Christ is in our midst! Христос међу нама! Cristo está entre nosotros!

In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Each year, on the Sunday before Christmas in all Orthodox Churches we hear the genealogy of Jesus, recorded at the beginning of Saint Matthew’s Gospel (1:1-25). It is actually one of two genealogies on Jesus presented by the Gospel writers in the New Testament of the Bible. The other is found in the Gospel of Saint Luke. In St. Luke’s Gospel, however, the genealogical list is in reverse order, beginning with Jesus and ending with Adam. Each Gospel writer had his own reason for presenting a linage. In fact, the names included in one Gospel, as well as those that were not included in the other, were intentional choices by each writer for the purpose of making a point.

St. Matthew’s genealogy is chosen because it reveals that Christ truly became a man, taking on our nature. We hear from the text of the Synaxarion: “He was not a ghost, an apparition, a myth, a distant imagined god, or the abstract god of philosophers; such a god does not have a family tree. Our God is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He has flesh and blood, human ancestors—many of whom sinned greatly, like David, who also repented greatly.”

The value of the Gospel genealogies lies not in their legal or historical accuracy but rather in their spiritual meaning, they place an emphasis upon the fact that Christ did in fact become a man, but they also demonstrate the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation. Man’s failure did not mean that it was all over, or that God had failed or made a mistake.

Unique to the genealogy of Jesus in St. Matthew’s gospel is that women are included, while in St. Luke’s Gospel, they are not. In fact, one of the women mentioned, whose name is Rahab, was a Gentile prostitute. The list also includes: Thamar, who committed incest, Ruth a Gentile, and even the adulteress, Bathsheba. David is mentioned, who not only committed murder, but was also an adulterer. St. Matthew intentionally demonstrates that the Lord’s incarnation was the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation. By being born a man in human flesh, the Lord completely identified with the human race, with men and women of flesh and blood, failings and all. However, as the “new Adam” (see Romans 5:12-18), Christ was perfect Man by voluntarily choosing obedience to the will of God the Father. And this is what Christmas is all about.

Again from the text of the Synaxarion we hear: “By taking on human nature, the Son of God became like us in all ways, in flesh and blood, in mind and soul, and in heart and will. He differed from us in only one way: He did not sin. Since we know that Christ’s human nature remained sinless, He is also fully divine, and He shows us the way in which we can avoid sin, and so improve and transform our human nature.”

St. John Chrysostom says that Christ was not embarrassed by the skeletons hidden in His ancestors’ closets. The conclusion of the genealogy is the beginning of a new generation – the age of the Messiah – and we are part of it as Christians. The age of preparation and promise is over; the fullness of time has arrived – a new age of completion and fulfillment. Very shortly we will also celebrate what is the culmination of this wondrous season: It is the Great Feast of Holy Theophany: The baptism of our Lord by John in the River Jordan. It is the Feast which is the full revelation of God as Trinity: the Divine Son of God as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, the decent of the Holy Spirit and the confirming word of God the Father.

Prayer

O Lord Jesus Christ our God, Son of David, Son of Abraham, the Son of Mary, as we behold your humble birth, we pray Thee: Be merciful unto us sinners, and renew us by your presence, cleansing us from all sin as we now draw near to Thy Holy Table and dare to partake of your Holy Body and precious Blood. Sanctify our souls, purify our thoughts, cleanse our minds and deliver us from the Evil One. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory: of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Commemorating the Forefeast of the Nativity of our Lord, St Boniface the Merciful Bishop of Ferentino, St Gregory Archbishop of Omirits, Martyr Boniface at Tarsus in Cilicia and Righteous Aglaia of Rome, Martyrs Elias, Probus and Ares in Cilicia, Venerable Elias of Murom Wonderworker of the Kiev Near Caves, Venerable George the Scribe and Venerable Savva of Khakhuli

RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 4

When the women Disciples of the Lord learned from the Angel the joyous message of the Resurrection, they cast away the ancestral curse and elatedly told the Apostles: “Death is overthrown! Christ God is risen, granting the world great mercy!”

HOLY FATHERS TROPARION—TONE 2

Great are the accomplishments of faith, for the three Holy Youths rejoice in the fountain of flames as though in the waters of rest; and the Prophet Daniel appeared a shepherd to the lions as though they were sheep. So by their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls!

HOLY FATHERS KONTAKION - TONE 6

You did not worship the graven image, O thrice-blessed ones, but armed with the immaterial Essence of God, you were glorified in a trial by fire. From the midst of unbearable flames you called on God, crying: “Hasten, O compassionate One! Speedily come to our aid, for You are merciful and able to do as You will!”  

READERS:

This Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Marko Rocknage

Nativity: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Natalija Gligorevic, Teddy Sukhernik

Next Week: Matins: Nick Ressetar Epistle: Dasha Gencturk

EPISTLE: Hebrews 11:9-10, 17-23, 32-40

DEACON:      Let us pay attention. 

PRIEST:        Peace be unto all!

READER:      And with your spirit!

DEACON:      Wisdom.

READER:      The Prokeimenon in the Forth Tone: Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name forever!

CHOIR:          Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name forever!

READER: v: For You are just in all that You have done for us!

CHOIR: Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name forever!

READER: Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers...

CHOIR: ...and praised and glorified is Your name forever!

DEACON: Wisdom!

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

DEACON: Let us attend!

READER: Brothers and Sisters, by faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail.” By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.

PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!

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

CHOIR:          Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

READER:      We have heard with our ears, O God, for our fathers have told us.

CHOIR:          Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

READER:      For You have saved us from them than oppose us, and have put to shame them that hate us.

CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

АПОСТОЛ: Јеврејима 11:9-10, 17-23, 32-40

Ђакон:           Пазимо

Свештеник: Мир свима!

Читач:           I Духу Твоме!

Ђакон:           Премудрост

Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 4 Благословен си, Господе Боже отаца наших, и хвално и прослављено је име Твоје у све вјекове.

Хор: Благословен си, Господе Боже отаца наших, и хвално и прослављено је име Твоје у све вјекове.

Читач: Јер си праведан у свему што си учинио за нас.

Хор: Благословен си, Господе Боже отаца наших, и хвално и прослављено је име Твоје у све вјекове.

Читач: Благословен си, Господе Боже отаца наших,

Хор: и хвално и прослављено је име Твоје у све вјекове.

Ђакон: Премудрост

Читач: Читање из посланице Св. Апостола Павла Јеврејима

Ђакон: Пазимо

Читач: Браћо, Вјером се насели Аврам у земљи обећаној као у туђој, и у шаторима становаше са Исаком и Јаковом, сунасљедницима истога обећања. Јер очекиваше Град који има темеље, којему је неимар и творац Бог. Вјером принесе Аврам Исака када је кушан, и јединца приношаше онај који је примио обећања, коме бјеше казано: У Исаку ће ти се назвати сјеме, Јер је разумио да је Бог кадар и из мртвих васкрсавати; зато га и доби као праслику. Вјером у оно што ће доћи благослови Исак Јакова и Исава. Вјером Јаков умирући благослови свакога сина Јосифова, и поклони се преко врха палице своје. Вјером Јосиф на самрти напомињаше о изласку синова Израиљевих, и заповједи за кости своје. Вјером су Мојсеја, пошто се роди, крили три мјесеца родитељи његови, јер видјеше да је дијете красно, и не побојаше се заповијести цареве. И шта још да кажем? Јер ми не би достало времена кад бих стао казивати о Гедеону, Вараку, Самсону, Јефтају, Давиду, Самуилу и о другим пророцима, који вјером побиједише царства, чинише правду, добише обећања, затворише уста лавовима, угасише силу огњену, утекоше од оштрица мача, од немоћних постадоше јаки, бијаху силни у рату, поразише војске туђинске; Неке жене примише своје мртве васкрсењем; други пак бијаху мукама уморени не приставши на избављење, да би добили боље васкрсење; А други искусише поруге и шибања, па још окове и тамнице; Камењем побијени, престругани, измучени, од мача помријеше; потуцаше се у кожусима и козјим кожама у оскудици, у невољама, у патњама; Они којих свијет не бијаше достојан, потуцаху се по пустињама и горама и по пештерама и по јамама земаљским. И сви ови, освједочени у вјери, не добише обећање; Зато што је Бог нешто боље предвидјео за нас, да не би они без нас достигли савршенство.

Свештеник: Мир ти читачу!

Читач:           I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Хор:                Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Читач:           Боже, својим ушима слушасмо, оци наши проповједаше дјела која си учинио у њихово вријеме, у старо вријеме.

Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Читач: Избавио си нас од непријатеља наших и ненавиднике наше посрамио

Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

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!

Stewardship Offering Information

Date 12/25/2022

Collection: $2,525.00

Date 12/19/2022

Collection: $760.00

Date 12/18/2022

Collection: $2,235.00

January Birthdays

Kristina Carricato (Jan 3), Brad Livingston (Jan 4), Betty Matovich (Jan 5), Chris Krnjaic (Jan 5), Voni Brown (Jan 6), Jody Atty (Jan 7), Fred Book (Jan 7), Ellen Long (Jan 8), Lauren Spangler (Jan 9), Jason Milletics (Jan 11), William Hernjak (Jan 12), JoAnn Filepas (Jan 13), Tracy Petrovich (Jan 13), Bill Wenner (Jan 15), Stacey Stanovich (Jan 15), Nicole Stefan Imschweiler (Jan 15), Christina Radanovic (Jan 15), Tatyana Reznitchenko (Jan 16), Sylvia Stefan (Jan 18), Nina Radanovic (Jan 19), Makrina Rocknage (Jan 19), Kristina Vukalo (Jan 20), Rita Vorkapich (Jan 22), Popadija Andreja (Jan 24), Kobe Petrovich (Jan 24), Andjelija Lojpur (Jan 27), Sophia Mummert (Jan 28), Jane Svitchan (Jan 29), Maxim Reznitchenko (Jan 29), Ashtyn Isadora Cruz (Jan 30)

ST NICHOLAS SENIORS MEETING

The next Seniors meeting/luncheon will be January 10th at Leeds Restaurant, Eisenhower Blvd, starting around 11:30 am. This will be our Christmas luncheon. If you plan to participate in the grab bag gift exchange, please bring a wrapped $15 gift. This will also be our election of officers. Hope to see you there. We plan to have a short music presentation by Lenny Tepsich.

GREETERS TEAM

Hello! Welcome to St. Nick’s! If you can say this with a smile, you are a born GREETER. Have you ever felt uncomfortable upon entering a place where no one knows you? It is not a great feeling. St. Nick’s is asking you to be a steward willing to share your warm welcome to all those who enter our beautiful church for the first or the five hundredth time. Please let Daria or Terry know that you can be that steward once every 6 weeks.

KSS 2023 DUES AND SENIORS 2023 DUES

Jovanka Shaffer and JoAnn Filepas will be seated in the church hall after Liturgy on Sundays to collect 2023 dues. Dues remain at $5 for the year.

MOTHERS CLUB 2023 DUES AND SERB CLUB 2023 DUES

Please see Nikki Lewis to pay your 2023 Mother’s Club Dues and Popadija Andreja to pay your 2023 Serb Club Dues.

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). 

January Charity

The International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)

IOCC is a humanitarian aid agency of Orthodox Christians. Established in 1992 by the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), it works in cooperation with the Orthodox Church and on behalf of Orthodox Christians. In carrying out its mission, offering emergency relief and development programs to those in need worldwide, without discrimination, and strengthening the capacity of the Orthodox Church to so respond, IOCC applies the highest profession standards and renders itself fully accountable to the public and its donors. Since its inception, IOCC has administered more than $580 million in humanitarian relief, sustainable development and self-help programs worldwide.

Approximately 92% of all money donated directly helps those facing dire situations and every dollar given helps secure $7 in support from various sources. All assistance is provided solely on the basis of need and benefits orphans, refugees and displaced persons, the elderly, school children, families and people with disabilities. Over the course of their history, IOCC has been able to assist people in 50 countries with priority currently in the Balkans (Bosnia, Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro), Cameroon, Ethiopia, Georgia, Greece, Haiti, Iraq, Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, Romania, Syria, Uganda, and the United States. Since the need for help is great, IOCC continually works to expand its programs to other areas. Visit www.iocc.org for additional information.

MOTHERS CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY

Sunday, January 15th at Gilligan’s on Eisenhower Blvd at 12 noon

Whether you are a mother, godmother, stepmother or grandmother, please join us for food and fun, and of course our traditional polyanna/white elephant gift exchange.

Please RSVP to Angie Vorkapich by Sunday, January 8th 

Icon of the Nativity

The icon of the Nativity tells the story of Christ's birth from the Scriptures. It also shows that all creation is taking part in Christ's birth. The angels give thanks with their song; the heavens give the star; the Wise Men give their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The poor, humble shepherds give their praise and amazement; the earth gives the cave, and humanity gives the Virgin.

This Holy Icon is an icon with many scenes. First, it stresses the importance of the Theotokos, the Mother of Jesus. She is placed in the center and is the largest figure in the icon. In this icon, she is kneeling with crossed arms, looking at the Christ child. The three stars, denoting her virginity before, during, and after the Nativity, are on her garments. The Christ Child, in the center of the icon, is in swaddling clothes and is lying in the manger. In the background is the dark cave where He was born. In the cave are an ox and a donkey guarding the newborn Babe. Even though the Gospels say nothing of the cave, this information is from Holy Tradition. Neither do the Gospels speak of the ox and the donkey, but all icons of the Nativity include these animals. Including the animals in the icon fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 1:3, "The ox knows his master, and the donkey his master's crib; but Israel does not know me, and the people have not regarded me." The long ray of light from the star points directly to the cave. This ray comes from the star and travels to all parts of the world. It teaches that this bright star is an astronomical happening, and is a messenger from heaven announcing the birth of Jesus.

On the left hand side of the icon is another scene. The Wise Men, who were led by the star, are riding horses to bring their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus. The Wise Men are of various ages. One is without a beard. In those days, young men did not wear beards. The other Wise Man has long hair and a long beard, which indicates that he is much older. These details teach that regardless of age and appearance, the Good News was given to each and everyone.

Opposite the Wise Men is the scene with the humble shepherds. An angel proclaims the glad tidings. A young shepherd plays a reed instrument. This scene reveals that the music of the humans was added to the hymn of the angels. Across from the shepherd's scene is the heavenly choir of angels. They are giving glory to God. The angels serve two purposes in the Nativity of Christ. They give glory to God and announce the good news to all mankind.

The background shows a very rugged terrain. This is not a true representation of the land in this area. Joseph could not find room in Bethlehem, so they went outside of Bethlehem to a cave. This rocky mountain formation only serves as a background for the event.

In the lower part of the icon are two more scenes. In the right hand corner are the two women Joseph brought to take care of the Christ child. They are bathing Him just as any baby is bathed. The humanity of Jesus is clearly shown in this setting.

Opposite the bathing of Jesus scene sits a sad and worried Joseph. He is not part of the central group the Christ Child and the Theotokos. Joseph is not the natural father. Joseph is troubled and despondent. There is an old man talking to Joseph. The old man is Satan. Satan can appear in many forms. Here he is as an old man who is tempting Joseph and disturbing him. Satan is telling Joseph that virgin birth is impossible. He's telling Joseph that he's a fool if he believes this. This story comes to us from Holy Tradition. The sad Joseph shows us not only his personal predicament but the dilemma of all mankind the difficulty of accepting that which is "beyond words or reason."

The tree, which is in the middle of the lower part of the icon, is a symbol of the Tree of Jesse. This tree refers to Isaiah 11:1-2, "But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him." King David was often mentioned as the son of Jesse and Jesus was from the House of David.

The Holy Icon of the Nativity reminds one to praise and glorify the Birth of Christ. The celebration of Christmas each year serves to remind each and everyone of us that Christ came for you and me.

The Winter Pascha, Chapter 14:

The Sunday of the Holy Forefathers

The following is an excerpt from The Winter Pascha, by Fr. Thomas Hopko 

Two Sundays before the celebration of Christmas, the Orthodox Church rejoices in the festival of the Holy Forefathers of the Old Covenant, including those who came before the giving of the Law. They foretold the coming of the Messiah and are redeemed by his saving Pascha. Together with the Canon of the Nativity of Christ, the following hymns are sung at the services of the day.

Let us offer praise to the fathers who shone forth before and during the Law; with righteous minds they served the Lord and Master Who shone forth from the Virgin, And now they delight in the unending Light. Let us honor Adam, the first-formed man and forefather of us all, who was honored by the hands of the creator. He rests in the heavenly mansions with all the elect. …

With his whole mouth, tongue and heart, The wondrous Enoch hoped that in the Spirit He might call with godly mind upon God, the Master of all. Having lived on earth in a well-pleasing manner, he has been taken up in glory. Let us hear the divine words of those who cry aloud, telling of the coming of Christ. For behold, He is born in a cave of an unwedded Maiden, And his awesome birth is foretold to the Wise Men By the suddenly appearing star. …

There is a great difference between existing and living. Many people exist. Very few really live. Only those who seek God have life. Only those who delight in His commandments and rejoice in accomplishing His will pass beyond mere existence and actually find life. "Seek God, and your soul shall live" (Ps 69:32, LXX). This is the cry of the psalmist David who is especially hymned on this Sunday and on the Sunday after Christmas. His exhortation is in perfect harmony with the words of God given to Moses in His revelation of the divine Law. "See I have set before you this day life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day, by walking in His ways, and by keeping His commandments and His statutes and His ordinances, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you are entering to take possession of it. But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, I declare to you this day, that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land which you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying His voice, and cleaving to Him; for that means life to you and length of days, that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them." (Deut 30:15-20) The holy forefathers and mothers, together with all their descendants, have chosen life. They find it in God's Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is Life itself, God's incarnate Word. The celebration of the Winter Pascha is a celebration of Life in God's Word. For "Christ who is our life" has already appeared (Col 3:4). We have "beheld His glory" (Jn 1:14). Now that glory is hidden in the "form of a slave" (Phil 2:7), but it will be revealed at the end of the ages in power for those who "have loved His appearing" and "live in Him" (2 Tim 4:8; Col 2:6).

You shone as heaven's lights upon the earth Enkindling the light of piety. You called forth the choir of all creation as you sang to the Master who saves all from temptation, "Bless Him, O children! Exalt Him, O priests! Praise Christ, all people, throughout all the ages!"

Nativity

Service Schedule

Wednesday, January 4

Vespers 6:30pm

Holy Confession to Follow

Friday, January 6

Eve of the Nativity / Бадња Дан

Royal Hours 8:30am

Baptismal Vesperal Liturgy 9:30am

Badnjak Service 7:30pm

Christmas Vigil 8:00pm

Saturday, January 7

Божић / Nativity of our Lord

Festal Liturgy 10am

Sunday, January 8

Synaxis of the Theotokos/Sunday after the Nativity

Matins 8:30am

Liturgy 9:30am

Monday, January 9

Feast of Protomartyr and Apostle, Stephen

Festal Liturgy 9:30am