S A I N T N I C H O L A S B U L L E T I N

W I N T E R 2 0 1 7 #179

January, February & March / З И М А јануар, фебруар и март CHRIST IS BORN! ХРИСТОС СЕ РОДИ! С РОЖДЕСТВОМ ХРИСТОВЫМ!

In this issue:

St. Nikolai Velimirović:

WHO AM I? BISHOPEnglish LONGIN’S / српски / русски GREETINGй Reminder:

PLEASE, SENDSave OR BRING the Date YOURs: CHRISTMAS DONATION 29 PROGRAM & BANQUET TH SUNDAY, JANUARY : GREAT BEGINS TH MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27 : In ANTICIPATION OF CHRISTMAS

The joyous holidays of the Nativity of our Lord Christ are again upon us. We extend our sincere gratitude to all those who participated and supported us in our church endeavors and work glorifying God and serving His people. Nativity (Christmas) is a time of sharing gifts of God. Our St. Nicholas turns to all of its devout faithful for contribution to help us continue God’s work and remain on His righteous path keeping His Commandments. Our church congregation is solely supported by donations from the faithful and especially during this holy season. That is why we ask you to remember your Church and be generous in heart and spirit with your special Christmas gift (an enclosed envelope can assist you with your Christmas donation). May the Merciful Lord fill you with the Holy Spirit that you might, with peace in your soul spread peace and unity among men; with love in your hearts that you might show love towards your neighbors; that you might bring others to Him by your example of the true Christian life. Let your gift be accompanied by your presence at worship in Church, so that you may receive from Him the gift of grace that Christ’s Nativity brings.

Schedule of Christmas Services January 6th – : Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM Great Compline and Matins at 6:30 PM, with the blessing and lighting of the (), followed by a light Lenten Dinner January 7th – Christmas: The Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM January 8th – 2nd Day of Christmas: Synaxis of the Most Holy – Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM January 9th – 3rd Day of Christmas: St. Stephen, Archdeacon and First Martyr – Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM ИШЧЕКУЈУЋИ БОЖИЋ

Сверадосни дани Христовог рођења опет су пред нама, па из тог разлога желимо да се најсрдачније захвалимо свима онима који су великодушно подржавали наше напоре и труд у славу Господа Бога и на корист наше Свете Цркве. Божић је време када делимо благодати добијене милошћу Божијом. Зато се и ове године наша црквена општина обраћа својим верним и оданим члановима да је дарежљиво подрже (приложени коверат можете искористити за ваш божићни прилог), јер нашу заједничку кућу издржавамо и одржавамо искључиво од наших прилога. Не заборавите да у своје домове унесете бадњаке, који символизују улазак Христа у наше душе. Зато, нека се свака душа поклони Богомладенцу Христу и Њему нека се покори. У име тога Јединога Спаситеља рода људскога, Црква нас позива све на покајање, на лично исправљање, измирење и свеопште радовање. Вера у Њега никога до сада није постидела, нада у Њега никога до сада није изневерила, нити је ичија љубав према Њему остала до сада ненаграђена животом, радошћу, миром и вечним спасењем. Достојно се припремите за дочек овог великог празника постом, молитвом и добрим делима.

Распоред божићних богослужења: 6. јануар – Бадњи дан: - 10:00 – света литургија - 6:30 – Бадње вече – велико повечерје са јутрењем, благосиљање и паљење бадњака и послужење посном вечером 7. јануар – Божић – Рођење Христово: - 10:00 – света литургија 8. јануар – Други дан Божића – Сабор Пресвете Богородице: - 10:00 – света литургија 9. јануар – Трећи дан Божића – Св. Архиђакон и Првомученик Стефан: - 10:00 – света литургија WHO AM I?

I ask a sensual man, “Who are you?” and he replies, “I am I,” and he thinks of his body.

I ask a thinking man, “Who are you?” and he replies, “I see two sides in myself and I make my way between them, associating first with one and then the other,” and he is thinking of his instinctive and conscious soul.

I ask a spiritual man, “Who are you?” and he replies, “There is Someone in the depths of my soul. I stretch out my hand to grasp Him but see that to do that I would need arms longer than the universe. Ask Him who I am.”

St. Nikolai Velimirović, Thoughts on Good and Evil

КО САМ ЈА?

Питам чулног човека: Ко си ти? А он одговара: Ја сам ја. И мисли на своје тело.

Питам мисаоног човека: Ко си ти? А он одговара: Два странца видим у себи, и ја се пробијам између њих, гостујући час у једном час у другом. И мисли на инстинктивну и свесну душу своју.

Питам духовног човека: Ко си ти? А он одговара: Има Неко у дну душе моје, пружам руке да Га дохватим, но видим, да би ми за то требале руке дуже од васионе. Питај Њега ко сам ја.

Св. Николај Велимировић, Мисли о добру и злу

КТО Я?

Спроси плотского человека: "Кто ты?" Он ответит: "Я это я", имея в виду свое тело.

Спроси душевного человека: "Кто ты?" Он ответит: "Два антипода живут во мне, и я скитаюсь от одного к другому", - говоря о своей инстинктивной и сознательной природе.

Спроси духовного человека: "Кто ты?" Он ответит: "Есть Некто в моей душе, я протягиваю руки, чтобы коснуться Его, но понимаю, что руки мои должны быть пространнее небес. Спроси у Него, кто я.''

Св. Николай Велимирович, Мысли о добре и зле БОЖИЋНИ ПОЗДРАВ ПРЕОСВЕЋЕНОГ ВЛАДИКЕ ЛОНГИНА

Зора с Истока, наш Спаситељ, походио нас је с висине, и ми, који бејасмо у мраку и сенци, нађосмо истину, јер се од Дјеве роди Господ! Свјетилен Божића

Данас се родио Спаситељ, драга браћо и сестре, и сва тама и сенка смрти је одбачена! Због греховне одвојености од Бога, вековима је човек патио, познајући Га само као сенку. Али данас се Богочовек рађа и разумевање Бога је јасније, обогаћено и виђено очима и срцима људи. Од пада Адама све до доласка Христовог, будући одвојен од Творца, човек је размишљао о Богу углавном с тачке гледишта смрти. Када се Христос, друго лице Свете Тројице, оваплотио и постао човек, наше ослобођење од греха и смрти постало је могуће. Спаситељ је ово учинио да покаже своју бескрајну љубав према човеку, дошавши не да влада као земаљски цар, него кроз страдање да посведочи своју жртвену љубав према нама. Добровољно је пошао на распеће, уништио смрт, устао из мртвих, васкрснувши и све нас. Ваистину, чак и у прослављању Христовог рођења ми се радујемо Његовом васкрсењу.

Нека вам Богомладенац Христос подари здравље и сваку радост, драга духовна децо, рађајући се стално у јаслама наших срца – срца очишћених светом Исповешћу и Причешћем. Нека увек тамо царује, избацујући све муке, поделе и туге, светлећи чистим светлом своје Јеванђељске Истине.

Христос се Роди! Васитину се Роди! Срећна и благословена нова 2017. година!

+ Л О Н Г И Н Епископ новограчаничко-средњезападноамерички

CHRISTMAS GREETING OF HIS GRACE BISHOP LONGIN Our Savior, the dayspring from the East, has visited us from on high, and we, who were in darkness and shadow, have found the truth, for the Lord is born of the Virgin! -The Exapostilarion of the Nativity

All the darkness and shadow of the unknown is cast away today, dear brothers and sisters, as the Savior is born unto us! For centuries, man suffered by being divided from God through sin, only knowing Him as a shadow. But today, the God-Man is born, and every understanding of God is enlightened, enriched and seen by the eyes and hearts of men. From man’s fall until the coming of Christ, man only understood God from the point of view of death, as he was outside of communion with God. When Christ God, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, took on flesh and became Man, then man’s freedom from sin and death finally became possible. Christ our God did this in order to show His unending love for mankind, coming not to reign as an earthly king, but rather to suffer and show His sacrificial love for us. He willingly went to His own crucifixion in order to destroy death, resurrect from the dead and thereby resurrect all of us. Truly, even with the celebration of the Lord’s birth, we are looking towards His resurrection. May our Lord Jesus Christ, the God-Child, grant every joy, peace and health to all of you, our dear spiritual children, granting that He be born in the manger of our hearts—hearts purified by Holy Confession and Communion. May He ever reign there, casting away all troubles, division and sorrow, shining forth the incorruptible light of His Evangelic truth.

Christ is Born! Truly He is Born! Happy and Blessed New Year 2017!

+ L O N G I N Bishop of New Gracanica and Midwestern America PARISH PRIEST’S REPORT AT THE ANNUAL MEETING Vavedenje/Entrance of the Theotokos (December 4) 2016

Beloved in Christ,

Let us first rise and sing “memory eternal” to all those who are not with us today, but have gone from this life to life everlasting. There are so many things I would like to address at this once-a-year community meeting. Obviously I can only address the most important few. We should always begin by saying: Thanks be to God for all things, His most Holy Mother, the saints, and the angels for their prayers and guidance. Secondly, I must admit, I never cease to be amazed by your patience, perseverance, openness, straightforwardness, endurance, humility and ultimately unconditional love for Jesus Christ and His Body (the Church), and everyone and anyone who comes in contact with you. Truly, you are the reason we have grown and continue to grow, you are the reason everyone feels at home here and the energy felt here is awesome. Please don't forget this and obviously keep it up. I do want to take this opportunity to specifically thank our regular (weekly) volunteers: Jim and Terry Fields, Milo Chelovich, Dale Smith, George Seat, Cara Mozina, Biljana Bojovic, Olga Dawsen, Jovanka Mijic, Mark Morgan, Ivan Ristic and to that special person I have forgotten to mention. Also and especially I want to thank the Executive Board headed by Mirko Milivojac, our truly awesome sisters headed by Dorothy Cross and Millie Arsich, the much loved choir members and directors headed by Fotios Kafantaris and Dylen Jensen, cantors, readers, church school teachers headed by Maia Lee, members of different boards and committees, men’s brotherhood, candle makers, webmaster, interpreters, and each and every steward and friend of our community. What does the Priests do? Between church services, event preparations, meetings, visiting the sick, imprisoned, shut-ins; helping people be born, get married and die; follow social media, keep our church house in order, communications, and be there for any and every need of our faithful, as well as help with diocesan and local affairs – the priest keeps pretty busy. And being busy is good. It's actually the unexpected and unpredictable things which make things hard, but at the same time it's interesting and obvious that without God’s help and the understanding and support of good people like you, all the above would be impossible. Truly, balancing things out even in between a married couple or within a family is very hard – imagine and think for a moment how hard it would be and is to continuously be on needles, so to say, balancing things out between 11 different nationalities living in different areas being affected by the society in different ways. Without God’s help, and yours, this would be absolutely impossible. Following is something I have always experienced here and I hope and pray, for the sake of our community, as well as my health and emotional/mental stability it will continue. In Hebrews 13:17 it says: "Have confidence in your leaders and listen to them, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you." It also says in the blessed book: "Fathers, do not provoke your children, less they become discouraged" – if I have done so, I take this opportunity to sincerely ask for your forgiveness. If we as Christians don't set an example, and are not "the light to the world" on how spiritual families and families for that matter should live, then who will? We take this opportunity to ask for any and every help, but at the same time sincerely thank all who continuously and already do so. Now that our dear Deacon and his wife, both children of this church family, will be ordained and sent to pastor a church in Jackson, California, we are going to need people to step up to the plate and help. Let us always remember, having God close to us (in observing His commandments) makes life a lot easier. It also confirms us as a church and not some type of a religious social club. I do need to share and address a few things for the good of our church. - As we are preparing to ordain our dear deacon and send him off to pastor one of the Serbian churches on this continent, it came to mind that several men and one woman came out of our parish, so to say, and now serve the Church. This is a great thing because it becomes obvious that one of the reasons we have been so blessed is because so many servants of God are praying for us, as our deacon promised to do and we continue to need. Following are the people i'm thinking of: Irena Subotic – Priest’s wife and catechism teacher, Milutin Janjic – professor and priest, Miroslav Boskovic – deacon in Dubrovnik and Vuk Milisic- professor at seminary. All of them have told me that they have awesome memories being part of our community. - It truly seems like all of the parish office administrators we have had were perfect (fit) for the time during which they were in the office for, and have been truly God sent. This begins with wonderful Angie Devitt, going to awesome Jim and Terry Fields, now our much loved Deacon Marko and now our newest blessing Jovanka Mijic. We thank them and pray that God grant them many blessed years. - In two years it will be 20 years since i was ordained a priest and placed here to serve. My sincere hope and desire is to completely pay off the million dollar debt we were in just a few years ago. We are only $150,000 away. If there is anyone out there who is hearing and reading this message and has been blessed with finances, please step up and help us pay this off completely. - Following is not a problem we have, but it requires a mention and reminder simply because we are still trying to figure out and get used to modern-day communication. The fact that we encourage people of our parish to share personal information with each other and be in contact with each other does not give the right to any person of our parish to send out mass emails or text messages with personal requests or solicitation. If you receive such communication, disregard it and don't be offended by it. On the other hand, please note that the church office does not share personal information and safeguards it to the best of our ability. Also, if you would like to send a group communication (or for anything else), please ask for a blessing – not permission, but a blessing. No one knows a family better than the father of that family, and this is the main reason we ask for blessings. The priest then consults with anyone he needs to consult with and also, if necessary, gets a blessing himself and then acts according to his ability or disability, knowing he is not perfect but depends on the help of the Head of the Church, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as well as the understanding of the faithful. Patriarch Pavle of blessed memory often said to clergy: "Unlike in the world – in the Church, the greater the position the greater the service." Not only the clergy, but all of us who are in any kind of a position within the parish, have to keep this in mind. - Not a big concern but a concern, that some of the faithful view the Church as something to tap into whenever they feel like it or need it. The Church is always there and regardless of how one sees it, the Church will always be there for everyone, but I bag of all of us to make every effort to make the Church the main part of our life – in fact, to make sure everything else evolves around it. We take this opportunity to invite everyone to make the Church central part of their life. Life is much easier and more joyous this way. - Social anomalies. Whether it's politics or a question of ethics and morality, we always have to keep in mind that the Church rarely looks at things the way everyone else sees it. The Church is concerned always about the well-being of a specific person and therefore all the people – the Church does not generalize. This is why, even though the Church may not condone and agree, the Church will always be there for each and every person as long as they humbly and gently approach the Church (Christ and His people). On the other hand, if anything is pushed onto the Church, or forced onto the Church, we are ready for suffering and even dying for the truth. It is very important for all of the faithful to uphold that which the Church teaches. The Church has been around for 2,000 years and is not like the world, which changes its opinion every 50 years. Stick to the church even if it doesn't feel wright and you don't understand certain things, or even agree with certain things. Everything else will perish, but the Church will remain forever. Let us not allow ourselves for our Lord to be ashamed of us at the last judgment. - Giving you a heads up: I wrote this and was debating whether or not to send it out to everyone because it can seem a little scary, so I didn't, but I did decide to share with you at this meeting. Dear and good people of God, nearly 20 years ago our attendance skyrocketed from having 20 people in church to having 80+ present. It went up again few years later, and it's been steady since. However, this past year we have had record-breaking attendance. People (even including children/teenagers/students) are commenting at an amazing feeling and energy they experience when they come to our church – the overwhelming feeling of joy, relief and strength for the upcoming week. Glory be to God. Everyone is happy and glad, but I am somewhat worried. Spiritually the way it works is, every time something awesome is happening at church – we all love it, but the evil one doesn't. So I know, it's just a matter of time when the evil one will start pushing the buttons and tempting us to stop coming, procrastinate, get offended or quarrel with each other so that this overwhelming feeling of the presence of God can seize – and of course we stop coming and this awesome energy disappears. The evil one does nothing else except deceive and separate. Do not be worried because God is greater than the evil one. But please do keep this in mind and fight it with prayer and fasting. Also, it is very important not to concentrate on fighting the evil one, but to concentrate on keeping Christ close to us so that the evil one will naturally stay away. On the other hand, in the past, when attendance has gone up and this great feeling was present, something great is to follow – we ended up buying land and building a new home for us in a much better place. Thus, we look forward to greater things ahead. I will conclude with my favorite Bible words of our Lord, which are definitely directed to every church community – He says: "A new commandment I give to you, that you should love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another." John 13:34

With great love in Christ – your servant, Dragan Petrovic – priest

Finally, I would like to ask all to rise and sing many years to all our leaders and volunteers. Priest: Grant, O Lord, a prosperous and peaceful life, health, salvation and furtherance in all good things to your servants of this parish, and preserve them for many years. People of God: Mnogaja Ljeta (God, grant many years). FROM FATHER’S DESK NO LONGER TWO, BUT ONE FLESH Christ is Born! Христос се роди! Married: C Рождеством Христовым! Crăciun Fericit! - Christopher and Joanna (Tanasković) Linn გილოცავ შობა-ახალ წელს Feliz Navidad! (October 13, 2016); Καλά Χριστούγεννα! Христос Рождається! - Vyacheslav and Vira (Anshyts) Bondarenko (October 29, 2016); SUNDAY ATTENDANCE - Donald and Danielle (Latinovich) Terry (November 19, 2016). 10-02-16: 15th Sunday after Pentecost 108 Congratulations! Many years! Многая лета! 10-09-16: 16th Sunday after Pentecost 91 10-16-16: 17th Sunday after Pentecost 127 MEMORY ETERNAL 10-23-16: 18th Sunday after Pentecost 137 + Aleksandar Tanasković (December 1, 2016, 10-30-16: 19th Sunday after Pentecost 122 in Youngstown, Ohio, where he lived) – father 11-06-16: 20th Sunday after Pentecost 102 of Radoš Tanasković passed on to the Lord. 11-13-16: 21th Sunday after Pentecost 138 May God establish his soul where the saints 11-20-16: 22th Sunday after Pentecost 133 repose and give his family strength to endure 11-27-16 23th Sunday after Pentecost 124 this temporary separation. 12-04-16: 24th Sunday after Pentecost 102 PRAYING FOR YOUR CHURCH FAMILY 12-11-16: 25th Sunday after Pentecost 90 12-18-16: 26th Sunday after Pentecost 320 Please, pray for the health of: David, Daniel, 12-25-16: 27th Sunday after Pentecost 82 Mirko, Ruslan, Jim Yerich, Oksana (Paly), Nikola, Rada (Stanisic), Sabo, Lee, Zoya, BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS Natasa, Tomislav, Kathryn Ralich, Jason, Ronny, Borivoje, Branka, Christina, Dario - Victoria (September 28, 2016) – daughter of (Dimac), Igor, Pooja Sant, Steven, Maria, Evgeny and Olena Gonokhin; Hudson, Emily, Milica, Milena, Ethen, Katlyn, - Lena (November 1, 2016) – daughter of Goran Sarah, Brian, Lawrence, Philip, Jordan, and Ivana Milutinović; Miroslav, Susan, Sophia, Eleni, Marian, Katie, - Corbin George Jovan (November 21, 2016) – Eleni. son of Benjamin Jovan Staletovich and Kate If you would like to add or delete a name, please Brunner; call the office. - Nikola (December 1, 2016) – son of Vladimir and Mirjana Bukarica; SHUT-INS: Phone call could be enough - Sophia (December 15, 2016) – daughter of … for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I Yuriy and Victoria Sereda; was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a - Miloš (December 22, 2016) – son of Nedeljko stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and and Snježana Đukanović; you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; - Lukas Milan (December 22, 2016) – son of I was in prison and you came to Me. Milan and Kristin Popović. In as much as you did it to one of the least of Congratulations to the parents, family and these My brethren you did it to Me… in as friends! Many years! Многая лета! Многаја much as you did not do it to one of the least of љета! these, you did not do it to Me. Mt. 26:35-45 THEY HAVE PUT ON CHRIST THANK YOU Baptized and Chrismated: Thank you for your time, talent and treasure! - Victoria Gonokhina (October 20, 2016); Following are just some of the people who set - Eleni Nektaria Kafantaris (November 13, an example: 2016); - Mark Morgan and Mile Berić – for making - Daniela Jokić (November 26, 2016). candles; Congratulations to godparents, family and - Mirko Milivojac and Rade Savić for shopping friends! Many years! Многая лета! Χρόνια in Chicago for the Talija Concert; πολλά! Многаја љета! -All those who prepared food on Sundays and Senior Parishioners: Dale Smith and Dorothy week days after liturgies; Milivojac - Mark Morgan – for regularly maintaining Immediate Past Executive Board President: censers in the altar; Rick Suder - Stevens Mortuary for sponsoring our Parish Auditing Board: Augustina Voss and Dylan Wall Calendar; Jensen and Matthew Syvinsky (and Judith Gajić - George Šeat – for regularly cutting grass; as alternate) - Olga Dawson, Judie Gajić, Popadija Vesna Nominating Committee: Jovanka Savić, and Cheryl Babić, for taking care of flowers; Michael Bresić and Mladen Jeftenić - David Rayman Rajković and George Šeat for planting two trees: Pin Oak and Red Oak; MORTGAGE PAY-OFF - Choir Members – for sponsoring and preparing We are down to $130,000. lunch on the day of our Annual Parish Meeting; - Stanoje/Stanley Cvetkovich, Nikola Babić, Ed GIFT FOR OUR STUDENTS Kerr and Stefan Arsić – for laying concrete and making and setting rails at the side entrance to During the finals of the Fall Semester, we sent church; to the students of our parish an encouraging note - Church School teachers, students and their from our community, as well as a gift card for a parents for another successful semester; cup of coffee. - Mihailo Mijić – for installing a video door bell and ; DON’T THROW AWAY ICONS - Jovanka Mijić for accepting the position of the If you have any type of icons (from wall Parish Office Administrator and for calendars, funeral cards, stewardship envelopes, volunteering in the office this month; etc.) that need to be disposed, please, bring them -All sisters who wash dishes and all brothers to church – we will find them another use or who sweep and take garbage out every Sunday; bury them with the deceased. - Popadija Vesna, Eftimia Cvetinović and Jovanka Savić for baking prosfora bread; - Mladen Jeftenić and Marko Smajević – for HOME BLESSING being there when needed; - Rade Savić – for organizing another successful Please, assist Fr. Dragan in his scheduling of concert of Talija Folklore Dance Group; visits in January, February and March by being - Milivojac Family – for being wonderful hosts willing to adjust as much as you can, so he can for our church slava; use time efficiently and visit as many homes as - Anonimous Donor – for sponsoring this possible before the Great Lent. Thank you! bulletin; - and many, many others, not mentioned here POEMS FOR ST. SAVA PROGRAM this time – THANK YOU! If you need assistance in selecting a poem, ANNUAL MEETING please call Fr. Dragan (317-374-3414).

The following 2017 Executive Board was SUMMER CAMP IN NEW GRAČANICA elected: Please, call church office after St. Sava Program President: Mirko Milivojac st for early registration, so save spots for our kids. 1 Vice President: Nedeljko Djukanović 2nd Vice President: David Rayman Rajković Treasurer: Ivan Ristić FORGIVENESS SUNDAY Assistant Treasurer: Milan Milivojević Financial Secretary: James Fields Before Great Lent begins, make sure to ask for Secretary: Gregg Pasalich forgiveness of all those you suspect you have Assistant Secretary: Mikhail Kovalenko offended and be ready to grant forgiveness to Main Church Tutor: Mark Morgan with those who have offended you. God forgives Honorary Tutor Bogdan Milivojac always! SERVICES DURING GREAT LENT AFRICAN BISHOP IN OUR MIDST

Please, note that we will have more services This past October, we were very blessed to have during Great Lent and that we have light lenten in our midst His Grace Bishop Neophitos of meals after most of the services (except Eastern Kenya. We are thankful to God that we Saturday evening after ). These are were able to donate $2,000 for our needy pitch-in meals – if you are able, please bring brethren of the Orthodox Church in Kenya something little. ($1,000 from the Good Shepherd Fund and $1,000 collected by around 30 faithful who FISH FRY SEASON COMING UP came to listen to Bishop Neophitos’ talk at our church). We always need lenten desserts and hard- working, fun-loving helpers for our Fish Fries (March 10, 17, 24, 31 and April 7, 2017). When the time comes, please write your name at the sign-up sheet next to the kitchen door.

PASCHA FLOWERS DONATIONS

Beginning with the Great Lent, we will be accepting donations (a basket will be placed next to the main venerating ) for flowers to decorate the Tomb of Christ and the rest of the church. DEACON MARKO’S ORDINATION

MARRIAGE RETREAT – MARCH 22ND We will be praying for the new priest Marko and Biljana as they are going to their temporary Come and find out why it is appropriate and assignment that their service may be fruitful and traditional to have this retreat on this particular God-pleasing. Many Years! feast day – 40 Martyrs of Sebaste (Mladenci). It starts this year with the Liturgy of Presanctified NEW PARISH OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Gifts at 6 PM, followed by a lenten dinner, presentation by guests of honor (to be Jovanka (Joanne), age 42, lives in Kokomo, IN, announced) and Q&A session with them, with her husband Mihailo (Michael) and lovely moderated by Fr. Dragan. Childcare will be children, Maxim and Emilija. She was born and provided. Those preparing for marriage and raised in Windsor, Canada, and attended those recently married are especially Gračanica Serbian Orthodox Church, where her encouraged to come and hear many wise words parents, Jovo and Jelka Djanković, are from an experienced couple. parishioners and her mother a member of the K.S.S. Jovanka received her bachelor's degree RUMMAGE SALE – JUNE 2ND & 3RD (in psychology) from University of Western Ontario. She worked at DePauw University as Please, remember our annual Rummage Sale Assistant Director (administration) of the when you are doing your spring cleaning. In the Management Fellows Program. Presently, she's past years, it was of great benefit to our church, a stay-at-home mom. For several years now she to those who brought and those who bought has been volunteering as a webmaster for our things. church and the youth department of our diocese. We are very blessed to have her now 2ND ANNUAL SERB FEST as our new Parish Office Administrator as well!

Save the date: Saturday, September 9, 2017. St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church January 2017 7855 Marsh Road, Indianapolis, IN 46278-1626

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 FAST DAY 2 FAST DAY 3 FAST DAY 4 FAST DAY 5 FAST DAY . 6 FAST DAY 7 CHRISTMAS Serbian Fathers' Day ______ST. NAUM OF OHRID CHRISTMAS EVE / / BOŽIĆ 10 AM Divine Liturgy ST. IGNATIUS THE ______BADNJI DAN ______followed by Lenten GOD-BEARER, _ 10 AM Divine Liturgy 10 AM Divine Liturgy & Soup & Salad ST. JOHN OF ______Pitch-In Brunch *FR. MARKO & KRONSTADT BADNJE VEČE ______POPADIJA BILJANA 6:30 PM Vigil ______FAREWELL Christ is Born! 8 SYNAXIS OF THE 9 ST. STEPHEN 10 11 FREE OF FAST 12 13 FREE OF FAST 14 CIRCUMSION OF MOST HOLY THE FIRST MARTYR ______OUR LORD, ST. BASIL THEOTOKOS ______NEW YEAR'S EVE THE GREAT & NEW ______10 AM Divine Liturgy ______7 PM Moleban & YEAR'S DAY _____ 10 AM Divine Liturgy ______Celebration - Pitch-In 9 AM Divine Liturgy ______Meal (we count down at ______9:59 pm) 6 PM Vespers Christ is Born! Christ is Born! Christ is Born! Christ is Born! Christ is Born! Christ is Born! 15 ST. SERAPHIM OF 16 17 18 FAST DAY 19 THEOPHANY 20 FAST DAY 21 SAROV ______(No Fish) ______ST. JOHN THE ______10 AM Divine Liturgy _ _ HOLY CROSS DAY 9 AM Divine Liturgy BAPTIST ______Church School 2nd 9 AM Divine Liturgy followed by Blessing of 9 AM Divine ______Semester & 1st St Sava ______the White River (Pitch- Liturgy ______Program Rehearsal 6 PM Blessing of the in Lunch) 6 PM Vespers Swearing in of the Water Executive Board 22 23 24 25 FAST DAY 26 27 FAST DAY 28 ______ST. SAVA OF ______10 AM Divine Liturgy _ ***HOUSE ______& ST. NINA OF ______2nd St Sava Program BLESSINGS ______GEORGIA 4:30 PM Final St Sava Rehearsal ______9 AM Divine Liturgy Rehearsal 6 PM Vespers 6 PM Vespers

29 30 ______31 ______ST. ANTHONY THE ST. ATHANASIUS THE 10 AM Divine Liturgy GREAT GREAT ST SAVA CHILDREN'S ______& YOUTH PROGRAM __ ***HOUSE _ Christ is Born! Христос се роди! followed by BANQUET BLESSINGS

OFFICE HOURS: VERY REV. DRAGAN PETROVIC, PARISH PRIEST CHURCH CONTACT INFORMATION: MON. thru FRI. 10 AM - 2 PM CELL PHONE: 317-374-3414 PHONE: 317-471-8006 PAGER: 317-304-1974 (EMERGENCY ONLY) EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.st-nicholas-indy.org St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church February 2017 7855 Marsh Road, Indianapolis, IN 46278-1626

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 FAST DAY 2 3 FAST DAY 4 ______February 26: Forgiveness Sunday _ _ _ Prosfora Baking ______9:00-12:30 _ February 27: GREAT LENT BEGINS ______(Fasting, Confession and Presanctified Liturgies) ______6 PM Vespers

5 SUNDAY OF THE 6 7 8 FREE OF FAST 9 10 FREE OF FAST 11 PUBLICAN AND THE ______PHARISEE ***House Blessings ______10 AM Divine Liturgy continue ______Choir Annual Meeting 6:30 PM Executive ______Board Teleconference ______Meeting 6 PM Vespers

12 SINAXIS OF THE 13 14 15 FAST DAY 16 STS. SIMEON AND 17 FAST DAY 18 Memorial Saturday THREE HOLY ______HOLY MARTYR PRESENTATION OF ANNA ______HIERARCHS ***House Blessings TRYPHON ______THE LORD ______continue 9 AM Diving Liturgy 9 AM Divine Liturgy ______10 AM Divine Liturgy and blessing of the ______KSS Annual Meeting candles 6 PM Memorial Service 6 PM Readers' Vespers

19 Meatfare Sunday 20 Cheesefare week 21 Cheesefare week 22 Cheesefare week 23 Cheesefare week (no 24 Cheesefare week 25 Cheesefare week (no ______(no meat) (no meat) (no meat) meat) (no meat) meat) 10 AM Divine Liturgy ______*Last day to eat meat - ***House Blessings ______Pitch-In Lunch of Meat continue ______Dishes 6 PM Vespers

26 Cheesefare Sunday 27 STRICT FAST 28 STRICT FAST ______10 AM Divine Liturgy GREAT LENT BEGINS HOUSE BLESSINGS Pitch-In cheese dishes (no meat) Sunday, February 5: Choir Annual Meeting FORGIVENESS SUNDAY Sunday, February 12: KSS Annual Meeting

OFFICE HOURS: VERY REV. DRAGAN PETROVIC, PARISH PRIEST CHURCH CONTACT INFORMATION: MON. thru FRI. 10 AM - 2 PM CELL PHONE: 317-374-3414 PHONE: 317-471-8006 PAGER: 317-304-1974 (EMERGENCY ONLY) EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.st-nicholas-indy.org St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church March 2017 7855 Marsh Road, Indianapolis, IN 46278-1626

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 FAST DAY 2 FAST DAY 3 FAST DAY 4 FAST DAY ______THEODORE'S ______9 AM Liturgy of SATURDAY RELIEVE YOUR SOUL - COME TO ______Presanctified Gifts 9AM Confession ______10 AM Divine Liturgy CONFESSION 6 PM Liturgy of ______Presanctified Gifts 6PM Vespers / Confession 5 FAST DAY 6 FAST DAY 7 FAST DAY 8 FAST DAY 9 FAST DAY 10 FAST DAY 11 FAST DAY SUNDAY OF ______ORTHODOXY ______9 AM Liturgy of ______10 AM Divine Liturgy Presanctified Gifts 6 PM Vespers / ______6 PM Liturgy of ______Confession 5 PM Pan-Orthodox Presanctified Gifts 5-8 PM FISH FRY Vespers @ TBD (Bring icons to service) 12 FAST DAY 13 FAST DAY 14 FAST DAY 15 FAST DAY 16 FAST DAY 17 FAST DAY 18 FAST DAY Set clocks forward 1 h ______ST NIKOLAI OF OHRID- ST GREGORY ______9 AM Liturgy of BITOLA AND ŽIČA PALAMAS ______Presanctified Gifts ______10 AM Divine Liturgy 6:30 PM Executive 6 PM Liturgy of ______Board Teleconference Presanctified Gifts 5-8 PM FISH FRY 6 PM Vespers / 5 PM Pan-Orthodox Meeting Confession Vespers @ TBD 19 FAST DAY 20 FAST DAY 21 FAST DAY 22 FAST DAY 23 FAST DAY 24 FAST DAY 25 FAST DAY VENERATION OF THE ______40 MARTYRS OF ______HOLY CROSS SEBASTE 9 AM Liturgy of ______10 AM Divine Liturgy ______Presanctified Gifts ______6 PM Liturgy of ______6 PM Vespers / 5 PM Pan-Orthodox Presanctified Gifts 5-8PM FISH FRY Confession Vespers @ TBD Retreat for married couples MLADENCI 26 FAST DAY ST. 27 FAST DAY 28 FAST DAY 29 FAST DAY 30 FAST DAY 31 FAST DAY JOHN CLIMACUS ______10 AM Divine Liturgy ______No Service ______5 PM Pan-Orthodox 6 PM Liturgy of Diocesan Assembly Vespers @ TBD Presanctified Gifts ______5-8PM FISH FRY

OFFICE HOURS: VERY REV. DRAGAN PETROVIC, PARISH PRIEST CHURCH CONTACT INFORMATION: MON. thru FRI. 10:30 am - 3:30 PM CELL PHONE: 317-374-3414 PHONE: 317-471-8006 PAGER: 317-304-1974 (EMERGENCY ONLY) EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.st-nicholas-indy.org SAVE THE DATES ST. NICHOLAS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 2017 CALENDAR

JANUARY 6TH BADNJE VEČE (CHRISTMAS EVE) 7TH BOŽIĆ (CHRISTMAS) 13TH CELEBRATION OF THE SERBIAN NEW YEAR (7pm Moleban and Celebration); 9:59 PM we count down 15TH CHURCH SCHOOL SECOND SEMESTER BEGINS 15TH & 22ND ST. SAVA PROGRAM REHEARSALS IN CHURCH SCHOOL 19TH THEOPHANY – BLESSING OF WHITE RIVER (Pitch-in Lunch) Pilgrimage is *** BEGINNING OF HOUSE BLESSINGS – PRIEST WILL CALL being planned for 28TH FINAL REHEARSAL FOR ST. SAVA PROGRAM 29TH ST. SAVA CELEBRATION brothers and/or sisters. Stay tuned! FEBRUARY *** HOUSE BLESSINGS CONTINUE The Liturgical and 4TH PROSFORA BAKING TH fellowship calendars 5 CHOIR ANNUAL MEETING are purposely 12TH K.S.S. ANNUAL MEETING 15TH PRESENTATION OF THE LORD (BLESSING OF THE CANDLES) interwoven. For all 18TH MEMORIAL SATURDAY that we do is Church 26TH FORGIVENESS SUNDAY related and in some 27TH BEGINNING OF GREAT LENT (fasting/confession/presanctified liturgies) way Liturgical – *** REGISTER CHILDREN FOR SUMMER CAMP AT NEW GRAČANICA MONASTERY pray or play.

MARCH 4TH THEODORE’S SATURDAY – CONFESSION & COMMUNION 5TH SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY; 5PM - PAN-ORTHODOX SERVICE AT LOCAL CHURCH IN TOWN 10TH 1ST FISH FRY (seafood, bean soup, salad & sweets of all kinds) th 12 SET YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD ONE HOUR Every Month: 17TH 2ND FISH FRY ND • 22 RETREAT FOR ENGAGED AND MARRIED COUPLES (MLADENCI) Executive Board 24TH 3RD FISH FRY Meeting 31ST 4TH FISH FRY • Youth meetings ST 31 ANNUAL DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY AT NEW GRAČANICA MONASTERY • Church School *** SPRING CLEAN CHURCH Teacher APRIL meetings 7TH ANNUNCIATION – LAST FISH FRY OF GREAT LENT • Choir Rehearsals 8TH LAZARUS SATURDAY – CHURCH SCHOOL EVENT (Egg Hunt) 9TH PALM SUNDAY – Fish Dinner 10TH – 15TH HOLY WEEK (PLEASE BE PRESENT FOR THE SERVICES, ESPECIALLY ON THURSDAY & FRIDAY) 16TH PASCHA (PITCH-IN LUNCH – please bring a dish) 24TH VISITING CEMETERIES (Pobusani ponedeljak) *** Planning Pilgrimage on July 15 & 16

MAY 7TH CHOIR SLAVA 14TH MOTHER’S DAY MEAL 21ST MEETING OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE FORMED AT THE DEDICATION (after Liturgy) 21ST CHURCH SCHOOL – AWARD DAY/PIZZA PARTY 22ND TRANSLATION OF RELICS OF ST. NICHOLAS – DIVINE LITURGY 29TH MEMORIAL DAY PICNIC AT NEW GRAČANICA MONASTERY

JUNE 2ND-3RD KSS RUMMAGE SALE 3RD MEMORIAL SATURDAY 4TH PENTECOST – FAMILY PITCH-IN PICNIC – BRING GAMES AND LAWN CHAIRS *** SOCA FESTIVAL *** POSSIBLE HUMANITARIAN EVENT 12TH – JULY 12TH SS. PETER AND PAUL FAST *** BEGINNING OF Q&A ON ORTHODOXY INSTEAD OF SERMONS 21ST – 25TH YOUTH CONFERENCE OF THE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IN AMERICA IN SAN FRANCISCO, CA (teens who regularly attend church will be sponsored at 50%) 28TH VIDOVDAN – DIVINE LITURGY *** CENTENNIAL OF THE HEROISM OF SERBIAN VOLUNTEERS FROM INDIANAPOLIS

JULY 12 TH STS. PETER AND PAUL TBD SUMMER CAMP FOR CHILDREN GRADES 1-12 (CHILDREN WHO ATTEND CHURCH SCHOOL REGULARLY WE SPONSOR 50%) 15TH BUS TRIP TO DIOCESE (Celebration of St. Mardarije of Libertiville) 16TH CHURCH CLOSED – READERS’ SERVICE

AUGUST 5TH PROSFORA BAKING 13TH POSSIBLE PICNIC / PRE-FASTING EVENT 14TH – 28TH DORMITION FAST 19TH TRANSFIGURATION – BLESSING OF THE GRAPES / GARDENERS, BRING YOUR FIRST FRUITS & VEGETABLES *** POSSIBLE SENIOR CITIZEN EVENT

SEPTEMBER 4TH LABOR DAY PICNIC AT NEW GRAČANICA MONASTERY (a trip may be organized, call church office) 9TH 2ND ANNUAL SERB FEST 14TH CHURCH NEW YEAR 17TH KSS SLAVA 17TH BEGINNING OF CHURCH SCHOOL 21ST SLAVA – MONASTERY IN NEW CARLISLE, INDIANA (PILGRIMAGE – call church office if interested)

OCTOBER – STEWARDSHIP MONTH 1ST STEWARDSHIP KICK OFF SUNDAY – CHURCH IS OUR HOME TOO 7TH MEMORIAL SATURDAY *** SENIOR CITIZENS Outing 14TH MONASTERY SLAVA – NEW GRAČANICA (trip may be organized, call church office if interested) 29TH FALL FESTIVAL (HAYRIDES) 31ST ST. LUKE AND ST. PETER OF CETINJE (6PM - MOLEBAN)

NOVEMBER 4TH MEMORIAL SATURDAY 4TH PROSFORA BAKING 5TH MEETING OF CREDENTIALS COM. (P. PRIEST, B. PRESIDENT & FIN. SECRETARY) 5TH SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR BEFORE YOU GO TO BED 12TH MEETING OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE TBD ANNUAL VISIT FROM THE DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OF OUR DIOCESE 12TH ST. VARNAVA THE PATRON OF INDIANA (PAN-ORTHODOX LITURGY) 18TH KSS BAKE SALE *** BEGINNING OF COLLECTING FOOD FOR THE NEEDY 19TH DECORATING THE (PARENTS & CHILDREN EVENT) 19TH MEETING OF THE AUDITING BOARD *** KSS DIOCESAN CONVENTION 28TH – JAN 6TH, 2018 CHRISTMAS FAST (ADVENT) *** POEMS FOR ST. SAVA, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO FIND YOURSELF; HOWEVER, IF YOU NEED IT EARLIER, CALL OFFICE NOW. DECEMBER 3RD FIRST SUNDAY OF MONTH – ANNUAL MEETING (Plan to be there) - LUNCH SPONSORED BY CHOIR 7TH KSS CHRISTMAS DINNER (1st Thursday in December) *** SUNDAY ADVENT LUNCHEONS 10TH LAST DAY OF 1ST SEMESTER OF CHURCH SCHOOL 17TH CHURCH SLAVA CELEBRATION (Bishop present; 9:45 AM liturgy) 26TH – 30TH YOUTH (HIGH SCHOOL) WINTER RETREAT AT NEW GRACANICA MONASTERY (Teens who regularly attend church will be sponsored at 50%) JANUARY - 2018 6TH BADNJE VEČE (CHRISTMAS EVE) 7TH BOŽIĆ (CHRISTMAS) 13TH CELEBRATION OF THE SERBIAN NEW YEAR (7PM Moleban and Celebration; 9:59 PM we count down) 19TH THEOPHANY – BLESSING OF THE WHITE RIVER – FOLLOWING DIVINE LITURGY 28TH ST. SAVA CELEBRATION

PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR GOAL IS NOT TO CHANGE THE DATES FOR THE LISTED EVENTS; HOWEVER, PLEASE ALWAYS REFER TO OUR MONTHLY CALENDAR JUST TO BE SURE. Thank you.