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ST.MICHAEL'S HOLY GOSPEL, SERMON AND EPISTLE READING

His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH, Archbishop of New York

and Metropolitan of all North America

His Grace Bishop THOMAS, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of

Charleston, Oakland and the Middle Atlantic

Archpriest John Nosal, Pastor

Divine Liturgy Every Sunday at 10:00am
CLICK HERE to view the St. Michael's calander

Our mission...

...is to tend to the flock of our Lord Jesus Christ and to spread the Good News of Christ to those outside the flock.  The mission is to be accomplished by:

• Living a full and liturgical and sacramental life
• Proclaiming the Orthodox Christian Faith to all people
• Providing effective charitable and social programs
• Establishing strong spiritual leadership and educational resources

The mission of the members of St Michael’s Orthodox Church is to become completely loving people.

(Luke 10:27)   This will occur by the Grace of God as we strive to live holy lives, using the tools He has given us for this endeavor: prayer, fasting, charitable works, and the constant remembrance of death.

Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese

of North America

December 9, 2018

Choir and Chanter Appreciation Sunday

Beloved Brother Hierarchs, Reverend Clergy and Christ-loving Faithful of our Archdiocese:

Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I pray you and your families are well as we prepare to receive the incarnate Lord in our midst and in our hearts.

As we make our way through this beautiful season of fasting and preparation for the Nativity of our Lord in the flesh, we cannot but feel inspired by the beautiful hymns of our Church that are an integral part of this season. The Christmas Canon, “Christ is Born, glorify Him!” and the beautiful Kontakion of this holy period, “Today the Virgin comes unto the cave” are but two of many such hymns that we love to sing and hear. For us as Orthodox Christians, these hymns give depth and meaning to the season and to what we believe about the God-man.

As we listen to these hymns and others throughout the Church year, we are so grateful to our choirs and chanters, and especially to those who lead them. The work and effort they put into preparing for the services is a labor of love. On the archdiocesan level, we have promoted the continued education of these leaders through our Sacred Music Institute so that they can become more and more educated in the music and traditions of our Church. Through such institutes and workshops, they are also able to share their experiences with others so that, together, we can build strong choirs and chanters throughout the archdiocese. To this end, we are grateful to our department chairman, Mr. Paul Jabara, and all who help him in the Department of Sacred Music.

With that in mind, we set aside one Sunday in December each year to honor our choirs and chanters. This year, that day is Sunday, December 9th. Let us use this day to honor them and say thank you for their effort to enrich our worship through the proper singing of our sacred music throughout the year.

May God grant them many years!

Wishing you all a blessed remainder of the Fast and, in advance, a blessedFeast, I remain,

Your Father in Christ,

+Metropolitan JOSEPH

Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America

The Entrance of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple

Beloved brother Hierarchs, Reverend Clergy, God-fearing Monastics,

         and all my Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ our True God:

The feast of the Entrance of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple is a spiritual foreshadowing of our entrance into the heavenly kingdom.  This foreshadowing provides us with our own preparation for entrance into the heavenly realm.

We must be adorned properly with a spirit cleansed by a life of repentance and asceticism.  We must be willing to struggle just as the 3-year-old infant had to make an effort to ascend 15 high steps in order to enter the temple.  So should we, in order to enter the Heavenly Realm, make the effort to ascend the ladder of virtues, to labor at fasting and prayer. The Holy Virgin went up the steps by herself, without any help from others, but with the miraculous help of God. So should we, in our attempt to attain the Heavenly Realm, make the effort ourselves, but constantly asking God for help along the way.

 “Be it done unto me according to thy word.”  When it was time, the Virgin was prepared for the visitation of an angel from on high.  These are words of the Most Holy Theotokos in response to the angel Gabriel’s announcement.  These are the nine words that erased the disobedience of our forefathers in the Garden of Eden and ushered in the advent of our salvation. Our holy father John Chrysostom remarks, “An angel speaks with a virgin, because a woman spoke to a serpent.”  The Holy Virgin learned obedience from her years spent in the temple of the Lord.  Should we expect to learn the way of salvation in any other place but the church?

Saint Gregory the Wonderworker proclaims, “But in the Holy Virgin alone is the fall of that (first mother) repaired” (First Homily on the Annunciation to the Holy Virgin Mary).  It is in her obedience to the will of God that the age of salvation is announced and proclaimed to all the world.  Holy obedience to the will of God is a sign of predilection and a foretaste of the promise of the blessed life of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Let us follow the Holy Theotokos into the temple, into the church. Now is the time of the Nativity fast, a time for preparing oneself to greet the Savior on earth, a time for purifying oneself through fasting, prayer and repentance, a time of increased church attendance. Let us not pass by this important period of time, for from this holy day, and throughout the entire Nativity fast, we will hear in church the joyous tidings of our coming salvation, we will hear the joyous appeal: “Christ is born - glorify Him!”

A blessed feast to all!  Most Holy Theotokos save us!

Yours in Christ,

Rt. Rev. Bishop THOMAS (Joseph)

”The Mission

of St Michael’s Orthodox Church members

is to become completely loving people.”

“Jesus 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.’” - Luke 10:27

“Loving” is a word that is just as startlingly impossible for us to wrestle with as was the “completely” before it. While the lawyer quoting the Law in St. Luke’s Gospel account is able to quote the letter of the law and the primacy of the commandments to love God and neighbor, he, like most of us, falls woefully short of truly comprehending, let alone living, those commandments. Yet we may discover that the simplicity of the reality is as stark as our inability to live it.

Without using any of the words we might expect regarding love, in this Bulletin I’ll use just one — BIG. Starting from the God end of things, we might say that God is BIG. He is BIGger than anything imaginable. He is BIGger than anything unimaginable. His BIGness ‘beyond measure’ makes perfectly good sense as God ‘exists,’ God IS, before anything else IS. Anything that He creates is within Him Who occupies and fills every corner of infinite space and time, even before space and time exist, and is, therefore, ‘smaller’ than Him. (All these words are totally inadequate to this little writing about God, as are any other of the representational tools to which we humans have access.)

So maybe the ‘loving’ we’re called to become in our mission statement might well be described in the words of a hymn that many of us learned as children — “He’s got the whole world in His hands. He’s got the whole, wide world, in His hands. He’s got the whole world in His hands. He’s got the whole world in His hands.” And as He made the whole thing, which means everything that exists, His BIGness is His love and Love is all that He is, as revealed in the pre-eternal Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As no thing does not fit in His hands, as no thing is outside of His hands, then His BIGness is the love that embraces everyone and everything all the time, even when some of the everyones, made to be BIG like Him, decide to play small. >>>=====>       >>>=====>       >>>=====>         >>>=====>         >>>=====>     “Playing small” could be a definition of what it means to be fallen and sinful, a status we arrived at in the Fall of Mankind in the Garden of Eden. When we play small we abandon the BIGness endowed by God to us in our creation. We bury our BIGness, a formidable accomplishment, under an ever-thickening, yet illusory, mantle of smallness, exchanging the BIGness in us for our own self-designed, scaled down version of humanity. We no longer see ourselves as BIG (Godlike/loving), but small (petty, self-centered, hateful, legends in our own minds, abandoned, fending for ourselves at each others’ expense).

So, how do we regain our BIGness? How do we fix ourselves and become completely loving people? We don’t. We can’t. We don’t need to. Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ, the BIG God and the BIG Man has done that for us. He has dug into the depths of our tiny, fallen souls, and restored the BIGness that was lying hidden and dormant under the façade and lie of smallness.

Yes, that is BIG of Him — to restore in us who follow Him, His BIGness which He gave to us in our creation and He now restores in us through the waters of the baptismal font and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. But we have a dilemma. Our fear that we really are small continues to nag and haunt us and tempts us to fall back into the lie that we are small.

We need not worry. God continues to give us every opportunity to once again experience His BIGness in ourselves — to become, by His Grace — as BIG as He is. He does this by including in the flow of life challenges that give us opportunities to exercise our BIGness against our seeming smallness. Our egos must be wrestled with. Our self-interest must be battled. Our pride must brought to its knees. And this is just the kind of warfare we’re built for. Let us give Him a BIG “Thank You” and promise to fight to let His BIGness be known wherever we go through our BIGness.

God made us BIG.

We forgot and got small.

Get BIG Again!

On Tuesday, December 4th the Antiochian MEN will prepare a free meal for the benefit of people in our community. There are at least two ways in which you may participate in this charitable activity. The first is to come and help with the planning and execution. The second is to support the event financially. Donation may be given to Gus Flizanes. Anyone who would like to support “Food on the Hill” in whatever capacity you would like should contact Gus Flizanes.

Those who attend our “Food on the Hill” luncheon are also the same people who make use of the generous donations made to “Caleb’s Cupboard,” (which is located at the front entrance of the church). If everyone brought in one item of canned food, or a paper or hygiene product, it would keep Caleb’s Cupboard full so that there is something for those who attend “Food on the Hill” each month. The participants are most grateful for the continuous generosity of food, fellowship and donations. Thank you to the parishioners who consistently give of their time, their culinary skills, their financial and material donations to make these ministries possible.

"Food On The Hill" WEATHER CANCELLATION POLICY - When weather causes Hempfield or Greensburg Salem School District to close for the day; "Food On The Hill" will NOT serve lunch that day! Please refer to TV & Radio Newscasts when in doubt. Thank You!

St. Michael’s Financial Summary

Year to Date as of June 30, 2018

                                           This Year              Last Year                Budget

Income                            $146,899.53*         $143,463.83          $139,219.96

Expenses                        $186,696.72          $172,432.35          $185,922.78

Net Loss  $(39,797.19) $(28,968.52) $(46,702.82)

   *Does not include bequest of $107,718.33

Address questions to Christian Sam or Jeff Curry.

THANK YOU to those who have donated time and money toward the completion of some items on our “needs” list, namely our 1) kitchen renovation and equipment upgrade, 2) the men’s room renovation, 3) the ceiling repairs in the altar server room and 4) the parking lot lighting upgrade.

“Treasures for Children”

Salvation Army Christmas Program

Please return gifts by December 13th.
Pick a White Tag from the
Tree in the hallway across from Bookstore.

Address questions to Michele Murray.

Operation Reindeer

Imagine being in the hospital for the holidays, separated from the ones you love. Now, imagine you can do something to make the holidays a little brighter for Westmoreland County residents in the long-term psychiatric unit at Torrance State Hospital.

This year, consider making a donation to “Operation         Reindeer,” sponsored by Mental Health America of Southwestern PA, so that each patient at Torrance will receive a gift this   season. Donations of large sized clothes for men and women, men's wallets, shoes without laces, portable CD players, phone cards, stationery with stamps, puzzles, crafts, AA batteries, sports memorabilia (Pittsburgh teams), are particularly appreciated.

If you are not able to give a gift item, please consider making a monetary donation to MHA/SWPA and designate for “Operation Reindeer.”

Items may be dropped off by December 10 at:

Mental Health America SWPA, 409 Coulter Ave., Greensburg

Please contact Martina Kaufman at Step-Up Drop In Center at   724 537-6120 or stepup@mhaswpa.org with any questions.

His Grace, the Right Reverend Thomas (Joseph) is a bishop of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America, serving in the Diocese of Charleston, Oakland and the Mid-Atlantic. READ MORE

CLICK HERE to learn about who St. Michael is...

WELCOME TO
ST. MICHAEL'S
STEWARDSHIP CORNER

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PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

CLICK HERE for October 2018 Parish Council Minutes

CLICK HERE for September 2018 Parish Council Minutes

CLICK HERE for August 21 2018 Parish Council Mimutes

CLICK HERE for June 19th 2018 Parish Council Minutes

CLICK HERE for March 27th 2018 Parish Council Minutes

CLICK HERE for Church Audit Report

CLICK HERE for January 23rd 2018 Parish Council Minutes

CLICK HERE for January 28th 2018 Parish Council Minutes 

CLICK HERE for March 1st February Parish Council Minutes

Saturday Morning, December 22nd at 9:00am is the next AMEN meeting Site at Bean and Baguette on West Otterman Street in Greensburg, PA.

OUR INCOMING 2019 PARISH COUNCIL will highly resemble the outgoing 2018 Council with but two changes in personnel — Ronnie Fennell will be completing her service and Fontini Wetzel will be coming aboard. “Thank you” to all who have served for the past twelve months and “Welcome” to our incoming 2019 Parish Council.

ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE

Summer Camp Registration

OPENS Tomorrow, December 10!

Winter Family Camp Registration

IS OPEN NOW!

Camp goes from January 18 thru 21, 2019

Winter Family Camp is a program that is the same as our summer Family Camp – except it’s during the winter! It is an opportunity for your family to get away from everyday life and take a weekend as a family to grow closer to Christ, in the beautiful setting of the Antiochian Village Camp.

“TOYS FOR TOTS”

Deadline is Sunday, December 16th.

DROP YOUR DONATION IN THE “TOYS FOR TOTS” BOX

Opposite the Bookstore, next to the Christmas Tree.

Sponsored by the Church School.

We are seeking additional parishioners to provide the Holy Bread for Divine Liturgy service during the coming year. We have some open Sundays on the 2019 schedule, so please let Debbie know as the schedule is being done now. You do not have to make the Holy Bread, but can make a donation. Please consider this special way to remember your departed and to honor your living family and friends.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

Saturday, December 15th

9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

St. Michael’s Multi-Purpose room

Antiochian Village Camp Dates to Note —

• Winter Family Camp — January 18-21, 2019
• Winter Camp (Grades 7-12) — February 15-18, 2019
• Summer Camp Registration opens December 11, 2018.
• Visit AVCAMP.ORG to register today!

Highlights of Upcoming Events

DATES AND EVENTS

+++

Wednesday, December 12 - Luncheon
at 1st Lutheran Church, Greensburg;

Sign up in Fellowship Hall

+++

Saturday, December 15 - Red Cross Blood Drive 9 am to 2:30PM

Sunday, December 16

Women and Church School
Bake Holy Bread

+++

Sunday, January 13
12:00pm Ladies’ Brunch at Waterworks
South Greensburg.
Sign up in Fellowship Hall. Cost is
approximately $20 paid at time of event.

Poinsetta Plant Order Form

CLICK HERE

FOCUS Pittsburgh

(Fellowship of Orthodox Christians United for Service)

FOCUS Pittsburgh is collecting clothes (clean and in good condition, please) for the very, very needy people (many homeless) in the Hill District neighborhood of the city. Clothing including coats, jackets, sweaters, trousers, shirts, blouses and other tops, shoes, handbags, gloves, scarves, etc., are all gratefully received and appreciated.  

There is a drop-off area at the top of the stairs at the main entrance for those who would contribute. The contact person for this project are Marilyn Elias.

We are seeking new members who would be interested in learning how to prepare the Memorial Wheat. We have a group of women who currently fulfill this important function and are willing to teach anyone who may be interested in becoming part of this ministry team. For more information, contact Val Flizanes or call the church office.

CALEB’S CUPBOARD

The big chest you see as you come through the main entrance of our church, is a simple way to help our hungry neighbors. Just bring in a few cans of food or other unperishables when you come to church and you will making a difference for someone.

Please check that the goods you bring are “reasonably” close in time to the expiration date. (While we know the food lasts longer than that date, it is not always easy to tell how much longer.)

       I.nternational
O.rthodox
C.hristian
C.harities

IOCC SYRIAN RELIEF UPDATE

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s Syrian Relief Dinner back on March 4.   Net proceeds of $37,129 were sent to IOCC which mean the Syrian people received $260,000 in leveraged aid through this effort.

For information on IOCC and how to become part of the worthwhile work being done, visit www.iocc.org.

Please CLICK HERE for the form to provide us with your information. Or, see the form on the new back page of the weekly bulletin. We want to serve you better and we need your help. Please understand that we will protect yur privacy from the standpoint of the church. We will not show or distribute your email address!

 CLICK HERE For Daily and Other Special Orthodox Prayers and More

CLICK HERE for phone and email information of your parish council members

Decembere 1st Attendance ~ 103

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