Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Leavetaking of the Nativity of the Mother of God
St. Nicholas Bulletin - September 25, 2022
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Christ is in our midst! Христос међу нама! Cristo está entre nosotros! | |
Homily for the Sunday before the Elevation of the Cross
by Fr. Timothy Baclig
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In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit...
Today there are two events that converge on our liturgical commemoration. First, it is the Feast of the birth (Nativity) of the Holy Theotokos, and second, this is the Sunday before the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross (Saturday, September 14); and the theme of today’s Gospel lesson since the Feast of our Lord takes precedence in the lesson.
The Feasts of the Holy Virgin are among the 12 Feasts of the Church (They are not “lesser” in their commemoration, except when they coincide with a Feast of our Lord on a Sunday). The Feasts of the Holy Virgin are important to us because they present us with the full picture, the complete image of family and holiness. Our families are broken, none are perfect, however the image presented to us is one of humility, faithfulness, and love – all of which were not without pain or suffering. Joachim & Anna and their daughter, the Holy Virgin, were not exempt from pain and suffering. Their lives testify to faith and love and the joy of the Cross.
Joachim and Anna, we are told, were barren, meaning that their mature marriage was without any conception for many years. In fact, we are told that their barrenness was considered a curse in their day. They were ridiculed and their union regarded as having no blessing, according to Judaic belief. There are many times that I have had to remind families that as Christians we do not function by Judaic beliefs. Our Christian teaching and practice has surpassed Judaic beliefs. In fact, Judaic belief in their day also ridiculed Joachim and Anna for not having a son, for having a boy meant eternal life to many. It meant that the linage would continue through a male child.
The Feast and message of the Holy Cross which is heard at this particular time together with the theme of the Nativity of the Theotokos and the Feast, along with the Feast of her parents, Joachim and Anna (commemorated on September 9), speak to us as parents, grandparents, godparents and teachers. They point to the many choices we face as children, young people, young adults, husbands, wives, parents, godparents; choices that always begin with parenting and the challenge to love with the sacrificial love of God. It is the same lesson heard in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism when Godparents are reminded of their commitment to Christ and their responsibility to teach their Godchildren. It is the same lesson heard in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony when a couple is challenged to love as Christ loved the church, “submitting to one another out of reverence of Christ.” It is the same lesson heard in the Sacrament of Healing, the symbol of which is also the cross.
With each Sacrament, the lesson remains the same: Love is never mastered. It is always tested. It is grounded in commitment and devotion. It is selfless and not proud, not rude or boastful, does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres. It grows with patience and is never practiced in a vacuum. It is greater than faith and hope [see I Corinthians 13]. Love is eternal.
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross will be commemorated this coming Saturday, September 14th. It is observed as a day of strict fasting when we are reminded of our Lord’s passion. Our Liturgy will take place on Saturday at 10 a.m. The Gospel reading for the Feast is of our Lord’s judgment and crucifixion, reminiscent of his saving work. It is the most important Feast of the fall season, celebrating the redeeming love of God and the power of spiritual renewal for our lives. We are reminded that the Holy Cross is called the “life-giving” Cross. A sign of hope, as Christ is seen not as a victim but victor: He who trampled down death by Death. It is a symbol of God’s unconditional love as we hear in today’s Gospel. The Feast of the Holy Cross is among several days in the Church calendar devoted to the theme of God’s unconditional love, His supreme sacrifice and what it means to committed to Christ. Finally, the Holy Cross is our “weapon of peace” and the symbol of deliverance and healing.
These very facts are heard in the content of today’s short and very concise Gospel lesson: “No one has ascended into heaven but He who descended from heaven, the Son of man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, 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 Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”
God’s prophetic word is complete and there is no need for any new prophet. Most importantly, as Christians we must now be vigilant in knowing how to respond and not react to all that we see and hear around us. In every circumstance our response is in love. That love, however, is grounded in the truth. And our actions cannot be anything other than what is based upon that Christ has fulfilled and accomplished for us.
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Commemorating the Leavetaking of the Nativity of the Mother of God, St Coronatus Bishop of Nicomedia, Hieromartyr Autonomous Bishop in Italy, Hieromartyr Dositheus of Tbilisi, Martyr Julian of Galatia and 40 Martyrs with him, Martyr Theodore of Alexandria, Venerable Bassian of Tiksnensk Vologda, Translation of the relics of Righteous Simeon of Verkhoturye, Venerable Athanasius of Serpukhov
RESURRECTIONAL TROPARION—TONE 6
The angelic powers were at Your tomb; the guards became as dead men. Mary stood by Your grave, seeking Your most pure body. You took captive hell, not being tempted by it. You came to the Virgin, granting life. O Lord, Who rose from the dead, glory to You.
NATIVITY OF THEOTOKOS 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.
RESURRECTIONAL KONTAKION—TONE 6
When Christ God the Giver of Life, raised all of the dead from the valleys of misery with His mighty hand, He bestowed resurrection on the human race. He is the Savior of all, the Resurrection, the Life, and the God of all.
NATIVITY OF THEOTOKOS 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!
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
READERS:
This Week: Matins: Nick Ressetar, Epistle: Dasha Gencturk
Next Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic, Epistle: Wayln John
EPISTLE: Galatians 6:11-18 (Elevation); 2 Corinthians 4: 6 - 15
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Sixth Tone: O Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance!
CHOIR: O Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance!
READER: v: To You, O Lord, will I call. O my God, be not silent to me!
CHOIR: O Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance!
READER: O Lord, save Your people...
CHOIR: ...and bless Your inheritance!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the second Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Corinthians.
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, it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you. And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: I have exalted one chosen out of My people.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: For My hand shall defend him, and My arm shall strengthen him.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Галаћанима 6:11-18; 2 Коринћанима 4: 6 - 15
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 6 Спаси, Господе, народ Свој и благослови наследство Своје.
Хор: Спаси, Господе, народ Свој и благослови наследство Своје.
Читач: Теби, Господе Боже мој, вапим: немој ме оставити без одговора.
Хор: Спаси, Господе, народ Свој и благослови наследство Своје.
Читач: Спаси, Господе, народ Свој
Хор: и благослови наследство Своје.
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, Бог који рече да из таме засија свјетлост, Он засија у срцима нашим ради просвјетљења знања славе Божије у лицу Исуса Христа. А ово благо имамо у земљаним судовима, да преизобиље силе буде од Бога, а не од нас. Свачим смо угњетавани, али не потиштени; збуњивани. али не очајни; прогоњени, али нисмо остављени; оборени, али не погубљени; свагда носећи на тијелу умирање Господа Исуса, да се и живот Исусов на тијелу нашему покаже. Јер ми живи стално се предајемо на смрт за Исуса, да се и живот Исусов јави у смртноме тијелу нашем. Тако да смрт дјејствује у нама, а живот у вама. Имајући пак исти дух вјере као што је написано: Вјеровах, зато говорих: и ми вјерујемо, зато и говоримо. Знајући да ће Онај који васкрсе Господа Исуса, и нас васкрснути кроз Исуса, и преда се поставити с вама. Јер је све вас ради, да благодат умножена кроз многе преизобилује благодарењем на славу Божију.
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 22: 35-46
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, a certain lawyer asked Jesus a question, testing Him, and saying, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?” They said to Him, “The Son of David.” He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool”’? If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his Son?” And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Јован 3:13-17,
Матеј 22: 35-46
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.
И упита један од њих, законик, кушајући га и говорећи: Учитељу, која је заповијест највећа у Закону? А Исус му рече: Љуби Господа Бога својега свим срцем својим, и свом душом својом, и свим умом својим. Ово је прва и највећа заповијест. А друга је као и ова: Љуби ближњега свога као самога себе. О овим двјема заповијестима виси сав Закон и Пророци. А када се сабраше фарисеји, упита их Исус Говорећи: Шта мислите за Христа? Чији је син? Рекоше му: Давидов. Рече им: Како, дакле, Давид њега у Духу назива Господом говорећи: Рече Господ Господу мојему: Сједи мени с десне стране, док положим непријатеље твоје за подножје ногама твојим? Када, дакле, Давид назива њега Господом, како му је син? И нико му не могаше одговорити ни ријеч; нити смједе ко од тога дана да га запита више.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | |
~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop Youhanna, Protopresbyter Srboljub and 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 Danijela and her parents Mark and Jennifer Belo, Melissa Thomason and the child newly born of her, Clare Jurkovic and the child newly born of her, Jazmin Cruz and the child newly born of her, Lauren Spangler and the child newly born of her, Mara Bebeau and the child to be born of her, Addy Andy, Louise Bare, Dori Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Darlene & Larry Black, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Walter “Bud” Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Leann Cox, Joseph Derk, Art Dils, Draga Donato, Tommy and Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Anaya Garvin, Christian & Melanie Geib, Michael Geppert III, Dr Andrea Govelovich, Nick & Terry Govelovich, Kata Gruich, Dan Hazlett, Basil Havalchak, Travis Heilman, Adam Herigan, Edith Herigan, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Tijana Jaksic, Slobodan Jovicic, Spencer Klinge, Ljuban Kosovac, Dorothy Krnjaich, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Catherine Lewis, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, Stephen Lundingrin, Dianne & Jim Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, Annabelle McLaughlin, Marija Miljkovic, Daria Milletics, Infant of God Ryan Leigh Moffitt, Peter Mrgich, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Eva Orr, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Ljubomir Pejanovic, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Tracy Petrovich, Logan Roszkowski, Greg Selman, Michael Schaffner, Michael Semic, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, Pat Shoemaker, Branko Smitran, Tracey Stanovich, Tim Stefan, Josephine Svitchan, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Edie & Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Steve Vulich, Paula Werner, Draga Worman, Dewey Yetter, Mileva “Millie” Yezdimir, Demetrios & Eleni Ziogas, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski
Those Who Need Special Care
COUNTRY MEADOWS HERSHEY: Eva Stimac; COUNTRY MEADOWS MECHANICSBURG: Florence Ivanoff; MASONIC HOME ELIZABETHTOWN: Ray Foltz; RS: Cedo Lukic; SPRING CREEK: Chuck Belic
Those to be Baptized
Sloane Ivey & Berkeley Blythe Semic, Emilia Renee Peterson, Barrett Scott, Divna and Danica Mitrovic, Nora Katherine Van Huysen, Sloane York, Logan Michael Livingston, Misha Aleksander Bowser
Our College Students
Anastasija Gligorevic, Cayden Healy, Matthew Hoover, Sophia Mummert, Kobe Petrovich, Christina Radanovic, Ioanna Radanovic, Kyranna Radanovic, Maxim Reznitchenko, Madison Vorkapich
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Matushka Anna Hopko, Protinica Miryana Trbuhovich, Protinica Donna Merick, Elizabeth Rupich, Margaret Radanovic, Nenad ‘Nesho’ Pantelich, Mark Gruin, Slobodanka Balaban, Mihailo Novakovic
~Vigils Offered~
JOHN & CINDY SEMIC Offered as we wish a Happy 46th wedding anniversary (Sept 26) to Kum John & Kuma Cindy. We remember your special day with love and pray our Lord continues to bless you with boundless love and enduring memories. Offered by your Yanich & Matich Kumovi. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
BETHANY & EMILIA PETERSON Offered in joyous celebration of our sweet Emilia’s third birthday (Sept 27) and her Mommy Bethany (Oct 3). May God bless you with good health, happiness and joy for many years! Mnogaja Ljeta! Ziveli! We love you very much, your Babi and the whole family.
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.
DARLENE BLACK Offered with love by the Barber & Geib Families for God’s Blessings during her recovery. We pray that He will bless her with good health. Our Love & Prayers are with her.
MICHAEL GEPPERT Offered prayerfully by Mom & Dad for improvement in health and God’s blessings and loving care during his recovery.
†MARLIN ’SY’ SEIDERS Offered lovingly in commemoration of his repose (9 years—Sept 24). Sadly missed by Maryann, Valerie, Marlene and families. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†ROSE PLACEY, †SARA MALOBOVIC, †MICKEY PETROVICH & †MISHO SUNAJKO Offered in loving memory of their repose; †Rose (4 years—Sept 16), †Sara (28 years—Sept 23), †Mickey (4 years—Sept 29), †Misho (20 years—Sept 30). Memory Eternal! Sadly missed by Sunajko and Kingsbury families.
†PHILIP GRUICH Offered in loving memory of his repose (2 years—Sept 24). Missed dearly by Kata and family. Memory Eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat!
†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!
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Please continue to pray for all of those currently being persecuted for Christ's sake in Kosovo, Metohija, Montenegro, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, 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 9/11/2022
Collection: $4,350.00
Date 9/4/2022
Collection: $2,125.00
Date 8/28/2022
Collection: $1,850.00
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September Birthdays
Caroline Donato (Oct 2), Dave Milletics (Oct 2), Sonora Viola Mae Cruz (Oct 2), Adeline & Peter Meadow (Oct 3), Marcia Breinich (Oct 4), Kate Nation (Oct 4), Madison Vorkapich (Oct 5), Lenny Tepsich (Oct 6), Craig Heilman (Oct 6), Alex Filepas (Oct 6), Owen Kingsbury (Oct 8), Dejan Raic (Oct 11), Arlene Barber (Oct 12), Dennis Ruff (Oct 12), Milan Yovic (Oct 15), Yovanka Hoover (Oct 17), Andrea Govelovich (Oct 17), Nicole Petrovich (Oct 18), Anastasija Gligorevic (Oct 18), Nina Gilroy (Oct 19), Mira Lukic (Oct 26), John Nicholas Hernjak (Oct 27), Carole Radosinovich (Oct 29), Jimi Werner (Oct 29), Marijana Rocknage (Oct 30), Brad Kingsbury, David Christ, Ognjen Pejanovic
October Anniversaries
Bobbi & William Wenner (Oct 1), Katya Kotchnyeva & Eric Garvin (Oct 10), Jean & Paul Martin (Oct 11), Angie & Jim Bagley (Oct 12), Daria & Dave Milletics (Oct 16), Mackenzie & Stefan Lazarevic (Oct 21), Janis & Greg Meadow (Oct 29)
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ST NICHOLAS SENIORS SLAVA (TODAY)
The seniors will be celebrating their Slava TODAY Sunday, September 25 during Divine Liturgy. Thank you to Arlene Barber for making the Kolach and Shirley Hathaway for making the wheat. There will be refreshments available after the Slava in the Church Social Hall and all are welcome.
SCAFFOLDING ASSEMBLY THIS WEEK
Beginning on Wednesday, September 28, at 9am, we will assemble the scaffolding for the cupola iconography installation. All help is appreciated, whether for one hour, one day, or every day!
LIVING THE FAITH
A class dedicated to answering the questions of how to live a Life in Christ according to the Orthodox Faith. The second class will be on Wednesday, September 28 after Vespers (6:30pm). Each Wednesday, we will meet, pray together, and explore some of the beauty of a life well lived: a Life in Christ.
SOTAYA ČEVAPI SALE
Our SOTAYA Group is once again selling frozen packs of cevapi at $15/pack (2 pounds, 32 pieces). To order see Dn. Bojan Gligorevic or call the office at 717-939-3872
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ANNUAL KSS PULLED PORK & PALACINKE SALE
The Kolo Srpskih Sestara/Circle of the Serbian Sisters will hold their annual fundraiser on Sunday, October 9. All sales are PRE-ORDER by Oct 2. The menu will include pulled pork sandwiches for $6, cheese palacinke for $2, strawberry and applebutter palacinkes for $1.50. Pick up will be from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm on October 9. Forms are available on the tutors stand, or call Linda Yandric at 717-939-5309 or Daria Milletics at 717-939-3872
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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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GIVING THANKS IN PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION
A Prayer of St. Basil the Great
I thank Thee, O Lord my God, for Thou hast not rejected me, a sinner, but hast made me worthy to be a partaker of Thy Holy Things. I thank Thee, for Thou hast permitted me, the unworthy, to commune of Thy most pure and Heavenly, Gifts. But, O Master Who lovest mankind, Who for our sakes didst die and rise again, and gavest us these awesome and life-creating Mysteries for the good and sanctification of our souls and bodies; let them be for the healing of our soul and body, the repelling of every adversary, the illumining of the eyes of my heart, the peace of my spiritual power, a faith unashamed, a love unfeigned, the fulfilling of wisdom, the observing of Thy commandments, the receiving of Thy divine grace, and the attaining of Thy Kingdom. Preserved by them in Thy holiness, may I always remember Thy grace and live not for myself alone, but for Thee, our Master and Benefactor. May I pass from this life in the hope of eternal life, and so attain to the everlasting rest, where the voice of those who feast is unceasing, and the gladness of those who behold the goodness of Thy countenance is unending. For Thou art the true desire and the ineffable joy of those who love Thee, O Christ our God, and all creation sings Thy praise forever. Amen.
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The Cross is the Preserver of the Universe
St. John of 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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