25^th Sunday after Pentecost

Христос међу нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta entra nosotros!

2025 THANKSGIVING

ARCHPASTORAL WORD

IRINEJ

BY THE GRACE OF GOD

BISHOP OF WASHINGTON-NEW YORK AND EASTERN AMERICA

Most beloved clergy and monastics, sons and daughters, cherished children of the Eastern American Diocese of our Most Holy Serbian Orthodox Church:

“Enter the Temple gates with thanksgiving; go into its courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise Him!”

(Psalm 100:4)

As we gather in our homes, beloved, in gratitude this Thanksgiving, let us reflect on the abundant blessings God has bestowed upon us all. This season offers us a precious opportunity to give thanks not only for the gifts of life, family, and friends, but most importantly, for the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who sustains us through all trials and tribulations in life.

May our hearts and minds always be filled with love and compassion, and may we extend our gratitude beyond our family tables, sharing with those who are in need, and thereby illuminating the path Christ has set before us – the path of love, service and good deeds. Let us always rejoice in the countless ways our Lord continuously nurtures us, in manners both seen and unseen.

Wishing you, our treasured Diocesan Family, for whom We give thanks every day, a truly blessed and joyful celebration of Thanksgiving filled with peace for the world, love among us, and the light of Christ, Who illumines all!

Given in New York at Thanksgiving in the Year of our Lord, 2025.

With Archpastoral blessings, eternal gratitude and Paternal love,

+Irinej

BISHOP OF WASHINGTON-NEW YORK AND EASTERN AMERICA OF THE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

АРХИПАСТИРСКА РЕЧ ЗА ДАН ЗАХВАЛНОСТИ 2025. ГОДИНЕ

ИРИНЕЈ

ПО МИЛОСТИ БОЖЈОЈ

ЕПИСКОП ВАШИНГТОНСКО-ЊУЈОРШКИ И ИСТОЧНОАМЕРИЧКИ

СРПСКЕ ПРАВОСЛАВНЕ ЦРКВЕ

Најљубљеније нам свештенство и монаштво, синови и кћери, верна чада богомчуване Епархије источноамеричке наше Свете Цркве!

„Уђите на врата Његова у хваљењу, у дворове Његове у химнама. Исповедајте се Њему, хвалите Име Његово!”

(Псалам 100,4. стих)

Сабрани у својим домовима, најљубљненији, са изразима благодарења на овај Дан захвалности, присетимо се обилних благослова које нам је Бог подарио. Ово време нам пружа драгоцену прилику да изразимо благодарност не само за дарове живота, наше породице и наше пријатеље, већ пре свега за љубав и милост нашег Господа Исуса Христа, који нас води и укрепљује кроз свако искушење и сваку невољу.

Нека наша срца и умови буду испуњени љубављу, милосрђем и саосећањем. Испружимо нашу руку благодарности преко граница наших породичних трпеза, делећи је са онима којима је потребна помоћ, а тиме осветљавајући пут који је Христос поставио пред нас – пут љубави, служења и добрих дела. Будимо увек радосни због небројених начина којима нас наш Господ неуморно негује, видљиво или невидљиво.

Вама, наша драгоцена Епархијска породицо, којој свакодневно благодаримо, желимо истински благословен и радостан Дан захвалности, испуњен миром за читав свет, љубављу међу нама, и светлошћу Христовом која све обасјава!

Дано о Дану захвалности, у богомчуваном граду Њујорку, Лета Господњег, 2025. године.

С Архијерејским благословом, вечном захвалношћу и очинском љубављу,

+Иринеј

ЕПИСКОП ВАШИНГТОНСКО-ЊУЈОРШКИ И ИСТОЧНОАМЕРИЧКИ СРПСКЕ ПРАВОСЛАВНЕ ЦРКВЕ

Homily on the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

Let it Be

V. Rev. Fr. John Behr

“Today the Theotokos, the temple that is to hold God, is led into the Temple and Zacharias receives her… Let us cry aloud with Gabriel: Rejoice, you who are full of grace, the Lord is with you, he who has great mercy.” So we sang at Vespers last night. The one who is to become the temple and palace of God is led into the temple. In the readings last night, we heard how, of old, the tabernacle was constructed according to the command of God as the place where the ark of testimony was to be placed, covered with a veil, illumined by candlesticks and lamps, with incense offered on a golden altar, and with the tabernacle and all the vessels anointed with the oil of anointing.



We heard that when it was finished, the tabernacle was overshadowed by the cloud and filled with the glory of the Lord, so that no one, not even Moses, was able to enter the tent.

Now, today, the Theotokos is led into the temple of the Lord, to preach Christ to all, and to become the temple, the dwelling place of the glory of God, overshadowed by the Holy Spirit; and not only the dwelling place, as the tabernacle of old, but the one who gives birth to God, so that in her and through her, in and through a human being, the glory of God radiates to the world.

All aspects of the temple point to her; she is their fulfillment. She is the jar containing the manna, the ark of the covenant, the rod of Aaron which budded forth, and all the other images we use to praise her. As we sang: “The written law has passed away and vanished as a shadow, and the rays of grace have shone forth at your entry into the temple of God, O undefiled Virgin Mother.” All the Law and the Prophets point to her; the reality has come and the shadows have passed away. She is, as we sing, the fulfillment of the dispensation of the whole economy, indeed, of the whole of creation. As St Nicodemus put it: the world was created for Mary… and she for Christ. The whole world was created for the one who would say, “Let it be!”—the one who gives space to God as his temple and so allows the creator to enter his creation.

The tabernacle made by hands finds its fulfillment in the temple that is Mary, and through her, God enters this world to dwell amongst us, no longer hidden in the inner sanctuary in the man-made temple in Jerusalem, but dwelling among us, and now us in him. She is the gate, as Ezekiel says, through which the Lord has entered the world: “O Gate of the Lord, unto you I open the gates of the temple,” Zacharias exclaims. “I now know and believe that the deliverance of Israel shall come to dwell openly in our midst.”

For this deliverance to come about, however, we must go one step further into the temple. The epistle reading spoke of how the priests would go into the outer tabernacle to perform their ritual services, but the high priest alone would go into the Holy of Holies only once a year, to offer blood for himself and the errors of the people. The apostle continues: Christ himself, the High Priest of the good things to come, entered the greater and more perfect tabernacle, the one not made by human hands, entering once for all, offering not the blood of animal sacrifices, but his own blood, so securing an eternal redemption for all.

It is by his self-sacrifice that Christ enters this more perfect tabernacle and does so once-for-all… so that the gate remains shut: “It shall not be opened, and no man shall enter by it, for the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered by it. Therefore it shall remain shut,” says Ezekiel.

His sacrifice is once and for all—for all people and for all time. It is an eternal sacrifice and an eternal redemption. The gateway remains shut, but salvation is available for all.

Today, then, as the Theotokos enters the temple, preaching Christ to all, she becomes the one through whom the glory of God enters this world, by being the gateway through which the Lord enters the more perfect tabernacle, offering his eternal sacrifice and being the High Priest of the good things to come. She is the bridge, the passageway or the exodus from creation to recreation and redemption.

The Temple is both the place where God enters the world and the place where the sacrifice is made; and these two aspects—the womb and the tomb—cannot be separated.

For all this to happen, of course, Mary had to say: “Let it be!” Not only “Let the power of the most high overshadow me,” but also, “Let the sword piece my heart, too.” Yet these words of Mary—“Let it be!”—are glaringly absent from the hymnography for this feast. The reason for this is because, today, as we celebrate this feast, she is our “Let it be!” She is the completion or culmination of creation as it—as we—respond to the Word of God.

Mary is not simply brought into the temple; she is offered there, she is sacrificed by our “Let it be!” Joachim and Anna, the hymns said, “rejoice exceedingly, for they have offered to God, as a three-year old victim of sacrifice, the Queen without blemish.” Mary is the pure and blameless sacrifice to God on behalf of all human beings, “the dove without blemish and the ewe-lamb of God without spot.” This is what it means to say “Let it be”!

For our high calling, to be conformed to the image and likeness of God, for this to be realized, we too need to be able to say for ourselves: Let it be!

God does not enter into this world except by our offering him space, not a geographical space somewhere else in the world, but our own place—ourselves and our own time, today—the sacrifice of our own sense of self, our attempts to construct our own identity, to set limits and boundaries on how much we are prepared to accept, to say “let it be,” but only on my terms.

No! Our own terms need to be sacrificed if we are to say: Let it be! We must sacrifice ourselves, becoming ourselves temples of God, sacrificing ourselves on the altar of our heart, so that he can now be present in us and through us; we must decrease so that he might increase.

This has been accomplished in our offering of the virgin child Mary. In a month’s time we will sing of how we offer her at Christ’s Nativity and for his Nativity; today we offer her as the temple and the Gate of the Lord, so that High Priest can, by his own once-for-all sacrifice enter the Holy of Holies. We too, even we, can be refashioned—pass through from the creation to the new creation, but only if we can say for ourselves, “Let it be!”

As we present the Theotokos into the temple today, saying to God “Let it be,” let us not misunderstand what it demands of us as ourselves temples of God. May we have the strength to say with her: “Let it be!”

Commemorating Saint Gregory Wonderworker of Neocaesarea, Martyr Gobron and 133 soldiers of Georgia, Venerable Nikon Abbot of Radonezh disciple of Venerable Sergius, Venerable Lazarus the Iconographer of Constantinople, Venerable Gennadius of Vatopedi Mt Athos

RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 8

You descended from on high, O Merciful One! You accepted the three day burial to free us from our sufferings! O Lord, our Life and Resurrection, glory to You!

HOLY FATHER NICHOLAS TROPARION—TONE 4

Truly you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith, an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence; your humility exalted you; your poverty enriched you. Hierarch Father Nicholas, entreat Christ our God that our souls may be saved.

ST GREGORY TROPARION—TONE 8

You became worthy of your name through your way of life: through your vigilance in prayer and your constant works of mercy. Therefore, O Father Gregory, beseech Christ God to enlighten our minds, that we may not sleep in sin, which leads to death!

RESURRECTION KONTAKION—TONE 8

By rising from the tomb, You raised the dead and resurrected Adam. Eve exults in Your Resurrection, and the world celebrates Your rising from the dead, O greatly Merciful One!

THEOTOKOS KONTAKION—TONE 6

Steadfast Protectress of Christians, constant Advocate before the Creator, despise not the cry of us sinners, but in your goodness come speedily to help us 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!

READERS:

This Week: Matins: Nick Ressetar Epistle: Marijana Rocknage

Next Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Zachariah Bare

EPISTLE: Ephesians 4:1-6

DEACON:      Let us pay attention. 

PRIEST:        Peace be unto all!

READER:      And with your spirit!

DEACON:      Wisdom.

READER:      The Prokeimenon in the Eighth Tone: Pray and make your vows before the Lord, our God!

CHOIR:          Pray and make your vows before the Lord, our God!

READER:      v: In Judah God is known; His name is great in Israel.

CHOIR: Pray and make your vows before the Lord, our God!

READER: Pray and make your vows...

CHOIR: ...before the Lord, our God!

PRIEST: Wisdom!

READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Ephesians.

DEACON: Let us attend!

READER: Brothers and Sisters, I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

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: Let us come before His face with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!

CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

АПОСТОЛ: Ефесцима 4:1-6

Ђакон:          Пазимо

Свештеник: Мир свима!

Читач:           I Духу Твоме!

Ђакон:          Премудрост

Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 8 Молите се и извршујте завете Господу Богу нашему.

Хор:                Молите се и извршујте завете Господу Богу нашему.

Читач: Зна се у Јудеји за Бога, у Израиљу је велико име Његово.

Хор: Молите се и извршујте завете Господу Богу нашему.

Читач: Молите се и извршујте завјете

Хор: Господу Богу нашему.

Ђакон: Премудрост

Читач: Читање посланице Светога апостола Павла Ефесцима

Ђакон: Пазимо

Читач: Браћо, молим вас, дакле, ја сужањ у Господу, да се владате достојно звања на које сте позвани, са сваком смиреношћу и кротошћу, са дуготрпљењем, подносећи један другога у љубави, старајући се да чувате јединство Духа свезом мира: Једно тијело, један Дух, као што сте и позвани у једну наду звања својега; Један Господ, једна вјера, једно крштење, један Бог и Отац свију, који је над свима, кроза све, и у свима нама.

Свештеник: Мир ти читачу!

Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Читач: Ходите, запевајте Господу, ускликнимо Спаситељу Богу нашему.

Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Читач: Изиђимо пред лице Његово с хвалом, у песмама ускликнимо му.

Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

~Prayers for the Faithful~

In Our Prayers

Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop Youhanna, Protinica Ljubica Jockovic, Protopresbyter Rodney Torbic, Protostavrofor Ilija Balach, Protostavrofor Joseph Fester, Archpriest Gabriel Rochelle, Protinica Ana Stepanov, Matushka Barbara Ealy, Matushka Theodora Ressetar, Khouria Patricia Moslener, Sister Anastasija, the child Katie Elizabeth and her parents Mileva and Michael Repasky, the children Genevieve and Louise Bare and their parents Zachary & Elizabeth, Mileva Repasky and the newborn Caroline Grace, Kyranna Baker and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Samuel Atzeff, Lori Bare, Elijah Barnett, Christina Berchock, Dori Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Carole & Nick Blitva, Tommy & Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Voni Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Maria Chigrintseva, Leann Cox, JoAnn Filepas, Anaya Garvin, Eric Garvin, Melanie Geib, Michael Geppert III, Dr Andrea Govelovich, Rdr. Nicholas & Teresa Govelovich, Kata Gruich, Travis Heilman, Kay Himes, Matthew Hoover, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Slobodan Jovicic, Caryn Kiraly, Nadine Klipa, Christine Krnjaic, Dorothy Krnjaich, Dragica Kuzmanovic, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Susan Leis, Jovan Lemajic, Elliott Mamula, Dianne & Jim Martin, Jean & Paul Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, George Milakovic, Slavka Miljevic, Marija Miljkovic, Rosanda Mitrovic, Diane & Slobodan Momic, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Lila Packer, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Kobe Petrovich, Duke & Sue Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Milena Pilipovic, Christopher Radanovic, Ioanna Radanovic, Chloe Ruff, Christina Sakmar, Maryann Seiders, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, Milan Shumkaroff, Branko Smitran, Zorka Starcevich, Karen Stefan, Timothy Stefan, Michael Stepanovich, Stevan & Mary Stojic, Linda Szeerba, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Savka Trivun, Peter Velencia, Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Magdalen Vloutely, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Paula Werner, Nicolette & Nikola Wiel, Tosh Yanich, Dewey Yetter, Elizabeth Yezdimir, Mila “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya,

Non Orthodox: Catherine Lewis, Bethany Peterson, Jensen Swartz, Addy Andy, Kevin Appleby, Doug Bert, Jason Brill, Susan & Jim Cibort, Victoria Cox, Barry Dean Jr, Christian Geib, George Gutshall, Dan Hazlett, Adam Herigan, Edith Herigan, Tony Kepp, Stephen Kerstetter, Keith & Kelly Kessler, Myong Sook Kim, Stella Wren Lappas, Richard Livingston, Margaret Livingston, Stephen Lundgren, Penny MacDonald, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Hope Pesner, Makaylie Peterson, Logan Roszkowski, Greg Selman, John Sheaffer, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Edith Venesevich, Michael Vishnesky, Traci Weaver, 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 Lewis, Barrett Scott, Maverick Peterson, Caroline Repasky, Trace Swartz

Our College Students

Sophia Adams, Cameron Barber, Kyle Barber, Dieter Geib, Gunner Geib, Kirsten Geib, Michael Geppert, Anastasija Gligorevic, Natalija Gligorevic, Matthew Hoover, Faith Kingsbury, Natasha Milanovich, Sophia Mummert, Christina Radanovic, Luis Antonio Radanovic, Aleksandra Šaran, Theodore Sukhernik, Madison Vorkapich, Anastasija Vukalo

Our Seminary Students

Elizabeth Bare

Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones

Djordje Gajovic, Vera Ressetar Bortniak, Eleana Silk

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!

Stewardship Offering Information

Date 11/23/2025

Collection: $3,426.00

Date 11/16/2025

Collection: $4,026.00

Date 11/9/2025

Collection: $3,479.60

~Parastos Offered~

Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

†STEPHEN VULICH Offered by his family today after Liturgy in loving memory of his 6 month repose.

~Vigils Offered~



STEPHANIE YORK Offered in prayer for God’s blessings on her birthday (Dec 2). Much love from Mom and the family. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!



STEPHANIE YORK Offered in happy celebration of my Godchild’s birthday (Dec 2). May God bless her with many years of good health and happiness.  Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years! Love Kuma Tootsie.

ALEXANDRA MCFALL Offered in celebration of her birthday (Dec 4) by Kuma Kat Gruich and family. Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta! 

TOOTSIE KRNJAICH Offering vigils and prayers for our Kuma Tootsie. May God’s blessings be with her during her rehab period. From her Godchildren, Kat and families.

MICHAEL GEPPERT Offered prayerfully by Mom & Dad for improvement in health and God’s blessings and loving care during his recovery.

†PROTOPRESBYTER STAVROPHOR SRBOLJUB JOCKOVICH Offered for his birthday (Nov 29). Let us rejoice and be glad as we remember Fr. Srboljub, on what would have been his birthday, with fervent prayers for his peaceful repose. We praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the many gifts Fr Srboljub brought to us — from leading us in worship to visiting our families, comforting us in illness, supporting us in grief, showing us how to be repentant, helping us to grow in our Orthodox Christian faith and always reminding us of God’s presence in our midst. Offered with love from the Yanich and Matich family and Semic Kumovi. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

December Birthdays

Laurie Brosius (Dec 1), Stephani York (Dec 2), Alex Govelovich (Dec 2), Gordana Fasnacht (Dec 4), Alexandra McFall (Dec 4), Paul Kasper (Dec 7), Alexa Healy (Dec 10), Nicholas Blitva (Dec 11), Sarah Milletics (Dec 11), Lorraine James (Dec 15), Quinn Gilroy (Dec 15), Irina Miljkovic (Dec 17), Steve Barry (Dec 17), Michael Filepas Jr (Dec 23), Carole Blitva (Dec 25), Josh Howell (Dec 30)

December Anniversaries

Alex & Nicole Bazdar (Dec 11), Dori & Doug Bert (Dec 18), Lauren & Ross Spangler (Dec 21), Pharon & Christine Bertsch (Dec 27)

RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION

This is a gentle reminder regarding preparing for and receiving the Holy Eucharist. As the Lord said, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, first be reconciled, then come to receive. We are called to be prepared and receive at each and every Liturgy.

PREPARATION AND THANKSGIVING PRAYERS

We are also called to pray the prayers in preparation for Holy Communion, and to stay and pray the prayers in thanksgiving for Holy Communion after Liturgy.

KEEPING THE FASTS

Whether we receive the Holy Mysteries or not, ALL Orthodox Christians are called to keep the fasts of the Church as best as they are able. This includes all Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as the special fast periods of the Church. Also, unless medically necessary and blessed by your father confessor, no eating or drinking from midnight until receiving Holy Communion.

KEEPING THE FEASTS

We should be in attendance for Great and Holy Week, Pascha, and all of the 12 Great Feasts of the Church. If we cannot make the liturgy, come for Vespers or Vigil the night before. If traveling, find the closest Orthodox Church and keep the feast there.

FREQUENCY OF HOLY CONFESSION

We are all called to “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is now”. We should take inventory of our souls regularly—at least on a monthly basis. Let the Lord lift the heavy burden of sin, for as He said, His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.

FEAST OF THE ENTRANCE OF THE THEOTOKOS

We begin the celebration of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple on Wednesday, December 3 with Festal Vigil at 6:30 pm and continue on Thursday, December 4, with Liturgy beginning at 9 am. 

ST NICHOLAS SENIORS/50+ HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

The next meeting for the St Nicholas Seniors will be Tuesday, December 9th, same place, same time. We will observe the Nativity fast and enjoy the company of good friends. Please bring a gift for the CUT-THROAT POLLYANNA! Whaaat is that?? Come and see? Just bring a wrapped gift of no less than $10. Call, text, or email to confirm. 717-561-1590, t2bedd@gmail.com

COOKIE SALE NEEDS YOUR HELP

Thank you to those who have already volunteered to bake for the annual Christmas Cookie Sale. We are still in desperate need for people to donate cookies, especially filled kiefles. Please contact Tracy Petrovich (717-648-9609) or Nicole Petrovich (717-648-8061) if you would be willing to help. This is 100% profit for the church.

SPECIAL THANKS TO GOD

We would like to thank God, our clergy, family, choir and beautiful church family for making our 50th Wedding Anniversary a truly super memory!!! ~ Terry & Nick

POINSETTIA SALE

Once again, we will be decorating our church for Christmas with Poinsettias. You can help offset the church’s cost by purchasing one for $10. Please contact Daria Milletics if you are interested in purchasing any (717-939-3872) or email dmilletics@stnsoc.org

SAVE THE DATE—THE TAMBURITZANS ARE COMING!!!

The Parish Council is thrilled to announce that we are sponsoring The Tamburitzans (formerly of Duquesne University) for a show on Saturday, January 10th at 3pm. Tickets are $35 until January 9th, $40 at the door, and $30 for 55+, under 18, and with a valid student ID. Tickets may be purchased in the office, or by clicking on the following link:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-tamburitzans.

SUVO MESO DONATIONS FOR TAMBURITZAN DANCE

Please consider donating for the dance on January 10, 2026. So many of our members make the best smoked meat! Would you consider donating smoked meat/suvo meso for the event? If yes, please text, call, or email Stacy Milanovich at tacy1123@gmail.com

(724) 709-4746. Thank you for your consideration! Hvala!

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. Next month it is on December 13. 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.

CHURCH SCHOOL REGISTRATION

Register for the 2025-2026 Church School year with the following link:

https://forms.gle/JuVAESBtWpQL6X7s8

BULLETIN DEADLINE

Please send all Bulletin requests to the church office at office@stnicholassteelton.org. You may also call (717) 939-3872. Bulletin Deadline is Wednesday at 11 am.

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 9:00 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.

November Charity

International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)

IOCC has maintained an active partnership with the Serbian Orthodox Church since 1992, initially responding to crises of war, dislocation, and other hardships. IOCC aids those in need around the world, without discrimination, as it works to strengthen the capacity of national and local Orthodox Churches and organizations to avert disasters, respond to emergencies, and rebuild communities. IOCC has provided emergency assistance and sustainable development programs in all parts of Serbia. The more we practice spiritual hospitality, the closer we draw ourselves to Christ, and with Christ in our hearts and souls, the greater is our love for all people. Our donations become IOCC’s humanitarian works. It is our responsibility and our blessing to help IOCC continue its ministry. To learn more about IOCC’s programs, please visit the website at www.iocc.org

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS COOKIE SALE

DROP OFF THIS WEEK!!!

This is a very important fundraiser for our Church and without YOU this project cannot happen. St Nicholas needs your time, talents, and treasures to provide the cookies we need for the sale.  

We ask that cookies be dropped off at the Church on:

Tuesday through Friday (Dec 2 - 5) from 9am until noon

Cookie Packing will be done on Saturday, December 6 (TBD)

Pick-up is Sunday, December 7^th from 12 pm—until sold out). Cookies will be sold on a first come first served basis. 

Cost is $30 for 3 dozen.   

We kindly request ONLY Sonja Henies, Wreaths, Vanilla Kiefles, Filled Kiefles, Wedding balls or Cut-outs, and kindly ask each baker to donate at least 10 dozen. In order to provide a consistent product, we cannot accept other types of cookies.

Please help this project be a huge success and sign up on the sheets posted in the lobby. Contact Tracy Petrovich (717-648-9609) or Nicole Petrovich (717-648-8061) to let us know if you can donate cookies.

Charitable Contributions to the Church

The Finance Committee is making an appeal for the months of November and December asking for tax deductible charitable contributions. These funds will be dedicated to paying down the mortgage and boosting our reserve funds. The “Burn the Mortgage” Capitol Campaign that we previously ran enabled us to pay down $160,000 on our mortgage balance. Currently our mortgage is down to approximately $500,000. We thank God for your efforts—they have been a big help!

However, our investment account is down to $200,000. We continue to withdraw from our reserves, supplementing mortgage payments as well as paying the bills. Below are a few options:

· If you receive an RMD (required minimum distribution) you can transfer a tax free distribution to the church up to $100,000.

· Donation of dividends from stock, annuities and insurance policies can be used to lessen your tax burden.

· Charitable cash gifts are also tax deductible.

Consult your tax specialist or financial planner to see what you can do to help. No contribution to your church is too big or too small! Any member of our finance committee will be able to offer assistance. Please inquire at the church office.