35th Sunday after Pentecost | |
Христос Међу Нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta' entra nosotros! | |
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Homily on the Healing of the Blind Man
By St. Anthony of Sourozh
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...
As in the days of the ministry of Christ on earth, Saint John the Baptist had been preaching the Gospel of repentance, the good news that repentance, turning to God, always brings us face to face with Him in reconciliation, so does also the Church now, before Lent, face us with weeks of preparation, weeks during which we look at ourselves as deeply as we can, as honestly as we can, before we are confronted with deeds of God, with His power and with the example of those who had truly turned away from evil, given themselves to God, and have found fulfillment and salvation.
And before these weeks begin to prepare us even to this, we remember, as we do today, Bartimaeus, the blind man of Jericho, a reminder that we all are blind, that we all have forgotten how to see the reality of things. He was blinded by illness; we are blinded by the visible; the invisible becomes invisible to us because all that catches our eye prevents us from looking deep, looking into the depth.
The message which is brought to us today is this: we are all blind, and we must learn to see. To see ourselves as we are, both what is evil, imperfect, distorted to us, and also the beauty of the image of God which nothing can erase, nothing can destroy, which may be covered up as an icon may be covered up by dust, but which remain glorious within us. And we must learn to look at ourselves, and discern both good and evil: not only evil, but also that good which can inspire us to struggle, to fight and to overcome all that is unworthy of God.
But we must also learn in these weeks to look at everyone around us and see God’s image in him or in her, forget those imperfections which blind us to the beauty of every person, look deep into each one who is our neighbor, and worshipfully, reverently discover the divine presence, the divine likeness in him or in her.
Only then we will be able to move on to the weeks of preparation which will confront us one after the other with our most common and most destructive imperfections. If we try to look at ourselves, we often feel that we don’t have eyes to see, we have no terms of reference: how can we see? There is a mirror in which we can see both good and evil. Let us, in the course of these days, read with an open mind and open heart, with veneration the Gospel. We will see in Christ what a true human being is; we will see in His teaching what we are called to be and to become; we will see in His apostles, in those who surrounded Him the struggle for perfection. Let us look into the Gospel as one looks into a mirror, compare ourselves with what we see, and we will then discover not only evil but glory. And let us, inspired by it, move on, as Paul says, from glory to glory, turning away from past and rushing towards the fulfillment of our vocation. Amen.
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Commemorating Apostle Timothy of the Seventy, Saint Brihtwald of Wilton, Monastic Martyr Anastasius the Persian, Monastic Martyr Anastasius the Deacon of the Kiev Near Caves, 377 Martyred Companions in BulgariaSt Euthymius, Venerable Macarius of Zhabyn the Wonderworker
RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 2
When You descended to death, O Life Immortal, You destroyed hell with the splendor of Your Godhead. And when from the depths You raised the dead, all the powers of heaven cried out: “O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to You!”
APOSTLE TIMOTHY TROPARION—TONE 4
Having learned goodness and maintaining continence in all things, you were arrayed with a good conscience as befits a priest. From the chosen Vessel you drew ineffable mysteries; you kept the faith, and finished a course equal to His. Bishop martyr Timothy, entreat Christ God that our souls may be saved.
HOLY FATHER NICHOLAS TROPARION—TONE 4
Truly you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith, an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence; your humility exalted you; your poverty enriched you. Hierarch Father Nicholas, entreat Christ our God that our souls may be saved.
RESURRECTION KONTAKION—TONE 2
Hell became afraid, O Almighty Savior, seeing the miracle of Your resurrection from the tomb! The dead arose! Creation, with Adam, beheld this and rejoiced with You! And the world, O my Savior, praises You forever!
HYMN TO THE MOTHER OF GOD KONTAKION—TONE 6
Steadfast Protectress of Christians and constant Advocate before the Creator; despise not the cry of us sinners, but come speedily to help those who call on You in faith. Hasten to hear our petition and to intercede for us, O Theotokos, for You always protect those who honor You!
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
This Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Marko Rocknage
Next Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Dasha Gencturk
EPISTLE: 1 Timothy 1: 15-17
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Second Tone: The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
CHOIR: The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
READER: v: The Lord has chastened me sorely, but He has not given me over to death.
CHOIR: The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
READER: The Lord is my strength and my song;
CHOIR: He has become my salvation.
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the First Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to Timothy.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, this is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: May the Lord hear you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Save the King, O Lord, and hear us on the day we call!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: 1 Тимотеју 1: 15-17
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: ПРОКИМЕН- глас 2 Господ је снага моја и пјесма; Он ми постаде спасење.
Хор: Господ је снага моја и пјесма; Он ми постаде спасење.
Читач: Карајући покара ме Господ, али ме смрти не предаде.
Хор: Господ је снага моја и пјесма; Он ми постаде спасење.
Читач: Господ је снага моја и пјесма;
Хор: Он ми постаде спасење.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање посланице Светога апостола Павла Тимотеју.
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Чедо Тимотеје, истинита је ријеч и свакога примања достојна да Христос Исус дође у свијет да спасе грјешнике од којих сам први ја. Али због тога бих помилован да би Исус Христос показао на мени првоме све дуготрпљење, за примјер онима који ће вјеровати у њега за живот вјечни. А Цару вијекова, непролазноме, невидљивоме, јединоме премудроме Богу, част и слава у вијекове вијекова. Амин.
Свештеник: Мир ти читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Нека те услиши Господ у дан жалосни, нека те заштити име Бога Јаковљевога.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Господе, помози цару и услиши нас кад Те зовемо.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Luke 18: 35-43
At that time, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging. And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. And he cried out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Лука 18: 35-43
У вријеме оно, кад се Исус приближаваше Јерихону, слијепац неки сјеђаше крај пута просећи. Па када чу како народ пролази, распитиваше: Шта је то? И казаше му да Исус Назарећанин пролази. И повика говорећи: Исусе, сине Давидов, помилуј ме! А они што иђаху напријед кораху га да ућути, а он још јаче викаше: Сине Давидов, помилуј ме! А Исус стаде и заповједи да му га доведу; а кад му се приближи, запита га говорећи: Шта хоћеш да ти учиним? А он рече: Господе, да прогледам. А Исус му рече: Прогледај! Вјера твоја спасла те је. И одмах прогледа, и пође за њим славећи Бога. И сав народ који видје даде хвалу Богу.
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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 newborn Bowen William, Cassandra Semic and the child to be born of her, Catherine Lewis and the child to be born of her, Kyranna Baker and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Lori Bare, Dori & Doug Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Darlene & Larry Black, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Walter “Bud” Brown, Rebecca Cappetta, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Susan & Jim Cibort, Leann Cox, Victoria Cox, Art Dils, Tommy & Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, JoAnn Filepas, Anaya Garvin, Christian & Melanie Geib, Michael Geppert III, Nevenka Gojkovic, Dr Andrea Govelovich, Nick & Terry Govelovich, Kata Gruich, George Gutshall, Dan Hazlett, Travis Heilman, Adam Herigan, Edith Herigan, Kay Himes, Edward Hojnicki, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Slobodan Jovicic, Myong Sook Kim, Spencer Klinge, Dorothy Krnjaich, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, Boro Lojpur, Stephen Lundingrin, Dianne & Jim Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, Marija Miljkovic, Daria Milletics, 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, Stevan and Mary Stojic, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Savka Trivun, Edie & Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Michael Vishnesky, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Steve Vulich, Paula Werner, Draga Worman, Tosh Yanich, Dewey Yetter, Mila “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, Jason Zeigler, Ashley Ziobrowski, Demetrios & Eleni Ziogas, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski
Those Who Need Special Care
HOMELAND: Draga Donato; MASONIC HOME ELIZABETHTOWN: Ray Foltz; RS: Cedo Lukic
Those to be Baptized
Sloane & Berkeley Semic, Barrett Scott, Divna & Danica Mitrovic, Nora & Maeve Van Huysen, Sloane & Šeren York
Our College Students
Sophia Adams, Kyranna Baker, Cameron Barber, Michael Geppert, Anastasija Gligorevic, Cayden Healy, Matthew Hoover, Kalei Howard, Faith Kingsbury, Sophia Mummert, Kobe Petrovich, Christina Radanovic, Ioanna Radanovic, Madison Vorkapich, Anastasija Vukalo
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Eva Orr, Helen Kapac, Basil Havalchak, Dragoljub (Don) Maransky, Marshall Vujasinovich, Goran Stekovic, Louis 'Chuck' Belic, Florence Ivanoff, Sofija Wuselich, Dr Stevan 'Rick' Zivic
~Our Deepest Sympathy~
†DR STEVAN “RICK" ZIVIC departed this life in the Hope of the Resurrection on Tuesday, January 30. Stevan is the baptismal Kum of Fr Christopher, his brother and sister. We send our condolences to the Rocknage Family. May Stevan’s soul dwell with the righteous, be numbered among the just, and may his memory be eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat!
~Parastos Offered~
†FLORENCE IVANOFF Offered yesterday (Feb 3) by her loving daughter Jennifer in memory of her 40 day repose. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
~Vigils Offered~
BOWEN WILLIAM HOOK Offered as we lift our hearts in joyful prayer and heartfelt thanksgiving on the birth of Bowen William on Thursday, February 1 (his great grandmother Carol’s birthday)! Loving congratulations to parents Kaitlyn & Tim Hook, brother Baylor, grandparents Bill & Bobbi Wenner, Uncle Brandon Mumma and the whole family. May the Lord grant Bowen William Many Blessings for Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta!
SLOANE YORK Offered in joyful celebration of my precious Great-Granddaughter’s 3rd birthday (Feb 2). May the Lord grant you Many Blessings for Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta! Given with love by Stara Baba Kata and the whole family.
MAUVE VAN HUYSEN Offered in joyful celebration of my precious Great-Granddaughter’s 2nd birthday (Feb 8). May the Lord grant you Many Blessings for Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta! Given with love by Stara Baba Kata and the whole family.
DARLENE BLACK Offered with love by the Barber, Geib & McLaughlin Families for God’s Blessings during her recovery. We pray that He will bless her with good health. Our Love & Prayers are with her.
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.
†NICHOLAS I VUKOVICH Offered by Nadine Vukovich Hall in loving memory of his repose (40 years). 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 1/28/2024
Collection: $2,983.00
Date 1/21/2024
Collection: $3,274.00
Date 1/14/2024
Collection: $8,380.00
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February Birthdays
Linsay Barry, Bowen William Hook (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), Marlene Seiders (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), Emma Howell (Feb 28), Alan Radanovic (Feb 28), Mike Sunajko
February Anniversaries
Dean & Karen Stefan (Feb 6), Ferris & Jody Atty (Feb 28)
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HOUSE BLESSING 2024 HAS BEGUN
As with previous years, Fr. Chris will be blessing homes according to the zip code schedule printed in the bulletin. You will receive a call and/or email the week beforehand, letting you know which day Father will be coming. Please have ready: a candle, a bowl of water, the list of names you would like Fr. Chris to pray for, both living and departed. If you do not hear from Daria the week before your scheduled house blessing or you were inadvertently overlooked last year, and would like to have your house blessed, please reach out to her at 717-939-3872
IN CASE OF PASTORAL EMERGENCY
This Wednesday and Thursday, Fr. Christopher will be in Cleveland for the funeral and burial of his kum. Wednesday’s Vespers and Holy Apostles Class is canceled. In case of pastoral emergency, please call Fr. Ilija at 425.736.3016.
ST NICHOLAS CIRCLE OF SERBIAN SISTERS (KSS) MEETING
Our next meeting will be February 11, 2024 in the Church Library after Divine Liturgy. All members are urged to attend.
SENIORS MEETING
The next meeting/luncheon for the St Nicholas Seniors will be Tuesday, Feb 13 at Rod’s Roadhouse, Eisenhower Blvd, at 12 noon. If you still plan to participate in the game, remember to bring your wrapped $5 gift. Hope to see you there!
ATTENTION SENIORS
Kindly remember that we are serving coffee hour the month of February. Please bring cookies starting February 4th
WAYS TO BE A GOOD STEWARD
If you are wondering what you can do as a Steward of the Church, please consider becoming a Greeter or a Tutor. A Greeter does just that, they greet those who come to share in the services held in our church (Divine Liturgies as well as other events such as Lenten services or Pan Orthodox events). If you are willing to serve the church as a Greeter or Tutor please contact the church office or Terry Govelovich at 717-561-1590 (leave a message if there is no answer).
SPECIAL THANKS TO GOD
We congratulate our Kumovi in Honoring St. Sava day last Sunday, Nataljia Gligorevic & Aleksandra Nikolić Radojčić. A big thank you to Dr. Jevi for heading the program in which our Sunday School students recited poems in English and/or Serbian, sang Hymn to St. Sava & other songs accompanied by Mr. Music. Some of the kids played the piano and did a fantastic job! An accordion performance by Jovi was wonderful! Mr. Luke did a great job as emcee! And the beautiful Kolach & wheat were provided by Sladjana. Thanks to Protinica Andreja & Protinica Carole for preparing the lunch, as well as the crew who helped!! Thanks to you all!
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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 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
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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 28th 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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Upcoming House Blessing Schedule
Monday, February 5 — Saturday, February 10
17102, 17109, 17110, 17111, 17112, 17980
Monday, February 12 — Saturday, February 17
17019, 17221, 17225, 17257, 17315, 17316, 17320, 17331, 17365
17070, 17319, 17339, 17345, 17361, 17362, 17363, 17370, 17402, 17406, 17408
Monday, March 4 — Friday, March 8
17028, 17032, 17038, 17042, 17045, 17078
17502, 17512, 17522, 17540, 17543, 17545, 17552, 17557, 17601, 17602, 17603
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