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Sunday of the Paralytic
4th Sunday of Pascha
| | Христос Васкрсе! Χριστοσ Ανεστη! Christ is Risen! Cristo ha Resucitado! Al' Massiah Qa'am! | | |
Homily on the Sunday of the Paralytic
Father James Guirguis
Today we hear the familiar story of the paralytic who had been ill for 38 years. We are not told how long he had been laying beside the miraculous pool, but we are told that Our Lord Jesus Christ knew that he had been there for a long time. The Lord likewise knows each of our situations, our trials, our difficulties, very intimately. He knows them better than we know them!
Our Lord comes up to this paralyzed man directly. This in and of itself should cause our hearts great joy. The king of heaven and earth, the maker of all things, descended to our level and then He goes directly to the man who is poor, sick and in great need, and He does something that most kings and leaders never do. He speaks with a man who is in great need. Who is this man, that the Lord of glory should come to him? Who are we that the Lord should come to us? But such is the grace of God and His mercy towards mankind.
What does Our Lord say to the man? Only a simply question: “Do you want to be healed?” There is a way in which what the Lord Jesus says to this man, is the same thing that the Lord speaks quietly into our hearts. He whispers to each of us gently “Do you want to be healed?” But it is not always easy for us to respond properly to this question. Take the paralytic for example. How did he answer the Lord? He said “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me.” So the man wanted healing but he understood that the problem was that he couldn’t get into the pool fast enough. In his mind, he thought to himself, “If only I had someone to help me get into the water quickly, I would be healed.” He lacks understanding. He doesn’t understand his powerlessness, and he doesn’t know the true source of this healing. He has been putting his trust in men, and as is usually the case, men have let this man down for a very long time. But the Scriptures tell us it is better to put trust in the Lord than to put confidence in men.
We, like the paralytic, are often quite similar in our day to day lack of understanding. Some think to themselves, if only I had more money, everything in my life would be better. If only we had a different president, everything would be better. When a woman comes to complain about her husband, she says “if only he would change, everything would be better.” The men often say the exact same thing “if only she would change, everything would be better.” We sometimes say to ourselves “I would be a better person if I didn’t have to deal with so much stress at work or at home.” We say “if only I could lose those extra pounds, I would feel much better about life.” If only I had a different job, I would be a better person. If only I was more strict, if only I fasted more, if only I worked harder, I would be a better Christian. In all of these things we can be easily distracted from the source of our healing. All of these things might be good for us, but they are tools. The simple fact remains, according to the words of the Lord “Without Me you can do nothing.” Christ asks each of us if we want to be healed, let’s not fall into the trap of looking for healing in all the wrong places.
We sometimes believe that our life will be better if external circumstances change. The Lord Jesus Christ proved to the paralytic that it was not the outside situation that had to change but a change from within, through the work of the Physician of our souls and the Lover of mankind. What I am trying to say to you is this: Don’t lose your focus or look to false saviors. It is the Lord Jesus Christ alone Who can restore and heal you. We have an advantage that the paralytic did not have, we know the identity of Jesus Christ. We know Him by name, but have we given Him the time to know our hearts? Have we opened our hearts to Him and given Him a place to dwell? Do we really trust our lives and our situations and our difficulties to Him? Do we really spend time standing or kneeling and speaking with Him, asking Him to put His hand on our lives and heal us? Do we ask Him to bless our family members, friends and co-workers? Do we ask Him to bless our classmates, both the nice and the not-so-nice?
I don’t want us to be confused or distracted from reality. Jesus Christ is our reality. He is our salvation. He is our hope. He is our joy. He is our healing. He is our peace. He took a man who was basically dead, and gave him a resurrection, a new life. He has the power to give us new life as well.
The paralytic was confused regarding the source of healing. But after his healing, we see that it was the Jews who were confused. What was it that confused them? They saw the man who had been paralyzed, carrying his pallet and walking. It scandalized them. Why was this the case? Because they perceived that the law of God was being broken, the man was working, by carrying his bed on the Sabbath day of rest. Little did they know that the One who had commanded the man to rise, take up his pallet and walk, was the same One who made the Sun itself to rise and fall, the same One who caused the tides to come in and to go out. The One who in fact had made the law of the Sabbath out of love for His people. Yet the Jews did not understand but turned the letter of the law into a weapon.
They ignored the fact that the man was healed and restored after being ill for 38 years, and instead they focused on what they saw as his shortcoming and sin. I hope that we have changed for the better but in some places these judgmental and legalistic attitudes still exist. Their are places where people focus on all of the externalities and appearances, but I thank God that He has protected your hearts from this. I pray that we never be like these judgmental ones but rather let us be like the Lord who provides healing and mercy wherever He goes. God doesn’t need us to judge others, He needs us to love them.
In both situations, that of the paralytic and that of the Jews, we see that both parties put their trust in the wrong things. One in the men who might help him and in the miraculous pool. The others put their trust in the letter of the law. Yet God had something better planned, because His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways. The prophet Jeremiah speaking the word of God once said of His people “I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.”(Jer 33:6) May we not forget the source of that healing, may we cling to Him and may He shower us with abundant peace and truth in the light of His resurrection. Christ is risen!
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Commemorating Apostles Jason and Sosipater of the Seventy, Saint Cyril Bishop of Turov, the Virgin Kerkyra and those with them, Martyrs Dada, Maximus and Quinctilian at Dorostolum
PASCHAL TROPARION—TONE 1
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death; and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!
RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 3
Let the heavens rejoice! Let the earth be glad! For the Lord has shown strength with His arm. He has trampled down death by death. He has become the first born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of hell, and has granted to the world great mercy.
HOLY FATHER NICHOLAS TROPARION—TONE 4
Truth revealed you to your flock as a rule of faith, an image of humility and a teacher of abstinance . Your humility exalted you; your poverty enriched you. O Father and Bishop Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God that our souls may be saved.
PARALYTIC SUNDAY KONTAKION —TONE 3
By Your divine intercession, O Lord, as You raised up the paralytic of old, so raise up my soul, paralyzed by sins and thoughtless acts; so that being saved I may sing to You: ‘Glory to Your power, O compassionate Christ!’
PASCHAL KONTAKION —TONE 8
You descended into the tomb, O Immortal, You destroyed the power of death. In victory You arose, O Christ God, proclaiming: “Rejoice!” to the Myrrhbearing Women, granting peace to Your Apostles, and bestowing Resurrection on the fallen.
Instead of “It is Truly Meet…”
The Angel cried to the Lady, full of grace: “Rejoice, O pure Virgin! Again, I say: ‘Rejoice, your Son is risen from His three days in the tomb! With Himself He has raised all the dead.’” Rejoice, O Ye people! Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem! The glory of the Lord has shone on you. Exult now, and be glad, O Zion! Be radiant, O pure Theotokos, in the Resurrection of your Son!
Priest: “Blessed is the Kingdom…” Choir: Amen. Priest: Tropar 2 1/2 times. Choir: Finishes.
Priest: “In the fear of God …” Choir: “Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord...”
Priest: “O Lord, save Your people …” Choir: “Christ is risen from the dead … “ (slow version)
Priest: “Always, now and ever …” Choir: “Let our mouths be filled …”
(At the Dismissal, the Priest says: “Glory to You, O Christ….,” and the choir sings “Christ is risen from the dead….” (thrice).
| | ~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | | |
READERS:
This Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Vaciona Petrovich
Next Week: Matins: Nick Ressetar Epistle: Milan Radanovic
EPISTLE: Acts 9:32—42
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 Acts of the Apostles.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brothers and Sisters, now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: I will sing of Your mercies, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim Your truth from generation to generation.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: For You have said: “Mercy will be established forever; Your truth will be prepared in the heavens.”
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Дјела Апостолска 9:32—42
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 из књиге Дјела Светих Апостола
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: У дане оне када је Петар обилазио све, сиђе и светима који живљаху у Лиди. И нађе тамо једнога човјека по имену Енеја, који већ осам година лежаше на одру, јер бјеше узет. И рече му Петар: Енеје, исцјељује те Исус Христос; устани и простри сам себи! И одмах устаде. И видјеше га сви који живљаху у Лиди и Сарону, и обратише се Господу. А у Јопи бјеше једна ученица, по имену Тавита, што преведено значи Срна, и она бјеше пуна добрих дјела и милостиња које чињаше. И догоди се у те дане да се она разбоље и умрије; онда је окупаше и положише у горњу собу. И будући да је Лида близу Јопе, ученици чувши да је Петар у њој, послаше два човјека молећи га да без оклијевања дође до њих. А Петар уставши отиде с њима; и кад дође, уведоше га у горњу собу и скупише се око њега све удовице плачући и показујући кошуље и хаљине што је радила Срна док је била с њима. А Петар изгнавши све напоље, клече на кољена и помоли се Богу, и окренувши се тијелу рече: Тавито, устани! А она отвори очи своје, и видјевши Петра придигну се и сједе. Он пак давши јој руку подиже је; и дозвавши свете и удовице показа је живу. И ово се разгласи по свој Јопи, и многи вјероваше у Господа.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Твоју милост Господе увјек ћу пјевати.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Јер си рекао: Истина ће бити утврђена заувјек.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL: John 5:1-15
At that time there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath. The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.” He answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’” Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ: Јован 5:1-15
У вријеме оно бјеше празник јудејски, и изиђе Исус у Јерусалим. А у Јерусалиму код Овчијих врата постоји бања, која се јеврејски зове Витезда, и има пет тријемова. У њима лежаше велико мноштво болесника, слијепих, хромих, сухих, који чекаху да се вода заталаса. Јер анђео Господњи повремено силажаше и узбуркаваше воду; и који би први ушао пошто се узбурка вода, оздравио би, ма од какве болести боловао. А ондје бијаше неки човјек који тридесет и осам година бјеше болестан. Кад видје Исус овога гдје лежи, и разумје да је већ много година болестан, рече му: Хоћеш ли здрав да будеш? Одговори му болесник: Господе, човјека немам, да ме спусти у бању када се узбурка вода: а док ја дођем, други сиђе прије мене. Рече му Исус: Устани, узми одар свој и ходи! И одмах оздрави човјек, и узе одар свој и хођаше. А тај дан бјеше субота. Тада говораху Јудејци исцијељеном: Субота је, није ти допуштено да носиш одар. Он им одговори: Који ме учини здравим он ми рече: Узми одар свој и ходи. А они га запиташе: Ко је тај човјек који ти рече: Узми одар свој и ходи? А излијечени не знађаше ко је; јер се Исус бјеше удаљио због многог народа на ономе мјесту. Потом га нађе Исус у храму и рече му: Ето постао си здрав, више не гријеши, да ти се што горе не догоди. Човјек отиде и јави Јудејцима да је Исус тај који га учини здравим.
| | ~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | | |
~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Newly Illumined Aleksa Vojcic, his parents and sponsors, Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop Youhanna, Protinica Ljubica Jockovic, Protopresbyter Rodney Torbic, V. Rev. Protostavrofor Ilija Balach, V. Rev. Protostavrofor Joseph Fester, Father Gabriel Rochelle, Protinica Ana Stepanov, Popadija Sara Golic, Matushka Barbara Ealy, the child Katie Elizabeth and her parents Mileva and Michael Repasky, the child Louise Bare and her parents Zachary & Elizabeth, 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, Jensen Swartz and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Kevin Appleby, Lori Bare, Elijah Barnett, Christina Berchock, Dori & Doug Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Jason Brill, Voni Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Maria Chigrintseva, Susan & Jim Cibort, Leann Cox, Victoria Cox, Tommy & Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Edward Dry, JoAnn Filepas, Anaya Garvin, Eric Garvin, Christian & Melanie Geib, Michael Geppert III, Dr Andrea Govelovich, Nick & Terry Govelovich, Kata Gruich, George Gutshall, Dan Hazlett, Travis Heilman, Adam Herigan, Edith Herigan, Kay Himes, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Slobodan Jovicic, Tony Kepp, Myong Sook Kim, Caryn Kiraly, Nadine Klipa, Dorothy Krnjaich, Dragica Kuzmanovic, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Sue Leis, Jovan Lemajic, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, 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, Karen Stefan, Tim Stefan, Michael Stepanovich, Stevan & Mary Stojic, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Linda Szeerba, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Savka Trivun, Edie & Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Michael Vishnesky, Magdalen Vloutely, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Paula Werner, Draga Worman, Tosh Yanich, Dewey Yetter, Mila “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, Jason Zeigler, Ashley Ziobrowski, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski
Those Who Need Special Care
ECUMENICAL (COUNTRY MEADOWS) Jane Rush, HOMELAND: Draga Donato; MASONIC HOME: Ray Foltz; RS: Cedo Lukic
Those to be Baptized
Caleb Ereno Lewis, Barrett Scott, Nora & Maeve Van Huysen, Sloane & Šeren York
Our College Students
Sophia Adams, Cameron Barber, Kyle Barber, Michael Geppert, Anastasija Gligorevic, Natalija Gligorevic, 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
Vladimir Djordjic, Vasil Mihailoff, Fyodor Kochnev, Donald Semic, Alexandra “Soni” Dimond Martorano, Julian Naumenko, Eleni Ziogas, Miloš Balać, Milan Pejčić, Stephen Vulich
~Vigils Offered~
CHLOE LEWIS RUFF Offered in joyous celebration of her 30th birthday (May 8). May God grant you many more years and blessings! Ziveli! Mnogaja Ljeta! Love Mom and Dad
MILA MILLIE YEZDIMIR Offered in celebration and honor of my Godmother with prayers for her high spirits, good health and well-being. Given with love by Joyce Matich. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
MILLIE MADIGAN Offered in celebration of Mother’s Day with prayers for her health and well-being. Given with love by Bill, Bobbi, Brandon, Kait, Tim, Baylor and Bowen. Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
CAROL HALL Offered in celebration of Mother’s Day with love and joy by Stephani, Bobbi, Bill, Gregory, Wendy, Brandon, Jaz, Curran, Kait, Tim, Sonora, Ashtyn, Baylor, Endora and Bowen. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
STEPHANI YANICH Offered in celebration and honor of our “Gaga” with prayers for her good health & well-being! Given by children Jazmin, Curran, Sonora, Ashtyn and Endora. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
BOBBI LYNN WENNER Offered in joyful celebration of Bobbi’s birthday (May 10) and Mother’s Day with prayers for her good health & well-being. Given with love by husband Bill, children Brandon, Kaitlyn, Tim, and grandsons Baylor and Bowen. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
JAZMIN WOLF Offered in joyful celebration and with prayers for her good health & well-being with love from husband Curran and daughters Sonora, Ashtyn and Endora. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
KAITLYN ANA HOOK Offered in celebration and with prayers for her good health & well-being. With love from husband Tim and sons Baylor & Bowen. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
KATA GRUICH Offered for our Mom/Baba/Stara Baba in celebration of Mother’s Day! God’s Blessings to our beautiful matriarch. With love from your family.
NICKOLAUS BODISH Offered with love and joy by Aunt Jane in honor of ‘Infant of God Nickolaus’, named after our church and prayed for by our church as a very premature infant. Nickolaus graduated yesterday from Millersville University with a BS in Information Technology. Also in loving memory of his mother and my friend †Gail on this Mother’s Day.
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.
†VICTORY DAY (May 9) Offered in Celebration of May 9th, the Great Victory Day over Nazi Germany in 1945. May we remember all who fought and died in World War Two. Offered in loving memory of Aleksander Kochnev, Yegor Kochnev, Nikolay Kochnev, Iliya Kholodetskiy, Mikhail Konovalov, Albert Jarrett, Leonid Khomenko and Aleksey Krutov. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal! ~ by Ekaterina Kotchneva, Eric Garvin & Vasily Khomenko.
†VERONICA KRNJAICH Offered with love and prayers as I remember my beloved mother on this Mother’s Day. May God grant her peace and ever lasting life in His heavenly kingdom. In the Risen Christ’s love, daughter Tootsie. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†VERA RADANOVIC & †LOUISE MILLETICS Offered in loving memory on Mother’s Day, always in our hearts, by Daria, Dave, Jason & Sarah Milletics. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†OLGA BOJANIC Offered this Mother’s Day by Daria Milletics in loving memory of my Godmother. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†KATHARINA RADCZENKO Offered in loving memory of our dear mother on Mother’s Day. Momma, we love you very much and miss you every day. Offered with love by the Radczenko family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†LJUBICA VIOLA YANICH Offered on Mother’s Day in loving memory of Mom/Grammy with joyful praise: Be radiant O Pure Theotokos, in the Resurrection of your Son! May our Resurrected Lord grant her eternal life in His heavenly Kingdom. Offered by Beba, Stephi, Bobbi, Bill, Gregory, Wendy, Brandon, Jaz, Curran, Kait, Tim, Sonora Viola Mae, Ashtyn, Baylor, Endora and Bowen. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
†ANA YANICH, †ANDJELIJA MRAOVIC, †KATICA MATICH, †PAVA VORKAPICH Offered in loving memory on Mother’s Day and with prayers that our grandmothers rest in the merciful embrace of our Resurrected Lord where there is no sickness nor sighing nor sorrow but life everlasting. Offered by the grandchildren and all the greats. Hristos Vaskrese! Vaistinu Vaskrese!
†DANICA DOROTHY MATICH Offered in loving memory of my mother with prayers that she rests peacefully in the Risen Lord and that her memory be eternal! Sadly missed by daughter Joyce. Hristos Vaskrese! Vaistinu Vaskrese!
†MARY YANICH Offered in loving memory of Mom/Mom-Mom/Aunt Mary whose vibrant presence continues to be missed. We pray for her peaceful repose in the Risen Lord! Given with love by Danilo, Rose, Tosh, Tosha, Emily, Braydon, Victoria and her nieces & nephews. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
†JELENA VUJASINOVICH Offered on Mother’s Day for my beloved mama, who sacrificed all during World War II to save her children from falling bombs. May God grant her peace in His heavenly kingdom. With gratitude and all my love your ćerka Zorica and family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†DOROTHY MATICH Offered in loving memory of our Kuma Dorothy, missed by Godchildren Yovanka Hoover & Donna Carricato. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†NATJA KESSLER Offered in loving memory of my Kuma Natja. Sadly missed by Godson Matthew Hoover. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†SIMO KRNJAICH Offered in remembrance of my beloved dad’s birthday (May 15). Sadly missed and always in my prayers and heart. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal! With love, daughter Tootsie.
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Please continue to pray for all of those currently being persecuted for Christ's sake in Kosovo, Metohija, Montenegro, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gaza, West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Egypt, the Sudan, China, North Korea, for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering throughout the world, especially in Ukraine and Russia, that they might be comforted with the Joy of our Lord, and for those who are unjustly persecuted that they may be strengthened by the love of Christ which knows no race.
We also pray for the Orthodox clergy in Alaska, that the Lord might grant them more than enough to feed their families.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD!
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Stewardship Offering Information
Date 5/4/2025
Collection: $3,486.00
Date 4/27/2025
Collection: $3,339.00
Date 4/20/2025
Collection: $5,821.00
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May Birthdays
Nicholas Hernjak (May 1), Berkeley Semic (May 3), Jelena Bowser (May 7), Chloe Ruff (May 8), Bobbi Lynn Wenner (May 10), Bella Gilroy (May 10), Meghan Livingston (May 11), Brankica Skinder (May 12), Trenton Petrovich (May 13), Lily Holland (May 16), Genevieve Bare (May 16), Christian Holland (May 18), Maria Bowers, (May 21), Jelena Lojpur (May 22), Inna Reznitchenko (May 23), Nikki Lewis (May 24), Ryan Spangler (May 25)
May Anniversaries
Michelle & Donald Kingsbury (May 1), Heather & Erik Barber (May 1), Pete & Arlene Barber (May 3), Heather & Craig Heilman (May 14), Mike & Carole Radosinovich (May 15), Ben & Jovanka Shaffer (May 15), Rod & Angie Vorkapich (May 20), Jelena & Christopher Harmantzis (May 21), Michael & Tammy Macut (May 24), Nina & Eric Gilroy (May 26), Kyranna & Christopher Baker (May 28), Matt & Pam Healy (May 29), Greg & Haley Book (May 29)
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RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION
We prepare ourselves to receive Holy Communion each Sunday through keeping the fasts of the Church year, regularly confessing our sins in Holy Confession, and attending the holy services. As a gentle reminder, unless a special arrangement has been made with Father Christopher due to medical necessity, we must be in the liturgy BEFORE the Epistle Reading in order to partake of the Holy Body and Precious Blood of Christ. We cannot just come into Church and line up for Holy Communion without even having been present for the Anaphora. Thank you all for keeping Christ first in your lives.
SAINTS OF OUR FRESCOES SERIES CONTINUED
The lecture series on the saints of our frescoes will continue on Sunday, May 18 after Liturgy. Mrs. Martha Rakowski will continue our series on Saints Constantine and Helen. The following two lectures will be on Serbian Saints: the Nemanjic Dynasty and Vidovdan.
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.
FOOD SURPLUS FOR SHADELAND
A generous donor has given us a gift of surplus food. PLEASE visit the table in the Social Hall and take what you or someone you know can use. Donate what you can, help someone in need and save money at the same time! Remember to check the table every time you are at church as supplies will change frequently. ALL proceeds will go to support our St. Sava Shadeland Camp!!!
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!
PASCHA LILIES CAN BE TAKEN HOME TO REPLANT
If you would like, you may take your lily home to plant in your own gardens, they are in the lobby for you to pick up.
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SENIORS LUNCHEON
The next Seniors Meeting/Luncheon will be on Tuesday, May 13. Please come and enjoy a few hours with friends. Please bring a photograph that you can share with us. Since we have not met since 2024, please come prepared to pay dues ($5 for 2025). Bring a friend, invite a neighbor. The more the merrier! Please either email or call and leave a message to confirm that you are joining the fun.
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
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Stewardship Reflection
May 11, 2025
Paschal Sunday of the Paralytic
Every year when I hear today's Gospel, I say "why didn't someone help him?" And then I think about the many occasions where a homeless person asked me for help, an elderly person was in need, a family member called me or my Church could have used my Time and Talents. Then I thought - what was present back then is still our crutch today - greed, not having enough time, selfishness, a focus on one's own needs, excuses... but what can change is how we approach these same situations. If we become good and faithful Stewards of what God has provided us with - we can make a difference and eliminate the passions that have a negative impact. For we, too, can be made whole!
Сваке године када чујем овај део из Светог Писма ја се упитам " Зашто му нико није помогао?" . И онда се сетим свих оних прилика када ме је бескућник питао за помоћ, остарелу особу којој је требала помоћ, неко из породице или ме је неко из Цркве звао и тако сам могао да употребим своје Време и Таленте. Онда ми падне на памет да све што је некад био морални изазов и проблем тако је и данас - похлепа, немање времена, брига око овога света, брига само о сби , многи изговори ....итд. Али шта се променило је то да истим ситуацијамам можемо да приступимо из другог угла. Ако постанемо добри и верни Старатељи Божије творевине и свега што нам је Бог дао ми онда можемо да у многочему направимо разлику и елиминишемо страсти које нас нападају. Јер и ми можемо да постанемо цели!
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May Charity
Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), St Augustine, FL
The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) is the official international mission agency of the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) and was created to "establish vibrant Eucharistic communities throughout the world, to develop and support indigenous church leaders, and to strengthen the infrastructure of their churches." OCMC recruits and trains Orthodox missionaries to minister to people in need of spiritual, physical and emotional support. OCMC missionaries are currently serving in Albania, Romania and Tanzania. Orthodox Mission Teams are periodically organized to serve where needed and you may volunteer to participate in this activity. Mission teams have built churches and offered training and services to communities in need. OCMC also operates a Support a Mission Priest (SAMP) program offering financial assistance to priests living in extremely poor areas in more than a dozen countries around the world. Through SAMP donations, priests can tend more fully to the needs of their flock. The donation you make this month will support an Orthodox Christian organization that provides important services and spiritual comfort to many people in Eastern Europe and Africa. Visit the OCMC website at www.ocmc.org for more information.
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