St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Monthly Parish Bulletin

Transcription

1 St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Monthly Parish Bulletin Orthodox Church in America 2143 S. Center Road Burton, Michigan Served by: Fr. Matthew-Peter Butrie Rector Deacon Kerry Luke Gonser Website: Fr. Matthew s mpbutrie@bdoca.org Cell: Church: Services: Sunday - 9:30 a.m. Third Hour 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy Holydays, Vigil and Vespers as announced Confessions are heard before all morning services and after all evening services. But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. St. Jude 1:20 June 1-30, 2015

2 FROM FATHER S DESK Dear faithful and friends of St. Nicholas, What one of us as a child didn t wonder what we were going to be when we grew up? Whether we would be a fireman, a policeman, a doctor, a lawyer, a chef, an airplane pilot. The answers are limited only by a child s imagination. Then, we grow up and find our calling in life, whatever it may be. But have any of us ever said, when I grow up, I want to be a saint. It s not a vocation that I ve ever heard given by a child. But it is a vocation that should be of more than passing interest to us. The saints are those who enjoy the blessedness of being in God s presence eternally. They ran the race of this life, they fought the good fight, and they have received their reward: crowns of victory in the kingdom of heaven. We can look at the church calendar and see the names of these saints and we can read their life stories. And in the epistle for the first Sunday after Pentecost this month we read of some of the saints and what they did. Gideon and Barak, Samson, David and Samuel. They did great things: subduing kingdoms, stopping the mouths of lions, quenching fire, bringing the dead to life. And we might wonder if we have the mettle which they had, if we can become saints like they were. The saints, however, are not limited to those that find themselves on the church calendar. They are not limited only to those who have performed great miracles or done wondrous deeds. As we celebrate the feast of All Saints on June 7, the first Sunday after Pentecost, we remember those saints whom we publicly commemorate as well as those who are known but to God. We remember the pious men, women and children who lived quiet and holy lives. Who didn t turn armies to flight, who weren t tortured or martyred. But who persisted, day by day, and year by year in their living the gospel of Christ. Living in peace with others, praying, aiding those in need, comforting those who sorrowed and instructing the ignorant. By this quiet, unassuming way, these have entered into the kingdom of heaven. And what makes saints, those we know and those we do not know, is the power of the Holy Spirit. We celebrate the feast of All Saints one week after Pentecost because it is by the presence of the Holy Spirit in us that we are able to do the good things our heavenly Father calls us to do. By His presence the men and women of the Old and New Testament, the martyrs and monastics, were able to acquire the virtues, to advance in holiness, and to be granted a place with the righteous. And this, too, is our calling. We are to grow up to be saints. It is a vocation not only for the holy person living out in the desert but it is a vocation for each one of us. For those of us who are married, for those of us who are single, widows or widowers. For us who are children and for us who are adults. The vocation of sainthood is for each of us. And we will attain it if we follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If we set ourselves to do the best we can at our work and in our home. To pray, to work, to believe, to hope, and to love. Then we will hear the words of our Savior, Well done, good and faithful servant, because you have been faithful in small things, I will set you over many. Come, enter into your Master s joy. With love in Christ

3 Reader Schedule June July August 7 Taras 5 Esteban 2 Johnny 14 Johnny 12 Amir 9 Reggie 21 Kathy 19 Angelo 16 Taras 28 Amir 26 Kathy 23 Esteban 30 Amir If you are unable to make your assigned reading date, you must find a replacement. Third Hour Schedule June July August 7 Lucy 5 Angelo 2 Reggie 14 Angelo 12 Reggie 9 Lucy 21 Lucy 19 Lucy 16 Angelo 28 Angelo 26 Angelo 23 Reggie 30 Lucy If you are unable to make your assigned reading date, you must find a replacement. ST. CATHERINE S NEWS As a reminder St. Catherine s Women s League meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm. Next meeting date: June 4 Dinner out at Redwood Lodge. Please call Lucy Hogg at for your reservation. There will be no formal meeting in June or July. The parish council will meet on June 8 at 6:45 pm. If you are unable to attend this meeting please call the parish office. The Orthodox Book Club will not meet until Monday, September 21 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at St. George. The book we will be reading is The Orthodox Veneration of the Mother of Godan Orthodox Tradition. For more information please contact Deacon Michael Bassett at frdnmike@gmail.com DIOSECAN CONFERENCE 2015 will be held on Saturday, June 27 at Ss. Peter & Paul Cathedral in Dearborn Heights. This is a one day conference due to having the All American Council meeting in July in Atlanta, Georgia. SPECIAL PARISH MEETING, SUNDAY, JUNE 21 to elect a lay delegate to our Diocesan Conference. The Conference will be held on Saturday, June 27 at St. Paul Cathedral in Dearborn Heights. Also on the ballot will be a proposal to save money by sending only one delegate (Fr. Matthew as clergy delegate) to the OCA s All-American Council in Atlanta, GA from July 20 to 24. If you would like to serve as a lay delegate at the Diocesan Conference, please contact the parish office. GOOD STEWARDS IN THE SUMMER As we begin the summer months, many parishioners will be away on vacation or unable to attend due to ill health or travel. During the summer, our parish, like many others, experiences a reduction in donations, yet the expenses of the church continue. Be a good and faithful steward and fill those empty envelopes that are waiting for you to fill them, we now also have online giving. Go to our website and click on the donate tab. Please be sacrificial in your stewardship. And remember: even when you4re away, your parish family prays at every service for your safe journey and continued health!

4 MACEDONIAN OPEN GOLF SCRAMBLE Due to unforeseen circumstances, the venue and start time for the Macedonian Open Golf Scramble has changed. The date will remain the same, Monday, June 22nd which is the day after Father s Day. However, please note the new venue for this year s outing will be Davison Country Club and the new start time will be a 12 noon shotgun start. Please contact one of our golf committee members, Christine Panoff or Linda Branoff for more information about these changes and how you can help. HOW CAN I HELP I DON T GOLF Donate money for prizes-any amount you can give would be very much appreciated to offset the cost of buying prizes. Donate a gift card-we are looking for gift cards to give as prizes in the amount of $25 or $20 similar to these: Visa gift cards, Meijer, Dunham s, King Par, or any establishment you frequent. Donate a prize-donate a prize, whether it s golf related or not; or ask a business you frequent to make a donation (such as a gift card) Join us for dinner-buffet style featuring a prime rib carving station and much more THE HOLY LEADERS OF THE APOSTLES, SAINTS PETER AND PAUL (JUNE 29) THE HOLY APOSTLE PETER Peter was the son of Jonah and the brother of Andrew, the First-called. He was of the Tribe of Simeon from the town of Bethsaida. He was a fisherman and, at first, was called Simon but the Lord was pleased to call him Cephas or Peter: "And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, He said, You are Simon the son of Jonah: you shall be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, a rock" (St. John 1:42). He was the first of the disciples to clearly express faith in the Lord Jesus saying: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (St. Matthew 16:16). His love for the Lord was great and his faith in the Lord gradually strengthened. When the Lord was brought to trial, Peter denied Him three times but after only one glance into the face of the Lord, Peter's soul was filled with shame and repentance. After the descent of the Holy Spirit, Peter appears as a fearless and powerful preacher of the Gospel. Following one of his sermons in Jerusalem, threethousand souls converted to the Faith. He preached the Gospel throughout Palestine and Asia Minor, throughout Illyria and Italy. Peter worked many powerful miracles; he healed the sick, resurrected the dead; the sick were healed even from his shadow. He had a great struggle with Simon the Magician who proclaimed himself as god but in reality Simon was a servant of Satan. Finally, Peter shamed and defeated him. By order of the evil Emperor Nero, Simon's friend, Peter was condemned to death. Installing Linus as Bishop of Rome, counseling and comforting the flock of Christ, Peter proceeded joyfully to his death. Seeing the cross before him, he begged his executioners to crucify him upside down for he considered himself unworthy to die as did his Lord. Thus the great servant of the Great Lord reposed and received the wreath of eternal glory. THE APOSTLE PAUL Paul was born in Tarsus of the tribe of Benjamin. At first, he was called Saul, studied under Gamaliel, was a Pharisee and a persecutor of Christianity. He was miraculously converted to the Christian Faith by the Lord Himself Who appeared to him on the road to Damascus. He was baptized by the Apostle Ananias, was called Paul and numbered in the service of the great apostles. With a fiery zeal, Paul preached the Gospel everywhere from the borders of Arabia to Spain, among the Jews and among the Gentiles. He received the title "Apostle to the Gentiles." As horrible as his sufferings were, so much more was his super human patience. Throughout all the years of his preaching Paul, from day to day, hung as one on a weak thread between life and death. Since he fulfilled all days and nights with labor and suffering for Christ, since he organized the Church in many places and since he attained such a degree of perfection he was able to say: "It is now no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). Paul was beheaded in Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero at the same time as the Apostle Peter. From the Prologue from Ochrid by St. Nikolai of Zhicha

5 BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES BIRTHDAYS NAMESDAYS 4 John Todorovsky 3 Paula Zelenko 5 Dennis Jernigan 14 (St. Niphon) Nancy Nevena Tasevski 6 Kate Stevens 27 & Myrrhbearers Sunday - Jo Ann Havens 8 Adam George 29 Brandon Paul Conover Eli George Colin Paul Panoff 11 Alexander Naum Paul Brayan Angelo Panoff Paul Ellis 14 Joshua Brucksch Paul Panoff 15 Helen Ethington Paul Yosheff Jonathan Sfetkides Peter Branoff 20 Eileen Branoff Peter Brayan 21 Dennis Goodman Peter Economou 22 Izis Helal Peter Samaras Luke Borkovich Peter Sredich 24 Mary Ann Brayan Petro Ahejew Josh Vuckovich 27 Ralph Neely WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES 2 Angelo & Christine Panoff 4 Joe & Susan Oginsky 8 Paul & Luba Yosheff 10 Deacon Kerry & Kathy Gonser 23 Gerry & Irene Batcos Jim & Sandra Grossi June Coffee Hour Volunteers 7 Bakousidis Family Father s Day 28 Krigner Family/ 40 days +Evanka Elieff MEMORY ETERNAL We extend our deepest sympathy to Cathy Steiner and Eileen Branoff on the passing of their mother +Freda Farone. +Freda fell asleep in the Lord on Tuesday, April 28 at home. Funeral services were held on Friday, May 1. Bogda Prosti! We extend our deepest sympathy to the community of Dormition Monastery and to the family of +Fr. Roman Braga. +Fr. Roman fell asleep in the Lord on Tuesday, April 28 at the Monastery. Services for +Fr. Roman were held at the Monastery on Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1. Bogda Prosti We extend our deepest sympathy to Irene Ritsa Batcos and Germanos Bakousidis on the passing of their mother +Evangelia Bakousidis. +Evangelia fell asleep in the Lord Wednesday, April 29 in Greece. Bogda Prosti +John Zelenko, fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday, May 16.+John is the husband of Gloria Zelenko, father of John, Bill, Susan and Anita Zelenko Viewing and Parastas were held at Swartz Funeral Home on Thursday, May 21 with funeral at church on Friday, May 22 followed by interment at Evergreen Cemetery. May God grant His newly-departed servant +John a blessed repose and eternal memory. +Evanka Elieff, fell asleep in the Lord on Tuesday, May 19. +Evanka (Eva) is the mother of Nancy Krigner and Robert & Richard Elieff and is the sister of Dorothy Goodman and Phil Brown. Viewing and Parastas were held at Swartz Funeral Home on Monday, May 25 with funeral at church on Tuesday, May 26 followed by interment at Evergreen Cemetery. May God grant His newly departed servant +Evanka a blessed repose and eternal memory.

6 VISITATION TO THE SICK Fr. Matthew brings Holy Communion to the shut-ins on Mondays. If you would like to be added to this list, please contact the office. Presently, those receiving weekly visits are: Aspasia Stathopoulos, Helen Ashmun, Fred Oginsky, Gloria Zelenko and Anne Smith. Monthly Fr. Matthew visits Larry Bladecki (Bay City) and Peter and Olga Samaras (Caro) and Lydia Keeler (Flushing). DAILY INTERCESSION FOR OUR SICK AND HOMEBOUND The following are our brothers and sisters of St. Nicholas who are currently homebound, suffering from chronic illness, in recovery or in need of special prayers. Please remember them in your prayers and reach out to them with a card, a phone call or a visit! Please call the office to schedule a visit for Holy Communion. Larry Bladecki Jo Ann Havens Lydia Keeler Olga Samaras John Bocek Bill Haw Macy Lemmen Anne Smith Anna Branoff Helen Iwanoff Pauline Nenoff Aspasia Stathopoulos Linda Branoff Goldie Johnson Fred Oginsky Bill Tadrick Gladys Edwards Nick Karayanis Ron Salhany Wendy Tadrick Susan Goodman Mary Karayanis Peter Samaras Gloria Zelenko To aid in your outreach, here is a listing of the addresses and phone numbers of our Homebound: Larry Bladecki th Street Bay City, MI Gladys Edwards 2 Harbor Dr. St. Clair, MO Goldie Johnson 310 E. Willard Ave Lansing, MI Lydia Keeler 4104 Squire Hill Dr. Flushing, MI Pete & Olga Samaras 1285 Cleaver Rd. Caro, MI Anne Smith 3375 N. Linden Rd #306 Flint, MI Aspasia Stathopoulos 4064 Sheraton Dr. Flint, MI Gloria Zelenko 5191 Woodhaven Ct #722 Flint, MI 48532

7 Chelsea Borkovich graduated from the University of Michigan Flint, with high honors 3.9 GPA. Chelsea is the daughter of John & Nancy Borkovich and the granddaughter of Allison Borkovich and the late Walter Borkovich. Jason Ethington graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Physics Major from Kettering University, Jason graduated with honors Magna Cum Laude. After graduation he will be working for Gentherm in Northville as a Software Engineer. Jason is the son of Eric and Caroline Ethington and is the grandson of Helen Ethington and the late Don Ethington. Noah Gonser graduated from Grand Blanc High School. Noah is the son of Deacon Kerry & Kathy Gonser and is the grandson of Simeon (Sam) Panoff. Noah will be attending Eastern Michigan University in the fall on athletic and academic scholarships. Stephanie Houser graduated with her Master s degree from Michigan State University with high honors. Stephanie is the wife of Kraig Houser, daughter in law of Dave & Marla Houser, granddaughter of Allison Borkovich and the late Walter Borkovich and Bob & Bev Houser. Gregory Oginsky graduated from Central Michigan University with degrees in Logistics and Business. He has accepted a position with Raven Logistics in Commerce, MI. Gregory is the son of Joseph & Susan Oginsky. Esteban Julio Vázquez graduated from SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary Summa Cum Laude and as Valedictorian.

8 B & S BUILDERS Building Remodeling Repairs Residential & Commercial Bob Steiner PREMIERE PAINTING Quality Painting Reasonable Rates Dennis Goodman Stephen Branoff $36.00 Single Space for 6 months Your $50.00 Double Space for 6 months? Business $65.00 Triple Space for 6 months Here

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12 June St. Nicholas Orthodox Church 2143 S. Center Rd. Burton, MI Website: saintnicholasburton.org Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 7 Holy Spirit Day Church School Graduation Father s Day 40 days +John Zelenko 28 Greek Festival 1 8 am Cemetery St. Nicholas Cemetery 8 Apostles Fast Begins Parish Council 6:45 pm Book St. George 6-8 pm Macedonian Open at Davison Country Club 12 noon Shotgun Start am Divine Liturgy 9 am Divine Liturgy Nativity of St. John the Baptist 9 am Divine Liturgy 4 North End Soup Kitchen 9am-1pm St. Catherine s Dinner out at Redwood Lodge at 6pm Noah Gonser Open House 4:30 pm Vespers Fast Free Week Fast Free Week Fast Free Week Fr. Matthew vacation June Ss. Peter & Paul 30 Fast Fr. Matthew vacation 4:30 pm Vespers :00 pm Wedding of George Popoff & Meegan Wilson Greek Assumption Diocesan Ss. Peter & Paul Cathedral in Dearborn Heights 40 days +Evanka Elieff 9 am Pan Orthodox Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Dairy Permitted Wine & Oil Permitted Fish Permitted

13 July St. Nicholas Orthodox Church 2143 S. Center Rd. Burton, MI Website: saintnicholasburton.org Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Fast Dairy Permitted Wine & Oil Permitted Fish Permitted 5 6 month Parastas +Mary Naumoff 9 am Divine Liturgy North End Soup Kitchen 9am 1 pm 4:30 pm Vespers Office Father Closed Matthew on vacation Father Matthew on vacation :30 pm Vespers Father Matthew on vacation 12 Wedding of Philip Bakousidis & Kelly Kaake St. Vladimir 9 am Divine Liturgy :30 pm Vespers 19 Fathers of the 4 th Ecumenical Council 1yr Parastas +Tronda Nicevski 12 pm Assyrian Club Scholarship Picnic Father Matthew at the OCA ALL-AMERICAN COUNCIL in Atlanta, Georgia am Divine Liturgy