28^th Sunday after Pentecost

Христос међу нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta entra nosotros!

Homily on the Healing of the Samaritan Leper

Fr. Philip LeMasters

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Glory to Jesus Christ! - Glory be forever!

The gospels of the New Testament give us many accounts of Jesus Christ doing and saying things that shocked and challenged people who thought that they were better than others, who thought that they were holy and blessed and that others were evil and condemned. And today’s gospel reading is no exception. We read that the Lord healed ten lepers, but the only one who came back to thank Him for the life-changing miracle was a Samaritan. Samaritans were hated by the Jews as religious and ethnic half-breeds who had mixed the worship of the true God with paganism. And since lepers were also outcasts and considered unclean, this Samaritan leper surely had no standing at all in that time and place. So imagine how shocking it was that he alone returned to Christ to thank Him for this miracle and to give glory to God.

Perhaps this man was so thankful precisely because he knew who he was and how others viewed him. He would never have thought that a Jewish messiah would help him in any way. He had probably learned the hard way to expect little compassion from anyone and that he could take nothing for granted in any area of life. He likely felt out of place walking with Jewish lepers to Jerusalem to show themselves to a priest at the temple. But as he went along, he was healed. And he alone gave the sacrifice of praise by taking the time to return to thank the One who changed his life.  And then Christ said to him, “Your faith has made you well.”

This man’s healing is a sign, a glimpse, of the fulfillment of the good news that we celebrated at Christmas and Theophany (Epiphany) and that is at the very heart of our faith. The healing of the Samaritan leper from a terrible disease is an icon, an image, of our salvation, of our fulfillment and transformation in the God-Man Jesus Christ. And of course, this great blessing extends to all who have put on the New Man in baptism, regardless of their nation, race, sickness,or health.

As the healing of the Samaritan leper shows, God’s mercy extends to everyone who receives Jesus Christ with faith, repentance, and gratitude. We want to be like that leper, receiving the blessing in humility and responding with true thanks—regardless of what anyone else does. We want our lives to be signs, glimpses, icons, of the eternal life that Christ has brought into our world of death. But in order to do that, we have to put to death the sins, the corruptions and diseases of soul, that have taken root in us. These are the ways of the old man, the ways of corruption that lead only to despair and death. They are like spiritual leprosy which distort and disfigure us, that destroy marriages, families, and friendships, that lead us to worship only ourselves, and make it impossible for us to become icons of the glory of the Lord.

The leper in the gospel is a model for all of us who struggle to embrace Christ’s healing, for all of us who wrestle with the ways of the old man. The Samaritan joined with the other lepers in calling out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” In other words, he began with humility, openly acknowledging that he was sick, needed to be healed, and could not work his own cure.  We should do the same thing in our prayers every day, confessing our sins and asking for the Lord’s forgiveness. We should also acknowledge our weaknesses daily and pray for His strength to resist temptation, to overcome our bad habits, to calm our passions, and to help us grow in holiness. And the more we say the Jesus Prayer, the better.

The struggle to live faithfully can certainly feel pretty lonely at times. There is nothing like sin to isolate us from one another and even from ourselves. Even if it’s something that we somehow keep secret from others, the burdens of guilt and shame are profound and can separate us at a deep level even from those closest to us. They can become unhealthy obsessions that make us feel as unclean as a leper. That’s one of the reasons why the sacrament of Confession is such a blessing, such a source of strength in our journey to live the new life in Christ. In Confession we are reminded that we are not left alone to struggle with our sins, for the priest is an icon of the Lord, conveying His mercy and providing guidance for the healing of our souls. If we want to be healed like the Samaritan leper, we will come to confession regularly, naming our sins, especially those of which we are most ashamed and which threaten to destroy our relationships with the Lord and our neighbors. We will kneel before Christ in humility, bare our souls, and be assured of His forgiveness, if we are truly honest and repentant.  Confession is a therapy for our healing, and a reminder that we are members of a Body united together in love and mercy. As we all know, there is great power in hearing a human voice say that we should give no further care to the sins we have confessed, for they are forgiven. Christ says to each of us in Confession through the voice of a priest, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”

The Samaritan is also an example for us in his obedience because he did what Christ told him to do, to head toward Jerusalem to show himself to the priests.  One would imagine that Samaritan lepers were surely not welcome there, but he went nonetheless. And as he was going, he was healed. Here we have another powerful image of the Christian life, for we open our lives to the Lord’s healing by obeying Him, by keeping His commandments.

A thief does not become an icon of Christ’s salvation by continuing to steal. An alcoholic does not become sober by continuing to drink. And we will not experience victory over any sin in our lives if we simply give into it or make up excuses to justify ourselves. In other words, we have actually to repent, to reject actions, thoughts, words, and habits that we know are wrong. Of, we will not find perfect spiritually health instantly; we may fail a thousand times, but we must be headed in the right direction. The Samaritan was going toward Jerusalem in obedience to Christ’s command and we also must be on the path to a holier life through obedience, doing what we know we must do in order to live as those who have put on the New Man Jesus Christ in baptism.

It’s a hard truth: We can’t expect to find healing for the corruptions of our souls if we do not obey the Lord. If we do not pray, fast, give to the poor, forgive those who have offended us, keep a close watch on our thoughts and actions, and struggle mightily against our besetting sins, we really cannot expect growth in the Christian life.  If we are not actively seeking to become living icons of Christ’s salvation, we won’t grow in holiness. Of course, we will not heal ourselves any more than the leper did. But we must cooperate with the Lord, we must do our part in order to open ourselves to the mercy of Christ, to put ourselves in the place where His new life shines in ours. And that is the place of humble obedience.

Finally, we learn from the Samaritan leper to be grateful for every bit of progress that we make in the Christian life, for every step of progress in the healing of our souls. It was not walking toward Jerusalem that healed him; it was the mercy of Christ for which he could take no credit at all. The leper certainly knew that, which is why he returned to the Lord to thank Him.

And what thanks should we offer God for our blessings, for our healing, for our salvation? Well, we should offer our lives to Him and thus become epiphanies of His salvation in every word, thought, and deed. For He is the Alpha and Omega Who created all reality out of nothing and on Whom our life is entirely dependent. We have nothing and we are nothing apart from His mercy, love, and grace. And nothing fits in its proper place in our lives until it is offered to Him for blessing and fulfillment.

So just as we offer bread and wine in the Liturgy, let us offer thanks to the Lord by living lives that are pleasing to Him, by living according to the New Man Jesus Christ, and killing the habits of death and darkness that can so easily destroy us and harm others. For Christ was born and baptized in order to heal us and to bring us into the new life of His Kingdom. He made a wretched Samaritan leper an icon of His salvation and He will do the same with us, if we follow that man’s example of humility, obedience, and gratitude.

Commemorating Holy Apostles of the Seventy: Sosthenes, Apollos, Cephas, Tychicus, Epaphroditus, Caesar and Onesiphorus, Martyr Anthusa at Rome, 362 Martyrs of Africa,

Venerable Patapius of Thebes, Venerable Cyril Abbot of Chelma Hill

RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 3

Let the heavens rejoice! Let the earth be glad! For the Lord has shown strength with His arm. He has trampled down death by death. He has become the first born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of hell, and has granted to the world great mercy.

HOLY APOSTLES OF THE 70 TROPARION — TONE 3

Holy Apostles Sosthenes, Apollos, Cephas, Tychicus, Epaphroditus, Caesar, and Onesiphorus, entreat the merciful God, to grant our souls forgiveness of transgressions.

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 3

On this day You rose from the tomb, O Merciful One, leading us from the gates of death. On this day Adam exults as Eve rejoices; with the Prophets and Patriarchs they unceasingly praise the divine majesty of Your power.

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!

READERS:

This Week: Matins: Nick Ressetar Epistle: Jovan Milanovich

Next Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Dasha Gencturk

EPISTLE: Colossians 1:12-18

DEACON:      Let us pay attention. 

PRIEST:        Peace be unto all!

READER:      And with your spirit!

DEACON:      Wisdom.

READER:      The Prokeimenon in the Third Tone: Sing praises to our God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!

CHOIR:          Sing praises to our God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!

READER: v: Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!

CHOIR: Sing praises to our God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!

READER: Sing praises to our God, sing praises!

CHOIR: Sing praises to our King, sing praises!

DEACON: Wisdom!

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

DEACON: Let us attend!

READER: Brothers and Sisters, giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.  He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!

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

CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

READER: In You, O Lord, have I hoped; let me never be put to shame!

CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

READER: Be a God of protection for me, a house of refuge in order to save me!

CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

АПОСТОЛ: Колошанима 1:12-18

Ђакон:           Пазимо

Свештеник: Мир свима!

Читач:           I Духу Твоме!

Ђакон:           Премудрост

Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 3 Појте Богу нашему, појте! Појте Цару нашему, појте!

Хор: Појте Богу нашему, појте! Појте Цару нашему, појте!

Читач: Сви народи, запљескајте рукама, покликните Богу гласом радосним!

Хор: Појте Богу нашему, појте! Појте Цару нашему, појте!

Читач: Појте Богу нашему, појте!

Хор: Појте Цару нашему, појте!

Ђакон: Премудрост

Читач: Читање посланице Светога апостола Павла Колошанима

Ђакон: Пазимо

Читач: Браћо, захваљујући Богу и Оцу који нас оспособи за удио у насљедству светих у свјетлости; Који нас избави од власти таме и пренесе у Царство Сина љубави своје, у коме имамо искупљење, опроштење гријехова; Који је икона Бога невидљивога, Прворођени прије сваке твари, јер Њиме би саздано све, што је на небесима и што је на земљи, што је видљиво и што је невидљиво, били пријестоли или господства, или началства или власти: све је Њиме и за Њега саздано. И Он је прије свега, и све у њему постоји.  

Свештеник: Мир ти читачу!

Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Читач: У тебе се, Господе, уздам, немој ме оставити под срамотом до вјека.

Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Читач: Буди ми Бог заштитник, дом уточишта, да би ме спасао.

Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

~Prayers for the Faithful~

In Our Prayers

Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop Youhanna, Protinica Ljubica Jockovic, Protopresbyter Rodney Torbic, Protostavrofor Ilija Balach, Protostavrofor Joseph Fester, Archpriest Gabriel Rochelle, Protinica Ana Stepanov, Matushka Barbara Ealy, Matushka Theodora Ressetar, Khouria Patricia Moslener, Sister Anastasija, the child Katie Elizabeth and her parents Mileva and Michael Repasky, the children Genevieve and Louise Bare and their parents Zachary & Elizabeth, Mileva Repasky and the newborn Caroline Grace, Kyranna Baker and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Samuel Atzeff, Lori Bare, Elijah Barnett, Christina Berchock, Dori Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Carole & Nick Blitva, Tommy & Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Voni Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Maria Chigrintseva, Leann Cox, JoAnn Filepas, Anaya Garvin, Eric Garvin, Melanie Geib, Michael Geppert III, Dr Andrea Govelovich, Rdr. Nicholas & Teresa Govelovich, Kata Gruich, Travis Heilman, Kay Himes, Matthew Hoover, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Slobodan Jovicic, Caryn Kiraly, Nadine Klipa, Christine Krnjaic, Dorothy Krnjaich, Dragica Kuzmanovic, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Susan Leis, Jovan Lemajic, Elliott Mamula, Dianne & Jim Martin, Jean & Paul Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, George Milakovic, Slavka Miljevic, Marija Miljkovic, Rosanda Mitrovic, Diane & Slobodan Momic, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Lila Packer, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Kobe Petrovich, Duke & Sue Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Milena Pilipovic, Christopher Radanovic, Ioanna Radanovic, Chloe Ruff, Christina Sakmar, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, Milan Shumkaroff, Branko Smitran, Zorka Starcevich, Karen Stefan, Timothy Stefan, Michael Stepanovich, Stevan & Mary Stojic, Linda Szeerba, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Savka Trivun, Peter Velencia, Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Magdalen Vloutely, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Paula Werner, Nicolette & Nikola Wiel, Tosh Yanich, Dewey Yetter, Elizabeth Yezdimir, Mila “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya,

Non Orthodox: Catherine Lewis, Bethany Peterson, Jensen Swartz, Addy Andy, Kevin Appleby, Doug Bert, Jason Brill, Susan & Jim Cibort, Victoria Cox, Barry Dean Jr, Christian Geib, George Gutshall, Dan Hazlett, Adam Herigan, Edith Herigan, Tony Kepp, Stephen Kerstetter, Keith & Kelly Kessler, Myong Sook Kim, Stella Wren Lappas, Richard Livingston, Margaret Livingston, Stephen Lundgren, Penny MacDonald, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Hope Pesner, Makaylie Peterson, Logan Roszkowski, Greg Selman, John Sheaffer, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Edith Venesevich, Michael Vishnesky, Traci Weaver, Jason Zeigler, Ashley Ziobrowski, 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

Caleb Lewis, Barrett Scott, Maverick Peterson, Caroline Repasky, Trace Swartz

Our College Students

Sophia Adams, Cameron Barber, Kyle Barber, Dieter Geib, Gunner Geib, Kirsten Geib, Michael Geppert, Anastasija Gligorevic, Natalija Gligorevic, Matthew Hoover, Faith Kingsbury, Natasha Milanovich, Sophia Mummert, Christina Radanovic, Luis Antonio Radanovic, Aleksandra Šaran, Theodore Sukhernik, Madison Vorkapich, Anastasija Vukalo

Our Seminary Students

Elizabeth Bare

Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones

Vera Ressetar Bortniak, Eleana Silk, Maryann Seiders

Please continue to pray for all of those currently being persecuted for Christ's sake in Kosovo, Metohija, Montenegro, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gaza, West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Egypt, the Sudan, China, North Korea, for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering throughout the world, especially in Ukraine and Russia, 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 race. We also pray for the Orthodox clergy in Alaska, that the Lord might grant them more than enough to feed their families.

LET US PRAY TO THE LORD!

Stewardship Offering Information

Date 12/14/2025

Collection: $5,094.00

Date 12/7/2025

Collection: $4,328.00

Date 11/30/2025

Collection: $1,797.00

~Our Deepest Sympathy~

We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Maryann Seiders, who reposed in the Lord on Thursday, December 18. May her soul dwell with the righteous and be numbered among the just! Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

 

~Vigils Offered~



LORRAINE JAMES Offered in 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.



JAMES ‘SLATER’ MARTIN Offered prayerfully during his recovery by Kata Gruich and family.

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.

†RADE, †ANA, †MILAN, †EVELYN, †PETAR, †JELENA, †STEVO, †LJUBICA, †NIKOLA, †MILKA, †DRAGAN, †MARIJA, †DANILO, †DANICA, †ZARKO, †PETAR, †BRANKO, †DARINKA, †NEVENKA, †NIKOLA, †DAVID, †MILAN, †LINDA Offered as we observe our Krsna Slava, we treasure memories of departed family members and pray for their peaceful repose. Offered in loving memory by the Yanich & Matich family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

†MILE, †ANDJELIJA, †PAVLE MRAOVIC AND †PAVLE, †PAOLINA, †BRANKO KOBAC AND †MITCH & †LJUBICA KOBAC ZUNICH Offered on our Krsna Slava as we pray for the blessed repose of our family members. Offered in loving memory by Beba Yanich & family.  Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

†VERNA TARASI Offered in loving memory for the repose of grandmother & friend Verna (11 years today). May she rest peacefully in the Lord’s mercy and grace. Given by the Yanich, Wenner, Mumma, Wolf, Cruz & Hook Family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

†LJUBICA VIOLA YANICH  Offered in loving memory of Mom/Grammy/Nin/Ojna as we observe the 13th anniversary (Dec 24) of her repose. We are sustained by memories of her wisdom, faith and good humor and lifted by the certainty that she rests peacefully in Christ’s eternal light. Given with love by her Family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

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)

RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION

This is a gentle reminder regarding preparing for and receiving the Holy Eucharist. As the Lord said, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, first be reconciled, then come to receive. We are called to be prepared and receive at each and every Liturgy.

PREPARATION AND THANKSGIVING PRAYERS

We are also called to pray the prayers in preparation for Holy Communion, and to stay and pray the prayers in thanksgiving for Holy Communion after Liturgy.

KEEPING THE FASTS

Whether we receive the Holy Mysteries or not, ALL Orthodox Christians are called to keep the fasts of the Church as best as they are able. This includes all Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as the special fast periods of the Church. Also, unless medically necessary and blessed by your father confessor, no eating or drinking from midnight until receiving Holy Communion.

KEEPING THE FEASTS

We should be in attendance for Great and Holy Week, Pascha, and all of the 12 Great Feasts of the Church. If we cannot make the liturgy, come for Vespers or Vigil the night before. If traveling, find the closest Orthodox Church and keep the feast there.

FREQUENCY OF HOLY CONFESSION

We are all called to “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is now”. We should take inventory of our souls regularly—at least on a monthly basis. Let the Lord lift the heavy burden of sin, for as He said, His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.

BULLETIN DEADLINE

The deadline for this week is Tuesday (December 23) by 11 am.

HERE WE GO A-CAROLING! 

Dear St. Nicholas community. The Choir and friends will be going Caroling TODAY Sunday, December 21, and Sunday, January 4. Please join us for this festive outreach to those who are homebound or in nursing homes. You do not need to be in the Choir to carol with us. We will be singing Serbian as well as traditional carols. Not sure if you'll know what we are singing? You are welcome to join the last half hour of Choir practice (Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 8:00) to check it out. Questions? Please contact Nina Radanovic (717) 634-6170, or ninarad.mil19@gmail.com for more information. Looking forward to caroling with you!

FAMILY KOLO FUNDAY (RESCHEDULED)

Mom, Dad, kids and anyone who wants to learn to dance kolos. Our first session has been rescheduled to Sunday December 28. We will start after classes have ended. Join us!!!

CALLING ALL BAKERS!!

Would you consider baking for the dessert table at our dance on January 10? Please contact Nicole Petrovich at 

nicolepetrovich@yahoo.com or

(717) 648-8061 (leave a message if no answer). Hvala!"

SISTERS/MOTHER’S CLUB PARTY (JANUARY 11, 2026)

The Sisters/Mothers Club will host its annual Christmas Party and gift exchange at Gilligan’s Restaurant after Liturgy. All ladies of the church are warmly invited to attend. Please bring a $15 gift to participate in the White Elephant game. However, you are free to choose not to participate in the gift exchange. Join us for an afternoon of fellowship and fun. If you plan to attend, please text or call Doni at 717-887-9146.

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 dmilletics@stnsoc.org

SAVE THE DATE—THE TAMBURITZANS ARE COMING!!!

The Parish Council is thrilled to announce that we are sponsoring The Tamburitzans (formerly of Duquesne University) for a show on Saturday, January 10th at 3pm. Tickets are $35 until January 9th, $40 at the door, and $30 for 55+, under 18, and with a valid student ID. Tickets may be purchased in the office, or by clicking on the following link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-tamburitzans.



SUVO MESO DONATIONS FOR TAMBURITZAN DANCE

Please consider donating for the dance on January 10, 2026. So many of our members make the best smoked meat! Would you consider donating smoked meat/suvo meso for the event? If yes, please text, call, or email Stacy Milanovich at tacy1123@gmail.com

(724) 709-4746. Thank you for your consideration! Hvala!

SPECIAL THANKS TO GOD

We would like to thank Dewey Yetter for once again assembling and donating the kits the Sunday School is using for planting wheat on St Nicholas Day. We are thankful he continues to share his stewardship with our students.

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 SCHOOL REGISTRATION

Register for the 2025-2026 Church School year with the following link:

https://forms.gle/JuVAESBtWpQL6X7s8

BULLETIN DEADLINE

Please send all Bulletin requests to the church office at office@stnicholassteelton.org. You may also call (717) 939-3872. Bulletin Deadline is Tuesday at 11 am.

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 9:00 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.

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.  

Charitable Contributions to the Church

The Finance Committee is making an appeal for the months of November and December asking for tax deductible charitable contributions. These funds will be dedicated to paying down the mortgage and boosting our reserve funds. The “Burn the Mortgage” Capitol Campaign that we previously ran enabled us to pay down $160,000 on our mortgage balance. Currently our mortgage is down to approximately $500,000. We thank God for your efforts—they have been a big help!

However, our investment account is down to $200,000. We continue to withdraw from our reserves, supplementing mortgage payments as well as paying the bills. Below are a few options:

· If you receive an RMD (required minimum distribution) you can transfer a tax free distribution to the church up to $100,000.

· Donation of dividends from stock, annuities and insurance policies can be used to lessen your tax burden.

· Charitable cash gifts are also tax deductible.

Consult your tax specialist or financial planner to see what you can do to help. No contribution to your church is too big or too small! Any member of our finance committee will be able to offer assistance. Please inquire at the church office.

Support SOYA this Holiday Season

Help us Help others

This year SOYA is focusing on ministry and outreach—both locally and internationally. We hope you will donate to our drives and support our fundraisers to help us help others and spread God’s Love. Below are our current projects:

FOOD DRIVE—

SOYA thanks everyone who donated non-perishable food items, in order to give back to those in need for the holidays! These donations will go directly to six branches of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, within one mile of our parish. Thank you for your kindness and donations! 

DAVE & BUSTER’S—

Play games and have fun, all while supporting SOYA. When you purchase $20 Power Cards through our organization link Dave & Buster’s will donate $10 back to SOYA. These can be used at any Dave & Buster’s.

Buy your Power Cards here: https://grouprai.se/davebusters67966e

ONLINE SHOPPING CASHBACK—

RaiseRight is on online shopping platform with a network of over 750 national brands you can shop from that donates a percentage of each sale back to SOYA. Earn money for our organizations with everyday purchases, gift cards, local dining, and more.

To get started go to the link below and “Join an Existing Program” with our organization’s enrollment code of L2XC96PR6MR7

https://www.raiseright.com/enroll/

BAKLAVA SALE—Pick-up this Tuesday, December 23rd.

For questions or additional information please see Dasha Gencturk,

Maddie Vorkapich, Marijana Rocknage, or Protinica Andreja

The Life of St. Nicholas,

The Wonderworker

Archbishop of Myra in Lycea

(text quoted from oca.org/feastandsaints)

Saint Nicholas, the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia is famed as a great saint pleasing unto God. He was born in the city of Patara in the region of Lycia (on the south coast of the Asia Minor peninsula), and was the only son of pious parents Theophanes and Nonna, who had vowed to dedicate him to God.

As the fruit of the prayer of his childless parents, the infant Nicholas from the very day of his birth revealed to people the light of his future glory as a wonderworker. His mother, Nonna, after giving birth was immediately healed from illness. The newborn infant, while still in the baptismal font, stood on his feet three hours, without support from anyone, thereby honoring the Most Holy Trinity. Saint Nicholas from his infancy began a life of fasting, and on Wednesdays and Fridays he would not accept milk from his mother until after his parents had finished their evening prayers.

From his childhood Nicholas thrived on the study of Divine Scripture; by day he would not leave church, and by night he prayed and read books, making himself a worthy dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. Bishop Nicholas of Patara rejoiced at the spiritual success and deep piety of his nephew. He ordained him a reader, and then elevated Nicholas to the priesthood, making him his assistant and entrusting him to instruct the flock.

In serving the Lord the youth was fervent of spirit, and in his proficiency with questions of faith he was like an Elder, who aroused the wonder and deep respect of believers. Constantly at work and vivacious, in unceasing prayer, the priest Nicholas displayed great kind-heartedness towards the flock, and towards the afflicted who came to him for help, and he distributed all his inheritance to the poor.

There was a certain formerly rich inhabitant of Patara, whom Saint Nicholas saved from great sin. The man had three grown daughters, and in desperation he planned to sell their bodies so they would have money for food. The saint, learning of the man’s poverty and of his wicked intention, secretly visited him one night and threw a sack of gold through the window. With the money the man arranged an honorable marriage for his daughter. Saint Nicholas also provided gold for the other daughters, thereby saving the family from falling into spiritual destruction. In bestowing charity, Saint Nicholas always strove to do this secretly and to conceal his good deeds.

The Bishop of Patara decided to go on pilgrimage to the holy places at Jerusalem, and entrusted the guidance of his flock to Saint Nicholas, who fulfilled this obedience carefully and with love. When the bishop returned, Nicholas asked his blessing for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Along the way the saint predicted a storm would arise and threaten the ship. Saint Nicholas saw the devil get on the ship, intending to sink it and kill all the passengers. At the entreaty of the despairing pilgrims, he calmed the waves of the sea by his prayers. Through his prayer a certain sailor of the ship, who had fallen from the mast and was mortally injured was also restored to health.

When he reached the ancient city of Jerusalem and came to Golgotha, Saint Nicholas gave thanks to the Savior. He went to all the holy places, worshiping at each one. One night on Mount Sion, the closed doors of the church opened by themselves for the great pilgrim. Going round the holy places connected with the earthly service of the Son of God, Saint Nicholas decided to withdraw into the desert, but he was stopped by a divine voice urging him to return to his native country. He returned to Lycia, and yearning for a life of quietude, the saint entered into the brotherhood of a monastery named Holy Sion, which had been founded by his uncle. But the Lord again indicated another path for him, “Nicholas, this is not the vineyard where you shall bear fruit for Me. Return to the world, and glorify My Name there.” So he left Patara and went to Myra in Lycia.

Upon the death of Archbishop John, Nicholas was chosen as Bishop of Myra after one of the bishops of the Council said that a new archbishop should be revealed by God, not chosen by men. One of the elder bishops had a vision of a radiant Man, Who told him that the one who came to the church that night and was first to enter should be made archbishop. He would be named Nicholas. The bishop went to the church at night to await Nicholas. The saint, always the first to arrive at church, was stopped by the bishop. “What is your name, child?” he asked. God’s chosen one replied, “My name is Nicholas, Master, and I am your servant.”

After his consecration as archbishop, Saint Nicholas remained a great ascetic, appearing to his flock as an image of gentleness, kindness and love for people. This was particularly precious for the Lycian Church during the persecution of Christians under the emperor Diocletian (284-305). Bishop Nicholas, locked up in prison together with other Christians for refusing to worship idols, sustained them and exhorted them to endure the fetters, punishment and torture. The Lord preserved him unharmed. Upon the accession of Saint Constantine (May 21) as emperor, Saint Nicholas was restored to his flock, which joyfully received their guide and intercessor.

Despite his great gentleness of spirit and purity of heart, Saint Nicholas was a zealous and ardent warrior of the Church of Christ. Fighting evil spirits, the saint made the rounds of the pagan temples and shrines in the city of Myra and its surroundings, shattering the idols and turning the temples to dust.

In the year 325 Saint Nicholas was a participant in the First Ecumenical Council. This Council proclaimed the Nicean Symbol of Faith, and he stood up against the heretic Arius with the likes of Saints Sylvester the Bishop of Rome (January 2), Alexander of Alexandria (May 29), Spyridon of Trimythontos (December 12) and other Fathers of the Council.

Saint Nicholas, fired with zeal for the Lord, assailed the heretic Arius with his words, and also struck him upon the face. For this reason, he was deprived of the emblems of his episcopal rank and placed under guard. But several of the holy Fathers had the same vision, seeing the Lord Himself and the Mother of God returning to him the Gospel and omophorion. The Fathers of the Council agreed that the audacity of the saint was pleasing to God, and restored the saint to the office of bishop.

Having returned to his own diocese, the saint brought it peace and blessings, sowing the word of Truth, uprooting heresy, nourishing his flock with sound doctrine, and also providing food for their bodies.

Even during his life the saint worked many miracles. One of the greatest was the deliverance from death of three men unjustly condemned by the Governor, who had been bribed. The saint boldly went up to the executioner and took his sword, already suspended over the heads of the condemned. The Governor, denounced by Saint Nicholas for his wrong doing, repented and begged for forgiveness.

Witnessing this remarkable event were three military officers, who were sent to Phrygia by the emperor Constantine to put down a rebellion. They did not suspect that soon they would also be compelled to seek the intercession of Saint Nicholas. Evil men slandered them before the emperor, and the officers were sentenced to death. Appearing to Saint Constantine in a dream, Saint Nicholas called on him to overturn the unjust sentence of the military officers.

He worked many other miracles, and struggled many long years at his labor. Through the prayers of the saint, the city of Myra was rescued from a terrible famine. He appeared to a certain Italian merchant and left him three gold pieces as a pledge of payment. He requested him to sail to Myra and deliver grain there. More than once, the saint saved those drowning in the sea, and provided release from captivity and imprisonment.

Having reached old age, Saint Nicholas peacefully fell asleep in the Lord. His venerable relics were preserved incorrupt in the local cathedral church and flowed with curative myrrh, from which many received healing. In the year 1087, his relics were transferred to the Italian city of Bari, where they rest even now (See May 9).

The name of the great saint of God, the hierarch and wonderworker Nicholas, a speedy helper and suppliant for all hastening to him, is famed in every corner of the earth, in many lands and among many peoples. In Russia there are a multitude of cathedrals, monasteries and churches consecrated in his name. There is, perhaps, not a single city without a church dedicated to him.

The first Russian Christian prince Askold (+ 882) was baptized in 866 by Patriarch Photius (February 6) with the name Nicholas. Over the grave of Askold, Saint Olga (July 11) built the first temple of Saint Nicholas in the Russian Church at Kiev. Primary cathedrals were dedicated to Saint Nicholas at Izborsk, Ostrov, Mozhaisk, and Zaraisk. At Novgorod the Great, one of the main churches of the city, the Nikolo-Dvorischensk church, later became a cathedral.

Famed and venerable churches and monasteries dedicated to Saint Nicholas are found at Kiev, Smolensk, Pskov, Toropetsa, Galich, Archangelsk, Great Ustiug, Tobolsk. Moscow had dozens of churches named for the saint, and also three monasteries in the Moscow diocese: the Nikolo-Greek (Staryi) in the Chinese-quarter, the Nikolo-Perervinsk and the Nikolo-Ugreshsk. One of the chief towers of the Kremlin was named the Nikolsk.

Many of the churches devoted to the saint were those established at market squares by Russian merchants, sea-farers and those who traveled by land, venerating the wonderworker Nicholas as a protector of all those journeying on dry land and sea. They sometimes received the name among the people of “Nicholas soaked.”

Many village churches in Russia were dedicated to the wonderworker Nicholas, venerated by peasants as a merciful intercessor before the Lord for all the people in their work. And in the Russian land Saint Nicholas did not cease his intercession. Ancient Kiev preserves the memory about the miraculous rescue of a drowning infant by the saint. The great wonderworker, hearing the grief-filled prayers of the parents for the loss of their only child, took the infant from the waters, revived him and placed him in the choir-loft of the church of Holy Wisdom (Hagia Sophia) before his wonderworking icon. In the morning the infant was found safe by his thrilled parents, praising Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker.

Many wonderworking icons of Saint Nicholas appeared in Russia and came also from other lands. There is the ancient Byzantine embordered image of the saint, brought to Moscow from Novgorod, and the large icon painted in the thirteenth century by a Novgorod master.

Two depictions of the wonderworker are especially numerous in the Russian Church: Saint Nicholas of Zaraisk, portrayed in full-length, with his right hand raised in blessing and with a Gospel (this image was brought to Ryazan in 1225 by the Byzantine Princess Eupraxia, the future wife of Prince Theodore. She perished in 1237 with her husband and infant son during the incursion of Batu); and Saint Nicholas of Mozhaisk, also in full stature, with a sword in his right hand and a city in his left. This recalls the miraculous rescue of the city of Mozhaisk from an invasion of enemies, through the prayers of the saint. It is impossible to list all the grace-filled icons of Saint Nicholas, or to enumerate all his miracles.

Saint Nicholas is the patron of travelers, and we pray to him for deliverance from floods, poverty, or any misfortunes. He has promised to help those who remember his parents, Theophanes and Nonna.

Saint Nicholas is also commemorated on May 9 (The transfer of his relics) and on July 29 (his nativity).



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.

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.