17th Sunday after Pentecost | |
Христос Међу Нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta' entra nosotros! | |
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Homily on the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
Father Andrew Anglorious
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Tired of the crowds and the Pharisees with their cunning attacks, our Lord left the Jews and went into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. Why? Humanly speaking, he was quite simply fed up with the ruses of the Jews, especially the Pharisees. But divinely speaking, he went to the land of Tyre and Sidon to reveal the Universal Kingdom of God to the pagans who lived there.
These two towns which still exist today were not Jewish in origin, but Syro-Phenician and Greek. In other words they were pagan. Indeed, the woman with whom today's Gospel is concerned was also a pagan, a Canaanite. When she first spoke to the Saviour, the disciples, who were Jews, naturally would have nothing to do with her and wanted her sent away. But the Lord considered that she belonged to the lost sheep of the House of Israel, and that therefore she should speak and so His Divine mission to the 'lost sheep of the House of Israel' should be revealed.
We should note that the Canaanite women recognised that her daughter had a devil. She did not make up some story, full of excuses and blame, that her daughter was ill. No, she had faith and recognised the demons for what they are. Here, we see the faith of the Canaanite woman, for although she had suffered the bigotry and prejudice of the Jews, yet she was still willing to plead for the help of a Jew, the help of Christ, calling Him 'Thou Son of David'.
It would seem to us that Christ's reply to her, virtually calling her a dog, was very hard. In fact, of course, He was merely testing her reaction and thus revealing her faith, a faith greater than that of the Jews, especially the Pharisees, with whom He had recently spoken. Indeed, the Canaanite woman was not insulted by Christ's words. Instead, in all humility, she replied that even dogs are glad to eat the crumbs that fall from the table of the Master. Thus she had shown not only faith, but also humility
At once she was rewarded with the healing of her daughter at a distance, a miraculous healing, like that of the servant of the centurion, miracles which can take place only through the might of the Saviour, Who overcomes the barriers of space and time to heal. Thus we see that for any miracle to take place, we first need faith and then humility, the faith and humility of the Canaanite woman, who asks for Christ's mercy and help.
However, if we go further and penetrate into the inner meaning of this miracle of faith and humility, we will find even deeper significance.
This miracle occurred in the land of Tyre and Sidon. Now, scholars tell us that the word 'Tyre' means 'beseiged'. And the daughter of the Canaanite woman was exactly in that situation - she was beseiged by demons. Indeed the pagan world as a whole was beseiged by demons whom it even worshipped.
And the word 'Sidon' means 'those who seek'. And there were those in the pagan world who did just that - they did seek, for they were not so engrossed in vice that they could not, like the Canaanite woman, still seek the truth.
Finally, the word 'Canaan' means 'prepared by humility'. And that is precisely the case of the Canaanite woman. For if we are beseiged by demons and we seek, prepared by humility, then we shall find Christ, as did the Canaanite woman from Tyre and Sidon.
Here we should be careful for there are those who seek and do not find. This is because they are not prepared by humility. They are indeed doing the opposite of seeking, they are 'self-seeking', in other words seeking only to dominate through pride and seeking to intrigue through selfishness. They are not seeking the healing of their soul, for in their pride they do not even acknowledge it to be ill.
Today's Gospel then has a universal significance, especially for today's neo-pagan world. For today's world is like Tyre 'beseiged' by demons. Part of it is content to remain like that. Part of it seeks its own advantage in such a situation. But part of it is genuinely coming out from Sidon, 'seeking' and 'prepared by humility'. That part is ready to accept even the crumbs that fall from the table of the Master. And what are those crumbs? They are the crumbs of the Bread of Life, the Body of Christ, the Eucharist of the Church. This is available to all who seek with humility through prayer, fasting and confession. And those who seek thus, will assuredly find.
Let us this day, like the Canaanite woman, also cry out:
Have mercy on us, O Lord! Lord help us!
Amen.
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Commemorating Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus in Syria, Martyrs Julian the Presbyter and Caesarius the Deacon at Terracina, Martyr Pelagia of Tarsus, Martyr Polychronius the Presbyter, 99 Martyred Fathers of Crete, Venerable Sergius Abbot of Nurma and disciple of Venerable Sergius of Radonezh Vologda, Uncovering of the relics of Venerable Martinian Abbot of Belozersk, Venerable Joseph the Elder and Wonderworker of Khevi Georgia
RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 8
You did descend from on High, O Merciful One, You did accept 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.
MARTYRS TROPARION—TONE 5
O much-suffering Sergius and all-glorious Bacchus, adornment of Christian athletes and eye of Christ's Church, enlighten the eyes of our souls. Entreat the Lord, that we may escape the darkness of sin and may be shown to share in the never- waning light through your supplications, O saints.
RESURRECTIONAL 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, do not despise 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!
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
This Week: Matins: Nicholas Ressetar Epistle: Milan Radanovic
Next Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Stefan Gligorevic
EPISTLE: 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1
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!
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, what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
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: 2 Коринћанима 6:16-7:1
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 завете
Хор: Господу Богу нашему.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање из друге посланице Св. Апостола Павла Коринћанима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, какво је слагање храма Божијег са идолима? Јер ви сте храм Бога живога, као што рече Бог: Уселићу се у њих, и живјећу у њима, и бићу им Бог, и они ће бити мој народ. Зато изиђите из њихове средине и одвојте се, говори Господ, и не дохватајте се нечистог, и ја ћу вас примити, и бићу вам отац и ви ћете бити моји синови и кћери, говори Господ Сведржитељ. Имајући, дакле, оваква обећања, о љубљени, очистимо себе од сваке нечистоте тијела и духа, творећи светињу у страху Божијему.
Свештеник: Мир свима 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
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Matthew 15:21-28
Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.” But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.” But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Матеј 15:21-28
У вријеме оно, Исус отиде у крајеве тирске и сидонске. И гле, жена Хананејка изиђе из оних крајева и повика му говорећи: Помилуј ме, Господе, сине Давидов, кћер моју много мучи ђаво! А он јој не одговори ни ријечи. И приступивши ученици његови мољаху га говорећи: Отпусти је, јер виче за нама. А он одговарајући рече: Ја сам послан само изгубљеним овцама дома Израиљева. А она приступивши поклони му се говорећи: Господе, помози ми! А он одговарајући рече: Није добро узети хљеб од дјеце и бацити псима. А она рече: Да, Господе! али и пси једу од мрва што падају са трпезе господара њихових. Тада одговори Исус и рече јој: О жено, велика је вјера твоја; нека ти буде како хоћеш! И оздрави кћи њена од онога часа.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | |
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~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
The newly illumined Stefanija, Divna and Danica, their parents and kumovi, the newly wed Jimi and Taylor Werner, their 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, the child Penelope and her parents, Alex and Michelle Dowd, Kaitlyn Hook and the newborn Bowen William, Catherine Lewis and the newborn Caleb Ereno, Mara Bebeau and the newborn Jacob, Lousi, Tony & infant of God Zayne, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Lori Bare, Christina Berchock, Dori & Doug Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Walter “Bud” Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Maria Chigrintseva, Susan & Jim Cibort, Leann Cox, Victoria Cox, Art Dils, Tommy & Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Edward Dry, JoAnn Filepas, Anaya Garvin, Eric 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, Dorothy Krnjaich, Dragica Kuzmanovic, 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, George Milakovic, Marija Miljkovic, Daria Milletics, Diane & Slobodan Momic, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Jenny Moore Oliver, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Kobe Petrovich, Duke & Sue Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Christopher Radanovic, Logan Roszkowski, Chloe Ruff, Greg Selman, Michael Schaffner, Maryann Seiders, Donald Semic, 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, Eleni Ziogas, 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 Who Are Currently Deployed
Christopher Baker
Those to be Baptized
Bowen William Hook, Caleb Ereno Lewis, Barrett Scott, Nora & Maeve Van Huysen, Sloane & Šeren York
Our College Students
Sophia Adams, Cameron Barber, Kyle Barber, Michael Geppert, Anastasija Gligorevic, Natalija Gligorevic, Cayden Healy, Matthew Hoover, Kalei Howard, Faith Kingsbury, Sophia Mummert, Kobe Petrovich, Christina Radanovic, Ioanna Radanovic, Luis Antonio Radanovic, Madison Vorkapich, Anastasija Vukalo
Our Seminary Students
Elizabeth Bare
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Meilka “Sandy” Marijan, Bogoljub Blagojevic, Jovanka Foltz, Bozidar 'Bobby' Bulatovich, Demetrios Ziogas, Peter Mrgich
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~Congratulations Offered~
We rejoice in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Jimi A. Werner in being united in the Holy Mystery of Marriage yesterday. May the Lord bless them with long life, a crown of glory that does not fade away, and to see their children’s children. Ziveli! I Mnogaja Ljeta!
~Condolences Offered~
Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
We offer heartfelt condolences to the Mrgich Family on the falling asleep of Peter Mrgich on Wednesday, October 16. Funeral information will be published soon. May his soul dwell with the righteous, be numbered among the just, and may his memory be eternal!
~Vigils Offered~
JIMI & TAYLOR WERNER Offered in joyous celebration of their marriage yesterday (October 19). May you be blessed with many years of happiness. Love Baba
CHRISTOPHER BAKER Offered by Chris & Jevi Radanovic during his deployment. Praying for all of our Christ loving soldiers, families and their service to our country.
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.
†RANCE BARE Offered in loving memory of our Papa/Great-Papa’s repose (Oct 15). May his soul rest in peace. Memory Eternal! Vječnaja Pamjat! By Zach, Elizabeth, Genevieve, and Louise Bare.
†NATJA KESSLER offered in loving memory of my Kuma Natja on what would have been her 78th birthday October 18th. Sadly missed by Godson Matthew. Vječnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†JAMES RUSSIN Offered in loving memory of Marie’s brother’s repose (27 years—Oct 18) by Frank and Marie Brescia and family. Vječnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†JAMES RUSSIN Offered in loving memory of his repose (27 years—Oct 18) by his Godchildren Alexis Brescia & Frank Brescia III. Vječnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†HONORABLE BRANKO BOB YANICH Offered in loving memory on what would have been his 90th 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, Katie, Tim, Sonora, Ashtyn, Endora, Baylor, Bowen, and the rest of the family & Kumovi. Vječnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†PHIL GRUICH Offered in loving memory of his birthday (Oct 25). We miss you dearly. Memory Eternal! Vječnaja Pamjat! Love Kata and family.
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Please continue to pray for all of those currently being persecuted for Christ's sake in Kosovo, Metohija, Montenegro, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, the Sudan, China, North Korea, for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering throughout the world, especially in Ukraine, that they might be comforted with the Joy of our Lord, and for all of those suffering from the pandemic, for those who minister, and for those who are unjustly persecuted that they may be strengthened by the love of Christ which knows no race.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD!
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Stewardship Offering Information
Date 10/13/2024
Collection: $3,844.00
Date 10/6/2024
Collection: $3,352.00
Date 9/29/2024
Collection: $2,428.00
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October Birthdays
Caroline Donato (Oct 2), Dave Milletics (Oct 2), Sonora Viola Mae Cruz (Oct 2), 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), Mackenzie & Stefan Lazarevic (Oct 21), Janis & Greg Meadow (Oct 29)
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THE SAINTS OF OUR FRESCOES
This year, we will be offering multiple opportunities to learn more about the saints that are depicted on the icons in the Church. Mrs. Martha Rakowski, Th.M., will be teaching the lives of these wondrous saints—many of whom we call our patrons! This adult education class continues TODAY Sunday, October 20th after Church with the Holy Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John.
SOTAYA FUNDRAISER
On Sunday, November 3rd, after Divine Liturgy, SOTAYA will be having their annual CEVAPI Meal for sale as part of their fundraiser activity. It’s a traditional portion of 5 Cevapi in a Lepinja with onions and Kajmak, all for just $10. Please come and support the youth of our church. HVALA!!
PANTRY BOX IN THE LOBBY
The Pantry Box helps to supply much needed goods to the Bethesda Women’s Shelter. Please remember to drop off items like: ibuprofen, toothpaste, toothbrush, powdered laundry detergent, feminine hygiene products, lotion, razors, bar soap or body wash, deodorant.
STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY—DECEMBER 1
On Sunday, December 1, we will celebrate our annual Stewardship Sunday with speakers and a meal as we offer the best of ourselves to God. Please begin considering what you are able to offer God in the coming year. And remember two things: 1) God loves a cheerful giver. 2) True Christians look for the maximum of what they can give to God in thanksgiving for all His bounty of Salvation.
ORTHODOX PARENTING UPDATE
Thank you all for your feedback. Father Christopher will be working with Dr. Jevi Radanovic on a video series on Orthodox parenting. This was the most requested format from our interested parents. God-willing, we will begin publishing on our YouTube channel by year’s end.
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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 OFFICE HOURS
Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 9 am until noon. You may call the office during these hours at (717) 939-3872 or come by the office in person. Office hours will be adjusted when services are occurring during those hours.
BULLETIN DEADLINE
Please send all Bulletin Requests to the Church Office at office@stnicholassteelton.org
You may also call (717) 939-3872
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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.
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