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Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
St. Nicholas Bulletin - May 22, 2022
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Christ is Risen! Христос Васкрсе! Χριστός Ανέστη! Cristo ha Resucitado! | |
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Excerpt from Homily on the Samaritan Woman at the Well
Offered by St. Anthony of Sourozh
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In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost
The Holy Gospel has not given us the name of the Samaritan woman. But the Tradition of the Church remembers, and calls her in Greek - Photini, in Russian - Svetlana, in the Celtic languages - Fiona, in Western languages - Claire. And all these names speak to us of one thing - of light.
Having met the Lord Jesus Christ she has become a light shining in the world, a light that enlightens those who meet her. Every Saint is offered us as an example; but we cannot always emulate the concrete ways in which a Saint lived, we cannot always repeat their way from earth to heaven. But we can learn from each of them two things. The one is that by the grace of God we can achieve what seems humanly impossible; that is, to become a person in the image and likeness of God, to be - in this world of darkness and tragedy which is in the power of lies - a word of truth, a sign of hope, the certainty that God can conquer if we only allow Him access to our souls. Because if the Kingdom of God is not established within us, if God is not enthroned in our minds and hearts, a fire that destroys everything unworthy of ourselves and of Him, we cannot spread God's light around.
And the second thing which the Saints can teach us is to understand the message which their names convey to us. And today's Samaritan woman speaks of light. Christ has said that He is the Light of the world, the light that enlightens all men; and we are called to give shelter within our souls, minds and hearts - indeed, within our whole self - to this light; so that the word spoken by Christ, "Let your light so shine before all men, that seeing your good deeds they may give glory to your Father who is in heaven", may be fulfilled and accomplished in and through us.
It is only through seeing our deeds, through seeing how we live that people can believe that the light is God's light; it is not in our words, unless they are words of truth and of power like those of the Apostles, or of Christ Himself indeed. And let us reflect, each of us, on the meaning of our name and on the way in which we can become what we are called.
The Samaritan woman came to the well without any spiritual purpose; she came, as she came daily, to fetch water - and she met Christ. Each of us may meet our God at any turn in our life, when we are about our most homely tasks, if our hearts are turned in the right direction, if we are prepared to receive a message, to listen; indeed - to ask questions! Because the Samaritan woman asked a question of Christ, and what she heard transcended her question in such a way that she recognised in Him a prophet, and later - the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
But the light must not be pushed under a bushel. Having discovered that the Light had come into the world, that the word of divine truth was resounding now amidst men, that God was among us, she left behind all concerns and ran to share the joy, the wonder of what she had discovered with others. She brought her fellow-citizens to Christ. She told them first why she believed; and when perhaps curiosity, or the convincing power of her words, and the change that had occurred in her brought them to Christ, they saw for themselves and said to her, It is no longer because of what you say that we believe - we have seen, we have heard.
And this is what the Samaritan woman teaches all of us: be open at every moment of life, while we are busy with the simplest things, to receive the divine word, to be illumined by the divine light, to be cleansed by His purity, to receive it in the depths of our souls, receive it with all our life, so that people seeing what we have become may believe that the light has come into the world.
Let us pray to the Samaritan woman to teach us, to guide us, to bring us to Christ in the way in which she came, and to serve Him in the way in which she served Him, being the salvation of all who were around her. And may the blessing of God be upon you, the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, now and forever and world without end! Amen.
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Commemorating Prophet Isaiah, Translation of the relics of St Nicholas the Wonderworker from Myra to Bari, Prophet Isaiah, Martyr Christopher of Lycia and with him Martyrs Callinika and Aquilina, Repose of Venerable Shio the Anchorite of Georgia, Venerable Joseph of Optina
RESURRECTION 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!”
HOLY FATHER NICHOLAS TROPARION—TONE 4
Truly you have revealed yourself to your flock as a rule of faith a model of meekness, and a teacher of temperance. Through humility, you attained the heights; and through poverty, riches. O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, intercede with Christ God that our souls may be saved.
HOLY FATHER NICHOLAS KONTAKION—TONE 3
Your relics have moved like a star from the East to the West, O Hierarch Nicholas; and the sea has been sanctified by your passage. The city of Bari receives grace through you, for you have shone forth for us as a wonderworker, illustrious, most wondrous, and merciful.
SAMARITAN WOMAN SUNDAY KONTAKION —TONE 8
The Samaritan Woman came to the well in faith; she saw You, the Water of wisdom and drank abundantly. She inherited the Kingdom on high, and is ever glorified!
Instead of “It is Truly Meet…”
The Angel cried to the Lady, full of grace: “Rejoice, O pure Virgin! Again, I say: ‘Rejoice, your Son is risen from His three days in the tomb! With Himself He has raised all the dead.’” Rejoice, O Ye people! Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem! The glory of the Lord has shone on you. Exult now, and be glad, O Zion! Be radiant, O pure Theotokos, in the Resurrection of your Son!
Priest: “Blessed is the Kingdom…” Choir: Amen. Priest: Tropar 2 1/2 times. Choir: Finishes.
Priest: “In the fear of God …” Choir: “Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord...”
Priest: “O Lord, save Your people …” Choir: “Christ is risen from the dead … “ (slow version)
Priest: “Always, now and ever …” Choir: “Let our mouths be filled …”
(At the Dismissal, the Priest says: “Glory to You, O Christ….,” and the choir sings “Christ is risen from the dead….” (thrice).
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
Matins: Lenny Tepsic Epistle: Marijana Rocknage
Matins Next Week: Milan Radanovic Epistle Next Week: Teddy Sukhernik
EPISTLE: Acts 11:19-26, 29-30
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 Acts of the Apostles.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
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: Дјела Ап. 11:19-26, 29-30
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 из књиге дјела апостолских
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, y дане оне, они који бијаху расијани због невоље, која наста због Стефана, рођоше све до Финикије и Кипра и Антиохије не проповиједајући ријеч никоме до само Јудејцима. А неки од њих бијаху Кипрани и Киринејци, који
ушавши у Антиохију говораху јелинистима проповиједајући јеванђеље о Господу Исусу. И рука Господња бијаше с њима; и велики број их повјерова и обрати се Господу.А дође ријеч о њима до ушију Цркве у Јерусалиму; и послаше Варнаву да прође све до Антиохије. Кад овај дође и видје благодат Божију, обрадова се и мољаше све да искреним срцем остану у Господу; Јер бјеше човјек благ и пун Духа Светога и вјере. И обрати се многи народ Господу. Варнава пак изиђе у Тарс да потражи Савла, и када га нађе, доведе га у Антиохију. И они се цијелу годину састајаше са Црквом, и учише многи народ; и најприје у Антиохији ученици бише названи Хришћани. А ученици одлучише да сваки од њих, колико који могаше, пошаље на помоћ браћи која живљаху у Јудеји. Ово и учинише пославши старјешинама преко руке Варнавине и Савлове.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Похитај напријед, 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 4: -42
At that time, He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?” Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.” Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’ for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.” And at this point His disciples came, and they marveled that He talked with a woman; yet no one said, “What do You seek?” or, “Why are You talking with her?”
The woman then left her water pot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” Then they went out of the city and came to Him. In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”
But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His own word. Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.”
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Јован 4: 5-42
Тако дође у град самаријски звани Сихар, близу села које даде Јаков Јосифу, сину својему. А ондје бијаше извор Јаковљев. Исус пак уморан од пута сјеђаше тако на извору; бјеше око шестога часа. Дође жена из Самарије да захвати воде. Рече јој Исус: Дај ми да пијем. Јер ученици његови бијаху отишли у град да купе хране. Рече му жена Самарјанка: Како ти, који си Јудејац, тражиш од мене жене Самарјанке да пијеш? Јер се Јудејци не друже са Самарјанима. Одговори Исус и рече јој: Кад би ти знала дар Божији, и ко је тај који ти говори: дај ми да пијем, ти би тражила од њега и дао би ти воду живу. Рече му жена: Господе, ни ведра немаш, а студенац је дубок; одакле ти онда вода жива? Еда ли си ти већи од оца нашега Јакова, који нам даде овај студенац, и он из њега пијаше и синови његови и стока његова? Одговори Исус и рече јој: Сваки који пије од ове воде опет ће ожедњети; А који пије од воде коју ћу му ја дати неће ожедњети довијека, него вода коју ћу му дати постаће у њему извор воде која тече у живот вјечни. Рече му жена: Господе, дај ми ту воду да не жедним и не долазим овамо да захватам. Рече јој Исус: Иди, зови мужа својега, и дођи овамо. Одговори жена и рече: Немам мужа. Рече јој Исус: Добро каза: немам мужа; Јер си пет мужева имала, и сада кога имаш није ти муж; то си право казала. Рече му жена: Господе, видим да си ти пророк. Оци наши клањаху се Богу на гори овој, а ви кажете да је у Јерусалиму мјесто гдје се треба клањати. Рече јој Исус: Жено, вјеруј ми да долази час када се нећете клањати Оцу ни на гори овој ни у Јерусалиму. Ви се клањате ономе што не знате; а ми се клањамо ономе што знамо; јер је спасење од Јудејаца. Али долази час, и већ је ту, када ће се истински богомољци клањати Оцу у духу и истини, јер Отац тражи да такви буду они који му се клањају. Бог је дух; и који му се клањају, у духу и истини треба да се клањају. Рече му жена: Знам да долази Месија звани Христос; кад он дође, објавиће нам све. Рече јој Исус: Ја сам – који говорим с тобом. И утом дођоше ученици његови, и зачудише се што са женом разговара, али ниједан не рече: шта тражиш, или што говориш са њом?
А жена остави свој крчаг и отиде у град и рече људима: Ходите да видите човјека који ми каза све што сам учинила. Да није он Христос? Изиђоше, дакле, из града и пођоше њему. А у међувремену мољаху га ученици његови говорећи: Рави, једи!
А он им рече: Ја имам јело да једем за које ви не знате. Тада ученици говораху међу собом: Да му неко не донесе да једе? Исус им рече: Јело је моје да вршим вољу Онога који ме је послао, и извршим његово дјело. Не кажете ли ви да су још четири мјесеца па ће настати жетва? Ето, велим вам: подигните очи своје и видите њиве како се већ жуте за жетву. И који жање прима плату, и сабира род за живот вјечни, да се радује заједно и који сије и који жање. Јер у томе је истинита ријеч, да је други који сије, а други који жање. Ја вас послах да жањете гдје се ви нисте трудили; други су се трудили, а ви сте у труд њихов ушли. А из града онога многи од Самарјана повјероваше у њега за ријеч жене која је свједочила: Каза ми све што учиних. Када, дакле, дођоше к њему Самарјани, мољаху га да остане код њих; и остаде ондје два дана. И много их више вјерова за ријеч његову, Те жени говораху: Сад не вјерујемо више због твога казивања, јер сами смо чули и знамо да је ово заиста Спаситељ свијета, Христос.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | |
May Birthdays
Nicholas Hernjak (May 1), Cody Hewitt (May 2), Jelena Bowser (May 7), Chloe Lewis (May 8), Kaila Chung (May 8), Bobbi Lynn Wenner (May 10), Bella Gilroy (May 10), Meghan Livingston (May 11), Brankica Skinder (May 12), Trenton Petrovich (May 13), Maria Bowers, (May 21), Jelena Lojpur (May 22), Inna Reznitchenko (May 23), Nikki Lewis (May 24), Ryan Spangler (May 25)
May Anniversaries
Michelle & Donald Kingsbury (May 1), Heather & Erik Barber (May 1), Pete & Arlene Barber (May 3), Fr Srboljub & Protinica (May 14), Mike & Carole Radosinovich (May 15), Ben & Jovanka Shaffer (May 15), Rod & Angie Vorkapich (May 20), Sam & Peggy Radanovic (May 25), Nina & Eric Gilroy (May 26), Matt & Pam Healy (May 29), Greg & Haley Book (May 29)
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119th SLAVA
Today, we celebrate our 119th Slava celebration for our St. Nicholas Church. Before we sing “Budi Imja/Blessed be the Name” we will process around the Church, blessing the four sides of the Church. We will complete the Liturgy outside, with the blessing of the kolach and koljevo. We congratulate our Kumovi this year Nicholas and Carole Blitva, who will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in just a few weeks.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES
We congratulate our graduates this year as they begin a new portion of their lives: Highschool—Matthew Hoover; College—Kaitlyn Christ, Stefan Gligorevic, Joshua Swartz. May God bless you in this new portion of your lives.
COUPLES RETREAT
Holy Trinity in Camp Hill will be hosting a couples retreat on Saturday, June 4 from 9am to 2:30pm. Very Rev. Dr. Alexander Goussetis will be guiding the retreat. Father Alexander is the author of the Family Matters podcast on Ancient Faith Radio. The cost of the retreat is $15, and the deadline for registration is May 24, 2022. E-mail frmichael@holytrinityhbg.org.
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
The Parish Council will meet on Tuesday, May 24 at 6:30pm. This is an adjustment to the calendar.
PICNIC VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are in need of volunteers to help with our annual picnic (being held June 5). If you could spare some time to help out, please contact Popadija (717-939-0251)
CHURCH PICNIC FLIERS (NEED HELP)
Our Annual Church Picnic is Back! And is being held at Serb Park on Sunday, June 5 beginning at 12 noon. If you are willing to help get the word out and distribute fliers around the area, please see Daria. There will also be available fliers in the church lobby (help yourself). And a big Thank You in advance.
LILIES CAN BE TAKEN HOME
If you purchased any lilies to decorate Christ’s tomb for Pascha, and would like to plant them in your own garden, you may take them home. They are now sitting in the lobby by the back doors.
PASCHA MESSENGER
For those that do not have the capability to receive the electronic messenger, you may pick up a hard copy in the office.
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Stewardship Reflection
May 15, 2022
Paschal Sunday of the Paralytic
What is Orthodox Christian Stewardship?
Orthodox Christian Stewardship is...
Learning how to be a responsible and concerned caretaker of Christ's Church; it is learning how to enjoy Church life and be happy in Church work, for in Her dwells the fullness of the Spirit of God. Our active commitment to use all our Time, Talent and Treasure for the benefit of humankind in grateful acknowledgment of Christ's redeeming love. As the summer months approach, please continue to support your Church as a faithful Steward.
Шта је Православно Старатељство ?
Православно Старатељство је .....
Научити се како бити одговоран старатељ Христове Цркве ; то је учење како уживати у Црквеном животу и како бити срећан у Црквеном раду, јер Он пребива у пуноћи Духа Господњег. Наше активно учешће у употреби Времена, Талента и Новца за добробит целога света је захвално препознавање Христове икупљујуће љубави.
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PASCHAL SUNDAY OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN
The Holy Martyr Photina (Svetlana) the Samaritan Woman, her sons Victor (named Photinus) and Joses; and her sisters Anatola, Phota, Photis, Paraskeva, Kyriake; Nero’s daughter Domnina; and the Martyr Sebastian: The holy Martyr Photina was the Samaritan Woman, with whom the Savior conversed at Jacob’s Well (John. 4:5-42).
During the time of the emperor Nero (54-68), who displayed excessive cruelty against Christians, Saint Photina lived in Carthage with her younger son Joses and fearlessly preached the Gospel there. Her eldest son Victor fought bravely in the Roman army against barbarians, and was appointed military commander in the city of Attalia (Asia Minor). Later, Nero called him to Italy to arrest and punish Christians. Sebastian, an official in Italy, said to Saint Victor, “I know that you, your mother and your brother, are followers of Christ. As a friend I advise you to submit to the will of the emperor. If you inform on any Christians, you will receive their wealth. I shall write to your mother and brother, asking them not to preach Christ in public. Let them practice their faith in secret.”
Saint Victor replied, “I want to be a preacher of Christianity like my mother and brother.” Sebastian said, “O Victor, we all know what woes await you, your mother and brother.” Then Sebastian suddenly felt a sharp pain in his eyes. He was dumbfounded, and his face was somber. For three days he lay there blind, without uttering a word. On the fourth day he declared, “The God of the Christians is the only true God.” Saint Victor asked why Sebastian had suddenly changed his mind. Sebastian replied, “Because Christ is calling me.” Soon he was baptized, and immediately regained his sight. Saint Sebastian’s servants, after witnessing the miracle, were also baptized.
Reports of this reached Nero, and he commanded that the Christians be brought to him at Rome. Then the Lord Himself appeared to the confessors and said, “Fear not, for I am with you. Nero, and all who serve him, will be vanquished.” The Lord said to Saint Victor, “From this day forward, your name will be Photinus, because through you, many will be enlightened and will believe in Me.” The Lord then told the Christians to strengthen and encourage Saint Sebastian to persevere until the end.
All these things, and even future events, were revealed to Saint Photina. She left Carthage in the
company of several Christians and joined the confessors in Rome. At Rome the emperor ordered the saints to be brought before him and he asked them whether they truly believed in Christ. All the confessors refused to renounce the Savior. Then the emperor gave orders to smash the martyrs’ finger joints. During the torments, the confessors felt no pain, and their hands remained unharmed. Nero ordered that Saints Sebastian, Photinus and Joses be blinded and locked up in prison, and Saint Photina and her five sisters Anatola, Phota, Photis, Paraskeva and Kyriake were sent to the imperial court under the supervision of Nero’s daughter Domnina. Saint Photina converted both Domnina and all her servants to Christ. She also converted a sorcerer, who had brought her poisoned food to kill her.
Three years passed, and Nero sent to the prison for one of his servants, who had been locked up. The messengers reported to him that Saints Sebastian, Photinus and Joses, who had been blinded, had completely recovered, and that people were visiting them to hear their preaching, and indeed the whole prison had been transformed into a bright and fragrant place where God was glorified.
Nero then gave orders to crucify the saints, and to beat their naked bodies with straps. On the fourth day the emperor sent servants to see whether the martyrs were still alive. But, approaching the place of the tortures, the servants fell blind. An angel of the Lord freed the martyrs from their crosses and healed them. The saints took pity on the blinded servants, and restored their sight by their prayers to the Lord. Those who were healed came to believe in Christ and were soon baptized.
In an impotent rage Nero gave orders to flay the skin from Saint Photina and to throw the martyr down a well. Sebastian, Photinus and Joses had their legs cut off, and they were thrown to dogs, and then had their skin flayed off. The sisters of Saint Photina also suffered terrible torments. Nero gave orders to cut off their breasts and then to flay their skin. An expert in cruelty, the emperor readied the fiercest execution for Saint Photis: they tied her by the feet to the tops of two bent-over trees. When the ropes were cut the trees sprang upright and tore the martyr apart. The emperor ordered the others beheaded. Saint Photina was removed from the well and locked up in prison for twenty days.
After this Nero had her brought to him and asked if she would now relent and offer sacrifice to the idols. Saint Photina spit in the face of the emperor, and laughing at him, said, “O most impious of the blind, you profligate and stupid man! Do you think me so deluded that I would consent to renounce my Lord Christ and instead offer sacrifice to idols as blind as you?” Hearing such words, Nero gave orders to again throw the martyr down the well, where she surrendered her soul to God (ca. 66).
On the Greek Calendar, Saint Photina is commemorated on February 26.
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May Charity
Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC)
St Augustine, FL
The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) is the official international mission agency of the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) and was created to "establish vibrant Eucharistic communities throughout the world, to develop and support indigenous church leaders, and to strengthen the infrastructure of their churches." OCMC recruits and trains Orthodox missionaries to minister to people in need of spiritual, physical and emotional support. OCMC missionaries are currently serving in Albania, Romania and Tanzania. Orthodox Mission Teams are periodically organized to serve where needed and you may volunteer to participate in this activity. Mission teams have built churches and offered training and services to communities in need. OCMC also operates a Support a Mission Priest (SAMP) program offering financial assistance to priests living in extremely poor areas in more than a dozen countries around the world. Through SAMP donations, priests can tend more fully to the needs of their flock. The donation you make this month will support an Orthodox Christian organization that provides important services and spiritual comfort to many people in Eastern Europe and Africa. Visit the OCMC website at www.ocmc.org for more information.
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The Paschal Greeting
Arabic
El Messieh kahm! Hakken kahm!
Aleut
Xris-Tuu-Sax Agla-Gi-Kux! Aga-ngu-lakan Agla-Gi-Kux!
Belarusian
Khrystos uvaskros! Saprawdy uvaskros!
English
Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
Finnish
Kristus nousi kuolleista! Totisesti nousi!
French
Le Christ est ressuscité! En vérité, il est ressuscité!
Georgian
Kristé ardsga! Tchechmaritad ardsga!
German
Christus ist erstanden! Wahrlich ist Er erstanden!
Greek
Christos anesti! Aléthos anesti!
Japanese
Harisutosu hukkatsu! Jitsu ni hukkatsu!
Latin
Christus resurrectus est! Vere resurrectus est!
Malayalam
Massiha uyirthu ezhunettu! Sathyamayum avan uyirthu ezhunettu!
Romanian
Hristos a-înviat! Adevarat a-înviat!
Serbian
Hristos váskrse! Vaïstinu váskrse!
Slavonic
Hristos voskrese! Voistinu voskrese!
Spanish
Cristo ha resucitado! En Verdad, ha resucitado!
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