|
4th Sunday of Great Lent
St John Climacus (of the Ladder)
| | Христос Међу Нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta' entra nosotros! | | |
Homily on St. John of the Ladder
By Metropolitan Philaret
More than once, brethren, the fact has been mentioned that on each Sunday in the Great Fast (i.e., Lent) there are other commemorations besides that of the Resurrection. Thus, on this day, the Church glorifies the righteous John of the Ladder, one of the greatest ascetics, which the Church, in speaking of them, calls “earthly angels and Heavenly men.”
These great ascetics were extraordinary people. They commanded the elements; wild beasts willingly and readily obeyed them. For them, there were no maladies they could not cure. They walked on the waters as on dry land; all the elements of the world were subject to them, because they lived in God and had the power of grace to overcome the laws of terrestrial nature. One such ascetic was St. John of the Ladder.
He was surnamed “of the Ladder” (Climacus) because he wrote an immortal work, the “Ladder of Divine Ascent.” In this work, we see how, by means of thirty steps, the Christian gradually ascends from below to the heights of supreme spiritual perfection. We see how one virtue leads to another, as a man rises higher and higher and finally attains to that height where there abides the crown of the virtues, which is called “Christian love.”
Saint John wrote his immortal work especially for the monastics, but in the past his “Ladder” was always favorite reading in Russia for anyone zealous to live piously, though he were not a monk. Therein the Saint clearly demonstrates how a man passes from one step to the next.
Remember, Christian soul, that this ascent on high is indispensable for anyone who wishes to save his soul unto eternity.
When we throw a stone up, it ascends until the moment when the propelling force ceases to be effectual. So long as this force acts, the stone travels higher and higher in its ascent, overcoming the force of the earth’s gravity. But when this force is spent and ceases to act, then, as you know, the stone does not remain suspended in the air. Immediately, it begins to fall, and the further it falls the greater the speed of its fall. This, solely according to the physical laws of terrestrial gravity.
So it is also in the spiritual life. As a Christian gradually ascends, the force of spiritual and ascetical labours lifts him on high. Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “Strive to enter in through the narrow gate.” That is, the Christian ought to be an ascetic. Not only the monastic, but every Christian. He must take pains for his soul and his life. He must direct his life on the Christian path, and purge his soul of all filth and impurity.
Now, if the Christian, who is ascending upon this ladder of spiritual perfection by his struggles and ascetic labours, ceases from this work and ascetic toil, his soul will not remain in its former condition; but, like the stone, it will fall to the earth. More and more quickly will it drop until, finally, if the man does not come to his senses, it will cast him down into the very abyss of Hell.
It is necessary to remember this. People forget that the path of Christianity is indeed an ascetical labour. Last Sunday, we heard how the Lord said: “He that would come after Me, let him take up his cross, deny himself, and follow Me.” The Lord said this with the greatest emphasis. Therefore, the Christian must be one who takes up his cross, and his life, likewise, must be an ascetic labour of bearing that cross. Whatever the outward circumstance of his life, be he monk or layman, it is of no consequence. In either case, if he does not force himself to mount upwards, then, of a certainty, he will fall lower and lower.
And in this regard, alas, people have confused thoughts. For example, a clergyman drops by a home during a fast. Cordially and thoughtfully, they offer him fast food (i.e., food prepared according to the rules of the Fast), and say:
“For you, fast food, of course!”
To this, one of our hierarchs customarily replies: “Yes, I am Orthodox. But who gave you permission not to keep the fasts?” All the fasts of the Church, all the ordinances, are mandatory for every Orthodox person. Speaking of monastics, such ascetics as St. John of the Ladder and those like him fasted much more rigorously than the Church prescribes; but this was a matter of their spiritual ardour, an instance of their personal ascetic labour. This the Church does not require of everyone, because it is not in accord with everyone’s strength. But the Church DOES require of every Orthodox the keeping of those fasts which She has established.
Oftentimes have I quoted the words of Saint Seraphim, and once again shall I mention them. Once there came to him a mother who was concerned about how she might arrange the best possible marriage for her young daughter. When she came to Saint Seraphim for advice, he said to her: “Before all else, ensure that he, whom your daughter chooses as her companion for life, keeps the fasts. If he does not, then he is not a Christian, whatever he may consider himself to be.” You see how the greatest saint of the Russian Church, Saint Seraphim of Sarov, a man who, better than we, knew what Orthodoxy is, spoke concerning the fasts?
Let us remember this. Saint John Climacus has described the ladder of spiritual ascent: then let us not forget that each Christian must ascend thereon. The great ascetics ascended like swiftly-flying eagles; we scarcely ascend at all. Nonetheless, let us not forget that, unless we employ our efforts in correcting ourselves and our lives, we shall cease our ascent, and, most assuredly, we shall begin to fall.
Amen.
| | |
Commemorating St Patrick Bishop of Armagh Enlightener of Ireland, Hieromartyr Gabriel the Lesser, Martyr Marinus, Venerable Alexis the Man of God, Venerable Macarius the Wonderworker Abbot of Kalyazin
RESURRECTION TROPARION — TONE 7
By Your Cross You destroyed death. To the thief You opened Paradise. For the Myrrhbearers You changed weeping into joy. And You commanded Your disciples, O Christ God, to proclaim that You are risen, granting the world great mercy.
HOLY FATHER NICHOLAS TROPARION — TONE 4
Truly you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith, an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence; your humility exalted you; your poverty enriched you. Hierarch Father Nicholas, entreat Christ our God that our souls may be saved.
ST. PATRICK OF IRELAND — TONE 3
Holy Bishop Patrick, faithful shepherd of Christ’s royal flock, you filled Ireland with the radiance of the Gospel: The mighty strength of the Trinity! Now that you stand before the Savior, pray that He may preserve us in faith and love!
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!
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!
| | ~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | | |
READERS:
This Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Marko Rocknage
Next Week: Matins: Nick Ressetar Epistle: Aleksandra Saran
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 Seventh Tone: The Lord shall give strength to His people. The Lord shall bless His people with peace.
CHOIR: The Lord shall give strength to His people. The Lord shall bless His people with peace.
READER: v: Offer to the Lord, O you sons of God! Offer young rams to the Lord!
CHOIR: The Lord shall give strength to His people. The Lord shall bless His people with peace.
READER: The Lord shall give strength to His people.
CHOIR: The Lord shall bless His people with peace.
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Hebrews
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brothers and Sisters, 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: It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: To declare Your mercy in the morning, and Your truth by night.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Јеврејима 6:13—20
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 7 Господ ће дати силу народу Своме; Господ ће благословити народ Свој миром.
Хор: Господ ће дати силу народу Своме; Господ ће благословити народ Свој миром.
Читач: Принесите Господу, синови Божји, принесите му младе овнове.
Хор: Господ ће дати силу народу Своме; Господ ће благословити народ Свој миром.
Читач: Господ ће дати силу народу Своме;
Хор: Господ ће благословити народ Свој миром.
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: Лепо је хвалити Господа, и певати имену Твоме, Вишњи.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Јављати јутром милост Твоју и истину Твоју сваке ноћи.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
| | |
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.”
| |  | |
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.
| | ~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | | |
~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop Youhanna, Protinica Ljubica Jockovic, Protopresbyter Rodney Torbic, V. Rev. Protostavrofor Ilija Balach, V. Rev. Protostavrofor Joseph Fester, Father Gabriel Rochelle, Protinica Ana Stepanov, Popadija Sara Golic, Matushka Barbara Ealy, the child Katie Elizabeth and her parents Mileva and Michael Repasky, the child Metodija and his parents Fr. Dn. Milan and Mira Damljanovic, the child Louise Bare and her parents Zachary & Elizabeth, the child Penelope and her parents, Alex and Michelle Dowd, Catherine Lewis and the newborn Caleb Ereno, Jessica Crowe and the newborn Maverick Archer, Emma Howell and the child to be born of her, Bethany Peterson and the child to be born of her, Mileva Repasky and the child to be born of her, Louise, Tony & infant of God Zayne, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Kevin Appleby, Lori Bare, Elijah Barnett, Christina Berchock, Dori & Doug Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Walter “Bud” Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Maria Chigrintseva, Susan & Jim Cibort, Leann Cox, Victoria Cox, Tommy & Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Edward Dry, JoAnn Filepas, Anaya Garvin, Eric Garvin, Christian & Melanie Geib, Michael Geppert III, Dr Andrea Govelovich, Nick & Terry Govelovich, Kata Gruich, George Gutshall, Dan Hazlett, Travis Heilman, Adam Herigan, Edith Herigan, Kay Himes, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Slobodan Jovicic, Tony Kepp, Myong Sook Kim, Caryn Kiraly, Dorothy Krnjaich, Dragica Kuzmanovic, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Sue Leis, Jovan Lemajic, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, John Luksic, Stephen Lundingrin, Penny MacDonald, Dianne & Jim Martin, Jean & Paul Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, George Milakovic, Slavka Miljevic, Marija Miljkovic, Daria Milletics, Rosanda Mitrovic, Diane & Slobodan Momic, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Jenny Moore Oliver, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Kobe Petrovich, Duke & Sue Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Milena Pilipovic, Christopher Radanovic, Marilynn “Chi Chi” Rapasky, Logan Roszkowski, Chloe Ruff, Michael Schaffner, Maryann Seiders, Greg Selman, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, John Sheaffer, Milan Shumkaroff, Branko Smitran, Zorka Starcevich, Tim Stefan, Michael Stepanovich, Stevan & Mary Stojic, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Linda Szeerba, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Savka Trivun, Edie & Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Michael Vishnesky, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Steve Vulich, Paula Werner, Draga Worman, Tosh Yanich, Dewey Yetter, Mila “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, Jason Zeigler, Ashley Ziobrowski, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski, the unworthy presbyter Christopher Rocknage
Those Who Need Special Care
ECUMENICAL (COUNTRY MEADOWS) Jane Rush, HOMELAND: Draga Donato; MASONIC HOME: Ray Foltz; RS: Cedo Lukic
Those to be Baptized
Caleb Ereno Lewis, Barrett Scott, Nora & Maeve Van Huysen, Sloane & Šeren York
Our College Students
Sophia Adams, Cameron Barber, Kyle Barber, Michael Geppert, Anastasija Gligorevic, Natalija Gligorevic, Cayden Healy, Matthew Hoover, Kalei Howard, Faith Kingsbury, Sophia Mummert, Kobe Petrovich, Christina Radanovic, Luis Antonio Radanovic, Madison Vorkapich, Anastasija Vukalo
Our Seminary Students
Elizabeth Bare
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Archbishop Anastasios, Peter Mrgich, Katherine Radoicich, Vladimir Djordjic, Vasil Mihailoff, Fyodor Kochnev, Donald Semic, Alexandra “Soni” Dimond Martorano, Julian Naumenko, Eleni Ziogas, Miloš Balać
~Parastos Offered~
Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†MILOS BALAC Offered yesterday, March 29 on the 40th day of his repose by his loving family.
~Pomeni to be Offered~
Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†PATTY HERNJAK & †MARY LALIC Offered after liturgy today, March 30, in loving memory of Patty (5 years) and Mary (34 years) with prayers that God grant them both eternal peace and happiness. Given with love by the family.
~Vigils Offered~
LUCAS ANTHONY PETROVICH Offered with congratulations to Joe Petrovich and Nicole Elscheid on the birth of their son Lucas Anthony on March 14th. With love from the Petrovich family.
ZORKA STARCEVICH Offered in joyous celebration of the 84th birthday of Zorka “Babi” Starcevich (March 29). Given with love and gratitude for all she has done for us, from her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Zivela na Mnogaja Ljeta!
DR BEVERLY BOSILJKA YANICH Offered in joyful celebration of our cousin Beba’s birthday (March 30). Offered with love and prayers that God bless her with good health in the years ahead. Mnogaja Ljeta! Danilo, Tosh and Joyce.
DR BEVERLY YANICH Offered in joyful celebration of her birthday (March 30). May the Holy Spirit continue to abide in Beba and may the Lord grant her Many Blessings for Many Years! Offered by Stephani, Bobbi, Bill, Brandon, Jazmin, Curran, Kaitlyn, Tim, Sonora, Ashtyn, Baylor, Endora & Bowen. Happy Birthday! Srećna Rođendan!
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.
†BECKI MOLINARO Offered in loving memory of my dear friend’s repose (5 years—March 28). May her Memory be Eternal! With love from Nikki Lewis and family.
†MIRJANA ’MIRA’ DONISON Offered in loving memory of our dear Sister/Tetka/Teta Mira on her repose (22 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!
†PATTY HERNJAK Offered in loving memory of the repose (5 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, Jim, Nick, JoAnn, John, Marie and Will. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†PATTY HERNJAK Offered in loving memory of the repose (5 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, Pete, Meghan, Brad, Mila, Logan, Lauren, Ross, Ryan and Bennett. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†MARY LALIC Offered in memory of our mother, grandmother and great grandmother as we remember her birthday (April 1). Our memories bring us much joy and peace. We love and miss you, and pray for your eternal peace and happiness. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal! Doni, Steve, Pete and family.
| | |
Please continue to pray for all of those currently being persecuted for Christ's sake in Kosovo, Metohija, Montenegro, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gaza, West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Egypt, the Sudan, China, North Korea, for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering throughout the world, especially in Ukraine, 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.
We also pray for the Orthodox clergy in Alaska, that the Lord might grant them more than enough to feed their families.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD!
| |
Stewardship Offering Information
Date 3/23/2025
Collection: $1,924.00
Date 3/16/2025
Collection: $3,400.00
Date 3/9/2025
Collection: $4,653.00
| | |
Remaining March Birthdays
Beba Yanich (Mar 30), Blagica Raic (Mar 30), Clark Filepas (Mar 30), Mya Rose Petrovich (Mar 30), Mitch Matovich (Mar 31)
April Birthdays
Doni Cashman (April 3), Fr Dcn Bojan Gligorevic (April 9), Shirley Hathaway (April 11), Sue Petrovich (April 12), Andrew Imschweiler (April 12), Parker Brosius (April 13), Philip Werner (April 16), Ava Carricato (April 17), Marina Radanovic (April 18), Jessica Barry (April 18), Elizabeth Bare (April 19), Nicholas Govelovich (April 20), Cameron Barber (April 21), Evan Filepas (April 22), Grant Govelovich (April 22), Sladjana Jovic (April 24), Olga Gaydebouroff (April 25), Dragan Lalovic (April 25), Fr Christopher (April 26), Barrett Bernardi (April 26), Logan Livingston (April 26), Angie Bagley (April 27), Caleb Lewis (April 28), Luis Radanovic (April 30)
April Anniversaries
Jelena & Justin Bowser (April 21), Russ & Amy Hewitt (April 27)
| |
| |
LENTEN RETREAT—APRIL 5
There are still seats available for the Lenten Retreat on April 5. There will be onsite childcare available and lunch will be provided. Registration is now open to all other parishes. Call or email the office at 717.939.3872 or office@stnicholassteelton.org to reserve. Space is first come, first served, so please reserve your space today!
KUMOVI WEEKEND
Saturday, April 5th and Sunday, April 6th will be our Annual Kumovi Weekend. This is the weekend each year when we focus on renewing our relationship with our Godparents/Godchildren through preparing for and receiving the Holy Eucharist together. Please make every effort that week to offer your confession to God. Come to the retreat together for spiritual enrichment. Attend Vespers, Matins and Liturgy, then join us for lunch afterwards. Finally, join all of the local parishes as we host the Lenten Vespers that Sunday evening at 5pm.
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 11 for it to appear in the Pascha bulletin.
RED COLORED EGGS
All KSS/Mothers Club members are asked to donate RED COLORED EGGS (only red please) for distribution on Pascha (after the midnight service). They will be collected in the church lobby before Liturgy on Pascha (Saturday evening April 19), or they may be left in the kitchen refrigerator (far left top shelf) on Friday or Saturday prior to services. Anyone is welcome to donate, you do not have to be a member of the KSS/Mothers Club to donate!
SOTAYA PB & COCONUT CHOCOLATE COVERED EGGS FUNDRAISER
SOTAYA is once again selling chocolate covered eggs for Easter. The eggs come posno/vegan (dark or white chocolate only) or regular (coated with choice of milk, dark or white chocolate). The sale ends Sunday, April 13. The price is the same as last year, $3 per egg. To order contact Sladjana at 717-538-2073.
ANNUAL EGG HUNT
The KSS/Mothers Club is requesting donations of candy filled, money filled or coupon filled plastic eggs for the Easter Egg hunt on Easter Sunday (April 20), after Agape Vespers. You could also just donate bags of candy since we have many empty eggs. Please bring eggs or candy in no later than Palm Sunday (April 13). You can place your donation in the bin on the stage in the hall. Thank you!
SOTAYA GIFT CARD FUNDRAISER
Thinking of a gift for someone, a special occasion, birthday or a reward for yourself? Gift cards are a good choice! And there is no need to go to the store, SOTAYA is selling Texas Roadhouse and Darden Restaurant Group cards (which includes Olive Garden, Longhorn, Cheddar’s, Yard House, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52) at a face value of $50. Just see any SOTAYA member or Sladjana for a purchase. Thanks for your support!
| | |
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.
2025 ORGANIZATIONAL DUES
To pay your 2025 dues (or if you still owe 2024 dues) please see Daria Milletics for KSS/Mothers Club, Jovanka Shaffer for Seniors, Jason Milletics for Choir and Protinica Andreja for Serb Club.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 9 am until noon. You may call the office during these hours at (717) 939-3872 or come by the office in person. Office hours will be adjusted when services are occurring during those hours.
BULLETIN DEADLINE
Please send all Bulletin Requests to the Church Office at office@stnicholassteelton.org
You may also call (717) 939-3872
SHADELAND COLLECTION
The operation of our St. Sava Shadeland Camp has been subsidized by the Diocesan Endowment for the Future. This endowment was based upon the royalties we received from natural gas and oil wells and is now depleted. Currently, we no longer have any reliable income from these wells. Camp fees have been kept artificially low due to these royalties. This means that there is a deficit of $150,000 to run the camp each year. Additionally, there are approximately $225,000 in repairs and maintenance that will be necessary in the next 3 years. The Diocese is asking for donations to offset the operating costs. These donations may be given directly to the Diocese, to our local church here at St. Nicholas, by renting Shadeland Camp for your event, or purchasing a hunting license, thus increasing annual revenue.
Checks can be made payable to St. Nicholas Church with Shadeland in the memo and given to our Church, or go to easterndiocese.org to donate directly to the Diocese.
| | |
March Charity
St. Sava Shadeland Camp—Most Holy Mother of God Monastery
Our monthly charity for March is now the Serbian Orthodox Camp at Shadeland, St. Sava in northwest Pennsylvania. The land upon which the camp sits was purchased by Bishop Dionisije of blessed memory and donated to the Diocese. Gifts from the Polich family of Southern California helped to build the main administrative building and the first barracks and pavilions. The camp has been in continuous operation since 1961.
Currently, the camp hosts almost 300 campers during the 4 week season. It is in drastic need of repairs and operating expenses. The property is available to rent by parishioners in the Diocese. Please make your donations to our St. Nicholas Church, with St. Sava Shadeland Camp in the memo.
| | |
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
"He who is hastening to that tranquil harbour of humility will never cease to do all that he can and will drive himself on by words and thoughts and afterthoughts and various means, by investigations and researches, and by his whole life, by prayers and supplication, meditating and reflection, and using all imaginable means until with God’s help and by abiding in humiliations and the most despised conditions and by toils he delivers the ship of his soul from the ever-recurring storms of the sea of vainglory. For he who is delivered from this sin, is easily pardoned all the rest of his sins, like the publican in the Gospel… Someone saw in his heart the beauty of humility and, seized with amazement, asked her to tell him the name of her parent. Smiling joyfully and serenely at him, humility replied: ‘How is it you are in a hurry to know the name of my parent? He is nameless, and I cannot tell you until you possess God.’ To Him be the glory for ever and ever! Amen.
(from Step 25)
| | | | |
