Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost | |
Christ is in our midst! Христос међу нама! Cristo esta entra nosotros! | |
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Fear Not, Only Believe
By A Monk of the Orthodox Church
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
We meet with a very different scene in today’s Gospel than the one with which we ended last Sunday. In the verse just before today’s reading, we hear that when Jesus returned over the sea of Galilee after healing the Gadarene demoniacs, the people of Bethsaida gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him (Lk. 8:40). The people of Decapolis begged him to leave, and the people of Galilee could hardly wait for his return. They had ample experience of his preaching and his miracles, and they eagerly looked to him with faith.
But today’s Gospel shows us that not all faith is the same faith. Some have little faith, weak faith, easily shaken by outward setbacks and adversities; others have strong faith, great faith, faith that can move mountains, faith that soon obtains all its requests from God. No sooner had the Lord returned over the sea of Galilee to Bethsaida, than the ruler of the local synagogue, Jairus, approached him, and asked him to come and lay hands on his dying daughter, so that she might be healed. He indeed showed faith, but as we know, his faith was not perfect. It was not the Roman centurion’s faith, which caused Christ to marvel; it was not that faith, which knows that a mere word from the Lord suffices to work miracles and to raise the dead. The merciful Lord, however, never casts out those seeking him, but receives them where they are, and lead them step by step towards perfection.
The large crowd that met Jesus pressed all around him, as he tried to make his way through to get to Jairus’ home. Imagine the father’s anxiety as the mass of people obstructs Christ’s path, and hinders him while the young girl’s life hangs by a thread. In the midst of this tumult, unnoticed and unbeknownst to all, a desperate woman, sick for twelve years with an issue of blood, snuck up behind Christ in the crowd, and touched the hem of his garment, hoping with deep faith to be healed.
In the same year, perhaps in the same month, or even on the same day—a father was filled joy, and a woman with shame. Twelve years prior, Jairus’ daughter was born, and twelve years prior, the woman’s flow of blood began. How differently those years were experienced and spent by each of them—the one with domestic happiness and fatherly tenderness, and the other with bodily illness and inward hopelessness. Year after year, Jairus had the pleasure of watching his daughter grow and mature, and arrive at the cusp of womanhood; she remained his only child, and commanded the undivided affection of his paternal heart. Year after year, the woman had the misery of watching her health grow progressively worse, and her wealth dwindle to nothing, as she paid the most skilled doctors for treatment to no avail. She was sick not only in body, but according to the Law of Moses, she was ritually unclean, unable to live and take part in normal society. Shame and despair sapped her of whatever strength her physical ailment did not take from her.
And now see how the two approach the Lord: both with faith, but not the same faith. They both knew they had no one else to turn to, but they did not equally reckon his power. The woman’s long years of suffering had given birth to a more ardent faith than that of Jairus, who enjoyed the benefits of family, health, prestige and prosperity. In her faith, she knew that, touching the Lord, she would be healed. And this faith was not deceived, nor was it disappointed. Immediately, when she clasped the hem of Jesus’ robe, she felt her flow of blood stanch, and her body made sound and whole.
The all-knowing Lord knew her even before she was born, and of course, was aware of her in the midst of the crowd. When she touched him, the Gospel says he perceived that virtue—δυναμις, power—had gone out of him (cf. Mk. 6:30, Lk. 8:46). He then turned around in the throng, and asked what seemed an unreasonable question: Who touched me? Perplexed, Peter provided the logical response: “Master, the multitude throng you and press you, and do you say ‘Who touched me?’ There’s a poor young girl about to die. Why do you stop and waste time with such a nonsensical question? Look around, Master, at all these people surrounding you. Would it not be more appropriate to ask, ‘Who didn’t touch me?’” “No, Peter,” the Lord says, “many indeed touch me with their physical hands, and obtain nothing; but only one in so many has touched me with the hands of faith, and laid hold on the infinite wellspring of inexhaustible power hidden within me. So I say again, Who touched me?”
The woman knew that she could no longer remain hid and, still fearful of the public shame she could incur for having broken the law of her uncleanness, she fell on the ground, and in tears revealed everything before all. Christ comforted her, and made clear to all what was the cause of her healing, saying, Your faith has made you whole: go in peace. Jairus approached Christ before her, but her great faith obtained her request before him.
Doubtless, in his concern for his daughter, Jairus had little patience for this tearful spectacle. If he did not have faith that Christ could heal by a word alone, much less was he capable of firmly believing that he had the same power to raise the dead. Common sense would tell him to think, “I told this Rabbi that my daughter was at the point of death. Every moment counts. If we are delayed any longer by this woman in the crowd, it may be too late.” And so it was that, as the Lord dismissed the woman, messengers came from Jairus’ house with dreadful news that his daughter was dead. These men of little faith offered the bereaved father some reasonable advice: “Trouble not the Rabbi any further. Now that the young girl is dead, what more can he do?” It was precisely when all seemed lost, when things were most hopeless and desperate, that Christ found the opportunity to deepen Jairus’ faith. When he heard the messengers’ unbelieving advice, Jesus must have smiled to himself inwardly, as he turned to Jairus and offered him encouragement: “Fear not: believe only and she shall be made whole. Death may have swallowed her up, but rest assured that there stands here one greater than Death, who by a word can bring up a dead soul out of hades.”
When they arrived at last at Jairus’ house, the Lord sent the great crowd away, including even most of his disciples, allowing only Peter, James, and John to go in, along with the dead girl’s parents. He had already raised the widow of Nain’s son before a large crowd, and had no interest in making an open display of his divine power. Within the home, he found the customary lamentation underway, weeping, wailing, and moaning. Again, the Lord speaks foolishly to a crowd, and says, Weep not: she is not dead, but sleeping. Foolish indeed are the words on the lips of any other man, and so the ignorant crowd laughed him to scorn. Luke alone among the evangelists tells us they did so knowing that she was dead. They knew, but what did they really know? What is human knowledge in the face of the omnipotent Creator? Nothing, except vanity and folly. Faith knows only one thing—that with God, all things are possible.
The Lord put everyone out of the girl’s room, except for his three disciples, and the two parents. When they were alone around the girl’s dead body, Christ took her by the hand, and woke her as if from sleep by two simple words: Talitha cumi; Maid, arise. So great was the miracle that, although the Lord commanded the parents to tell no one of what had happened, Matthew relates that the fame hereof went abroad into all that land (Mt. 9:26). Though it was done in a private chamber, witnessed by only a handful of people, the wonder could not be hid. For the rest of her life, the girl that had been dead bore living witness wherever she went of Christ’s almighty power and compassion.
In the end, both Jairus and the woman obtained what they sought from the Lord. But the miracles of healing they received were not of lasting importance. Eventually, the woman, Jairus, and his daughter, all died according to the natural course of this world. We may well ask why the Lord allowed these troubles to befall them to begin with, and why he allows troubles to occur in our own lives. God’s purpose in all of these things is that we might draw closer to him. They may make little or no sense to us; but let us recall how often what is senseless from a human standpoint makes perfect sense from the perspective of the Lord, who not only knows all, but loves us more than we can ever possibly know. Our world today especially confronts us with tragedy upon tragedy that appears completely senseless, meaningless, random, and inexplicable. When faced with such things, our only hope is to approach the Lord with strong faith, the absolute faith of the centurion, or the blood-streaming woman. We will receive the resolution of our earthly problems according to God’s will; but most importantly, our souls will draw near to the Lord, and find their eternal rest and consolation in him; to whom be glory and dominion, now and for ever. Amen.
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Commemorating St Paul the Confessor Archbishop of Constantinople, Repose of St Herman Archbishop of Kazan, Martyrs Tecusa, Alexandra, Claudia, Matrona, Polactia, Euphrosyne and Athanasia of Ancyra, , Holy Virgin Martyr Manatho, Venerable Barlaam Abbot of Khutyn Novgorod, Venerable Luke the Steward of the Kiev Caves, Venerable Barlaam of Keret Lake, Venerable Luke of Sicily
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.
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 PAUL TROPARION—TONE 3
Your confession of the Divine Faith, has shown you to the Church as another Paul, and a zealot among priests; the righteous blood of Abel and Zachariah cries out to the Lord with yours. O Venerable Father, entreat Christ God to grant us great mercy.
RESURRECTION KONTAKION—TONE 7
The dominion of death can no longer hold mankind captive, for Christ descended, shattering and destroying its powers. Hell is bound, while the Prophets rejoice and cry: “The Savior has come to those in faith; enter, you faithful, into the Resurrection!”
HYMN TO THE MOTHER OF GOD KONTAKION—TONE 6
Steadfast Protectress of Christians and constant Advocate before the Creator; despise not the cry of us sinners, but come speedily to help those who call on You in faith. Hasten to hear our petition and to intercede for us, O Theotokos, for You always protect those who honor You!
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
This Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Aleksandra Saran
Next Week: Matins: Nick Ressetar Epistle: Marko Rocknage
EPISTLE: Ephesians 2: 14-22
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Seventh Tone: The Lord shall give strength to His people. The Lord shall bless His people with peace.
CHOIR: The Lord shall give strength to His people. The Lord shall bless His people with peace.
READER: v: Offer to the Lord, O you sons of God! Offer young rams to the Lord!
CHOIR: The Lord shall give strength to His people. The Lord shall bless His people with peace.
READER: The Lord shall give strength to His people.
CHOIR: The Lord shall bless His people with peace.
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Ephesians.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, for He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: To declare Your mercy in the morning, and Your truth by night.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Ефесцима 2: 14-22
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 7 Господ ће дати силу народу Своме; Господ ће благословити народ Свој миром.
Хор: Господ ће дати силу народу Своме; Господ ће благословити народ Свој миром.
Читач: Принесите Господу, синови Божји, принесите му младе овнове.
Хор: Господ ће дати силу народу Своме; Господ ће благословити народ Свој миром.
Читач: Господ ће дати силу народу Своме;
Хор: Господ ће благословити народ Свој миром.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање посланице Светога апостола Павла Ефесцима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, Он је мир наш, који и једне и друге састави у једно и разруши преграду која је растављала, то јест непријатељство, укинувши тијелом својим закон са његовим заповијестима и прописима, да оба сазда у самоме себи у једнога новога човјека, стварајући мир; И да помири са Богом и једне и друге у једном тијелу крстом, убивши непријатељство на њему. И Он дошавши благовијести мир вама који сте далеко и онима који су близу. Јер кроз Њега имамо и једни и други приступ ка Оцу у једном Духу. Тако, дакле, нисте више странци ни дошљаци, него сте суграђани светих и домаћи Божији, назидани на темељу апостола и пророка, гдје је угаони камен сам Исус Христос, на коме сва грађевина, складно спојена, расте у храм свети у Господу; У кога се и ви заједно уграђујете у обиталиште Божије у Духу.
Свештеник: Мир ти читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Лепо је хвалити Господа, и певати имену Твоме, Вишњи.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Јављати јутром милост Твоју и истину Твоју сваке ноћи.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Luke 8:41-56
At that time, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him. Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped. And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately. And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.” But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Лука 8:41-56
У вријеме оно, дође Исусу човјек по имену Јаир, и он бјеше старјешина синагоге, и павши пред ноге Исусове, мољаше га да уђе у дом његов. Јер у њега бјеше јединица кћи око дванаест година, а она умираше. А кад иђаше Исус, народ се тискао око њега. И бјеше нека жена болесна од течења крви дванаест година, која је све своје имање потрошила на љекаре и ниједан је није могао излијечити; И приступивши састраг, дотаче се скута хаљине његове, и одмах стаде течење крви њене. И рече Исус: Ко је то што ме се дотаче? А када сви одрицаху, рече Петар и који бијаху с њим: Наставниче, народ те опколио и гура те, а ти говориш: Ко је то што ме се дотаче? А Исус рече: Неко ме се дотаче, јер ја осјетих силу која изиђе из мене. А кад видје жена да се није сакрила, приступи дрхтећи, и паде пред њим, и каза му пред свим народом зашто га се дотаче и како одмах оздрави. А он јој рече: Не бој се, кћери, вјера твоја спасла те је; иди у миру. Док он још говораше дође неко од старјешине синагоге и рече му: Умрла је кћи твоја, не труди Учитеља. А када чу Исус, одговори му говорећи: Не бој се, само вјеруј, и биће спасена. И дошавши у кућу, не допусти никоме да уђе осим Петру и Јовану и Јакову, и дјевојчином оцу и матери. И сви плакаху и јаукаху за њом. А он рече: Не плачите, није умрла него спава. И подсмијеваху му се знајући да је умрла. А он изгнавши све, узе је за руку и зовну, говорећи: Дјевојко, устани. И поврати се дух њен, и устаде одмах; и он заповједи да јој даду да једе. И задивише се веома родитељи њени. А он им заповједи да никоме не казују шта се догодило.
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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 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, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Lori Bare, Dori & Doug Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Darlene & Larry Black, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Walter “Bud” Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Leann Cox, Victoria Cox, Art Dils, Draga Donato, 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, Catherine Lewis, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, Boro Lojpur, Stephen Lundingrin, Dianne & Jim Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, Marija Miljkovic, Daria Milletics, Dave Morris, Peter Mrgich, George Myers, 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, 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, Mila “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, Jason Zeigler, 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 & 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
Protopresbyter Alexander Veronis, Mileva Maran, Eva Orr, Helen Kapac, Basil Havalchak, Dragoljub (Don) Maransky, Marshall Vujasinovich, Goran Stekovic
~Parastos Offered~
Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†MARSHALL VUJASINOVICH Offered by his family today after Liturgy in loving memory of his 40 day repose.
~Vigils Offered~
MILA ‘MILLIE’ YEZDIMIR Offered with love by Kumica Joyce. It is my deep & humble honor to ask all our stewards to join me in wishing my dear Kuma Millie a blessed 100th Birthday TODAY, November 19! Kuma Millie is an extraordinarily gifted woman, a joyful Orthodox Christian, a proud Serb, a valued St. Nicholas steward, a cherished friend and a treasured Godmother. She & my late Kum Emil have been unwavering in blessing my life and all the lives their lives have touched. Grant, O God to Kuma Millie, mercy, life, peace, health, salvation in Your Son’s precious Name. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
MILLIE YEZDIMIR Offered in celebration of her 100th birthday (Nov 19). God’s blessings for many more! Mnogaja Ljeta! Love Kat and family.
BRIAN LEWIS SR Offered in celebration of his birthday (Nov 21). May God bless you with many more years! Ziveli! Mnogaja Ljeta! Love Nikki, Brian, Catherin, Chloe & Dennis.
BRIAN LEWIS SR Offered in celebration of his birthday (Nov 21). God’s blessings for many more! Mnogaja Ljeta! Love Baba and family.
BRANDON DAVID MUMMA Offered in joyful celebration of his birthday (Nov 22). We pray our Lord guides him, protects him and keeps him in good health and well-being. Given by Godson/Nephew Baylor Hook and Kumovi/Cousins Joyce Matich & Tosh Yanich, and the whole family. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
DIANNE MARTIN Offered in celebration of her birthday (Nov 23). God’s blessings for many more! Mnogaja Ljeta! Love Kat & family.
TOOTSIE KRNJAICH Offering vigils and prayers for our Kuma Tootsie. May God’s blessings be with her during her rehab period. From her Godchildren, Kat and families.
MICHAEL GEPPERT Offered prayerfully by Mom & Dad for improvement in health and God’s blessings and loving care during his recovery.
†MARSHALL VUJASINOVICH Offered in loving memory of our dear †Marshall on his 40 day repose (Oct 5). You were taken from us way too soon and are missed and loved by your Teti Zorka and the whole family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†MATT (SPOOKY) VENESEVICH Offered by his family in loving memory of his repose (25 years—Nov 18). We miss you! Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†MILOS KRNJAIC Offered in loving memory of his repose (52 years—Nov 20) by his loving family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
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Please continue to pray for all of those currently being persecuted for Christ's sake in Kosovo, Metohija, Montenegro, 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 11/12/2023
Collection: $6,333.00
Date 11/5/2023
Collection: $4,049.00
Date 10/29/2023
Collection: $2,994.00
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November Birthdays
Vadim Reznitchenko (Nov 2), Calvin Filepas (Nov 5), Dori & Doug Bert (Nov 6), Mila Ann Livingston (Nov 6), Jim Werner (Nov 9), Marko Rocknage (Nov 11), Tomislav Gligorevic (Nov 13), Leann Cox (Nov 13), Trenton Petrovich Jr, (Nov 13), Philip Lamancusa (Nov 15), Dori Barry (Nov 16), Jovan Milanovich (Nov 16), Matt Healy (Nov 18), Millie Yezdimir (Nov 19), Tomislav Lojpur (Nov 19), Michelle Kingsbury (Nov 20), Michael Dean Stefan (Nov 21), Brian Lewis Sr (Nov 21), Brandon Mumma (Nov 22), Dianne Martin (Nov 23), Marko Miljkovic (Nov 24)
November Anniversaries
Danielle & Joseph Van Huysen (Nov 4), Paula & Jim Werner (Nov 5), Nicholas & Joann Hernjak (Nov 5), Mira & Milijan Lukic (Nov 11), Doni & Steve Cashman (Nov 21), Nick & Terry Govelovich (Nov 23)
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SOTAYA CEVAPI SALE FUNDRAISER (TODAY)
Today, November 19, after divine liturgy, SOTAYA will be having a CEVAPI SALE. The Cevapi will be served in lepinja with kajmak and onions and will cost $8 per portion and there will be no advanced orders.
FEAST OF SYNAXIS OF HOLY ARCHANGELS
On Tuesday, November 21, we will celebrate the Feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels with Liturgy beginning at 9:00 am.
OFFICE CLOSURE FOR THANKSGIVING AND BULLETIN DEADLINE
The office will be closed this week on Thursday and Friday (Nov 23-24). Bulletin Deadline is Tuesday, November 21 by 11 am.
ADULT EDUCATION CLASS
There will be no class this Wednesday. Our Adult Education classes will continue November 29 after Vespers on Wednesday evenings. This year, at your suggestions, Father Chris will be focusing upon the lives of the Holy Apostles. We will begin with the twelve, then learn of the 70.
ADVENT YOUTH CONFERENCE
Save the Dates: December 27-30, we will have a Youth Conference for students from 6th–12th grade. The Youth will travel to Pittsburgh in order to worship, learn more about the Faith, and work with mission opportunities at the Neighborhood Reconciliation Project. Space is extremely limited. Reservations must be made with Fr. Chris ASAP.
MONASTERY MARCHA DELIVERY
If anyone is going near Monastery Marcha, please see Terry as she has an item to be dropped off.
FOOD PANTRY BOX
Just a reminder we are still collecting non perishable items for Bethesda Mission Women & Children Shelter. They may be placed in the collection box in the lobby. Most needed items are Toilet Paper, Paper Towels and Feminine Hygiene items.
FURNITURE DONATION FOR WOMENS SHELTER
Please consider donating any unused or lightly used furniture to ‘New Digs Ministry’ (5 Pleasant View Drive in Mechanicsburg). Women who are recovering and starting a new life are taken there to furnish their apartments.
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 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
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THE DEADLINE IS TODAY
If you are not receiving envelopes and wish to. If you are receiving envelopes and no longer wish to. Or if you need to make an address change. Please inform the church office TODAY, Sunday, November 19.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS (THIS WEEK)
Office hours are Monday thru Wednesday 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 (THIS WEEK)
Bulletin Deadline is Tuesday at 11 am
Please send all bulletin requests to the church office at office@stnicholassteelton.org
You may also call at (717) 939-3872
BURN THE MORTGAGE/CHURCH FINANCES
We are entreating the Lord for help with this good work, paying our debt and having sustainable income. This week, the Moleben will be served in the morning at 9 am. We will continue this Moleben for 40 days, entreating the Lord to provide for our needs. Come and pray for the stability of our St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church.
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ANNUAL CHRISTMAS COOKIE SALE
This is a very important fundraiser for our Church and without YOU this project cannot happen. St Nicholas needs your time, talents, and treasures to provide the cookies we need for the sale.
We ask that cookies be dropped off at the Church on:
Monday through Thursday (Dec 4 - 7) from 9am until noon or all-day Friday, (Dec 8).
Cookie Packing will be done on Saturday, December 9 (TBD)
Pick-up is Sunday, December 10th from 1 pm—3 pm
Cost is $23 for 3 dozen.
We kindly request Sonja Henies, Wreaths, Vanilla Kiefles, Filled Kiefles, Wedding balls or any other traditional homemade Christmas Cookie.
Please help this project be a huge success and sign up on the sheets posted in the lobby. Contact Tracy Petrovich (717-648-9609) or Nicole Petrovich (717-648-8061) with any questions or to let us know what you will be donating.
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November Charity
International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)
IOCC has maintained an active partnership with the Serbian Orthodox Church since 1992, initially responding to crises of war, dislocation, and other hardships. IOCC aids those in need around the world, without discrimination, as it works to strengthen the capacity of national and local Orthodox Churches and organizations to avert disasters, respond to emergencies, and rebuild communities. IOCC has provided emergency assistance and sustainable development programs in all parts of Serbia. The more we practice spiritual hospitality, the closer we draw ourselves to Christ, and with Christ in our hearts and souls, the greater is our love for all people. Our donations become IOCC’s humanitarian works. It is our responsibility and our blessing to help IOCC continue its ministry. To learn more about IOCC’s programs, please visit the website at www.iocc.org
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