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Sunday of the Last Judgment
Meatfare Sunday
St. Nicholas Bulletin - February 19, 2023
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Christ is in our midst! Христос Међу нама! Cristo esta entra nosotros! | |
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Homily on Sunday of the Last Judgment -
Seeing the Son of Man in every man
by Fr. James Guirguis
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In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
The teachings of Our Lord, God and savior Jesus Christ are often quite difficult for us. In fact, it cannot be any other way since God is speaking to man. God is attempting to raise man from his earthly nature which makes him similar to the beasts, and He is trying to raise him to the level and stature which alone is God’s. We do not take lightly the idea that God desires to call us “sons and daughters.”
As the Church prepares us for the coming of the great and holy challenge, we are indeed challenged by the words of Christ. Sometimes this makes us uncomfortable. Why is God always challenging us? Why does God expect so much from us? Really, if we think about it, we should really be troubled if God didn’t challenge us and didn’t expect so much from us! In man made religion everything is geared towards the pleasure of those who are at the top. But in our Christian faith, everything presupposes that the one who is at the top is ready to become the least of all, even to die for all. As our Lord says “He who desires to become the greatest, must be the servant of all” and He also says “True love is to give ones life for his friends.”
In today’s gospel reading our lord challenges us, challenges every fiber of our being in fact. The challenge is how do we respond to those who are marginalized and struggling in our society? How do we respond to those who have dire needs? There are people in the world (and in our own communities) who are hungry, who are thirsty, who are strangers, who are naked, who are sick and who are in prison. No matter which of these situations we see others facing, we know that the person who is going through these afflictions is in need of help from somewhere. We are expecting help to come from God but my dear friends, God is expecting help to come from us!
It is not that helping others is just a nice thing to do, it is the rule by which each of us will be measured. It is true that the Lord is challenging us, but in His divine mercy He is also preparing us and warning us about the coming judgment and He is giving us a roadmap to His kingdom. The privilege of being a child of God is to do what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for all of humanity. He made the fallen state of humanity His burden. And by making us His burden, He entered into our struggles. In fact our Lord became all of these that are here mentioned. Our Lord was hungry and thirsty when He fasted. He was a stranger when He travelled from place to place. He was in prison on the night in which He was betrayed, or rather gave Himself up for the life of the world. He was naked and sick when He hung upon the tree of the cross and according to Isaiah the prophet “we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted” (Is 53:4). So God understands what it is to suffer and to be associated with the downcast and downtrodden in society, and He wants us to also understand and to spring into action.
But He goes even further, He multiplies the blessing of serving the poor and the struggling. He tells us that when we do this we are not simply serving those who are struggling, we are in fact serving the Lord Jesus Christ Himself! What a Lord and Master we serve! He bows low to identify with the least of our brethren and then raises our service so that it will be counted as service to Him, the King of glory! So what more can the Son of God do to convince us to serve others? Let us go out of our way to help others during the coming season of Great Lent. You may be surprised to find that when you disconnect from the computers and televisions, there are many people who can use your help, right in your community.
Let us try hard to bring the love and mercy of God to them and there can be no doubt that God will see our love and mercy and will multiply this much, much more in our lives, both here and at the great and awesome judgement. Glory be to God forever AMEN.
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Commemorating the Afterfeast of the Meeting of our Lord in the Temple, St Bucolus Bishop of Smyrna, St Photius Patriarch of Constantinople, Venerable Barsanuphius the Great and John the Prophet, Virgin Martyr Dorothy at Caesarea in Cappadocia and those with her, Martyr Julian of Emesa, Virgin Martyr Fausta and Martyrs Evilasius and Maximus at Cyzicus, Virgin Martyrs Martha and Mary and their brother Lycarion in Egypt, St Arsenius of Iqalto Georgia, St Amand Abbot of Maastricht
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.
FEAST TROPARION—TONE 1
Rejoice, thou who art full of grace, O Virgin Theotokos, for from thee hath risen the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those in darkness. Rejoice, thou also, O righteous Elder, as thou receivest in thine arms the Redeemer of our souls, Who also granteth unto us the Resurrection.
LENTEN TRIODION KONTAKION—TONE 1
When You, O God, shall come to earth with glory, all things shall tremble, and the river of fire shall flow before Your judgment seat; the books shall be opened, and the hidden things disclosed; then deliver me from the unquenchable fire, and make me worthy to stand at Your right hand, O Righteous Judge!
FEAST KONTAKION—TONE 1
By Your nativity, You did sanctify the Virgin’s womb, and did bless Simeon’s hands, O Christ God. Now You have come and saved us through love. Grant peace to all Orthodox Christians, O only Lover of man!
(Instead of “It is truly meet…,” we sing:) Tone 3
O Virgin Theotokos, hope of all Christians, protect, preserve, and save those who hope in you! In the shadow and letter of the Law, let us the faithful discern a figure: every male [child] that opens the womb is holy to God. Therefore we magnify the firstborn Word of the Father Who has no beginning, the Son firstborn of a Mother who had not known man.
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
This Week: Matins: Nick Ressetar Epistle: Dasha Gencturk
Next Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Marko Rocknage
EPISTLE: 1 Corinthians 8: 8 - 9: 2
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Third Tone: Great is our Lord, and abundant in power, His understanding is beyond measure.
CHOIR: Great is our Lord, and abundant in power, His understanding is beyond measure.
READER: v: Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God!
CHOIR: Great is our Lord, and abundant in power, His understanding is beyond measure.
READER: Great is our Lord, and abundant in power.
CHOIR: His understanding is beyond measure.
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the First Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Corinthians
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, but food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse. But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Come, let us rejoice in the Lord! Let us make a joyful noise to God our Savior!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Let us come before His face with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: 1 Коринћанима 8: 8 - 9: 2
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 3 Велик је Господ наш и велика је крјепост Његова, и разуму Његовом нема мјере.
Хор: Велик је Господ наш и велика је крјепост Његова, и разуму Његовом нема мјере.
Читач: Хвалите Господа, јер је слатко пјевати Бога нашега, јер Благоме доликује хвала.
Хор: Велик је Господ наш и велика је крјепост Његова, и разуму Његовом нема мјере.
Читач: Велик је Господ наш и велика је крјепост Његова,
Хор: и разуму Његовом нема мјере.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање је од Прве посланице Светог апостола Павла до Коринћана
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, јело нас не поставља пред Бога: јер нити добијамо ако једемо, нити губимо ако не једемо. А чувајте се да како ова ваша слобода не постане спотицање слабима. Јер ако тебе, који имаш знање, види неко гдје сједиш за трпезом у идолском храму, неће ли се савјест његова. зато што је слаб, охрабрити да једе идолске жртве? И због твога знања пропада слаби брат, за којега Христос умрије. А тако, гријешећи се о браћу и рањавајући њихову слабу савјест, о Христа се гријешите. Зато, ако јело саблажњава брата мојега, нећу јести меса до вијека, да не саблазним брата својега. Нисам ли апостол? Нисам ли слободан? Зар нисам видио Исуса Христа, Господа нашега? Нисте ли ви дјело моје у Господу? Ако другима нисам апостол. али вама јесам, јер сте ви печат мојега апостолства у Господу.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Ходите, запјевајмо Господу, покликнимо Богу Спаситељу нашем.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Изађимо пред лице Његово с хвалом, ускликнимо му у пјесмама.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Matthew 25: 31-46
When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: ’for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; ’I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? ’When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? ’Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’
And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: ’for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; ’I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’
Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Матеј 25: 31-46
А када дође Син Човјечији у слави својој и сви свети анђели са њим, тада ће сјести на пријесто славе своје. И сабраће се пред њим сви народи, и разлучиће их једне од других као пастир што разлучује овце од јаради. И поставиће овце са десне стране себи, а јарад са лијеве. Тада ће рећи Цар онима што му стоје са десне стране: Ходите благословени Оца мојега; примите Царство које вам је припремљено од постања свијета. Јер огладњех, и дадосте ми да једем; ожедњех, и напојисте ме; странац бијах, и примисте ме; Наг бијах, и одјенусте ме; болестан бијах, и посјетисте ме; у тамници бијах, и дођосте ми. Тада ће му одговорити праведници говорећи: Господе, када те видјесмо гладна, и нахранисмо? Или жедна, и напојисмо? Кад ли те видјесмо странца, и примисмо? Или нага, и одјенусмо? Кад ли те видјесмо болесна или у тамници, и дођосмо ти? И одговарајући Цар, рећи ће им: Заиста вам кажем: кад учинисте једноме од ове моје најмање браће, мени учинисте. Тада ће рећи и онима што му стоје с лијеве стране: Идите од мене, проклети, у огањ вјечни који је припремљен ђаволу и анђелима његовим. Јер огладњех, и не дадосте ми да једем; ожедњех, и не напојисте ме; Странац бијах, и не примисте ме; наг бијах, и не одјенусте ме; болестан и у тамници бијах, и не посјетисте ме. Тад ће му одговорити и они говорећи: Господе, када те видјесмо гладна или жедна, или странца или нага, или болесна или у тамници, и не послужисмо ти? Тада ће им одговорити говорећи: Заиста вам кажем: кад не учинисте једноме од ових најмањих, ни мени не учинисте. И ови ће отићи у муку вјечну, а праведници у живот вјечни.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | |
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~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
The Newly illumined Logan Michael Livingston, his parents and sponsors, Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop Youhanna, Protopresbyter Srboljub and 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 Danijela and her parents Mark and Jennifer Belo, Lauren Spangler and the child newly born of her, Bethany Peterson and the child to be born of her, Emma Howell and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Lori Bare, Louise Bare, Dori Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Darlene & Larry Black, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Walter “Bud” Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Leann Cox, Joseph Derk, Art Dils, Draga Donato, Tommy and Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Anaya Garvin, Christian & Melanie Geib, Michael Geppert III, Dr Andrea Govelovich, Nick & Terry Govelovich, Kata Gruich, George Gutshall, Dan Hazlett, Basil Havalchak, Travis Heilman, Adam Herigan, Edith Herigan, Kay Himes, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Tijana Jaksic, Slobodan Jovicic, Spencer Klinge, Ljuban Kosovac, Dorothy Krnjaich, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Catherine Lewis, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, Stephen Lundingrin, Dianne & Jim Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, Annabelle McLaughlin, John J Milakovic, Marija Miljkovic, Daria Milletics, Infant of God Ryan Leigh Moffitt, Dave Morris, Peter Mrgich, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Eva Orr, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Ljubomir Pejanovic, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Tracy Petrovich, Logan Roszkowski, Nathan & Jane Rush, Greg Selman, Michael Schaffner, Maryann Seiders, Michael Semic, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, John Sheaffer, Pat Shoemaker, Branko Smitran, Tim Stefan, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Edie & Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Steve Vulich, Paula Werner, Draga Worman, Dewey Yetter, Mileva “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, 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; SPRING CREEK: Chuck Belic
Those to be Baptized
Sloane Ivey & Berkeley Blythe Semic, Emilia Renee Peterson, Barrett Scott, Divna and Danica Mitrovic, Nora Katherine & Maeve Noelle Van Huysen, Sloane York, Bennett Noah Spangler
Our College Students
Anastasija Gligorevic, Cayden Healy, Matthew Hoover, Kalei Howard, Sophia Mummert, Kobe Petrovich, Christina Radanovic, Ioanna Radanovic, Kyranna Radanovic, Madison Vorkapich
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Mihailo Novakovic, Ljubica Turajlic, Jo-An Tracey Stanovich, William Yovanovich, Eva Stimac, Dr Ljubisa Stankovic, Natalija Mandic, Djordje Kojic, Kristina Turuntas, Djuro Miljevic
~Parastos to be Offered~
Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†INFANT JOHN BOSCH HEILMAN Offered today after Liturgy by his family in loving memory of their sweet little angel’s repose (3 years—Feb 20).
~Vigils Offered~
CAROL BLITVA Offered as we praise God for Carol’s successful surgery and we pray for her full recovery and quick return to weekly Liturgy and our social hour table. Warm wishes from the table “regulars” and all who join us.
MIKEY YORK Offered in celebration of his birthday (Feb 24). May God grant you Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta! Given with much love from Baba Kata & family.
JANET KRNJAIC Offered in celebration of her birthday (Feb 24). God’s blessings for many more healthy happy years! Mnogaja Ljeta! Kat 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.
DARLENE BLACK Offered with love by the Barber & Geib Families for God’s Blessings during her recovery. We pray that He will bless her with good health. Our Love & Prayers are with her.
MICHAEL GEPPERT Offered prayerfully by Mom & Dad for improvement in health and God’s blessings and loving care during his recovery.
BROTHERS & SISTERS IN SYRIA Offered prayerfully for those in Syria who suffered massive casualties and damage to their country as a result of the historic earthquake that hit Syria and Turkey. Offered by Katya Kotchneva & Dasha Gencturk.
†EDDIE MARIJAN Offered in loving memory of his repose (18 years—Feb 17). Sadly missed and forever in my heart, by daughter Sandy. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†DMETER ’SONNY’ DRAGOVICH Offered in loving memory by his Yanich Kumovi (2 years—Feb 17). May he rest peacefully where there is neither sickness, nor sorrow, nor sighing but life everlasting. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†ARCHIMANDRITE DOSITEJ OBRADOVICH Offered in loving memory of Fr Dositej (22 years—Feb 20) who grew up in St Nicholas Church and was ordained to the priesthood in our church. May his soul dwell with the righteous and may our Lord grant him rest where there is neither sickness, nor sorrow, nor sighing, but life everlasting. Offered by the Yanich and Matich family. 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, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Sudan, China, North Korea, for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering throughout the world, especially in Ukraine, that they might be comforted with the Joy of our Lord, and for all of those suffering from the pandemic, for those who minister, and for those who are unjustly persecuted that they may be strengthened by the love of Christ which knows no race.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD!
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Stewardship Offering Information
Date 2/12/2023
Collection: $4,157.00
Date 2/5/2023
Collection: $6,692.00
Date 1/29/2023
Collection: $1,871.00
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February Birthdays
Linsay Barry (Feb 1), Sloane York (Feb 2), Lincoln Grey Moore (Feb 5), Pete & Joe Petrovich (Feb 6), Jasmine Jacobs (Feb 6), Rod Vorkapich (Feb 8), Maeve Van Huysen (Feb 8), Sladjana Gligorevic (Feb 9), Parker Rae Petrovich (Feb 10), Ruby Cangialosi (Feb 12), Isla Goodling (Feb 13), Waad Jacobs (Feb 15), Blake Bazdar (Feb 16), Susan Jacobs (Feb 18), John Semic (Feb 21), Anaya Garvin (Feb 21), Emily Fithian (Feb 22), Ethan Imschweiler (Feb 22), Janet Krnjaic (Feb 24), Michael York (Feb 24), Natasha Milanovich (Feb 26), Steve Cashman (Feb 27), Alan Radanovic (Feb 28), Mike Sunajko
February Anniversaries
Dean & Karen Stefan (Feb 6), Ferris & Jody Atty (Feb 28)
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PARISH COUNCIL MEETING (TODAY)
There is a Parish Council Meeting in the Church School after Liturgy (once classes are completed).
HOUSE BLESSING 2023
This week both Fr. Chris and Fr Ilija will be blessing homes according to the zip code schedule printed in the bulletin. Please have ready: a candle, a bowl of water, the list of names you would like Fr. Chris or Fr Ilija to pray for, both living and departed. If Daria has not reached out to you yet this year and you would like your house blessed, please contact her in the church office 717-939-3872
MOTHER’S CLUB MEETING
The next Mother’s Club Meeting will be held after Liturgy on Sunday, February 26. All members are urged to attend.
MOTHER’S CLUB DISPLAY CASE
If you haven’t stopped by the display case in the lobby recently, take a look. There are now Pascha items available.
GREAT LENT 2023
The Great Lenten Season begins next Monday, February 27. Our Lenten services will begin on Sunday evening with Forgiveness Vespers. The first week of Lent, known as Clean Week, is a special time marked with the serving of the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete. Be sure to make time for these beautiful repentant services as we get ready for our Lord’s Passion, Burial and Resurrection.
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CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 9am until noon. You may call the office during these hours at (717-939-3972) 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 office@stnicholassteelton.org. You may also call the office at (717-939-3872).
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February Charity
St Sava School of Theology – Libertyville IL
St. Sava School of Theology is named in memory of St. Sava, the first archbishop, teacher and enlightener of the Serbian people. On January 29th we celebrated St. Sava’s Day and it is fitting that we also offer support to the theological seminary in the US named for him. The main mission and goal of the school is to provide religious education and train candidates for the Holy Priesthood in the Serbian Orthodox Church specifically as well as interested Orthodox Christian individuals of other ethnic jurisdictions. St. Save School is the educational center for individuals committed to serving the Serbian Orthodox Church and her people in a multi-lingual environment. The school presently offers study leading to the Bachelor of Divinity Degree. Graduate level programs of study are also being developed at the School and in conjunction with other institutions. Funding is provided by an annual budget proposed by the School and adopted and implemented by the Central Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the US and Canada. Financial support is sought from all the Serbian Orthodox Dioceses and church congregations. More information about the School’s programs, plans and course of study may be found at the diocesan website at the following link: http://www.serborth.org/education.html
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FOOD PANTRY BOX - ITEMS ARE DESPERATELY NEEDED
We are still collecting items for those enduring poverty. Please consider dropping off non expired canned and dry goods along with paper towels, tissues, feminine products, diapers, etc… in the Food Pantry Box, located in our lobby. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
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SAVE THE DATE!!
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Kumovi Sunday..... March 26
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PASCHA................. April 16
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Church Slava.......... May 21
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Church Picnic......... June 4
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Club Picnic.............. July 30
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Serb Fest.................. Sept 23
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Upcoming House Blessing Schedule
Monday, February 20 — Saturday, February 25
17003, 17028, 17032, 17038, 17042, 17045, 17078
17502, 17512, 17522, 17540, 17543, 17545, 17552, 17557, 17601, 17602, 17603
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