ST. LUKE NEWSLETTER FATHER S REPORT

Transcription

1 ST. LUKE NEWSLETTER St. Luke Serbian Orthodox Church September 2006 September 2006 Inside this issue: Father s Report 1 Izveštaj Predsednika 2 Sunday School Starts 3 President s Report 4 Folklor and other News 5 Bishop Irinej 7 Čitulje 8 Schedule of Services 8 Raspored bogosluženja 9 Piknik 10 Help your Serbian Church Pomozite svoju srpsku crkvu Self-addressed envelope attached I found myself this summer in Beograd at the consecration of one our new bishops, Bishop Irinej of Australia-New Zealand, whom I have known over twenty-five years. Of course, being a celebrant in the Divine Liturgy of that day, I communed from the same chalice as all of our hierarchs, priests, deacons, and Orthodox laity that were present that day from all over the world. The following day, I communed together, with His Grace and bishops from two other continents as well as the sisterhood of Vavedenje Monastery in Beograd, in addition to the faithful present FATHER S REPORT that day. Later in the summer, I traveled to Detroit to represent our church at the Triennial Sabor, but also to take part in the first annual youth conference that my coworkers and I on the task force for youth ministry organized this year. I must say that it was a success, not because there were a lot of teenagers present from all over the country, but because of what the kids brought with them. They brought their beautiful Christian souls, a desire to learn and grow in their Christian faith, and a hunger and openness in experiencing the grace of God. They learned, they played, they socialized, made new friendships, and received the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion. They communed with each other, with me and the other clergy and faithful at the Divine Liturgy. Together, we offered our praise and our souls to God. Between these trips, I traveled to the Most Holy Mother of God Monastery in Shadeland, Pennsylvania, where I was scheduled to give the main talk during our annual Diocesan Days event. It was here that I spoke on a theme that is often problematic for many of our people: Living Serbian Orthodoxy in the American Context. I chose to approach the topic from the direction of maintaining Father Aleksa giving speech in Shadeland (Continued on page 3)

2 Page 2 IZVESTAJ PREDSEDNIKA Septembra meseca pocinje novi godisni ciklus naase parohije. Letnji meseci, kada dobar deo nasih parohijna uzima godisnji odmor, su uglavnom prosli, a skolska godina nedeljne skole nase dece pocinje 10og septembra. Isto tako mi smo na kraju priprema za prosirenje mase crlveme zgrade i pocinjemo da planiramo sa procesom izgradnje i njenog finansiranja. Najzad, dolaze nase razne aktivnosti do kraja godine - kao piknik 10 septembra, slava naseg Kola sastara, pa slava nase Crkve i najzad Godisnja skupstina. Rekonstrukcija zgrade Proces dozvola od strane Montgomery County i State of Maryaland je na kraju, i vrlo skoro treba da dobijemo dozvolu za izgradnju (Building Permit). Morali smo da prihvatimo 250 stopa prosirenja River Road-a (a deceleration lane) i novi troskove prosirenja same zgrade. Cim dobijemo procenu, raspisacemo konkurs kontraktorima za pojedine radove. Onda cemo odrzati svecano osvecenje izgradnje i ako Bog da - poceti sa radom. Mi mozemo znacajno da smanjimo troskove ako bismo sami preuzeli izvesne delove gradnje. Za rusenje delova podruma nisu potrebnne narocite kvalifikacije, sem jednog ili dva strucnjaka - kojih imamo i koji bi nadziravali rad. Isto tako smo vec dobili ponude od nasih majstora da nam pomognu u odnosenju otpadaka, instaliranju klimatizacije, a nadamo se da cemo dobiti jos pomoci. Zato se obracamo svima vama i molimo vas da nam pomognete koliko god mozete, bilo u rusenju ili u drugim poslovbima u kojima ste vicni. Ovo je nasa srpska kuca i nasa crkva i od nas svih zavisi da li cemo moci da sve ovo ostvarimo. Molimo sve koji su spremni da nam pomognu da se jave bilo meni (Tel: ; Adresa: 5603 Pioneer Lane, Bethesda, MD ; zoranhodjera@verizon.net), bilo Zoranu Mijicu (Tel: ; Adresa: 730 N Albemarle Ct., Arlington, VA 22003; mijich@msn.com). Finansiranje Vladika Irinej odvodni kanal za odlivanje vode sa puta i sa gornjeg dela imanja. Taj kanal, kako je projektovan, doveo bi u ozbiljnu opasnost ono veliko komsijsko drvo uz nase imanje i mi sad gledamo da nadjemo nacina kako da ga spasemo. Procena svih troskova radova van zgrade (prosirenje puta, pomeranje bandere, parkiranje, betoniranje staze oko kuce, odvodni kanal, saniranje zemljista i slicno) je oko 220,000 dolara, a u cetvrtak imamo sastanak sa strukturalnim inzinjerom da procenimo Posto man je istekao rok od 5 godina zajma sa fiksnom imteresnom stopom, morali smo da produzimo zajam na slediecih 5 godina posle dosta cenkanja - sa stopom od 8%, jer je interest u medjuvremenu skocio. Stara stopa je bila 6.89% i da smo zavrsili planove pre godinu i po dana, dobili bi interes isti, i mozga cak i manji, na celu sumu za obadva zajma. Medjutim moramo da zivimo sa onim cim imamo. Otplate ce biti nesto skuplje, ali mi imamo mogucnosti da smanjimo troskove cim se uselimo u nasu crkvenu zgradu a za ostatak moracemo svi da zapnemo da pomognemo otplatu duga. Ceo prostor donjeg sprata ce biti izuzetno lep, a narocito velika kapela, koja ce potsecati na pravu crkvu, tako da cemo svi biti ponosni. Zoran Hodjera

3 Page 3 SUNDAY SCHOOL TO START SEPTEMBER 10 ST. LUKE NEWSLETTER Another year of Sunday School will be starting soon. The St. Luke Serbian Orthodox Church School will strive to teach your children about the Orthodox faith and their Serbian heritage, while also having some fun, as we educate your children over the next year. However, we ll need your help to reach that goal - we need to work as a team. We need the parents of children to bring them to Liturgy and Sunday School on a regular basis. It is very easy to come up with excuses why you can t come to church. In fact, I admit, I often come up with excuses, too, however, your children need you to show them how important it is to have faith in God. The Sunday School will then be sure to provide them with a solid education God and the Serbian Orthodox faith. We are always looking for volunteers to help with the Sunday School program. Are you interested in working with our littlest ones who attend class during the (Continued from page 1) communion with God within the many communities that we find ourselves involved in. We focused on blessing the communities that we are part of, by offering ourselves, and by extension, these communities to God. We give thanks to God in the Divine Liturgy by offering a sacrifice, the Eucharist (translation= thanksgiving), thereby sanctifying ourselves and making full our lives. This fullness then encompasses us who with pure hearts come before God. Dear brothers and sisters, during my busy summer, between visiting family and kumovi in Beograd and other parts of Serbia, giving talks and presentations, and offering guidance to our Serbian Orthodox youth, I found a common thread within all. We worship the same God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, regardless of where we reside. In Beograd, I served the Divine Liturgy and received Holy Communion with Youngsters playing Kolo in Shadeland clergy and faithful from four continents, and in five languages. In Shadeland, we were in communion with people from throughout the eastern region of the country, and in Detroit, with youngsters and adults from all over the United States and Canada. Regardless of what community affiliation we have in our local areas, we come together at our local churches to partake of Holy Communion, sharing in the divine Grace that God has gifted to us. When this is multiplied in all of the Orthodox churches throughout the world, a union is established among people from all walks of life, that cannot be broken by social, geographical or political forces. It is a bond, forged by the Holy Spirit, that unites us as brothers and sisters, the faithful children of God. Father Aleksa Father Aleksa on the far right in Shadeland

4 Page 4 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT September starts a new annual cycle for our parish. Summer months, when many of our parishioners take annual leave, are behind us and the Sunday School begins its new year on September 10. We are also at the end of preparations for the expansion of our Church building and we have begun planning its construction and financing. Many important functions are coming, such as the picnic of September 10, Slava of our Kolo, our Church Slava, and finally the Annual Meeting. Reconstruction of the building The process of obtaining various permits from Montgomery County and the State of Maryland has been completed, and very soon we will obtain the Building Permit to start construction. We had to accept building of the deceleration lane on River Road of 250 feet instead of 170, as we proposed. We also had to accept a considerably larger drainage pipe (24x32 inches), which could handle the flow of rain water from the road and the upper part of our property. Since, as projected, this pipe would go along the fence of our property with our western neighbors, it would seriously endanger that large tree near our border. We are now trying to find a way to save it in order to stay on good terms with the neighbors. The estimate of all costs for work outside the building (deceleration lane, moving of the electric pole, parking, the concrete skirt around the house, drainage pipe, partial leveling of the grounds etc) amounts to $220, On Thursday we have an appointment with a structural engineer to estimate the cost on the building itself. Once we get the complete estimate, we will open the bidding for various parts of work and then God willing start with work. We could reduce considerably the cost of works if we undertake some of it ourselves. Tearing down parts of the basement and the terrace does not need any special qualifications, except one or two experts -whom we have - who could direct the work. Also we already have offers for help by our artisans: for moving debris, work on heating and airconditioning, and hope to get some more offers. That is why we are addressing ourselves to all of you with a request to help us as much as you can, whether with demolition or with other work you are able to do. This is our Serbian house and our Church, and it depends of all of us and our efforts whether we will be able to achieve what we set out to do. Please, all of you who are willing to help, call either myself (Tel: , address: 5603 Pioneer Lane, Bethesda, MD zoranhodjera@verizon.net), or Zoran Mijich (Tel: , address: 730 N Albemarle Ct., Arlington VA ; mijich@msn.com) Financing Since the term of the first five years fixed rate loan has expired in July, we had to renegotiate the loan for the next 5 years (of the remaining 15 years). After considerable bargaining we obtained the rate of 8% - because the interest has risen in the meantime. The old rate was 6.89% and if we had completed plans a year and a half ago we would have gotten that rate or, maybe even less, for the whole sum of both loans. Now we have to live with what we have. For the new works we agreed to obtain a construction loan and to pay interest only on whatever we draw, and when we finish, to negotiate the second loan for the total amount spent (20 years with 5 years fixed.). Payments are going to be a little more expensive, but as soon as we leave the school and come to our Church, we will be able to reduce costs and for the rest we have to make an effort to come up with the funds. The whole lower floor will be exceptionally good looking, especially the large chapel which will remind us of a real Church of which we are all going to be proud. Zoran Hodjera

5 CHILDREN S FOLKLORE DANCE PRACTICES Page 5 St. Luke s Serbian Orthodox Church is very excited to be able to offer folklore dance to our children. Mr. Dragan Koprivica will be leading the dance practices for us. He is a professional folk dance instructor. Dance practices will start in October in preparation for St. Sava. It is the goal of the group to possibly participate in additional folklore competitions as time permits. Classes will be taught for children. There will be a nominal charge for the class, with half the amount donated to the church by Mr. Dragan Koprivica. Children who attend Sunday School at least two times each month will have the fee waived. Class time and location will be announced during September. Be sure to contact Becky Kesic at Kesic.becky@verizon.net to receive information about the schedule. Also, check the St. Luke website ( for updates. The folklore group participation is a privilege and is considered an extra-curricular activity. Attending Liturgy and Sunday School should remain a priority in each and every Serbian Orthodox home. CONGRATULATIONS We are proud to have three recipients of the Serb Unity Congress s Serbian Youth Heritage Award in our parish. Students were asked to submit an essay describing how they maintain their Serbian Heritage in the U.S.. There were 10 winners selected from across the country, and St. Luke s was the only parish to have multiple winners. Congratulations to our students! Alexandar Mikasinovic, son of Mr. & Mrs. Branko Mikasinovic Maja Vlajnic, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Milan Vlajnic Dragana Stojisavljevic, daughter of Mr. & Mrs.Dragan Stojisavljevic Da li ste se ikada zapitali kako pisma iz Crkve dolaze do vas? Pored ostalih volontera imamo i jednog sestogodisnjaka koji je ostao kasno jednu noc pomazuci da se presaviju crkvene novine i da se zalijepe markice. Nadamo se da ce ovaj primjer inspirisati i mnoge druge koji bi voljeli da pomognu. Kontaktirajte oca Aleksu, Zorana Hodjeru ili bili koga drugog iz crkvenog odbora ako imate zelju da i Vi pomognete crkvu... Ever wondered how Church mailings get to you? Among other volunteers we have one 6 year old who unselfishly stayed late one night folding newsletters and affixing stamps. We hope this example inspires others to help more with volunteering. Just contact the priest, the president or anybody on the board... Saša Bujak (6) pomaže da se pošalju pisma

6 (Continued from page 3) Liturgy? Are you willing to help organize the St. Sava program? Are you interested in leading our youth in special activites? Are you interested in reading stories to our children? If so, please contact Father Aleks or Becky Kesic. Please plan on bringing your children to Liturgy on Sunday, September 10 for a special blessing. The children will also kick off our new Sunday School year with the first of many exciting classes. A picnic will follow Liturgy to honor our Sunday School students. St. Luke Serbian Orthodox Church Attn: Sunday School River Road Potomac, MD Page 6 By completing the below form, we will be able to keep you posted about upcoming activities and events for our children. Folklore activities will be starting soon this fall, teen activities are being planned, and special workshops for our children are in the works. Help us keep you up to date about these activities. Or simply send Becky Kesic an at Kesic.becky@verizon.net and she will add you to the e- mail distribution list. St. Luke Serbian Orthodox Church Potomac, MD We are collecting a complete list of the children (ages 3 18) in our parish. Please complete the information requested below so that we may inform you of upcoming events, especially for the children. Zelimo da popunimo popis dece u nasoj parohiji. Molimo vas da ispunite ovaj formular ovaj popis otvara priliku da vas informisemo o svim activnostima za nasu decu. Prezime: Telefonski Broj: Last Name: Phone: Imena Roditelja: Adresa: Parent s First Names: Address: Adresa: Porodicna Slava: Address: Family Slava: Ime Deteta Datum Rodjenja Razred Ime Skole Child s First Name Birthdate Current Grade Name of School

7 Page 7 CONSECRATION OF BISHOP IRINEJ ST. LUKE NEWSLETTER On Friday, July 14, in Saborna Church of Belgrade, His Holiness Patriarch Pavle officiated in the rite of election of Bishop Irinej (Dobrijevic) of Australia and New Zealand with the concelebration of Metropolitan Nikolaj of Dabro-Bosnia, Metropolitan Nikita of Hong Kong, 11 Bishops, 9 priests, 8 deacons and 2 readers. At Vespers on the same day, Archimandrite Irinej Dobrijevic, appointed and elected by rite Bishop of Australia and New Zealand, officiated with the concelebration of a number of clergy. The following day, Saturday, July 15, on the feast of the Deposition of the Mantle of the Most Holy Theotocos, Holy Hierarchical Liturgy was served at the Saborna Church and the Archimandrite Irinej was vested as the new Bishop of Australia and New Zealand. Bishop Irinej The Archbishop of Cetinje and Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Litoral, Kyr Amfilohije, officiated at Holy Hierarchical Liturgy with the concelebration of two Metropolitans, 16 Bishops, 25 priests including our Father Aleksa Micich 10 deacons and four readers. The ordination of the new Bishop was also attended by Monsignor Eugenio Sbarbaro, the papal nuncio in Belgrade; Mr. Milan Radulovic, Minister of Religion of Serbia, with a large number of officials from the Serbian government; representatives of the royal family of Karadjordjevic; a large diplomatic corp, headed by Their Excellencies Ambassadors from Australia, Great Britain, France, Russian Federation, Canada, Austria, India and Mexico, as well as the consul of the Republic of Ireland. A large number of renown citizens of Serbia and guests from abroad were also present. On behalf of His Holiness the Serbian Patriarch, the insignia of the episcopal office the omophora, panagia, mitre and staff were presented to the newly elected and vested Bishop Irinej by Metropolitan Amfilohije, who on this occasion said: God has given you the honor of service on the continent of Australia and New Zealand. The Church sends you as the Lord once sent his students to preach, to gather the people of God, to enlighten them and to consecrate them with the holiness you have received today with which God has honored you. In response, Bishop Irinej delivered an important sermon, his first as a Bishop. This was an unusually impressive ceremony and with our request for blessing - we wish His Grace all the best in his elevation and his important work.

8 Moj otac Djuro upokojio se u Gospodu dana 15.avgusta nakon petnaestomesecne borbe sa teskom i neizlecivom bolescu. Sahranjen je dva dana kasnije u porodicnoj grobnici na Pravoslavnom groblju u Aleksandrovu,predgradju Subotice.U julu je napunio 73 godine zivota. Ispratili smo ga mi koji smo ga neizmerno voleli: moja majka Radojka, sestra Marija, njen muz Milan i njihova deca Mina i Đuro Bucalo Aleksandar, moji stricevi i tetke i njihove porodice... Navikavamo se na cinjenicu da ga vise nema medju nama... Nije lako...boli... To znate svi koji ste se vec suocili u zivotu sa gubitkom roditelja, bez obzira na vasu ili roditeljevu dob. Duboko zahvaljujem svima koji su molitvama i mislima bili uz nas tokom njegove bolesti, kao i nakon neumitnog kraja. Navesti sve drage ljude, prijatelje i poznanike pojedinacno, nemoguce je pa to cinim ovim putem. Cesto uvece pogledam u nebo trazeci kometu. Jos je nisam nasao ali ne gubim nadu da ce se kad tad ona pojaviti. Zoran Bucalo Zorane primi najiskrenije saucesce svih nas koji te znamo. Znaj da se molimo da dusa tvoga oca zavrsi u raju. Page 8 Sa zaloscu objavljujemo da je Leposava Matic, majka Smilje Djuricin i tasta Stevana Djuricin, nasih parohijana, preminula 24 avgusta u Loznici u svojoj 76oj godini. Bila je rodjena 1930 godine u opstini Loznica. Ostavila je za sobom, pored Smilje, jos dve cerke i sina, kao i osmoro unucadi. Parohijani nase crkve zele da iskazu Smilji i Stevanu najiskrenije saucesce u njihovom dubokom bolu. Miroslav Antic Besmrtna pesma Ako ti jave: umro sam, a bio sam ti drag, onda ce u tebi odjednom nesto posiveti. Na trepavici magla. Na usni pepeljast trag. Da li si uopste ponekad mislio sta znaci ziveti? Ako ti jave: umro sam evo sta ce biti. Hiljadu sarenih riba leprsace mi kroz oko. I zemlja ce me skriti. I korov ce me skriti. A ja cu za to vreme leteti visoko... Visoko. Zar mislis da moja ruka, koleno, ili glava moze da bude sutra koren breze il' trava? Ako ti jave: umro sam, - ne veruj to ne umem. Na ovu zemlju sam svratio da ti namignem malo. Da za mnom ostane nesto kao leprsav trag. I zato: ne budi tuzan. Toliko mi je stalo da ostanem u tebi budalast i cudno drag. Nocu, kad gledas u nebo, i ti namigni meni. Neka to bude tajna. Uprkos danima sivim kad vidis neku kometu da nebo zarumeni, upamti: to ja jos uvek sasav letim, i zivim. SCHEDULE OF SERVICES ALL SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGIES ARE SERVED AT BEVERLY FARMS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (8501 POSTOAK RD., POTOMAC) AND BEGIN AT 10AM. SCHEEDULE OF SERVICES FOR FEAST DAYS ARE LISTED BELOW. SEPTEMBER 2006 Monday 11 Thurs. 21 Wednes. 27 BEHEADING OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST; Divine Liturgy in the chapel at 8AM. (STRICT FAST) NATIVITY OF MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS (MALA GOSPOJINA); Divine Liturgy in the chapel at 10AM. EXALTATION OF THE LIFE-GIVING CROSS; Divine Liturgy in the chapel at 8AM (STRICT FAST) OCTOBER 2006 Friday 27 ST. PETKA; Divine Liturgy in the chapel at 8AM Saturday 28 Tuesday 31 CHURCH SLAVA CELEBRATION; VESPERS AT STS. PETER AND PAUL ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH AT 5PM WITH BLESSING OF KOLACH, DINNER AND PROGRAM. ST. APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST LUKE; ST. PETER OF CETINJE; Divine Liturgy in the chapel at 10AM.

9 Page 9 FROM THE PARISH RECORD On Monday July 31, 2006, our Sunday school teacher Kristina and her husband and Church board memeber Jeb Adams had their daughter Marija Lena Adams. Congratulations! Both Marija and Kristina are doing great. Marija weighed in at 9 lbs 8 oz. and is cute as a button. They send thanks for everyone's love and support! Наша учитељица црквене школице Кристина и њен супруг и члан црквеног одбора Јеб Адамс су у понедељак (31. јули 2006.) добили кћеркицу - Марија Лена Адамс. Честитамо им и желијмо Марији дуг и срећан живот! Марија и Кристина се осјећају одлично. Марија је тешка 9 либри и 8 онци и јако је слатка. Кристина и Јеб се захваљују свима на подршци! Kristina, Marija and Jeb Welcome to our parish Marija! РАСПОРЕД БОГОСЛУЖЕЊА НЕДЕЉНА ЛИТУРГИЈА СЕ СЛУЖИ У 1000ЧАСОВА У BEVERLY FARMS SCHOOL (8501 POSTOAK RD, POTOMAC, MD). РАСПОРЕД БОГОСЛУЖЕЊА ЗА ПРАЗНИКЕ ЈЕ СЛЕДЕЋИ Понед. 11 Четврт. 21 Среда 27 СЕПТЕМБАР 2006 УСЕКОВАЊЕ ГЛАВЕ СВ. ЈОВАНА КРСТИТЕЉА. Св. Литургија у капели у 0800 час. (Строг пост) РОЂЕЊЕ ПРЕСВЕТЕ БОГОРОДИЦЕ (МАЛА ГОСПОЈИНА). Св. Литургија у капели у 1000час КРСТОВДАН. Св. Литургија у капели у 0800час. (строг пост) Петак 27 Субота 28 Уторак 31 ОКТОБАР 2006 ПРЕПОДОБНА МАТИ ПАРАСКЕВА. Св. Литургија у капели у 0800час ЦРКВЕНА СЛАВА. ВЕЧЕРЊЕ У ХРАМУ СВ. ПЕТРА И ПАВЛА У 1700час, РЕЗАЊЕ СЛАВСКОГ КОЛАЧА И ВЕЧЕРА. СВ. АПОСТОЛ И ЈЕВАНГЕЛИСТА ЛУКА. СВ. ПЕТАР ЦЕТИЊСКИ. Св. Литургија у капели у 1000час.

10 Page 10 PIKNIK 10. SEPTEMBAR 2006 PICNIC ON SEPTEMBER ST. LUKE NEWSLETTER Srpska pravoslavna crkva Sv. Luke priredice u nedelju 10.septembra veliki jesenji piknik povodom nove skolske godine Nedeljne skole za nase mlade i pocetka izgradnje na nasem imanju koje treba da pocne vrlo skoro. Molimo sve roditelje da dovedu svoju decu na Svetu Liturgiju u Beverly Farms Elementary School, 8501 Postoak Rd, MD ( koja pocinje u 10 casova) da bi dobili specijalni blagoslov za uspeh u skoli. Nakon sluzbe odrzace se piknik na nasem imanju (u River Road) u cast nasih mladih i radi prikupljanja sredstava za crkvenu izgradnju. Nasi mladi ce pomagati na pikniku i bilo bi lepo da im se svi pridruzimo tog dana. * * * St. Luke Serbian Orthodox Church is organizing on Sunday, September 10, a big Fall Picnic on the occasion of the new school year of our Sunday School and of the beginning of the construction work on our Church building which is to start quite soon. We are asking all parents to bring their children to the Holy Liturgy at the Beverly Farms Elementary School, 8501 Postoak Rd. MD (which begins at 10 am) for special blessing in the successful school year. After the Liturgy there will be a picnic at our property (10660 River Road) in the honor of our young people and for fund raising for the Church construction. Our young people will participate and otherwise help in the picnic and it would be very, nice if all of us could join them. ST. LUKE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH River Road Phone: Fax: