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5th Sunday of Great Lent
St Mary of Egypt
St. Nicholas Bulletin - April 2, 2023
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Christ is in our midst! Христос Међу нама! Cristo esta entra nosotros! | |
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Remember Sins and Despair Not - Homily on the The Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
by Fr Rodney Torbic
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This Sunday we commemorate the great female ascetic St. Mary of Egypt. There are so many things we can learn from St. Mary. The Church gives her to us during this time of fasting as the supreme example of a life of asceticism. Last Sunday was the Sunday of St. John Climacus whose book The Ladder of Divine Ascent is the supreme ascetical text, and this week we have St. Mary of Egypt who shows us the supreme ascetical life. We even read her entire life during the Great Canon of St. Andrew this past Thursday, so you know that she is incredibly important. There are so many things we can learn from her—but the thing I want to focus on is the remembrance of sins. I think that when we are tempted to sin we like to justify it to ourselves saying “I’ll just do this now, it won’t be a big deal, I can confess it later”—but this is precisely what the devil wants us to think. Before we fall he tries to convince us that our sin is no big deal, and afterwards he tries to drive us to despair over the sin we have just committed. But as we see from the life of St. Mary, sin never has just an immediate, temporary effect—the consequences stay with us. She lived a debaucherous, lustful life of iniquity for seventeen years, but upon her dramatic conversion she fled into the desert to flee the temptations that beset her and to dedicate her life to Christ in prayer and fasting. She was in the desert for forty-seven years before she met St. Zosimas, and as she tells him, for seventeen of those years she was continually haunted by the memories of her sins—of the rich food and alcohol she consumed, of the trashy songs she used to sing, and especially of the lustful deeds she used to commit. And she says these lustful memories and temptations were like a fire raging within her. The Church Fathers even say that when we die, our soul will remember every sinful deed it ever committed. This is a heavy teaching, a hard saying. The thought of this is simply terrifying. If we really, truly believed this and had this in our heart, then it would be very hard to transgress again. And this is why the Church teaches us to remember our sins and remember death.
The memory of our sins will stay with us, but we don’t have to let them defeat us. They don’t have to drive us to despair. We can actually use this memory to our advantage. We can turn it around and make the memory of our sins into a spiritual weapon against the temptations that will come to us. Memory of sins and the memory of death are closely connected. These memories are not despair, but rather they are charismatic gifts from God. This is not some morbid obsession with suffering and death. It’s nothing creepy. You don’t have to start dressing all in black and hanging out in funeral homes. But, when we remember our transgressions we think about and meditate upon the shame that we felt afterwards, about the separation from God that we felt. We think about how our sins hurt us and those we love. St. Isaac the Syrian says that if we remember our faults in this way, and truly feel spiritual pain in the depths of our heart we will be greatly benefited- it will be hard to sin when we are tempted again. If we remember our pain we will make a great effort to avoid that pain again. Likewise, St. John Climacus teaches us that when we acquire the remembrance of death—which is to meditate upon the hour of death and the fearful judgment which is to follow, and the general awareness and deep understanding that everything in the world is fallen and that all things head for death—we will never sin again.
Of course we are not speaking about mere head knowledge here. Any of us can mentally acknowledge what the Church teaches about sin and death, but this is not enough to guide us to salvation. It is when we experientially know and feel the corruption of sin and death that infects us that we will turn away from them with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and turn towards Christ with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Every time that we resist temptation we gain some measure of spiritual strength and it becomes easier to resist iniquity again. Whenever we make a slight turn towards Christ in repentance He comes to us with His grace and gives us the strength to turn from vice and towards virtue. Over time our spiritual strength grows and there’s nothing stopping us from becoming saints. Satan thinks he can drag us down with the memory of our sins but he only has as much power as we give him. We can rob this tool from him and use it to our own advantage to unite ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.
But the life of St. Mary of Egypt teaches us an important caveat that must be mentioned. Fr. Sergius, the abbot of St. Tikhon’s, told me that although it is good to remember our sins, when it comes to sexual sins and passions we absolutely must not remember them. We must immediately force from our mind even the slightest thought or hint of such a memory. Fr. Sergius even taught his novices that in this regard we must be brutal with ourselves—we must cut off all impure lustful thoughts immediately. Of course I am not condemning relations within a marriage blessed by the Church, but sexual sins wage a heavy war against us. As St. Mary says—such memories were a fire burning within her. The memory of sexual transgressions easily inflames such passions within us again. They are a consuming fire that we must flee from. Flee to Christ Who grants us His favor when we make this effort. The demon of lust is perhaps the most powerful. St. Paul teaches this distinction of sexual sins in the sixth chapter of 1 Corinthians. He says: Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. But purity is so dear to Christ and to His most pure Mother, and purity begins with our thoughts.
St. Mary of Egypt has attained salvation and resides in Paradise with God. She is indeed one of the greatest saints of the Church. Because of her sincere faith in Christ and her ardent desire to repent, her sins did not weigh her down. For her, the memory of her falls was not a victory for Satan, but it took part in the ultimate victory in Christ. I encourage you to take heart from her example. Our sins may have long-term consequences but even this can be reoriented to Christ. If we remember our sins and the spiritual pain they cause, and we remember the coming hour of death and judgment, and these memories take deep root in our hearts, then vice will be far from us and Christ will be near to us. Remember sins but despair not, because Christ has overcome the world. Flee from the memory of lust and attain purity. By the prayers of St Mary of Egypt may we too give our lives to Christ and overcome sin and death by His Resurrection, towards which we are eagerly heading.
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Commemorating the St Niketas the Confessor Archbishop of Apollonias in Bithynia, St Cuthbert Wonderworker of Britain, Martyr Photini the Samaritan Woman, her sons and those with them, Martyred Holy Fathers slain at the Monastery of St Savva, Monastic Martyr Euphrosynus of Blue Jay Lake Novgorod, Virgin Martyrs Alexandra, Claudia, Euphrasia, Matrona, Juliana, Euphemia and Theodosia of Amisus, New Martyr Myron of Crete
RESURRECTION TROPARION — TONE 1
When the stone had been sealed by the Jews, while the soldiers were guarding Your most pure body, You rose on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. The powers of heaven therefore cried to You, O Giver of Life: “Glory to Your Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Your Kingdom! Glory to Your dispensation, O Lover of mankind!”
HOLY 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.
ST MARY OF EGYPT TROPARION — TONE 8
The image of God was truly preserved in you, O Mother, for you took up the Cross and followed Christ. By so doing, you taught us to disregard the flesh for it passes away; but to care instead for the soul, for it is immortal. Therefore your spirit, O holy Mother Mary, rejoices with the angels.
RESURRECTION KONTAKION—TONE 1
As God, You rose from the tomb in glory, raising the world with Yourself. Human nature praises You as God, for death has vanished. Adam exults, O Master! Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage and cries to You: “You are the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!”
KONTAKION TO THE THEOTOKOS—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!
HYMN TO THE THEOTOKOS (Instead of “It is Truly Meet…”)
All of creation rejoices in you, O Full of Grace: the assembly of Angels and the race of men. O sanctified temple and spiritual paradise, the glory of virgins, from whom God was incarnate and became a Child – our God before the ages. He made your body into a throne, and your womb He made more spacious than the heavens. All of creation rejoices in you, O Full of Grace. Glory to you!
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
This Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Ruby Cangialosi
Next Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Natalija Gligorevic
EPISTLE: Hebrews 9: 11 — 14
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the First Tone: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have set our hope on You!
CHOIR: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have set our hope on You!
READER: v: Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, praise befits the just.
CHOIR: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have set our hope on You!
READER: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us...
CHOIR: ...as we have set our hope on You!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Hebrews
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: God gives vengeance unto me, and subdues people under me.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: He magnifies the salvation of the King and deals mercifully with David, His anointed, and his seed forever.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Јеврејима 9: 11 — 14
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 1 Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Хор: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Читач: Веселите се, праведници, пред Господом, праведнима доликује похвала.
Хор: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Читач: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе,
Хор: на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање посланице Св. Апостола Павла Јеврејима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, али кад је дошао Христос, Првосвештеник будућих добара, кроз већу и савршенију скинију, нерукотворену, то јест не од ове творевине, не са крвљу јарчијом ни јунчијом, него са својом крвљу уђе једном за свагда у Светињу извршивши вјечно искупљење. Јер ако крв јараца и јунаца и пепео од јунице, којом кад се кропе нечисти освећује их да буду тјелесно чисти, колико ли ће више крв Христа, који Духом вјечним принесе себе непорочна Богу, очистити савјест вашу од мртвих дјела, да би служили Богу живоме и истинитоме.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Бог ми даје освету и покорава људе испод мене.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Он увећава спасење Краља и милостиво се односи са Давидом, његовим помазаником и његовим сјеменом заувијек.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Mark 10:32-45, Luke 7:36-50 (St Mary of Egypt)
Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him: “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
МАРКО 10:32-45, Лука 7:36-50 (Св. Марије Египћанке)
У вријеме оно, узе Исус дванаесторицу, и поче им казивати шта ће му се догодити: Ево идемо горе у Јерусалим, и Син Човјечији биће предан првосвештеницима и књижевницима, и осудиће га на смрт, и предаће га незнабошцима; И наругаће му се, и шибаће га, и пљуваће га, и убиће га, и трећи дан васкрснуће. И дођоше пред њега Јаков и Јован, синови Зеведејеви, говорећи: Учитељу, хоћемо да нам учиниш што ћемо те молити. А он им рече: Шта хоћете да вам учиним? А они му рекоше: Дај нам да сједнемо један с десне стране теби а други са лијеве, у слави твојој. А Исус им рече: Не знате шта иштете; можете ли пити чашу коју ја пијем, и крстити се крштењем којим се ја крстим? А они му рекоше: Можемо. А Исус им рече: Чашу, дакле, коју ја пијем испићете; и крштењем којим се ја крстим крстићете се; Али да сједнете с десне стране мени и с лијеве није моје да дам, него ће се дати којима је припремљено. И чувши то десеторица почеше се срдити на Јакова и Јована. А Исус дозвавши их рече им: Знате да они који се сматрају владарима народа господаре њима, и великаши њихови владају над њима. Али међу вама да не буде тако; него који хоће да буде међу вама велики, нека вам служи: И који хоће међу вама да буде први, нека буде свима слуга. Јер Син Човјечији није дошао да му служе него да служи, и да даде живот свој у откуп за многе.
Мољаше га пак један од фарисеја да би обедовао у њега; и ушавши у кућу фарисејеву, седе за трпезу. И гле, жена у граду која беше грешница, дознавши да је Исус за трпезом у кући фарисејевој, донесе мирис у суду од алавастра. И ставши позади код ногу његових плакаше, и стаде квасити ноге његове сузама, и косом главе своје отираше, и целиваше ноге његове, и мазаше мирисом. А кад виде фарисеј који га је позвао, рече у себи: „Да је он пророк, знао би ко и каква га се жена дотиче; јер је грешница.” И одговарајући Исус рече му: „Симоне, имам ти нешто казати.” А он рече: „Учитељу, кажи.” А Исус рече: „Двојица беху дужни једноме повериоцу, један беше дужан пет стотина динара, а други педесет. А кад они не имадоше да му врате, поклони обојици. Кажи, који ће га од њих двојице већма љубити?” А Симон одговарајући рече: „Мислим онај коме више поклони.” А он му рече: „Право си судио.” И окренувши се жени, рече Симону: „Видиш ли ову жену? Уђох ти у кућу, ни воде ми на ноге ниси дао, а она ми сузама обли ноге, и косом главе своје обриса. Целива ми ниси дао; а она, откако уђе, не преста целивати ми ноге. Уљем ниси помазао главу моју, а она мирисом помаза ми ноге. Зато ти кажем: Опраштају јој се греси многи, јер је велику љубав имала; а коме се мало опрашта малу љубав има.” А њој рече: „Опраштају ти се греси.” И стадоше у себи говорити они што сеђаху с њим за трпезом: „Ко је овај што и грехе опрашта?” А жени рече: „Вера твоја спасла те је; иди у миру.”
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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 Danijela and her parents Mark and Jennifer Belo, Lauren Spangler and the child newly born of her, Bethany Peterson and the child to be born of her, Emma Howell and the child to be born of her, Kyranna Radanovic and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Lori Bare, 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, George Gutshall, Dan Hazlett, Basil Havalchak, Travis Heilman, Adam Herigan, Edith Herigan, Kay Himes, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Slobodan Jovicic, Spencer Klinge, Ljuban Kosovac, Dorothy Krnjaich, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Catherine Lewis, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, Boro Lojpur, Stephen Lundingrin, Dianne & Jim Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, John J Milakovic, Marija Miljkovic, Daria Milletics, Infant of God Ryan Leigh Moffitt, Dave Morris, Peter Mrgich, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Eva Orr, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Ljubomir Pejanovic, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Kobe Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Logan Roszkowski, Nathan & Jane Rush, Greg Selman, Michael Schaffner, Maryann Seiders, Michael Semic, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, John Sheaffer, Pat Shoemaker, Branko Smitran, Zorka Starcevich, Tim Stefan, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Savka Trivun, Edie & Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Steve Vulich, Paula Werner, Draga Worman, Dewey Yetter, Mileva “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, Demetrios & Eleni Ziogas, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski
Those Who Need Special Care
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 & Maeve Noelle Van Huysen, Sloane York, Bennett Noah Spangler, Song, Kelly, Casey and Carter Kim, Christopher Baker
Our College Students
Anastasija Gligorevic, Cayden Healy, Matthew Hoover, Kalei Howard, Sophia Mummert, Kobe Petrovich, Christina Radanovic, Ioanna Radanovic, Kyranna Radanovic, Madison Vorkapich
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Protopresbyter Srboljub Jockovic, Ljubica Turajlic, Jo-An Tracey Stanovich, William Yovanovich, Eva Stimac, Dr Ljubisa Stankovic, Natalija Mandic, Djordje Kojic, Kristina Turuntas, Djuro Miljevic, Constantine Vloutely, Robert Bazdar
~Our Deepest Sympathy~
We offer our heartfelt condolences Arlene Barber and her family on the passing of her mother, Annabelle McLaughlin, on Wednesday, March 22. May her soul dwell with the righteous and be numbered among the just! Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
~Vigils Offered~
GAVIN PETERSON Offered in joyful celebration of our precious Gavin’s 6th birthday (April 2). May God grant him many blessings with his beautiful family now and always. Much love from his Babi and the whole family. Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta!
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.
†JIM FARANOV Offered in loving memory of his repose (2 years—March 24). Sadly missed and always in our prayers. Memory Eternal! Kuma Arlene & Kum Pete
†MARY LALIC Offered in memory of our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother as we remember her birthday (April 1). Our memories bring us much joy and peace. We love and miss you and pray for your eternal peace and happiness. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal! Doni, Steve, Pete and family.
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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 3/26/2023
Collection: $5,528.00
Date 3/19/2023
Collection: $2,393.00
Date 3/12/2023
Collection: $5,066.00
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April Birthdays
Doni Cashman (April 3), Fr Dcn Bojan Gligorevic (April 9), Sandy Marijan (April 10), Shirley Hathaway (April 11), Sue Petrovich (April 12), Andrew Imschweiler (April 12), Parker Brosius (April 13), Philip Werner (April 16), Ava Carricato (April 17), Marina Radanovic (April 18), Jessica Barry (April 18), Nicholas Govelovich (April 20), Cameron Barber (April 21), Evan Filepas (April 22), Grant Govelovich (April 22), Sladjana Jovic (April 24), Olga Gaydebouroff (April 25), Dragan Lalovic (April 25), Fr Christopher (April 26), Barrett Bernardi (April 26), Logan Livingston (April 26), Angie Bagley (April 27), Luis Radanovic (April 30)
March Anniversaries
Jelena & Justin Bowser (April 21), Russ & Amy Hewitt (April 27)
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FREE WILL LUNCHEON (TODAY)
The Marinkovich Choir is hosting a Free Will Luncheon TODAY, April 2. All proceeds will benefit our church. Please join us!
PARISH CLEAN-UP DAYS
Rescheduled to Monday, April 3 and Tuesday, April 4 from 4 pm to 9 pm. Come and help "Red-Up" the Church for Holy Week and Pascha.
FAST FOR PRE-SANCTIFIED LITURGY
A gentle reminder that one is permitted to begin the fast for the Pre-sanctified Liturgy six hours before the service. If medical needs dictate an adjustment to this, please see Father Christopher.
PRE-SANCTIFIED LITURGY THIS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5
The Washington Deanery will be gathering here at St. Nicholas on Wednesday, April 5 for the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy. Please make every effort to come for this service, so we may continue to prove good hosts for our brothers and sisters from other parishes. Volunteers will be needed to bring lenten dishes for dinner and dessert that evening after the service. Please contact Protinica Andreja to coordinate by emailing a.rocknage@gmail.com or calling 717.939.0251.
FEAST OF THE HOLY ANNUNCIATION
On Friday, April 7, we celebrate the Holy Annunciation of the Archangel Gabriel to the Most Holy Virgin — the beginning of our salvation. Confessions will begin at 5:00pm. Assembly of Palms and Pussywillows at 5:30pm, and Vesperal Liturgy at 6:30pm. A fellowship meal will follow.
GUARDING THE TOMB OF CHRIST
Sign up for the guarding of Christ’s Tomb from the Burial Vespers until the Resurrection Service. This is a noble and prayerful way to participate in Christ’s death and burial, so we may also participate in His Glorious Resurrection. Email Father Chris at fr.chris@stnicholassteelton.org or call the parish house at 717.939.0251 to schedule your time.
EASTER LILIES & PASCHA ITEMS
If you would like to purchase an Easter Lily to help decorate the Lord’s Tomb on Great & Holy Friday, please contact Daria in the church office. Cost is $10.00. Also contact Daria if you would like to make donations for red candles, wine, incense, rose oil or olive oil. If you would like the item for the health of someone or in memory of someone, please have your request/money in by April 9 for it to appear in the Pascha bulletin.
RED COLORED EGGS
All Kolo Srpskih Sestara members are asked to donate RED COLORED EGGS (only red please) for distribution on Pascha (after the midnight service). They will be collected in the church lobby before Liturgy on Pascha (Saturday evening), or they may be left in the kitchen refrigerator on Friday or Saturday prior to services. Anyone is welcome to donate, you do not have to be a member of the Kolo Sestara to donate!
SOTAYA PB & COCONUT CHOCOLATE COVERED EGGS FUNDRAISER
The eggs POSNO (vegan) or REGULAR will be $3 each and can be coated in your choice of white, dark, or milk chocolate. Pre-order by calling or texting Sladjana @ 717-538-2073 or Angie @ 717-813-5128. Only ONE MORE pick-up date: April 9. HVALA!
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SAINT NICHOLAS SENIORS
The next Seniors meeting/luncheon will take place on Tuesday, April 18 at 12 noon at Rod’s Roadhouse on Eisenhower Boulevard (next to Schmidt’s Sausage Shop). Original meeting date changed due to April 11 occurring during Holy Week and no meeting should be held. Hope to see you on April 18.
SOTAYA GIFT CARD FUNDRAISER
Thinking of a gift for someone, a special occasion, birthday or a reward for yourself? Panera Bread gift card is a good choice! And there is no need to go to the store, SOTAYA is selling them at a face value of $25. Just see any SOTAYA member or Sladjana for a purchase. Thanks for your support!
MOTHER’S CLUB ANNUAL EGG HUNT
The Mother’s Club is requesting donations of candy filled, money filled or coupon filled plastic eggs for the Easter Egg hunt on Easter Sunday (April 16) after Agape Vespers. Please bring eggs in no later than Palm Sunday (April 9). Thank you!
MOTHER’S CLUB DISPLAY CASE (NEW ITEMS)
New Pascha cards have arrived. And we still have egg wraps, Tears of the Theotokos prayer bracelets, candles, incense and charcoal available at the Mother’s Club Gift Shoppe in the lobby.
SPECIAL THANKS TO GOD
We offer our heartfelt love, after the repose of Annabelle McLaughlin on March 22, 2023, and would like to thank everyone for the Cards, Flowers and Condolences shared with Arlene, Pete and Family.
Thank you to everyone who donated supplies for the Bethesda Women’s Shelter. They were so grateful for our donation. And actually mentioned how they appreciated the meals the Orthodox women prepared monthly. If you missed the opportunity to donate to this worthy cause through the Pantry Box, the Bethesda Women and Children’s Shelter are our April Charity, so this is another opportunity for you to make a difference.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 9am until noon. You may call the office during these hours at (717-939-3972) or come by the office in person. Office hours will be adjusted when services are occurring during those hours.
BULLETIN DEADLINE
Bulletin Deadline is Wednesday at 11 am. Please send all bulletin requests to office@stnicholassteelton.org. You may also call the office at (717-939-3872).
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SENIORS FUND RAISER (SUB SALE)
The St Nicholas Seniors organization is having an R&K Sub Sale fundraiser.
Order Deadline: Sunday, April 9
Pickup: Friday, April 21 (4:30 to 6:30) in the Church Social Hall
Order Forms are available on the tutor’s stand or you can call Sue Petrovich at 717-944-1258 (home) or 717-614-3114 (cell), turn order forms into the Church office, or call the Church office at 717-939-3872.
Cost is $7.00 for subs and $6.00 for pretzel sandwiches
Make Checks Payable to ‘St Nicholas Seniors’. Payment is due at time of order.
12 inch Subs ($7.00 each): Italian Sub / Ham Sub / Turkey Sub
All come with individual packs of Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onion, Condiment
Pretzel Sandwich ($6.00 each): Italian / Ham & Cheese / Ham & Swiss / Turkey & Cheese / Roast Beef & Cheese / Sweet Lebanon Bologna & Cheese
** Italian Sub and Sandwich include Cooked Ham, Cooked & Hard Salami, and Provolone Cheese
** All other Subs and Sandwiches include White American Cheese (except the Ham & Swiss)
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April Charity
Bethesda Women & Children's Shelter
A House of Refuge
For over 34 years Bethesda Women and Children’s Mission has offered a place of healing, change, and hope for women in need of addiction recovery, safety and stability, a new start in life, and place where they can call home.
A House of Change
A Christ-Centered facility, we offer hope to those searching for their purpose and their place in this world, by offering an array of programs and services geared toward reconciliation, renewal and change. Our initial Discipleship and Recovery program is at least ONE YEAR long, and upon completion, women have the option to move to into our Transitional Living Program before moving out on their own.
A House of Healing
We have found that a long-termed recovery program is successful when each individual is permitted to rest, reflect, renew, and re-enter. Time to heal, encouragement for others, and new experiences assist in offering new life to those that come through our doors.
A House of Hope
In addition to internal programming, we utilize local social, medical, and educational services to help each new person to set attainable goals during their stay. Some women, after completing our programming either return to the workforce or continue their education at our local college. Many of our graduates remain in contact through calls, mentoring, or volunteering of their time.
https://www.bethesdamission.org/our-ministries/womens-mission/
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SAVE THE DATE!!
PASCHA................. April 16
Church Slava.......... May 21
Church Picnic......... June 4
Club Picnic.............. July 30
Serb Fest.................. Sept 23
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Synaxarion Reading for the Fifth Sunday of Lent
On this day, the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent, it was ordained
that we make remembrance of our Godly Mother Mary of Egypt.
Verses
Spirit rose up, flesh melted away erewhile; hide, O earth, the worn bones of Mary’s body.
Once, during the Honorable Fast, the priest-monk Zosimus withdrew into the wilderness. He caught sight of a withered woman named Mary; her hair was white as snow. Mary then told Zosimus that she was born in Egypt and at the age of 12 began to live a life of debauchery in Alexandria for 17 years. One day, she went to Jerusalem to enter the church to venerate the Honorable Cross. However, some invisible force restrained her. In great fear, she gazed upon the icon of the Theotokos in the vestibule and prayed that she be allowed to enter the church, all the while confessing her sinfulness. She was then permitted to enter the church. Having venerated the Cross she again entered the vestibule and, before the icon, gave thanks to the Mother of God. At that very moment she heard a voice saying: “If you cross the Jordan, you will find glorious rest!” Mary left for the wilderness and remained there for 47 years in repentance. She bade Zosimus to come back in one year with Holy Communion, which he did. The following year, on Holy Thursday, April 1, 522, Zosimus discovered Mary’s lifeless body, and buried her. Thus, the Lord glorifies penitent sinners. The Church exalts and exemplifies Mary to the faithful in Great Lent as an incentive for repentance that brings entry into the Heavenly Kingdom. Through her intercessions, O Christ God, have mercy upon us. Amen.
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Stewardship Reflection
Fifth Sunday of Great Lent St. Mary of Egypt
4/2/23
Today, on the fifth Sunday of Great Lent, we commemorate St. Mary of Egypt. St. Mary had lived a life of debauchery and on many occasions. sold her body for necessities such as food and travel. She departed her land and upon arriving in the Holy City, followed the crowd that was thronging towards the Church of the Resurrection, it being the day of the Exaltation of the Cross. But, when she reached the threshold of the Church, an invisible force prevented her entering in spite of repeated efforts on her part, although the other pilgrims were able to go in without hindrance. Left alone in a corner of the Narthex, she began to realize that it was the impurity of her life that was preventing her approaching the holy Wood. She burst into tears and smote her breast and, seeing an icon of the Mother of God, made this prayer to her: "O Sovereign Lady, who didst bear God in the flesh, I know that I should not dare to look upon thine icon, thou who are pure in soul and body, because, debauched as I am, I must fill thee with disgust. But, as the God born of thee became man in order to call sinners to repentance, come to my aid! Allow me to go into the church and prostrate before His Cross. And, as soon as I have seen the Cross, I promise that I will renounce the world and all pleasures, and follow the path of salvation that thou willest to show me." She felt herself suddenly freed from the power that had held her and was able to enter the Church. There she fervently venerated the Holy Cross and then, returning to the icon of the Mother of God, declared herself ready to follow the path that the Virgin would show her. A voice replied to her from on high: "If you cross the Jordan, you will find rest."
As we reflect upon St. Mary's life, we can also consider 1 Corinthians 6:20 "you were bought at a price, therefore honor God with your bodies, and your Spirit, for they are His." When we think about the unfortunate way that St. Mary used her body...but through repentance was saved and the fact that our Salvation was bought with a price - Christ's body being sacrificed on the Cross for our sins... we must ask and think about honoring God with our bodies and spirit with a focus on our Talents. Are there specific tasks that we can complete to help our Church? Does our profession provide the opportunity to assist our parish? Can we extend the daily labor that we do to include God's house? Whether a painter, doctor, carpenter, lawyer, gardener, accountant or any other skills - can we provide them as Stewardship to our Church?
We are called to honor and love God, to provide for and support His Church.
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