19th Sunday after Pentecost
St. Nicholas Bulletin - October 31, 2021
Christ is in our midst! Христос међу нама! Cristo esta entra nosotros!
Homily on the Second Sunday of Luke

from Fr. Anthony Hughes, Cambridge, MA
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, one God. Amen.
Glory to Jesus Christ!

Jesus left us no writings and no dogmas. He left us a simple message displayed in both His words and His deeds. "Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and your neighbor as yourself." That's it. Jesus left us with a way of life.

"Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisee you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven."

Jesus sets the bar very high. As high as it can possibly go. It is not enough to have good intentions. Jesus asks us to have better-than-good intentions and to live them out in concrete ways. The Lord always cuts to the quick, not satisfied in a change of behavior alone, but calling for a change of mind. The Ten Commandments say we should not kill, but Jesus goes further saying that we should not even allow anger to gain a foothold in our hearts. We may get angry with someone and not murder them and that is good, but the spiritual life is meant for the total eradication of evil thoughts so that sin may have no place in us to grow at all. So when an angry thought rises from the storehouse of our souls, we meet it and deal with it before it takes root and grows. If we do that, then there is no sin, no suffering and no crime. The Liturgy calls us to both "think and do what is pleasing to God." This transformation of mind and heart is not an instantaneous thing; it is a process over which we have some real control. Once the mind and heart are transformed the results are amazing.

St. Paul writes in his letter to Titus, "To the pure all things are pure but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted." That is, the pure in heart project from inside themselves purity. They are so filled with God they bless those who curse them and do good to those who seek to despitefully use them just as Jesus did. They notice the suffering of people, but do not judge them, knowing that if they act out in unfortunate ways it is because of their suffering, or fear, or ignorance. The saints pray for the healing of sinners and their enlightenment so that the suffering that causes unhealthy thoughts and actions may cease.

Listen to these quotes from St. Nikitas Stethatos and St. Maximus the Confessor.

The nature of things is measured by the interior disposition of the soul; that is, the kind of person one is will determine what he thinks of others. He who has attained to genuine prayer and love no longer puts things into categories. He does not separate the righteous from sinners, but loves all equally, and does not judge them, just as God gives the sun to shine and the rain to fall both on the just and the unjust.

The one who is perfect in love and has reached the summit of detachment knows no distinction between one's own and another's, between faithful and unfaithful, between slave and freeman, or indeed between male and female. But...having risen above the tyranny of the passions and looking to the one nature of men he regards all equally and is equally disposed toward all. For in him there is neither Greek nor Jew, neither male nor female, neither slave nor freeman, but Christ is everything and in everything.

Amazing isn't it?
 
We must struggle to purify our hearts and mind and strive to put pure intentions into action. One real test of faith is how much we love our enemies. Another is how many strings there are attached to our charity. If we follow Christ, we will have no enemies and there should be no strings attached to our giving. We should not expect nor desire to be paid back for any kindness we perform. Jesus goes even further by saying that we should give secretly, so that no one even knows what we are doing. "Let the right not know what the left hand is doing." To be loving as God is loving, forgiving as God is forgiving, merciful as God is merciful, to be blind to class, ethnicity and any other distinction that might cause to be repulsed by another.
 
So what are we doing? Are our lives governed by the plain meaning of these words or by something else?
 
We are called to rise above what is "typical" human behavior. We are not called to be just good human beings, but perfect human beings. "The glory of God is a human being fully realized." To be a perfect human being is to be like God. Anything in our thoughts and behavior that doesn't reflect the love of God is to be discarded and repented.

And now my favorite quote of the year. Many of you have heard it before, but please hear it again.

Then it was as if I suddenly saw the secret beauty of their hearts, the depth of their hearts where neither sin nor desire nor self-knowledge can reach, the core of their reality, the person that each one is in the eyes of the Divine. If only they could all see themselves as they really are. If only we could see each other that way all the time. There would be no more war, no more hatred, no more cruelty, no more greed....I suppose the big problem would be that we would fall down and worship each other.
Thomas Merton

~Hymnography of the Day~
Commemorating Apostle and Evangelist Luke, St Peter of Cetinje, St David of Serpukhov, St James the Deacon, Martyr Marinus the Elder at Anazarbus, Venerable Julian the Hermit of Mesopotamia, Venerable Joseph the Wonderworker Igumen of Volokolamsk

RESURRECTION 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!”

APOSTLE LUKE TROPARION—TONE 5
Let us praise with sacred songs the holy Apostle Luke, the recorder of the joyous Gospel of Christ and the scribe of the Acts of the Apostles, for his writings are a testimony of the Church of Christ: He is the physician of human weaknesses and infirmities. He heals the wounds of our souls, and constantly intercedes for our salvation!

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.

HOLY PETAR OF CETINJE—TONE 8
Today let all Orthodox gather and solemnly rejoice, and to see the all honorable and glorious virtues, labors and deeds of the praised pastor and teacher, the most holy candlestick, the praised pastor and teacher, Petar, great among the hierarchs from Montenegro: For the Lord made him wonderful among His Saints, manifesting him to be truly incorruptible after four years buried in the earth: Through his prayers, Christ God, save our souls.

RESURRECTION KONTAKION—TONE 2
Hell became afraid, O Almighty Savior, seeing the miracle of Thy Resurrection from the tomb! The dead arose! Creation, with Adam, beheld this and rejoiced with Thee! And the world, O my Savior, praises Thee forever.

HYMN OF THE THEOTOKOS—TONE 6
Steadfast Protectress of Christians, Constant Advocate before the Creator; despise not the cry of us sinners, but in your goodness come speedily to help us who call on you in faith. Hasten to hear our petition and to intercede for us, O Theotokos, for you always protect those who honor you!

~Scripture Readings of the Day~
READERS:
Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Matthew Hoover
Matins Sunday, November 14: Nick Ressetar Epistle Next Week: Aleksandra Saran

EPISTLE: 2 Corinthians 11:31 - 12:9

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 Second Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Corinthians.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.  In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands. It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
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:  2 Коринћанима 11:31 - 12:9

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 друге посланице Светог апостола Павла до Коринћанима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, Бог и Отац Господа нашега Исуса Христа, који је благословен ва вијек, зна да не лажем. У Дамаску намјесник цара Арете чуваше град Дамаск желећи да ме ухвати, и спустише ме кроз прозор у котарици преко зида те избјегох из његових руку. Не користи ми да се хвалим, јер ћу доћи на виђења и откривења Господња. Знам човјека у Христу који прије четрнаест година – да ли у тијелу, не знам, да ли изван тијела, не знам, Бог зна – би однесен до трећега неба. И знам да тај човјек – да ли у тијелу, да ли изван тијела, не знам, Бог зна – Би однесен у рај и чу неисказане ријечи које човјеку није допуштено говорити. Таквим ћу се хвалити, а самим собом нећу се хвалити, осим ако немоћима својим. Јер кад бих се и хтио хвалити, не бих био безуман, јер бих истину казао; али се уздржавам, да не би ко помислио за мене више од онога што види у мени, или чује од мене. И да се не бих погордио због мноштва откривења, даде ми се жалац у тијело, анђео сатанин, да ми пакости, да се не поносим. За њега трипут Господа молих, да одступи од мене; и рече ми: Доста ти је благодат моја; јер се сила моја у немоћи показује савршена. Зато ћу се најрадије хвалити својим немоћима, да се усели у мене сила Христова.
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
LITURGY GOSPEL:  
Luke 6: 31-36

The Lord said, Just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.


ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:   
Лука 6: 31-36

Рече Господ, како хоћете да вама чине људи, чините тако и ви њима. И ако љубите оне који вас љубе, каква вам је хвала? Јер и грјешници љубе оне који њих љубе. И ако чините добро онима који вама чине добра, каква вам је хвала? Јер и грјешници чине тако. И ако дајете у зајам онима од којих се надате да ћете добити, каква вам је хвала? Јер и грјешници грјешницима дају у зајам да добију опет онолико. Него љубите непријатеље своје, и чините добро, и дајите у зајам не надајући се ничему; и плата ће вам бити велика, и бићете синови Свевишњега, јер је он благ и према незахвалнима и злима. Будите, дакле, милостиви као и Отац ваш што је милостив.






~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~
November Birthdays
Vadim Reznitchenko (Nov 2), Calvin Filepas (Nov 5), Dori & Doug Bert (Nov 6), Mila Ann Livingston (Nov 6), Jim Werner (Nov 9), Marko Rocknage (Nov 11), Tomislav Gligorevic (Nov 13), Leann Cox (Nov 13), Trenton Petrovich Jr, (Nov 13), Philip Lamancusa (Nov 15), Helen Kapac (Nov 16), Dori Barry (Nov 16), Matt Healy (Nov 18), Millie Yezdimir (Nov 19), Tomislav Lojpur (Nov 19), Michelle Kingsbury (Nov 20), Michael Dean Stefan (Nov 21), Brian Lewis Sr (Nov 21), Brandon Mumma (Nov 22), Dianne Martin (Nov 23), Marko Miljkovic (Nov 24), Fr Srboljub Jockovich (Nov 29), Eva Stimac (Nov 29)

November Anniversaries
Danielle & Joseph VanHuysen (Nov 4), Paula & Jim Werner (Nov 5), Nicholas & Joann Hernjak (Nov 5), Mira & Milijan Lukic (Nov 11), Doni & Steve Cashman (Nov 21), Nick & Terry Govelovich (Nov 23)   

~Bulletin Board~
100th Anniversary
of the First Serbian Diocese
in North America
 
On Saturday, November 6 and Sunday, November 7, in recognition of the celebration for the first Serbian Orthodox Diocese in North America, there will be no services at St. Nicholas. All are encouraged to attend the proscribed celebrations in the Diocesan schedule at St. Elijah in Aliquippa and Holy Trinity Cathedral in Pittsburgh, PA.

For reservations to the Gala Banquet, click this link:
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Fr. Christopher will be undergoing a surgical procedure on November 5. Pastoral emergencies will be covered by Proto Ilija Balach 425.736.3016, Fr. Steven Vernak 717.602.0504, and Fr. Timothy Hojniki 717.645.5281 from November 6—November 14.

CHURCH SCHOOL REGISTRATION
Please do not forget to register your children for Church School. The registration link can be found at: https://goo.gl/forms/xsYDlxcOMs1I9das2 Or, by filling out a form at the Tutor’s stand.

ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES POSTPONED
The Bible Study and Orthodoxy in Practice classes will be postponed until November 15 and 17, respectively. Thank you for your understanding.

ADULT FOLKLORE (POSTPONED)
As there has been no attendance for the first two rehearsals of adult folklore, we will be postponing the start of the class for the time being. We will revisit this in the future if there is continued interest.

SOTAYA ČEVAPI SALE
Our SOTAYA Group is once again selling frozen packs of cevapi at $12/pack (32 pieces). To order see Dn. Bojan Gligorevic, Matthew Hoover, or call the office at 717.939.3872.

SAVE THE DATE
The Mothers Club will be holding a meeting on November 14 after Liturgy. All members are urged to attend.

BREEZE CHURCH MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
Many stewards of St. Nicholas have been asking for a better way to connect to the church. The Council has been researching this and decided to use a program called BREEZE for our church management software. We have been using this program to keep track of donations and income. 
But there is much more available to us.
BREEZE will allow us to receive giving through smartphones, online donations, and many other ways of giving. It also allows us to utilize SMS messaging (mass text messages to all cell phones). If we have your number, we will be sending a text message in order to confirm whether you would like to participate in this program. There is no additional cost to use this function for the Church, although standard text message rates may apply. If we do not have your number, feel free to call or email the office to sign up for this program.
 

CHOIR SOUP & POGACA SALE
 
Orders due Sunday, October 24th
Pick Up Sunday, October 31st
 
Please place orders with Yovanka Hoover (717-623-8588) or give order forms to Daria in the church office (forms are available at the tutors stand)
By the Quart:
                         Chicken Paprikas: $10                 Posno Veggie: $ 8
Beef Stew: $10               Pogaca: $ 4 per loaf 


MOTHER’S CLUB NUT ROLL SALE

It’s time again for the Mother’s Club Nut and Poppy Seed Roll sale

Rolls are $20 each and the last day to order will be Sunday, October 31st

Order forms are available at the tutors stand and can be turned in to Popadija Andreja. 
Or call her at 717-939-0251 

Pick Up will be Saturday, Nov 13 from 10 am - 12 noon
Will You Help Kosovo This Growing Season?
 
Summer may be the growing season, but it is never too early to think about what seeds come next.

Lasting impact is the goal of IOCC’s efforts, motivating us to provide the foundation for stable lives and livelihoods. Our efforts in Kosovo have resulted in a Church farm estate that provides for the surrounding communities, complete with grain mills, a dairy farm, and holdings for hundreds of livestock. These efforts are only possible through generous contributions from people like you. 

And today, your gift can go twice as far.

IOCC's Chairman of the Board, Jasmina T. Boulanger, has offered to match all gifts for Kosovo up to $50,000. That means that your donation will be doubled to support struggling families. Our world is longing for the hope that your gifts can bring. We thank you for them and pray that the summer months bring a rejuvenation of spirit and body to you and your loved ones. 
 
Let’s plant seeds of hope together.


October Charity
Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF)

OCF celebrates October as Orthodox Awareness Month and is the official campus ministry program established by the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) to support Orthodox Christian student organizations on university and college campuses. OCF offers support to 270 campus chapters in the US and Canada, convenes conferences and service projects, and encourages students to develop deeper connections to our faith. Visit the OCF website at www.ocf.net to learn more about their worship, service, and fellowship programs and to check on specific campus chapters. Penn State University at State College formed one of the earliest OCF chapters and continues to have an active agenda. Other Pennsylvania chapters include Hershey Medical School, F&M College, Millersville, Bloomsburg, East Stroudsburg, Penn, Pitt, and Bucknell. There are also chapters at Delaware and Ohio State. Encourage college students in your family to participate with the OCF chapter on their campuses or to contact OCF for assistance in organizing a chapter. Participation is a great pan-Orthodox experience.