Twenty-Seventh Sunday after Pentecost | |
Christ is in our midst! Христос међу нама! Cristo esta entra nosotros! | |
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Homily on the Woman with the Infirmity for 18 Years
V. Rev. Fr. Rodney Torbic
The present Gospel verifies that Jesus is the healer of infirmities created by the bonds of Satan. Jesus healed the woman in the Gospel. Jesus freed the woman from eighteen years of being bent over caused by the influence of Satan.
Sin bounds every person to a certain degree. Some believers are bound more by Satan than others due to personal choices and behaviors. Everyone sins and the sin affects personal life physically, emotionally and spiritually.
The hunger in the soul yearns for the purity and health found in the life in Christ. Living in Christ yields the health and purity desired. Constant repentance leads to renewed purity and health for the heart, mind and soul.
The body benefits when repentance occurs. The emotional and spiritual weight of sin are removed through repentance. The present Gospel makes clear that Satan has the power to affect personal health.
Believers enter the life in Christ at Holy Baptism. Health in Christ continues as the believer participates in the life of the Church and adheres to the ways of Jesus Christ in daily life.
When sin becomes a part of daily life, bodily health, the heart, mind and soul are affected and compromised. Repentance and the Holy Mysteries of the Church lead to improved health to the body, the heart, mind and soul.
Even when believers suffer from debilitating illnesses or injuries, the health of the body improves to a certain degree through repentance. Suffering from illness or injures are better understood when viewed through Jesus Christ.
The Lord Jesus Christ underwent suffering on the Cross. The Lord’s suffering led to the Resurrection and the joy arising from the Resurrection. Holy martyrs suffered for Christ. Christian martyrs’ lives shine through the centuries.
Believers are not exempt from suffering. Examining personal suffering through Jesus Christ leads to a new understanding and newness in life. Drawing strength through Jesus Christ makes suffering more manageable.
Joy in suffering becomes possible when the believer is united with Christ and faces the suffering with Christ. Suffering brought Jesus Christ to the woman in the present Gospel. The woman glorified God when she was healed.
Healing the woman’s suffering was a lasting lesson Jesus taught to all hearing the Gospel down through the centuries. When suffering occurs in personal life, wise believers turn to Jesus Christ for healing and understanding.
Joy is possible throughout the Christian life. The life in Jesus Christ provides context for personal health. Health of body, mind, heart and soul are connected with the life in Christ.
A person freely engaging in sin can expect consequences to the body, heart, mind and soul. Gluttony, abuse of drugs or alcohol, and living with abandon bring consequences. Abusive and dishonest relationships take a toll on the body, heart, mind and soul. Greed eventually leads to downfalls and reckonings. Jesus Christ offers the way to health and wholeness in life’s relationships.
The present Gospel intends for believers to recognize and appreciate the healing power of Jesus Christ. The pitfalls and power of Satan over a person are clear in the Gospel.
Believers freely choose whether to follow Jesus Christ. Each moment is an opportunity to invest in the life in Christ. Investing in the life in Jesus Christ is an investment in the Kingdom of God. The Lord Jesus Christ said: “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.”(Mt.6:20)
The Lord Jesus Christ is the way of healing and wholeness in life. God’s Holy Church offers healing and health in Christ. The woman in the present Gospel learned directly of Jesus’ healing powers. The woman ‘s healing is convincing evidence to follow the way of Jesus Christ.
Repelling Satan in personal life requires repentance and the forgiveness of sins by Jesus Christ.
Repelling Satan and living in the way Jesus Christ is the important message for today.
Health and wholeness come through Jesus Christ. Let us benefit from Christ’s healing power and glorify God in repentance.
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Commemorating the Holy James the Wonderworker, Bishop of Rostov, Greatmartyr James the Persian, the 17 martyrs in India, the Venerable Palladius of Thessalonica, the Venerable Vsevolod of Pskov, Venerable Romanos of Cilicia, Venerable Diodoros of Yuriegorsk, Venerable Theodosius of Trnovo
RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 2
When You descended to death, O Life Immortal, You destroyed hell with the splendor of Your Godhead. And when from the depths You raised the dead, all the powers of heaven cried out: “O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to You!”
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.
RESURRECTION KONTAKION—TONE 2
Hell became afraid, O almighty Savior, seeing the miracle of Your Resurrection from the tomb! The dead arose! Creation, with Adam, beheld this and rejoiced with You, and the world, my Savior, praises You forever.
HOLY FATHER NICHOLAS KONTAKION—TONE 3
You revealed yourself, O saint, in Myra as a priest, for you fulfilled the Gospel of Christ by giving up your soul for your people, and saving the innocent from death. Therefore you are blessed as one become wise in the grace of God.
HYMN OF THE THEOTOKOS—TONE 6
Steadfast Protectress of Christians, Constant Advocate before the Creator; despise not the cry of us sinners, but in your goodness come speedily to help us 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: Natalija Gligorevic
Next Week: Matins: Nick Ressetar Epistle: Matthew Hoover
EPISTLE: Ephesians 6: 10-17
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Second Tone: The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
CHOIR: The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
READER: v: The Lord has chastened me sorely, but He has not given me over to death.
CHOIR: The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
READER: The Lord is my strength and my song.
CHOIR: He has become my salvation.
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Ephesians.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: May the Lord hear you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Save the King, O Lord, and hear us on the day we call!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Ефесцима 6: 10-17
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 2 Господ је снага моја и пјесма; Он ми постаде спасење.
Хор: Господ је снага моја и пјесма; Он ми постаде спасење.
Читач: Карајући покара ме Господ, али ме смрти не предаде.
Хор: Господ је снага моја и пјесма; Он ми постаде спасење.
Читач: Господ је снага моја и пјесма;
Хор: Он ми постаде спасење.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање посланице Светога апостола Павла Ефесцима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, А даље, браћо моја. јачајте у Господу, и у сили моћи његове. Обуците се у свеоружје Божије, да бисте се могли одржати против лукавства ђаволскога. Јер не ратујемо против крви и тијела, него против поглаварства, и власти, и господара таме овога свијета, против духова злобе у поднебесју. Зато узмите свеоружје Божије, да бисте се могли одупријети у зли дан, и одољевши свему, одржати се. Стојте, дакле, опасавши бедра своја истином и обукавши се у оклоп правде, и обувши ноге у приправност за јеванђеље мира; А изнад свега узмите штит вјере, о који ћете моћи погасити све огњене стријеле нечастивога; И кацигу спасења узмите, и мач Духа, који је ријеч Божија.
Свештеник: Мир ти читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Нека те услиши Господ у дан жалосни, нека те заштити име Бога Јаковљевога.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Господе, помози цару и услиши нас кад Те зовемо.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Luke 13:10-17
Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd, “There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.” The Lord then answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?” And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Лука 13:10-17
У вријеме оно учаше Исус у једној синагоги суботом. И гле, бјеше ондје жена која имађаше духа немоћи осамнаест година, и бјеше згрчена, и не могаше се никако усправити. А кад је видје Исус, призва је и рече јој: Жено, ослобођена си од немоћи своје. И стави на њу руке, и одмах се усправи и слављаше Бога. А старјешина синагоге, негодујући што је Исус исцијели у суботу, одговоривши рече народу: Шест је дана у које треба радити; у ове, дакле, долазите те се лијечите, а не у дан суботни. А Господ му одговори и рече: Лицемјере, сваки од вас не одрјешује ли у суботу својега вола или магарца од јасала и води да напоји? А ову, кћер Авраамову, коју свеза сатана ево осамнаест година, не требаше ли одријешити од ове свезе у дан суботњи? И док он ово говораше стиђаху се сви који му се противљаху; а сав народ радоваше се за сва славна дјела што их он чињаше.
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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 child to be born of her, Cassandra Semic 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, Leann Cox, Victoria Cox, Art Dils, Tommy and Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, JoAnn Filepas, Anaya 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, Edward Hojnicki, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Slobodan Jovicic, Myong Sook Kim, Spencer Klinge, Dorothy Krnjaich, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, Boro Lojpur, Stephen Lundingrin, Dianne & Jim Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, Marija Miljkovic, Daria Milletics, Dave Morris, 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, Linda Rodgers, Logan Roszkowski, Chloe Ruff, Nathan & Jane Rush, Greg Selman, Michael Schaffner, Maryann Seiders, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, John Sheaffer, Branko Smitran, Zorka Starcevich, Tim Stefan, 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, Dewey Yetter, Mila “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, Jason Zeigler, Ashley Ziobrowski, Demetrios & Eleni Ziogas, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski
Those Who Need Special Care
COUNTRY MEADOWS MECHANICSBURG: Florence Ivanoff; HOMELAND: Draga Donato; MASONIC HOME ELIZABETHTOWN: Ray Foltz; RS: Cedo Lukic
Those to be Baptized
Sloane & Berkeley Semic, Barrett Scott, Divna & Danica Mitrovic, Nora & Maeve Van Huysen, Sloane & Šeren York
Our College Students
Sophia Adams, Kyranna Baker, 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
Protopresbyter Alexander Veronis, Mileva Maran, Eva Orr, Helen Kapac, Basil Havalchak, Dragoljub (Don) Maransky, Marshall Vujasinovich, Goran Stekovic, Louis 'Chuck' Belic
~Pomen to be Offered~
Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†GEORGIANNE HERIGAN Pomen will be offered Monday, December 11 at 6:30 pm by her family in loving memory of her repose (2 years—Dec 11).
~Vigils Offered~
LORRAINE JAMES Offered in happy celebration of my Godchild’s birthday (Dec 15). May God bless her with many years of good health and happiness. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years! Love Kuma Tootsie.
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.
†NATJA KESSLER Offered in loving memory of my Kuma Natja’s repose (8 years—Dec 9). Sadly missed by Godson Matthew Hoover. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†GEORGIANNE HERIGAN Offered in loving memory of her repose (2 years—Dec 11) by her children, grandchildren and siblings. 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 12/3/2023
Collection: $4,040.00
Date 11/26/2023
Collection: $2,675.00
Date 11/19/2023
Collection: $4,120.00
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December Birthdays
Laurie Brosius (Dec 1), Stephani York (Dec 2), Alex Govelovich (Dec 2), Gordana Fasnacht (Dec 4), Alexandra McFall (Dec 4), Paul Kasper (Dec 7), Alexa Healy (Dec 10), Nicholas Blitva (Dec 11), Sarah Milletics (Dec 11), Lorraine James (Dec 15), Quinn Gilroy (Dec 15), Irina Miljkovic (Dec 17), Steve Barry (Dec 17), Michael Filepas Jr (Dec 23), Carole Blitva (Dec 25), Josh Howell (Dec 30)
December Anniversaries
Alex & Nicole Bazdar (Dec 11), Dori & Doug Bert (Dec 18), Lauren & Ross Spangler (Dec 21), Pharon & Christine Bertsch (Dec 27)
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NATIVITY FAST
The Nativity Fast began on Tuesday, November 28. This means that we prepare the body to receive the Incarnate Christ Child through fasting, alms-giving and prayer. It is a time to focus upon giving alms to the poor. It is a time to focus upon offering ourselves to God’s Church. It is a time to re-dedicate ourselves to praying to God, both in Divine Services and at home. Receive the Fast with Joy!
CHURCH SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED
Beloved Brothers and Sisters, the Church School is seeking volunteers to help teach classes on Sunday after Liturgy. On the job training is available! Please see Dr. Jevi Radanovic if you are interested in helping our children learn how to live a life in Christ!
SAINT NICHOLAS SENIORS
The Seniors will be meeting on December 12th at 12 noon in the Church Social Hall. Hope to see you there.
ADULT EDUCATION CLASS
Our Adult Education classes continue after Vespers on Wednesday evenings. This year, at your suggestions, Father Chris will be focusing upon the lives of the Holy Apostles. We will begin with the twelve, then learn of the 70.
POINSETTIA SALE
Once again, we will be decorating our church for Christmas with Poinsettias. You can help offset the church’s cost by purchasing one for $10. Please contact Daria Milletics if you are interested in purchasing any (717-939-3872) or email office@stnicholassteelton.org
SOTAYA LAMB SALE
We are once again having our Christmas Fund Raising event. For your Christmas dinner on January 7, let us provide you with hot Roast Lamb. This year the lamb will be sold by the pound, for $16 per pound. Deadline to place your lamb order is Sunday, December 31. Contact Sladjana Gligorevic at 717-538-2073 or sladjagligorevic@gmail.com
NEW ITEMS AVAILABLE IN THE DISPLAY CASE
Check out the Mother’s Club Display Case as we are getting new items in weekly. There are new Nativity/Christmas Cards available. Check them out! There are also new items available for purchase that were donated by Fr Dcn Bojan, from his recent trip to Serbia.
FOOD PANTRY BOX
Just a reminder we are still collecting non perishable items for Bethesda Mission Women & Children Shelter. They may be placed in the collection box in the lobby. Most needed items are Toilet Paper, Paper Towels and Feminine Hygiene items.
FURNITURE DONATION FOR WOMENS SHELTER
Please consider donating any unused or lightly used furniture to ‘New Digs Ministry’ (5 Pleasant View Drive in Mechanicsburg). Women who are recovering and starting a new life are taken there to furnish their apartments.
MONASTERY MARCHA DELIVERY
If anyone is going near Monastery Marcha, please see Terry as she has an item to be dropped off.
HIRING CUSTODIAN
As our beloved brother in Christ, Michael Healy will be retiring from this position in January, we are looking for his replacement. Please see Father Christopher, Nick Ressetar, or Zach Bare if interested in applying for the position.
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SPECIAL THANKS TO GOD
We thank God for Brian Swartz and his “crew” who moved the pews from the trailer into the Church Hall for acclimation and refurbishment.
We would like to thank Wiedeman Funeral Home and the Wiedeman family for once again providing us with our 2024 Wall Calendars. If you haven’t gotten yours yet, they are in the lobby for you to pick up.
CHURCH SCHOOL REGISTRATION
It is that time again, getting ready for a new academic year. Please follow this link to register your children for our Church School program. All children, ages 3—18 are expected to attend classes each Sunday to grow in the Faith and in fellowship.
https://forms.gle/SGWWhv3iBLWqJfHd7
2024 ORGANIZATIONAL DUES
To pay your 2024 dues (or if you still owe 2023 dues) please see Nikki Lewis for Mothers Club, Jovanka Shaffer for KSS, Linda Yandric 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
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
BURN THE MORTGAGE/CHURCH FINANCES
We are entreating the Lord for help with this good work, paying our debt and having sustainable income. This week, the Molieben will be served in the evenings at 6:30 pm. We will continue this Molieben for 40 days, entreating the Lord to provide for our needs. Come and pray for the stability of our St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church.
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December Charity
Very Reverend Stavrophor Srboljub Jockovich Fund
for St. Nicholas Church Ministries & those in Need
In 2010, our congregation established The Fr. Srboljub Fund as a permanent resource for special ministries and other special needs or events in our church community or with our Orthodox Christian partners in the Central PA area or the larger Orthodox Christian community. Each month we participate in the Charity Sunday program and we always give those donations to an outside charity. Through the Fr. Srboljub Fund, we have created a dynamic new way to support the special ministries of our Church community and to respond to the special needs of our Orthodox Christian brothers and sisters. We are preparing ourselves to respond to ministries and programs in areas such as feeding the hungry, youth and senior programs, library needs, gift shop resources, education and outreach initiatives, visitation efforts and unforeseen emergencies or crises.
Please give generously to the Fr. Srboljub Fund so we may honor the memory of our long-time spiritual leader in this unique way as we grow our resources and are prepared to respond when a special need arises. God bless you and thank you for your generosity.
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