4th Sunday after Pentecost | | Христос међу нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta entra nosotros! | | |
Homily for the 4th Sunday after Pentecost
Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh
In the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. How great must have been the faith of the Centurion who came to Christ asking for a healing of his servant, whom he loved, who was faithful to him. He heard Christ say, “I shall come and work a miracle in thy home”, and he could answer, “Don't come! A word of Thine would be enough to restore the health of my servant!” This is an event of the life of Christ; it is an event that touched not only the Centurion, not only his servant, but every member of the household. He came without Christ, and the servant was healed. Who of us, in dire, agonizing pain is capable of turning to the Lord, presenting Him a request, asking Him to show mercy and to manifest His power, and when the Lord says to us, in our hearts, “I shall come, I shall work this miracle for you”—who of us would have the courage to say, “No, Lord! Thy word is enough!...” We have the Gospel, we have the example of the Saints, many, many of whom built a life of saintliness on one saying of the Gospel which they took seriously and to which they devoted all their energies, all their life. We have the Gospel, the word, and that word that can heal a life, it can transform people, transfigure relationships, human souls, and human lives. Who of us ever said to the Lord, “Thy Gospel sufficeth unto me”? And how often do we turn to the Lord and say, “Yes, Lord, I have read it all, but come Thyself, speak to me, speak a word which is not written, speak a word that would like iron or fire penetrate into my heart! Speak again, again, again, O Lord!” And so we pass over the whole Gospel, the whole of God’s message, the whole example of Christ, all that we see in the Apostles and the later Saints because we want a new revelation, a new word. And do you remember also, when Christ commanded His disciples to cast a net into the sea and this net brought a multitude of fish, St. Peter suddenly saw Who He was. He had heard it all, he had heard the Sermon on the Mountain, he had been with Christ from the beginning, and yet he saw only dimly who He was. At that moment, the moment of a material miracle he realized Who was in his boat, and he said, “Lord, leave this boat! I am a sinner, I am unworthy of Thy presence!” And again, who of us, at moments when the Lord comes close to us, have the thought of saying such words, realizing because of the holiness of Christ, the holiness of God, how unworthy we are of Him, of His life, His teaching, His example, His death, His descent into hell, to the very rock bottom of evil. And this hell is not only an image; isn't it within us? Isn't there in us a darkness that needs more than enlightment—the Light of God, God, the light of the world. Let us think of what we hear. I have just come back from Russia, and whenever I come, I am awed by what I see there. Not by the great services, but the people who for more than half a century have carried the burden of the cross, and how awe-inspiring—I should say, how humbling—it is to one who has to speak to people whose life is a preaching of the Gospel, while one’s own is a shame of Christ. Yes, it is true what the Gospel says that by our words shall we be judged, saved or condemned. How frightening it is to have by duty, by necessity to speak words of truth and to know that every word condemns you. And so, when a priest comes out, makes a sign of the Cross, putting himself under the protection of the Crucifix, the death and sacrificial love of Christ—pray for that man who is to declare the Gospel, perhaps unto judgment and condemnation of his own self, and for the salvation of your souls. And then perhaps this prayer will sustain the preacher; and the preacher speaking God’s own words, aided by the grace of God, might sustain your life and help you to reach Christ and not the preacher; to suddenly realize that the preacher does not exist—there is only the message. Remember! Saint John the Baptist was not called a “preacher” who proclaimed the word of God; he was called, “a Voice crying out in the wilderness”. It was not a man—it was a message. Receive the message, pass by the messenger, and receive the message as Christ describes, as good earth that engulfs the seed, feeds it and brings fruit, the fruit of life—not of feelings, not of thoughts, but a life which is that of God incarnate, Christ's life in us. Amen.
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Commemorating Martyr Agrippina of Rome, Martyrs Eustochius, Gaius, Probus, Lollius and Urban of Ancyra, Martyr Nike’tas of Thebes and those with him, Synaxis of the Saints of Vladimir, the Second Translation of the relics of St Herman Archbishop of Kazan, St Etheldreda of Ely, Righteous Artemius of Verkola
RESURRECTIONAL TROPARION — TONE 3
Let the heavens rejoice! Let the earth be glad! For the Lord has shown strength with His arm! He has trampled down death by death! He has become the first-born of the dead! He has delivered us from the depths of hell, and has granted the world great mercy!
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.
HOLY MARTYR AGRIPPINA OF ROME TROPARION — TONE 4
Your lamb Agrippina calls out to You, O Jesus, in a loud voice: "I love You, my Bridegroom, and in seeking You I endure suffering. In baptism I was crucified so that I might reign in You, and I died so that I might live with You. Accept me as a pure sacrifice, for I have offered myself in love." Through her prayers save our souls, since You are merciful.
RESURRECTIONAL KONTAKION — TONE 3
On this day You arose from the tomb, O Merciful One, leading us from the gates of death. On this day Adam exults as Eve rejoices; with the prophets and the patriarchs they unceasingly praise the divine majesty of Your power!
HYMN TO THE MOTHER OF GOD KONTAKION — TONE 6
Steadfast Protectress of Christians and constant Advocate before the Creator; despise not the cry of us sinners, but come speedily to help those who call on You in faith. Hasten to hear our petition and to intercede for us, O Theotokos, for You always protect those who honor You!
| | ~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | | |
READERS:
This Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Natasha Milanovich
Next Week: Matins: Nick Ressetar Epistle: Dasha Gencturk
EPISTLE: Romans 6:18-23
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, O people, shout to God with loud songs of joy!
CHOIR: Sing praises to our God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
READER: Sing praises to our God, sing praises!
CHOIR: Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Romans.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brothers and Sisters, having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: In You, O Lord, have I hoped. Let me never be put to shame!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Be a God of protection for me! A house of refuge in order to save me!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Римљанима 6:18-23
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 3 Појте Богу нашему, појте! Појте Цару нашему, појте!
Хор: Појте Богу нашему, појте! Појте Цару нашему, појте!
Читач: Сви народи, запљескајте рукама, покликните Богу гласом радосним!
Хор: Појте Богу нашему, појте! Појте Цару нашему, појте!
Читач: Појте Богу нашему, појте!
Хор: Појте Цару нашему, појте!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање је од посланице Светог апостола Павла до Римљанима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, ослободивши се пак гријеха, постадосте слуге праведности. Као човјек говорим због немоћи вашега тијела. Јер као што давасте уде своје да робују нечистоти и безакоњу за безакоње, тако сада дајте уде своје да служе правди за освећење. Јер када бијасте робови гријеха, слободни бијасте од праведности. Какав, дакле, плод имадосте тада од онога чега се сада стидите? Јер је крај онога смрт. А сад, ослободивши се од гријеха и поставши слуге Божије, имате плод свој на освећење, а крај живот вјечни. Јер је плата за гријех смрт, а дар Божији је живот вјечни у Христу Исусу, Господу нашем.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: У тебе се, Господе, уздам, немој ме оставити под срамотом до вјека.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Буди ми Бог заштитник, дом уточишта, да би ме спасао.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL: Matthew 8:5-13
At that time, when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ: Матеј 8:5-13
У вријеме оно, кад Исус уђе у Капернаум, приступи му капетан молећи га и говорећи: Господе, слуга мој лежи дома одузет, и страшно се мучи. А Исус му рече: Ја ћу доћи и исцијелићу га. И капетан одговори и рече: Господе, нисам достојан да под кров мој уђеш, него само реци ријеч, и оздравиће слуга мој. Јер и ја сам човјек под влашћу, и имам под собом војнике, па речем једноме: иди, и иде: и другоме: дођи, и дође; и слуги своме: учини то, и учини. А кад чу Исус, задиви се и рече онима што иду за њим: Заиста вам кажем: ни у Израиљу толике вјере не нађох. А кажем вам да ће многи од истока и запада доћи и сјешће за трпезу с Авраамом, и Исаком, и Јаковом у Царству небескоме; а синови царства биће изгнани у таму најкрајњу; ондје ће бити плач и шкргут зуба. А капетану рече Исус: Иди, и како си вјеровао нека ти буде. И оздрави слуга његов у тај час.
| | ~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | | |
~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop Youhanna, Protinica Ljubica Jockovic, Protopresbyter Rodney Torbic, V. Rev. Protostavrofor Ilija Balach, V. Rev. Protostavrofor Joseph Fester, Father Gabriel Rochelle, Protinica Ana Stepanov, Popadija Sara Golic, Matushka Barbara Ealy, the child Katie Elizabeth and her parents Mileva and Michael Repasky, the child Louise Bare and her parents Zachary & Elizabeth, Catherine Lewis and the newborn Caleb Ereno, Jessica Crowe and the newborn Maverick Archer, Emma Howell and the newborn Evelyn Caryn, Bethany Peterson and the child to be born of her, Mileva Repasky and the child to be born of her, Jensen Swartz and the child to be born of her, Kyranna Baker and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Kevin Appleby, Lori Bare, Elijah Barnett, Christina Berchock, Dori & Doug Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Jason Brill, Voni Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Maria Chigrintseva, Susan & Jim Cibort, Leann Cox, Victoria Cox, Tommy & Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Edward Dry, JoAnn Filepas, Anaya Garvin, Eric Garvin, Christian & Melanie Geib, Michael Geppert III, Dr Andrea Govelovich, 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, Caryn Kiraly, Nadine Klipa, Dorothy Krnjaich, Dragica Kuzmanovic, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Sue Leis, Jovan Lemajic, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, Stephen Lundingrin, Penny MacDonald, Dianne & Jim Martin, Jean & Paul Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, George Milakovic, Slavka Miljevic, Marija Miljkovic, Daria Milletics, Rosanda Mitrovic, Diane & Slobodan Momic, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Kobe Petrovich, Duke & Sue Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Milena Pilipovic, Christopher Radanovic, Marilynn “Chi Chi” Rapasky, Logan Roszkowski, Chloe Ruff, Michael Schaffner, Maryann Seiders, Greg Selman, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, John Sheaffer, Milan Shumkaroff, Branko Smitran, Zorka Starcevich, Karen Stefan, Tim Stefan, Michael Stepanovich, Stevan & Mary Stojic, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Linda Szeerba, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Savka Trivun, Edie & Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Michael Vishnesky, Magdalen Vloutely, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Traci Weaver, Paula Werner, Draga Worman, Tosh Yanich, Dewey Yetter, Elizabeth Yezdimir, Mila “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, Jason Zeigler, Ashley Ziobrowski, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski
Those Who Need Special Care
ECUMENICAL (COUNTRY MEADOWS) Jane Rush, HOMELAND: Draga Donato; MASONIC HOME: Ray Foltz; RS: Cedo Lukic
Those to be Baptized
Caleb Ereno Lewis, Barrett Scott, Nora & Maeve Van Huysen, Sloane & Šeren York
Our College Students
Sophia Adams, Cameron Barber, Kyle Barber, Michael Geppert, Anastasija Gligorevic, Natalija Gligorevic, Matthew Hoover, Faith Kingsbury, Natasha Milanovich, Sophia Mummert, Christina Radanovic, Luis Antonio Radanovic, Madison Vorkapich, Anastasija Vukalo
Our Seminary Students
Elizabeth Bare
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Alexandra “Soni” Dimond Martorano, Julian Naumenko, Eleni Ziogas, Miloš Balać, Milan Pejčić, Stephen Vulich, Djordje Gajovic
~Vigils Offered~
PAULA WERNER Offered in joyous celebration of one of my beautiful, wonderful daughter's birthdays (July 11). God’s blessings for good health and Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta! Much Love Mom and family.
PAULA WERNER Offered for the joyous celebration of my Godchild’s birthday (July 11). May God shower her with an abundance of His many blessings of good health and happiness. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years! With Love, Kuma Tootsie
PAULA WERNER Offered in celebration of her birthday (July 11). May God bless you with many more! Ziveli! Mnogaja Ljeta! Love the Lewis 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.
MICHAEL GEPPERT Offered prayerfully by Mom & Dad for improvement in health and God’s blessings and loving care during his recovery.
†MEGAN BOLTON Offered in loving memory of our Godchild/niece/cousin (22 years—July 8). Forever in our hearts, Daria, Dave, Jason and Sarah Milletics. Memory Eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat!
†MILOS KRNJAIC Offered by his family, in loving memory of his birthday (July 8). Memory Eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat!
†JASON LEWIS Offered in loving memory of his birthday (July 12). May his Memory be Eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat! Missed dearly by Nikki, Putz & family.
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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, Gaza, West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Egypt, the Sudan, China, North Korea, for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering throughout the world, especially in Ukraine and Russia, that they might be comforted with the Joy of our Lord, and for those who are unjustly persecuted that they may be strengthened by the love of Christ which knows no race.
We also pray for the Orthodox clergy in Alaska, that the Lord might grant them more than enough to feed their families.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD!
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Stewardship Offering Information
Date 6/29/2025
Collection: $2,615.00
Date 6/22/2025
Collection: $2,701.00
Date 6/15/2025
Collection: $2,550.00
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July Birthdays
Edie Venesevich (July 6), Jovanka Shaffer (July 7), Christian Gunther (July 8), Sloane Ivey Semic (July 8), Cindy Semic (July 10), Kyle Barber (July 10), Faith Kingsbury (July 10), Duke Petrovich (July 11), Paula Werner (July 11), Melania Skinder (July 12), Andrea Gunther (July 13), Jenny James (July 13), Jazmin Wolf (July 13), Pam Healy (July 14), Jevgenija Radanovic (July 16), Lenny Tepsich Jr (July 16), Alana Tepsich (July 17), Igor Skinder (July 18), Katya Kotchneva (July 18), Ana Lynn Howell (July 21), Milan Radanovic (July 22), Avery Baker (July 22), Paul Kessler (July 30), Erik Barber (July 31), Jovan Grujic, Bojan Lazarevic
July Anniversaries
Chloe & Dennis Ruff (July 17)
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NATIVITY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST
We celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist with Liturgy at 9 am on Monday, July 7.
FEAST OF STS. PETER & PAUL
We celebrate the Feast of Saints Peter & Paul with Liturgy at 9 am on Saturday, July 12.
BULLETIN DEADLINE
Due to vacation schedules, the deadline for the July 20th Bulletin will be THIS Thursday, July 10
FELLOWSHIP HOUR
We are trying something new with our Fellowship Hour. We are asking for parishioner volunteers to sign up for a Sunday. We encourage families and friends to work together as there are 3 main areas to cover… setup, food and cleanup. Signup for a Sunday in July by calling the office, or using the sheet in the lobby.
CLUB PICNIC 2025
The Club will be having its Annual Picnic on July 27 after Liturgy. If you are able to help in any way by working a shift or providing baked goods, please contact Paula Werner at 717-433-4158. Thank You in advance! And please join us at the picnic for fellowship!
SOTAYA GIFT CARD FUNDRAISER
Thinking of a gift for someone, a special occasion, birthday or a reward for yourself? Gift cards are a good choice! And there is no need to go to the store, SOTAYA is selling Texas Roadhouse and Darden Restaurant Group cards (which includes Olive Garden, Longhorn, Cheddar’s, Yard House, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52) at a face value of $50. Just see any SOTAYA member or Sladjana for a purchase. Thanks for your support!
FOOD SURPLUS FOR SHADELAND
A generous donor has given us a gift of surplus food. PLEASE visit the table in the Social Hall and take what you or someone you know can use. Donate what you can, help someone in need and save money at the same time! Remember to check the table every time you are at church as supplies will change frequently. ALL proceeds will go to support our St. Sava Shadeland Camp!!!
SHADELAND COLLECTION
The operation of our St. Sava Shadeland Camp has been subsidized by the Diocesan Endowment for the Future. This endowment was based upon the royalties we received from natural gas and oil wells and is now depleted. Currently, we no longer have any reliable income from these wells. Camp fees have been kept artificially low due to these royalties. This means that there is a deficit of $150,000 to run the camp each year. Additionally, there are approximately $225,000 in repairs and maintenance that will be necessary in the next 3 years. The Diocese is asking for donations to offset the operating costs. These donations may be given directly to the Diocese, to our local church here at St. Nicholas, by renting Shadeland Camp for your event, or purchasing a hunting license, thus increasing annual revenue. Checks can be made payable to St. Nicholas Church with Shadeland in the memo and given to our Church, or go to easterndiocese.org to donate directly to the Diocese.
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PLEASE HELP - BETHESDA MISSION WOMEN’S SHELTER OUTREACH
On the second Saturday of every month, volunteers from our four Orthodox churches prepare and serve lunch for shelter residents. We also help with various projects and activities that assist with shelter operations. If anyone would like to volunteer or learn more about this important program, please contact Andrea Gunther.
2025 ORGANIZATIONAL DUES
To pay your 2025 dues (or if you still owe 2024 dues) please see Daria Milletics for KSS/Mothers Club, Jovanka Shaffer for Seniors, Jason Milletics for Choir and Protinica Andreja for Serb Club.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 9 am until noon. You may call the office during these hours at (717) 939-3872 or come by the office in person. Office hours will be adjusted when services are occurring during those hours.
BULLETIN DEADLINE
Please send all Bulletin requests to the church office at office@stnicholassteelton.org. You may also call (717) 939-3872. Bulletin Deadline is Wednesday at 11 am. Due to vacation schedules, the deadline for the July 20th Bulletin will be THIS Thursday, July 10
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July Charity
Monastery Marcha
On July 26, Monastery Marcha celebrates its Slava, the Synaxis of the Holy Archangel Gabriel, so it is fitting that the monastery is our Charity Sunday recipient this month. It is the first monastery established for Serbian Orthodox nuns in the United States and was begun in 1975 by His Grace, the late Bishop Dr. Sava. Its inspiration was the original 17th century Monastery Marcha of Serbia, destroyed by war twice in the 20th century. From modest beginnings, Monastery Marcha has grown. In addition to the new monastery church erected in 2001, there is a residence and lodgings for visiting monastics. The weekly Divine Liturgy is celebrated by nearby clergy. Mother Anna, of blessed memory, was the first American-born Serbian Orthodox nun who took residence at Monastery Marcha, and we, at St. Nicholas Church, counted Mother Anna as our dear friend. We have been blessed to have had her visit with us. Monastery Marcha’s main income is derived from the sale of candles, prayer ropes and other religious articles. If you travel to the Cleveland, Ohio area, plan to visit Monastery Marcha in nearby Richfield. It is a beautiful and uplifting spiritual site and visitors are welcomed with great warmth and hospitality.
You can send an email to the Monastery at monasterymarcha@yahoo.com
Monastery Marcha, 5095 Broadview Road, Richfield, OH 44286, (330) 659-3809
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