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Sunday of All Local Saints
Second Sunday after Pentecost
St. Nicholas Bulletin - June 18, 2023
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Christ is in our midst! Христос међу нама! Cristo esta entra nosotros! | |
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Homily for the
Second Sunday of Pentecost
by Father Basil Zebrun
Each year, two weeks after Pentecost (this year June 18), Orthodox Christians celebrate the feast of All Saints of North America. Along with the Venerable Herman of Alaska, eighteen other men are specifically remembered by the faithful, in addition to unnamed saints whose blessedness is known only to God.
Furthermore, according to one list there are as many as twelve Orthodox Christians not yet glorified (canonized), but whose sacrificial efforts in America merit serious consideration in order to begin the formal process. At least one is a woman, Matushka Olga Michael of Alaska (reposed November 8, 1979). She is revered especially for her humility, charitable works, and for helping victims of abuse.
The significance of these commemorations is multi-faceted but denotes significant development on the part of our local territorial Church. The celebration of North American Saints is a comforting sign of the Spirit’s activity in the “New World.” Equally important, however, the feast celebrates people on this continent who responded to the prompting of the Spirit, paving the way for future generations. Their receptivity to the Spirit’s presence indicates ecclesiastical maturity, a spiritual awareness among people of genuine faith and love, “who hear the Word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28).
It has been said that, “you cannot save what you do not love,” or conversely “you can only save what you love.” The North American Saints bear witness to this truth. In their missionary efforts they were motivated by love for God, for those made in His image, and for this country. Emulating Christ they embodied the New Commandment to, “love one another (love the world) as I have love you” (John 13:34-35; John 3:16). They identified with those to whom they preached and as a result, “thousands around (them were) saved” (St. Seraphim of Sarov).
In a March, 1972 editorial, as the OCA was still embracing its identity as an Autocephalous Church, Fr. John Meyendorff shared his thoughts on love as the foundation of missionary activity in America. He stated that, “Mission is not only ‘preaching,’ not only talking about God, or promoting ‘our thing.’ Mission is not a Christian commercial. It is a witness and an act of love. It implies love for those to whom it is directed, and love means self-giving, not simply giving something.”
Fr. John went on to say, “The Orthodox mission in Alaska had been successful in the past not so much because it was financially supported from Russia, but mainly because St. Herman stayed with his Aleutians until his death, and because a few real missionaries, like St. Innocent Veniaminov, gave their whole life to the people they wanted to evangelize.” (Meyendorff, John, Witness to the World, St. Vladimir Seminary Press, Crestwood, NY, 1987, pages 188-189).
As a further example, the blessed Tikhon the Confessor, Enlightener of North America, publicly articulated his compassion for the American people in very personal terms. Upon his arrival to New York on December 12, 1898, he lamented leaving behind his motherland, friends and family. He reassured his new flock, however, with words from the prophet Hosea, "I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people..." (Hosea 2:23). He told them essentially that, just as I was one with the people of Russia, and loved them, so I am now one with you, and I love you also. (Orthodox America: 1794-1976, Orthodox Church in America, Dept. of History and Archives, Syosset, NY. 1975, p. 90).
In our day, wherever the American Church reaps the spiritual rewards of evangelism, the sincerity and kindness of her missionaries are almost certainly evident. Conversely, that which often hinders the contemporary Christian witness is lack of love, lack of identification among the faithful with that which they seek to transform. An ever-present temptation is to remain aloof not only from specific individuals, but from the public square, positioning the Church against society and society against the Church. The implicit message – to the detriment of Christ’s followers – is often understood in black and white terms: i.e., the Church, and therefore those within it are good; society however, is evil.
Such an approach is counter-productive to the Church’s mission. It meshes well with modern tendencies toward individualism and isolationism, while ignoring a basic fact: that society, like the Church, is not a faceless, anonymous entity. It is not a “thing” to be converted. Christians help make up society, as well as the world in need of repentance that Christ came to redeem. The faithful who daily “work out their salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12) are intimately connected to that which is often squared off against the Body of Christ itself. Candidly speaking, the world that crucified Christ is our world.
While remaining vigilant, discerning, and faithful to the Gospel, it would seem that part of a Christian’s responsibility in America is to embrace that which is good in the neighbor and within American culture, building upon these positives, enriching and fulfilling them in the light of Orthodoxy. A quote from St. Paul's letter to the Philippians comes to mind:
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).
This attitude of openness was evident in the Apostle’s preaching to the men of Athens when he revealed to them the identity of their “unknown god” (Acts 17:16-33). It assuredly characterized the approach of the North American Saints who became “one” with the people of this continent. While laying the foundation of Faith in this new land, St. Herman, St. Juvenaly and those with them, and later St. Innocent, sought commonalities -- points of contact -- with the indigenous population that could facilitate the dissemination of the Good News. (See especially Fr. Michael Oleksa’s impressive work, Orthodox Alaska: A Theology of Mission, St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, Crestwood, NY, 1992).
Appealing to the above passage from Philippians Fr. Alexander Schmemann commented on Orthodox activity in America: “…we must, without denying any genuine value of our Eastern cultural and spiritual heritage, open ourselves towards Western culture and make our own whatever in it ‘is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious’" (Philippians 4:8). (The Task of Orthodox Theology in America Today, September 1966).
This spirit of sensitivity remains a guiding principle to those who follow in the Saints’ footsteps. It is a sign of ecclesiastical maturity within parishes and dioceses whose members seek to identify with those around them, while imparting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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Commemorating all of the Saints of Serbia and North America the Hieromartyr Dorotheus Bishop of Tyre, Blessed Constantine Metropolitan of Kiev, Martyrs Marcian, Nicander, Hyperechius, Appolonius, Leonidas, Arius, Gorgias, Pambo, Selenia and Irene of Egypt, St Peter of Korisha, Translation of the relics of the Right-believing Igor-George Grand Prince of Chernigov and Kiev, Repose of St Theodore Yaroslavich older brother of St Alexander Nevsky, Finding of the Relics of Venerable Bassian and Jonah Monks of Pertominsk, Venerable Theodore Wonderworker and Hermit of the Jordan, Venerable Anubius the Confessor and Anchorite of Egypt, Venerable Abba Dorotheus of Palestine
RESURRECTIONAL TROPARION — TONE 1
When the stone had been sealed by the Jews, while the soldiers were guarding Your most pure body, You rose on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. The powers of heaven therefore cried to You, O Giver of Life: “Glory to Your Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Your Kingdom! Glory to Your dispensation, O Lover of mankind!”
SYNAXIS OF SERBIAN SAINTS TROPARION — TONE 4
O God-bearing fathers and hierarchs, we ask you, as our Serbian enlighteners, as true shepherds and patriarchs, as genuine guardians of apostolic tradition, as solid pillars, as teachers of Orthodoxy: Beseech Christ, the Master of All, to grant peace to the whole world and abundant mercy to our souls.
ALL SAINTS OF NORTH AMERICA TROPARION — TONE 8
As the bountiful harvest of Your sowing of salvation, the lands of North America offer to You, O Lord, all the saints who have shone in them. By their prayers keep the Church and our land in abiding peace through the Theotokos, O most Merciful One!
RESURRECTIONAL KONTAKION — TONE 1
As God, You rose from the tomb in glory, raising the world with Yourself. Human nature praises You as God, for death has vanished. Adam exults, O Master! Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage and cries to You: “You are the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!”
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!
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
This Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsic Epistle: Theodore Sukhernik
Next Week: Matins: Nick Ressetar Epistle: Natalija Gligorevic
EPISTLE: Romans 2: 10-16
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the First Tone: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
CHOIR: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
READER: v: Rejoice in the Lord, O your righteous! Praise befits the just!
CHOIR: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
READER: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us ...
CHOIR: … as we have set our hope on You!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Romans.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God. For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: God gives vengeance unto me, and subdues people under me.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: He magnifies the salvation of the King and deals mercifully with David, His anointed, and his seed forever.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Римљанима 2: 10-16
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 1 Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Хор: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Читач: Веселите се, праведници, пред Господом, праведнима доликује похвала.
Хор: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Читач: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе,
Хор: на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање је од посланице Светог апостола Павла до Римљанима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, слава и част и мир свакоме који чини добро, а најприје Јудејцу и Јелину; Јер Бог не гледа ко је ко. Јер који без закона сагријешише, без закона ће и изгинути; а који под законом сагријешише, по закону ће се осудити. Јер нису праведни пред Богом они који слушају закон, него ће се оправдати они који испуњавају закон. Јер кад незнабошци немајући закона чине од природе што је по закону, они немајући закон сами су себи закон; Они доказују да је у срцима њиховим написано оно што је по закону, пошто свједочи савјест њихова, и пошто се мисли њихове међу собом оптужују или оправдавају, на дан када Бог узасуди тајне људске по јеванђељу мојему кроз Исуса Христа.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Бог ми даје освету и покорава људе испод мене.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Он увећава спасење Краља и милостиво се односи са Давидом, његовим помазаником и његовим сјеменом заувијек.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Matthew 4: 18-23
And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Матеј 4: 18-23
У вријеме оно, Исус идући покрај мора Галилејског видје два брата. Симона, званога Петар, и Андреја, брата његова, гдје бацају мрежу у море, јер бијаху рибари. И рече им: Хајдете за мном и учинићу вас ловцима људи. А они одмах оставише мреже и пођоше за њим. И отишавши одатле видје друга два брата, Јакова Зеведејева и Јована брата његова, у лађи са Зеведејем, оцем њиховим, гдје крпе мреже своје, и позва их. А они одмах оставише лађу и оца својега и пођоше за њим. И прохођаше Исус по свој Галилеји учећи по синагогама њиховим, и проповиједајући јеванђеље о Царству, и исцјељујући сваку болест и сваку немоћ у народу.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | |
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~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
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 Danijela and her parents Mark and Jennifer Belo, the child Louise Bare and her parents Zachary & Elizabeth, Isadora Lazarevic and the newborn Luka John, Bethany Peterson and the newborn Delilah Marie, Emma Howell and the child to be born of her, Kyranna Baker and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Lori Bare, Dori Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Darlene & Larry Black, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Walter “Bud” Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Leann Cox, Joseph Derk, Art Dils, Draga Donato, Tommy and Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Anaya Garvin, Christian & Melanie Geib, Michael Geppert III, Dr Andrea Govelovich, Nick & Terry Govelovich, Kata Gruich, George Gutshall, Dan Hazlett, Basil Havalchak, Travis Heilman, Adam Herigan, Edith Herigan, Kay Himes, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Slobodan Jovicic, Myong Sook Kim, Spencer Klinge, Dorothy Krnjaich, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Catherine Lewis, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, Boro Lojpur, Stephen Lundingrin, Dianne & Jim Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, Marija Miljkovic, Daria Milletics, Infant of God Ryan Leigh Moffitt, Dave Morris, Peter Mrgich, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Eva Orr, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Kobe Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Logan Roszkowski, Nathan & Jane Rush, Greg Selman, Michael Schaffner, Maryann Seiders, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, John Sheaffer, Pat Shoemaker, Branko Smitran, Zorka Starcevich, Tim Stefan, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Savka Trivun, Edie & Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Steve Vulich, Paula Werner, Draga Worman, Dewey Yetter, Mileva “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, Ashley Ziobrowski, Demetrios & Eleni Ziogas, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski
Those Who Need Special Care
COUNTRY MEADOWS MECHANICSBURG: Florence Ivanoff; MASONIC HOME ELIZABETHTOWN: Ray Foltz; RS: Cedo Lukic; SPRING CREEK: Chuck Belic
Those to be Baptized
Sloane Ivey & Berkeley Blythe Semic, Emilia Renee & Delilah Marie Peterson, Barrett Scott, Divna & Danica Mitrovic, Nora Katherine & Maeve Noelle Van Huysen, Sloane York
Our College Students
Cayden Healy, Matthew Hoover, Kalei Howard, Kobe Petrovich, Christina Radanovic, Ioanna Radanovic, Kyranna Baker, Madison Vorkapich
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Protopresbyter Srboljub Jockovic, Djordje Kojic, Kristina Turuntas, Djuro Miljevic, Constantine Vloutely, Robert Bazdar, Ljuban Kosovac, John J Milakovic, Mileva Maran
~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.
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.
BRIAN LEWIS JR Offered in joyful celebration of my wonderful grandson’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. 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 & 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 Fithian 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 son Baylor. 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! Given with love by Baylor. 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.
DARLENE BLACK Offered with love by the Barber & Geib Families for God’s Blessings during her recovery. We pray that He will bless her with good health. Our Love & Prayers are with her.
MICHAEL GEPPERT Offered prayerfully by Mom & Dad for improvement in health and God’s blessings and loving care during his recovery.
†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!
†EDDIE MARIJAN Offered in loving memory commemorating Father’s Day. Always in my heart and sadly missed by daughter Sandy. 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, a place of refreshment, a place of repose, 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. 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 & 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!
†ZARKO JIM MATICH Offered by Godchildren Yovanka and Donna, sadly missed and forever in our hearts. Vječnaja 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!
†MILOS STARCEVICH Offered by children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, sadly missed and forever in our hearts. Vječnaja 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!
†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!
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Please continue to pray for all of those currently being persecuted for Christ's sake in Kosovo, Metohija, Montenegro, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Sudan, China, North Korea, for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering throughout the world, especially in Ukraine 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.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD!
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Stewardship Offering Information
Date 6/4/2023
Collection: $2,168.00
Date 5/28/2023
Collection: $3,081.00
Date 5/21/2023
Collection: $2,608.00
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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 Bracale (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), 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 & Popadija 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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BURN THE MORTGAGE!
We have begun the process of eliminating our parish debt! Thanks to God for all of those who have already answered the call and sent in their check/pledge. In two weeks, we will have a meter to gauge our progress available in the Lobby. Anything you can do will help!
CHOIR PREPARING FOR 90th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT!
Save the Date—October 28-29, 2023. Calling all past, current and potential choir members! We are preparing for our upcoming 90th Anniversary Concert. We want YOU to sing with us! Rehearsals will be mandatory in order to sing for the concert. The first concert rehearsal will be on Sunday, June 25 at 12:30pm. As in the past, Father Chris will be conducting concert rehearsals and the performance. We look forward to singing with you all!
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SOTAYA GIFT CARD FUNDRAISER
Thinking of a gift for someone, a special occasion, birthday or a reward for yourself? Panera Bread gift card is a good choice! And there is no need to go to the store, SOTAYA is selling them at a face value of $25. Just see any SOTAYA member or Sladjana for a purchase. Thanks for your support!
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Stewardship Reflection
In today's Gospel (Matthew 4:18-23), we reflect upon the following verses and St. John Chrysostom's homily:
18 "And walking by the sea of Galilee, He saw two brethren, Simon that was surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers. 19 And He saith unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they left their nets, and followed Him."
As we consider today's Gospel, reflect upon the urgency and obedience that we are called to when following Christ. The same urgency and obedience that is necessary as Stewards of our parish. We must become Stewards immediately, not next month, not when Church school starts, not at Christmas but as soon as possible as our Church needs our support. We must also be obedient with our Stewardship of Time, Talents and Treasures - not, when we have a surplus of money or time, not when we have extra funds available but as soon as possible as the Church needs support for all of the ministries it provides.
У данашњем Јеванђељу ( Мт. 4:18-23) сећамо се речи из беседе Св. Јована Златоуста
18. И идући покрај мора Галилејског видје два брата, Симона, који се зове Петар, и Андрију брата његова, гдје мећу мреже у море, јер бијаху рибари.19. И рече им: Хајдете за мном, и учинићу вас ловцима људскијем. А они тај час оставише мреже и за њим отидоше.
Али Јован каже да су били позвани и на другачији начин. Када то можемо да видимо , други позив и од много ствари које су се десиле можемо да схватимо једно. Речено је да када су они дошли Њему Јован још није био бачен у затвор . И онда Андреј позива Петра али овде Исус позива обојицу. И Јован рече , Исус видећи Сиомона да долази рече" Ти си Симон , син Јонин , и бићеш назван стеном . Али Матеј каже да је он већ био називан тако , јер су његове речи Видевши Симона прозванога Петра". И од тада када су сви позвани можемо да закључимо једно ; и од њихове послушности и сбог тога што су све напустили .Од сада су сви били научени од почетка.
Данашње Јебанђеље нам говори како је потребно да без одлагања пратимо Христа. Иста послушност и оданост када као Старатељи помажемо своју парохију. Ми морамо постати Старатељи одмах а не следеће месец , не када почне Недељна школа , не у време када славимо Божић , него одмах јер наша Цркве треба помоћ одмах. Ми морамо бити покорни нашим Старатељством - Времена , Талената и Новца - не када имамо вишак новца , времена него одмах без оклевања , јер за успешан рад наша Црква нас треба одмах.
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The Synaxis of the Saints of North America
On the second Sunday after Pentecost, each local Orthodox Church commemorates all the saints, known and unknown, who have shone forth in its territory. Accordingly, the Orthodox Church in America remembers the saints of North America on this day. Saints of all times, and in every country are seen as the fulfillment of God’s promise to redeem fallen humanity. Their example encourages us to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily besets us” and to “run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). The saints of North America also teach us how we should live, and what we must expect to endure as Christians. Although it is a relatively young church, the Orthodox Church in America has produced saints in nearly all of the six major categories of saints: Apostles (and Equals of the Apostles); Martyrs (and Confessors); Prophets; Hierarchs; Monastic Saints; and the Righteous. Prophets, of course, lived in Old Testament times and predicted the coming of Christ.
The first Divine Liturgy in what is now American territory (northern latitude 58 degrees, 14 minutes, western longitude 141 degrees) was celebrated on July 20, 1741, the Feast of the Prophet Elias, aboard the ship Peter under the command of Vitus Bering. Hieromonk Hilarion Trusov and the priest Ignatius Kozirevsky served together on that occasion. Several years later, the Russian merchant Gregory I. Shelikov visited Valaam monastery, suggesting to the abbot that it would be desirable to send missionaries to Russian America. On September 24, 1794, after a journey of 7,327 miles (the longest missionary journey in Orthodox history) and 293 days, a group of monks from Valaam arrived on Kodiak Island in Alaska. The mission was headed by Archimandrite Joasaph, and included Hieromonks Juvenal, Macarius, and Athanasius, the Hierodeacons Nectarius and Stephen, and the monks Herman and Joasaph. Saint Herman of Alaska (December 13, August 9), the last surviving member of the mission, fell asleep in the Lord in 1837.
Throughout the Church’s history, the seeds of faith have always been watered by the blood of the martyrs. The Protomartyr Juvenal was killed near Lake Iliamna by natives in 1799, thus becoming the first Orthodox Christian to shed his blood for Christ in the New World. In 1816, Saint Peter the Aleut was put to death by Spanish missionaries in California when he refused to convert to Roman Catholicism. Missionary efforts continued in the nineteenth century, with outreach to the native peoples of Alaska.
Two of the most prominent laborers in Christ’s Vineyard were Saint Innocent Veniaminov (March 31 and October 6) and Saint Jacob Netsvetov (July 26), who translated Orthodox services and books into the native languages. Father Jacob Netsvetev died in Sitka in 1864 after a life of devoted service to the Church. Father John Veniaminov, after his wife’s death, received monastic tonsure with the name Innocent. He died in 1879 as the Metropolitan of Moscow. As the nineteenth century was drawing to a close, an event of enormous significance for the North American Church took place. On March 25, 1891, Bishop Vladimir went to Minneapolis to receive Saint Alexis Toth (May 7) and 361 of his parishioners into the Orthodox Church. This was the beginning of the return of many Uniates to Orthodoxy.
Saint Tikhon (Belavin), the future Patriarch of Moscow (April 7, October 9), came to America as bishop of the diocese of the Aleutians and Alaska in September 1898. As the only Orthodox bishop on the continent, Saint Tikhon traveled extensively throughout North America in order to minister to his widely scattered and diverse flock. He realized that the local church here could not be a permanent extension of the Russian Church. Therefore, he focused his efforts on giving the American Church a diocesan and parish structure which would help it mature and grow.
Saint Tikhon returned to Russia in 1907, and was elected as Patriarch of Moscow ten years later. He died in 1925, and for many years his exact burial place remained unknown. Saint Tikhon’s grave was discovered on February 22, 1992 in the smaller cathedral of Our Lady of the Don in the Don Monastery when a fire made renovation of the church necessary.
Saint Raphael of Brooklyn (February 27) was the first Orthodox bishop to be consecrated in North America. Archimandrite Raphael Hawaweeny was consecrated by Bishop Tikhon and Bishop Innocent (Pustynsky) at Saint Nicholas Cathedral in New York on March 13, 1904. As Bishop of Brooklyn, Saint Raphael was a trusted and capable assistant to Saint Tikhon in his archpastoral ministry. Saint Raphael reposed on February 27, 1915.
The first All American Council took place March 5-7, 1907 at Mayfield, PA, and the main topic was “How to expand the mission.” Guidelines and directions for missionary activity, and statutes for the administrative structure of parishes were also set forth.
In the twentieth century, in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, countless men, women, and children received the crown of martyrdom rather than renounce Christ. Saints John Kochurov (October 31) and Alexander Hotovitzky (December 4 and August 7) both served the Church in North America before going back to Russia. Saint John became the first clergyman to be martyred in Russia on October 31, 1917 in Saint Petersburg. Saint Alexander Hotovitzky, who served in America until 1914, was killed in 1937.
In addition to the saints listed above, we also honor those saints who are known only to God, and have not been recognized officially by the Church. As we contemplate the lives of these saints, let us remember that we are also called by God to a life of holiness.
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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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SAVE THE DATE!!
Club Picnic.............. July 30
Serb Fest.................. Sept 23
90th Anniversary of the SSS Marinkovic...... October 28-29, 2023
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