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Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Forefeast of the Entry of the Theotokos
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Christ is in our midst! Христос међу нама! Cristo esta entra nosotros! | |
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Homily on the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple
Let it Be
V. Rev. Fr. John Behr
“Today the Theotokos, the temple that is to hold God, is led into the Temple and Zacharias receives her… Let us cry aloud with Gabriel: Rejoice, you who are full of grace, the Lord is with you, he who has great mercy.” So we sang at Vespers last night. The one who is to become the temple and palace of God is led into the temple. In the readings last night, we heard how, of old, the tabernacle was constructed according to the command of God as the place where the ark of testimony was to be placed, covered with a veil, illumined by candlesticks and lamps, with incense offered on a golden altar, and with the tabernacle and all the vessels anointed with the oil of anointing.
We heard that when it was finished, the tabernacle was overshadowed by the cloud and filled with the glory of the Lord, so that no one, not even Moses, was able to enter the tent.
Now, today, the Theotokos is led into the temple of the Lord, to preach Christ to all, and to become the temple, the dwelling place of the glory of God, overshadowed by the Holy Spirit; and not only the dwelling place, as the tabernacle of old, but the one who gives birth to God, so that in her and through her, in and through a human being, the glory of God radiates to the world.
All aspects of the temple point to her; she is their fulfillment. She is the jar containing the manna, the ark of the covenant, the rod of Aaron which budded forth, and all the other images we use to praise her. As we sang: “The written law has passed away and vanished as a shadow, and the rays of grace have shone forth at your entry into the temple of God, O undefiled Virgin Mother.” All the Law and the Prophets point to her; the reality has come and the shadows have passed away. She is, as we sing, the fulfillment of the dispensation of the whole economy, indeed, of the whole of creation. As St Nicodemus put it: the world was created for Mary… and she for Christ. The whole world was created for the one who would say, “Let it be!”—the one who gives space to God as his temple and so allows the creator to enter his creation.
The tabernacle made by hands finds its fulfillment in the temple that is Mary, and through her, God enters this world to dwell amongst us, no longer hidden in the inner sanctuary in the man-made temple in Jerusalem, but dwelling among us, and now us in him. She is the gate, as Ezekiel says, through which the Lord has entered the world: “O Gate of the Lord, unto you I open the gates of the temple,” Zacharias exclaims. “I now know and believe that the deliverance of Israel shall come to dwell openly in our midst.”
For this deliverance to come about, however, we must go one step further into the temple. The epistle reading spoke of how the priests would go into the outer tabernacle to perform their ritual services, but the high priest alone would go into the Holy of Holies only once a year, to offer blood for himself and the errors of the people. The apostle continues: Christ himself, the High Priest of the good things to come, entered the greater and more perfect tabernacle, the one not made by human hands, entering once for all, offering not the blood of animal sacrifices, but his own blood, so securing an eternal redemption for all.
It is by his self-sacrifice that Christ enters this more perfect tabernacle and does so once-for-all… so that the gate remains shut: “It shall not be opened, and no man shall enter by it, for the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered by it. Therefore it shall remain shut,” says Ezekiel.
His sacrifice is once and for all—for all people and for all time. It is an eternal sacrifice and an eternal redemption. The gateway remains shut, but salvation is available for all.
Today, then, as the Theotokos enters the temple, preaching Christ to all, she becomes the one through whom the glory of God enters this world, by being the gateway through which the Lord enters the more perfect tabernacle, offering his eternal sacrifice and being the High Priest of the good things to come. She is the bridge, the passageway or the exodus from creation to recreation and redemption.
The Temple is both the place where God enters the world and the place where the sacrifice is made; and these two aspects—the womb and the tomb—cannot be separated.
For all this to happen, of course, Mary had to say: “Let it be!” Not only “Let the power of the most high overshadow me,” but also, “Let the sword piece my heart, too.” Yet these words of Mary—“Let it be!”—are glaringly absent from the hymnography for this feast. The reason for this is because, today, as we celebrate this feast, she is our “Let it be!” She is the completion or culmination of creation as it—as we—respond to the Word of God.
Mary is not simply brought into the temple; she is offered there, she is sacrificed by our “Let it be!” Joachim and Anna, the hymns said, “rejoice exceedingly, for they have offered to God, as a three-year old victim of sacrifice, the Queen without blemish.” Mary is the pure and blameless sacrifice to God on behalf of all human beings, “the dove without blemish and the ewe-lamb of God without spot.” This is what it means to say “Let it be”!
For our high calling, to be conformed to the image and likeness of God, for this to be realized, we too need to be able to say for ourselves: Let it be!
God does not enter into this world except by our offering him space, not a geographical space somewhere else in the world, but our own place—ourselves and our own time, today—the sacrifice of our own sense of self, our attempts to construct our own identity, to set limits and boundaries on how much we are prepared to accept, to say “let it be,” but only on my terms.
No! Our own terms need to be sacrificed if we are to say: Let it be! We must sacrifice ourselves, becoming ourselves temples of God, sacrificing ourselves on the altar of our heart, so that he can now be present in us and through us; we must decrease so that he might increase.
This has been accomplished in our offering of the virgin child Mary. In a month’s time we will sing of how we offer her at Christ’s Nativity and for his Nativity; today we offer her as the temple and the Gate of the Lord, so that High Priest can, by his own once-for-all sacrifice enter the Holy of Holies. We too, even we, can be refashioned—pass through from the creation to the new creation, but only if we can say for ourselves, “Let it be!”
As we present the Theotokos into the temple today, saying to God “Let it be,” let us not misunderstand what it demands of us as ourselves temples of God. May we have the strength to say with her: “Let it be!”
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Commemorating the Forefeast of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos, St Proclus Archbishop of Constantinople, Hieromartyrs Nerses and Joseph and many other men and women who suffered with them in Persia, Martyr Dasius of Dorostorum, Martyrs Eustace, Thespesius and Anatolius of Nicea, St Theoctistus the Confessor, Venerable Gregory the Decapolite,
Venerable Diodoros Iguman of George Hill
RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 1
When the stone had been sealed by the Jews, while the soldiers were guarding Your most pure body, You rose on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. The powers of heaven therefore cried to You, O Giver of Life: “Glory to Your Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Your Kingdom! Glory to Your dispensation, O Lover of mankind!”
FOREFEAST OF THE ENTRANCE TROPARION—TONE 4
Today Anna bequeaths gladness to all instead of sorrow by bringing forth her fruit, the only ever-Virgin. Today, in fulfillment of her vow, joyfully she brings her into the Temple of the Lord as the true Temple and pure Mother of God the Word.
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.
VENERABLE PROKLOS & GREGORY TROPARION—TONE 4
Let us glorify the twin lampstands of divine gifts, Proklos the wise Archpastor of Constantinople, and Gregory, the godly-minded scion of Decapolis; as divinely-inspired Fathers they guide us with the light of grace. Therefore, let us approach and beseech them fervently that we may receive the forgiveness of our sins, and that our souls may be saved.
RESURRECTION KONTAKION—TONE 1
As God, You rose from the tomb in glory, raising the world with Yourself. Human nature praises You as God, for death has vanished. Adam exults, O Master! Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage and cries to You: “You are the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!”
FOREFEAST KONTAKION—TONE 4
Today all the world is filled with joy at the glorious feast of the Mother of God, and cries out: “She is the heavenly tabernacle.”
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
This Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Dasha Gencturk
Next Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Natalija Gligorevic
EPISTLE: Ephesians 5: 8-19
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the First Tone: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
CHOIR: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
READER: v: Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the just!
CHOIR: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
READER: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us ...
CHOIR: … as we have set our hope on You!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Ephesians.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: God gives vengeance unto me, and subdues people under me.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: He magnifies the salvation of the King and deals mercifully with David, His anointed, and his seed forever.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Ефесцима 5: 8-19
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 1 Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Хор: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Читач: Веселите се, праведници, пред Господом, праведнима доликује похвала.
Хор: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Читач: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе,
Хор: на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање посланице Светога апостола Павла Ефесцима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, некада бијасте тама, а сада сте свјетлост у Господу: владајте се као дјеца свјетлости; Јер плод Духа је у свакој доброти и праведности и истини. Истражујте што је угодно Господу. И немојте узимати учешћа у бесплодним дјелима таме, него их још разоткривајте. Јер је срамно и говорити о ономе што они тајно чине. А све што се разоткрива свјетлошћу се објелодањује; јер све што је објелодањено излази на свјетлост. Зато вели: Устани ти који спаваш и васкрсни из мртвих, и обасјаће те Христос. Дакле, пазите добро како живите, не као немудри, него као мудри, користећи вријеме, јер су дани зли. Због тога не будите неразумни, него схватите шта је воља Господња. И не опијајте се вином, у чему је разврат, него се испуњавајте Духом, говорећи међу собом у псалмима и химнама и пјесмама духовним, пјевајући и појући Господу у срцу своме.
Свештеник: Мир ти читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Бог ми даје освету и покорава људе испод мене.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Он увећава спасење Краља и милостиво се односи са Давидом, његовим помазаником и његовим сјеменом заувијек.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Luke 12:16-21
At that time, He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Лука 12:16-21
Каза Господ причу ову: У једнога богатог човјека роди њива. И размишљаше у себи говорећи: Шта да чиним, јер немам у шта сабрати љетину своју? И рече: Ово ћу учинити: срушићу житнице своје и саградићу веће; и ондје ћу сабрати сва жита моја и добра моја; И казаћу души својој: Душо; имаш многа добра сабрана за многе године; почивај, једи, пиј, весели се, а Бог му рече: Безумниче, ове ноћи тражиће душу твоју од тебе; а оно што си припремио чије ће бити? Тако бива ономе који себи тече благо, а не богати се Богом.
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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, 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, Draga Donato, 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, Catherine Lewis, 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, 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; 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
~Parastos to be Offered~
Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†LJUBICA (VIOLET) DRAGELOVICH Offered on the 17th anniversary of her passing by her grandson Father Christopher and family. May she dwell with the righteous, be numbered among the just, and may her memory be eternal!
~Our Deepest Sympathy~
We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of +Louis ‘Chuck’ Belic, who reposed in the Lord on Wednesday, November 29th. The funeral will be at our church on Tuesday, December 5th with a viewing at 10 am followed by services at 11 am. May his soul dwell with the righteous and be numbered among the just! Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
~Vigils Offered~
STEPHANIE YORK Offered in prayer for God’s blessings on her birthday (Dec 2). Much love from Mom and the family. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
STEPHANIE YORK Offered in happy celebration of my Godchild’s birthday (Dec 2). May God bless her with many years of good health and happiness. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years! Love Kuma Tootsie.
ALEXANDRA MCFALL Offered in celebration of her birthday (Dec 4) by Kuma Kat Gruich and family. Many Years! 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.
†NATJA KESSLER Offered by her devoted husband Paul, in loving memory of her 8 year repose (Dec 9). Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†NATJA KESSLER Offered in loving memory of her repose (8 years—Dec 9) by Kumovi Dave, Daria, Jason and Sarah Milletics. 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 11/26/2023
Collection: $2,675.00
Date 11/19/2023
Collection: $4,120.00
Date 11/12/2023
Collection: $6,333.00
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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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STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY—TODAY!
Today, December 3, 2023 is Stewardship Sunday, our annual renewal of our commitment to caring for our St. Nicholas Church. After Liturgy, there will be a testimonial from the Bare Family in church, and a presentation in the hall. Join us all as we renew our commitment to Christ and His Holy Church! See Daria for your 2024 Stewardship Card.
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!
EMERGENCY CALLS
While Father Christopher is in New Rochelle, NY for the Diocesan Council meetings, Father Ilija will be covering emergency calls. This will be on December 8th-9th.
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
THANKS TO GOD
Arlene & Pete Barber would like to thank everyone for the cards, prayers and love sent their way during Arlene’s recent surgery and ongoing recovery.
ADVENT YOUTH CONFERENCE
Save the Dates: December 27-30, we will have a Youth Conference for students from 6th–12th grade. The Youth will travel to Pittsburgh in order to worship, learn more about the Faith, and work with mission opportunities at the Neighborhood Reconciliation Project. Space is extremely limited. Reservations must be made with Fr. Chris ASAP.
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!
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.
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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 mornings at 9 am. 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.
GLORY TO GOD!!!
We have had an anonymous donation to completely pay for the flooring project. We give thanks to God for these selfless and generous stewards! May God grant them many years!
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BAKERS STILL DESPERATELY NEEDED
Please help support our Annual Christmas Cookie Sale
This is not only cherished by our community, it is also a very important fundraiser for our Church and without YOU this project cannot happen. Our church needs your time, talents, and treasures to provide the cookies we need for the sale.
We are looking for Sonja Hennies, Wreaths, Vanilla Kiefles, Filled Kiefles, Wedding balls or any other traditional homemade Christmas Cookie.
Contact Tracy Petrovich (717-648-9609) or Nicole Petrovich (717-648-8061) to let them know what you can donate. Thank you in advance!
Cookies can be dropped off at the church Monday through Thursday (Dec 4 - 7) from 9am until noon or all-day Friday, (Dec 8)
Cookie Packers are also needed Saturday, December 9 at 4pm
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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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