Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost | |
Christ is in our midst! Христос међу нама! Cristo esta entra nosotros! | |
|
Homily on Luke 5: 1-11
by Fr. Gregory Jensen
Glory to Jesus Christ!
The first two chapters of Genesis introduce us to the God Who is both Redeemer and Artist of Creation. Rather than Aristotle’s impersonal Unmoved Mover or the Enlightenment’s somewhat more personal but nevertheless detached Watchmaker, as portrayed in Genesis God is intimately involved in the shaping and ordering of Creation. Day after day, God orders the primordial chaos. To those who lived at the time, this ordering of chaos would not have been understood abstractly. In a world beset with the chaos of disease and famine, war and accidental death, God’s actions at the Creation would have been proof that the God of Moses was worthy of human obedience. This God above all the gods of the time was victorious not only over the passing chaos of daily life but the cosmological chaos that always threatened to overwhelm humanity. And when God creates His finest creation–humanity–He doesn’t do so like the other gods from a distance or with violence. Rather, He reaches down in love to His creation and forms Man out of the dust, the mud, of the earth.
We can see in this a foreshadowing of the Incarnation. As St Augustine points out (City of God, 24), the One Who gives us physical life by His breath will later breath upon the apostles and disciples granting them the power to forgive sins and so great us life everlasting (see John 20:19-25). But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. What God creates first, is more manikin than Man. It is only when God mixes His Spirit with His this model of a man that the mud of the earth becomes, as we read in Genesis, “a living being” (Genesis 2:7). This means that to be human means to be a creature who shares, participates, in the divine life (compare 2 Peter 1:4).
The Hebrew word translated as “living being” is nephesh. It is a word often used to describe things like a flute or the throat. It has the connotation, in other words, of things that are only themselves when they are empty so they can be filled with breath. It’s only with breath, that the flute makes music or the throat words. For the human to be nephesh means that, from the beginning, we are only ourselves when we are filled with the Spirit of God. This is the context with which we can understand St Paul’s boast that in human weakness, divine grace is perfected. The power of the Gospel is only made real in the lives of those who have come to accept and embrace with gratitude their absolute dependence on God. This means as well, that I am most fully myself only to the degree that I depend on God. And it is this dependence on God that makes possible for us to do the mighty works of God.
Look at St Peter in the Gospel. After a hard night of failure, Jesus comes to him and asks to be rowed out into the lake. Of all the things Simon wanted to do that morning, going back on to the water was likely not one of them. But out he goes. And when Jesus is finished preaching? He tells Simon to row out to the deep part of the lake and let down his net. Not surprisingly, Simon doesn’t want to do this. After all, he not Jesus is the fisherman. And while he was willing to provide Jesus a platform to preach, rowing out on the water and dropping his net means revisiting the scene of his failure. We need to understand, Simon’s failure wasn’t an abstraction for him. Failing to catch fish the night before, means he goes hungry this morning. And not only Simon. His wife and children will have no food this morning. And he will have no fish to trade. This means he has failed not only his family but his village as well.
And so for Simon to hear Jesus, this rabbi, this carpenter, and his friend, to say “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” means to be asked to revisit the scene of his failure as a husband, a father and a member of the community. To do as Jesus asks is humiliating for Simon. The successful catch comes at the cost of Simon surrendering all his notions of who he is and what it means to be a good husband, father, Jew, and man.
Rather than responding with anger, he confesses his sinfulness. In that moment of miraculous success, Simon realizes how little room he has in his heart for God. It is precisely at the moment when he realizes his weakness, that Simon the fisherman becomes Peter the Apostle who’s preaching will set the world on fire!
We are called to live the same life as Peter and Paul. If we embrace our dependence on God if we root out all the things in our life that we cling to instead of God, then like Peter and Paul, we can not only set the world around us on fire, we can become ourselves fire! And what does fire do but shine and burn? We can become light and warmth for a world grown cold and dark because of sin. And far from being used up or destroyed in the process, we will become more and more the persons who God has created us to be. My brothers and sisters in Christ! Jesus says to each of us today, “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!”
Today, Christ calls us to fulfill His desire for the world!
Today, Christ calls us to be His disciples, His witnesses!
Today, Christ calls us to become who we are!
Today, Christ calls us to become fire!
| |
|
Commemorating the St Arsenius the Great Catholicos of Georgia, First Translation of the relics of St Herman Archbishop of Kazan, Martyr Paphnutius and 546 companions in Egypt, Repose of Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker Abbot of Radonezh, Venerable Euphrosyne of Alexandria, Venerable Euphrosyne of Suzdal, Commemoration of the Earthquake of 447
RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 1
When the stone had been sealed by the Jews, while the soldiers were guarding Your most pure body, You rose on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. The powers of heaven therefore cried to You, O Giver of Life: “Glory to Your Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Your Kingdom! Glory to Your dispensation, O Lover of mankind!”
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.
VENERABLE SERGIOUS TROPARION—TONE 4
Athlete of virtues, true warrior of Christ God, you struggled mightily against the passions in this temporal life; in psalmody, vigils, and fasting, you were an example to your disciples; therefore, the most Holy Spirit dwelt in you, and you were radiantly adorned by His activity. Since you possess boldness before the Holy Trinity, remember the flock which you gathered wisely, and do not forget to visit your children as you promised, O Venerable Sergius our Father.
RESURRECTION KONTAKION—TONE 1
As God, You rose from the tomb in glory, raising the world with Yourself. Human nature praises You as God, for death has vanished. Adam exults, O Master! Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage and cries to You: “You are the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!”
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!
| |
~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
|
READERS:
This Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Marijana Rocknage
Next Week: Matins: Lenny Tepsich Epistle: Natasha Milanovich
EPISTLE: 2 Corinthians 9: 6-11
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the First Tone: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
CHOIR: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
READER: v: Rejoice in the Lord, O your righteous! Praise befits the just!
CHOIR: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
READER: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us...
CHOIR: ...as we have set our hope on You!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the second Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Corinthians.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, but this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: God gives vengeance unto me, and subdues people under me.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: He magnifies the salvation of the King and deals mercifully with David, His anointed, and his seed forever.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: 2 Коринћанима 9: 6 - 11
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 1 Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Хор: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Читач: Веселите се, праведници, пред Господом, праведнима доликује похвала.
Хор: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Читач: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе,
Хор: на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање је од друге посланице Светог апостола Павла до Коринћанима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: А ово велим: Ко шкрто сије, шкрто ће и жњети; а ко са благословима сије, са благословима ће и жњети. Сваки како одлучи у срцу, не са жалошћу или принудно; јер Бог љуби онога који драговољно даје. А Бог је кадар да вас обогати сваком благодаћу, да у свему свагда имајући довољно свега, изобилујете у сваком добром дјелу. Као што је написано: Просу, даде сиромасима; правда Његова остаје до вијека. А Онај који даје сјеме сијачу и хљеб за јело, даће и умножиће сјеме ваше, и даће да узрасту плодови праведности ваше; Богатећи се у свему за сваку простодушност која кроз нас приноси захвалност Богу.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Бог ми даје освету и покорава ми народе.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Славно избављаш цара свога и чиниш милост помазанику своме Давиду и потомству његовом до вјека.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
| |
|
LITURGY GOSPEL:
Luke 5:1-11
At that time, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.
| |  |
|
ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Лука 5: 1-11
У вријеме оно, Исус стајаше крај Генисаретског језера, и видје двије лађе гдје стоје украј језера, а рибари бијаху изишли из њих и испираху мреже. И уђе у једну лађу, која бијаше Симонова, и замоли га да одмакне мало од обале; и сједе и учаше народ из лађе. А кад преста говорити, рече Симону: Хајде на дубину и баците мреже своје за лов. И одговарајући Симон рече му: Учитељу, сву ноћ смо се трудили, и ништа не ухватисмо; али на твоју ријеч бацићу мрежу. И учинивши то уловише велико мноштво риба, те им се мрежа поче цијепати. И дадоше знак друштву које бјеше на другој лађи да дођу да им помогну; и дођоше, и напунише обје лађе тако да се оне потапаху. А кад видје Симон Петар, припаде кољенима Исусовим говорећи: Изиђи од мене, Господе, јер сам човјек грјешан. Јер запрепашћење обузе њега и све који бијаху с њим због лова рибе што ухватише, a тако исто и Јакова и Јована, синове Зеведејеве, који бијаху другови Симонови. И рече Исус Симону: Не бој се, од сада ћеш људе ловити. И извукавши обје лађе на земљу оставише све, и отидоше за њим.
| |
~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | |
|
~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Newly Illumined Avery Catherine, 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, Emma Howell and the newborn Ana Lynn, 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, Ljuban Kosovac, John J Milakovic, Mileva Maran, Eva Orr, Helen Kapac, Basil John Havalchak, Dragoljub (Don) Maransky
~ Our Deepest Sympathy ~
We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Marshall Vujasinovich, who reposed in the Lord on Thursday, October 5th. May his soul dwell with the righteous and be numbered among the just! Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
~Vigils Offered~
DENNIS RUFF Offered in celebration of his birthday (Oct 12). May God bless you with many more years! Ziveli! Mnogaja Ljeta! Love Nikki & Putz & family.
DENNIS RUFF Offered in joyous celebration of his birthday (Oct 12). God’s blessings for Many More! Mnogaja Ljeta! Ziveli! Love Baba & family
ARLENE BARBER Offered in celebration of my beautiful and loving wife’s birthday (Oct 12). “FROM SERBIA WITH LOVE” Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
ARLENE BARBER Offered prayerfully that God watches over her during her upcoming surgery and recovery. With Much love from Pete.
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.
†DECEASED KSS MEMBERS Offered on behalf of the Circle of Serbian Sisters for their Krsna Slava, “Protection Of The Most Holy Theotokos” (Oct 14), in loving memory of all Sisters who have fallen asleep in the Lord. We ceaselessly pray to her to intercede for us as she covers the world with her veil, praying and weeping for the sins of the world. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†FLORENCE BRESCIA Offered in loving memory of Frank’s mother (31 years—Oct 5) by Frank and Marie Brescia and family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†MARY KAUFFMAN Offered in loving memory of Kuma Linda Wolf’s mother on what would have been her 111th birthday (Oct 12) with prayers for her peaceful repose. Given by the Yanich & Matich family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†LOUISE MILLETICS Offered in loving memory of her repose (11 years—Oct 14) by Daria, Dave, Jason and Sarah Milletics. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
| |
|
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 race.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD!
| |
Stewardship Offering Information
Date 10/1/2023
Collection: $2,471.00
Date 9/24/2023
Collection: $1,951.00
Date 9/17/2023
Collection: $2,027.00
| |
|
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)
| |
|
|
ADULT EDUCATION CLASS
As we begin the new Liturgical year, we also begin our Adult Education classes after Vespers on Wednesday evenings (starting in October). 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.
OFFICE CLOSURE
The office will be closed this week (October 9-13).
KSS/CIRCLE OF SERBIAN SISTERS MEETING (TODAY)
The next KSS Sisters meeting will be held TODAY (Oct 8) after Divine Liturgy, in the Library. We will be having our election of officers for the upcoming year. All members are urged to attend.
SAINT NICHOLAS SENIORS MEETING
The next Seniors meeting will be held on October 10 in the Church Social Hall starting at 12 noon. Hope to see you there.
FEAST OF THE PROTECTION OF THE THEOTOKOS
The Feast of the Protection of the Theotokos will be celebrated on Saturday (Oct 14) with Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.
ANNUAL KSS PULLED PORK & PALACINKE SALE
The Kolo Srpskih Sestara/Circle of the Serbian Sisters will hold their annual fundraiser on Sunday, October 22. All sales are PRE-ORDER by Oct 15. The menu will include pulled pork sandwiches for $6, cheese palacinke for $2, strawberry and applebutter palacinkes for $1.50. Pick up will be from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm on October 22. Forms are available on the tutors stand, or call Linda Yandric at 717-939-5309 or Daria Milletics at 717-939-3872
| | |
KOLO SRPSKIH SESTARA/CIRCLE OF SERBIAN SISTERS SLAVA
The KSS will be celebrating their Krsna Slava, Pokrov Bogorodice (Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God) on Saturday, October 14. Following Divine Liturgy we will have the blessing of the Slavski Kolach as well as a Parastos for departed sisters. Our honored Kumovi are Maryann Seiders and Christina Radanovic. We would like to thank Christina for making the Kolach and Wheat. They will continue their celebration on Sunday with coffee hour after Divine Liturgy. Please plan on joining us!
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
| |
|
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.
| | | | |
