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13th Sunday after Pentecost
Synaxis of Sts Joachim & Anna
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Христос Међу Нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta' entra nosotros! | |
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The Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God
By Fr. Alexander Schmemann
The Church’s veneration of Mary has always been rooted in her obedience to God, her willing choice to accept a humanly impossible calling. The Orthodox Church has always emphasized Mary’s connection to humanity and delighted in her as the best, purest, most sublime fruition of human history and of man’s quest for God, for ultimate meaning, for ultimate content of human life.
If in Western Christianity veneration of Mary was centered upon her perpetual virginity, the heart of Orthodox Christian East’s devotion, contemplation, and joyful delight has always been her Motherhood, her flesh and blood connection to Jesus Christ. The East rejoices that the human role in the divine plan is pivotal. The Son of God comes to earth, appears in order to redeem the world, He becomes human to incorporate man into His divine vocation, but humanity takes part in this. If it is understood that Christ’s “co-nature” with us is as a human being and not some phantom or bodiless apparition, that He is one of us and forever united to us through His humanity, then devotion to Mary also becomes understandable, for she is the one who gave Him His human nature, His flesh and blood. She is the one through whom Christ can always call Himself “The Son of Man.”
Son of God, Son of Man…God descending and becoming man so that man could become divine, could become partaker of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), or as the teachers of Church expressed it, “deified.” Precisely here, in this extraordinary revelation of man’s authentic nature and calling, is the source that gratitude and tenderness which cherishes Mary as our link to Christ and, in Him, to God. And nowhere is this reflected more clearly that in the Nativity of the Mother of God.
Nothing about this event is mentioned anywhere in the Holy Scriptures. But why should there be? Is there anything remarkable, anything especially unique about the normal birth of a child, a birth like any other? The Church began to commemorate the event with a special feast…because, on the contrary, the very fact that it is routine discloses something fresh and radiant about everything we call routine and ordinary, it gives new depth to the unremarkable details of human life…And with each birth the world is itself in some sense created anew and given as a gift to this new human being to be his life, his path, his creation.
This feast therefore is first a general celebration of Man’s birth, and we no longer remember the anguish, as the Gospel says, “for joy that a human being is born into the world” (Jn. 16:21). Secondly, we now know whose particular birth, whose coming we celebrate: Mary’s. We know the uniqueness, the beauty, the grace of precisely this child, her destiny, her meaning for us and for the whole world. And thirdly, we celebrate all who prepared the way for Mary, who contributed to her inheritance of grace and beauty…And therefore the Feast of her Nativity is also a celebration of human history, a celebration of faith in man, a celebration of man.
Sadly, the inheritance of evil is far more visible and better known. There is so much evil around us that this faith in man, in his freedom, in the possibility of handing down a radiant inheritance of goodness has almost evaporated and been replaced by cynicism and suspicion. This hostile cynicism and discouraging suspicion are precisely what seduce us to distance ourselves from the Church when it celebrates with such joy and faith this birth of a little girl in whom are concentrated all the goodness, spiritual beauty, harmony and perfection that are elements of genuine human nature. Thus, in celebrating Mary’s birth we find ourselves already on the road to Bethlehem, moving toward the joyful mystery of Mary as the Mother to God.
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Commemorating the Afterfeast of the Nativity of the Mother of God, Holy and Righteous Ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, Uncovering of the relics of St Theodosius Archbishop of Chernigov, Martyr Severian of Sebaste, Martyr Chariton, Venerable Joseph Abbot of Volokolamsk Volotsk, Venerable Theophanes the Confessor and Faster of Mount Diabenos, Blessed Niketas the Hidden of Constantinople, Saint Ciaran of Clonmacnoise
RESURRECTIONAL TROPARION—TONE 4
When the women Disciples of the Lord learned from the Angel the joyous message of the Resurrection, they cast away the ancestral curse and elatedly told the Apostles: “Death is overthrown! Christ God is risen, granting the world great mercy!”
NATIVITY TROPARION—TONE 4
Your Nativity, O Virgin, has proclaimed joy to the whole universe! The Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, has shone from You, O Theotokos! By annulling the curse, He bestowed a blessing. By destroying death, He has granted us eternal Life.
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.
JOACHIM & ANNA TROPARION—TONE 1
Since you were righteous under the law of grace, O Joachim and Anna, you gave birth to the God-given infant for our sake. Therefore, the divine Church radiantly keeps feast today, joyfully celebrating your honorable memory and giving glory to God who has raised up a horn of salvation from the house of David.
RESURRECTIONAL KONTAKION—TONE 4
My Savior and Redeemer as God rose from the tomb and delivered the earth-born from their chains. He has shattered the gates of hell, and as Master, He has risen on the third day!
NATIVITY KONTAKION—TONE 4
By your nativity, O most pure Virgin, Joachim and Anna are freed from barrenness, Adam and Eve — from the corruption of death. And we, your people, freed from the guilt of sin, celebrate and sing to you: “The barren woman gives birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our Life.”
INSTEAD OF "IT IS TRULY MEET...":
Magnify, O my soul, the most glorious nativity of the Mother of God. Magnify, O my soul, the most glorious birth of the Mother of God! Virginity is foreign to mothers; childbearing is strange for virgins. But in you, O Theotokos, both were accomplished. For this all the earthly nations unceasingly magnify you.
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
This Week: Matins: Nick Ressetar Epistle: Lincoln Govelovich
Next Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Genevieve Bare
EPISTLE: Galatians 6:11-18 (Elevation), 1 Corinthians 16:13-24
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Fourth Tone: O Lord, how manifold are Your works; in wisdom have You made them all!
CHOIR: O Lord, how manifold are Your works; in wisdom have You made them all!
READER: v: Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord, my God, You are very great!
CHOIR: O Lord, how manifold are Your works; in wisdom have You made them all!
READER: O Lord, how manifold are Your works.
CHOIR: In wisdom have You made them all!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Galatians
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, see with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may boast in your flesh. But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Brethren, watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love. I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints— that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us. I am glad about the coming of Stephanos, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men. The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. I write this salutation with my own hand—Paul’s. If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Go forth, prosper and reign, for the sake of meekness, righteousness and truth!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: For You love righteousness, and hate iniquity.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Галатима 6:11-18, 1 Коринћанима 16: 13-24
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 4 Како је много дјела Твојих, Господе! Све си премудро створио.
Хор: Како је много дјела Твојих, Господе! Све си премудро створио.
Читач: Благослови, душо моја Господа! Господе Боже мој, велик си веома.
Хор: Како је много дјела Твојих, Господе! Све си премудро створио.
Читач: Како је много дјела Твојих, Господе!
Хор: Све си премудро створио.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање је од посланице Светог апостола Павла до Галатима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, видите како вам великим словима написах својом руком! Који хоће да се допадну по тијелу, они вас приморавају да се обрезујете, само да не буду гоњени за крст Христов. Јер ни сами обрезани не држе закон, него хоће да се ви обрезујете да би се вашим тијелом хвалили. А ја, Боже сачувај, да се чим другим хвалим осим крстом Господа нашега Исуса Христа, којим се мени разапе свијет и ја свијету. Јер у Христу Исусу нити обрезање што помаже нити необрезање, него нова твар. И који год буду живјели по овоме правилу, мир на њих и милост, и на Израиљ Божији. Убудуће да ми нико не ствара тешкоће, јер ја ране Господа Исуса на тијелу својему носим. Благодат Господа нашега Исуса Христа са духом вашим, браћо. Амин.
Браћо, бдите, стојте у вјери, мушки се држите, снажите се. Све да вам бива у љубави. Молим вас пак, браћо, знате за дом Стефанинов да је првенац из Ахаје, и да себе посветише служењу светима; Да се и ви покоравате таквима, и свакоме који помаже и труди се. А радујем се доласку Стефанина и Фортуната и Ахајика, јер ми они попунише ваше одсуство; Јер умирише дух мој а ваш. Уважавајте, дакле, такве. Поздрављају вас Цркве азијске. Поздрављају вас много у Господу Акила и Прискила са домаћом својом црквом. Поздрављају вас сва браћа. Поздравите се међусобно цјеливом светим. Поздрав је мојом руком, Павловом. Ако неко не љуби Господа Исуса Христа, нека је анатема. Маран ата. Благодат Господа нашега Исуса Христа с вама. Љубав моја са свима вама у Христу Исусу. Амин
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Похитај, напредуј и владај, ради истине, кротости и правде.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Љубиш правду и мрзиш безакоње.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
John 3:13-17 (Elevation), Matthew 21:33-42
Jesus said, "No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
At that time, there was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit. And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them. Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’ So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?” They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Јован 3:13-17, Матеј 21:33-42
И нико се није попео на небо осим Онај који сиђе с неба, Син Човјечији који је на небу. И као што Мојсеј подиже змију у пустињи, тако треба да се подигне Син Човјечији, да сваки који вјерује у њега не погине, него да има живот вјечни, јер Бог тако завоље свијет да је Сина својега Једнороднога дао, да сваки који вјерује у њега не погине, него да има живот вјечни. Јер не посла Бог Сина својега на свијет да суди свијету, него да се свијет спасе кроз њега.
Каза Господ причу ову : Бијаше човјек домаћин који посади виноград и огради га плотом, и ископа у њему пивницу, и сагради кулу, и даде га виноградарима, и отиде. А када се приближи вријеме бербе, посла слуге своје виноградарима да приме плодове његове. И виноградари, похватавши слуге његове, једнога избише, а једнога убише, а једнога камењем засуше. Опет посла друге слуге, више него прије, и учинише им тако исто. А најзад посла им сина својега говорећи: Постидјеће се сина мојега. А виноградари видјевши сина, рекоше међу собом: Ово је насљедник; ходите да га убијемо, и да присвојимо насљедство његово. И ухватише га, па изведоше напоље из винограда, и убише. Када, дакле, дође господар винограда шта ће учинити виноградарима оним? Рекоше му: Злочинце ће злом смрћу погубити, а виноград ће дати другим виноградарима, који ће му давати плодове у своје вријеме. Рече им Исус: Зар нисте никада читали у Писму: Камен који одбацише зидари, тај постаде глава од угла; то би од Господа и дивно је у очима нашим.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | |
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~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
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, Shayle York and the newborn Šeren Lily, Kaitlyn Hook and the newborn Bowen William, Catherine Lewis and the newborn Caleb Ereno, Mara Bebeau and the child newly born of her, 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, Daria Milletics, Jack McFall, George Milakovic, Marija Miljkovic, Peter Mrgich, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Jenny Moore Oliver, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Kobe Petrovich, Sue Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Christopher Radanovic, Linda Rodgers, 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, Ryan Lehman
Those to be Baptized
Bowen William Hook, Caleb Ereno Lewis, Barrett Scott, Divna & Danica Mitrovic, 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
Edward Hojnicki, Meilka “Sandy” Marijan, Bogoljub Blagojevic, Jovanka Foltz, Bozidar 'Bobby' Bulatovich, Demetrios Ziogas
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~Parastos to be Offered~
Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†MARLIN ’SY’ SEIDERS To be offered today, after liturgy and the Seniors Slava, in commemoration of his repose (11 years—Sept 24). Sadly missed by Maryann, Valerie, Marlene and families.
~Vigils Offered~
ERIK T BARBER Offered in congratulations on your recent promotion from Senior Master Sergeant to Chief Master Sergeant, the highest enlisted rank in the US Air Force. We are so proud of you for your 27 years of service to your country. Much love Mom & Dad, sister Melanie and family. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
TIM & KAITLYN HOOK Offered in celebration of their 9th wedding anniversary (Sept 19) with much joy and love and pray our Lord continues to crown them with glory and honor! Offered by sons Baylor & Bowen, their family & Kumovi. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
JOYCE MATICH Offered in joyful celebration of my dear friend’s birthday (Sept 22). Wishing her God’s many blessings, good health and happiness! Mnogaja Ljeta! With love from Tootsie.
JOYCE MATICH Offered as we honor and celebrate our cousin Joyce’s birthday (Today, Sept 22) with great joy and love, and pray our Lord blesses her with continued good health and well being. Offered by her Godson Brandon & 4 generations of cousins! Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
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.
MICHAEL & BEVERLY FLYNN Offered prayerfully that our Lord watches over them, comforts and heals them. Love and prayers from Pete & Arlene.
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.
†DEPARTED ST. NICHOLAS SENIORS MEMBERS Offered as we observe our Slava, in loving memory of all of the departed St Nicholas Seniors Members. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†PHILIP GRUICH Offered in memory of beloved husband, father, Jedo and Stari Jedo Phil on his repose (4 years—Sept 24). Missed dearly by Kata and family. Memory Eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat!
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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 9/15/2024
Collection: $2,000.00
Date 9/8/2024
Collection: $4,657.00
Date 9/1/2024
Collection: $2,211.00
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September Birthdays
Elliott Klipa (Sep 2), Andjela Lojpur (Sep 3), Graham Bazdar (Sep 3), Dominik Bowser (Sep 3), Aleksandar Milanovich (Sep 4), Aleksandar Gerhart (Sep 4), Peter Barber (Sep 5), Lincoln Govelovich (Sep 6), Mike York (Sep 6), Radomir Raic (Sep 7), Misha Bowser (Sep 8), Stacey Mummert (Sep 9), Tina Tepsich (Sep 10), Bennett Spangler (Sep 12), Nemanja Jovic (Sep 13), Kat Gruich (Sep 14), Ben Shaffer (Sep 18), Zeljko Raic (Sep 18), Marija Miljkovic (Sep 20), Angie Vorkapich (Sep 21), Terry Govelovich (Sep 22), Dean Stefan (Sep 22), Milijan Lukic (Sep 22), Ljilja Lazarevic (Sep 24), Louise Bare (Sep 24), Clara & Thea Goodling (Sep 25), Fran Radosevich (Sep 29)
September Anniversaries
Frank & Marie Brescia (Sep 2), Anney & Randy Holdeman (Sep 3), Mark & Yovanka Hoover (Sep 9), Dori & Steve Barry (Sep 9), Alan & Marina Radanovic (Sep 9), Luke & Waad Jacobs (Sep 13), Val & Fran Radosevich (Sep 16), Tim & Kaitlyn Hook (Sep 19), Brian & Catherine Lewis (Sep 19), Tina & Lenny Tepsich (Sep 20), Jon & Mara Bebeau (Sep 25), John & Cindy Semic (Sep 26)
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OFFICE CLOSURE The office will be closed this week (Sept 23-27).
ST. NICHOLAS SENIORS SLAVA
The St. Nicholas Seniors ministry celebrates their Patron Saints, the Holy and Righteous Grandparents of God, Joachim and Anna with the cutting of the kolach today after Liturgy. Special thanks to God for Protonica Carole for making both the kolach and koljevo. May our St. Nicholas Seniors be granted many years!
ORTHODOX PARENTING (MEET TODAY)
How do we raise our children in the Holy Orthodox Faith? What are some ways in which we can teach our children about our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ? What is the relationship of worship and childrearing? The answers to these questions and many more are available to all. Sunday, September 22, after Liturgy, meet with Father Chris in the Church to show interest in this education series. If enough parents are interested, we will formulate one or all of the following: 1) a retreat 2) a video lecture series 3) a course in Orthodox Parenting.
CHURCH SCHOOL BLESSING (TODAY)
Today, September 22 during the Liturgy we will have our annual blessing at the beginning of the Church School Academic Year. Please make every effort to attend, so our unified prayer might intercede on behalf of our students and teachers that the Lord our God would direct their hearts, minds and souls to a closer relationship with Him.
FEAST OF THE ELEVATION OF THE CROSS
We will begin the celebration of the Feast with Festal Vigil at 6:30 pm on Thursday, September 26, followed by Liturgy at 9 am on Friday September 27. Just a reminder that this Feast is a strict fast day.
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, M.Div., will be teaching the lives of these wondrous saints—many of whom we call our patrons! This adult education class begins on Sunday, September 29th after Church with our parish patron, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia.
ANNUAL KSS PULLED PORK & PALACINKE SALE
The Kolo Srpskih Sestara/Circle of the Serbian Sisters will hold their annual fundraiser on Sunday, October 13. All sales are PRE-ORDER by Oct 6. The menu will include pulled pork sandwiches for $6, cheese, strawberry or applebutter palacinkes for $2 each. Pick up will be from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm on October 13. Forms are available on the tutors stand, or call Paula Werner at 717-433-4158 or Daria Milletics at 717-939-3872
FIRST-EVER WOMEN’S RETREAT AT SHADELAND!
The retreat is sponsored by the Eastern Region Federation of Circle of Serbian Sisters from Friday, Oct 11 thru Sunday, Oct 13. The weekend will offer prayer, fellowship, featured speakers, Kolach decorating class, book study, DIY wreath craft, etc.. If you are interested, let Daria know and she will forward you the links to sign up.
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SPECIAL THANKS TO GOD
Recently I received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my church family. They brought tears to my eyes knowing that you were thinking of me. With God’s Blessings and my love, Tootsie
SERBIAN-AMERICAN CLUB MEETING
The Serbian-American Club will hold its next meeting on Sunday, September 29 at 12:01 pm. This is rescheduled and in lieu of our Monday meeting. Meeting will be held in the club.
COMBINED MOTHERS CLUB AND KSS MEETING
Our next meeting for both the Mothers Club and Circle of Serbian Sisters (KSS) will be Sunday, October 6, 2024 in the Church Library after Divine Liturgy. All members are urged to attend this very important meeting.
ST NICHOLAS SENIORS MEETING
Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 8, at noon. Bring a friend and enjoy lunch, laughs and fellowship.
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.
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.
MOTHER’S CLUB KIOSK
New items have arrived. Stop by and check out the new Eye Glass Cases, Cards and Prayer Bracelets.
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September Charity
St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary
575 Scarsdale Road, Yonkers, NY 10707
(914) 961-8313
http://www.svots.edu/
The mission of St. Vladimir’s Seminary is to “serve Christ, His Church, and the world through Orthodox Christian theological education, research, and scholarship, and the promotion of inter-Orthodox cooperation”.
The Seminary offers educational programs for clergy, those preparing for clerical ministries, lay leaders and religious scholars so they “may build up Orthodox communities, foster Church growth through mission and evangelism, teach the Orthodox faith, and care for those in need”. The Seminary has a diverse student body and a strong faculty committed to teaching, learning, and serving the Church to the glory of God. Academic programs include Master level degrees in divinity, theology, and religious studies for lay leaders. A stimulating array of special academic programs is also available. We encourage you to visit the St. Vladimir’s Seminary website listed above to learn more about the exciting and challenging learning opportunities, programs and resources.
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The Cross, The Preserver of the Universe
St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco
In the prophet Ezekiel it is said that when the Angel of the Lord was sent to punish and destroy the sinning people, it was told him not to strike those on whom the “mark” had been made. In the original text this mark is called “tau,” the Hebrew letter corresponding to the letter “T,” which is how in ancient times the cross was made, which then was an instrument of punishment. And so, even then was foretold the power of the Cross, which preserves those who venerate it. Likewise by many other events in the Old Testament the power of the Cross was indicated. Moses, who held his arms raised in the form of a cross during the battle, gave victory to the Israelites over the Amalekites. He also, dividing the Red Sea by a blow of his rod and by a transverse blow uniting the waters again, saved Israel from Pharaoh, who drowned in the water, while Israel crossed over on the dry bottom. Through the laying on of his hands in the form of a cross on his grandsons, Jacob gave a blessing to his descendants, foretelling at the same time their future until the coming of the “expectation of the nations”. By the Cross, the Son of God having become man, accomplished our salvation. He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross. Having stretched out His hands upon the Cross, the Savior with them, as it were, embraced the world, and by His blood shed on it, like a king with red ink, He signed the forgiveness of the human race. The Cross of the Lord was the instrument by which He saved the world after the fall into sin. Through the Cross, He descended with His soul into hell so as to raise up from it the souls who were awaiting Him. By the Cross, Christ opened the doors of paradise which had been closed after our first ancestors had been banished from it. The Cross was sanctified by the Body of Christ which was nailed to it when He gave Himself over to torments and death for the salvation of the world, and it itself was then filled with life-giving power. By the Cross on Golgotha, the prince of this world was cast out and an end was put to his authority. The weapon by which he was crushed became the sign of Christ’s victory. The demonic hosts tremble when they see the Cross, for by the Cross the kingdom of hell was destroyed. They do not dare to draw near to anyone who is guarded by the Cross. The whole human race, by the death of Christ on the Cross, received deliverance from the authority of the devil, and everyone who makes use of this saving weapon is inaccessible to the demons. When legions of demons appeared to St. Anthony the Great and other desert-dwellers, they guarded themselves with the Sign of the Cross, and the demons vanished. When they appeared to Saint Symeon the Stylite, who was standing on his pillar, what seemed to be a chariot to carry him to heaven, the Saint, before mounting it, crossed himself; it disappeared and the enemy, who had hoped to cast down the ascetic from the height of his pillar, was put to shame. One cannot enumerate all the separate examples of the manifestation of the power of the Cross in various incidents. Invisibly and unceasingly there gushes from it the Divine grace that saves the world. The Sign of the Cross is made at all the Mysteries and prayers of the Church. With the making of the Sign of the Cross over the bread and wine, they become the Body and Blood of Christ. With the immersion of the Cross, the waters are sanctified. The Sign of the Cross looses us from sins. “When we are guarded by the Cross, we oppose the enemy, not fearing his nets and barking.” Just as the flaming sword in the hands of the Cherubim barred the entrance into paradise of old, so the Cross now acts invisibly in the world, guarding it from perdition. The Cross is the unconquerable weapon of pious kings in the battle with enemies. Through the apparition of the Cross in the sky, the dominion of Emperor Constantine was confirmed and an end was put to the persecution against the Church. The apparition of the Cross in the sky in Jerusalem in the days of Constantius the Arian proclaimed the victory of Orthodoxy. By the power of the Cross of the Lord, Christian kings reign and will reign until Antichrist, barring his path to power and restraining lawlessness. The “sign of the Son of Man”, that is, the Cross, will appear in the sky in order to proclaim the end of the present world and the coming of the eternal Kingdom of the Son of God. Then all the tribes of the earth shall weep, because they loved the present age and its lusts, but all who have endured persecution for righteousness and called on the name of the Lord shall rejoice and be glad. The Cross then will save from eternal perdition all who conquered temptations by the Cross, who crucified their flesh with its passions and lusts, and took up their cross and followed their Christ. But those who hated the Cross of the Lord and did not engrave the Cross in their soul will perish forever. For “the Cross is the preserver of the whole universe, the Cross is the beauty of the Church, the Cross is the might of kings, the Cross is the confirmation of the faithful, the Cross is the glory of angels and the scourge of demons”.
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