20th Sunday after Pentecost | | Христос међу нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta entra nosotros! | | |
Homily on Raising of the Son of the Widow of Nain
Fr. Philip LeMasters
I have known people who have been troubled by the question of whether God is primarily characterized by human standards of love or justice. Some of them have worried that a God of love would simply overlook evil and hold no one accountable for their actions. Others have reacted against the view that God is primarily a harsh judge Who is out to get us and to make sure that we pay our pound of flesh for our sins.
Those with time to spare can have a debate about such abstract matters, as though God where a math problem that needed solving. But as Orthodox Christians, our focus must be different, for we humbly embrace God’s truth not as a speculative idea, but in the Person of Jesus Christ. He is not a bundle of competing definitions according to the standards of our limited minds, but the Son of God Who became fully human in order save us out of a divine compassion beyond our understanding. He lowered Himself, taking on the form of a servant to the point of death on the Cross, burial in a tomb, and descent into Hades in order to rise triumphantly over them in His glorious resurrection on the third day. And He did not do so for His own sake, but for ours. In Him, we encounter not merely the best human aspirations, but truly the Lord Himself Who alone is Holy, Holy, Holy.
What does it look like when the Alpha and the Omega of the universe becomes one of us, living in our corrupt world of sin, death, and personal brokenness? In today’s gospel text, we have a clear picture of what it means for the Word to become flesh and dwell among us. It means that He gives life to the dead and joy and comfort to those who mourn. Christ had compassion on the widow who had lost her only son. He consoled her, saying “Do not weep,” and then touched the coffin, bringing the young man back from death itself.
The Lord’s great act of mercy for this woman is a sign or enacted icon of our salvation. For we weep and mourn not only for loved ones whom we see no more, but also for how our own sins, and those of others, have broken, marred, and distorted the beauty of our world, of our souls, of our relationships, and of every dimension of our life. Death, destruction, hatred, fear, and decay in all their forms are the consequences of our refusal to live faithfully as those created in the image and likeness of God. We have worshipped ourselves, our possessions and our pride, and found only despair and emptiness as a result, as well as slavery to our own self-centered desires. So we weep with the widow of Nain both for losing loved ones and for losing ourselves.
The good news of the Gospel, however, is the unfathomable compassion of our Savior. Rather than simply observing human suffering and letting us bear the consequences of our actions, the Father sent the Son to enter into our suffering, into our distorted and disintegrated world, in order to restore us to the blessedness for which He created us. He came to heal us, to stop us from weeping, and even to raise us from the dead into the glory of the heavenly kingdom. He came to unite us to Himself in holiness. The Son touched the coffin of the dead man and he arose. Christ’s compassion for us is so profound that He also entered a coffin, a tomb, and even descended to Hades, the shadowy place of the dead because, out of love for humankind, He could not simply stand by and allow us to bear the full consequences of our actions.
No, our faith is not fundamentally about punishment or wrath for sinners. It is not focused on the bad news that we get what we deserve. Instead, we celebrate the good news of the infinite, holy mercy Christ Who will stop at nothing to bring the one lost sheep back into the fold, Who is not embarrassed to welcome home the prodigal son, and Who will even submit to death on a cross in order to destroy it by rising in glory.
Of course, we have our part to play in responding to His great compassion. If we identify ourselves with Jesus Christ, if we are members of His Body, the Church, and are nourished by His Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist, then His mercy must become evident in our lives. If we are partakers the divine nature in Him, then His life must become ours such that, as St. Paul teaches, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Gal. 2:2) If we claim to receive Christ’s compassion, then we must extend that same compassion to others, suffering with them in love, sharing their burdens as best we can, and going out of our way to show them the mercy that we have found in our Lord.
If we are to live the Christian life with integrity, we too must have the courage to relate to others with true compassion as they suffer, mourn, and live with pain and disorder of whatever kind. Perhaps they brought some of these conditions upon themselves. Like the rest of us, they have not always done the right thing and have suffered the consequences of their own bad choices. In some cases, they may actually believe that what they are doing is good. In other words, they are a lot like you and me. Instead of doing the easy and self-righteous thing by simply leaving them to their allegedly well-deserved misery, we must follow the way of our Lord, Who did not come to show mercy upon those who deserved it. Remember that mercy and grace, by definition, are not deserved. The widow of Nain and her dead son did not deserve the compassion of the Lord, but He showed love to them anyway. The relevance for our lives should be clear. If we have integrity as Christians, we will respond to others with the same compassion that we have experienced in Jesus Christ.
But we need to be clear: Extending Christ’s compassion to others is not the same thing as being what our culture calls “a nice person” or making sure that everyone likes us or that we always tell people what they want to hear. It took discipline, strength, and courage for the Lord to show compassion throughout His entire earthly ministry, especially during His journey to the Cross. And every time that He healed the sick or raised the dead, He knew that the Pharisees and perhaps the Romans were watching, noticing Him as a threat to their power. He offended them virtually every step of the way with what He said and did. If we live and speak with holy compassion, we can be sure that some will take offense and think that we are crazy or even dangerous. To be His disciple is not a calling for cowards afraid of their own shadow or for people addicted to the praise of others, for it requires discipline, self-control, and a strength of character beyond our own power. It requires a willingness to be out of step with the dominant ways of the world, whatever they may be in a given time and place.
Unfortunately, it has become second nature to defend our egos by damning others, by building ourselves up as we put others down. Thank God, that is not way of our Lord. If it were, we would have no hope for salvation. If it were, the dead would be left in the tombs and the mourners would sorrow alone. But because the Savior has come to us purely out of love for fallen, broken, sinful humanity, we must share His compassionate love with everyone we encounter, especially those whom we are inclined to ignore or condemn for whatever reason. For we do not relate to Jesus Christ as isolated individuals, but as members of His Body who share a common life. If we are members of His Body and receive His Body and Blood in the Eucharist, how can we disregard Him even in “the least of these” whose hearts and lives are broken, regardless of who is at fault for the circumstances?
Our Lord is a Person, not an abstract idea. Prepared by prayer, fasting, and confession, let us unite ourselves to Him in the Eucharist, receiving His compassionate mercy even as we extend the same holy concern to our neighbors, loved ones, and enemies. He came to call sinners to repentance, to heal the sick, and to raise the dead. He came to save, bless, and restore people as broken as you and me. If we receive Him, then we must receive them. For as hard as it is to believe, He works through us to extend His compassion to others. To be in Him is to become a living icon of His mercy, a personal sign of His salvation.
| | |
Commemorating St Niketas the Confessor of Paphlagonia, St Anthony Metropolitan of Chqondidi and St Jacob Elder of Chqondidi, Martyrs Carpus, Papylus, Agathadorus and Agathonica at Pergamum, Martyr Florentius of Thessalonica, Martyr Benjamin the Deacon of Persia, NewMartyr Zlata of Meglena Bulgaria, Ven. Benjamin of the Kiev Caves
RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 3
Let the heavens rejoice! Let the earth be glad! For the Lord has shown strength with His arm. He has trampled down death by death. He has become the first born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of hell, and has granted to the world great mercy.
HOLY FATHERS TROPARION—TONE 8
You are most glorious, O Christ our God, Who have established the Holy Fathers as lights on the earth. By them You have guided us on the path of the True Faith. O Most Merciful One, glory to You!
RESURRECTION KONTAKION—TONE 3
On this day You rose from the tomb, O Merciful One, leading us from the gates of death. On this day Adam exults as Eve rejoices; with the Prophets and Patriarchs they unceasingly praise the divine majesty of Your power.
HOLY FATHERS KONTAKION —TONE 6
The Son, Who shone forth ineffably from the Father, was born of a woman, in two natures. Beholding Him, we do not deny the image of His form, but depicting it piously, we revere it with faith. Therefore, the Church, holding the True Faith, venerates the Icon of Christ's Incarnation.
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!
| | ~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | | |
READERS:
This Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle:Milan Radanovic
Next Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Dimitri Shibolev
EPISTLE: Galatians 1:11-19
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Third Tone: Sing praises to our God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
CHOIR: Sing praises to our God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
READER: v: Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
CHOIR: Sing praises to our God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
READER: Sing praises to our God, sing praises!
CHOIR: Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Galatians
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brothers and Sisters, I make known to you, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: In You, O Lord, have I hoped; let me never be put to shame!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Be a God of protection for me, a house of refuge in order to save me!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Галаћанима 1:11-19
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 3 Појте Богу нашему, појте! Појте Цару нашему, појте!
Хор: Појте Богу нашему, појте! Појте Цару нашему, појте!
Читач: Сви народи, запљескајте рукама, покликните Богу гласом радосним!
Хор: Појте Богу нашему, појте! Појте Цару нашему, појте!
Читач: Појте Богу нашему, појте!
Хор: Појте Цару нашему, појте!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање је од посланице Светог апостола Павла до Галаћанима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, дајем вам на знање, да јеванђеље које сам ја благовијестио, није од човјека; Нити га ја примих од човјека, нити научих, него откривењем Исуса Христа. Јер сте чули моје живљење некад у Јудејству, да одвише гоних Цркву Божију и пустоших је. И напредовах у Јудејству више од многих врсника својих у роду своме, будући одвише ревнитељ за своја отачка предања. А када благоволи Бог, који ме изабра од утробе матере моје и призва благодаћу својом, да објави Сина својега у мени, да га благовијестим међу незнабошцима, тога часа не питах тијела и крви, нити изиђох у Јерусалим онима који су били апостоли прије мене, него отидох у Арабију, и опет се вратих у Дамаск. А потом, након три године, изиђох у Јерусалим да видим Петра, и остадох код њега петнаест дана. А другога од апостола не видјех, осим Јакова брата Господњега.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: У тебе се, Господе, уздам, немој ме оставити под срамотом до вјека.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Буди ми Бог заштитник, дом уточишта, да би ме спасао.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
| | |
LITURGY GOSPEL: Luke 7:11-16, John 17: 1-13
At that time, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us”; and, “God has visited His people.”
At that time, Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me. “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.
| |  | |
ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ: Лука 7:11-16, Јован 17: 1-13
У вријеме оно, Исус иђаше у град који се зове Наин, и с њим иђаху многи ученици његови и мноштво народа. А када се приближи вратима града, и гле, изношаху мртваца, јединца сина матере његове, и она бјеше удовица; и многи народ из града иђаше са њом. И видјевши је Господ сажали се на њу, и рече јој: Не плачи! И приступивши дохвати се носила, а носиоци стадоше; и рече: Момче, теби говорим, устани! И сједе мртвац и стаде говорити; и даде га матери његовој. А страх обузе све, и слављаху Бога говорећи: Велики пророк подиже се међу нама, и Бог походи народ свој.
Тада Исус подиже очи своје небу и рече: Оче, дошао је час, прослави Сина својега, да и Син твој прослави тебе; Као што си му дао власт над сваким тијелом, да свему што си му дао, дарује им живот вјечни. А ово је вјечни живот да познају тебе једнога истинитога Бога и кога си послао Исуса Христа. Ја те прославих на земљи; дјело сврших које си ми дао да извршим. И сада прослави ти мене, Оче, у тебе самога, славом коју имадох у тебе прије него свијет постаде. Објавих име твоје људима које си ми дао од свијета; твоји бијаху па си их мени дао, и твоју су ријеч одржали. Сад разумјеше да је све што си ми дао од тебе. Јер ријечи које си ми дао, дао сам њима: и они примише, и познаше заиста да од тебе изиђох, и вјероваше да ме ти посла. Ја се за њих молим, не молим се за свијет, него за оне које си ми дао, јер су твоји. И све моје твоје је, и твоје моје; и прославио сам се у њима. И више нисам у свијету, а они су у свијету, и ја долазим теби. Оче свети, сачувај их у име твоје, оне које си ми дао, да буду једно као ми. Док бијах с њима у свијету, ја их чувах у име твоје; оне које си ми дао сачувах; и нико од њих не погибе осим сина погибли, да се испуни Писмо. А сада долазим теби, и ово говорим на свијету, да имају радост моју испуњену у себи.
| | ~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | | |
~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 10/19/2025
Collection: $4,770.00
Date 10/12/2025
Collection: $1,845.00
Date 10/5/2025
Collection: $5,750.00
| |
~Vigils Offered~
JIMI WERNER Offered in joyous celebration of his birthday (Oct 29). God’s blessings for Many More! Mnogaja Ljeta! Ziveli! Love Baba
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.
†MARIJA MARY YANICH Offered in loving memory on what would have been Mom/Mom-Mom/Aunt/Kuma Mary’s 109th birthday (Oct 27). Our memories of her spirit, faith, spunk and stories sustain us. We praise the Lord for her presence in our lives and we pray for her peaceful repose. Given with love by Danilo, Rose, Tosh, Tosha, Emily, Braydon, Victoria, her nieces, nephews and Kumovi. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†DUSAN BOROTA Offered in loving memory (22 years—Oct 28) by his family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
| | |
Remaining October Birthdays
Mira Lukic (Oct 26), John Nicholas Hernjak (Oct 27), Carole Radosinovich (Oct 29), Jimi Werner (Oct 29), Marijana Rocknage (Oct 30)
Remaining October Anniversaries
Mark & Stacy Milanovich (Oct 28), Janis & Greg Meadow (Oct 29)
November Birthdays
Vadim Reznitchenko (Nov 2), Calvin Filepas (Nov 5), Dori & Doug Bert (Nov 6), Mila Ann Livingston (Nov 6), Jim Werner (Nov 9), Marko Rocknage (Nov 11), Tomislav Gligorevic (Nov 13), Leann Cox (Nov 13), Trenton Petrovich Jr, (Nov 13), Philip Lamancusa (Nov 15), Dori Barry (Nov 16), Jovan Milanovich (Nov 16), Matt Healy (Nov 18), Millie Yezdimir (Nov 19), Tomislav Lojpur (Nov 19), Michelle Kingsbury (Nov 20), Michael Dean Stefan (Nov 21), Brian Lewis Sr (Nov 21), Brandon Mumma (Nov 22), Dianne Martin (Nov 23), Stacy Milanovich (Nov 23), Marko Miljkovic (Nov 24)
November Anniversaries
Danielle & Joseph Van Huysen (Nov 4), Paula & Jim Werner (Nov 5), Nicholas & Joann Hernjak (Nov 5), Mira & Milijan Lukic (Nov 11), Doni & Steve Cashman (Nov 21), Nick & Terry Govelovich (Nov 23), Christian & Lily Holland (Nov 23)
| |
| |
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.
| | |
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 12:00noon in the Church.
SENIORS ANNUAL THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON
When: Tuesday, Nov 11 2025
Time: 11:30 to ????
Plan to be there to enjoy a great meal prepared by The 230 Café and great fellowship as we join to thank God. Stay tuned for more details to come.
SOYA 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, SOYA 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 SOYA member or Protinica Andreja 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.
| | |
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. This month it is on November 8. 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
(LAST DAY 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
TODAY Sunday, October 26th
Order forms are available at the tutors stand and can be turned in to the office
Pick Up will be Thursday, Nov 13 from 4 pm - 6 pm
|
| |
CHOIR SOUP & POGACA SALE
(LAST DAY TO ORDER)
Orders Due: TODAY Sunday, October 26th
Pick Up: Sunday, November 2nd
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.
| | |
A Lesson on the Life of the Venerable Paraskeva of Serbia
“A man without discipline is like a city without walls.” — St. Nicholai Velimirovich
Today, we will learn about Venerable Mother Paraskevi – St. Petka, a saint who lived a life of deep faith, discipline, and sacrifice. Born in the 11th century near Constantinople (modern-day Selimpaşa, Turkey), she is one of the most beloved saints in the Orthodox Church, especially in Serbia and Romania. She devoted her life to helping the poor, persistent prayer, and overcoming spiritual challenges. Her life of devotion, miracles, and connection to Serbia continues to inspire us today. Saint Petka was born into a wealthy and pious family in Epivat, a town on the coast of the Sea of Marmara. As a child, she showed great mercy to the poor and less fortunate. By the age of 10, she began giving away her fine clothes, choosing instead to wear only simple, ragged garments, following Christ’s words: “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me” (Mark 8:34). This became her guiding principle. She aspired to live like the great saints before her, such as St. John the Baptist and the Prophet Elijah. After her parents passed away, St. Petka chose to renounce her comfortable life. At the age of 15, she went into the wilderness near the Jordan River to live as a hermit, dedicating herself to prayer, fasting, and solitude. She faced many trials in the wilderness, including temptations from the devil. Evil spirits, disguised as wild animals, tried to frighten her, but St. Petka drove them away with the sign of the cross, her faith in God, and her humility. The life of St. Petka in the wilderness demanded great asceticism. She spent her days in unceasing prayer and devotion, emulating the great ascetics before her. Though her trials were great, her faith and trust in God helped her persevere. After years of living in the wilderness, an angel of God commanded St. Petka to return to her homeland. She obeyed and returned to Epivat, where she continued her life of prayer and humility. At the young age of 27, St. Petka reposed in the Lord and was buried in an unmarked grave near the sea. Years later, her body was discovered to be incorrupt, which was seen as a sign of her sanctity. Her relics were moved to the Church of the Holy Apostles in Epivat, and soon after, many began experiencing miracles through her intercession. Although St. Petka was born near Constantinople, she is considered of Serbian descent, and her ties to Serbia grew stronger after her death. In the 14th century, Princess Milica, the wife of Prince Lazar Hrebeljanović, transferred St. Petka’s relics to Belgrade. They were placed in the Church of the Holy Apostles, where they remained for over a century. For the Serbs in Belgrade, particularly women, St. Petka became their beloved patron saint, a healer, and an intercessor in times of sickness, war, and hardship. Her relics became a crucial part of the Serbian identity, and she came to be known as St. Petka of Serbia. In 1521, Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent moved her relics to Constantinople after the Ottoman Empire took control of Belgrade. In 1641, her relics were transferred to Iasi, Romania, where they remain today in the Church of the Three Hierarchs. However, parts of her relics still remain in Serbia (Ružica Church), where she continues to be revered as one of the most important saints in the Serbian Orthodox Church. Her feast day is celebrated on 14 October (Julian calendar) / 27 October (Revised Julian calendar). For many Serbian families, St. Petka is their Slava (family patron saint), and they celebrate her life with great devotion every year. St. Petka’s sanctity did not end with her death. From the 14th century onwards, many miracles have been attributed to her intercession. People visited her tomb to pray and experienced miraculous healings of both body and spirit. One story recounts how St. Petka’s relics were brought to a stylite monastery by the sea. A dead body washed ashore, and the stench was unbearable. The stylite monk hired laborers to bury the body, but when they began digging, they found St. Petka’s incorrupt body. That night, she appeared in a dream to one of the workers, saying, “Take my remains and move them, for the stench is unbearable.” Her relics were moved, and she continued to perform miracles. Even today, people visit her relics in Iasi, Romania, and Serbia, seeking healing, comfort, and spiritual renewal through her intercession.
| | |
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.
| | | | |
