Author: Preferred User

St. Michael’s Orthodox
Christian Church
1182 Ashland St., Greensburg, PA 15601
Diocese of Charleston, Oakland and the Mid-Atlantic Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.

(See the back cover for detailed contact information.)

Sunday, March 22, 2015
To all who are present with us this morning,
Welcome! Thank you for being here.
Please join us for a Spaghetti Luncheon
in the Fellowship Hall following Divine Liturgy.
You May Find the Text of the Divine Liturgy beginning on the bottom page 91 of the Service Book (gold embossed cross on the reddish brown cover) or in the green-spiral-bound book; sheet music can be found in the 8.5” x 11” large, spiral-bound booklet.
At the Kiss of Peace our practice is for each of us to greet the person to our right and left with the bowing of our head, hands held in a prayerful clasp or crossed on the chest, while offering each other the Christian greeting, “Christ is in our midst!” and responding, “He is and shall be!”
Please remember that Holy Communion is reserved for those Chrismated Orthodox Christians who have appropriately prepared themselves through prayer, fasting and Confession to receive the Holy Mysteries of the Church. The bread (anti’doron, which means ‘in place’ of the gifts) which we share after Communion and at the end of the Liturgy is for all.
Being mindful we are in church, let us always remember to…
...be quiet and attentive. Let us sing, pray, stand, sit, kneel and respond where responses are indicated. Let us not talk, look around, text message, play games, etc. Especially let us work at this in the Communion line and when in line to venerate the Cross and depart. If we cannot hear the post-Communion prayers being chanted during our church departure, we are way too noisy.
...refrain from eating, drinking or chewing gum. (most obviously and especially if you will be receiving Holy Communion).
...stay put. Except in rare cases, there are few of us who cannot stay in one location for two hours (actually less, for most of us).

Easy Money — GFS Points
Here is an easy way for our church to make earn some “extra” money. The new food store GFS (Gordon Food Service Store), on Route 30 at the Gabriel Plaza, is giving points for any purchase associated with St. Michael’s. The food need not be purchased for St. Michael’s. When checking out, simply say that you want the points to go to “St. Michael Orthodox Church” on Ashland Street. (Be sure to indicate “St. Michael” not “St. Michael’s,” that is, without the “s.”) Points accumulate and can be redeemed either for food purchases or cash; either way, our church benefits.

The Mission of Our Church
The mission of St Michael’s Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church is to tend the flock of our Lord Jesus Christ and to spread the Good News of Christ to those outside the flock. This mission is to be accomplished by a) living a full liturgical and sacramental life, b) proclaiming the Orthodox Christian faith to all people, c) providing effective charitable and social programs, and d) establishing strong spiritual leadership and resources.

SYRIAN CHRISTIAN RELIEF
As the Syrian crisis continues with little change, we continue to accept donations to do what we can to help ease the suffering there. Checks may be written to “St. Michael’s” with the note “Syrian Relief.” The following link to a CBS 60 Minutes program will offer some deeper understanding of what is transpiring:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504803_162-57418048- 10391709/the-last-Christian-village-in-the-holy-land/

This year’s episcopal visit by His Grace Bishop THOMAS will take place during the celebration of the Great Feast of the Nativity of Christ. His Grace will be with us beginning some time on Monday, December 22. He will depart early in the morning on December 25.

Sunday, March 22, 2015
Greeting: Christ is in our midst! Response: He is and shall be!
Tone: 8 Eothinon: 8
4th Sunday of Lent - Commemoration of John Climacus, Author of “The Ladder” Hieromartyr Basil of Ancyra; Martyr Kallinika of Rome; Venerable- martyr Euthymios of Prodromou Skete on Athos.
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THE EPISTLE READING
St. Paul to Hebrews. (6:13-20)
Brethren, when God made a promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater by whom to swear, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Men indeed swear by one greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of His purpose, He interposed with an oath. So that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
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THE HOLY GOSPEL
According to St. Mark. (9:16-30)
A t that time, a man came to Jesus, kneeling down and saying unto him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked Thy Disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” And Jesus answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to Me.” And they brought the boy to Him; and when the spirit saw Jesus, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, “How long has he had this?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if Thou canst do anything, have pity on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again.” And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when Jesus had entered the house, His Disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And Jesus said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.” They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And Jesus would not have anyone know it; for He was teaching His Disciples, saying to them, “The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and after He is killed, He will rise on the third day.”
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THE HOLY BREAD OF OBLATION is offered…
...by Amy and Michael Hamwey in memory of their fathers, ALAN Hamwey and WILLIAM Hazlett, brother MICHAEL Hazlett, grandmothers OMA Hazlett and JANE Stobert, LEDDY Anton, ANTHONY Nemanic, aunt LINDA Acre; and for the health of children, JON-MICHAEL, JENNIE, JOCELYN, KIMBERLY and BILL, grandchildren MIA, AIDAN, NADIA, XAVIER, LENNON and JAMISON; family, friends and the parishioners of St. Michael’s.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
PRAYERS OF OBLATION are offered…
...in memory of our father and Metropolitan PHILIP Saliba, Archimandrites GEORGE M. Corry and JOHN Namie, Archpriests JOHN (and Kh. JEAN) Chromiak, PETER Felenchak, ANTHONY Bell, JAMES Meena and Priest JOHN PAUL Pro.
...in memory of SAM, JACK and ELEANOR, ROSEMARY, MARIAN, MARGI and Evelyn by Salema Slyman.
...in memory of EVELYN Mansour by Jeff and Donna Curry.
...in memory of Eleanor Mansour by James Lehman.
...in memory of parents and brother, ALEX, BARBARA and GEORGE and for the health of Dr. JOHN, CAROLINE, CHRISTINA, and Dr. CHARLES, Sr., by Dr. Charles Simkovich.
…in memory of WALTER Dydiw by Vera Dydiw, John, Landy, Wendy and Scott.
...in memory of George Zakhary by Leila Zakhary.
...in memory of sister MARY Braddock by Charles J. Kudlik.
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MANY YEARS and...
...Happy Birthday to: JOANNE Hasnauer (3/22), BETH Salathe (3/22), GREGORY Lapina (3/23), JOYCE Eger (3/24), EMILY Farah (3/24), SEHAM Nassur (3/24), DINA Papas (3/24), JENNIFER Sacksen (3/24), ANDREW Daoud (3/26), JENNIFER (Gajewski) Beer (3/27), THOMAS Haralam (3/27), HELEN Joseph (3/27), VICTORIA Shaheen (3/27), TRACIE Casteel (3/28), LINDSAY (Curry) Turnquist (3/28), ELAYNE Masters (3/28), KRISTEN Rysz (3/28).
...Happy Baptism/Chrismation Day to: MARY Gazal (3/27).
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
HOSPITAL, HEALTH CARE, ASSISTED LIVING, SURGERY and new additions to the prayer list…
...(call hospital patients before visiting—they may have been discharged):
HOSPITAL/FACILITY: DOLORES and WILLIAM Asa (Westmoreland Manor), BERNARD Danilchak (Havencrest, Monongahela), NORMA Nicholas (Stone Brook Manor, Manor), SARA Plate (Walnut Ridge, Greensburg).
HOME: JOHN and Dolores Albert, DAVID and LINDA Assard, BILL Baker (friend of Joe Gazal), TRACY Barrack (Diana Lammert’s sister), FLORENCE Barbato (Rose Ann Barbato’s mother-in-law), CHARLOTTE (Don Baum’s grandmother), LANCE and PAULA Biggie (Vicki Sheffler’s friends), BETTY Bozich (Joe Gazal’s friend-open heart surgery), OMAYMA and LOAI Chahin (Memari relatives), ATHENA (Papas) Conte, DAVID Copeland (friend of Chloe Nosal), NICHOLE Crowley, DANIEL Davis (kidneys), JOSEPH D’Ettorre, OLGA DiFlorio, LISA Evangelist, STAMATIA Fanarakis (Rose Ann Barbato’s friend), ERIC Fennell, Christina Gudzan, ALEX Harshell (Ron and Joanne Hasnauer’s grandson), KELLY Herman (Carol Patton’s sister), PAUL Hoover (friend of Michele Murray), NANCY Horvath (Rich Mirilovich’s sister), JULIE Johnson (Pamela’s mother), KATHY Karyalija (Carolyn Hill’s sister), DEREK Keller, CHARLES Knott (Carolyn Hill’s nephew; cancer surgery), BONNIE Koury, DOROTHY Krinock, SAMANTHA Krinock, DONALD and ELIZABETH Kushner, PATRICIA Kwak, IDA Langer, JUSTIN, MARY Masters (Elayne’s mother), SUZANE McGonigle, NORMAN McWhinney, NATASHA Mieczkowski (Darryl Hill’s niece), CHARLOTTE Mowry, ROXANNE Nagy (Secretary daughter), SCOTT Nairn, FRANK & ANNA Nataros (Jen Sacksen’s parents), CHRISTY Nicholas, JACK Nicholas, LAURA Nicholas, MICHAEL Pahnos, GRETA Pickrell, DANIEL Porembka (foot), FRANK Porembka, BARBARA Preli (Diana Lammert’s mother), ADELE Pruitt, ALBERT Saloom, ELIZABETH Sam, CORRY Joseph Sheffler, Father MICHAEL Shuster (dialysis; Dolly Maruschock’s cousin), SALEMA Slyman, DOUG Small (Tom & Mary Andrews’ nephew-leukemia), SOFIA Tangalos (Irene Papas’ friend), ZANA Varner (Jeanne Anton’s daughter), MARK Yazge.
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VOTIVE CANDLES for Health, Welfare and Salvation
Health of wife Betty Don Kushner
Health of husband Don Betty Kushner
Health of Fr. John, Juliana & family The Kushners
Health of Pete & Irene Papas The Kushners
Health of Nick & Mary Masterson The Kushners
Health of Salema Slyman The Kushners
Health of Miriam Yazge The Kushners
Health of Ron & Joanne Hasnauer The Kushners
Health of Charlotte Paoleschi The Kushners
Health & healing of Jamie McHugh The Kushners
Health of Betty and Don Kushner Jeanne Anton
Health of daughter Zana Jeanne Anton
Health of Eric & Veronica Fennell Jeanne Anton
Health of Bernard Danilchak Jeanne Anton
Health of Dana Abraham Jeanne Anton
Health of Vera Dydiw Jeanne Anton
Health of Do and Willy Asa Jeanne Anton
Health of Fr. John & family Salema Slyman
Health of Dcn James & Pat Krisner Salema Slyman
Health of Eugene, Denny & Laura Salema Slyman
Health of Dana Rados & Jay Slyman Salema Slyman
Health of cousins Helen Joseph Salema Slyman
Health of Jamie and Regis McHugh Salema Slyman
Health of cousins, Al and June Essey Salema Slyman
Health of Michele Murray Salema Slyman
Health of Jeanne Anton Salema Slyman
Health of Pat & Dana Abraham Salema Slyman
Health of Ron & Joanne Hasnauer Salema Slyman
Health of Ron & Sara Plate Salema Slyman
Health of Helen & Frank Jr. Porembka Salema Slyman
Health of Bonnie & Evie Koury Salema Slyman
Health of Mary & Rosemary Drylie Salema Slyman
Health of Libby Sam Salema Slyman
Health of Mary & Joe Gazal Salema Slyman
Health of Norma Nicholas Salema Slyman
Health of Laura Nicholas Salema Slyman
Health of Ida Langer Salema Slyman
Health of Vera Dydiw Salema Slyman
Health of Mary Haiden Salema Slyman
Health of Irene &Pete Papas Salema Slyman
Health of Michaelene & Norman McWhinney - Salema Slyman
Health of Don & Betty Kushner Salema Slyman
Health of Nick & Mary Masterson Salema Slyman
Health of Miriam Yazge Salema Slyman
Health of Donna &Michael Pahnos Salema Slyman
Health of Harriet Rich Mirilovich
Health of daughter Kristen Mom & Dad Mirilovich
Health of sister Nancy Horvath Rich & Harriet Mirilovich
Health of sons Frank Jr., Daniel, David & families -
- Helen Porembka
Health of grandchildren: Matthew, Jessica, Daniela, Kenny, Anna, Nathanael, Sarah & great-granddaughter Lillian -
- Helen Porembka
Health of nephew George Helen Porembka
Health of Fr. John & family Helen Porembka
Health of Vera Dydiw Helen Porembka
Special intention Helen Porembka
Health of Husband Ronnie Joanne Hasnauer
Health of daughter Lisa Joanne and Ronnie Hasnauer
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VOTIVE CANDLES in Memoriam: “Memory Eternal”
Memory Eternal, Mother & Grandmother, Mary Volchko - - Connie Volchko, David, Nicole, Noelle & Brady Byers
Memory Eternal, sister & Godmother, Helen Marie Ross - Connie Volchko, David, Nicole, Noelle & Brady Byers
Memory Eternal, Dad Miller Abraham — daughter Dana
In Memory of Sam, Jack, Rosemary, Marian, Evelyn, Margi,
and Eleanor ~ Salema Slyman
In Memory Ed Yazge Miriam Yazge
In Memory Husband Carmen Jeanne Anton
In Memory Granddaughter Lizzy Jeanne Anton
Eternal Memory, Mom & Dad Mirilovich ~
Rich & Harriet Mirilovich
Eternal Memory Frank S. Porembka Sr. ~ Wife Helen
Eternal Memory Kozar and Porembka families - Helen Porembka
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THANK YOU…
...to yesterday’s church cleaners. Great job!
...to all the blood donors who made our last Red Cross Blood Drive one of our most successful ever (around 25 donors) and to Coordinator Connie Capar and her team of volunteers.
...Allison Simon and Joyce Eger for managing this years’s Bakeless Bakesale and Food for Hungy People efforts respectively.
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“Food on the Hill” Lunch Ministry
“Food on the Hill” is the name that has been attached to the lunch for those in need that will be prepared and served free of charge on the first Tuesday of each month (beginning in April). Our Men’s Fellowship has decided to take on the work of providing a bit of “daily” bread to those who can benefit from it.
The next “Food on the Hill” lunch is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2015 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM.
Anyone who would like to support “Food on the Hill” in any capacity you would like, should contact Dan Davis (724-237-2064) or Gust Flizanes (724-863-4443). Please make checks out to “St. Michael’s Church” with “Food on the Hill” on the memo line.

Outreach, Inreach, Renewal
We are continuing our series of catechetical sessions using as the basic text, THE ORTHODOX FAITH, by Fr. Thomas Hopko. For this Spring’s gatherings, the first volume entitled “Doctrine” will be used.
It is not too late for you to begin participating. Come, join us.
Monday, March 30 - Fathers, Saints, Canons, Church Art
Monday, Apr. 13 - Chapter II: Symbol of Faith (Nicene Creed, Faith, God,
Monday, April 20 - Creation, Angels, Evil Spirits, Man, Sin, Jesus Christ,
Monday, April 27 - Son of God, Incarnation, Redemption, Incarnation,
Monday, May 4 - Redemption, Resurrection, Ascension, Judgment, Kingdom of God, Holy Spirit, Church, Sacraments, Eternal Life)
Monday, May 11 & 18 - Chapter III: The Holy Trinity
Monday, May 25 - Conclusion and Review
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TODAY’S SERVERS
Ushers – Janet Mochak
Lisa Stewart
Lindsey Stewart Laura Nicholas
Greeters—Veronica Fennell
Charles Kudlik
Lock-Up - Fotoni Abatzis
Attendance Last Sunday - 129
Mortgage Balance - $281,478.79
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FELLOWSHIP HOUR
Our hosts for today’s
Fellowship Hour are:
Antiochian Women’s Pasta Luncheon Fund-Raiser
Donation: $5.00.
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REMEMBER, the Second Week on this schedule May Change: ALWAYS USE THE MOST CURRENT BULLETIN!

March 22 through March 28
Sunday, March 22 - John of the Ladder
- 8:30 AM - MATINS
- 9:30 AM - Choir Rehearsal
- 10:00 AM - DIVINE LITURGY
- Church School
- “Feast” Pasta Luncheon
- 12:00 noon - Prayers for Victims
of Abortion
- 5:00 PM - LENTEN VESPERS St. George, New Kensington
Monday, March 23
- 6:00 PM - LITTLE COMPLINE
Life of St. Mary of Egypt
GREAT CANON of St. Andrew
- Confessions follow
Tuesday, March 24
- 6:00 PM - GREAT VESPERS
for Annunciation
- Confessions follow
Wednesday, March 25
- 6:00 PM - FESTAL DIV. LIT’GY
Great Feast of Annunciation
- Soup and Bread fellowship
- Choir Rehearsal follows
Thursday, March 26
- 9:00 AM - Bake Sale Baking
Friday, March 27
- 6:00 PM - Lenten Covered Dish
- 7:00 PM - AKATHIST HYMN
to the Theotokos
- Confessions follow
Saturday, March 28
- Antiochian Women’s Retreat
at Antiochian Village
(no services at St. Michael’s today)
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There are still a few open slots for volunteers to supply and prepare soup and bread for the Wednesday evenings of Lent.
Sign up today in the Fellowship Hall to be a soup and bread volunteer this Lent.
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March 29 through April 4
Sunday, March 29- Mary of Egypt
- 8:30 AM - MATINS
- 9:30 AM - Choir Rehearsal
- 10:00 AM - DIVINE LITURGY
- Church School “Assembly”
with Fr. John
- Choir Rehearsal
- 4:30 PM - Syrian Relief Prayers and Dinner Holy Cross, Mt. Lebanon
Monday, March 31
- 7:00 PM - “Rainbow” Series
Bible, Liturgy and Councils
- Confessions follow
Wednesday, April 1
- 5:30 PM - 9th HOUR
- 6 PM - PRESANCTIFIED LIT’GY
- soup and bread fellowship
Very Short Reading and Meditation on reading from “The Ladder”
- Choir Rehearsal follows
Friday, April 3
- 6:00 PM - Lenten Covered Dish
- 7:00 PM - SMALL COMPLINE
Canon of Lazarus the Righteous
- Confessions follow
Saturday, April 4- Lazarus Saturday
- 8:00 AM - MATINS
- 9:00 AM - DIVINE LITURGY
- Confessions follow until noon
- 6:00 PM - GREAT VESPERS
- Confessions follow
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“Feast” Fund Raising Luncheon
TODAY
in the Fellowship Hall
following Divine Liturgy
Donation $5.00
That’s right… ONLY $5!
Can’t stay? Take out.
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Things coming up soon for which to watch and prepare…
...Sunday “traveling” Lenten Vespers throughout the Fast. (see Calendar)
- Today, March 22 - St. George Church, New Kensington
- Sunday, March 29 - Holy Cross Church (Syrian Relief)
...Participating in the Monday night “Doctrine” series (next meeting is Monday, March 30, 7:00 PM).
...Madeline Ritter has taken the lead regarding Palm Cross fashioning. The work will be done on Lazarus Saturday, April 4, following morning Divine Liturgy. Please let Madeline know if you will be participating (no experience necessary).
...Senior Life, Greensburg, Tour (very informative) and Lunch -
Sunday, April 26. Reserve your spot with Sara Armanious.
...Please return your Bakeless Bakesale Donations as soon as possible (and keep filling your Food for Hungry People boxes).
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Available
in the Book Store:
- Easter egg sleeves
- Red Dye
- The children’s book:
The Miracle
of the Red Egg
- Holy Pascha Cards
- Pascha Basket Covers
See Frank Porembka.
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Antiochian Women's Month:
Sunday, March 22
Epistle Reader: Joyce Eger
Collection: Janet Mochak
Lisa Stewart
Lindsey Stewart Laura Nicholas
Sunday, March 29
Epistle Reader: Barli Ross
Collection: Jenn Saxman
Lauren Shaheen
Christina Armanious
Keira Conley
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I.O.C.C.
SYRIAN RELIEF
PRAYERS and DINNER
Sunday, March 29, 2015
(Prayers-4:30 PM; Dinner-5:30 PM)
Holy Cross
Greek Orthodox Church
123 Gilkeson Road (Mt. Lebanon)
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
Dinner Donation - $50.00/person; $20 children 18 and under;
(children 6 and under free)
For reservations:
Online (preferred): www.iocc.org/pittsburgh
Phone / e-mail:
Sophie (412) 341-6869
farahs32@gmail.com
Zelfa (412) 417-4706
(The following hierarchs will be in attendance this year - Metropolitan SAVAS (Greek), Bishop THOMAS (Antiochian), Archbishop MELCHISEDEK (Orthodox Church in America), Bishop MITROPHAN (Serbian), Bishop DANIEL (Ukrainian), Bishop GREGORY (Carpatho-Russian.)
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Memory Eternal, Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko
(March 28, 1939–March 18, 2015)
Father Thomas graduated from Fordham University in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in Russian studies. He graduated with a theological degree from St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in 1963, from Duquesne University with a master’s degree in philosophy in 1969, and he earned his doctorate degree in theology from Fordham University in 1982.
Ordained to the Holy Priesthood in August 1963, Fr. Thomas served the following parishes as pastor: Saint John the Baptist Church, Warren, OH (1963–1968); Saint Gregory the Theologian Church, Wappingers Falls, NY (1968–1978); and Saint Nicholas Church, Jamaica Estates, NY (1978–1983). Father Thomas was honored with the clerical rank of Archpriest in 1970 and the rank of Protopresbyter in 1995.
Beginning in 1968, Fr. Thomas began his long service to St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. Over the years, Fr. Thomas held the following positions: Lecturer in Doctrine and Pastoral Theology, 1968–1972; Assistant Professor of Dogmatic Theology, 1972–1983; Associate Professor of Dogmatic Theology, 1983–1991; Professor of Dogmatic Theology, 1991–1992; Dean, Rector of Three Hierarchs Chapel, and Professor of Dogmatic Theology, 1992–2002.
During his years of priestly ministry, Fr. Thomas authored numerous books and articles. Most well known of these publications is The Orthodox Faith: An Elementary Handbook on the Orthodox Church. A prolific speaker and preacher, he spoke at conferences, retreats, public lectures, and Church gatherings of all kinds, many of which were recorded. Father Thomas performed countless duties on behalf of the Orthodox Church in America, including representing the Church at intra-Orthodox gatherings and ecumenical meetings.
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More things of which to be aware…
...If anyone has not registered for Antiochian Village Camp because of financial restraints, talk to Fr. John.
...Donations are being welcomed to replace our well-worn winding cloth for the Tomb of Christ. The replacement cost will be in the vicinity of $4,000; talk to Fr. John.
...To help support our Church School, participate in their Yankee Candle Fund Raiser. Contact Keira Conley for more info.
...There will be a fish dinner following Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday, April 5.
...If you are a woman, 26 years or older, and are heading back to school, you may qualify to apply for an Antiochian Women’s Scholarship. For more information, contact Sara Armanious.
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Valerie Flizanes, Chairman 724-863-4443 valerie.flizanes@stmichaelsgreensburgpa.org
Charles Kudlik, Vice-Chairman 724-532-0989 charles.kudlik@stmichaelsgreensburgpa.org
Christian Sam, Treasurer 724-309-2770 christian.sam@stmichaelsgreensburgpa.org
Joyce George, Recording Secretary 724-840-4694 joyce.george@stmichaelsgreensburgpa.org
Fotini Wetzel, Corresponding Secretary 724-757-6929 fotini.wetzel@stmichaelsgreensburgpa.org
Dianne Anton 724-691-0319 dianne.anton@stmichaelsgreensburgpa.org
Daniel Davis 724-237-2064 dan.davis@stmichaelsgreensburgpa.org
William Eger 724-244-7329 william.eger@stmichaelsgreensburgpa.org
Carolyn Hill 724-832-8684 carolyn.hill@stmichaelsgreensburgpa.org
Christine Mansour 724-832-3411 christine.mansour@stmichaelsgreensburgpa.org
Elizabeth Maruschock 724-834-6902 elizabeth.maruschock@stmichaelsgreensburgpa.org
Alex Simkovich 724--238-7060 alex.simkovich@stmichaelsgreensburgpa.org

St. Michael’s Orthodox Church Contact Information
Phone 724-834-1311 Fax 724-834-1912 Email church@stmichaels.comcastbiz.net Website www.stmgbg.org
Office Hours Tues & Thurs, 9am to 3pm - Wednesday, 9am to 1pm Archpriest John Nosal
Home 724-837-5113 Mobile 724-244-1228 E-mail frjno@comcast.net
Deacon James Krisner Home 724-832-7864 E-mail dnjas@comcast.net

2015 Parish Council

Your Information
(check below & give to usher)
ADD _______ CHANGE _______
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Street: ________________________________
City: __________________________________
State & Zip: ___________________________
Home Phone: __________________________
Cell : _________________________________
Email: ________________________________
Other: ________________________________
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“Honor the Lord from your righteous labors, and offer Him the first-fruits from the fruits of your righteousness, that your storehouses may be filled with abundance of grain, and your winepresses may gush with wine.” - Proverbs 3:9-10
A Word on Financial Stewardship and Pledge Cards
October is Pledge Month. Pledging shows our commitment and supports our good fiscal health. Our pledges, informal giving (non-pledge) and fund-raising fills our General Fund which covers both everyday expenses, the monthly mortgage and our tithe to the Archdiocese. While this is a more complex operation than most of us need to know about, our Parish Council, Stewardship Committee and Treasurer use the data from our pledge cards for planning our annual budget. (With a little extra effort and God’s help we might even be able to retire the mortgage early. Please be generous and turn in your pledge cards as soon as you can.
We take good care to maintain, repair and update our homes, cars, clothes, educations, etc., in the interest of our temporal lives, let us likewise take care of the homes of our immortal souls, our church.
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God Is With Us:
An Introduction to the Orthodox Christian Faith
St. Michael's Orthodox Church
1182 Ashland St. (Cedar St. Exit off the Rte. 30 By-Pass)
South Greensburg
Monday, March 2
6:30 PM - Coffee and Sign-In
7:00 PM - Presentation and Q & A
For more information or to let us know you are coming,
call Archpriest John Nosal (Pastor) at (724) 244-1228
or visit www.stmgbg.org

The Third Sunday of Lent: “The Veneration of the Cross.”
by Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann
At the Vigil on that day, after the Great Doxology, the Cross is brought in a solemn procession to the center of the church and remains there for the entire week, with a special rite of veneration following each service. It is noteworthy that the theme of the Cross which dominates the hymnology of that Sunday is developed in terms not of suffering but of victory and joy.
More than that, the theme–songs of the Sunday Canon are taken from the Paschal Service, “The Day of the Resurrection,” and the Canon is a paraphrase of the Easter Canon. The meaning of all this is clear. We are in Mid-Lent.
On the one hand, the physical and spiritual effort, if it serious and consistent, begins to be felt, its burden becomes more burdensome, our fatigue more evident. We need help and encouragement. On the other hand, having endured this fatigue, having climbed the mountain up to this point, we begin to see the end of our pilgrimage, and the rays of Easter grow in their intensity. Lent is our self–crucifixion, our experience, limited as it is, of Christ’s commandment heard in the Gospel lesson of that Sunday:
If anyone would follow me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Mark 8:34)
But we cannot take up our cross and follow Christ unless we have His Cross which He took up in order to save us. It is His Cross, not ours, that saves us. It is His Cross that gives not only meaning but also power to others.
This is explained to us in the synaxarion of the Sunday of the Cross: “On this Sunday, the third Sunday of Lent, we celebrate the veneration of the honorable and Life-Giving Cross, and for this reason: inasmuch as in the forty days of fasting we, in a way, crucify ourselves…and become bitter and despondent and failing, the Life-Giving Cross is presented to us for refreshment and assurance, for remembrance of our Lord’s Passion, and for comfort…”
We are like those following a long and cruel path who become tired, see a beautiful tree and many leaves, sit in its shadow and rest for a while and then, as if rejuvenated, continue their journey; likewise today, in the time of fasting and difficult journey and effort, the Life–Giving Cross was planted in our midst by the holy fathers to give us rest and refreshment, to make us light and courageous for the remaining task.
Or, to give another example: when a king is coming, first his banner and symbols appear, then he himself comes rejoicing about his victory and filling with joy those under him; likewise, our Lord Jesus Christ, who is about to show us His victory over death, and appear to us in the glory of the Resurrection Day, is sending to us in advance His scepter, the royal symbol, the Life–Giving Cross – and it fills us with joy and makes us ready to meet, inasmuch as it is possible for us, the King himself, and to render glory to His victory.
All this in the midst of Lent which is like a bitter source because of its tears, because also of its efforts and despondency. Christ comforts us who are, as it were, in a desert, until He shall lead us up to the spiritual Jerusalem by His Resurrection. For the Cross is called the Tree of Life, it is the tree that was planted in Paradise, and for this reason our fathers have planted it in the midst of Holy Lent, remembering both Adam’s bliss and how he was deprived of it, also remembering that partaking of this Tree we no longer die but are kept alive.
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Beloved in the Lord:
Greetings and blessings to you as we enter this most holy season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
During this time of the Great Fast, we once again turn our attention to the Food for Hungry People Program of the Fellowship of St. John the Divine. For more than 40 years, this campaign has had a tremendous impact throughout the world to help alleviate hunger and the numberless tragedies caused by poverty. With the many tragic events in our own country and throughout the world that happen each day, we continue to have a great need for almsgiving every day. As such, this special program of our Archdiocese helps with both large catastrophes or when smaller needs arise in any given year.
St. John Chrysostom, perhaps the greatest preacher in the history of the Church once said, “Although fasting is more difficult than this, nothing is so strong and powerful to extinguish the fire of our sins as almsgiving. It is greater than all other virtues. It places its lovers by the side of the King Himself, and justly. For the effect of fasting is confined to those who fast, and no other is saved thereby. But almsgiving extends to all, embracing the members of Christ, and actions that extend their effects to many are far greater than those which are confined to one.” Through your generosity to the Food for Hungry People Campaign, you embrace the world with the love of Christ, saving yourself as you literally save others.
We urge you, during this season of prayer, self-discipline and fasting, to be very generous in your contribution to this campaign. As we practice the virtues which cleanse our souls, let us not forget or refrain from the “greatest of the virtues.” As important as prayer and fasting are, they are of no avail to us if we fail go give to those in need.
Praying that the Holy Spirit will strengthen us as we embark on our journey to Pascha, we remain,
Your Father in Christ,
+Metropolitan JOSEPH
Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

THE SYNODICON:
THE AFFIRMATION OF THE ORTHODOX FAITH
As the Prophets beheld, as the Apostles have taught, as the Church has received, as the Teachers have dogmatized, as the universe has agreed, as Grace has shown forth, as Truth has revealed, as falsehood has been dissolved, as Wisdom has presented, as Christ has awarded: thus we declare, thus we assert, thus we preach Christ our true God, and honor His Saints in words, in writings, in thoughts, in sacrifices, in churches, in Holy Icons; on the one hand worshiping and reverencing Christ as God and Lord; and on the other hand honoring as true servants of the same Lord of all, and accordingly offering them veneration.
This is the Faith of the Apostles; this is the Faith of the Fathers; this is the Faith of the Orthodox; this is the Faith which has established the universe!
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Re: the above, here are a few questions I can ask myself:
How much do I know about this Faith “which has established the universe”? Am I giving myself ample opportunities to grow in knowing this Faith? Do I have a rule of prayer that I strive to follow no matter what? Do I know and practice the Jesus Prayer during the day to focus my mind and heart on His Divine Person and off all the attention grabbing things around me? Do I sit in silence for a time, praying this prayer of the Name? Do I read my Bible? Am I working on having less to do with the world and more to do with God’s Kingdom? Am I feeding my soul more and my passions less as I journey through life? Do I do any spiritual reading at all? Do I fast faithfully, regarding both stomach and speech? Do I take the “advice” of God’s Church as revealed in His saints and their experience. Am I truly repenting about any of these things? Do I think that questions like these even matter?

To offer a Memorial: 1) Contact Rita in the church office (or Fr. John) at least one month in advance so that Memorial Wheat can be arranged, 2) write “Memorial” on an envelope, along with the date of the memorial, 3) write the names the dead to be commemorated on the envelope and 4) enclose a $25.00 donation to St. Michael’s Church. Memorials cannot be offered on certain Sundays so it is important that the date is cleared with Fr. John in advance of your planning.
The people listed are commemorated during the prayers of the Preparation of the Gifts (Prothesis) and in the Great Entrance.
Please plan ahead for your Memorials. For scheduling purposes, one month advance notice is ideal, though if you know the date of a memorial far in advance, you can schedule now for any time in the future).
To offer the Holy Bread without baking it yourself:
1) write “Holy Bread” on an envelope, 2) write the date you want the prayers said on the envelope, 3) write the names of the living and the dead to be commemorated on the envelope and 4) enclose a $25.00 donation to the Antiochian Women. The people listed are commemorated during the prayers of the Preparation of the Gifts (Prothesis) and in the Great Entrance.
Please plan ahead for your Bread Offering. For scheduling purposes, one month advance notice is ideal, though if you know the date of a memorial far in advance, you can schedule now for any time in the future.
NOTE: If YOU prepare either the wheat or Holy Bread, the $25 donation is waived.
the $25 donation is waived.

The Reading from the Wisdom of Solomon. (4:7-15)
(from last evening’s Great Vespers service)
The righteous man, though he die early, will be at rest. For old age is not honored for length of time, nor measured by number of years; but understanding of grey hair for men, and a blameless life is ripe old age. There was one who pleased God and was loved by him, and while living among sinners he was taken up. He was caught up lest evil change his understanding or guile deceive his soul. For the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good, and roving desire perverts the innocent mind. Being perfected in a short time, he fulfilled long years; for his soul was pleasing to the Lord, therefore he took him quickly from the midst of wickedness. Yet the peoples saw and did not understand, nor take such a thing to heart, that God’s grace and mercy are with his elect, and he watches over his holy ones.
In the reading above, two kinds of people are described (bold italics) in their relationship to understanding these words about righteousness, death, years lived, and the soul that is well pleasing to God. Let us consider which of the two we most resemble

Miriam Yazge in memory of Metropolitan PHILIP, RAYMOND, GEORGIE and MATTHEW JOHN Yazge, HENRY Abraham and Dn. PAUL Yova; for the health sons, Fr. Anthony, Khouria. Stephanie, Paul, and grandchildren MATTHEW, MARK and ALEXIS, Devin, Haley, Rae, Lena, and Silvia Yova and NORMA Azar and for friends and pa Zacchaeus Sunday. Gregory the Theologian, archbishop of Constantinople; Venerable Demetrios the sacristan; New-martyr Auxentios of Constantinople.
rishioners of St. Michael.

14, that’s right, 14 of us attended Great Vespers last night. In a post-Vespers conversation it was suggested by Fr. John that the revitalization of our parish can be energized by each and every one of us who decide to make this simple commitment and shift to our weekly schedule. There are few things more simple and more powerfully Orthodox than beginning the Lord’s Day at its beginning. Let us pray that God will inspire us, one by one, to grow and change ourselves and all the communities in which we live.

THE EDITOR APOLOGIZES for having inadvertently omitted from last week’s bulletin acknowledgment of the one year memorial of the falling asleep in the Lord of the servant of God, Diane McCarthy, for whom memorial prayers were prayed, offered by her sister, Carolyn Hill.

St. Michael’s Orthodox Church
Church Phone 724-834-1311 fax 724-834-1912
Email church@stmichaels.comcastbiz.net
Website http://www.stmgbg.org
Office Hours
Tues & Thurs, 9 AM to 3 PM —-
Wednesday, 9 AM to 1 PM
Archpriest John Nosal Deacon James Krisner
Home 724-837-5113 Home 724-832-7864
Mobile 724-244-1228 E-mail dnjas@comcast.net
E-mail frjno@comcast.net

CALEB’S CUPBOARD (Toiletries Needed)
In addition to the food you have been bringing to “Caleb’s Cupboard” collection bin, we’ve been informed of the need for other items - like toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and toilet paper. Items collected will be distributed to the poor in our area through the Greensburg Christian Laymen’s Corps (Urania Ave.). A small emergency supply will be kept in a room downstairs for “emergency” distribution when the Layman’s Corps is not open. Members of our church parish may also access that emergency supply for themselves and their neighbors. Help us ease some suffering with your donation.
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“All things spiritual are misunderstood at whatever level you are at. When you think you understand them, you are misunderstanding them. And then you grow and you realize that not only did you totally misunderstand, but it was so much simpler. It’s not that you misunderstood because it was more complicated, you misunderstood because it was so simple and you were not capable of being that simple at that time. And I assure you that when you have that realization, you will again, later, have a realization that, again, you didn’t understand. It just keeps happening that way.” - Michael A. Singer

ON ANNUAL MEMORIALS BEST UNDERSTOOD
(A repeater for those who may have missed this change.)
On Holy Pascha we heard St. John Chrysostom cry out, “...O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen, and you are overthrown. Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen. Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice. Christ is risen, and life reigns. Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave.”
Since our Faith is that St. John’s proclamation is certainly so, then we find a sincerely loving yet contradictory practice here at Saint Michael’s when we pray the Memorial Prayers for the Dead long past the time of our commending the souls of our loved ones into the presence of the angels, the saints and God Himself. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak as we are emotionally misdirected from heaven to earth in our continued lamenting for those we love though their tomb, too, is empty. So, let us strive to remedy this respectful but spiritually misdirecting practice in a manner that continues to honor and respect our loved ones while affirming our Orthodox Christian understanding and Faith in the Power of Christ’s Resurrection in all our lives.
On our Church’s calendar, with some exceptions, the Saints are commemorated on the day of their departure from this life and their entry into the Kingdom of God, their passage “from life to life.” Let us, likewise, begin to remember our own loved ones and ourselves in the same fashion. Let their memorial be not a reiteration of their funeral but a joyous anamnesis that they have been Christ-transported “from death unto life, from earth to heaven.”
As we remember by name, in our weekly Bulletin, those born into this world on their birthday, let us, even more so, remember those borne into the life of the world to come. The one year memorial will mark the end of their funeral and the beginning of their being remembered and prayed for as amongst those present before Christ in His Kingdom.
Then the funereal phrase, “memory eternal,” will cease to be a wistful longing for remembrance in this world but an acknowledgment of the God Who sustains us all in eternal mindfulness which grants life to those both in this world and in the world to come!
So, here’s what you need to know about what stays the same and what changes regarding Memorials:
1) The “Memorial Prayers for the Dead” will continue to be prayed as they always have, on or near the fortieth day after departure from this life and at the one year memorial .
2) Any multiple year memorials that have already been scheduled will be prayed, as scheduled, unless other direction is received.
From this point forward, those “departed” being remembered on multiple annual anniversaries of their translation from this life will be noted by name in a section analogous to the Birthday section of the Bulletin and will be remembered during the Divine Liturgy.
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Health of mother Helen Jamie McHugh
Health of Aunt Jeanne Anton Jamie McHugh
Health of Husband and Children Jamie McHugh
Health of Ronald Joseph Jamie McHugh
Health of Salema & Denny Slyman Jamie McHugh

St. Michael’s
Red Cross Blood Drive
February 28th @ 9 a.m.
One volunteer is needed to help with registration and donor escort.
Many volunteers are needed to save many lives. Sign up today.
(Questions? Or to Volunteer, Contact Connie Capar.)

January 25 through January 31
Sunday, January 25
- 8:30 AM - MATINS
- 9:30 AM - Choir Rehearsal
- 10:00 AM - DIVINE LITURGY
- Church School Glad Tidings
and Spaghetti Luncheon
- Glad Tidings Team informal meeting with Fr. John
in Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, January 28
- 9:00 AM - DIVINE LITURGY
Ephraim & Isaac the Syrians
- Meat Pie Making after Liturgy
- 10:00 AM - AF Bible Study Hour
- 7:00 PM - Reading/Discussion
Untethered Soul, Ch. 9
Thursday, January 29
- 6:00 PM - VESP. DIV. LIT’RGY
Three Holy Heirarchs
- 7:15 PM - Choir Rehearsal
Saturday, January 31
- 6:00 PM - GREAT VESPERS
15 minute conversation
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Ancient Faith Bible Study will meet at St. Michael’s on Wednesday, March 28, following 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy. If you are on our e-mail list you will be receiving a link to this weekly study.
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To offer a Memorial: 1) Contact Rita in the church office at least one month in advance so that Memorial Wheat can be arranged, 2) write “Memorial” on an envelope, along with the date of the memorial, 3) write the names the dead to be commemorated on the envelope and 4) enclose a $25.00 donation to Saint Michael’s Church. Memorials cannot be offered on certain Sundays so it is important that the date is cleared with Fr. John in advance of your planning.
The people listed are commemorated during the prayers of the Preparation of the Gifts (Prothesis) and in the Great Entrance.
Please plan ahead for your Memorials. For scheduling purposes, one month advance notice is ideal, though if you know the date of a memorial far in advance, you can schedule now for any time in the future).
To offer the Holy Bread without baking it yourself:
1) write “Holy Bread” on an envelope, 2) write the date you want the prayers said on the envelope, 3) write the names of the living and the dead to be commemorated on the envelope and 4) enclose a $25.00 donation to the Antiochian Women. The people listed are commemorated during the prayers of the Preparation of the Gifts (Prothesis) and in the Great Entrance.
Please plan ahead for your Bread Offering.
For scheduling purposes, one month advance notice is ideal, though if you know the date of a memorial far in advance, you can schedule now for any time in the future.
NOTE: If YOU prepare either the wheat or Holy Bread,
the $25 donation is waived.

The Untethered Soul, by Michael A. Singer is an excellent preparatory text for anyone who seriously desires to walk the spiritual path, the Way that Christ reveals Himself to be. In each hour, we will hear/read and discuss one chapter of the book.

Ascetic—Greek; ‘one who practices (spiritual) exercises.’ A monk who has accepted a monastic life and intensively practices self-discipline, meditation, and self-denial, motivated by love of God.
A key phrase in the paragraph above is the final one, “motivated by love of God.” I would like to think that’s what motivates me at least some of the time, but it would be a safer bet, were I a gambling man, to assume at any given time that my motivation is less than noble or God-loving. Why would I say that? Because our Tradition passes that understanding along to us.
When John Chrysostom says, “Knowing yourself is a greater miracle than raising the dead,” he is saying that I have virtually no chance of being certain of what my motives are when I am confident of my good intentions. In such confidence, it is likely that pride and ego are leading me.
So, the monk, and the serious layman (we’re more the same than different), set out to let God expose the truth through the ascetic struggle. The means to this revelation are given to us in everything we do during the Great Fast. May God grant us steadfast resolve to struggle against our flesh that He may motivate us by His love, whether we can tell or not, in the coming Great Lent.
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To offer the Holy Bread without baking it yourself,
1) write “Holy Bread” on an envelope, 2) write the date you want the prayers said on the envelope, 3) write the names of the living and the dead to be commemorated on the envelope and 4) enclose a $25.00 donation to the Antiochian Women. The people listed are commemorated during the prayers of the Preparation of the Gifts (Prothesis) and in the Great Entrance.
Please plan ahead for your Bread Offering.
For scheduling purposes, one month advance notice is ideal, though if you know the date of a memorial far in advance, you can schedule now for any time in the future).

The Mission of Our Church
The mission of St Michael’s Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church is to tend the flock of our Lord Jesus Christ and to spread the Good News of Christ to those outside the flock. This mission is to be accomplished by
a) living a full liturgical and sacramental life,
b) proclaiming the Orthodox Christian faith to all people,
c) providing effective charitable and social programs,
d) establish spiritual leadership and resources.

Ancient Faith Bible Study will meet at St. Michael’s on Wednesday, March 28, following 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy. If you are on our e-mail list you will be receiving a link to this weekly study.

Would you like to get to know someone better? Read a book with them. No, don’t each read the book alone and then get together and talk about it. Read it together.
Many of us can remember reading a book to a child who could not read yet. All through the activity there would be frequent “interruptions” with comments and questions. And then, as the young person learned to read, there would be a sharing of the reading activity and a continuation of the “interruptions.” In the course of a short reading session much could be discovered about what was going on in each person’s head. You got to know each other better.
That’s what we do on Saturday evenings after Great Vespers. The book we use hardly matters at all. What works is sitting quietly, reading, listening and conversing.
Come get to know someone better on Saturday evening; and if you do, you’ll get to know yourself a little better, too.

Archpriest John Nosal Deacon James Krisner
Home: 724-837-5113 724-832-7864
Cell: 724-244-1228
frjno@comcast.net dnjas@comcast.net

I.nternational O.rthodox C.hristian C.harities
It is unfortunate that IOCC is one among many charitable organizations that are never lacking for work. A glance around our globe supplies us with sufficient evidence of human beings who are suffering horrendously and are in dire need of help and aid in their affliction. IOCC has proven itself to be one of the most effective deliverers of that aid.
One statistical bit of evidence of IOCC’s efficiency is the fact that every $1 that is donated to IOCC in charitable contributions is leveraged and matched by $7 in funding from the governments, philanthropic foundations and other sources that support IOCC. That means your $1 becomes $8. Your $10 become $80. Your $100 become $800.
For information on IOCC and how to become part of the worthwhile work being done, visit iocc.org.
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THE HOLY UNCTION SERVICE, the Church’s Sacrament of Healing, will be prayed on Friday evening, December 19 at 6:00 PM. While the prayers offered are intended for the forgiveness of sins and the healing of soul and body, the Unction Service does not take the place of Sacramental Confession. In other words, if we intend to receive anointing with the Unction Oil, we should make sure that we are ‘regularly’ participating in the Sacrament of Confession (‘regular’ will vary from person to person but should not be less than once each.during the Great Lent and Nativity Fasts). This same understanding of Confessional frequency applies to our receiving Holy Communion.
For some parish and personal context regarding these things, during the Nativity Fast, fourteen people have come to Confession. Since January 1, 2014, one hundred and three Confessions have been heard.

Gust Flizanes
Sam Sacksen
Dina Papas

With our attention, our “end-of-church” silence has improved considerably. While we continue to be aware of that aspect of our church presence, let us “back up” a few minutes into the Divine Liturgy and strive to be attentive and orderly during our approach to, and return from, the Chalice. We can all be more mindful about what it is we are doing. Some of us may need to modify our behavior. If our behavior is “worthy,” then let us continue to pay attention ever more deeply, only to Christ God who feeds us with Himself

It is good to note that we are learning to be quiet and attentive during the reading of the Post-Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving as we are departing the church.
Now, may that attentiveness be allowed to extend earlier into the Divine Liturgy when we are receiving Holy Communion by being patient and waiting for the ushers direction to move into the Communion line; and having arrived in line, that we may mindfully proceed in silent, prayerful awe to receive the Body and Blood of Christ Our God.
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Zacchaeus (Greek: Ζακχαῖος, Zakchaios; Hebrew: זכי, “pure,” “innocent” was a chief tax-collector at Jericho, mentioned only in the Gospel of Luke. A descendent of Abraham, he was a poster child for Jesus’ personal, earthly mission to bring salvation to the lost. Tax collectors were despised as traitors (working for the Roman Empire, not for their Jewish community), and as being corrupt.
Because the lucrative production and export of balsam was centered in Jericho, his position would have carried both importance and wealth. In the account, he arrived before the crowd who were later to meet with Jesus, who was passing through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem. Described as a short man, Zacchaeus climbed up a sycamore fig tree so that he might be able to see Jesus. When Jesus reached the spot he looked up into the branches, addressed Zacchaeus by name, and told him to come down, for he intended to visit his house. The crowd was shocked that Jesus, a Jew, would sully himself by being a guest of a tax collector.
Moved by the audacity of Jesus’ undeserved love and acceptance, Zacchaeus publicly repented acts of corruption and vowed to make restitution for them, and held a feast at his house.
At Er-riha (Jericho) there is a large, venerable looking square tower, which by tradition is named the House of Zacchaeus.
According to Clement of Alexandria, in his book Stromata, Zacchaeus was surnamed Matthias by the apostles, and took the place of Judas Iscariot after Jesus’ ascension. Luke told us that Matthias in the beginning was with Jesus since the baptism of John (Acts 1:21-23). John also told us that later many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him (John 6:60-66). The later Apostolic Constitutions identify “Zacchaeus the Publican” as the first bishop of Caesarea (7.46).
Medieval legend identified Zacchaeus with Saint Amadour, and held him to be the founder of the French sanctuary, Rocamadour.
The story of Zacchaeus is used by some to illustrate the saying of Jesus: "Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God" Matthew 5:8, because the name Zacchaeus means pure. Zacchaeus also becomes a contrast of character with the Rich Young Ruler Luke 18:18-23. Both Zacchaeus and the Rich Young Ruler were wealthy men, but one felt a self-righteousness and would not give up his possessions, the other gave half his possessions to feed the poor.
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THE AFFIRMATION OF THE ORTHODOX FAITH
As the Prophets beheld, as the Apostles have taught, as the Church has received, as the Teachers have dogmatized, as the universe has agreed, as Grace has shown forth, as Truth has revealed, as falsehood has been dissolved, as Wisdom has presented, as Christ has awarded: thus we declare, thus we assert, thus we preach Christ our true God, and honor His Saints in words, in writings, in thoughts, in sacrifices, in churches, in Holy Icons; on the one hand worshiping and reverencing Christ as God and Lord; and on the other hand honoring as true servants of the same Lord of all, and accordingly offering them veneration. This is the Faith of the Apostles; this is the Faith of the Fathers; this is the Faith of the Orthodox; this is the Faith which has established the universe!

OUR SINCEREST CONDOLENCES

A Few Announcements and Requests
from our Church School Director, Keira Conley
There will be no Church School classes on Palm Sunday or Easter Sunday (4/5 and 4/12). Church School will resume on Sunday, April 19.
Anyone who is graduating this year either from high school or college, let Keira know where your are graduating from, and what your future plans are.
Church school Graduation will be celebrated on Sunday, May 31st.
Church School is holding a Yankee Candle fundraiser. It is being kicked off this Sunday, March 15th. Final order should be turned in no later than April 5th. Order forms are in this bulletin.
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MEMORIAL PRAYERS will be prayed this morning...

SPRING CLEANING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
Save your discarded treasures and bring them to the church for our annual Flea Market/Ethnic Food & Bake Sale/Used Book Sale on June 7th from 9 AM to 2 PM. We have room in the basement to store your donated items. You also have the option of renting a table for a $10 donation and selling the items for your benefit.
NO CLOTHING WILL BE ACCEPTED AS DONATIONS FOR THE CHURCH TABLE!
Come & Help or just stop by to enjoy the fellowship. Call Valerie Flizanes or Mary Haiden with your questions.
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“After this it shall come to pass that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.” (Joel 3:1)
This is a very important opportunity for you to come and
join the conversation about a vision for our church -
Saturday, February 7, 10:00 AM, Multi-Purpose Room
(following Divine Liturgy for Parthenios of Lampsakos)
It is one of life’s challenges to know where we are at any moment in our journey through life. If we have not noticed this reality, then we are probably an example of it. This applies alike to people, relationships, communities, countries, even civilizations. As such, it also applies to our church. If you would like a heads-up on what will be part of our work at St. Michael’s in the coming years, check out the following internet location:
http://straphaels2020vision.blogspot.com/
2014/12/2020-vision-and-beyond.html

St. Nicholas Day is being celebrated this morning instead of on its regular calendar day, December 6, because Fr. John was out of town on Friday and Saturday at the Enthronement Ceremonies for Metropolitan JOSEPH at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Brooklyn, NY.
The shoes you see this morning outside the entrance to our church remind us of the muddy shoes of the poor family which were left outside their door that were secretly filled with money by the charitable bishop to save the parents from having to sell their daughters into slavery in order to survive.
St. Nicholas has likewise left in our children’s shoes gifts that remind them of the salvation that Christ brings: 1 dollar gold coin, reminding us of the One True God; 2 quarters, reminding us of the two natures of Christ; and 3 nickels, reminding us of the Mystery of the Trinitarian God.
Other presents in our children’s shoes are a card imprinted with a prayer to God in honor of St. Nicholas, a candy cane reminding them of the crooked pastoral staff of the Christ, the Good Shepherd, who is emulated by Saint Bishop Nicholas, and a chocolate candy treat in the saint’s image.
Through the prayers of St. Nicholas, Lord Jesus Christ our God have mercy on us and save us!
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All of us are given the opportunity to support our weekly Fellowship Hour. Four families each week will be teamed together to produce the weekly fellowship we enjoy following the Sunday Divine Liturgy. Host families are provided a list of suggested refreshments to make their preparations easier.

Michele Murry
Alex Simkovich
Bernie Danilchak

https://www..groupvbspro.com/WeirdAnimalsGbg

...for the memorials of the falling asleep in the Lord of the servants of God, Jamilah Hajal (40 day); IbrAhIm Hajal (1 year); beloved husband Jack Langer (4 year); Sally Langer (6 year); JOHN Langer, Sr. (40 year), offered by Ida Langer and family.
...for one year memorial of the falling asleep in the Lord of the servant of God, Jamal Nassar, offered by his children Mouna Jabbour and Sam Nassar.
...for the three year memorial of the falling asleep in the Lord of the servant of God, beloved husband and father SaLim Noumeh; for the five year memorial of beloved husband and father Dr. Bassam Kharma, offered by Violet Kharma, children Andrew

THE PASCHAL POST-DISMISSAL DIALOGUE
Priest: Christ is risen! (three times)
People: Truly, He is risen! (three times)
Priest: Glory to His holy third-day Resurrection!
People: We adore His holy third-day Resurrection!
Priest: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death...
People: ...and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!

Unpreparedness. I know about unpreparedness. But all the things I have been heretofore unprepared for have all been temporal and fading. Only my death is ultimately real. Therefore, only my death is worth preparing for. (Everything else seems to fall into place anyway.) The degree to which I can do that is the degree to which I have the power to make every day wildly alive. Nothing else can wake me up and bring clarity to my day-in-and-day-out existence like remembering that any moment might be my last. God grant me the presence of mind to live in the light of my own death.

MEMORIAL PRAYERS will be prayed today…
...for the 40 Day Memorial of the falling asleep in the Lord of the servant of God, EMMA Hayden, offered by Mary Haiden.
...for the memorial of the falling asleep in the Lord of the servant of God, ANDY Sedlak.

Memorize the bold, italicized print passages on this page each week. By Holy Week and Pascha you will know eart.
PHILIPPIANS 4:4-9
The Epistle Reading for Palm Sunday
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy —- meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
JOHN 1:1-17
The Divine Liturgy Gospel Reading for Holy Pascha
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the Light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light.
The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. We have beheld his glory, glory as of the only son from the Father. John bore witness to him and cried, “This was he of whom I said ‘He who comes after me is greater than me, for he was before me.’” And from his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
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As sure a sign of Spring as the appearance of the robin red-breast is the appearance of the Food for Hungry People (FFHP) boxes in our hallway. The FFHP Program has been a life-giving, charitable work of our Archdiocese since 1975 donating millions of dollars toward the alleviation of hunger throughout the world. Pick up your donation box today!
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For some remarkable Orthodox Christian educational listening, visit the Orthodox Revolutionary blog at orthorev.net. These podcasts may also be accessed on You Tube by searching “orthodox revolutionary.”
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and Dima, and mother Salma Noumeh.
…for ten year memorial of the falling asleep in the Lord of the servant of God, GENEVIEVE Essey, offered by Bishop BASIL, Shirles and Charles King, Heidi, David, David Lee, and Kallee Waugaman.

OUR AWARENESS of being in a holy place was nicely manifested last Sunday in our pious quietude as we came forward to venerate the Cross of our Lord at the completion of Divine Liturgy. This small progress is no small matter. It is not an easy thing to remember where we are and what where we are means. May our silence as we depart our church be a continuation of our growth in wisdom and understanding of God’s holy mystery and presence.

March 9 — Chapter I: The Sources of Christian Doctrine

The complete text of the Great Vespers and Matins services for each Sunday may be retrieved and printed from the Antiochian Archdiocese website at http://www.antiochian.org/
content/online-liturgical-guide.

To serve, contact:
Greeters - Dolly Maruschock
Ushers - Gust Flizanes
Fellowship - Rose Ann Barbato
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“Better than all (the particular gifts God gives) ...is the patient endurance of afflictions: and he who has been found worthy of this great gift should give thanks to God in that he has been all the more blessed. For he has become an imitator of Christ…”
- St. Peter of Damas

May God bless our newly elected officers and all the members of the 2015 Parish Council with a fruitful year of service to God and His Church here at St. Michael’s: Valerie Flizanes, Chairman; Chuck Kudlik, Vice Chairman; Christian Sam, Treasurer; Joyce George, Recording Secretary; Fotini Wetzel, Corresponding Secretary.
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The Post-Communion Liturgy:
What Just Happened Here and
What Ought We Do Because of It?
Every time we celebrate the Divine Liturgy a miracle happens. The Uncreated God of the universe lifts us out of time into His Kingdom to commune with Him. The Co-Eternal Father, Son and Holy Spirit invite us and draw us into their midst as adopted participants and sharers by Grace in the Divine Life that rightly and essentially belongs only to Them. And so, as we begin the dismissal segment of the Divine Liturgy, preparing to depart the church at liturgy’s end, we sing:
We have seen the True Light! We have received the heavenly Spirit! We have found the True Faith, worshiping the Undivided Trinity; for He hath saved us!
Our wonder at what has just occurred springs from us as worship of the God who is love, and more amazingly, Who loves us, his children who were lost in our sin and are now found by the God who seeks us and saves us. The account of man’s Creation and Fall in human history has been brought to mind. The saving work of God the Father, accomplished through the Incarnation of His Son and completed by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, has healed and reversed that Fall in us by our receiving of the Body and Blood of our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. And so, our thankful singing continues:
Let our mouths be filled with Thy praise, O Lord, that we may sing of Thy glory! For Thou hast permitted us to partake of Thy holy, divine, immortal and life-giving mysteries. Establish us in Thy sanctification that all the day we may meditate upon Thy righteousness. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
In a few moments, the Liturgy is complete. The upcoming calendar is reviewed, with special note being made of the week’s opportunities to “gather as church.” Now it is time to come forward to venerate the Holy Cross and receive the dismissal greeting and blessing. As we do so, the priest intones a triple-glory introduction and the reader begins our final and fitting prayers of thanksgiving for what we have just been given:
I thank Thee, O Lord my God...
To this point, most of us have been familiar with the service. Now, we may not be quite certain what to do. Ideally, we should return to a place in the church where we may pray in our hearts the words that the reader is praying with his lips, until their completion. We should immerse ourselves in the prayers of thanks provided for us by saints whose attentive gratitude may lift and guide our own unpracticed attempts to respond to the miracle of God’s Love that we have just received.
But, if we cannot remain in church in the described fashion, then we should do our best to be thankfully mindful of the miracle of God’s love just given to us, as we quietly and reverently depart the church.
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DO YOU HAVE A MAILBOX IN THE CHURCH OFFICE?
If you do,
Please, check it regularly.

“Watch, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” - Matthew 24:13

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LET US RESOLVE for the New Year to be alert and attentive to what it means to be in “the house of the Lord” and strive to be quietly alert at all times in God’s holy temple. May this especially be so when we are processing to Holy Communion and when we are departing the church.
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Health of Dr. John Dr. Simkovich
Health of Caroline Dr. Simkovich
Health of Dr. Charles Sr. Dr. Simkovich
Health of Triplets Ambrose, Blair, Carolyn ~ Dr. Simkovich

The Paschal Sermon of St. John Chrysostom is read
during Matins of Holy Pascha.
If any man be devout and love God, let him enjoy this fair and radiant triumphal feast. If any man be a wise servant, let him rejoicing enter into the joy of his Lord. If any have labored long in fasting, let him now receive his recompense. If any have wrought from the first hour, let him today receive his just reward. If any have come at the third hour, let him with thankfulness keep the feast. If any have arrived at the sixth hour, let him have no misgivings; because he shall in nowise be deprived thereof. If any have delayed until the ninth hour, let him draw near, fearing nothing. If any have tarried even until the eleventh hour, let him, also, be not alarmed at his tardiness; for the Lord, who is jealous of his honor, will accept the last even as the first; he gives rest unto him who comes at the eleventh hour, even as unto him who has wrought from the first hour.
And he shows mercy upon the last, and cares for the first; and to the one he gives, and upon the other he bestows gifts. And he both accepts the deeds, and welcomes the intention, and honors the acts and praises the offering. Wherefore, enter you all into the joy of your Lord; and receive your reward, both the first, and likewise the second. You rich and poor together, hold high festival. You sober and you heedless, honor the day. Rejoice today, both you who have fasted and you who have disregarded the fast. The table is full-laden; feast ye all sumptuously. The calf is fatted; let no one go hungry away.
Enjoy ye all the feast of faith: Receive ye all the riches of loving-kindness. let no one bewail his poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed. Let no one weep for his iniquities, for pardon has shown forth from the grave. Let no one fear death, for the Savior’s death has set us free. He that was held prisoner of it has annihilated it. By descending into Hell, He made Hell captive. He embittered it when it tasted of His flesh. And Isaiah, foretelling this, did cry: Hell, said he, was embittered, when it encountered Thee in the lower regions. It was embittered, for it was abolished. It was embittered, for it was mocked. It was embittered, for it was slain. It was embittered, for it was overthrown. It was embittered, for it was fettered in chains. It took a body, and met God face to face. It took earth, and encountered Heaven. It took that which was seen, and fell upon the unseen.
O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen, and you are overthrown. Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen. Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice. Christ is risen, and life reigns. Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave. For Christ, being risen from the dead, is become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages. Amen.”

On the Prodigal Son (from http://lent.goarch.org/prodigalson/learn/)
The parable of the Prodigal Son forms an exact icon of repentance at its different stages. Sin is exile, enslavement to strangers, hunger. Repentance is the return from exile to our true home; it is to receive back our inheritance and freedom in the Father’s house. But repentance implies action: “I will rise up and go…” To repent is not just to feel dissatisfied, but to make a decision and to act upon it.
In the words of our Lord, we also learn of three things through this parable: the condition of the sinner, the rule of repentance, and the greatness of God’s compassion. The reading of this parable follows the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee so that, seeing in the person of the Prodigal Son our own sinful condition, we might come to our senses and return to God through repentance. For those who have fallen into great despair over their sins thinking that there is no forgiveness, this parable offers hope. The Heavenly Father is patiently and lovingly waiting for our return. There is no sin that can overcome His love for us.
Finally, this parable offers us insight into the world in which we live. It is a world where the activities of people are disconnected and not ordered toward the fulfillment of God’s divine purpose for life. It is a world of incoherent pursuits, of illusory strivings, of craving for foods and drinks that do not satisfy, a world where nothing ultimately makes sense, and a world engulfed in untruth, deceit and sin. It is the exact opposite of the world as created by God and potentially recreated by his Son and Spirit. There is no cure for the evils of our age unless we return to God. The world in which we live is not a normal world, but a wasteland. This is why in the tradition of the Orthodox Church the reading of Psalm 137 is added to the Matins service for this and the following two Sundays. This nostalgic lament of the Hebrew exiles states: “By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept as we remembered Zion. On the willows we hung our harps, for how could we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land.”
Here we can see the challenge of life in this world and the alienation from God that can happen when sin reigns in our lives. As a result of sin in our lives, we lose the joy of communion with God, we defile and lose our spiritual beauty, and we find ourselves far away from our real home, our real life. In true repentance, we realize this, and we express a deep desire to return, to recover what has been lost. On this day the Church reminds us of what we have abandoned and lost, and beckons us to find the desire and power to return. Our Heavenly Father is waiting and ready to receive us whit His loving forgiveness and His saving embrace.

Saturday, February 12 following AM Divine Liturgy—Don’t miss participating in the “Vision” meeting that will take action on growing the way that we accomplish our mission of carrying the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Memory of Parents and brother Alex, Barbra, George
~ Dr. Charles Simkovich

Today all women are invited to come elect our officers for the upcoming year in the multi-purpose room following Divine Liturgy (come right in, our coffee and… will be there).
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