19^th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Homily on the 2nd Sunday of Luke

Fr. Philip LeMasters

One of the great challenges that many of us face is learning to see that being an Orthodox Christians may not be reduced to confessing certain beliefs about God, no matter how true those beliefs are. Our faith may not be reduced to conscientious participation in the worship of the Church or keeping our own rule of prayer, fasting, almsgiving, or other spiritual disciplines. Our faith may not be reduced to following a code of moral behavior or distinguishing clearly between actions that are good or evil. These endeavors are all virtuous in and of themselves and we must not neglect or diminish them in any way, but our calling is much higher, for it is nothing less than to embody the mercy of God from the very depths of our being. That sublime vocation goes well beyond the demands of being a conventionally religious or moral person, for it requires nothing less than becoming “partakers of the divine nature” by grace. Remember what the Lord said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matt. 5:8)

 The laws of the Old Testament were necessary to make clear to the Hebrew people how they were to act as those in a covenantal relation with God. Jesus Christ is not simply an especially insightful rabbi or prophet on such matters, but truly the God-Man in Whom the ancient promises, laws, and prophecies are fulfilled and extended even to Gentiles like us who respond to Him with humble faith. He is a Person in Whose life we share as living members of His Body, the Church. The Church is the bride of Christ and we must live as those in a “one flesh” union with Him in every aspect of our existence. In Him, we become truly sons and daughters of the Most High, for His eternal life becomes ours.  

It is only in this context that we can understand our Lord’s teaching in today’s gospel reading: “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” In this passage from the gospel according to St. Luke, Christ does not rest content with calling His followers to limit their vengeance to “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,” even though that Old Testament principle had placed needed restrain on vengeance. (Matt. 5:38) He did not affirm the common attitude of the time, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy,” an attitude that unfortunately remains with us today in so many ways, including religion, politics, and ethnicity.  (Matt. 5:43) Instead, the Savior called His followers to be in communion with Him from the depths of their hearts to the point that we embody the divine mercy, loving our enemies like God, Who cares even for “the ungrateful and selfish.” Let us be clear: That means that God cares even for people like me and you.

To become a person so radiant with the love of Christ that we convey His love even to people we do not like and who do not like us is obviously not a matter of being conventionally religious or moral. To love our enemies as He loves us requires our deep spiritual transformation and healing as living icons of God. It is not enough to be kind to our friends and allies, to those we think will return our good will, or to those with whom we have some characteristic in common. It is not enough simply to restrain ourselves from abusing our enemies verbally or otherwise or even to go through the motions of being decent toward them. No, the God-Man calls and enables us to become brilliant with the gracious divine energies to the point that we convey His merciful love to everyone from the depths of our souls. 

If we approach this sublime calling merely as a reminder to obey a religious law, we will either fall into despair or delusion about our ability to fulfill it. The vocation to become like God in mercy and holiness is something we cannot accomplish by willpower or behavior modification alone, even as we cannot raise ourselves up from the grave. And if we think that we have already fulfilled this calling, then we show only that we have become blinded by spiritual pride to the point that we do not see ourselves clearly at all. The fact that we seem inevitably to fall short of loving our neighbors, and especially our enemies, as ourselves indicates that we have a truly eternal vocation that we should never think that we have completed. The struggle that we all have in treating other people, especially those who have wronged or offended us, as we would like to be treated, reveals that we have not yet embraced fully the Lord’s gracious healing of our souls. St. Silouan the Athonite saw the love of enemies as a clear sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He taught that when the soul “grows humble, the Lord gives her His grace, and then she prays for her enemies as for herself, and sheds scalding tears for the whole world.”  These words reveal our need for ongoing repentance as we turn away from fueling the passions that make it so appealing to fixate on the wrongs of others and open our hearts in humility to receive the Lord’s gracious healing. The more that we are aware of our own dependence upon His mercy as “the chief of sinners,” the less inclination we will have to misdirect our attention and energy to holding grudges and condemning our neighbors.

In today’s epistle reading, St. Paul writes candidly to the confused Christians of Corinth that he knows he has caused them pain by correcting their many abuses of the faith as mostly Gentile converts who kept falling back into the ways of paganism and fell short of manifesting the unity of the Body of Christ in holiness. He did not pain them out of malice or a desire to dominate them, “For I wrote you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.” In any sphere of life, it is so easy to fall prey to the temptation of thinking that whoever is disagreeing with us or criticizing us is simply trying make our lives difficult or show that they are in a superior position. So often, we are tempted to respond to them in kind, which usually tempts them to get back at us in a never-ending cycle of resentment. We so easily jump to the conclusion that this or that person is simply an enemy when our judgment is clouded by our own passions. Paul’s statement should remind us that love for neighbor can certainly require telling people what they do not want to hear. The healing of broken relationships can require confronting uncomfortable truths about ourselves and others. It is rarely an easy or comfortable process when imperfect people come face to face with how they have wounded one another. It is only by finding healing for the soul as we unite ourselves evermore fully to Christ that we will gain the spiritual clarity to discern what it means to speak and act mercifully in such situations and not according to our passions.  

If we are truly in Christ, we must struggle to do what we can each day to treat those we are most inclined to disregard and condemn as we would like them to treat us. We must take every opportunity to convey the mercy we have received from Christ to our neighbors, especially those we consider our enemies. When we fail to do so, we must use our weakness to fuel our humility before the Lord and our sense of unworthiness to judge anyone else. We must pray, fast, give to the needy, and mindfully reject the nonsense in our own minds, and in all factions of our culture today, that would encourage us to treat anyone as anything less than a living icon of God. As hard as it is to accept, whether we are sharing in the life of Christ is most clearly revealed in how we treat those we find it hardest to love. This is not a matter of being conventionally religious or moral, but of whether we are acquiring the purity of heart necessary to see God, especially as He is present to us each day of our lives in those we are least inclined to see as beloved neighbors. That is the ultimate test of whether we are becoming radiant with the gracious divine mercy of the Lord as His sons and daughters.

Commemorating Holy Glorious Apostle Thomas, the Glorification of St Innocent Metropolitan of Moscow, Enlightener of Aleuts, Apostle to the Americas, Monastic Martyr Macarius of St Anne Skete Mount Athos

RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 2

When You descended to death, O Life Immortal, You destroyed hell with the splendor of Your Godhead. And when from the depths You raised the dead, all the powers of heaven cried out: “O Giver of life, Christ our God, 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.

APOSTLE THOMAS TROPARION—TONE 2

You were a disciple of Christ, and a member of the divine college of Apostles. Having been weak in faith you doubted the Resurrection of Christ, but by feeling the wounds you believed in His all-pure Passion: pray now to Him, O all-praised Thomas, to grant us peace and great mercy.

RESURRECTION KONTAKION—TONE 2

Hell became afraid, O Almighty Savior, seeing the miracle of Thy Resurrection from the tomb! The dead arose! Creation, with Adam, beheld this and rejoiced with Thee! And the world, O my Savior, praises Thee forever.

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: Milan Radanovic

EPISTLE: 2 Corinthians 11:31-12:9

DEACON:      Let us pay attention. 

PRIEST:        Peace be unto all!

READER:      And with your spirit!

DEACON:      Wisdom.

READER:      The Prokeimenon in the Second Tone: Lord is my strength and my song, and He is become my salvation.

CHOIR:          Lord is my strength and my song, and He is become my salvation.

READER: v: The Lord has chastened me sorely, but He has not given me over to death.

CHOIR: Lord is my strength and my song, and He is become my salvation.

READER: Lord is my strength and my song,

CHOIR: and He is become my salvation.

DEACON: Wisdom!

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

DEACON: Let us attend!

READER: Brothers and Sisters, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.  In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands. It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!

READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

READER: May the Lord hear you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!

CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

READER: Save the King, O Lord, and hear us on the day we call!

CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

АПОСТОЛ: 2 Коринћанима 11:31-12:9

Ђакон:          Пазимо

Свештеник: Мир свима!

Читач:           I Духу Твоме!

Ђакон:          Премудрост

Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 2 Господ је снага моја и пјесма; Он ми постаде спасење.

Хор:                Господ је снага моја и пјесма;Он ми постаде спасење.

Читач:           Карајући покара ме Господ, али ме смрти не предаде.

Хор: Господ је снага моја и пјесма;Он ми постаде спасење.

Читач: Господ је снага моја и пјесма;

Хор: Он ми постаде спасење.

Ђакон: Премудрост

Читач: Читање је од друге посланице Светог апостола Павла до Коринћанима

Ђакон: Пазимо

Читач: Браћо, Бог и Отац Господа нашега Исуса Христа, који је благословен ва вијек, зна да не лажем. У Дамаску намјесник цара Арете чуваше град Дамаск желећи да ме ухвати, и спустише ме кроз прозор у котарици преко зида те избјегох из његових руку. Не користи ми да се хвалим, јер ћу доћи на виђења и откривења Господња. Знам човјека у Христу који прије четрнаест година – да ли у тијелу, не знам, да ли изван тијела, не знам, Бог зна – би однесен до трећега неба. И знам да тај човјек – да ли у тијелу, да ли изван тијела, не знам, Бог зна – Би однесен у рај и чу неисказане ријечи које човјеку није допуштено говорити. Таквим ћу се хвалити, а самим собом нећу се хвалити, осим ако немоћима својим. Јер кад бих се и хтио хвалити, не бих био безуман, јер бих истину казао; али се уздржавам, да не би ко помислио за мене више од онога што види у мени, или чује од мене. И да се не бих погордио због мноштва откривења, даде ми се жалац у тијело, анђео сатанин, да ми пакости, да се не поносим. За њега трипут Господа молих, да одступи од мене; и рече ми: Доста ти је благодат моја; јер се сила моја у немоћи показује савршена. Зато ћу се најрадије хвалити својим немоћима, да се усели у мене сила Христова.

Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!

Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Читач: Нека те услиши Господ у дан жалосни, нека те заштити име Бога Јаковљевога.

Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Читач: Господе, помози цару и услиши нас кад Те зовемо.

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, Sister Anastasija, the child Katie Elizabeth and her parents Mileva and Michael Repasky, the child Louise Bare and her parents Zachary & Elizabeth, Catherine Lewis and the newborn Caleb Ereno, Bethany Peterson and the newborn Maverick Michael, Mileva Repasky and the newborn Caroline Grace, Jensen Swartz and the newborn Trace Keith, Kyranna Baker and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Kevin Appleby, Samuel Atzeff, Lori Bare, Elijah Barnett, Christina Berchock, Dori & Doug Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Carole & Nick 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, Rdr. Nicholas & Teresa Govelovich, Kata Gruich, George Gutshall, Dan Hazlett, Travis Heilman, Adam Herigan, Edith Herigan, Kay Himes, Matthew Hoover, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Slobodan Jovicic, Tony Kepp, Stephen Kerstetter, Keith & Kelly Kessler, Myong Sook Kim, Caryn Kiraly, Nadine Klipa, Dorothy Krnjaich, Dragica Kuzmanovic, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Susan Leis, Jovan Lemajic, Richard Livingston, Margaret Livingston, 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, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Makaylie Peterson, Kobe Petrovich, Duke & Sue Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Milena Pilipovic, Christopher Radanovic, Ioanna Radanovic, Logan Roszkowski, Chloe Ruff, Christine Sakran, Michael Schaffner, Maryann Seiders, Greg Selman, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, John Sheaffer, Milan Shumkaroff, Branko Smitran, Zorka Starcevich, Karen Stefan, Timothy Stefan, Michael Stepanovich, Stevan & Mary Stojic, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Linda Szeerba, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Savka Trivun, Peter Velencia, Edith & Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Michael Vishnesky, Magdalen Vloutely, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Traci Weaver, Paula Werner, Nicolette & Nikola Wiel, Draga Worman, Charlotte Wright, Tosh Yanich, Dewey Yetter, Elizabeth Yezdimir, 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 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

Stephen Vulich, Djordje Gajovic, Vera Ressetar Bortniak



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 10/12/2025

Collection: $1,845.00

Date 10/5/2025

Collection: $5,750.00

Date 9/28/2025

Collection: $1,580.00

~Parastos to be Offered~

Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

†TATIANA SHIBOLEVA, †ALEXANDR OSTROVSKII, †NINA SHERBANEVA Offered by their family today after Liturgy in loving memory of their repose.

~Flowers in front of the Theotokos~

†TRACEY STANOVICH Offered by Dewey Yetter in loving memory of her 3 year repose (Oct 18). Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

~Vigils Offered~



JIMI & TAYLOR WERNER Offered in joyous celebration of their 1st Wedding Anniversary (Oct 19). Congratulations and love for many more beautiful years! Love Baba



NINA GILROY Offered in celebration of my Goddaughter’s birthday (Oct 19). May you be blessed with many more! Ziveli! Mnogaja Ljeta! Love Kuma Nikki & family.

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.

†TRACEY STANOVICH Offered by Dewey Yetter in loving memory of her repose (3 years—Oct 18). May her memory be Eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat! 

†NATJA KESSLER offered in loving memory of my Kuma Natja on what would have been her 79th birthday October 18th. Sadly missed by Godson Matthew Hoover and family. Vječnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

†JAMES RUSSIN Offered in loving memory of Marie’s brother’s repose (28 years—Oct 18) by Frank and Marie Brescia and family. Vječnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

†JAMES RUSSIN Offered in loving memory of his repose (28 years—Oct 18) by his Godchildren Alexis Brescia & Frank Brescia III. Vječnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

†DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE VUJASINOVICH FAMILY Offered in loving memory of our dear deceased Vujasinovich family members in remembrance of their Krsna Slava, Sveti Toma (Oct 19). Forever in our hearts and prayers that God grants them eternal peace in His Heavenly Kingdom. Lovingly offered by Zorica and their loving family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!

†HONORABLE BRANKO BOB YANICH Offered in loving memory on what would have been his 91st birthday (Oct 23).  With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the soul of Your servant Branko where there is neither pain, nor sorrow, nor suffering, but life everlasting. Given in loving memory by Stephani, Bobbi, Bill, Greg, Wendy, Brandon, Jaz, Curran, Kaity, Tim, Sonora, Ashtyn, Endora, Baylor, Bowen, and the rest of the family & Kumovi. Vječnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal! 

†PHIL GRUICH Offered in loving memory of our husband/dad/jedo’s birthday (Oct 25). Dearly missed by your family. Memory Eternal! Vječnaja Pamjat!

October Birthdays

Caroline Donato (Oct 2), Sonora Viola Mae Cruz (Oct 2), Mark Milanovich (Oct 3), Adeline & Peter Meadow (Oct 3), Marcia Breinich (Oct 4), Kate Nation (Oct 4), Madison Vorkapich (Oct 5), Lenny Tepsich (Oct 6), Craig Heilman (Oct 6), Alex Filepas (Oct 6), Owen Kingsbury (Oct 8), Dejan Raic (Oct 11), Arlene Barber (Oct 12), Dennis Ruff (Oct 12), Milan Yovic (Oct 15), Yovanka Hoover (Oct 17), Andrea Govelovich (Oct 17), Nicole Petrovich (Oct 18), Anastasija Gligorevic (Oct 18), Nina Gilroy (Oct 19), Mira Lukic (Oct 26), John Nicholas Hernjak (Oct 27), Carole Radosinovich (Oct 29), Jimi Werner (Oct 29), Marijana Rocknage (Oct 30)

October Anniversaries

Bobbi & William Wenner (Oct 1), Katya Kotchnyeva & Eric Garvin (Oct 10), Jean & Paul Martin (Oct 11), Angie & Jim Bagley (Oct 12), Daria & Dave Milletics (Oct 16), Josh & Emma Howell (Oct 16), Jimi & Taylor Werner (Oct 19), Mackenzie & Stefan Lazarevic (Oct 21), Mark & Stacy Milanovich (Oct 28), Janis & Greg Meadow (Oct 29)

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.

KSS/MOTHERS CLUB SLAVA

The KSS/MOTHERS CLUB will be celebrating their Krsna Slava, Pokrov Bogorodice (Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God) today. Following Divine Liturgy we will have the blessing of the Slavski Kolach. Honored Kumovi are Beba Yanich and Mary Stojic. Afterwards, we will have our Slava Anniversary Fellowship in the hall. Please join us.



THE SAINTS OF OUR FRESCOES

This adult education class explores the history of the Orthodox Church through the lives of the Saints. Class will begin at 11:45 am in the Church.

SENIORS MEETING (THIS TUESDAY)

All current, former and potential members, it would be wonderful to see you all again at our next meeting! Please come and enjoy some company, a modest $6 lunch and lots of laughs. Dues are only $5 yearly. It’s a bargain! We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. However the October meeting will be on the 21st due to the 14th being the Protection of the Veil and KSS Mothers Club Slava. Get out of the house, bring a friend, win a 50/50 raffle. If you need a ride call 717-561-1590 (leave a message). Don’t forget to invite a friend and message or call to reserve a seat.

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!

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. More information will be posted soon!

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.

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.

KSS MOTHERS CLUB NUT ROLL SALE

(ONE MORE WEEK TO ORDER)

It’s time again for the KSS Mothers Club

Walnut Roll and Poppy Seed Roll sale

Rolls are $22 each and the last day to order will be

Sunday, October 26^th

Order forms are available at the tutors stand and can be turned in to

the office, or call Daria at 717-939-3872 during office hours

(or leave a message)

Pick Up will be Thursday, Nov 13 from 4 pm - 6 pm

CHOIR SOUP & POGACA SALE

(ONE MORE WEEK TO ORDER)

Orders Due: Sunday, October 26^th

Pick Up: Sunday, November 2^nd

Place orders with Yovanka Hoover (717-623-8588)

or turn them into the church office

(forms are available at the tutors stand)

Chicken Paprikas: $12 per quart

Beef Stew: $12 per quart

Tomato Orzo (posno): $10 per quart

Pogaca: $5 per loaf

October Charity

Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF)

OCF celebrates October as Orthodox Awareness Month and is the official campus ministry program established by the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) to support Orthodox Christian student organizations on university and college campuses. OCF offers support to 270 campus chapters in the US and Canada, convenes conferences and service projects, and encourages students to develop deeper connections to our faith. Visit the OCF website at www.ocf.net to learn more about their worship, service, and fellowship programs and to check on specific campus chapters. Penn State University at State College formed one of the earliest OCF chapters and continues to have an active agenda. Other Pennsylvania chapters include Hershey Medical School, F&M College, Millersville, Bloomsburg, East Stroudsburg, Penn, Pitt, and Bucknell. There are also chapters at Delaware and Ohio State. Encourage college students in your family to participate with the OCF chapter on their campuses or to contact OCF for assistance in organizing a chapter. Participation is a great pan-Orthodox experience.