Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
St. Nicholas Bulletin - August 8, 2021
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Christ is in our midst! Христос међу нама! Cristo esta entra nosotros! |
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Homily for the 7th Sunday
from Fr. Seraphim (Iguman of Holy Cross Monastery)
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In the Epistle appointed for this Sunday, we hear St. Paul instructing us in a very important truth concerning the Holy Scriptures: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Such an understanding of the Scriptures is absolutely foundational to the Christian life: the Divine Scriptures are not merely stories about events that occurred halfway around the world many thousands of years ago, nor are they a collection of abstract and intellectual propositions concerning abstruse systems of theology. No, quite the contrary: every single word written in the Scriptures has a direct and immediate relevance for every human soul. Indeed, each line in Sacred Scripture is far more significant and vital than all the worldly concerns and preoccupations which we so often assume to constitute “real life.”
Yet the true meaning of St. Paul’s saying that “we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” can only be apprehended by paying attention to what he had just exhorted us to do in the preceding sentence: “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, the reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.” In other words, the comfort and hope of the Scriptures consist precisely in their call to ascetic self-denial and to the patient and joyful bearing of reproaches, in imitation of the radical and self-emptying love shown to us by Christ our True God.
What a striking contrast this is to the wisdom of the world, and to the false and comfortable doctrines of the pseudo-Christianity which we see everywhere around us today. In fact, the modern world can even be summarized as being the systematic effort to maximize pleasure and to eliminate reproach. Nothing could possibly be so scandalous to the modern world as to teach that pleasure is harmful and that reproaches are needful. Yet such is the message of the Gospel. Such is the way of the Cross. And it is precisely through the Cross that joy has come to all the world.
Because for all its pleasures, the modern world knows precious little of joy. For all its globalism, multiculturalism, and unprecedented technological interconnectedness, the modern age is nevertheless defined precisely by loneliness and isolation. The more the world has attained to outward and obvious progress and success, the more it has suffered from a hidden and inward decay and death. Everything has come to pass according to the sure and certain word of the Lord: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.”
Here is the one and only way in which “we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope”: in the laying down of our life for the sake of Christ. Our comfort is not in the empty pleasures of this world. Our hope is not in the vain desires of this world. Our comfort is to suffer the sufferings of Christ. Our hope is to die the death of Christ. Our joy is to love with the love of Christ, a love which is totally self-emptying and which holds absolutely nothing back.
So if we find ourselves without comfort, if we find ourselves lacking in patience, if we find ourselves unable to perceive our hope, then let us ask ourselves one simple question: have I truly been striving to serve others, or have I merely been pleasing myself? If we find ourselves depressed or dry or forlorn, let us ask ourselves: have I been following the holy example of our Lord Jesus Christ and bearing patiently and joyfully the reproaches of others, or have I instead been following the example of the world in desiring only honor, love, and praise, no matter how little such is deserved?
In the Gospel appointed for this Sunday, Christ heals two blind men and, in His divine humility, warns them not to speak to anyone about this miracle. Afterward he heals a man who is demon-possessed, only to be slandered by the Pharisees who accuse Him of accomplishing this by being in league with Satan. Thus the Savior by His own life and example perfectly illustrates the teaching given in the Epistle by St. Paul: He labors patiently and lovingly for the sake of others, while avoiding praise and peacefully accepting the vilest and most unjust of reproaches. Let us, then, who wish to participate in His divine life participate also in His deeds and, above all, in His humility.
If we only make a beginning in this, then the Lord will by no means fail to quickly send to us patience, comfort, and hope. And we will realize the truth stated by Abbot Nikon (Vorobiev): “when we have cleansed ourselves with repentance, we shall see that the misfortunes sent to us were actually signs of the Lord’s mercy and love for us. And we shall understand that we need these more than all the good things of the world.” To our God be honor and dominion, always, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
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Commemorating St Sava III of Serbia, the Repose of St Jacob Netsvetov Enlightener of the Peoples of Alaska, Hieromartyr Hermolaus and Martyrs Hermippus and Hermocrates at Nicomedia, Martyr Paraskeva of Rome, Venerable Moses the Hungarian of the Kiev Near Caves, Venerable Gerontius of St Anne Skete Mt Athos,
RESURRECTIONAL TROPARION—TONE 6
The angelic powers were at Your tomb; the guards became as dead men. Mary stood by Your grave, seeking Your most pure body. You took captive hell, not being tempted by it. You came to the Virgin, granting life. O Lord, Who rose from the dead, glory to You.
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.
ST JACOB TROPARION—TONE 4
O righteous Father Jacob, adornment of Atka and the Yukon Delta; thou didst offer thyself as a living sacrifice to bring light to a searching people. Offspring of Russian America, flower of brotherly unity, healer of sickness and terror of demons: O Holy Father Jacob, pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved!
RESURRECTIONAL KONTAKION—TONE 6
When Christ God the Giver of Life, raised all of the dead from the valleys of misery with His mighty hand, He bestowed resurrection on the human race. He is the Savior of all, the Resurrection, the Life, and the God of all.
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:
Matins: Lenny Tepsic Epistle: Dasha Gencturk
Matins Next Week: Milan Radanovic Epistle Next Week: Natalija Gligorevic
EPISTLE: Romans 15: 1-7
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the Sixth 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 Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Romans.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, we then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the heavenly God.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: He will say to the Lord: “My Protector and my Refuge; my God, in Whom I trust.”
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: Римљанима 15: 1-7
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 Боже мој, вапим: 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
Читач: Читање је од посланице Светог апостола Павла до Римљанима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, дужни смо пак ми јаки слабости слабих носити, и не себи угађати. Сваки од нас нека угађа ближњему на добро ради напретка. Јер и Христос не угоди себи, него као што је писано: Ружења оних који руже тебе падоше на мене. Јер што се раније написа за нашу се поуку написа, да кроз трпљење и утјехом Писма имамо наду. А Бог трпљења и утјехе нека вам да исто да мислите међу собом по Христу Исусу, Да би једнодушно, једним устима славили Бога и Оца Господа нашега Исуса Христа. Зато примајте један другога. као што је и Христос примио вас на славу Божију.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Који живи у закону Вишњега, у сјени Свемогућега почива.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Говори Господу: Ти си уточиште моје и бранич мој, Бог мој, у кога се уздам.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Matthew 9: 27-35
At that time, when Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, “Son of David, have mercy on us!” And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, “See that no one knows it.” But when they had departed, they spread the news about Him in all that country. As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed. And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke. And the multitudes marveled, saying, “It was never seen like this in Israel!” But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.” Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Матеј 9: 27-35
А када је Исус одлазио оданде, за њим иђаху два слијепца вичући и говорећи: Помилуј нас, сине Давидов! А када дође у кућу, приступише му слијепци, и рече им Исус: Вјерујете ли да могу то учинити? А они му рекоше: Да, Господе. Тада се дохвати очију њихових говорећи: По вјери вашој нека вам буде. И отворише им се очи. И запријети им Исус говорећи: Гледајте да нико не дозна! А они изишавши, разгласише га по свој земљи оној. Када пак они излажаху, гле, доведоше му човјека нијема и бјесомучна. И пошто изагна демона, проговори нијеми. И дивљаше се народ говорећи: Никада се то није видјело у Израиљу. А фарисеји говораху: Помоћу кнеза демонског изгони демоне. И прохођаше Исус по свим градовима и селима учећи по синагогама њиховим и проповиједајући јеванђеље о Царству, и исцјељујући сваку болест и сваку немоћ у народу.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ |
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August Birthdays
Ross Spangler (Aug 1), Tim Hook (Aug 1), Kaitlyn Hook (Aug 2), Protostavrophor Ilija Balach (Aug 2), Mara Sunajko (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), Russ Hewitt (Aug 9), Bo Venesevich (Aug 11), Ioanna Radanovic (Aug 11), Theodore Sukernik (Aug 11), Victoria Fithian (Aug 11), Tracey Stanovich (Aug 15), Eva Sutkliffe (Aug 15), Marina Skinder (Aug 20), Stefan Gligorevic (Aug 21), Chase Hewitt (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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FELLOWSHIP HOUR TODAY
Today's Fellowship Hour is sponsored by the Kolo Srpska Sestara. Thanks, dear sisters!
RESUMING ACTIVITIES
This September we will resume our curriculum for Church School (youth and adult), Folklore (youth and adult), and Choir. All organizations are also encouraged to begin actively meeting again. May God bless our efforts as we begin to reunite in community!
SAVE THE DATE
Serb Fest is returning this year to an in-person event! The date will be Saturday, September 18th from 11am to 6pm. Plan on a wonderful day of good food, music and fun! A mailer will be coming out shortly with more information.
MOTHER’S CLUB KIOSK
Don’t forget to check out the new greeting cards available at the Mother’s Club Kiosk in the Lobby!
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August Charity
Zoe for Life
Many women are fortunate to have the love and support structure to lead them to marriage, children, and a meaningful life. Others, however, are from different circumstances, and may find themselves in crisis because of an unplanned pregnancy. Their situation may have them in turmoil and panic, where healthy decisions are difficult to make. ZOE for Life!® serves as a conduit, guiding women to a wider range of support organizations, providing an attractive set of options and a promising outlook on their situation. There is counseling, housing referral assistance, referral for prenatal care, adoption and other services available for which most women in distress are unaware. It is the goal of ZOE for Life!® to offer more opportunities to women in unplanned pregnancies, and to empower them to make decisions everyone can live with. ZOE for Life!® is a pan-Orthodox outreach of Orthodox Christians. It is funded privately, and has received 501(c)(3) status from the Internal Revenue Service. All gifts are tax-deductible as specified by law.
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