17th Sunday after Pentecost
St. Nicholas Bulletin - October 17, 2021
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Christ is in our midst! Христос међу нама! Cristo esta entra nosotros! |
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Homily on the First Sunday of Luke
from Metropolitan Tikhon of the Orthodox Church in America
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
This morning, the words of the Evangelist come to us and ask us to consider the meaning of faith. We know that faith is of the highest importance to us. We all want faith: faith in God, faith in Jesus Christ, faith in His Church. But too often we find this faith difficult to find when we search for it inside of our hearts. We may ask sometimes, in the difficult places of life, whether it is possible for our faith to grow much at all. We ask: “How do we get this strong faith? I believe, but how can my faith grow?” Some of us may even go so far as to ask: “Why do I need faith at all? Why should I bother?”
These tempting thoughts are encouraged day in and day out by the world around us, which would prefer that we put our “trust in princes and in sons of men” (Ps 145/146:3). It would like us to place our faith in anything except our Lord, and God, and Savior Jesus Christ. Faith in God, in this day and age, is often seen more as a liability than a strength.
Yet, we Christians do still believe in Christ and the gospel. So why does our faith stay so small? We come to the Church faithfully, as all of us have this morning; as our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents have for over 125 years. And yet, our faith too often stays weak, as we are battered by the temptations of the world on one side and uncertainty about how to grow our faith on the other.
So it is with a special gratitude to our Lord that we can hear this gospel story this morning. In the story, the people press in on our Lord to hear the word of God; and so, with the crowd surrounding Him on the shore, He teaches the crowd from a nearby boat. But now His teaching ends and He asks Simon Peter to go once more into the deep water of the lake and put out his nets to catch fish. Peter resists: “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing” (Lk 5:5). Against his own judgment, Simon Peter obeys—and a catch so large is pulled in that the nets start to break and the boats start to sink. In his astonishment, he exclaims: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Lk 5:8).
Yes, this story concerns the miraculous catch of fish and the disciple’s response. But importantly for us this morning, it shows us all the process of how we come to a strong and sincere faith in Christ, which we all desire.
When Saint Peter is told to go out again onto the lake, as an experienced fishermen, he knew very well that he was not going to catch any fish. Daylight was not the correct time to make a catch. Even more, he was asked to go out on the lake again after he had already endured a night of backbreaking work with nothing to show for it. No doubt Peter was tired and wanted to rest. We can imagine the frustration and irritation he must have felt at being told to go back out onto the open water and fish once again—and, worst of all, to do all that work knowing there was no real chance of catching anything.
We sympathize with the disciple. We know what it is like to be irritated when asked to do spiritual labors like keeping the fasts in a culture of indulgence, or when we try to say our prayers when we’re already exhausted, or when there are strains in our finances and we are tempted to keep our alms for ourselves instead of giving them to charity.
But in the end, Peter accepted Christ’s instructions. He did what the Lord asked, even though he thought he knew better. He did what the Lord asked, even though he was exhausted. And, most importantly, he did what the Lord asked, even though he didn’t understand why.
Peter surrendered his will and said “Thy will be done” (Mt 6:10) by letting down his nets. When he did that his heart was forever changed, and he saw who he really was: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” That change of heart is a much more impressive miracle than the catch of fish. The fish are gone but Peter found his faith, left everything behind for the gospel, and would become a great Apostle.
That is how we grow in faith as well: we can follow Peter’s example. First, like the crowd, we hear the word of God. But it is not enough to simply hear Christ’s teaching. We must then obey it and consistently put it into practice—even if it is confusing for us sometimes, and even if the world throws its temptations in our path. Our faith in Christ is given life when we trust Him enough to do what He asks of us in every circumstance.
Our faith gets stronger when we follow the gospel and commit ourselves more and more to His service. We abandon ourselves and embody the words “He must increase and I must decrease” (Jn 3:30). We will find that the more we do the will of God, the more we come to love His teaching, and our faith grows even more in that love. As the Psalmist says: “Lead me in the path of Thy commandments, for I delight in it” (Ps 118/119:35).
So if you are struggling to find a strong faith this morning, I encourage you all to follow the example of the Apostle Peter. Ask yourselves: “What is Christ asking me to do which I am resisting?” Perhaps it is forgiving someone who has hurt you. Or helping your neighbor who is in need. Or picking up your neglected prayer book again.
There are always challenges to faith: the path of the gospel is the path of self-denial, the path of turning the other cheek, and the path of loving our enemies. All of this seems like nonsense to the world. But listen to the word of Christ and do these things despite the difficulty. Trust that the Holy Spirit is at work, take the commandments into your hands, and apply them to your life.
That is when the miracle can occur, the miracle of truly realizing who we are in the sight of God, so we can dedicate ourselves unreservedly to the good news of Christ.
Don’t be afraid. Like Peter, who was told “Do not be afraid, henceforth you will be catching men” instead of fish (Lk 5:10), our Lord will take you out of the gloomy life of this age with its back-breaking, futile work and will set you on the road of His service, which is the road of repentance—if only we will leave everything behind and follow Him.
This is how we come to see who we truly are, this is how the miracle of faith is nurtured and grows in our hearts, and this is how Christ is revealed to us. To Him be all glory, honor, and worship, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
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Commemorating Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council, Apostle Philip of the Seventy One of the Seven Deacons, Venerable Philotheus Patriarch of Constantinople, St Theophanes the Confessor and Hymnographer Bishop of Nicea, Venerable Theophanes the Faster of the Kiev Near Caves, Venerable Leonid of Optina, Synaxis of the Venerable Fathers of Optina, Martyrs Zenaida and Philonilla of Tarsus in Cilicia, Commemoration of the Miracle of the Icon of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Beret, Venerable Ethelburga of Essex
RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 1
When the stone had been sealed by the Jews, while the soldiers were guarding Your most pure body, You rose on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. The powers of heaven therefore cried to You, O Giver of Life: “Glory to Your Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Your Kingdom! Glory to Your dispensation, O Lover of mankind!”
HOLY APOSTLE PHILIP TROPARION—TONE 3
Filled with divine grace, you served God the Word as a deacon of the Church, O Apostle Philip. By the working of miracles and by signs from God you enlightened the multitudes of Samaria. O blessed one, entreat Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.
FATHERS TROPARION—TONE 8
You are most glorious, O Christ our God! You have established the Holy Fathers as lights on the earth. Through them You have guided us to the true Faith. O greatly compassionate One, 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.
RESURRECTION KONTAKION—TONE 1
As God, You rose from the tomb in glory, raising the world with Yourself. Human nature praises You as God, for death has vanished. Adam exults, O Master! Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage and cries to You: “You are the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!”
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!
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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: Matthew Hoover
EPISTLE: 2 Corinthians 9: 6-11
DEACON: Let us pay attention.
PRIEST: Peace be unto all!
READER: And with your spirit!
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Prokeimenon in the First Tone: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
CHOIR: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
READER: v: Rejoice in the Lord, O your righteous! Praise befits the just!
CHOIR: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!
READER: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us...
CHOIR: ...as we have set our hope on You!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the second Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Corinthians.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, but this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: God gives vengeance unto me, and subdues people under me.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: He magnifies the salvation of the King and deals mercifully with David, His anointed, and his seed forever.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
АПОСТОЛ: 2 Коринћанима 9: 6-11
Ђакон: Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач: I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 1 Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Хор: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Читач: Веселите се, праведници, пред Господом, праведнима доликује похвала.
Хор: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Читач: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе,
Хор: на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање је од друге посланице Светог апостола Павла до Коринћанима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, a ово велим: Ко шкрто сије, шкрто ће и жњети; а ко са благословима сије, са благословима ће и жњети. Сваки како одлучи у срцу, не са жалошћу или принудно; јер Бог љуби онога који драговољно даје. А Бог је кадар да вас обогати сваком благодаћу, да у свему свагда имајући довољно свега, изобилујете у сваком добром дјелу. Као што је написано: Просу, даде сиромасима; правда Његова остаје до вијека. А Онај који даје сјеме сијачу и хљеб за јело, даће и умножиће сјеме ваше, и даће да узрасту плодови праведности ваше; Богатећи се у свему за сваку простодушност која кроз нас приноси захвалност Богу.
Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Бог ми даје освету и покорава људе испод мене.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Он увећава спасење Краља и милостиво се односи са Давидом, његовим помазаником и његовим сјеменом заувијек.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
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LITURGY GOSPEL:
Luke 5: 1-11
At that time, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.
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ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:
Лука 5: 1-11
У вријеме оно, Исус стајаше крај Генисаретског језера, и видје двије лађе гдје стоје украј језера, а рибари бијаху изишли из њих и испираху мреже. И уђе у једну лађу, која бијаше Симонова, и замоли га да одмакне мало од обале; и сједе и учаше народ из лађе. А кад преста говорити, рече Симону: Хајде на дубину и баците мреже своје за лов. И одговарајући Симон рече му: Учитељу, сву ноћ смо се трудили, и ништа не ухватисмо; али на твоју ријеч бацићу мрежу. И учинивши то уловише велико мноштво риба, те им се мрежа поче цијепати. И дадоше знак друштву које бјеше на другој лађи да дођу да им помогну; и дођоше, и напунише обје лађе тако да се оне потапаху. А кад видје Симон Петар, припаде кољенима Исусовим говорећи: Изиђи од мене, Господе, јер сам човјек грјешан. Јер запрепашћење обузе њега и све који бијаху с њим због лова рибе што ухватише, a тако исто и Јакова и Јована, синове Зеведејеве, који бијаху другови Симонови. И рече Исус Симону: Не бој се, од сада ћеш људе ловити. И извукавши обје лађе на земљу оставише све, и отидоше за њим.
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~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~ |
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October Birthdays
Caroline Donato (Oct 2), Dave Milletics (Oct 2), Sonora Viola Mae Cruz (Oct 2), Adeline & Peter Meadow (Oct 3), Marcia Breinich (Oct 4), Madison Vorkapich (Oct 5), Lenny Tepsich (Oct 6), Alex Filepas (Oct 6), Owen Kingsbury (Oct 8), Dejan Raic (Oct 11), Arlene Barber (Oct 12), Milan Yovic (Oct 15), Yovanka Hoover (Oct 17), Andrea Govelovich (Oct 17), Nicole Petrovich (Oct 18), Anastasija Gligorevic (Oct 18), Nina Gilroy (Oct 19), Mira Lukic (Oct 26), John Nicholas Hernjak (Oct 27), Carole Radosinovich (Oct 29), Jimi Werner (Oct 29), Marijana Rocknage (Oct 30), Kate Nation, Brad Kingsbury, David Christ, Ognjen Pejanovic
October Anniversaries
Bobbi & William Wenner (Oct 1), Katya Kotchnyeva & Eric Garvin (Oct 10), Jean & Paul Martin (Oct 11), Angie & Jim Bagley (Oct 12), Daria & Dave Milletics (Oct 16), Mackenzie & Stefan Lazarevic (Oct 21), Janis & Greg Meadow (Oct 29)
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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:
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100th ANNIVERSARY ANNOUNCEMENT
Wednesday, October 27 is the FINAL day to order your tickets to the 100th Anniversary Gala. Tickets can be ordered through Eventbrite at the following link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/centennial-of-the-first-serbian-orthodox-diocese-in-the-usa-canada-tickets-179643527627
Or by calling the Diocesan Office at 914.633.9000.
FEAST OF ST PARASKEVA
We will celebrate the Feast of St Paraskeva on Wednesday, October 27 with Divine Liturgy at 9 am.
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 FOLKLORE
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
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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.
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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.
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