18th Sunday after Pentecost | |
Христос Међу Нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta' entra nosotros! | |
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Homily on Luke 5:1-11
By Father Gregory Jensen
Glory to Jesus Christ!
The first two chapters of Genesis introduce us to the God Who is both Redeemer and Artist of Creation. Rather than Aristotle’s impersonal Unmoved Mover or the Enlightenment’s somewhat more personal but nevertheless detached Watchmaker, as portrayed in Genesis God is intimately involved in the shaping and ordering of Creation. Day after day, God orders the primordial chaos. To those who lived at the time, this ordering of chaos would not have been understood abstractly. In a world beset with the chaos of disease and famine, war and accidental death, God’s actions at the Creation would have been proof that the God of Moses was worthy of human obedience. This God above all the gods of the time was victorious not only over the passing chaos of daily life but the cosmological chaos that always threatened to overwhelm humanity. And when God creates His finest creation–humanity–He doesn’t do so like the other gods from a distance or with violence. Rather, He reaches down in love to His creation and forms Man out of the dust, the mud, of the earth.
We can see in this a foreshadowing of the Incarnation. As St Augustine points out (City of God, 24), the One Who gives us physical life by His breath will later breath upon the apostles and disciples granting them the power to forgive sins and so great us life everlasting (see John 20:19-25). But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. What God creates first, is more manikin than Man. It is only when God mixes His Spirit with His this model of a man that the mud of the earth becomes, as we read in Genesis, “a living being” (Genesis 2:7). This means that to be human means to be a creature who shares, participates, in the divine life (compare 2 Peter 1:4).
The Hebrew word translated as “living being” is nephesh. It is a word often used to describe things like a flute or the throat. It has the connotation, in other words, of things that are only themselves when they are empty so they can be filled with breath. It’s only with breath, that the flute makes music or the throat words. For the human to be nephesh means that, from the beginning, we are only ourselves when we are filled with the Spirit of God. This is the context with which we can understand St Paul’s boast that in human weakness, divine grace is perfected. The power of the Gospel is only made real in the lives of those who have come to accept and embrace with gratitude their absolute dependence on God. This means as well, that I am most fully myself only to the degree that I depend on God. And it is this dependence on God that makes possible for us to do the mighty works of God.
Look at St Peter in the Gospel. After a hard night of failure, Jesus comes to him and asks to be rowed out into the lake. Of all the things Simon wanted to do that morning, going back on to the water was likely not one of them. But out he goes. And when Jesus is finished preaching? He tells Simon to row out to the deep part of the lake and let down his net. Not surprisingly, Simon doesn’t want to do this. After all, he not Jesus is the fisherman. And while he was willing to provide Jesus a platform to preach, rowing out on the water and dropping his net means revisiting the scene of his failure. We need to understand, Simon’s failure wasn’t an abstraction for him. Failing to catch fish the night before, means he goes hungry this morning. And not only Simon. His wife and children will have no food this morning. And he will have no fish to trade. This means he has failed not only his family but his village as well.
And so for Simon to hear Jesus, this rabbi, this carpenter, and his friend, to say “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” means to be asked to revisit the scene of his failure as a husband, a father and a member of the community. To do as Jesus asks is humiliating for Simon. The successful catch comes at the cost of Simon surrendering all his notions of who he is and what it means to be a good husband, father, Jew, and man.
Rather than responding with anger, he confesses his sinfulness. In that moment of miraculous success, Simon realizes how little room he has in his heart for God. It is precisely at the moment when he realizes his weakness, that Simon the fisherman becomes Peter the Apostle who’s preaching will set the world on fire!
We are called to live the same life as Peter and Paul. If we embrace our dependence on God if we root out all the things in our life that we cling to instead of God, then like Peter and Paul, we can not only set the world around us on fire, we can become ourselves fire! And what does fire do but shine and burn? We can become light and warmth for a world grown cold and dark because of sin. And far from being used up or destroyed in the process, we will become more and more the persons who God has created us to be. My brothers and sisters in Christ! Jesus says to each of us today, “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!”
Today, Christ calls us to fulfill His desire for the world!
Today, Christ calls us to be His disciples, His witnesses!
Today, Christ calls us to become who we are!
Today, Christ calls us to become fire!
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Commemorating Venerable Paraskeva of Serbia, Hieromartyr Silvanus of Gaza
Martyrs Gervasius, Nazarius, Protasius and Celsus of Milan, Venerable Nicholas Sviatosha Prince of Chernigov, Wonderworker of the Kiev Near Caves
RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 1
When the stone had been sealed by the Jews, while the soldiers were guarding Your most pure body, You rose on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. The powers of heaven therefore cried to You, O Giver of Life: “Glory to Your Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Your Kingdom! Glory to Your dispensation, O Lover of mankind!”
HOLY FATHERS OF THE ECUMENICAL COUNCIL TROPARION—TONE 8
You are most glorious, O Christ our God, Who has revealed the holy fathers as lights upon the earth. Through them You have guided us on the path of the True Faith. O Most Merciful One, 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.
VENERABLE PARASKEVA OF SERBIA TROPARION—TONE 4
You loved the silent and solitary life, and fervently followed Christ your Bridegroom. Having taken His easy yoke in your youth, and having courageously armed yourself by the Sign of the Cross against your spiritual enemies; through ascetic labors, fasting and prayers, and by your tears, you extinguished the coals of passions, O glorious Paraskeva. And now as you stand in the heavenly bridal chamber of the wise virgins in the presence of Christ, pray for us who venerate your precious memory.
RESURRECTION KONTAKION—TONE 1
As God, You rose from the tomb in glory, raising the world with Yourself. Human nature praises You as God, for death has vanished. Adam exults, O Master! Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage and cries to You: “You are the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!”
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:Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Stefan Gligorevic
Next Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Marijana Rocknage
EPISTLE: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, Galatians 3:23-4:3
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the First Tone: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
CHOIR: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
READER: v: Rejoice in the Lord, O your righteous! Praise befits the just!
CHOIR: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
READER: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us...
CHOIR: ...as we have set our hope on You!
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, but this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.
But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: God gives vengeance unto me, and subdues people under me.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: He magnifies the salvation of the King and deals mercifully with David, His anointed, and his seed forever.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: 2 Коринћанима 9:6-11, Галатима 3:23-4:3
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 1 Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Хор: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Читач: Веселите се, праведници, пред Господом, праведнима доликује похвала.
Хор: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Читач: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе,
Хор: на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање је од друге посланице Светог апостола Павла до Коринћанима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Брачо, а ово велим: Ко шкрто сије, шкрто ће и жњети; а ко са благословима сије, са благословима ће и жњети. Сваки како одлучи у срцу, не са жалошћу или принудно; јер Бог љуби онога који драговољно даје. А Бог је кадар да вас обогати сваком благодаћу, да у свему свагда имајући довољно свега, изобилујете у сваком добром дјелу. Као што је написано: Просу, даде сиромасима; правда Његова остаје до вијека. А Онај који даје сјеме сијачу и хљеб за јело, даће и умножиће сјеме ваше, и даће да узрасту плодови праведности ваше; Богатећи се у свему за сваку простодушност која кроз нас приноси захвалност Богу.
Прије доласка вјере бисмо под законом чувани и затворени за вјеру која се имала открити. Тако нам закон постаде васпитач за Христа, да би се вјером оправдали; А када дође вјера, више нисмо под васпитачем. Јер сте сви синови Божији вјером у Христа Исуса. Јер који се год у Христа крстисте, у Христа се обукосте. Нема више Јудејца ни Јелина, нема више роба ни слободнога, нема више мушког ни женског, јер сте ви сви један (човјек) у Христу Исусу. А кад сте ви Христови, онда сте сјеме Авраамово и насљедници по обећању. Али кажем, за вријеме док је насљедник дијете ништа се не разликује од роба, ако и јесте господар свега. Него је под старатељима и управитељима до рока који је отац одредио. Тако и ми, када бијасмо дјеца, бијасмо поробљени стихијама свијета.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Бог ми даје освету и покорава ми народе.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Славно избављаш цара свога и чиниш милост помазанику своме Давиду и потомству његовом до вјека.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Luke 5:1-11, Matthew 25:1-13
At that time, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.
“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Лука 5: 1-11, Матеј 25: 1-13
У вријеме оно, Исус стајаше крај Генисаретског језера, и видје двије лађе гдје стоје украј језера, а рибари бијаху изишли из њих и испираху мреже. И уђе у једну лађу, која бијаше Симонова, и замоли га да одмакне мало од обале; и сједе и учаше народ из лађе. А кад преста говорити, рече Симону: Хајде на дубину и баците мреже своје за лов. И одговарајући Симон рече му: Учитељу, сву ноћ смо се трудили, и ништа не ухватисмо; али на твоју ријеч бацићу мрежу. И учинивши то уловише велико мноштво риба, те им се мрежа поче цијепати. И дадоше знак друштву које бјеше на другој лађи да дођу да им помогну; и дођоше, и напунише обје лађе тако да се оне потапаху. А кад видје Симон Петар, припаде кољенима Исусовим говорећи: Изиђи од мене, Господе, јер сам човјек грјешан. Јер запрепашћење обузе њега и све који бијаху с њим због лова рибе што ухватише, a тако исто и Јакова и Јована, синове Зеведејеве, који бијаху другови Симонови. И рече Исус Симону: Не бој се, од сада ћеш људе ловити. И извукавши обје лађе на земљу оставише све, и отидоше за њим.
Рече Господ: Царство небеско као десет дјевојака које узеше свјетиљке своје и изиђоше у сретање женику. А пет њих бијаху мудре и пет луде. Јер луде, узевши свјетиљке своје, не узеше са собом уља. А мудре узеше уље у посудама са свјетиљкама својим. А будући да женик одоцни, задријемаше све, и поспаше. А у поноћи стаде вика: Ево женик долази, излазите му у сретање. Тада устадоше све дјевојке оне и украсише свјетиљке своје. А луде рекоше мудрима: Дајте нам од уља вашега, јер се наше свјетиљке гасе. А мудре одговорише говорећи: Да не би недостало и нама и вама, боље идите продавцима и купите себи. А кад оне отидоше да купе, дође женик, и спремне уђоше с њим на свадбу, и затворише се врата. А послије дођоше и оне друге дјевојке говорећи: Господару, Господару! Отвори нам. А он одговарајући рече им: Заиста вам кажем, не познајем вас. Стражите, дакле, јер не знате дана ни часа у који ће Син Човјечији доћи.
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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, her 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, Jean & Paul 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 & 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
Bogoljub Blagojevic, Jovanka Foltz, Bozidar 'Bobby' Bulatovich, Demetrios Ziogas, Peter Mrgich, Katherine Radoicich
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~Vigils Offered~
JIMI & TAYLOR WERNER Offered in the loving and joyous occasion of their Holy Matrimony, October 19. May God bless you with many years of good health and much happiness together. Mnogaja Ljeta! Love you, Jim, Paula and family.
JIMI & TAYLOR WERNER Offered in joyous celebration of their marriage on October 19. May God bless you with many years of love and happiness. Ziveli! Mnogaja Ljeta! Love Teti Nikki, Uncle Putz, Brian, Catherine, Caleb, Chloe & Dennis.
NINA GILROY Offered in celebration of my Goddaughter’s birthday (Oct 19). May God grant you many years! Ziveli! Mnogaja Ljeta! Love Kuma Nikki & family.
JIMI WERNER Offered in the joyous occasion of your 33rd birthday (Oct 29). May God continue to bless you with many more years of good health and much happiness. Mnogaja Ljeta! Love you, Dad and Mom.
JIMI WERNER Offered in joyous celebration of his birthday (Oct 29). God’s blessings for Many More! Mnogaja Ljeta! Ziveli! 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.
†PHIL GRUICH Offered in loving memory of our dad & Jedo’s birthday (Oct 25). Missing you always. Love from your family. Vječnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†CATHERINE ‘KATER’ DMITROVIC Offered in loving memory of her birthday (Oct 28) from Kata Gruich and family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†MARIJA MARY YANICH Offered in loving memory on what would have been Mom/Mom-Mom/Aunt/Kuma Mary’s 108th birthday (today!). 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 (21 years—Oct 28) by his family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
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Please continue to pray for all of those currently being persecuted for Christ's sake in Kosovo, Metohija, Montenegro, 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.
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!
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Stewardship Offering Information
Date 10/20/2024
Collection: $3,859.00
Date 10/13/2024
Collection: $3,844.00
Date 10/6/2024
Collection: $3,352.00
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Remaining October Birthdays
John Nicholas Hernjak (Oct 27), Carole Radosinovich (Oct 29), Jimi Werner (Oct 29), Marijana Rocknage (Oct 30)
Remaining October Anniversaries
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), 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)
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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 27th after Church with the Saint Paraskeva, and the Greatmartyrs George and Demetrios.
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!!
SENIORS! VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE!!
On Tuesday, November 12, we will be having our monthly meeting and taking the opportunity to thank God for another chance to meet and share an early and delicious Thanksgiving meal together. If you plan to attend, PLEASE be so kind to reserve your place. We are having the meal catered by the 230 Dinner and need a firm commitment from those attending. The cost is $15 and the exact number of meals will be ordered. Please plan to pay in cash or by check made to St. Nicholas Seniors. Reservations will be accepted until Oct.30! It was voted on and approved at the last meeting that if you do not attend but made a reservation you are responsible for the cost of the meal. Call and leave a message at 717.561.1590 or email T2BEDD@GMAIL.COM.
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.
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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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LAST DAY TO ORDER NUTROLLS!! | |
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CHOIR SOUP & POGACA SALE
Orders Due: Sunday, November 10th
Pick Up: Sunday, November 17th
Place orders with Yovanka Hoover (717-623-8588)
or give order forms to Daria in the church office
(forms are available at the tutors stand)
Chicken Paprikas: $12 per quart
Veggie: $10 per quart
Beef Stew: $12 per quart
Pogaca: $5 per loaf
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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.
Compiled and written by Dr. Srdjan Maksomovic, Coordinator of the Diocesan Education Commission.
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