8th Sunday after Pentecost

Христос Међу Нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta' entra nosotros!


Homily on the Transfiguration of our Lord, Jesus Christ

St. Nikolai of Žiča

 

 

In the third year of His preaching, the Lord Jesus often spoke to His disciples of His approaching passion but at the same time of His glory following His suffering on the Cross. So that His impending passion would not totally weaken His disciples and that no one would fall away from Him, He, the All-wise, wanted to partially show them His divine glory before His passion. For that reason, He took Peter, James and John with Him and, with them, went out at night to Mt. Tabor and there was transfigured before them: “And His face shone as the sun and His garments became white as snow” (Matt. 17:2). There appeared alongside Him, Moses and Elijah, the great Old Testament prophets. And, seeing this, His disciples were amazed. Peter said: “Lord, it is good for us to be here: if You will, let us make here three tabernacles; one for You, one for Moses and one for Elijah” (Matt. 17:4). While Peter still spoke, Moses and Elijah departed and a bright cloud overshadowed the Lord and His disciples and there came a voice from the cloud saying: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased; hear Him” (Matt. 17:5). Hearing the voice, the disciples fell to the ground on their faces as though dead and remained that way, lying in fear, until the Lord came near to them and said: “Arise and be not afraid” (Matt. 17:7).



Why did the Lord take only three disciples on Tabor and not all? Because Judas was not worthy to behold the divine glory of the Teacher, Whom he will betray and the Lord did not want to leave him [Judas] alone at the foot of the mountain so that the betrayer would not, by that, justify his betrayal. Why was our Lord transfigured on a mountain and not in a valley? So as to teach us two virtues: love of labor and godly-thoughts. For, climbing to the heights required labor and height represents the heights of our thoughts, i.e., godly-thoughts. Why was our Lord transfigured at night? Because, the night rather than the day is more suitable for prayer and godly-thoughts and because the night, by its darkness, conceals all the beauty of the earth and reveals the beauty of the starry heavens. Why did Moses and Elijah appear? In order to destroy the error of the Jews, as though Christ is one of the prophets; Elijah or Jeremiah or some other that is why He appears as King above the prophets and that is why Moses and Elijah appear as His servants. Until then, our Lord manifested His divine power many times to the disciples but, on Mt. Tabor, He manifested His divine nature. This vision of His Divinity and the hearing of the heavenly witness about Him as the Son of God, should serve the disciples in the days of the Lord’s passion, in strengthening of an unwavering faith in Him and His final victory.

~Hymnography of the Day~

 Commemorating the Forefeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord, Martyr Eusignius of Antioch, Venerable Job of Ushchelsk, Hieromartyrs Antherus and Fabian Popes of Rome and Martyr Pontious, Martyrs Cantidius, Cantidian and Sibelius of Egypt, Righteous Nonna mother of St Gregory the Theologian, St Theoctistus Bishop of Chernigov, Martyr Pontius, St Oswald king and martyr, St John Jacob the Chozebite, Martyr Christos of Preveza

 

RESURRECTIONAL TROPARION—TONE 7

By Your Cross You destroyed death. To the thief You opened Paradise. For the Myrrhbearers You changed weeping into joy. And You commanded Your disciples, O Christ God, to proclaim that You are risen, granting the world great mercy.


FOREFEAST OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION TROPARION—TONE 4

Come, you faithful, let us meet the Transfiguration of Christ in advance, and celebrating the prefeast, let us cry aloud, “Now the day of divine gladness is at hand; the Master ascends Mount Tabor to flash forth with the beauty of His divinity.”


HOLY FATHER NICHOLAS TROPARION—TONE 4

Truly you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith, an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence; your humility exalted you; your poverty enriched you. Hierarch Father Nicholas, entreat Christ our God that our souls may be saved.


RESURRECTIONAL KONTAKION—TONE 7

The dominion of death can no longer hold mankind 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!”


FOREFEAST OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION KONTAKION—TONE 4

Now, beforehand, all of mortal nature divinely shines today with the divine Transfiguration; and in gladness she cries out: “Christ is transfigured, saving all.”

~Scripture Readings of the Day~

READERS:

This Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Ruby Cangialosi

Next Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Natasha Milanovich


EPISTLE: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18

DEACON:      Let us pay attention. 

PRIEST:        Peace be unto all!

READER:      And with your spirit!

DEACON:      Wisdom.

READER:      The Prokeimenon in the Seventh Tone: The Lord shall give strength to His people. The Lord shall bless His people with peace.

CHOIR:       The Lord shall give strength to His people. The Lord shall bless His people with peace.

READER: v: Offer to the Lord, O you sons of God! Offer young rams to the Lord!

CHOIR: The Lord shall give strength to His people. The Lord shall bless His people with peace.

READER: The Lord shall give strength to His people.

CHOIR: The Lord shall bless His people with peace.

DEACON: Wisdom!

READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Corinthians.

DEACON: Let us attend!

READER: Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!

READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

READER: It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High.

CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

READER: To declare Your mercy in the morning, and Your truth by night.

CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!


АПОСТОЛ: 1 Коринћанима  1: 10-18

Ђакон:         Пазимо

Свештеник: Мир свима!

Читач:           I Духу Твоме!

Ђакон:         Премудрост

Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 7 Господ ће дати силу народу Своме; Господ ће благословити народ Свој миром.

Хор:                Господ ће дати силу народу Своме; Господ ће благословити народ Свој миром.

Читач: Принесите Господу, синови Божји, принесите му младе овнове.

Хор: Господ ће дати силу народу Своме; Господ ће благословити народ Свој миром.

Читач: Господ ће дати силу народу Своме;

Хор: Господ ће благословити народ Свој миром.

Ђакон: Премудрост

Читач: Читање је од Прве посланице Светог апостола Павла до Коринћана

Ђакон: Пазимо

Читач: Молим вас пак, браћо, именом Господа нашега Исуса Христа да сви исто говорите, и да не буду међу вама раздори, него да будете утврђени у истом разуму и истој мисли. Јер сам чуо за вас, браћо моја, од Хлојиних, да су међу вама свађе. А ово кажем зато што сваки од вас говори: Ја сам Павлов, а ја Аполов, а ја Кифин, а ја Христов. Зар се Христос раздијели? Да се Павле не разапе за вас? Или се у име Павлово крстисте? Благодарим Богу што не крстих ни једнога од вас осим Криспа и Гаја, Да не би ко рекао да у име своје крстих. А крстих и дом Стефанинов; даље не знам да ли неког другог крстих. Јер ме Христос не посла да крштавам, него да проповиједам јеванђеље, не мудрим ријечима, да се не обеснажи крст Христов. Јер је ријеч о крсту лудост онима који гину, а сила Божија нама који се спасавамо.

Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!

Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Читач: Лепо је хвалити Господа, и певати имену Твоме, Вишњи.

Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Читач: Јављати јутром милост Твоју и истину Твоју сваке ноћи.

Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

LITURGY GOSPEL:  

Matthew 14:14-22

At that time, when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.” But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” He said, “Bring them here to Me.” Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.

ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:   

Матеј 14:14-22

У вријеме оно Исус видје многи народ, и сажали се на њих, и исцијели болеснике њихове. А пред вече приступише му ученици његови говорећи: Овдје је пусто мјесто, а већ је доцкан; отпусти народ нека иде у села да купи себи хране. А Исус им рече: Нема потребе да иду; подајте им ви нека једу. А они му рекоше: Немамо овдје до само пет хљебова и двије рибе. А он рече: Донесите их мени овамо. И заповједи народу да посједају по трави, па узе оних пет хљебова и двије рибе, и погледавши на небо благослови, и преломивши даде ученицима, а ученици народу. И једоше сви и наситише се, и накупише комада што претече дванаест котарица пуних. А оних што су јели бјеше људи око пет хиљада, осим жена и дјеце. И одмах принуди Исус ученике своје да уђу у лађу и иду прије њега на ону страну док он отпусти народ.

~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~

8th Sunday after Pentecost

August 18, 2024

1 Corinthians 1:10-18

Matthew 14:14-22

8:30 am Matins

9:30 am Liturgy

SOTAYA Annual Meeting



5 pm Festal Vespers



Feast of Transfiguration

Monday

August 19, 2024

2 Peter 1:10-19

Matthew 17:1-9

9 am Liturgy

with blessing of Fruits

6:30 pm Parish Council



Tuesday

August 20, 2024

1 Corinthians 12:12-26

Matthew 18:18-22; 19:1-2, 13-15

6:30 pm Choir Rehearsal



Wednesday,

August 21, 2024

1 Corinthians 13:4-14:5

Matthew 20:1-16

6:30 pm Paraklesis to the Mother of God


Thursday

August 22, 2024

1 Corinthians 14:6-19

Matthew 20:17-28



Friday

August 23, 2024

1 Corinthians 14:26-40

Matthew 21:12-14, 17-20



Saturday

August 24, 2024

Romans 14:6-9

Matthew 15:32-39

5 pm Vespers



9th Sunday after Pentecost

August 25, 2024

1 Corinthians 3:9-17

Matthew 14:22-34

8:30 am Matins

9:30 am Liturgy

Mothers Club Slava

"Bogorodica Djevo"


A. Gretchaninov

Praise ye the Lord, Bortniansky

MATINS GOSPEL:   


Eighth Resurrection Gospel: John 20: 11-18

At that time, Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb.  And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.  Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus.  Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.

~Prayers for the Faithful~


In Our Prayers

Newly Illumined Sloane, Berkeley and Palmer Semic their parents and sponsors, 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, Catherine Lewis and the newborn Caleb Ereno, Mara Bebeau and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Lori Bare, Dori & Doug Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Walter “Bud” Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Maria Chigrintseva, Susan & Jim Cibort, Leann Cox, Victoria Cox, Art Dils, Tommy & Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Edward Dry, JoAnn Filepas, Anaya Garvin, Eric 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, Tony Kepp, Myong Sook Kim, Spencer Klinge, Dorothy Krnjaich, Dragica Kuzmanovic, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Jovan Lemajic, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, Boro Lojpur, John Luksic, Stephen Lundingrin, Penny MacDonald, Dianne & Jim Martin, Rowan Martin, Daria Milletics, Jack McFall, George Milakovic, Marija Miljkovic, Peter Mrgich, George Myers, 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, Greg Selman, Michael Schaffner, Maryann Seiders, Donald Semic, 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, Eleni Ziogas, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski

 

Those Who Need Special Care 

ECUMENICAL (COUNTRY MEADOWS) Jane Rush, HOMELAND: Draga Donato; MASONIC HOME: Ray Foltz; RS: Cedo Lukic


Those to be Baptized

Bowen William Hook, Caleb Ereno Lewis, Barrett Scott, Divna & Danica Mitrovic, Nora & Maeve Van Huysen, Sloane & Šeren York

 

Our College Students

Sophia Adams, Cameron Barber, Michael Geppert, Anastasija Gligorevic, Natalija 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

Radenko Kuzmanovic, Nathan Rush, Slavko Djordjic, Slobodan Saran, George Radanovic, Edward Hojnicki, Meilka “Sandy” Marijan, Bogoljub Blagojevic, Jovanka Foltz, Bozidar 'Bobby' Bulatovich, Demetrios Ziogas

~Vigils Offered~


STEPHANIE & MIKE YORK Offered in celebration of their Wedding Anniversary (August 20). With love from Mom and the family. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!


SHAYLE YORK Offered in joyful celebration of her birthday (August 22). Happy birthday from Baba & family. God’s Blessings for many more! 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.


†DELORES GRUICH BRESKI Offered in loving memory of her birthday (August 22) by Kat and family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

Please continue to pray for all of those currently being persecuted for Christ's sake in Kosovo, Metohija, Montenegro, Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, Libya, Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 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!

Stewardship Offering Information


Date 8/11/2024

Collection: $5,359.00


Date 8/4/2024

Collection: $2,354.00


Date 7/28/2024

Collection: $4,878.00

August Birthdays

Ross Spangler (Aug 1), Tim Hook (Aug 1), Father Ilija Balach (Aug 2), Kaitlyn Hook (Aug 2), Jela Nonkovic (Aug 3), Ted Yanich (Aug 4), Mike Healy (Aug 5), Chris Radanovic (Aug 7), Cathy Fagan (Aug 7), Dieter Geib (Aug 7), Igor Pejcic (Aug 7), Heather Heilman (Aug 9), Russ Hewitt (Aug 9), Bo Venesevich (Aug 11), Ioanna Radanovic (Aug 11), Theodore Sukernik (Aug 11), Victoria Fithian (Aug 11), Eva Sutkliffe (Aug 15), Marina Skinder (Aug 20), Stefan Gligorevic (Aug 21), Chase Hewitt (Aug 23), Endora Wolf (Aug 23), Vaciona Petrovich (Aug 25), Ferris Atty (Aug 27), Maryann Seiders (Aug 28), Chuck Miller (Aug 30)


August Anniversaries

Chris & Jevgenija Radanovic (Aug 1), Duke & Sue Petrovich (Aug 9), Chuck & Jean Miller (Aug 9), Mike & Stephanie York (Aug 20), Zach & Elizabeth Bare (Aug 20), Dn. Bojan & Sladjana Gligorevic (Aug 31)

~Bulletin Board~

FEAST OF THE HOLY

TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD

This evening, August 18, we will begin our celebration of the Feast of the Holy Transfiguration of the Lord with Festal Vespers at 5 pm, followed by Divine Liturgy on Monday, August 19 at 9 am with the Blessing of First Fruits. As one of the 12 Great Feasts of the Church, we should do everything possible to worship the Transfigured Lord during this feast.


PANTRY BOX IN THE LOBBY

The Pantry Box helps to supply much needed goods to the Bethesda Women’s Shelter. Please remember to drop off items like: ibuprofen, toothpaste, toothbrush, powdered laundry detergent, feminine hygiene products, lotion, razors, bar soap or body wash, deodorant.


MOTHER’S CLUB KIOSK

New items have arrived. Stop by and check out the new Eye Glass Cases, Cards and Prayer Bracelets.


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.

August 2024 Calendar

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Office hours are Monday through 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 (717) 939-3872

August Charity

Zoe for Life 


Many women are fortunate to have the love and support structure to lead them to marriage, children, and a meaningful life. Others, however, are from different circumstances, and may find themselves in crisis because of an unplanned pregnancy. Their situation may have them in turmoil and panic, where healthy decisions are difficult to make. ZOE for Life!® serves as a conduit, guiding women to a wider range of support organizations, providing an attractive set of options and a promising outlook on their situation. There is counseling, housing referral assistance, referral for prenatal care, adoption and other services available for which most women in distress are unaware. It is the goal of ZOE for Life!® to offer more opportunities to women in unplanned pregnancies, and to empower them to make decisions everyone can live with. ZOE for Life!® is a pan-Orthodox outreach of Orthodox Christians. It is funded privately, and has received 501(c)(3) status from the Internal Revenue Service. All gifts are tax-deductible as specified by law. 

Stewardship Reflection


Reflection from St. John Chrysostom...


When a tailor makes and sells a garment, only one service is performed, that of putting clothes on the body. The same is true of the cobbler making and selling a pair of shoes; the only service in this case is to put shoes on the feet. But when a person makes a gift to another person, of money or some object, a double service is performed. First, the receiver derives a material benefit from the gift. Second, the giver derives a spiritual benefit because this act of generosity would have brought a blessing to his soul.

 

 

Размишљање Управништво

 

Од Светог Јована Златоустог ... 


Када кројач искроји и прода одело онда је само једна служба учуњена , облачење некога. Када обућар направи пар ципела и прода их једнина услуга је начињена ономе који их носи. Али када нека особа даде нешто некоме , новац или било шта друго онда је учињена двострука услуга. Прво онај који добија , добија материјалини поклон и чини га срећним . Друго онај који даје добија духовни добитак јер чин даривања доноси благодат души.