6th Sunday after Pentecost | |
Христос Међу Нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta' entra nosotros! | |
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Homily on the Healing of the Paralytic
By Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
When we read the Gospel passages about how Christ raised the dead or healed the body of a human, we rarely think about what the human body means to God Himself, who lovingly created it for eternal life, and what it should mean to us. If our bodies were not dear to God, as dearly and tenderly loved by Him as our eternal souls, God would not heal the body or care for its eternal life after the resurrection of the dead.
When we think about the human body, whether in connection with eternity or temporal life, whether in connection with earth or heaven, we may ask ourselves: do we not receive all our knowledge, about God or about the created world, through the body? Since infancy, since our birth, we learn tenderness and love through our bodies, long before we can comprehend anything with our minds. Then we grow in knowledge, wisdom, and experience; everything that our mind possesses, everything that makes our hearts so abundant, reaches us through our senses. The apostle Paul said: Faith comes from hearing, and hearing comes from the Word of God. We perceive the beauty of the human face, and the world around us, and all the beautiful and significant things that man has managed to create, through our vision. We see that all of our senses are open to contemplation of the beauty and meaning of the created world like a door, and through it to contemplation of eternity: the eternal beauty of God that shines in all His creation.
This is why Jesus healed the body with so much love; it is by these healings that God reveals with all power the immortality of incarnate existence. Therefore, when someone dies, we encircle his or her body with such tenderness and reverence. This body is God’s creation and He put all His love into it. Furthermore, He became human himself; the Living God put on flesh and showed us not only that man is built so well, that he is so great and so profound that he can be united with God and become a partaker of the divine essence, but also that our very bodies are able to be Spirit-bearing and truly God-bearing. What a marvel!
We also see that God imparts His eternal life to us through the substance of the earth: through the baptismal waters that become the source of eternal life, through the bread and wine permeated by His Deity, – and we are united with God Himself in His sacraments by means of our bodies. How marvelous our bodies are, and with what reverence we must treat them! In its conception, the body is holy; it is called to eternal fellowship with God in the same way as the soul. God loves it. It is not in vain that the Apostle Paul says: Glorify God in your bodies as well as in your souls… Glorify means let God shine through your body, as He shines through your soul; let your body be such that the contact with it is the contact with Incarnation, with the mystery of God becoming a human being.
Let’s think about it; because often – oh, how often! – we are not aware of the eternal beauty and greatness of our body. We often think about death as the moment when the immortal soul enters the Divine life, while the body disintegrates into dust. Yes, it turns to dust; but it has an eternal calling: it will truly be risen like Christ. We all will one day appear incarnate before God, with transformed bodies, like the body of Christ, with souls renewed by eternity, and we will communicate with God in love, faith and prayer, not only in the soul, but along with all of creation we will be partakers of the Divine nature, both in our souls and bodies: the soul and body, when, according to the promise of God through the Apostle Paul, God will be all in all, and nothing will remain outside the Divine fellowship and Divine Glory.
What a marvel! What a wonderful mystery: the body seems to be so fragile and transient but it can already belong to eternity and shine with glory among the saints. Amen.
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Commemorating the Myrrhbearer and Equal of the Apostles Mary Magdalene, Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Phocas Bishop of Synope, Martyr Markella of Chios, Repose of Venerable Cornelius of Pereyaslavl
RESURRECTIONAL TROPARION—TONE 5
Let us, the faithful, praise and worship the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, born for our salvation from the Virgin; for He willed to be lifted up on the Cross in the flesh, to endure death, and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection.
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.
ST. MARY MAGDALENE, APOSTLE TO THE APOSTLES TROPARION—TONE 1
By keeping His commandments and laws, holy Mary Magdalene, you followed Christ, Who for our sake was born of the Virgin, and in celebrating your most holy memory today, we receive forgiveness of sins by your prayers.
RESURRECTIONAL KONTAKION—TONE 5
You descended into hell, O my Savior, shattering its gates as Almighty, resurrecting the dead as Creator, and destroying the sting of death. You have delivered Adam from the curse, O Lover of Man, and we cry to You: “O Lord, save us!”
HYMN TO THE MOTHER OF GOD KONTAKION—TONE 6
Steadfast Protectress of Christians and constant Advocate before the Creator; despise not the cry of us sinners, but come speedily to help those who call on You in faith. Hasten to hear our petition and to intercede for us, O Theotokos, for You always protect those who honor You!
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
This Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Jovan Milanovich
Next Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Marijana Rocknage
EPISTLE: Romans 12:6-14
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Fifth Tone: You, O Lord, shall protect us and preserve us from this generation forever.
CHOIR: You, O Lord, shall protect us and preserve us from this generation forever.
READER: v: Save me, O Lord, for there is no longer any that is godly!
CHOIR: You, O Lord, shall protect us and preserve us from this generation forever.
READER: You, O Lord, shall protect us ...
CHOIR: … and preserve us from this generation forever.
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Romans.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: I will sing of Your mercies, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim Your truth from generation to generation.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: For You have said: “Mercy will be established forever; My truth will be prepared in the heavens.”
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Римљанима 12:6-14
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 5 Ти ћеш нас, Господе, одбранити и сачувати од рода овога до вјека.
Хор: Ти ћеш нас, Господе, одбранити и сачувати од рода овога до вјека.
Читач: Помилуј ме Господе, јер неста Светих, јер је мало вјерних међу синовима човјечијим.
Хор: Ти ћеш нас, Господе, одбранити и сачувати од рода овога до вјека.
Читач: Ти ћеш нас, Господе, одбранити
Хор: и сачувати од рода овога до вјека.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање је од посланице Светог апостола Павла до Римљанима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, имамо пак различите дарове по благодати која нам је дата: ако је пророштво, нека је по мјери вјере; Ако је служба, нека је у служењу; учитељство, нека је у учењу; Ако је тјешитељ, нека тјеши; који даје, нека даје искрено; који управља, нека је ревностан; који чини милостињу, нека чини радосно. Љубав да не буде лицемјерна. Мрзећи зло држите се добра. У братољубљу будите једни према другима њежни; чашћу чините једни друге већим од себе. У ревности не будите лијени: будите духом ватрени; Господу служите. Будите у нади радосни y невољи трпељиви, у молитви постојани. Помажите светима у потребама; будите гостољубиви. Благосиљајте оне који вас гоне, благосиљајте а не куните.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Пјеваћу увјек милости Господње; од кољена на кољено јавићу истину Твоју устима својим.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Јер си рекао: Милост ће бити основана заувјек; на Небесима си утврдио истину Своју.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Matthew 9:1-8
At that time, He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city. Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” And he arose and departed to his house. Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Матеј 9:1-8
У оно вријеме, Исус уђе у лађу, пређе и дође у свој град. И гле, донесоше му одузетога који лежаше на одру. И видјевши Исус вјеру њихову, рече одузетоме: Не бој се, чедо, опраштају ти се гријеси твоји. И гле, неки од књижевника рекоше у себи: Овај хули на Бога. А Исус, видјевши помисли њихове, рече: Зашто ви зло мислите у срцима својим? Јер шта је лакше, рећи: Опраштају ти се гријеси; или рећи: Устани и ходи? Али да знате да власт има Син Човјечији на земљи опраштати гријехе; тада рече одузетоме: Устани, узми одар свој и иди дому своме. И уставши отиде дому своме. А народ видјевши задиви се и прослави Бога, који је дао такву власт људима.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | |
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~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Newly Illumined Sloane, Berkeley and Palmer Semic their parents and sponsors, Christopher Aaron Baker Jr, his 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, Larry Black, 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, 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, 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
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
Radenko Kuzmanovic, Nathan Rush, Slavko Djordjic, Slobodan Saran, George Radanovic, Edward Hojnicki, Meilka “Sandy” Marijan, Bogoljub Blagojevic, Jovanka Foltz, Bozidar 'Bobby' Bulatovich, Demetrios Ziogas
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~Parastos to be Offered~
Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†JOVANKA ‘JO-ANN’ FOLTZ Offered next Sunday after liturgy by her family in loving remembrance of her 40 day repose.
~Vigils Offered~
SLOAN, BERKELEY & PALMER SEMIC Offered in recognition of our dear granddaughters’ baptism on July 27th. Proud Kumovi are Teti Angela and Cheech Jim Bagley. With Love! Baba & Dedo (John & Cindy Semic). Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
TIMOTHY HOOK Offered in joyful celebration of Tim’s birthday (August 1) with prayers for his safety and well-being and with gratitude for his service with the PA State Police. May the Lord guide Tim in making wise and compassionate decisions, keeping him safe and granting him serenity of spirit. Much love from Kaitlyn, Baylor, Bowen, Kum John, Kuma Beba, the family and Kumovi. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
KAITLYN WENNER HOOK Offered in happy celebration of Kait’s birthday (August 2) with prayers for continued success in her nursing career. May she always feel Christ’s comforting grace and carry His healing presence to all she serves. Much love from Tim, Baylor, Bowen, Kum Gregory, Kuma Beba, the family and Kumovi. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
DIETER GEIB Offered in joyful celebration of his birthday (August 7). With much love from Gammy and Pap Pap. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
GRUICH FAMILY Offered in celebration of our Slava, St Panteleimon (August 9) and remembering our beloved husband/father/Jeddo Phil, who is loved and missed dearly.
LARRY BLACK Offered with love by the Barber, Geib & McLaughlin Families for God’s continual comfort and blessings. Our Love & Prayers are with him.
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.
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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, 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!
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Stewardship Offering Information
Date 7/7/2024
Collection: $4,878.00
Date 7/21/2024
Collection: $1,631.00
Date 7/14/2024
Collection: $4,773.00
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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)
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PASTORAL EMERGENCIES
Father Christopher will be undergoing surgery on Wednesday, August 7. Please keep him in your prayers. Father Ilija will be available in case of pastoral emergency.
COMBINED MOTHERS CLUB & KSS MEETING DATE CHANGE (AUGUST 11)
Our next meeting for both the Mothers Club and Circle of Serbian Sisters (KSS) will be Sunday, August 11, 2024 in the Church Library after Divine Liturgy. All members are urged to attend this very important meeting.
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.
SPECIAL THANKS TO GOD
A huge Thank You to everyone who helped make the Serb Club Picnic a success this past Sunday! Thank you to all who volunteered their time, cooked, baked, set up, cleaned up, supplied the best Tambura music, etc. Thank you to our park managers for making the grounds look fabulous. Thank you to all who came out to support the picnic by enjoying the food, music and fellowship! We could not do it without all your help! ~ The Serb Club
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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.
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
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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.
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Stewardship Reflection
In today's Epistle to the Romans, we reflect upon the gifts we are blessed with. Not everyone is the same and with those who have comparable gifts, some are much greater.
I can complete very basic household projects while my neighbor can add an addition to his home all by himself. God's concern is not on this difference but that we each exercise our gifts to their fullest. We will be judged on our works so however small we believe our gifts to be, we must use them!
У днашњој посланици Римљанима ми можемо да се подсетимо на све дарове којима смо благословени. Нико није исти сви имамо различите дарове. Ја можда могу да помогнем комшији око неког пола на кући или можда сам направити целу кућу. Богу није стало до наших разлика него да наших сличности и како можемо да користиомо наше дарове да помогнемо једни другима. Ми ћемо бити суђени по нашим делима и колико год да су наши дарови мали или велики ми морамо да их користимо.
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