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Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Afterfeast of the Transfiguration
St. Nicholas Bulletin - August 20, 2023
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Christ is in our midst! Христос међу нама! Cristo esta entra nosotros! | |
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The Poor, Debts and Your Enemies?
Fr. Stephen Freeman
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, one God. Amen.
Glory to Jesus Christ!
He who has pity on the poor makes a debtor of God. (Prov. 19:17)
Jesus told a story about a man with a huge debt. He owed it to his master and was unable to pay. When he was dragged before his master, he begged for mercy. Strangely, the master was so moved by the man’s begging that he forgave him the entire debt. This same man, Jesus said, turned around and had a poor man thrown into prison for a very minor debt. When the master learned of this injustice, there was a serious reckoning: the man was delivered to the “torturers” until he could pay his own debt.
Debt is serious business. Indeed, it is pretty much the business of our culture. America owes trillions of dollars – to itself, to others, to one another. Everybody owes somebody! Of course, in our land, there is an occasional reckoning. Some go to prison for failure to pay their taxes. Some lose their homes for failure to pay their mortgage. Others have their debts forgiven (particularly if they are “too big to fail”).
There is a deeper debt, something that makes money look like child’s play (and it is). That debt is the burden created by the injuries we do to others. Many of those burdens could never be reduced by any amount of money. We generally do not think of those who owe us money as “enemies” – it’s usually only our “friends” who owe us money. But the level of emotional and spiritual debt owed by our enemies can be enormous. Such debts only grow older with time.
There is a spiritual burden created by the debts of our enemies. They keep us from true prayer and they block our journey to the heart. I have been told by many that they “have no enemies.” I suggest that everyone who owes you a debt is your spiritual enemy. Some are simply more pernicious than others. I have rarely encountered a heart so pure that no resentment or grudge could be found in it.
In the parable, the only possible way for the first man to settle his debt was for the master to let it go. He, of course, was promising to pay and begging for more time. The debt of the second man was small and could likely have been paid over time. But there was no mercy in the heart of his creditor, only resentment, and bitterness. His resentment and his bitterness created the “tortures” in his sentence.
My experience in life is that no one has the power to pay the emotional/spiritual debt owed to others. Nothing erases a memory or removes the injury itself. People fantasize that an apology would suffice. It doesn’t. It may restore some small measure of self-esteem, but the injury remains. I have listened to people who have returned to an injury year after year and marvel at their inability to forgive.
My experience has also shown me something else. There are those in my life whose “stock” is large. My love and communion with them are such that I easily overlook their sins against me. I find it easy to explain away their actions and make excuses for them. These are what constitute our “friends.” As St. Paul notes, “Love covers a multitude of sins.”
Essentially, the difference between our enemies and our friends are the allowances we are willing to make for them. Friends have credit accrued from a variety of things. Our enemies are bound in poverty.
There is only one way forward. The debts of our enemies must be treated as the debts of the poor. Our enemies will not have enough to pay us. If these debts cannot be paid (and they can’t), then they can only be forgiven. Or, perhaps, someone else can loan them what is needed.
And here we come to the verse from Proverbs: “He who gives to the poor makes a debtor of God.” The Scriptures add: “And He will pay him.”
The penury of our enemies is the deepest poverty of all, truly an inescapable cycle. It can only be broken by an act of radical generosity. But the generosity is not being asked of us. God will repay the debt. Whatever it is they have done, however much they owe, God will pay it.
I have long placed this thought in a prayer: “O Lord, you know what my enemies have done to me. On the day of judgment, do not hold it against them on my account.”
Set them free. Get serious about laying up treasure in heaven. Make a debtor of God.
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Commemorating the Afterfeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord, St Mercurius Bishop of Smolensk Kiev Near Caves, First finding of the relics of St Metrophanes first Bishop of Voronezh, St Narcissus Bishop of Jerusalem
Martyr Dometius of Persia and his two disciples, Martyr Marinus the Soldier at Caesarea in Palestine, Martyr Asterius the Senator at Caesarea in Palestine, Virgin Martyr Potamia the Wonderworker, Holy Martyr Mercurius of Smolensk, Venerable Pimen the Much-Ailing of the Kiev Near Caves, Venerable Pimen the Faster of the Kiev Caves, Venerable Horus of the Thebaid Egypt, Venerble Dometius of Philotheou Mt Athos, Venerable Anthony of Optina, St Theodora of Sihla, St Nicanor Wonderworker of Mt Calistratus, St Theodosius the New, Healer of Peloponnesus
The First Antiphon
Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth! Sing of His name, give glory to His praise!
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us!
The voice of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; Your lightning lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook. You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment.
Refrain: Molitvami Bogorodici, Spase, spasi nas!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us!
The Second Antiphon
Mount Zion in the far north is the city of the Great King.
Refrain: O Son of God, transfigured on the mount, save us who sing to You: Alleluia!
And He brought them to the mountain of His sanctuary, this mountain which His right hand had won.
Refrain: Spasi ni, Sine Boži, preobrazivisnja na gore, pojuščija ti: Aliluja!
The Mount Zion which He loved, He built as His sanctuary with mighty strength.
Refrain: O Son of God, transfigured on the mount, save us who sing to You: Alleluia!
The Third Antiphon
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
Tone 7 Troparion
You were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ God, revealing Your glory to Your Disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Your everlasting Light also shine upon us sinners, through the prayers of the Theotokos! O Giver of Light, glory to You!
As the mountains are round about it, so the Lord is round about His people, from this time and forevermore.
Troparion of the Feast
Preobrazilsja jesi na gore, Hriste Bože, pokazavi učenikom Tvoim slavu Tvoju, jakože možahu, da vozsijajet I nam, grešnim, Svet Tvoji prosnosuščnij molitvami Bogorodici, Svetodavče, slava Tebje.
O Lord, who shall sojourn in Your tabernacle? Who shall dwell on Your holy mountain? Who shall ascend the mountain of the Lord? And who shall stand in His holy place?
Troparion of the Feast
Entrance Verse
Send out Your light and Your truth; they have led me and brought me to Your holy mountain.
RESURRECTIONAL TROPARION—TONE 2
When You descended to death, O Life Immortal, You destroyed hell with the splendor of Your Godhead. And when from the depths You raised the dead, all the powers of heaven cried out: “O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to You!”
TRANSFIGURATION TROPARION—TONE 7
You were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ God, revealing Your glory to Your Disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Your everlasting Light also shine upon us sinners, through the prayers of the Theotokos! O Giver of Light, glory to You!
RESURRECTION KONTAKION—TONE 2
Hell became afraid, O almighty Savior, seeing the miracle of Your Resurrection from the tomb! The dead arose! Creation, with Adam, beheld this and rejoiced with You, and the world, my Savior, praises You forever.
TRANSFIGURATION KONTAKION—TONE 7
On the mountain You were transfigured, O Christ God, and Your Disciples beheld Your glory as far as they could see it; so that when they would behold You crucified, they would understand that Your suffering was voluntary, and would proclaim to the world that You are truly the Radiance of the Father.
(Instead of “It is truly meet …,” we sing:)
Magnify, O my soul, the Lord Who was transfigured on Mount Tabor!
Your childbearing was without corruption; God came forth from your body clothed in flesh, and appeared on earth and dwelt among men. Therefore we all magnify you, O Theotokos.
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ | |
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READERS:
This Week: Matins: Nick Ressetar Epistle: Matthew Hoover
Next Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Marko Rocknage
EPISTLE: 1 Corinthians 9: 2-12
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Second Tone: The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
CHOIR: The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
READER: v: The Lord has chastened me sorely, but He has not given me over to death.
CHOIR: The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
READER: The Lord is my strength and my song.
CHOIR: He has become my salvation.
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the first Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Corinthians.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, if I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. My defense to those who examine me is this: Do we have no right to eat and drink? Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock? Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it oxen God is concerned about? Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: May the Lord hear you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Save the King, O Lord, and hear us on the day we call!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: 1 Коринћанима 9: 2-12
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 2 Господ је снага моја и пјесма; Он ми постаде спасење.
Хор: Господ је снага моја и пјесма; Он ми постаде спасење.
Читач: Карајући покара ме Господ, али ме смрти не предаде.
Хор: Господ је снага моја и пјесма; Он ми постаде спасење.
Читач: Господ је снага моја и пјесма;
Хор: Он ми постаде спасење.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање је од Прве посланице Светог апостола Павла до Коринћана
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, ако другима нисам апостол. али вама јесам, јер сте ви печат мојега апостолства у Господу. То је моја одбрана пред онима који ме осуђују. Зар немамо право јести и пити? Зар немамо право сестру жену са собом водити, као и остали апостоли, и браћа Господња и Кифа? Или само ја и Варнава немамо право ово чинити? Ко икад војује о своме трошку? Ко сади виноград и не једе од рода његова? Или ко чува стадо и од млијека стада не једе? Зар ово говорим по људском? Или не говори ово и Закон? Јер је у Мојсејеву закону написано: Не завезуј уста волу који врше. Брине ли се то Бог за волове? Или говори управо ради нас? Јер се ради нас написа: да који оре, треба у нади да оре, и који врше у нади да ће примити по својему надању. Ако ми вама посијасмо оно што је духовно, зар је много ако ми од вас пожњемо оно што је тјелесно? Ако се други користе вашим правом, како ли не би ми? Али се ми не користисмо овим правом, него све подносимо да не учинимо какве сметње јеванђељу Христову.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Нека те услиши Господ у дан жалосни, нека те заштити име Бога Јаковљевога.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Господе, помози цару и услиши нас кад Те зовемо.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Matthew 18: 23-35
At that time, the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
“But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Матеј 18: 23-35
У оно вријеме каза им Усус причу ову: Царство небеско слично човјеку цару, који хтједе да се прорачуна са слугама својим. И кад се поче рачунати, доведоше му једнога дужника од десет хиљада таланата. И будући да он немаше чиме вратити, заповиједи господар његов да продаду њега и жену његову и дјецу и све што имаше, и да се наплати, но слуга тај паде и клањаше му се говорећи: Господару, причекај ме, и све ћу ти вратити. А господар се сажали на онога слугу, и пусти га и дуг му опрости. А кад изиђе слуга тај, нађе једнога од својих другара који му бијаше дужан сто динара, и ухвати га и стаде давити говорећи: Дај ми што си дужан! Паде другар његов пред ноге његове и мољаше га говорећи: Причекај ме, и све ћу ти вратити. А он не хтједе, него га одведе и баци у тамницу док не врати дуг. Видјевши пак другари његови тај догађај, ожалостише се веома, и отишавши, објаснише господару својему све што се догодило. Тада га позва господар његов, и рече му: Зли слуго, сав дуг онај опростио сам ти, јер си ме молио. Није ли требало да се и ти смилујеш на свога другара, као и ја на те што се смиловах? И разгњеви се господар његов, и предаде га мучитељима док не врати све што му је дуговао. Тако ће и Отац мој небески учинити вама, ако не опростите сваки брату својему од срца својих сагрјешења њихова.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ | |
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~Prayers for the Faithful~
In Our Prayers
Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop Youhanna, Protinica Ljubica Jockovic, Protopresbyter Rodney Torbic, Popadija Sara Golic, Matushka Barbara Ealy, the child Katie Elizabeth and her parents Mileva and Michael Repasky, the child Metodija and his parents Fr. Dn. Milan and Mira Damljanovic, the child Louise Bare and her parents Zachary & Elizabeth, Shayle York and the newborn Šeren Lily, Emma Howell and the newborn Ana Lynn, Kyranna Baker and the newborn Avery Catherine, 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, Basil Havalchak, 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, Sandy Marijan, 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, 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, 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, Sophia Mummert, Kobe Petrovich, Christina Radanovic, Ioanna Radanovic, Madison Vorkapich, Anastasija Vukalo
Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Protopresbyter Srboljub Jockovic, Protopresbyter Alexander Veronis, Robert Bazdar, Ljuban Kosovac, John J Milakovic, Mileva Maran, Eva Orr
~Vigils Offered~
EMILIA RENEE AND DELILAH MARIE PETERSON Offered in joyful celebration of their Baptism. Their †Dedo Milan is watching joyfully from Heaven and no doubt very proud. Congratulations to Emilia and Delilah and their Kumovi Yovanka and Matthew Hoover. Ziveli na Mnogaja Ljeta! Offered with love by Baba Zorka Starcevich and the whole family.
EMILIA RENEE AND DELILAH MARIE PETERSON Offered joyfully and with Glory to God as our Godchildren are Baptized today. Ziveli na Mnogaja Ljeta! Given with love by Kuma/Teti Yovanka and Kum/Cousin Matthew Hoover.
STEPHANIE & MIKE YORK Offered in celebration of their Wedding Anniversary (August 20). With love from Mom and the family. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
SHAYLE YORK Offered in joyful celebration of her birthday (August 22). Happy birthday from Baba & family. God’s Blessings for many more! Mnogaja Ljeta!
ENDORA WOLF Offered joyfully as we celebrate the first birthday (August 23) of Endora Lucille with cake, candles & ice cream and with thanksgiving to our Lord, Jesus Christ for the gift of this sweet presence in our lives. Given with happiness and love by Mommy, Daddy, sisters Sonora & Ashtyn, cousin Baylor, Kum Tim, Kuma Belinda & the whole family. Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years!
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.
†DELORES GRUICH BRESKI Offered in loving memory of her birthday (August 22) by Kat and family. Vjecnaja Pamjat! Memory Eternal!
†MARA SUNAJKO Offered in loving memory of her repose (2 years—August 23) by the Sunajko and Kingsbury 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, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Sudan, China, North Korea, for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering throughout the world, especially in Ukraine and Russia, 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!
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Stewardship Offering Information
Date 8/13/2023
Collection: $3,654.00
Date 8/6/2023
Collection: $3,614.00
Date 7/30/2023
Collection: $2,695.00
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August Birthdays
Ross Spangler (Aug 1), Tim Hook (Aug 1), Father Ilija Balach (Aug 2), Kaitlyn Hook (Aug 2), Jela Nonkovic (Aug 3), Ted Yanich (Aug 4), Mike Healy (Aug 5), Chris Radanovic (Aug 7), Cathy Fagan (Aug 7), Dieter Geib (Aug 7), Igor Pejcic (Aug 7), Heather Heilman (Aug 9), Russ Hewitt (Aug 9), Bo Venesevich (Aug 11), Ioanna Radanovic (Aug 11), Theodore Sukernik (Aug 11), Victoria Fithian (Aug 11), Eva Sutkliffe (Aug 15), Marina Skinder (Aug 20), Stefan Gligorevic (Aug 21), Chase Hewitt (Aug 23), Endora Wolf (Aug 23), Chuck Belic (Aug 25), Vaciona Petrovich (Aug 25), Ferris Atty (Aug 27), Maryann Seiders (Aug 28), Chuck Miller (Aug 30), Florence Ivanoff
August Anniversaries
Chris & Beth Ann Radanovic (Aug 1), Duke & Sue Petrovich (Aug 9), Chuck & Jean Miller (Aug 9), Mike & Stephanie York (Aug 20), Dn. Bojan & Sladjana Gligorevic (Aug 31)
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PASTORAL EMERGENCY CALLS
As Father Christopher is still recovering from surgery, Proto Ilija Balach will be assisting with emergency calls. In case of pastoral emergency, please call or text Proto Ilija at 425.736.3016.
PARISH COUNCIL UPDATES
Please take some time to read and review the updates from the Parish Council in our Fall Messenger.
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, Father Chris is asking what aspects of the Faith you are interested in learning more about. Please email at fr.chris@stnicholassteelton.org, or call 717.939.0251 to offer your suggestions.
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
SAVE THE DATE—OCTOBER 28-29, 2023
SSS Josif Marinkovich 90th Anniversary Weekend! Concert, Banquet, Dance, etc. More information will follow!
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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 requests to the church office at office@stnicholassteelton.org
You may also call (717) 939-3872
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PARISH COUNCIL SUMMER UPDATE 2023
As the summer winds down, we wanted to provide the parish congregation with a general update on the many happenings during these past few months. First, we received notice in June from PPL, the electric company, of its intention to install a transmission line (underground or overhead) with a 30 foot right of way through the 5 acres of our property adjacent to the church parking lot; it is known as an easement. This would run diagonally through the field currently farmed by Ronald Keener of Elizabethtown (who has just paid us $500 for use of the field after we received nothing for many years because he assumed it was cemetery property). We have a choice of agreeing to this installation or PPL will institute eminent domain proceedings with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). In response, the council drafted a very detailed series of concerns, suggestions, etc. and provided them to PPL’s point of contact. To date there has been no response. Needless to say, should the easement be granted, we would be prevented from using this field in the future for such uses as senior citizen housing, a park (should Serb Park be leased or sold), etc. Our lawyers have been consulted. Stay tuned.
Second, we warmly welcome Zach Bare to the parish council as 2nd vice president, an important position that has been vacant for some 18 months. This position deals with maintenance, repair, oversight, etc. of the entire parish property. Zach’s wife Elizabeth sings in the parish choir and their two young daughters attend church school. He will work closely with Dave Milletics who has been effectively working in this role and (we hope and pray) will continue to assist. Congratulations Zach and thanks Dave!
Third, we will move forward this fall with the flooring installation in the church interior. Plans to install a painted design on the concrete surface of the altar area and ambon are not feasible. So we will proceed with a hybrid flooring consisting of some kind of non-carpeting in the altar down to the center table and extending down the center and side isles (laminate, tile, etc.). Carpeting will go under the pews as before and in the choir loft. Dave Milletics has just been appointed to chair this committee (as John Semic is busy with strategic vision). The next step will be to get exact measurements of what will be carpeting versus non-carpeting, decide on the type of non-carpeting flooring, and get bids from at least three companies (we had bids for carpeting only several years ago). The plan is to present the final bid to the congregation later this fall with installation (including the pews) before Pascha/Easter next year (May 2024).
Next, the “Burn the Mortgage” campaign is off to a strong start with $71,236 pledged and $66,351 received to date! As stated in the letter, the suggested donation is $3,000 per household; it was made clear that this is a suggestion only and that, as with the widow in the New Testament with just 2 mites (small coins), any and all contributions would be welcomed. Remember: God loves a cheerful giver! (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). A thermometer documenting the progress to date will be posted soon.
Finally, on behalf of the entire parish community, we congratulate Father Christopher, Protonica Andrea and their family on the 10th year anniversary of Father Chris’ appointment as rector of St. Nicholas Church. We are blessed by their leadership, hard work and dedication. And we also thank Father Ilija and Protonica Carol for assisting them especially as Father Chris continues to recover from his ankle surgery. Many years, Axios and God bless!
Turning to the strategic vision committee under the leadership of John Semic and Dr. Bev “Beba” Yanich, regular meetings have been occurring covering a wide range of topics. The parish congregation approved the committee earlier this year with the mandate to explore the broad range of goals and aims for the parish as it remains committed to serving Jesus Christ and His Holy Orthodox Church, and with particular focus on the best use of the parish property, including Serb Park. Recently the council approved a contract for what is known as an ALTA survey to be performed by a civil engineer; this is needed before any commercial property may be marketed for lease/purchase. The bid of James Hockenberry of $5,300 was significantly lower than the other 2 bids; we should receive it in September and then be in a position to present the survey to realtors,
developers, etc.
In other news, John met with the zoning/planning officer for Swatara Township over possible uses for the Serb Park property; he also provided a general update on other developments in the Eisenhower Boulevard corridor which is increasingly attractive for commercial use. Beba and Fr. Chris met with the Dauphin County wetlands official at Serb Park who had several ideas, mostly in the area of planting vegetation to preserve the property. And Zach Bare has been exploring possibilities for future lease of the current cell phone tower for which we currently receive nearly $700 per month; we have been advised by the tenant that it will be terminating the lease sometime in the future.
Earlier this summer the committee heard (and saw) a very stimulating Powerpoint presentation by our longtime parish treasurer, Chris Radanovic, consisting of various financial projections over the upcoming years depending upon different variables. It’s almost impossible to convey this presentation to the parish in writing so we plan to hold another congregational “open forum” early this fall at which Chris will give an updated version of the presentation and answer any questions; the committee will also be available to provide parishioners with the latest update on its work to date.
Last, we express our thanks to all those who have been maintaining the parish grounds during these summer months: from the flower beds around the entrance to the church and the church itself and hall to the mowing of all the grounds, including Serb Park. A special “shout out” to Jill & Brian Swartz for their hard work at Serb Park. The Serb Club held a very successful picnic at the end of July and we look forward to Serb Fest on Saturday, September 23rd. Please volunteer your time and talents. Hvala! And our church school program will resume this fall with a kick-off bar-b-que courtesy of the Mother’s Club on Saturday, September 9th. Parents please enroll your children now!
As always, feel free to contact me directly with any questions, issues, concerns, etc. as we are always open to the congregation and stewards for suggestions and advice – emails: tsarnick3@aol.com or nressetar@pa.gov; or mobile phone: 717.503.6759; send mail to 1510 Green Street, Harrisburg, PA
17102-2511. Glory to God for all things!
Yours in the Lord’s service,
Nick Ressetar
Parish Council President
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