Христос Међу Нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta' entra nosotros! | |
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Sunday of the Belief of St. Thomas
Archbishop +DEMITRI (Royster) of blessed memory
When the disciples had gathered on the new Passover (Pascha), the Lord’s Day or Resurrection Day, Jesus entered the room where they were — "the doors being shut … for fear of the Jews" — stood in the midst of them and showed them His hands and side. Christ then greeted them with that salutation, retained by the Church through the ages, with which the priest greets the faithful at each of the important parts of the Divine Liturgy and other services: "Peace be unto you." Twice our Lord delivers this message of peace to His disciples that "first day of the week." We are reminded in this of the Savior’s words before the Crucifixion: "My peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you" and "these things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace." (John 14:27; 16:33) The Resurrection, of which the beloved disciples were witnesses, was the confirmation of Christ’s entire life of prophecy and sacrifice. It was a reassurance that the peace He had come to give the world was not vain or imagined. Nor was it peace on strictly a human level, for example the absence of war or strife among men. Rather this peace was the presence of the Prince of Peace in the midst of human existence. It was the long awaited reconciliation between God and man, and in God a profound "union of all men" as children of the Most High, a peace that the world is unable to provide or understand.
Continuing the Gospel reading for Thomas Sunday, we are told that the apostles "were glad when they saw the Lord." Once more Christ’s words prior to His Passion are brought to mind: "I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you." (John 16: 22) This joy that our Lord promised His disciples is, like peace, that which is experienced in the Divine Presence. It is the same joy felt by Christians after all these centuries when they participate, through the divine worship of the Church, in the blessings of the Kingdom to come. Particularly in the Eucharist an almost inexplicable joy is experienced in an encounter with the risen Lord, in communion with His Holy Body and Blood. "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20) "He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him." (John 6:56) In the Eucharistic gathering Christ’s glory is revealed to His disciples and they are thus strengthened and confirmed in their faith in the promises of Christ, ready to return to the world from which they were called out. "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1Peter 2:9) (The Greek, ecclesia, from which we get the word Church means, called out.)
Then He said to them again, "Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Spirit: whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained." (John 20: 21-23) The Church is simultaneously called out, "consecrated," and then sent to accomplish the same work as her Founder. Christ preached repentance and the advent of a heavenly Kingdom. His mystical Body, the Church, has the same mission in this world of extending God’s Kingdom, central to which is the pronouncement of repentance and forgiveness. The Church, in God’s name, pronounces forgiveness to all in light of a heavenly Kingdom revealed in Christ. The Church carries out her mission through the guidance and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Now "Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came," and when the others told Him, "we have seen the Lord." He, therefore, said, "Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe." (John 20: 24-25) Thomas is like so many of us in that he would require tangible, visible proof that Christ is really active in the lives of His people, caring for creation, and that He was what He claimed to be: "He that hath seen me, hath seen the Father." (John 14:9) Some today desire generally that kind of evidence even for God’s existence, "irrefutable" evidence making it impossible for man not to believe. That type of unquestionable, undeniable proof, we can say, will be put forth only at the end of this age, when "the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him …" (Matthew 25:31) At that time it will indeed be quite impossible for anyone (although some may try in vain) to deny "the King of kings and the Lord of lords." (Deuteronomy 10:17; Revelation 19:16)
God’s most important gift to man, that which identifies him as a creature made in the image of God, is free will. The Lord honors this gift. He loves man and would have man love Him freely in return. God, therefore, will not force man to accept Him, but would have him approach his Creator in faith and trust. We would do well to remember the example of St. John the Baptist. He bore witness to his Lord saying, "Behold, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) Yet after being arrested, in a moment of hesitation or doubt, the Forerunner sent his disciples to Christ asking, "Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?" (Matthew 11:3) At first glance this question seems strange, indeed contradictory, for "the greatest born of women" to be asking. It is thus important to note that Jesus does not seek to answer it in some "definitive" way, irrefutable in John’s mind. Rather He responds in terms of an invitation, still beckoning His servant to place his trust freely in Him: "Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me." (Matthew 11:4-6)
Near the end of the Gospel passage, after Thomas exclaims, "My Lord and my God," Jesus says to him, "Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." Faith: this is the way that God would have us come to Him. "Faith," says St. Paul, "is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) People sometimes lament the fact that they did not live in Apostolic times when it would have been possible to see for themselves and talk face to face with the Incarnate Lord. In the minds of many, this would constitute tangible proof of God’s existence and alleviate any doubts concerning Christ. But would it? Israel was prepared for almost two thousand years for the Messiah’s advent. Miracles were performed by Him in the peoples’ midst. Yet, in the end, those who heard and saw Jesus for themselves wound up shouting, "Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him." Only a few individuals stood with Him at the foot of the Cross. One really has to wonder seriously if we would have been any different given the chance. For regardless of how and when the Lord chooses to reveal Himself it is always possible, in freedom and because of sin, to explain away that revelation.
A primary emphasis here is that the historical period in which one exists makes no difference as far as one’s relationship to Christ is concerned and his or her ability to know the Truth and live by faith. We have the mystical Body of Christ, the Church’s sacramental, liturgical life, and the Lord’s promise to be with us always. We have "received the Heavenly Spirit," and are blessed with the examples, testimonies and presence of countless saints who have gone on before us. We are literally living, right now if you will, in Apostolic times. So it seems as though we are missing the mark if we begin to demand, from God or from ourselves, objective, factual knowledge in terms of "proof," before we can come to faith. At some point a "leap of faith," will be required, for as mentioned above, so-called concrete evidence can always be discarded if that is what is desired. On the other side of that "leap," though, is the knowledge that we all seek Once there, there is no lack of proof. But without this faith no amount of knowledge or evidence will suffice. There will always be room for doubt, and opportunities for man in his "wisdom" to deny what is so plain and simple to all who have truly found the narrow path that leads to life.
"Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."
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Commemorating Saint Basil Bishop of Zakholmsk in Montenegro Serbia, Nine Martyrs at Cyzicus: Theognes, Rufus, Antipater, Theostichus, Artemas, Magnus, Theodotus, Thaumasius and Philemon, Venerable Memnon the Wonderworker, Martyrs Diodorus and Rhodopianus—Deacons at Aphrodisia in Anatolia, Venerable Nectarius of Optina, Martyrs of Lazeti, Saint Endellion recluse of Cornwall
THOMAS SUNDAY (2nd Sunday of Pascha) TROPARION—TONE 7
From the sealed tomb, You shone forth, O Life! Through closed doors You came to Your Disciples, O Christ God. Renew in us, through them, an upright spirit, by the greatness of Your mercy, O Resurrection of all!
“Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; now and forever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.”
THOMAS SUNDAY KONTAKION—TONE 8
Thomas touched Your life-giving side with an eager hand, O Christ God, when You came to Your Apostles through closed doors. He cried out with all: “You are my Lord and my God!”
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).
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
This Week: Matins: Nick Ressetar Epistle: Dasha Gencturk
Next Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Lincoln Govelovich
EPISTLE: Acts 5:12—20
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Third Tone: Great is our Lord and abundant in power, His understanding is beyond measure!
CHOIR: Great is our Lord and abundant in power, His understanding is beyond measure!
READER: v: Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God!
CHOIR: Great is our Lord and abundant in power, His understanding is beyond measure!
READER: Great is our Lord and abundant in power,
CHOIR: His understanding is beyond measure!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brothers and Sisters, and through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”
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 make a joyful noise to God our Savior!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: For the Lord is a great God, and a great King over all the earth.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Дјела Апостолска 5: 12-20
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 3 Велик је Господ наш и велика је снага Његова и разуму Његовом нема мјере.
Хор: Велик је Господ наш и велика је снага Његова и разуму Његовом нема мјере.
Читач: Хвалите Господа, јер је слатко пјевати Богу нашему, јер Благоме приличи хвала.
Хор: Велик је Господ наш и велика је снага Његова и разуму Његовом нема мјере.
Читач: Велик је Господ наш и велика је снага Његова
Хор: и разуму Његовом нема мјере.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: читање из књиге дјела апостолских
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, у дане оне, преко апостолских руку збивали су се многи знаци и чудеса у народу; и бијаху сви једнодушно у тријему Соломоновом. Од осталих пак нико не смједе да им се придружи, али их народ хваљаше; И све се више умножаваху они који вјероваху у Господа, мноштво људи и жена, тако да су на улице износили болеснике и полагали на постељама и носилима, да би кад прође Петар бар сјенка његова осјенила кога од њих. А стицаше се и мноштво народа из околних градова у Јерусалим доносећи болесне и од нечистих духова мучене, и сви се исцјељиваху. Али се подиже првосвештеник и сви који бијаху с њим, секта садукејска, и испунише се зависти, и дигоше руке своје на апостоле, и бацише их у општи затвор. А анђео Господњи отвори ноћу врата тамнице, изведе их и рече: Идите и станите у храму па говорите народу све ријечи овога живота.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Ходите, запјевајте Господу, покликнимо Богу Спаситељу нашему.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Јер је Господ велики Бог, и велики Цар над свом земљом.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
John 20:19—31
Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
JOBAH 20:19-31
А кад би увече онога првога дана седмице, и док су врата била затворена, гдје се бијаху ученици његови сакупили због страха од Јудејаца, дође Исус, и стаде на средину и рече им: Мир вам! И ово рекавши, показа им руке и ребра своја. Тада се ученици обрадоваше видјевши Господа. А Исус им рече опет: Мир вам! Као што је Отац послао мене, и ја шаљем вас. И ово рекавши, дуну и рече им: Примите Дух Свети! Којима опростите гријехе, опраштају им се; и којима задржите, задржани су. А Тома, звани Близанац, један од Дванаесторице, не бјеше са њима када дође Исус. А други му ученици говораху: Видјели смо Господа. А он им рече: Ако не видим на рукама његовим ране од клинова, и не метнем прст свој у ране од клинова, и не метнем руку своју у ребра његова, нећу вјеровати. И послије осам дана опет бијаху унутра ученици његови и Тома с њима. Дође Исус кад бијаху врата затворена, и стаде на средину и рече: Мир вам! Затим рече Томи: Пружи прст свој амо и види руке моје; и пружи руку своју и метни у ребра моја, и не буди невјеран него вјеран. И одговори Тома и рече му: Господ мој и Бог мој! Рече му Исус: Зато што си ме видио, повјеровао си; блажени који не видјеше а вјероваше. А и многа друга знамења учини Исус пред ученицима својим, која нису записана у књизи овој. А ова су записана да вјерујете да Исус јесте Христос, Син Божији, и да вјерујући имате живот у име његово.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | |
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~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
The Newly Illumined Lily Ann Searer, her parents and sponsors, 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 Louise Bare and her parents Zachary & Elizabeth, Shayle York and the newborn Šeren Lily, Kaitlyn Hook and the newborn Bowen William, Cassandra Semic and the newborn Palmer Belle, Catherine Lewis and the newborn Caleb Ereno, Kyranna Baker and the child to be born of her, Mara Bebeau and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Lori Bare, Dori & Doug Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Larry Black, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Walter “Bud” Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Irina Chudinova, Susan & Jim Cibort, Leann & Tim Cox, Victoria Cox, Art Dils, Tommy & Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, JoAnn Filepas, Anaya Garvin, Christian & Melanie Geib, Michael Geppert III, Nevenka Gojkovic, 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, Spencer Klinge, Dorothy Krnjaich, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Jovan Lemajic, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, Boro Lojpur, John Luksic, Stephen Lundingrin, Penny MacDonald, Dianne & Jim Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, Marija Miljkovic, Peter Mrgich, George Myers, Katherine Nation, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Kobe Petrovich, Sue Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Christopher Radanovic, Linda Rodgers, Logan Roszkowski, Chloe Ruff, Jane Rush, Greg Selman, Michael Schaffner, Maryann Seiders, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, John Sheaffer, Branko Smitran, Zorka Starcevich, Tim Stefan, Michael Stepanovich, Stevan and Mary Stojic, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Savka Trivun, Edie & Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Michael Vishnesky, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Steve Vulich, Paula Werner, Draga Worman, Beverly Yanich, Tosh Yanich, Dewey Yetter, Mila “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, Jason Zeigler, Ashley Ziobrowski, Demetrios & Eleni Ziogas, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski
Those Who Need Special Care
HOMELAND: Draga Donato; MASONIC HOME ELIZABETHTOWN: Ray Foltz; RS: Cedo Lukic
Those to be Baptized
Sloane, Berkeley & Palmer Semic, Barrett Scott, Divna & Danica Mitrovic, Nora & Maeve Van Huysen, Sloane & Šeren York
Our College Students
Sophia Adams, Cameron Barber, Michael Geppert, Anastasija Gligorevic, Cayden Healy, Matthew Hoover, Kalei Howard, Faith Kingsbury, Sophia Mummert, Kobe Petrovich, Christina Radanovic, Ioanna Radanovic, Madison Vorkapich, Anastasija Vukalo
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Louis ’Chuck’ Belic, Florence Ivanoff, Sofija Wuselich, Dr Stevan ‘Rick’ Zivic, Radenko Kuzmanovic, Nathan Rush, Slavko Djordjic, Slobodan Saran, George Radanovic, Edward Hojnicki, Meilka “Sandy” Marijan
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~Our Deepest Sympathy~
We offer our heartfelt condolences to Arlene & Pete Barber and family, on the passing of Arlene’s twin sister Darlene Black. Darlene reposed in the Lord on Saturday, May 4. May her soul dwell with the righteous and be numbered among the just! Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
~Parastos to be Offered~
Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†JOHN J MILAKOVIC Offered after Liturgy today, by his family, in loving memory of his 1 year repose.
~Marriage Banns~
This is to announce the upcoming union in holy matrimony for the handmaiden of God, Jensen Marie Linderman, daughter of Connie & Brian Linderman of the Methodist Confession, to the servant of God Joshua John Swartz, son of Brian and Jill (Lubic) Swartz of the Orthodox Faith. If anyone knows of any reason these two should not be wed, see Father Christopher Rocknage as soon as possible.
~Vigils Offered~
DELILAH MARIE PETERSON Offered in joyous celebration of our precious Delilah on her 1st birthday (May 5). May God’s blessings be with you now and always. With all our love your Babi, Djedo in heaven, and the whole family. Many years! Mnogaja Ljeta!
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, Greg, Wendy, Brandon, Jaz, Curran, Kait, Tim, Sonora, Ashtyn, Baylor, Endora and Bowen. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
STEPHANIE DEMURO & CINDY SEMIC Offered in celebration and honor of our Kumas with love and thanksgiving from Tosha J Yanich and Emily Yanich. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
BEVERLY YANICH Offered in celebration and honor of our Godmother/Kuma with prayers for her continued good health & well-being. Offered with love by Kaitlyn & Tim. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
STEFANIJA STEPHANI YANICH Offered in celebration and honor of our “Gaga” with prayers for her good health & well-being! Given by 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 Bill, Brandon, Kaitlyn, Tim, Baylor and Bowen. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
JAZMIN CRUZ Offered in joyful celebration and with prayers for her good health & well-being with love from daughters Sonora, Ashtyn and Endora. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
JOYCE MATICH Offered in celebration & honor of my Godmother/Kuma Joyce with prayers for her good health & well-being. Given with love by Brandon Mumma. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
EMILY YANICH Offered in celebration & honor of my Godmother/Kuma Emily with prayers for her good health & well-being. Offered with love by Sonora Viola Mae Cruz. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
KAITLYN WENNER HOOK Offered in celebration & honor of my Godmother/Kuma Kaitlyn with prayers for her good health & well-being. Offered with love by Ashtyn Cruz. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
LAUREN WENNER Offered in celebration & honor of my Godmother/Kuma Lauren with prayers for her good health & well-being. Offered with love by Baylor Thompson Hook. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
BELINDA EDSALL Offered in celebration & honor of my Godmother/Kuma Belinda with prayers for her good health & well-being. Offered with love by Endora Wolf. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
CRAIG & HEATHER HEILMAN Offered by Heather for the everlasting union by the grace of God Almighty on our 2nd wedding anniversary (May 14). May our Heavenly Father and Mother Earth guide and protect us and our beautiful family now and forever. Amen. Love you honey! Love you boys!
ARLENE & PETE BARBER Offered with condolences to you, your family and the Black family in the loss of Kuma Arlene’s twin sister Darlene. May your memories and good times with her be a great solace for your families. May God be with you all during this very difficult time. Love to you all and God’s Blessings be with you. Your Kumovi family, the Petrovich’s.
LARRY BLACK Offered with love by the Barber, Geib & McLaughlin Families for God’s Blessings during their recovery. We pray that He will bless them with good health. Our Love & Prayers are with them.
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. by Yekaterina Kotchneva, Eric Garvin & Vasily Khomenko. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†DARLENE BLACK Offered for the newly departed servant of God Darlene (May 4). May her memory be eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat! Nick & Terry Govelovich
†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 in loving memory of my Godmother this Mother’s Day by Daria Milletics. 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, Greg, 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!
†DANICA DOROTHY SEMIC Offered in loving memory of my Kuma with prayers for her peaceful repose in the grace and mercy of our Risen Lord by Beba Yanich. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
†ELEANOR DUNDOFF SEMIC & OLGA SEMIC MILLER Offered in loving memory of our Kumas with prayers for Kuma Lo’s peaceful repose and Kuma Olga’s good health & well-being through the grace of our Risen Lord by Dr Danilo and Tosh Yanich. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
†GEORGIANNE HERIGAN Offered in celebration and memory of our Godmother/Kuma Georgi with prayers that she rest in the peaceful embrace of the Risen Lord. Given with love by Stephani Yanich, Bobbi Wenner and Greg Yanich. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
†DR LINDA WOLF Offered in loving memory of †Kuma Linda with prayers that she rests peacefully in God’s heavenly Kingdom. Given by Kuma Beba & the family. Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
†LAVERNE GALES & †ANNA RADOSINOVICH Offered by Mike & Carole Radosinovich, in loving memory of our mothers Laverne & Anna and our Grandmothers Anna, Agatha, Kata and Mary. May their Memory Be Eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat!
†DOROTHY MATICH Offered in loving memory of our Kuma Dorothy by Godchildren Yovanka & Donna. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†NATJA KESSLER Offered in loving memory of my Kuma Natja. Sadly missed by Godson Matthew Hoover. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†ANNIE KRNJAIC AND †BETTY GRUICH Offered in loving memory of my deceased mom Annie and my decease mother-in-law Betty on this Mother’s Day. Celebrating our love and memories with two beautiful women. Kat and family. 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.
†KATHARINA RADCZENKO Offered in loving memory of our dear mother/grandmother/great-grandmother (17 years—May 18). We love you very much and miss you every day. May God grant your soul eternal rest in a place of brightness, verdure and life everlasting. Offered with love by the Radczenko family. 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, Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, Morocco, China, North Korea, for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering throughout the world, especially in Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, that they might be comforted with the Joy of our Lord, and for those who are unjustly persecuted that they may be strengthened by the love of Christ which knows no division.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD!
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Stewardship Offering Information
Date 5/5/2024
Collection: $5,253.00
Date 4/28/2024
Collection: $3,546.00
Date 4/21/2024
Collection: $2,154.00
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May Birthdays
Nicholas Hernjak (May 1), Cody Hewitt (May 2), Berkeley Semic (May 3), Jelena Bowser (May 7), Chloe Ruff (May 8), Kaila Chung (May 8), Bobbi Lynn Wenner (May 10), Bella Gilroy (May 10), Meghan Livingston (May 11), Brankica Skinder (May 12), Trenton Petrovich (May 13), Genevieve Bare (May 16), 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), Nina & Eric Gilroy (May 26), Kyranna & Christopher Baker (May 28), Matt & Pam Healy (May 29), Greg & Haley Book (May 29)
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121st CHURCH SLAVA
Sunday, May 19th, we will celebrate our 121st Church Slava with the Holy Liturgy, Procession with the cutting of the Kolach and Slava Banquet. All are invited to attend, and to bring others to help us celebrate. We honor Steve and Mary Stojic as our domacine/kumovi for this year’s celebration!
8TH ANNUAL OCCGH GOLF TOURNAMENT
Register by July 10, 2024 for the OCCGH Annual Golf Tournament to be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at Eagles Crossing Golf Course in Carlisle! Contact Carl Hisiro for details or sponsorship at chisiro@verizon.net or 717-903-2711
GRADUATING STUDENTS
Please contact the office with the following information: 1) NAME, 2) GRADUATING SCHOOL, 3) DEGREE EARNED, 4) HONORS, 5) EXTRA-CURRICULURS 6) FUTURE PLANS
SOTAYA ČEVAPI SALE
Our SOTAYA Group is once again selling frozen packs of cevapi at $17/pack (32 pieces). To order see Dn. Bojan Gligorevic or call the office at 717.939.3872.
SENIORS MEETING
The next Seniors meeting will be this Tuesday, May 14 in the Church Hall. It will be a Pizza Party!! Please join us!
SPECIAL THANKS TO GOD
I would like to thank my church family and my organization family members who sent flowers, cards, well wishes and prayers during my hospital stay and my continued recovery period. You are all very much appreciated and thanked for your kindness. Love to you all, Sue Petrovich.
Thank you to all who supported the Seniors in their recent fundraiser.
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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
Bulletin Deadline is Wednesday at 11 am
Please send all bulletin requests to the church office at office@stnicholassteelton.org
You may also call at (717) 939-3872
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SAVE THE DATE!!
Church Slava .................. May 19
Church Picnic ................. June 2
Club Picnic ..................... July 28
Kids Back to School BBQ September 7
Serb Fest ........................ Sept 14
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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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