Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost | |
Christ is in our midst! Христос међу нама! Cristo esta entra nosotros! | |
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Homily on the Raising of the Son of the Widow of Nain
Fr. Antony Hughes
Usually, we read the New Testament in a very small and limited way. Rarely do we examine the richness of the Gospel, the infinite depths of what they are meant to reveal to us. This is understandable. To be able to see into the depths we have to have in us the mind of Christ that alone can delve into the mysteries that speak of him. So often for us a shallow and surface level of interpretation is where we begin and end.
For example, in today’s Gospel we have a simple narrative about a widow, her dead son, and Jesus raising him from the dead. We can speak of her immense sorrow and fear over losing her son, the compassion of Christ, his empathy and power over death and all of that is true. And as always there is more.
We could delve into the cultural context, the mores and traditions of Judaism (assuming of course that the widow was a Jew), the funeral rites of first century rural Palestine, etc., etc. and all of that information would bring us a little deeper into the meaning of the event.
So far, with all this however, we will have only scratched the surface using our rational minds to concoct an interpretation that fits our ability to comprehend the literal, cultural, and historical meaning of the event with all that our presuppositions allow. All of that is good. All that the mind can bring to interpretation is helpful.
And there is still more. If indeed this Christ is God incarnate, and if he really raised a young man from the dead, then the implications of this cannot be limited to reason and the senses. No. It is as if Christ ripped through, I don’t know, the space/time continuum maybe, and performed a miracle that in some invisible way effects not on the widow, her son, the crowd of mourners, and the disciples, but the entire cosmos.
It is an even greater miracle than the tale of God making the sun to stand still for Joshua, About this I found a very interesting report written by Israeli scientists to explain the event. Allow me to quote:
Cambridge researchers announced Monday that they have pinpointed the date of the biblical account of Joshua stopping the sun — which they claim is the day of the oldest eclipse ever recorded — to October 30, 1207 BCE, exactly 3,224 years ago.
Fascinating! By this the scientists were able “to refine the dates of the reigns of two Egyptian pharaohs of that era, Ramesses the Great and his son Merneptah.” There is in scripture so much more than meets the eye. A literal interpretation is simply not enough!
I believe it is so in the story of the widow of Nain and in every account of Christ pouring himself out for the life of the world, which he did each moment of his life. His was a life of total kenosis, self-emptying, that served to reveal the truth about God and the presence of the kingdom here and now. And what is this truth? God is relational, God is present, everywhere and in everything and we are invited to enter into the Trinitarian life which is represented by the divine Cappadocians, as perichoresis, or, in other words, the intercirculation of love in the Trinity. Another way to say this is that the Trinity is a circular Divine Dance of love, like an artesian well that is an infinite source of water constantly being poured out from Divine Person to Divine Person overflowing into all of creation. And this love is what brought the young man to life, gave the widow reason to live, and allowed the mourners a glimpse into sacred reality that lay just beneath the veil of their limited understanding.
For this we must set aside our rational mind and our senses and let go of our always feeble concepts and definitions and enter into the mystery that is at the core of all things. It is not the mind that can do this, but the heart. So, we too must become empty like Christ in order to awaken the heart from its long slumber receive the fulness of his kingdom.
It has become clear to me that the scripture is an open window into what appears to the mind as an alternative reality, but which is in fact reality itself. It is not the closed and locked door of intellectual certainty; it is the entrance to eternal and divine possibility, the gateway to the heart.
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Commemorating the Apostle James son of Alphaeus, Glorification of St Tikhon Apostle to America, Righteous Forefather Abraham, Righteous Lot, St Stefan Dečanski of Serbia “the blind one”, Hieromartyr Dionysius of Paris, Martyrs Juventius and Maximus at Antioch, St Publia the Confessor Deaconess of Antioch, Venerable Peter the former soldier, Venerable Andronicus and his wife Athanasia of Egypt
RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 3
Let the heavens rejoice! Let the earth be glad! For the Lord has shown strength with His arm. He has trampled down death by death. He has become the first born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of hell, and has granted to the world great mercy.
APOSTLE JAMES TROPARION—TONE 3
Holy Apostle James, entreat the merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of transgressions.
HOLY FATHERS OF THE ECUMENICAL COUNCIL TROPARION—TONE 8
You are most glorious, O Christ our God, Who has revealed the holy fathers as lights upon the earth. Through them You have guided us on the path of the True Faith. O Most Merciful One, glory to You!
ST. STEFAN THE BLIND OF DECANI TROPARION—TONE 4
In accomplishing your heroic deeds, you suffered manifold wounds, and upon the end of your life, you received the crown from God and joined the ranks of the Martyrs, and were settled with honor in the dwellings of the meek. O blessed one, pray unto Christ our God for us, to grant His great mercy on our souls.
RESURRECTION KONTAKION—TONE 3
On this day You rose from the tomb, O Merciful One, leading us from the gates of death. On this day Adam exults as Eve rejoices; with the Prophets and Patriarchs they unceasingly praise the divine majesty of Your power.
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: Nick Ressetar Epistle: Ruby Cangialosi
Next Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Teddy Sukhernik
EPISTLE: Galatians 1:11-19
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Fourth Tone: Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name forever!
CHOIR: Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name forever!
READER: v: For You are just in all that You have done for us!
CHOIR: Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name forever!
READER: Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers...
CHOIR: ...and praised and glorified is Your name forever!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Galatians
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, I make known to you, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: The Lord, the God of gods, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Gather to Me, My venerable ones, who made a covenant with Me by sacrifice!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Галаћанима 1:11-19
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 4 Благословен си, Господе Боже отаца наших, и хвално и прослављено је име Твоје у све вјекове.
Хор: Благословен си, Господе Боже отаца наших, и хвално и прослављено је име Твоје у све вјекове.
Читач: Јер си праведан у свему што си учинио за нас.
Хор: Благословен си, Господе Боже отаца наших, и хвално и прослављено је име Твоје у све вјекове.
Читач: Благословен си, Господе Боже отаца наших,
Хор: и хвално и прослављено је име Твоје у све вјекове.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање је од посланице Светог апостола Павла до Галаћанима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, дајем вам на знање, да јеванђеље које сам ја благовијестио, није од човјека; Нити га ја примих од човјека, нити научих, него откривењем Исуса Христа. Јер сте чули моје живљење некад у Јудејству, да одвише гоних Цркву Божију и пустоших је. И напредовах у Јудејству више од многих врсника својих у роду своме, будући одвише ревнитељ за своја отачка предања. А када благоволи Бог, који ме изабра од утробе матере моје и призва благодаћу својом, да објави Сина својега у мени, да га благовијестим међу незнабошцима, тога часа не питах тијела и крви, нити изиђох у Јерусалим онима који су били апостоли прије мене, него отидох у Арабију, и опет се вратих у Дамаск. А потом, након три године, изиђох у Јерусалим да видим Петра, и остадох код њега петнаест дана. А другога од апостола не видјех, осим Јакова брата Господњега.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Бог над боговима, Господ, говори и дозива земљу од истока сунчанога до запада.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Сакупите ми свеце моје који су учинили са мном завјет на жртвама
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Luke 7:11-16
At that time, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us”; and, “God has visited His people.”
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Лука 7: 11-16
У вријеме оно, Исус иђаше у град који се зове Наин, и с њим иђаху многи ученици његови и мноштво народа. А када се приближи вратима града, и гле, изношаху мртваца, јединца сина матере његове, и она бјеше удовица; и многи народ из града иђаше са њом. И видјевши је Господ сажали се на њу, и рече јој: Не плачи! И приступивши дохвати се носила, а носиоци стадоше; и рече: Момче, теби говорим, устани! И сједе мртвац и стаде говорити; и даде га матери његовој. А страх обузе све, и слављаху Бога говорећи: Велики пророк подиже се међу нама, и Бог походи народ свој.
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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 and Avery Catherine Baker, their 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, 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
~Parastos Offered~
†HELEN KAPAC Offered in loving memory on the 40th Day of her repose by her loving son, Stanley. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
~Vigils Offered~
RAY & JOANN FOLTZ Offered in celebration of their 59th Wedding Anniversary (Oct 26). May God grant you many more! Mnogaja Ljeta! With much love from Arlene & Pete and 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.
DARLENE BLACK Offered with love by the Barber & Geib Families for God’s Blessings during her recovery. We pray that He will bless her with good health. Our Love & Prayers are with her.
MICHAEL GEPPERT Offered prayerfully by Mom & Dad for improvement in health and God’s blessings and loving care during his recovery.
†HONORABLE BRANKO BOB YANICH Offered in loving memory on what would have been his 89th birthday (Oct 23). With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the soul of Your servant Branko where there is neither pain, nor sorrow, nor suffering, but life everlasting. Given in loving memory by Stephani, Bobbi, Bill, Greg, Wendy, Brandon, Jaz, Curran, Katie, Tim, Sonora, Ashtyn, Endora, Baylor and the rest of the family & Kumovi. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†PHIL GRUICH Offered in loving memory of his birthday (Oct 25). We miss you dearly. Memory Eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat! Love Kata and family.
†CATHERINE ‘KATER’ DMITROVIC Offered in loving memory of her birthday (Oct 28) from Kata Gruich and family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†DUSAN BOROTA Offered in loving memory (20 years—Oct 28) by his 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 10/15/2023
Collection: $2,150.00
Date 10/8/2023
Collection: $3,750.00
Date 10/1/2023
Collection: $2,471.00
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October Birthdays
Caroline Donato (Oct 2), Dave Milletics (Oct 2), Sonora Viola Mae Cruz (Oct 2), Marko Milanovic (Oct 3), Adeline & Peter Meadow (Oct 3), Marcia Breinich (Oct 4), Kate Nation (Oct 4), Madison Vorkapich (Oct 5), Lenny Tepsich (Oct 6), Craig Heilman (Oct 6), Alex Filepas (Oct 6), Owen Kingsbury (Oct 8), Dejan Raic (Oct 11), Arlene Barber (Oct 12), Dennis Ruff (Oct 12), Milan Yovic (Oct 15), Yovanka Hoover (Oct 17), Andrea Govelovich (Oct 17), Nicole Petrovich (Oct 18), Anastasija Gligorevic (Oct 18), Nina Gilroy (Oct 19), Mira Lukic (Oct 26), John Nicholas Hernjak (Oct 27), Carole Radosinovich (Oct 29), Jimi Werner (Oct 29), Marijana Rocknage (Oct 30), Brad Kingsbury, David Christ, Ognjen Pejanovic
October Anniversaries
Bobbi & William Wenner (Oct 1), Katya Kotchnyeva & Eric Garvin (Oct 10), Jean & Paul Martin (Oct 11), Angie & Jim Bagley (Oct 12), Daria & Dave Milletics (Oct 16), Josh & Emma Howell (Oct 16), Mackenzie & Stefan Lazarevic (Oct 21), Janis & Greg Meadow (Oct 29)
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ADULT EDUCATION CLASS
This week, class is canceled due to an unscheduled meeting of the Diocesan Administrative Board. Our Adult Education classes continue next week 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.
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
SOTAYA BUREK SALE FUNDRAISER
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 CEVAPI SALE FUNDRAISER
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.
SPECIAL THANKS TO GOD
Many thanks to our church family for your love, prayers, and kind expressions of sympathy over the past few weeks. It is very much appreciated. A special thank you to Father Chris and Proto Ilija. With heartfelt gratitude, the family of †Marshall Vujasinovich.
SPECIAL THANKS TO GOD
Protonica Ljubica Jockovic send her love and thanksgiving to God for all of us. She thanks us for the cards, donations, calls and messages of support. May the Most Holy Theotokos continue to comfort her, and our, grief with the Light of her Resurrected Son, our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ!
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SPECIAL CONGREGATION ASSEMBLY
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.
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
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October Charity
Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF)
OCF celebrates October as Orthodox Awareness Month and is the official campus ministry program established by the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) to support Orthodox Christian student organizations on university and college campuses. OCF offers support to 270 campus chapters in the US and Canada, convenes conferences and service projects, and encourages students to develop deeper connections to our faith. Visit the OCF website at www.ocf.net to learn more about their worship, service, and fellowship programs and to check on specific campus chapters. Penn State University at State College formed one of the earliest OCF chapters and continues to have an active agenda. Other Pennsylvania chapters include Hershey Medical School, F&M College, Millersville, Bloomsburg, East Stroudsburg, Penn, Pitt, and Bucknell. There are also chapters at Delaware and Ohio State. Encourage college students in your family to participate with the OCF chapter on their campuses or to contact OCF for assistance in organizing a chapter. Participation is a great pan-Orthodox experience.
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