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4th Sunday of Great Lent
St John Climacus (of the Ladder)
St. Nicholas Bulletin - March 26, 2023
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Christ is in our midst! Христос Међу нама! Cristo esta entra nosotros! | |
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Homily on the The Ladder of Divine Ascent and Moral Improvement -
by Fr Stephen Freeman
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The Fourth Sunday of Great Lent in the Orthodox Church, is dedicated to St. John Climacus, the author of the ancient work, The Ladder of Divine Ascent. It is a classic work describing “steps” within the life of the struggling ascetic. There is an icon associated with this work, picturing monastics climbing the rungs of a ladder to heaven, battling demons who are trying to pull them off. However, ladders are dangerous things to put in the hands of a modern Christian.
Modernity likes ladders. We like the idea of upward mobility, of continuing improvement, of moral progress. We speak of “career ladders” and the “ladder of success.” It is the myth of personal power. Modernity is a cultural phenomenon created by the theology of the Reformation and the philosophy of the Enlightenment. Freed from the constraints of inherited tradition (such as the Catholic Church) and the royal state (hurrah for democracy), modernity is a story told to individuals that they can now become whatever they want. Freedom and personal industry are the twin rails supporting the rungs of progress. As a philosophy, this idea and its associated notions are the bedrock of free-market capitalism. As theology, it is the foundation for self-help Christianity and the positive, motivational preaching of contemporary religion. “Be all that you can be, and Jesus can help!”
Nurtured in this culture, contemporary Orthodox believers are not immune to its allure, particularly if the images appear in the guise of desert monasticism and Byzantine/Russian-style striving. More than once I have heard the sad confession, “I don’t feel like I’m a very good Orthodox Christian.” Implied in this statement is that Orthodox Christians should, somehow, be better than other Christians. Some foolish people even call us the “marines” of the spiritual life.
Of course, all of this, particularly when applied to writings such as St. John’s Ladder, is pure distortion and delusion. Its most subtle and seductive version is that of moral progress. I wrote a series of articles last year denouncing the concept of moral progress, identifying it as largely a modern notion and not consistent with the mind of the fathers. Here, I reaffirm that without equivocation.
We simply are not saved by getting better. It is a false image and a false goal. Of course, critics will charge that I’m being defeatist and suggesting a path devoid of moral effort. I am doing nothing of the sort. Everyone should, at all times, struggle against sin. But measuring, even watching for improvement can be not only self-defeating but sinful in itself. The Ladder points to a very different path:
“You cannot escape shame except by shame,” St. John says (4.62).
We do not gradually improve and thereby leave our shame behind us. The way down is the way up. The ladder of divine ascent is actually a ladder of divine descent. The path to union with God is only found in making the descent with Him. “Lo, if I descend into hell, Thou art there” (Ps 139:8). St. Gregory the Theologian says, “If He descends into hell, go with Him” (Oration 45).
The path of modernity carries no humility. It breeds pride, and frequently contempt. Failure is its nemesis. We blame ourselves for laziness and sloth, certain that a little more effort will make the difference. Like a child given a bad grade, we plead that we’ll try harder. Confession is seen as the Second Chance, the opportunity to pull up our grades. “Loser!” is the taunt of the modern world (a word spawned in the pit of hell).
But St. John points us towards our shame. He does not describe a path of moral improvement. His path follows the Cross, which is the descent into Hades. My failure, not sought for its own sake (we do not sin in order to gain grace), is always and immediately the gate of Hades and the gate of Paradise. When I acknowledge my failure and refuse to hide from its shame, we can call out for Christ to comfort us. “I did not turn my face from the shame and the spitting” (Is. 50:6). He will meet us in our shame, and takes it upon Himself. My failure becomes the failure of God (2 Cor. 5:21). It does not separate me from Christ, but, ironically, unites me to Him in the paradox that is at the very heart of our salvation. God became what we are, that we might become what He is. God does not meet us in the middle. He meets us at the bottom and asks us to meet Him there as well.
It is within that place that true humility is born. Judgment ceases. If I accept my shame in union with Christ, how can I judge another? Indeed, it is largely my efforts to avoid my shame that makes me judge my brother. We can only avoid judging if we “see our own transgressions” (as we are taught in the Prayer of St. Ephrem).
Modernity loves excellence. The moral improvement pitches of the motivational preachers love the drive for excellence. Our bosses and the owners demand that we strive for excellence. God is not our boss, nor does He place us in His debt (“freely you have received”). The constant nagging voice demanding improvement and excellence is not the voice of God. It is often nothing more than the neurotic echo of modernity sounding in our brains. It drives us with the threat of shame. However, Christ has trampled down shame by shame and invites us to do the same thing. “You cannot escape shame except by shame.”
Become a Christian who follows Christ. We do not seek to please Him with our excellence. We seek to imitate Him by going where He has gone.
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Commemorating the Translation of the Relics of St Nikephoros Patriarch of Constantinople, Hieromartyr Publius Bishop of Athens, Martyr Sabinus of Egypt, Martyrs Africanus, Publius and Terence of Carthage, Martyr Alexander of Macedonia, Martyr Christina of Persia, Venerable Aninas of the Euphrates
RESURRECTION TROPARION - TONE 8
You descended from on high, O Merciful One! You accepted the three day burial to free us from our sufferings! O Lord, our Life and Resurrection, glory to You!
HOLY FATHER NICHOLAS TROPARION — TONE 4
Truly you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith, an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence; your humility exalted you; your poverty enriched you. Hierarch Father Nicholas, entreat Christ our God that our souls may be saved.
ST JOHN CLIMACUS TROPARION — TONE 1
O dweller of the wilderness and angel in the body, you were a wonderworker, O our God-bearing Father John. You received heavenly gifts through fasting, vigil and prayer, healing the sick and the souls of those drawn to you by faith. Glory to Him Who gave you strength! Glory to Him Who granted you a crown! Glory to Him Who grants healing to all!
RESURRECTION KONTAKION - TONE 8
By rising from the tomb, You raised the dead and resurrected Adam. Eve exults in Your Resurrection, and the world celebrates Your rising from the dead, O greatly Merciful One!
ST. JOHN CLIMACUS KONTAKION—TONE 4
The Lord truly set you on the height of abstinence, O our instructor and Father John, as an unerring star, guiding the ends of the earth by your light.
KONTAKION TO THE THEOTOKOS—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!
HYMN TO THE THEOTOKOS (Instead of “It is Truly Meet…”)
All of creation rejoices in you, O Full of Grace: the assembly of Angels and the race of men. O sanctified temple and spiritual paradise, the glory of virgins, from whom God was incarnate and became a Child – our God before the ages. He made your body into a throne, and your womb He made more spacious than the heavens. All of creation rejoices in you, O Full of Grace. Glory to you!
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
This Week: Matins: Nick Ressetar Epistle: Wayln John
Next Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Ruby Cangialosi
EPISTLE: Hebrews 6: 13 — 20
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Eighth Tone: Pray and make your vows before the Lord our God.
CHOIR: Pray and make your vows before the Lord our God.
READER: v: In Judah God is known; His Name is great in Israel
CHOIR: Pray and make your vows before the Lord our God.
READER: Pray and make your vows
CHOIR: before the Lord our God
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Hebrews
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Come let us rejoice in the Lord, let us shout with jubilation unto God our Savior!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving, and with psalms let us shout with jubilation!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Јеврејима 6: 13 — 20
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 8 Помолите се и извршујте завете Господу Богу нашему.
Хор: Помолите се и извршујте завете Господу Богу нашему.
Читач: Зна се у Јудеји за Бога, у Израиљу је велико име Његово.
Хор: Помолите се и извршујте завете Господу Богу нашему.
Читач: Помолите се и извршујте завете
Хор: Господу Богу нашему..
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање посланице Св. Апостола Павла Јеврејима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, јер кад Бог даде обећање Аврааму, немајући ни у кога већега да се закуне, закле се самим собом, говорећи: Заиста ћу те богато благословити и обилно те умножити. И тако Авраам стрпљиво чекајући дочека обећање. Јер се људи заклињу већим од себе, и сваком њиховом препирању завршетак је заклетва као јемство. Зато и Бог, желећи да насљедницима обећања што поузданије покаже неизмјенивост своје одлуке, послужи се заклетвом, да бисмо у двјема непоколебивим стварима, у којима је немогуће да Бог превари, имали моћну утјеху ми који смо прибјегли да се држимо наде која је пред нама; Њу имамо као котву душе, чврсту и поуздану, која улази унутар иза завјесе, гдје као претеча за нас уђе Исус, поставши Првосвештеник вавијек по чину Мелхиседекову.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Ходите, запевајте Господу, ускликнимо Спаситељу Богу нашему.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Изиђимо пред лице Његово с хвалом, у песмама ускликнимо му.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Mark 9: 17—31
Then one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.” He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” Then they departed from there and passed through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know it. For He taught His disciples and said to them, “The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.”
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
МАРКО 9: 17—31
У вријеме оно, неки човјек дође Исусу, клањајући му се и говорећи: Учитељу, доведох теби сина својега у коме је дух нијеми. И кад год га ухвати ломи га, и пјену баца, и шкргуће зубима; и суши се. И рекох ученицима твојим да га истјерају; и не могоше. А он одговарајући рече: О роде невјерни, докле ћу с вама бити? Докле ћу вас трпјети? Доведите га к мени. И доведоше га њему; и кад га видје дух, одмах га стаде ломити; и паднувши на земљу ваљаше се бацајући пјену. И упита оца његова: Колико има времена како му се то догодило? А он рече: Из дјетињства. И много пута баца га у ватру и у воду да га погуби; него ако што можеш, помози нам, смилуј се на нас. А Исус му рече: Ако можеш вјеровати, све је могуће ономе који вјерује. И одмах повикавши отац дјетета са сузама говораше: Вјерујем, Господе, помози мојему невјерју! А Исус видјевши да се стјече народ, запријети духу нечистоме говорећи му: Душе нијеми и глухи, ја ти заповиједам, изиђи из њега и више не улази у њега! И повикавши и изломивши га врло, изиђе; и би као мртав тако да многи говораху: умрије. А Исус, узевши га за руку, подиже га; и устаде. И кад уђе у кућу, питаху га ученици његови насамо: Зашто га ми не могосмо истјерати? И рече им: Овај се род ничим не може истјерати до молитвом и постом. И изишавши оданде иђаху кроз Галилеју; и не хтједе да ко дозна, jер учаше ученике своје и говораше им да ће Син Човјечији бити предан у руке људи, и убиће га, и када га убију, трећег дана васкрснуће.
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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, Lauren Spangler and the child newly born of her, Bethany Peterson and the child to be born of her, Emma Howell and the child to be born of her, Kyranna Radanovic and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Lori Bare, Louise 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, Spencer Klinge, Ljuban Kosovac, 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, Annabelle McLaughlin, John J Milakovic, 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, Ljubomir Pejanovic, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Kobe Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Logan Roszkowski, Nathan & Jane Rush, Greg Selman, Michael Schaffner, Maryann Seiders, Michael Semic, 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, 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 Peterson, Barrett Scott, Divna and Danica Mitrovic, Nora Katherine & Maeve Noelle Van Huysen, Sloane York, Bennett Noah Spangler, Song, Kelly, Casey and Carter Kim, Christopher Baker
Our College Students
Anastasija Gligorevic, Cayden Healy, Matthew Hoover, Kalei Howard, Sophia Mummert, Kobe Petrovich, Christina Radanovic, Ioanna Radanovic, Kyranna Radanovic, Madison Vorkapich
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Protopresbyter Srboljub Jockovic, Mihailo Novakovic, Ljubica Turajlic, Jo-An Tracey Stanovich, William Yovanovich, Eva Stimac, Dr Ljubisa Stankovic, Natalija Mandic, Djordje Kojic, Kristina Turuntas, Djuro Miljevic, Robert Bazdar
~Our Deepest Sympathy~
We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Robert Bazdar, who reposed in the Lord on Tuesday, March 21. May his soul dwell with the righteous and be numbered among the just! Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
~Flowers in front of the Theotokos~
PETE & ARLENE BARBER Offered by the Petrovich children in thanksgiving for such supportive Godparents. We all love you! Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
~Vigils Offered~
PAUL KESSLER & NICK GOVELOVICH Offered for my Kumovi this Godparents Sunday, by Dave Milletics. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
DR BEVERLY YANICH Offered with love and appreciation for our dear Kuma. You are the very best example of what a Kuma should be. Given by your Godchildren Bill, Kaitlyn, Jack, Jazmin and Timothy. Many years! Mnogaja Ljeta!
BILL WENNER, JACK MCFALL, JAZMIN CRUZ, KAITLYN WENNER HOOK, TIM HOOK Offered in honor of our dear Godchildren and in joyful celebration of Godparents Sunday with love from Kuma Beba, Kum Donnie (Jaz), Kum Greg (Kait) and Kum Johnny (Tim). Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
DR DANILO YANICH & EMILY FITHIAN Offered with love & thanksgiving for Kum Donnie and Kuma Emily by Goddaughter Sonora Viola Mae Cruz. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
KAITLYN WENNER HOOK & BRIAN FITHIAN Offered with love & thanksgiving for Kuma Kait and Kum Brian by Goddaughter Ashtyn Isadora Cruz. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
DONALD SEMIC & †GEORGIANNE HERIGAN Offered with great love and deep respect for our Kum Don and †Kuma Georgi by Stephani Yanich, Bobbie Wenner & Gregory Yanich.
JOYCE MATICH & TOSH YANICH Offered in honor of my Kuma Joyce and Kum Tosh with love from your Godson Brandon Mumma. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
JOHN & CINDY SEMIC & STEPHANIE DEMURO Offered in honor of our Kum and Kumas with love from Tosha and Emily. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
ANGIE SEMIC BAGLEY & BILL FITHIAN Offered in honor of our Godparents with love from Braydon & Victoria Fithian. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
BRANDON MUMMA & LAUREN WENNER Offered with love and thanksgiving for Kum/Uncle B and Kuma/Cousin Lauren by Godson Baylor Hook. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
TIM HOOK & BELINDA EDSALL Offered with love and thanksgiving for Kum/Cousin Tim and Kuma Belinda by Goddaughter Endora Wolf. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
PETROVICH KUMOVI Offered by the Petrovich children to thank all of their Kumovi for supporting and teaching them in the Orthodox faith. We love & appreciate all of you. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
LEWIS & RUFF KUMOVI Offered for our Kuma Tootsie, Kuma Paula, Kum Len & Kuma Tina, along with Kumovi: Philip, Nina, Lenny, Alana, Tina, Danielle, Michael, Sydney, Loganne, Andrew & Ethan, Ava & Aleks and their families. God Bless all! Love from Kuma Nikki, Kum Putz, Kuma Chloe, Dennis, Brian & Catherine.
ZORKA STARCEVICH Offered on the joyous occasion of the 82nd birthday (March 29) of Baba Zorka by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. We love you Babi! May God grant you many more years! Zivela na Mnogaja Ljeta!
BEVERLY ‘BEBA’ YANICH Offered in joyful celebration of her 84th birthday (March 30) with prayers that God grants her many blessings of good health for Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta! With much love from your first cousins and family.
BEBA YANICH Offered in celebration of our dear friend’s birthday (March 30) from Kata and family. Ziveli! 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.
†ROBERT ‘BUCK’ BAZDAR Offered in loving memory of my Kum with prayers for his eternal rest where there is no sickness, nor sorrow, nor sighing, but life everlasting. Given with love by Kumi. Memory Eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat!
†CONSTANTINE VLOUTELY Offered by the Bare Family, in loving memory of our newly departed Kum (Feb 15). Memory Eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat!
†EMIL & MILLIE YEZDIMIR Offered in loving memory of my dear †Kum Emil and in honor of my dear Kuma Millie with love and respect from Joyce Matich.
†DR LINDA WOLF Offered in loving memory of Kuma †Linda with prayers that she rests in love, peace and joy by her Kuma Beba Yanich & the family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†CHARLES & †OLGA BOJANIC Offered in loving memory for my Godparents, by Daria Milletics. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†MEGAN BOLTON Offered in loving memory of our Godchild, by Dave & Daria Milletics. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†DANICA DOROTHY SEMIC, †MILAN MIKE SEMIC & †BRANKO BOB YANICH Offered in loving memory of †Kuma Dot, †Kum Mike and their Godson/my brother †Bob with prayers for their peaceful repose by Goddaughter/sister Beba Yanich. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†ADAM & †ELEANOR SEMIC & OLGA SEMIC MILLER Offered in loving memory of †Kum Archie and †Kuma Eleanor and in honor of Kuma Olga by Donnie & Tosh Yanich.
†JASON LEWIS Offered by Brian Lewis & Chloe Ruff in loving memory of our Godfather. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†BECKI MOLINARO Offered in loving memory of my dear friend’s repose (3 years—March 28). May her Memory be Eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat! With love from Nikki Lewis and family.
†AARON WHITMYER Offered in loving memory of his birthday (March 29). May his Memory be Eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat! Love the Lewis & Ruff families.
†MIRJANA ’MIRA’ DONISON Offered in loving memory of our dear Sister/Tetka/Teta Mira on her repose (20 years—March 30). We pray for her peaceful repose and eternal life with our Lord. Forever in our hearts, with love seja Zorica and the whole family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†LOUISE MILLETICS Offered in loving remembrance of our Mother/Nannie’s birthday (March 30), by Dave, Daria, Jason & Sarah. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†KRITZIE MARIJAN Offered in loving memory of her repose (17 years—March 31). May God grant her peace and life everlasting. Sadly missed by daughter Sandy. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†PATTY HERNJAK Offered in loving memory of the repose (3 years—March 31) of our beloved wife, mother and baba. May God grant her eternal peace in His heavenly kingdom. Sadly missed and forever in our hearts - Jim, Jimmy, Nick, JoAnn, John, Marie and Will. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†PATTY HERNJAK Offered in loving memory of the repose (3 years—March 31) of our sister, aunt and great aunt. May God grant her eternal peace, happiness and life everlasting. Sadly missed and forever in our hearts - Doni, Steve, Meghan, Brad, Mila, Logan, Lauren, Ross, Ryan and Bennett. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†PATTY HERNJAK Offered in loving memory of the repose of my sister (3 years—March 31). May God grant her eternal peace in His heavenly kingdom. Sadly missed and forever in my heart - Pete. 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, that they might be comforted with the Joy of our Lord, and for all of those suffering from the pandemic, for those who minister, 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 3/19/2023
Collection: $2,393.00
Date 3/12/2023
Collection: $5,066.00
Date 3/5/2023
Collection: $5,116.00
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March Birthdays
Ruth Yovanovich (Mar 1), Gregory Yanich (Mar 1), Karen Stefan (Mar 2), Matea Jovic (Mar 3), George Radanovic (Mar 4), Dasha Gencturk (Mar 4), Donald Semic (Mar 5), Alex Bazdar (Mar 5), Nick Ressetar (Mar 7), Eric Garvin (Mar 8), Kirsten Geib (Mar 10), Monroe Semic (Mar 10), Sylvia Velencia (Mar 11), Stephani Yanich (Mar 13), Millie Trayer (Mar 14), Vega Stevenson (Mar 14), Tootsie Krnjaich (Mar 16), Donna Carricato (Mar 18), Tosha Yanich (Mar 19), Natalija Gligorevic (Mar 19), Rohan Radanovic (Mar 19), Mileva Jovic (Mar 21), Danielle Van Huysen (Mar 21), Protinica Carole Balach (Mar 22), Val Radosevich (Mar 26), Anastasija Vukalo (Mar 27), Ava Kingsbury (Mar 28), Zorka Starcevich (Mar 29), Beba Yanich (Mar 30), Blagica Raic (Mar 30), Clark Filepas (Mar 30), Mya Rose Petrovich (Mar 30), Mitch Matovich (Mar 31)
March Anniversaries
Igor & Brankica Skinder (Mar 21)
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CHOIR FREE WILL LUNCHEON
A Free Will Luncheon on Sunday, April 2, will be sponsored by the Marinkovich Choir. All proceeds will benefit our church.
EASTER LILIES & PASCHA ITEMS
If you would like to purchase an Easter Lily to help decorate the Lord’s Tomb on Great & Holy Friday, please contact Daria in the church office. Cost is $10.00. Also contact Daria if you would like to make donations for red candles, wine, incense, rose oil or olive oil. If you would like the item for the health of someone or in memory of someone, please have your request/money in by April 9 for it to appear in the Pascha bulletin.
SOTAYA PB & COCONUT CHOCOLATE COVERED EGGS FUNDRAISER
The eggs POSNO (vegan) or REGULAR will be $3 each and can be coated in your choice of white, dark, or milk chocolate. Pre-order by calling or texting Sladjana @ 717-538-2073 or Angie @ 717-813-5128. Pick-up dates are: March 26 and April 9. HVALA!
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!
MOTHER’S CLUB DISPLAY CASE (NEW ITEMS)
New Pascha cards have arrived. And we still have egg wraps, Tears of the Theotokos prayer bracelets, candles, incense and charcoal available at the Mother’s Club Gift Shoppe in the lobby.
SPECIAL THANKS TO GOD
On behalf of the family of Fr Srboljub Jockovic, we would like to personally thank everyone that came up to be with us at the funeral, the countless messages and letters of support, and most of all your prayers and love for us. Thank you again, the family of Fr Srboljub Jockovic.
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FAST FOR PRE-SANCTIFIED LITURGY
A gentle reminder that one is permitted to begin the fast for the Pre-sanctified Liturgy six hours before the service. If medical needs dictate an adjustment to this, please see Father Christopher.
PRE-SANCTIFIED LITURGY on APRIL 5
The Washington Deanery will be gathering here at St. Nicholas on Wednesday, April 5 for the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy. Please make every effort to come for this service, so we may continue to prove good hosts for our brothers and sisters from other parishes. Volunteers will be needed to bring lenten dishes for dinner and dessert that evening after the service. Please contact Protinica Andreja to coordinate by emailing a.rocknage@gmail.com or calling 717.939.0251.
PARISH CLEAN-UP DAYS
Rescheduled to Monday and Tuesday afternoon and evening, April 3 and 4, due to conflicts. Come and help "Red-Up" the Church for Holy Week and Pascha.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 9am until noon. You may call the office during these hours at (717-939-3972) or come by the office in person. Office hours will be adjusted when services are occurring during those hours.
BULLETIN DEADLINE
Bulletin Deadline is Wednesday at 11 am. Please send all bulletin requests to office@stnicholassteelton.org. You may also call the office at (717-939-3872).
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SENIORS FUND RAISER (SUB SALE)
The St Nicholas Seniors organization is having an R&K Sub Sale fundraiser.
Order Deadline: Sunday, April 9
Pickup: Friday, April 21 (4:30 to 6:30) in the Church Social Hall
Order Forms are available on the tutor’s stand or you can call Sue Petrovich at 717-944-1258 (home) or 717-614-3114 (cell), turn order forms into the Church office, or call the Church office at 717-939-3872.
Cost is $7.00 for subs and $6.00 for pretzel sandwiches
Make Checks Payable to ‘St Nicholas Seniors’. Payment is due at time of order.
12 inch Subs ($7.00 each): Italian Sub / Ham Sub / Turkey Sub
All come with individual packs of Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onion, Condiment
Pretzel Sandwich ($6.00 each): Italian / Ham & Cheese / Ham & Swiss / Turkey & Cheese / Roast Beef & Cheese / Sweet Lebanon Bologna & Cheese
** Italian Sub and Sandwich include Cooked Ham, Cooked & Hard Salami, and Provolone Cheese
** All other Subs and Sandwiches include White American Cheese (except the Ham & Swiss)
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March Charity
St Sava Pro-Cathedral in New York
The St. Sava Pro-Cathedral in New York City was burned in a fire on Pascha in 2016. The Cathedral is the Seat of our Diocese of Eastern America. As such, it also belongs to all of the faithful in the Diocese. The Cathedral is currently being renovated, and in need of funds to do so. The entirety of the project will eventually amount to around $62 million when completed. Thus, it is indeed a long range project in need of renewed support. Currently, the Cathedral has completed the Secure & Enclosure Phase. ... With the issuance of a temporary occupancy permit, our faithful will be allowed to return to their house of worship, the St. Sava Cathedral, which is now saved for posterity. Progress reports are available at https://www.easterndiocese.org or at the cathedral website: https://stsavanyc.org.
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FOOD PANTRY BOX - ITEMS ARE DESPERATELY NEEDED
We are still collecting items for those enduring poverty. Please consider dropping off non expired canned and dry goods along with paper towels, tissues, feminine products, diapers, etc… in the Food Pantry Box, located in our lobby. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
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SAVE THE DATE!!
PASCHA................. April 16
Church Slava.......... May 21
Church Picnic......... June 4
Club Picnic.............. July 30
Serb Fest.................. Sept 23
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PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE
Our thanks to all who participated in last Sunday’s open forum on the potential use of our parish property, especially the 10 plus acres known as Serb Park. Led by Father Chris, it was wide-ranging, thoughtful, respectful, inspiring, even entertaining and all conducted in a Christian manner. As a result, at this week’s monthly parish council meeting we formally approved the establishment of the Strategic Vision Committee to be chaired by John Semic with Bev “Beba” Yanich serving as secretary. We also decided to retain an attorney to prepare the necessary letter attesting to our property details prior to the much needed land survey. We will periodically update the congregation on the committee’s progress and its final report should be presented sometime in the fall. Glory to God for all things!
Second, the council endorsed the suggestion made by Father Ilija at the open forum to undertake a special capital campaign to reduce the parish’s mortgage of approximately $720,000. A special letter will be sent out in the near future to all on the parish mailing list. And we thank Father Ilija for making the first donation in the amount of $3,000! Please be generous and support this mortgage reduction drive.
Third, on a brighter note, D.A. Stewart completed the installation of the new fixtures and lights in the parish hall this week. What a difference! And we will now be able to hold evening events once more. We’ve received several donations toward this project and welcome additional donations. Thanks to all!
Fourth, Jill and Brian Swartz were appointed Serb Park managers and they will be drafting a new park rental agreement. Feel free to contact them directly to book the park. And we thank them for volunteering.
Finally, we will be holding special collections over the next month for the benefit of Protonica Ljubica and family following the recent repose of our dearly beloved pastor emeritus, Father Srboljub Jockovic. Thanks to all who made the bus trip to Detroit for the funeral and burial services, and especially to Father Chris for his moving eulogy and arranging for the live-streaming. Many others watched in the church school rooms and even held their own dacha following Saturday’s liturgy. May Father Serb’s memory be eternal!
Yours in the Lord’s service,
Nick Ressetar, Parish Council President
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The Ladder of Divine Ascent
Step 1. On renunciation of the world
Step 2. On detachment
Step 3. On exile or pilgrimage
Step 4. On blessed and ever-memorable obedience
Step 5. On painstaking and true repentance
Step 6. On remembrance of death
Step 7. On joy-making mourning
Step 8. On freedom from anger and on meekness
Step 9. On remembrance of wrongs
Step 10. On slander or calumny
Step 11. On talkativeness and silence
Step 12. On lying
Step 13. On despondency
Step 14. On that clamorous mistress, the stomach
Step 15. On incorruptible purity and chastity
Step 16. On love or money, or avarice
Step 17. On non-possessiveness (that hastens one Heavenwards)
Step 18. On insensibility
Step 19. On sleep, prayer, and psalmody with the brotherhood
Step 20. On bodily vigil and how to use it to obtain spiritual vigil.
Step 21. On unmanly and puerile cowardice
Step 22. On the many forms of vainglory
Step 23. On mad pride and unclean blasphemous thoughts
Step 24. On meekness, simplicity and guilelessness
Step 25. On the destroyer of passions, most sublime humility
Step 26. On discernment of thoughts, passions and virtues
Step 27. On holy stillness of body and soul
Step 28. On holy and blessed prayer
Step 29. Concerning Heaven on earth, or Godlike dispassion and perfection
Step 30. Concerning the linking together of the supreme trinity among the virtues
"The lessening of evil breeds abstinence from evil; and abstinence from evil is the beginning of repentance; and the beginning of repentance is the beginning of salvation; and the beginning of salvation is a good resolve; and a good resolve is the mother of labors. And the beginning of labors is the virtues; and the beginning of the virtues is a flowering, and the flowering of virtue is the beginning of activity. And the offspring of virtue is perseverance; and the fruit and offspring of persevering practice is habit, and the child of habit is character. And good character is the mother of fear; and fear gives birth to the keeping of commandments in which I include both Heavenly and earthly. And the keeping of the commandments is a sign of love; and the beginning of love is an abundance of humility; and an abundance of humility is the daughter of dispassion; and the acquisition of the latter is the fullness of love, that is to say, the perfect indwelling of God in those who through dispassion are pure in heart, for they shall see God. And to Him the glory for all eternity. Amen" (from Step 27)
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