4th Sunday after Pentecost | |
Христос Међу Нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta' entra nosotros! | |
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Homily for the 4th Sunday after Pentecost
Fr. Antony Hughes
Today we read a most beautiful, inspiring and enlightening story in the life of Jesus. It is a story of a meeting between kindred spirits, an awakened soul and the One who awakens all. They meet and recognize each other. They share in a communion of Divine Love that only those who are enlightened know and what comes of it is healing and transformation – not only for the young man who is the Centurion’s beloved servant, but for the Centurion himself and for all the witnesses there who have ears to hear and eyes to see.
And who of us doesn’t? Even those who are blind and deaf have spiritual eyes and ears. Only those who are sleeping, who either refuse to see or are kept from seeing by fear and desire, have “no eyes and ears” with which to see and hear. The Centurion is awake. Jesus is drawn to him. He is drawn to Jesus. Why? Because both are filled with Compassion.
The Sufi poet Hafiz puts his finger on it. "The wise man learns. What draws God near. It is the beauty of compassion in your heart.”
The Centurion loved this particular servant so deeply that he risked public humiliation by begging publicly for his life. He, a Roman soldier, in the streets of Judea, before a bunch of Jews who are more likely to hate him than anything, comes and begs to an itinerant rabbi. Only those who are empty of self attain such heights of humility.
Jesus is like this. That is why they connect so deeply. They are alike. The image of God shines brightly in the Centurion on this day. Jesus, being the perfect image of the Father, sees the soldier as if he were looking into a mirror. The Lord looks at this soldier and sees himself. The deep calls out to the deep. What would be most wonderful is to be able to read meet this Centurion and ask him what he believed was important in life. Looks to me like he would have much to teach us. Was he a believer in God, an atheist, or somewhere in between? Did he call God Jupiter, or Mithra, or Adonai? Did he call God anything at all? How many people had he wounded, sent to prison, or killed? Centurions, after all, were soldiers. Did he have a loving family? Or was he orphaned and alone as a child? Was he raised in a comfortable home or in poverty? We don’t know anything at all about him except that he was a Centurion and a man capable of deep and utterly selfless acts of love and compassion. We really don’t need to know anything else, but it would be interesting.
I believe that on that day, in this most amazing and intimate encounter, the Centurion and Jesus bonded in a way all of us in our heart of hearts hopes to do someday – with God, with one another.
The real message in this Gospel for me today is that if we want to draw near to God and want him to draw near to us, there is one sure way to make that happen. Become full of compassion. That is, become like God. One’s background, career, religion, and race, not one of the accidentals of life we think are so important really matter. There is only one thing that matters and Frank Schaeffer puts it well, "...the whole point of life is to create beauty, give love and to be at peace."
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Commemorating Greatmartyr Procopius of Caesarea in Palestine, Righteous Procopius the Fool-For-Christ and Wonderworker of Ustya Vologda, Monastic Martyrs Epictetus and Astion at Halmyris, Venerable Theophilus the Myrrhgusher of Macedonia, Royal Martyr Mirdat Kind of Kartli
RESURRECTIONAL 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 the world great mercy!
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.
HOLY GREATMARTYR PROCOPIUS TROPARION—TONE 4
Your holy martyr Procopius, O Lord, through his suffering has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God. For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries, and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. Through his intercessions save our souls!
RESURRECTIONAL KONTAKION — TONE 3
On this day You arose from the tomb, O Merciful One, leading us from the gates of death. On this day Adam exults as Eve rejoices; with the prophets and the patriarchs they unceasingly praise the divine majesty of Your power!
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!
Instead of The Trisagion,
As many as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ! Alleluia!
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
This Week: Matins: Nicholas Ressetar Epistle:Christopher Krakowski
Next Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Teddy Sukhernik
EPISTLE: Romans 6:18-23, 6:3-11
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Third Tone: Sing praises to our God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
CHOIR: Sing praises to our God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
READER: v: Clap your hands, O people, shout to God with loud songs of joy!
CHOIR: Sing praises to our God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
READER: Sing praises to our God, sing praises!
CHOIR: Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Romans.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For he who has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. For we know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: In You, O Lord, have I hoped. Let me never be put to shame!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Be a God of protection for me! A house of refuge in order to save me!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Римљанима 6:18-23, 6:3-11
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 3 Појте Богу нашему, појте! Појте Цару нашему, појте!
Хор: Појте Богу нашему, појте! Појте Цару нашему, појте!
Читач: Сви народи, запљескајте рукама, покликните Богу гласом радосним!
Хор: Појте Богу нашему, појте! Појте Цару нашему, појте!
Читач: Појте Богу нашему, појте!
Хор: Појте Цару нашему, појте!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање је од посланице Светог апостола Павла до Римљанима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, ослободивши се пак гријеха, постадосте слуге праведности. Као човјек говорим због немоћи вашега тијела. Јер као што давасте уде своје да робују нечистоти и безакоњу за безакоње, тако сада дајте уде своје да служе правди за освећење. Јер када бијасте робови гријеха, слободни бијасте од праведности. Какав, дакле, плод имадосте тада од онога чега се сада стидите? Јер је крај онога смрт. А сад, ослободивши се од гријеха и поставши слуге Божије, имате плод свој на освећење, а крај живот вјечни. Јер је плата за гријех смрт, а дар Божији је живот вјечни у Христу Исусу, Господу нашем.
Сви који се крстисмо у Христа Исуса, у смрт његову крстисмо се. Тако се с њим погребосмо кроз крштење у смрт, да би, као што Христос устаде из мртвих славом Очевом, тако и ми ходили у новом животу. Јер ако постадосмо сједињени са обликом смрти његове, онда ћемо и са васкрсењем. Знајући ово, да се стари наш човјек разапе са Њиме, да би се уништило тијело греховно, да више не робујемо гријеху. Јер ко умрије ослободи се од гријеха. Ако ли умријесмо са Христом, бјерујемо да ћемо и живјети са њиме. Знајући да Христос уставши из мртвих, више не умире; смрт више не влада њиме. Јер што је умро, гријеху је умро за свагда; а што живи, Богу живи. Тако и ви сматрајте себе да сте мртви гријеху, а живи Богу у Христу Исусу, Господару нашем.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: У тебе се, Господе, уздам, немој ме оставити под срамотом до вјека.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Буди ми Бог заштитник, дом уточишта, да би ме спасао.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Matthew 8:5-13, 28:16-20
At that time, when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.
At that time, the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Матеј 8:5-13, 28:16-20
У вријеме оно, кад Исус уђе у Капернаум, приступи му капетан молећи га и говорећи: Господе, слуга мој лежи дома одузет, и страшно се мучи. А Исус му рече: Ја ћу доћи и исцијелићу га. И капетан одговори и рече: Господе, нисам достојан да под кров мој уђеш, него само реци ријеч, и оздравиће слуга мој. Јер и ја сам човјек под влашћу, и имам под собом војнике, па речем једноме: иди, и иде: и другоме: дођи, и дође; и слуги своме: учини то, и учини. А кад чу Исус, задиви се и рече онима што иду за њим: Заиста вам кажем: ни у Израиљу толике вјере не нађох. А кажем вам да ће многи од истока и запада доћи и сјешће за трпезу с Авраамом, и Исаком, и Јаковом у Царству небескоме; а синови царства биће изгнани у таму најкрајњу; ондје ће бити плач и шкргут зуба. А капетану рече Исус: Иди, и како си вјеровао нека ти буде. И оздрави слуга његов у тај час.
У врујеме оно, Једанаест ученика отидоше у Галилеју, на гору куда им је заповједио Исус. И кад га дијеше, поклонише му сеч а неки посумњаше. И приступивши Исус рече им говорећи: Даде ми се свака власт на небу и на земљи. Идите, дакле, и научите све народе, крстећи их у име Оца и Сина и Светога Духа, учећи их да држе све што сам вам заповједио; и ево ја сам с вама у све дане до свршетка вијека. Амин.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | |
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~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Newly Illumined Christopher Aaron Baker Jr, 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 newborn Bowen William, Cassandra Semic and the newborn Palmer Belle, Catherine Lewis and the newborn Caleb Ereno, Mara Bebeau and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Lori Bare, Dori & Doug Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Larry Black, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Walter “Bud” Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Maria Chigrintseva, Susan & Jim Cibort, Leann Cox, Victoria Cox, Art Dils, Tommy & Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Edward Dry, 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, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Slobodan Jovicic, Tony Kepp, Myong Sook Kim, Spencer Klinge, Dorothy Krnjaich, Dragica Kuzmanovic, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Jovan Lemajic, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, Boro Lojpur, John Luksic, Stephen Lundingrin, Penny MacDonald, Dianne & Jim Martin, Rowan Martin, Daria Milletics, Jack McFall, George Milakovic, Marija Miljkovic, Peter Mrgich, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Kobe Petrovich, Sue Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Christopher Radanovic, Linda Rodgers, Logan Roszkowski, Chloe Ruff, Greg Selman, Michael Schaffner, Maryann Seiders, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, John Sheaffer, Branko Smitran, Zorka Starcevich, Tim Stefan, Michael Stepanovich, 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, Beverly Yanich, Tosh Yanich, Dewey Yetter, Mila “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, Jason Zeigler, Ashley Ziobrowski, Eleni Ziogas, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski
Those Who Need Special Care
ECUMENICAL (COUNTRY MEADOWS) Jane Rush, HOMELAND: Draga Donato; MASONIC HOME: Ray Foltz; RS: Cedo Lukic
Those to be Baptized
Sloane, Berkeley & Palmer Semic, Barrett Scott, Divna & Danica Mitrovic, Nora & Maeve Van Huysen, Sloane & Šeren York
Our College Students
Sophia Adams, 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
Dr Stevan ‘Rick’ Zivic, Radenko Kuzmanovic, Nathan Rush, Slavko Djordjic, Slobodan Saran, George Radanovic, Edward Hojnicki, Meilka “Sandy” Marijan, Bogoljub Blagojevic, Jovanka Foltz, Bozidar 'Bobby' Bulatovich, Demetrios Ziogas
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~Flowers Offered~
CHRISTOPHER AARON BAKER, JR Offered in celebration of his baptism from grandparents Dr Jevgenija & Christopher Radanovic and Fred & Kelly Baker.
AVERY CATHERINE BAKER Offered in celebration of her first birthday from grandparents Dr Jevgenija & Christopher Radanovic and Fred & Kelly Baker.
~Parastos to be Offered~
Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†SAMUEL RADANOVIC Offered by his family in loving memory of his repose (3 years—July 22) at Churchville Cemetery on Monday, July 22 at 5:30 pm.
~Vigils Offered~
LARRY BLACK Offered with love by the Barber, Geib & McLaughlin Families for God’s Blessings during his recovery. We pray that He will bless him with good health. Our Love & Prayers are with him.
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.
†FRANCIS X BRESCIA SR Offered with love and in remembrance of his repose (24 years—July 24) by Frank & Marie Brescia and family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†PETER & †BETTY GRUICH Offered in loving memory of their repose (July 27, 1977 and July 26, 1978). Given by the 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, Libya, Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 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 7/14/2024
Collection: $4,773.00
Date 7/7/2024
Collection: $4,765.00
Date 6/30/2024
Collection: $3,534.00
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July Birthdays
Edie Venesevich (July 6), Jovanka Shaffer (July 7), Christian Gunther (July 8), Sloane Ivey Semic (July 8), Cindy Semic (July 10), Kyle Barber (July 10), Faith Kingsbury (July 10), Duke Petrovich (July 11), Paula Werner (July 11), Bo Hudson Paddock (July 11), Melania Skinder (July 12), Andrea Gunther (July 13), Jenny James (July 13), Jazmin Wolf (July 13), Pam Healy (July 14), Jevgenija Radanovic (July 16), Lenny Tepsich Jr (July 16), Alana Tepsich (July 17), Igor Skinder (July 18), Katya Kotchneva (July 18), Ana Lynn Howell (July 21), Milan Radanovic (July 22), Avery Baker (July 22), Paul Kessler (July 30), Erik Barber (July 31), Jovan Grujic, Bojan Lazarevic
July Anniversaries
Chloe & Dennis Ruff (July 17)
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LUNCHEON IN HONOR OF NEWLY BAPTIZED CHRISTOPHER BAKER, JR.
The Baker family invites everyone to a luncheon in honor of the Newly Illumined Servant of God, Christopher Aaron in the hall after Liturgy.
IN CASE OF PASTORAL EMERGENCY
From Wednesday, July 24 to Thursday, August 1, please call Proto Ilija Balach in case of pastoral emergency at 425.736.3016.
CLUB PICNIC—HELP NEEDED
Help is still needed for the Serb Club picnic on July 28. If you are able to help in any way, please contact Paula Werner at 717-433-4158. Thank you to all who have already volunteered their time and talents!
COMBINED MOTHERS CLUB & KSS MEETING DATE CHANGE (AUGUST 11)
Our next meeting for both the Mothers Club and Circle of Serbian Sisters (KSS) will be Sunday, August 11, 2024 in the Church Library after Divine Liturgy. All members are urged to attend this very important meeting.
ST. SAVA CAMP—SHADELAND PHILANTHROPY
As a part of the new religious education lessons, campers will be making blankets for the homeless in Erie, PA. Additionally, they will be making 50 lunches each week to be delivered to “The Upper Room of Erie.” All campers and families are asked to bring small, unopened personal hygiene products to be distributed at the Upper Room with the weekly delivery. Examples include: ibuprofen, toothpaste, toothbrush, powdered laundry detergent, feminine hygiene products, lotion, razors, bar soap or body wash, deodorant. We will not be accepting any clothing at this time. Items are to be brought with the camper to the Administrative Building upon checking in.
PANTRY BOX IN THE LOBBY
The Pantry Box helps to supply much needed goods to the Bethesda Women’s Shelter. Please remember to drop off items like examples listed above...
SOTAYA ČEVAPI SALE
Our SOTAYA Group is once again selling frozen packs of cevapi at $17/pack (32 pieces). To order see Dn. Bojan Gligorevic or call the office at 717.939.3872.
MOTHER’S CLUB KIOSK
New items have arrived. Stop by and check out the new Eye Glass Cases, Cards and Prayer Bracelets.
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PLEASE HELP — BETHESDA MISSION WOMEN’S SHELTER OUTREACH
On the second Saturday of every month, volunteers from our four Orthodox churches prepare and serve lunch for shelter residents. We also help with various projects and activities that assist with shelter operations. If anyone would like to volunteer or learn more about this important program, please contact Andrea Gunther.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Office hours are Monday through 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 (717) 939-3872
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SAVE THE DATE!!
Club Picnic ..................... July 28
Kids Back to School BBQ September 7
Serb Fest ........................ Sept 14
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July Charity
Monastery Marcha
On July 26, Monastery Marcha celebrates its Slava, the Synaxis of the Holy Archangel Gabriel, so it is fitting that the monastery is our Charity Sunday recipient this month. It is the first monastery established for Serbian Orthodox nuns in the United States and was begun in 1975 by His Grace, the late Bishop Dr. Sava. Its inspiration was the original 17th century Monastery Marcha of Serbia, destroyed by war twice in the 20th century. From modest beginnings, Monastery Marcha has grown. In addition to the new monastery church erected in 2001, there is a residence and lodgings for visiting monastics. The weekly Divine Liturgy is celebrated by nearby clergy. Mother Anna, of blessed memory, was the first American-born Serbian Orthodox nun who took residence at Monastery Marcha, and we, at St. Nicholas Church, counted Mother Anna as our dear friend. We have been blessed to have had her visit with us. Monastery Marcha’s main income is derived from the sale of candles, prayer ropes and other religious articles. If you travel to the Cleveland, Ohio area, plan to visit Monastery Marcha in nearby Richfield. It is a beautiful and uplifting spiritual site and visitors are welcomed with great warmth and hospitality.
You can send an email to the Monastery at monasterymarcha@yahoo.com
Monastery Marcha, 5095 Broadview Road, Richfield, OH 44286, (330) 659-3809
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