Sunday before Theophany
St. Nicholas Bulletin - January 17, 2021
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God's Peace! Christ is Born! Мир Божији! Христос се Роди! Paz de Deus! Cristo nace! |
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Preparation Requires Repentance
Homily for the Sunday before Theophany from Fr. Philip LeMasters
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Today is the Sunday before the Feast of Theophany (or Epiphany), when we will celebrate Christ’s baptism in the river Jordan and the revelation that He is truly the Son of God. His divinity is made manifest and openly displayed at His baptism when the voice of the Father declares, “You are my beloved Son” and the Holy Spirit descends upon Him in the form of a dove. Theophany shows us that Jesus Christ is not merely a great religious teacher or moral example. He is truly God—a member of the Holy Trinity– and His salvation permeates His entire creation, including the water of the river Jordan. Through His and our baptism, we become participants in the holy mystery of our salvation.
Consider how perplexing these statements about Jesus Christ as God must have been to those who knew Him before He began His public ministry. St. Luke records that the Theotokos and St. Joseph were shocked to find the12-year-old Savior discussing the Law in the Temple in Jerusalem with the elders. The gospels of Matthew and Luke record the appearance of the angelic choirs to the shepherds and the visit of the wise men, but these events do not seem to have figured prominently in our Lord’s earthly ministry.
Moreover, we must remember that no one at the time expected a Messiah who was both God and man. The word “messiah” means “anointed one,” and the Jews were looking for a leader who would deliver them from Roman oppression and lead Israel to political power and independence. Christ’s own disciples thought of Him in those terms until after His resurrection, for even those closest to the Lord had great difficulty accepting that He was not an earthly king, the kind of Messiah they had grown up expecting. How difficult it was for anyone at that time to accept that Jesus Christ is truly the Son of God, the incarnate second Person of the Holy Trinity, the divine Word Who spoke the universe into existence.
It was necessary for God to send a prophet to prepare the way by opening the hearts and minds of the people for a coming Messiah Who did not fit their preconceived notions. Few people were comfortable around St. John the Baptist and Forerunner, for he was a strict ascetic, living in the desert, eating only locusts and honey, and wearing camel skin. Like many of the Old Testament prophets before Him, St. John was outrageously bold. In addition to his stark appearance and lifestyle, his message was severe to the point of being insulting. He proclaimed God’s truth and did not care who might be offended. Instead of gently welcoming the Pharisees and Sadducees into his movement, St. John mocked them as a brood of vipers—a bunch of slimy snakes. He told the rich to share with the poor, soldiers to stop abusing their authority, and tax collectors to stop stealing from the people. He went beyond offending those powerful groups by criticizing the immorality of the royal family and lost his head as a result.
God shook up Israel with St. John the Baptist, the Forerunner of our Lord, who began to open their eyes to a Messiah Whom they did not expect. Gentle words from a respectable rabbi would not have worked, for everyone had seen and heard that before. The Jews needed a call to repentance from a wild and holy man who was absolutely fearless in calling everyone to repent by changing the direction of their lives in relation to God and neighbor. They were to make straight whatever crookedness was in them. They were to abandon hypocritical and self-serving distortions of God’s Law. No one was to say, “But I am a child of Abraham or a religious leader or a well-respected person, so repentance is not for me.” The Forerunner called everyone to greater holiness in preparation for the coming of the Messiah.
As we prepare for the Feast of Theophany, St. John’s message should certainly get our attention. We must conform our character to Jesus Christ’s because we have already received the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham. Having celebrated His birth as Orthodox Christians, we already proclaim that our Savior is the Son of God. In Him, we are “partakers of the divine nature” by grace as members of His Body, the Church. The more that we share in His life, the more clearly we will see how infinitely much more room we have for embracing the healing of our souls, for our lives have not yet become perfect epiphanies of what Christ’s salvation means for those who bear the divine image and likeness.
It would be different if the Epiphany of Jesus Christ as the Son of God were merely an idea or concept to be grasped as an abstract truth, like a mathematical equation or a philosophical statement. The spiritual life is not like that, however, because this feast calls us to participate in the gracious divine energies of the One who unites humanity and divinity in Himself. In order to enter into the holy mystery of our Lord’s epiphany, every facet of who we are as we live and breathe in this world must be transformed by His divine glory. His life must become ours. Like an iron left in the fire, we must become radiant with the glory of His salvation.
No matter how much healing we have found for our souls so far, ongoing repentance remains essential for sharing more fully in the eternal life of the God-Man. That means that we must persist in cooperating with His mercy, actively making straight what remains crooked in our lives. Like those who first heard the Forerunner, we have become too comfortable with life on our own terms, perhaps thinking that our beliefs or heritage somehow let us off the hook as God’s favorites, as those who are respectable and decent and therefore do not have to worry about repentance. “At least we are better than those groups we love to hate,” we might think of those we do not like or whom we fear for whatever reason. St. John would have no patience with such foolishness, of course. As he did to the Jews of the first century, he would tell us to wake up, abandon our excuses, and stop trying to turn God into an idol who pats us on the back and serves our agendas for worldly power, success, and comfort. He would call us, instead, to become true icons of our Lord, participating as fully as we can in the divine healing and transformation made possible for us in Jesus Christ. Those who have put on Christ in baptism and who receive the Communion of His Body and Blood must become epiphanies of His fulfillment of the human person in God’s image and likeness.
As we prepare to celebrate Theophany, let us gain the spiritual clarity to behold the glory of Christ’s baptism by straightening the crooked areas of our lives. Instead of finding ways to ignore the preaching of the Forerunner, let us take his sobering message to heart as we confess our sins and reorient ourselves to our Lord and His Kingdom. The Messiah is born and is on His way to the Jordan where His divinity will shine forth. Will we have the eyes to see His glory? Will we be ready for Him? There is only one way to prepare and that is to repent as we turn away from all that hinders our full participation in the divine glory manifest in Him. Now is the time to get ready to share personally in this great mystery of our salvation by preparing the way of the Lord and making His paths straight in our own lives.
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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.
FOREFEAST TROPARION—TONE 4
Prepare, O Zebulon, and adorn yourself, O Naphtali! River Jordan, cease flowing, and receive with joy the Master coming to be baptized! Adam, rejoice with our First Mother, and do not hide yourself as you did of old in Paradise; for having seen you naked, He has appeared to clothe you with the first garment. Christ has appeared to renew all creation.
APOSTLES TROPARION—TONE 3
Holy Apostles of the Seventy entreat the merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of transgressions!
HOLY JEVSTATIJE OF SERBIA – TONE 4
Chosen by God, beloved by humankind, you embody the Divine beauty of the hierarchy and are a co-worker with the angels, O Holy Father Jevstatije. You were a preacher of the Divine Mysteries: Therefore by your prayers, with the all the saints, entreat Christ our God to deliver us from all evil who honor your holy memory.
HOLY NIKEPHOROS THE LEPER—TONE 1
All the angels were astonished by the struggles and strict asceticism of the Venerable Nikephoros the Leper; for like another Job, patiently enduring his pain, he glorified God, Who has crowned him now with glory, distinguishing him through miracles. Rejoice, instructor of monastics! Rejoice, beacon of light! Rejoice, for a delightful fragrance pours forth from your relics!
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!”
FOREFEAST KONTAKION - TONE 4
Today the Lord enters the Jordan and cries out to John: “Do not be afraid to baptize me! For I have come to save Adam, the first-formed man.”
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ |
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READERS:
Matins: Lenny Tepsic Epistle: Marijana Rocknage
Matins Next Week: Lenny Tepsich Epistle Next Week: Teddy Sukhernik
EPISTLE: II Timothy 4: 5-8
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the 6th Tone: O Lord, save Your people, and bless Your inheritance!
CHOIR: O Lord, save Your people, and bless Your inheritance!
READER: v: To You, O Lord, will I call. O my God, be not silent to me!
CHOIR: O Lord, save Your people, and bless Your inheritance!
READER: O Lord, save Your people...
CHOIR: ...and bless Your inheritance!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Second Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to Timothy
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER:
Timothy my son, be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: O God, be bountiful to us and bless us, show the light of Your countenance upon us, and have mercy on us!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: That we may know Your way upon the earth, and Your salvation among all nations.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: 2 Тимотеју 4: 5-8
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 6 Спаси, Господе, народ Свој и благослови наследство Своје.
Хор: Спаси, Господе, народ Свој и благослови наследство Своје.
Читач: Теби, Господе вапим: Боже мој, немој ме оставити без одговора!
Хор: Спаси, Господе, народ Свој и благослови наследство Своје.
Читач: Спаси, Господе, народ Свој
Хор: и благослови наследство Своје.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читац: Читање је од посланице Светог апостола Павла до Тимотеја.
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Чедо Тимотеје, буди трезвен у свему, злопати се, врши дјело јеванђелиста, служење своје испуни. Јер ја се већ приносим на жртву, и вријеме мојега одласка настаде. Добар рат ратовах, трку заврших, вјеру одржах. Сад ме чека вијенац правде, који ће ми у онај Дан дати Господ, праведни Судија: али не само мени, него и свима који с љубављу очекују Долазак његов.
Свештеник: Мир ти читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Боже, буди нам милостив и благосиљај нас.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Обасјавај нас лицем Својим и помилуј нас.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Mark 1: 1-8
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ” John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Марко 1: 1-8
Почетак јеванђеља Исуса Христа, Сина Божијега. Као што је писано код пророка: Ево ја шаљем анђела својега пред лицем твојим, који ће припремити пут твој пред тобом. Глас вапијућег у пустињи: Припремите пут Господњи, поравните стазе његове. Појави се Јован крстећи у пустињи, и проповиједајући крштење покајања за опроштење гријехова. И излажаше к њему сва Јудејска земља и Јерусалимљани; и крштаваше их све у ријеци Јордану, и исповиједаху гријехе своје. А Јован бијаше обучен у камиљу длаку, и имаше појас кожни око себе: и јеђаше биље и дивљи мед. И проповиједаше говорећи: Долази за мном јачи од мене пред ким ја нисам достојан сагнути се и одријешити ремена на обући његовој. Ја вас крстих водом, а он ће вас крстити Духом Светим.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ |
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January Birthdays
Kristina Carricato (Jan 3), Brad Livingston (Jan 4), Betty Matovich (Jan 5), Christine Krnjaic (Jan 5), Voni Brown (Jan 6), Jody Atty (Jan 7), Fred Book (Jan 7), Ellen Long (Jan 8), Lauren Spangler (Jan 9), Jason Milletics (Jan 11), Peggy Radanovic (Jan 13), JoAnn Filepas (Jan 13), Tracy Petrovich (Jan 13), Bill Wenner (Jan 15), Stacey Stanovich (Jan 15), Nicole Stefan Imschweiler (Jan 15), Christina Radanovic (Jan 15), Tatyana Reznitchenko (Jan 16), Sylvia Stefan (Jan 18), Nina Radanovic (Jan 19), Makrina Rocknage (Jan 19), Kristina Vukalo (Jan 20), Rita Vorkapich (Jan 22), Popadija Andreja (Jan 24), Kobe Petrovich (Jan 24), Sophia Mummert (Jan 28), Jane Svitchan (Jan 29), Maxim Reznitchenko (Jan 29), Ashtyn Isadora Cruz (Jan 30)
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COVID-19
Protocol & Updates
Governor Wolf announced new restrictions for gatherings in Pennsylvania. One of those alluded to having no gatherings of more than 10 people. However, essential businesses may operate at 50% capacity. The Church is the most essential organization. Thus, we will continue to serve Christ in all that we do. Those who are comfortable coming to worship will be welcomed. Physical distancing efforts and masks are mandatory protocol for attendance in Church. This means that currently, we can have about 50 people in Church (including clergy and choir) and roughly 70 people in the hall. Those in the hall will be able to see the service, and receive Holy Communion as well.
Slava celebrations will be performed in the Church only. Please bring your kolach and koljevo to the Church to be blessed.
Due to the increase in cases in our local area, we remind everyone that if you are at high risk, you should remain at home if possible.
Fr. Christopher is available to bring the Holy Mysteries of Repentance and Communion to those unable to come to Church.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that the underlying medical conditions which increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are:
- People 65 years and older
- People living in a nursing home or long-term care
- People of ALL ages with chronic medical conditions, particularly if poorly controlled:
- Chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
- Serious heart conditions
- Immunocompromised, especially cancer treatment, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune-deficiencies, HIV/AIDS, prolonged use of corticosteroids or other immune weakening medications
- Severe obesity (BMI of 40 or higher)
- Diabetes
- Chronic Kidney Disease undergoing dialysis
- Liver Disease
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PARISH ANNUAL ASSEMBLY
At the direction of His Grace, Bishop IRINEJ and the Diocesan Council, we will not be having an in person Annual Assembly this year. Parish Council Officers will remain the same as in 2020. We will have a virtual meeting which will present informational reports only, on Sunday, February 7, at 1pm. This will enable our continued transparency, while maintaining a safe environment for all parishioners.
HOUSE BLESSING
The season for house blessings will soon be upon us. We will not be scheduling house blessings as normal this year. Father Christopher will be able to visit those who request a blessing during the weeks following Holy Theophany. Appointments can be made with Daria Milletics by calling into the Church Office. Later in the year, a time for normally scheduled blessings will occur once restrictions have been eased.
SERBIAN/AMERICAN CLUB 2021 DUES
Peggy Radanovic is collecting club dues once again. Please mail your dues to her at her new address (203 Community Circle, Palmyra 17078) or here at church. You may call her with questions at 717-641-4249.
ST NICHOLAS SENIORS 2021 DUES
JoAnn Filepas is collecting 2021 dues for the St Nicholas Seniors. Please mail your dues to her at (7054 Red Top Road, Harrisburg 17111). Dues are $5 for the year.
DEADLINE IS TODAY
If you are not receiving envelopes and wish to, receiving envelopes and no longer wish to, or you need to make an address change, please inform the office by TODAY January 17!
SOTAYA CEVAPI SALE
SOTAYA is once again selling frozen Cevapi, in packages of 32 for $12. They can be bought on Sunday’s or during the week while the office is open (9am-noon). Forms are on the Tutors stand and can be given to Dn. Bojan, Sladjana or Daria.
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January Charity
The International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)
IOCC is a humanitarian aid agency of Orthodox Christians. Established in 1992 by the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), it works in cooperation with the Orthodox Church and on behalf of Orthodox Christians. In carrying out its mission, offering emergency relief and development programs to those in need worldwide, without discrimination, and strengthening the capacity of the Orthodox Church to so respond, IOCC applies the highest profession standards and renders itself fully accountable to the public and its donors. Since its inception, IOCC has administered more than $580 million in humanitarian relief, sustainable development and self-help programs worldwide.
Approximately 92% of all money donated directly helps those facing dire situations and every dollar given helps secure $7 in support from various sources. All assistance is provided solely on the basis of need and benefits orphans, refugees and displaced persons, the elderly, school children, families and people with disabilities. Over the course of their history, IOCC has been able to assist people in 50 countries with priority currently in the Balkans (Bosnia, Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro), Cameroon, Ethiopia, Georgia, Greece, Haiti, Iraq, Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, Romania, Syria, Uganda, and the United States. Since the need for help is great, IOCC continually works to expand its programs to other areas. Visit www.iocc.org for additional information.
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Concerning the Recent
Diocesan Press Release
from the desk of Fr. Christopher
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Beloved Brothers and Sisters,
God's Peace! Christ is Born!
Мир Божији! Христос се Роди!
Some of you may have noticed the press release published in our weekly email bulletin on Sunday, January 3. There have been a few questions as to why it was even necessary. Thus, I have wanted to address this for everyone.
Last year, numerous social media attacks were directed at His Grace, our Bishop IRINEJ. These attacks published lies concerning the person of His Grace, our Eastern American Diocese, and the St. Sava Cathedral in NYC. There was so much absolute falsehood, and equally as many questions from our beloved faithful who were following these social media sites, that the Diocese determined it was necessary to publish all of the rebuttals in a press release.
Most of the libelous material was published in Serbian language tabloids and on personal social media pages, so if you were not reading them, you would not have been aware of the situation. However, it is always better to have the truth than not. Thus, I distributed to all of our faithful on our email list.
I thank God for all of you, and for your continued prayers for His Grace, and all of our Diocese, during this time.
In the Newborn Christ's Love,
Fr. Chris
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