellowship following the Divine Liturgy.

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Note: The Parish Council has decided to regularly publish our latest “Operational” financial health status for general awareness.   The information will be freshened each month.  Here is the 2024 status as of 12/31/24:

 

                                                                                                                  Dec. only                                Yr to Date

                     Total Operating Income to Date:                                       $  7,030                                   $  72,880

                     Total Operating Expenses to Date:                                   $  4,436  *                               $  64,497 *

                     Current Building Fund Balance                                                               $ 119,417

* Includes Diocesan Assessment increment

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Please pray for our Catechumens:

Nathan, Claire, Vanessa, Seth, Courtney, John, & Jessica

And also for Ma. Stephanie, and Donald Clewley & Family

If you are interested in learning more about the Orthodox faith, 

or are interested in learning how you can become a part of Saint Sebastian Orthodox Christian Church, 

please speak to Father Micah.

We welcome everyone to Saint Sebastian Orthodox Church.  
Please stay and join us for fellowship and refreshments after the service today.