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Мир Божији! Христос се Роди! God's Peace! Christ is Born!
Cristo ha naciendo! Ηριστοσ Γενναται!
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Homily on the Circumcision of Christ and on Basil the Great
By St. Andrew of Crete
It is pleasant and good to glorify everything that our Savior Christ, as the God-man, accomplished for us, since all this is filled with wonder and amazement. And how could it be otherwise? God appears among people and is known by them, submits to everything like a man, fulfills the commandments of the law and proclaims this fulfillment, in order to give in return His own law, full of grace and truth. What is also worthy of wonder is what the present discourse speaks of, that is, the circumcision of Christ according to the flesh, eight days after His seedless birth. This event is also full of wonder and should be glorified. For how is it possible not to consider it the greatest and most important miracle, that Christ fulfilled the law and, moreover, did it for our salvation? God takes a name. Unknown, similar to man in everything, He is clearly known through the name. By the name given to Him, He is not only called Son, just as the Father is called Father due to the fact that He begot the Son, and the Spirit is called Spirit due to His proceeding from the Father (since these Three are one God and in them one Divinity), but at the same time it is not false to call Him the Son of the Virgin, for He truly is; in this regard, He can be comprehensible to us and appears meek before us. And I, like a fugitive, having found the door of salvation open, boldly approach the Master and Creator.
Luke speaks about this event in his Gospel: “So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.' And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb” (Luke 2:15-21).
The Great Luke explains great mysteries to us here. Truly, his Gospel is worthy of Paul, who himself boasts about this: “According to my gospel” (1 Cor. 15:1; Rom. 14:24). For without this Gospel we could not ascertain, but indeed we verify, the annunciation of the Virgin, the birth of John, the census of the Savior, the birth in the cave, the announcement to the shepherds, the "Glory to God in the Highest, and on peace" of the angels (a sign of this peace being the registration under Augustus), the announcement to Symeon, the confession of Anna, the next of kin through Joseph the betrothed of Mary, who had come from two brothers, Melchi and Panther, who in turn begat Barpanther, the father of Joachim, from whom came the Theotokos. From Melchi was born Heli, by the wife of Mathan, who after widowhood married Melchi. He had a son named Jacob, from whom came Joseph the betrothed. He was the natural son of Jacob, though according to the law that of Heli. Of the latter, it was necessary to list him according to the marriage under the law, but his brother through his mother is from where the seed arose. From this we cleanly go back in kin to Adam, and his timeless birth from God. We are further told about Herod and Pilate, the two thieves, and other things which the other evangelists are silent about.
What does it mean when he says, “the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb?” He himself explains this when he talks about the appearance of an angel to Mary, who said: “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest” (Luke 1:31-32). Matthew also speaks about the same thing, talking about the appearance of the angel of the Lord in a dream due to the disbelief of Joseph and after which he believed: "After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.' So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel,' which is translated, God with us.” (Matthew 1:18-23; Isaiah 7:14). You notice the agreement of the words of the evangelist and the prophet: “which is translated, God with us,” that is, the salvation of the people; the Master has come to be present with the servants. And in the angelic oracle He is called Jesus. By Jesus is meant that He did everything in His sympathy for the economy of our salvation. We have been given this time to know the deeper meaning of this day, because it shows us that the one grace presents to us another and unites them with knowledge, being illuminated with the brightness of this grace. Having already celebrated the ineffable birth, we realize that He was born, and we also realize that He was born without seed.
But how will I approach, the One who has been born? I am afraid and horrified of approaching the One who appeared in an incomprehensible way. I am indecisive and, like a runaway servant afraid of his master, I hide. But how can I free myself from this fear? This day will show me, testifying of Him who took on a name. What is the name? This name is Jesus, which means “salvation,” just as Emmanuel means “God with us,” that is, it indicates the reconciliation and union of God with people, which is why Jesus is called Savior. This was previously announced to the shepherds. They would not have bowed to the Child if they had not been encouraged by His name, after which they calmly went to Him to adore. What did the angel say to them? - “Do not be afraid” (Luke 2:10). What fear gripped them? Together with the appearance of an angel before them, “the glory of the Lord ,” it is said, “shone around them, and they were greatly afraid” (Luke 2:9). Therefore, encouraging them, the angel convinces them not to be afraid and, by the name of the Begotten One, resolves their fear. “Behold ,” he says, “do not be afraid, for I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10–11). What are you saying, angel? Does the name Jesus have so much power? "Yes," he answers, "for Jesus means Savior, who is Christ the Lord, - both God and man, the executor of authority and the compassionate one. Therefore, I told the shepherds not to be afraid and, by commanding Joseph to name the Child on the eighth day, I thereby made Him accessible to all people. The very nature of the Begotten One prompted me to call Him by appropriate names. Just as Joseph would not have followed the Mother of the Child voluntarily and without fear if I had not commanded him to do so, so I convinced the shepherds to resort to the Lord as their benefactor and ruler, and proclaimed that Jesus would be given as a name after circumcision, on the eighth day after birth, so that you dare to hasten without fear to the One who also accepted human nature. Realizing such a great condescension of the One who was born to you, glorify the grace of the present day.”
And what else does the eighth-day circumcision tell us? The eighth day is the completion of the week, and the beginning of the new. The child completes the week, and is perfected on the eighth day, being granted his name and being numbered with the perfect. The eighth day is the beginning of infancy, while through the period of the week he was a baby, now the child begins to learn. The eighth day leads on to the things of infancy: to crawl and to stand, and to speak, and to think. The week comes to completion, and the eighth day signifies perfection. Circumcision, in turn, was performed on the eighth day after the birth of the infant together with giving its first name.
And not without reason. When the human race during the time of Terah, the father of Abraham, began to cleave to idols, it pleased the Creator from the time of Abraham to distinguish His people with a special sign until the days of His appearance in the world, which was necessary for the renewal of man. Circumcision cuts off excess flesh and gives a sign of the future eighth day (perfection). But after the appearance of Christ into the world and His circumcision, it lost its meaning, and now rebirth takes place through the Holy Spirit. Circumcision was established because of idolatry and to distinguish the people of God, and also ceased due to the extreme development of idolatry. The former things serve as a symbol for the new.
Christ is the eighth Lawgiver from Adam. Adam was the first to accept the law, Noah the second, Abraham the third, Moses the fourth, David the fifth (1 Chronicles 16:2; 2 Chronicles 7:6), Ezra was the sixth lawgiver, who after the captivity of Babylon again communicated the law and some customs to the people, and John the Baptist, who preached the baptism of repentance to the people and baptized with water, was the seventh lawgiver. The eighth is Jesus Christ. Moses says about this Great Lawgiver: “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren; listen to him. And the man who will not listen to his words, as soon as that prophet speaks in my name, will be condemned” (Deut. 18:15, 19). Being the only one able to fulfill this, I perceive that he is referring to the Lord and Creator, Who worked divine and invisible works among us. And passing the Sabbath in His flesh through the law, on the eighth day of Resurrection, became the Law-giver for the whole world. I behold God, not only of the Jews, but of all nations, Who is born, anointed and perfecting all things in the Holy Spirit, and calling His own anointed people. And He cuts off our fleshly desires and passions, and turns them to a burnt sacrifice through good works and actions of the Kingdom of the Heavens. He is truly the Angel of Great Council of the Father, the Mighty God, the executor of authority, the Prince of Peace, the Father of the future age.
And if all this is wonderful, let us rejoice at the festival and further reveal its solemnity, adding joy to the joy and glorifying one of the servants of God, although “the souls of the righteous” are, as the Wise One says, “in the hand of God” (Wis. 3:1), since they all belong to God. However, some of them are closer than others, due to the fact that they immaculately resembled the image of God, as much as possible for a man. So, who is this one being glorified? This is Basil, the foundation of virtues, the support of the Cappadocians, the glorious praise of the entire universe, the organizer of order and decency of the Church, thanks to whom the currently existing churches of believers are established. Although the Church is guided by many other laws, established before and after, it equally uses the rules of Basil, who was worthily glorified for this and was even glorified by the godly wise men of his time. A man of God, a faithful servant, a steward of the Mysteries of God, and a man of spiritual desires! - this is how Scripture calls exalted men and those standing above what is visible. And I will call you the god of Pharaoh and all the Egyptian and opposing forces, the pillar and affirmation of the Church, the will of the Lord, the lamp of rational life in the world, the support of faith and the refuge of the Spirit. But why should I list all the names that virtue has approved for you? I will only say: "Come and reign" (Psalm 44:5) and shepherd us; everyone who finds themselves under your wings will be calm, and we thirst for your voice, O divine and sacred head, more than weary travelers yearn for a source of pure water. I will also call you a virgin, uncovetous, almost fleshless and bloodless, in writings standing after the Divine Word, wise among philosophers, transcendent among the worldly. The ancients are silent, for his divine words have been established. The new proclaims: this Basil is the best writer for us and for those who can perfectly study his works, distinguished by language and enlightening the ear; he alone is liked more than all writers by those seriously engaged in science, which is why he is given second place after the apostles. If the Basil the Great in our discourse is depicted as such that he is not far from the saints in his high life, then how else can we please you, Father Basil - you, who with the sharpness of your words exposes and drives out every error, who, like a bee, abides prudently in the pasture of the divinely inspired Scriptures, from whose meadows he gathers prophetic flowers and apostolic dew? You continuously instill virtues in the world, from which you prepare the divine honeycomb. You wisely create in the Holy Spirit the honey of immaculate faith, teach to neglect the activities of harmful wasps and fly to heaven itself. Like David, you exclaim: “How sweet is Your word to my throat O Lord" (Psalm 119:103).
Inflamed with love for you, faithful Basil, we now have great joy, although we do not bring this praise on our own (this would be bold), but we collected it from your kindest praisers and timed it to coincide with the real life-giving festival of the eight-day Circumcision. For on the day of Circumcision you ended your life, having served God all the time and for eight years occupying the throne of your hierarchical see. The great Gregory tells us about this in his longed-for writing about you, the theology infused with which shines brightly for us and testifies about you as a theologian, since you were both inspired by the same thing and contemplated the same thing. It seemed that one soul lived in both of you, but in two bodies. Together with him (testifying about you) is Gregory of Nyssa, the interpreter of the divine, almost equal to you in glory, with a family close to you by nature. With them, Ephraim, who revealed to the hearts of believers, with the assistance of the divine Spirit, the secrets of divine judgment, openly proclaims about you to those who do not know you and says with conviction that you were appointed to meditate on the divine and appeared for the good of the Church of God.
Father Basil! Rejoicing together with these divine heralds in the dwellings of the patriarchs, and in the mystagogies of the apostles and the prophets, enjoying the blessed life together with the crowned martyrs, choirs of monks, divine hierarchs and all the righteous who were nurtured on that which is good, remember us and intercede with your co-inhabitants, in order to implore our common Master about the salvation of all Christians. Pray with them that the king will govern in righteousness and reverence for God, so that in his thoughts he may have as an ally God, the eternal King, Who governs from on high, and so that he will guide his subjects, commanders and military rulers in piety; pray that the Lord will be an ally of the army and keep the rest of the people in unanimity of the divine faith and in mutual peace, so that He will appoint bishops who are wise in the knowledge of God and capable of good governance of your well-ordered Church and the Church entrusted to them. Pray that the Lord will keep the priests in piety, so that they may live godly and worthily sing the praises of Him who has now taken you to Himself, crowned you, and revealed you to all the faithful people as a glorious shepherd. This is the One who, being rich, became poor for our sake and appeared in the flesh, who, being with the Father, was born in a cave and was nursed in a manger, who was sung by the angels and caused wonder in the shepherds, who on the real eighth day was circumcised and received the name Jesus, Who made a cleansing sacrifice, was confessed by Symeon and Anna, received gifts from the Magi, fled to Egypt and “shook the idols of Egypt”, Who, having reached the age of perfection, was baptized by a servant and cast the sins of the world into the depths of the water, Who appeared in the world, was hated by the Jews, although He performed miracles before them, was finally betrayed, crucified and then buried, so that, having made hades captive, He would announce to those in hades about His resurrection. Three days later, He rose again and showed us a second eighth day while honoring the day of rest, leading to the future eighth day of complete liberation from the world. Then He openly appeared to the disciples, in their presence He was taken to heaven, and together with Him He lifted up humble human flesh. But He is known as the One Lord in two natures, worshiped with the Father and the divine Spirit, and has two wills and two energies. Therefore, He is comprehensible to us and incomprehensible, describable and indescribable, depicted by us in images and likenesses, and in them, through the medium of flesh and spirit, we worship Him. He is depicted equally with the men who theologized about Him and with all the saints, and equally with all the saints He has (in this way) communion with us, since by such worship glorification is raised to the prototype. You also teach us about this, Father Basil, saying: “Veneration of the image goes back to prototype." Having such an orthodoxy, let us avoid the fear of nations, and then the islands of the Church, which suffered deprivation of icons due to the outrages of the Hagarenes, will achieve liberation from this evil, as the prophet Isaiah says: “Renew yourself, islands, to God” (Is. 41:1). To Christ our God is due honor, glory, worship, with the all-good Father and the all-holy and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and to the endless ages of ages. Amen.
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Commemorating the Circumcision of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, St Basil the Great Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Martyr Basil of Ancyra, St Emilia Mother of St Basil the Great, Monastic Martyr Telemakhos
RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 7
By Your Cross You destroyed death. To the thief You opened Paradise. For the Myrrhbearers You changed weeping into joy. And You commanded Your disciples, O Christ God, to proclaim that You are risen, granting the world great mercy.
CIRCUMCISION TROPARION—TONE 1
Enthroned on high with the Eternal Father and Your divine Spirit, O Jesus, You willed to be born on earth of the unwedded handmaid, your Mother. Therefore You were circumcised as an eight-day old Child. Glory to Your most gracious counsel; glory to Your dispensation; glory to Your condescension, O only Lover of mankind.
ST BASIL TROPARION—TONE 1
Your proclamation has gone out into all the earth which was divinely taught by hearing your voice expounding the nature of creatures, ennobling the manners of men. O holy father of a royal priesthood, entreat Christ God that our souls may be saved.
ST BASIL KONTAKION—TONE 4
You were revealed as the sure foundation of the Church, granting all mankind a lordship which cannot be taken away, sealing it with your precepts, O venerable and heavenly Father Basil.
CIRCUMCISION KONTAKION - TONE 3
The Lord of all accepts to be circumcised, thus, as He is good, excises the sins of mortal men. Today He grants the world salvation, while light-bearing Basil, high priest of our Creator, rejoices in heaven as a divine initiate of Christ.
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
This Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Stefan Gligorevic
Next Week: Matins: Nicholas Ressetar Epistle: Lincoln Govelovich
EPISTLE: 2 Timothy 4: 5-8, Colossians 2: 8-12
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Sixth Tone: O Lord, save Your people, and bless Your inheritance!
CHOIR: O Lord, save Your people, and bless Your inheritance!
READER: v: To You, O Lord, will I call. O my God, be not silent to me!
CHOIR: O Lord, save Your people, and bless Your inheritance!
READER: O Lord, save Your people...
CHOIR: ...and bless Your inheritance!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to Timothy
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Timothy my son, be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Brethren, beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: O God, be bountiful to us and bless us, show the light of Your countenance upon us, and have mercy on us!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Give ear, O shepherd of Israel, You Who lead Joseph like a flock.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: 2 Тимотеју 4: 5-8, Колошанима 2:8-12
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 6 Спаси, Господе, народ Свој и благослови наследство Своје.
Хор: Спаси, Господе, народ Свој и благослови наследство Своје.
Читач: Теби, Господе вапим: Боже мој, немој ме оставити без одговора !
Хор: Спаси, Господе, народ Свој и благослови наследство Своје.
Читач: Спаси, Господе, народ Свој
Хор: и благослови наследство Своје.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читац: Читање је од посланице Светог апостола Павла до Тимотеја.
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Чедо Тимотеје, буди трезвен у свему, злопати се, врши дјело јеванђелиста, служење своје испуни. Јер ја се већ приносим на жртву, и вријеме мојега одласка настаде. Добар рат ратовах, трку заврших, вјеру одржах. Сад ме чека вијенац правде, који ће ми у онај Дан дати Господ, праведни Судија: али не само мени, него и свима који с љубављу очекују Долазак његов.
Браћо, пазите да вас ко не обмане философијом и празном пријеваром, по предању људском, по науци свијета, а не по Христу. Јер у Њему обитава сва пуноћа Божанства тјелесно, и ви сте испуњени у Њему, који је глава свакога началства и власти, у Њему ви и обрезани бисте обрезањем нерукотвореним, одбацивањем тијела грјеховности обрезањем Христовим, пошто се с Њим погребосте крштењем, у Њему сте и саваскрсли кроз вјеру у моћ Бога који га васкрсе из мртвих.
Свештеник: Мир ти читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Боже, буди нам милостив и благосиљај нас. Обасјавај нас лицем Својим и помилуј нас.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Чуј, пастиру Израиљев, који водиш синове Јосифове као овце.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Mark 1: 1-8, Luke 2: 20-21, 40-52
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ” John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
At that time, the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Марк 1: 1-8, Лука 2:20-21; 40-52
Почетак јеванђеља Исуса Христа, Сина Божијега. Као што је писано код пророка: Ево ја шаљем анђела својега пред лицем твојим, који ће припремити пут твој пред тобом. Глас вапијућег у пустињи: Припремите пут Господњи, поравните стазе његове. Појави се Јован крстећи у пустињи, и проповиједајући крштење покајања за опроштење гријехова. И излажаше к њему сва Јудејска земља и Јерусалимљани; и крштаваше их све у ријеци Јордану, и исповиједаху гријехе своје. А Јован бијаше обучен у камиљу длаку, и имаше појас кожни око себе: и јеђаше биље и дивљи мед. И проповиједаше говорећи: Долази за мном јачи од мене пред ким ја нисам достојан сагнути се и одријешити ремена на обући његовој. Ја вас крстих водом, а он ће вас крстити Духом Светим.
У вријеме оно, вратише се пастири славећи и хвалећи Бога за све што чуше и видјеше као што им би казано. И када се наврши осам дана да обрежу дијете, надјенуше му име Исус, дато од анђела прије него што он би зачет у утроби. А дијете растијаше и јачаше духом, пунећи се премудрости, и благодат Божија бијаше на њему. И родитељи његови иђаху сваке године у Јерусалим о празнику Пасхе. И кад му би дванаест година, узиђоше они у Јерусалим по обичају празника. И када проведоше дане, и враћаху се, оста дијете Исус у Јерусалиму, и не знаде Јосиф и мати његова, него, помисливши да је са друштвом, отидоше дан хода, и тражаху га међу сродницима и познаницима. И не нашавши га, вратише се у Јерусалим да га траже. И послије три дана нађоше га у храму гдје сједи међу учитељима, и слуша их, и пита их. И сви који га слушаху дивљаху се веома његовој разборитости и одговорима. И видјевши га запрепастише се, и мати његова рече му: Чедо, што нам тако учини? Ево отац твој и ја тражисмо те с болом. И рече им: Зашто сте ме тражили? Зар нисте знали да мени треба бити у ономе што је Оца мојега? И они не разумјеше ријеч коју им рече. И сиђе с њима и дође у Назарет; и бјеше им послушан. И мати његова чуваше све ријечи ове у срцу својему. И Исус напредоваше у премудрости и у расту и у милости код Бога и код људи.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | |
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~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Newly Illumined Ryan Alan Lehman, his parents and 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 Louise Bare and her parents Zachary & Elizabeth, Shayle York and the newborn Šeren Lily, Kaitlyn Hook and the child to be born of her, Cassandra Semic and the child to be born of her, Catherine Lewis and the child to be born of her, Kyranna Baker and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Lori Bare, Dori & Doug Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Darlene & Larry Black, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Walter “Bud” Brown, Rebecca Cappetta, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Leann Cox, Victoria Cox, Art Dils, Tommy and Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, JoAnn Filepas, Anaya 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, Edward Hojnicki, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Slobodan Jovicic, Myong Sook Kim, Spencer Klinge, Dorothy Krnjaich, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, Boro Lojpur, Stephen Lundingrin, Dianne & Jim Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, Marija Miljkovic, Daria Milletics, Peter Mrgich, George Myers, Katherine Nation, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Kobe Petrovich, Sue Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Linda Rodgers, Logan Roszkowski, Chloe Ruff, Nathan & Jane Rush, Greg Selman, Michael Schaffner, Maryann Seiders, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, John Sheaffer, Branko Smitran, Zorka Starcevich, Tim Stefan, Stevan and Mary Stojic, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Savka Trivun, Edie & Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Michael Vishnesky, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Steve Vulich, Paula Werner, Draga Worman, Tosh Yanich, Dewey Yetter, Mila “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, Jason Zeigler, Ashley Ziobrowski, Demetrios & Eleni Ziogas, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski
Those Who Need Special Care
HOMELAND: Draga Donato; MASONIC HOME ELIZABETHTOWN: Ray Foltz; RS: Cedo Lukic
Those to be Baptized
Sloane & Berkeley Semic, Barrett Scott, Divna & Danica Mitrovic, Nora & Maeve Van Huysen, Sloane & Šeren York
Our College Students
Sophia Adams, Kyranna Baker, Cameron Barber, Michael Geppert, Anastasija Gligorevic, Cayden Healy, Matthew Hoover, Kalei Howard, Faith Kingsbury, Sophia Mummert, Kobe Petrovich, Christina Radanovic, Ioanna Radanovic, Madison Vorkapich, Anastasija Vukalo
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Eva Orr, Helen Kapac, Basil Havalchak, Dragoljub (Don) Maransky, Marshall Vujasinovich, Goran Stekovic, Louis 'Chuck' Belic, Florence Ivanoff, Sofija Wuselich
~Our Deepest Sympathy~
We offer our heartfelt condolences to Paul Kessler on the passing of his nephew, Bruce Beinhaur, on Tuesday, January 9th. May Bruce’s soul dwell with the righteous and be numbered among the just! Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
~Vigils Offered~
KRNJAIC FAMILY MEMBERS Offered as they celebrate their Krsna Slava (Sveti Jovan, Jan 20). May God grant you Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta! By Kat and family.
HONORABLE WILLIAM WENNER Offered as we celebrate his birthday tomorrow (Jan 15). We pray for his good health and well being and that God grants him Many Blessings for Many Years! Offered with love by Bobbi, Brandon, Kait, Tim, Baylor, Baby Hook and the family. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
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.
†DR LINDA WOLF Offered on the second anniversary of her repose (Jan 16) as we remember her bright spirit, keen insights, unconditional love and ready sense of humor. We pray she rests peacefully in her Lord’s merciful embrace. Offered in loving memory by the Yanich, Matich, Wenner, Hook, Fithian, Cruz & Wolf family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†FRANK MILLETICS Offered in loving memory of his repose (26 years—Jan 18) by Dave, Daria, Jason & Sarah. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†DECEASED KRNJAIC FAMILY MEMBERS Offered on their Krsna Slava (Sveti Jovan, Jan 20) as we pray for the peaceful repose of our deceased Krnjaic family members. Loved and sadly missed by their family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†SIMO & †VERONICA KRNJAICH Offered in loving memory of my parents who celebrated our Slava (St John the Baptist) on Jan 20, with our dear Lord in His Heavenly Kingdom. Always in my prayers and heart. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal! Given with love by daughter Tootsie.
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Please continue to pray for all of those currently being persecuted for Christ's sake in Kosovo, Metohija, Montenegro, Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, Morocco, China, North Korea, for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering throughout the world, especially in Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, 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 division.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD!
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Stewardship Offering Information
Date 1/7/2024
Collection: $9,499.00
Date 12/31/2023
Collection: $2,330.00
Date 12/24/2023
Collection: $4,170.00
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January Birthdays
Kristina Carricato (Jan 3), Brad Livingston (Jan 4), Betty Matovich (Jan 5), Chris Krnjaic (Jan 5), Voni Brown (Jan 6), Jody Atty (Jan 7), Fred Book (Jan 7), Ellen Long (Jan 8), Lauren Spangler (Jan 9), Jason Milletics (Jan 11), William Hernjak (Jan 12), JoAnn Filepas (Jan 13), Tracy Petrovich (Jan 13), Bill Wenner (Jan 15), Stacey Stanovich (Jan 15), Nicole Stefan Imschweiler (Jan 15), Christina Radanovic (Jan 15), Tatyana Reznitchenko (Jan 16), Sylvia Stefan (Jan 18), Nina Radanovic (Jan 19), Makrina Rocknage (Jan 19), Kristina Vukalo (Jan 20), Rita Vorkapich (Jan 22), Protinica Andreja (Jan 24), Kobe Petrovich (Jan 24), Andjelija Lojpur (Jan 27), Sophia Mummert (Jan 28), Jane Svitchan (Jan 29), Maxim Reznitchenko (Jan 29), Ashtyn Isadora Cruz (Jan 30)
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FEAST OF THEOPHANY
We will celebrate the Feast of Theophany beginning on Wednesday, January 17 with Royal Hours at 6:30 pm followed by Vesperal Liturgy at 9 am on Thursday, January 18. The blessing of Water and Festal Vigil will begin at 6:30 pm on Thursday, January 18. Then on Friday, January 19 we will continue the celebration with Liturgy at 9 am
FEAST OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST
We will celebrate the Feast of St John on Saturday, January 20 with Liturgy at 9 am
HOUSE BLESSING 2024 BEGINS THIS WEEK
As with previous years, Fr. Chris will be blessing homes according to the zip code schedule printed in the bulletin. You will receive a call and/or email the week beforehand, letting you know which day Father will be coming. Please have ready: a candle, a bowl of water, the list of names you would like Fr. Chris to pray for, both living and departed. If you do not hear from Daria the week before your scheduled house blessing or you were inadvertently overlooked last year, and would like to have your house blessed, please reach out to her at 717-939-3872
PARISH COUNCIL SERVICE
We are preparing for our upcoming Annual Assembly on February 4th. Please consider serving on the Parish Council. We are currently in need of the following positions in the coming year: Treasurer, Vice President and Member at Large. Please see Nikki Lewis, Nina Radanovic, Tatyana Reznitchenko or Father Chris if you are able to serve our community.
DO YOU WANT A 2024 CHURCH DIRECTORY
In order to determine the most beneficial way to print, we are asking for pre-orders. Please let Daria Milletics know (before January 28) if you are interested in having a hardcopy church directory. It will not contain steward pictures, only address and phone numbers. You can reach her at 717-939-3872 or email office@stnicholassteelton.org
WAYS TO BE A GOOD STEWARD
If you are wondering what you can do as a Steward of the Church, please consider becoming a Greeter or a Tutor. A Greeter does just that, they greet those who come to share in the services held in our church (Divine Liturgies as well as other events such as Lenten services or Pan Orthodox events). If you are willing to serve the church as a Greeter or Tutor please contact the church office or Terry Govelovich at 717-561-1590 (leave a message if there is no answer).
MOTHER’S CLUB PARTY (TODAY)!!!
Today, Sunday, January 14th, the Mothers Club will have their annual Christmas Party and gift exchange at Gilligan’s Restaurant after Liturgy. All Mothers are encouraged to attend, and bring a gift to be exchanged in a White Elephant game.
SAINT NICHOLAS SENIORS (MEETING RESCHEDULED TO THIS WEEK)
The Seniors’ next meeting/luncheon will be 12 noon on Tuesday, January 16th at Rod’s Roadhouse on Eisenhower Blvd. This will be our annual Christmas Party. Hope to see you there.
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CHURCH SCHOOL REGISTRATION
It is that time again, getting ready for a new academic year. Please follow this link to register your children for our Church School program. All children, ages 3—18 are expected to attend classes each Sunday to grow in the Faith and in fellowship.
https://forms.gle/SGWWhv3iBLWqJfHd7
2024 ORGANIZATIONAL DUES
To pay your 2024 dues (or if you still owe 2023 dues) please see Nikki Lewis for Mothers Club, Jovanka Shaffer for KSS, Linda Yandric 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
Bulletin Deadline is Wednesday at 11 am
Please send all bulletin requests to the church office at office@stnicholassteelton.org
You may also call at (717) 939-3872
JOIN THE CELEBRATION
Next Sunday, January 21, the Yanich family will celebrate the 90th anniversary of the marriage of +Stevo Steve & +Ljubica Viola Yanich and honor the beginning of their Kumstvo ties with the Semic family since +Milan Mike & +Danica Dot Semic were their Vencanje Kumovi. After Liturgy, Fr. Christopher will serve Parastos in their memory. Following Parastos everyone is invited to a celebratory breakfast brunch in the Church Hall.
BLESSING OF THE SUSQUEHANNA
Sunday, January 21 at 2:00pm we will join the Greater Harrisburg Orthodox Churches and bless the Susquehanna River from City Island. We will meet at the Gazebo at 1:45pm, and process to the river. Afterward, all faithful are welcome to join in fellowship at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Camp Hill for hot soup and refreshments.
EXPERIENCED WOOD FINISHERS
We are calling all experienced wood finishers to assist with the pew restoration and installation. The process is mapped out and ready for implementation. Please contact Father Christopher 412.400.7146 or Dean Stefan 717.679.1907 to get more information.
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January Charity
The International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)
IOCC is a humanitarian aid agency of Orthodox Christians. Established in 1992 by the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), it works in cooperation with the Orthodox Church and on behalf of Orthodox Christians. In carrying out its mission, offering emergency relief and development programs to those in need worldwide, without discrimination, and strengthening the capacity of the Orthodox Church to so respond, IOCC applies the highest profession standards and renders itself fully accountable to the public and its donors. Since its inception, IOCC has administered more than $580 million in humanitarian relief, sustainable development and self-help programs worldwide.
Approximately 92% of all money donated directly helps those facing dire situations and every dollar given helps secure $7 in support from various sources. All assistance is provided solely on the basis of need and benefits orphans, refugees and displaced persons, the elderly, school children, families and people with disabilities. Over the course of their history, IOCC has been able to assist people in 50 countries with priority currently in the Balkans (Bosnia, Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro), Cameroon, Ethiopia, Georgia, Greece, Haiti, Iraq, Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, Romania, Syria, Uganda, and the United States. Since the need for help is great, IOCC continually works to expand its programs to other areas. Visit www.iocc.org for additional information.
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Upcoming House Blessing Schedule
Saturday, January 20
St. John the Baptist Slavas
Monday, January 22 — Wednesday, January 24
(Jan 27 Make-up Day)
17113, 17022, 17033, 17034, 17036, 17057
Monday, January 29 — Friday, February 2
(Feb 3 Make-up Day)
17011, 17015, 17018, 17025, 17050, 17053, 17055
Monday, February 5 — Friday, February 9
(Feb 10 Make-up Day)
17102, 17109, 17110, 17111, 17112, 17980
Monday, February 12 — Friday, February 16
(Feb 17 Make-up Day)
17019, 17221, 17225, 17257, 17315, 17316, 17320, 17331, 17365
17070, 17319, 17339, 17345, 17361, 17362, 17363, 17370, 17402, 17406, 17408
Monday, February 26 — Friday, March 1
(March 2 Make-up Day)
17028, 17032, 17038, 17042, 17045, 17078
17502, 17512, 17522, 17540, 17543, 17545, 17552, 17557, 17601, 17602, 17603
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