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Holy Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council
Afterfeast of Ascension
7th Sunday of Pascha
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Христос се Вазнео! Χριστός Αναλήφθηκε! Christ is Ascended!
Cristo ha Аscendido! Sueud Al'Massih!
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IRINEJ
BY THE GRACE OF GOD
BISHOP OF WASHINGTON-NEW YORK AND EASTERN AMERICA
OF THE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
ARCHPASTORAL WORD
ON THE 1,700TH ANNIVERSARY OF NICAEA I
325 AD – 2025 AD
Most beloved clergy and monastics, sons and daughters, faithful children
of our God-protected Eastern American Diocese of our Most Holy Church!
We greet you on this Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council
regarding the great and solemn commemoration of the 1,700th Anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea
You are most glorious, O Christ our God!
You have established the Holy Fathers
as lights on the earth!
Through them you have guided us to the true Faith!
O Greatly Compassionate One, Glory to You!
(Troparion to the Holy Fathers of the Ecumenical Councils)
Today, dearly beloved, we gather liturgically to reflect on the profound significance of the First Ecumenical Council, held in Nicaea in the year 325 AD. This gathering of 318 bishops, convened under the authority of Emperor Constantine the Great – twelve years following the issuance of the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, which granted religious freedom to Christians in the Roman Empire – is not merely a historic event. It is one that stands as the very cornerstone of our faith and a testament to the unity and integrity of our Orthodox Christian Church.
At the very heart of this Council was the passionate defense of the divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amidst the troubling winds of Arianism, which threatened to distort the very essence of Christ’s nature, the bishops assembled to affirm the true belief that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man. The Nicene Creed, which emerged from this council, continues to boldly proclaim our faith in “one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages”. In these sacred words, we find a stalwart beacon of truth that has illumined the very path of salvation for generations, both past and present, and those yet to come.
The First Ecumenical Council was not only about doctrinal affirmation, as it also exemplified the vital importance of unity within the Church. The challenges faced by the early Christians remind us that our faith is not merely personal, but collective – a communion of believers striving together towards holiness, for salvation comes through our community of faith. In a world so often divided by sectarianism and discord, the council continues to encourage us to seek unity among ourselves and others, working towards reconciliation and understanding, rooted in love and truth. For Christ our God is Love, according to St. John the Divine, and Truth Incarnate, according to our Holy Patriarch Pavle.
In like manner, the council’s proceedings remind us of the responsibility we bear as stewards of this faith. Each of us is called, not only to believe; but also, to defend and share the truth of the Gospel. As we recite the Nicene Creed at every Divine Liturgy, let us do so, not as a routine matter of ritual – rather as a living confession that shapes our lives, inspires our actions, and guides our interactions with others. By heeding the liturgical call to “love one another”, may we truly confess our faith with oneness of mind.
In our contemporary context, the significance of the First Ecumenical Council prompts us to reflect on our own beliefs and the ways we in which we communicate them in an increasingly pluralistic world. We must remain vigilant against distortions of our faith, always striving to express the love of Christ in truth. May the courage of our forebearers, as the Holy Fathers of Nicaea I, embolden us to speak with clarity and compassion.
Today, as we honor the legacy of the First Ecumenical Council and its Holy Fathers, whom Christ has established as “lights on the earth”, let us commit ourselves to the pursuit of truth and the unity of the Church—the body of Christ. Let us draw strength from the faith that we share, recognizing that we are all part of One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!
Given in New York, in the Year of Our Lord, 2025.
YOUR FERVENT INTERCESSOR BEFORE THE ASCENDED LORD,
+Irinej
BISHOP OF WASHINGTON-NEW YORK AND EASTERN AMERICA
THE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
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ИРИНЕЈ
ПО МИЛОСТИ БОЖЈОЈ
ЕПИСКОП ВАШИНГТОНСКО-ЊУЈОРШКИ И ИСТОЧНОАМЕРИЧКИ
СРПСКЕ ПРАВОСЛАВНЕ ЦРКВЕ
АРХИПАСТИРСКА РЕЧ
ПОВОДОМ 17ОО. ГОДИШЊИЦЕ
ПРВОГ ВАСЕЉЕНСКОГ САБОРА У НИКЕЈИ
(325. – 2025.)
Најљубљеније нам свештенство и монаштво, синови и кћери,
верна чада богомчуване Епархије источноамеричке наше Свете Цркве!
Поздрављамо Вас у ову недељу Светих Отаца Првог Васељенског Сабора,
поводом великог и свечаног догађаја –
1700. годишњице Првог Васељенског Сабора у Никеји
Препрослављен јеси Христе Боже наш,
као светиљке на Земљи утврдио си оце наше,
и њима као истином вере све нас учиш:
Многомилостиви слава Теби!
(Тропар Светим Оцима Васељенских Сабора)
Данас, најљубљенији, када смо литургијски сабрани, созерцавамо над дубоким значајем Првог Васељенског сабора одржаног у Никеји 325. године. Овај сабор, састављен од 318 епископа, и сазван указом цара Константина Великог дванаест година након Миланског едикта 313. године нове ере – којим је хришћанима у Римском царству гарантована верска слобода – није само историјски догађај. Он је камен темељац наше вере и сведочанство јединства и интегритета наше Православне Хришћанске Цркве.
У средишту Сабора налази се снажна одбрана Божанске природе Господа и Спаситеља нашег Исуса Христа. Усред бурних ветрова аријанства, који су претили да искриве догму о суштини Христове природе, Саборски Оци су се окупили да потврде истиниту веру: да је Исус Христос у потпуности Бог и у потпуности човек. Никејски Символ вере, који је произашао из Сабора, наставља да смело сведочи веру у „једнога Господа Исуса Христа, Јединороднога Сина Божјег, рођеног од Оца пре свих векова“. У тим светим речима налази се чврст светионик истине који осветљава пут спасења генерацијама – прошлим, садашњим и онима које тек долазе.
Први Васељенски Сабор није био само потврда догме, већ и показатељ значаја јединства унутар Цркве. Изазови са којима су се суочавали рани хришћани подсећају нас да вера није само лично уверење, већ колективно ходочашће – заједница верника која тежи ка светости, јер спасење долази кроз заједницу вере. У свету често подељеном секташтвом и неслогом, Сабор нас и данас подстиче да тежимо јединству међу собом и с другима, радећи на помирењу и разумевању, утемељеном у љубави и истини. Јер Христос, наш Бог, јесте Љубав, како каже Свети Јован Богослов, и оваплоћена Истина, по речима нашег Светог Патријарха Павла.
На сличан начин, поступци и одлуке Сабора подсећају нас на одговорност коју носимо као чувари вере. Сваки од нас позван је не само да верује, већ и да брани и сведочи истину Јеванђеља. Када на Светој Божанској Литургији изговарамо Никејски Символ вере, не чинимо то механички, већ као живу исповест – ону која обликује наше животе, надахњује наше поступке и усмерава наше односе с другима. Одговарајући на литургијски позив да „љубимо једни друге“, истински исповедамо своју веру у јединству ума и срца.
У савременом контексту, значај Првог Васељенског Сабора подстиче нас да преиспитамо сопствена уверења и начине на које их изражавамо у све плуралистичкијем свету. Позвани смо да останемо будни пред искривљеним исповедањима вере, увек тежећи да Христову љубав сведочимо у истини. Нека нас храброст наших предака, почев од Светих Отаца Првог Никејског Сабора, оснажи да исповедамо веру сa јасноћом и саосећањем.
Данас, најљубљенији, док одајемо почаст наслеђу Првог Васељенског Сабора и Светих Отаца које је Христос поставио као „светиљке на Земљи“, обновимо нашу заједничку посвећеност истини и јединству Цркве – Тела Христовог. Црпимо снагу из вере коју заједно исповедамо, свесни да смо део Једне, Свете, Саборне и Апостолске Цркве.
АМИН, АМИН, АМИН!
Дано у богомчуваном граду Њујорку, 2025. године.
ВАШ УСРДНИ МОЛИТВЕНИК ПРЕД ВАЗНЕСЕНИМ ГОСПОДОМ,
+Иринеј
ЕПИСКОП ВАШИНГТОНСКО-ЊУЈОРШКИ И ИСТОЧНОАМЕРИЧКИ
СРПСКЕ ПРАВОСЛАВНЕ ЦРКВЕ
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Commemorating Hieromartyr Patrick Bishop of Prusa and his companions, Martyr Caluf of Egypt, St John Bishop of the Goths in the Crimea, Martyr Theotime, Venerable Corenelius Abbot of Komel Vologda, Venerable Cornelius Abbot of Paleostrov, Right-believing John Prince of Uglich tonsured as Ignatius, Venerable Sergius of Shukhtom, Right-believing Demetrios Donskoy Grand Prince of Moscow, Entrance of St Nina the Enlightener into Georgia
RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 6
The angelic powers were at Your tomb; the guards became as dead men. Mary stood by Your grave, seeking Your most pure body. You took captive hell, not being tempted by it. You came to the Virgin, granting life. O Lord, Who rose from the dead, glory to You.
ASCENSION TROPARION—TONE 4
You ascended in glory, O Christ our God, granting joy to Your Disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. Through the blessing, they were assured, that You are the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world!
HOLY FATHERS TROPARION—TONE 8
You are most glorious, O Christ our God! You have established the Holy Fathers as lights on the earth. Through them You have guided us to the true Faith. O greatly compassionate One, glory to You!
HOLY FATHERS KONTAKION — TONE 8
The Apostles’ preaching and the Fathers’ doctrines have established one Faith for the Church. Adorned with the robe of truth, woven from heavenly theology, it defines and glorifies the great mystery of piety.
ASCENSION KONTAKION —TONE 6
When You had fulfilled the dispensation for our sake, and united earth to heaven, You ascended in glory, O Christ our God, not being parted from those who love You, but remaining with them and crying: “I am with you, and there is no one against you!”
Instead of “It is Truly Meet…” - Tone 5
Magnify, O my soul, Christ the Giver of Life, Who has ascended from earth to heaven!
We magnify you, the Mother of God, who beyond reason and understanding gave birth in
time to the Timeless One.
Instead of “We have seen the True Light…” The ASCENSION TROPARION—TONE 4
| | ~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | | |
READERS:
This Week: Matins: Nick Ressetar Epistle: Marijana Rocknage
Next Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Marko Rocknage
EPISTLE: Acts 20:16-18, 28-36
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Fourth 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 Acts of the Apostles.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brothers and Sisters, for Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost. From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: The Lord, the God of gods, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Gather to Me, My venerable ones, who made a covenant with Me by sacrifice!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Дјела Апостолска 20:16-18, 28-36
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 књиге дјела апостолских
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: У дане оне, Павле је наиме, био одлучи да прође мимо Ефес да се не би задржао у Азији; јер хиташе, ако би му било могуће, да о Педесетници буде у Јерусалиму. Из Милита пак посла у Ефес и дозва старјешине црквене. И кад дођоше к њему, рече им: Ви знате од првога дана када дођох у Азију, да бијах са вама све вријеме, пазите, дакле, на себе и на све стадо у коме вас Дух Свети постави за епископе да напасате Цркву Господа и Бога коју стече крвљу својом. Јер ја знам то да ће по одласку моме ући међу вас грабљиви вуци који не штеде стада; И између вас самих устаће људи који ће говорити наопако да одвлаче ученике за собом. Зато пазите и опомињите се да три године дан и ноћ не престајах поучавати са сузама свакога од вас. А од сада, браћо, предајем вас Богу и ријечи благодати његове, која може назидати и дати вам насљедство међу свима освећенима. Сребра, или злата, или руха, ни од кога не зажељех. Сами знате да потребама мојим и оних који су са мном били послужише ове руке моје. Све вам показах да се тако ваља трудити и помагати немоћнима, и опомињати се ријечи Господа Исуса коју он рече: Блаженије је давати него примати. И ово рекавши, клече на кољена своја са свима њима и помоли се Богу.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Бог над боговима, Господ, говори и дозива земљу од истока сунчанога до запада.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Сакупите ми свеце моје који су учинили са мном завјет на жртвама
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL: John 17:1-13
Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me. “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ: Јован 17:1-13
Тада Исус подиже очи своје небу и рече: Оче, дошао је час, прослави Сина својега, да и Син твој прослави тебе; Као што си му дао власт над сваким тијелом, да свему што си му дао, дарује им живот вјечни. А ово је вјечни живот да познају тебе једнога истинитога Бога и кога си послао Исуса Христа. Ја те прославих на земљи; дјело сврших које си ми дао да извршим. И сада прослави ти мене, Оче, у тебе самога, славом коју имадох у тебе прије него свијет постаде. Објавих име твоје људима које си ми дао од свијета; твоји бијаху па си их мени дао, и твоју су ријеч одржали. Сад разумјеше да је све што си ми дао од тебе. Јер ријечи које си ми дао, дао сам њима: и они примише, и познаше заиста да од тебе изиђох, и вјероваше да ме ти посла. Ја се за њих молим, не молим се за свијет, него за оне које си ми дао, јер су твоји. И све моје твоје је, и твоје моје; и прославио сам се у њима. И више нисам у свијету, а они су у свијету, и ја долазим теби. Оче свети, сачувај их у име твоје, оне које си ми дао, да буду једно као ми. Док бијах с њима у свијету, ја их чувах у име твоје; оне које си ми дао сачувах; и нико од њих не погибе осим сина погибли, да се испуни Писмо. А сада долазим теби, и ово говорим на свијету, да имају радост моју испуњену у себи.
| | ~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | | |
~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Newly Illumined Aleksa Vojcic, his parents and sponsors, Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop Youhanna, Protinica Ljubica Jockovic, Protopresbyter Rodney Torbic, V. Rev. Protostavrofor Ilija Balach, V. Rev. Protostavrofor Joseph Fester, Father Gabriel Rochelle, Protinica Ana Stepanov, Popadija Sara Golic, Matushka Barbara Ealy, the child Katie Elizabeth and her parents Mileva and Michael Repasky, the child Louise Bare and her parents Zachary & Elizabeth, Catherine Lewis and the newborn Caleb Ereno, Jessica Crowe and the newborn Maverick Archer, Emma Howell and the child to be born of her, Bethany Peterson and the child to be born of her, Mileva Repasky and the child to be born of her, Jensen Swartz and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Kevin Appleby, Lori Bare, Elijah Barnett, Christina Berchock, Dori & Doug Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Jason Brill, Voni Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Maria Chigrintseva, Susan & Jim Cibort, Leann Cox, Victoria Cox, Tommy & Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Edward Dry, JoAnn Filepas, Anaya Garvin, Eric 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, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Slobodan Jovicic, Tony Kepp, Myong Sook Kim, Caryn Kiraly, Nadine Klipa, Dorothy Krnjaich, Dragica Kuzmanovic, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Sue Leis, Jovan Lemajic, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, Stephen Lundingrin, Penny MacDonald, Dianne & Jim Martin, Jean & Paul Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, George Milakovic, Slavka Miljevic, Marija Miljkovic, Daria Milletics, Rosanda Mitrovic, Diane & Slobodan Momic, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Kobe Petrovich, Duke & Sue Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Milena Pilipovic, Christopher Radanovic, Marilynn “Chi Chi” Rapasky, Logan Roszkowski, Chloe Ruff, Michael Schaffner, Maryann Seiders, Greg Selman, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, John Sheaffer, Milan Shumkaroff, Branko Smitran, Zorka Starcevich, Karen Stefan, Tim Stefan, Michael Stepanovich, Stevan & Mary Stojic, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Linda Szeerba, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Savka Trivun, Edie & Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Michael Vishnesky, Magdalen Vloutely, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Paula Werner, Draga Worman, Tosh Yanich, Dewey Yetter, Mila “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, Jason Zeigler, Ashley Ziobrowski, 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
Caleb Ereno Lewis, Barrett Scott, Nora & Maeve Van Huysen, Sloane & Šeren York
Our College Students
Sophia Adams, Cameron Barber, Kyle Barber, Michael Geppert, Anastasija Gligorevic, Natalija Gligorevic, Matthew Hoover, Faith Kingsbury, Sophia Mummert, Christina Radanovic, Luis Antonio Radanovic, Madison Vorkapich, Anastasija Vukalo
Our Seminary Students
Elizabeth Bare
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Vasil Mihailoff, Fyodor Kochnev, Donald Semic, Alexandra “Soni” Dimond Martorano, Julian Naumenko, Eleni Ziogas, Miloš Balać, Milan Pejčić, Stephen Vulich
~Vigils Offered~
NIKKI & BRIAN LEWIS Offered in joyous celebration of their Wedding Anniversary (June 4), from Mom and family. God’s blessings for good health, happiness and many more years! Mnogaja Ljeta!
NORA VAN HUYSEN Offered in joyful celebration of my beautiful, delightful, entertaining great granddaughter’s birthday (June 5). Offered by Pram-Baba Kat & family. God’s Blessings for Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta!
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.
†ANNIE KRNJAIC Offered in remembrance of her birthday (June 1) Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal! Always remembered and greatly loved. Given by her family.
†JANIE TEPSICH Offered in loving memory of her birthday (June 6). May God grant her peace and life everlasting. Given by Kat and 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, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gaza, West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Egypt, the Sudan, China, North Korea, for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering throughout the world, especially in Ukraine and Russia, 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 race.
We also pray for the Orthodox clergy in Alaska, that the Lord might grant them more than enough to feed their families.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD!
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Stewardship Offering Information
Date 5/25/2025
Collection: $1,626.00
Date 5/18/2025
Collection: $3,845.00
Date 5/11/2025
Collection: $4,302.00
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June Birthdays
Nikolas Lukic (June 1), Kolton Myers (June 2), Danica Mitrovic (June 2), Theodore Havalchak (June 3), Nora Van Huysen (June 5), Danilo Yanich (June 6), Marie Hernjak (June 6), Luke Jacobs (June 8), Jim Martin (June 9), Guiliana Carricato (June 10), Kyranna Radanovic (June 11), Jimmy Hernjak (June 11), Russell Heilman (June 13), Baylor Hook (June 13), Braydon Fithian (June 16), Xenia Grabbe (June 20), Aleksandar Bracale (June 20), Seren York (June 20), Brian Lewis Jr (June 22), Christopher Baker Jr (June 25), Cayden Healy (June 26), Michael Krnjaic (June 26), Matthew Hoover (June 28), Wayln John (June 28)
June Anniversaries
Dr. James & Liliya Moses (June 1), Brian & Nikki Lewis (June 4), Mike & Terra Heilman (June 4), Fr Christopher & Protinica Andreja (June 13), Mike & Janet Krnjaic (June 14), Nick & Carole Blitva (June 16), Meghan & Brad Livingston (June 25), Mike & Samantha Stefan
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ALL-SOULS DAY / ZADUSNICE
Saturday, June 7 is All Souls Day. We will sing a Parastos for all of the departed faithful from our St. Nicholas parish at 9:30 am. Father Christopher will then bless graves at Churchville Cemetery.
SAINTS OF OUR FRESCOES SERIES
The lecture series on the saints of our frescoes will continue Sunday, June 15th after Liturgy. Mrs. Martha Rakowski will continue our series on Serbian Saints: the Nemanjic Dynasty and Vidovdan.
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS
Proto Ilija Balach was ordained on the Feast of Pentecost 40 years ago. We will be honoring both Proto Ilija and Protinica Carole after the Liturgy and kneeling Vespers on June 8th in conjunction with the SOTAYA Slava. We give thanks to God for their labors and all that they do for our St. Nicholas Church. May their ministry continue in the Service of the Lord’s Church for many years!
JUNIOR SOTAYA SLAVA (JUNE 8)
Our Junior SOTAYA group celebrates their patron, St. Jovan Vladimir next Sunday. June 8. They invite the parish to join them in the celebration with the cutting of the kolach, and a “Grill and Chill” after Liturgy! We will be honoring our kumovi Aleksandra Saran, Natasha Milanovich, and Theodore Sukhernik.
SOTAYA GIFT CARD FUNDRAISER
Thinking of a gift for someone, a special occasion, birthday or a reward for yourself? Gift cards are a good choice! And there is no need to go to the store, SOTAYA is selling Texas Roadhouse and Darden Restaurant Group cards (which includes Olive Garden, Longhorn, Cheddar’s, Yard House, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52) at a face value of $50. Just see any SOTAYA member or Sladjana for a purchase. Thanks for your support!
FOOD SURPLUS FOR SHADELAND
A generous donor has given us a gift of surplus food. PLEASE visit the table in the Social Hall and take what you or someone you know can use. Donate what you can, help someone in need and save money at the same time! Remember to check the table every time you are at church as supplies will change frequently. ALL proceeds will go to support our St. Sava Shadeland Camp!!!
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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.
SHADELAND COLLECTION
The operation of our St. Sava Shadeland Camp has been subsidized by the Diocesan Endowment for the Future. This endowment was based upon the royalties we received from natural gas and oil wells and is now depleted. Currently, we no longer have any reliable income from these wells. Camp fees have been kept artificially low due to these royalties. This means that there is a deficit of $150,000 to run the camp each year. Additionally, there are approximately $225,000 in repairs and maintenance that will be necessary in the next 3 years. The Diocese is asking for donations to offset the operating costs. These donations may be given directly to the Diocese, to our local church here at St. Nicholas, by renting Shadeland Camp for your event, or purchasing a hunting license, thus increasing annual revenue. Checks can be made payable to St. Nicholas Church with Shadeland in the memo and given to our Church, or go to easterndiocese.org to donate directly to the Diocese.
2025 ORGANIZATIONAL DUES
To pay your 2025 dues (or if you still owe 2024 dues) please see Daria Milletics for KSS/Mothers Club, Jovanka Shaffer 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
Please send all Bulletin Requests to the Church Office at office@stnicholassteelton.org
You may also call (717) 939-3872
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June Charity
Orthodox Christian Charities of Greater Harrisburg
The Orthodox Christian Charities of Greater Harrisburg, Inc. (OCCGH,) was formed in October of 2009 as a non-profit organization comprised of clergy and faithful from five local Orthodox Churches of the greater Harrisburg metropolitan area. Our goal is to provide opportunities for the citizens of the greater Harrisburg area to come into contact with Orthodoxy, to serve as an educational support to our local parishes, and to develop projects that witness to our Faith, as well as provide financial assistance to organizations and individuals who are in need.
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Homily on the Sunday
of the Holy Fathers
of the First Ecumenical Council
by His Eminence Panteleimon,
Archbishop of Antinoe (Retired)
Health is considered to be one of God’s most important gifts to man. Man’s body, according to the teachings of the Orthodox Church, is the temple of God. It is the living vessel of the Divinity from which the radiance of the Divine Glory shines. St. Paul teaches us saying, "Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own" (1 Corinth. 6:19). Whatever we have, we have it from God. Nothing belongs to man, even his own body.
Through Christ’s Sacrifice on the Cross, man has been freed from the chains of sin, which caused the deterioration of man’s bodily and spiritual health and in addition, brought death upon the human race.
"For you are bought with a price" (1 Corinth. 6:20). Christ bought us from the course of the Law with His own Precious Blood. Because our body and soul belong to Christ, it is our duty to live according to His Will; and furthermore, to take care of our health. Thus St. Paul concludes saying, "Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s" (1 Corinth. 6:20).
In the same and equal manner we must take care of our spiritual health. The soul is affected by our personal sins, and by heresy, which is the worst type of spiritual illness.
Every sin which man commits can be cured by repentance and the Forgiving Grace of God, which is granted through the Holy Sacrament of Holy Confession. Heresy, on the other hand, is the complete alienation of man from God. Heresy is the fruit of man’s pride. Heresy builds up the impenetrable wall of impenitence, which prevents man to return to salvation. And although God forgives all sins committed by man, the sin of heresy is unforgivable and brings eternal punishment and condemnation upon those who insist in their heresy.
Our Lord Jesus Christ has assured us saying, "I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come" (Mt. 12:31-32). See the Lord’s philanthropy! All sins and blasphemies He forgives, because they are the result of man’s weakness. But the sin against the Holy Spirit, He does not forgive; neither in this world, nor in the world to come.
Heresy twists the true teachings and does not respect the Word of God, Holy Scripture, Holy Apostolic Traditions, or the teachings of the theophoric and god-inspired Holy Fathers. It strives, under the influence of pride and man’s logic, to give logical answers and interpretations to the Divine Revelation, ignoring the fact that Faith does not belong to the level of "logic", but it enters into the sphere of "above logic".
Faith is something, which is not understood by simple logic; it is not the result of knowledge, nor the accomplishment of philosophy. Faith is accepted with the hope in the divine promises. St. Paul teaches us saying, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1).
Throughout Holy Scriptures we find the teachings which urge us to preserve the true faith. In the Book of Acts we read, "And as they (Paul and Timothy) went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and the elders which were at Jerusalem" (Acts 16:4). Also very important, are the last instructions of St. Paul given to the Bishops and Presbyters of the Church of Asia Minor: "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them" (Acts 20:28-30). Even our Lord and Saviour Himself warns us about the coming of pseudochrists and pseudoprophets. "For there shall arise false Christ, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Matth. 24:24).
False christs, false prophets and false apostles are the heretics, who by their own will and in their own knowledge twist the truths of the Holy Gospel. They present one part of the truth, as been the whole truth.
The Holy Fathers of the Orthodox Church, participating in the Ecumenical or local Councils, had full conscience of the responsibility that they must preserve the Truth of Divine Revelation, just as it was revealed by God and had been passed down by the Apostles and eye witnesses of His life on earth. At the same time they had to be aware for themselves and for the whole flock from any false teachings coming from heretics. They believed that they had the responsibility, not only before God, but also before their flock, and they struggled to build up and to strengthen the faithful in the true faith of Christ.
The Holy Fathers with their personal example, their teachings, their kindness, their warm zeal and self-denial gave courage to the faithful during times of persecution and tribulation. With their virtuous life and struggle for Orthodoxy, they became the athletes of Christ in the stadium of the Church.
We, the Orthodox Christians, today, honour and give gratitude to all those who struggled for Orthodoxy. Let us pray to our loving God to give us strength and faith, so that we also be able to defend the Apostolic Faith, imitating those holy men, who sacrificed even their own lives for the Truth, and became Shepherds and Teachers of the Church.
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Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council
The Commemoration of the First Ecumenical Council has been celebrated by the Church of Christ from ancient times. The Lord Jesus Christ left the Church a great promise, “I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Mt. 16:18). Although the Church of Christ on earth will pass through difficult struggles with the Enemy of salvation, it will emerge victorious. The holy martyrs bore witness to the truth of the Savior’s words, enduring suffering and death for confessing Christ, but the persecutor’s sword is shattered by the Cross of Christ. Persecution of Christians ceased during the fourth century, but heresies arose within the Church itself. One of the most pernicious of these heresies was Arianism. Arius, a priest of Alexandria, was a man of immense pride and ambition. In denying the divine nature of Jesus Christ and His equality with God the Father, Arius falsely taught that the Savior is not consubstantial with the Father, but is only a created being. A local Council, convened with Patriarch Alexander of Alexandria presiding, condemned the false teachings of Arius. However, Arius would not submit to the authority of the Church. He wrote to many bishops, denouncing the decrees of the local Council. He spread his false teaching throughout the East, receiving support from certain Eastern bishops. Investigating these dissentions, the holy emperor Constantine (May 21) consulted Bishop Hosius of Cordova (Aug. 27), who assured him that the heresy of Arius was directed against the most fundamental dogma of Christ’s Church, and so he decided to convene an Ecumenical Council. In the year 325, 318 bishops representing Christian Churches from various lands gathered together at Nicea. Among the assembled bishops were many confessors who had suffered during the persecutions, and who bore the marks of torture upon their bodies. Also participating in the Council were several great luminaries of the Church: Saint Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia (December 6 and May 9), Saint Spyridon, Bishop of Tremithos (December 12), and others venerated by the Church as holy Fathers. With Patriarch Alexander of Alexandria came his deacon, Athanasius [who later became Patriarch of Alexandria (May 2 and January 18)]. He is called “the Great,” for he was a zealous champion for the purity of Orthodoxy. In the Sixth Ode of the Canon for today’s Feast, he is referred to as “the thirteenth Apostle.” The emperor Constantine presided over the sessions of the Council. In his speech, responding to the welcome by Bishop Eusebius of Caesarea, he said, “God has helped me cast down the impious might of the persecutors, but more distressful for me than any blood spilled in battle is for a soldier, is the internal strife in the Church of God, for it is more ruinous.” Arius, with seventeen bishops among his supporters, remained arrogant, but his teaching was repudiated and he was excommunicated from the Church. In his speech, the holy deacon Athanasius conclusively refuted the blasphemous opinions of Arius. The heresiarch Arius is depicted in iconography sitting on Satan’s knees, or in the mouth of the Beast of the Deep (Rev. 13). The Fathers of the Council declined to accept a Symbol of Faith (Creed) proposed by the Arians. Instead, they affirmed the Orthodox Symbol of Faith. Saint Constantine asked the Council to insert into the text of the Symbol of Faith the word “consubstantial,” which he had heard in the speeches of the bishops. The Fathers of the Council unanimously accepted this suggestion. In the Nicean Creed, the holy Fathers set forth and confirmed the Apostolic teachings about Christ’s divine nature. The heresy of Arius was exposed and repudiated as an error of haughty reason. After resolving this chief dogmatic question, the Council also issued Twelve Canons on questions of churchly administration and discipline. Also decided was the date for the celebration of Holy Pascha. By decision of the Council, Holy Pascha should not be celebrated by Christians on the same day with the Jewish Passover, but on the first Sunday after the first full moon of the vernal equinox (which occured on March 22 in 325).
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