Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost | |
Christ is in our midst! Христос међу нама! Cristo esta entra nosotros! | |
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A Poor Man Named Lazarus
By Fr. Lawrence Farley
Our Lord’s parable of Lazarus and the rich man is unique among the parables, for in this parable alone one of the characters has a name. The parable begins, “There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus.” Compare how the parable of the Prodigal Son begins: “There was a man who had two sons.” One might ask, “What were their names? What was the father’s name? Where did they live?” It doesn’t matter; all that mattered were their actions. In all the Lord’s parables the characters are nameless—the prodigal son and his father, the sower who went out to sow, the man who sowed good seed in his field, but whose enemy came by night and sowed tares in it. None of these characters have names. We ask therefore why is the poor man in our parable given a name? The name “Lazarus” of course is from the Hebrew “Eleazar,” meaning “God helps,” but this doesn’t explain why he alone is named in all the parables—especially, one might say, since God clearly did not help him during his life, but left him to die by the gate of the rich man.
I suggest that the poor man is given a name to reveal the magnitude of the rich’s man’s sin. For consider it: the rich man left a man suffering outside his very gate whom he knew by name. The poor man was not just another anonymous and nameless beggar in the street, someone whom the rich man quickly passed by and who then vanished from his consciousness. The rich man was on a first-name basis with the poor man. And yet despite this, he still did little or nothing to help him. Every day the rich man feasted sumptuously, and then wiped his mouth and hands with bread (the ancient equivalent of a napkin), throwing aside the scraps. (These were the kind of crumbs falling from the table which the Canaanite woman mentioned in Matthew 15:27.) The poor man was so hungry that he would’ve been grateful even for these, but there is no hint in the parable that he ever was given them. Rather, the rich man finished his sumptuous meal, adjusted his purple and fine linen, walked past Lazarus lying at his gate and went on with his sumptuous life. He may or may not have greeted Lazarus as he passed by; but it is clear that he never gave him alms or brought him past his gate to enjoy food from his table. Instead he let him die at the edge of his property.
A look at the rich man after he himself died reveals that he was something of a slow learner, and that death produced no real change in his heart. To his perplexity, after what was doubtless a great and splendid funeral where his friends declared how wonderful he was, the formerly rich man finds himself engulfed in flame in the next world, and more perplexing still, sees Lazarus far away, feasting at the head table lying in the bosom of no less a celebrity than Abraham himself. (The ancient Jews reclined at such feasts, so that one literally reclined on the bosom of the diner feasting next to one; compare John lying on Jesus’ bosom in John 13:23). But does the rich man repent? Does he apologize to Lazarus for his appalling neglect and ask his forgiveness? Does he congratulate Lazarus on his current blessedness? No, none of this. In fact, he doesn’t speak to Lazarus at all—instead, he speaks to Abraham. And, showing how hard and unrepentant his heart still is, asks Abraham to send Lazarus far from the festal table to minister to him. The request is stunning—the rich man requests that Lazarus cease feasting, traverse the long way across the chasm, brave the fire, all to do a service for the man who let him starve and die at his gate, and in all this he still doesn’t even speak to Lazarus! The rich man apparently assumes that Abraham will send Lazarus to do the job as if Lazarus were just a lackey or a slave. Not surprisingly, Abraham demurs. And even then the rich man asks that Abraham send Lazarus from the table to visit his brothers and to do a service for them—still saying nothing to Lazarus. The rich man is a slow learner indeed.
What is the lesson for us? Our Lord tells the parable not to give us an inside peak behind the scenes at the next life, but to give us an urgently needed lesson for this one. The rich man’s sins and punishment show what happens when we store up our treasure and use it all for ourselves, ignoring the plight of the poor at our gate. Placing the parable in the wider context of Luke’s Gospel allows us to see the central point: You cannot serve God and Mammon (Luke 16:13), however much the Pharisees who were lovers of money (v. 14) or the American Dream say otherwise.
We need to remember this parable the next time we visit the mall and encounter someone asking for the morsels that fall from our festal table (or “spare change,” as it is called today). It is true that they may possibly use those morsels in ways that are less than helpful to them, but of course we also use our resources in ways less than helpful to us. We remember here the words of C.S. Lewis when he was rebuked by a friend for giving spare change to a beggar. “He’ll just use it for ale,” said his friend. Lewis paused and responded, “But if I kept it, that’s what I would use it for.” We give our morsels to the poor not just to help them, but to help ourselves transcend our insular selfishness and remember our essential solidarity with the poor. It is as Solomon said, “The rich and poor have this in common: the Lord made them all” (Proverbs 22:2). We too easily rush past the poor man, not realizing he is our own flesh and blood, one of our own family. The question, “Could you spare some change?” should remind us of another question: “If anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, and yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 John 3:17). We may think that we know nothing about the man or woman accosting us in the parking lots of our nation and asking for our help. But we do know something about him—we know his name. His name is Lazarus.
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Commemorating the Apostle James the Brother of the Lord, St Ignatius Patriarch of Constantinople, Saint Macarius the Roman of Mesopotamia, Translation of the relics of Blessed James of Borovichi Wonderworker of Novgorod, Venerable Elisha of Lavreshev
RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 5
Let us, the faithful, praise and worship the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, born for our salvation from the Virgin; for He willed to be lifted up on the Cross in the flesh, to endure death, and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection.
APOSTLES JAMES TROPARION—TONE 4
As the Lord’s disciple you received the Gospel, O Just one; as a martyr you have unfailing courage; as the Brother of the Lord, you have boldness; as a hierarch, you are able to intercede. Entreat Christ God that our souls may be saved.
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.
RESURRECTION KONTAKION—TONE 5
You descended into hell, O my Savior, shattering its gates as Almighty, resurrecting the dead as Creator, and destroying the sting of death. You have delivered Adam from the curse, O Lover of Man, and we cry to You: “O Lord, save us!”
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: Nicholas Ressetar Epistle: Ruby Cangialosi
Next Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Grant Govelovich
EPISTLE: Galatians 6:11-18
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Fifth Tone: You, O Lord, shall protect us and preserve us from this generation forever.
CHOIR: You, O Lord, shall protect us and preserve us from this generation forever.
READER: v: Save me, O Lord, for there is no longer any that is godly!
CHOIR: You, O Lord, shall protect us and preserve us from this generation forever.
READER: You, O Lord, shall protect us ...
CHOIR: ...and preserve us from this generation forever.
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Galatians
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, see with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: I will sing of Your mercies, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim Your truth from generation to generation.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: For You have said: “Mercy will be established forever; My truth will be prepared in the heavens.”
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Галаћанима 6:11-18
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 5 Ти ћеш нас, Господе, одбранити и сачувати од рода овога до вјека.
Хор: Ти ћеш нас, Господе, одбранити и сачувати од рода овога до вјека.
Читач: Помилуј ме Господе, јер неста Светих, јер је мало вјерних међу синовима човјечијим.
Хор: Ти ћеш нас, Господе, одбранити и сачувати од рода овога до вјека.
Читач: Ти ћеш нас, Господе, одбранити
Хор: и сачувати од рода овога до вјека.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање посланице Светога апостола Павла Галацима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, видите како вам великим словима написах својом руком! Који хоће да се допадну по тијелу, они вас приморавају да се обрезујете, само да не буду гоњени за крст Христов. Јер ни сами обрезани не држе закон, него хоће да се ви обрезујете да би се вашим тијелом хвалили. А ја, Боже сачувај, да се чим другим хвалим осим крстом Господа нашега Исуса Христа, којим се мени разапе свијет и ја свијету. Јер у Христу Исусу нити обрезање што помаже нити необрезање, него нова твар. И који год буду живјели по овоме правилу, мир на њих и милост, и на Израиљ Божији. Убудуће да ми нико не ствара тешкоће, јер ја ране Господа Исуса на тијелу својему носим. Благодат Господа нашега Исуса Христа са духом вашим, браћо. Амин.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Пјеваћу увјек милости Господње; од кољена на кољено јавићу истину Твоју устима својим.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Јер си рекао: Милост ће бити основана заувјек; на Небесима си утврдио истину Своју.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Luke 16:19-31
“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’ “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Лука 16:19-31
Каза Господ причу ову: Човјек пак неки бјеше богат и облачаше се у скерлет и у свилу, и сјајно се весељаше сваки дан. А бјеше неки сиромах, по имену Лазар, који лежаше пред вратима његовим гнојав, и жељаше да се насити мрвама које падаху са трпезе богатога; а још и пси долажаху и лизаху гној његов. А кад умрије сиромах, однесоше га анђели у наручје Авраамово; а умрије и богаташ, и сахранише га. И у паклу, налазећи се у мукама, подиже очи своје и угледа издалека Авраама и Лазара у наручју његову. И он повика и рече: Оче Аврааме, смилуј се на ме и пошаљи Лазара нека умочи у воду врх од прста својега да ми расхлади језик; јер се мучим у овоме пламену. А Авраам рече: Синко, сјети се да си ти примио добра своја у животу своме, а тако и Лазар зла; сада пак он се тјеши, а ти се мучиш. И поврх свега тога, постављена је међу нама и вама провалија велика, да они који би хтјели одовуд к вама пријећи, не могу; нити они отуда к нама прелазе. Тада рече: Молим те пак, оче, да га пошаљеш дому оца мојега; Јер имам петорицу браће: нека им посвједочи да не би и они дошли на ово мјесто мучења. Рече му Авраам: Имају Мојсеја и пророке, нека њих слушају. А он рече: Не, оче Аврааме, него ако им дође неко из мртвих, покајаће се. А он му рече: Ако не слушају Мојсеја и пророке, ако неко и из мртвих васкрсне, неће се увјерити.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | |
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~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Newly Illumined Ana Lynn Howell her 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, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Ferris Atty, Lori Bare, Dori & Doug 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, 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, Infant of God Ryan Leigh Moffitt, 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, 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, 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, John J Milakovic, Mileva Maran, Eva Orr, Helen Kapac, Basil Havalchak, Dragoljub (Don) Maransky, Marshall Vujasinovich, Goran Stekovic
~Parastos Offered~
†EVICA STIMAC Offered in memory of the first anniversary of her repose by her loving church family. Memory Eternal! Vjechnaja Pamjat!
~Vigils Offered~
DANIELLE & JOE VAN HUYSEN Offered in joyous celebration of their 6th wedding anniversary (Nov 4). Many Years! Mnogaja Ljeta! From Baba & family.
PAULA & JIM WERNER Offered for their 35th Wedding Anniversary (Nov 5). Given in love by Mom with God’s blessings for many more! Mnogaja Ljeta!
PAULA & JIM WERNER Offered in joyous celebration of my Godchild and her husband on their Wedding Anniversary (Nov 5). I pray that our Lord blesses them with good health & happiness for many years. Mnogaja Ljeta! Love Kuma Tootsie
DORI & DOUG BERT Offered in joyous celebration of their mutual birthday (Nov 6). God’s blessing for many more happy and healthy years. Mnogaja Ljeta! Given in love by Mom & family.
DORI BERT Offered in happy celebration of my Godchild’s birthday (Nov 6). May God bless her with many years of good health & happiness. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years! Love Kuma Tootsie.
JIM WERNER Offered in celebration of his birthday (Nov 9). God’s blessing for many more. Mnogaja Ljeta! Much love, Kat.
PAUL KASPER Offered prayerfully by Terry & Nick Govelovich for the health and recovery of their dear friend Paul.
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.
†MILOS (MICO) STARCEVICH Offered in loving memory of our dear Mico’s repose (10 years—Nov 7). May God grant him peace in His Heavenly Kingdom. Forever in our hearts. Given by his loving wife and 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 10/29/2023
Collection: $2,994.00
Date 10/22/2023
Collection: $2,839.00
Date 10/15/2023
Collection: $2,150.00
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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 BUREK SALE FUNDRAISER (TODAY)
On Sunday, November 5, after divine liturgy, SOTAYA will be having a BUREK SALE (hand stretched dough filled with meat & onions and seasoned with salt & pepper). Each BUREK is $3 a piece, there will be no advanced orders.
SOTAYA MEETING & OUTING
Next Sunday, November 12, there will be a brief SOTAYA meeting after Church, along with an outing to hike at Ricketts Glen afterward. All SOTAYA members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
ADULT EDUCATION CLASS
Our Adult Education classes continue 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.
SENIORS MEETING
The next senior’s meeting/luncheon will be Nov 14 at 12 noon in our social hall. It will be our Thanksgiving Dinner, price will be sent at a later time, but will be higher than the normal $6. You will not be allowed to use a free meal ticket if you won one. Hope to see you there, we can share some of the things that we are grateful for this Holiday Season.
SOTAYA CEVAPI SALE FUNDRAISER (NOV 19)
On Sunday, 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.
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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SPECIAL CONGREGATION ASSEMBLY TODAY
Sunday, November 5, 2023, after Divine Liturgy, we will have a special Congregation Assembly to vote on the installation of a new floor in the Church and the re-installation of pews.
THE DEADLINE IS APPROACHING
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 by Sunday, November 19.
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
BURN THE MORTGAGE/
CHURCH FINANCES
We are entreating the Lord for help with this good work, paying our debt and having sustainable income. Beginning on Monday, November 6, we will be serving a Moleben on Monday through Friday at 9:00am. 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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Holy Apostle James, Brother of the Lord
(oca.org)
The Holy Apostle James, the Brother of God (Adelphótheos) was the son of the Righteous Joseph before he was betrothed to the Most Holy Theotokos. Tradition says that Joseph had other sons with his first wife. Thus, James was called the Lord's brother. Saint James had been a Nazirite, a man or woman consecrated to God for a limited time. During the period of consecration the Nazirites vowed to abstain from wine and other intoxicating beverages, they could not cut their hair, and all contact with a corpse was forbidden (Numbers 6:1-21).
When the Savior began to proclaim the Kingdom of God, Saint James believed in Christ and became His Apostle. Later, he was chosen as the first Bishop of Jerusalem.
Saint James presided over the Council of Jerusalem and his word was decisive (Acts 15). In his thirty years as bishop, Saint James converted many Jews to Christianity. Angered by this, the Pharisees and the Scribes plotted together to kill the holy bishop. They led him up on the pinnacle of the Jerusalem Temple and asked him what he thought of Jesus. The holy Apostle bore witness that Christ is the Messiah, which was not the response the Pharisees were expecting. Enraged, the Jewish leaders threw him off the roof. He did not die at once, but gathering his final strength, he prayed to the Lord for his enemies while they were stoning him. Saint James’ martyrdom occurred about 63 A.D.
The holy Apostle James composed a Divine Liturgy, which formed the basis of the Liturgies of Saints Basil the Great and John Chrysostom. The Church has preserved an Epistle of Saint James, one of the books of the New Testament. In it Saint James advises: "Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath" (James 1:19) and "Be doers of the word, and not just hearers, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22).
The Church distinguishes between the Holy Apostle James the Brother of God, Saint James the son of Zebedee (April 30), and Saint James the son of Alphaeus (October 9).
Saint James the Apostle is also commemorated on the Sunday after the Nativity of Christ, with the Prophet-King David and Saint Joseph the Betrothed.
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