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St Thomas Sunday
St. Nicholas Bulletin - April 23, 2023
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Christ is Risen! Христос Васкрсе! Χριστός ἀνέστη! Cristo ha resuscitado! El Messieh Qa’am! | |
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Sunday of the Belief of St Thomas
By Archbishop +Demetri of the Diocese of the South (OCA)
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When the disciples had gathered on the new Passover (Pascha), the Lord’s Day or Resurrection Day, Jesus entered the room where they were — "the doors being shut … for fear of the Jews" — stood in the midst of them and showed them His hands and side. Christ then greeted them with that salutation, retained by the Church through the ages, with which the priest greets the faithful at each of the important parts of the Divine Liturgy and other services: "Peace be unto you." Twice our Lord delivers this message of peace to His disciples that "first day of the week." We are reminded in this of the Savior’s words before the Crucifixion: "My peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you" and "these things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace." (John 14:27; 16:33) The Resurrection, of which the beloved disciples were witnesses, was the confirmation of Christ’s entire life of prophecy and sacrifice. It was a reassurance that the peace He had come to give the world was not vain or imagined. Nor was it peace on strictly a human level, for example the absence of war or strife among men. Rather this peace was the presence of the Prince of Peace in the midst of human existence. It was the long awaited reconciliation between God and man, and in God a profound "union of all men" as children of the Most High, a peace that the world is unable to provide or understand.
Continuing the Gospel reading for Thomas Sunday, we are told that the apostles "were glad when they saw the Lord." Once more Christ’s words prior to His Passion are brought to mind: "I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you." (John 16: 22) This joy that our Lord promised His disciples is, like peace, that which is experienced in the Divine Presence. It is the same joy felt by Christians after all these centuries when they participate, through the divine worship of the Church, in the blessings of the Kingdom to come. Particularly in the Eucharist an almost inexplicable joy is experienced in an encounter with the risen Lord, in communion with His Holy Body and Blood. "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20) "He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him." (John 6:56) In the Eucharistic gathering Christ’s glory is revealed to His disciples and they are thus strengthened and confirmed in their faith in the promises of Christ, ready to return to the world from which they were called out. "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1Peter 2:9) (The Greek, ecclesia, from which we get the word Church means, called out.)
Then He said to them again, "Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Spirit: whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained." (John 20: 21-23) The Church is simultaneously called out, "consecrated," and then sent to accomplish the same work as her Founder. Christ preached repentance and the advent of a heavenly Kingdom. His mystical Body, the Church, has the same mission in this world of extending God’s Kingdom, central to which is the pronouncement of repentance and forgiveness. The Church, in God’s name, pronounces forgiveness to all in light of a heavenly Kingdom revealed in Christ. The Church carries out her mission through the guidance and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Now "Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came," and when the others told Him, "we have seen the Lord." He, therefore, said, "Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe." (John 20: 24-25) Thomas is like so many of us in that he would require tangible, visible proof that Christ is really active in the lives of His people, caring for creation, and that He was what He claimed to be: "He that hath seen me, hath seen the Father." (John 14:9) Some today desire generally that kind of evidence even for God’s existence, "irrefutable" evidence making it impossible for man not to believe. That type of unquestionable, undeniable proof, we can say, will be put forth only at the end of this age, when "the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him …" (Matthew 25:31) At that time it will indeed be quite impossible for anyone (although some may try in vain) to deny "the King of kings and the Lord of lords." (Deuteronomy 10:17; Revelation 19:16)
God’s most important gift to man, that which identifies him as a creature made in the image of God, is free will. The Lord honors this gift. He loves man and would have man love Him freely in return. God, therefore, will not force man to accept Him, but would have him approach his Creator in faith and trust. We would do well to remember the example of St. John the Baptist. He bore witness to his Lord saying, "Behold, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) Yet after being arrested, in a moment of hesitation or doubt, the Forerunner sent his disciples to Christ asking, "Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?" (Matthew 11:3) At first glance this question seems strange, indeed contradictory, for "the greatest born of women" to be asking.It is thus important to note that Jesus does not seek to answer it in some "definitive" way, irrefutable in John’s mind. Rather He responds in terms of an invitation, still beckoning His servant to place his trust freely in Him: "Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me." (Matthew 11:4-6)
Near the end of the Gospel passage, after Thomas exclaims, "My Lord and my God," Jesus says to him, "Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." Faith: this is the way that God would have us come to Him. "Faith," says St. Paul, "is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) People sometimes lament the fact that they did not live in Apostolic times when it would have been possible to see for themselves and talk face to face with the Incarnate Lord. In the minds of many, this would constitute tangible proof of God’s existence and alleviate any doubts concerning Christ. But would it? Israel was prepared for almost two thousand years for the Messiah’s advent. Miracles were performed by Him in the peoples’ midst. Yet, in the end, those who heard and saw Jesus for themselves wound up shouting, "Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him." Only a few individuals stood with Him at the foot of the Cross. One really has to wonder seriously if we would have been any different given the chance. For regardless of how and when the Lord chooses to reveal Himself it is always possible, in freedom and because of sin, to explain away that revelation.
A primary emphasis here is that the historical period in which one exists makes no difference as far as one’s relationship to Christ is concerned and his or her ability to know the Truth and live by faith. We have the mystical Body of Christ, the Church’s sacramental, liturgical life, and the Lord’s promise to be with us always. We have "received the Heavenly Spirit," and are blessed with the examples, testimonies and presence of countless saints who have gone on before us. We are literally living, right now if you will, in Apostolic times. So it seems as though we are missing the mark if we begin to demand, from God or from ourselves, objective, factual knowledge in terms of "proof," before we can come to faith. At some point a "leap of faith," will be required, for as mentioned above, so-called concrete evidence can always be discarded if that is what is desired. On the other side of that "leap," though, is the knowledge that we all seek Once there, there is no lack of proof. But without this faith no amount of knowledge or evidence will suffice. There will always be room for doubt, and opportunities for man in his "wisdom" to deny what is so plain and simple to all who have truly found the narrow path that leads to life.
"Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."
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Commemorating the Belief of the Holy Apostle Thomas, Hieromartyr Patriarch Gregory V of Constantinople, Martyr Terence and 40 others beheaded at Carthage, Martyrs James the Presbyter and Azadanes and Abdicius Deacons of Persia, Martyrs of the Kvabtakhevi Monastery in Georgia
THOMAS SUNDAY (2nd Sunday of Pascha) TROPARION—TONE 7
From the sealed tomb, You shone forth, O Life! Through closed doors You came to Your Disciples, O Christ God. Renew in us, through them, an upright spirit, by the greatness of Your mercy, O Resurrection of all!
“Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; now and forever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.”
THOMAS SUNDAY KONTAKION—TONE 8
Thomas touched Your life-giving side with an eager hand, O Christ God, when You came to Your Apostles through closed doors. He cried out with all: “You are my Lord and my God!”
Instead of “It is Truly Meet…”
The Angel cried to the Lady, full of grace: “Rejoice, O pure Virgin! Again, I say: ‘Rejoice, your Son is risen from His three days in the tomb! With Himself He has raised all the dead.’” Rejoice, O Ye people! Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem! The glory of the Lord has shone on you. Exult now, and be glad, O Zion! Be radiant, O pure Theotokos, in the Resurrection of your Son!
Priest: “Blessed is the Kingdom…” Choir: Amen. Priest: Tropar 2 1/2 times. Choir: Finishes.
Priest: “In the fear of God …” Choir: “Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord … “
Priest: “O Lord, save Your people …” Choir: “Christ is risen from the dead … “ (slow version)
Priest: “Always, now and ever …” Choir: “Let our mouths be filled …”
(At the Dismissal, the Priest says: “Glory to You, O Christ….,” and the choir sings “Christ is risen from the dead….” (thrice).
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
This Week: Matins: Nick Ressetar Epistle: Marko Rocknage
Next Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Teddy Sukhernik
EPISTLE: Acts 5: 12 — 20
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Third Tone: Great is our Lord and abundant in power, His understanding is beyond measure!
CHOIR: Great is our Lord and abundant in power, His understanding is beyond measure!
READER: v: Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God!
CHOIR: Great is our Lord and abundant in power, His understanding is beyond measure!
READER: Great is our Lord and abundant in power,
CHOIR: His understanding is beyond measure!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brothers and Sisters, and through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Come, let us rejoice in the Lord! Let us make a joyful noise to God our Savior!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: For the Lord is a great God, and a great King over all the earth.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Дјела Ап. 5:12-20
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 3 Велик је Господ наш и велика је снага Његова и разуму Његовом нема мјере.
Хор: Велик је Господ наш и велика је снага Његова и разуму Његовом нема мјере.
Читач: Хвалите Господа, јер је слатко пјевати Богу нашему, јер Благоме приличи хвала.
Хор: Велик је Господ наш и велика је снага Његова и разуму Његовом нема мјере.
Читач: Велик је Господ наш и велика је снага Његова
Хор: и разуму Његовом нема мјере.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: читање из књиге дјела апостолских
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, у дане оне, преко апостолских руку збивали су се многи знаци и чудеса у народу; и бијаху сви једнодушно у тријему Соломоновом. Од осталих пак нико не смједе да им се придружи, али их народ хваљаше; И све се више умножаваху они који вјероваху у Господа, мноштво људи и жена, тако да су на улице износили болеснике и полагали на постељама и носилима, да би кад прође Петар бар сјенка његова осјенила кога од њих. А стицаше се и мноштво народа из околних градова у Јерусалим доносећи болесне и од нечистих духова мучене, и сви се исцјељиваху. Али се подиже првосвештеник и сви који бијаху с њим, секта садукејска, и испунише се зависти, и дигоше руке своје на апостоле, и бацише их у општи затвор. А анђео Господњи отвори ноћу врата тамнице, изведе их и рече: Идите и станите у храму па говорите народу све ријечи овога живота.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Ходите, запјевајте Господу, покликнимо Богу Спаситељу нашему.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Јер је Господ велики Бог, и велики Цар над свом земљом.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
John 20:19-31
Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
JOBAH 20:19-31
А кад би увече онога првога дана седмице, и док су врата била затворена, гдје се бијаху ученици његови сакупили због страха од Јудејаца, дође Исус, и стаде на средину и рече им: Мир вам! И ово рекавши, показа им руке и ребра своја. Тада се ученици обрадоваше видјевши Господа. А Исус им рече опет: Мир вам! Као што је Отац послао мене, и ја шаљем вас. И ово рекавши, дуну и рече им: Примите Дух Свети! Којима опростите гријехе, опраштају им се; и којима задржите, задржани су. А Тома, звани Близанац, један од Дванаесторице, не бјеше са њима када дође Исус. А други му ученици говораху: Видјели смо Господа. А он им рече: Ако не видим на рукама његовим ране од клинова, и не метнем прст свој у ране од клинова, и не метнем руку своју у ребра његова, нећу вјеровати. И послије осам дана опет бијаху унутра ученици његови и Тома с њима. Дође Исус кад бијаху врата затворена, и стаде на средину и рече: Мир вам! Затим рече Томи: Пружи прст свој амо и види руке моје; и пружи руку своју и метни у ребра моја, и не буди невјеран него вјеран. И одговори Тома и рече му: Господ мој и Бог мој! Рече му Исус: Зато што си ме видио, повјеровао си; блажени који не видјеше а вјероваше. А и многа друга знамења учини Исус пред ученицима својим, која нису записана у књизи овој. А ова су записана да вјерујете да Исус јесте Христос, Син Божији, и да вјерујући имате живот у име његово.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | |
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~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Newly Illumined Christopher Baker, Song, Kelly, Casey and Carter Kim, and their sponsors, 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, the child Louise Bare and her parents Zachary & Elizabeth, Lauren Spangler and the child newly born of her, Isadora Lazarevic and the newborn Luka John, 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, 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, Myong Sook Kim, Spencer Klinge, 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, Ashley Ziobrowski, 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
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, William Yovanovich, Eva Stimac, Dr Ljubisa Stankovic, Natalija Mandic, Djordje Kojic, Kristina Turuntas, Djuro Miljevic, Constantine Vloutely, Robert Bazdar, Ljuban Kosovac
~Our Deepest Sympathy~
We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Ljuban Kosovac, who reposed in the Lord on Friday, April 14. May his soul dwell with the righteous and be numbered among the just! Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
~Vigils Offered~
CAMERON BARBER Offered in joyful celebration of her 18th birthday (April 21). May God grant you blessings and joy for many more years. Mnogaja Ljeta! Love Baba and Pap Pap.
DIANNE & SLATER MARTIN Offered in joyous celebration of their Wedding Anniversary (April 26) by Kat Gruich & 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.
†PROTOPRESBYTER SRBOLJUB JOCKOVIC Offered in remembrance of Proto Srboljub as we observed the 40th day of his repose yesterday. He guided us, led us and supported us through many life experiences & we were always better for it. It is so fitting that he went from earth to Heaven during this Lenten Spring. Given with love and respect by the Yanich, Matich, Wenner, Mumma. Hook, Cruz, Wolf, Semic, DeMuro and Bagley families. Hristos Vaskrese! Christ îs Risen!
†SANDRA MILOVICH DRAGOVICH We were surprised and sad to learn of Kuma Sandy’s passing. She was the widow of our late +Kum Dmeter Dragovich, Sr. They were both active in St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in St. Petersburg, Florida. Sandy was survived by her son Dmeter, Jr., his wife Sharon and her three granddaughters. We pray for Sandy’s peaceful repose with our Risen Lord where there is no suffering, nor sorrow, nor sighing but life everlasting. Offered by the Yanich and Matich family. Christ is Risen! Hristos Vaskrese!
†MILLIE CHRIST Offered in loving memory of my Kuma Tootsie’s repose (2 years—April 13) by Tootsie Krnjaich. Memory Eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat!
†STEVO STEVE YANICH Offered in loving memory of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather (28 years—April 19) with prayers that his soul dwells joyfully with the Risen Lord. May “Pop” repose in our Lord’s unending Light and everlasting Life. Given by Beba, Stephani, Bobbi, Bill, Greg, Wendy, Brandon, Jazmin, Curran, Kaitlyn, Tim, Sonora, Ashtyn, Baylor & Endora. Hristos Vaskrese! Vaistinu Vaskrese! Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
†LUKA VUJASINOVICH Offered in memory of our beloved Tata, Djedo, Pramdjedo, Pram-Pramdjedo (39 years ago on Holy Friday—April 20). Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal! Forever in our hearts, Zorica and the whole family.
†MICHAEL FILEPAS SR Offered in loving memory of his repose (16 years—April 24). Sadly missed and forever in our thoughts and prayers. Offered with love and wonderful memories by JoAnn & family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†BRANKO BOB YANICH Offered in loving memory of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother (14 years—April 25). We pray for Bob’s repose in the Risen Christ where there is no sickness or sorrow or sighing but life everlasting. Given by Stephani, Bobbi, Bill, Greg, Wendy, Brandon, Jazmin, Curran, Kaitlyn, Tim, Sonora, Ashtyn, Baylor, Endora & Beba. Hristos Vaskrese! Vaistinu Vaskrese! Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
†LJUBICA VIOLA YANICH Offered in loving remembrance of the 111th anniversary of Mom/Grammy’s birthday (April 26). We praise the Risen Lord for granting Viola great mercy & everlasting life. Given by Beba, Stephani, Bobbi, Bill, Greg, Wendy, Brandon, Jazmin, Curran, Kaitlyn, Tim, Sonora, Ashtyn, Baylor & Endora. Hristos Vaskrese! Vaistinu Vaskrese! Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
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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 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 4/16/2023
Collection: $5,037.00
Date 4/9/2023
Collection: $3,256.00
Date 4/2/2023
Collection: $3,560.00
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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)
April Anniversaries
Jelena & Justin Bowser (April 21), Russ & Amy Hewitt (April 27)
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SERBIAN-AMERICAN CLUB 2023 SCHOLARSHIP
The Serbian-American Club is once again offering a scholarship to a graduating high school senior continuing their education. The guidelines and application can be found on the Tutors stand in the Narthex. Application deadline is May 1, 2023. The Club is accepting additional scholarship donations which will be added to the amount already collected for the scholarship. If you are interested in donating, see Chris Radanovic.
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. St Nicholas is scheduled to host the lunch on Saturday, June 10, 2023. 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.
KOLO SRPSKIH SESTARA/CIRCLE OF SERBIAN SISTERS MEETING (TODAY)
The KSS will be having a meeting TODAY, Sunday, April 23rd, after Divine Liturgy, in the church library. All members are urged to attend.
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!
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OFFICE CLOSURE (2 WEEKS)
The office will be closed from Monday, April 24 through Friday, May 5th.
7TH ANNUAL OCCGH GOLF TOURNAMENT
Register by July 6, 2023 for the OCCGH Annual Golf Tournament to be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Eagles Crossing Golf Course in Carlisle! Contact Carl Hisiro for details or sponsorship at chisiro@verizon.net or 717-903-2711
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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!!
Club Picnic.............. July 30
Serb Fest.................. Sept 23
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