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The Entrance of our Lord into Jerusalem
Palm Sunday
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Христос Међу Нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta' entra nosotros! | |
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Homily on the Lord's Entrance into Jerusalem
by St. Ignatius (Brianchaninov)
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Sion; proclaim it aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, the King is coming to thee, just, and a savior; he is meek and riding on an ass, and a young foal" (Zach. 9:9).
The prophet of God pronounced this prophecy over four hundred years before the event that we commemorate and celebrate today. Having completed His preaching on the earth, our Lord Jesus Christ made His triumphant entry into the royal city of Jerusalem, into the city where the true God was worshipped, a city in most ways Godly. The Lord made this entry as the King and victor, in order to finish His service by a decisive exploit: destroying death by death; removing the curse from the human race by taking this curse upon Himself. He made His entry into the royal city on the colt of an ass, "whereon yet never man sat" (Lk. 19:30), in order to restore to mankind the royal dignity which our forefather had wasted; to restore this dignity by ascending the cross. The unbroken colt was tamed beneath the wondrous Rider. The Apostles placed their garments upon the colt; great multitudes of people ran ahead to meet the Lord and walk alongside Him, shouting in their ecstasy, "Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest" (Mt. 21:9). The Lord is proclaimed King in the name of the Lord at His own beckoning—not accidentally, and not by conscious human will. In the course of four days, those same people who that day proclaimed Him King will cry, "Away with him, away with him, crucify him… We have no king but Caesar" (Jn. 19:15).
What is the significance of the Lord’s riding into Jerusalem on an unbroken colt? According to the explanation of the holy fathers, this has a deep, prophetic meaning. The all-seeing Lord already saw the Jews’ approaching final apostasy from God. He announced this apostasy even back when the Law was given to the Israelites on Mt. Sinai, through the lips of the inspired Law-giver. "They have sinned," said Moses of the Jews’ future sin against the God-man, as if he were speaking of something already done. "They have sinned, not pleasing him; spotted children, a froward and perverse generation. Do ye thus recompense the Lord?" (Deut. 32:5–6). "It is a nation that has lost counsel, neither is there understanding in them. They had not sense to understand: let them reserve these things against the time to come" (Deut. 32:28–29). "For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and their vine-branch of Gomorrha" (Deut. 32:32). While to the contrary: "Rejoice, ye heavens, with him [the Son of God] and let all the angels of God worship him; rejoice ye Gentiles, with his people, and let all the sons of God strengthen themselves in him" (Deut 32:43). The entry into Jerusalem upon an unbroken colt is a repetition of Moses’ prophecy—not in words, but in symbol. Moses foretold that the Gentiles would rejoice in the Lord, but the Jews would be rejected. Here, the unbroken colt, whereon yet never man sat (Lk. 19:30), is an image of the Gentiles. The Apostles’ garments are Christ’s teachings by which they would instruct the Gentiles, and the Lord seated Himself spiritually upon the Gentiles, making them God. He led them into Jerusalem, to the bosom of the Church, to the eternal city of God not made by the hands of men, to the city of salvation and blessedness. The rejected Jews were also present there. With their lips they cried, “the King of Israel,” but in their soul, their Sanhedrin, they had already resolved to kill the Savior.
Here is another meaning of the "colt of an ass." It is an image of every person who is led by irrational desires, deprived of spiritual freedom, attached to the passions and habits of fleshly life. Christ’s teaching looses the ass from its attachment; that is, from fulfilling its sinful and fleshly will. Then the Apostles lead the ass to Christ, place their garments upon it; the Lord seats Himself upon it and makes His entry upon it into Jerusalem. This means that the person who has left his sinful life is led to the Gospels, and is clothed as if in apostolic vestments, in the most detailed and refined knowledge of Christ and His commandments. Then the Lord seats Himself upon him by spiritually appearing to him and spiritually abiding in him, as it was His good will to promise: "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him" (Jn. 14:21). "And my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him" (Jn. 14:23). The Lord’s coming is accompanied by peace surpassing words and comprehension; peace that is full of grace, and worthy of the one Who grants it — the Lord. This peace is not to be compared with the natural rest of fallen man, who may feel rest and pleasure from fleshly delights, and who may consider his own insensibility, his own eternal death, to be rest. The Lord is seated upon the natural qualities of the person who has submitted to Him and has assimilated His all-holy teachings; and He leads that person into the spiritual city of God, the city of peace—into the Jerusalem created by God, and not by man.
The soul that upholds the Lord is greeted by the Holy Spirit, Who offers that soul spiritual joy which is incorruptible and eternal. "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Sion," the daughter of the Holy Church—because you belong to no one but God. "Proclaim it aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, the King is coming to thee, just, and a Savior; he is meek and riding on an ass, and a young foal" (Zach. 9:9). You have felt the grace-filled peace of Christ, and become a daughter of this peace; you have been renewed with spiritual youth and have come to know Christ’s Kingdom by experience. The passions are tamed in you by the grace-filled power of Rider Who steers you; your natural qualities cannot break their natural laws, they cannot go beyond their boundaries and be transformed into uncontrolled passions! Taking all your thoughts, feelings and actions from the Lord, you can and must proclaim the Name of the Lord to your brethren, and hymn Him "in the midst of the Church" (Ps. 21:22). As one born of the Holy Spirit and a daughter of the Spirit, you are able to behold the spiritual procession of your King, you are able to behold the righteousness of your King. He is "meek and lowly in heart" (Mt. 11:29), and "He will guide the meek in judgment, He will teach the meek His ways" (Ps. 24:9). Our God is a Spirit which is incomparable to any created spirit, as He is in all aspects infinitely different from all creatures. The holy created spirits are His thrones and chariots. He is seated and rides upon the Cherubim; He is seated and rides upon those blessed human souls who have submitted to Him and brought all their natural qualities to Him as a whole burnt offering. The King rides upon such souls, and enters the holy city of God, bringing holy souls into it also. "Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh."
Amen.
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Commemorating Apostles Aristarchus, Pudens and Trophimus of the Seventy, Martyrs Basilissa and Anastasia of Rome disciples of Apostles Peter and Paul, Martyr Suchias and his Soldiers in Georgia, Martyr Savva the Goth of Wallachia, St Ephraim the Great of Atsquri
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!
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
This Week: Matins: All Readers Epistle: Marijana Rocknage
Next Week: Matins: Choir Epistle: Grant Govelovich/Natalija 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 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.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | |
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~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop Youhanna, Protinica Ljubica Jockovic, Protopresbyter Rodney Torbic, Popadija Sara Golic, Matushka Barbara Ealy, the child Katie Elizabeth and her parents Mileva and Michael Repasky, the child Metodija and his parents Fr. Dn. Milan and Mira Damljanovic, the child Louise Bare and her parents Zachary & Elizabeth, Shayle York and the newborn Šeren Lily, Kaitlyn Hook and the newborn Bowen William, Cassandra Semic and the newborn Palmer Belle, Mara Bebeau and the child to be born of her, Catherine Lewis and the child to be born of her, Kyranna Baker and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Lori Bare, Dori & Doug Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Darlene & Larry Black, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Walter “Bud” Brown, Rebecca Cappetta, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Irina Chudinova, Susan & Jim Cibort, Leann & Tim Cox, Victoria Cox, Art Dils, Tommy & Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, JoAnn Filepas, Anaya Garvin, Christian & Melanie Geib, Michael Geppert III, Nevenka Gojkovic, 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, Myong Sook Kim, Spencer Klinge, Dorothy Krnjaich, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Jovan Lemajic, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, Boro Lojpur, Stephen Lundingrin, Penny MacDonald, Dianne & Jim Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, Marija Miljkovic, Peter Mrgich, George Myers, Katherine Nation, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Kobe Petrovich, Sue Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Christopher Radanovic, Linda Rodgers, Logan Roszkowski, Chloe Ruff, Jane Rush, Greg Selman, Michael Schaffner, Maryann Seiders, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, John Sheaffer, Branko Smitran, Zorka Starcevich, Tim Stefan, Michael Stepanovich, Stevan and Mary Stojic, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Savka Trivun, Edie & Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Michael Vishnesky, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Steve Vulich, Paula Werner, Draga Worman, Beverly Yanich, Tosh Yanich, Dewey Yetter, Mila “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, Jason Zeigler, Ashley Ziobrowski, Demetrios & Eleni Ziogas, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski
Those Who Need Special Care
HOMELAND: Draga Donato; MASONIC HOME ELIZABETHTOWN: Ray Foltz; RS: Cedo Lukic
Those to be Baptized
Sloane, Berkeley & Palmer Semic, Barrett Scott, Divna & Danica Mitrovic, Nora & Maeve Van Huysen, Sloane & Šeren York
Our College Students
Sophia Adams, Cameron Barber, Michael Geppert, Anastasija Gligorevic, Cayden Healy, Matthew Hoover, Kalei Howard, Faith Kingsbury, Sophia Mummert, Kobe Petrovich, Christina Radanovic, Ioanna Radanovic, Madison Vorkapich, Anastasija Vukalo
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Louis ’Chuck’ Belic, Florence Ivanoff, Sofija Wuselich, Dr Stevan ‘Rick’ Zivic, Radenko Kuzmanovic, Nathan Rush, Slavko Djordjic, Slobodan Saran, George Radanovic, Edward Hojnicki, Meilka “Sandy” Marijan
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~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~
HEATHER & ERIK BARBER Offered in joyous celebration of their Anniversary (May 1). With love from Mom & Dad. Ziveli! Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta!
DARLENE & LARRY BLACK Offered with love by the Barber, Geib & McLaughlin Families for God’s Blessings during their recovery. We pray that He will bless them with good health. Our Love & Prayers are with them.
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.
†BRANKO BOB YANICH Offered in loving memory of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother (15 years—April 25). We pray for Bob’s repose where there is no sickness or sorrow or sighing but life everlasting. Given by Stephani, Bobbi, Bill, Greg, Wendy, Brandon, Jazmin, Curran, Kaitlyn, Tim, Sonora, Ashtyn, Baylor, Endora, Bowen & Beba. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†LJUBICA VIOLA YANICH Offered in loving remembrance of the 112th anniversary of Mom/Grammy’s birthday (April 26). During this Holy Week, we praise our Lord for granting Viola great mercy & everlasting life. Given by Beba, Stephani, Bobbi, Bill, Greg, Wendy, Brandon, Jazmin, Curran, Kaitlyn, Tim, Sonora, Ashtyn, Baylor, Endora & Bowen. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†ORLANDO ’LOWIE’ DONATO Offered in loving memory of his repose (3 years—April 30). Forever in my heart and prayers, by his loving wife Drag. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†LOWIE DONATO Offered in loving memory of his repose (3 years—April 30) from Kuma Kati and family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†VERONICA KRNJAICH Offered in loving memory of my beloved mother’s birthday (May 2). Always in my prayers and heart. With love, daughter Tootsie. Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
†SIMO KRNJAICH Offered as I remember the repose of my beloved dad (57 years—May 3). I pray for his peaceful repose and eternal life with our Lord in His heavenly kingdom. Always in my heart and prayers. In the Risen Christ’s love, daughter Tootsie. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
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Please continue to pray for all of those currently being persecuted for Christ's sake in Kosovo, Metohija, Montenegro, Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, Morocco, China, North Korea, for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering throughout the world, especially in Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, that they might be comforted with the Joy of our Lord, and for those who are unjustly persecuted that they may be strengthened by the love of Christ which knows no division.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD!
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Stewardship Offering Information
Date 4/21/2024
Collection: $2,154.00
Date 4/14/2024
Collection: $4,177.00
Date 4/7/2024
Collection: $8,165.00
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Remaining April Birthday
Luis Radanovic (April 30)
May Birthdays
Nicholas Hernjak (May 1), Cody Hewitt (May 2), Berkeley Semic (May 3), Jelena Bowser (May 7), Chloe Ruff (May 8), Kaila Chung (May 8), Bobbi Lynn Wenner (May 10), Bella Gilroy (May 10), Meghan Livingston (May 11), Brankica Skinder (May 12), Trenton Petrovich (May 13), Genevieve Bare (May 16), Maria Bowers, (May 21), Jelena Lojpur (May 22), Inna Reznitchenko (May 23), Nikki Lewis (May 24), Ryan Spangler (May 25)
May Anniversaries
Michelle & Donald Kingsbury (May 1), Heather & Erik Barber (May 1), Pete & Arlene Barber (May 3), Heather & Craig Heilman (May 14), Mike & Carole Radosinovich (May 15), Ben & Jovanka Shaffer (May 15), Rod & Angie Vorkapich (May 20), Jelena & Christopher Harmantzis (May 21), Nina & Eric Gilroy (May 26), Kyranna & Christopher Baker (May 28), Matt & Pam Healy (May 29), Greg & Haley Book (May 29)
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FREE WILL LUNCHEON (TODAY)
The Choir will be hosting a free will luncheon TODAY April 28, to benefit the church mortgage fund. Please stay and help support the Choir and our Church.
SENIORS FUNDRAISER (SUB AND PRETZEL SANDWICH SALE)
TODAY is the last Sunday to order your meat filled sub or pretzel sandwich!! Pick up is Friday, May 10 between 4:30-6:30 pm. Order by signing up on the sheet in the lobby (TODAY) or you can call Nick Govelovich 717-561-1590 or 717-433-4767 (no later than Wednesday May 1). Please share with those who may not have email. If paying by check, make payable to Terry Govelovich.
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 Kolo Srpskih Sestara 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), or they may be left in the kitchen refrigerator on Friday or Saturday prior to services. Anyone is welcome to donate, you do not have to be a member of the Kolo Sestara to donate!
SOTAYA PB & COCONUT CHOCOLATE COVERED EGGS FUNDRAISER
SOTAYA is once again selling chocolate covered eggs for Easter. The eggs POSNO (vegan) or REGULAR will be $3 each and can be coated in your choice of white, dark, or milk chocolate. The sale ends TODAY, April 28.
MOTHER’S CLUB ANNUAL EGG HUNT
The Mother’s Club is requesting donations of candy filled, money filled or coupon filled plastic eggs for the Easter Egg hunt on Easter Sunday (May 5) after Agape Vespers. Please bring eggs in no later than Palm Sunday (April 28). There is a box in the last Sunday School bay for you to place them in. There are also some empty eggs for you to take, if you want to just fill them up and bring back next week. Thank you!
MOTHERS CLUB KIOSK UPDATE
We now have Pascha cards, egg wraps, Tears of the Theotokos prayer bracelets, candles, incense and charcoal available at the Mothers Club Gift Shoppe in the lobby.
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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
Bulletin Deadline is Wednesday at 11 am
Please send all bulletin requests to the church office at office@stnicholassteelton.org
You may also call at (717) 939-3872
SERBIAN-AMERICAN CLUB 2024 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 and below. Application deadline is May 1, 2024. 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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SAVE THE DATE!!
SOTAYA Concert ............ May 11
Church Slava .................. May 19
Church Picnic ................. June 2
Club Picnic ..................... July 28
Kids Back to School BBQ September 7
Serb Fest ........................ Sept 14
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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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