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Saint Orthodox Church American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese 903 Ann Street Homestead, PA 15120 Rectory Office Phone: (412) 461-3264 Church Office & Auditorium: (412) 461-9437 Web Site: www.stnichomestead.org E-mail Address: [email protected] E-mail Address: [email protected] Pastor – Very Rev. R. Zak, Cell phone:(412)-804-8865 Attached to St. Nicholas Church: Rev. Fr. Dr. Marc Wisnosky Deacon: Fr. Deacons Artemius Stienstra Sub- Deacon: Andrew Halapin, Jr. Cantor/Choir Director: Danielle Bartko Assistant Cantors: Donald Bodnar, Jr. & Michele Tomko Parish Council President: Tom Pingor Vol. 9; No. 2 , January 7, 2021 NATIVITY OF OUR LORD; Beginning of fast-free period until January 18 : 9:30 A.M. Epistle: Galatians 4:4-7; Gospel: Matthew 2:1-11 Tropar & Kondak: Blue Book: 132-135 / Red Book: 149-154 Altar Candles’ Sponsor: In memory of the deceased members of the Harris Family, offered by Trona. Nativity Candle offered: in memory of +Edward & +Dolores Pingor and +Wendy Pingor, offered by the Family. Birthday Prayers intoned for: Elizabeth Fucsko, celebrating her 5th Birthday today, offered by the Family. ****************************************************************************** Friday, (January 8)… 9:30 A.M. Divine Liturgy on the Synaxis of the Mother of God.

Saturday, (January 9)… 9:30 A.M. Divine Liturgy on the Feast of the Proto-martyr Stephen. ****************************************************************************** Sunday, January 10, 2021 SUNDAY AFTER THE NATIVITY Chanting of the Nativity : 8:20 A.M. Divine Liturgy: 9:00 A.M. Epistle: Galatians 1:11-19; Resurrection Tone: 6; Gospel: Matthew 2:13-23 Tropar & Kondak: Blue Book: 96-98, 138-139 / Red Book: 111-114; 158-159 Panachida Service conducted for the repose of the soul of God’s departed servant, +Michael Sukaly, offered by +George Sukal & +Mildred.

Monday, (January 11)… 9:00 A.M. Divine Liturgy for the repose of the souls of God’s departed servants, +Frank & +Mary Kolesar, offered by The Mary Kolesar Family.

Wednesday, (January 13)… 7:00 P.M. Great Vespers on the Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord, St. Basil the Great, and New Year’s Day, with the Blessing of Bread, Wheat, Wine and Oil.

Thursday, (January 14)… 9:30 A.M. Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great on the Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord, St. Basil, and Julian Calendar New Year’s Day.

Friday, (January 15)… 10:00 A.M. Divine Liturgy for the repose of the soul of God’s departed servant, +Denise Yenchek, offered by Michael Yenchek (Husband).

Matthew 2:1-11– Luke 1:5 – Herod: ruled Judea from 37-4 BC. He was a great builder but a cruel leader. Luke mentions Herod to pinpoint the historical date of the birth of Christ.

An ancient prophecy of Jacob indicated the Messiah would come when a king ruled who was not from the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:10). As Herod was a non-Jew calling himself the king of Judea, the coming of Christ was surely at hand. 2:1 – The wise men, or magi, who come from the East (most likely Persia), were the scholars of their time. In the Old Testament, Balaam (NM. 23,24) was one of their predecessors, a Gentile who anticipated the Messiah. These foreigners prefigure the Church, in which membership is determined by faith and not by ethnic lineage. 2:2 – The star proclaims the extraordinary birth of Christ. To ancient pagans, a star signified a god, a deified king (Nm. 24:17). Christ being born under this star fulfills the prophecy in Psalm 109:3 and shows all of creation participating in the Incarnation. 2:4 – Herod had to summon the Jewish leaders because he knew little about the Jewish Messiah and he feared losing his throne to this newborn King. The chief priests were the political and religious leaders of the Jews, and the scribes were high cabinet officers. They knew where the Messiah was to be born, but in spite of all the signs being in place, they had no idea that He had come. Math. 16:1-3 – A sign from heaven means a spectacular display of power. The time of the Messiah among the Jews was expected to be accompanied by signs, but these hypocrites have not recognized the signs already being performed because their hearts were hardened, and they ignored the works happening all around them. 2:11 – Into the house: Whereas the Jewish shepherds worship the Savior in the cave on the day He was born (Lk. 2:8-20), the Gentile magi came to worship Him some time later. By then, Joseph and Mary had found a house in which to dwell. This indicates that Christ first came to the Jews and then afterward was worshiped by the Gentiles. The significance of the Magi’s is revealed in a hymn sung at Compline of the Nativity: “Gold is for the King of ages. Frankincense is for the God of all. is offered to the Immortal One, who shall be three days dead.” ****************************************************************************** RECTORY OFFICE HOURS are 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Monday thru Friday. EMERGENCY SICK CALLS can be made anytime. Please notify your Pastor when someone is taken to the hospital; Sacred Scriptures remind us to call the presbyter to anoint the sick. MARRIAGES are celebrated on Saturdays and Sundays. Consult the Pastor at least 6 months in advance and before wedding reception plans have been made. Marriages cannot be celebrated during Lent or , or on Fridays. BAPTISMS are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 A.M. Two God-parents are required; at least one of whom must be an Orthodox Christian by Faith, and the other a practicing Christian. An infant’s first or middle name must be a saint’s name. CHURCH FUNERALS are provided for parishioners who are current in their spiritual and financial obligations to the Parish. Otherwise, burial is from the funeral home. The Church does not permit cremation. ****************************************************************************** FOLLOW OUR DIOCESE ON-LINE! Diocesan Website: http://www.acrod.org Camp Nazareth: http://www.campnazareth.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acroddiocese Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrodnews You Tube: https://youtube.com/acroddiocese

THE THEOLOGY IS IN THE HYMNS: While the Divine Liturgy’s main focus is rightly the , the rich hymns and depth of the feasts we celebrate are found in the Matins and Vespers services. The original “Sunday School” and catechesis of the Church is found in her hymns. There are figures and symbols from the Old and New Testaments woven throughout and the feast is looked at from various angels bringing life and light to the feast. Consider these beautiful hymns about . HYMNS OF THE FEAST: From Jan. 6th end of Matins: EDEN IS OPENED! In , the Maker of all is born; and Eden is opened by the King that was before the ages. The flaming sword is turned back; the middle wall of partition is broken asunder; the heavenly powers mingle with them that are on earth. Angels and men together celebrate a triumphal festival. Ye that are pure, as we approach Him Who is pure, let us look on the Virgin, who like a cherubic throne of glory, containeth within herself God, Who can in no wise be contained, that He may grant great mercy unto the world. From the Royal Hours: HEROD’S EVIL Herod was astonished when he beheld the piety of the Magi; and being overcome with anger, he diligently inquired what time it had come to pass. Mothers were bereaved of their infants, and in a season yet unripe, the babes were bitterly harvested. Breasts

grew dry and the channels of milk closed up. Great was the evil! Wherefore, let us, the faithful piously gathering together, worship the Nativity of Christ. From the Vespers of Christmas Day: WHAT SHALL WE GIVE THE LORD? What shall we offer Thee, O Christ? for Thou hast appeared on earth as a man for our sakes. Of all the creatures made by Thee, each offereth Thee thanksgiving. The Angels offer Thee the hymn; the heavens, the star; the Magi, their gifts; the shepherds, their wonder, the earth, her cave; the wilderness, the manger; and we offer Thee a Virgin Mother. O God, Who wast before the ages, have mercy on us. **************************************************************************************************** THANK YOU FOR REMEMBERING YOUR PRIEST AND HIS WIFE AT THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST! Father Michael and Pani Deborah are ever grateful to the considerate and kind-hearted members of St. Nicholas Church, who lovingly submitted inspiring Nativity cards, Christmas presents, monetary gifts, cards and gracious words of support and sincere best wishes to their spiritual father and his “better half.” Most importantly, Father & Pani appreciate the prayers you intone for their welfare and good intentions. Your generosity and genuine concern will not be soon forgotten! May the new-born Christ Child bestow upon every parishioner of our God-saved congregation the fullest of blessings!

ST, NICHOLAS CHURCH SOUP SALE – SATURDAY, JAN. 23RD FROM 11 A.M. TO 3 P.M. (TAKE OUT ONLY) IN THE PARISH HALL! Four varieties of homemade and comforting soups will be offered, plus, delectable Haluski. Prices for all menu items: Pints: $4.00 each; Quarts: $7.00 each. Advance phone orders will be filled first. Call by noon, Friday, Jan. 22nd to place your early phone orders with Jean (412) 491-7090 or Michele (412) 389-4594. Walk-in orders will be filled while supplies last. ************************************************************************************************************************** OUR MISSIONARY ASSISTANCE! OCMC has been able to continue its ministry through the current virus situation both at the center in St. Augustine, Florida and all the field locations. Elaine Piniat, a new missionary candidate, is in her final preparations and fund raising before being assigned to the new mission effort beginning in Sweden and Scandinavia. She has been able to continue the process by using Zoom presentations. Fr. Luke Mihaly spoke to Metropolitan Gregory and received his blessing to allow Elaine to have access to our diocesan parishes for her Zoom meetings. This would be just a onetime effort to help Elaine get to her mission field location as soon as possible. Elaine would be very appreciative of any small or one-time donations. If you would like to read more about her background you can do so here: https://www.ocmc.org/about/view_missionary.aspx?MissionaryId=53. For your alms- giving this Advent, deposit your treasures in an envelope, marked “Missionary Assistance” or use the Lenten Coin Banks available on the table in the vestibule. ************************************************************************************************************************** BROWSE OUR GIFT SHOP AND BOOK STORE AFTER THE LITURGY THIS MORNING! Proceed downstairs after services and view the wonderful display of , spiritual books, religious jewelry, Nativity cards and other attractive items. Opened for just 30 minutes, purchase that unique for family, relatives and friends at the feast of our Lord’s glorious Nativity! ************************************************************************************************************************** SENIOR A.C.R.Y. CHAPTER NEWS! The Sr. ACRY would like to Thank everyone who purchased the Gertrude Hawk Candy. Even with facing the challenges of the Corona Virus, the candy sale was very successful. Thank you all for your support, kindness and generosity. May God Bless You and Keep you in His care. Also, Attention: ACRY MEMBERS: The 2021 Sr. ACRY Dues are due by: 1, 2020. Please contact Michelle Hubert. Thank You! ************************************************************************************************************************** EMAIL ADDRESSES NEEDED! We are looking to become more connected as a parish by sending out important announcements, updates, death and sickness notices, and other pertinent information via email. Our high school Sunday School class has volunteered to collect these email addresses. If you have not already provided your email address, we invite you to do so. Email addresses can be submitted by writing it on the sheet in the vestibule, giving it to any high school Sunday School student or by emailing Bob Bartko at [email protected]. Thank you for your participation. ************************************************************************************************************************** TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGIES OR COME TO CONFESSION… make reservations to share in “Heavenly worship” at St. Nicholas Church on every Lord’s Day during the . Phone (412-461-3264) or e- mail ([email protected]) Fr. Michael to indicate your and your family’s intentions to attend the Sunday Divine Liturgy. Father Zak will hear confessions following any listed divine services. Or, you can call or e-mail your pastor for an appointment at the church for the Mystery of Penance, with the safe distancing practice in place. You must wear a mask before entering the church. ************************************************************************************************************************************************** PICK UP THE 2021 ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH CALENDAR IN THE VESTIBUE THIS MORNING!

Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church