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The Entrance of our Lord into Jerusalem
Palm Sunday
| | Христос Међу Нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta' entra nosotros! | | |
Homily on Palm Sunday
By His Grace, Bishop IRINEJ of Eastern America
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the All-Holy and Good and Life-giving Spirit,
My Beloved, how I rejoice on this day, and how my heart rejoices within me, being here in your august presence, on this Great Feast Day, when we celebrate the Triumphal Entrance of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. It is precisely on this festal weekend, that we receive the answer to all of our quandaries about Jesus Christ, and what He was trying to reveal of Himself during each and every gospel that we heard during the course of Holy and Great Lent. We spent the preparatory feasts before Great Lent, trying to uncover one mystery about ourselves: namely, “Who am I?” Do I have in me the desire of Zacchaeus? Do I have in me the humility of the publican? Do I have in me the desire to repent and to return as the prodigal son, and so on? And then, after trying to answer that substantial question for ourselves, during Great Lent, Jesus Christ reveals Himself in every way possible. He teaches us Who He is. So, as who am I is answered, now is answered, “Who is HE?” Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, and indeed, God Himself.
He tells us in that very first Sunday, when Nathanael exclaims, “Rabbi, You are the King of Israel, You are the Son of God.” Who could have told this to Nathanael, a perfect stranger? No one, save God Himself could have revealed it to him. But Jesus Christ would not accept any one of those epitaphs. Instead, He looked at Nathanael and said, I am the Son of Man. He wanted us to understand that we need to always know to maintain the perfect balance in regard to the Christ, that He is the Son of God and the Son of Man – perfect God and perfect Man in one person… Not two persons, not two individuals, without confusion and without mixing. Uniquely Man, Uniquely God, one being, Jesus Christ.
Yesterday, Lazarus Saturday, that magnificent last of the three resurrections prior to His own that He committed, revealed to us the actions of God and Man equally in Jesus Christ. In the teachings of St. Maximos [the Confessor] when we have the two shortest sentences in Scripture, “Jesus wept” and when He shouted, “Lazarus come forth!” Who did that? Was it Man or God? It was both God and Man alike. The desire of Man combined with the authority of God that spoke each one of those sentences. And today, today, we finally have Jesus Christ recognizing Nathanael’s calling Him, the King of Israel, because He knew that the moment He would accept that title, it would mean His Crucifixion and death on the Cross. For He was killed precisely as the King of Israel, as that accusation waged against Him was nailed above His head.
We were with Christ in Bethany yesterday and today we enter with Him into Jerusalem. But before all of this, if you will recall, when Jesus in Bethany, told His disciples that we will go tomorrow to Jerusalem, they responded, “How will You go to Jerusalem? They wanted to stone You.” And then we have to recall the words that Jesus uttered, before leaving Jerusalem, before coming back to it triumphantly, He stood atop the cliff, which is over Jerusalem, and He looked down and said, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who killed the prophets, you who stoned those whom I have sent you, how have I tried? How many times did I want to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you would not permit this. Your house is desolate, and you won’t see me again until you cry out, “Blessed is He that come in the name of the Lord.” Why did Jesus Christ, when leaving Jerusalem, as His disciples thought for the last time, did He use this analogy? You might think it a strange analogy. But then, we must remember the position—what is the position a mother hen takes when she defends her brood from a fox approaching? She spreads out her wings, and she makes of her own body the sign of the Cross. She takes her chicks under wing, knowing that the fox is going to destroy her, but that by her sacrifice, she will save her children. Did not that same Jesus Christ say before all this, say of Herod, that he is a fox? And He knew that He would be destroyed, crucified on the Cross, so that He would raise all of us with Him from the dead at the conclusion of the coming of the age.
We have to understand that Jesus, when He told His disciples to go, go into Jerusalem, do not be afraid, go find a man there, and you are going to tell him that the Master sent us. You will know him immediately, as he will be carrying a water jug in his hands. And he will give you for me, a colt, a young donkey so that I can ride into the city. We may think to ourselves, “What kind of king rides on a donkey, instead of a charger? Yet, Jesus Christ proved that a true king is one who serves with humility—a true King is a servant king—much like the late Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain. She was a servant and she was a queen at the same time, and we look to her son for the same kind of leadership. Give yourself in service entirely to others, and the Lord will reward you then, for your kingship.
And so it is, that finally, Jesus Christ, riding in on a donkey through the gates into Jerusalem. Everyone knew intuitively, God revealed it to them, the knew that Jesus was coming—no one had to tell them. They ran out, throwing their coats on the ground before Him. The children took branches, palm branches, olive tree branches, and everything else, crying out, “Hosanna to God in the Highest! Hosanna! Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord!” For this reason two of our great contemporary Serbian teachers, the Venerable Abba Justin, tells us, “we will be saved by children and flowers,” and thus, Vrbica is the Feast of children in the Serbian Orthodox Church. Thereafter, the late Bishop Stefan of Žiča said, This day, Palm Sunday, is an encounter of children, spring, and an encounter with Christ.” And so we finally meet the Christ, the One Who is the Son of God, the Son of Man, the King of Israel. Now we have to ask each and everyone of ourselves, are we going to pass the test that Jesus Christ sets before us this day.
Holding these palm and willow branches in our hands, are we going to be likened unto those who greeted Him with Hosanna, and then a few days later, cast them on the ground and shouted with all of their might, Crucify Him! Crucify Him! So, be aware, as you know, that taking these blessed branches into your homes obligates you obligates everyone without exception, to keep in perspective Who is Jesus Christ, and never to be found with those who shouted Crucify Him, and let His Blood be upon us and upon our children. God Forbid!
May our lord keep us always on the straight and narrow. May we always walk with Him triumphantly into the Jerusalem of our hearts, and of our souls, and of our minds, because in the end, on this day of our glorious encounter, may it be granted that our next encounter will be with Jesus Christ on that all glorious day in the Kingdom of the New Jerusalem which is on high. May you have a happy blessed and joyous feast! Amen! Boze Daj! Let it be so!
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Commemorating the Righteous Joseph the Patriarch, Repose of St Innocent Metropolitan of Moscow Enlightener of the Aleuts and Apostle to the Americas, Repose of St Jonah Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia, St Hypatius the Wonderworker Bishop of Gangra, Hieromartyr Avdas Bishop of Persia and Martyr Benjamin the Deacon, Venerable Hypatius the Healer of the Kiev Caves, Venerable Apollonius Ascetic of Egypt, Venerable Hypatius Abbot of Rufinus in Chalcedon, St Acacius the Confessor
FIRST ANTIPHON
Verse: I love the Lord because He has heard the voice of my supplication. Because He inclined His ear to me; therefore I will call on Him as long as I live.
Refrain: Molitvami, Bogorodici, Spase, Spasi nas!
Verse: The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of hell laid hold on me. I suffered distress and anguish, so I called on the Name of the Lord. I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us!
Verse: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and into ages of ages. Amen.
Refrain: Molitvami, Bogorodici, Spase, Spasi nas!
SECOND ANTIPHON
Verse: I kept my faith, even when I said, “I am greatly afflicted.” What shall I render to the Lord for all the things He has given me?
Refrain: Spasi ni Sine Božij, vozsjedij na žrebja, pojuščija Ti: Aliluja!
Verse: I will receive the cup of salvation, and call on the Name of the Lord.
Refrain: O Son of God, seated upon the foal, save us who sing to You: Alleluia!
Verse: I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people.
Refrain: Spasi ni Sine Božij, vozsjedij na žrebja, pojuščija Ti: Aliluja!
Verse: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Amen. Only Begotten Son and immortal Word of God…
THIRD ANTIPHON
Verse: O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endures forever!
PALM SUNDAY TROPARION—TONE 1
By raising Lazarus from the dead before Thy Passion, Thou didst confirm the universal resurrection, O Christ God. Like the children with the palms of victory, we cry out to Thee, O Vanquisher of Death: “Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord!”
Verse: Let the house of Israel say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever! Let the house of Aaron say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever!
PALM SUNDAY TROPARION—TONE 1
Obščeje voskresenije prežde tvojeja strasti uvjerjaja, iz mertvih vozdvigl jesi Lazarja Hriste Bože: tjemže i mi jako otroci pobjedi znamenija posjašče Tebje pobjeditelju smerti vopijem: Osana vo višnjih, blagosloven gradij vo Imja Gospodnje.
Verse: Let those who fear the Lord say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever!
PALM SUNDAY TROPARION—TONE 1
Entrance Verse: Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord! We bless you from the house of the Lord! God is the Lord, and has revealed Himself to us!
PALM SUNDAY TROPARION—TONE 1 By raising Lazarus….
SECOND PALM SUNDAY TROPARION—TONE 4
When we were buried with You in baptism, O Christ God, we were made worthy of eternal life by your Resurrection. Now we praise You and sing: “Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord!”
PALM SUNDAY KONTAKION—TONE 6
Sitting on Your throne in Heaven, carried on a foal on earth, O Christ God, accept the praise of angels and the songs of children, who sing: “Blessed is He Who comes to recall Adam!”
Instead of “It is Truly Meet…”
God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us! Celebrate the feast and come with gladness! Let us magnify Christ with palms and branches, singing: “Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord, our Savior!”
Communion Hymn
Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord! God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
| | ~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | | |
READERS:
This Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Dasha Gencturk
Next Week: Matins:Choir Epistle: Christopher Rakowski / Stefan Gligorevic
EPISTLE: Philippians 4:4—9
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Fourth Tone: Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord! God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us!
CHOIR: Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord! God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us!
READER: v: O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endures forever!
CHOIR: Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord! God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us!
READER: Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord!
CHOIR: God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Philippians.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brothers and Sisters, rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, 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 anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: O sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Филипљанима 4:4-9
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 4 Благословен који долази у име Господње. Бог је Господ и јави се нама.
Хор: Благословен који долази у име Господње. Бог је Господ и јави се нама.
Читач: Хвалите Господа, јер је добар, јер је до вјека милост Његова.
Хор: Благословен који долази у име Господње. Бог је Господ и јави се нама.
Читач: Благословен који долази у име Господње.
Хор: Бог је Господ и јави се нама.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање из посланице Св. Апостола Павла Филипљанима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, радујте се свагда у Господу, и опет велим: радујте се! Благост ваша нека буде позната свима људима. Господ је близу. Не брините се ни за што, него у свему молитвом и мољењем са захвалношћу казујте Богу жеље ваше. И мир Божији, који превазилази сваки ум, сачуваће срца ваша и мисли ваше у Христу Исусу. А даље, браћо, што год је истинито, што год је поштено, што год је праведно, што год је чисто, што год је достојно љубави, што год је на добру гласу, било која врлина, било што похвале достојно, то мислите; Што и научисте, и примисте и чусте и видјесте на мени, оно чините, и Бог мира биће с вама.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Појте Господу пјесму нову, јер учини чудеса.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Јави Господ спасење Своје, пред народима откри правду Своју.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL: John 12:1-18
Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.” Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus. The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!” Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: “Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt.” His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ: JOBAH 12:1-18
На шест дана прије Пасхе дође Исус у Витанију, гдје бјеше Лазар који умрије, кога он подиже из мртвих. Ондје му пак зготовише вечеру, и Марта служаше, а Лазар бјеше један од оних што сјеђаху са њим за трпезом. А Марија, узевши литру правога нардова скупоцјенога мириса, помаза ноге Исусове, и обриса косом својом ноге његове; а кућа се напуни мириса од мира. Онда рече један од ученика његових, Јуда Симонов Искариотски, који га намјераваше издати: Зашто се ово миро не продаде за триста динара и не даде сиромасима? А ово не рече што му бјеше стало до сиромаха, него што бјеше лопов, и имаше кесу, и узимаше што се меташе у њу. А Исус рече: Остави је! Она је то сачувала за дан мојега погреба; Јер сиромахе свагда имате са собом, а мене немате свагда. Дознаде пак многи народ из Јудеје да је ондје и дођоше не само ради Исуса, него и да виде Лазара кога он подиже из мртвих. А првосвештеници се договорише да и Лазара убију; Јер многи од Јудејаца долажаху због њега и вјероваху у Исуса. Сутрадан многи народ који бјеше дошао на Празник, чувши да Исус долази у Јерусалим, узеше гране од палми и изиђоше му у сретање и клицаху: Осана! Благословен који долази у име Господње, цар Израиљев! А Исус нашавши магаре усједе на њега, као што је писано: Не бој се, кћери Сионова, ево цар твој долази сједећи на магарету. Али ово не разумјеше испрва ученици његови; него када се прослави Исус, онда се сјетише да ово бјеше за њега писано, и да му ово учинише. А свједочаше народ који бјеше с њим када Лазара позва из гроба и подиже га из мртвих. Због тога му и изиђе народ у сретање, јер чу да је он учинио ово знамење.
| | ~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | | |
~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Newly Illumined Jarred Lee George Lafferty, his parents and sponsors, Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop Youhanna, Protinica Ljubica Jockovic, Protopresbyter Rodney Torbic, V. Rev. Protostavrofor Ilija Balach, V. Rev. Protostavrofor Joseph Fester, Father Gabriel Rochelle, Protinica Ana Stepanov, Popadija Sara Golic, Matushka Barbara Ealy, the child Katie Elizabeth and her parents Mileva and Michael Repasky, the child Louise Bare and her parents Zachary & Elizabeth, the child Penelope and her parents, Alex and Michelle Dowd, Catherine Lewis and the newborn Caleb Ereno, Jessica Crowe and the newborn Maverick Archer, Emma Howell and the child to be born of her, Bethany Peterson and the child to be born of her, Mileva Repasky and the child to be born of her, Louise, Tony & infant of God Zayne, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Kevin Appleby, Lori Bare, Elijah Barnett, Christina Berchock, Dori & Doug Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Jason Brill, Walter “Bud” Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Maria Chigrintseva, Susan & Jim Cibort, Leann Cox, Victoria Cox, Tommy & Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Edward Dry, JoAnn Filepas, Anaya Garvin, Eric Garvin, Christian & Melanie Geib, Michael Geppert III, Dr Andrea Govelovich, Nick & Terry Govelovich, Kata Gruich, George Gutshall, Dan Hazlett, Travis Heilman, Adam Herigan, Edith Herigan, Kay Himes, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Slobodan Jovicic, Tony Kepp, Myong Sook Kim, Caryn Kiraly, Nadine Klipa, Dorothy Krnjaich, Dragica Kuzmanovic, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Sue Leis, Jovan Lemajic, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, John Luksic, Stephen Lundingrin, Penny MacDonald, Dianne & Jim Martin, Jean & Paul Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, George Milakovic, Slavka Miljevic, Marija Miljkovic, Daria Milletics, Rosanda Mitrovic, Diane & Slobodan Momic, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Jenny Moore Oliver, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Kobe Petrovich, Duke & Sue Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Milena Pilipovic, Christopher Radanovic, Marilynn “Chi Chi” Rapasky, Logan Roszkowski, Chloe Ruff, Michael Schaffner, Maryann Seiders, Greg Selman, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, John Sheaffer, Milan Shumkaroff, Branko Smitran, Zorka Starcevich, Tim Stefan, Michael Stepanovich, Stevan & Mary Stojic, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Linda Szeerba, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Savka Trivun, Edie & Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Michael Vishnesky, Magdalen Vloutely, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Steve Vulich, Paula Werner, Draga Worman, Tosh Yanich, Dewey Yetter, Mila “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, Jason Zeigler, Ashley Ziobrowski, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski, the unworthy presbyter Christopher Rocknage
Those Who Need Special Care
ECUMENICAL (COUNTRY MEADOWS) Jane Rush, HOMELAND: Draga Donato; MASONIC HOME: Ray Foltz; RS: Cedo Lukic
Those to be Baptized
Caleb Ereno Lewis, Barrett Scott, Nora & Maeve Van Huysen, Sloane & Šeren York
Our College Students
Sophia Adams, Cameron Barber, Kyle Barber, Michael Geppert, Anastasija Gligorevic, Natalija Gligorevic, Cayden Healy, Matthew Hoover, Kalei Howard, Faith Kingsbury, Sophia Mummert, Kobe Petrovich, Christina Radanovic, Luis Antonio Radanovic, Madison Vorkapich, Anastasija Vukalo
Our Seminary Students
Elizabeth Bare
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Archbishop Anastasios, Peter Mrgich, Katherine Radoicich, Vladimir Djordjic, Vasil Mihailoff, Fyodor Kochnev, Donald Semic, Alexandra “Soni” Dimond Martorano, Julian Naumenko, Eleni Ziogas, Miloš Balać, Milan Pejčić
~Pomeni Offered~
Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†STEVE STEVO YANICH, †BOB BRANKO YANICH & †VIOLA LJUBICA YANICH Offered on Friday, April 11 for †Stevo (30 years—April 19), †Branko (16 years—April 25) and †Viola (113th birthday anniversary—April 26). We pray for their peaceful repose & everlasting life in the mercy and grace of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. Given with abiding love and sweet memories by Beba, Stephani, Bobbi, Bill, Gregory, Wendy, Brandon, Jazmin, Curran, Kaitlyn, Tim, Sonora, Ashtyn, Baylor, Endora & Bowen.
~Flowers Offered~
†DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE RADANOVIC FAMILY (2 arrangements in front of the iconostas) Offered in loving memory of all the deceased members of the Radanovic families. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
~Vigils Offered~
KUM JARRED LAFFERTY Offered in joyous celebration of our beautiful friend Jarred’s baptism into Orthodoxy. Offered with love by Kum Alan and Kuma Marina Radanovic. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
ANDREW IMSCHWEILER Offered by Kuma Nikki, Kuma Paula & families in joyous celebration of his 13th birthday (April 12). Ziveli! Mnogaja Ljeta!
PHILIP WERNER Offered in joyful celebration of my grandson's birthday (April 16). Much love from Baba. Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta!
PHILIP WERNER Offered in celebration of his 28th birthday (April 16). From Uncle “Kum” Putz, Teti Nikki & family. Ziveli! Mnogaja Ljeta!
AVA MIRJANA CARRICATO Offered in joyous celebration of our precious Ava’s 10th birthday (April 17). May God’s blessings be with you now and always. With all our love, your Babi and the whole family. Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta!
AVA CARRICATO Offered in celebration of her 10th birthday (April 17). From Kuma Chloe, Dennis & family. Ziveli! Mnogaja Ljeta!
TOOTSIE KRNJAICH Offering vigils and prayers for our Kuma Tootsie. May God’s blessings be with her during her rehab period. From her Godchildren, Kat and families.
MICHAEL GEPPERT Offered prayerfully by Mom & Dad for improvement in health and God’s blessings and loving care during his recovery.
†MILLIE CHRIST Offered in loving memory of my Kuma Tootsie’s repose (4 years—April 13) by Tootsie Krnjaich. Memory Eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat!
†SANDY MARIJAN Offered in my friend’s memory (1 year—April 19) with prayers for her peaceful repose where there is neither sickness, nor sorrow, nor sighing, but life everlasting. Sadly missed by longtime friend Joyce. Memory Eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat!
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Please continue to pray for all of those currently being persecuted for Christ's sake in Kosovo, Metohija, Montenegro, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gaza, West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Egypt, the Sudan, China, North Korea, for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering throughout the world, especially in Ukraine, that they might be comforted with the Joy of our Lord, and for all of those suffering from the pandemic, for those who minister, and for those who are unjustly persecuted that they may be strengthened by the love of Christ which knows no race.
We also pray for the Orthodox clergy in Alaska, that the Lord might grant them more than enough to feed their families.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD!
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Stewardship Offering Information
Date 4/6/2025
Collection: $7,330.00
Date 3/30/2025
Collection: $3,593.00
Date 3/23/2025
Collection: $1,924.00
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April Birthdays
Doni Cashman (April 3), Fr Dcn Bojan Gligorevic (April 9), Shirley Hathaway (April 11), Sue Petrovich (April 12), Andrew Imschweiler (April 12), Parker Brosius (April 13), Philip Werner (April 16), Ava Carricato (April 17), Marina Radanovic (April 18), Jessica Barry (April 18), Elizabeth Bare (April 19), Nicholas Govelovich (April 20), Cameron Barber (April 21), Evan Filepas (April 22), Grant Govelovich (April 22), Sladjana Jovic (April 24), Olga Gaydebouroff (April 25), Dragan Lalovic (April 25), Fr Christopher (April 26), Barrett Bernardi (April 26), Logan Livingston (April 26), Angie Bagley (April 27), Caleb Lewis (April 28), Luis Radanovic (April 30)
April Anniversaries
Jelena & Justin Bowser (April 21), Russ & Amy Hewitt (April 27)
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SOTAYA PB & COCONUT CHOCOLATE COVERED EGGS (LAST DAY)
SOTAYA is once again selling chocolate covered eggs for Easter. The eggs come posno/vegan (dark or white chocolate only) or regular (coated with choice of milk, dark or white chocolate). The sale ends TODAY, April 13. The price is the same as last year, $3 per egg.
ANNUAL EGG HUNT (DONATIONS NEEDED BY TODAY)
The KSS/Mothers Club is requesting donations of candy filled, money filled or coupon filled plastic eggs for the Easter Egg hunt on Easter Sunday (April 20), after Agape Vespers. You could also just donate bags of candy since we have many empty eggs. Please bring eggs or candy in no later than Palm Sunday (April 13). You can place your donation in the bin on the stage in the hall. Thank you!
GUARDING THE TOMB OF CHRIST
Sign up for the guarding of Christ’s Tomb from the Burial Vespers until the Resurrection Service. This is a noble and prayerful way to participate in Christ’s death and burial, so we may also participate in His Glorious Resurrection. Email Father Chris at fr.chris@stnicholassteelton.org or call the parish house at 717.939.0251 to schedule your time.
RED COLORED EGGS
All KSS/Mothers Club members are asked to donate RED COLORED EGGS (only red please) for distribution on Pascha (after the midnight service). They will be collected in the church lobby before Liturgy on Pascha (Saturday evening April 19), or they may be left in the kitchen refrigerator (far left top shelf) on Friday or Saturday prior to services. Anyone is welcome to donate, you do not have to be a member of the KSS/Mothers Club to donate!
SHADELAND COLLECTION
The operation of our St. Sava Shadeland Camp has been subsidized by the Diocesan Endowment for the Future. This endowment was based upon the royalties we received from natural gas and oil wells and is now depleted. Currently, we no longer have any reliable income from these wells. Camp fees have been kept artificially low due to these royalties. This means that there is a deficit of $150,000 to run the camp each year. Additionally, there are approximately $225,000 in repairs and maintenance that will be necessary in the next 3 years. The Diocese is asking for donations to offset the operating costs. These donations may be given directly to the Diocese, to our local church here at St. Nicholas, by renting Shadeland Camp for your event, or purchasing a hunting license, thus increasing annual revenue.
Checks can be made payable to St. Nicholas Church with Shadeland in the memo and given to our Church, or go to easterndiocese.org to donate directly to the Diocese.
FOOD SURPLUS FOR SHADELAND
A generous donor has given us a gift of surplus food. PLEASE visit the table in the Social Hall and take what you or someone you know can use. Donate what you can, help someone in need and save money at the same time! Remember to check the table every time you are at church as supplies will change frequently. ALL proceeds will go to support our St. Sava Shadeland Camp!!!
SOTAYA GIFT CARD FUNDRAISER
Thinking of a gift for someone, a special occasion, birthday or a reward for yourself? Gift cards are a good choice! And there is no need to go to the store, SOTAYA is selling Texas Roadhouse and Darden Restaurant Group cards (which includes Olive Garden, Longhorn, Cheddar’s, Yard House, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52) at a face value of $50. Just see any SOTAYA member or Sladjana for a purchase. Thanks for your support!
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PLEASE HELP - BETHESDA MISSION WOMEN’S SHELTER OUTREACH
On the second Saturday of every month, volunteers from our four Orthodox churches prepare and serve lunch for shelter residents. We also help with various projects and activities that assist with shelter operations. If anyone would like to volunteer or learn more about this important program, please contact Andrea Gunther.
2025 ORGANIZATIONAL DUES
To pay your 2025 dues (or if you still owe 2024 dues) please see Daria Milletics for KSS/Mothers Club, Jovanka Shaffer for Seniors, Jason Milletics for Choir and Protinica Andreja for Serb Club.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 9 am until noon. You may call the office during these hours at (717) 939-3872 or come by the office in person. Office hours will be adjusted when services are occurring during those hours.
BULLETIN DEADLINE
Please send all Bulletin Requests to the Church Office at office@stnicholassteelton.org
You may also call (717) 939-3872
ST. NINA GEORGIAN MONASTERY in MARYLAND—SCHISMATIC
The former abbess of the St. Nina, Aemiliane, has been deposed from her position and stripped of her rank of igumena. The monastery is currently fallen into schism. All Orthodox Christians are to refrain from going to this monastery. Please pray for their repentance.
SERBIAN-AMERICAN CLUB 2025 SCHOLARSHIP
The Serbian-American Club is once again offering a scholarship to a graduating high school senior continuing their education. The guidelines and application can be found on the Tutors stand in the Narthex. Application deadline is May 1, 2025. The Club is accepting additional scholarship donations which will be added to the amount already collected for the scholarship. If you are interested in donating, see Chris Radanovic.
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April Charity
Bethesda Women and Children's Shelter
A House of Refuge
For over 34 years Bethesda Women and Children’s Mission has offered a place of healing, change, and hope for women in need of addiction recovery, safety and stability, a new start in life, and place where they can call home.
A House of Change
A Christ-Centered facility, we offer hope to those searching for their purpose and their place in this world, by offering an array of programs and services geared toward reconciliation, renewal and change. Our initial Discipleship and Recovery program is at least ONE YEAR long, and upon completion, women have the option to move to into our Transitional Living Program before moving out on their own.
A House of Healing
We have found that a long-termed recovery program is successful when each individual is permitted to rest, reflect, renew, and re-enter. Time to heal, encouragement for others, and new experiences assist in offering new life to those that come through our doors.
A House of Hope
In addition to internal programming, we utilize local social, medical, and educational services to help each new person to set attainable goals during their stay. Some women, after completing our programming either return to the workforce or continue their education at our local college. Many of our graduates remain in contact through calls, mentoring, or volunteering of their time.
https://www.bethesdamission.org/our-ministries/womens-mission/
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Scriptures & Stewardship Reflection
Palm Sunday
Come, O faithful, let us pass from one holy feast to another! Let us hasten from the palms and branches to the solemn celebration of Christ's saving Passion! We shall see Him voluntarily suffer for our sake! Let us offer Him a fitting hymn of thanksgiving: "Fountain of tender mercy and haven of salvation, O Lord, glory to You!"
The Palm Sunday Evening Vesper service includes many hymns that reflect upon Christ and His entry from Palm Sunday to Holy Week. When reading the above hymn, we are drawn to the words voluntary, suffer and Salvation. Jesus Christ died for our sins - He died on the Cross for our Salvation. He did this voluntarily and suffered for all the sins that were committed in this world. Why, then, do we question Stewardship or the care and support of our Church when we so visibly can see what Christ went through for us? Do we voluntarily give of our Time, Talents and Treasures? Do we suffer to help our parish like Christ suffered? Do we reflect upon our own Salvation and the fact that we will be judged by Jesus based upon our works and what we have done with what God has provided for us?
By His stripes, we are healed!
Цветна Недеља
Приђите верни пређимо од једног светог празника на други! Брзо пређимо од палмових гранчица на свечано прослављање Христовог спасоносног страдања! Видећемо Га како добровољно старда за наше спасење! Подајмо Њему само достојне хвале песму Изворе велике милости и небо спасења, Господе слава Теби.
Вечерње богослужење на Цветну Недељу има много химни које говоре о Христу и Његовом уласку у Јерусалим и Недељи Страдања. Када читамо ову химну , прво што нам привлачи пажњу је обровољно страдање и Спасење. Исус Христос је умро за наше грехове - Он је умро на Крсту за наше спасење. Он је ово добровољно урадио и патио за све наше грехове. Зашто онда, се ми неслажемо са Старатељством или не бринемо се за Цркву када је тако јасно и видљиво шта је Христос урадио за нас? Да ли ми добровољно волонтирамо наше Време, Таленте и Новац ? Да ли ми патимо да помогнемо нашу парохију како је Христос патио? Да ли се мо осврнемо да наше Спасење и чињеницу да ће мо бити осуђени од Бога за сва наша дела и за све што смо учинили са даровима које нам је Бог дао?
Његовим ранама ми смо исцељени!
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Synaxarion Reading for the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem
On this day in the Holy Orthodox Church, the Sunday of Palms, we celebrate the radiant and glorious festival of the Entrance of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.
Verses
Riding a colt, He that with a word stretched out Heaven,
Seeketh to loose mortals from brutish want of reason.
Jesus came to Bethany on the Saturday falling before the six days of the Mosaic Passover. On the following day He sent two of His Disciples, who brought Him a donkey on which He sat to enter the city. And when the great multitude heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they immediately took palm branches in their hands and went out to meet Him. All cried, “Hosanna! Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, King of Israel!” The branches of palm trees were a symbol of Christ’s victory over Satan and Death. And the meaning of “Hosanna” is, “We pray Thee, save.” The donkey’s colt, which was still an untamed animal, and impure according to the law, as well as Christ’s sitting thereon, symbolize the former savagery and impurity of the Gentiles; and their subsequent taming and obedience to the holy law of the Gospel.
By Thine ineffable compassion, O Christ our God, make us victors over our deceitful passions, and deem us worthy to behold Thy brilliant victory over death and Thy radiant and life-bringing Resurrection, and have mercy on us. Amen.
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