25th Sunday after Pentecost
St. Nicholas Bulletin - December 12, 2021
Christ is in our midst! Христос међу нама! Cristo esta entra nosotros!
Man's Fall and Redemption

from Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon
In Luke 10:25–37, Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan, which many Christians have seen as a parable of man’s fall and redemption. Such an interpretation is usually elaborated in three steps.

First, there is the story of the fall, concerning which we are told, “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.” This man started in Jerusalem, in the garden place of God’s presence. But he did not stay there. He made a deliberate decision to go down on a journey. No one told him to go. He made the decision on his own, as an assertion of his independence. “Man, though in honor, does not remain,” says the psalmist; “He is like the beasts that perish” (Psalm 49:12).

These robbers did not kill the fallen man completely. They left him half dead. Even fallen, he did not suffer total depravity. There was still some chance for him, though he had no way of saving himself from his terrible predicament. By this man’s disobedience, in fact, sin entered the world, and by sin death. Indeed, death reigned already in his mortal flesh. How shall we describe this poor man’s plight except that he was “alien from the commonwealth of Israel and a stranger from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12)? He had been left half dead, and there was no help for him in this world.

Along came a priest and then a Levite, men representing the Mosaic Law, but they had to pass by the fallen wayfarer, because by the works of the Law is no man justified. The priest and the Levite were hastening to the temple in order to offer repeatedly the same sacrifices that could never take away sins. Indeed, matters were made even worse, because “in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins” (Hebrews 10:3–4).

Secondly, a Samaritan, “as he journeyed, came where [the man] was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.” In the fullness of time, that is to say, God sent His Son to be a good neighbor to him who fell among the thieves. This Son, being in the form of God, did not think equality with God a thing to be seized, but He emptied Himself and took the form of a servant. Indeed, this Son became an utter outcast—in short, a Samaritan, a person without respect or social standing. Although He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, that we through His poverty might become rich.

What did the Samaritan do for the man that fell among thieves? He washed him in the waters of baptism, cleansing his wounds, and into those wounds He poured His grace in the form of anointing oil, the holy chrism, and the eucharistic wine to prevent infection.

Our Samaritan did not leave beside the road this half-dead victim of the fall among thieves. On the contrary, “he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.” And then he went away. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. This Samaritan is also the great High Priest that entered once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. But even as He went away, He said to the innkeeper, “Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.”

And this promise brings us to our third point. Our Samaritan says to the innkeeper, “when I come again.” He does not say, “if I come again,” but “when I come again.” There is no “if” about the return of this Samaritan. This same Samaritan, who is taken up from us into heaven, shall so come in like manner as we have seen Him go into heaven. We solemnly confess, then, that He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time, apart from sin unto salvation.

All of history is given significance by the two visits of the Samaritan. Only those who abide in the inn awaiting His return really know the meaning of history. The inn is the house of history, the Church where the innkeeper cares for the Samaritan’s friends.

This parable does not describe that return of the Samaritan. It says simply “when I return.” The parable leaves that return in the future. The story terminates in the place where the Samaritan would have his friends stay—at the inn. It is imperative for their souls’ health that they remain within this inn, to which our Samaritan has sworn to return. In this inn His friends pass all their days as in eagerness they await His sworn return.
~Hymnography of the Day~
Commemorating St. Mardarije of Libertyville and Equal to the Apostles, St. Sebastian of Jackson, Hieromartyr Abibus Bishop of Nekresi in Georgia, Martyr Paramon and 370 Martyrs in Bithynia, Martyr Philoumenus of Ancyra, Martyrs Valerian and Phaedrus, Venerable Acacius of Sinai who is mentioned in the Ladder, Venerable Nectarius the Obedient of the Kiev Near Caves
 
RESURRECTION TROPARION—TONE 8
You descended from on high, O Merciful One! You accepted the three day burial to free us from our sufferings! O Lord, our Life and Resurrection, 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.

STS. SEBASTIAN & MARDARIJE TROPARION—TONE 8
O God of our Fathers, always act with kindness towards us; take not Your mercy from us, But through the prayers of Saints Mardarije and Sebastian guide our lives in peace.

RESURRECTION KONTAKION—TONE 8
By rising from the tomb, You raised the dead and resurrected Adam. Eve exults in Your Resurrection, and the world celebrates Your rising from the dead, O greatly Merciful One!

ST. MARDARIJE KONTAKION—TONE 8
Tireless preacher of Christ the Lord, leader on the path of St. Sava for your people in diaspora, Labor-loving practitioner and teacher of repentance, Holy Mardarije of Libertyville and America, together with all the Enlighteners of the American lands, Entreat the only Lover of Mankind, to grant all Orthodox Christians peace and unity!

ST. SEBASTIAN KONTAKION—TONE 8
Apostle and Enlightener of America, born in San Francisco, first born in America to become a priest, fiery preacher of Christ’s word among the peoples of America, you traveled throughout the country preaching the Truth and love, confirming many souls in the Orthodox Faith, and erecting many churches to the glory of God, poor in body but rich in the Spirit, O Father Sebastian of Jackson and Apostle of All America, pray the Lord Whom you served with your whole heart, to grant us your last spoken wish: The Kingdom of Heaven without end!

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: Lenny Tepsic Epistle: Dasha Gencturk
Matins Next Week: Milan Radanovic Epistle Next Week: Matthew Hoover

EPISTLE: Ephesians 4: 1-6

DEACON:      Let us pay attention. 
PRIEST:        Peace be unto all!
READER:      And with your spirit!
DEACON:      Wisdom.
READER:      The Prokeimenon in the Eighth Tone: Pray and make your vows before the Lord, our God!
CHOIR: Pray and make your vows before the Lord, our God!
READER: v: In Judah God is known; His name is great in Israel.
CHOIR: Pray and make your vows before the Lord, our God!
READER: Pray and make your vows...
CHOIR: ...before the Lord, our God!
DEACON: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Ephesians.
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: Brethren, I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!
READER: And with your spirit! 
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Come, let us rejoice in the Lord! Let us make a joyful noise to God our Savior!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
READER: Let us come before His face with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
 
АПОСТОЛ:  Ефесцима 4: 1-6

Ђакон:          Пазимо
Свештеник: Мир свима!
Читач:           I Духу Твоме!
Ђакон:           Премудрост
Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 8 Молите се и извршујте своје завјете Господу Богу нашему.
Хор: Молите се и извршујте своје завјете Господу Богу нашему.
Читач: Зна се у Јудеји за Бога, у Израиљу је велико име Његово.
Хор: Молите се и извршујте своје завјете Господу Богу нашему.
Читач: Молите се и извршујте своје завјете
Хор: Господу Богу нашему.
Ђакон: Премудрост
Читач: Читање посланице Светога апостола Павла Ефесцима
Ђакон: Пазимо
Читач: Браћо, молим вас, дакле, ја сужањ у Господу, да се владате достојно звања на које сте позвани, са сваком смиреношћу и кротошћу, са дуготрпљењем, подносећи један другога у љубави, старајући се да чувате јединство Духа свезом мира: Једно тијело, један Дух, као што сте и позвани у једну наду звања својега; Један Господ, једна вјера, једно крштење, један Бог и Отац свију, који је над свима, кроза све, и у свима нама.
Свештеник: Мир ти читачу!
Читач: I Духом Твоме! 
Ђакон: Премудрост.
Читач: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Ходите, запјевајмо Господу, покликнимо Богу Спаситељу нашем.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
Читач: Изађимо пред лице Његово с хвалом, ускликнимо му у пјесмама.
Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа
 
LITURGY GOSPEL:  
Luke 10: 25-37

And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.” But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
 
ЈЕВАНЂЕЉЕ:   
Лука 10: 25-37

У вријеме оно, законик неки приступи Исусу и кушајући га рече: Учитељу, шта ми треба чинити да наслиједим живот вјечни? А он му рече: Шта је написано у Закону? Како читаш? А он одговарајући рече: Љуби Господа Бога својега свим срцем својим, и свом душом својом, и свом снагом својом, и свим умом својим; и ближњега свога као самога себе. А он му рече: Право си одговорио; то чини и живјећеш. А он, желећи себе да оправда, рече Исусу: А ко је ближњи мој? А Исус одговарајући рече: Човјек неки силажаше из Јерусалима у Јерихон, и западе међу разбојнике, и ови га свукоше и ране му зададоше, па одоше, а њега полумртва оставише. Случајно пак силажаше оним путем неки свештеник и видјевши га, прође. А тако и левит, кад је био на оном мјесту, приступивши, погледа га и прође. А Самарјанин неки путујући дође до њега, па кад га видје сажали му се; И приступивши зави му ране и зали уљем и вином; и посадивши га на своје кљусе, доведе га у гостионицу, и постара се око њега. И сутрадан полазећи извади два динара те даде гостионичару, и рече му: Побрини се за њега, а што више потрошиш ја ћу ти платити кад се вратим. Шта мислиш, дакле, који је од оне тројице био ближњи ономе што бјеше запао међу разбојнике? А он рече: Онај који му милост учини. А Исус му рече: Иди, па и ти чини тако.
 
~ The Week Ahead: Scriptures and Services ~
25th Sunday after Pentecost
December 12, 2021
Ephesians 4: 1-6
Luke 10: 25-37

8am Matins
9am Liturgy

Church School and SOTAYA Rehearsals
to follow

Monday,
December 13, 2021
I Corinthians 4: 9-16
Luke 14:12-15

Tuesday,
December 14, 2021
I Timothy 1: 8-14
Luke 14: 25-35

Wednesday,
December 15, 2021
I Timothy 1:18-20,
2:8-15
Luke 15: 1-10

Thursday,
December 16, 2021
I Timothy 3: 1-13
Luke 16: 1-9

6:30 Choir Rehearsal

Friday,
December 17, 2021
Galatians 3: 23-29
Mark 5: 24-34

Saturday,
December 18, 2021
Galatians 3: 8-12
Luke 9: 57-62

1:00pm Church School St. Nicholas Project

3:00pm Parastos
4:30pm Pomen
5:00pm Vespers
followed by Parastos for Katic Family

26th Sunday after Pentecost
December 19, 2021

St. Nicholas Day
Никољдан

Children's Day
Детињци
Ephesians 5: 9-19
Luke 12: 16-21

8:30am Matins
9:30am Hierarchical Liturgy

Luncheon to follow with His Grace, Bishop IRINEJ

No Rehearsals
"All Angels Rejoice"

Composer: M. Strokin
Choir: Municipal Academic Choir of Syzran Mnogoletie
Conductor: S. Luposhenko
MATINS GOSPEL:   
Third Resurrection Gospel: Mark 16: 9-20

At that time, He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either. Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.
 

 


 
 
~Prayers for the Faithful~

In Our Prayers
Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop Youhanna, Protopresbyter Srboljub and Protinica Ljubica Jockovic, Protopresbyter Thomas Gallaway, Protopresbyter Rodney Torbic, Priest Ioan Comanescu, Protinica Mirjana Trbuhovic, 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 Danijela and her parents Mark and Jennifer Belo, Jelena Bowser and newborn Misha Aleksandar, Kristin Goodling and the newborn children Clara & Thea, JoAnn Hernjak and the child to be born of her, Cassandra Semic and the child to be born of her, Addy Andy, Dori Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Darlene & Larry Black, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Walter “Bud” Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Donna Cook, Leann Cox, Joseph Derk, Art Dils, Draga Donato, Tommy and Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Christian & Melanie Geib, Michael Geppert III, Dr Andrea Govelovich, Nick & Terry Govelovich, Kata Gruich, Basil Havalchak, Travis Heilman, Adam Herigan, Edith Herigan, Gene Himes, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Tijana Jaksic, Slobodan Jovicic, Spencer Klinge, Ljuban Kosovac, Stephen Kracinovsky, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Catherine Lewis, Jason Lewis, Dianne Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, Annabelle McLaughlin, Marija Miljkovic, Radoslav, Rosanda, Rajko, Milica, Divna & Danica Mitrovic, Peter Mrgich, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Eva Orr, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Tracy Petrovich, Betty Rupich, Greg Selman, Steven Semic, Michael Schaffner, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, Pat Shoemaker, Tracey Stanovich, Karen Stefan, Tim Stefan, Michael Stepanovich, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Steve Vulich, Paula Werner, Linda Wolf, Draga Worman, Mark Yandric, Mileva “Millie” Yezdimir, Demetrios & Eleni Ziogas, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski
Those Who Need Special Care 
COUNTRY MEADOWS HERSHEY, Eva Stimac, COUNTRY MEADOWS MECHANICSBURG, Florence Ivanoff MASONIC HOME ELIZABETHTOWN: Ray Foltz; RS: Cedo Lukic; SPRING CREEK: Chuck Belic

Those to be Baptized
Sloane Ivey Semic, Emilia Renee Peterson, Alisa Elena Eve Moses, Blake Alex Bazdar, Barrett Scott, Divna & Danica Mitrovic, Nora Katherine Van Huysen, Sloane York, Logan Michael Livingston

Our College Students
Kaitlin Christ, Anastasija Gligorevic, Stefan Gligorevic, Cayden Healy, Sophia Mummert, Kobe Petrovich, Christina Radanovic, Ioanna Radanovic, Kyranna Radanovic, Maxim Reznitchenko, Joshua Swartz, Madison Vorkapich 

Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones
Georgianne Herigan, Bogdan Vukovic, Michael Cordas Jr, Joseph Jajich, Natalie Riley, William Trayer, Marie Sunajko, Sava Čugalj, Svetlana Bessalova, Samuel Radanovic, Camille Kormushoff

~Parastos Offered~

†GRIGORIJ RADCZENKO To be offered Dec 18 prior to vespers at 3 pm, in loving memory by his family.
†ANA & †STEVAN KATIC To be offered Dec 18 following vespers, in loving memory on their Slava, Sveti Nikola.

~Pomen Offered~

†RADE, †ANA, †MILAN, †PETAR, †JELENA, †STEVO, †LJUBICA, †NIKOLA, †MILKA, †DRAGAN, †MARIJA, †DANILO, †DANICA, †ZARKO, †PETAR, †BRANKO, †DARINKA, †NEVENKA , †NIKOLA & †DAVID Offered Saturday (Dec 18) prior to vespers at 4:30 pm, on the eve of our Krsna Slava as we treasure memories of departed family members and pray for their peaceful repose. Offered in loving memory by the Yanich & Matich families. 

†MILE, †ANDJELIJA, †PAVLE MRAOVIC & †PAVLE, †PAOLINA, †BRANKO KOBAC & †MITCHELL & †LJUBICA KOBAC ZUNICH Offered Saturday (Dec 18) prior to vespers at 4:30 pm, on the eve of our Krsna Slava as we pray for the blessed repose of our family. Offered in loving memory by Beba Yanich & family. 

†LJUBICA VIOLA YANICH Offered Saturday (Dec 18) prior to vespers at 4:30 pm, as we pray for the peaceful repose of the Handmaiden of God +Ljubica Viola Yanich (9 years—Dec 24) on the eve of her Krsna Slava. May she rest where the righteous repose and rejoice in Your eternal light. Offered with love by her family. 
~Vigils Offered~

LORRAINE JAMES Offered in happy celebration of my Godchild’s birthday (Dec 15). May God bless her with many years of good health and happiness.  Mnogaja Ljeta! Many Years! Love Kuma Tootsie.

DORI & DOUG BERT Offered in celebration of their Wedding Anniversary (Dec 18). Given in love by Mom and family, with God’s blessings for many more! Mnogaja Ljeta! 

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.

KAREN STEFAN Offered by the Stefan family, for God’s blessings during Karen’s ongoing recovery and that He will return Karen to good health.

MICHAEL GEPPERT Offered prayerfully by Mom & Dad for improvement in health and God’s blessings and loving care during his recovery.


 
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, the Sudan, China, North Korea, for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering throughout the world, that they might be comforted with the Joy of our Lord, and for all of those suffering from the pandemic, and for the guidance of our physicians and those who minister to the afflicted, 

LET US PRAY TO THE LORD!

Daily prayer for deliverance from the coronavirus epidemic:

Lord, our God, Who are rich in mercy, and with your wise providence govern our life, hear our prayer, receive our repentance for our sins, stop the new infectious disease (the new epidemic), as You once ceased the punishment of Your people in the time of King David.

You, Who are the Physician of our souls and bodies, grant recovery to the sick, raising them hastily from the bed of suffering so that they may glorify You, our Merciful Savior, and protect the healthy ones from any disease.

Bless, O Lord, strengthen and protect with Your grace all those who with philanthropy and sacrifice take care of the sick at their homes or in hospitals. Remove all disease and suffering from among the people and teach us to value life and health as Your gifts.

Give us, o God, Your peace and fill our hearts with steadfast faith in Your protection, with hope in Your support and with love for You and our neighbor. For it is Yours to have mercy on us and save us, our God, and to You we give glory: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Свакодневна молитва против епидемије

Господе, Боже наш, који си богат милосрђем и мудрим промислом управљаш нашим животом, услиши нашу молитву, прими наше покајање за наше грехе, заустави нову заразну болест (нову епидемију), као што си једном престао да кажњаваш народ у време цара Давида.

Ти који си Лекар душа и тела наших, подари опоравак болеснима, подижући их хитро са болесничког одра патње како би могли да прослављају Тебе, нашег Милостивог Спаситеља, а заштити здраве од било које болести.

Благослови, Господе, ојачај и заштити својом благодаћу све оне који се човекољубљем и жртвовањем старају о болеснима у њиховим домовима или у болницама.Уклони све болести и патње међу људима и научи нас да ценимо живот и здравље као Твоје дарове.

Дај нам, Боже, свој мир и испуни наша срца чврстом вером у Твоју заштиту, надом у Твоју подршку и љубављу према Теби и према ближњему. Јер си Ти Бог који милује и спасава нас, и Теби славу узноаимо: Оцу и Сину и Духу Светому, сада и увек и у векове векова. Амин.
Stewardship Offering Information

Date 12/5/2021
Collection: $6,585.00

Date 11/28/2021
Collection: $1,865.00

Date 11/21/2021
Collection: $1,625.00
December Birthdays
Laurie Brosius (Dec 1), Stephani York (Dec 2), Alex Govelovich (Dec 2), Georgi Herigan (Dec 4), Gordana Fasnacht (Dec 4), Alexandra McFall (Dec 4), Paul Kasper (Dec 7), Alexa Healy (Dec 10), Nicholas Blitva (Dec 11), Sarah Milletics (Dec 11), Lorraine James (Dec 15), Quinn Gilroy (Dec 15), Irina Miljkovic (Dec 17), Steve Barry (Dec 17), Michael Filepas Jr (Dec 23), Carole Blitva (Dec 25)
December Anniversaries
Alex & Nicole Bazdar (Dec 11), Dori & Doug Bert (Dec 18), Lauren & Ross Spangler (Dec 21), Pharon & Christine Bertsch (Dec 27)

~Bulletin Board~
NATIVITY FAST
The Nativity Fast begins on Sunday, November 28. This means that we prepare the body to receive the Incarnate Christ Child through fasting, alms-giving and prayer. It is a time to focus upon giving alms to the poor. It is a time to focus upon offering ourselves to God’s Church. It is a time to re-dedicate ourselves to praying to God, both in Divine Services and at home. Receive the Fast with Joy!

SERVICE TIME CHANGE FOR FEAST OF ST. NICHOLAS
The Matins for St. Nicholas will begin at 8:30am. Hierarchical Liturgy will begin at 9:30am. After Liturgy, we will cut the Slava Kolach and join together in a fellowship luncheon with His Grace, our Bishop IRINEJ, in the Church Hall.

POINSETTIA SALE
Once again, we will be decorating our church for Christmas with Poinsettias. You can purchase one for $9 to help offset the church’s cost. Please contact Daria Milletics (717-939-3872) or email office@stnicholassteelton.org, if you are interested in purchasing any.

ST NICHOLAS SENIORS MEETING
The next Seniors’ meeting/luncheon will be Tuesday, December 14th, at Gilligan’s on Eisenhower Boulevard, starting at 12 noon. Hope to see you there!

SERBIAN/AMERICAN CLUB 2022 DUES
Peggy Radanovic will be seated in the church hall after Liturgy on Sundays to collect 2022 dues. Dues remain at $5 for the year.

KSS/CIRCLE OF SERBIAN SISTERS 2022 DUES
Jovanka Shaffer will be seated in the church hall after Liturgy on Sundays to collect 2022 dues. Dues remain at $5 for the year.

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.

MOTHERS CLUB NEWS
Mother’s Club members please join us at our Annual Christmas Party on January 9th at 12 noon at Gilligans Restaurant. Please bring a $10 gift to participate in the grab bag gift exchange. We will also be electing officers. We have a few open board seats and if you are interested, please contact Tracy Petrovich, Paula Werner or Nikki Lewis to discuss or answer any questions.

SOTAYA ČEVAPI SALE
Our SOTAYA Group is once again selling frozen packs of cevapi at $15/pack (32 pieces). To order see Dn. Bojan Gligorevic, Matthew Hoover, or call the office at 717.939.3872.

NEW ITEMS AVAILABLE IN THE DISPLAY CASE
The Mother’s Club Display Case has new Nativity/Christmas Cards available. Check them out!
 
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
SOTAYA HAM/LAMB SALE
 
We are once again having our Christmas Fund Raising event. 
 
For your Christmas dinner on January 7,
let us provide you with hot Roast Lamb or Roast Pork. 
 
Roasted Potatoes in lamb/ham juice are also available. 
 
Contact Chris Radanovic at 717-841-6794 or chrisrad@mindspring.com. 
Deadline to reserve your lamb/ham is Friday, December 24.

Church School
St. Nicholas Day Project
 
Saturday, December 18th @ 1pm
 
Assemble in the Church Hall to create blessing bags and needs boxes for the ECHOS program in Elizabethtown, PA. This program, the Elizabethtown Community Housing and Outreach Service, ministers to the growing number of homeless in the E-town area. We give thanks to God for our children, who have taken on this project as a way to remember those in need this Nativity Fast.
 

 
Proto Srboljub Edit
December Charity
V. Rev. Fr. Srboljub Jockovich
Fund

In 2010, our congregation established The Fr. Srboljub Fund as a permanent resource for special ministries and other special needs or events in our church community or with our Orthodox Christian partners in the Central PA area or the larger Orthodox Christian community. Each month we participate in the Charity Sunday program and we always give those donations to an outside charity. Through the Fr. Srboljub Fund, we have created a dynamic new way to support the special ministries of our Church community and to respond to the special needs of our Orthodox Christian brothers and sisters. We are preparing ourselves to respond to ministries and programs in areas such as feeding the hungry, youth and senior programs, library needs, gift shop resources, education and outreach initiatives, visitation efforts and unforeseen emergencies or crises. Please give generously to the Fr. Srboljub Fund so we may honor our long-time spiritual leader in this unique way as we grow our resources and are prepared to respond when a special need arises. God bless you and thank you for your generosity.