T OHN THE APTIST RTHODOX HURCH A WARM WELCOME TO OUR VISITORS! BULLETIN IS OFFERED: S . J B O C Glory be to Jesus Christ! If you wish to sponsor a bulletin In A Parish of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese, Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople (responded with: Glory be forever!) Honor of (anniversary, birthday, Father Dave Urban, Pastor 2688 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa 15212 Slava Isusu Christu! (Slava na viki!) etc.) or In Memory of someone, Very Reverend Father John Brancho, Pastor Emeritus 412-748-0148, Talk or Text please do so by signing up on the We are happy that you have joined us today! It is our Timothy Martin, [email protected] sheet in the church hall or by pleasure to have you in our presence this morning and we Ryan Ferko www.OrthodoxPittsburgh.com contacting Fr. Dave (email, text, or Matthew Peifer, Stephen Brancho, & John Radick, Cantors Instagram: SJB_Orthodox_Pittsburgh wish God’s Blessings to all who visit with us today and hope call). An additional stewardship Lawrence Martin, Parish Council President NEW *** Twitter: @SJB_OrthodoxPGH you stop again soon! If you have any questions in regards offering to the Church is requested. www.facebook.com/pg/St-John-the-Baptist-Orthodox-Church-of-Northside-Pittsburgh-169297619784149 to our worship or Orthodoxy, please see Fr. Dave.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + S ERVICES FOR THE W EEK B ULLETIN B OARD A NNOUNCEMENTS New Sticharion ( / robe) – We have Twitter - Our parish now has a Twitter account: been blessed to acquire gently used @sjb_orthodoxpgh or sjb_orthodox_pittsburgh. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 #NATIVITY FAST (Please have submissions to Fr. Dave by Wed.) th for our Reader, Tim. (Originally $350 each, but Any changes to our service schedule or 29 Sunday after Pentecost + + + + + + + + + we received 5 sets at $150 each.) We also have information about a feast day will be shared Sunday of the Holy Forefathers, the Patriarchs Thank You to Fr. Marc Wisnosky for serving our nd on order new Gold, Purple, and Burgundy Altar through this platform. 2 Sunday before the Nativity of our Lord community this morning. May God grant you Boy Sticharion. (It was less expensive to get + + + + + + + + + Martyr Callinicus many years! these from Russia than in the US.) The total for 2021 Wall Calendars have arrived and are on a 9:15 – Nativity Canon & Carols (Kol’ady); + + + + + + + + + everything mentioned is $3,600. (Over the past table in the church hall. 9:30 – Did you know… On the two days following couple years, $2,000 was previously offered for + + + + + + + + + Epistle: Colossians 3:4-11 Christmas, the special Antiphons and Nativity new robes.) Any additional stewardship offering Calcium ice melt (salt) for sidewalks – This th Gospel: Luke 14:16-24 Tropar continue to be sung. Also, on January 8 toward these is greatly appreciated! year, the church does not need any ice melt for (the 2nd day of Christmas) the Entrance Hymn is SUNDAY, JANUARY 3 #NATIVITY FAST + + + + + + + + + the sidewalks. (We still have last year’s.) repeated. If you are unable (or uncomfortable) to 30th Sunday after Pentecost Nativity Commemorations – We offer you the + + + + + + + + + come to church on January 7th, please consider Sunday before the Nativity of our Lord opportunity to sponsor items to be used for Parish Precautions – If you were curious, here coming on the 8th or 9th. Sunday of the Holy Fathers Nativity as commemorations: anonymously, in are a few of the precautions that the parish has + + + + + + + + + Virgin-martyr Juliana of Nicomedia (304) memory of departed loves ones, OR for the been taking and will continue to take as we err Protecting Veil of the Theotokos of 9:15 – Nativity Canon & Carols (Kol’ady); health of loved ones. If you are interested in on the side of caution with Covid: Pittsburgh Icons – A very generous anonymous 9:30 – Divine Liturgy making any of these commemorations, please - the open pews, door handles, and light donation was recently made: an icon of the Epistle: Hebrews 11:9-10, 32-40 sign up on the sheet in the Vestibule or email switches are sanitized weekly, Protecting Veil of the Theotokos of Pittsburgh for Gospel: Matthew 1-25 Fr. Dave and give an additional free-will - pans on top of the radiators are being filled with every household of the parish! These beautiful Tone 4; Liturgical Color: Purple stewardship offering to the Church by January 3. water to increase the humidity in the air (denser icons are now blessed and ready to be taken Panachida for +Stelian Popescu (1-year) + + + + + + + + + air falls to the ground faster taking germs with it) home. May God bless the donor of these icons + + + Nativity Fast - This Fast runs for 40-days until - the ceiling fans run on low pushing the heat and may He bless all of the homes where the LOOKING AHEAD LOCALLY the Eve of the Nativity on Wednesday, January down (and preventing the air to be stagnant) icons are going! X Tuesday, January 5 – 9:30am Prefestive 6. It is often said that the Nativity Fast is so much - 4 windows are cracked in the nave of the + + + + + + + + + Moleben of the Nativity of our Lord more difficult because of the nature of society church (bringing in fresh air) Live-Broadcast – We are blessed with the X Wednesday, January 6 – 9:30am Royal around us, but we can still keep the spirit of the - we also continue to wear our masks and keep opportunity to watch our Diocesan Cathedral’s Hours of Nativity Fast. Everyone should try, at a minimum, to keep safe-distancing services online (9:00 am Sunday Divine Liturgy). X Thursday, January 7 – 9:30am Divine Liturgy Monday, Wednesday & Friday as fast days, no If you have any questions or concerns, please The best scenario is to attend the Divine Liturgy on the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord matter what is happening on the ‘new calendar.’ contact Father or a member of the Parish and receive the Eucharist, but in the current X Friday, January 8 – 9:30am Divine Liturgy on If you have questions, please talk with Father Council. And as always, if you are feeling ill or scenario, please take the time Sunday morning the Commemoration of the Theotokos Dave. Prepare the Manger of your Soul for the have a fever, please stay home and let Father and throughout the week to pray via the live X Saturday, January 9 – 9:30am Divine Liturgy coming of the new borne Messiah! know so that we can pray for you! broadcast on the web at: on the Feast of St. Stephen + + + + + + + + + www.acrod.org/organizations/cathedral/live/ OUR STEWARDSHIP GIFTS TO G OD A REMINDER TO MAKE TIME FOR YOUR S UNDAY’ S S CRIPTURE R EADINGS L IVES OF THE S AINTS Stewardship: $ 777 NATIVITY FAST CONFESSION

Candles/Eternal Lamp Offerings: $ 96 Fr. Dave will be available for confessions Epistle: Colossians 3:4-11 Week of the Holy Forefathers Envelope Stewardship: $ 733 after ALL services or by appointment. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you Commemorated on the 2nd Sunday before Parish House Offering: $ 200 As we prepare for the Feast of the Nativity, it is also will appear with him in glory. On this Sunday, in preparation of the Nativity of Total Collections: $ 1806 time to prepare the “Manger of our soul” for the 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: our Lord, we remember the Patriarch Abraham We must give in trust that God will use it to coming of the Messiah. fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and and his lineage, ancestors of Christ. The story of produce fruit: “He who supplies seed to the sower “There is more mercy in God than there are sins covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of Abraham and his faithfulness should be read in and bread for food will supply and multiply your in us. Confess your sins at once, whatever they these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you the Book of Genesis. sowing (resources) and increase the harvest of may be." +St Tikhon of Zadonsk 8 your righteousness (benevolence).” - 2 Cor. 9:10 once walked, when you lived in them. But now "Through the connection of the holy Ancestors put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and Patriarchs, Our Saviour Jesus Christ is + + + + + + + + + 9 O RTHODOXY AROUND THE and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one Himself also, in a way, the fruit of the faith of Weekly Candle Intentions / Memorials were another, seeing that you have put off the old Abraham. So, when God makes his voice known ‘ BURGH AND OUR DIOCESE 10 offered last week by Joanne Nelson; Shuster nature with its practices and have put on the to each of us while we are still in the strange Family; Tim Martin; Lawrence Martin; Mary Jane new nature, which is being renewed in land of the passions and worldly vanities, we Hudak; Mirilovich Family; Patty Watson; Cindy Infant clothing and diaper drive - The recently knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here must like Abraham unhesitatingly leave all that is Pavilonis. formed Pittsburgh Chapter of Zoe for Life! there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and ours, and follow the divine calling with faith until “I am the light of the world; (www.zoeforlifepgh.org) in conjunction with uncircumcised, barbarian, Scyth′ian, slave, free we reach the Promised Land where, in our turn, he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, "Choices Pregnancy Services" (new Pittsburgh man, but Christ is all, and in all. we shall be able to give birth spiritually to Christ but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12 Center on the South Side, 2429 East Carson + + + + + + + + + For, planted in us by faith and Baptism, He has The Eternal Lamp was offered last week by Street, Suite #301, Pittsburgh, PA, 15203), is Gospel: Luke 14:16-24 to grow in us through the virtues so as to shine in Kathy Schrmack in Memory of +Olga (Setar) having a drive for NEW baby clothing (up to size 16 But he said to him, “A man once gave a great the light of contemplation. We descendants of Radick. May Her Memory Be Eternal! Vičnaya 18 months including "onesies," sleepers, banquet, and invited many; 17 and at the time for Abraham, 'children of the promise' as Isaac was, Pamyat! blankets, outfits, etc.), diapers (newborn to size the banquet he sent his servant to say to those having become 'sons of God' through the gift of + + + + + + + + + 5), and wipes. They have posted a "wish list" on who had been invited, ‘Come; for all is now the Holy Spirit, out therefore to see Christ form in Weekly Offerings to God – During this time, if Amazon: https://a.co/8e0CKOG, if donors would ready.’ 18 But they all alike began to make us... Let us then for our part become forebears of you are not coming to the church, we request like to order online rather than buying in stores. excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a Christ and continue steadfast in the faith, so that that all weekly donations be mailed to Tim Martin We respectfully ask that you please inform your field, and I must go out and see it; I pray you, we may keep the feast of his Nativity, saying: It (2225 McAleer Rd., Sewickley, PA 15143) parishioners of this drive and that the donated have me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in For our parish to continue it’s ministries, items be collected at the Choices Center on bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine me." (Synaxarion) outreach, and general bill paying, we need your Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. them; I pray you, have me excused.’ 20 And + + + + + + + + + generosity to continue. Please access: http://zoeforlifepgh.org/infant- another said, ‘I have married a wife, and “There is no point in losing heart, getting upset, + + + + + + + + + clothing-and-diaper-drive for further info. 21 therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came complaining. Close your mouth. Let no one Stewardship is due - The end of the civil + + + + + + + + + and reported this to his master. Then the perceive that you are disturbed. Don't fume with calendar year is here. Have you made a financial SPF50 (Scripture, Prayer, Family): th householder in anger said to his servant, ‘Go out anger, as if to work it out of your system, but be contribution to your parish yet? Please fulfill your A Diocese Family Ministry - The 4 Issue of quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and calm. Burn the devil through patience and stewardship responsibility of time, talent, and SPF50 is available! Visit the Diocesan SPF50 bring in the poor and maimed and blind and web page at www.acrod.org/ministries/acrod- 22 forbearance.” +Elder Joseph the Hesychast treasure. lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you + + + + + + + + + family/spf50 to find out more about SPF50. commanded has been done, and still there is + + + + + + + + + 23 Stewardship Envelopes – The 2021 VISIT OUR DIOCESE ON- LINE room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go The Holy Martyrs Thyrsos, Leukios and Stewardship Envelopes are in the church hall to Diocesan Website: www.acrod.org out to the highways and hedges, and compel Kallinikos be picked up. If you would like your envelopes Camp Nazareth: www.campnazareth.org people to come in, that my house may be Commemorated on December 27/14 24 mailed to you, please contact Father Dave or FB: www.facebook.com/acroddiocese filled. For I tell you, none of those men who The Holy Martyrs Thyrsos, Leukios and Theresa Sharpless. Twitter: twitter.com/acrodnews were invited shall taste my banquet.’” Kallinikos suffered for Christ under the emperor + + + + + + + + + YouTube: youtube.com/acroddiocese Decius (249-251) at Bithynian Caesarea. Saint Leukios, having reproached the governor Qumvricius for his unjust persecution of Curators, and Relocation Committee: Lawrence, For the souls of the newly departed… Christians, after torture was beheaded by the Matthew, Timothy, Theresa, Rich, Gina, Robert, +Fr. John Baranik (12/20), +Alexander Salio NATIVITY FAST sword. Saint Thyrsos, sentenced to cruel tortures Jane, Anthony, Mary Jane, Steven, Kenneth, (11/30), +Mark Bodnar (11/19), +Donald Bodnar, and torments, endured them unharmed and by Jillian, John, Wendy, John, Margaret, John, Sr (11/18), and those who have passed from the PRAYER CHALLENGE 2020 the will of God he died peacefully. The pagan John, Todd and for those who labor towards our coronavirus …May the Lord God grant them Metropolitan Gregory asks each member of Kallinikos, having seen the bravery and Community Outreaches ...through the prayers of blessed repose where there is no pain sorrow or our Diocese, either as a family or the miracle involving Saint Thyrsos, believed in St. Nicholas the Wonderworker; St. John the mourning. May their Memory in God be Eternal individually, to pray this every evening Christ and boldly confessed the true faith, for Baptist; the Archangels Michael & Gabriel; and + + + + + + + + + which he was beheaded by the sword. the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. * This is to be used for the special intentions of of the Nativity Fast. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + our brothers and sisters in Christ and can be O Physician of Souls and Bodies: we pray “Joy is thankfulness, and when we are joyful, that Patronal Feast Days (Name’s Day): Patrick inserted as a prayer itself into our daily prayers. that You continue to come to our aid now is the best expression of thanks we can offer the Wertz - Saint Sturm of Fulda Monastery (12/30) Please let Fr. Dave know if you wish to make during the global spread of the Coronavirus. (contact Fr. Dave with your Patron Saint) additions or subtractions (in the case of Lord, Who delivers us from sorrow and sin.” May the sick regain their strength and health, +Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica, + + + + + + + + + answered prayers) to our Parish List. The words Birthday Prayers for… of the Gospel are true: it is good to pray for and as they worry and grieve, defend them Caitlin Brozell (12/28), Carol Lorenzi (1/2) one another. Let this be a place where we lay from further illness and despair. We offer P RAYER C ORNER …May God allow them to grow in peace and out our concerns and beg the help of our thanks to You for those who have recovered. love all the days of their lives and may He grant brothers & sisters in Christ. This prayer list is Grant rest to those who have reposed. Be Our Parish Prayer List for them many and blessed years! NOT limited to only Orthodox Christians. with the families of those who are sick and Special Intentions and Other Needs + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + those who have died. + + + + + + + + + For our Catechumens & Inquirers… A Prayer For The Sick: O Christ, You alone are “Don’t limit the goodness of fasting by Heal us from our fear, which prevents Dustin, Stephen, Susan, Marilynn, John abstaining only from foods. For true fasting is the prompt to defend us; quickly visit Your suffering …through the prayers of St. Paul the Apostle, St. nations from working together and neighbors servant name(s). Through the prayers of the enemy of evil. “Loose the chains of injustice!” Mary Magadalene, and St. John Maximovitch. Forgive your neighbor’s offense, and forgive his from helping one another. Remove from us Theotokos, deliver him/her/them from sickness + + + + + + + + + all pride, which can make us claim immunity and bitter pain. Heal him/her/them so that debts. Don’t “fast unto judgment and strife.” For those serving in the Armed Forces & Civil You don’t eat meat, but you eat your brother. to a disease that knows no borders. he/she/they may sing to You and always praise Authorities... Thomas R. Dzadovsky and You abstain from wine, but stubbornly hold Give wisdom and strength to our President, You for You alone love us. Amen. Trevor Meegan ...through the prayers of St + + + + + + + + + on to insolence. You patiently wait until our federal government, our state George, the Great-Martyr & Wonderworker. evening to partake, but you spend the day in For the Health of... Suzanne, Stacy, Allen, + + + + + + + + + governments, together with the leaders of all Jerry, Allen, Thomas, Jerry, Andrew, Brian, court. nations, and give them foresight to act with For those preparing for Marriage… “Woe to those who are drunk, but not from Kristina, Fr. Patrick C., Fr. George L., Brian, charity and true concern for the well-being Lexi & Patrick, Lauren & Corey, Ashley & Derek wine!” Wrath is a drunkenness of the soul, Douglas, Dacia, Sean, Julia, Susan, John, …through the prayers of Sts. Adrian & Natalia of the people they serve. Alexandra D., Viola, Juliana, Fredrick, Kenneth, making it senseless, like wine. Grief itself is also and all Holy Martyrs. drunkenness, sinking down the mind. Fear is Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and Michael, Roberta, Lino, June, for all those + + + + + + + + + battling viruses ...through the prayers of St. another drunkenness, whenever it fears things all medical professionals who seek to heal Anniversary Prayers for… that don’t need to be feared. For he says, “from Nectarios the Wonderworker; St. Luke, the Faith (Sekerak) Thousands (12/28/19) those affected and who put themselves at Surgeon; and St. Panteleimon, the Healer. fear of my enemy, deliver my soul." Together, risk in the process. …May God fill them with His grace that they may each of these passions, allowing the mind to be + + + + + + + + + continue to live in unity with Him! Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded For the Special Intentions of… Metropolitan taken over and out of control, is rightly termed + + + + + + + + + drunkenness.” by many people suffering from this illness or Gregory, Georgia, Eleanora, Mark, Michaleana, For Pregnant Mothers… Marilynn (due in April) only a few, we pray that You stay by our Dorell, Elizabeth, Donald, Susan, Stephen, +St Basil the Great Pani Dutko (June) …through the prayers of St. side and grant us courage and peace. David, Anastasia, Nicholas, Cassandra, Anna, the mother of the Virgin Mary, & St. Irene + + + + + + + + + Alexander, Nancy, Andrea, Jason, Tyrone, Chrysovalantou. AMEN. Sarah, Amee, Joshua, John, Kathryn, Rose, + + + + + + + + + D EVOTIONAL P RAYER FOR THE Charles, Justin our seminarians: Daniel, Dylan, N ATIVITY F AST

Thomas, and Nicholas and our Church Council,