Sunday after Holy Theophany | |
Бог се Јави! God is Revealed! Cristo es revelado! Ο Θεός αποκαλύπτεται | |
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Homily on the Sunday after Theophany
By St. Ignatius (Branchianinov)
Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!
With these profound and holy words, the incarnate Word began His preaching to fallen mankind. Outwardly, such simple teaching! But one must understand it with his very life: then these short and simple words which are contained in all of the Gospel will be revealed. Just as the holy Apostle Paul, when preaching the Gospel, which he did throughout almost all the known world, said that he testified “both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21).
Brethren! In order to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ repentance is needed; in order to remain in this salvific faith, repentance is needed; in order to be successful in it, repentance is needed; in order to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, repentance is needed.
All of this is clearly set forth in the Holy Scripture. Holy Scripture teaches us that “God sent His Son into the world … that the world through Him might be saved,” that “he that believeth on Him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already,.“ “That light (Christ) is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” (John 3: 17-20) To those afflicted by the passion of vainglory the Scripture witnesses: “How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?”(John 5:44). Those bound by the passion of greed did not only not believe the Lord, but they even derided Him when He preached to them the important and most holy teaching concerning the remembrance of eternity, and the arranging of earthly matters in accordance to the immortality appointed for man. (Luke 16: 14) Those attracted to the evil passion of envy did not only not believe in the Lord, but they also conspired to kill Him, and they accomplished this. All those infected with vain and sinful vices, according to the unerring testimony of the Gospel, are cut of from participating in the spiritual wedding of the Son of God, making themselves unworthy of blessed union with Him (Matt. 22:5). “You can not serve God and Mammon!” (Luke 16:14); you cannot serve two masters, God and sin! “Repent: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Gospel (Mark 1:15).
However, one who has believed in Christ, and has decided to continually prove his faith, by his actions, is also in need of repentance. What do you think, brethren; what is the first fruit of living faith? What is the first fruit of fulfilling the commandments of Christ? I will give you the answer of St. Simeon the New Theologian, who acquired his knowledge of truth through his holy experience. He said: “The careful fulfillment of the commandments of Christ teaches a man his own infirmities.” Exactly! As soon as one who believes in Christ begins to fulfill the all-holy commandments of the Gospel, or also, to perform the works of renewed nature, his fallen nature is instantly revealed to him, which had been hidden from sight until then, and it enters into a sustained battle with the Gospel. The life of one who struggles for Christ is filled with unseen falls. He involuntarily confesses with the Apostle: ”For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am!” (Acts 7: 22-24). From such an observation of oneself, blessed poverty of spirit is engendered within a Christian, rational, spiritual mourning appears, and a broken and humble heart is established, which God will not destroy (Ps. 50: 20). In living according to the Gospel, there appears in a man, as if naturally, the repentance commanded by the Gospel. Therefore, repentance is necessary not only in order to believe in Christ; it is necessary in order to have a living faith in Christ. “Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
There remains to be explained: why is there such a close connection between the words of the Lord calling us to repent, and the announcing of the nearness of the Kingdom of heaven? Why is there not presented between them a kind of intermediate struggle, an intermediate condition? The reason is that our Lord Jesus Christ is “the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29) --- He has accomplished everything for our salvation. He has reconciled us with God; He has prepared and acquired for us the Heavenly Kingdom. We, mankind, have been presented with one work in the matter of our salvation: the work of accepting salvation, given to us by God free and complete, the work of repentance. The Heavenly Kingdom and the Heavenly King are ineffably close to us --- incomparably closer than we imagine. “Behold, I stand at the door” of the heart of man, exclaims this King, and I knock at it with My all-holy and almighty Word: “if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me (Rev. 3:20). The opening of the doors of the heart to the Heavenly King is accomplished—with repentance. “Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
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Commemorating the Afterfeast of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, St Emilian the Confessor Bishop of Cyzicus, St Paisius, Bishop of Uglich, St Carterius of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Hieromartyr Isidore and 72 others at Yuriev Estonia, Martyrs Theophilus the Deacon and Helladius in Libya, Martyrs Julian and his wife Basilissa and those with them in Egypt, Martyr Abo the Perfumer of Tbilisi Georgia, Venerable George the Chozebite Abbott, Venerable Domnica of Constantinople, Venerable Gregory Wonderworker of the Kiev Near Caves, Venerable Gregory the Recluse of the Kiev Caves, Venerable Elias the Hermit of Egypt, Venerable Gregory of Ochrid
RESURRECTION TROPARION - TONE 8
You did descend from on high, O Merciful One, You did accept the three day burial to free us from our sufferings. O Lord, our Life and Resurrection, glory to You!
THEOPHANY TROPARION - TONE 1
When You, O Lord, were baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest. For the voice of the Father bore witness to You, calling You His Beloved Son; and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the truthfulness of His word. O Christ our God, You have revealed Yourself, and have enlightened the world, glory to You!
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 8
By rising from the tomb, You raised the dead and resurrected Adam. Eve exults in Your Resurrection, and the world celebrates Your rising from the dead, O greatly Merciful One!
THEOPHANY KONTAKION - TONE 1
Today You have shone forth to the world, O Lord, and the light of Your countenance has been marked on us. Knowing You, we sing Your praises. You have come and revealed Yourself, O unapproachable Light.
Instead of “It is truly meet,” we sing: Tone 2
Magnify, O my soul, the Most-Pure Virgin Theotokos, more honorable and more glorious than the heavenly hosts.
No tongue knows how to praise you worthily, O Theotokos; even Angels are overcome with awe praising you. But since you are good, accept our faith; for you know our love inspired by God. You are the defender of Christians, and we magnify you.
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
This Week: Matins: Nicholas Ressetar Epistle: Lincoln Govelovich
Next Week: Matins: Nicholas Ressetar Epistle: Theodore Sukhernik
EPISTLE: Ephesians 4: 7-13
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, to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: I will sing of Your mercies, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim Your truth from generation to generation.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: For you have said: Mercy will be established forever; your truth will be prepared in the heavens.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Ефесцима 4:7-13
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, свакоме се од нас даде благодат по мјери дара Христова. Зато вели: Узишавши на висину заплијени плијен и даде дарове људима. А оно „узиђе“ шта је, осим да прво и сиђе у најдоња мјеста земље? Онај који сиђе то је исти који и узиђе више свију небеса да испуни све. И Он даде једне као апостоле, а друге као пророке, једне као јеванђелисте, а друге као пастире и учитеље, за усавршавање светих у дјелу служења, за сазидање тијела Христова; Док не достигнемо сви у јединство вјере и познања Сина Божијега, у човјека савршена, у мјеру раста пуноће Христове.
Свештеник: Мир ти читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Пјеваћу увјек милости Господње; од кољена на кољено јавићу истину Твоју устима својим.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Јер је милост основана за увјек; и на Небесима си утврдио истину Своју.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Matthew 4: 12-17
At that time, when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death
Light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Матеј 4:12-17
У вријеме оно, чу Исус да је Јован предан, отиде у Галилеју. И оставивши Назарет, дође и настани се у Капернауму приморскоме, у крајевима Завулоновим и Нефталимовим, да се испуни што је рекао пророк Исаија говорећи: Земља Завулонова и земља Нефталимова, на путу к мору с оне стране Јордана, Галилеја незнабожачка; Народ који сједи у тами видје свјетлост велику, и онима који сједе у области и сјени смрти, свјетлост засија. Од тада поче Исус проповиједати и говорити: Покајте се, јер се приближило Царство небеско.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | |
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~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Newly Illumined Ryan Alan Lehman, his parents and sponsors, 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, 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, Leann Cox, Victoria Cox, Art Dils, 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, 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
~Flowers Offered~
Offered on the 90th wedding anniversary of †STEVO STEVE & †LJUBIČA VIOLA YANICH in their memory and in memory of their Vjenčanje Kumovi, †MILAN MIKE & †DANIČA DOT SEMIC. †LJUBIČA carried white roses. This date also marks the 90th anniversary of the Yanich/Semic Kumstvo ties that unite in faith 5 generations of our families. Bog se Javi! Vaistinu se Javi! God is Revealed! Indeed He is Revealed!
~Vigils Offered~
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.
†STEVO STEVE & †LJUBIČA VIOLA YANICH Offered in loving memory on the 90th anniversary (today!) of their marriage and for their Vjenčanje Kumovi †MILAN MIKE & †DANIČA DOT SEMIC, and in honor of the beginning of our Yanich-Semic Kumstvo ties. A Blessed Feast of the Theophany (Jan 19) to all! Bog se Javi! Vaistinu se Javi! God is Revealed! Indeed He is Revealed!
†STEVE & †VIOLA YANICH Offered in celebration of our Kumovi’s 90th anniversary of their marriage and the beginning of our Kumstvo relationship, Donald and Michael Semic, Shirley Hathaway and our families honor them today and always. May their Memories be Eternal. Vjecnaja Pamjat!
†ZORAN TRKULJA Offered in loving memory of his repose (4 year—Jan 11). May God grant him eternal peace in his heavenly kingdom. Sadly missed and forever in our hearts, by his loving momma Mirjana, Kumovi and friends. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†PERO VUJASINOVICH Offered in loving memory of his repose (4 year—Jan 14). May God grant him eternal peace in his heavenly kingdom. Sadly missed and forever in our hearts, by his loving Seja Zorica and the entire family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†MILAN STARCEVICH Offered in loving memory of his repose (6 years—Jan 22). May God grant him eternal peace in his heavenly kingdom. Sadly missed and forever in our hearts. By his loving son, mom and the entire family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†JELENA VUJASINOVICH Offered in loving memory of the repose (24 years—Jan 26) of our beloved Mama, Baka, Prambaka, Pram-prambaka. May God grant her eternal peace in his heavenly kingdom. Sadly missed and forever in our hearts, your loving daughter Zorica and the whole 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, 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 1/14/2024
Collection: $8,380.00
Date 1/7/2024
Collection: $9,499.00
Date 12/31/2023
Collection: $2,330.00
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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), Protinica 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)
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BLESSING OF THE SUSQUEHANNA (TODAY)
TODAY, January 21 at 2:00pm we will join the Greater Harrisburg Orthodox Churches and bless the Susquehanna River from City Island. We will meet at the Gazebo at 1:45pm, and process to the river. Afterward, all faithful are welcome to join in fellowship at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Camp Hill for hot soup and refreshments.
JOIN THE CELEBRATION (TODAY)
TODAY, January 21, the Yanich family will celebrate the 90th anniversary of the marriage of +Stevo Steve & +Ljubica Viola Yanich and honor the beginning of their Kumstvo ties with the Semic family since +Milan Mike & +Danica Dot Semic were their Vencanje Kumovi. After Liturgy, Fr. Christopher will serve Parastos in their memory. Following Parastos everyone is invited to a celebratory breakfast brunch in the Church Hall.
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
PARISH COUNCIL SERVICE
We are preparing for our upcoming Annual Assembly on February 4th. Please consider serving on the Parish Council. We are currently in need of the following positions in the coming year: Treasurer, Vice President and Member at Large. Please see Nikki Lewis, Nina Radanovic, Tatyana Reznitchenko or Father Chris if you are able to serve our community.
DO YOU WANT A 2024 CHURCH DIRECTORY
In order to determine the most beneficial way to print, we are asking for pre-orders. Please let Daria Milletics know (before January 28) if you are interested in having a hardcopy church directory. It will not contain steward pictures, only address and phone numbers. You can reach her at 717-939-3872 or email office@stnicholassteelton.org
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.
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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
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).
EXPERIENCED WOOD FINISHERS
We are calling all experienced wood finishers to assist with the pew restoration and installation. The process is mapped out and ready for implementation. Please contact Father Christopher 412.400.7146 or Dean Stefan 717.679.1907 to get more information.
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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.
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Upcoming House Blessing Schedule
Saturday, January 20
St. John the Baptist Slavas
Monday, January 22 — Wednesday, January 24
(Jan 27 Make-up Day)
17113, 17022, 17033, 17034, 17036, 17057
Monday, January 29 — Friday, February 2
(Feb 3 Make-up Day)
17011, 17015, 17018, 17025, 17050, 17053, 17055
Monday, February 5 — Friday, February 9
(Feb 10 Make-up Day)
17102, 17109, 17110, 17111, 17112, 17980
Monday, February 12 — Friday, February 16
(Feb 17 Make-up Day)
17019, 17221, 17225, 17257, 17315, 17316, 17320, 17331, 17365
17070, 17319, 17339, 17345, 17361, 17362, 17363, 17370, 17402, 17406, 17408
Monday, March 4 — Thursday, March 7
17028, 17032, 17038, 17042, 17045, 17078
17502, 17512, 17522, 17540, 17543, 17545, 17552, 17557, 17601, 17602, 17603
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