Aug – Sept St. Nicholas x2012x Monthly Bulletin no. 157

For those who receive a hard copy of the newsletter, do not throw away Icons; please dispose of them properly. In This Issue: • Parish News • Trip • Mt. Athos Trip • Dormition of the Theotokos

Monthly Bulletin of St. Nicholas - Indianapolis, IN Editor: Parish Priest 7855 Marsh Road, Indianapolis, IN 46278-1626 ~ Phone: 317-471-8006 ~ Fax: 317-471-8004 Website: www.st-nicholas-indy.org ~ Email: [email protected] St. Nicholas Parish News ~ August–September 2012

FROM FATHER'S DESK I Have - Do You Need? IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND This space will be used to connect people OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY that have things they would like to give SPIRIT. - The church was packed away with people that need those things. last week – which means all is back If you have items which you would like to to normal after a short summer. give away for NO CHARGE or things which Looking forward to a blessed year. you need, please call the Church office.

WILL YOU TRY? For those who have From The Nominating never fasted any of the 4 fasting Committee seasons this is your chance – will you try? The Dormition fast is only 2 weeks long and Since all the positions on the board are for one term therefore the shortest of the 4 fasting seasons. Usu- (year) the nominating Committee is working on a ally even when it comes to prayer it is best to start list of names for the next year’s Executive Board. with less and end up with more, than to start with Please call them (Fr. Dragan, Nicholas Babic, Mark more and end up with less. Fasting is staying away Morgan, Mladen Jeftenic) with any suggestions. from meat and dairy products as well as sin while The person you are suggesting must be a Steward in increasing prayer and good deeds. Will you try? good standing. Please note the positions are first offered to those already serving.

ATTENTION GARDENERS - On the Transfiguration bring your fruits & vegetables to be blessed and SAYING OF THE MONTH thereby the garden which you eat from will be blessed. Prayer comprises the complete fulfillment of the commandments; Bible Verse for there is nothing higher than So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dis- love for God. mayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and REF:Saint Kosmas Aitolos +1779 help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 Sunday Attendance th Father’s Anniversary - Sept. 21/27 = under 80 = 80 = over 80 = over 110 It will be 14 years of his service as a parish priest at 05-06-12: 85 05-13-12: 55 05-20-12: 85 St. Nicholas and 16 years (9/21) since the ordina- tion to Priesthood (deaconate). Congratulations! 05-27-12: 80 06-03-12: 120 06-10-12: 70 06-17-12: 75 06-24-12: 50 07-01-12: 80 th Save The Date: October 7 07-08-12: 65 07-15-12: 66 07-22-12: 55 The First Sunday in October is Stewardship Kick- Off. Please be there. 07-29-12: 95 08-05-12: 105

2 St. Nicholas Parish News ~ August–September 2012

Hall Rental BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT We rent the hall only to our Stewards or those they • Daniel Theodore Jelev, Born June 30, 2012. sponsor. The reason we decided to charge ourselves Congratulations and God’s blessings to his parents a specific amount is simply because we are making Jelyo and Mary Jelev. another effort to pay off our church building. • New Grandparents Bob and Susan Ivancevich Following is the process and fees to rent our church on the birth of their first Grandchild, Henry Ivan Hall. - Call the Church office to request a contract and Sams. MNOGAJA LJETA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! check date availability.- Premises Rental Fee: Pray For Your Church Family Please pray for the health of: David Mace, Ludmila, Fellowship Hall Dorothy Stankov- * 51 persons or more: 1 – 4 hours $400.00 ich (Bob’s Mother), each additional hour $100.00 Wanda Trusler, Jim * 50 persons or less: 1 – 4 hours $100.00 Yerich, Oksana each additional hour $50.00 (Paly), Nikola, Rada Kitchen Rental (Stanisic), Sabo, * 51 persons or more $100.00 Lee, Zoya, Natasa, * 50 persons or less $ 50.00 Tomislav, Leona James, Jason, Kath- Pavilion Rental $200.00 ryn Ralic, Ronny, More rental details can be found in the rental agreement. Borivoje. ** Call the office to add Office Closed - Sundays or delete a name. Please note the church office is closed on Sundays. If you have needs please call Tuesday, Wednesday & Memory Eternal – Passed on to the Lord: Thursday between 10am & 4pm ** V. Rev. Father Peter Gilquist, Adam Krivosija, Boja Loncarevic, Diana Ulen. Thank you for understanding. May God establish their souls where the saints re- pose and give their families strength to endure this LAST CHANCE – temporary separation.. No more bulletin by mail Last chance to send us your e-mail. Please, send us Shut- Ins: Phone call could be enough your e-mail. If you are receiving this by mail and … for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was you have email please send your address to thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and [email protected] you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; If you don’t have email, and someone in your family I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and does, please send us their email address, we’ll send you came to Me. … Inasmuch as you did it to one of emails to them and they can give you the printed the least of these, My brethren, you did it to Me … (hard copy) of the bulletin and other announcements inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of we send regularly. these, you did not do it to Me. Matt. 26: 35–45.

3 St. Nicholas Parish News ~ August–September 2012

Thank You For News Time – Talent - Treasure KOLO Following are just some of the people (who set an Please come and celebrate with our sisters – example) that we are thanking for their offerings to September 23rd following Divine Liturgy our Church. • Mike Bresich, Greg Pasalich, Milan Milivojevic, Church School News Kevin Perry and his son for watering trees during Church School begins Sunday September 9th this hot dry summer. Lunch by Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse – come and enjoy • Kovalenko family for bringing from Russia and donating robes for Deacon Marko. St. Sava Poems Anyone who needs a poem for St. Sava earlier than • Milos & Eftimia Cvetinovich, Dragica Kerr, Alex December, call Father ASAP and he will be more Cvetkovich, Sereda family, Nena Popovich, Antonia than glad to send it to you. Peplinski, Tomic family, Milivojac family, Yovanka Savich, Kathryn Ralich, Djukanovic family, Suder Urgent ----- VERY EARLY CAMP REGISTRATION- family and everyone that brought something for Please call the church office as soon as possible if coffee hour. you are interested in sending your child to Camp • And all those we have not mentioned – Thank Gracanica in July – the demand is great. FREE CAMP - If one has attended Sunday school at You!! least 15 times in the school year our parish will pay for your one-week at New Gracanica camp. Choir News Youth Winter Retreat * For High School Children Only December 26 – 29th at New Gracanica Monastery or New Carlisle. If you are interested call Father Dragan at 317-374-3414

Congratulations To Our Graduates High School: College: Yelena Cvetkovich Marija Stankovich Djordje Djurovic Stevan Stankovich Brian Isch Cristina Tanaskovich George Mikic Joanna Tanaskovich Jovan Ducic Choir will be holding regular practice Connor Schmok twice per month. Jovana Stankovic They will be on the 2nd Wednesday at 6:30pm and Jelena Tomic fourth Friday at 4:00pm of every month. Please let us know if you have a graduate.

4 St. Nicholas Parish News ~ August–September 2012

Parents of College Students Last Summer Fish Fry If you have a child in college please send us their in- Summer Fish Fries last Friday of the month. . formation so that we can keep in contact with them. August 31st. 5pm – 8pm

Bulletin Sponsor The bulletin is sponsored by Robert and Dorothy Stankovich in honor of their children’s gradation Marija from Ivy Tech & Stevan from Wabash College. Happy Birthday Barbara Bond and Sophia Cvetkovich!! In celebration of their Mom-Mom's and Kuma's birthday, Katie and Peter Suder would like to sponsor the September bulletin! May God Grant them Many More!!!! Fish Fry 2012 “Proud Sponsors” Anica Stanjevich Foreman Congratulations to •Chris Karras & family •Mane Bubalo Dr. Robert Foreman PhD on graduation from the •Mike Bresich & family •Nena Popovich University of Chicago and receiving his PhD in Micro •Steve & Katie Shaw •Nada England & family Biology. •Steve Staletovich & family •Anica Foreman • If you would like to sponsor a bulletin, please •Maria Stanjevich •Savo Stojcevich & family call the church office 471-8006. Note: In order to •Charles & Susan Baldwin •Doug & Jackie Balfour sponsor a bulletin, we are asking for a donation of •Bob & Dorothy Stankoivch & family •Judy Gajic •Ed & Dragica Kerr $50.00 or whatever you can give. •George & Kyoko Grahovac & family •Milos & Eftimia Cvetinovich •Angie Devitt Church Picnic •Mike & Becky Rayman •GFS Saturday August 11th please join us for the church •Sveto & Millie Arsich & family picnic. Lamb, Chicken, Cevaps, music and fun!!! •Milo & Sofia Cvetkovich 3pm – 10pm. In the Church Pavilion. 6PM Akathist •Brian & Dawn Isch & family in front of the icon of the Mother of God in the •Ken & Dorothy Schmok & family Pavilion. •Mirko & Marija Milivojac & family •Rade & Fanny Savich & family Golf Tournament •Rudy & Cristina Tanaskovich & family •Household Furniture George E. Booth Co. August 31, Sept. 1 & 2 •K.S.S. Belinda Sharkey Please be sure to mark your calendar for this event •Bob & Susan Ivancevich •Dragan & Bosa Suljic and plan to join us!! •Virgil & Dorothy Cross & family •Yovanka Savich Nick & Cheryl Babic Rummage Sale •Rick & Kim Suder & family •Mile & Ljilja Beric •Stan & Carol Cvetkovich •Ron & Hilary Salatich Thank you to everyone for a successful rummage •Milan & Donna Milivojevic sale. Keep a box in your garage and you can add •Bogdan & Dorothy Milivojac items to it all year for the next rummage sale: May •Fr. Mihailo & Popadija Mikic 31st & June 1st 2013. •Fr. Dragan Petrovic & family.

5 St. Nicholas Parish News ~ August–September 2012

TALIJA PERFORMANCE OCT. 27th The world class folk dance ensemble from Belgrade, Serbia! Performing on October 27, 2012, 6PM– 8PM at the Zionsville H.S. Performing Arts Center Tickets are $10.00 each and can be purchased from our Church office. Following the performance join us in a reception at our Church hall – food – music and dancing.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse The First day of Church School, Sept. 9, 2012 AT ST. NICHOLAS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH PRESENTED BY: Sladjan Stanisic MENU: KOBE STEAK SLIDERS (Cooked on Site POTATO CHIPS and COOKIES

Did you know that the only Orthodox school in the State of Indiana and Pilgrimage To Monastery one of just several in the United States is housed right here On Friday September 21st Fr. Dragan will be taking at St. Nicholas? a trip to the Monastery in New Carlisle, IN, for their Slava – interested? We'll be leaving in the morning Hagia Sophia Classical Academy (7:00 am sharp) and returning around 6:00 pm. All (Grades K–12) is beginning its second year, and are welcome to join us. (By car pooling. We may rent is asking those whose heart may be leaning toward a van) . Please let Father know by September 10 if supporting true education to come forth and help, you are interested in going. first in prayer and also in much-needed finances to ensure the school’s ability to go forward with its Wall Calendars mission. Please call Fr. Dragan A.S.A.P. if you can Bring the icon portion to church – please don’t help. The school has brought us many blessings just throw it into trash. We will discard it properly. by being here! Kindergarten thru 9th Grade enrollment is Greek Fest still open if you are interested! Holy Trinity Annual Greek Festival – September www.hagiasophiaclassical.com 7th & 8th. For more information please visit their website: www.indygreekfest.org

6 St. Nicholas Parish News ~ August–September 2012

.

As our son discovered, the Serbian word for tomato is “Paradaiz”. That’s very close to the English word “Paradise”. So it was with our discovery of Serbia – Close to Paradise. Plums right off the trees, raspberries off the bushes, fresh trout from rivers and terrific roast meat a plenty, served by hospitable, church- loving and warm people – Close to Paradise. We must admit to a bit of apprehension as we began our journey. Partially due to our travel delays, but also going to a country we had heard a lot about, but sometimes in negative ways (wars, ethnic hatreds, etc.). Our minds were however totally changed and quickly, due primarily to Father Dragan’s terrific knowledge and understanding, as well as our terrific traveling companions. We must say our two terrific traveling companions (Ed and Dragica Kerr) were tremendous to travel with and share most of our 10 days with.

Where to begin? The people, the food, the marvelous, varied and at times spectacular countryside and mountains – Truly, close to Paradise.

Let’s begin at the beginning. We arrived in Belgrade and immediately went to the spectacular old fortress “Kalimegdan”, located on a hill, overlooking the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. What a spectacular view of the setting sun over the two rivers!!! We joined the throng of young people (many of whom could have been supermodels), just hanging out, enjoying the amazing sunset. We explored the ramparts and stumbled onto a free concert with a really good dance group, as part of one of the numerous music festivals in Belgrade during the summer – What a bonus.

We then proceeded down through the Skadarlija area of town. This is an area lined with shops, restaurants, strolling musicians and the ever present throngs of young people, giving the area a lively, festive atmosphere. We ate outdoors at a famous restaurant, named Tri Sheshira (Three Hats). This restaurant is famous for celebrities, politicians and father proposing to our Popadija - truly a marvelous place. We ate a terrific meal of the ever present Rostil (roast meat), served at most restaurants. Incidentally, everywhere we went restaurants had Rostil, approximately 1 Kg. (2.4 lbs) of meat – Terrific tasting and what a great deal!!!

The next day we visited a terrific monastery (the resting place of the late Patriarch Pavle) and the two palaces that the Prince now owns. What a treat, sitting at the table and walking the halls of Kings, Princes and well…Tito. What spectacular history, art (e.g. Rembrandt paintings), architecture and views from the palaces, all within its acres of marvelous woods and manicured grounds. Belgrade is truly a magical city, well worth visiting.

During our trip, we stayed primarily at Vrnjacka Banja (Baths). What a terrific town, with mineral baths, restaurants with live Kolo music, a 10-12 block walking area that goes on all night and even a Midway for the children. A party every night or a relaxing town with music, great food, a terrific farmers market and even the worlds largest Opanak (traditional Serbian ) – so large you can actually sit in it. If this wasn’t enough, we toured a newly built mountain village resort, located at a mountain town called MokraGora (Wet Mountain). This town has a narrow guage railway, with a 2 hour tour to the top of nearby mountains and villages, making a loop back to Mokra Gora. The views are truly amazing, truly next to Paradise. By the way the resort village was built from wood by a famous Serbian director, Emir/ Nemanja Kosturica It has a pool, tennis courts, movie theater, art gallery and even a ski hill for winter. This resort is a must if you visit and reasonably priced, should you wish to stay. The country is truly amazing and holy with monasticism and church-loving people everywhere. There are many monasteries to visit. Father Dragan made sure we visited some of the most holy and inspiring houses of worship. From humble, small but ornate and well maintained churches, to the most famous monasteries. Among the most famous were the St. Sava cathedral in Belgrade, Zica (church of the Nemanja kings), (Czar Lazars church) and Studenica (St. Sava was a Monk there - in a spectacular mountain setting). Father Dragan actually conducted the service (partially in English) with a spectacular Belgrade choir that was visiting Studenica. This was truly one of the highlights of the trip. With all of the beautiful scenery, terrific people we met, great history we learned about and great food we ate, the greatest highlight of the trip was our visit to Popadija’s village. The warm hospitality of Popadija and Father Dragan’s families, the terrific home cooked meal, the 45 year old homemade , the concert of old musical instruments by a virtuoso musician, was truly over the top. Many thanks to Popadija, Father and their families for the terrific hospitality and warm memories. Serbia we’re sure has economic problems in these tough times, with some buildings yet to be rebuilt after the last war, so it is not truly a paradise - but it sure is close. Will we go back to discover more of Serbia? - Absolutely!!!!! Would we recommend this 10 day Cultural Discovery? – Absolutely!!!!

Father Dragan took much time and effort in planning our 10 days and we would just like to say thank you. from all five of us, for the many wonderful memories. MnogajaLjeta! By: Robert, Stevan & Dorothy Stankovich

7 St. Nicholas Parish News ~ August–September 2012

Report on Mt. Athos Trip 2012

Day One: Our day started with Liturgy at 9:00 am. Most of the Communicants were children from the Orthodox school Hagia Sophia. Brad and George attended Liturgy. Father Dragan asked George to take plenty of pictures. Father D prayed for the pilgrims. Our group of 6 pilgrims (Father D, Brad, Rick, Mirko, Mark, and George) all showed up at Indy airport at about the same time (3:30 pm). Deacon Marko also showed up to send off the pilgrims. Plenty of pictures were taken with all the children. We started out on the wrong foot when Father led us to the wrong concourse. Things started heating up when George was nearly stripped searched by the TSA Agent. The other pilgrims got a kick out of that. Many lessons are already being learned. The pilgrims from Indy met Father Daniel in Chicago. Ok, so next problem...the woman from the front desk came to talk to Fr D, Fr Daniel, and George and said that our bags are too big to carry on. George unzipped the mini back pack from the Milan suggested Osprey bag that was purchased online via Amazon on Sunday evening prior to trip, filled it up from the main bag and away he went. Fr D was not so lucky. Took Father a bit longer to reconfigure his bags, but in the end all was well. Brad, Mick, Mark, and Rick escaped the wrath by running away and hiding their bags. Then again their bags were all reasonably small so they most likely would have passed. The pilgrims boarded the flight for Zurich and it took off on schedule. Well, a lot has happened since we last signed on. First we are starting to experience inexplicable coincidences. The first was that Fr. Daniel ended up sitting directly next to the other six pilgrims on the flight to Zurich, even though he purchased his tickets completely separate from the other six.

Day Two: Well, Glory be to God, the pilgrims arrived safely in Zurich. We made it through immigration without incident. The coincidental incidents continued. When we went to exchange money (US Dollars to Euros), we found that not only was the girl behind the desk Serbian, but her brother is a monk at Monastary on Mt. Athos. Popadija's Sister's Husband (Milan) picked us up at the airport with a huge Sprinter van. Plenty of room for all including the luggage. Once the pilgrims piled into the van we left for the Serbian Church in Zurich. The Church is undergoing a restoration and is absolutely wonderful. A dome and Pantocrator Icon was recently completed. Lots of granite everywhere. Very beautiful. Following Blessings, a brief tour, and some discussion, a wonderful meal was prepared for us; Chevapi, Pljescavica, Sarama, Salata, Wine, and Sljivo. Wonderful! After receiving final Blessings, giving a small donation, and receiving a wonderful gift (Cross necklace) we left Fr. Miroslav and the others who greeted us and made our way to Father D's sister and brother in-laws. Upon arrival, we met Verica and their wonderful children. Verica prepared some wonderful snacks for us. We then rested a bit and prepared for our final journey to Thessaloniki. After a bit of rest we took a walk down the street past several cafes and across the Rhine river via an old wooden bridge that was built in the 1300s. Crossing the river took us into Germany where the language switched from Swiss German to Proper German. We visited a beautiful Roman , where George spilled some Holy water because he was busy taking pictures of the painted ceiling. After a bit more walking through the small town, past boutiques, cafes, and other stores, we stopped at an Italian cafe where we took dinner, eating pizza and drinking a few frosty beers. Even a bit of Tambura music played from Mick's I-phone as we ate. Mick ordered Cola- Beer. It was a hit, even Father D liked it. Time was getting short as we had to get back to Milan and Verica's apartment, collect our bags, and get back on the road for the airport. Upon returning to their apartment, we thanked Verica and departed for the airport. Milan drove us to the airport and we made it 1 hour prior to departure. plenty enough time to make it through security and get to the gate. We all boarded the plane for Thessaloniki without incident.

Day Three: The plane from Zurich landed in Thessaloniki at 1:50 am. On the flight over we met two Portugese sushi chefs. A Russian guy hired them to come from Portugal to make sushi for him. Some sleep was achieved. After we picked-up our luggage Father D negotiated with two taxi drivers to take 8 of us to Ouranopolis. We met Milan Milivojevich at the airport (he came from his hotel as the two taxis Jovan, Father D’s friend, ordered never showed up). The two hour drive was filled with perseverance and group hugs in the back seats. We did have one injury. Mark had a nice goose egg on his head from hitting the inside window. Upon arrival in Ouranopolis (at 4:30 am) we found one cafe on the beach that the owner was willing to open. Coffee and Sljivo for the group. The plan was to catch a boat at 9:45 am. For about 5 hrs the pilgrims ate, drank coffee, looked at icons in stores, and talked. The boat promptly left at 9:45 am. The boat ride to the first stop was about 45 min. Again we were Blessed with The Lord's intervention when we were about to disembark from the ship during the very brief first stop, Brad could not be found. The Lord tapped Brad and told him that it was time to get off the boat. The boat stopped for literally 60 seconds. Bow plate down and off we went, including Brad. Two buses were at the landing to meet us. We loaded our gear and onto the buses and up the hill we went. Up the narrow dirt road and down the other side of the mountain, we arrived about 45 min later at Hilandar Monastery. After getting into our rooms we rested for a bit. 5:00 pm marked the first service, Vesper service. after Vespers we had our first meal. Soup , bread, salad, olive oil and wine. following the meal we took a stroll to the port. The mosquitos were stinging! We made it back just in time for the 5 hour vigil that started at 9:00 pm and ended at 2:00 am. The vigil was for the next day feast day St. Basil of Ostrog.

Day Four: At 6:30 am Fr. D woke us all up to attend Liturgy at 7:00 am. This was a 3 hour service. The Pilgrims took Holy Communion and after the service. We feasted on a whole grilled fish, bread, salad, and wine. We also were served zhitto (Mark described the taste as Serbian coffee cake crumbs). After the meal we retired for a brief rest. After the rest we hiked to the militant monastery Esfigmenou where we were welcomed with coffee, sweets, and liquor that was like ouzo. We went to the bookstore and bought honey, prayer ropes, and other items. The monks at this monastery were unique. Fr. D and Rick put their feet into the ocean. We then walked back (about 30 min), picking up cedar tree pods along the way. Rick thought that it would be a great idea to line the St. Nicholas Church property in Indy with these beautiful trees. After that, we attended a 'brief' (1 hr) service. Prior to the service we got to venerate several relics that were on temp display in the Church. Following Vespers was dinner, soup and spinach pita. Following dinner we were showed the icon museum and wine cellar. We had the opportunity to meet the assistant monastery wine caretaker. What an interesting man. Mark took a picture with him wearing a Serbian hat. Milan missed out but we saved him some wine. After spending some time chatting and meeting new friends (Mt Athos Contractors from Serbia) it was time to go to bed as we had to get up at 3:45 am for Matins and Liturgy.

8 St. Nicholas Parish News ~ August–September 2012

Day Five: The alarm clock went off at 3:45 am. Matins started promptly at 4:00 am. Matins lasted until about 7:00 am when Liturgy started. Liturgy lasted until 9:30. The pilgrims found out that the bus going to the port was leaving at 9:55 am. We hurriedly got our luggage and rushed to the bus. When we got on the bus we had to wait for another group. Father D was getting nervous because the boat never waits for anyone. We changed buses as the one we were on was not big enough for all of us. We left and the driver was driving with passion. When we got to the port the boat was waiting on us. The bus driver said that this has never happened. Along the way we saw multiple monasteries including the Russian monastery Patelemon. We got off at our stop - Dafni and took a bus to Kareyas and walked a brief walk into the town center. We waited for a bit, went into the store and had some drinks and snacks. We then went into a small Church that looked like a factory on the inside with many steel beams. There we venerated the Icon of the Theotokos (It is Truly Meet ...Icon). We were allowed to take one picture of this Icon. From there we made the long trip up the goat path and past the St. Sava Church (Isposnica – this was a Church that was built around the cave that St. Sava used to constantly pray in) to the house we stayed at on top of the hill (Konaki). There we were served water, coffee, and rakiya. Beautiful view of the sea and the top of Mt. Athos (very clear). For dinner we were served a feast of egg omelets, feta, bread, Salata and chili peppers for lunch. Then we got into a taxi bus and went to Iveron Monastery where we venerated the Icon of the Theotokos (Portaitisa-the icon that protects the entry of the door, it is the icon that was struck by a Turkish soldier with his sword and blood came out of the Icon). This icon is attributed to evangelist Luke. From there we went to Burazeri Monastery and all of the monks were in a meeting. One monk came out and said sorry that usually the monks sleep during that time of day, but now they were in a meeting and the Church was locked, ‘no key’. It was a beautiful monastery on the outside that was recently completely renovated. Excellent garden with irrigation pond. From there we got back in the taxi and went to the store we visited earlier. We bought some replacement provisions for the monks at the Konaki. We then sat outside and drank and enjoyed much good discussions. We prepared our beds earlier. Rick fell asleep at our table under the huge grape vine. We retired.

Day Six: We did not attend Church service this morning however Fr. Dragan and Fr. Predrag did attend at 5:30 am. Father D, Father P, and Mark, took Milan down to the town center so that Milan could catch the boat to head to Beograde. We prepared our bags and came down stairs for another feast of potato and carrot soup, olives, tomato, bread, and canned octopus and a very special treat, fish brought by the Abbott from Hilandar, who came at 1:00 am with his administrative assistant for an emergency meeting of all monastery Abbotts. This could have been the meeting that the monks from yesterday were preparing for. After eating we met the Abbott as he woke up late and he gave us his blessing as he departed. We loaded our bags in the konaki's truck and we set out on foot down the goat path. About 2/3 way down the hill we stopped at the Church that was built around the cave that St. Sava used to endlessly pray in. There we read psalms in the Church and venerated the Theotokos Icon (the milk gusher, another miraculous Icon). One by one we spent time in the cave where St. Sava used to pray. A very powerful and moving experience for us all. Before leaving the monk offered us sweet custards and water. The monk then erupted into a 9 + verse chorus of Uskliknimo. Most of us dropped out after the second verse but Frs. D and P hung in there for most of the Hymn. We left the Church and headed back down the hill. Then we made a dash to the bus, along with several other Pilgrims. About 20 min. into the trip the rear spring on the bus broke. We were able to progress slowly. Until we came to a stop at an abandoned house overlooking the sea and another monastery. We waited for about 30 min. And a monk from our targeted destination (the Great Lavra) came to pick us up. A very long and bumpy ride along a dirty and rocky road. Most of the trip was along the coast. We arrived at about 4:00 pm. We checked in at the monastery. At 5:00 pm we attended Vespers. We immediately noticed that most of the monks there were very unique. However, Fr. D assured us that the Holy Theotokos owns the mountain and everything on it, not individual humans. After Vespers we had dinner; cold lentil soup, old bread, and blood oranges. Following dinner we went back into the Church and venerated the relics. We left the Church and continued to receive lessons from Fr. D. We did meet an elder American monk from Florida who left the monastery and was visiting. We learned about the patron Saint Athanasius who helped build the Church and perished along with 7 other monks while doing so. He also wandered the hillside searching for provisions and came upon the Holy Theotokos. She asked him what he was doing. He said that the Monastery was out of provisions and that he was searching for some. She told him to go back to the Monastery and that the Monastery would never again have to worry about having enough. He did not believe that it was her and thought that she was a demon or other. He said if you are the Holy Mother of God allow me to strike this rock and let water come from it. He struck the rock and water gushed. That was 962 AD and it hasn't stopped yet. Lights out at 10:00 pm following a cold shower.

Day Seven: We woke up at 4:15 am and attended Matins. At 6:15 am we did final packing and headed out the main gate, up towards the heli-pad, avoided the dung and waited for our bus. We did learn that all donkeys have crosses on their backs. We boarded two different buses. Mick, George, Brad, and Rick boarded the Mercedes Sprinter 15 passenger bus. The Greek monk in who spoke no English took us down the rocky road. We stopped at the Holy Theotokos' stream and got water from the rock. We continued along our path to Kareyas. Once arriving in the Kareyas town center, we headed to a cafe and had coffee and lunch and a couple of other beverages. We found out that Father Predrag became an Uncle to twins. The Konaki's truck then came to pickup our bags and some of us walked back up the goat path. Check OCA website (the great Lavra). After resting a bit we took off for Burazeri Monastery, which is owned by Hilandar and is known for its beautifully written Icons. We saw the old Church and took pictures inside. The patron Saint was St. Nicholas. Then we went into the new Church which was absolutely amazing. One wall had a St. Sava Icon, St. Simeon Icon, and the Three handed Mother of God Icon. Father D and Father Daniel bought incense and we drank coffee. The walk down to Burazeri was long. The monk at Burazeri showed us a 'short cut' back up the hill and told us to 'go straight' even though there were many turns up very narrow paths. It started to rain and we found shelter under a pavilion, which was in the middle of nowhere. All of a sudden a fast moving monk came down the path. He told us how to get to the Skeet of St. Andrew, the first called Apostle. He also gave us prayer ropes that are elastic and necklaces with perfumed Holy oil from the truly Meet Icon. Finally we found the St. Andrew Skeet. We attended Vesper services for two hours 6:00-8:00 pm. The inside of the Church was huge and amazing. The Iconostasis looked like three separate pieces and was as tall as St. Nicholas Church in Indy is long. Following Vespers we venerated the relics of St. Andrew the first called Apostle. Truly amazing. We made the trip back to the Konaki on foot via another short cut that Father Dragan found. Another very narrow path through someone's field. When we returned the monks made us another feast of fried calamari (in lemon, garlic bits, and olive oil), soup, tomatoes, feta, olives, olive oil, bread, and wine. We retired to the terrace for some more talk and then up to bed. Lights out at 10:00 pm.

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Day Eight: We woke up at around 8:00 am. Fathers D and P got up at Midnight to head down to the St. Sava cave Church to pray with the monk. Father D and P went down to the store to pickup breakfast, canned tuna, octopus, hot bread, Greek pastries aka. Pita, olive oil, and Konaki water. We left for Kareyas to catch the bus at 10:00 am. It was a mad rush to get on the bus leaving for The port of Dafni. Rick, George, Fathers Predrag and Daniel, Mick, and Brad made the first bus and Father D and Mark had to wait for the second. In the end they road first class as the bus was bigger and there were much fewer people. Rick and George had to stand on the bus the whole way to the port, about an hour away. Rick and George discussed a Mt. Athos export business. Exporting Konaki water, the best on Mt. Athos, to the U.S. Once we got to the port we waited for the boat. Father D bought some wonderful Lenten (soy cheese) pastries. We boarded the boat and we were off. After several stops we made it back to Ourenopolis. We landed and the first thing we did was to buy cherries. We boarded the bus bound for Thessaloniki. It was about a 2 hr trip. We arrived at the bus terminal and took two taxis to the Olympus Hotel, about 30 min away. We checked in and then we walked and walked. Visited the St. Demetrius Church for vespers and to venerate St. Demetrius' relics. Then we walked down to the ocean. There was graffiti everywhere. As this was Wednesday, we then searched for a Lenten meal. We found it in calamari and mussels. We also had some red peppers, eggplant, and bread. After that we walked back to the hotel. Rick, Mick, Mark, and George went to the cafe across the street for a night cap. Fathers D and P joined us later. We then returned to the hotel and retired.

Day Nine: This morning we woke up at 6:30 am. We made it to St. Demetrius Church for Matins. After Matins we returned to the hotel and we all took breakfast. The breakfast was a delicious buffet. Following breakfast we set out for the market. There were fresh vegetable, fruit, fish, and meat vendors. Whole small lambs were hanging from hooks. We visited religious items stores and one wholesale store on the second floor. We all bought our fair share, but Father D was exceptional. He wanted to buy plenty for the Church bookstore. We all carried out many bags. Then we headed to find cassocks for Father D and P. Father P bought four and Father D bought two. While the priests were getting fitted the rest of the team went down a couple of doors for some light snacks. After that we dropped of our stuff at the hotel and headed back out to get some late lunch / early dinner. We went cheap this time, eating delicious gyros. After dinner we jumped into two cabs and we were off to the Serbian Military cemetery, the largest of its kind outside of Serbia and only one in . We met the caretaker Cika Georgije, who was in his 80s and whose eyebrows, with all due respect, would put former Soviet Union Premier Breznev's eyebrows to shame. He explained the entire history of the military action that caused the death of many of the souls buried in the cemetery. He was third generation caretaker. Most of the soldiers died in the Austro-Hungarian war. This action cost many Serb's lives, but it stopped the opposition and ended the war in two months. No other foreign nationals fought like the Serb nationals did. The Serb advances cut through the enemy lines like a hot knife through butter. After a short pomen service, a shot of sljivo, some final words, and a tour of the cemetery, we said goodbye, and left. At one point prior to leaving, Father D randomly approached one of the head stones outside and the name on it was 'Petrovic'. Also, the town where the soldier was from was G. Milanovac, the same town where Father D was born. After leaving the cemetery gates we got into two cabs and returned to our hotel area. We went into a couple more religious item stores. In one we bought about 6 kilos of incense. We then returned to the hotel for a brief rest. After that it was back out with Father D and P and Rick to find Father P a nice leather gift at a well known leather store. Unfortunately when we got there we found that it had just closed. We started to head back to the hotel, but Father decided that he wanted to stop and get Mick some lamb because he couldn't eat it earlier for lunch. While waiting for the lamb to cook Fathers D and P, Rick, and George had gyros. We then left and returned to the hotel with Mick's lamb in hand. When we got back to the hotel we found that Mark and Father Daniel were waiting for us. They had been talking with a couple from Australia. Because Father Daniel and Mark had not eaten yet Rick and George took them along with Mick back out to the same meat rotisserie restaurant. Everyone ate and we returned quickly back to the hotel as it was getting cold. After that we all retired.

Day Ten: Glory be to God, our trip is coming to an end without any significant problems. This morning most of us woke up around 7:00- 7:30 am. Some attended Matins and went under the St. Demetrious Church to where St. Demetrius was martyred. Following Matins the whole group ate breakfast at the hotel. Because it was a fast day and everyone ate so much the previous day, we all ate very light. After that some of us went back to the wholesale leather coat shop. Some including Fathers P and D bought leather jackets for their kids. Once we got back to the hotel we dropped off our newly purchased jackets, picked up not yet Blessed Church items that we bought the previous day and left for the St. Demetrious Church, which was 10 min. away by foot. We asked St. Demetrious to Bless our items. One awesome thing that we all noticed and enjoyed was a school field trip was at the Church, about 25 kids. From there we got into two cabs and left for a woman's Monastery outside of Thessaloniki. At this Monastery Elder Paisius' (an Athonite monk) was Father Confessor to the nuns at the monastery and after his death in 1994, he was buried at the monastery. We all venerated his grave and took a bit of the dirt. Thanks to Brad's early and constant persistence we visited there. Because it was on the way, one cab dropped off Father Predrag at the airport and we said our goodbyes. He returned to Beograde. Prior to the second cab arriving to the monastery, we had heard from the first cab that the monastery was not open. The gates were closed and did not open. Just as the second cab arrived another Divine intervention happened. A tour bus showed up and the gates opened up, both cabs then followed the bus in. Everyone thought that it was due to Father D showing up in the second cab. :) After everyone venerated the Icons in the Church and the grave of Elder Paisius, we got into the cabs and headed to a nearby Church 'furniture' maker. Father wanted to meet the owner and check styles and prices for a Throne to the Mother of God. While we were there Father checked on a cantor stand, a candle stand, a Gospel reading stand, and chairs for the candle stand and behind the alter. Father wanted to purchase high quality and good price furniture from funds that were donated for that purpose. We spent a lot of good quality time with the shop owner, got great ideas and price ranges, and saw the intricate detailed and manual processes. From there we returned to the hotel had a few drinks and a couple of things to eat as we waited for Father D's friend Jovan. From there many things became a blur. We walked a lot. Went to St. Gregory of Palamas' Church and venerated his relics. From there we went to Predrag Stojakovich's restaurant / bar and had a drink. We walked back and bought a couple of duffle bags for the plane. From there we went to buy a silver vigil lamp for the Throne of the Mother of God. Father and Jovan stayed behind to negotiate and the rest of us headed back to the hotel with Brad so that he could pickup his glasses that were being fixed. The 5 of us found the store with a 1/2 hour to spare before the store closed. From there we went to a bar/restaurant on the way back to the hotel and got a snack. Father and Jovan joined us. We had some good conversation. From there we went to dinner and had probably our best meal yet. An elderly organ grinder and his female partner came and was showing off his stuff, including strapping the organ on his back and lifting up the 100 Kg box and walking around with it. Of course Mark being stubborn, Serb in training, decided to give it a go as well. The

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first time he failed, but the second time he got it!! Mark's achievement, way of thinking, and his overall growing knowledge of Serbian history is moving Mark quickly up the ranks of 'Serb-dome'. We are closely evaluating Mark as a candidate for honorary Serb and are considering changing his name to Marko Morganovich. On the way back from dinner we found a back alley Church that was serving Midnight Liturgy. This Church had relics of St. Mina. This Saint is Mark's Patron Saint. This Church was very old school, women on the left side of the Church and men on right. Church was very well attended. After that we stopped for sweets. Continuing after Midnight on next day.

Day Eleven: Our final day of the journey will mostly be spent in airports. There is a 6 hr 45 min wait in the Zurich airport and a 4 hr 20 min wait in the Chicago airport. After picking up some sweets and eating on the road we made it back to the hotel at 12:30 am and started packing. We finished up by 2:00 am and 6 of the remaining 7 Pilgrims were on our way to the airport. Fr. Daniel stayed behind as he had a later flight. We arrived at the airport by 2:45 am. We arrived at Chicago airport without incident. One issue did come up. Rick moved his monastery honey from his check bag to carry on. When he went through security check again after leaving the international terminal, the TSA Agent found the honey and said that because it is a liquid he could not take it on the plane. So Father D took it back to the ticketing counter, had it wrapped in a box and checked it free of charge-because the person at the ticket counter was Russian Orthodox. The pilgrims arrived back in Indianapolis at about 11:00 pm without incident and many were waiting to greet them. Rick and George’s beards were gray and relatively long. We were all very tired, but it was clear that the group was extremely satisfied!                                        

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into the heavenly joy, into the divine gladness  and unending delight” of the Kingdom of her Son. (Vesper verse) The Old Testament  readings, as well as the gospel readings for the vigil and the Divine Liturgy, are exactly the  same as those for the feast of the Virgin’s  The feast of the Dormition or Falling- nativity and her entrance into the Temple. Thus, asleep of the Theotokos is celebrated on the th at the Vigil we again hear Mary say: “my soul 28 of August, preceded by a two-week fast. magnifies the Lord and my Spirit rejoices in This feast, which is also sometimes called the God my Savior.” (Luke 1:47) At the Divine Assumption, commemorates the death, Liturgy we hear the letter to the Philippians resurrection and glorification of Christ’s mother. where St. Paul speaks of the self-emptying of It proclaims that Mary has been “assumed” by Christ who condescends to human servitude and God into the heavenly kingdom of Christ in the ignoble death in order to be “highly exalted” by fullness of her spiritual and bodily existence. God his Father. (Philippians 2:5-11) And once As with the nativity of the Virgin and the again we hear in the Gospel that Mary’s feast of her entrance to the temple, there are no blessedness belongs to all who “hear the word biblical or historical sources for this feast. The of God and keep it.” (Luke 11:27-28) Tradition of the Church is that Mary died as all Thus, the feast of the Dormition of the people die, not “voluntarily” as her Son, but by Theotokos is the celebration of the fact that all the necessity of her mortal human nature which men are “highly exalted” in the blessedness of is indivisibly bound up with the corruption of the victorious Christ, and that this high this world. exaltation has already been accomplished in The Orthodox Church teaches that Mary is Mary, the Theotokos. The feast of the without personal sins. In the Gospel of the feast, Dormition is the sign, the guarantee, and the however, in the liturgical services and in the celebration that Mary’s fate is the destiny of all Dormition icon, the Church proclaims as well those of “low estate” whose souls magnify the that Mary truly needed to be saved by Christ as Lord, whose spirits rejoice in God the Savior, all human persons are saved from the trials, whose lives are totally dedicated to hearing and sufferings and death of this world; and that keeping the Word of God which is given to men having truly died, she was raised up by her Son in Mary’s child, the Savior and Redeemer of the as the Mother of Life and participates already world. in the eternal life of paradise which is prepared Finally it must be stressed that, in all of the and promised to all who “hear the word of feasts of the Virgin Mother of God in the God and keep it.” (Luke 11:27-28) Church, the orthodox Christians celebrate facets of their own lives in Christ and the Holy Spirit. In giving birth, you preserved your virginity. What happens to Mary happens to all who In falling asleep you did not forsake the world, imitate her holy life of humility, obedience, and O Theotokos. You were translated to life, O love. With her all people will be “blessed” to be Mother of Life, and by your prayers, you deliver “more honorable than the cherubim and beyond our souls from death. (Troparion) compare more glorious than the seraphim” if they follow her example. All will have Christ Neither the tomb, nor death, could hold the born in them by the Holy Spirit. All will become Theotokos, who is constant in prayer and our temples of the living God. All will share in the firm hope in her intercessions. For being the eternal life of His Kingdom who live the life Mother of Life, she was translated to life, by the that Mary lived. One who dwelt in her virginal womb. In this sense everything that is praised and (Kontakion) glorified in Mary is a sign of what is offered to all persons in the life of the Church. It is for this The services of the feast repeat the main reason that Mary, with the divine child Jesus theme, that the Mother of Life has “passed over

12 St. Nicholas Parish News ~ August–September 2012 within her, is called in the orthodox Tradition the Image of the Church…for the assembly of the saved is those in whom Christ dwells.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, O Virgin Theotokos, blessed are though among woman and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

By Fr. Thomas Hopko

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