Sunday after the Nativity of Christ
Celebrating the Holy Righteous Joseph the Betrothed,
Apostle James the Brother of the Lord, and the Holy Prophet King David
St. Nicholas Bulletin - January 10, 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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A Nativity Message
from His Grace, +IRINEJ,
Bishop of the Eastern American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church
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+IRINEJ
BY THE GRACE OF GOD
BISHOP OF EASTERN AMERICA
Most beloved clergy and monastics, sons and daughters, faithful children of the Eastern American Diocese of our Most Holy Serbian Orthodox Church:
GOD’S PEACE — CHRIST IS BORN!
And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold,
I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people;
for to you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord”…
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts
praising God and singing, “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among men of good will!”
(Lk. 2:10-11, 13-14)
This year, as we celebrate the glorious and joy-filled Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, it seems that the entirety of humankind and, in verity, Earth itself is passing through a labyrinth of anxiety and fear of the unprecedented Coronavirus pandemic. Yet, the angelic hosts on this Christmas Eve with their sweet song to the new-born Divine Child, dispel every semblance of darkness and hopelessness, singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of good will!” And the Holy Nicholai of Zhicha and Ochrid, a saint of Christian origin and God-wise Serbian bishop, as though himself singing with them, noted: “In a word, we who traverse the earth are not alone in our travels. God is with us and all the heavenly hosts! Emmanuel! God with us!” (Emmanuel, Belgrade, 2000).
Though we, most beloved, on the eve and day of the Feast of the Nativity at the liturgical services of our Holy Church will be in significantly limited numbers, we cannot forget even then, with a humbled heart and with grateful songs of Christmas joy, to kneel before the cradle of the Divine Christ Child and bow to the limitless grandeur of the Word of God. Let us receive the all-embracing breadth of God the Logos, Who even now does not shy away from us and from our fragile human nature. For He, Himself, was born as a helpless child at a time when the entire world was in turmoil. He became incarnate in that world, in order to overcome the world!
Many of our festal gatherings this year, most beloved, will be more intimate than in years past. So many traditional, family get-togethers and customs, gifts and presents will have been set aside this year. However, even at this Christmas time, though we will be without our beloved Christmas family traditions, as we celebrate, we must never turn away our collective gaze from the One who sits on the Cherubic Throne. For today the Virgin, in a cave, on straw, among animals, gives birth and lays in a manger Him above Whom the Righteous Joseph keeps watch. Together they offer him shelter and protection, comfort and love. And as our troubled planet offers the King of Peace its gift of a cave, the gift of humanity must be our gratitude for all that we have, such that our hearts can receive the Christ Child, Who is the greatest gift of all.
The hearts of all of us, who are faithful members of the Serbian Orthodox Church, still grieve at the loss of our Serbian Patriarch and father Irinej, as well as Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral. The recent repose of these two hierarchs, who have always shown us how to walk in the light, has greatly shaken all Orthodox Christianity. Let us pray, therefore, to the Divine Christ Child, that the angelic words to the shepherds in Bethlehem “do not be afraid”, will dispel all sorrow and sighing.
In foretelling the coming of the Messiah, the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah wrote: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined” (Is. 9:2). Our sincere prayer is for all of you without exception, most beloved, that Christ, Who is the only True Light of this world, and the One Who with the glowing warmth of His embodied love dispels and scatters all our weakness, this hallowed Christmas night will gather around His manger love, unity and peace. May He, Who is mystically born this evening in a cave, become our shelter and protector, comfort and joy in these times of uncertainty, as He opens wide the doors to a brighter and more radiant future!
With paternal love in our heart, we invoke upon all of you, our dear and beloved spiritual children, the mercy, grace and blessing of the City of David, joyfully exclaiming from all Our heart:
GOD'S PEACE – CHRIST IS BORN!
INDEED, HE IS BORN!
Given in New York, at Christmas in the year 2020.
Your humble intercessor before the crib of the Divine Infant,
+IRINEJ
BISHOP OF EASTERN AMERICA
THE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
+ИРИНЕЈ
ПО МИЛОСТИ БОЖЈОЈ
ЕПИСКОП ИСТОЧНОАМЕРИЧКИ
Најљубљеније свештенство и монаштво, синови и кћери, верна чада Епархије источноамеричке и наше најсветије Српске Православне Цркве:
МИР БОЖЈИ – ХРИСТОС СЕ РОДИ!
И рече им анђео: „Не бојте се; јер вам, ево, јављам радост велику
која ће бити свему народу.Јер вам се данас роди Спас,
који је Христос Господ, у граду Давидову”…
И уједанпут са анђелом се појави мноштво војске небеске,
који хваљаху Бога говорећи: „Слава на висини Богу,
и на земљи мир, међу људима добра воља!”
(Јеванђељe по Луки, 2:10-11;13-14)
Ове године, док славимо величанствено и сверадосно Оваплоћење Господа и Спаса нашег Исуса Христа, у времену када васцело човечанство, а уистину и сама Земља, пролазе кроз лавиринте неспокоја и стрепњи од, до сада незабележене пандемије вируса короне, хорови светих бестелесних сила ове Божићне ноћи својом слаткопојном песмом Новорођеном Богомладенцу, прогоне сваки дух таме и безнађа, појући: „Слава Богу на висини и на земљи мир међу људима добра воља!“ А свети Николај Жички и Охридски, светац хришћанског рода и богомудри владика српски, као да и сам са њима поје: Једном речју ми земаљски путници нисмо сами на путу своме. С нама је Бог и сва војска небесна! Емануил! С нама Бог! (Емануил, Београд 2000.г.)
Иако ће нас, најмилији, у навечерје и на дан празника Рођења Христовог на богослужењима наше свете Цркве овога пута бити у доста мањем броју, немојмо заборавити да и тада, скрушеног срца и са благодарном песмом Божићњег радосног дана, клекнемо пред јасле Богомладенца Христа и поклонимо се безграничној величини Речи Божје, примивши у себе свеобухватну ширину Бога Логоса, Који ни сада не зазире од нас и од наше крхке људске природе. Јер је и Сам рођен као беспомоћно одојче у времену када се читав свет налазио у константном превирању. У том свету се оваплотио, да би исти надвладао!
Многа наша празнична сабрања ове године, најљубљенији, биће приснија од претходних. Много традиционалних, породичних окупљања и обичаја, даровâ и поклонâ, ове године остаће по страни. Ипак, и овог Божића, иако лишени свима нам драгих, Божићњих породичних традиција, не смемо одвраћати свој поглед са Онога који седи на Херувимском Престолу. Јер данас Дјева, у пећини, на сену, и међу животињама, рађа и полаже у јасле Онога над Којим будно бди праведни Јосиф. Заједно Му дарују уточиште и заштиту, утеху и љубав. И док наша неспокојна планета Цару мира нуди свој дар пећине, дар људског рода мора бити наша благодарност за све оно што имамо, како би срца наша могла примити дете Христа, Који је највећи дар од свих.
Срца свих нас, верних чланова Српске Православне Цркве, још увек оплакују упокојење Српског Патријарха и оца нашег Иринеја и Митрополита црногорско-приморског Амфилохија. Недавно упокојење ове двојице јерараха Цркве Христове, који су нам увек указивали истински пут светлости, увелико је потресло цело православно хришћанство. Молимо се стога Богомладенцу Христу, да кроз анђеоске речи витлејемским пастирима „не бојте се“, данас одагна сваку тугу и уздисај.
Пророкујући долазак Месије, старозаветни пророк Исаија пише: „Народ који ходи у тами видеће видело велико, и онима који седе у земљи где је смртни сен засветлиће видело“ (Ис. 9, 2). Наша је усрдна молитва за све вас без изузетка, најљубљенији, да нас Христос, Који је једина Истинита Светлост овога света, и Онај Који ужареном топлином Његове отелотворене љубави распршује и одгони сваку немоћ људску, ове свете Божићне ноћи сакупи око Његових јасала љубави, слоге и мира. Да нам Он, Који се ноћас чудесно у пећини рађа, постане уточиште и заштитник, утеха и радост у овим временима неизвесности, широм отварајући нам врата ка светлијој и блиставијој будућности!
С очинском љубављу у срцу, призивамо на све вас, Наша драга и мила духовна чада, милост, благодат и благослов града Давидовог, радосно, и из свег срца узвикујући:
МИР БОЖЈИ – ХРИСТОС СЕ РОДИ!
ВАИСТИНУ СЕ РОДИ!
Дано у Њујорку, о Божићу 2020. године.
Ваш скрушени молитвеник пред колевком Богомладенца,
+ИРИНЕЈ
ЕПИСКОП ИСТОЧНОАМЕРИЧКИ
СРПСКЕ ПРАВОСЛАВНЕ ЦРКВЕ
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RESURRECTION 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 captured hell, not being tempted by it. You came to the Virgin, granting life. O Lord, Who rose from the dead, glory to You.
NATIVITY TROPARION—TONE 4
Your Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone to the world the light of wisdom! For by it, those who worshipped the stars, were taught by a star to adore You, the Sun of righteousness, and to know You, the Orient from on high. O Lord, glory to You!
RIGHTEOUS ONES TROPARION—TONE 2
Proclaim the wonder, O Joseph, to David, the ancestor of God; you saw a Virgin great with child; you gave glory with the shepherds; you worshipped with the Magi; you received the news from the Angel. Pray to Christ God to save our souls!
RIGHTEOUS ONES KONTAKION - TONE 3
Today godly David is filled with joy; Joseph and James offer praise. The glorious crown of their kinship with Christ fills them with great joy. They sing praises to the One ineffably born on earth, and they cry out: “O Compassionate One, save those who honor You!”
NATIVITY KONTAKION - TONE 3
Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One, and the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One. Angels with shepherds glorify Him; the Wise Men journey with the star, since for our sake the eternal God was born as a little Child!
Instead of “It is truly meet,” we sing: TONE 1
Magnify, O my soul, the Most-Pure Virgin Theotokos, more honorable and more glorious than the heavenly hosts.
I behold a strange, most glorious mystery: heaven—the cave; the cherubic throne—the Virgin; the manger—the place where Christ lay—the uncontainable God, Whom we magnify in song.
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~Scripture Readings of the Day~ |
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READERS:
Matins: Nicholas Ressetar Epistle: Stefan Gligorevic
Matins Next Week: Lenny Tepsich Epistle Next Week: Marijana Rocknage
EPISTLE: Galatians 1: 11-20
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 Hebrews.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, I make known to you, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: 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: Галаћанима 1:11-19
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 посланице Светога апостола Павла Галатима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, дајем вам на знање, да јеванђеље које сам ја благовијестио, није од човјека; Нити га ја примих од човјека, нити научих, него откривењем Исуса Христа. Јер сте чули моје живљење некад у Јудејству, да одвише гоних Цркву Божију и пустоших је. И напредовах у Јудејству више од многих врсника својих у роду своме, будући одвише ревнитељ за своја отачка предања. А када благоволи Бог, који ме изабра од утробе матере моје и призва благодаћу својом, да објави Сина својега у мени, да га благовијестим међу незнабошцима, тога часа не питах тијела и крви, нити изиђох у Јерусалим онима који су били апостоли прије мене, него отидох у Арабију, и опет се вратих у Дамаск. А потом, након три године, изиђох у Јерусалим да видим Петра, и остадох код њега петнаест дана. А другога од апостола не видјех, осим Јакова брата Господњега.
Свештеник: Мир ти 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 2: 13-23
At that time, when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: “A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted because they are no more.”
Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Матеј 2: 13-23
Кад мудраци отидоше, а то анђео Господњи јави се Јосифу у сну и рече: Устани, узми дијете и матер његову, па бјежи у Египат, и буди ондје док ти не кажем: јер ће Ирод тражити дијете да га погуби. И он уставши, узе дијете и матер његову ноћу и отиде у Египат. И би тамо до смрти Иродове – да се испуни што је Господ рекао преко пророка који говори: Из Египта дозвах сина својега. Тада Ирод, видјев да су га мудраци преварили, разгњеви се веома и посла те погуби сву дјецу по Витлејему и по свој околини његовој од двије године и ниже, по времену које је тачно дознао од мудраца. Тада се испуни што је рекао пророк Јеремија говорећи: Глас у Рами чу се, плач и ридање и нарицање много, Рахиља оплакује дјецу своју, и неће да се утјеши, јер их нема. А по смрти Иродовој, гле, анђео Господњи јави се у сну Јосифу у Египту. И рече: Устани, узми дијете и матер његову и иди у земљу Израиљеву; јер су помрли они који су тражили душу дјетета. А он уставши, узе дијете и матер његову, и дође у земљу Израиљеву. Али чувши да Архелај царује у Јудеји умјесто Ирода, оца својега, побоја се онамо ићи, него, примивши у сну заповијест, отиде у крајеве галилејске. И дошавши настани се у граду званом Назарет, да се испуни што су рекли пророци да ће се Назарећанин назвати.
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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.
DEADLINE IS APPROACHING
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 January 17!
SPECIAL THANKS TO GOD
I want to thank my St Nicholas Church family for their prayers during my recent surgery. I am feeling well, but the road to a full recovery is a long one. Your continued prayers and thoughts are most appreciated. I love being with you all virtually for our worship services, but cannot wait to see your beautiful faces in person. Special thanks to Fr Chris! In Christ’s love, Linda Wolf.
I wanted to take a moment to thank all my fellow parishioners for your prayers, phone calls, cards, care packages, and other acts of kindness after my emergency surgery and recovery. I have recovered and am back on the soccer field, but am still in rehabilitation for a few more months. God bless you all. Mnogo Hvala! Love, Matthew Hoover
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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Synaxarion
Sunday, January 10, 2021
Sunday after the Nativity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ
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On the Sunday after the Birth of Christ, we commemorate the Holy and Righteous Joseph the Betrothed, James the Brother of God, and David the Prophet and King. Verses To Joseph. I honor Joseph the betrothed of the Virgin, As her sole elected guardian. To James. You were not only a carpenter's child, but the brother of the Lord, Who built all things by His word, blessed one. To David. Who will I declare, as a witness before the Lord, David being found of His own heart? David the Prophet and King was the son of Jesse. He was taught the Law of the Lord by the Prophet Nathan from Gibeah, who prophesied for forty years, which was 999 years before the advent of Christ. Nathan foreknew that David wanted to transgress the Law of the Lord, and commit adultery with Bathsheba. As he made haste to go and tell him of his future sin, he was hindered in this by the envious devil in the following manner. By the road he found a dead man who had been murdered lying naked, and he remained there to bury him. During that time, David committed the sin. Knowing this, Nathan returned to his home weeping and in sorrow. When David killed Uriah, the husband of Bathsheba, the Lord sent the Prophet Nathan to him in order to rebuke him. David repented and wept much for these two sins, and after he grew very old he died and was buried with his fathers. Regarding Joseph the Betrothed and his son James the Brother of God, everyone knows, as we learn of them in the divine Scriptures. Their Synaxis takes place in the Great Church, and in the apostolic Temple of the Holy Apostle James the Brother of God, within the revered home of the Most Holy Theotokos in Chalkoprateia. Apolytikion in the Second Tone Proclaim the wonder, O Joseph, to David, the ancestor of God: you saw a Virgin great with Child, you gave glory with the shepherds, you venerated with the Magi, you received the news from the angel. Pray to Christ God to save our souls. Kontakion in the Third Tone Today godly David is filled with joy; Joseph and James offer praise. The glorious crown of their kinship with Christ fills them with great joy. They sing praises to the One ineffably born on earth, and they cry out: O Compassionate One, save those who honor You.
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