Sunday of the Holy Fathers

7th Sunday of Pascha

Христос Међу Нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta' entra nosotros!

Homily on the Sunday of the Holy Fathers

By Father Robert Miclean



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

Today we remember the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council of 325 A.D. The Church brings into remembrance those faithful Fathers who defended the Apostolic Faith in the face of one of the greatest challenges to the truth of Christ. We remember so that we may be vigilant in our own day and in our own lives to safeguard the truth of Christ that we may truly know Christ.

It’s important to remember that the Council was summoned to respond to the challenge of the priest Arius, who propagated the erroneous belief that “there was a time when (Christ) was not.” Arius denied the eternal divinity and being of Christ, believing Him to be a creature of God’s making. The Fathers retorted that Christ is “Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not made, of one essence with the Father,” which we continue to believe as Orthodox to this day.

Doctrine matters: it safeguards our thinking, our knowledge of God, and therefore, our ability to know God as He’s revealed Himself. Christ says in today’s Gospel: “this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent… And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.”

If Christ were not truly God, truly divine as the Father is divine, then He could not defeat sin and death on our behalf. He could not renew, re-create, human nature on our behalf, making a way of salvation for the fallen race of Adam. It’s in knowing Jesus Christ as He’s revealed Himself to be to His Church, that we’re saved. Were He a creature like us, He could do nothing.

As St. John the Theologian testifies at the beginning of his Gospel, “In the beginning was the Word (Logos) and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” The same Word that created all life is the very Word that took on human nature to renew that life and defeat sin and death, creating a new race of man capable of “putting on Christ” and likewise becoming victors over sin and death by virtue of that sacramental relationship with Christ.

This is the wonderful truth we testify to in our celebrations of Pascha and Ascension. Christ God has completed His salvific mission to redeem the fallen race of Adam. He’s gone up with a shout to where He was before so that we who have put on Christ in baptism and are living out our baptism, may likewise be transformed, resurrected, and ascend to heaven as well.

St. Athanasius the Great, defender of Orthodoxy against the Arians, puts it this way, “It was in the power of none other to turn the corruptible to incorruption, except the Savior himself, that had at the beginning also made all things out of nought; and that none other could create anew the likeness of God’s image for men, save the Image of the Father” (On the Incarnation).

The faithful Orthodox Fathers of that age rightly understood that Arius threatened the salvation of many and had to be condemned so the right faith (Orthodoxy in the Greek) could continue to be proclaimed. Only in this way would generations hence continue to come to know and be in communion with the One true God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

In our own day, we hear people making Jesus into whomever they want Him to be, whatever suites their lifestyle, their own ‘personal’ beliefs, what they’ve decided Jesus to be. Modern man has flipped the axiom: it’s no longer we who need changing, conforming to the likeness of God, but rather, God whom we think to change and conform to our likeness or that of our culture and its humanism. Needless to say, this won’t work—we’ll have made of God a ‘straw man’ who isn’t the God who’s revealed Himself to us, and, who alone has the power to save us.

A watered-down Jesus, representing some non-judgmental, vague notion of ‘humanity,’ ‘peace,’ ‘friendship,’ whatever, is not the same Jesus Christ, the Word of God, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, co-eternal with the Father, who loves all by calling them to repentance, healing, and salvation, to new life in Him by ‘water and the spirit,’ baptism and chrismation (John 3).

Many today say that they are ‘Christians,’ but they want Jesus without the Christ and Christianity without the Church, which turns out to be rather another ‘man-made’ religion. Christ on our terms is a god we’ve made and not the God who has revealed Himself to us through His Church and who alone can illumine and enlighten us, bringing us healing form our sin-sickness and grant us salvation, eternal life with Him who has no beginning.

What does it mean to ‘have Jesus’ if we water down the Gospel or conform it to our culture to become more ‘inviting’ at the expense of the fullness of the truth? If Jesus is ‘dumbed-down’ then who’s likeness are we acquiring? If Jesus is my friend but not truly my Savior, then I’m still stuck in my sin-sickness because I’ve not recognized that I’m a sinner who needs a Savior.

Indeed, Christ commanded His disciples, the Apostles whom He sent, to baptize in the Name of the Holy Trinity AND to teach the people “ALL that I have commanded you,” i.e., not just some of the truth, but the fullness of the Truth He is.

While we decry the dumbing down of Christ we see in much of the non-Orthodox Christianity around us, we as Orthodox also must judge ourselves: If we know the fullness of the truth of Christ and come to church every weekend but aren’t striving to live the faith, struggling to incorporate it into our daily lives, fervently praying to God for continued growth and illumination, then a change in our priorities, in our hearts, is also required of us.

Salvation has always been for Orthodox Christians communion (koinonia), participation in the life of God the Holy Trinity. When we receive Christ God into ourselves through the Holy Eucharist, when we participate in the sacramental life of His Church, when we pray, when we worship Him, we are growing in that life that He alone is. We don’t need just part of Jesus, or Jesus on our terms, or just some of the tools of salvation Christ entrusted the Church; we need all of Jesus Christ—the whole Life that He is, that is in Him alone and that’s been revealed and lived faithfully in the Church for 2,000 years.

That Christ, who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” convicts us, helps us, saves us, heals us, and grows us into the fullness of godly manhood, womanhood that we’re created to be as part of the new race of Adam.

We safeguard the Orthodox Faith by living out this faith in our daily lives, as we ‘run’ the race of faith, witnessing to the truth that Christ is and in whose likewise we are being conformed. In this way, we keep the Apostolic Faith alive, which has its fullness only in the Church of the Councils. And so, we ask the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council to pray for us and for our salvation this day that we may keep and live the true Orthodox faith in Christ, that believing, we may come to know the One true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent for this is eternal life!

 Commemorating the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, the Hieromartyr Lucian Bishop of Beauvais and those with him in France, Saint Kevin of Glendalough, Martyr Lucillian and those who suffered with him at Byzantium, Transalation of the relics of slain Crown Prince Demetrius of Moscow

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

READERS:

This Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Jovan Milanovich

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: Brethren, 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 8 Молите се и извршујте своје завете Господу Богу нашему.

Хор:                Молите се и извршујте своје завете Господу Богу нашему.

Читач:            Зна се у Јудеји за Бога, у Израиљу је велико име Његово.

Хор: Молите се и извршујте своје завете Господу Богу нашему.

Читач: Молите се и извршујте своје

Хор: завете Господу Богу нашему!

Ђакон: Премудрост

Читач: читање из књиге дјела апостолских

Ђакон: Пазимо

Читач: И кад иђасмо на молитву, догоди се пак да нас срете једна робиња која имаше дух погађачки и гатајући доношаше велики добитак својим господарима. Ова пође за Павлом и за нама, и викаше говорећи: Ови су људи слуге Бога Вишњега, који нам јављају пут спасења. И овако чињаше много дана. А када се Павлу досади, окрену се и рече духу: Заповиједам ти именом Господа Исуса Христа, изиђи из ње! И изиђе у тај час. А када видјеше њезини господари да изиђе нада њиховог добитка, узеше Павла и Силу и одвукоше их на трг пред поглаваре. И кад их доведоше војводама, рекоше: Ови људи узбуњују наш град, а Јевреји су, и проповиједају обичаје које нама не приличи примати ни творити, јер смо Римљани. И слеже се народ на њих, и војводе им раздријеше хаљине, и заповједише да их шибају. И пошто им ударише много батина, бацише их у тамницу, и заповједише тамничару да их добро чува. Примивши такву заповијест, он их баци у најдоњу тамницу и ноге им метну у кладе. А око поноћи Павле и Сила мољаху се и слављаху Бога; а сужњи их слушаху. Одједном пак настаде велики земљотрес, тако да се потресоше темељи тамнице; и одмах се отворише сва врата и свима спадоше окови. А кад се пробуди тамничар и видје отворена врата тамничка, извади нож и хтједе да се убије, мислећи да су сужњи побјегли. А Павле повика јаким гласом говорећи: Не чини себи зла никаква, јер смо сви овдје! А он заискавши свјетиљку улетје и дрхтећи паде пред Павла и Силу; И извевши их напоље рече: Господо, шта ми треба чинити да се спасем? А они рекоше: Вјеруј у Господа Исуса Христа и спашћеш се ти и сав дом твој. И говораху му ријеч Господњу, и свима у дому његову. И узевши их у онај час ноћи опра им ране; и одмах се крсти он и сви његови. И уведе их у свој дом и постави трпезу, и радоваше се са свим домом својим што је повјеровао у Бога.

Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!

Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Читач: Погледај ме и смилуј се на ме.

Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Читач: Утврди стопе моје у речи Твојој.

Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Sermon on the Ascension of the Lord

St. Nicholai of Žiča, Ochrid and All America

Thus did the One ascend to Heaven Who held heaven within Himself. He who carries hell within himself will end up in hell, but he who bears heaven within his soul will ascend to heaven. And truly, no one can ascend to heaven other than those who have heaven within; and no one can end up in hell besides those who have hell within. The familiar is drawn to what is familiar and unites with the familiar; but it rejects what is not familiar. Matter submits to the spirit to the extent that the human soul is filled with the Divine Spirit; and the laws of nature are obedient to moral laws, which govern the world. Because the Lord Jesus Christ is the fullness of the Holy Spirit and the perfection of moral law, to Him is subject all matter—the entire physical world, with all the laws of nature.

Any person, as a spirit, can be victorious in his life over a certain law of nature, with the help of another law of nature—that is, he can overcome it with his own spirit. Christ, as the God-Man, could subject the laws of nature to Himself through the law of the Spirit, which is the supreme law of the created world. However, this concept, just as any other spiritual concept, can be but partially explained by ordinary earthly conceptualizations and reasoning—and that only by examples and comparisons.

Spiritual things only become clear beyond a doubt when the spirit sees them and perceives them. In order to see and feel the manifestations of the spiritual world, long and exhausting spiritual practice is needed, after which, by God’s grace, spiritual vision may be opened in a person; this vision allows him to see what seems unbelievable and impossible to ordinary mortals. Nevertheless, a person must first believe those who have seen the unbelievable, and strengthen their faith from day to day, striving to see what is inaccessible to the common gaze.

Not in vain does the Lord say, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” [John 20:29]. The Lord God rejoices in their faith just as a father on earth rejoices that his children believe his every word. All the apostles were present at the Ascension of the Lord, gathered on the hill. This was their last collective meeting. However, this was not the last appearance of Christ. Later He appeared in a vision to the Apostle Paul on the road to Damascus, to the Apostle John on the island of Patmos, and to other apostles, as well as to martyrs, holy hierarchs, and confessors, over the course of the entire history of the Christian Church.

But the day will come—and that day is not far off—when all the righteous men and women who firmly believed in Him throughout their lives will see Him. And around Him in the heaven will gather all those who were baptized on earth in His name—not only with water, but also with the Spirit and Fire. And they will enter into His joy, which the Heavenly Father has prepared for all His chosen, and will inherit a joy that they have never known before.

Homily on the Ascension of the Lord

St John of Kronstadt

The Holy Church now rouses all the people of the earth to joy and says, “All ye nations, clap your hands, Christ hath ascended whither He was Before,”¹ i.e., to heaven.

And so, on the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord, all Christians should rejoice. What is there to be happy about? It would seem that it was necessary rather to be sad and grieve, because our sweetest Savior Jesus Christ departed from us with His visible presence and ascended to heaven, from whence he will come again—but he will come as a terrible Judge of all earthly people. No, on the day of remembrance of the Ascension of the Lord, there are more reasons for joy than for sadness. Let’s just consider why the Lord ascended to heaven from us.

The Lord ascended from us to heaven not to grieve us with His departure, but to arrange things most usefully for us. His whole life, all His works were for our benefit, for our salvation; in the same way, His ascension was for our good. Loving us, He came down to us from heaven and, having lived with people, laid His soul on the cross for them. So out of love for us he also ascended to heaven, to benefit us. As He himself said to His disciples: It is better for you that I go, for if I do not go, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you (Jn. 16, 7). So, the Lord ascended to heaven in order to send One equal to Himself, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, Who would comfort the holy apostles and all true Christians in their sorrows, troubles and persecutions. That's the first reason for joy. Come, come, Lord Jesus, and send us the Comforter!

Further, the Lord ascended from us to heaven so that He could look down on us from above, as a Father on a child, as a Shepherd on His sheep, as an Eagle on the chicks, as a Leader on his army, so that He could see everyone and consider the distress and needs of each of us and give help to everyone. Like some king, having gathered his numerous troops for war and wanting to see all his regiments, ascends to a high place—on a mountain or on some building—and looks down from a height and arranges them; and when he sees that they are prevailing, rejoices over them. And if he notices that they are being overcome, he quickly sends aid to them. So our Lord, the King of kings, having His Church militant on earth—that is, His faithful Christians—ascended to heaven, as if to a mountain, so that from a height He could see everyone’s ascetic labors and weave crowns for those who are struggling and give a helping hand to those who are exhausted; in order to restore the fallen and make them stronger against their enemies, and to place an obstacle before those who persecute us. The Holy Protomartyr Stephen is struggling in an anguishing feat, he is being stoned by the Jews, and our Lord, having opened the sky, looks at him from the height of His glory, so that seeing this the sufferer exclaims: I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God (Acts. 7, 56).

The Lord ascended from us to heaven in order to shine like the sun on all of us from the height of heaven with His grace. As the sun hiding in the west produces the evening darkness throughout the celestial empire, and when it rises to the heights, the darkness flees from the entire celestial empire, and the sun's rays illuminate the universe with wondrous light, so our spiritual Sun, Christ, while He lived on earth, as if in the west, did not show His luminous divinity to people. Until then, over all the earth was the darkness of ignorance of God’s essence; and after He shone forth from His tomb He ascended to heaven, then the lightning of His divinity illuminated the universe, His name became glorious from the east to the west, over all the earth, and the whole universe was enlightened by the knowledge of God.

The Lord ascended from us to heaven in order to arrange for us a path to heaven, and to be our Leader in the mountainous countries. There was no path to heaven for man until the very ascension of the Lord to heaven; And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven, says the Lord (Jn. 3:13). He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things. (Eph. 4:10). So, before this, no one could ascend to heaven, even if he were righteous and holy; and when our Lord, clothed in human nature, ascended to heaven, the way to heaven was arranged for the whole human race, and the souls of the holy forefathers and prophets, led out of hell, followed Christ by that way. Apostles, saints, martyrs, confessors, ascend to them; worthy righteous people who follow Christ's footsteps ascend to them even now. Now everyone knows the way to heaven. Just don’t you be lazy to ascend, Christians!

So, the Lord ascended from us to heaven—in order to open the doors of heaven to us—for an unhindered entrance there. Our forefather Adam closed the doors of Paradise to the whole human race, and a Cherub with a flaming weapon stood at the doors. I say, Adam closed Paradise and the entrance to life, but he opened only the entrances to death and hell, but the Lord did the opposite—He closed the entrances to death and hell, and Paradise opened—first to the robber, to whom he said, Today thou shalt be with me in Paradise (Lk. 23:43), then to everyone. And finally, He opened heaven itself with His Ascension.

Such are the all-joyful reasons for the Ascension of the Lord from us to heaven. Further, the Lord ascended from us to heaven to intercede for us before God the Father. Thus says the Holy Apostle John the Theologian: And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins (1 Jn. 2:1–2). And so, we sinful people will not despair of our salvation, but we will be faithful, for we have a good Intercessor for us to God the Father—Christ our Savior Himself, Who intercedes for us. Only let’s not be lazy, and with Christ’s intercession we will send our warm prayers to the Heavenly Father. Yes, the Lord Jesus Christ intercedes for us to God the Father and propitiates Him.

But for whom is he petitioning? For sinners. For which sinners? For those who repent; He propitiates His Father for them. But he does not propitiate for unrepentant sinners because they crucify for the second time the Son of God by their grave sins; also, by touching the blood of the Son of God without repentance they trample on it with their impenitence. And so sinner, have fear, O you who are unrepentant, lest the sudden punishment of God overtake you and you be consumed from the land of the living, and you be condemned together with the murderers who crucified the Son of God.

Finally, the Lord ascended from us to heaven in order to prepare for us a place in heaven where we will live forever and reign with Him, our Lord. So He Himself says: I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (Jn. 14:2–3). What a joyful reason for the Ascension! The Lord ascended from us to heaven to prepare a place in heaven for all the righteous and pious people, as well as for us sinners, if we turn and repent from the bottom of our hearts. Where the place is for the Apostle Peter, who rejected the Lord and wept bitterly about it afterwards; where the harlot is, who wept at His feet, where the prodigal son is, where the publican is, where the robber is, there also will be a place for us; only we must weep bitterly over our sins. We will fall at His feet with repentance like Peter and like the harlot; as the publican we will be converted. Let us be crucified with Him, like the good thief. Let us repent, and we will be saved.

Let us all rejoice in the Ascension of our Lord and Savior. Amen.

~Vigils Offered~

ALEKSANDAR & GUILIANA CARRICATO Offered in joyous celebration of the birthdays of our precious Aleks (June 20) and his mommy Guiliana (June 10). May God grant them both good health and happiness for many many years. Mnogaja Ljeta! Offered by your loving Babi and the whole family.

BAYLOR THOMPSON HOOK  Offered as we lift up our hearts in joyful celebration and glorious thanksgiving on Baylor’s 4th birthday (June 13). We are awed by his special blessing in our lives. Offered with love by parents Kaitlyn & Tim Hook, brother Bowen, grandparents Bill & Bobbi Wenner, Uncle & Godfather Brandon Mumma, Cousin & Godmother Lauren Wenner and the whole family. May the Lord grant Baylor Many Blessings for Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta!

SEREN YORK Offered in joyful celebration of my precious Great-Granddaughter’s 1st birthday (June 20). May the Lord grant you Many Blessings for Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta! Given with love by Stara Baba Kata and the whole family.

BRIAN LEWIS SR, BRIAN LEWIS JR, Offered in joyful celebration of my husband and my son on Fathers’ Day. May God grant you many years! Love, Nikki (Mom).

BRIAN LEWIS JR Offered in joyful celebration of his birthday (June 22). May God bless you with many more years!! Ziveli! Mnogaja Ljeta! Love Mom & Dad and family.

BRIAN LEWIS JR Offered in joyful celebration of my wonderful grandson and new father’s birthday (June 22).  God’s blessings for many many more! Mnogaja Ljeta! Much love from Baba. 

PAUL KESSLER & NICK GOVELOVICH Offered for my Godfathers on this Father’s Day, by Dave Milletics. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!

DON SEMIC Offered in celebration & honor of our Godfather/Kum with prayers for his good health & well-being. Given with love by Stephani Yanich, Bobbi Wenner, & Greg Yanich. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!

THE HONORABLE WILLIAM C WENNER Offered in joyous celebration of Father’s Day with prayers for Poppi’s good health & well-being. Given with love by Bobbi, Brandon, Kaitlyn, Tim, Baylor & Bowen William. Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta!

GREGORY YANICH Offered in celebration & honor of my Uncle/Kum Greg with prayers for his good health & well-being. Given with love by Kaitlyn Wenner Hook. Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta!

TOSH YANICH Offered in celebration & honor of my Godfather/Kum Tosh with prayers for his good health & well-being. Given with love by Brandon Mumma. Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta!

DANILO YANICH Offered in celebration & honor of our Godfather/Kum Donnie with prayers for his good health & well-being. Given with love by Jazmin Wolf & Sonora Viola Mae Cruz. Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta!

BRIAN FITHIAN Offered in celebration & honor of my Godfather/Kum Brian with prayers for his good health & well-being. Given with love by Ashtyn Cruz. Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta!

JOHN SEMIC Offered in celebration & honor of our Godfather/Kum Johnny with prayers for his good health & well-being. Given with love by Emily Yanich and Tim Hook. Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta!

TIMOTHY HOOK Offered in joyful celebration of Daddy Tim and with prayers and thanksgiving to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Given with love by Kaitlyn and proud sons Baylor & Bowen. Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta!

CURRAN WOLF Offered in celebration of special Dad Curran on this Father’s Day with prayers for his health and well-being. Given with love by Jazmin, Sonora, Ashtyn & Endora. Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta!

BRANDON MUMMA Offered in happy celebration of Uncle/Godfather/Kum B on this Father’s Day. He is such a special Uncle that Mommy & Daddy made him my Godfather & Kum too! Big Hugs & more Face Time! Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta!

JOVANKA FOLTZ Prayers offered that God may comfort her and return her to good health. With love from Pete and Arlene Barber.

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.

†MILDRED (MITZIE) BOROTA Offered in loving memory of her repose (3 years—June 17). May God grant her eternal peace in His heavenly kingdom. Given by Caroline Donato. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

†SIMO KRNJAICH Offered on this Father’s Day in memory of my beloved father, who is always in my prayers and heart. Sadly missed by daughter Tootsie. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

†DANIEL RADANOVIC & †FRANK MILLETICS Offered in loving memory of our Fathers/Grandfathers on Father’s Day by Dave, Daria, Jason & Sarah. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

†CHARLES BOJANIC Offered in loving memory of my Godfather on this Father’s Day by Daria Milletics.   Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal! 

†RADE YANICH, †MILE MRAOVIC, †SOFRANIJA MATICH, †PETAR VORKAPICH Offered in loving memory with prayers that our grandfathers rest in Christ’s embrace where there is no sickness, nor sighing, nor sorrow, but life everlasting. Offered by all the grandchildren. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

†GRIGORIJ RADCZENKO Offered in loving memory of our dear father on Father’s Day. Poppa, we love you very much and miss you every day. Offered by the Radczenko family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal! 

†STEVO STEVE YANICH Offered in loving memory of Pop with prayers he rests in a place of brightness, refreshment, peace, where there is no pain, nor sorrow, nor sighing, but life everlasting. Offered with love by Beba, Stephi, Bobbi, Bill, Gregory, Wendy, Brandon, Jazi, Curran, Kait, Tim, Sonora, Ashtyn, Baylor, Endora & Bowen. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

†THE HONORABLE BRANKO BOB YANICH Offered in loving memory of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother. We are grateful for many precious memories and pray for his peaceful repose and eternal memory. With love from Stephi, Bobbi, Bill, Greg, Wendy, Brandon, Jazi, Curran, Kait, Tim, Sonora, Ashtyn, Baylor, Endora, Bowen & Beba. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

†DRAGAN BEN YANICH Offered in loving memory of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather with prayers for his peaceful rest in the Lord’s merciful embrace by Danilo, Rose, Tosh, Tosha, Emily, Braydon & Victoria. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

†ZARKO JIM MATICH Offered in loving memory of my father with prayers for his peaceful repose where there is no pain, nor sighing, nor sorrow, but life everlasting. With love from Joyce. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal! 

†PETAR PETE YANICH Offered in loving memory of Uncle Pete who was like a father to all of his nieces and nephews. We pray for his peaceful repose in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

†MILAN MIKE SEMIC Offered in loving memory of my Godfather with prayers for his peaceful repose in the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, by Beba Yanich. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

†ADAM ARCHIE SEMIC Offered in loving memory of our Godfather with prayers for his peaceful repose in our Lord’s mercy and grace, by Danilo and Tosh Yanich. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

†MILUTIN EMIL YEZDIMIR Offered in loving memory of my dear Kum Emil with prayers for his righteous repose in our Lord’s merciful embrace, by Joyce Matich. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal! 

†PETER BARBER SR Offered in loving remembrance of our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Sadly missed by his family. Always in our hearts & prayers. Given by his family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal! 

†PHILIP GRUICH Offered in loving remembrance of our Dad, Djedo, and Pram-Djedo on Fathers’ Day. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal! 

†ZARKO “JAMES” MATICH Offered in loving remembrance of our Godfather on Fathers’ Day by Yovanka and Danica. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal! 

†MILOS STARCEVICH Offered in loving remembrance of our, husband, Tata, Djedo, and Pram-Djedo on Fathers’ Day by Zorica, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal! 

†WALTER MCLAUGHLIN Offered in loving remembrance of our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Sadly missed by his family. Always in our hearts & prayers. Given by the Barber, McLaughlin and Black families. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal! 

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!

Stewardship Offering Information

Date 6/2/2024

Collection: $2,618.00

Date 5/26/2024

Collection: $1,165.00

Date 5/19/2024

Collection: $2,466.00

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), 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

ALL-SOULS DAY / Zadusnice

Saturday, June 22 is All Souls Day. We will sing a Parastos for all of the departed faithful from our St. Nicholas parish at 9:00am.

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.

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 tissues, paper towels, and toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body lotions, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, combs, hair brushes, feminine hygiene products, etc…

MOTHER’S CLUB KIOSK

New items have arrived. Stop by and check out the new Eye Glass Cases, Cards and Prayer Bracelets.

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Office is CLOSED until June 25.

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.

SAVE THE DATE!!

  Club Picnic ..................... July 28

Kids Back to School BBQ September 7

Serb Fest ........................ Sept 14

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. 

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 occurred on March 22 in 325).